How to develop a teaching plan for diabetes management for nurses Essay

How to develop a teaching plan for diabetes management for nurses - Essay Example Their teaching plan need proper customizations to this population and find ways that will help evaluate and monitor the program. Create a needs assessment survey Needs assessment survey briefly is a way of asking a group of a selected population what they see as the most important needs of that group. The analysis of the survey results are then used in guiding the future actions of the nurses. Generally, the needs most rated are therefore, addressed first depending on the available resources thus taking different forms. The resources will determine which type of survey to be carried out, such as informal methods for example, asking around in the community, friends, or postal carriers (Franz, 2001). Information is also retrieved from local hospitals where several people get their diagnosis, additionally it can also take the form of a professional-written survey, and then it is emailed to several people. Moreover, a need assessment survey have some common characteristics, for example, they have pre-set list of questions to be answered by the willing people, they also have a pre-determined sample of the number of participants to answer these questions. Finally, the results of the survey are then tabulated, summarized, dispersed, discussed, and then used (Funnell, Brown, Childs, Haas, Hosey, Jensen, & Weiss, 2009). In this case, the need assessment survey will be done on a small town population where the purpose will be to develop a program for the diabetic population in the effort to educate them on self-management. Therefore, the objective of the survey is getting to know the needs of diabetic patients also how the nurses can help them cope with their changing lifestyle. The first thought of this project is what the nurses can do to evaluate the needs of the targeted group and implement them appropriately in the proposed program. The first step will be compiling a list of relevant questions and relevant topics that would be useful in the assessment. This will ens ure that the targeted group provided the required information in the assessment (Funnell, Brown, Childs, Haas, Hosey, Jensen, & Weiss, 2009). The other step is developing, for example, a questioner that will be provided to the targeted group and then distributed to the citizens of the town. Included with the assessment is an information page about the survey also a page for the residents of the town to fill if they were interested in the next part of the program. After the responses from the residents, an analysis of the results will be done to display the resident’s view. This will help learn how the program will be funded financially, how it will be managed in terms of administrators, and how the participants will be selected. This need assessment survey will help the nurses in various ways. First, the analyzed answers will provide quantitative facts about how people with diabetes feel; also, it will help the nurses develop teaching plans for their patients (Funnell, Brown, Childs, Haas, Hosey, Jensen, & Weiss, 2009). Evaluate needs assessment to define areas of focus Need evaluation is a commonly used in program planning, where it helps determine which program aspects or activities are the mostly needed and for the specific population. Most importantly, this method is used to help build up new programs or else justifying the existing program

What A Star-What a Jerk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What A Star-What a Jerk - Essay Example Usually, behavior problems involve violations of policies or work rules (Fallon, & McConnell, 2014). However, the noble thing Jane needs to do is to show that she has the authority and let Andy know what is acceptable and what is not. I once encountered an employee behaving like an Andy when I was a manager of a retail store comprised of several other employees. There was this one individual who thought that she could do as she pleased on my shift. She did her job well and treated other employees and customers with respect. The only problem I had with her was the way she communicated with me. I managed to handle this situation in a professional manner and from that experience, the behaviour of this individual significantly improved and she began to observe and respect the company policy towards management. Some form of behaviour simply needs to be corrected without necessarily taking disciplinary action against the individual employee behaving like an

Decision Making in End of Life of Newborn Care

Decision Making in End of Life of Newborn Care Shared decision making at the end of life of newborn care Introduction: Neonatal intensive care for extremely low birth weight infant is expensive and most of the time there is disagreement between the Neonatologist and the family to make the best decision in the best interest of the patient. There is a reported incidence of pre-term delivery of low-birth-weight (PLBW) babies of 37% of all live births in Pakistan To resuscitate the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) baby or withhold treatment is an ethical issue is frequently faced by health professionals. Situation: A baby boy with 22 weeks gestational age, weighing 0.7 kg was shifted from labor room to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The baby was the fourth preterm newborn of her mother and was breathing spontaneously. The Neonatologist decided not to resuscitate the baby as there is minimum chance of survival. The parents were not involved in the process while the decision is made. Within one hour, the infant started gasping and his condition deteriorated, he could not maintain his struggle to breathe spontaneously and eventually expired. Analysis In the scenario the doctor decided not to resuscitate the infant because of gestational age that is 22 weeks and weight 7kg. In- fact the doctor decided based on risk and benefits of the treatment and probability of morbidity and mortality of the child. Singh (2003) claims that when the death of an infant is unavoidable or probability to live with neuromotor disabilities is more, the decision to withhold treatment is justified. Akhtar (2010) stated that use of advance technology results in prolonging death of patients rather than giving them comfort. The doctor also used paternalism approach to protect the infant from possible suffering that is prolonging death process. Moreover, the doctor also perceived since the parents are emotionally involved with the infant therefore, they cannot take appropriate decision. In addition, the intention of the doctor was the appropriate utilization of scarce resources that are medicine, technology and employee. In public sector hospital all these r esources are limited. Ahmed and Shaikh (2008) stated that health budget has always been low and remains around 0.6% of the total GDP of the country. However, to ignore the legitimate autonomy of the parents was ignored, and they were not granted discretion in decision making. As the baby was precious and if the parents can afford the treatment, their wish should be respected. Ethical principle beneficence is in conflict Beneficence. Health care professionals have an obligation to promote health and avoid harm. This principle involves these elements: (1) one ought not to harm; (2) one ought to prevent harm; (3) one ought to remove harm; (4) one ought to promote good. The most important and easiest to practice is doing not harm. Harm to be prevented is discomfort, suffering, disease and its interventions. The good to be promoted is health. The principle of beneficence implies an obligation to assess benefits against harm. If any treatment cause more harm to infant compare to benefit than comfort of the infant should be priority based on this principle. Decision makers are also obligated to assess benefits of the treatment to infant and cost of the treatment and consequences In this paper my stance is Neonatologist can make better decision for ELBW infants as they are more knowledgeable and experienced. Argument Resuscitating ELBW infants is less beneficial compared with harm In general the treatment outcomes of ELBW infants are very poor therefore, the expenditure of valuable resources must be utilized wisely. Stolz (1998) study findings revealed that median age of ELBW at death was 2 days and 60% of the infants died at the age of 4 days. Moreover, mean charges to produce one survivor were estimated for infant weighing Beauchamp and Childress (2001) suggested that the decision should be make based on principle of utility that produce maximum positive value for maximum people. The action chosen by the doctor was that maximum infants can be benefitted within the available resources. Therefore, the cost of care can be better spend on larger pool of infants who have better chances of survival. It can be saved by setting standards and denying care to ELBW infants whose survival is uncertain. Guideline for the responsible utilization of intensive care as cited in Lorenz (2005) proposed that providing intensive care treatment to infants whose gestational age is below 23 weeks would not be beneficial. Hack et al. (2000) study revealed the result that Very-low-birth-weight participants had a lower mean IQ and higher rates of neurosensory impairments. Thus, the quality of life of ELBW infants who survived after treatment is not good. Counterargument Parents are legitimate decision maker and they should be involved in making decision It is careless and irrational to ignore or exclude the parents, they should be taken in confidence while making medical decision making. It is also important to consider special protection of the infant who don’t has the capacity to express his wishes. Therefore, the parent’s interest should be honored but importantly assisted. Autonomy of the parents are not respected beside the fact that they have the capacity to decide and make own plan of action. According to Burkhardt and Nathaniel (2008) autonomy denotes liberty to make personal decision. It is also claimed that health professionals violate the autonomy when they believe the right and rational course of action is the one that is match with their standards otherwise they are labeled as incompetence. Theory of justice implies fairness in treatment. In most of the health care ethics, the most focus principle is distributive justice that is distribution of goods and services. Nathaniel n Burkhardt (2008) Parents argued that their ELBW infants should be treated as other human being. Their small baby also has the equal rights to attain health services as other normal infants have. It is the responsibility of health professionals to make fair decision for infants who have never attained decision making capacity. Moreover, the wish of the parents to treat may be considered based on libertarian theory. Burkhardt and Nathaniel (2008) maintains that it is the right of the parents to ask for treatment for the infant based on the material principal capacity to pay for treatment to improve health. Recommendations Care of ELBW is quite expensive and their survival is uncertain therefore, policies regarding care of the preterm related to gestational age and weight should be formulated and implemented on priority. Moreover, to improve antenatal service is a better and cost effective option to solve the problem. In addition, pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery should be counseled and taken in confidence for the possible consequences of the treatment. Boyle (2014) Suggested that during counseling parents should be provided information regarding risk of death and disabilities as consequences of the treatment, so that the can make better decision in the best interest of the infant and family. Health care professionals are decision makers can help the family to make adequate decision making References Ahmed, J., Shaikh, B. T. (2008). An all time low budget for healthcare in Pakistan.Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan,18(6), 388. Akhtar, J. (2010). Living wills in health care: A way of empowering individuals.JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association,60(3), 240-242. Beauchamp, T. L., Childress, J. F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. (5th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Burkhardt, M. Nathaniel, A. (2008). Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing (3rd ed.) Australia: Delmar. Hack, M., Flannery, D. J., Schluchter, M., Cartar, L., Borawski, E., Klein, N. (2002). Outcomes in young adulthood for very-low-birth-weight infants.New England Journal of Medicine,346(3), 149-157. Joy Catlin, A. (2000). Physicians neonatal resuscitation of extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants.Neonatal Network: The Journal of Neonatal Nursing,19(3), 25-32. Singh, M. (2003). Ethical and social issues in the care of the newborn.The Indian Journal of Pediatrics,70(5), 417-420. Stolz, J. W., McCormick, M. C. (1998). Restricting access to neonatal intensive care: effect on mortality and economic savings.Pediatrics,101(3), 344-348.

New Casts :: essays research papers

News Casts: Is there more than meets the Eye? In today’s world, people rely on different things to inform them of what is happening in society. One of the main ways of receiving the news is by TV. People can tune in at various times during the day and watch a news cast. These news segments vary from a half-hour to a full hour showing. For instance, one might not be interested in the news one day. But before the showing of Channel 31 “Action News'; is to be aired the news shows a little snippet of a very interesting story. This might catch one’s attention and decide to watch just that one story. Now they have you hooked because the very interesting story that you want to watch is going to be shown at the end of the segment. One might have to sit through all the commercials and the other stories just to get to the one story that interests them. These are some of the certain tricks to draw and keep their viewers tuned in. One of the tricks that are use is called “Teasers';. A teaser does exactly what it’s called. The news show’s a snippet of the up coming segment. This snippet is usually of an interesting and exciting story. The snippet is the tease. The news is like fishing. The new anchors are the fishermen or women. The viewers are the fish. The new anchors use these teasers as bait to reel in the viewers. This snippet is showed before the sitcom before the news is over. This way people watching the sitcom might get interested to stay and watch the news cast. Another trick is similar to the teaser. That trick is called the Bumper. The bumpers are used like the teaser, except they are shown during the news and right before commercials. The bumpers are intend to keep you interested enough so the viewer will sit through the commercials to watch the rest of the news. Also there are bumpers at the end of the news program. Those are trying to get you to tune into the next airing of the news. According to Postman and Powers from “How to watch TV news'; if the news programmers had their way people would be watching a steady diet of news programs, one right after the other. The News anchors are the ones that deliver the bumpers.

Ghent Altarpiece Reflection

The Ghent Altarpiece is considered by scholars to be one of the most ambitious and complex paintings of the 15th century. Its detailed panels convey its sacred matter with such realism that art historians mark It as the start of the Northern Renaissance. The altarpiece, also known as the â€Å"Adoration of the Lamb†, was begun in 1425 The exterior frame of the altarpiece Indicates It was started by painter Hubert van Eyck who died before he could finish, and then completed by his brother Jan van Eyck In 1432 The painting was then acquired by a wealthy patron Jodocus VIJd for placementIn the church of saint John, Ghent, Belgium. The work Is an excellent piece of study because the painting Is so complex. The panels display a variety of detailed scenes, but the center of the altarpiece Is Jesus Christ, the Virgin, and saint John the Baptist. And below them, a host of saints assembled around the lamb. The masterpiece consists of 24 panels of varying size and shapes aligned two rcv . . s so that the 12 panels are vlslble opened and then 12 panels are vlslble when the panel Is closed. Measuring 1 IXI teet and painted In oils the altarpiece can be lett open or closed.The pictures themselves are laid out in two tiers. Jan van Eyck used oil paint to create tiny vibrations ot light within the saturated colors most ot which are symbolic significant. The Ghent Altarpiece was commissioned by the wealthy businessman Jodocus Vijd tor his chapel and hence the creation ot the masterpiece. The altarpiece represented a â€Å"new conception of art', in which the idealization of the medieval tradition gave way to the observation of nature and a more exact representation of the human being. se live layout and alignment guides Click the image below and drag It around the page With Images that have text rapping, the text moves around the picture so you get a live preview of the new layout. Try to line the Image up with the top of this paragraph to see how the alignment guides c an help you position It on the page. Click the Layout Options button next to the Image to change how t interacts with the text Learn more at offlce. com 2. ollaborate In Simple Markup Vlew The new Simple Markup revlslon view presents a clean, uncomplicated view of your document, but you still see markers where changes and comments have been made. Click on the vertical bar on the left side ot the text to see changeslike this one. Or llcK tne comment Icon on tne rlgnt to cnecK out comments aoout tnls text. Learn more at office. com 3. Insert Online Pictures and Video Add and play online videos inside your Word documents.Add your pictures from online photo services without having to save them first to your computer. Click Insert ; Online Video to add a video to this document. 4. Enjoy the Read Use the new Read Mode for a beautiful, distraction-free reading experience. Click View ; Read Mode to check it out. While you're there, try double clicking on a picture to get a closer view. Clic k outside the image to return to reading. 5. Edit PDF content in Word Open PDFS and edit the content in Word. Edit paragraphs, lists, and tables Just like familiar Word documents.Take the content and make it look great. Download this helpful PDF from the Office site to try in Word or pick a PDF file on your computer. In Word, click File > Open and navigate to the PDF. Click Open to edit the content or read it more comfortably using the new Read Mode. Ready to get started? We hope you enjoy working in Word 2013! Sincerely, The Word Team Learn More Keep going. There are lots more new features and ways to work in Office. Check out our Getting started with Word 2013 page online to dive right in.

Smartphone Industry

Executive summary Smartphones have ushered in a new generation of modern communication. The report investigates the computing capabilities of smartphones, and their ability to support several multimedia applications. The report discusses that fact the smartphone industry has rapidly grown over the last two decades. Currently, rapid transformation is taking place and competition to control the lucrative market has increased. The report considers whether the market segment is controlled by a few major players . The reports investigates patent issues amongst the major players The PESTLE framework is used to analyse the business environment in the smartphone market. Porter’s Five Forces is also used to evaluate the rivalry and power of the individual players within the smartphone industry. Introduction According to Ahson and Ilayas (2006), a smartphone is a form of mobile device that integrates the characteristics of a phone and a PDA. A smartphone offers more advanced connectivity and computing capabilities. Smartphones have the ability to access the Internet and support several multimedia applications. Smartphones achieve the capabilities of a Personal Computer technology and a traditional phone (Ahson and Ilayas, 2006). They enable users to add, install, and delete hundreds of applications. Users can also personalize the interface. They have ushered the present society into an era of ubiquitous information. The report examines the global-local aspects of the smartphone industry, specifically the patent wars. It also provides an analysis of the smartphone industry using the PESTLE framework. The report further provides an evaluation of the rivalry and power among the smartphone players. It discusses the competitive advantage within the smartphone industry. Global-local aspects of the smartphone industry.Smartphones; Markets and growth trendsPark, et al (2011) hypothesize that the mobile phone industry has witnessed a significant change in the last 15 years. In the last decade, Nokia was the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile phones. Since then, Nokia has been dislodged from the leading position by the new smartphone companies such as Apple, Samsung, and LG. The success of these companies is due to the introduction of new modern and innovative approaches to the ease of use of hardware and an improved user interface design (Park et al 2011). Himmelsbach (2013) argues that, in the recent years, the smartphone industry has witnessed radical transformation and altered competitive situation. The major players in the market segment include Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Sony, LG, HTC, Nokia, Research in Motion, Microsoft, and Google (Park et al 2011). . There are also other indirect players such as Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic. The intense c ompetition among the market players has led to large volumes of complex and mostly multi-jurisdiction patent litigation (Himmelsbach, 2013). The economic downturn caused the traditional global phone market to enter recession (Ahson and Ilayas, 2006). However, the smartphone market has been growing rapidly (Himmelsbach 2013). Major players have expanded their total sales due to the growing number of smartphone users and the reduced prices. Smartphone industry PESTLE analysis (Henry, 2008). Factor AnalysisPolitical analysisPolitical environment in some countries enable smartphone markers to flourish Political challenge in some countries, for instance, China, and India raised security concerns over some features provided by RIM’s BlackBerry. Roaming fees is relatively high in several countries Economic analysis The current prices of smartphones devices are fair although devices from some major manufacturers such as Apple are still considered to be expensive Slow economic growth and recession can affect the sale of smartphone devices Social analysis Some major smartphones brands symbolize high status.Innovation is increasing getting hard.Technological analysis The main rivalry is between Apple’s iOS and Android operating systems. Innovation is rapidly growing and each day, a new technology is invented. Environmental analysis Manufacturers are required to comply with various environmental standards. Legal analysis Patent lawsuits is increasing among the smart phone industry players.Patents in the smartphone industry.According to Hill et al (2014), the smartphone industry has experienced patent litigation for several years. In the past, voice telephony services such as speech compression technologies, network management and radio transmission were the main focus of patent litigation. More recently, patent litigation has broadened across a wider range of cellphone and mobile computing technologies. The major market players are continuously suing each other over a variety of smartphone patents. The role of patents in the smartphone industry is to protect a company’s investment in research and development (Hill et al 2014). After an examination of a patent, the owner is granted a monopoly license for the patented invention which is usually 20 years. Patents provide incentive to the owner company for its effort of bringing the innovative technology out of the research lab and into the market after an expensive and risky business. The N etwork Patent Analysis method indicates that large portion of the patent portfolio is held by Apple (Ferell and Fraedrich, 2014). Apple is slightly ahead of IBM and Microsoft. According to NPA, 16 out of the 20 patent are owned by Apple. NPA reveals several of the smartphone patent lawsuits are within the 16 unique clusters of inventions that are related. Hill, Jones and Schilling (2014) note that the majority of smartphones patent wars are related to mobile data access, touch screens and transmission of mobile data. Among the three clusters, each has different company or manufacturer dominating the patent portfolio. According to Hill, Jones and Schilling (2014), the mobile data access cluster is dominated by Research in Motion, while the touch screen cluster is dominated by Apple. Evaluation of the competitiveness (rivalry) and power of the individual players within the smartphone industry using Porter’s five forces. Smartphone devices have become part of many people’ s lives. The market has been largely fractionalized. The transformation of the smartphone market has led to increased competition and rivalry. Different players are producing devices tailored for different market segments. Porter’s Five Forces can be used to understand the forces affecting the smartphones market from the manufacturers and users perspectives. The five components of Porter’s framework in relation to the smartphone industry is as follows. The threat of new entrants is low because the investment on the required technology needed to compete in this industry is high. Consumers purchase phones from incumbent companies with good reputation. This explains why Apple, and Samsung smartphones are the most popular in the market. The threat of substitutes is low because smartphones contain added functionalities from other digital electronic devices such as watches, digital cameras, cell phones, pager, and organizers, and laptops. The service provided by smartphones are sufficient as expected from a mobile device. The bargaining power of buyers is rated to be medium because the present smartphones market contains a variety of products from major brands for consumers to choose. The prices of smartphones have become relatively low. The bargaining power of suppliers is medium because of the reliance of mobile phone manufacturers on their suppliers. The manufactures acquire quality components from suppliers at competitive prices. Som e smartphone operating systems such Android is open source. The smartphone industry is competitive with a few strong competitors (Boyes and Melvin, 2012). New entrants find it challenging to compete and gain in the market share which is dominated by major brands. However, some new smartphones manufacturers such as Sony and ZTE are rapidly gaining popularity and market share. Competitive advantage within the smartphone industry. The smartphone market is highly competitive, and it has experienced dramatic changes in the recent past. In 2007, Apple defeated BlackBerry from the leading position as the dominant smartphone maker Laffey (2011). Smartphone market competition has also been based on the two main operating systems, Google’s Android and Apples’ IOS (Park et al 2011). Apple has managed to take the leading position in the market because of its high specification products, integrated operating system and quality hardware (Laffey, 2011). Apple’s success is also attributed to its luxury brand image established during the reign of Steve Jobs Apple provides the eco-system of apps available online on Apple’s app-store platform (Park et al 2011). The Kindle Fire, an Amazon product is expected to challenge Apple by offering readerse new opportunities to access to Amazon’s online e-books store (Laffey, 2011). Amazon’s relationship with content providers will enable it secure the delivery of its apps and video content providing a new competition across the market segment (Laffey, 2011). The difference in pricing between Android and IOS phones has impacts on competition (Laffey, 2011). Most Android smartphones are affordable while some devices from Apple are less affordable. Apple benefits from a higher income from this (Laffey, 2011). Conclusion In summary, the current smartphone is no longer exclusive for early adopters. Streamlining of new innovations has led to increased competition and patent litigation. It is evident that the smartphone market is controlled by a few major smartphones makers. Smartphones have heralded a new era in the communication industry and changed several aspects of human lifestyle. New software makers need to develop an operating system to make a unique distinction in the current market. References Ahson, S. and Ilayas. (2006) Smartphones [online]. Intl. Engineering Consortium. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk [Accessed 4 April 2014] Boyes, W., and Melvin, M. (2012) Macroeconomics. Cengage Learning. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk[Accessed 4 April 2014] BBC (2010) ‘Leading mobile phone lose market share’, 10 November. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11725411 [Accessed 4 April 2014] Egham (2012) ‘Gartner says worldwide smartphone sales soared in Fourth quarter of 2011 with 47 percent growth’. Garner [online]. 15 February. Available from: http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/1924314 [Accessed 4 April 2014] Ferell, O., C., and Fraedrich, J. (2014) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases [online]. Cengage Learning. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk[Accessed 4 April 2014] Henry, A. (2008) Understanding Strategic Management [online]. Oxford University Press. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk [Accessed 3 April 2014]. Himmelsbach, T. (2013) A Survey on Today’s Smartphone Usage [online]. GRIN Verlag. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk[Accessed 4 April 2014] Hill, C., Jones, G., and Schilling, M. (2014) Strategic Management: Theory & Cases: An Integrated Approach [online]. Cengage Learning. Available from: http://books.google.co.uk[Accessed 4 April 2014] Laffey, D. (2011) Strategic issues in Tablets and Smartphones: An Agenda (Non-referred research note). Journal of Strategic Management Education 7(4): 287-290 Park, J., Yang, L., and Lee, C. (2011) Future Information Technology: 6th International Conference on Future Information Technology, FutureTech 2011, Crete, Greece, June 28-30, 2011. Proceedings [online]. Springer. Available at: http://books.google.co.uk [Accessed 4 April 2014]

Free Essays on Ender

Enders GAME Ender†¦. As many young children are is infatuated with games. Games that take him beyond there programming and almost beyond his mental capabilities. Enders life is almost devoted to the games. They seem to be his only friends at times, and his worst enemies at others they train him to be strategic and ruthless and perform at his top military level. Ender throughout the book has very many encounters with games, for instance towards the beginning of the book when he ruthlessly kills the giant by gouging out its eyes, or later on in the book when he kills the snake bye smashing it into the ground†¦ Of course after he commits these acts even though they are in games he always punishes himself by saying that he is not like peter that he is not a blood thirsty child. The games in a way torment him to insanity. In parts through the book he is focusing almost his entire life on beating 1 simple little game. He does this because he knows he is the best and will not be defeated by a computer. Something created by a human. Most likely less intelligent than he is. The human race human race is dependent on a boy, of 6 years who plays computer games as if they are reality†¦. But really is this what the world needs? At the end of the book when Ender beats the â€Å"computer† And finds out that it was really a bugger planet do you honestly believe that someone of the heart of Ender wiggen would have killed off almost an entire race? In the games he can be ruthless.. But still consider himself a bad person. But in life if he were to do something of that magnitude nothing that anyone could say we be any different to him he would always be a bad person in his mind. Often times the games play him. He cannot help but to play the game it is like he is transformed into the game as if it is his real life and he cannot escape it. Enders life is a game†¦ As you know games are more than just created by man. Everywhere around you, you can find... Free Essays on Ender Free Essays on Ender Enders GAME Ender†¦. As many young children are is infatuated with games. Games that take him beyond there programming and almost beyond his mental capabilities. Enders life is almost devoted to the games. They seem to be his only friends at times, and his worst enemies at others they train him to be strategic and ruthless and perform at his top military level. Ender throughout the book has very many encounters with games, for instance towards the beginning of the book when he ruthlessly kills the giant by gouging out its eyes, or later on in the book when he kills the snake bye smashing it into the ground†¦ Of course after he commits these acts even though they are in games he always punishes himself by saying that he is not like peter that he is not a blood thirsty child. The games in a way torment him to insanity. In parts through the book he is focusing almost his entire life on beating 1 simple little game. He does this because he knows he is the best and will not be defeated by a computer. Something created by a human. Most likely less intelligent than he is. The human race human race is dependent on a boy, of 6 years who plays computer games as if they are reality†¦. But really is this what the world needs? At the end of the book when Ender beats the â€Å"computer† And finds out that it was really a bugger planet do you honestly believe that someone of the heart of Ender wiggen would have killed off almost an entire race? In the games he can be ruthless.. But still consider himself a bad person. But in life if he were to do something of that magnitude nothing that anyone could say we be any different to him he would always be a bad person in his mind. Often times the games play him. He cannot help but to play the game it is like he is transformed into the game as if it is his real life and he cannot escape it. Enders life is a game†¦ As you know games are more than just created by man. Everywhere around you, you can find...

Changing Heart Rates Study essays

Changing Heart Rates Study essays Nervous control of heart beat - Page 4 Broker, (2011) states that 'the cardiac cycle is the cyclical contraction (systole) and the relaxation (diastole) of the two atria and the ventricles.' Each cycle is initiated by the spontaneous generation of an action potential in the sinoatrial node. Diastole lasts around 0.4 seconds. Increasing pressure in the ventricles closes the triaspid and mitral valves; this then means that all four valves are closed. Ventricular pressure continues to rise until eventually the pulmonary and aortic valves are forced open and blood is ejected into the pulmonary artery and aorta (Crowley, 1996). When the heart rate is increased the amount of time the diastole and systole take place is shortened, so that more blood is pumped out in one minute. During aerobic exercise cellular respiration in muscle cells need to increase significantly to maintain its performance. When exercising, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is needed in order for muscles to contact (Brown, 2006). This provides energy and allows movement on demand. When muscles contract hard and as fast, we use ATP far faster than it can be possibly made. Whilst exercising, ATP is made using a chemical reaction that requires oxygen. The oxygen comes from the air breathed into the lungs and is then carried to the muscles in the hemoglobin of the red blood cell. This way of making ATP is called aerobic respiration. This is the breakdown of glucose with oxygen to provide energy for the muscle cells. It produces heat which increases body temperature and carbon dioxide which we breath out. To maintain a steady supply of glucose and oxygen to working muscles, and the removal of carbon dioxide will allow an increase in stroke volume (Sherwood, 2012). During exercise, the card iovascular system works harder. It needs to deliver oxygen to muscles. The volume delivered by each beat of the heart (stroke volume) increases. Whilst exercising, the initial increase i...

Independent and Dependent Variable Examples

Independent and Dependent Variable Examples The independent variable and dependent variable are examined in an experiment using the scientific method, so its important to know what they are and how to use them. Here are the definitions for independent and dependent variables, examples of each variable, and the explanation for how to graph them. Independent Variable The independent variable is the condition that you change in an experiment. It is the variable you control. It is called independent because its value does not depend on and is not affected by the state of any other variable in the experiment. Sometimes you may hear this variable called the controlled variable because it is the one that is changed. Do not confuse it with a control variable, which is a variable that is purposely held constant so that it cant affect the outcome of the experiment. Dependent Variable The dependent variable is the condition that you measure in an experiment. You are assessing how it responds to a change in the independent variable, so you can think of it as depending on the independent variable. Sometimes the dependent variable is called the responding variable. Independent and Dependent Variable Examples In a study to determine whether how long a student sleeps affects test scores, the independent variable is the length of time spent sleeping while the dependent variable is the test score.You want to compare brands of paper towels, to see which holds the most liquid. The independent variable in your experiment would be the brand of paper towel. The dependent variable would be the amount of liquid absorbed by a paper towel.In an experiment to determine how far people can see into the infrared part of the spectrum, the wavelength of light is the independent variable and whether the light is observed (the response) is the dependent variable.If you want to know whether caffeine affects your appetite, the presence/absence of the amount of caffeine would be the independent variable. How hungry you are would be the dependent variable.You want to determine whether a chemical is essential for rat nutrition, so you design an experiment. The presence/absence of the chemical is the independent v ariable. The health of the rat (whether it lives and can reproduce) is the dependent variable. If you determine the substance is necessary for proper nutrition, a follow-up experiment would be to determine how much of the chemical is needed. Here, the amount of chemical would be the independent variable and the rat health would be the dependent variable. How to Tell the Independent and Dependent Variable Apart If you are having a hard time identifying which variable is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable, remember the dependent variable is the one affected by a change in the independent variable. If you write out the variables in a sentence that shows cause and effect, the independent variable causes the effect on the dependent variable. If you have the variables in the wrong order, the sentence wont make sense. Independent variable causes an effect on the dependent variable. Example: How long you sleep (independent variable) affects your test score (dependent variable). This makes sense, but: Example: Your test score affects how long you sleep. This doesnt really make sense (unless you cant sleep because you are worried you failed a test, but that would be a whole other experiment). How to Plot Variables on a Graph There is a standard method for graphing the independent and dependent variable. The x-axis is the independent variable, while the y-axis is the dependent variable. You can use the DRY MIX acronym to help remember how to graph variables: DRY MIX DÂ   dependent variableRÂ   responding variableYÂ   graph on the vertical or y-axis MÂ   manipulated variableIÂ   independent variableXÂ   graph on the horizontal or x-axis Test your understanding with the scientific method quiz.

Change Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Change Management - Essay Example The first stage involves creating a sense of urgency and advocating for change through strong leadership. Kotter advises organizations to hire new leaders or designate change champions who act as the driving force of change (Kotter, 1996, P. 125). The second stage is the engagement of senior managers in the implementation of change. Senior managers form a guiding coalition which is committed to excellence through renewal. This coalition exists outside normal hierarchy and is guided through efforts and the commitment of the top management. The next stage is the creation of a vision by the guiding coalition. The vision is a guiding strategy that clarifies the direction which the organisation intends to take. The ideal vision is brief and concise (Kotter, 1996, P. 125). The fourth step is communicating the vision through newsletters and speeches. If downsizing is part of the vision, new growth possibilities and commitment to fair treatment of those who are laid off is critical. Executives should constantly use the existing communication channels to broadcast the vision. The next stage involves removing of obstacles to change such obstacles include constraints in the compensation or performance appraisal systems and a rigid organizational structure. It is important for the appraisal and reward system to be consistent with the vision (Kotter, 1996, P. 125; (Wilson, 1999, P. 57)). The transformation process should accommodate short-term wins. As such, the process should set short-term goals to be met and celebrated. Managers should actively design ways to obtain performance improvements and to achieve objectives with the people involved being rewarded and celebrated. Victory is not attained until the changes are embedded in the organisation culture. Rather than declaring victory managers should use the milestones achieved by short-term gains to tackle bigger challenges (Kotter, 1996,

Combining Nurse leader with Advocacy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Combining Nurse leader with Advocacy - Term Paper Example First, there is the personal and professional accountability where through my advancement of education from an RN to a BSN I have become a professional in the workplace, as I understand better the needs of the patients. Additionally, I have managed to ensure that I am ethically upright in this profession, as well as, competent and good at my job (Daly, Speedy & Jackson, 2004). The greatest disadvantage or weakness, I am facing now in this area, is the lack of an appropriate certification to a specific specialty of career. My previous career in home ventilation management came to a stop after I suffered physical disability, which would not allow me to work. Over time, my certification in this field expired, and that is why I opted for a different career path. Although, I now considered myself a novice in terms of professionalism, the steps I am taking right now are aimed at overcoming this challenge. Under career planning, I visualize myself in a better place than I am right now because I am confident that I am heading in the right direction. Education advancement has been a major boost to my career plan because I am improving my career status with each step I take as I advance my education level (Kelly, 2012). It is for this reason that I will consider my strength under career planning to the fact that I am furthering my education, which contributes to gathering of a vast amount of knowledge through the learning experience. My main weakness, in this area, would also be my physical disability. However, I am determined to work hard and do everything in my ability to help me achieve my career goals despite the hurdles in my way. The third area, I am going to look at, is the personal journey disciplines, which involves the techniques that are set aside to help an individual grow and be strong as a leader. In my case, this is an area that I have little knowledge about but am working on and learning about shared leadership, as well

Multinational Enterprise (U.S.A) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Multinational Enterprise (U.S.A) - Essay Example With a total area of 9,831, 513 square kilometers (Census bureau, 311), the United States is the third largest country in the world after Canada and the Russian Federation. The large stretch across the North American continent makes the country experience different kinds of climate and thus different types of vegetation. The region is thus a home to various species of plants and animals. This is a contribution towards being the country with the largest economy in the world. According to Population Reference Bureau (para.1), the US â€Å"is the third most populous country in the world after China and India† (See Appendix 2). The 2010 population census showed a figure of about 308 million and the population is currently estimated to be about 311 million (Population Reference Bureau, para.1; US Census Bureau, para.1). The population consists of individuals from diverse culture due to the slave trade that brought individuals from across the world into the country in the middle of the second millennium. There are Americans of African, Asian, Spanish, Mexican, or French origins that came into the country either as the conquerors or as slaves that were brought in to promote the agrarian and industrial revolution that was already taking place in the region. The presence of different cultures in the United States also led to different languages being spoken in the country. English is the most popular language in the country (Schmidt, 1). There are other languages like French, German, Spanish, and many others spoken in the country (See Appendix 1). For some period after the Second World War, a Cold War was experienced between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic. USA was and remains to be a capitalist state whereas USSR was a communist state. The two federal states were fighting for allies from different countries and the power to monopolize the economy of the world. Each of the countries had expertise in the development of war weapons and was a threat to each other’s power to rule the world. The collapse of the Soviet Union in early 1990s led to the emergence of the United States as the worlds’ super power. Introduction A multinational enterprise (MNE) or Multinational Corporation (MNC) is an organization that operates or conducts business across two or more countries. The company produces its products and services and delivers the products/services to different countries. The organization usually has its central place of operations (the head quarter) located in one country called the home country and operates in other countries referred to as host nations. As globalization increases with an increase in competition in the local and global markets, most large organizations strive to establish themselves in other countries that perhaps may have better market opportunities, availability of materials for the production of the products or cheap labor that reduces the cost of production. The increased deregul ation and liberalization of local markets across the globe has attracted foreign investors into other countries in search of new market opportunities, raw materials that are readily available and cheap labor in these regions. In many cases, the developed nations are the source countries for most of the foreign direct investment as they have well established

Gender Based Violence in Immigrant Families Research Proposal

Gender Based Violence in Immigrant Families - Research Proposal Example This research paper will examine the amount of gender based violence that occurs among immigrant families and what the root cause is from those living in this domestic environment. Basis of Gender Based Violence The importance of gender based violence of immigrant families living in Italy is not only created from the basic problems associated with the acts of violence. The concept also links to cultural associations that create an acceptance of the acts of violence. The association with Sub – Sahara Africa is one of the links that is created from this. Marital authority is a common association of those living from the region, leading to spouses not carrying specific rights in the family and a lack of rights which are available, specifically to women, living within the household. The result is a direct link to honor killings, sexual violence, criminal abuse and relations to intra-familial violence. The violence is not only related to the cultural beliefs but often causes women to not receive help because of the associations with culture and the rights of each spouse within the household. result is a direct link to honor killings, sexual violence, criminal abuse and relations to intra-familial violence. The violence is not only related to the cultural beliefs but often causes women to not receive help because of the associations with culture and the rights of each spouse within the household. The immigrants which come to Italy often don’t link to criminal proceedings and are likely to not respond to the gender based violence, instead causing harsh conditions to continue to subside until medical assistance is needed (Barazzetti, Garreffa, Marsico, 2007). The complexity of gender based violence of Sub-Saharan Africans in Italy has become a compound problem because of the association with culture. Reporters are stating that the difficulty is the honor based violence and killing based on gender is acceptable among the culture and is therefore not able to create the right responses from those within the families. It is noted that 32% of women living in Italy have suffered from a form of violence with 80% of this being inside the home. However, only 10% of women from various cultures state that the gender based violence are a crime, while the other 90% believe it is an acceptable form of status that is within the household. It is also being stated that because of this mentality, the forms of domestic violence are continuing to rise with many overlooking the violence within their own household or becoming a part of the crimes based on honor violence and killings (Momigliano, 2010). Domestic Violence among Immigrants in Italy While there a re many that believe the gender based violence is acceptable, there are also figures which show that the hindrances of this form of violence is continuing to rise within Italy, specifically among different cultural groups. It is noted that there are 69% of rapes which are conducted by a family member or friend while only 6% occur by strangers. It has also been found that almost 50% of the rapes occur by immigrants and within the same household. It has also been found that over 60% of women have suffered from domestic violence which is gender based while only 26% have considered this a crime. An average of 21% of women that have reported the violence as a crime say they have been unsatisfied with the responses from the police with little to no help available. The main problem is shown through women that are immigrants and which receive discrimination within the household and from police as well as a lack of policies available for all women who are suffering from domestic vio

Compare and contrast nazi and communist sport Essay

Compare and contrast nazi and communist sport - Essay Example For this conclusion to be arrived at before the introduction of the DRL, sporting skills were prior made a criterion for certain events, including school graduations and were also considered necessary qualification for certain other jobs as well as being necessary for admission to universities. In Europe too, emerged one other independent body governing sporting activities elsewhere in the region. This was the communism sport. The communist sports policy in Europe had dominated some of the largest parts of Europe especially during the cold war. However, this is no longer the case. It slowly collapsed giving rise to independent bodies that governed sorts throughout the countries of Europe. Communism sports however lives on in countries like China, Cuba and North Korea. Communism sport was not everywhere recognized or either practiced, in most of the national priorities of less advanced communist nations. Nations all around the world tend to recognize communist sport and more to it, ad apting it. This in view of the research was mostly facilitated by its prior success soon after its establishment: this was particularly at the Olympics games that drew a considerably high level of attention worldwide. One particular and considerably remarkable but far-reaching aspect of the question at at hand, these referring to the communist sport was the evolution of an introduced model of sports that aimed at modernizing community. These too were intended at employing sports for utilarian purposes in view to promote health, defense, and hygiene issues among others. This newly introduced model that placed some attraction for nations in parts of Africa, Asia as well as Latin America was important. In majority of communist states, sports carried with it a huge revolutionary role of being an agent of social change with the state carrying the piloting role (Murray 73). Shifting sides to highlight the Nazi Sports, German sports in general, came to a clear rise in the sporting body, ca me up in the 1930s. This would have been prompted by several issues, among them a myth of Aryan racial superiority and physical power. The Olympics games then, being the first ever in history to cover live television. These provided an ideal setting that displayed a Nazi regime and more to that, what Hitler deemed to be his intended exploit. It would later be quoted that German sports had only one main objective, to strengthen the character of the Germans. This was to be by all means, from imbuing the country with a fighting spirit, termed to be necessary in the struggle for its existence. The Government then resulted to harnessed support for sport as part of its own drive to strengthen a particular race, to exercise political control over its citizens, in preparation of the youths for what they referred to as war. Close to all communist states faced problems of political stability. These would have its own consequences to Nation building at large, but in one way or another, had spo rts to be involved. As stated earlier, sports when facilitated by a common and stable value, experienced success repeatedly. With its involvement in Olympics gave a considerably high boost to this. Since a huge percentage of communist states were born in war torn situations, adverse poverty and the like. Sports

Industral ergonomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Industral ergonomics - Essay Example The present study focuses on an ergonomic critical analysis of a health hazard evaluation report. The report that has been selected for the study is Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA-99-0283-2855, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The evaluation of the Yellowstone National Park had been considered on the concerns arising from the riding snowmobiles to patrol roads and maintenance of the park that was known to cause injuries and pains in the muscles of those individuals who worked in the park. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was in charge of the evaluation of the health hazards in the area and they worked on determining whether the park workers had problems with the work and whether the work was causing health hazards to them. Also, there were measures on the part of the managers and the employees that had been suggested by the NIOSH in this regard (NIOSH HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION REPORT, 2001, p. 3). The ergonomic evaluation of the case involved determination of the health hazards that could be associated with such park works. These included overexertion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders that may lead to pain in the lower back, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms are possible and need evaluation in this case that involved repetitive, stereotyped movement of the body joints, vigorous physical exertions, lifting, uncomfortable or fixed postures during work postures, nonstop pressure on nerves and soft tissues, working in uncomfortable environments like in the cold weather, whole body being exposed or segmental vibration. The evaluation included these ergonomic issues and conducted tests to determine the effects of the work on the workers (NIOSH HEALTH HAZARD EVALUATION REPORT, 2001, p. 5). The evaluation method included measurements of dimensions and adjustability ranges of

Compare and contrast nazi and communist sport Essay

Compare and contrast nazi and communist sport - Essay Example For this conclusion to be arrived at before the introduction of the DRL, sporting skills were prior made a criterion for certain events, including school graduations and were also considered necessary qualification for certain other jobs as well as being necessary for admission to universities. In Europe too, emerged one other independent body governing sporting activities elsewhere in the region. This was the communism sport. The communist sports policy in Europe had dominated some of the largest parts of Europe especially during the cold war. However, this is no longer the case. It slowly collapsed giving rise to independent bodies that governed sorts throughout the countries of Europe. Communism sports however lives on in countries like China, Cuba and North Korea. Communism sport was not everywhere recognized or either practiced, in most of the national priorities of less advanced communist nations. Nations all around the world tend to recognize communist sport and more to it, ad apting it. This in view of the research was mostly facilitated by its prior success soon after its establishment: this was particularly at the Olympics games that drew a considerably high level of attention worldwide. One particular and considerably remarkable but far-reaching aspect of the question at at hand, these referring to the communist sport was the evolution of an introduced model of sports that aimed at modernizing community. These too were intended at employing sports for utilarian purposes in view to promote health, defense, and hygiene issues among others. This newly introduced model that placed some attraction for nations in parts of Africa, Asia as well as Latin America was important. In majority of communist states, sports carried with it a huge revolutionary role of being an agent of social change with the state carrying the piloting role (Murray 73). Shifting sides to highlight the Nazi Sports, German sports in general, came to a clear rise in the sporting body, ca me up in the 1930s. This would have been prompted by several issues, among them a myth of Aryan racial superiority and physical power. The Olympics games then, being the first ever in history to cover live television. These provided an ideal setting that displayed a Nazi regime and more to that, what Hitler deemed to be his intended exploit. It would later be quoted that German sports had only one main objective, to strengthen the character of the Germans. This was to be by all means, from imbuing the country with a fighting spirit, termed to be necessary in the struggle for its existence. The Government then resulted to harnessed support for sport as part of its own drive to strengthen a particular race, to exercise political control over its citizens, in preparation of the youths for what they referred to as war. Close to all communist states faced problems of political stability. These would have its own consequences to Nation building at large, but in one way or another, had spo rts to be involved. As stated earlier, sports when facilitated by a common and stable value, experienced success repeatedly. With its involvement in Olympics gave a considerably high boost to this. Since a huge percentage of communist states were born in war torn situations, adverse poverty and the like. Sports

Organized crime in the 1920s Essay Example for Free

Organized crime in the 1920s Essay The 1920s was time of music and literature but it was also a decade of crime. This rise ot illegality was not random but caused by prohibition and immigration. The advancement of guns also helped gangs progress. one of the most Important figureheads of this era was A1 Capone. organized crime flourished during the 1920s In America. The typical Italian mafia stereotype has some truth since our mafia was strongly influenced my Italy. During the mid-1800s the Sicilian mafia grew exponentially In Italy, but this quickly came to an end. At the end of the 19th century the Fascist egime of Benito Mussolini attacked the crime organizations of Italy (Mafia in the United States) Sicilian Mafiosi decided to escape to America to continue their illegal ways In Just New York in went from 20,000 in 1880 to 500,000 by 1 910 (Mafia in the United States), In 1919. the 18th amendment was passed starting the Prohibition era and sparking a wave of crime. The 1 8th amendment also known as Prohibition banned the consumption, manufacturing, and sale of alcohol. This left a major market unclaimed with a lot of potential profit. This market also gave Sicilian Mafiosi nother reason to immigrate. The mafia eventually took over the alcohol business using their skills of skilled a smuggling and bribery to get around the amendment (Mafia in the United States). The advancement of guns thanks to World War helped the mana operate and even gave them another product to sell. Directly due to the passing ot prohlbltlon the gun market In America expanded (Prohibition). Gangs used guns to kill off rival gangs and keep hold of your territory, the most famous of which Is Thompson gun.

Applications of Genomics in Cancer

Applications of Genomics in Cancer IN WHICH AREA OF HEALTH CARE CAN GENOMICS MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT, AND WHAT SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES ARE NEEDED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN? Hozaifa S. Hassan Cancer management is one of the hottest areas in modern healthcare, especially with its increasing burden in both developing and developed countries. Genomics has changed the landscape of cancer management. This review highlights the current knowledge and concepts concerning how genomics with the advent of new technologies has revolutionised cancer management. Although we still have a long way to go till achieving full cure of cancer, the rapid development of cancer research carries fruitful promises for the near future. Keywords: Cancer, genomics, microRNA, immunotherapy The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently declared that global cancer burden rises to 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths occurred in  2012, compared with 12.7 million and 7.6 million,  respectively, in 2008, with prediction of a substantive increase to 19.3 million new cancer cases per year by  2025. Prevalence estimates for 2012, show that there  were 32.6 million people alive over the age of 15 years had a cancer diagnosed in the past five years. 1 This sets off the alarm bells, we have to develop more effective tools to face this current situation. Genome sequencing and the oncogenic landscape: Cancer is driven by various genomic alterations. The emergence of the draft human genome sequence in 2000 empowered the study of cancer genomes in many ways. With the arrival of the next generation sequencing (NGS) the tumour biology research has further revolutionized.2 With comprehensive sequencing of many cancer samples, huge number of mutated genes were discovered, so it is crucial to classify these genes into those whose mutations confer with selective gross advantage for the cancer ( driver genes mutations) and those which occur though the course  of tumourigenesis and do not have great impact on the selective gross advantage (passenger mutations). There are about 140 driver genes identified till now. A typical tumour contains two to eight of these driver gene mutations. Driver genes can be classified into 12 signalling pathways that regulate three core cellular processes: cell fate, cell survival, and genome maintenance (Fig. 1). Therefore, targeting the driver genes or their products could have a great impact on tumour growth. Besides, the administration of unnecessary, costly, and potentially toxic treatment will be  avoided.2 Fig ure 1. Cancer cell signaling pathways and the cellular processes they regulate. (Vogelstein et al ., 2013) Genomics and targeted therapy Targeted therapy towards the products of mutated driver genes has revolutionized the modern cancer therapy. This is best exemplified by imatinib which targets the Abelson (ABL) kinas in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). ABL kinase is a chimeric oncogenic fusion protein resulted from a reciprocal translocation of break point cluster (BCR) on chromosome 22 and ABL on chromosome 9. Food and drug administration (FDA) approved imatinib as first-line treatment for CML in 2001 for its magnificent response with  89% overall rate of 5-uear survival for patients treated. 3 It is crucial to accurately match patients with the most appropriate drugs. Otherwise, some anti- cancer drugs would be clinically useless because the personal and financial costs would far outweigh the benefits. For example, targeted epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors achieve a response rate of 71% in patients with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumour harbour an activating EGFR mutation compared with 1% for those  without a mutation.3 There are many targeted drugs that are already used or will enter the clinic soon (Table 1).3 Genetic networks and pathways: one hit is not enough Genomics has shed the light on genetic networking and pathways, where tumourigenesis results from multiple mutations in different genetic networks driving one or more pathways that eventually lead to the acquisition of the growth advantage. This could explain why some targeted drugs are thwarted by resistance. Moreover, this could provide novel combinations for therapeutic  intervention.4 For example, most of melanomas are driven by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which is composed of Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK switches. Melanoma patients who have B-RAF V600E variant greatly respond to the B-RAF inhibitors (vemurafenib and dabrafenib). Vemurafenib was approved by FDA in 2011 for  increasing the survival in melanoma patients. 4 Unfortunately, this response is short-lived and  regulation of two other agonists of MAPK- signalling, C-RAF and MAP3K8/COT, could bypass the requirement for B-RAF by re-activating the pathway downstream of the drug target. In a similar vein, Nazarian et al. (2010) have shown that another member in the same pathway called MEK – a downstream kinase to B-RAF- is also mutated in resistant cases. Therefore, adding MEK inhibitors to vemurafenib, could effectively  eliminate most of resistant cells.4 Recently, Villanueva et al. (2013) have shown that the response rate to MEK inhibitor (trametinib) is decreasing. Resistance to MEK and BRAF inhibitors was conferred to MEK2-Q60P mutation and BRAF-V600E amplification, respectively, resulting in sustained MAPK activation in the resistant cells. Interestingly, concurrent use of both dabrafenib and trametinib from the start, not after developing resistance, could significantly improve the efficacy and decrease resistance to therapy. Moreover, a triple combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GSK2126458 led to sustained tumour growth  inhibition.5 This paves the way for novel combinations of drugs targeting multiple nodal points in cancer- driving pathways. As a result, cancer therapy will be more efficacious with less resistance. Oncogenic signatures: completing the atlas Many cancer genome projects unleashed in the past decade have identified essentially complete sets of protein-coding genes, coupled with the discovery of novel microRNAs. Moreover, deeper coverage of many cancer genomes has identified a wealth of somatic mutations, including copy- number changes (deletions and amplifications of DNA), rearrangements, point mutations and small insertions in many tumour types. However, the real challenge is to classify these enormous data sets and translate them into functional and actionable  alterations.6 Recently, computational algorithms and functional genomics together with the sequencing of complete genomes of human cancers provide comprehensive catalogues of somatic mutations that fuel different types of cancers. Moreover, these catalogues predict possible targets for therapy in a  resistance emerged towardsB-RAF inhibitors. Johannessen et al. (2010) have shown that up-selected cancer. *PARP denotes poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase. (McDermott et al., 2011) For example, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides molecular tumour maps in unprecedented detail. 3,299 TCGA tumours from 12 cancer types are classified according to their genetic and epigenetic alterations, and then they are gathered into pathways that affect oncogenesis with correlation between these functional alteration and available targeted therapy (Fig. 2). The globally coordinated International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), of which TCGA is a member, will add thousands more samples and additional tumour types which together with computational algorisms will lead to better  understanding of cancer.6 In the future, we would have a genomic atlas for different types of cancers guiding us through our quest for finding a cure for cancer. MicroRNA and cancer: tiny but powerful MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs which enhance the cleavage or translational repression of specific mRNA with recognition site(s) in the 3’-untranslated region (3’UTR). They are involved in multiple biological activities as well as disease progression including cancer. Depending on the functions of their targets, they could act as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been widely observed in different stages of cancer either by structural genetic alterations, epigenetic changes or abnormal biogenesis.7 Recently, miRNA-based anticancer therapies have been exploited, either alone or in combination with current targeted therapies. MicroRNA approaches could concurrently target multiple effectors of pathways involved in cell differentiation proliferation and survival (Fig. 3). 7 For example, O’Day et al. (2010) have shown that miR-24 inhibits proliferation through direct targeting of c-Myc, E2F1 and a number of related molecules. Interestingly, Ma et al. (2010) have shown the crucial role of miR-10b in breast cancer metastasis. This group has also exploited a possible therapeutic application, reporting that systemic treatment of tumour-bearing mice with miR-10b antagomirs suppresses breast cancer metastasis. This opens the door for the use of oligonucleotides or virus-based constructs to either block the expression of an oncogenic Figure 2. Map of functional and actionable alterations across 12 tumor types. Tumor types abbreviated as: BLCA, Bladder urothelial carcinoma; BRCA, Breast invasive carcinoma; COADREAD, Colon and rectum adenocarcinoma; GBM, Glioblastoma multiform; HNSC, Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; KIRC, Kidney renal clear-cell carcinoma; LAML, Acute myeloid leukemia; LUAD, Lung adenocarcinoma; LUSC, Lung squamous cell carcinoma; OV, Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma; UCEC, Uterine corpus endometrioid carcinoma; MSS, Microsatellite stable; MSI, microsatellite instability; Ultra, ultramutators; Low CNA, endometrioid; RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase; DSB, double-strand break.  (Ciriello et al., 2013)  miRNA or to reintroduce a tumour suppressor miRNA lost in cancer.7 Cancer inunwtotherapy: awaken the giant For a cancer to develop and metastasise, it must first escape the immune surveillance. Cancer uses a Houdini mechanism to hide its antigens and deceive the immune system. Hanks et al. (2013) have shown that loss of tumour-expressed type III transforming growth factor receptor (TGF R3), enhance TGF-signalling within loco-regional dendritic cells (DCs) and up-regulated both the immune-regulatory enzyme indoleamine 2, 3- dioxygenase (IDO) in plasmacytoid DCs and the CCL22 chemokine in myeloid DCs. These alterations mediate T regulatory cells infiltration  and the suppression of antitumor immunity.8 Interestingly, the therapeutic benefit derived from the combination of an antigen-specific vaccine with a TGF- signalling inhibitor in murine HER2/NEU-expressing 4T1 tumours was primarily mediated by an enhanced antitumor T cell response. This opens the door for using novel TGF- signalling inhibitor in enhancing the  immune therapy.8 Another recent approach in this field is releasing the brakes of the immune system by using checkpoint blocking antibodies. For example, antibodies directed against cytotoxic T ­ lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) (e.g. Ipilimumab) and programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) (e.g. Nivoluma) have demonstrated significant recent promise in the treatment of an expanding list of malignancies. Ipilimumab was approved by FDA in 2011 for significantly improving the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. Further research will demonstrate much more checkpoints that can enhance immunotherapy either alone or  with combinations with other drugs.9 Interestingly, cancerous cells also have some tricks to escape the radar of the natural killer cells (NKs). For example, cancerous cells down ­ express their natural killer group 2, member D ­ ligands (NKG2D-Ls) required for activation of  NKG2D receptors on NKs. 10 Bedel et al. (2011) have shown a pivotal and novel role for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in modulating the expression ofMHC-I chain-related A (MICA) -one member ofNKG2D-L family- in cancer cells. Interestingly, neutralizing STAT3 with pharmacologic inhibitors or siRNA has led to an  increase in NK degranulation and IFNy Figure 3. MicroRNAs targeting the hallmarks of cancer. (Iorio et al., 2012) This sets the stage for developing novel effective immunotherapies in the future as well as increasing todays ones efficacy. Conclusion Genomics has revolutionary changed the landscape of cancer management. Whole genome sequencing of many cancer types combined with computational algorithms will add a wealth of information to our current knowledge. In the future, complete comprehensive genomic atlas will be available for most cancer types. Therefore, the mutations driving an individuals cancer could be exactly identified then precisely targeted by chemotherapeutics, immunotherapy, synthetic oligonucleotides or combinations of those. This will increase the efficacy of the therapy. Besides, the administration of unnecessary, costly, and potentially toxic treatment will be avoided. It will be true that cancer could be cured! References [1] Latest world cancer statistics Global cancer burden rises to 14.1 million new cases in 2012: Marked increase in breast cancers must be addressed. http://www.iarc.fr/en/mediacentre/pr/2013/pdfs/pr223_E.pdf. (12 December 2013) [2] Vogelstein, B et al. Cancer genome landscapes.  SCIENCE 2013; 339: 1546–1558 [3] McDermott, U, Downing, JR, Stratton, MR. Genomics and the continuum of cancer care. N Engl J Med 2011;  364:340-50 [4] Sandmann, T, Boutros, M. Screens, maps networks: from genome sequences to personalized medicine. Current Opinion in Genetics Development 2012; 22:36–44 [5] Villanueva, J et al. Concurrent MEK2 mutation and BRAF amplification confer resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors in melanoma. Cell Reports 2013; 4: 1090–1099 [6] Ciriello, G et al. Emerging landscape of oncogenic signatures across human cancers. Nature Genetics 2013;  45:1127-1133 [7] Iorio, MV, Croce, CM. MicroRNA dysregulation in cancer: diagnostics, monitoring and therapeutics. a comprehensive review. EMBO Mol Med 2012; 4:143–159 [8] Hanks,BA et al. Type III TGF-ÃŽ ² receptor downregulation generates an immunotolerant tumor microenvironment. The Journal of Clinical Investigation  2013; 123: 3925-3940 [9] Kyi, C, Postow, MA. Checkpoint blocking antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. FEBS Letters 2014; 588: 368–376 [10] Bedel, R et al. Novel role for STAT3 in transcriptional regulation of NK immune cell targeting receptor MICA on cancer cells. Cancer Res 2011; 71:1615-1626 (Word count: 2,124) Three lab choices 1. Cancer genome project(Prof. Mike Stratton ) 2. Gene expression genomics(Dr. Sarah Teichmann) 3. Epigenetic reprogramming(Prof. Wolf Reik) 8

Computer Matching Versus Privacy :: Private Personal Information Essays

Computer Matching Versus Privacy Introduction With the advent of new computer technologies, the ease with which new information can be discovered from aggregating data sources is astounding. This technique is called computer matching. When it comes to doing research this can be an incredible source of new ideas and correlations between sets of data. However, this same technique can be applied to information about individual people. Suddenly, by pulling together disparate sources of data, private information can be learned about an individual without their knowledge or consent. If the organization that is capable of computer matching is a government, it places a lot of information in the hands of a powerful entity. A question of whether the government should have this new information is a significant one. What if the government were not allowed to ask you for information that is discoverable through computer matching? Should the government be allowed to use this technique to yield the same information? This ethical dilemma is covered in this paper. Relevant information will be used from the laws in the United States and the European Union to illustrate the different perspectives on the privacy of citizens and the approaches each government takes to it. Letter of the Law or Spirit? Many countries around the world have laws on what information a government can ask from its citizens. These laws typically focus on protecting the privacy of individual citizens and preventing discrimination based upon the collected information. Computer matching could place this same information in the hands of the government. In the United States, US law prohibits the direct collection of certain information. This includes, but not limited to information about ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc1. The European Union (EU) has set guidelines for members of the union. These guidelines set strict rules for the â€Å"processing† of personal information. The EU defines processing as collection, use, storage, retrieval, transmission, destruction, and other actions2. The rules also provide provisions requiring the consent of the individual person before this â€Å"processing† can occur. It is apparent that the intentions of the laws for the United States and the EU are to protect the privacy of their citizens. However, loopholes exist in these laws that allow the governments to bend these laws. In the United States, the law prevents the government from asking for certain information, but it does not prevent it from purchasing this information or using matching techniques to discover it.

James Cameron Essay -- essays research papers

James Cameron was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario in Canada August 14 (16) 1954. His family later moved to Chippewa Falls near Niagra Falls. James Cameron was during his youth years always very fascinated with movies. He was mezmerized when he saw Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and he drew himself crazy trying to figure out how they had shot that film. Cameron also wrote sci-fi stories and fantasized a lot instead of doing his school work. It was actually during one boring biology class that Cameron wrote a short story which would later become the movie The Abyss. When Cameron was 17, his family moved to Orange County, California because of his fathers job. When Cameron moved to Orange County he learned that getting a career in movies might not be the easiest job to obtain. He let the hope of becomming someone in the movie business fade and he started studying physics and english at a local university. He later dropped out of both studies because the math in the physics course had been to hard for Cameron to deal with. James Cameron got a job as a miniature model maker at the Roger Corman Studios. The Roger Corman Studios were studios that made B-movies. They were fast and cheap productions, and none of the people working there were professionals so Cameron fit right in. He quickly moved up the ranks in the studio, jumping from one movie to another. Cameron worked as art director on the sci-fi movie Battle Beyond the Stars, he did special effects work and direction on John Carpenter’s Escape from New York. It wasn't until 1981 when Cameron got his first shot at directing. It was an Italian producer named Assonitis who was to make a sequel to the movie Pirahna. It was going to be called Piranha 2: The Spawning. Assonitis wanted a debut director because it would be the cheapest, and the director would not question Assonitis cutting in the film. The movie was terrible of course, it had a bad cast, lousy effects and Assonitis was always on Cameron’s back. Assonitis kept telling Cameron that the shots looked like shit (crap), and when the main shooting ended he would not allow Cameron to edit the movie. This made Cameron mad, he knew that the movie was bad, but it was his movie, and he wanted to edit it himself. So Cameron broke into the editing room with a plastic card. The movie was shot in Italy and Cameron could not speak Italian, so he did not... ... was not until the production of Terminator 2: Judgment Day that the effects were shown in their true colours. Another great thing is that James Cameron writes very entertaining stories that are particuarly good for movies. With great action and great characters that are unique. Cameron's movies are action movies, but they have other qualities too. For example Cameron uses a lot of messages in his movies. In the Abyss there is a message from an alien saying that all people should live in harmony, and in Terminator 2 - Judgment Day Linda Hamilton is ending the movie with this clever sentence, "If a machine can learn to respect a human life maybe we can too". These are the kind of messages which make Cameron's movies just a little bit better. James Cameron is not afraid to reject his feminin side. In the movies there are always strong, independent women who guide the male hero (if there is one) through the movie. In Cameron's movies the women are essential, and they always steal part of the picture, if not all of it. Examples are, Linda Hamiton in Terminator 2 - Judgment Day, Sigourney Weaver in Aliens, Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies and of course Kate Winslet in Titanic.

Transformational Leadership and Economic Efficiency †Can a Charismatic Leader in an Administration for Care Motivate the Subordinates to Improve the Economic Performance?

Author: Tony Pehrson Supervisor: Thomas Danborg and Anders Hederstierna Department: School of Management, Blekinge Institute of Technology Course: Masters’s thesis in business administration, 10 credits. Background and Problem Discussion: Skovde Kommun is a public organization and one of many tasks is to provide help and service to the aged and handicapped in the city. This is done through the administration for care. After many years with poor economic performance the politicians in Skovde decided 2002 to restructure the elderly care in Skovde. In January 2004 a new chief administrator was recruited and one of the most important issues was to improve the activities within the administration for care and department for elderly. Something, which was strongly emphasized, was the goal to increase the economic performance and having a budget in balance, i. e. achieve economic efficiency. The interest for this study was to see if the new chief administrator had the competence, leadership skills and charisma enough to restructure the organization and improve the economic efficiency, i. e. make sure the budget show a surplus. During 2004 and 2005 the chief administrator focused on the restructuring of the organization and strongly emphasized respect for the economic resources. Purpose: Through a pilot study describe and analyse the concept of Transformational leadership and its impact on economic results? Method: A quantitative method and the thesis could be viewed as a pilot study, which means that I try my method in one organization and hopefully develop a concept for further research. The measure instrument is a questionnaire, which was worked through with statistical methods to define charisma as a part of the phenomenon. The result from the questionnaire was then compared to the organization’s economic performance. Theory: Studies on leadership are a large research field and new theories on management and leadership constantly evolve. An interesting leadership style, which has had a lot of attention the last decades, is transformational leadership. A transformational leader can create a vision, can engage and motivate the employees in a way so they do their best to achieve the goals of the organization, both quantitative and qualitative. A central part in transformational leadership is charisma. Charisma is a leaders ability to practice a diffuse but strong influence over other people’s opinions, values and performance. Findings: The managers in the administration for care answered a questionnaire with 17 statements about charisma and the result of these statements gave an average score, which indicate that the chief administrator is above-average charismatic. In the findings I also present the organization’s economic performance. 2005 was the first year since 1996, the administration had a budget surplus, i. e. the costs were lower than the budget frame. Analysis: The respondents, in the same questionnaire, also scored the experienced charisma previous years compared to today. The results from the questionnaire were then compared to the economical development and the findings indicate there are some relationship between the charismatic chief administrator and improved economic performance Conclusion: In the study I found some empirical evidence or indicators, which support the idea that a charismatic leadership can improve the performance, the productivity and the efficiency. However, other factors can also have impact on economic performance besides transformational leadership

Boyz in the Hood and Black Freedom Fighters

Unite is a common word the comes to mind when debating the themes of Boyz in the Hood written by John Singleton and Black Freedom Fighters in Steel by Ruth Needleman. Boyz in the Hood is a film that follows the lives of a group of young African Americans living in South Central Los Angeles, California. Each main character faces some common struggle modern day children and teens face today. Their fate relies on what they decide to do about their common struggle. In Black Freedom Fighters in Steel, you glimpse into the lives of five men connected by one aspect of their lives.They also must do something in order to survive as blue collar workers during the 20th century. Both these works have one common theme if not more, these boys and these men had to unite together in close friendship and within a union. Boyz in the Hood follows one particular group in South Central Los Angeles. Trey Styles along with his friends Ricky, Doughboy, and others all grew up in the same neighborhood living with various struggles, some in common. Trey moved to live with his dad at the age of 10, Ricky and Doughboy, half-brothers, lived across the street from him in a single parent household.Ricky was raised on the hope and spirit of his mother to be a football star. His brother Doughboy was not given the same hope and dreams from his mother. Trey was raised differently than his friends because he was being raised by a respectable male, Furious Styles. Furious helped prepare Trey for what the future may have in store for him, especially when living in the so called, â€Å"ghetto. † Although these characters were raised differently they still found strength in numbers, and stuck close together at a very young age.One example is when they are walking down the tracks and Ricky gets his football hustled from him. Doughboy tries to stick up for his brother even though he fails. They all stood together during that scene when they could have easily been killed by these older guys. Darre n, known as Doughboy, grows up deciding to become a part of a street gang, or group. Instead of avoiding the temptation of violence and the dangers of the lifestyle, he becomes sucked right into it. Although not a positive decision, in reality to some it feels like the only choice. The need for protection is essential to survive.By joining groups, people in various neighborhoods across America, find often false sanctuary and more violence. Darren kept close ties with his friends. They united when it came to protecting themselves from other various groups. One incident would be when all the teens had their cars parked up and down the street and another group walks by and knocks Ricky. When Ricky begins confrontation with the other groups, they all join in. Another incident is when Ricky is shot; although they weren't all there when it happened, Darren and his friends all felt a need to avenge Ricky's death, collectively.Trey was raised in a very strict and wise household. His mother was a well off business woman who took care of herself and her son until he reached a stage in his life where he was angry. Furious his father took Trey in and taught him specific values and self-discipline. With these values Trey made decisions opposite of a lot of his friends. He took a more optimistic route about living where he lived. He was aware of what goes on but he never involved himself in it. Trey who was close to his friends didn't completely comply with them.Ricky and Trey both had the most chances of leaving their town or living past age 25. While Darren and their other friends involved themselves in gang related activities, Trey and Ricky both avoided it. Still because they had all been friends for so long they still stuck together. When Ricky was shot and killed by another group, they all collectively went after that group. Specifically Trey joined them with this activity because he felt strongly about the issue at hand. He had lost his best friend and Darren had los t his brother.Although Trey didn't fully commit to the retaliation, he stuck by Darren’s side and comforted his friend. In Black Freedom Fighters in Steel five men are profiled explaining the struggles around working in Steel and within the union. In the beginning we hear about George Kimbley, who signed up for Steelworker's Organizing Committee as the first African-American. In order for African-Americans to face their struggles of poor working conditions, poor pay, and lack of job opportunities, they had to connect with the majority.George Kimbley knew that in order to be in the union and make somewhat of a difference, you would have to get people to trust you. What Kimbley means is that white men within the union have to become use to you and learn that their misconceptions are wrong. Many African Americans felt they did not belong within the union because they would be harassed and discriminated against just like they would on the mill floor. Kimbley was one the many that went out and persuaded black steelworkers to join the union, SWOC.He knew that in order to seek change they must become a part of something bigger. A separate committee for Blacks seemed unreasonable at the specific time. Kimbley felt that in order to meet the goals long term we must first integrate with others so they feel less threatened when requesting solutions. When struggling alongside people opposite than themselves, African-Americans felt a stronger need to cope with feelings that came along with integration and discrimination. Many residents within small African American communities in Gary, Indiana kept close ties.They all went to the same church, their kids attended same schools, and they went to the same bars and kept in touch. They had a strong sense of community amongst themselves. Many men played cards together, such as George Kimbley and Jesse Reese. These men knew the importance of joining the union in order to receive if not equal better working conditions. They n etworked, one man would sign a friend up, and then his friend would sign up someone else. Networking, educating and discussing were various ways to get the community pro-union.One specific example is how the amount of SWOC cards that came in signed by black workers stunned white SWOC participants. This proves that networking was working. Women also played a role in using their community to discuss issues such as organizing. Chain recruiting was widely used. This was used for example by an organizer. He and his wife would throw a dinner party and discuss various issues. By engaging in conversation they could relate on different complaints the other couples may have and convince them to join the union and inform others.By passing on information about the union the African-American demographic within the steel companies and union were more likely to increase. More membership in the union would allow more chances of bargaining and promotions for minorities. Another example of uniting in Black Freedom Fighters in Steel is through the smaller committees that formed within the union. Many people such as, George Kimbley, felt that this would hinder the positive movement for African-American workers within the union. Others were tired of waiting for change.They organized themselves within the union into committees such as the Eureka Club, established in 1952 by Curtis Strong, Arthur Adams, and Sylvester Palmer. (p 84) Curtis Strong worked in one of the dirtiest yet most important part of the mill. He explains that the coke plant was an essential step in steel production. If he and others shut down their department then they could shut down the whole mill. This was a very strategic plan in order to get the foreman and department heads to listen. One example is when Strong took a stand against a practice the company used when hiring new workers into the plant.If the coke plant needed a maintenance worker or apprentice, they would use Virginia Street Hiring. The company w ould send â€Å"appropriate† workers, meaning white, for the specific jobs. Many current black employees were overlooked due to this practice. When Strong requested that coke plant workers be allowed to apply for apprenticeships and was denied, a wildcat strike broke out. Soon after Coke plant workers were able to bid on apprenticeships and better jobs. This was more than what the Steelworker's Organizing Committee had done for job bidding.Instead of turning to the bigger union, they used their small collective to make a difference for specifically African-American steelworkers. Both these works demonstrate a theme that shows collectiveness. In order to be strong, certain people must ban together, which has happened in history so often when it comes to people facing common struggles. Later on in Black Freedom Fighters in Steel they discuss how things have changed, beginning in the 1980's. Many people have become too satisfied and have stopped fighting for more. I believe this can play into the themes of both the book and Boyz in the Hood.Briefly, today the world around us has everyone convinced that things can't get any better than this, but can they? When it comes to employment there is only so far we can go, but what about our communities? In the film you see a community that has been ignored. By being neglected from society, things may become worse. Young teen’s today struggle with constant violence and retaliation. Poverty is proven to cause an increase in violence. By ignoring cities and allowing children to suffer academically we are throwing them into violence. This is also discussed in the book.Gary, Indiana which has been dismantled ever since the steel industry took a backseat. Many people living within the community lost their jobs, which affected the cities revenue. Schools are in poor condition which can be true for South Central Los Angeles also. Schools have a strong influence when it comes to discipline and respect. When we allow schools to deteriorate we lose those values within the curriculum. Few, but not all African-American's have motivation to fight poverty. In time we may see this minority unionize again to better their communities in society.Boyz in the Hood and Black Freedom Fighters in Steel seemed quite opposite to one another besides the involvement of African-American characters. After reading more into the book, the theme becomes apparent and can also be applied to the film. That theme being that in order to better life people must organize and come together, whether for good or bad. Boyz in the Hood has also had a place in my heart as a great film, but now I can respect it more after putting it in a new light. As for the book, I haven't been interested in Unions, but I did enjoy the stories the five characters brought to it.

Role of Icb in the Development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: a Performance Evaluation of Icb Sponsored Mutual Funds

INTERNSHIP REPORT Dept. of Business Administration Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet. INTERNSHIP REPORT Role of ICB in the Development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: A Performance Evaluation of ICB Sponsored Mutual Funds Supervisor Ms. Nafsaniath Fathemaf Lecturer Department of Business Administration Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet. Submitted By Muhamad Abul Lyse 4th Year 2nd Semester (2nd Batch) Reg No: 0099730014 Dept of Business Administration Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet Date of submission: July 06, 2006 Date July 06, 2006 It is an immense pleasure for me to certify that this internship report entitled â€Å" Role of ICB in the Development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: A performance evaluation of ICB sponsored mutual funds† submitted to the department of Business Administration, Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet is an original work done by Muhammad Abul Lyse, a student of BBA 2nd Batch of Department of Business Administration, bearing the Registration number 0099730014. He has successfully completed the internship program at Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and prepared this report on the aforesaid title under my supervision. I wish him every success in his endeavors. Signature: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Ms Nafsaniath Fathema Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet-3114. July 06, 2006 Ms Nafsaniath Fathema Lecturer, Dept. of Business Administration Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology Sylhet-3114. Sub: Submission of internship report Dear Madam, Have the pleasure in submitting my internship report titled â€Å"Role of ICB in the Development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: A Performance Evaluation of ICB Sponsored Mutual Funds . As an integral part of my BBA degree, I have been assigned to work on the topic, with a view to well integrate the theoretical knowledge I have learned throughout my four years of study and thus to fine tune these knowledge with practical work experience in a financial institution like ICB, the pioneer and largest Investment Bank of the country. The Internship Program was very much valuable as it helped me to gain a real life experience working in a professional environment. I tried my best to get an in depth coverage of the topic and emphasized on using authentic data I am grateful to you for your kind suggestion and helpful advice in preparing this report. Once again, thank you very much indeed for giving me the opportunity to work under your kind supervision. Yours Sincerely Muhammad Abul Lyse Reg. NO: 0099730014 Department of Business Administration (2nd Batch) Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet. Contents part one Chapter one : iNTRODUCTION CHAPTER TWO: icb and ITS FUNTIONS CHAPTER tHREE: role OF ICB IN THE CAPITAL MARKET OF BANGLADESH CHAPTER FOUR: PERFORMANCE OF icb CHAPTER FIVE: SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES OF ICB part two CHAPTER ONE: ICB SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS CHAPTER TWO: findings and recommendations of an actiOn an PLAN Detailed contents pART ONE CHAPTER 1: iNTRODUCTION 1. Objective of the Study1 2. Scope of the Study1 3. Methodology of the Study2 4. Limitations of the Study4 CHAPTER TWO: ICB AND ITS FUNCTION 1. Background of the ICB5 2. Objectives5 3. Functions of ICB6 4. Business Policy7 5. Capital Structure7 6. Share Price of ICB8 7. Share holding Position of ICB9 8. Products of ICB11 9. ICB at a Glance14 10. Investors Scheme of ICB16 11. Organization Structure of ICB20 12. ICB Mutual Funds22 13. ICB Unit Funds23 14. Development Activities of ICB27 CHAPTER THREE: ROLE OF ICB IN THE CAPITAL MARKET OF BANGLADESH 3. 1 Capital Market28 3. 1. 1 Role of Capital Market in the Economic Development of a Country28 3. 1. 2 Investment Process29 3. 2 Financial Market30 3. 2. 1 Objective of the securities Market30 3. 2. 2 The Role of Government30 3. 3 Financial Market of Bangladesh31 3. 3. 1 Money Market32 3. 3. 2 The non-Securities segment of the Capital Market32 3. 3. 3 The Securities-segment of the Capital Market32 3. 4 The Elements of Security Market33 3. 5 Creating a Supply of Good Securities in Market333. 6 The Origin and development of Capital Market in Bangladesh33 . 7 The Present Scenario of Bangladesh Capital Market35 CHAPTER FOUR: PERFORMANCE OF ICB 4. 1 Role of ICB in the Capital Market of Bangladesh36 4. 2 Operational Activities of ICB41 4. 2. 1 Consideration of Applications41 4. 2. 2 Commitment42 4. 2. 3 Disbursement 46 4. 2. 4 Loan Portfolio47 4. 2. 5 Trustee, Custodian, and Issue Manager48 4. 2. 6 Lease Financing49 4. 3 Portf olio Management50 4. 4 Other Operational Activities51 4. 4. 1 Advance against ICB unit and Mutual Fund certificates Scheme51 4. 4. 2 Consumer Credit Scheme52 4. 4. 3 Merchandising Operations52 4. 4. 4 ICB Mutual Fund52 4. 4. Transaction of Securities53 4. 5 Participation in International Activities53 4. 5. 1 ICB’s involvement with South Asian Development Fund (SADF)53 4. 5. 2 Investment in South Asia Regional Fund (SARF)54 4. 6 Financial Result of ICB 55 4. 6. 1 Total Expenditure56 4. 6. 2 Net Income56 4. 6. 3 Dividend57 4. 6. 4 Some Key Financial Ratios58 CHAPTER FIVE: THREE SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES OF ICB 5. 1 Subsidiary Companies of ICB595. 2 ICB Capital Management Limited (ICML)59 5. 2. 1 Background of ICML 5. 2. 2 Vision of the Company59 5. 2. 3 Mission of the Company60 5. 2. 4 Some Salient Features of ICML investors’ Scheme60 5. . 5 Advantages of ICML Investors’ Scheme61 5. 2. 6 Margin Loan61 5. 2. 7 Financial Performance of ICML63 5. 3 ICB Asset Management Li mited (AMCL)63 5. 3 ICB Securities Trading Company Limited (ISTCL)66 PART TWO CHAPTER ONE: ICB SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS 1. Some key issues of Mutual funds 68 1. Definition of Mutual Funds 68 2. Types of Mutual funds 68 2. ICB Mutual Funds 69 1. Nature of Business 70 2. How to buy existing Mutual funds 70 3. Management of the funds 70 4. Assets of ICB Mutual funds 70 5. Management fee, Charge etc. 71 6. Declaration of Dividend 71 3. Operational Highlights of ICB Mutual Funds 72 4. Financial Statement Analysis of ICB’s Mutual Funds 76 1. Earnings Per Share (EPS) 76 2. Dividend Per Share 78 3. Dividend Payout Ratio 79 4. Earning Yield Ratio 80 5. Dividend Yield Ratio 81 6. Price Earning Ratio 82 CHAPTER TWO: FINDINGS AND recommendation 1. Finding about The Capital market of Bangladesh83 2. 1. 1 Lack of Confidence83 2. 1. 2 Frequent Monetary Change83 2. 1. 3 Liquidity Crisis84 2. 1. 4 Volatile Market Situation84 2. 1. 5 Absence of good Securities85 2. 1. 6 Absence of Government initiative85 2. 1. 7 Market Maker85 2. 1. 8 Awareness85 2. 1. 9 Lack of knowledge85 2. 1. 10 Mass Participation86 . 2 Findings about Investment Corporation of Bangladesh86 2. 2. 1 Services stopped by ICB86 2. 2. 2 Unfair dividend Policy of Mutual funds86 2. 2. 3 Irredeemable Mutual funds87 2. 2. 4 Absence of efficiency in Portfolio management of MF87 2. 2. 5 Lengthy Processing87 2. 3 Recommendation of an Action Plan88 2. 4 Conclusion 90 Bibliography 92 Acronym and Appendices I. Appendix : Or anagram of ICB II. Appendix: Balance Sheet and Income Statement of ICB Executive Summary Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), established in 1976, is virtually the only Investment Bank in Bangladesh. In a broader sense, ICB is both an investment Bank and Development Financial Institution. (DFI). ICB plays a pivotal role to encourage and broaden the base of investment and thereby to help to develop a vibrant capital market in Bangladesh. ICB caters to the need of institutional support to meet the equity gap of emerging new companies. ICB works with a view to mobilise savings of general public and inspires small and medium savers for investment in securities. As s single entity, Government of Bangladesh holds majority shares of ICB (i. e. 27%). With diverse functions, ICB operates on commercial basis, provides financial assistance to projects subject to their economic and commercial viability and arranges equity and loans singly or through consortium of financial institution. Functions of ICB include; purchasing of shares and debentures including placement and direct participation, managing existing mutual funds and investment accounts, providing investment counseling to investors and helping government to its divestment programs. The following report titled â€Å"The Role of ICB in the development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: A Performance Evaluation of ICB Sponsored Mutual Funds† contains a comprehensive overview of ICB with special emphasis on ICB’s role in the development of capital market in Bangladesh. Likewise, an analysis of ICB sponsored Mutual funds is made with detail financial analysis as ICB since its inception, have been performing a pioneering role in the capital market of Bangladesh by managing the portfolios of ICB’s eight mutual funds. Since 1980, ICB floated a total of eight mutual funds with paid up capital of Tk 17. 0 crore. After taken a restructuring program of ICB under Capital Market Development Program (CMDP) initiated by the government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and in terms of power conferred in the ICB ordinance three subsidiary companies, namely (1) ICB Capital Management Limited (2) ICB Asset Management Company Limited and (3) ICB Securities Trading Company Limited have been created and made operational to carry out merchant banking, mutual fund operations and stock brokerage functions respectively. The report is divided mainly into two parts. Part One contains a comprehensive coverage of ICB with its role in the development of capital market in Bangladesh and Part Two establishes part one by analyzing the ICB sponsored Mutual funds as ICB plays a central role in the capital market of Bangladesh by managing its eight mutual funds. Part One consists of Four Chapters. Chapter One includes the objective, scope, methodology and limitations of the study. Chapter Two describes historical background, objectives, business policies, functions, capital structure and products of ICB. Chapter Three explain the financial market and various segments of financial market of Bangladesh. The chapter also establishes the role of ICB in the development of Capital Market in Bangladesh. Chapter Four illustrates the performance of ICB. Chapter Five includes a description of three subsidiary companies of ICB. Part Two consists of two chapters. Chapter one evaluates the ICB sponsored mutual funds. This chapter initially deals with some theoretical concepts of mutual funds and then an in-depth financial performance of ICB mutual funds. Chapter two includes some findings of the study with recommendation of an action plan. The report ends with a bibliography and an appendix. Acknowledgments I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Head and Associate professor of the Department of Business Administration of Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet and All of the Teachers of the Department especially to my supervisor Ms Nafsaniath Fathema who constantly inspired, supervised, and encouraged me with valuable advice and cooperation through the whole period of my internship Program. I would also like to express my special regards to Ms Nasreen Sultana, AGM of the Personnel Department, who allowed and gave me the opportunity to work in Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, the pioneer Investment Bank of the country. I am also highly grateful to the authority of ICB and all the AGMs of various departments who helped me a lot and cooperated me during my internship period. I am in pleasure to the express my gratitude to the internship and placement committee of the Department of Business Administration especially to the oordinator of the committee, Mohammad Imtiaz Ferdous, also the Assistant Professor of the Department of Business Administration. I would like to extend my special thanks to Ms Sharmin, Senior Principal Officer of Personnel Department, Subashis Chakrabarti, Assistant librarian of the ICB and all the respective officers of ICB for their cordial cooperation and helpful advice. As the first work of my life, I would bear this fond memory of ICB for the re st of my life. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |PART ONE | | | | | | | | |CHAPTER ONE | | | | | |INTRODUCTIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. 1 Objective of the Study Learning by doing is an effective way of acquiring knowledge. To have a real life exposure, each student of Department of Business Administration, of Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology has to carry out an internship program as an integral part of his/her BBA degree. Since, only the theoretical knowledge can not make one fit for increasing competitive situation of the world, the internship placement committee had placed me at ICB for a period of three months. Other objective of this study is as follows: ? To relate academic knowledge with real life business world. ? To have an overall idea about the role of ICB in the capital market of Bangladesh with a special emphasis on ICB sponsored Mutual Funds[1]. ? To analyse the profitability of ICB sponsored mutual funds. ? To find out prevailing drawback and lacking of ICB, if there is any, and recommend an action plan. 1. 2 Scope of the Study The scope of this report is only one organisation i. e. Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and specially the Mutual Funds as it is the focus area of this report. It has been mentioned earlier, the main objective of the study is to analyse the role of ICB in the development of Capital market in Bangladesh with an emphasis on ICB sponsored mutual funds. The report gives an overview of ICB followed by a part on financial involvement of ICB. The report establishes the theoretical and conceptual framework comparing with which the capital market will be judged. There is one elaborate part that deals with the ICB sponsored mutual funds. The study will also present some problems of ICB observed during the internship coupled with some recommended action plan. 1. Methodology of the Study Methodology can be referred as underlying principles and rules of organization or the philosophical systems that work at the backdrop of any study. It clarifies the problems involving the research in a very ordered and systematic fashion. Strategies are det ermined at this stage for future implementation. In conducting any formal survey and preparing any research paper two kinds of data i. e. Primary Data and Secondary Data, are used. I tried my best to collect both types of data and information and have firm intention to emphasis on primary data as it is often up-to-date and more useful than any published information. Initially we collected raw data from departments of ICB and then sort out useful information relevant to my paper. Approaches and methods that have been used to prepare this report are as follows. 1. Personal interview: ICB has 25 departments and three subsidiary companies so far. I personally interviewed almost all AGMs of all departments and talked with the senior Principal Officer, principal Officer and other officer of concerned departments. 2. Briefing Session: Division heads (DGMs[2]) and department heads (AGMs) or their approved officials gave briefs about their respective departments. Information gathered from these sessions has been used in the report. 3. Published reports: a large amount of data are taken from the published sources such as ICB’s annual reports of previous years, Annual reports ICB Mutual Funds, Monthly review of Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchange. 4. Selection of the sample: the sample area of this study covers the head office of ICB. Since the central financial activities are done under surveillance of the Head office of ICB, so the selection of sample of this study is justifiable. Data collected from different divisions of ICB are all equally important segments of sample used in this study. ICB as a national investment institution has added a tempo in developing the capital market of Bangladesh. As a result of this importance the selection of ICB as the sample area of this study is presumably the demand of the time. 5. Time schemes: As stated earlier since the purpose of this internship program is an exposure to practical life, the ICB management has deputed me to all the division, departments, sections and cell to acquire hand-on-experience about each of them. I have visited the departments according to the following schedule. | |Name of the Departments |From |To | |   |   | |   | |1 |Personnel Department |27. 03. 2006 |28. 03. 006 | |2 |Secretary Department |29. 03. 2006 |   | |3 |Planning research and Business development Dept. |30. 04. 2006 |09. 04. 2006 | |4 |Management Information Dept. |10. 04. 2006 |12. 04. 2006 | |5 |Securities Analysis Dept. |13. 04. 2006 |16. 04. 2006 | |6 |Investor's Dept |17. 04. 2006 |19. 04. 2006 | |7 |Shares Dept. and reconciliation Cell |20. 04. 2006 |25. 04. 2006 | |8 |Unit sales Dept. |26. 04. 006 |27. 04. 2006 | |9 |Unit registration and collection Dept. |30. 04. 2006 |02. 05. 2006 | |10 |Mutual Fund Dept. |03. 05. 2006 |07. 05. 2006 | |11 |Central Acco unts Dept. |08. 05. 2006 |10. 05. 2006 | |12 | System Analysis Dept. |14. 05. 2006 |15. 05. 2006 | |13 |Programming Dept. |16. 05. 2006 |17. 05. 2006 | |14 |Loan Appraisal Dept/Lien Cell |18. 05. 2006 |21. 05. 2006 | |15 |SAARC Cell |22. 05. 006 |—- | |16 |Project Implementation Dept. |23. 05. 2006 |—- | |17 | Loan Recovery and Monitoring Dept. |24. 05. 2006 |25. 05. 2006 | |18 |Project Loan Account Dept. |28. 05. 2006 |—- | |19 |Public Issue Dept. |29. 05. 2006 |—- | |20 |Trustee Dept. |30. 05. 2006 |31. 05. 2006 | |21 |Law Dept. |01. 06. 2006 |04. 06. 2006 | |22 |Audit and Method Dept. |05. 06. 2006 |06. 06. 2006 | |23 |Department Control Dept |07. 06. 006 |—- | |24 |Establishment Dept. |08. 06. 2006 |11. 06. 2006 | |25 |public Relation Dept. |12. 06. 2006 |—- | |26 |ICB Asset Management Company Ltd |13. 06. 2006 |15. 06. 2006 | |27 |ICB Capital Management Ltd |18. 06. 2006 |20. 06. 2006 | |28 |ICB Securities Trading Ltd |21. 06. 2006 |2 6. 06. 2006 | Table 1. 1: Schedule of working at ICB 1. 4 Limitations of the Study Limitations are obvious in any study so do here. Since this is an internship report, the limitations regarding the internship programm has acted as the limitation of the study. The findings we figured out, and the recommendation we made may not be 100% accurate and may not represent the exact situation. Eventually, in completion of my study, a number of constraints and limitations I faced. These can be considered as follows: ? Performance analysis of ICB and its mutual funds may not represent the current condition of the organisation and its mutual funds as all the analysis are based on the data of June 30, 2005. Since the current year financial disclosures are not public yet, so the analysis is a little backdated. ? Officials of ICB maintain a very busy schedule. So they were not always able to provide enough time to enrich the intern students every time, even if they had the intention to do so. ? Due to security reasons and organizational privacy we didn’t have access to some core areas of ICB. ? I had to go almost every department of ICB during my three months internship programm at ICB. Three months is a very short span of time to get an in-depth knowledge about a giant organization like ICB. ? The area covered by the report â€Å"The role of ICB in the development of Capital Market in Bangladesh: A Performance Evaluation of ICB Mutual Funds† concerns a huge a number of activities and it is very difficult to sketch a total picture of the financial activities in a report of this short scale. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |CHAPTER TWO | | | | | |ICB AND ITS FUNCTIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2. 1 Background of the ICB The investment corporation of Bangladesh (I CB) was established on 1st October 1976, under â€Å"The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh ordinance, 1976† (no XL of 1976). The establishment of ICB was a major step in a series of measures undertaken by the Government to accelerate the pace of industrialization and to develop a well organized and vibrant capital market particularly securities market in Bangladesh. ICB caters to the need of institutional support to meet the equity gap of the companies. In view of the national policy of accelerating the rate of savings and investment to foster self –reliant economy, ICB assumes an indispensable and pivotal role. Through the enactment of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (Amendment) Act 2000 (no 24 of 2000), reforms[3] in operational strategies and business policies have been implemented by establishing and operating subsidiary companies with ICB as the holding company. 2. 2 Objective As the country’s Pioneer Investment Bank, ICB has been working to assist the small investors in mobilizing their savings. ICB works with a view to broaden the base of the investment of the country, ensure mass participation of general people in the capital market and thus to contribute towards the GDP of Bangladesh. ? To encourage and broaden the base of investments ? To develop the capital market ? To mobilise savings ? To promote and establish subsidiary companies for business expansion. ? To provide for matters 2. 3 Functions of ICB To develop the capital market of Bangladesh, and mobilise the savings of small investors, ICB carry out a range of diversified functions. With a solid view to foster and accelerate the economic growth of the country, ICB provides all sorts of financial services to the potential sector. Ensuring equal distribution of economic benefits gained by the economy among the grass root level is one of the main objectives of ICB. Various functions of ICB can be mentioned as follows. Unlike any other financial institutions, ICB maintains a portfolio of the government comprised of different securities of listed companies and helps government advising regarding fiscal and monetary policy of the country. As a market maker it floats mutual funds, issues unit certificates, underwrites securities and manages issuance of securities. | | | |Underwriting of initial public offering of shares and debentures | | |Underwriting of right issue of shares | |Basic |Direct purchase of shares and debentures including Pre-I[4]PO placement and equity participation | |Functions |Providing lease finance to industrial machinery and other equipments singl y or by forming syndicate | |Of |Managing investors' Accounts | | |Managing Open End and Closed End Mutual Funds[5] | |ICB |Operating on the Stock Exchanges | | |Providing investment counseling to issuers and investors | | |Participating in government investment program | | |Participating in and financing of, joint-venture projects | | |Dealing in other matters related to capital market operations | | |Trusty, Custodian, Bank Guarantee | | |Consumer Credit | 2. 4 Business Policy The corporation has adopted a realistic business policy framework within which its operation is conducted. The corporation, acts on commercial consideration with due regard to the interest of industry, commerce, depositors, investors and to the public in general. | | | | |To provide financial assistance to projects subject to their economic and commercial viability. | |Business |To arrange consortium of financial institutions including merchant banks to provide equity support to | |Policy |projects and thereby spread the risk of underwriting. | |Of |To develop and encourage entrepreneurs. | |ICB |To diversify investments in securities. | |To create employment. | | |To encourage Investment in IT sector. | | |To encourage Investment in joint venture capital/project. | 2. 5 Capital Structure | Capital Structure of ICB -as on June 30, 2005 (Tk in crore) | |Authorised capital |100. 00 | |Paid up capital |50. 00 | |Reserve |84. 11 | |Retained profit |5. 6 | |Long term govt. Loan |5. 25 | |Debentures |61. 80 | |Others |24. 89 | |Total |231. 41 | Source: Drawn based on the data of ICB Annual Repo rt 2004-2005 Figure 2. 1 Capital Structure of ICB Share price of ICB Share price of for the last year was as follows: Fig 2. 2: 2. 7 Share holding Position of ICB Equity participation from a range of institution along with the government of Bangladesh has made the capital structure of ICB as a unique. Nationalised banks, Private commercial banks, Bangladesh Bank including the general public have ownership in ICB. |Shareholding position of ICB (as on June 30,2005) | |Shareholder |No. of share holder |No. of shares |Percentage | |Governments of Bangladesh |1 |1350000 |27. 00 | |Nationalised Commercial Banks |4 |1137220 |22. 4 | |Development Financial Institution |2 |681550 |13. 63 | |Insurance Companies |3 |618286 |12. 37 | |Bangladesh Bank |1 |600000 |12. 00 | |Denationalized Private Com Banks |2 |454263 |9. 08 | |Private Commercial Banks |3 |28286 |0. 7 | |Foreign Commercial Banks |2 |26531 |0. 53 | |First BSRS Mutual Fund |1 |6900 |0. 14 | |Other Institution |9 |26949 |0. 54 | |General Public |927 |70015 |1. 54 | | Total|955 |5000000 |100. 00 | Table 2. 2: Shareholding Position of ICB Source: Annual Report 2004-2005 [pic] Figure: 2. 3 Shareholding position of ICB 2. 8 Products of ICB Private Placements ICB is authorized to act as an agent of the issuers and investors for private placements of securities. Under this arrangement, ICB places securities to individuals/institutions on behalf of the issuer for which it charges fees. ICB also acquires shares/securities for its own portfolio both in pre-IPO placement and equity investment. Underwriting[6] In order to raise long term equity from the primary market, the government bodies, enterprises, corporations or companies may seek intermediary assistance from ICB in the form of underwriting. Because of its long and proven experience, reputation, asset back up and established network of regional offices, ICB is in an excellence position to attract the potential investors to the proposed issue of shares, debentures and other securities for successful flotation of IPO and placement. Custodian and Banker to the Issues To act as the custodian to the public issue of Open-end & Closed-end Mutual Funds, ICB provides professional services. It also acts as the Banker to the issues and provides similar services through the network of its branches. Fees in this regard are negotiable. Mergers and Acquisitions Companies willing to expand their business through mergers or acquisitions or o divestment projects that no longer viable into present capacity of operation can contact the Corporation. ICB provides professional services & advices in respect of shaping up the cost and financial structures to ensure best possible operational results. Besides, in case of divestment, the corporatio n, through network and established business relationship, bring buyers and sellers together, help them to negotiate final agreement and advice on the emerging corporate structure. Advance against Unit Certificates Scheme Advance against ICB Unit Certificates Scheme was introduced in 1998, especially designed for the ICB unit- holders to meet their emergency fund requirements. One can borrow maximum Tk. 5 per unit by depositing his/her unit certificates under lien arrangement from any of the ICB offices where from such unit certificates were issued. The rate of interest on the loan is reasonable and competitive. Corporate Financial Advice Government enterprises and Companies intending to go public issue often seek professional & financial advice on corporate restructuring & reengineering. ICB through its expertise provide such services through its expertise. Lease[7] Financing ICB Provides lease finance mainly for procurement of industrial machinery, equipment and transport. ICB prov ides professional advice and financial assistance to the intending clients. The period of lease, rental, charges, and other terms and conditions are determined on the basis of type of assets and the extent of assistance required by the applicants. Since introduction of this scheme in 1999, good responses have been received from the intending lessees. Trustee to the debenture and Securities assets ICB is acting as a trustee to the debenture issues and asset-backed securitised bonds. ICB acted as trustee to the issues of 17 companies of which 7 companies has been redeemed successfully. Bank Guarantee scheme ICB introduced Bank Guarantee scheme in 2002-03. ICB provides (i) Bid Bond for enabling the business people to participate in any tender or bidding; ii) Performance Bond for helping the business community to continue their business smoothly by fulfilling their obligations promised by them to their clients; and (iii) Customs Guarantee for solving different disagreements between the customs authority and the business classes at the initial stage. The maximum limit of guarantee is Tk. 2. 00 crore and would be issued against at east 20% cash and 80% easily encashable securities or against 100% cash margin. Re-guarantee from other financial institution is required for guarantee against the amount exceeding Tk. 2. 00 crore. Consumer Credit Scheme As part of business diversification program, ICB has introduced â€Å"Consumers Credit Scheme† in 2003-04 considering at the need of various household commodities of different employees of govt. , semi-govt. autonomous bodies and some established private sector organizations. Under this scheme one can enjoy minimum Tk 1. 0 lac but maximum 5 lac credit facilities. The rate of interest on the loan is reasonable and competitive which is fixed by the board of directors of ICB considering the bank rate and with the guidelines of Bangladesh Bank. 2. 9 ICB at a Glance |Particulars |Cumulative up to June 30, 2005 (Tk in Crore) | |Authorized Capital |100. 00 | |Paid up Capital |50. 0 | |Financial Assistance to projects (Commitment) | | |No of projects |431 | |Amount |536. 87 | |Disbursement of project loan | | |No of projects |308 | |Amount |114. 2 | |Trustee to debenture issue | | |No of companies |17 | |Amount |184. 15 | |Trustee to issue of bonds | | |No of companies |5 | |Amount |134. 6 | |Custodian/Trustee to issue of Mutual Funds | | |No of funds |4 | |Amount |60. 00 | |Manager to the issue | | |No of companies |41 | |Amount |104. 9 | |Lease financing | | |No of projects |34 | |Amount sanctioned |92. 93 | |Public Issue (ICB Assisted) | | |No of companies |111 | |Size of issue (General public) |368. 3 | |ICB Investors’ scheme | | |No of accounts opened |77207 | |Investment made |760. 82 | |ICB Mutual Funds | | |Number |8 | |Capital fund |17. 0 | |Total market value of investment |67. 66 | |Dividend per certificate in eight mutual funds for the year 2004-2005, ranges | | |from Tk 15 to Tk 210) | | |ICB unit fund | | |Gross sale |940. 8 | |Rate of dividend for the year 2004-05=Tk12 per certificate | | |ICB’s Transaction in the Stock Exchanges including subsidiaries | | |DSE |769. 90 | |CSE |268. 73 | Financial Results (For the year 2004-05) (Tk in crore) |Income |170. 38 | |Net profit after Tax |21. 3 | |Dividend (Tk per share) |12 | |Manpower (as on June 0,2005) |396 | |No of shareholders ( as on June 30, 2005) |955 | 2. 10 Investors Scheme of ICB Investor scheme is one of the core functions of ICB. Through investors’ scheme, ICB ensures Participation of small investors in the capital market of Bangladesh. The Investors' Scheme was introduced in 1977 with the objective of broadening the base of equity investment through mobilising savings of small and medium size savers for investment in the securities market. In addition to Head Office, Investment Accounts are also operated at the 7 branch offices of ICB located at Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, and Bogra. However in view of strategic changes in policy reform, from 01 July 2002 ICB stopped opening new accounts and ICB Capital Management Ltd. started opening and managing investment accounts. ICB will continue to provide services to its existing accounts only. Table 2. 3: Comparative operational activities of the investors’ scheme in 2004-2005 and 2003-2004 |Particulars |04-05 |03-04 |Increase/Decrease |Cum as on June 30, 2005 | | | | |(%) | | |No. f accounts opened | — | — | — |72207 | |No. of accounts closed |807 |776 |4. 26 |28327 | |No. of net operative accounts |48880 |49687 |-1. 62 |48880 | |Deposit received |22. 7 |27. 31 |-16. 62 |314. 87 | |Loans disbursed |159. 5 |58. 73 |171. 58 |707. 8 | |Investment Made |118. 26 |62. 91 |87. 98 |760. 82 | |Interest accrued |25. 09 |30. 48 |-17. 68 |— | |Interest waived |19. 06 |31. 26 |-39. 03 |55. 52 | |Recovery of margin Loans |179. 6 |103. 14 |74. 13 | —| |Fund withdrawal |40. 18 |13. 09 |206. 95 | —| Further steps were undertaken to enhance the quality and speedy service under the scheme like computerization of all activities and installation of merchandizing operation management software. This enables the management to offer better and quick service to the investors including instant supply of the financial statement, portfolio, balance of the accounts, etc. Installation of telephone banking system in Investors' Account enabling investors to collect information and operate their account over telephone was at the final stage of operations. Besides, installation of Electronic display system of DSE online trading on the floor of ICB has been set up. Through investors’ scheme ICB provides the following services. Authority of Operation An account may be operated by the account holder himself/herself or he/she may authorize to another A/c. holder of investors account of ICB by written consent in the prescribed form, some one else to operate the account on his/her behalf. In case of joint account holders, account may be operated by single or joint signatories or by authorised operator. Margin Loan Presently ICB grants loan up to two times i. e. at the ratio of 1:3 against the deposits of account holder(s) subject to a maximum of Tk. 3, 00,000. 00 to an account. However, management of ICB, at its discretion, may limit such loan. Loans are repayable as per repayment schedule given by ICB. In the event of default of loan repayment, the outstanding amount may be recovered by sale of securities held in the account. Portfolio Management The account holder may use his/her equity and the loan to buy securities which ICB keeps as collateral. Purchase and sale orders are executed by ICB within the shortest possible time, subject to the availability of fund in the account and scope of matching of buyers/sellers and securities in the stock exchanges. An account holder or his/her authorized person may place purchase/sale execution order in the prescribed form, indicating whether, the order is a limit order i. e. an specifying the max. /min. rice at which he/she is willing to buy /sale, or at a market price i. e. without any limit of price. The purchase and sale orders are valid for seven and ten days respectively, if not revalidated / cancelled otherwise by the account operator. Withdrawal of Securities/Funds All or any amount of fund or securities may be withdrawn from an accou nt subject to keeping of minimum credit balance of Tk. 5000. 00 in cash or in securities to keep the account running alive. Application against IPO All activities relating to application for securities and collection of allotment letter / refund warrant and certificates, as the case may be, against the IPO[8] are done by ICB on behalf of account holder. Collection of Securities and Benefits Right shares, bonus shares, dividends, interest, converted shares etc. accruing to an account are collected by ICB from the respective companies. Registration and custodial services Registration of shares/ securities with the company is made before the closure of the company's share / debenture transfer book, after completing all the required formalities, on behalf of the account holder. Volt and other custodial arrangement for assets of the account are provided by ICB. Counseling and data support In order to develop diversified and balanced portfolio to minimize risk and maximize profit, ICB provides professional advice to its clients. Data support in the form of securities analysis sheet, daily purchase/ sale position, statement and portfolio of each account, etc. are provided on demand and on regular interval. Income Incomes from investments by way of dividend, interest, bonus shares, capital gains etc. are credited to the respective account. Expense Interest on loan (currently-12. 5%) and brokerage (0. 5% for non CDS & 0. 5250% for CDS) on sale/ purchase of securities are charged to the respective account. To encourage the small and medium savers, ICB at present does not charge fees for most of the services rendered by ICB to its customers, including fees for management, investment advice, custodial service(for non CDS securities),etc. Closing of Account An account may be closed by written order subject to settlement of fees & dues, if any. There is no provision of revival of a closed account. Risk Management Risks of investments in the securities market are minimized through prudent & professional portfolio management. 2. 11 Organization Structure of ICB Management of ICB The head office of the corporation as per the requirement of the ordinance of ICB is located at Dhaka. The board of directors of ICB is very much rich as it consists of distinguished professional and managing director of other organization. The Board consists of 11 members including the Chairman and Managing Director. The Board of Directors consists of the following members. The Chairman and Managing Director (MD) are to be appointed by the government o The directors to be appointed by the government from among persons serving under the government. o One Director to be appointed by the Bangladesh Bank o The Managing Director of Bangladesh Shilpa Bank (BSB), ex offi ce. o The Managing Director of Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Shnagsta (BSRS) o Four other directors to be elected by the shareholders other than the government. ICB- its Divisions and Departments Investment Corporation of Bangladesh split, into 25 departments and 11 divisions in its head office. Beside that ICB has seven branches in different districts. These are situated at Dhaka (local office), Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Bogura and Barisal. ICB is functionally divided into two broad wings. One is operations wing and another is Administrative wing. The functions of operational wings involve the activities of project Financing, Planning Research and Business Development, Lunching Unit and Mutual Funds (launching if new funds is now stopped and currently the function is accomplished by ICB Asset Management Ltd), transaction and maintenance of Investor Accounts. The function of administrative Wing involve the activities of Account and Finance, Legal affairs, Implementation and Recovery, Project Implementation, Law and Public Issue. It is mentioned earlier, that ICB consists of 11 Divisions and 25 departments. The following table lists all the divisions and departments of ICB. An appendix at the pf the report contains the full Organ gram of ICB. Table 2. 4 |Division |Department | |A. Administration |01. Personel | | |02. Establishment | |B. Loan Appraisal |03. Loan Appraisal | | |04. Economic and Business Research | | |05. Securities Analysis | |C. Legal Affairs |06. Public Issue | | |07. Law | |D. Merchandising |08. Investors’ | | |09. Shares | | |10. Transaction | |E. Funds |11. Unit sales | | |12. Unit Registration and Procurement | | |13. Mutual Funds | |F. Computer |14. System Analysis | | |15. Programming | | |16. Management Information System | |G. Audit And Methods |17. Audit And Methods (Head Office) | | |18. Audit And Methods (Branches) | |H. Accounts and Finance |19. Central Accounts | | |20. Project Loan Accounts | |I. Implementation |21. project Implementation | | |22. Recovery and Follow-up | |J. Secretary’s |23. Secretary’s | | |24. Public Relation | |K. Branch and Subsidiaries control Division |25. Branch Control Department | 2. 11 ICB Mutual Funds It is a recognized principle that diversification of investment reduces risk. An individual may not have the time, expertise and resources to undertake such diversification. Here arises the advantage of a Mutual Fund. Mutual Funds pool the savings of a great number of investors and make investments in a wide array of securities. In Bangladesh ICB has pioneered Mutual Funds for the sake of investors and of the capital market. Mutual Funds are also known as close ended Mutual Funds. The issued capital of a Mutual Fund is limited, that is, a Mutual Fund offers a limited number of certificates for sale to the public. The amount of capital and the number of certificates of each Mutual Fund remains unchanged. ICB Mutual Funds are independent of one another. Price of Mutual Fund certificates after IPO is determined on the Stock Exchanges through interaction of supply and demand. The market price of a Mutual Fund certificates is available in Stock exchange quotations and in newspapers. An investor can purchase any of the existing eight ICB Mutual Funds certificates through the Stock Exchanges at the prevailing Market Price. The Mutual Funds are managed by ICB as fund manager for which receives commission @1%. ICB Mutual Funds Certificates holders shall have unfettered ownership in the assets of the Fund to which they are related. In case of winding up of the Corporation the assets belonging to any ICB Mutual Fund shall not be treated as the assets of the Corporation. At present management fee @ 1% on the paid up capital of the Fund is charged annually. No amount is charged on account of custodial and trust services. The net income received on investments of Funds on account of dividend, bonus, interest, capital gain etc. are distributed amongst the Certificate Holders as per decision of the Board of Directors of ICB. Board declares such income in the form of dividend at the end of July each year. Dividends declared by ICB in the past on the Mutual Funds were very attractive. A detail analysis on ICB sponsored mutual fund will be followed on the second part of the report. 2. 12 ICB Unit Fund Sponsored by the Government of Bangladesh, ICB Unit Fund was established on April 10, 1981. Its main objective is to mobilize savings through sale of its units to small investors and invest these funds in marketable securities. The scheme provides a potential source of equity and debt to industrial and commercial concerns and thus contributes to the industrial development of the country. Unit fund is an open ended Mutual Fund. It provides an opportunity to the unit holders to invest their funds in a well managed and diversified portfolio with a high degree of security of capital and reasonable yearly returns. Investment in Units is safe and ensures a continuous and regular source of income for the holders. Units are easily encashable. As such, investment in Unit is comparatively more attractive. By investing in this scheme an investor may derive personal benefit on the one hand and also contribute towards the economic development of the country on the other. ICB units are securities within the meaning of Trust Act. 1882. Issue, Transfer and Surrender of Unit Certificates (I) Units are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, & 5000 denominations. The names with addresses of the holders are recorded and dividends are dispatched to them accorded and dividends are dispatched to them accordingly. II) Units may be transferred through prescribed transfer form duly filled in and signed by the transferor and transferee. No stamp duty is required for such transfers. (III) Units may be encased by way of surrendering the certificates along with the prescribed surrender forms duly filled in and sig ned by the registered holders and no prior notice is required. The certificates are required to be surrendered at the prevailing Repurchase Price. Price Fixation: Changes in repurchase prices of units are notified through the newspapers and price of a Unit is fixed periodically by ICB as its fund manager. Among others, valuation of the assets of the Fund is taken into consideration while fixing price of a unit. Public Participation The Fund is divided into units which are generally known as â€Å"ICB Unit†. Each Unit bears a certain value in the assets of the Fund. The Unit holders are the owners of the fund and only they are benefited from it. Unit certificates can be purchased in single or joint name (s). At present maximum of 10,000 Units can be purchased in a single or joint name(S) at a time. Units are not sold to institutions. Professional Counseling Professional Counseling is rendered to the prospective & existing investors who are eager to purchase ICB Units through ICB offices and authorized Bank branches. Presently this scheme is operated by ICB Asset Management Company Limited. Investment by Bangladeshi Citizens Abroad The Bangladeshi citizens living abroad may invest in certificates on fulfillment of the following terms and conditions: (I) The value of Units purchased is to be remitted through bank channel, (II) The money invested in Units and benefits thereon are not allowed to be repatriated, (III) The investors must mention their local and bank addresses in Bangladesh for convenience of registration of Units. Investment by Foreigners Residing in Bangladesh The foreign nationals residing in Bangladesh may also invest in Unit Certificates, provided they produce certificates to the effect that money being invested are their own savings and is not borrowed as loan or overdraft from any bank. These certificates are to be collected from a Gazetted Officer or a Banker not below the rank or Deputy General Manager. Fund Management The responsibility of managing the fund rests on ICB for which management fee @ Tk. 1. 25 per Unit (net outstanding) is charged. The Corporation also discharges the responsibility of loading and unloading of securities in and from the portfolio in the interest of the Unit holders. It is also the custodian of all assets of the fund. Dividend The total income earned on investment/ deployment of funds, net of expenditures incurred, in a financial year is distributed among the unit holders as dividend. Dividend is normally declared at the end of July each year by the Board of Directors of ICB. Dividend Warrants are dispatched soon after declaration of dividend. Since launching of the scheme in 1981 till FY 2004-05 the rates of yearly dividend declared/ paid are as under: Figure 2. 4: dividend performance of ICB unit fund The graph shows that the fund provides an attractive cash dividend each year to the highest of 25% in 1988-89 and to the lowest of 11. 01% in 2004-2005. Figure 2. 5: Dividend yield on ICB unit fund The graph shows a dividend yield on opening price of the unit fund. Tax Benefits (I) Investment in Units enjoys the benefit of Investment Allowance under Sec. 44 of Income Tax ordinance 1984. (II) Units are treated as approved securities in accordance with the Section 2993 of the Companies Act. 1994 and Insurance Act,   1938. These are also treated as Securities as per Sec. 20 of the Trust Act, 1882. Cumulative Investment Plan (CIP) Under this scheme a holder instead of receiving dividend may reinvest such dividend income accrued for purchasing Unit at a confessional rate. In such case, Units are issued at Tk. 1. 00 less than t he opening price of the financial year. 2. 13 Development Activities of ICB Equity support through consortium arrangement ICB inve