Consumerism Essay

Taking the green to the extreme A lot of consumer groups are starting to show up against capitalism and consumerism. They strive to come out with the message that â€Å"less is more†, meaning that buying less is better for the environment. They are taking recycling to another level. The question is, is it possible to make a huge impact? Do we really need to stop consuming to make a difference? And how bad do we need a change? One of these groups are called freegans. Freegans are people living an anti-consumer lifestyle, they choose to re-use food that is being tossed to the curbside but the food being tossed is edible.A lot of people think that it is obscene to eat food out of a dumpster or curbside and that it is impossible to know how long the food has been out there. They are not necessarily being freegans out of economical issues they are doing it out of principle because they do not wish to fund those big corporations that are spoiling the environment and they also think about the homeless people and give them some of the food they find since they get so much that they cannot take it all home. Their message is being well received, since some stores put the food in way that makes it easy for them to pick and choose and they even wink at them.Another group is the Compact that are against consumerism. It originated in 2005 at dinner party in San Francisco, where the guests decided to take recycling to another level by going a whole year without making a new purchase but they are allowed to buy used items and are encouraged to borrow and reuse whatever possible. They too think that consumerism is destroying the world and that most of us own more than we need. Their concept is being taken rather seriously and has quickly been spread all across the United States of America. Almost 3. 00 people from all over the world has taken part of the concept on Yahoo and the participants think that it has been a rewarding experience. Quote from John Perry the co-foun der of the Compact group – â€Å"We’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and competitive spirit with friends,â€Å" Perry said. â€Å"And it’s been really good for us to think about what we need, as opposed to what we want† When Colin Beavan got the news about global warming and he did not feel that the government was doing something about it, so he decided to do something about it, therfore he did something that nobody has done in thousands of years.Colin Beavan decided to live without electricity through a whole year with his daughter and wife. Other initiatives are to use low-energy transportation, eliminating trash, eating locally and seasonal and so on He wrote a book called â€Å"No Impact Man: A Year Off the Grid† based on his experiences throughout the year he was living without electricity. Colin Beavan says that whenever they were bored they went to the park and hung out with their neighbors and in this way they were both being social and sparing the environment. Colin Beavan has encouraged people to do the same by starting the No Impact Experiment.There is a webpage were you can register yourself to join the No Impact Experiment, you can schedule how you are going to live a week and upload videos of how well you are doing, so that everyone can see your results. Personally I think that these are some amazing initiatives and it is very inspiring but I do not think I would be able to live by eating food from the dumpsters or without electricity, I am too accustom to the way I am living like right now and I believe a lot people would have difficulties because they are to accustom to the way they are, I know a lot of people who cannot live without their cell phones or being on Facebook.A lot of the things that a couple years ago we almost did not use have become a necessity for us, e. g. internet, or at least for my generation. I do think that even the smallest thing you do, can help the environment and the small steps are the ones that are going to help the environment. ?

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) Case Study Essay

1. INTRODUCTION Remember! smile ,when you are walking along a major street because you are recorded by a Closed-circuit camera. While walking along the street ,glanced up and you will probably see cameras glaring back at you. Perhaps that you cannot see them, but they are there. Have you ever bump your head and immediately after looked around to see if anyone was watching at you? That has happened to almost everybody, but as majority does not see such action or we might say as incident. However, CCTV or Closed-circuit television have got them clearly recorded. According to Wikipedia , Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place ,on a limited set of monitor . Marie Van Brittan Brown was the inventor of the CCTV camera. Nowadays, we are not only depending only on security personnel but also electronic devices. State-of-the-art and effective CCTV cameras are one of the benefits of the advances of technology in the enhancement of security . Closed-circuit televisions are often seen in universities, businesses, stations , shops and even government institution in order to provide video surveillance and deter crime. A British Home Office promotional booklet , CCTV: Looking Out For You (Home Office, 1994), actually states that the technology can be a solution to many problems, such as vandalism, drug use, drunkenness, racial harassment, sexual harassment, loitering and disorderly behaviour (Davis 1999).However , the usage of CCTV monitoring is not without a debate . Even so, I strongly believe that Closed-circuit television (CCTV) should be installed in every single place to combat the increasing theft rate and to protect the masses. 2.THE ADVANTAGES OF CLOSED-CIRCUIT CAMERA 2.1. PREVENT CRIME First of all, CCTV system helps in preventing all kinds of crime. If a crime is committed, the culprit will be eventually caught . By having a closed circuit television at workplace, crimes of stealing and theft robbed from a jewelry store can be trimmed down. This is because if the criminals know that there are cameras then they would be more likely to just move on to an easy target. The clips taken by these cameras serve as a source of evidence to help trace the thieves. For further illustration, the cops in Malaysia and many other developed countries used the videos captured by the Closed-circuit television (CCTV) to trace and successfully catch a group of robbers who broke into a Seven Eleven shop during the midnight. The mere presence of CCTV is enough to reduce the rate of crime in most cases. That is why some businesses will put up a dummy CCTV camera to fool criminally minded individuals into thinking their actions are being monitored, and perhaps, persuade them not to commit the crime. In this manner, the business owner is not only protecting the customers and employees, but is also safeguarding the business. In the event of a crime, a recording of the events can be turned over to the authorities to aid their investigations. 2.2 KEEP RECORD Furthermore, the clips captured by a CCTV camera system are often recorded and stored into a database. These are helpful in maintaining records so that they can be easily retrieved later when needed. As an example, sometimes the employees are required to handle some annoyed customers. When having a face-to-face interaction with frustrated customer, the situation can put the employee in physical danger. Hence, the installation of CCTV cameras may help the employees escape from this situation as the customers know very well that their conversations are recorded by the CCTV . In the event of an argument, the video which had been recorded can be used to determine what actually took place so that further actions can then be taken. In short, these cameras can help to provide some form of protection to the workers  against the customers. 2.3 MONITORING TRAFFIC Looking from another perspective, CCTV is also used for monitoring traffic by local or state roadways authorities to manage the traffic flows and providing an advice concerning traffic congestion .Road traffic control involves directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic around a construction zone or other road disruption , thus the government installed a Closed-circuit television by the roadside to ensure the safety of emergency response teams, construction workers and also the general public. Speeding is a big problem that can cause some serious injuries. The government is now putting up cameras at stoplights to protect people from traffic violators. More than sixty cities in the U.S are using traffic cameras at busy intersections. Now, when a person runs a red light, or drives unreasonably fast through an intersection, they can expect a traffic citation. By installing these cameras, people are more likely to drive safe; this will inevitably lead to fewer accidents at some of the busiest intersections-it could even save lives. When one knows there are cameras around they are less likely to do something that might get them into trouble. 2.4 AVOID VIOLENCE IN SCHOOL On the other hand , CCTV might also avoid violence and bullying in schools. The headmister or the headmistress would be able to see what actually happens in the classroom and he or she would be able to interfere in critical situations. In the past we had some very sad stories of students who used guns against their teachers and classmates. We all will never forget the tragedies of Columbus and Erfurt, where many people died. Only last year a 17-year-old German killed 16 students, teachers and inhabitants of a small town near Stuttgard. If cameras had been installed in the classrooms of the school , I very sure that this sad cases would not happen and many people would have survived . 2.5 LAW ENFORCEMENT CCTV is used by law enforcement in public places, such as at traffic lights, to serve as a deterrent to those who might be tempted to break traffic laws. Those who violate traffic laws are identified and soon receive a ticket in the mail due to the presence of the CCTV cameras which record their car registration numbers. CCTV records car accidents and monitors traffic jams. CCTV is also beneficial to law enforcement in increasing personnel efficiency by decreasing the number of officers on the beat due to the fact that CCTV cameras are â€Å"patrolling† some areas, especially in places like the subway, airport and train station. CCTV can help in the prevention of lawsuits by recording the actual sequence of events involving a customer and an establishment. Some customers might claim that an employee attacked them physically while they might have initiated the attack and the employee was only being defensive. In another scenario, a customer might deliberately spill some liquid on the ground, pretend to fall, and claim that it was there due to the company’s negligence. A CCTV recording will sort things out. 3. THE DISADVANTAGES OF CLOSED-CIRCUIT CAMERA 3.1. NO GUARANTEE WILL CATCH ANY CRIME UNWANTED As the after way of discuss the advantages , there are also the disadvantages of the Closed-circuit television.CCTV is usually not able to display every square inch of a business or facility. Even if the cameras are positioned correctly, there is no guarantee that the cameras will catch any crime or unwanted behavior done on the property. These cameras can sometimes be thwarted by covering them up or by sticking a piece of chewing gum on the lenses. Someone who is familiar with the property may still be able to get around the surveillance and avoid getting caught. If the cameras are positioned incorrectly, the high traffic areas of the facility will not be shown on camera. In this case, much of the behavior that the CCTV cameras are designed to detect will not be captured on tape. 3.2. NO MANAGE TO RECORD THE TIME Along with the increased amount of cameras in public areas,CCTV security cameras are now being used in the office to monitor the staff. This is enable management to record how long the staff are taking their breaks and if they are going anything that could be considered inappropriate. This offen seen as an infringement of civil liberties, especially as there is possibility that, depending where management place the cameras, they could abuse their power. 4.CONCLUSION As a conclusion , CCTV cameras are essential and therefore should be installed in every premise . This is chiefly to shield oneself from being harmed by any intruders or robbers . Admittedly , privacies are lost with the use of these cameras . In the Slate magazine of America state that:†We Need More Cameras , And We Need Them Now!’ After the Boston Marathon Bombing Cases that happen on 15 april 2013 . However , one must realize that safety is of paramount importance compared to privacy and prevention is always better than suffering from the consequences . Nonetheless , safety should be put first in order to be safe . Surveillance cameras can be very useful. They aren’t here to spy on our private lives; they are here to protect our private lives. They catch the bad guys; they catch the drunk drivers and get them off the streets; they save businesses from bad employees and shoplifters, and most of all, they protect the right to a safe, better environment for all of us. RESOURCE http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/closed-circuit_television . ,retrieved 13july2013 www.essayforum.com/writing-feedback-3/use-cctv-cameras-essay-29373 . ,retrieved 12july2013 www.wikipedia.org/wiki/road_traffic_control . , retrieved 15july2013 www.slate.com/articles/technology/2013/04/boston_bomber_photos_themarthon_bombing_shows_that_we_need_more_security.html . , retrieved 20july2013

Surprises and difficulties

Life has always been filled with surprises and difficulties. Oftentimes, we are left to face these challenges alone. We then begin to think how much education has contributed much to the success of others. For this, I believe that my education as a young child has contributed much to who I am today. I believe that English was one of the many subjects that have helped shaped my future. At first, taking English classes served as a barrier at first, but then I have realized that the little things thought in English courses were important to one’s success.The course focused on topics, such as descriptive and narrative essays, comparing and contrasting, argumentations, and summarizations. I found the class to be well organized, with each subject planned carefully by the professors. I must admit that I was hesitant at first, for I thought that I would have a hard time learning the topics. I was wrong. It turned out to be relatively easy, although some topics were confusing. The prog ress I had with regards to learning the topics was surprising.I was able to learn how to express my feelings, emotions, and my opinions about things around me through writing. The use of different words was taught to us, which were clear descriptions of how we felt at a particular time. In addition to this, I have also learned how to be more confident about myself. I know at first, I found it difficult to neither stand in front of a big crowd, nor talk to people I was unfamiliar with.

Alternative Energy Sources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Alternative Energy Sources - Essay Example 74-75). In the result, there has been significant increment in researches related to the advancements of alternative energy sources and their impact on different aspects of human life (Simon, pp. 19-22). In specific, it is observation that until now, researchers (EIA, pp. 11-15) have focused primarily on the impact of alternative sources on business environment or global economies. However, the proposed research will go into a micro perspective while emphasizing on the impact of one of the alternative sources on the lives of average American people, and the effectiveness of such source in terms of its prices as compared to existing available sources. From this aspect, the proposed research will focus on the following research statement: Studies have shown that fossil fuels are playing a leading role in fulfilling majority of the energy’s requirements on global level. In specific, it fulfills more than seventy percent of the world’s energy demand (Ahmed & Anderson, pp. 240). However, analysis (Solarbuzz, 2009) has indicated that alternative energy sources are now heading toward competing with the fossil fuels in the form of solar, hydropower, nuclear, hydrogen fuel, ethanol, etc (World Bank, pp. 1-5). One of the major factors of increment in the demand of alternative energy sources is rapid reduction in fossil fuels. For instance, countries are now putting efforts to use solar energy sources to reduce the expensive costs related to the usage of fossil fuels, especially, oil that is an expensive energy source, as compared to the solar energy sources. In the United States, the government is currently depending on fossil fuels to fulfill more than eighty-five percent of its demand of energy; however, alternative energy sources are contributing to only ten percent of the requirement, and solar energy only five percent (SEA, 2007). Thus, it has now become very imperative to

Four Types of Experimental Designs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Four Types of Experimental Designs - Essay Example This report examines four fairly common research methodologies: survey research, case study research, ethnography, and mixed design. The pros and cons of each design are assessed, and examples are given. A survey or questionnaire is considered to be a relatively accessible, flexible research option. Generally, flexible designs offer benefits to research that is willing to change as new variables come up throughout the process, whereas fixed or quantitative designs such as will be mentioned later, offer benefits to research that is about stabilizing and controlling a certain state of variables or predictions. The quantitative or qualitative survey method is a popular choice among researchers. This methodology differs from explicit ethnography in that it is more rationalized and quantitative in nature, and primarily seeks to answer research questions through the proposition that scientific research cannot be proposed without substantive or grounded data to back it up. This makes the us e of statistical information very popular with other type theorists, but getting statistics on the future is difficult, and therefore this is another appropriate reason for the research subject to be covered in a quantitative survey manner, rather than grounded theory or ethnographic methods. When researchers use a survey, they often wind up finding out new research questions and directions, while measuring the opinions and attitudes of subjects. At the same time, they can present their data in a scientific way, through the use of ANOVA, SPSS software, and other methods.

A Study in Ethics - What's you ethical style Essay

A Study in Ethics - What's you ethical style - Essay Example izations are trying to maintain effective workplace environment and significant collaborative workplace environment in order to ensure effective workplace performance. In addition to this, several leading organizations are trying to develop a multicultural workforce in order to ensure effective knowledge sharing within the workforce. Therefore, any kind of harsh and critical step can change the entire environment of the workplace as it can develop several types of critical workplace conflicts. However, ethics of care can help the organizations to increase the motivation level of the team members. Leadership style of Steve Jobs can be considered as democratic leadership style. He used to implement visionary leadership trait within the workplace under the democratic leadership style in order to increase the level of creativity and motivation among the employees. He always implemented ethics of care during the strategy development and decision making process. Therefore, it is clear that ethics of care and responsibility cannot affect the leadership style of a leader. It is true that ethics of care and responsibility can be considered as the characteristics of women rather than men. Women always try to be kind and sympathetic and motivate the employees or team members to get the work done. It is highly important for a manager or a leader within an organization to implement leadership style according to the nature and demand of the workplace situation. It can help the organization to provide effective solution to the developed challenges and issues. This particular attitude or be havior or characteristic of an individual can help him or her to undertake and implement situational approach that can be termed as most right or appropriate approach in the management style (O’Brien, 2013). In addition to this, reflection of ethic of care or responsibility in the leadership style of a manager or a team leader within an organization can help to adopt and implement flexible

Everything you need to kow about a computer mouse Essay

Everything you need to kow about a computer mouse - Essay Example Dr. Douglas Carl Engelbart of Stanford Research Institute (SRI) invented the mouse in early 1960s. He worked with Bill English, the man behind the hardware design of the first mouse. Engelbart's innovative ideas changed the way working with computers, from a more complicated to a user-friendly machine. The results of analyzing different characteristics of pointing input devices (such as speed and accuracy) led to the invention of the first prototype computer mouse. Engelbart first called this device as "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System," wherein it received its patent number 3,541,541 on November 17, 1970. According to an interview, Douglas Engelbart said, "SRI patented it, but they really had no idea of its value. Some years later I learned that they had licensed it to Apple for something like $40,000." So, how did this device get its popular name At first, it had its cord in front, so it was termed "mouse" and that's were it got its smart name. However, they later on changed the cord's position as the present mouse is. In early 1970s, Bill English invented the so-called "ball mouse" while he was working for Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). In 1981, Xerox Corporation introduced Star, officially known as the 8010 Star Information System, which features various technologies including mouse. Inspired by Xerox Star, Apple Computer released Apple Macintosh in 1984, which made mouse popular and indispensable for computer use. II. TYPES There are three basic types of mouse: mechanical, optomechanical, and optical mouse. Mechanical mouse has a rubber or metal ball at the base that moves against two rollers as it passed across a flat surface. As the ball rolls on a certain direction, circuits in the mouse translate its movement into signals the computer understands. Mechanical mouse must be place on a mouse pad - a rectangular rubber that provides better traction than the top of the desk. Optomechanical mouse works on the same principal as the mechanical mouse but uses optical sensors to detect the motion of the ball. Optical mouse on the contrary, has no moving mechanical parts inside. Instead, it uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to detect the mouse's movement. It is more efficient than mechanical and optomechanical mice but is also more expensive. III. CONNECTIONS A mouse can connect to your computer in several ways. Serial mouse connects directly to RS-232C serial port. Bus mouse connects directly on a small round connector (female mini-DIN-9), but this is pretty well obsolete because this mouse is difficult to install. PS/2 connects to a PS/2 connector (female mini-DIN-6); it's installed as simple as any serial mouse. Cordless mouse uses is a battery-powered device that transmits data using infrared technology of radio waves to communicate with the computer. Some users prefer to use cordless mouse because it frees him from the hassles of cords and provides much desk space. USB mouse is the easiest mouse you can connect in your computer, even when your computer is running. IV. SPEED Mouse speed is expressed in DPI (dots per inch), which is the number of pixels the mouse cursor will move when the mouse is moved one inch. V. INNOVATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE DEVICES a. Trackball is an input device with a ball mounted in its surface, which rotates to control the position of the cursor. b. Touchpad is an input device

Diversity in the Workplace Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Diversity in the Workplace - Research Paper Example Therefore, when analyzing diversity, all these aspects have to be considered in order to understand how they affect performance at workplace, motivation, success and interactions with others. Diversity in the workplace improves morale, builds a greater teamwork, and promotes positive relations among individuals, enhances mutual understanding and respect among them. Furthermore, diversity is all about dignity and respect for all, learning from others and understanding each other well. This research paper provides a thoughtful discussion of diversity in the workplace, exploring its importance, challenges of managing a diverse workplace, and effective strategies to manage diverse workforce. Generally, diversity can be defined as â€Å"acknowledging, understanding, accepting and valuing differences among individuals based on ethnicity, culture, age among other aspects† (Green et al, 2013). Arguably, diversity is very essential especially in today’s global market place since organizations interact with diverse cultures and different clients, thus it should be managed effectively. Therefore, all factors that seem to interfere with the promotion of diversity at workplace should be examined and eliminated. At workplace, no employee should be discriminated when it comes to recruitment, promotion, merit increase, salary, and training among others, based on gender identity, nationality, religion, or race. In order to achieve effective diverse workforce, the organization should clearly define all its activities that it is interested in improving like expanding customer base (Finn, n.d). Diversity in the workplace is a very important issue that organizations should focus on since it yields greater productivity and competitive benefits to the organization (Green et al, 2013). Managing diversity is a reflection of effective management that helps to improve productivity of an organization as well as customer service. Due to globalization, there is increased inter action of individuals from diverse cultures, races, religions as opposed to ancient times. With this, people do not concentrate at one place working or interacting with those coming from their cultures, or race (Green et al, 2013). Today, individuals are being recruited in every place they wish worldwide because organizations are competing to promote and achieve diversity to have a multicultural organization where no one is discriminated. Mangers have to learn necessary skills to fit in multicultural work environment since managing diversity remains to be an organizational challenge and they have to be able to deal with multicultural differences so that everyone in the organization is treated with dignity. Organizational leaders should inculcate the culture of diversity by â€Å"ensuring that all managers have inclusive management style† (Pollitt, 2006, p.24). Mor-Barak proposes that diversity is the right thing to embrace with equal opportunities offered to all, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or gender. This implies that all employees are given equal access to job opportunities in the organization (Mor-Barak, 2011). Organizations and businesses should care about diversity in the workplace since it does not only affect them but also the suppliers and customers. Ensuring that there is diversity in the workplace yields many benefits to employees, customers, and the organization as a whole.

World history new Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

World history new - Essay Example The Atlantic revolution is an epoch that yielded numerous interrelated revolts between 1770s and 1820s. The revolutions remain crucial in the light of world history because they define present politics, traditions as well as elicited the right to stage upheavals. The American revolution of 1775-1783, which saw America swim into independence from the British colonization and the creation of a new state, the United States of America (USA), can be linked to a sequence of the Atlantic revolutions. The American revolutionary wars, under the leadership of General Washington aided with his French allies, were directed towards the autocratic British administration. The period between 1789 and 1799 was an era in which the French Revolution was a major historic phenomenon. During the period, democracies substituted absolute monarchies, which led to a stronger France. Even though historians and researchers still debate about the cause of the French Revolution, they have settled on taxation schemes as well as widespread inequality as principal factors that led to the uprising. Also, the idea of the involvement of France in America’s fight for independence is seen as a motivating factor as the French learned from the American independence war. The Napoleonic wars were the central driver of the French Revolution, which saw the collapse of major monarchies and creating a leeway for the formation of new nations. It also spearheaded successive revolutions like the Russian Revolution. Prior to the French Revolution, the French society was segregated into three major classes: the monarchy, peasants and the church clerks. However, the societal stru cture was flattened after the revolution and France was publicly proclaimed a republic. The Haitian Revolution (1790-1804) was the force behind the independence of Haiti. The Haitian Revolution remains a crucial part of world history because it is unique compared with other revolution in that it was successfully staged by slaves

Strategic Position of McDonalds Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic Position of McDonalds - Assignment Example The researcher states that McDonald's achieved a 27% revenue growth over the three years ending in 2007. The market success of any business largely depends on its product quality and service efficiency. It is clear that high-quality products can be designed, produced, and delivered only if high-quality people are employed. As Rioux and Bernthal point out, for any business like McDonald's offering customized services, efficiency in employee recruitment, selection, and retention is particularly vital to meet customer satisfaction and thereby promote market share growth. While analyzing McDonald’s recruitment and selection policy with reference to related practices such as training and development, staff turnover, and rewards and benefits, the policy seems strategic. To illustrate, the organization uses effective and extensive recruitment and training approaches to attract, identify, develop, and retain potential staff that would best suit McDonald’s long-term business int erests. McDonald's opened its first restaurant in the UK in 1974 and there were 1330 McDonald’s restaurants in the country by 2004. Like corporate giants like Walmart and Coca-Cola, McDonald's is also a world’s leading large-scale employer. As per records, in 2004, the company employed 43,491 people in its restaurants and they embraced 40,699 hourly paid workers, 2,292 managerial personnel, and 500 office staff. McDonald’s US franchisees employed further 25,000 people in 2004. Most of the McDonald’s employees are paid based on an hour-rate system and those employees are referred to as crew members.

Language Assessment Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Language Assessment Principles - Essay Example other words, this meant viewing as a student rather than as a teacher. Only after I understood what the student was seeing could I understand what would benefit the student, and therefore provide the necessary means of delivering that lesson. It basically allowed me to assess him based on what was challenging to him as a learner who was struggling to understand the language, rather than as the student of someone who was very fluent in the language. Another misconception I quickly became aware of was that I had always thought assessment was purely for the benefit of the student. While this is partially true, in an indirect way, assessment of a student can also greatly benefit the teacher. In fact, for a good teacher the assessment of a student is vital because through assessing the student, one is able to assess himself as a teacher, possibly better than he could through any other method. When a student struggles with certain aspects of language, but cannot point out exactly where ass essment helps to narrow it down and give information of which areas need more practice and which areas the student is weak in. This allowed me, as a teacher, to focus on those areas, and draw on the aspects of language which Anees was familiar with, or more comfortable with, to help make those unfamiliar areas more accessible for him. In other words, assessment helps a teacher asses his own process of teaching, and decide which areas need to be focused on and which areas can now be left on the student to practice in his own time.... Only after I understood what the student was seeing could I understand what would benefit the student, and therefore provide the necessary means of delivering that lesson. It basically allowed me to assess him based on what was challenging to him as a learner who was struggling to understand the language, rather than as the student of someone who was very fluent in the language. Another misconception I quickly became aware of was that I had always thought assessment was purely for the benefit of the student. While this is partially true, in an indirect way, assessment of a student can also greatly benefit the teacher. In fact, for a good teacher the assessment of a student is vital because through assessing the student, one is able to assess himself as a teacher, possibly better than he could through any other method. When a student struggles with certain aspects of language, but cannot point out exactly where, assessment helps to narrow it down and give information of which areas ne ed more practice and which areas the student is weak in. This allowed me, as a teacher, to focus on those areas, and draw on the aspects of language which Anees was familiar with, or more comfortable with, to help make those unfamiliar areas more accessible for him. In other words, assessment helps a teacher asses his own process of teaching, and decide which areas need to be focused on and which areas can now be left on the student to practice in his own time. Through the various assessment tasks I provided Anees, I found very clear insight into which aspects troubled him, which in turn made my job of teaching him much easier. Therefore, it can be said that assessment of a student is also a means of assessment for the teacher, and both student and teacher can find much to learn

Awareness of k+12 Essay Example for Free

Awareness of k+12 Essay Rationale â€Å"Change is avalanching down upon our land and most people are utterly unprepared to cope with it†, states Alvin Toffler. In most countries today, changes are happening so fast that we are at times unable to preserve relevant cultural aspects and values. In the field of curriculum, change is and will continue to be, the factor for any educational undertaking. (Bauzon, 2002) In the new century, the educational environment is rapidly changing and the roles and responsibilities of the teacher s become demanding in the most part of the world. In our country today, the curriculum of our educational system has been revised to meet its demands. According to President Benigno S. Aquino, â€Å"We need to add two years to our basic education. Those who can afford pay up to fourteen years of schooling before university. Thus, their children are getting into the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding† (www. google. com ). According to the K to 12 Deped Primer (2011), â€Å"K-12 means â€Å"Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education. † Kindergarten points to the 5-year old child who undertakes the standardized curriculum for preschoolers. Elementary education refers to 6 years of primary school (Grades 1-6) while secondary education means four years of junior high school (Grades 7-10 or HS Year 1-4). In addition to this, two years are now allotted for senior high school (Grades 11-12 or HS Year 5-6). Furthermore, the short duration of our basic education program puts Filipinos who are interested to either work or study abroad at a disadvantage. This is because other countries see our 10-year program as incomplete, which then, causes Filipino graduates to not be considered as professionals abroad. The first teacher of the children are their parents. They have a great role in the development of the young. They become part of the environment of learning at home. They follow-up the lessons of their children especially in the basic education. They sent their children to school to be taught, to be trained and to gain knowledge. Parents are supporters of the curriculum. They would like to get the best of his/her investment in education. They are willing to pay the cost of educating their child for as long as their children get the best learning or schooling experiences. They aims to have a children that has a bright future and a changed individual who is easily adjusted to his fast changing world. (Bilbao, p. 80) This study finds it important to research about the awareness of the k+12 curriculum in the parents of the grade 7 students. The parents of the Grade 7students ofCantilan National High School, Madrid National High School – Union Annex, and Surigao Del Sur State University Cantilan Laboratory High School are the respondents of this research. The programs offered by the University are on Level 1 and 2 and it is accredited by the AACUP. In as much as the data that will be gathered in this study will be very helpful to the curriculum experts, managers and administrators who play an important role in shaping the school curriculum and who are responsible in the formulation of the philosophy, vision, mission, and objectives. The result of this study could provide the needed information in formulating possible solutions for reactions of the parents of the grade 7 students of the CNHS, MNHS-Union Annex and SDSSU Cantilan Laboratory High School. Conceptual Framework As shown in figure 1, the first box contains all about the k+12 curriculum and level of awareness of the parents of the Grade 7 students about it. The middle box contains the independent variables which are the parents of the Grade 7 students of the CNHS, MNHS-Union Annex, and SDSSU Laboratory High School. The interaction of the independent and dependent variables is now the awareness of k+12 program in the parents of Grade 7. This is shown in box 3, the output of the study. INPUTTHROUGH PUTOUTPUT FIGURE 1. Schematic Diagram of the Research Paradigm Statement of the Problem This study aims to determine the awareness of k+12 curriculum among the parents of grade 7 students. This aims further how the k+12 curriculum affects the strategies of the teachers and what are the adjustment to prioritize. The main problem seeks to answer the following subsidiary problems. 1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents? 1. 1. Age 1. 2. Sex 1. 3. Educational attainment 2. What is the extent of awareness of parents to the k+12 curriculum in terms of the following indicators? 2. 1. Features of the k+12 curriculum 2. 2. Assessment of the k+12 curriculum 2. 3. Advantage/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students 3. Is there a significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness in the K+12 program in terms of : 3. 1. Features of the k+12 curriculum 3. 2. Assessment of the k+12 curriculum 3. 3. Advantage/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students Hypothesis: This study will test the null hypotheses at 0. 05 level of significance. Ho: there is no significant relationship between the socio demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness of the k+12 curriculum. Significance Of The Study This study will benefit the following: Parents —The result of this study helps the parents of the grade 7 students to accept the changes in our educational system today and one of these changes is the k+12 program. Future Researchers—The result of this study will serve as their guide and help them to collect new ideas and information’s, if their study is interrelated with this study. The authors wrote simple words in every section of this book for the readers to understand easily. Scope and Limitations of the Study This study will cover the following limitations: Respondents. Parents of Grade 7 students in Cantilan National High School (CNHS), Madrid National High School-Union Annex and (SDSSU) Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School. Location. The venue of the study is the Cantilan National High School (CNHS), Madrid National High School-Union Annex and (SDSSU) Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School. Time Frame. The time frame within which the study will be conducted is during the school year 2012-2013. Definition of Terms Curriculum. Is a plan for what is to be taught in schools. Curriculum studies are a field of inquiry into how schools programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated. K-12 Curriculum. The program aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines in order for the graduates to be easily employed. It also aims to meet standards required for professionals who would want to work abroad. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE To give depth and meaning of the study at hand some related literature and studies taken from articles, books, magazines and periodicals, from different studies and papers read which have bearing on the study conducted and discussed. Related Literature Clearly our country’s ability to provide quality education for its people is hinged to its survival as well as its ability to compete in the global market and be a meaningful partner in the world affairs. (Philippine yearbook, 2003). Though our government created ways and means in order to uplift the quality education that we have, but still it is really a dilemma for every Filipino that our educational system is declining. With this, lots of changes went through, and the teachers as well as the learners are the primary concern of this. The gradual change in curriculum is one of the means to eradicate this decline. As Smithers (2003) said that, â€Å"it has been in contention that teachers should play a more pivotal role in all phases of curriculum-making from initial planning through development try-out, installation, evaluation and revision. More and more classroom teachers are being tapped to serve in school curriculum committees and task force. A perplexed teacher once observed that the curriculum is like a maze in his words â€Å"a complex situation involving a multiplicity of considerations that require profound study†. It is our contention that it is need not to be so stripped to its base essentials, curriculum making is surprisingly simple. (Bruner,2002) According To Bauzon (2002), â€Å"the aspirations of any ideals of any society serve as determinants of the educational system. The aspiration rises only to the level of its people’s aspirations. The most essential instrument in nation building which is education distills the goals in the society. In the school setting, each child learns much more than he is taught as part of the curriculum. Not all learning is the result of the planned experiences in the school. The curriculum of the school includes those experiences for which the school accepts responsibility. These curricular experiences are organized and promoted in order to acceptable objectives and needs of children may be responded adequately. They are planned sequentially so that many learners needs social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical will be prepared. The viable curriculum is based on the recognition that maturation factors and experiential background conditions readiness to learn. Thus, the teacher provides new advices prior to the child’s level of development. (Gronlund,2004). Jerome Bruner emphasizes that here must be an emphasis upon reducing a subject to its fundamental ideas or structure. To grasp the structure of a subject, he argues, one must understand the relationship between facts and ideas which constitute the subject. Structure is important in teaching a subject because it permits a â€Å"massive general transfer† of learning. In short, it allows one to â€Å"learn how to learn†. Related Studies The department of education’s k to 12 program is one concrete response to reverse this steady decline and to move toward its goal of long-term educational reform and sustainable economic growth. The central feature of the k to 12 program is the upgrading of the basic education curriculum to ensure that learners acquire the relevant knowledge and skills they will need to become productive members of society. It seeks to introduce relevant skills development courses and special interest subjects that will suit the personality, strengths and career direction of each learner. (http://www. gov. ph/k+12) In the report of EFA(2002),†As early1925, studies have observed the in adequacy of the basic education curriculum. As one of the most well studied reforms, recommendations of either adding or restoring the grade or adding an extra year to basic education have been put forward. According to the different survey of the curriculum: Monroe survey (1925): secondary education did not prepare for life and recommended training in agriculture, commerce, and industry. Prosser survey (1930): recommended to improve phases of vocational education such as 7thgrade shop work, provincial schools, and practical arts training in the regular high schools, home economics, placement work, gardening, and agricultural education. UNESCO mission survey (1949): recommended the restoration of grade. Education act. Of 1953: under section3, mandates thatâ€Å"[t]he primary course shall be composed off our grades (grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (grade VTOVII). † Swanson Survey (1960):recommendedtherestorationofgrade7. Presidential Commission To Survey Philippine Education (PCSPE) (1970): high priority be given to the implementation of an11-year program; Recommended program consists of 6 years of compulsory elementary education and 5years of secondary education In one study conducted on the influence of standards on thek+12 teaching and student learning, teachers described in this research were actively pursuing alignment between the content they were teaching (at classroom level, we refer to this as â€Å" teaching curriculum† and the content measured by the various state test. (The Freeman Foundation2006). Based on the k-12 educators study tourprograms funded by theFreeman foundation the overseas programs of the Asian Studies Outreach Program (ASOP) is one element of amulti-pronged, statewide approach to introduce Asian studies in every Vermont school and buildthe leadership needed to support this goal. The overseas program for teachers, the equivalent of a three-hour graduate level course, places a heavy emphasis on content relevant to both the travelexperience and teachers’ curriculum. The program aims to: †¢ increase teachers’ awareness/cultural sensitivity and teachers’ comfort level in teaching about Asia through direct experiences with Asian people, history, and culture; †¢ enhance the quality of teachers’ classroom instruction through increased knowledge ofAsia; †¢ encourage curriculum revision to build a sustained cross-discipline presence for Asia in grades K-12; and †¢ build the capacity of teachers to lead the efforts to include Asia in the curriculum. In selecting participants, ASOP considers areas of the state where participation in the overseas program could introduce or strengthen Asian studies. In addition, ASOP looks at the level ofadministrative commitment and the availability of teams of teachers from a school or district. CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This study will use the descriptive survey method appropriate for profiling the variables of this research. Research Environment As one of the municipalities of Surigao Del Sur, Cantilan is located in the Northeastern area of Mindanao and part of the CARAGA region. it has a qite large and plain are about 10,575 sq. km. facing the pacific ocean on theeasternpart. almost40,000 people comprises the 17 barangays in which the livelihood is mostly derived from agriculture, aquaculture and income of the professionals . as theoldesttownintheprovince of surigao del sur it is the cradle of all the five municipalities. Being centered in education, Cantilan has a lot of schools to be proud of. Among of this are the Madrid National High School-Union Annex,Surigao Del Sur State University and Cantilan National High School. Although Sdssu-Cantilan concentrate for the tertiary education yet it offers a secondary in which they called as the laboratory high school with its limits to100students as of scoolyear2012-2013. on the other hand,thecantialn national high school offers 3 curriculum the ESEP,SPA,and RBEC with 2000 students as its latest enrollees . as an institution of higher learning ,both the schools are known in uplifting a quality education and promoting the growth and development of the students inconsonance with the national development towards quality education. Fig. 2 presents the map of Surigaodel Sur where Municipality of Cantilan is located. Research Design This is a descriptive evaluative or assessment study appropriate for profiling the variables of research which intends to know the level of awareness among parents of the Grade -7 students under K-12 program of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University- Laboratory High School. The data that to be gathered will be recorded, organized, and interrupted in view of the objectives set in the study. Research Respondent This study is confined to all the parents of grade-7 students in Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Surigao del Sur State University-Laboratory High School and Cantilan National High School in the school year 2012-2013. Table 1. Distribution Of The Respondents School Number of grade 7 parents/guardians Number of respondents MNHS-UA 23 11 SDSSU-Lab. H. S. 24 12 CNHS 40 20 TOTAL 87 43 Research Instruments A self made questionnaire is purposely made for the study. It contains two parts. The first part contains the Profile of the parents. These include the name, age, educational attainment, occupation, and monthly income. The second part contains the different questions with regards to the k+12 program. Research Procedures Gathering of Data. The questionnaires will be given to the parents of the Grade 7 students of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University. Statistical Treatment. The following formulas will be used in this study: 1. Weighted Mean This is used to determine the Socio-Demographic Profile of the parents interms of age, educational attainment and occupation. Likewise, weighted mean is to be applied to determine the acceptability of the k+12 program among the parents of the Grade 7 students of Madrid National High School- Union Annex, Cantilan National High School, and Surigao Del Sur State University. 2. Simple Percentage Computation This is used to determine the percentage of the respondents. 3. Pearson Chi-Square This is used to determine if there is a significant relationship of the respondent’s socio-demographic profile and the extent of awareness of the k+12 curriculum. CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data gathered from the questionnaire to the concerned respondents. This chapter shows the significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of the respondents and the extent of awareness of the k-12 curriculum. Relationship Between The Socio-Demographic Profile Of The Respondents And The Extent Of Awareness Of The K-12 Curriculum This section analyzes the result of the respondents’ socio-demographic profile and the extent of awareness of the k-12 curriculum. TABLE 2:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Features of the K+12 Curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 12. 481 b. The students will graduate twice because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 14. 336 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 8. 568 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 8. 881 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 6. 790 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 7. 830 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 6. 567 MEAN 9. 3504 X2; DF= 6 12. 592 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of k-12 curriculum in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of the computed X2 is 9. 3504, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 3:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Assessment of the Curriculum The table shows the computed X2 in every parts of the assessment of the curriculum in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of computed X2 is 9. 7606, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 4:Relationship of Respondent’s Age and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Advantages/Benefits of the K+12 Curriculum to the Students The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of age. The degrees of freedom is 6 and the mean of computed X2 is 8. 6699, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/ benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. TABLE 5: Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 5. 239 b. The students will graduate twice because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 4. 143 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 6. 131 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 1. 325 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 2. 168 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 3. 503 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 1. 946 MEAN 3. 4936 X2; df= 2 5. 991 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of the curriculum in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of computed X2 is 3. 4936, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 6:Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum Assessment Of The Curriculum X2 a. Focused on the learner’s acquisition of effective communication, information, media and technology, learning and innovations kills, and life and career skills. 0. 157 b. Has balanced assessment program. 5. 454 c. Promotion and retention of the students shall be by subject. 0. 530 d. Honor students shall be drawn from among those who performed at the ADVANCED LEVEL. 0. 293 e. The performance of students shall be described in the report card based on the following levels of proficiency: B, D, AP, P, A not their equivalent numerical values. 3. 345 MEAN 1. 9558 X2; df= 2 5. 991 The table shows the computed X2 in every assessment of the curriculum in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of computed X2 is 1. 9558, since the mean computed value is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 7:Relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of sex. The degrees of freedom is 2 and the mean of the computed X2 is 7. 0027, since the mean computed value is greater than the x2at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. TABLE 8: Relationship of Respondent’s Educational Attainment and Extent of Awareness in Terms of the Features of the K+12 Curriculum Features of the curriculum X2 a. The number of years in the basic education is increased up to 13 years including Kindergarten. 27. 967 b. The students will graduate twice because they will earn two certificates: one for completion of the DepEd subjects at Grade 10 and the other for finishing the technical skills subjects integrated into the curriculum. 38. 701 c. New subjects taken by your student Agrarian Reform, Family Planning, NSTP, Philippine Constitution, Physical Educ. , Population Educ. , Rizal and Taxation. 26. 768 d. There are specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 17. 201 e. Opportunity to take courses like Internet and Computing Fundamentals, Technical Drawing, Home Management/ Housekeeping, Cooking/ Food Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dress Making/Tailoring, Carpentry, Crop Production, Animal Production and Care giving. 26. 446 f. Mother tongue is used as a medium of instruction for Grades 1 to 3. 16. 845 g. Strong collaboration of CHED, TESDA and DOLE in training the Senior High School students. 24. 094 MEAN 25. 4317 X2; DF= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every features of the curriculum in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 25. 4317, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 9:Relationship Of Respondent’s Educational Attainment And Extent Of Awareness In Terms Of The Assessment Of The Curriculum Assessment Of The Curriculum X2 a. Focused on the learner’s acquisition of effective communication, information, media and technology, learning and innovations kills, and life and career skills. 28. 956 b. Has balanced assessment program. 28. 448 c. Promotion and retention of the students shall be by subject. 8. 995 d. Honor students shall be drawn from among those who performed at the ADVANCED LEVEL. 23. 507 e. The performance of students shall be described in the report card based on the following levels of proficiency: B, D, AP, P, A not their equivalent numerical values. 19. 981 MEAN 21. 9774 X2; df= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every assessment in the curriculum in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 21. 9772, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. TABLE 10: Relationship Of Respondent’s Educational Attainment And Extent Of Awareness In Terms of the Advantages/Benefits Of The K+12 Curriculum To The Students Advantages/Benefits Of The K+12 Curriculum To The Students X2 a. More emotionally mature, socially aware and Pro-active. 18. 995 b. Acquire mastery of basic competencies. 25. 042 c. Be legally employable with potential for better earnings. 21. 290 d. Students will possess competencies and skills relevant to the job market 13. 974 e. Be globally competitive. 20. 517 f. Every graduate of the enhanced K+12 Basic Education program will be empowered to learn through the program that is rooted on sound educational principles and geared towards excellence and the foundations for learning throughout life. 49. 488 g. Students will be able to prepare their own business for their future. 40. 415 h. Senior High School students will be given an opportunity to do OJT (On the Job Training), internship or apprenticeship 23. 504 i. After graduating Senior High School, graduates will be able to work immediately, even before or without seeking college degree because students will have not only a high school diploma needed for further studies, but also 1 or more certificates needed for immediate employment. 24. 652 MEAN 26. 4308 X2; DF= 8 15. 507 The table shows the computed X2 in every advantages to the students in terms of educational attainment. The degrees of freedom is 8 and the mean of computed X2 is 26. 4308, since the mean computed value is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION This chapter presents the summary of the entire study that serve as the basis for conclusions and recommendations. This includes the statement of the problem, findings, conclusions and some recommendations of the study. SUMMARY This research study seek to find the level of awareness of the k+12 curriculum among the parents of the grade 7 students in CNHS, SDSSU-H. S LAB. , MNHS-UA. The respondents of the study were the parents of the grade 7 students in CNHS, SDSSU-H. S LAB. , MNHS-UA. The researchers limit their respondents to 50% of the population from each school. The study made use of the survey method which was appropriate for the profiling and gathering of data. Moreover, the data were interpreted using the mean, simple percentage computation and the Pearson chi-squared test. Findings Based on the analysis of the gathered data, the different findings in this research study are summarized as follows: 1. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the features ofthe k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value which is 9. 3504 lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 2. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value, 9. 7606, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 3. The relationship of respondent’s age and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students, since the mean computed value,8. 6699, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ age is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/ benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. 4. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value,3. 4936, is lesser than x2 at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 5. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value,1. 9558, is lesser than x2at 5%, there is no enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 6. The relationship of respondent’s sex and extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+12 curriculum to the students, since the mean computed value,7. 0027, is greater than the x2at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ sex is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the advantages/benefits of the k+ 12 curriculum to the students. 7. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+12 curriculum, since the mean computed value,25. 4317, is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the features of the k+ 12 curriculum. 8. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the curriculum, since the mean computed value,21. 9774, is greater than x2 at 5%, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, the respondents’ educational attainment is not independent with the extent of awareness in terms of the assessment of the k+ 12 curriculum. 9. The relationship of respondent’s educational attainment and extent of aware

Discussion of Management of Patient Traction

Discussion of Management of Patient Traction 1. List nursing interventions and preventative management related to skeletal traction. a. The weights used by the patient should be known and recorded in the nursing documentation; the weights must not be removed from the skeletal traction unless a life-threatening situation happens for removal of these destroys their purpose. b. The traction system must be thoroughly checked at least once every shift or every 6 to 8 hours and always after some interventions such as moving a patient, physiotherapy, and radiographic examination because the system may be inadvertently altered. c. The nurse must guarantee that the cords are attached securely by standard knots that will not shift or come undone, the weights hang freely and should not rest on the floor nor catch or jam, the ropes are in the wheel grooves of the pulleys, and that the ropes are not frayed. d. The ends of the cords must be short or approximately 5cm and bound back to themselves with the use on an adhesive tape which will prevent fraying of the cord end and possible slipping and accidental disruption of the traction. The knot itself should also be uncovered. e. The pulleys must be free running and oiled to prevent squeaking and friction should be minimized, the efficiency is maintained and the patient should not be disturbed by noise. f. Pointed ends of the pins or wires used should always be covered to prevent injury not only to the patient but also to the staff. g. The nurse should also evaluate the patients position; the patient should be on a firm-based bed to give full support and comfort to allow efficient action of the traction system and prevent the patient from slipping down the bed. h. the nurse should maintain alignment of the patients body in traction as ordered by the physician which will promote an effective line of pull. i. The patients foot is positioned properly to prevent foot drop, inward rotation, and outward rotation otherwise the foot can be supported by orthopedic devices such as foot support to maintain a neutral position. j. The elbows and knees should be protected with the use of a semi permeable film dressing or protective wool and inspected for pressure ulcers because these parts of the body are often used by patients in repositioning themselves. Also, to prevent these parts from being injured, an overhead trapeze can be helpful for the patients movement. k. Back care should always be provided and bed should be kept dry and free from crumbles and wrinkles to prevent bed sores or pressure ulcers. l. If available, a pressure relieving air-filled or high density foam mattress overlay can be used to reduce risk for pressure ulcers. m. The bed linens should regularly be changed. The patient is instructed to raise his torso while the nurses on both sides of the bed will roll down and replace the upper mattress sheet and as the patient raises the buttocks off the mattress, the nurses will slide it under the buttocks. To finish the changing, the nurses will replace the lower part of the bed linens while the patient rests on his back. The traction should not be disrupted. n. The neurovascular status should be assessed initially every hour and then every 4 hours. o. The nurse should instruct the patient to report instantly if any change in sensation or movement happens. p. The patient should also be encouraged to do active flexion-extension ankle exercises and calf-pumping exercises ten times hourly to prevent venous stasis or DVT. Anti-embolism stocking and compression devices may be used for preventive measures. q. The nurse should also inspect for looseness of pins or wires and signs of infection at the sites where the traction is inserted every 8 hours. Purulent discharge, redness or inflammation may indicate infection, though these signs subside normally after 72 hours. r. Pins that are mechanically stable require weekly pin site care. The most recommended cleansing solution used is chlorhexidine solution. If early signs of infection are present, frequency of pin site care is increased. s. The nurse ensures that the site is only covered by a sterile absorbent non-stick dressing and rolled gauze for the first 48 hours. After this, loose cover dressing or none is suggested. A bandage will only be used if the patient is exposed to airborne dust. t. The nurse should instruct the patient to take showers within 5 to 10 days of pin insertion and encourage them to leave the pin exposed to water flow and dry them with a clean towel and left to open air. Dressing may be applied if ordered. u. The patient is encouraged to perform active exercises to prevent loss of muscle mass and strength and prolonged rehabilitation. The patient can perform the following: pulling up on the trapeze, flexing and extending the feet, ROM and weight-resistance exercises for the non-involved joints. v. Isometric exercises of the immobilized extremity such as gluteal-setting and quadriceps-setting exercises are important for maintaining strength in major ambulatory muscles. 2. Discuss a component of cast care for the pediatric client or adult client. Identify manifestations of compartment syndrome. After cast application, the nurse must teach the client to report the following: a. When the toes or fingers become blue, swollen or difficult and painful to move b. When the limbs become painful c. When the client feel numbness d. When the client have blister-like or burning pain e. Presence of discharges or wetness or unpleasant smell from the cast f. If the client dropped anything from the cast The nurse must also teach the client or the care taker the following proper care of the cast: a. The cast should be kept dry. Allowing it to dry naturally is a must and it should be left uncovered. b. External heat such as a hairdryer or by sitting in front of a fire should be prevented. c. If an irritation occurs under the cast, anything under the cast should never be poked. d. The skin around the cast should be washed daily and checked for redness or sores. e. The limb must not be hanged down especially on the first few days. f. Exercises for the fingers or toes and other joints of the body should be performed for 5 minutes every hour during the day. There are certain nursing interventions and care after cast application. The following will be discussed below. a. Self-care deficit The goal of care is for the client to maintain everyday activities to a level acceptable for him. The client may need help to achieve this level. The nurse must assess the clients capabilities which will depend to a number of factors such as the site of the cast, the previous level of independence, the support available from family or friends, and some may require referral to a social worker. b. Peripheral neurovascular impairment The goal of care is to reduce the risk of neurovascular impairment and identify any early complications. The nurse must do neurovascular observations and if neurovascular impairment such as compartment syndrome is suspected, the following interventions should be done: Inform the physician immediately Cease elevation of the limb because elevation can increase compartment pressure The cast should be split down to the skin. Threads of padding should not be left uncut for it can impair the circulation If local pressure on the nerve is present, a window is needed to be cut or the cast is bivalve Compartment syndrome requires immediate surgery. (I will duscuss it after these nursing diagnosis and care) c. Impaired skin integrity The goal of care is to indentify signs of localized pressure because cast may cause pressure or localized sores. These are the following signs that should be observed by the nurse: Itching beneath the plaster Burning pain; which should not be ignore because the tissues quickly becomes ischemic which leads to numbness and absence of pain Disturbed sleep, restlessness and fretfulness in children Swelling of the fingers or toes after the immediate swelling has subsided A characteristic offensive smell due to tissue necrosis Presence of discharge The nurse must know that extra padding to a cast can increase the pressure and the padding can fall further down the cast. Cotton wool should not be used for padding because it tends to be compressed into hard small pellets that can cause further problems when it falls into the cast and become lodged. A window should be cut carefully and removed as a whole piece for inspection of potential sore sites but the window should be replaced to prevent local edema. d. Risk for disuse syndrome (stiffness of the joint) The goal of care is to ensure that the adjacent joints retain their normal range of motion because stiffness will occur in joints held in a cast. Such exercises that was discussed before is vital in relation to the importance of using adjacent joints. e. Potential allergic reaction The goal of care is to prevent reactions in client known to have had a reaction in the past and for early detection of any reaction occurring in other clients. The nurse should check if the patient has known allergies. Signs or reaction should be observed such as itching, non-localized burning pain, rashes and blistering of the skin. If these occur, the physician is informed. The cast is removed, the skin is cleaned and a new cast is applied using a different material. Compartment Syndrome If the patient complaints that the cast is too tight, nerve compression and vascular insufficiency can occur due to unrelieved swelling. This can result to compartment syndrome. The cast may be bivalved to relive the pressure while maintaining alignment with the extremity elevated no higher than the level of heart to ensure arterial perfusion. If it is not relieved, fasciotomy is required to relieve pressure built up in the muscle compartment before irreversible damage occurs to the ischemic muscle. 3. Compare the nursing needs of a total hip replacement patient with a total knee replacement patient. Nursing Needs of a Total Hip Replacement Patient A patient with a total hip replacement requires monitoring for specific potential complications especially the dislocation of hip prosthesis. Nursing needs are more focused on the dislocation of the hip prosthesis. If the patient is undergoing a posterior or posterior-lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty, maintenance of the femoral head component in the acetabular cup is important. The leg should be positioned in abduction to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. An abduction splint can be used to keep the hip in abduction. Hip should never be flexed more than 90 degrees. Limited flexion is maintained during transfers and when sitting. There are methods to avoid displacement of the hip such as keeping the knees apart at all times, putting a pillow between the legs when sleeping, never crossing the legs when seated, avoding positions such as bending forward when seated in a chair and when picking up an object on the floor. A higg seated chair should be used and a raised toilet seat. The hip should also not be flexed to put on clothing such as pants, stocking, socks, shoes, etc. Monitoring the wound drainage, preventing deep vein thrombosis and infection,are also important for the patient. Nursing Needs of a Total Knee Replacement Patient In other hand, a patient with total knee replacement focuses on the importance in encouraging active flexion of the foot every hour postoperatively, when awake. Also, drainage should range from 200 to 400mlduring the first 24 hours after the surgery and reduces to less than 25ml by 48 hours at which time drainage is removed by the surgeon. A continuous passive range of motion or CPM device combined with physical therapy will help improve the patients postoperative knee mobility and decrease use of analgesics. Usually, 10 degrees of extension and 15 degrees of flexion are prescribed initially, then increasing to 90 degrees of flexion with 0 or full extension by discharge. The knee is usually protected with a knee immobilizer and is elevated when the patient sits in a chair. Ambulation, use of assistive devices and within the prescribed weight bearing limits is encouraged on the day after surgery. 4. Discuss methods to avoid dislocation after hip replacement after surgery. There are several methods to avoid dislocation of the hip prosthesis. These are the following: a. The knees should be kept apart at all times. b. A pillow should be placed between the legs when sleeping. c. Legs should not be crossed when seated. d. Bending forward when sitting in a chair should be avoided. e. Bending forward to pick up an object on the floor should also be avoided. f. A high seated chair and a raised toilet seat should be used because the knees should be lower than the level of the hips when seated. g. The hips should not be flexed to put on clothing such as pants, stockings, socks, or shoes. 5. You are caring for a patient who has had skeletal traction placed to treat a fractured femur. Discuss nursing interventions and assessment techniques related to this type of treatment. When caring for a patient with a skeletal traction on a fractured femur, these arethe nursing interventions and assessment techniques the nurse must do: a. The nurse must check the traction system daily, at least every 6 to 8 hours and always after moving the patient. b. The nurse must also inspect for looseness of pins or wires and signs of infection such as discharge, redness and inflammation at the sites of insertion of the traction. c. Pin sites should be cleaned twice or once daily; chlorhexidine solution is the most recommended solution to use for cleaning. d. Skin breakdown should be prevented by covering the bony prominences used by the patient when moving such as the elbows and heel. e. An overhead trapeze is given to the patient for easy movement. f. The neurovascular status of the fractured femur should be assessed every 4 hours. g. The patient should be encouraged to do calf-pumping exercises for at least 10 times per hour to decrease the risk for deep vein thrombosis of the affected part. h. The use of anti-embolism stockings can also help prevent venous stasis. g. Active exercise such as pulling up on the trapeze, flexing and extending the feet and isometric exercises will maintain strength in major ambulatory muscles. i. Assisting the patient will self-care such as bathing, dressing and toileting is also one of the nurses responsibilities. j. The nurse must also monitor the patient for any potential complications such as DVT, constipation, etc. 6. A patient is being discharged with an external fixator for a fractured humerus. Discuss home care instructions for this patient. Home care instructions for a patient with an external fixator include the following: a. The nurse must demonstrate proper pin site care. The solution that must be used is chlorhexidine solution, and cleaning is once or twice a day. b. The nurse should inform the patient to notify the physician if signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, increased or purulent pin drainage occur. c. The nurse should also describe measures to control swelling and pain such as elevating the extremity to the heart level and taking prescribed analgesics. d. The nurse informs the patient to report uncontrolled pain upon elevation and use of analgesics for it could be an indicator of impaired tissue perfusion, compartment syndrome, or pin traction infection. e. The nurse should also let the patient demonstrate the ability to transfer and use mobility aids safely. 7. Identify various types of traction and the principles of effective traction. a. Skin Traction It is used to control muscle spasms and to immobilize an area before surgery. No more than 2 to 3.5kg of traction can be used on an extremity. b. Skeletal Traction It is applied directly to the bone and is used occasionally to treat fractures of the femur, tibia, and the cervical spine. Two types of pins are commonly used; the Steinmann pin, and the threaded pins such as Denham pin. There are also common types of traction used. These are the following: c. Straight-Leg Traction It is also known as Pughs traction which allows the traction cord to be fixed by trying it to for example, the end of the thomas splint or used as sliding traction using a pulley and weights. It is used as a temporary measure for fractured neck of femur injuries, to rest the hip or relieve pain or muscle spasm. d. Hamilton-Russell Traction It is traditionally been used for fractures of the neck and the shaft of the femur. The arrangement of the foot pulleys multiplies the traction force by 100%. To ensure Effective traction, avoidance of wrinkling and slipping of the traction bandage is important. Also, it is a must to maintain countertraction. Proper positioning is maintained to keep the leg in neutral position. Advice the patient not to turn from side to side. This will prevent bony fragments from moving against one another. 8. Discuss the use of Bucks traction, its uses and the involved nursing considerations. Bucks Extension traction is used to the lower leg. It is a type of skin traction that is used to immobilize fractures of the proximal femur before surgical fixation. During application of the Bucks Extension traction, excessive pressure is avoided over the malleolus and proximal fibula to prevent pressure ulcers and nerve damage. The prescribed weight is usually 5 to 8 pounds. 9. Discuss the nursing care for a patient undergoing orthopaedic surgery. a. Relieving pain is the first goal for the patient. Decreasing the discomfort by moving the affected bone or the injured joint can help. b. Elevation of the edematous extremity will promote venous return and reduce the discomfort. c. Giving alangesics as ordered, d. Monitoring and maintaining the neurovascular status of the patient. e. Assisting the patient in performing activities. f. Assessing the nutritional status and hydration by monitoring fluid intake, urinary output and urinalysis findings. g. Encouraging mobility immediately after surgery to promoted independence in ambulation. h. Assisting the patient in accepting body changes, diminished self-esteem and roles and responsibilities. SOURCES: Brunner and Suddarths textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 12th Edition Julia Kneale et. al. (2005) Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing 2nd Edition Web Assignment 1. Find a research article addressing health teaching needs for the patient with a cast. Explain your findings in a one-page paper. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-cast-and-splint-care According to the article, a cast is used to protect your bone and reduce pain as it heals. Minimizing the risk for potential complications is important. It was enumerated in the article some cast care instructions and they are as follows; the cast should be kept above the level of the heart within 24 to 48 hours which can be accomplished by resting it on pillows. Also, fingers and toes where the cast is located should be moved gently. The ice keeps the swelling down. Applying a bag of ice of a bag of frozen vegetables covered with a thin towel to the cast for 20 minutes while awake reduces swelling. The patient should be reminded that ice is not applied directly into the skin. Pain medications should be taken as ordered such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The cast should not get wet. To bathe with a cast, cover the cast with a plastic bag and tape the opening shut. Then, the cast is hung outside the tub. Even if the cast is covered with a plastic, it should not be placed with water or allow the water to run over the area. There are waterproof cast available at medical supply stores but are not completely waterproof. A hair dryer on a cool setting can be used to dry the cat in case it got wet, it can also soothe itchiness. Warm or hot setting can burn the skin that is wise it is not advised to be used. A vacuum cleaner can also be used with a hose attachment to pull air through the cast and speed drying. The patient should always remember that the cast should be kept clean. Powder or lotion should not be applied near the cast and the cast should be covered when eating. The padding out from inside the cast must not be pulled. There are also instructions said when to seek care. These are as follows; if there are sore areas or a foul odor from the cast, cracks or breaks in the cast, or the cast feels too tight, if swelling is developed that causes pain and immobility of the fingers or toes, if tingling or numbness is felt on the affected part, if the fingers or toes are blue or cold, if there is severe pain in or near the affected part, and if it becomes soaking wet and does not dry with a hair dryer or vacuum.

Wyeth Pakistan Limited Business and Financial Analysis

Wyeth Pakistan Limited Business and Financial Analysis 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE TOPIC Business and financial analysis has been my area of interest during ACCA. I have already studied the models that I require to answer the research questions of this research project, namely Ratio analysis, PESTEL analysis, and SWOT analysis, RATIO analysis. This project came as a golden opportunity to demonstrate the practical application of my knowledge. It has always aroused my curiosity why some businesses outperform and why some underperform financially. This topic will utilize the financial and business analytical skills I have acquired so far and prove my skills once I get the degree in applied accountancy to prospective employers. The research will give me an opportunity to brush up skills that require searching internet for information. It will also brush up my spreadsheet capabilities. 1.2 REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE ORGANIZATION I want to work in my uncle’s pharmacy in future. Knowing the pharmaceutical sector will give me an edge in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of suppliers of medicines. Most of the medicines I have seen in my uncle’s pharmacy are by Wyeth, therefore it aroused my curiosity. 1.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS: The aim of this report is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency with which Wyeth Pakistan Limited has been performing over the past 3 years in business and financial matters. The report will include the business analysis in terms of: Assessment of the macro environment of Wyeth using PESTEL analysis. Typical PESTEL factors to consider include: Factor Political Could include: e.g. EU enlargement, the euro, international trade, taxation policy Economic Social Technological Environmental Legal e.g. interest rates, exchange rates, national income, inflation, unemployment, Stock Market e.g. ageing population, attitudes to work, income distribution e.g. innovation, new product development, rate of technological obsolescence e.g. global warming, environmental issues e.g. competition law, health and safety, employment law (PESTEL analysis of the macro-environment) Assessment of the strategic capabilities of Wyeth using SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is a basic, straightforward model that provides direction and serves as a basis for the development of marketing plans. It accomplishes this by assessing an organizations strengths (what an organization can do) and weaknesses (what an organization cannot do) in addition to opportunities (potential favorable conditions for an organization) and threats (potential unfavorable conditions for an organization). (DANCA, Anthony C.) Assessment of Wyeth’s future prospects The financial analysis will include: Sales analysis: Sales analysis helps the company know it is meeting its sales objectives in a given timeframe. (MANDA, Gilbert) The analysis will include sales revenue and growth. Profitability Analysis: Every firm is most concerned with its profitability. One of the most frequently used tools of financial ratio analysis is profitability ratios which are used to determine the companys bottom line. Profitability ratios show a companys overall efficiency and performance. (PEAVLER, Rosemary) The analysis will include Gross Profit (G.P) ratio, Net Profit (N.P) ratio and Return on Equity (ROE). Liquidity ratios: A class of financial metrics that is used to determine a companys ability to pay off its short-terms debts obligations. Generally, the higher the value of the ratio, the larger the margin of safety that the company possesses to cover short-term debts. (Liquidity Ratios) The analysis will include Current ratio, quick ratio, debtor turnover ratio and inventory turnover ratio. Investor ratios: The holders of the ordinary shares of a company (its equity) are interested in the return on their investment and the value of their shares. (Advanced Level Accounting, 1996) The analysis will include Earnings per share, Price Earning ratio, Dividend per share and dividend yield ratio. The research questions for my research report are: The growth in sales between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2009? What is the effect of Governments price freeze policy on profits of Wyeth? What is the effect of the economic crisis of Pakistan on the financial performance of Wyeth? What was the effect of changing the policy of selling on credit to selling on advance on the working capital of Wyeth and hence its liquidity position? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Wyeth? How well did Wyeth perform compared to its major competitor GSK? How well is Wyeth utilizing its strategic capabilities? 1.4 OVERALL RESEARCH APPROACH I started my research by carrying out a financial analysis using ratios as the tool for my analysis. Most ratios can be calculated from information provided by the financial statements. Financial ratios can be used to analyze trends and to compare the firms financials to those of other firms. (Financial Ratios) Then I carried out an analysis of the environment of Wyeth using PESTEL analysis. This was followed by SWOT analysis to assess its strategic capabilities. 2. INFORMATION GATHERING 2.1 SOURCES OF INFORMATION PRIMARY DATA Information that has been collected at first hand. It involves measurement of some sort, whether by taking readings off instruments, sketching, counting, or conducting interviews (using questionnaires). (Primary Data) To gather primary data I tried reaching Mr. Khwaja Bakhtiar Ahmed, the company secretary, through his assistant. After persistent efforts I finally got an appointment. He was a charismatic person with a lot of knowledge. He enlightened me about Wyeth policies and answered many of my questions. He also handed me the annual reports of Wyeth and management accounts. For the purpose of collecting data I also emailed a questionnaire to a sample of employees of the organisation. The response was good. SECONDARY DATA Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the user. Common sources of secondary data for social science include censuses, surveys, organizational records and data collected through qualitative methodologies or qualitative research. (Secondary data, 2011) My secondary sources of information included the following: The annual reports of Wyeth and GSK. News papers such as Business recorder, pharmaceutical literatures. ACCA text books especially for Paper F1, F3, F7, P3 and P5. News websites such as â€Å"The news† and â€Å"Jang†. Books that I found in the library of Superior college. Internet 2.2 METHODS USED TO COLLECT INFORMATION 2.2.1 Visiting stock Exchange: I visited the stock exchange to get the hard copy of the annual reports of Wyeth and GSK. 2.2.2 Interview: My interviews with Mr. Khwaja Bakhtiar Ahmed, the company secretary and Mr. Imran Baig, my mentor proved to be a good source of information. 2.2.3 E-Mail survey: I conducted an e-mail survey. The questionnaire was sent to different employees of the organization as a word attachment and asked them to fill up the word file and send it back as attachment 2.2.4 On-line Access: Various websites were visited for the purpose of research. The most important ones were the website of Wyeth, Karachi stock exchange, and Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. I also visited ACCA website for archives of student accountant articles. 2.3 QUESTIONNAIRE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES USED The questionnaire was emailed after having it reviewed by the different department heads. The population I used was the one that was using an email. I had taken the email addresses from the records maintained by the company. The method I used for sampling was haphazard sampling. I chose the email addresses at random 2.4 LIMITATIONS OF INFORMATION GATHERED Some information was collected from Wyeth website which may be favourably biased towards the organization. It is possible that in spite of all the efforts some information sources may not have been identified which could have lead to a different conclusion. The sample chosen for the email questionnaire might not be representative of the population The views of the company secretary about future prospects might be biased or over optimistic The information present on internet can be subject to the authors own judgements instead of presenting facts. 2.5 ETHICAL ISSUES DURING INFORMATION GATHERING As per the guidelines of Oxford Brookes university I was supposed to disclose the full details of the information sources that I used, but it was in the best interest of the employees of the organization to have their names kept anonymous so they do not face problems with their employer. I put special care into making sure the questionnaire kept the identity anonymous. During the interview with Mr. Khwaja Bakhtiar Ahmed, the company secretary I asked some questions about the new product launch of ENBREL and ORISTIQ. He was hesitant in answering at first but then I assured him that this information was publicly available, after knowing this he co-operated. 2.6 ACCOUNTING / BUSINESS TECHNIQUES USED AND THEIR LIMITATION The accounting/business techniques used for the project were as follows: 2.6.1 Ratio Analysis The term accounting ratios is used to describe significant relationship between figures shown on a balance sheet, in a profit and loss account, in a budgetary control system or in any other part of accounting organization. Accounting ratios thus shows the relationship between accounting data. The ratios analysis is one of the most powerful tools of financial management. Though ratios are simple to calculate and easy to understand, they suffer from serious limitations. Limitations of financial statements: Ratios are based only on the information which has been recorded in the financial statements. Financial statements themselves are subject to several limitations. Thus ratios derived, there from, are also subject to those limitations. For example, non-financial changes though important for the business are not relevant by the financial statements. Financial statements are affected to a very great extent by accounting conventions and concepts. Personal judgment plays a great part in determining the figures for financial statements. Comparative study required: Ratios are useful in judging the efficiency of the business only when they are compared with past results of the business. However, such a comparison only provide glimpse of the past performance and forecasts for future may not prove correct since several other factors like market conditions, management policies, etc. may affect the future operations. Ratios alone are not adequate: Ratios are only indicators, they cannot be taken as final regarding good or bad financial position of the business. Other things have also to be seen. Problems of price level changes: A change in price level can affect the validity of ratios calculated for different time periods. In such a case the ratio analysis may not clearly indicate the trend in solvency and profitability of the company. The financial statements, therefore, be adjusted keeping in view the price level changes if a meaningful comparison is to be made through accounting ratios. Lack of adequate standard: No fixed standard can be laid down for ideal ratios. There are no well accepted standards or rule of thumb for all ratios which can be accepted as norm. It renders interpretation of the ratios difficult. Limited use of single ratios: A single ratio, usually, does not convey much of a sense. To make a better interpretation, a number of ratios have to be calculated which is likely to confuse the analyst than help him in making any good decision. Personal bias: Ratios are only means of financial analysis and not an end in itself. Ratios have to interpreted and different people may interpret the same ratio in different way. Incomparable: Not only industries differ in their nature, but also the firms of the similar business widely differ in their size and accounting procedures etc. It makes comparison of ratios difficult and misleading. (Accounting Ratios | Financial Ratios) 2.6.2 SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is a tool that is used to evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of an organization and the external Opportunities and Threats faced by the organization in the external environment. Limitations of SWOT: The way SWOT analysis is often conducted does not allow for proper communication, discussion, and verification of all external and internal factors proposed by all involved. On such occasions, SWOT results prove less reliable an input to the strategy generation process than they are capable of being. Still worse, as documented later, the results of SWOT analysis are sometimes never meant to be used as an input to the strategy generation process. If that is known, or anticipated, by those involved in SWOT analysis, the quality of their inputs will most likely suffer and be lower than otherwise possible, and desirable.(KOCH, Adam J.) 2.6.3 Porter’s five forces analysis Porter looked at the structure of industries. In particular, he was interested in assessing industryattractiveness, by which he meant how easy it would be to make above average profits (forshareholders and to fund adequate investment). He concluded that industry attractivenessdepends on five factors or forces: Competitive rivalry between existing firms Threats of new entrants Threats of substitute products Power of suppliers Power of customers (Paper P3 Business Analysis Essential Text) Limitations of five forces model: Porter’s 5 forces of competition have a few weaknesses and limitations. The modelunderestimates the influence of a company’s core competencies on its ability to achieve profit.It, instead, assumes the industry structure is the sole determining factor. Porters 5 forcesdefinition is difficult to apply to large multinational corporations with synergies andinterdependencies achieved from a portfolio of businesses. Additionally, the five forcesframework assumes there is no collusion in the industry. Finally, Porter’s analysis doesn’tconsider the possibility of creating a new market. (Porter’s Five Forces of Competition , 2010) 3. ANALYSIS 3.1 PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR 2009 was a challenging year and witnessed modest growth in Pakistan’s economy due to uncertain law and order situation and global economic recession. The economy continues to witness double digit inflation; low economic growth and continued depreciation of the rupee against major currencies. During this period the pharmaceutical industry has been adversely impacted by both inflationary trends as well as Rupee depreciation. The government has not allowed any across the board price adjustment to pharmaceutical industry for nine years. Growth in pharmaceutical markets is mainly volume growth. (BENGALI, Iqbal, 2010) Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the major manufacturing industries in Pakistan providing employment to thousands of people directly and indirectly. The industry, however, is facing many challenges, which are hindering its growth. The major challenge faced by the industry is the complete freezing of price of pharmaceutical products since 2001. Pakistan is the only cou ntry in the entire Asian region that has not given its pharma and biotech industry tax-breaks and R D incentives. Government’s requirement that drug production lines should be separate is raising cost and reducing the ability of local manufacturers to compete not only in the global market but even at home. (JAVED, Aamar, 2009) Pakistan has a very vibrant and forward looking Pharma Industry. At the time of independence in 1947, there was hardly any pharma industry in the country. Today Pakistan has about 400 pharmaceutical manufacturing units including those operated by 25 multinationals present in the country. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Industry meets around 70% of the countrys demand of Finished Medicine. The domestic pharma market, in term of share market is almost evenly divided between the Nationals and the Multinationals.(Pakistan Pharmaceutical Industry) Pakistan’s $1.61 billion pharmaceutical market is now expected to post a five-year compound annual growth of 8.95 per cent, down from 9.39 per cent forecast in the previous quarter, according to Business Monitor Internationa l, a global business intelligence firm. (Pharmaceutical sector growth slowing down: BMI , 2010) 3.2 THE COMPANY As a result of the global acquisition of Wyeth by Pfizer Inc.,on October 15, 2009, Wyeth has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.. Pfizer Inc has become the ultimate parent company of Wyeth Pakistan Limited. Wyeth however continues to be the principal shareholder of Wyeth Pakistan Limited. (AHMED, Khawaja Bakhtiar, 2010) Wyeth, with its pharmaceutical and over-the-counter divisions, is a leader in the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of a broad range of health care products. (WYETH PAKISTAN LIMITED ) 3.3 RATIO ANALYSIS The following ratio analysis is based on the Annual Reports of WYETH and GSK Pakistan. Comparison has been made with the results of GSK for FY2009 since these were the latest financials available. Ratios 3.3.1 SALES Analysis GSK 2009 Sales Revenue (Rs. in million) Growth in revenue (%) Cost of sales. (Rs. In million) Growth in cost of sales.(%) 14,719 9.8% 11,173 17% FY2010 2,310 0.17% 1,830 1.4% FY2009 2,306 3.3% 1,805 8% FY2008 2,384 13% 1,699 22% 3.3.2 Profitability Ratios GSK 2009 24.1% FY2010 FY2009 FY2008 G.P Margin N.P Margin ROE 20.82% 1.13% 2.58% 21.73% -3.77% 8.86% 29.87% 6.04% 12.73% 6.3% 11.5% 12 3.3.3 Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio Quick Ratio Debtors’ Days Inventory Days 3.3.4 Investor’s Analysis GSK 2009 3.2 1.6 25 67 FY2010 2.56 1.01 26 163 FY2009 2.71 0.98 38 144 FY2008 3.43 1.38 29 143 Ratios GSK 2009 5.5 20 5 4.6% FY2010 FY2009 FY2008 Earnings per Share (EPS) (Rs.) PE Ratio (Times) Dividend Per Share (Rs.) Dividend Yield 18.61 49.08 10 0.92% -61.09 _ _ _ 101.50 25.62 250 10.55% Comments on Ratios The operating results of currents year are for a 12 months period ended November 30, 2010 compared to the previous year which for an 11 months period ended November 30, 2009. Sales analysis. The growth in company’s net sales for the period ending 30 November 2009 reduced by 3.3% as sales were Rs. 2,384 million in year ending 31, December 2008 and in 2009 period it was Rs. 2,306 million which is due to challenging conditions of external environment in 2009. On the other hand cost of sales for year ending 2008 was Rs. 1,699 million which increased to Rs. 1,805 million in period ending 2009. It was an increase of 8% which shows that company does not have efficient policies to control its operational expenditure. In year ending 2010 overall sales increased by 0.17% but as we mentioned above that this period comprises 12 months comparing last 11 month period and if we compare like with likes then sales reduced by 8%. This is due to due to uncertain law and order conditions of Pakistan. But this year company showed efficiency in controlling its costs as this year cost of sales increased by just 1.4%. This could be due to training and development of employees as training on six- sigma was conducted after the losses incurred by company in 2009. This training was to increase efficiencies of employees to control the cost. GSK: Sales of GSK are in year ending 2009 were Rs. 14,719 million as compared to Rs. 2,310 million of Wyeth which is due to major market share of GSK. Out of to 20 products 9 are manufactured and sold by GSK. Profitability analysis GP Margin: In year ending 2010 gross profit margin reduced as it was 21.73% in year ending 2009 and it was 20.82% in year ending 2010. This decrease was mainly due to adverse economical conditions of country as inflation increased and cost of resources and operations increased accordingly. In period ending 30 November 2009 the GP margin decreased from 29.87% in 2008 and 21.73% in 2009. In year 2009 the profit also reduced as compared to sales which is also mainly to due to increase in cost of operations. On the other hand the government has not allowed an increase in price since year 2001. The GP margin of GSK is 24.1% for year ending 2009 as Wyeth has GP margin 20.82% in year ending 2010 which shows that GSK has more ability to control its cost and transfer it to its customers. NP Margin: In period ending 30 November 2009 the net profit margin reduced from 6.04% in 2008 to 3.77%. The major cause of this reduction in profitability was the economical condition of Pakistan. Costs of operations increased due to inflation and at the same time the devaluation of currency. However, company maintained control on expenses as their advertising and promotion costs were in line with last year. Administrative cost increased due to cost of Voluntary Separation Scheme. Other operating expenses were lower than last year. NP margin for year ending 2010 increased to 1.13% from -3.77% in the last year. This improvement was due to increase in efficiency of employees and efficiently controlling the operational cost of company as the operating expenses reduced by 10% in year ending. There has been a long stand price freeze by the government since 2001 due to which company was not able to earn abnormal profits. The net profit of GSK was 6.3% in year ending 2009 which also reduced as it was 14.6% in 2008. This shows that the industry was adversely affected by increase in operational costs and long standing price freeze by government due to which companies cannot pass their cost to customers. ROE: Return on equity increased for year ending 2010 to 2.58% as it was -8.86% in year ending 2009 this increased was due to increased operational efficiency of organization. While in period ending 2009 the ROE reduced significantly from 12.73% to -8.86%. . ROE of GSK is 11.5% in year ending 2009 as compared to % of Wyeth. Liquidity analysis. Current ratio: Current ratio indicates how many times the company’s current assents can meet company’s current liabilities. A ratio of 2 is considered sufficient for current ratio generally. In the period ending 30, November 2009 the current ratio reduced from 3.43 times to 2.71 times. This shows that the company can meet its current liabilities 2.71 times by its current assets. This decreasing trend could cause an alarming situation for Wyeth because a company can survive without profits for some years but without cash it can’t survive more than one year. So worsening condition of Wyeth needs effective and efficient policies for fund management. Current ratio for year ending 2010 reduced to 2.56 times as it was 2.71 times in year ending 2009. This shows that now company can meet its current liabilities by 2.56 times. A ratio of 2 is a standard for current ratio. Company improved its working capital condition this year as they changed their sales and distribution model from credit to advance cash. Current ratio of GSK for year ending 2009 is 3.2 times which shows strong policies of funding are in place. Quick ratio: Quick ratio indicates how many times company’s current assets can fulfill its current liabilities but it ignores inventory from current assets because in some organizations inventory takes times before it can convert to sales. Quick ratio of Wyeth is reducing quicker than current ratio for years ending 2009Quick ratio for period ending 2009 also reduced from 1.38 to 0.98 times which was an alarming situation for Wyeth. It indicates that major part of current assets consist inventory and company’s inventory increased from last year due to increase in cost of materials. . Ratio of 1 is considered a standard for quick ratio so company’s liquidity is worsening. Quick ratio improved in year ending 2010 which is 1.01 times as it was 0.98 times in 2009. This is due to improved working capital management policies as company received cash in advance instead of credit. Due to which company earned interest on deposits too. Quick ratio of GSK for year ending 2009 was 1.6 whi ch shows a healthy liquidity position. Debtors Days: Debtors turnover period indicates how many days debtors take to pay their debt to company. Debtors are part of working capital and for the successful operations of company good debtor management strategies need to be in place. In period ending 2009 the debtor’s turnover period increased by 9 days as these were 29 days in 2008 and 38 days in 2009. During this year due to inflation and devaluation of currency the company had to extend debtors turnover period as company made loss after tax this year. In year ending 2010 company’s debtor days reduced to 26 days as compared to 38 days in 2009 this also shows the improvement in fund management policies as this year company received advance cash from sales and distribution instead of credit. Debtor’s days of GSK for year ending 2009 were 25. This shows that debtor collection policies of GSK are more efficient than Wyeth. Inventory days: Inventory days indicate the period during which inventory of a company remains in its warehouse or in work in progress before it is finally converted into sales. Inventory holding initiates many expenses like warehouse, damages etc. which can be mitigated by good inventory management policies in place. Inventory turnover period in 2009 increased by 1 day as it was 143 days in 2008 and became 144 days in 2009. This increase was nominal but instead improvement this increase was due to decreasing in underlying sales. Inventory days increased this year too from 144 days in 2009 to 163 days in 2010. This increase was mainly due to increase in inflation and instability of prices in material. Sales for this year was lower than last year. Inventory turnover period of GSK in year ending 2009 was 67 days which is less than half of Wyeth. This shows that GSK has more efficient working capital policies and sales of GSK were more than Wyeth which is due to the higher market share of GSK. Investor’s analysis. EPS Earning per share can be used to indicate the profitability of a company. It shows the earning allocated to each common share. In period ending 2009 the EPS reduced badly by Rs.162 per share. In this year company’s EPS was -61.09. This major decrease was due to consistent inflation and devaluation of currency of Pakistan. These factors became the reason for increase in operational cost. And due to the price freeze by government the company was not able to transfer the cost to customers. In year ending 2010 EPS increased from Rs. -61.09 last year to Rs. 18.61 this year. This year company made a net profit margin of 1.13% which was loss of (3.77) % in last year. This improvement is due to controlling the operational expenses of the company this year. The EPS of GSK for year ending 2009 was Rs. 5.5 which is consistent with previous years. PE ratio: The PE ratio of Wyeth moved adversely during last years. In year ending 2008 the PE ratio was 25.62 times while In year ending 2009 the company’s made a loss. Which was due to increase in cost which company was not able to pass to customers. In year ending 2010 PE ratio improved to 49.08 times which was nil in last year this improvement also due to improvement in operational efficiency of company during 2010 as the company improved its cash position as well as its productivity. The PE ratio of GSK was 20 which show good performance of GSK compared to Wyeth. Dividend per share Dividend per share ratio indicates the dividend earned by an investor by holding one share of company. There was no dividend per share in year ending 2009 as company was in loss. This loss was mainly due to adverse environmental, economical, and political situations. In year ending 2010 company announced the dividend of Rs. 10 per share which shows the attractive position of company in this year. Company improve its profitability as well as its operational efficiency during year ending 2010 as retrospective measures taken in 2010 like training on six-sigma plan. The dividend per share of GSK for year ending 2009 was Rs.5 which also indicates that company performed well in such crises. Dividend yield This ratio represents the cash flows earned by the investor by investing each rupee in form of shares. In year ending 2010 earning yield improved to 0.92% as it was nil in year ending 2009. This improvement was due to improvement in operational efficiencies during year ending 2010 while economical and political instability remained consistent in year ending 2010. In the period ending 2009 company made a loss. While GSK’s dividend yield in this year was 4.6% which shows the good governance of GSK as compare to Wyeth. 3.4 PESTEL ANALYSIS PESTEL analysis is a tool which is used to understand external environment. It deals with external environmental factors like political, economical, social and demographical, technological, environmental and legal. By considering these factors we can judge the influence of all above factors on the operations and profitability of any company. Political factors. In political factors we consider the government policies like tax policies, their stability, political environment and institutions. In 2008 there was instability in political conditions of Pakistan which adversely affected the pharmaceutical industry. Policies of government about electricity price raises also contributed adversely to pharmaceutical industry. Government’s price freeze policy since 2001 also reduced the profitability because firms were not able to transfer their increasing operational cost to the customers. In the last quarter of 2008 government gave some relaxation on price increase but that was for some products that did not contribute too much to improve the conditions of profitability. Economical factors: Inflation (too much money chasing too few goods) remained the major problem of Pakistan in the last few years. Due to consistent rise in cost of electricity, labor, and fuel the profitability of pharmaceutical industry reduced as firms could not increase prices according to cost due to limitation by government policies. But demand in the public remained unchanged. Devaluation of Pakistan currency also adversely affected the industry as value of rupees consistently reduced against major currencies of world especially against US$. Due to which many firms had