Macro assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Macro - Assignment Example This is because as the country experienced inflation, the central bank raised interest rates to reduce inflation. High-interest rates reduce consumer spending, thus lowering the AD. Low AD will consequently reduce inflation; however, there is fewer consumers spending which means the real GDP is low. Firms are, therefore, not willing to hire more employees and thus, high rates of unemployment despite the low inflation. President Obamas response to the 2008 recession was the right decision. His government offered stimulus to the falling economy and resuscitate the crumbling housing industry. His policy led to a slow but sure recovery of the economy. Job losses in one industry affect incomes in other industries. For instance, job loss in construction industries means that the population’s income reduces. Therefore, the ability and willingness to buy things like clothes and leisure travels declines, thus affecting the clothing and travel industry. China launched a fiscal stimulus in 2008 so as to boost domestic demand and avoid the booming global recession. Without the stimulus, China would have recorded a growth of between 5 and 6% as opposed to 8-9% growth recorded. Revolutionary war was financed through the deficit debt. Whether the cost of deficit spending is passed on to the future generation is debatable. Economists argue that it is usually borne at the time of debt-financed activity; however, the benefits may persist even to the future generation. Others argue that if deficit spending is spent on consumption goods, the cost is transferable to the future generation Future generation may benefit from deficit spending in different ways. For example, deficit spending could raise economic growth in the future, finance projects such as infrastructure or be used to educate the future generation. Keeping a fraction of money in reserve should not make bankers uncomfortable.

Case memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Case memo - Essay Example To evaluate the suitability of the new idea, White Appliances limited needs to consider the SWOT analysis for this case objectively. A SWOT analysis will be a useful technique that the company can use to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats before considering the new venture. The technique will enable White Appliances to determine or identify a sustainable niche in the competitive global market. Using the SWOT analysis the company will be able to determine strategies that will make it stand out from its competitors. As a manager of the White Appliances limited, the company has adequate strength to penetrate and establish itself in the new Indian market. The company’s strengths are determined by what the company can do better than its competitor and factors that enable the company to stand out from its competitors. To begin with, White Appliances produces its microwaves from both its Asian and American manufacturing lines. The company markets its microwaves mainly in the American and European markets. Having two manufacturing locations for microwaves will enable the company to penetrate and sustain the Indian market. The company also needs to sustain its old markets while it searches for a new markets, the company can therefore decide to use its Asian production units to concentrate on the new market while the American production unit concentrates on the existing markets. White Appliances has marketed its products successfully in major European and American markets. This implies that the company has a good and reliable market that it can turn to incase the new venture prove to be unpromising. Being able to control the European and American markets has also enabled the company to acquire adequate profits that can be applied in any expansion measure undertaken by the company. The ability to control the American

The impact of feminism on sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The impact of feminism on sociology - Essay Example The moment the law of lift Is violated we see the immediate effects This is a philosophical position. It seeks equality as it relates to political, legal and economic matters (Blumberg, R. 2001,). There are many more aspects but the main thrust is to achieve equality with the male counterpart. Unemployment has been a factor of society over many years. In the past governments somewhat accepted this. In this way welfare recipients were simply entitled to benefits. Since the 1970s there has been a shift in this approach. People were no longer entitled to the benefits. The shift meant that one had to qualify for the benefits. Qualifying had to do with a market economy component. This meant the introduction of the welfare to work principle (Breitkreuz, R. 2005, June)... Those people on welfare were now structured units to enter the job market. This gave focus to the real societal issues. In most societies, those on welfare women out number the men. A further reality is that most these women are mothers. Feminist studies show that employability has at least two direct challenges. First there is the need to deal with the woman’s emotional need. This need is directly related to the family commitment. In many cases the woman is referred to as the lone mother. This lone mother may be making an income. The reality is that the income is informal. In addition the income is small. The lone mother is now trapped in to maintaining this income stream. This can be seen as a coping mechanism. The second issue is the need for education. In most cases there is a skill deficiency. In other words the lone mother has a work skill. The problem is that the work skill is not in demand by the regular business economy. The two issues must be addressed together. This realization helps the society in general. The fact can be seen if we look log term as opposed to the immediate issue at hand. Helping the lone mother in the welfare to work

Divorce Bill Essay Example for Free

Divorce Bill Essay Underpinning this proposal is a commitment to the policy of the State to protect and strengthen marriage and the family as basic social institutions, to value the dignity of every human person, to guarantee full respect for human rights, and to ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. In the Filipino culture, marriage is regarded as a sacred union, and the family founded on marriage is considered as a fount of love, protection and care. Philippine society generally frowns upon and discourages marital break-ups and so provides cultural and legal safeguards to perserve marital relations. Cultural prescriptions and religious norms keep many couples together despite the breakdown of the marriage. But the cultural prescriptions for women and men differ. Women are traditionally regarded as primarily responsible for making the marriage work and are expected to sacrifice everything to preserve the marriage and the solidarity of the family. While absolute fidelity is demanded of wives, men are granted sexual license to have affairs outside marriage. Yet when the marriage fails, the woman is blamed for its failure. Reality tells us that there are many failed, unhappy marriages across all Filipino classes. Many couples especially from the marginalized sectors, who have no access to the courts, simply end up separating without the benefit of legal processes. The sheer number of petitions that have been filed since 1988 for the declaration of the nullity of the marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code (commonly known as annulment) shows that there are just too many couples who are desperate to get out of failed marriages. Even when couples start out well in their marriage, political, economical and social realities take their toll on their relationship. Some are not prepared to handle the intricacies of the married life. For a large number of women, the inequalities and violence in marriage negate its ideals as the embodiment of love, care and safety and erode the bases upon which a marriage is founded. The marital relations facilitate the commission of violence and perpetuate their oppression. Official figures in 2009 showed that nineteen women were victims of marital violence everyday. Among the different forms of violence and abuse against women committed in 2009, wife battery ranked highest at 6,783 or 72% according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) likewise recorded marital violence as highest among different forms of violence against owmen at 1,933. Previous reports of the PNP about three of ten perpetrators of violence against women were husbands of the victims. Husbands accounted for 28 percent of the violence against women crimes. Given these realities, couples must have the option to avail of remedies that will pave the way for the attainment of their full human development and self-fulfillment and the protection of their human rights. Existing laws are not enough to guarantee and protect these rights. To quote the Womens Legal Bureau, Inc. , a legal resource NGO for women: The present laws relating to separation of couples and termination of marriage are inadequate to respond to the myriad causes of failed marriages. Particularly, the remedies of declaration of nullity and annulment do not cover the problems that occur during the existence of marriage. Legal separation, on the other hand, while covering problems during marriage, does not put an end to marriage. Though both divorce and a declaration of nullity of a marriage allow the spouses to remarry, the two remedies differ in concept and basis. A declaration of nullity presupposes that the marriage is valid from the beginning and the court declares its non-existence Beyond [the] grounds specified [in the law], declaration of nullity is not possible. In annulment, the marriage of the parties is declared defective from the beginning, albeit it is considered valid until annulled. The defect can be used to nullify the marriage within a specified period but the same may be ignored and the marriage becomes perfectly valid after the lapse of that period, or the defect may be cured through some act. The defect relates to the time of the celebration of the marriage and has nothing to do with circumstances occurring after the marriage is celebrated. In annulment, the marriage is legally cancelled, and the man and woman are restored to their single status. Since August 3, 1988, couples have been given a way out of failed marriages through Article 36 of the Family Code  The remedy provides under Article 36 is declaration of nullity of the marriage. The article voids a marriage where one party is psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essentials of marital obligations. Consistent with the concept of void marriages (where the remedy is declaration of nullity), the law requires that the incapacity must have existed at the time of the celebration of the marriage In practice, Article 36 has become a form of divorce, as valid marriages are declared void every day in the guise of psychological incapacity. The innumerable Article 36 cases brought to trial courts is an indication of the elasticity of Article 36 to accommodate the needs of many couples desiring to terminate their marriages. It is proof that divorce is needed in the Philippines. Article 36 provides a remedy only for spouses who can prove psychological incapacity. The concept certainly cannot accommodate all cases where divorce would be necessary. What we need is a divorce law that defines clearly and unequivocally the grounds and terms for terminating a marriage . That law will put an end to the creative efforts played daily in courtrooms across the country to accommodate a wide range of cases in order to prove psychological incapacity. (Womens Legal Bureau, Inc. , The Relevance of Divorce in the Philippines, 1998) Thus, the bill seeks to introduce divorce as another option for couples in failed and irreparable marriages. The bill was crafted in consultation with women lawyers and inspired by the studies and inputs of various womens groups and the experiences of spouses gathered by GABRIELA from its various chapters nationwide. The bill seeks to introduce divorce in Philippine law with a strong sense of confidence that it will be used responsibly by Filipino couples. This confidence stems from the experiences of Filipino families that show that separation is usually the last resort of many Filipino couples whose marriage has failed. Cases of battered women also support this. Battered women invariably seek separation only after many years of tring to make the marriage work. Separation only becomes imperative for them when they realize that it is necessary for their and their childrens survival. Divorce could actually provide protection to battered women and their children from further violence and abuse. With the predominance of the Catholic faith in the Philippines, the fear that divorce will erode personal values on marriage appears unfounded. The experience of Italy, where the Vatican is located, and Spain, two predominantly Catholic countries which practice divorce, supports this. Those countries have a low rate of divorce. Italy registers a 7% rate while Spain registers 15%. The figures reflect the strong influence of religious beliefs and culture on individuals in deciding to terminate marital relations. Historically, divorce had been part of our legal system. In the beginning of the 16th century, before the Spanish colonial rule, absolute divorce was widely practiced among ancestral tribes such as the Tagbanwas of Palawan, the Gadangs of Nueva Vizcaya, the Sagadans and Igorots of the Cordilleras, and the Manobos, Blaans and Moslems of the Visayas and Mindanao islands. Divorce was also available during the American period, starting from 1917 (under Act No. 710 enacted by the Philippine Legislature), and during the Japanese occupation (under Executive Order No. 141) and after, until 1950. It was only on August 30, 1950, when the New Civil Code took effect, that divorce was disallowed under Philippine law. Only legal separation was available. The same rule was adopted by the Family Code of 1988, which replaced the provisions of the New Civil Code on marriage and the family, although the Family Code introduced the concept of psychological incapacity as a basis for declaring the marriage void. In recognition of the history of divorce in the Philippines, the farmers of the 1987 Philippine Constitution left the wisdom of legalizing divorce to the Congress. Thus, the 1987 Constitution does not prohibit the legalization of divorce. This bill is respectful of and sensitive to differing religious beliefs in the Philippines. It recognizes that the plurality of religious beliefs and cultural sensibilities in the Philippines demand that different remedies for failed marriages should be made available. For this reason, the bill retains the existing remedies of legal separation, declaring of nullity of the marriage and annulment and only adds divorce as one more remedy. Couples may choose from these remedies depending on their situation, religious beliefs, cultural sensibilities, needs and emotional state. While divorce under this proposed measure severs the bonds of marriage, divorce as a remedy need not be fo the purpose of re-marriage; it may be resorted to by individuals to achieve peace of mind and facilitate their pursuit of full human development. This bill also seeks to make Philippine law consistent in the way it treats religious beliefs with respect to termination of marriage. Philippine law through the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1083 [1977]) allows divorce among Filipino Muslims, in deference to the Islamic faith which recognizes divorce. Non-Muslim Filipinos should have the same option under Philippine law, in accordance with their religious beliefs. The bill proposes five grounds for divorce. All the five grounds are premised on the irreparable breakdown of the marriage and the total non-performance of marital obligations. Thus, the bill provides that a petition for divorce may be filed when the petitioner has been separated de facto (in fact) from his or her spouse for at least five years at the time of the filing of the petition and reconciliation is highly improbable, or when the petitioner has been legally separated from his or her spouse for at least two years at the time of the filing of the petition and reconciliation is highly improbable. Not all circumstances and situations that cause the total breakdown of a marriage could be defined in this proposed measure. Thus, the bill also provides that divorce may be granted when the spouses suffer from irreconcilable differences that have caused the irreparable breakdown of the marriage. Spouses living in a state of irreparable marital conflict or discord should be given the opportunity to present their marital contrarieties in court and have those differences adjudged as constituting a substantial ground to put an end to the marriage. Another ground for divorce included in the bill is when one or both spouses are psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations. This provision will consequently repeal Article 36 of the Family Code. The bill seeks to include psychological incapacity in the grounds for divorce in the belief that the concept is consistent with the termination of marital ties rather than with a void marriage. This bill seeks to eliminate condonation of the act and consent to the act as grounds for denying a petition for legal separation and, by extension, a petition for divorce. Many spouses especially women ignore the offense because of the social and economic conditions they are in. Many women in the marginalized sectors tend to condone the offense because they are economically dependent on their spouses or because of the stigma attached to failed marriages. Some women who are perceived to be condoning the acts of their husbands actually suffer from the cycle of spousal abuse such that they have become so disempowered to address their situation.

The Rise Of China History Essay

The Rise Of China History Essay INTRODUCTION China perceives itself as a central power on Earth. The rest of the World is an array of greater and lesser powers which neither have unified structure nor a single head Macnall Mark  [1]   1. The quiet yet spectacular rise of China in the last two decades has brought the Oriental dragon on the thresholds of changing the contours of international power politics. China has emerged as the third largest economy in the world and the largest trading partner of all the emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America replacing the USA and EU. China is known to be pursuing a not so transparent path of steep growth in strategic military capability and has developed a credible nuclear and missile deterrence capability. 2. China is rising along with worldwide concerns over the strat implications of the growing Chinese power. Whether any nation likes it or not, China has emerged as a power to reckon with and its hybrid model of quasi- state capitalism semi democratic authoritarianism sometimes dubbed as the Beijing consensus  [2]  makes an interesting case study for the strat thinkers. 3. During the cold war, China pursued a policy of leaning to one side (either the Soviet Union or the United States) from within a posture of strategic independence. After the disintegration of USSR, it has been making official and emphatic pronouncements of promoting a multipolar world order and its own desire to attain the status of a world power. China has generally maintained an outwardly peaceful outlook and the World has not seen any major intervention by China except possibly in the case of North Korea where the Chinese action can not be defined as responsible. However, as China begins to assert its economic prowess and military capability, the global and regional powers are besieged with the growing realisation of a need to develop mechanisms to deal with the potent China threat. 4. There appears to be a near consensus that China will soon become a world power. However, whether China will fulfil the responsibilities that accompany the mantle of a Global power remains to be seen. Whatever be the case, China has arrived at the centre stage of world politics and the world has to cater for China in all their strategic outlook. Hypothesis 5. The rise of China into a global power in foreseeable future is a fact every nation state has to understand and reckon with. China is on the path of development of comprehensive national power before it asserts itself to take the centre stage of the world order . Assertion of Chinas economic and military might in conjunction with its soft power status in the UN to challenge the unipolar world order is likely to bring it in conflict with the sole super power USA. Manifestation of the true Chinese aspirations and intentions are likely to emerge by the year 2030 by which time it may be too late for world players including India to decide on how to align with the changed world order centred around China.   Statement of the Problem 6. This research seeks to study and analyze the rise of China as a world power and its effect on the global power equation. The paper also seeks to study as to how the major international players including India will manage or adapt to this change in the international arena. SCOPE 7. This research will primarily focus on the strat activities of China and its implications for other nations including India. It will analyse the World view of the Chinese growth and the management of the change in global power equations due to Chinese growth. The research has been carried out under the following main heads:- (a) Historical/Background Issues. After a brief mention of the rise of Chinese civilisation, its geography and population, this part includes the research carried out to understand the advent of nationalism and communism in China and the transformation from Mao to Market as Deng Xiaoping laid the foundation for open market policies within a centrist communist regime. (focus more on the contribution of the CCP and its evolution in the era of Xiaoping. Not to cov econ its detls to avoid overlap with para c below). (b) Chinas Grand Strategy/ Capabilities and Intentions. The national and military objectives of China and the growth of its military capability to meet its regional as well as global ambitions have been analysed in this part. (Focus on the Chinese perspective only avoid giving the perspective of the other powers to avoid duplication with para e below). (c) Economic and Social Growth of China. The emergence of China as a major economic power with substantial forex reserves and its global reach to new markets have been analysed. The Chinese initiatives for social growth to facilitate the economic growth in the long term have also been examined. (only the economic and social growth of china , avoid views and perspective either Chinese or World view as it is being cov in other parts) (d) Chinas Growing Vulnerabilities Weaknesses. While China has made much progress, it still has many blemishes. The threats of economic disparity, alienation of ethnic minorities like Tibetans and Uighurs, environmental threat due to urbanisation, lack of energy resources and the plight of farmers and migrant labour working in the SEZs are some of the threats which may derail the stability of China. In addition to discussion of the internal weaknesses of China, its performance in relation to internal obligations like nuclear non proliferation, global war on terror , human rights front and world trade issues have also been analysed in this part. (e) Effect and Analysis of Chinas Rise. The effect of Chinas rise on the world order and major world players like USA, EU, Asia Pacific, Russia, South Asia and India and their response have been analysed in this part.(you can skip the effect on India and the Indian response as it will be coc in detl in para f) (f) Implications for India and How Should India Respond. There are areas of common interests as well as areas of competition and concerns between the two Asian giants. In view of the meteoric growth of China, India has a wide range of options to include collaboration, engagement, containment, confrontation and alliance with other global players like USA, Japan, Australia and Taiwan etc . The options of India ranging from deterrence to dissuasion capability and the multi pronged and multi lateral policies to slow down the prowling dragon of China have been analysed in this part. ( the alliances by India may be common between paras e and f, both gps may work on it for the time being for maint continuity of your flow, can be rationalises later) PRESENTATION 8. The presentation of the Minor Research Project will be conducted as under:- Minutes (a) Historical/Background Issues 05 (b) Chinas Grand Strategy/Intentions 12 (c) Economic Social Rise of China 06 (d) Chinas Growing Vulnerabilities Weaknesses 10 (e) Effect and Analysis of Chinas Rise 12 (f) Implications for India and How Should India Respond. 14 (g) Conclusion 02 (h) Questions Answers 20 (j) Summing up by SI 05 (k) Comments by CI Army/Comdt 05 Total 90 (this is tentative , based on the term of ref that we have only 60 mins for presentation the obvious achievements of China need not be devoted too much of time and space . I have tried to keep the sub parts/contents of the sub topics in mind while allotting time . Historical background part may appear less to you but that being the introductory part should not be too long I feel) CONCLUSION 9. The meteoric rise of China in the World order has been one of the most discussed and debated issues of the new millennium. After more than five centuries of dominance of the Western Block, the Oriental Dragon is well poised to take the centre stage in the World politics and economy. 10. There is a considerable amount of debate on issues like how long can the dynamic growth in Chinese economy continue or its nearly totalitarian regime survive but the there can be no dispute to the rising might of the Chinese economy and military power which has shown remarkable signs of resilience, stability and adaptability . 11. The expectation that China eventually would pursue an assertive strategic policy subsequent to attaining comprehensive national strength would be fairly consistent with the conduct of previous great powers historically. Chinese experience of geopolitical primacy and the association of that primacy with good order, civilization, virtue, and justice, may make the pursuit of geopolitical centrality through assertive behaviour once again attractive. 12. The global players and India will have to develop a multi lateral approach for dealing with the rise of China. While China has the right to peaceful development of its own country, any asymmetric growth in military capability is bound to pose a threat to the power balance in regional as well as global levels. 13. India must engage China in a constructive manner to expand bilateral trade and co-operation while enhancing its own military and economic potential to deal with any possible Chinese misadventure like 1962. Our focus has to be based on building matching capabilities rather than reading the Chinese intentions alone as while the capabilities take years to build, intentions may change overnight. Note- Please come prep with all the proposed changes/amdts to any part of the synopsis or any addition/deletion to the scope of your respective topics/sub topics. You may send in your suggestions by mail also.

Development of Health Care Strategies and Policy in the UK

Development of Health Care Strategies and Policy in the UK Health and Social Policy Introduction: In this essay we will discuss the health care plans and objectives, beginning with the definition of health and an analysis of the Constitution of the World Health Organization highlighting which are the areas of health care policy that seems to have received greatest attention. Health relates to physical and emotional well being and this is emphasized even further in the British idea of a welfare state were health relates to social policy and serves as one of the most important areas of governmental concerns. The health care sector of the UK government represented by the NHS and department of health is discussed extensively with health care programs, implementations of change within the health care settings, modernization, collaborative working approaches and a general improvement of health care services being emphasized as essential to realization of a successful health care policy in the UK. We also discuss obesity and smoking related problems within this general context of health care and social policy to show how polices or administrative aspects are related to health care services implementation in general Defining Health and Healthcare The World Health Organization defines Health as a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and not just a condition free from disease and abnormality. The Constitution of the WHO is given as follows: Source: WHO constitution, 2005 THE STATES Parties to this Constitution declare, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, that the following principles are basic to the happiness, harmonious relations and security of all peoples: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, and political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States. The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all. Unequal development in different countries in the promotion of health and control of disease, especially communicable disease, is a common danger. Healthy development of the child is of basic importance; the ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development. The extension to all peoples of the benefits of medical, psychological and related knowledge is essential to the fullest attainment of health. Informed opinion and active co-operation on the part of the public are of the utmost importance in the improvement of the health of the people. Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples, which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures. Worldwide Health Policies: The legislative and administrative measures on health policy within the divisions of WHO are carried out by Health Policy Analysis Programme (HPA) which is now fully integrated into that of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Among the Health policies, the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) program adopted by the WHO is a major opportunity to integrate health concerns into all other related policies. HIA influences the decision-making process, and addresses all determinants of health, providing a new direction for participation and empowerment in health related issues and decisions. The overall aim of health policies is to track the use of HIA and to evaluate its effectiveness identifying what are the factors that can help in successful implementation. Along with the Health impact assessment which serves as a decision making tool, the health targets are instruments that can facilitate achievement of certain health policies as they represent commitments of reaching or fulfilling specified outcomes in health care objectives within a defined time frame. Health targets have been identified by the member states of the WHO European Union and OECD countries as tools for both policy formulation and implementation. Health targets have been the focus of several health related discussions and have contributed substantially to national and sub-national health polices (WHO report on Health Policy, 2005). In order to maintain the effectiveness of health target programs and health impact assessment, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies launched a three year multi-country project on the effectiveness of HIA in August 2004, and this was co-funded by the European Commission under the Public Health Programme. As far as the WHO Environmental Health Policy is concerned, most European countries have addressed national health policies through the national environment and health action plans (NEHAPs). The WHO reports that Poor environmental quality contributes to 25 -33% of global ill health. Environmental health policy involves collaborative working different sectors and ministries, and the policy-making procedure itself involves many stakeholders in the phases of planning and consultation (WHO report, 2005). One of the important health policies is the evidence on health needs and interventions (ENI) Programme at the WHO Europe committee which helps assure staff and programmes which uses available evidence in providing advice and recommendations to member states. One of the goals of WHO is to ensure that there is a link between potential interventions programmes or policies and improvements in public health for the primary areas of advice and recommendations. The ENI programme is an important part of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR)and is a division of the WHO advisory mechanism on health research, the primary role of which is to advise the WHO regional director for Europe on priorities and policies for development of research. WHO/Europe defines evidence as follows: findings from research and other knowledge that may serve as a useful basis for decision-making in public health and health care. (WHO report, 2005) The ENI policy makes WHO/Europe accountable toWHOs Member Statesas WHO is expected to make use of best available evidence to provide advice and recommendations for health policies to member states and it would be unethical if WHPO could not keep up to the requirement. Health and Social Policy in the UK A Policy has been defined as: ‘The process by which governments translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver ‘outcomes’ – desired changes in the real world’ Modernizing Government White Paper (2001) See DH report 2005, Health Policy A more working definition for policy is as follows: â€Å"A course of action with general applicability, requiring agreement at ministerial or ‘top of the office’ level† (Professor Mike Richards 2003) See DH report 2005, Health Policy The Department of Health suggests a Policy is usually developed within complex systems and with many deadlines and pressures; the DH Policy Collaborative is a unique collaborative approach in which health professionals and administrators need to work within the constraints of this restrictive and complex health environment and despite this be able produce benefits to the teams involved. In this period when the Department of Health (DH) is undergoing major organizational changes the Policy Collaborative complements the downsides of organizational change through promoting learning of new and innovative ways of addressing health issues. With public demands up for a faster and better NHS and social service, and for improved levels of public safety, the health department is working towards developing the right leadership for the whole healthcare system and also to secure delivery (Stephens 2004; Castledine 2004). The different health policy teams involved in health care implementation plans in different departments and their foci of work are given below: Source: DH report on Health Policy, 2005 Policy teams involved in phase 1 of the DH Policy Collaborative Policy team Focus of the work as part of the Collaborative Envisaged distinctive learning Transplant team Policy regarding tissue banking and the development of EU legislation Working with the NHS and other stakeholders on a high-risk, esoteric issue with a European dimension Cancer team The introduction of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Developing a bowel cancer programme fit for implementation, whilst taking account of the issues for symptomatic services Older people’s NHS/social care policy teams and workforce team To ensure the availability of an integrated health and social care workforce to help older people to maintain their independence Integration of workforce and service policy making and health and social care expertise NHS Standards team The preparation and publishing of statements of standards in relation to the provision of healthcare by and for English NHS bodies and cross-border SHAs Policy making around a ‘bright idea’ with urgent deadlines and devil in the detail Within the UK the NHS and Department of Health including the NHS executive set a national framework within which healthcare services are delivered and implemented. The health department uses several different policy measures and tools such as legislation, circulars and guidance, corporate contracts, financial levers and review meetings. Many national level departments and organizations such as the Audit Commission, Clinical Standards Advisory Group, parliamentary committees, the royal colleges and specialist associations, and the Mental Health Act Commission have an impact on research implementation (Klein 1989). As the DH reports, policy measures can have unanticipated consequences and can conflict with policy goals and their may be many obstacles to evidence based practice. There is a growing awareness for the need to identify solutions to problems within the NHS ad health policy initiatives and certain reforms on evidence based care also need evaluation. The aims of the DH policy for improvement of healthcare services are given as follows (DH report on Health Policy, 2005) †¢ To support the policy teams in reaching their objectives set within a specified time period †¢ To include wider stakeholder involvement in the process of developing health policy further †¢ To make implementation the primary measure of the DH policy making process †¢ To help project teams and wider stakeholders with handling of issues relating to implementation throughout the policy development process. †¢ To ensure a coherent, integrated set of policies supporting an agreed strategy. †¢ To take learning and experiences from the policy implementation programme and use that learning to develop an improved policy development and management process †¢ To improve ways of working and learning from experiences within DH †¢ To be informed of the ‘policy management toolkit’ †¢ To involve participation and support of colleagues in managing change in policies within the DH †¢ To develop measures that can demonstrate real progress of the ‘Excellence in Policy Making’ criteria set out in the NHS management objective. †¢ To give time for creative thinking and implementation of policies, testing small changes, using examples of best practice and achievement †¢ To be brave in testing new ways of working and striving for excellence in policy making and challenging the ‘status quo’. †¢ To take measured risks in the quest for continuous improvement in policies and to achieve an excellent policy. Health policy within the UK is incorporated within the concept of a British welfare State. The concept of a welfare state refers to government policies and objectives that strive for an ideal model of provision where the state accepts responsibility for providing comprehensive welfare in all areas to its citizens (Brown, 1995). Within the UK, the idea of a welfare state suggests government objective to provide its citizens with guaranteed minimum income, social protection and provision of healthcare and other services at the best possible level. The health care sector of the UK government is largely controlled by the Department of Health with the policy decisions taken by the DH and implemented in association with the NHS. The key elements considered within a welfare state framework are Health, Housing, Welfare, Employment and Social Security. Healthcare Management in the UK – Evidence and Studies Eccles et al (2005) suggested behavioral changes of health care professionals as an important factor of policy implementation. They write that routine healthcare is a haphazard and unpredictable process and the usefulness of results of implementation is quite limited. Their study explored the role of a theory based framework and suggests that some methods that could be used to operationalize the framework in the context of designing and conducting interventions which are aimed at improving the use of research findings by individual healthcare professionals or teams. This particular research aims o understand the importance of theory based research of health care services and emphasize on the role of behaviors and attitudes of health care professionals in successful implementation of health care plans. Cauchi (2005) highlights the challenges of integrated governance in the NHS with emphasis on collaborative and multi-agency working beginning from April 2005 and this according to him poses a challenge for all medical personnel with the nurses being given a leading and more responsible role in the management of clinical cases. Glen (2004) offers a wide ranging analysis and scrutiny of roles of professionals in the medical, nursing and healthcare sectors. Glen suggests that a coherent vision of the future is needed to shape the future of the health workforce and also argues that this requires moving beyond the presumption that medical reforms are primarily focused on shifting the responsibilities of doctors on to the nurses. The paper claims that the implications of changes in health care roles and the ability of existing professionals to function effectively in the future will require education, training and human resource investments which are supportive of these changes implied. The need to have a clear definition of competence and a national standard to practice has been recognized as essential especially as nurses work in acute critical care settings. A correlation between levels of practice, education ad remuneration has been suggested as important in management of health care. The author suggests tha t educational programmes for senior nurses should be in coherence with educational programmes required for modernizing medical careers. The paper also suggests that the NHS modernization agenda and government’s health services improvement require certain changes within the culture at higher educational institutions, professional organizations, workforce development agencies and NHS trusts. The NHS healthcare policy on obesity have made several suggestion on whether junk food advertisements should be banned (Patchell and Paterson 2004) to spreading awareness on the need to have a balanced diet (Price, 2005). A balanced healthy diet cuts down on risks of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases and keeps the citizens healthy and active if it is also combined with a healthy and active lifestyle and this approach has been taken up by the Department of Health to promote awareness and reduce health problems. For reducing other problems such as smoking, several measures have been taken up by the DH and NHS and these policies and initiatives range from community interventions using co-ordinated, widespread, multi-component programmes to try and influence behavior that would help in preventing smoking in young adults (Sowden et al., 2003) to effectively addressing tobacco control within health promoting NHS trusts as part of its network of health promoting hospitals (HPH) (Quinn et al, 2001). Conclusion: In this paper approached the problem of health and health care implementation program using worldwide and British perspectives of welfare and discussed related social policies and plans for implementation of these policies. We discussed in brief, the objectives of the WHO and the NHS, the different departments involved in a new collaborative framework of healthcare within the NHS, the aims of health care policy and the associated problems and obstacles in implementation of these policies. In this context we discussed specific cases of health care policies related to two major problems of obesity and smoking. We suggested along with evidential studies that maintaining modernized health care services and collaborative approach in the NHS are key elements of future health care improvement plan and also involve promoting awareness of the needs of an active and healthy lifestyle in individuals. Thus along with governmental efforts, individual awareness are key to better health and future well being and seem to form an obvious part of social policy. Bibliography Annandale, Ellen.  The sociology of health and medicine :a critical introduction /Ellen Annandale.  Cambridge :Polity Press,1998. Brown, John,  The British welfare state :a critical history /John Brown.  Oxford :Blackwell,1995. Inequalities in health :the Black report /Sir Douglas Black [et al.] ; edited and with an introduction by Peter Townsend and Nick Davidson.  Harmondsworth :Penguin,1982, c1980. Checkland K, Harrison S.  Policy implementation in practice: the case of national service frameworks in general practice. J Tissue Viability. 2004 Oct;14(4):133-6. Castledine G.  A nursing perspective on the new plan for the NHS. Br J Nurs. 2004 Aug 12-Sep 8;13(15):926. Cauchi S.  Integrated governance: is this the future? Prof Nurse. 2005 Mar;20(7):53-5. Eccles M, Grimshaw J, Walker A, Johnston M, Pitts N.  Changing the behavior of healthcare professionals: the use of theory in promoting the uptake of research findings. J Clin Epidemiol. 2005 Feb;58(2):107-12. Glen S.  Healthcare reforms: implications for the education and training of acute and critical care nurses. Postgrad Med J. 2004 Dec;80(950):706-10. Ham C J (1992). Health policy in Britain. Macmillan, London   Hayes J.  Time to change. Nurs Stand. 2005 Feb 23-Mar 1;19(24):78. Klein R E (1989).  The politics of the NHS. Longman, London   Dilemmas in UK health care /edited by Carol Komaromy  3rd ed. Buckingham :Open University Press,2001.   Health and disease series ;bk. 7  Previous ed.: 1993.   Lea, Ruth,  Healthcare in the UK :the need for reform : IOD policy paper /Ruth Lea.  London :Institute of Directors,2000. Price S.  Understanding the importance to health of a balanced diet. Nurs Times. 2005 Jan 4-10;101(1):30-1. Patchell C, Paterson M.  Should junk food advertisements be banned? Nurs Times. 2004 Jan 20-26;100(3):19. Quinn J, Sengupta S, Cleary H.  The challenge of effectively addressing tobacco control within a health promoting NHS Trust. Patient Educ Couns. 2001 Dec 15;45(4):255-9. Sowden A, Arblaster L, Stead L.  Community interventions for preventing smoking in young people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD001291. Stephens R.  A new era of health care. Nurs Manag (Harrow). 2004 Sep;11(5):12-3. Stevens S.  Reform strategies for the English NHS. Health Aff (Millwood). 2004 May-Jun;23(3):37-44. Taylor RT.  Effecting change in the NHS. Hosp Med. 2004 Sep;65(9):568. Turner JJ.  The GMC: expediency before principle: GMC reforms may damage the NHS. BMJ. 2005 Jan 29;330(7485):252; discussion 254. Timmins, Nicholas.  The five giants :a biography of the Welfare State /Nicholas Timmins.  London :HarperCollins,1995. Ujah EU, Bradshaw L, Fishwick D, Curran AD.  An evaluation of occupational health services within the NHS in London. Occup Med (Lond). 2004 May;54(3):159-64. Wilson T, Buck D, Ham C.  Rising to the challenge: will the NHS support people with long term conditions? BMJ. 2005 Mar 19;330(7492):657-61. Review. Webster J.  Leading the switch to patient-centred care. Prof Nurse. 2004 Oct;20(2):20-1. Websites: www.who.org http://www.euro.who.int/healthtopics/HT2ndLvlPage?HTCode=health_policy www.nhs.uk www.dh.gov.uk – for DH reports http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/MentalHealth/MentalHealthList/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4031694chk=87%2BXMM

Essay --

Virginity has always been a controversial subject in the battle for women’s rights. Since early on in history virginity has been representative of a women’s worth or usefulness. A woman who was not a virgin was impure and unworthy of marriage. This premise had carried on today and is present across the modern world. An analysis of virginity and marriage using the feminist theory demonstrates that the importance of virginity is merely a tool used by men to further oppress women. A Virginity test can be performed in several ways; although the test is controversial it is still preformed across the world. To start the belief is that the hymen can only be broken (stretched) through sexual intercourse and that every girl has one; both these statements are false. It is possible and also common that a woman is not born without a hymen. In addition the hymen can be stretched in a multitude of daily activities such as sports or simple accidents. This test performed only on girls is sexist and is promoted in patriarchal society. It promotes acceptance of the idea that male premarital sex is alright but for female it is a grave sin. This widens the gender gap between male and females. The issue of virginity is deep seeded into religious views. Most major religions have some doctrine on abstaining from sexual intercourse until marriage. In the bible common passages describe that men â€Å"shall (Leviticus 21:13-14) shall take a wife in her virginity., or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute, these he shall not marry.† Similar passages can be found in the Quran and Torah, all describing equal abstinence for men and women. These beliefs aren’t detrimental to any human being for they do not discriminate. But this belief has been al... ...y piece of information. A woman should not be embarrassed chastised or criticized because of her virginity. It is respectable for those women who decide to abstain until marriage but it should be her choice and only hers. I respect ones religious belief that it is only right to have sex after marriage. It is the flawed nature that contorts these beliefs to focus on women that is wrong. It is in these patriarchal societies that unethical behaviour is performed in abundance, in most cases at the sake of women. Although we must ensure the rights of women here in Canada and North America are respected, it is in these societies that activists are most needed. It takes true bravery to stand up in a country, where you can be killed, beaten, or abused for your beliefs. In a country where a woman’s voice is not important, these women stand strong in the face of adversity.