Midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Midterm - Essay Example However, comparing the two, there are major differences which make the film more articulate and detailed in detailing the motives, desires and intricacies that led to Frank’s murder, which the novel does not address critically. The short story begins as Matt thinks about Frank’s funeral, which creates suspense at the beginning as readers are not introduced to the motive behind Frank’s death. The suspense at the begging slowly wears out as the story progresses to Frank’s burial and the planned revenge which makes the audience to learn what really happened to Frank. On the contrary, the film offers a good background of the story and beings as Natalie and Frank run in an open field kissing one another in a romantic scene, which creates a deception that the film would be a romantic one. However, the film still prepares the audience not to expect a romantic scene as the lovers are only seen half way, their faces are not visible, while a strong wind blows through the trees, a case that is not ideal for a love scene. This crates some difference in the plot, which affects the relationship of events. The novel delves directly into death and the revenge as Frank’s farther ponders about hi s next move, the revenge. However, the film plot first brings about the theme of love and passion, and a plot with complex relationships as the story starts to unfold. These incidences are descriptive of what really happened to Frank, and why he was killed. While in the short story the plot is laid by Matt’s feelings and thoughts of a possible revenge (Dubus, 105), the film organizes the plot in a chronological order, which offers the audience enough information regard the murder while the novel does not. The killings are narrated purely from the Fowler’s viewpoint, and present his thoughts as pure revenge through exploring his emotions and bitter feelings regarding his son’s death, which alters his moral judgment and perception of morality (Dubus,

Argumantative Resarch Paper - Feminism Research

Argumantative Resarch - Feminism - Research Paper Example Issues related to women rights and equality, which are yet to be achieved form the basis of justifying that feminism is still relevant in today’s world. Feminism is classified into three waves, which have taken place in different times. Each wave has had its main advocacy in attempts to fight for women equality in the society. Some of the objectives within each wave have been achieved while others have been unachievable, making the debate of feminism continue (Aikau et al 23). Feminism is derived from a Latin word â€Å"Femina†, which refers to a woman. The first wave of feminism was mainly focused on fighting for women rights in relation to voting processes. In early days, women were not given the right to vote during elections. In the UK, a feminist movement referred to as Suffragettes fought for voting rights of women. Members of this group engaged in violent demonstrations and even went to the extent of fasting to ensure that women got the right to vote. Today, it is difficult to see such violent feminism movement. During the early days of feminism, there was less support for feminist movements (Tandon 13). In relation to the first wave of feminism, many countries later accepted to allow women to participate in the voting process. Australia was among the first nations to allow women to vote, but other nations were reluctant is issuing their women the right to vote. Of most surprising is countries such as Saudi Arabia and Brunei still deny their women the right to vote. Considering that it is only a few countries, which still deny women the right to vote, one can sum up that the first wave of feminism has achieved its objectives. Therefore, feminism has lost its relevance as far as women voting rights are concerned (Aikau et al 28). The second wave of feminism began in the 1960s with the main objective of ensuring that men and women were equal in all aspects of life.

Why a Graduate Degree Essay Example for Free

Why a Graduate Degree Essay When I started writing this paper I had hundreds of reasons why I am pursuing a graduate degree. My objective was to recognize which ones were more important and to find out what were the real reasons. As I sat in front of my piece of paper I came to realize the most important reasons as to why I want to purse my MBA. I graduated in 2001 from a school in Bolivia, South America. I moved to Virginia in January 2002 to start a new life. I began looking for a job related to my degree, Industrial Engineering, but the offers I received came nothing close to a job I desired. After months of searching I realized that it maybe because most companies don’t want to hire someone who graduated from a university they never heard of, especially one abroad. It is then when I realized that I needed something to be more competitive in the labor market, so the solution was to enroll myself in a graduate program. Another reason is because of a disadvantage in my major. My major does not provide specific knowledge in specific areas, but basic knowledge in different areas. I want a major that specializes in one specific area, such as Management Technology. I am young and have a lot of spare time. I am 26 years old and I think it is time for me to establish my career. I am not content with my current job and I want to develop a career that is going to take me farther. I am 100% certain that a MBA is going to take me where I want to go. Financial security is something that for me right now is not a major issue because I am single and have no children; but one day I do want to build a family and when that day comes I want to be financially stable. Pursuing a graduate degree will help and be an important factor to my financial security in life. I also want to pursue a MBA for personal satisfaction. I have always believed that knowledge is something that makes you a better person for the society. I also want my mom to be proud, she worked hard to put me through college and now it is my turn to show her and my family I can do this on my own and I can do it right.

Importance of and Benefits of Active Listening

Importance of and Benefits of Active Listening Active listening skill as a way that determines patient understanding, professed need and of disseminating psychological support. Practice skill, context and stakeholders Active listening as a skill is executed in a haemodialysis component propagate within a remote General hospice where important numerals of persons suffering from End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are tended after by employing renal dialysis. Maintenance support is administered frequently to the terminally ill who return to the health centres time an time again for cognitive interception by psychologists as patients grapple with the precincts of their cure, health status and the implicit underlying their everyday undertakings. The fact that patients are dynamic accomplices in care management, their frame of reference is an imperative aspect for the running of the renal facility. Consequently, (Gobet, F. 2005) wide-ranging care of renal patients demands proficiency in care managements, this includes, a keen interest to moral, psychosocial as well as sacred concerns associated to foundation, systematic, maintenance, and terminating dialysis course of action. Persons suffering from renal co mplications expect more information as well as early intervention of care management debate. In this case, information should be inclined to focus more on the individual and how the disease and interceptions would hamper their existence as well as likeness and what they treasure the most. Hayes, B. and Adams, R. (2000) affirms that, determining supposed advantages of care management besides recognizing persons suffering from renal anomalies, in addition, to their personal empowerment is elementary for proficient framing of enhanced care management and implicitly for determining patients ability to take part in assisted care management. The declarative component Being with renal patients for almost two decades I am confident in receiving their signals of distress and their need for someone to be there for them before even they say a word. As a nurse I am aware of other symptoms of renal disease comprises of anti-psychotherapy, irritation and emotions which are constraints to chronic ailments like this in addition the symptoms will assist the nurse in actively listening to the renal patients. Indeed, Gopee, et al (2004), contents that the skilled use of non-verbal communication via silence, facial expression, touch and closer physical proximity appeared to facilitate active listening, and aided to bring up compassion. Discourse should be initiated by the health expert as this will allow the patient to express and share their emotions and incidents this requires creation of retreat and emotional break. Quietly being with renal patients and communicating non-verbally was an effective form of communication, it is suggested that effective communication is dependent on the nurses talent to listen and utilise non-verbal communication skills. In addition it is clear that manifestation on practical experience can be a significant technique of uncovering and exploring tacit knowledge in nursing. Reflective individual knowledge is the most substantive form of knowledge and must properly constitute the body of knowledge of a practice discipline. As a health care provider, I was meant to be positive as it is important in helping to comprehend and learn from patients emotions. Moreover, Howard-Jones, P. (2002), expansion practice skill involves caring for difficulty episodes as a self assessment tool and tool learning experience hence, self-assurance is the ultimate aspect in the practice knowledge. Creating records depicting the treatment of the disease is significant as it will help in the analysis, assessment and widen the comprehension of useful incidents. Consequently, in the framework of recent studies, experiences gained through demonstration should be shares with other colleagues. Demonstration offers an opportunity to learn from previous occurrences whats more to produce original thoughts or examine ideas to find out which might be harmless and achievable. The process component At these moments, I shall make use of the accessible resources; thus of mind, body as well as the spirit to vividly drum sense into the patients head, consequently, an indescribable eminence logically emerged in our rapport. As Pearson (2004), puts it plain and clear as ‘present tense concern or ‘being there, declaring: â€Å"the ability to for individual charisma, that aspect of tending after, and caring for the sick closely to a level where the shared civilization is accredited, is the basis of much of nursing as a caring custom†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Besides, instinctive understanding as presence and believes that: â€Å"presence is basically affording oneself to someone as a treasure, in this case, this is approved by the nurse as well as the renal patient†¦Ã¢â‚¬ During this phase, I was more alert to patients, listening closely to their needs as well as wishes and ready to act as per their demands. I was more concern about grasping diverse perspectives of experience, the expressive; precisely, the ‘joints are paining me severely, the sequential (how things unfolded), the figurative; the patient could start enlisting about the life at home an aspect that expected my sympathy and later optimistic encouragement. Being more sensitive to the message I was conveying enabled me to create and adapt this in a more caring and individual way. Interestingly, on the other hand, nurses perceived their inter-individual style as tending to the authoritative rather than facilitative. Perhaps my inter-individual style was normally more authoritative; on the other hand, by adapting and expanding the active listening features of my communication it had become facilitative. Moreover, by abandoning professional detachment in favour of closeness amid the renal patients, and me, empathic affinities developed. Ideally this phase is all about my recognizing and blending of signs and symptoms with knowledge of the past patient. For instance, a previous patient exhibited symptoms of depression an aspect that would easily usher in suicidal syndromes. In this case a patient who portrays the same symptoms would require a psychiatrist attention that might assist in determining the impact of treatment and the side effects of the treatment on the patient. Ultimately, after a close examination, and listening keenly, on top of reviewing the patients previous accounts regarding the disease, I was able to administer the effect of the medication and determine if alternative conduits could improve the patients condition, and all this was to be done by observing the treatment protocol of the same disease. Underpinning knowledge Ian McWhinney (1989) asserts that ‘If we could all just learn to listen, everything else would fall into place. Listening is the key to being patient centered. Anyone can learn how to be a better listener; however this kind of learning is not like learning something that is added to what we know. This Kind is a peeling away of things that are get in the way of listening, like our fears, our worries, of how one can might respond to what is hear. Therefore, according to Kennedy, C.M. (2004), effective communication call for the comprehension of active listening features of nurse in connection to renal patient associated. Even though accessing the right data at the correct time seem to be difficulty. In addition, Fowler, L. (1998) states that psychological of interpersonal communication; this form of knowledge requires that listeners comprehend, construe and assess what they heard. Communication is significant in active listening as it enhances personal relationships by reducing c onflicts, supporting cooperation, as well as encouraging understanding. However, interpersonal communiquà © is hindered by in adequate knowledge mainly in the case of cultural disparities and use of scientific jargons leads to misinterpretation. Therefore, for effective emotional of interpersonal communication emotions, considerations of the patients background should be evaded during dialogue. Psychology of chronic illness and coping; it could be of great benefit if renal patient and practitioners complying with active listening sills. Practitioners need to bear in mind the emotions needs of chronic patients because in many instances they express and share their experiences non-verbally. Forte, P. and Forstrom, S. (1998) affirms that, it is imperative for medical experts to collect non-verbal information as it will them respond faster to their needs as argued by Forte, P. and Forstrom, S. (1998). As a nurse I usually focus on attaining frameworks associated to assessment of competency and not emotions to help the renal patients or even impacts of medication on the patients self-esteem, as noted by Gask, et al. (2005), because these concepts are portrayed as difficulty initiated by insufficient knowledge. In addition the performance settings are more demanding with extremely patients being treated with short period of communication. Therefore, knowledge centres can be evaluated by means of short trainings courses that where a lot will be covered in pragmatic manner. How decisions are made While its not easy working in the renal care field, it is also not easy being a renal patient. In some cases, the therapeutic dilemma (in this case, there is usually a congregation and they come chunky and speedy as the patient brazen out a series of anomalies, contagions, dialysis scientific intricacies, contacting facilities, exhaustion, malformed body image†¦) at hand represents the scariest, most earth-shattering experience of the renal patients life. According to Dowding, D. and Thompson, C. 2004, the individuals physical and financial worlds might have been shaken to the core by their therapeutic condition. Chances are, the renal patient is feeling extremely vulnerable and out of control. Therefore, if for example a patient, who is not complying with diet or therapeutic leadership, avoids cautioning the individual, this in part might serve to accomplish little part from raising defences. Then reiterate why its significant to stay on the particular diet or to take the regim en of prescribed medications. End by asking if there is anything can do to aid set up things more convenient for them. This approach wont guarantee success, but it will allow the renal patient to save enough face to stay in a game in which both desperately need cooperation (Douw, K., Vondeling, H. and Oortwijn, W.2006). In scenarios where the patient expressed their home condition was rather tricky in the sense that it required me to preclude pitiable judgements and alter precision when evaluating the patients current symptoms with the previous one. This pattern comparison is necessary. After listening keenly to the patients emotional expression, I was in a position to a variety of options ranging from what ought to be prioritised, the area that required more listening and choosing the best intervention strategy. The issues enlisted by the patient granted me the audacity to pick on ultimate decisions while I was reviewing the historical accounts of the patient, (Kennedy, C.M. 2004). With the accessible information I was able to identify indicators that would have helped me determine novel pattern of characters that reflect incredible ideas about the condition. Again, by using the accessible data and posing further query while keenly listening to the patient I grasped the technicality in summarizing the suppositions that comprehensively describe the occurrence and recommend the best prescription. The decision making phase is a stage where ethics guided me with regard to the options I embarked on. Emotions were muted off as that killer punch move was contemplated. This is the most critical phase, by which a patient might fully regain or can as well die. In short the options that an expert will take are a matter of life and death, Dornan, T. and Bundy, C.2004). Conclusions Research findings deduce that active listening is an imperative facet especially when caring for the sick. For instance, Leach, D. (2002) ideas enlisted in a case study involving patients suffering from chronic renal complexities, active listening has been enlisted as the underlying factors towards complete recuperation. This is so because; through active listening medical experts have the audacity to determine a way forward. Consequently, active listening in one way or another facilitates faster healing owing to the fact that various ailments are psychological propagated and simply require empathic response. Active listening, on the extreme end is imperative in the sense that it helps experts determine indicators with that accessible information an aspect that prompts for deep investigations to unravel the underlying issues. Grouping signals is significant, since it will help the practitioners to determine novel pattern of characters that reflect incredible ideas about the condition . On top of that, myriad aspects are associated in line to every call for vigilant assessment. Foremost, the practitioners can come up with an outline of skills which is very descriptive; this is significant since it helps in establishing the right medication for a patient. References Kendall-Raynor, P. (2007) ‘Cautious Welcome for Plans to Reform Professional Regulation, Nursing Standard, 21 (25), p.5. Kennedy, C.M. (2004) ‘A Typology of Knowledge for District Nursing Assessment Practice, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 45 (4), pp.401-409. Dornan, T. and Bundy, C. (2004) ‘What Can Experience Add to Early Medical Education? Consensus Survey, British Medical Journal, 329 (834). Douw, K., Vondeling, H. and Oortwijn, W. (2006) ‘Priority Setting for Horizon Scanning of New Health Technologies in Denmark: Views of Health Care Stakeholders and Health Economists, Health Policy, 76 (3), pp.334-45. Dowding, D. and Thompson, C. (2004) ‘Using Judgement to Improve Accuracy in Decision-making, Nursing Times, 100 (22), pp.42-44. Forte, P. and Forstrom, S. (1998) ‘Work Complexity Assessment: Decision Support Data to Address Cost and Culture Issues, Journ Nursing Administration, 28 (1), pp.46-53. Fowler, L. (1998) ‘Improving Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 14 (4), pp.183-187. Gask, et al. (2005) ‘Evaluating STORM Skills Training for Managing People at Risk Suicide, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 54 (6), pp.739-750. Gobet, F. (2005) ‘Chunking Models of Expertise: Implications for Education, Applied Cognitive Psychology, 19, pp.183-204. Gopee, et al (2004) ‘Effective Clinical Learning in Primary Care Settings, Nursing Standard, 18 (37), pp.33-37. Hayes, B. and Adams, R. (2000) ‘Parallels between Clinical Reasoning and Categorization in Higgs, J. and Jones, M. (Editors) Clinical Reasoning in the Health Professions, Edinburgh, Butterworth Heinemann, pp.45-53. Howard-Jones, P. (2002) ‘A Dual-state Model of Creative Cognition for Supporting Strategies That Foster Creativity in the Classroom, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 12, pp.215-226. Ian McWhinney (1989) ‘Clinical Education Facilitators: A Literature Review, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14 (6), pp.664-673. Leach, D. (2002) ‘Building and Assessing Competence: The Potential for Evidence-based Graduate Medical Education, Quality Management in Health Care, 11 (1), pp.39-44.

Economic recovery program of Ghana

Economic recovery program of Ghana CHAPTER ONE 1.0 Introduction This chapter attempts to provide an overview on the problem statement of the entire research work, objectives of the study, relevance of the study, methodology applied as the research unfolds and the organization of the study. 1.1 Background Ghana is one of the fast emerging developing countries in West Africa with twice the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. With well endowed natural resources, Ghana still relies heavily on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, cocoa and timber are the major sources of foreign exchange. The introduction of Ghanas Economic Recovery Program (ERP) in 1983 to recover the initially very weak private sector participation did improve consistently but although still levels were modest during 1987-91. Over the past years Ghana has witnessed dynamic changes in its private Sector. The number of banks has increased from 9 in 1989 to 21 at May 2006 (www.bog.gov.gh). These banks serve a prominent role as corporate entities that provide investment capital in the economy to support employment opportunities, human resources development and contribute towards national and community development programmes (Aryeetey, E. Gockel, F. 1990). They primarily furnish loans to individuals and companies to finance various projects which lead to economic and private sector development. Brownbridge, M., Gockel, A.F. (1997) are also of the view that these financial institutions support savings and investment in the economy, which plays a major role in the overall development in terms of increasing productivity of resources in the economy. They further highlighted that this role of banks in the Ghanaian economy is crucial, in that shortcomings in the industry directly affect the trend of economic growth. In recent times Ghana has discovered crude oil, which is expected to boost the economic growth by bigger margins. Ghana has a unique welcoming attitude towards foreign investors; the long political stability of the country has attracted a lot of business investors to establish businesses in the country. The rate of foreign investors has not reduced as better prospects in doing business in Ghana are yielded in the long-run. The political state of the country has also been very peaceful with a vibrant atmosphere to establish businesses. During the fifth banking awards ceremony in Accra, Dr. Paul Acquah (Governor of Bank of Ghana) revealed that the banking industry in Ghana has become highly competitive due to the increased sophistication of customer needs coupled with tremendous global competition. He further stated that these reasons over the years have been the driving force for banks, in particular private owned banks, to focus on increasing shareholders value, delivering superior services aimed at achieving over all customer satisfaction and value. The concept of competition has introduced an overwhelming challenge among organisations worldwide. Most organisations are forced to compete by promptly responding to changes in national and world economies, technological changes, new business environments, cultural diversity and deregulation in emerging capital markets to improve overall organisational performance. Privately owned businesses in Ghana are constantly entwined in this fierce battle of global competition and the pressing need to sustain its existence in the growing rate of change in its environment. Recent trends in the Ghanaian economy have revealed that keen competition in the business sector has been as a result of an open market which promotes private sector participation. Though most private owned organisations have managed to survived, a considerable number of them do fail due to reasons not limited to economical and financial factors. A study conducted by Dun and Bradstreet (cited by Gaughan Patrick A. 1999, pp. 432) reveals that there are three most common factors that cause business failure such as economic, financial and experience factors (refer to Table 1). In some developing countries market forces are completely eliminated as a result of controls imposed by the ruling governments. These controls create adverse effects on the economy such as large fiscal deficits coupled with weak macroeconomic management leading to high inflation in the economy. The consequences are generally felt by banks and other non-banking institutions, in that, loans borrowed by individuals or organisations are not paid back due to economic hardship (Brownbridge M., Gockel A.F., 1997). According to Pfeffer J. (1994; p. 6), People and how organisations manage them are becoming more important because many other sources of competitive success are less powerful than they once were. He emphasises the fact that in recent times most organisations rely extensively on the traditional sources of competitive success such as product and process technology, regulated markets, access to capital resources, and economies of scale which provide an insignificant competitive influence as compared to the past. He further argues that organisational culture and potential employee contributions derived from managing employees in an organisation are crucial as compared to the traditional sources of competitive success. Employees have been referred to as assets to a firm or an organisation when they possess the right skills needed to work effectively and efficiently (Odiorne G. S, 1984). However, these employees may possess diverse capabilities that lead to various potential contributions to an organisation because of previous education, experience, or individual qualities. In view of the fact that employees contribution to the organisation determines extensively competitive success, their individual skills are considered vital (Pfeffer J. 1994). 1.2 Problem Statement The gradual transformation of Ghana has had a lot of positive feedback from other nations, but will this transformation termed economic growth survive the long-term or would it collapse somewhere in the future? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the private sector? Will the private sector support sustainable development? Has Ghanas initiative to increase private sector participation been successful? What measures has Ghana taken liberalize its economy to encourage private sector participation? Recent discovery of crude oil (black gold) in Ghana has brought higher hopes to accelerating the countries development goals into reality. This is what the recent ex-president of Ghana, President John Kufuor had to say in an African programme with the BBCs Focus Were going to really zoom, accelerate, and if everything works, which I pray will happen positively, you come back in five years, and youll see that Ghana truly is the African tiger, in economic terms for development. Will this oil discovery further attract new entrants into the financial sector and in the affirmative will this promote a competitive private sector environment? 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this thesis is to show the role of the private sector in contributing to business competitiveness and economic growth. The research limits its focus on the inflow of private non-financial and financial institutions in the Ghanaian economy as a result of the introduction of Financial Sector Adjustment Programme (FINSAP) in Ghana. The economy over the years has witnessed an increase in private sector participation, which has significantly promoted business competitiveness and contributed to a vibrant economy at large. Table 2: SMART Objective of the Study Strategic Operation Tactical Specific Evaluate the role of the private sector (Privately owned financial institution) contributing to business competitiveness and economic growth. Present a platform for private sector participation in economic development. Provide a primary evaluation for developers and investors who aspire to do business in Ghana. Measurable To fall within the framework of the private sector and factors leading to business competitiveness and economic growth. Increase real GDP. Impact of the private sector on economic growth. Note government policies that would prevent adverse effects on critical sectors of the economy. Attainable To recommend effective and sustainable business development strategy and policies that will enhance more participation in the private sector. Increase economic growth and improve effective and efficient business plans. Embark on comprehensive business competitiveness and productive performance within the various business sectors. Realistic The research will look extensively into government development goals as well as the private sectors role in development. Access to economic reports surveys from IMF. Ghana Government reports on development projects. The IMF monitors on a yearly basis the economic situation in Ghana. Time-Limited To complete the thesis within two months. This thesis expects to propose recommendation based on the information available at the time of writing. The recommendations and proposals are expected to be considered and if applicable implemented by other developing countries as well. Source: Self-prepared. Specifically, the thesis critically focuses on the following: The role of the private sector (privately owned financial institutions) contributing to economic growth in Ghana. To investigate the driving forces of Ghanas emerging markets. The role of the government promoting the private sector. The challenges and constraints facing the private sector. To evaluate the strategies being employed by Ghana in the private sector and its impact on the economy. 1.4 Significance of the Study The study will be beneficial in many respects: To help identify the success and bottlenecks of the significant economic contributions from private sector with regards to its contribution to economic growth business competiveness. It also reviews the strengths of the financial sector to support expansion of the private sector development and more importantly availability of credit facilities to promote businesses. It will help investors to get a fair idea of business establishment opportunities. To help formulate strategies to help implement better policies and promotions for the private sector development. 1.5 Methodology This study uses secondary data and literature to evaluate the topic. It also uses SWOT analysis to examine the strategic position of Ghana in improving its economic and business areas. The research will employ the use of CAMEL approach as the overall framework to evaluate the financial strength and stability of the Banking Industry in Ghana, where; C Capital adequacy, A Asset quality, M Management capability, E Quality and level of earnings, L Adequacy of liquidity 1.6 Organisation of the study The paper is divided into five chapters. Chapter one presents the introduction, problem statement, objectives of the study, significance of the study, methodology and the organisation of the study. Chapter two gives an overview of the Ghanaian financial sector as well as reasons that led to the financial sector reforms. Chapter three gives an overview of the Ghanaian private sector. Chapter four uses CAMEL approach to analyse 4 major privately owned financial institutions. The final chapter looks at the overall findings, conclusions and recommendations. CHAPTER TWO 2.0 Overview of the Ghanaian economy This chapter provides an overview of the Ghanaian economy and the Ghanaian Financial System. The chapter also looks at reasons that led to the introduction of the financial sector reforms, a SWOT analysis of financial sector adjustment program (FINSAP I II). Ghana is one of the developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa that introduced structural and economic reforms to address its extensive macroeconomic shortcomings, reduce poverty and to liberalize the financial sector. The broad money/GDP ratio fell significantly to 12.5% in 1983 as compared to 29% in 1976, whiles currency/M2 ratio also decreased from 35% in 1970 to 50% in 1983. Bank deposits decreased from 19.5% of GDP in 1977 to 7.4% of GDP in 1984 because there was lack of confidence in the banking industry (Brownbridge, M., Gockel, A. F. 1997). During the 1980s the Ghanaian economy was hit by the most devastating economic crisis (www.bog.gov.gh). This gave rise to numerous extensive economic drawbacks in the Ghanaian economy. Leechor Chad reveals in an article published by the World Bank the following economic crisis that plagued the Ghanaian economy between the years 1982 to 1983: The countrys power systems, communication, postal and railway services ceased to function properly and the whole country was in a state of chaos. Tax collection had declined to about 5% to GDP, investment dropped drastically beyond the level required to maintain capital stock. Real income per capita which was continuously diminishing for a decade was a third below the level reached in the early 70s as at 1983. Foreign exchange reserves deteriorated considerably. The Ghanaian economy was heavily controlled by the government in terms of setting unrealistic interest rates and sectoral credit ceilings; banks were forced to focus on lending to priority sectors (agriculture, export and manufacturing) regardless of the borrowers performance in terms of profitability and their capability to payback the loan. The economy was regulated to foreign investments and the strong existence of strict capital flow regulations (The Corporate Guardian, July-September 2006). Governments heavy intervention in the financial system set the stage for economic shortcomings a few such as lack of competition, high incidence of inefficiency, hardship and the escalating rate of non-performing loans (Leith, C. J., Sderling, L. 2000). Since the late 1980s, the government of Ghana continued to implement financial sector reforms as an integral part of its ongoing Economic Recovery Program (ERP) (Brownbridge, M., Gockel, A. F. 1997). Ghanas enthusiasm to initiate the ERP with close collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the year 1983-85 was to liberalise the financial sector and establish an open market-based economy by eliminating price ceilings, reducing the influx of foreign imports, diversifying viable sectors of the economy and stabilizing fiscal deficit. Ghana in 1984 launched the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) with the primary aim of reducing its involvement in the economy and allowing the free interaction of demand and supply (The Corporate Guardian, July-September 2006). However, during the period 1983-88 the performance of the banking industry deteriorated with high levels of non-performing assets (NPAs) and inefficient deposit mobilization which made most public banks insolve nt (Leith, C. J., Sderling, L. 2000). The government launched the first phase of the Financial Sector Adjustment Program (FINSAP) in 1988. This was to fully deregulate as well as liberalize the financial sector and improve resource allocation within the various sectors of the economy (www.oecd.org). Since 1983, Ghana has attached great importance to its divestiture initiative program. About 200 stated-owned enterprises (SOEs) were being considered for diversification under governments ongoing privatization initiative. At the end of the last two years, government still owned 35 enterprises valued at more than 60% of GDP in 2003 (IMF Survey, 2005). Governments expenditure during 1986-1991 increased and this called for policy reforms to enable government to meet its high spending. Government depended on the tax system to support its high level of spending. The Parliament of Ghana in 1993 increased tax on petroleum. However, the tax system could not supplement its GDP share to match the expenditure. Consequently this brought about deficit financing. Government resorted to other forms of financing its expenditure such as extensive borrowing from the Central Bank (issuing new notes), public and foreign borrowing, and privatization of sate-owned enterprises (Leith, C. J., Sderling, L. 2000). Over the years, Ghana has witnessed a massive transformation in its economy as a result of continuous implementation of financial sector reforms to deregulate the economy and stimulate savings, investment and growth. The Central Bank is constantly implementing policies adopted under FINSAP to ensure the entrants of privately owned financial institutions, free interest rates, stabilize the cedi against foreign currencies, encourage the flow of foreign investment and allow easier access to credits (www.bog.gov.gh). The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) was set up in 1989 as a private company limited under the Company code. The Stock Exchange act of 1971 (Act 384) allowed it to function as an authorized Stock Exchange. The Securities Industry Law PNDCL 333 (1993) as amended bestowed regulatory rights to the Security Regulatory Commission (SRC) with its main function to register, protect, assist and supervise all stakeholders in the securities market. In April 1994 the Ghana Stock Exchanges status became a public company limited (www.gse.co.gh). At the end of 2003, listed companies equity increased to 26 as compared to 22 in 2002 (www.gipc.org.gh). The performance of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) has improved tremendously. All-share Index increased by 91.3% in 2005 as compared to 154.7% in 2003 (ISSER 2005). Flow of foreign investment increased from $110.0 million in 2003 to $139.3 million in 2004. In 2004 the cedi depreciated by only 2.2% against the US dollar, 10.7% against the Euro and 12.1% against the pound sterling. There was quite an improvement in the value of the cedi as compared to the previous year (2003) when the cedi depreciated by 22.5% against the Euro and 13.0% against the pound sterling. Average inflation fell from 26.7% in 2003 to 12.6% as at December 2004 (ISSER 2005). Ghana is the second largest producer and exporter of cocoa; the agriculture sector accounts for about 50% of GDP and is considered the backbone of economic development (www.ghanaweb.com). Real GDP growth in 2004 was 5.8% (www.gipc.gh). The tremendous performance of the Agricultural sector has supported Ghanas remarkable rate of economic growth over the years. The Agricultural sector contributes significantly to GDP growth. In 1990 GDP increased by only 3.3%, this was due to the negative 2% growth rate in the Agricultural sector that year. The year 1991 witnessed a GDP growth rate for the Agricultural sector by 5.8% which consequently increased the whole Ghanaian economy GDP by 5.3% in that year. The sector has also contributed immensely to the countrys foreign exchange earnings; 38.5% in 1999, 35.4% in 2000, 33.9% in 2001, 35.5% in 2002. (www.fao.org/es/esa). Other main exports are gold, timber, bauxite, manganese ore and diamond (BOG Quarterly Economic Bulletin, April June 2005). The performance of the agriculture sector over the years has immensely improved with growth rate of 7.5% in 2004 as compared to 6.1% in 2003. The production of cocoa for export contributed 46.7% during the year 2004, a significant portion of over all growth (ISSER 2005). The crops and livestock contribution increased from 2.3% in 2003 to 5.4% in 2004, the largest contribution to the agricultural sectors GDP. The forestry and logging sub-sectors increased by 6.1% in 2003, but dropped with a growth rate of 5.8% in 2004. (www.gipc.org.gh).The elimination of maximum lending rates and minimum time deposit rates succeeded to some extent in the liberalization of interest rates in 1987. Direct controls in the form of credit ceilings were also abolished. During the 1990s banks were at liberty to price deposits and loans and to distribute loans accordingly; however the Bank of Ghanas high reserve requirement limited the funds available for allocation (Brownbridge M. Gockel A. F 1997). These h igh reserve requirements prevented banks from developing their loan portfolios and consequently, most banks preferred to invest in attractive and somewhat risk-free government securities (strategis.ic.gc.ca) Interest rate dropped steadily owing to the Monetary Policy Committee (set up by the Bank of Ghana in 2004) decreasing prime rate from 21.5% in 2003 to 18.5% in 2004. Consequently, the commercial banks base rate has decreased from 29% to 25.4%. Interest rate for 91-Treasury bill fell from 18.71% early part of the year to 17.08% at the end of 2004. Interest rates for the 182-Day Treasury bill dropped from 19.78% during the early part of the year to 17.85% at the end of 2004. Inter-Bank interest rate also fell from 17.12% in January to 16.23% at the close of the year 2004 (www.gipc.org.gh) The Banks spread (21.3%) is still too high as compared to the other African countries (see table 3*). The banking industry has been structured in a way that banks are able to adjust their interest rates according to policy rates. Banks maintain a high spread to ensure that their profits are not significantly influenced by their interest margins (BOG financial stability report 2004). However, according to the BOG financial stability report 2006 the emergence of new banks will lead to an efficient financial sector which is expected to reduce the pressure on lending spread due to the fact that banks will continuously try to gain market share by competing for customers. Table 3: Selected Commercial Bank Interest Rates, 2000 and 2004 Deposit Rate Lending Rate Spread 2000 2004 2000 2004 2000 2004 Gabon 5.0 5.0 22.0 18.0 17.0 13.0 Ghana 16.8 7.5 47.0 28.8 30.2 21.3* Kenya 8.1 2.4 22.3 12.5 14.2 10.1 Mauritius 9.6 8.2 20.8 21.0 11.2 12.8 Mozambique 9.7 9.9 19.0 19.2 9.3 9.3 Nigeria 11.7 13.7 21.3 19.2 9.6 5.5 Tanzania 7.4 4.2 21.6 13.9 14.2 9.7 Uganda 9.8 7.7 22.9 20.6 13.1 12.9 Zambia 20.2 11.5 38.8 30.7 18.6 19.2 Source : International Financial Statistics, IMF Fiscal and Monetary Policy The financial policies implemented by monetary authorities in Ghana before the implementation of FINSAP were direct government controls on all sectors of the economy. Government excessive control in the economy by setting price and interest ceilings coupled with weak macroeconomic problems lead to a high level of inflation (Ziorklui, S. Q. 2001). Ghanas fiscal policy primarily aims at decreasing domestic debt, ensuring economic stability, cutting down on the increasing level of interest payments to achieve the required real interest rates. Consequently, the Bank of Ghana has adopted numerous strategies to address fiscal deficit and governments borrowing (www.gipc.org). Budget deficit was 0.55% of GDP during the second quarter of the year 2005 as compared to 1.18% of GDP during the last quarter of 2004. This showed significant decrease in the overall budget balance (Bank of Ghana Quarterly economic bulletin, April-June 2005). The Bank of Ghana in 2004 set up the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to mainly focus on formulating effective monetary policies, making available statistical data and providing necessary support in terms of advise for monetary policy formulation (www.bog.gov.gh). The MPC seeks to control inflation, stabilize price and exchange market, manage external debt and develop the capital market (www.gipc.org.gh). 2.1 The Ghanaian Financial System in Brief Ghanas banking sector has evolved over the years. There are 23 major banks (refer to table 7) operating in the banking sector in Ghana as at 2006. The Ghanaian banking sector is made up of 19 universal banks, 2 Development Banks, 2 Commercial banks including Apex Bank and 121 Rural Banks (www.bog.gov.gh). The introduction of universal banking in Ghana is overwhelmingly changing the way banks function in the economy. Unfortunately, not all banks operating in Ghana are eligible to be universal banks. To be eligible for banks to operate as universal banks they are expected to have at least 70 billion as shareholders capital (www.agighana.org). According to the Bank of Ghana universal banking substitutes the famous three-pillar banking model, namely development, merchant and commercial. Table 4: List of Major Banks in Ghana 2006 INITIALS BANK DATE OF ESTABLISHMENT NATURE OF BUSINESS ABL Amalgamated Bank 2000 Universal Bank ADB Agricultural Development Bank 1965 Development Bank BBG Barclays Bank Ghana 1918 Universal Bank CAL CAL Merchant Bank 1991 Universal Bank EBG Ecobank Ghana Limited 1990 Universal Bank FAMBL First Atlantic Bank 1995 Universal Bank FBL Fidelity Bank Limited 2006 Universal Bank GCB Ghana Commercial Bank 1952 Universal Bank GTB Guaranty Trust Bank 2006 Universal Bank HFC HFC Bank Limited 2002 Universal Bank ICB International Commercial Bank 1996 Universal Bank INTER Intercontinental Bank Plc 2006 Universal Bank MAB Metropolitan Allied Bank 1995 Commercial Bank MBG Merchant Bank Ghana Limited 1972 Universal Bank NIB National Investment Bank 1963 Development Bank PBL Prudential Bank Limited 1997 Commercial Bank SBL Stabic Bank Ghana Limited 2000 Universal Bank SCB Standard Chartered Bank 1896 Universal Bank SG-SSB SG-SSB Bank Limited 1976 Universal Bank TTB The Trust Bank 1994 Universal Bank UBA United Bank for Africa 2005 Universal Bank UNI Unibank Ghana Limited 1999 Universal Bank Zenith Zenith Bank 2005 Universal Bank Source:http://www.bog.gov.gh/privatecontent/File/BankingSupervision/Licensed%20Banks%20%20Addresses%20November%202008(1).pdf Until 1957 the West African Currency Board (WACB) acted as the only board under the Colonial regime conferred with the authority to exchange sterling to Gold Coast pound. Government of the then Gold Coast declared its intention to issue its own currency after independence. Politicians and economists were of the strong opinion that with the establishment of a Central Bank, Ghanas independence will have a significant meaning in political history. In view of this, preparations started which ended up in the establishment of the Bank of Ghana on the 4th of March 1957 under the Bank of Ghana Ordinance (No.34) of 1957 passed by the British Parliament. The whole idea for the establishment of a Central Bank was to meet the financial needs of vast indigenous sectors of the economy as well as the new independent Ghana government. After the establishment of Bank of Ghana (replaced WACB) as the central bank, the 1957 ordinance empowered the bank to primarily assume the following role in Ghana when it first begun formal operations on 1st August 1957 (www.bog.gov.gh): Printing out and redeeming bank notes and coins. Lender of last resort for banks in Ghana. Using fiscal and monetary policies to regulate money supply and maintaining monetary stability. Advise the government and be the main source to finance to the government of Ghana. Supervise and regulate all banks in Ghana. The legal and regulatory frameworks in which financial intermediaries operate in Ghana are as follows (www.bog.gov.gh): Bank of Ghana Act 2002, Act 612 Banking Act, 2004 (Act 673) Financial Institutions (Non-Bank) Law 1993, PNDC Law 328 Companies Code Act 179, 1963 Bank of Ghana Notices /Directives / Circulars / Regulations Non-Banking Financial Sector Ghana has achieved significant success in the economy particularly in the non-banking sector as a result of initiating the structural adjustment program, liberalizing the economy and by passing the Banking law in 1989 and the Non-bank financial law in 1993. These initiatives embarked by the government of Ghana have paved way for new entrants in the private sector and also transformed the existing financial institutions to diversify into the financial system. Consequently, there has been a rapid growth of Non-Bank Financial Institutes (NBFIs) with the prime aim of providing financial services to potential target groups outside the banking system (Ziorklui, S. Q. 2001). According to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre the financial system in Ghana includes the following licensed non-Bank Financial Institutions: Insurance companies Stock exchange Building Society Mortgage Finance Co. Venture Capital Funding Financing Trust Company Credit unions Discount houses Financial houses Leasing companies Savings and loans associations 2.2 Objectives of Financial Sector Adjustment Program (FINSAP) According to Ziorklui S. Q. (2001), FINSAP was introduced and implemented in two phases. He further outlines the main objectives in both phases of the implementation. The first phase was implemented in 1988 with its main objectives as follows; FINSAP I Embark on restructuring to address financially distressed banks. Mobilize savings and strive to improve efficiency in the allocation of credit. Establish an effective regulatory and supervision system to monitor and improve the banking sector. Improve and strengthen the money and capital markets. To establish a non- performing assets recovery trust. The second phase of FINSAP was implemented in 1990 with the following objectives; FINSAP II Promote foreign investment and increase private participation in the banking sector in Ghana. Continue the implementation of policies adopted under the first phase of the financial sector adjustment program (FINSAP 1) to restructure the financial sector. Better manage the collection of non-performing loans by Non-Performing Assets Recovery Trust (NPART). Promote and develop non-Bank financial Institutions (NBFIs) to be more effective and efficient in savings mobilization. 2.3 SWOT Analysis Financial Sector Adjustment Program (FINSAP) This section seeks to determine whether the main objectives under the implementation of the financial sector reforms (FINSAP) are attainab

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A Soldiers Home â€Å"A Soldiers Home† by Ernest Hemingway takes place during the late summer of 1919, during the post-war era of WWI. Krebs, the main character in the story, returns to his small hometown in Oklahoma much later than when the rest of the soldiers had returned. â€Å"The men from the town who had been drafted had all been welcomed elaborately on their return†(Hemingway, 145). The â€Å"people seemed to think it was rather ridiculous for Krebs to be getting back so late, years after the war was over†(Hemingway, 145). Krebs returns from war to live in the same dysfunctional home and environment with his mom, dad, and two younger sisters. â€Å"Krebs’ noncommittal father is obviously dominated by his wife; she makes the decisions†(bridgewater, 1). She has determined that Krebs â€Å"should live in God’s â€Å"Kingdom,† find a job, and get married like a normal local boy†(bridgewater, 1). Krebs has not yet recovered from his various psychological post-war wounds, and is trapped by the sick marriage of his parents. â€Å"By the time Krebs returned to his hometown in Oklahoma, the greeting for heroes was over†(Hemingway, 145). At first, he did not want to talk about the war at all. As time went on, â€Å"he felt the need to talk, but no one wanted to hear about itâ€Å"(Hemingway,145). This was due to the great deal of hysteria which the town had endured years ago when the other soldiers returned from the war. This was all old news, and they were tired of hearing about the war(Hemingway, 145). The town’s atmosphere was not helping his state of post-war mental anguish because they â€Å"had heard too many atrocity stories to be thrilled by actualitiesâ€Å"(Hemingway, 145). â€Å"Krebs found that to be listened to at all he had to lieâ€Å"(Hemingway, 145). Krebs lived in a â€Å"Mayberry† kind of town. It was small and everybody seemed to know each other. The pool hall, the library, the schoolyard and the First National Bank, where his dad works, is all within walking distance from his house. Krebs would sometimes walk to the schoolyard to watch his sister play baseball. Krebs day consisted of little more than sleeping late in bed, walking downtown to the library to get a book, or reading on the front porch until he became bored. Krebs would walk down â€Å"through the town to spend the hottest hours of the day in the cool dark of the pool room†(Hemingway, 146).

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When the time came to choosing a potential career path, in my mind I had absolutely no doubt that I aspired to pursue dental hygiene. I believe that dentistry is one of the careers that has continual advancements in treatments and patient care, which provides endless opportunities to specialize in different branches of dentistry. Most importantly I find this profession to be rewarding. I have always envisioned to take on a profession which combines not only scientific appli-cations but also patient care that improves peoples' quality of life and this happens to be the best career which combines both of these important elements. My ambition to study dental hygiene has been further reinforced over the course of my gap year experience, working and studying as a dental nurse. I have become more aware of the growing importance of helping educate the general public about oral health paying closer attention to causes of some of the most disastrous oral conditions. Whilst working at the Ivory Dental Studio in London, I observed numerous procedures such as tooth onlays, root canal treatment...