How to Adjust a Trail Balance Essay

A trial balance is created by companies at the end of an accounting period. It contains a list of all accounts within an accounting system that have balances. Companies separate the accounts into different categories, which include assets, liabilities, equities, revenues and expenses. The accounts are listed in order, beginning with assets, and each includes a balance that is either a debit or credit. Asset and expense accounts have debit balances, while the other types have credit balances. Adjusting entries are made to certain accounts to bring their balances up to date. After adjusting entries are made, the trial balance is updated to an adjusted trial balance. Instructions 1 Create a trial balance. Using the company’s general ledger, transfer all accounts and balances onto a 10-column worksheet. Each account name is listed first, followed by the balance in each. The first two columns of the worksheet are designated for the trial balance. The amounts are separated by debits and credits. Total each column verifying that the amounts are equal. 2 Determine what adjusting entries are needed. Adjusting entries typically are used for two different types of activities: accrual and deferrals. Accruals are entries used to record a revenue or expense that has occurred but has not been posted yet. Deferrals refer to entries that have been made previously, but the amount of the entry must be divided between two or more periods. 3 Adjust for accrual of expenses. Several common adjusting entries occur due to the accrual of expenses. According to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), all expenses and revenues are to be recorded in the period in which they occur. For example, you must record interest expense for interest accrued on a business loan during the current period. To do this, a debit is posted to Interest Expense and a credit to Interest Payable. Interest Payable is a liability account that represents interest that is accrued but is not paid yet. 4 Adjust for accrual of revenues. Entries must also be made to update the amount of revenue earned for a period. For example, you must record interest earned on a note during the period it was earned, even though it was not received. To do this, a credit is made to Interest Receivable and a debit to Interest Revenue. 5 Record adjustments for deferred expenses. A deferred expense entry is used when a company records a transaction in the past that must be updated now. For example, if an annual insurance policy was purchased and paid for, every month a portion of that prepaid insurance entry must be expensed out. The amount initially would be placed in an asset account called Prepaid Insurance. Every month after a month of insurance is used, an adjusting entry is made by debiting Insurance Expense and crediting Prepaid Insurance. 6 Record any deferred revenues. This entry occurs when money was received and posted to an Unearned Revenue account prior to it being earned. For example, if your company provides a service to another company and the company prepays for the service for a year, an entry is made. The amount was initially posted in a liability account called unearned revenue. At the end of each month, after a portion of the revenue is earned, an adjusting entry is made by debiting the Unearned Revenue account and crediting the Revenue account.

Frankenstein †1931 and 1997 Essay

Horror genre, sympathy for Frankenstein’s creation and suspense Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly wrote ‘Frankenstein’ in 1818. She was only 19 at the time. She had a unique upbringing as her mother was a radical feminist and her father was a politician. She then went on to marry Percy Bysshe Shelly who was a poet and helped her to write some of her book. Shelly’s book was thought to be the first horror/science fiction novel. There have been a number of productions of Shelly’s novel on stage and in 1931 there was a black and white movie about it, directed by James Whale. Then in 1997, Kenneth Branagh did his own production of the well-known novel. Scenes showing typical horror genre, sympathy for Frankenstein’s creature and scenes that create suspense are commonly found in the two movies of Frankenstein. The directors have used different media techniques to portray the movie in the way they want it to be viewed and interpreted by their choice of music, camera angles, special effects, editing, costumes, make-up, location and settings. The use of mise-en-scene is also important because if the things in the background don’t match what’s being acted the movie becomes unbelievable. Allowances like sound, colour and a few other things have to be made for the older versions of ‘Frankenstein’ because the technology in the days it was made were very limited. By studying the birth scenes in both versions, the techniques used to create horror, drama and suspense and sympathy for the creature can be analysed. There are some similarities in both movies and some differences. First of all I’ll explain the similarities and then the differences. In the Whale and Branagh versions both use low-key lighting to create a dark and spooky feeling. This is typical of horror movies and it can also create suspense because the audience can’t tell what is around the corners. This creates suspicion, worry and uncertainty. It is also used because it connects with people’s fear of the dark. It is common to find bad weather in horror movies and this is evident in both of the ‘Frankenstein’ movies. It is used just before and at the same time of the births. Whale and Branagh have used this technique because it gives a cold feeling and it gives credibility to what is happening in the foreground because the lighting, electricity is needed to make Frankenstein’s monster come alive. The locations of the births are quite typical too. In the Whale version it’s in a castle on top of a hill. Like ‘House on haunted hill’ and it looks creepy and somewhere you would want to be. In the Branagh version it’s more like hell with cauldrons, heat and sweat. It reminds me of a witch brewing an evil poison. Both places for the birth are effective in creating a ‘horror’ atmosphere but the second choice is less obvious. Non-diegetic, parallel fast background music can be heard in the birth scene in Branagh’s version and this creates suspense because it gets peoples adrenalin going. But it is typically found in horror movies for this reason in particular. In the Whale version there is no music but this could be because of how old the movie is and it was hard to sequence the music with the scenes. In the Branagh version of ‘Frankenstein’ one of the best ways sympathy is created for the creature is by the way he is presented to the audience. He looks almost human but has scars all over his face and body. It looks like someone who has been hurt badly and we feel sorry for him. On the other hand in the Whale version though it’s harder to feel sorry for Frankenstein’s monster because he looks less human and it’s harder to connect to him emotionally. In the Whale version ‘Frankenstein’ is wearing a lab coat and his hair is gelled back. He looks more professional and like a proper doctor. This makes us feel sorry for Frankenstein’s creation because it shows that Frankenstein just sees him as an experiment and not as a human being with feelings. Whereas in the Branagh version he looks more wild and rough looking. This gives us the feeling he does care about the outcome of the monster because he has been so busy trying to make the monster alive that he has forgotten about himself and when he thinks the monster is dead he goes â€Å"No, No, No†, implying that he is saddened that it didn’t work. In Branagh’s version of ‘Frankenstein’ you feel sympathetic with the monster when he is born, as he is naked, clumsy, and unable to walk. Amniotic fluid is everywhere and we watch Frankenstein’s monster slide and slip about. He appears vulnerable, like a baby. He can’t control what he’s doing and Frankenstein has to help him. This makes us pity him. This contradicts with the Whale version as we don’t get to see the monster moving about, trying to touch or walk in the birth scene so we don’t feel for him as much as he is still covered up and still practically lifeless.

Benefit and Disadvantagers of Internet

bachelor of education (teaching of english as a second language) oumh (1303)  learning skill for open distance learners  the benefits of internet to student and the detrimental effects of the internet on students prepared by: muhammad afeeq bin abd latif matric number: 921125065059001 i/c number: 921125-06-5059 telephone number: 013-9664922 e-mail address: [email  protected] com tutor name: mr. ahmad izanee bin awang  learning centre:kuantan  Table of content Introduction1 The benefits of internet to student A tool to gain information2 Communication3 Online service3 Entertainment4 The detrimental effects of the Internet on students Web addiction5 Pornography6 Reduced physical activity7 Cyber crime8 suggestion9 reference 11 Introduction Nowadays, internet has become something very important to a student. For them, it can enormously help their studies. According to Allen B. Ury (2011), for doing high school or college research, Internet is an essential tool.We can find valuab le material on practically any subject within minutes if not seconds by skillfully using Internet search engines and subject directories. By knowing how to effectively search for and cite reputable Web sites can be an essential part of their academic success for those students who taking courses online. As mentioned by Rahul Pandita (2011), Internet has proved to be one of the most innovative inventions for us. It has made its presence felt in every sphere of our life, be it economy, society, health care, spirituality, etc.Prominent among its benefits is the impact it has had on the education sector. Rahul Pandita (2011) also said that students can now gain access to innumerable research papers, apart from getting latest updates in the field of science, technology and almost everything in conjuction of education. But as they say, â€Å"With great power comes great responsibility†, Internet has created new challenges for the society and most threatening among these is the impa ct it has had on student and children. Young people love to use computers rather than read a book.Web pages  are much more up-to-date than old text books that were previously used for studying, so not only is the information accurate, but it is also designed to engage  students  in a way that they find entertaining. The Internet also allows  students  to research and learn about topics that would previously be unknown to them due to lack of resources. Some schools do not  provide  every single book on a specific subject, but with the Internet, the learning possibilities are limitless, everything is just in their finger tips.The purpose of this task is to discuss about â€Å"The benefits and detrimental effects of Internet on students†. The benefits of internet to student There a few of benefits of internet toward the student : i. A tool to gain information. These days, student’s life without internet is very difficult. They do a lot of work by using the i nternet especially in searching for information. This is because, gaining information from internet is much more easier than those old books, it can shorten our time. Get online information is the freest way in the world.Nowadays, people need to understand more and more. They want to know the newest news. According to Jayashree Parhare (2011), any kind of information is available on the internet as long as on it is any topic under the sun is. It can be done by using the search engines such as Google, Yahoo are at your service on the internet. There is huge amount of information available on the Internet for just about every subject known to man, ranging from government law and services, trade fair and conference, market information, new ideas and technical support, the list is simply endless.According to Ashwini Ambekar (2008), students can use this wealth of information to learn new things about the subjects they are interested in and for their school projects or research and it is particularly relevant. In addition, this internet is a blessing for many schools and universities that are now able to accede projects and work to the students and follow their progress which is can be easily posted on the school or university websites So, since internet provides almost everything, students can use it to help them or to make their work easier on doing research or looking for any information. i. Communication. Communication is very important to a student, and internet one of the way that make student’s communication easier and faster. As a student, they need to see their lecturers, send or submit their task and assignment by hand, call someone by using cellphone which is wasting their money, time and energy. With internet has opened up new avenues for communication, according to Ashwini Ambekar (2008), email facility let people to communicate with somebody with minimum wastage of time.As Matt Remley (2010) said in his article, It is now possible to send an in stant message and also voice messaging to any part of the world through a simple email address and the message is delivered in a matter of seconds. According to Stephen Cook (2008), by using the Internet, there are many type of ways that people can get connected with one another. For examples, email, chat, forums, social networking sites, and real-time  video chat websites. Stephen Cook (2008) also mentioned that the Internet is truly spectacular in how it allows us to get in touch with one another which is you can easily talk to anybody on the other side of the world.With this kind of facilities, students will have more time to do other works rather than finish their time on something that can waste their time. iii. Online services. Online service is one of the greatest benefit of internet towards the student. It can make student’s life easier. There are many types of online services, for example online shopping, online banking and others. Online banking is very useful, ac cording to Edward James (2010), you can access your account within 5 minutes, make a payment, request a cheque book.It is not only for those who doing businesses only, but also to anybody who has an account saving. Furthermore, we can set up direct debits and standing orders, cancel direct debits and standing orders, view historic statements. The list is endless. The best part of it is according to Cody Hodge (2010), when you do your banking online, you are going to skip the drive and just get a phone call after submitting a query to the bank. What sounds easier to you is we don’t have to wasting our lunch hour to go to the bank.Next, according to Ram Gupta (2012) in his article, when online shopping was introduced, shoppers feel that involving themselves in it is a risky affair and uncomfortable to reveal their personal information such as credit cards details. But today, things have change and shoppers became confident to use it and get anything under the sun after realize the benefit of it especially to students. There are a few advantages of online shopping according to Mansi Chitranshi  (2009), online services give you variety of choice and also offers us an extensive range of selection.Not only that, but it also available for 24 hours a day which lets you shop anytime, this is very meaningful to student since time is very precious to them. Last but not lease, Mansi Chitranshi (2009) also said that you can find radically lower prices and cheapest deals with online purchasing. iv. Entertainment According to Kaiz Karen (2009), on internet we can search all types of entertainment from watching films to playing games online. Almost anyone can find the right kind of entertainment for themselves according to their taste. When people surf the internet, there are numerous things that can be found on it.Start from music, hobbies, news and more can be found and shared on the Internet. The best part of it which is love by the students is there are numerous games that can be downloaded from the Internet for free without any charge at any time. As Vibhuti Arora (2006) said we can read those funny e-mails from friends or that have been provided by the internet. Not only that, but you can make all your friends around the world laugh. Even if you are not good at cracking jokes, you can simply download them from the internet and forward them to your friends.This kind of entertainment is important to a student. The detrimental effects of the Internet on students i. Web Addiction. Many students find that internet help them a lot in conjunction of helping them to make their learning easier or use it as a tool to find some information. But without noticing, they are actually wasting their time. According to Joanna, Melinda smith and Lawrence Robinson (2012) in their article, people who in unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety, they will turn to the internet just to make them feel better.Joanna, et al. 2012) als o stated that the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet when you have a bad day and or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe or are looking for a way to escape your problems. Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air and it will definitely drag your time. Lately, internet has provided many social networks such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blogs and others. This kind of social networks can drag student’s time a lot because when we sign-in into it, they will get stuck on it.According to Jane Demerica (2009), many people that sign up for the internet find themselves spending endless hours chatting, surfing or â€Å"pimping out† their social networks page. This is an unhealthy addiction and you should probably force yourself to get out of the chair and walk away for a few hours. According to Abhijit Naik (2011) in his article about Facebook addiction, facebook provide new friends, games, event plans and many more. While all these activities are enjoyable, you will forget that you have an actual life to live at times you get so used to them.The time you forget about the fact and start spending your precious time on online, then neglecting yourself as well as people around you, and that mean you are now suffering from this addiction disorder without you notice it. Jane Demerica (2009) also said that, This kind of behavior will disorganize student’s life especially on their schedule. This can lead to unhealthy life for example they will late for their meals which is very important to them, they will be fibrous or not-well taken care because they are too busy with the internet.Last but not lease, as mentioned by Deepa Kartha (2010), student are going ignore their study and it can lead to poor performance at university. ii. Pornography. Jayashree Pakhare said in his article that â€Å"pornography is perhaps the biggest disadvantage of interne t. It allows you to access and download millions of pornography photos, videos and other X-rated stuff. Such unrestricted access to porn can be detrimental for children and teenagers. It can even play a havoc in marital and social lives of adults especially to students† (2011).Studies have shown that almost every men and most women have been exposed to pornography as told by Lifesitenew. com (2002). According to Elisbeth Deffner (n. d. ), there were plenty of opportunities for people to view pornographic images or read pornographic material before the Internet became so prevalent which from videos, magazines, and books. But as for now, people can easily access pornographic Web sites in the privacy of their own homes. It’s part of a larger issue called â€Å"sexual addiction,† which is â€Å"any kind of sexual behavior that a person continues to engage in despite negative consequences† says Dr.Omar Minwalla, the clinical supervisor at the Sexual Recovery In stitute in Los Angeles. Pornography is like drugs, once we get use to it, we will definitely get addicted by it and for sure will give many disadvantages toward the students. According to Joanna, et al. (2012), students can adversely affect real-life relationships, career, and emotional health by compulsively spending hours on the Internet viewing pornography or engaging in other cybersex activities. It could increase the percentage of misbehavior and these leads to adultery, free sex, and even worst child abandonment.As mention by Rahul Pandita (2011), it can cause them to became either sexually-deviant or sexually-addictive, these phenomenon also course the increase of prevalence sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers especially to a student. He also mentioned that the pornography that is present on the Internet promotes irresponsible sex and creates false notions in the minds of students. According to Stephen Rampur (n. d. ), Individuals who are addicted to this type are m ostly teenagers and youngsters. It can have an adverse effect on a child's attitude towards relationships.People who are addicted to online pornography spend hours watching or downloading porn. iii. Reduced Physical Activity According to Rahul Pandita (2011), since internet provides a lot of games and available to play, it has made most student to shut all outdoor activity. If students are lack of physical activity, they can easily fall prey to a lot of lifestyle related diseases for example obesity, apart from failing to develop interpersonal skills. Rahul Pandita (2011) also mentioned that by sitting continuously in front of a computer screen fot couple of hours can seriously and put a strain on our neck and shoulders and damage our eyes.These factors can create life-long problems for them. As Leena Palande (2011) said, when students are busy with the internet, they will definitely lack of exercise and it is the main morbid obesity causes. student spend most of their time in front of the the computer playing video games or computer games and chat day and night, surfing on the Internet which can lead to possibility of gaining weight. Leena Palande (2011) also mentioned, not only student, Even adults also have to spend most of their time in front of a computer, since computers have become an invariable part of every profession, business, organization and education.Use of machines in every field has reduced physical activity significantly. According to Vinci rufus (n. d. ), students are tent to spend a couple of hours in front of the monitor non-stop and not going out could also cause social problems, the most bad part of it,it will make us shy and introvert. Those who stuck to their machines all day aren't getting any exercise. As such their bodies start to be fail, especially when they opt for quick-fix meals that aren't terribly nutritious. This extends to personal hygiene, as well, as we tend not to notice our own stink, said by Matt Bird (2009). v. Cyber-c rime Cyber or internet crime can affect students’ life. There has never been a set in stone definition of cybercrime. According to Charlotte Raynor Piiggush (2008), the easiest way to difine cybercrime is any illegal activity done through or by using the internet or on the computer. Uttara Manohar (2011) also defined in his article that internet crime is a recently escalating form of crime that started with the rise of the Internet era. Any criminal activities, which is carried out through the Internet or by means of the Internet, is generally termed as Internet crime.According to Uttara Manohar (2011), there are a few types of internet crime. Here is the example of the criminal activity that indirectly can make students life chaotic. First is hacking, hacking is a process where someone attempts to exploit the security settings of a computer system is known as hacking. The hackers can hack into several websites or personal accounts and threaten the security on the Internet. E very day, students are expose to it, email to a student is a must. Sometimes, by using email is one of the way of hacking. According to M. J.Joachim (2010), Hackers use email addresses to change computer codes, often sending out messages with attachments that read and detect personal information, this always happen to students when are transferring things like bank account numbers, passwords and all sorts of personal information that they use for their own purposes. It is not uncommon for hackers to change passwords of their victim’s private Internet accountssuch as facebook account, email and others, making it impossible for victims to access their own information, simply by obtaining an email address from their prey.Another cyber crime is viruses. As mentioned by Shashank Nakate (2012), These are computer programs which have the potential to harm and give damage to a computer system. According to M. J. Joachim (2010) also said viruses cause millions of dollars in damage, lo st data and computer contamination each year. A simple email address is all it takes for savvy cyber criminals to implant dangerous viruses and spread them throughout the Internet. Suggestion Eventhough internet gives us a lot of pleasure and make our life easier, but there will always the side effect of it.If we did not monitor it properly and carefully, it will definitely make us suffer one day and then give damages to our life especially to a student. Since students is one of the biggest user of internet, they are the person who easily receive the impact. Thus, it is very important to them to know how to cope and avoid these problem. Here is some suggestion on how to combat it. i. Internet addiction One of the biggest problem of internet is web addiction. Internet can drag our time unnoticeable.As mentioned by Elizabeth Hartney (2011), one of the way is by knowing the symptoms of Internet addiction. Knowledge is the greatest thing, and knowing all the symptoms of internet addicti on will make you to evaluate your own online behavior and be aware of any symptoms that might be dragging your time. Elizabeth Hartney (2011) also emphasize to monitor your own internet usage and behavior. keep track of your internet behavior with my internet tracking form. Use the guidelines that come with it to evaluate your own internet behavior, not what you see or believe other students are doing.Drea Christopher (2010) propose to learn to limit your time carefully by keeping a timer by the computer and only allow yourself a limited amount of hours to spend on the Internet each day or week. ii. Pornography Since porn becoming more easily available through the Internet, some people may struggle with an addiction to it. So, it is very important to student to avoid it because if they continue with it, it will ruin their physical and also health. According to Katy Linsao, et al (2012) there are a few step on how to avoid it. First, make sure that you know that you are an addict.The n, find something else to do to occupy your time and mind, it is because you will not think about porn. You can manage it by going somewhere or spend time with friends. Katy et. Al. (2012) also mentioned, the best part of it is by find a support group or get qualified therapist who can provide guidance. According to Abdul Malik (2011), make sure that you are surfing web when others are around. iii. Reduced Physical Activity Since students relay so much on internet, they are tent to spend a lot of time with. Without noticing that they are actually wasting their time.But, the bad part of it is it can affect student physical problems or health. So it is very important to them to avoid it so because prevent is better that cure. There are many ways to overcome it. First, get yourself busy with other activties rather than finish your time on the internet, such as going for a movie with your friend, sports and others. Socializing is very important. The most important of it is, get some exe rcise to make yourself fit or get sweet. You also can have a hobby such as playing football, badminton, swimming and others.With it, it will divert your attraction from internet. Because if we spend continuously on the internet, we might get obesity. iv. Cyber crime Many students involve in internet crime and it affect them very much. They can take measures to decrease their risk of becoming the victim of cybercrime by adhering to a few simple Internet usage ways of rules. First, you must always remember to log off and shut down your computers when they are not being used. Cyber criminals often scan networks searching for â€Å"always on† computers, which they consider readily accessible and unattended targets.By minimizing the amount of time computers are powered on and connected to the Internet, people can reduce their vulnerability to hacking attacks. (Scot Huntsberry 2012) Next, Scot Huntsberry (2012) mentioned that users have to install and maintain both antivirus and fi rewall programs. These applications serve as a first line of defence against viruses and other malicious computer programs designed to circumvent security features within computers’ operating systems.Additionally, operating system developers regularly release updates or â€Å"patches. To increase your computer’s security, you should install these updates as soon as they become available in order to avoid cyber crime. users should never open or download email attachments from unknown senders because cyber criminals frequently disguise malicious software as images or documents attached to email messages. ( 3327 words )Reference 1. Abhijit Naik, (2011). Facebook Addiction. [Online]. Available: http://www. buzzle. com/articles/facebook-addiction. html 2. Abdul Malik Mujahid (2011). 29 Tips for teen on how to handle Pornography. [Online]. Available: http://www. oundvision. com/info/life/porn/15tips. asp 3. Allen B. Ury, (2009). How To Do Research On The Internet. [Online]. Available: http://news. everestonline. edu/post/2009/07/research-on-the-internet 4. Ashwini Ambekar, (2008). Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet. [Online]. Available: http://www. articleswave. com/computer-articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-internet. html 5. 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Mansi Chitranshi, (2009).Benefits of Shopping Online. [Online]. Available: http://www. articleswave. com/shopping-articles/benefits-of-shopping-online. html 19. Matt Remley, (2010). The Advantages Of The Internet. [Online]. Available: http://www. helium. com/items/1938399-advantages-of-the-internet 20. M. J. Joanchim, (2010). Internet email crime and security information. [Online]. Available: http://www. helium. com/items/1952123-cyberstalking-email-crime-internet-crime-fraud-identity-theft-internet-crime-prevention 21. Rahul Pandita, (2011). Negative Effects of Internet on Children. [Online]. Available: http://www. buzzle. om/articles/negative-effects-of-the-internet-on-children. html 22. Ram Gupta, (2012). Real Benefits Of Online Shopping. [Online]. Available: http://article-niche. com/launch/Real-Benefits-Of-Online-Shopping. htm 23. Scot Huntsberry, (2012). Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cybercrime. [Online]. 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Tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 Essay

Tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 - Essay Example To be specific, Zhang Yimou did not try to discard traditionalism, but linked the same with new technology by allowing modern technology to enter the realm of traditional art. Similarly, the electronic Handscroll is symbolic of the transformation of general views on art and its connection with time element because the artist tries to link the unknown past with present. Besides, the artist provides ample importance to the entertainment value of the electronic Handscroll because he needs to satisfy the domestic and internationals viewers in general. Thesis statement: The research on the amalgamation of tradition and innovation in the Handscroll, in Beijing, 2008 proves that traditional Chinese art accepts modern technology the same sheds light into the rich traditional Handscroll art in China, new technologies change people’s way of creating art by motivating domestic companies to develop core technologies, and it transforms the general view on art by connecting unknown past and present in general (special references to the electronic Handscroll created by Zhang Yimou and its relationship with traditional Chinese art). This section is broadly divides into: Traditional Handscroll art in China and modern technology, New technologies and change people’s way of creating art, and The transformation of general views on art and its connection with unknown past and the present. One can see that the handscroll art in China is interconnected with the Chinese way of presenting traditional paintings. For instance, a handscroll will be in the form of a lengthy scroll consisting of paintings and the Chinese calligraphy. Besides, this sort of scrolls is not for formal display, but to spread on a flat surface and to enjoy the landscape painted on the same. Maxwell K. Hearn stated that, â€Å"To â€Å"read† a Chinese painting is to enter into a dialogue with the past; the

Managing time as an adult learner Research Paper

Managing time as an adult learner - Research Paper Example Adult learners are nowhere placed as target audience/reader/listener. Research journals on time management are also found to target mainly the managers. In this paper I attempt to identify the area observable for research on time management among adult learning community. Understanding the adult learning methods in vogue becomes mandatory to evolve feasible time managing techniques for adult learners. Review of literature throws light on the basic qualities of adult learners. Time management knacks are not new to them. However, inability to adhere to the techniques of time management by adult learners is found to have been caused not merely by their situational factors but also by the training modalities. Further researches are extensively required especially by the psychologists and teaching community in this regard. Literature on time management and literature on adult learning focus their targets in two different but parallel trajectories. While academic journals on time managemen t are very less in number, literature on adult learning too is meagre. (Dorothy MacKeracher, 2004) The efforts being carried out by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) is note worthy. However, the institute focuses its attention purely on developing Adult Education on macro level to sustain the growth and overall development of Great Britain. Adult learners, unlike youngsters who have specific goals, always have specific and ready-to-fire goals that are tangible such as qualification for current job/up skilling for promotion/ career change .1. To locate the research-deserving area with regard to time management by adult learners, the following research questions are framed: a)While time management is a universally acceptable tool for success, is it specifically adaptable to adult learning community as a whole? b)What are the causes that restrain adult learning community from adhering to time managing techniques? Understanding the course of time management as wel l as that of adult learning becomes prerequisite. Time management nuances are contained in broad classification of focussing, planning, organising, acting and learning (Dodd and Sundheim, 2008). Adult learning, as formulated by androgogy specialists is classified in to the following steps namely planning, applying and understanding(Trivette C.M et al, 2009). 1)While time management is a universally acceptable tool for success, is it specifically adaptable to adult learning community as a whole? 1.1 Interactive training: Adult learning theorists have much focussed on the teaching community enabling them to give out fruitful training to adult learners. Most of the literatures on adult learning are in the type of a trainers training module. Review of those literatures reveals that nuances of time management for adult learners are embedded here and there. By selecting a training session designed interactively, which contains application opportunities, a learner can actively take part in the learning process. Through interactive application methods one can score more learning outcomes. In contrast, content oriented sessions that render didactic sermons consume quite a long time to bring to achieve learning objectives. (Foley, 2004, p.91) 1.2 Devising ones own learning objective: Having clear cut and tangible goals in hand they (the goals) can

Compare and contrast two social media websites, which is Facebook and Essay

Compare and contrast two social media websites, which is Facebook and Twitter, in terms of use and functions provided - Essay Example While the topic is suitable for an in-depth scientific research that involves primary data collection and study of public opinion through surveys and interviews, the scope of research of this paper is limited to the information available online. Comparison and contrast is based on the facts reported by various sources online. The procedure followed for this comparison and contrast was online research. Websites used as sources contained reliable information mostly from published papers and peer reviewed sources. Finding the required information posed the challenge of reading a lot of articles. The reported sources were verified to confirm that the information came from the sources as mentioned. The features of Facebook include but are not limited to friends, news feed, games, apps, ads, likes, text messages, live chat, photos, videos, gifts, status, links, polls, and separate pages for advertisements. The features of Twitter include tweeting, retweeting, following people, photos, videos, links, and direct messaging. Facebook’s users are over 1.28 billion in number (Diffen n.d.). Twitter’s users are over 500 million in number (Diffen n.d.). According to Tappin (2014), the number of active users on Facebook is 1.23 billion whereas the number of active users on Twitter is 232 million. The most common use of Facebook is to update the users on what is happening around them and in others’ lives. The most common use of Twitter is to speed up what is happening, â€Å"often becoming a source in and of itself† (DeMers 2013). Diversity of features matters a lot in the success of a social media website. People want everything on the same platform. They do not like switching from one site to another to use different functions. Diverse and large range of features is what makes Facebook more popular than Twitter. The number of users a social media website has tells

Analysing enterprise operations(individual case study report) Essay - 1

Analysing enterprise operations(individual case study report) - Essay Example This report analyses the flow of operations or processes using flow chart of an individual that is planning to go for vacations to Athens from Birmingham. In addition to this, the report identifies the key issues that could influence the trip of the individual as well as identifying bottlenecks that could influence the process. At the end of the report, recommendations have been given. This report is used to show how flow chart can be helpful in every day to day operations and decisions that an individual makes. As the report has been prepared using a case of an individual going for vacations from Birmingham to Athens therefore the main aims and objectives of the report are: Issues in any processes can halt the speed and successful accomplishment of that process. Therefore identification of key issues is important to make sure that the objective is achieved. The key issues that have been identified are: There are certain processes in different things whatever an individual or any organisation do which can pause the overall process and until this process or step is not solved, the operations cannot continue. These steps or blockages are called the ‘Bottlenecks’ (Schonberger, & Knod, 1991). The bottlenecks can stop or halt the process or operations and therefore it is important for anyone using flow chart to identify bottlenecks and try to reduce the impact of these bottlenecks so that the flow of the operations is fine. Bottlenecks are basically the blockages that can hurt the flow and therefore can increase the overall time of the operations than estimated (Schemenner, 1984). Bottlenecks in the process of vacation to Athens are finding the right time to go for vacations as this could halt the overall process. For instance, if the individual is an employee then he would need to get the approval of the employer for holidays and then finalise the dates of the trip. Similarly, other bottleneck of the process is of

Media study assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Media study assignment 1 - Essay Example It has attracted movies like Gran Torino, Up in the Air, and Scream bring more than 8,000 in one year and saved the movies more than $223 million in 2009. It is a testament of how tax cuts from several movies can save so much, an amount that could be reinvested on other movies. Proposed Policy Many movie and TV studios actually openly state that a huge part of their expense goes to taxes. On the other hand, there is another sector that complains about having the right ideas that could progress the quality of the movie and tv industry but not having enough funding to pursue these ideas. If five movies total more than $200 million in taxes, reallocating taxes from two movies of every movie and TV studio to fund independent film. Monumental movies like Memento, Run Lola Run, Primer and Clerks were all made for under $100,000. Many of the movies that Hollywood licensed such as The Eye and Shutter were all made under $10,000. $200 million yearly could easily fund 100 movies that could com pletely turn around the quality of movies coming from Hollywood. Benefits and Disadvantages of the Policy The greatest benefit of providing support to the new filmmakers follows the same model of the commercial market. In the commercial market, when people spend their money on goods and services, it stimulates the economy by increasing the demand. The business owners, in turn, produce more good which offers move jobs to people. This will give people more spending the power. That will start the whole process again. This model will follow the same process. As the government reallocate the money back to the market, it gives more jobs to people which allow them to have more spending power to support more movies. As more movies make money, more movies will be produced. The greatest benefit will, of course, be the probable increase in quality of the movies that are being produced as new talents are discovered. The only disadvantage that is in clear trajectory is the loss that government w ill incur. $200 million worth of tax is a huge cut from government funding. That could very well be going to infrastructure project, funding for Small and Medium Enterprise, education and other essential projects. Political, Social, or Cultural Issues that will be Addressed Art is important. It is, in a sense, the conscience of a nation and it must be nurtured the same way it is critical to nurture the conscience of a country. The film industry is part of art it is, primarily, a cultural issue. Hollywood, movie making, and television is a great influence in American culture, to some it is also a reflection of the American culture. When its growth is stunted, a huge part of the culture also goes away. American movies have served as a great influence in many other countries to pursue the growth of their own industry. The other more obvious consequence is the money that the movie industry contributes to the economy of the United States of America. In 2010, the movie industry contribute d an estimated $10.89 billion in direct revenue alone. The TV industry could easily double that figure. How it Supports Free Speech Giving filmmakers the ammunition to produce more movies is equivalent to providing them more platforms where they can express the messages they will not be able to say otherwise. Memento, for example, was the very first film that brought forward short memory loss disease. It raised awareness about this disease which, apparently, was more common than initially perceived to be. Primer, a

Marketing Proposal & Advertisement Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Proposal & Advertisement - Assignment Example It is my proposal that we hold a marathon event for all type of people. However, we will have to collaborate with the wildlife agency to allow us to use the Park. Other global companies and organizations such as Coca-Cola, W.K.K.F, Pepsi and Safaricom are willing to help in saving the situation support the event. Using the National Park will be helpful because people will have fun and at the same time help us to assist the communities have water for irrigation. There being no food available in the area is a motivation that the water will boost irrigation and food security in the locality will improve. The target audience for the marathon event is athletes, people interested to spend their weekend in a Wildlife Park, rich people interested to lose weight by exercising, our sponsors both local and international, and all the well-wishers willing to make a difference in the society. Obviously, there are those people who are passionate to promote charity work. Secondly, there are those people who love spending their weekends in a place far away from homes and prefer attending events. Thirdly, considering that there will be rewards for the top five people to finish the race, there will be people who will be willing to exercise their talents in the events and maybe emerge the winners. Fourth, there are those people are passionate about charity work and they will find an opportunity to participate and have fun too. Nevertheless, there will be people who will be influenced by their friends and colleagues to attend the event. Putting all these people interested in the event, the event will provide satisfaction to all the people in attendance. The Fundraising event has several benefits to the people in attendance and more profit to the communities living in the locality. The people in attendance will enjoy in the event, execise their bodies and enhance their health, fulfill their desires of spending their weekend in a park and finally feel

Corellation Between Spirituality, Emotions Essay Example for Free

Corellation Between Spirituality, Emotions Essay Abstract   The purpose of this paper is to describe the changes during pregnancy, which is influenced by various factors like lifestyle modification, emotions and spirituality. The paper first discusses in detail about the stress and emotional changes, which occurs during pregnancy and its impact on both child and mother. These results are also supported with proper evidence from various research.   Secondly, paper discusses about how lifestyle modification in pregnant women affects the child and mother and these results are supported by evidence from various research.   Finally, the paper discusses about the spiritual believes and its impact on pregnant women. INTRODUCTION Pregnancy is a life event for which most women look forward too. The symptoms of pregnancy might sometimes be distressing but ultimately, it is all worthwhile. Women’s life changes completely during this period. This is the most stressful as well as memorable period in a women’s life. Proper planning before pregnancy to overcome the physical and emotional changes is highly essential. Since, lifestyle modification, stress, anxiety and diet changes produce major impacts in pregnant women and the fetus, the need for proper life style modification during pregnancy is recommended by all physicians. This paper discusses the impact of three major factors Stress, life style modification and spirituality in pregnant women with empirical evidence from various research studies. STRESS AND RELATED IMPACTS IN PREGNANT WOMEN   Expectant women are subject to stress due to several factors, which includes physical changes during pregnancy, environmental changes, lifestyle changes and several other factors. Pregnant women besides physical changes also experience emotional changes at time of pregnancy. Mood swings are common and women will face emotional ups and downs in early pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Its is common for pregnant women to cry or get angry and upset for no apparent reason.    Pregnancy Changes related to stress During first trimester, the pregnant women spend most of their time by realizing the fact that they are pregnant. They experience themselves inwardly and try to understand and overcome the fears about the pregnancy. This must be the case only when the women experiencing the first pregnancy. In later pregnancy, they become more familiar with the changes. At first pregnancy, pregnant women are subjected to many fear such as fear about discontinuing the job, lifestyle changes, responsibility, economical constrains etc. Insecure feelings are common during the early stage of pregnancy. Mood swings grows higher leading to unusual behaviors. The pregnant woman may laugh or cry for irrelevant things. These are often related to hormonal changes in the body. However, researchers believe that hormonal changes during pregnancy augment the force of the feelings and do not causes mood change. Few researchers has identified that the amount of anxiety is heavier in pregnant women who bears a boy baby, for which the reasons are unidentified. In the second trimester, the expectant mother slowly comes out of fear and anxiety, which they experienced during the first trimester and starts feeling better as by now they start experiencing the movement of the baby. During this period, the understanding between the husband and wife starts growing and slowly they accept the existence of baby. The woman starts showing changes physically as she gain weight, also fear and anxiety grows rapidly during this period as fear of miscarriage or disaster to the baby or to herself develops. Speaking out about the fear to her husband or to someone close would relive herself from stress. During the last stage of pregnancy, the pregnant mother experience more fear and stress. As they grow larger in size, they experience low self-esteem and expect more attention from all the dear ones especially from her husband. They fear more regarding delivery complications.    Physical stress during pregnancy and its impact Physical strain during pregnancy is equal to emotional strain. High physical stress during pregnancy is not advisable as it has possibility of inducing preterm delivery among pregnant women. â€Å"In a research conducted by Mozurkewich and Colleague among the employees of pregnant women in U.S who had performed increased physical work has given birth before their deliver date. In another study conducted among the women in France has shown similar results.    Stress and its impact on diet Stress, tension, low energy, exhaustion and other emotional changes can influence the diet preference by the pregnant women. According to the study conducted by the ‘Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’, â€Å"the diet of the expectant mother would affect the growth of the fetus and the wellbeing of the infant. According to this study which was conducted by ‘Kristen Hurley, Janet DiPietro, Kathleen Costigan and Laura Caulfield’, â€Å"Mother who experienced more fatigue during the pregnancy period consumed more amount of energy rich foods and zinc and consumed less folate. Expectant mothers who felt more stressed munched more amount of snacks and carbohydrate foods and also consumed lots of foods which is rich in fat, protein, iron and zinc. Worried feelings were connected with poorer consumption of vitamin C. Mothers who were stressed by pregnancy experience ate less meat.†Ã‚   â€Å"While pregnant women eating more amount of food may lead to increase in micronutrients and decrease the intake of other important nutrients like folate and vitamin C†, says, ‘Laura Caulfield, Ph.D. an associate professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Centre for Human Nutrition’.    Stress and its effect on the fetus Stress during pregnancy can bring about several changes in mother and child’s health. It affects the heart rate of the pregnant women. It also brings about blood pressure and anxiety in women. â€Å"According to Catherine Monk of Columbia University, emotional changes during pregnancy result in heart problems in pregnant women and have major effect on the fetus.†Ã‚   Earlier research has shown that stress during pregnancy leads to under weight babies and premature babies. Researcher has found that heart rate of mother is associated to heart rate of the fetus and when mother is stressed or worried, it affects the infant directly. Researchers from John Hopkins University and National Institute of Child Health Development (NICHD) in their research have found that emotional changes during pregnancy have direct impact on child’s behavior. Mother with increased emotion and fear of pregnancy has children with poor behavior skills and emotional disorder.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"According to Janet A. DiPietro, PhD, a developmental psychologist and professor at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, increased stress during pregnancy results in chemical changes which manipulate the organ growth and development of the fetus.† Thus, it is essential for a pregnant women to be free from stress and emotions during and after pregnancy to give birth to a healthy baby and to maintain her own health. LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND ITS IMPACT IN EXPECTANT MOTHER Lifestyle modification during pregnancy affects both mother and child especially when seems to be negative. Expectant mothers who are involved in habits such as Cigarette, alcohol, caffeine etc are under risk of developing breast cancer, delivery complications and pass the risk of behavioral disorder to their child. Apart from this diet, modification and exercise pattern also has impact on child’s growth. Expectant mother with eating disorder or overeating habits are prone to low-birth weight or over weight babies. Alteration in diet with inadequate nutrients or over nutrition leads to gestational diabetes. The child born to such parents develops Type I diabetes and are also at risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Lower folate consumption before and during the time of pregnancy would lead to birth defect and neurological problems. Hence, proper nutrition intake before and after pregnancy is essential. Consumption of Alcohol at the time of pregnancy leads to abortion, affects the fetus development, causes serious birth defects particularly the intellectual growth of the child. Hence, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy. Pregnant women who drink heavily are at risk of giving birth to child with alcohol syndrome i.e. a syndrome, which has major effect on mental and physical health. Similarly, pregnant women who consumes higher amount of caffeine are also at risk of developing miscarriage and birth defects. In addition, heavy exposure to chemicals can lead to birth defects. Various studies have shown that exposure to hazardous chemicals as solvents at work place have resulted in increase in the risk of abortion or birth defects. Apart from these, exercise during pregnancy is highly essential. Exercise during pregnancy strengthens the lower back and lower abdomen. Lack of proper exercise would result in caesarian and delivery complications. Exercise can reduce the labor complications and the risk of delivery. Regular exercise and walking would be more effective if followed in the second and third trimester. It helps the pregnant women to be relieved out of constipation, discomfort due to increased weight, fatigue, backaches etc    Diet modification during pregnancy affects the child and the offspring A research study conducted by â€Å"Children’s hospital Oakland Research Institute by David Martin, M.D, Dr. Jennifer Cropley and Catherine Suter from Victor Chang Heart Institute in Sydney, November 2006, has found that, ‘ mother’s diet during pregnancy   dose not only affect the health of her child but also affects the health of the grandchildren by changing the behavior of specific gene.† The researchers has performed the study on Avy mouse (yellow in color) which posses gene similar to human genes. The researchers during the research has used two group of pregnant mouse of which one group was fed with usual diet consumed by human and the other group was provided with supplements such as folate, vitamin, zinc etc along with the normal diet during the middle of the pregnancy. The similar experiments were followed for the offspring’s. The results of the study revealed that mouse without the supplement diet in both the experiments has shown considerable alteration in the gene resulting in the change of color from yellow to brown and were also found to be unhealthy and are at risk of cancer. Though it is, the known fact that mother’s diet would have considerable impact on the child’s health this is the first study, which has compared the correlation between mother’s diet and its impact in offspring. According to ‘Kenneth Beckman, Ph.D. Assistance Scientist at CHORI and a member of Project Export Centre of excellence in Nutritional Genomics, said, â€Å"The supplements provided during the pregnancy of the mother benefited the grand children even when the mother of the grandchild did not consume diet with supplements. Thus, maternal diet could have long lasting implications which extends for generations and even centuries.† Overeating and its impact on child  Ã‚   According to the research from ‘Oregon Health and Science University, September 2006’, â€Å"overeating during pregnancy may lead to several health problems to the child.†   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The researcher Kevin Grove, Ph.D., a scientist in ONPRC’s Division of Neuroscience in his research has confirmed that grandchildren off the expectant mother who overeat are at risk for liver damage and at a risk for early commencement of diabetes and obesity. Apart from this considerable change take place in the hypothalamus of the brain, which is responsible for the weight regulation.   He also states that children who are born to mother who consumes lots of fatty foods may be at a risk of diabetes and obesity.† The researchers have noted that pregnant female monkeys who were used for the research when provided with high fatty food passed on liver damage and pancreas damage to their offspring’s. The results were similar to humans when expectant women consumed high fatty food. It is clear from the above study that the need for a balanced diet among pregnant women is highly essential to prevent all health related problems to the child and the offspring. Another study conducted by world health organization there is a considerable increase in obesity related heart disease and metabolic disease among the present generation. Though the increase in obesity among present generation is because they consume high amount of fatty foods like sugar and saturated fats, on the other hand the obesity is also associated with increased consumption of energy rich food during pregnancy and during breast-feeding is one more reason for obesity among children’s. For several years it is has been stated that undernourished mother during pregnancy give birth to low birth weight babies which in turn affects the infant with heart related problems as it grows. However, latest studies reveals that apart form undernourished mother even the child born for mother who during pregnancy expose to energy rich food are also prone to heart disease. The study also revels that maternal diet has direct impact on child’s desire for food and maternal diet with increased energy food results in heart disease and other diseases like diabetes and hypertension in the later part of life. In such cases, the child develops abnormalities in aorta and in kidney resulting in severe disease as they grow up.    Smoking affects the child and grandchild Pregnant women may pass down the habit of smoking and its related disease to their child and to their grandchildren for continued generation.   Research study from Australia in 1982 has revealed the fact that children born to mothers who smoked during the time pregnancy started smoking before the age of 15 when compared to the children’s who were born to the mother who were non-smokers. At the same time, children’s of mothers who were smokers and gave up smoking at the time of pregnancy has shown similar results as children’s of mother who was non-smoker.   Thus, pregnant women are highly recommended to avoid smoking during pregnancy. Different study conducted by ‘Keck School of Medicine of University of California, states that use of tobacco and nicotine by the mother during pregnancy would result in lung diseases such as asthma to her children and grandchildren. The author Frank D. Gilliland, Professor of preventive medicine Keck School of Medicine states that smoking pregnant women will pass down long-term impact of lung disease in generations continuing for centuries. The research result shows that children’s and grandchildren’s of smoking mother at the time of pregnancy experienced problems of asthma from the age of five. Although the child of smoking mother did not experience any problem, the grandchild was highly prone to developing asthma. The researchers have also found that the nicotine present in the tobacco affects the DNA of the infant and affects the immune system of the baby. It is also found that nicotine from the tobacco affects the formation of the egg in the girl child as it grows. Thus, from above research studies it is clear that lifestyle modification in pregnant women would bring major impact in both child and mother. Few research has also proved that even grandchildren’s and further generation are affected by irregular dietary habits and alcohol and smoking habits. SPIRITUALITY AND ITS IMPACT ON EXPECTANT MOTHER Fasting seems to be one of spiritual activity, which has influenced most of the religious people especially Hindus and Muslims. People by fasting show their gratitude and love towards God. However, fasting when continued for more that two or three days leads to Lower Glycemic Index, reduces the protein and fat level in blood, increases the uric acid content, and possibly reduces the RBC and hemoglobin levels in the blood. If this is the case for normal people, when women with pregnancy undergoes fasting the results would be more drastic leading to ill health to both mother and child. As pregnancy is a crucial period and the mother is expected to consume the right amount of nutrition to maintain her health and the babies’ health, fasting during such period has to be avoided. According to a ‘Physician Gabriel Cousens, â€Å"fasting means to withdraw from that which is poisonous to the intellect, body and spirit. This can also be described as removal of corporal, emotional and psychological pollutant from our life, more willingly than merely staying away from or interrupting eating. Starving oneself for religious purposes typically involves taking away thyself from worldly duties.† On the other hand, in spite of the awareness for the need for proper nutrition some expectant mothers as being more religious blindly believes that by following rituals like fasting would bring God’s love and blessings to the child. Especially Muslim women’s during the period of Ramadan even if pregnant presume that fasting is obligatory for healthy wellbeing of child and mother. However, Islam is not too harsh on Muslim women’s who are pregnant. For that reason, no religion would be cruel to advice fasting during pregnancy. In Islam, the culture itself has prohibited such activity. Qur’an, has stated the following people not to fast during Ramadan, â€Å"pregnant women in her last trimester and also to avoid fasting by expectant mother if its is harmful to the mother and the child, women who is breast feeding, menstruating women and women who are in nifas.†Ã‚   According to Hadith, â€Å"the religion also states that if a expectant mother or the breast-feeding mother is subjected to health problems due to fasting, in such case they can fast the equivalent amount of days in another period of time.† Fasting are starving in the name of god is not ideal and it only spoils the health of the mother and baby. As pregnancy is an imperative period in women’s life attachment between mother and child grows right from the time of conception and develops with intake of right nutrition at right time. Impacts of fasting in Expectant women During pregnancy, the mother has to eat for two hence at this time going without food or starving without food due to spiritual reasons would affect both the child and mother. On the other hand, avoiding food at instance help the mother to remove the toxins from her body. Toxins loaded in the kidney, lungs, bladder, skin, intestinal track, respiratory track etc can be removed when avoiding food at some instances. However, this depends on the body condition of the women. In such cases the pregnant women has to take the advice of her doctor regarding her dietary habits. The culture of Islam states that fasting during first and second trimester of pregnancy is safer. This is also supported by the statement provided by ‘Dr. Shahid Athar; â€Å"according to him expectant based on health conditions can fast during the 1st and 2nd trimesters with the guidance and supervision from her obstetrician.† In a study conducted in Africa by researchers from Austin, nearly 89.5% of expectant women were fasting during the month of Ramadan. The result showed that blood glucose level in expectant mother who were fasting were significantly less than the normal amount which has resulted in gestational diabetes among these women. As no carbohydrate is available for producing glucose during the fasting period ketosis occur to avoid the loss of protein, which results in fall in insulin level and augmented weight loss. The research has proved that continuous fasting in pregnant women increase the risk of gestational diabetes, which results in over weight babies, caesarian, and stillbirth. Proper diet management under medical supervision and frequent blood testing for blood sugar can prevent gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Another research by â€Å"Kellymon has proved that fasting leads to dehydration, which thereby decreases the milk supply due to the decreased fluid level in the body.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another study by Centre for Advance for health in 2000 has revealed that pregnant mothers who starved during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy has given birth to child who are at high risk of heart disease. Form the research studies it is clear that fasting in the name of spirituality has shown adverse effect on both the child and mother. Although the belief of the expectant mother has to be considered, health related issues due to fasting have to be given priority. Since, the effect of fasting affects not only the mother but also the child, such beliefs has to be considered. The impacts of fasting last on child’s health for longer period and even it grows for several generations. CONCLUSION   As pregnancy is a crucial period in women’s life special attention and care during this period is more important. Pregnant women in general should be away from stress and try to keep them relaxed and peaceful. Excess stress can create severe impact on women’s health and in child’s health and also can lead to preterm delivery and miscarriage. Focusing on positive lifestyle changes before and after pregnancy could yield better results by improving the health and intellect of the baby. Thus for safe and healthy pregnancy, it is always better to be planed to avoid all harmful behaviors.    REFERENCES Shahid Athar, â€Å"Effects of Fasting in Pregnant Women during Ramadan†, Journal of Islamic Medical Association, November 1987. Hadith, â€Å"Studies on Fasting during Ramadan†, Islamic Horizon, October 2003. Kevin Grove, â€Å"Overeating and its impact on child†, Oregon Health and Science University, September 2006 Kristen Hurley, Janet DiPietro, Kathleen Costigan and Laura Caulfield, â€Å"Stress and its Impact in Pregnant Women,† Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, June 2005.    David Martin, Dr. Jennifer Cropley, Catherine Suter, Kenneth Beckman, â€Å"Diet modification during pregnancy affects the child and the offspring†, Children Hospital and Research Centre at Oakland, December 2006. World Health Organization, â€Å"Obesity related to cardiovascular disease in children†, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, May 2005. Frank D. Gilliland, Yu-Fen Li, â€Å"Smoking during Pregnancy affects the Child and Grandchild†, Chest Vol. 128, No. 5, April 2005, Pp 1231-1241. Mozurkewich EL. â€Å"Working Conditions and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome.† Obstetrics and Gynecology 2001. 96:624-636.

Impact of Competition on Bank Performance

Impact of Competition on Bank Performance INTRODUCTION This study focuses on a research set forth to examine the linkage of competitive obsession and/or excessive competitiveness to financial impacts (credit boom/crunch) on the banking industry. Organisations concern for the survival of business at all costs has transformed into a strong credence that they can control and dominate human, physical, natural and intangible resources, thereby direct the business world now and in future. This has induced an underestimation of some immeasurable and unfathomable trends in business. Now the business world is being battered with harsh economic and financial struggle. Hence Ezer and Demetis (2007:57) states: â€Å"Our obsession with control has become part of our validation as a species.† At this time all countries and a huge number of firms has been impinged on, by recent the credit crunch. 1.1 Background There are huge reasons for the competitive activities of countries, banks and Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Some of these reasons are to maximise wealth and minimise cost. In the 1970s the banks were not highly driven by competitive force (Black and Strahan, 2002). Countries and Multinational Enterprises take advantage globalisation and free trade. However, the banking industry today has become quite competitive and involved in subprime lending. The increase in competition among banks led to less proficient screening aptitude and credits granted to less worthy customers (Rajan, 2008). In addition, MNEs engage in drastic activities across nations termed as an abuse of free trade. The recent economic situation emerges quite troublesome for everyone. Credit concerns are now crucial and are imperative in ensuring successes in international business. This requires the aid of banks as MNEs are in battle with an unpleasant financial crisis. Nevertheless, would these banks who are also hit by the credit struggle, save themselves, talk more of aiding the MNEs or any other business and/or customers. The financial market crisis began early in 2007 and has resulted to losses in the market and loss of confidence in financial institutions across the globe (World Economic Forum, 2008).The causes of the credit crunch are traced to a number of identified causes (Johnson and Kwak, 2009). To mention a few are subprime investments, government neglect of banking activities, and the abuse of free trade, mainly but not wholly originating from the United States. Some of these causes are still in repetition dated back to 1966 and are yet to be eradicated. Financial crisis originating in the 1960s has been re-occurring in the 70s, 80s and of present, hence, it is not a novel issue. What is yet to be known is why the credit crunch keep re-occurring from similar causes, and the possible existence of a common element among these ‘causes which is unseen or rather covered in a veil, that could make or break the achievement of a Companys objective. This common element could be termed extreme competitiveness or competitive obsession. It is unknown if competitive obsession could have contributed to the credit crunch. A study and understanding of this problem could proffer solutions and thus, possibly promote international business and financial integrity on a global scale. 1.2 Research Purpose This research is not focused on identifying and putting blames on various organisations or their activitities that might have caused the credit crunch. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between competitiveness- its obsession and the credit crunch, and to determine whether this competitive obsession is found within the activities of the organisations that might have caused the credit crunch. 1.3 Research Questions The questions to be researched will be principally concentrated on the grounds/motivations in which business, banks and regulators take drastic decisions and engage in dangerous activities that might have led to the credit crunch. The answers to find out will thus be: What this ground/motivation is? What is the existence of this ground/motivation among different institutions? What the relationship of this ground/motivation could have to the credit crunch? 1.4 Implication of the Dissertation This study develops a new theoretical model, which incorporates two â€Å"issues† which can be found today (competitive obsession and the credit crunch) in to the notion of global economic challenges in respect to nations and MNEs. The practical significance of this study involves proffering some guiding principle/course of action for globally competitive firms in the course of competitive/strategic decisions that is accountable. How firms react to the pressures of international competition and the chances of taking comparative advantage on the macro level has been deemed importantly stressed by Herrmann (2008), describing his research as only the beginning of a broader analysis. This study tends to continue from Herrmanns research, but relating it to the credit crunch. There are obviously exclusions in the literature, but the association of competitiveness and the credit crunch are very hardly studied in some intensity. This study tries to make the association of these two is sues overt. 1.5 The Structure of the Study 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction Competitiveness and the credit crunch are two different broad issues, which however are not new in the literature. Firms aspire to have a competitive advantage/edge to survive in the global market; nevertheless, the extreme cases of this competitiveness that could be very fruitful or drastic are not put in to so much consideration. Furthermore, the extreme cases of credit facility (over or under extending), might or might not have presented a favourable business condition. 2.2 Review of Studies An attempt to review the whole issues on competitiveness and the credit crunch would be a task of great difficulty, size and strength. Both subjects have been in academic and organisational practice for a very long time. Hence, the re-evaluation of literature will highly pinpoint a survey as well as case research done. Given huge amount of data and research carried out through the years, some important studies have been omitted. Apologies are made for such omissions while, other studies which might be perceived as of less significance, are been utilised. 2.3 Sections of Review There are large amounts of literature works significant to this study, however, this chapter will focus on: Background : History, Present Future Competitiveness and the Credit Crunch Defined Competitive Obsession- Favourable or Unfavourable National and firm competitiveness [Porters Diamond] Competition in the Banking Industry Government/country competitiveness 2.4 Background: History, Present and the Future The early years of this millennium has faced corporations with credit problems connected with the boom in the stock market. As this financial catastrophe receded, came the rise and boom of the housing sector, which subsequently transformed in to the unavoidable credit crunch (Cooper, 2008). Financial crises has always come and gone. the early crisis of 1990 affecting countries like Mexico, Russia, Norway and Sweden and the Asian crisis of 1997 involving countries like South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong (Allen and Gale; 2007, Nesvetailova, 2007). The causes of these financial crises and/or credit crunch were sought after and found (Johnson and Kwak, 2009). Some of these causes were generic to some Nations while others were particular to a Nation. It is found common among nations that blames were laid on the inconsistent macroeconomic policies of government and financial institutions (Allen and Gale; 2007, Nesvetailova, 2007; Turner, 2008; Cooper, 2008). Some particular causes found in the nations like the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) are the sub-prime lending and housing boom (Rajan, 2008), the abuse of free trade by the promoters of free trade (Turner, 2008), and corruption in nations like Indonesia (Allen and Gale; 2007). Can the misdeeds of government and financial institutions be associated to competitiveness? Porter (1998) portrays that competitive advantage of nations convey new government and business functions for the attainment of competitiveness and success. Constantly, government is ineffectual in whatever it gets to do as she constantly fall short in her industrial policies and in tackling the issues of competitive lead (OShaughnessy, 1996). Hartungi (2006), stress the competitive impacts of globalisation among nations, in the flow of labour and capital. Thus, government of nations, especially the developing ones are being threatened by competition from other nations. In consequence, these governments deregulate and hence make weak their policies for fear of alien investors relocating their businesses to another nation (Hartungi 2006; Buiter, 2007). Turner (2008) on the other hand echoes the abuse of free trade as firms utilise the benefits of free trade by carrying their dealings across var ious nations, with the aim to maximise their profit at the least cost. Thus, while (Hartungi; Buiter) accuses the government, Turner accuses the Multinational firms. Notwithstanding, both government and Firms actions are rational justified to be a move to beat competition. The future of the economy, given this recent credit crunch is still bleak and insecure. There are no quick or magic solutions to this credit troubles. Most banks still hold back on granting credit and economic endeavors are still seriously threatened and extremely bad (Lorenzen, 2009). 2.5 Competitiveness and the Credit Crunch Defined Competitiveness, which is found at the heart of business firms and nations, has always been an inevitable desire, as firms and nations struggle for survival and to outperform one another by gaining a competitive edge, comparative/absolute advantage. Given different circumstances and/or surroundings, competitiveness itself, has defined and implied differently by academic scholars/ authors. Since the theories of Adam Smith in the 1770s and Ricardo in the early 1960s, the models of Porter (1980) and Krugman (1994) prior the other current ones, accentuated by Cao (2008) and Chikà ¡n (2008) national and firm competitiveness, given the global competitive force is still obsessive. The rationale behind competitiveness stays the same; changes are found to exist on strategies engaged to accomplish it, the means of maintaining competitiveness in a rapid and constant change of business environ and processes. In the literature, competitiveness has been widely defined. The Office of Competition and Economic Analysis (OCEA) (2009) echo, â€Å"Competitiveness means different things to different people. To an economist, it may mean how well a country is performing compared to other economies, as embodied in the standard of living and changes in national productivity. To a policy maker, it may mean how a new regulation changes the ability of affected businesses to compete. To a business owner, it may mean changes in profitability as reflected in market share for its goods and services in a low-cost market place.† Hence there are no specific or clear definition of competitiveness could be generally satisfactory, rather they are given different interpretations to best match ones requirements or task (Aiginger, 2006; Ketels, 2006; Siggel, 2006; OCEA, 2009). Garelli (2006: 3), from an economic and management perspective defines competitiveness as â€Å"a field in economics that reconciles and integrates several concepts and theories from economics and management into a series of guiding principles driving the prosperity of a nation or an enterprise.† With regard to the credit crunch, which is the second concern, finance and credit availability has always been the blood of every enterprise that ensures the running of its business operations. The credit crunch or credit crises, financial squeeze, or financial crises have been termed differently by different nations, firms, scholars and institutions. Some authors further use these terms sequentially. Hence, for example, the credit crunch might have resulted from a capital crunch or the financial crises have led to a recession. However, the implied meaning remains the same. This financial instability has long existed, as well as economic theories such as the efficient market theories (EMT), Keyness and the Minskyan theories and hypothesis. Watanabe (2007:642) defines the credit crunch as â€Å"the reduction in credit supply available to borrowers, particularly bank lending supply, for some lender specific reasons.† Watanabe further describes a difference between financial crisis and the credit crunch as thus: the financial crisis involving banks breakdown, financial mismanagement and volatility, while the credit crunch involving a incidental hindrance of banks lending activities, arising from capital shortage. Similarly, Ryder (2009:76) states, â€Å"The uncertainty in the global financial markets has led to a dramatic reduction in the availability of affordable credit, or credit crunch.† 2.6 Competitive Obsession- Favourable or Unfavourable The history of excessive competition is traced to the course of economic development and evolution of industrial formation in different countries in the globe, arising from changes in demand leading to a poor economic cycle or even recessions (Cao, 2008). One of the strong criticisms of competitive obsession is that of Krugman (1994) and (Cao, 2008) on excessive competition. Krugman bases his arguments on three points- (1) that apprehensions on competitiveness, are as an empirical issue, baseless; (2) that the definition of economic setback as one of international competition is nevertheless striking to lots of people. Finally, that obsession with competitiveness is incorrect, dangerous, distorting domestic policies and a threat to the international economic system. Hence, thinking competitively will one-way or the other lead to bad policy making. Both Krugman and Cao, stress the misinformed and common thinking in economic theory that intensification of competition can improve economic and social welfare. Aiginger (2006) in his competitiveness defined stresses its non-exclusion of strategies to harm neighbouring countries. Thus, assumptions have been made about obsession being a negative term (Dance, 2003). On the other hand, excessive/obsessive competitiveness has been identified to improve welfare (productivity and social) in an economy, as well as the possibility of positive externalities and spillovers (Brahm, 1995; Aiginger, 2006). Norcia and Flener (2008) in the retail experience, suggests that a means to not just survive but excel in the recent financial crisis is to become more obsessed, with the customer experience for example. Obsession with customer experience is further identified as Mr Philip Green, the owner of Bhs, achieved a historical largest profit for the company, by being obsessed with customer value, price, quality and market (Mazur, 2002). Identifying competitive obsession as good however, is dependent on it being properly focused (Dance, 2003). This research however, neither supports nor opposes the impact or effects of competitive obsession on firms as well as on the economy, but tries to find out if competitiveness and its obsession might have resulted to the recent credit crunch. 2.7 National and Firm Competitiveness [Porters Diamond] Chikà ¡n (2008: 24-25) presents the definition of both firm and national competitiveness: â€Å"Firm competitiveness is a capability of a firm to sustainably fulfil its double purpose: meeting customer requirements at a profit. This capability is realised through offering on the market goods and services which customers value higher than those offered by competitors.† And â€Å"National competitiveness is a capability of a national economy to operate ensuring an increasing welfare of its citizens at its factor productivity sustainably growing. This capability is realised through maintaining an environment for its companies and other institutions to create, utilize and sell goods and services meeting the requirements of global competition and changing social norms.† Chikà ¡n further stresses the existence of a structural homogeneity with the two definitions, as both are described as capabilities, sharing similar root in economic and social thinking, involving strategic governance and the thought of sustainability. Thus, Garelli (2006) stipulates that firms play their main role of achieving economic benefit, while nations provide the necessary framework to maximise the economic benefit, hence their fate is entangled and cannot be managed singly. The interconnection of competitiveness at national and firm level has been presented by Porters (1990) diamond framework. As concerns gaining sustainable advantage, Porter (1998:71) throws the question himself â€Å"which firms from which nations will reap them† Porters model is useful to analyse competitiveness and its various factors (Garelli, 2006; Chikà ¡n, 2008), thus, in this literature it will be used to analyse the banking industry. The different components of the diamond theory are used to summarise the activities of banks at national and firm level: Factor conditions: these are factors of production as well as infrastructure. Innovation and efficiency via technology are inputs for banks competitiveness (Berger and Mester, 2001; Black and Strahan, 2002; Balgheim, 2007). Demand conditions: customers are increasingly becoming more demanding of banks and less loyal (Balgheim, 2007). On the micro level, mainly households and businesses take on banking dealings, such as deposits, loans and other financial services (Goddard and Wilson, 2009). On the other hand, household in some countries avoid placing their savings in financial institutions and rather buy physical goods (Barth et al, 2006). Related and supported industries: this factor takes account of cluster theory, which endorses firms concentration. The banking systems are becoming more concentrated, and the correlation of this concentration and competition is becoming vague (Carbo et al., 2009). Firms strategy, structure, and rivalry: these are managerial actions and strategy in addition to domestic rivalry. as bankers detect a rival struggle to win in the inter-bank lending competition, they assume firms to show more potential than they had reasoned (Ogura, 2006) Government: is another factor considered to determine competitiveness based on its influence on social norms and macroeconomic policy (Ketels, 2006; Chikà ¡n, 2008). However, Michael Porter disbelieves government to be a fifth determinant of competitiveness (Garelli, 2006). Davies and Ellis (2000) summarised some of the limitations of Porters model- to involve omissions of object of analysis, that productivity at national level is confused with industry level success; confusion of trade factors with respect to comparative advantage; flaws in methodology and mode of reasoning; and a refutation of the assertions of the competitive advantage of nations. 2.8 Competition in the Banking Industry Competitiveness cannot extricate itself from the conception and veracity of competition (Herciu and Ogrean, 2008). Goddard and Wilson (2009) describes banking competition as vital because a failure in the market or an anti-competitive behaviour by banks could have extreme consequences on the productive effectiveness, the welfare of the consumer and the growth of the economy. This explains further the development of competition in banking to be a highly relevant exercise paving way for good policies that could effectively regulate and supervise the banking and financial services sector (Goddard and Wilson 2009; Carbà ³ et al., 2009). At the 1970s, there were little or no competitive strains on banks, favourable government ruling and strong barriers of entry into the industry (Berger and Mester, 2001; Black and Strahan, 2002). Nonetheless, by the early 1980s, government rulings no more favoured the industry, technology and policy changes reduced the barrier entry, and competitive strains were on the increase (Berger and Mester, 2001; Black and Strahan, 2002). The increase in competition has a two effect as depicted by (Black and Strahan, 2002)-limiting the credit accessibility to new and small businesses, while also increasing its credit accessibility to big firms that are credit worthy. In recent times, competition has become highly on the increase, banks loosen their creditworthiness assessment in sub-prime lending and non-worthy customers get access to credit (Marquez 2002; Ogura, 2006; Rajan, 2008). The consequence of this is of three ways- reducing the impact of observational learning; reducing the credit risk engaged by every bank, while on the other hand; increasing the total risk engaged by the whole banking industry (Ogura, 2006). 2.9 Government/country competitiveness Competitiveness is a crosscutting issue that is influenced by the decisions of many different government agencies and is subject to a strategic goal for foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction (Ketels, 2006). Siggel (2006); Herciu and Ogrean (2008) presents a view of a country competitiveness arising from the harbouring of internationally competitive firms, industries, as well as government policies and regulations. The central or apex bank of a country is an agent of government, thus, understanding the macro/micro level competitiveness and its inter-linkages to the credit squeeze would require a study of internationally competitive banks and the central bank. 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Macro Economic competitiveness- methods suggested by Authors National competitiveness has been measured with indicators such as business competitiveness index of the world economic forum (WEF) (Ketels, 2006; Herciu and Ogrean, 2008; Chikà ¡n, 2008). The world economic forum (WEF) which engages its competitive analysis on global competitive index (GCI), sets out 12 determinants/ and or pillars of competitiveness – Institutions, Infrastructure, Macroeconomic Stability, Health and Primary Education, Higher education and training, Goods market efficiency, Labour market efficiency, Financial market sophistication, Technological readiness, Market size, Business sophistication, and Innovation. 3.2 Firm Level – Competition in Banking- methods suggested by Authors The measure of competition in the banking industry is significantly subject to barriers on entry, internationally and at home (Barth et al, 2006). They stress- entry requirements and restrictions of foreign entry/ownership of domestic banks as two of the variables that could be used to qualitatively confine the degree to which competition in the banking sector is controlled. Nevertheless, some researchers [(Goddard and Wilson, 2007; 2009; Carbà ³ et al., 2009)] draw inference from the observations of firms behaviour derived from theoretical models. Furthermore, the measurement of competitiveness differs broadly in terms of definition, scope, drivers and geographical location (Ketels, 2006). Irrespective of the measures that are put in use, the important issue is ensuring that these different measures make similar suppositions about competitive behaviour (Carbà ³ et al., 2009). Various studies and research has been engaged to understand the credit crunch on a macroeconomic level and on the financial aspects of firm Kang and Sawada (2008). However, the researchers environment and sense of direction in identifying and resolving problems, as well as the interested organisation and society subscribing to it, determines his/her research process or methodology (Ghuari and Gronhaug, 2005). 3.3 Adopted Methods for this Study The main purpose of this present study is to examine the interrelationships of extreme competitiveness among firms and the financial impacts. This will be evaluated on a macro and micro level. The intended methodology will differ as well as emanate from the methodology utilised by the above reviewed researchers in a number of ways: On the macro level, the interrelationships of firms and financial institutions will be evaluated by drawing form secondary data (GCI published by the WEF for 2008/09). For this study, however, the interrelationships will be evaluated utilising only two (2) – Institutions and Financial market sophistication, of the twelve determinants of competitiveness, rather than the combination of all the 12 determinants of competitiveness. A collection of primary data via questionnaire: this questionnaire is intended not just to ascertain or measure competition on the bank firm level competition but going further to evaluate how this competition are driven by business factors such as changes in policy and business strategies. To support the data collected via questionnaire will engage in an interview to give room for some of the top bank personnel to justify and give opinions on the issue of competitiveness and the credit crunch. 3.4 TRIANGULATION This research will triangulate its primary and secondary data collection method qualitatively and quantitatively. This approach will be important when considering the reliability and validity of data, and in trying to find similarities and differences existent in these different sources of data. Thus, the result of one research strategy are cross checked against the result of another research strategy (Bryman and Bell, 2007; Saunders et al, 2007). Thus, the methodology utilised for this research will draw data qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative as it will engage in statistical measure and manipulations and qualitative as it will also engage in interviews and survey reports. 3.5 FIRMS AND FINANCIALINSTITUTIONS – A SECONDARY APPROACH The secondary approach utilised for the purpose of this research will draw data from the global competitive report of the world economic forum (WEF), as well as textbooks, articles and journals by electronic and manual means. Drawing data from secondary sources provides a channel as to the essential research work that needs to be carried out, as well as sufficient background information to ensure a direction for research (Cooper and Schindler, 2008). The GCI prepared by the WEF, derives its data from the executive opinion survey (EOS) as well as from other globally recognised data sources such as the International monetary fund (IMF), organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) and national sources. Institutions as described by the WEF, comprises the interaction of individuals, firms and governments to create wealth and income in the economy, thus, having a potent connection on development and competitiveness. Financial sophistication on the other hand, emphasises a thorough review of risk ensuring an appropriate creative channelling of resources use. In order to emphasise the connection and link of Institutions and Financial market sophistication, we adopt the correlation index calculation. A way of measuring the relative strength of correlation between two variables is done through a correlation coefficient (r) (Francis, 2004). Hence the product moment correlation coefficient formula: r = n∑xy- ∑x∑y √({n∑x^2 )- à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬â€œ(∑x)à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬â€^(2 )} {n∑y^(2 )- (∑y)^(2 )} Where r = product moment coefficient formula and is a number which lies between +1 and – 1 When r is far from zero (closer to +1 or – 1), there is a strong correlation When r is close to zero, there is a large dispersion and variables uncorrelated r= 0 signifies zero correlation r= 1 signifies strong/direct connection between variables. r= – 1 signifies strong/inverted connection between variables. Where x and y = variables to be measured, And n = number of (x, y) variables 3.6 Test of Robustness The essence of the robustness test is to check the stability of findings from secondary analysis done above, in the sense of whether smaller or larger deviations could prejudice performance of the model or data findings to a large extent. Thus, the existence of gross errors in a small fraction of observation is regarded as a small deviation, the main aim of robust measures being to preserve against errors (Huber and Ronchetti, 2009) Using a dataset of over 100 countries surveyed by the world economic forum, variables on a selected number of countries are drawn. To identify a relationship between competitiveness and the credit crunch (based on two pillars afore mentioned), this research uses the â€Å"robustness/ruggedness approach†, which has been effectual in Baxter and Kouparitsas (2004) in analysing its datasets of over 100 countries. Using this approach, a variable is identified to be a robust determinant of another vis-à  -vis the recent credit crunch, if the correlation coefficient of both variables is far from zero (0). 3.7 Secondary sample collection The systematic sampling method has been selected to take in to account a sample of 15 countries, which will be used for the measurement of connection between variables. This method of sampling has been found to create ease of use, especially where there is an inexistence of a sampling frame. The procedure of the sample systematically selected is as follows: A hundred and thirty- four (134) economies have been covered in the 2008-2009, global competitiveness report by the world economic forum (WEF). Thus sampling 15 countries will be a selection of every 134/15 (8.93th) country. If every eighth (8th) country is selected, 8 x 15= 120, so the last 14 countries will certainly not be selected. On the other hand, if every ninth (9th) country is selected, 9 x 15= 135, definitely the final country selected does not subsist(see appendix 2). One of the disadvantages of systematic sampling is that the sampling technique is not strictly random, since the selection of a random starting point would mean all subjects are pre-determined (Francis, 2004) However, for the sake of the study 8.93th will be approximated to 9th, as it is more free of bias compared to selecting every 8th country. The countries selected are shown in the table (1). Table 1 Column1 S/N Country Country Rank/no Random Starting Point 1 Japan 9 2 Australia 18 3 Saudi Arabia 27 4 Tunisia 36 5 South Africa 45 6 Latvia 54 7 Turkey 63 8 Ukraine 72 9 Egypt 81 10 Georgia 90 11 Algeria 99 12 Albania 108 13 Mali 117 14 Nepal 126 15 135 Source: reproduced from the global competitive report (2008-2009) 3.8 Primary Data Collection The purpose of the research is to identify the existence of competitive obsession or excessive competitiveness particularly on the actions and reactions of banks and the government on a macro and micro level interrelationship. To draw a wide range of data on competition among these institutions, the quantitative and qualitative approach is engaged. 3.9 Quantitative research: the questionnaire This research will use questionnaire administered on bank staffs to collect data for quantitative analysis. This aspect of research will engage its analysis univariately in frequency tables, diagrams and percentage of variables, using the Microsoft excel. Subsequent on that, the data findings will be endorsed with that of the qualitative and secondary data. The questionnaire is purposeful on the views of bank staffs relative to competitive actions that might have contributed to the credit crunch. The questions posed will therefore indirectly address the three (3) key research questions, then similarities and differences in answers triangulated with other research methods to be utilised in the