Managing Operations

Managing Operations

Question 1 a) How many employees will be needed during the peak demand of 6500 units in period 4 if no overtime production is to be scheduled? The employees required for the peak demand for 6500 units are: 6500 units * 2hrs per unit = 13000 hrs are required during the peak season for the whole month. Each employee works 160 hours per month. The total employees required are 13000 hrs / 160 hrs = 81 employees are required. (Drucker, 1999) b) What will be the average labor cost for each unit if the company maintains for the entire year Sufficient staff to meet the peak demand without overtime? Total labor cost without overtime but with permanent employees Total units produced in one year are 29400. Each unit requires 2 hours = 58800 hours. Each employee can work 160 normal hours = 58800/160 hrs per employee The total employees = 367.5 = 368 employees Each employee works 160 hours @ 20 = $3200 per employee. The total employees are 368 @ $3200= $1177600 which is the total standard cost without overtime for the whole year. The average cost per unit = $1177600/29400 (total units produced for the whole year) = 40.054 = $40. c) What percentage above the standard-hour cost is the company’s average labor cost per unit in this year due to the company’s decision to maintain stable employment sufficient to serve the peak demand period without overtime? Total labor cost inclusive of overtime at standard cost; Total units produced in one year are 29400. Each unit requires 2 hours = 58800 hours. Each employee can work 160 normal hours + 32 extra hours (20% of 160) = 58800/192 hrs per employee. Total employees are 58800/192 = 306.25 = 306 employees = Each employee works (160 @ $20) + (32 hours @ 27) = $3200 + $864 = $4064 per employee. The total numbers of employees are 306. The total labor cost = 306 employees @ $4064 = $1243584. Total labor cost without overtime but with permanent employees = $1243584/29400 (total units produced for the whole year) = 42.298 = $42 Total labor cost without overtime but with permanent employees Total units produced in one year are 29400. Each unit requires 2 hours = 58800 hours. Each employee can work 160 normal hours = 58800/160 hrs per employee The total employees = 367.5 = 368 employees Each employee works 160 hours @ 20 = $3200 per employee. The total employees are 368 @ $3200= $1177600 which is the total standard cost without overtime for the whole year. The average cost per unit = $1177600/29400 (total units produced for the whole year) = 40.054 = $40. The percentage above standard labor cost = ($42 – $40/$40) * 100 = 5% d) What is the total cost of this option (including labor and inventory cost?) The total labor cost including the payroll expenses = $1321584 (from excel files) + (29400 * $4) (inventory costs) = $1439184 Question 2 The company is considering using overtime subject to a maximum of 20 percent of regular-time hours. a) What is the average cost per unit if the work force is maintained at a level so that overtime can be used to the maximum of 20% of regular hours during the peak period in period 4? In period four, they focused demand is 6500 units. Each unit requires two hours to produce i.e. it requires 13000 hours to produce 6500 units. Maximum overtime hours is 20% of 13000 hours i.e. 2167 hours @ $27 and 10833 @ 20 = 58509 + 216660 = 275169/6500 = $42 b) What is the total cost of this option (including labor and inventory cost)? Labor cost = $42 per unit and inventory cost per each unit is $4 = $42 + $4 = $46. Question 3 a) Find the employment level for each bimonthly period. prd units hrs * 2 empl/192 No. of empl 1 4500 9000 47 47 2 3000 6000 31 31 3 4800 9600 50 50 4 6500 13000 68 68 5 5100 10200 53 53 6 5500 11000 57 57 Total employees 306 b) Find the total payroll-related costs for the year. prd units hrs * 2 empl/192 No. of empl RQD empl 25 pymt normal o/t added employee Total pymts 1 4500 9000 47 47 22 150400 40608 11000 202008 2 3000 6000 31 31 6 99200 26784 3000 128984 3 4800 9600 50 50 25 160000 43200 12500 215700 4 6500 13000 68 68 43 217600 58752 21500 297852 5 5100 10200 53 53 28 169600 45792 14000 229392 6 5500 11000 57 57 32 182400 49248 16000 247648 Total payroll costs 1321584 For period 1, the total number of labor hours required to produce 4500 units are 9000 hours. A total of 47 employees are required to work a total of 192 hours to produce 4500 units for period the period, i.e. 160 hours normal hours plus 32 extra overtime hours. (Maximum of 20% of normal hours) The total employees required are 47, each working a maximum of 192 hours i.e. 160 normal hours each $20 = $3200 + 32 hours each $27 = $3200 + $864 = $4064 for each employee. The extra employees added were 22, the additional labor cost incurred i.e. 22 each 500 = 11000. The total payroll costs for period 1 was therefore $4064 @ 47 = $191008 + $11000 = $202008 (Garrison, Noreen, Brewer, 2009) The other periods have been calculated in the same way and the workings are in the excel files which have a similar formula for each period as in the table above. c) What cost per unit results from these payroll-related costs? The total cost for the six periods are $1321584 and the total units produced for the six periods are 29400. The cost per unit = $1321584/ 29400 = $45 per unit. What is the total cost of this option (including labor and inventory cost)? The total cost per unit = $45 + $4 = $49 (Stevenson, 2005) Question 4 The company plans to maintain a constant production rate, begin and end the year with the same inventory level, and absorb all demand fluctuation by accumulating and depleting inventory. The number of employees will be set at a level so that no overtime will be required. a) What is the average cost per unit due to the cost of labor and the additional inventory held during the year? The total units to be produced are 29400 plus 500 units of end year stock = 29900. i.e. the totals of all the six periods plus 500, closing stock for the year. Each unit requires two hours to produce i.e. 29900 units will require 59800 hours to produce them. Each hour costs $20 without overtime. These totals are 59800 multiplied by 20 = $1196000. The average cost per unit = $1196000/29400 = $41 per unit. d)What is the total cost of this option (including labor and inventory cost)? The average cost per unit = $1196000/29400 = $41 per unit. Add $4 for ware house storage = $45 Question 5 Assume the company decides to produce 3000 units per period in-house and outsource the rest. The number of employees will be set at a level so that no overtime will be required. The sub-contractor produces rest of the demand and charges the company $45 per unit. a) What is the average cost per unit due to the cost of outsourcing, labor and the additional inventory held during the year? The company produces 3000 units multiplied by the six periods which equals to 18000 units. The balance is 29400 – 18000 = 11400 units. To produce 18000 units each needs. Total cost of two labor hours which equals to 36000 hours. Total cost of 36000 hrs = 36000 hours multiplied by $20 = 720,000/18000 units = $40 per unit. If additional closing stock is added then the total units are 18400 and the number of hours totals to 36800 hours and the total cost is 36800 multiplied by $20 = 736000/18400 = $40 per unit. b) b) What is the total cost of this option (including outsourcing, labor and inventory cost)? The outsourced processes cost $45 and the others from the normal processes cost $40. The total cost equals to 40 + 45 = 85/2 = 42.5 which is $43 per unit plus $4 for warehouse expenses hence the total cost per unit = 43 + 4 = $47. (Kaplan and Bruns, 1987). c) Compare this option with previously discussed production plans and discuss benefits and challenges of this decision. In order to answer this question, browse the available literature on outsourcing and support your discussion with related references. Outsourcing is actually the allocation of certain business functions or processes to a more specialized person or organization or any external provider of such service. Outsourcing is common in organizations that cannot perform all its aspects of management operations. Some of these functions maybe outsourced temporarily or permanently. Outsourcing has a lot of advantages just as much as the difficulties it may present if it’s done wrongly. The major advantage is that the outsourced vendors have more specialized machinery and personnel who have technical expertise who in most cases are more experienced than the outsourcing company. This makes it convenient for the outsourcing company as the given tasks are performed faster, efficiently and to the satisfaction of the outsourcing company. In the case above the manufacture of 11200 units were manufactured at a rate of $45 per unit which is slightly higher than the average cost of production by the company. The company can concentrate on the production of the required number of calculated units as per their budget and outsource the other amounts as per the requirement and demand of the market. When a company outsources its noncore operations it finds enough time to concentrate on its core functions in its management operations. The company also shifts some responsibilities to the vendor responsible for the outsourcing contract. This promotes the mitigating effects of the company as the outsourcing vendor is a specialist in that area. When operations of a company are outsourced, the company’s operational and recruitment expenses are greatly reduced or minimized. Instead of recruiting specialized and highly trained staff at each tier of the production process, when in some instances such functions are occasional and are not regularly needed in normal operations of the company. The major disadvantage is that some operations when outsourced like that payroll and Human resources department provide an avenue where organizations secrets may leak out. Confidential information may find its way into the wrong hands and risk the company’s reputation. When the outsourced vendors are not supervised appropriately or adequately, their chances that some products may be of substandard quality or poor quality which can damage the image of the company. (Tas & Sunder, 2004) Outsourcing also results in extra costs for the company as the vendors of the outsourcing products or services also input extra profits for their operations. (Heshmati, 2003) Finally, outsourcing plays a big role in business processes and it should be encouraged. The advantages of outsourcing clearly outweigh the disadvantages but every situation should be analyzed and all the factors considered separately. However, the advantages and the disadvantages of outsourcing should be carefully analyzed before the outsourcing exercise is embarked on. References Drucker, F. (1999). Management. Challenges of the 21st Century. New York: Harper Business, Garrison, H., Noreen, E., Brewer, P. (2009) Managerial Accounting. McGraw-Hill Irwin. Kaplan, R. and Bruns, W. (1987). Accounting and Management: A Field Study Perspective Harvard Business School Press, Heshmati, A., (2003). “Productivity Growth, Efficiency and Outsourcing in Manufacturing and Service Industries.”Journal of Economic Surveys Tas, J. & Sunder, S. (2004), Financial Services Business Process Outscourcing, Communications of the ACM, Vol 47, No. 5 Stevenson, W. J. (2005) Operation’s management. Boston; McGraw-Hill/irwin

Bilateral Investment treaties

 Bilateral Investment treaties

 

Introductions

Bilateral investment treaties are a type of foreign direct investments (FDI). Foreign direct investments refer to direct investments into production or businesses in a country by a company or an individual in another country. This is achieved either by buying a company in a target country, or by the expansion of the existing business operations in that country. Bilateral investment treaties refer to agreements that establish the terms and conditions that have been put in place in relation to investments by companies and national companies on one state in another state[1].

BITs include acquisitions and mergers, re-investing profits earned from overseas operations, Intra company loans and the building of new facilities. BITs are mainly established through trade pacts. Trade pacts are defined as wide ranging tax, tariff and trade treaties that involve the application of trade guarantees.

The most common types of trade agreements are the preferential and the free trade types. They were, however, concluding in order to eliminate tariffs, quotas and other trade restrictions on items traded between signatories. For a trade pact to be classified as bilateral there must be two sides acting as signatories. Each side could be a country, a trade bloc or an informal group of countries.

By a process known as sophistication, BITs can also be classified as a separate trade pact. They are politically contentious since they may change due economic customs and deepen interdependence with trade partners[2].

The evolution of international investment law

All law involves a resolution of conflicting interests. International law, however, lacks a centralized authority to solve conflicts of interest. Domestic systems have decision making authorities which can resolve such conflicts. International law systems lack such an authority and therefore, conflicts are bound to be protracted. For the conflict to be resolved, the system has to go through a resolution process that involves negotiated settlements and treaties.  The adjustments involve principles that are acceptable by states. International law composes a long series of adjustments which are made in response to conflicts. The law remains in a state of flux as the adjustment process never ends. The international law on foreign investments follows the same process of adjustment.  The principal reason for conflict comes as a result of who controls what in terms of foreign investments[3].

The most advanced ideology in the global trade market is increasing efficiency through free trade. Primary concerns are, however, raised concerning the proliferation of BIT. The concerns leveled against BIT relate to confusion, exponential increase of business costs, incoherence, unpredictability and unfairness in trade relations[4].

Formerly, BIT was a friendship, commerce and navigation treaty. In such a form of  treaty, a trader is entitled to full liberty to enter into, reside in, trade with and pass all his merchandise through all parts of the dominion o n country in which he is applying his trade. The businessperson is also entitled to enjoy all the privileges and advantages with respect to commerce[5].

BITs grant a number of guarantees to the investments made by an investor of one contracting State in another territory. The guarantees include equitable and fair treatment, full protection and free transfer of means and security protection from expropriation. Many BITs allow for alternative ways of resolving disputes. For instance, an investor under BIT whose rights have been violated can request for international arbitration, mostly under the jurisdiction of the ICSID (International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes). This is a better alternative as compared to suing the host state in its own courts[6].

Over 1200 BITs have been signed by EU member states for the past few years. These treaties are meant to protect their investors abroad. Through BITs, multinational corporations have the right to challenge governments’ economic, social and environmental social regulations if they threaten to affect their investments’ profitability[7].

The BIT has a basic program with a number of aims which are briefly discussed in the following paragraphs:

The BIT aims to protect the overseas investments in countries lacking investor rights protection. It achieves this by means of existing agreements, which include but, not limited to commerce, navigation, modern treaties of friendship and free trade agreements.

BITs aim to encourage investors and investments to adopt domestic policies that are market oriented and which treat private investments in an open, transparent way which is non-discriminatory.

BITs aim to support the development of the international law standards in a manner that is consistent with its objectives.

The BITs benefit the investors in six crucial ways as mentioned in the following paragraphs:

They establish well defined and clear limits concerning the expropriation of investments. They also provide a framework for prompt, efficient and adequate compensation in case of an expropriation situation.

They offer a leeway through the transferability of funds that are investment related, either into or out of a host country without any major delays while involving specified market rates.

The BITs require investors and their covered investments to be treated fairly and just as the host party treats its own citizen investors and their investments. It affords that the better sense of treatment to the investor, the likely he is to reach full peak in terms of investment profits. The profits will be realized from the establishment to acquisition, through the process of management, operation, expansion, up until disposition[8].

The BITs also restrict imposition of performance requirements. These include export quotas and local content targets. These are considered as a preamble for the acquisition, establishment, management, operation and conduct of an investment.

BITs give investors from each party exclusive right to submit a dispute of investment with the government of the other party with respect to international arbitration standards. As a result, there is usually no need to use that particular country’s domestic court.

Covered investors are given right by the BITs give to engage the top managerial personnel of their desire, regardless of their nationality.

Because of these exclusive and supreme rights, BITs threaten democratic governance, public policy, and the general public interest. Anybody concerned with social and environmental policies must, therefore, be alerted by BITs[9].

Introduction to foreign investment

A foreign investment refers to establishing a new company or branch of a foreign company by a foreign investor, where he shares acquisitions of the company established with the country of trade. He also shares the percentage of shares acquired outside the stock exchange or 10 percent or more of the shares. He also votes for power of the company acquired through the stock exchange by means of, but not limited to the following economic assets: Assets acquired from abroad by the foreign investor, machinery, equipment, bonds and stocks of foreign companies (with the exclusion of government bonds), intellectual and industrial property rights[10].

A famous economist, fund describes a foreign investment as one made to accrue long term interests on an enterprise scale that operates in an economy different than that of the investor. The investor in turn purpose to efficiently manage the enterprise effectively.‎[11].

The other class of assets acquired from the country by the foreign investor include financial claims, any other investment-related rights of financial value, reinvested earnings, revenues, or, Commercial rights to explore and extract natural resources.

Previously, foreign investments were made by individuals or groups of loosely organized associates venturing abroad to make quick profits. The law was ratified much, especially on the clause pertaining to state responsibility for injuries on aliens. This clause was developed in order to protect businessmen operating in foreign countries[12].

A foreign investor is a real person who possesses foreign nationality and the country of trade national resident abroad, and foreign legal entities established under the laws of foreign countries and international institutions, who makes foreign direct investment in the given country[13].

The international legal framework

Despite a wave of privatization, control by the state in the significant industrial and natural resources sector has remained dominant.

Some of the primary actors in the foreign investment platform include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). These institutions support the economic notions of the developed world that foreign investment should be liberalized. The United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) holds the traditional role of supporting the viewpoint of the developing states[14].

Various NGOs also have a role in foreign investment. They have come up recently mainly to protest against the abuse on human rights and due to multinational companies.

Other actors include the International Chamber of Commerce, which participates in international conventions on foreign investments; to give economic guidelines as pertains to trade and investments[15].

A vital principle in international law is National treatment. It is found in many treaty regimes. In this principle, both locals and foreigners are taken as equals by the state. If citizens of a particular state are granted a particular right, privilege or benefit by the state, then national treatment states that the same advantages must be extended to the foreigners while they reside in that particular country. From an international agreement perspective, all citizens of other states bound by the agreement must be treated as the citizens of the particular state. All the goods, both local and imported, should be treated equally, especially if the imported goods are already on the market[16].

Under international law, diplomatic protection is the process by which a state takes a diplomatic action against another state. The diplomatic action is done on behalf of the citizen whose interests and rights have been negatively affected by the other state. Diplomatic protection goes through different processes in the International Court of Justice. The prosecuting state has discretionary rights and takes any form of action allowed by international law. It can include negotiations with the other State, arbitral proceedings, consular action, judicial, economic and political pressure or other forms of dispute settlement that are peaceful[17].

Since 2006, articles on diplomatic protection have been adopted by the International Law Commission. These articles regulate the entitlement and exercise of diplomatic protection. Despite being a desirable principle, it means that whatever a state deprives its citizens of; it does the same too with the foreigners.

However, there is an opposing principle which agitates for an international minimum standard of justice. This standard provides a basis for accessing to judicial processes and protecting rights[18].

Expropriations

Developing nations and industrialized ones are the main contenders in national treatment policies and minimum standards. This mainly takes place in the context of expropriations. Most developing nations have the power to control the property and resources owned by their citizens. By extension, therefore, they wish to do the same when it comes to the property of the foreigners.

The United Nations constituted a General Assembly resolutions conference to address the issue of national treatment. Despite this, matter of expropriations is still handled through the channel of treaties that involve states and signing a contract with private entities. This is preferred over the process of relying upon international customs[19]

National treatment comes into effect only when a service, item of intellectual property, or product has entered the market. Charging customs duty on an import cannot, therefore, be termed as violating the national treatment policy. This applies even in the case of locally-produced products, notwithstanding the fact that they are charged a different amount of tax. In the current world, international investment law arbitrations claim two broad categories that are under state responsibility: fair, equitable treatment and nondiscrimination. These two categories of treatment established by states to investors form a fundamental basis for foreign investment. Saluka v Czech Republic is an example of a recent bilateral investment treaty award. With the changing trends in the foreign investment market, there is little difference in ways through which minimum standard provisions and non-discrimination policies are applied. This is clearly evident in the example of Saluka v Czech Republic. Saluka was not based on a non-discrimination provision. It was based on the treaty’s minimum standard of treatment. The assessment of this treaty and minimum standard provisions is actually being interpreted and applied. With regard to individuals, it appears settled in the context of investment treaty arbitration that an individual with more than on citizenship has the opportunity-subject to explicit restrictions in the bit itself to rely on any of them as long as the one he relies on in the case at hand is effective[20].

 

 

 

The national regulatory framework and host state laws

Due to an unprecedented failure of financial institutions, regulatory interventions have been prioritized by governments. Steps such as the initiation of credit rating agencies (CRAs), measurement and management, including adequate risk monitoring, have proven to be quite a challenge. On the other hand, regulating creative financial institutions has not promoted transparency and disclosure in the business world[21].

BITs involve a lot of financial innovations. Financial innovations were strongly linked with economic growth before the recent financial crisis occurred. At the height of the crisis, critiques arose unequivocally to question the utility of financial innovation. After a thorough assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of financial innovation, the EU and the USA undertook transparency initiatives in order to exploit a number of financial innovations, which have contributed, to the history of financial markets for the last three decades, including derivatives hedge funds, and credit ratings. They then put regulations in place in relation to BITs in order to ensure a repeat of the same does not occur.  Such regulations will greatly impact future financial innovations.  The General Agreement on Trade in services (GATS) of the World Trade which was instituted in the 1990s due to financial innovations was also greatly affected by the economic downturn. The regulation boundaries continue to grow. This implies that more stringent rules are put in effect against BITs. The regulatory growth is increasing the suspicion in countries with regard to the home-country financial regulations.  The trade in financial services is, however, not affected. Despite this, GATS seems to be running out of analytical tools. This fact is undermining its role in the global market. Within this new land after almost five years, the financial turmoil keeps pace with the early upheaval of 2007 touching upon financial institutions being succeeded by a sovereign debt crisis hitting the Eurozone. Such events have raised serious doubts about the correctness of the deregulatory practices during three decades of neoliberal orthodoxy in the financial sector, mostly hailed by developed countries for their efficiency[22].

Principles of international investment law

The crisis has led to a reassessment of several foundational principles and crucial practices in financial policy-making. This has also led to the recognition that significant changes to the structure and supervision of the global financial system are warranted. More fundamentally for the future of finance, as a result of the crisis, financial innovation has been demonized by many as the root of all evil that chases the financial industry. A questionable mentality that has led to deceitful practices extending over several years appears embedded in the contemporary culture of global finance. In the aftermath of one of the most severe crises in the history of finance, the sector continues to be hit by high-profile scandals. From the partial collapse of the futures markets after the demise of MF Global and the recent Peregrine scandal, the confidence in the sector and its mainly failed self-regulatory practices are busted. With it, there is increasing concern about the optimal way of regulating finance and the aptitude of the institutions to be chosen for such tasks: the deputy governor of the Bank of England, Paul Tucker, was accused the theoretically limiting case of zero marginal transaction costs and dynamically complete markets[23].

Why financial service providers innovate? Innovating in the financial sector through extensive financial engineering has enabled them to maximize profit vis-a-vis their competitors.

Indeed, financial innovation can generate monopoly rents for the innovating provider, just as technological innovation yields monopoly rents for the entrepreneurs. For instance, the creation of a financial method allowing the more precise assessment of the viability of a given project gives a valuable first-mover advantage to its creator. First-mover advantages in financial innovation are not necessarily related to exorbitant profits; rather it is the expertise and reputation for expertise among potential competitors that can be obtained through innovation[24].

This expertise involves the ability to exploit the properties of the innovative product to the benefit of the developer or issuer; the ability to price the product in the market accurately (which does not necessarily lead to higher prices when compared to imitators); quite the contrary as they may charge lower prices), and know-ledge of the market of potential investors in the product. However, the literature on financial innovation reveals that a strong relationship exists between innovation and market share.The more innovators become larger, the more they innovate. Interestingly, benefits from financial innovation do not necessarily stem from patenting. Evidence from Europe, for instance, suggests that a more collaborative approach among competitors and other market participants or interested parties is being developed with respect to financial innovation[25].

Importantly, for quite a considerable time, financial innovation seems to have been erroneously associated with the size of a given financial institution. This may also be because research on innovation in manufacturing was considered relevant for financial innovation, as well. However, it has become clear that financial innovation has its own dynamics and thus needs to be examined in its own right.

There is not a treaty or an international tribunal jurisprudence that has so far developed compensation standard or clearly distinguished expropriations that are non-compensable and which result from state powers exercising their policies and regulating their expropriations. Despite there being a strong case in favor of the recognition of the non-compensable expropriation category, especially in instances where there is  interference of regulations relative to foreign investments, need to protect human rights and the environment remains paramount. Besides this, there are some cases of legitimate regulatory expropriation which require compensations[26].

Another problem that arises is the absence of well-defined and agreeable standards pertaining to compensation when investment treaties are breached in another way different expropriation. There is a need to create an appeal mechanism to mitigate arbitral awards. BITs also need to be revised the various contracting  state parties through signing protocols that serve to accommodate possible solutions to any existing shortcomings. BITs should define terms which delimit the amount of compensation. They should also provide remedies different from monetary forms of compensation. The general view of imposing limits to the amount for compensation, however, poses a controversy. The problem seems to beinclined to insufficient treatment of causation. In hand with this is an extravagantly generous interpretation by tribunals on grounds which justify the foreign investor’s recovery. The mechanism employed in this is the state responsibility.  Forms of redress other than compensation can also be employed. Redress, contrary to infrequent forms of reparation, is established through fundamental principles of international law pertaining to state responsibility. For the reconciliation of the promotion of foreign investment with competing policies, the challenge comes in the form of victims of foreign investors’ activities that violate human rights besides causing environmental degradation.  A more challenging fact is that, in order to reconcile the promotion of foreign investment with competing policies, victims of foreign investors ’ activities,which violate human rights and cause environmental degradation. For such cases, access to international courts and tribunals should be availed[27].

International law and other areas of international law

Some of the foreign investors end up introducing illegal trades into the country of trade. For example, some of them begin to peddle drugs and ammunition. By the sale of illegal drugs, they promote drug abuse. Due to the fact that they are under diplomatic protection, it becomes difficult to prosecute them locally in a court of law as they enjoy diplomatic immunity[28].

NGOs campaign against using BITs. They cite reasons that BITs mostly to protect foreign investors who lack an obligation to protect the environment, natural resources, labour rights, and social provisions.

Mechanisms of an investment dispute settlement are an integral part of the BITs. They allow the foreign investors to by-pass the domestic courts and sue the sovereign states before internationally acknowledged arbitration panels. This kind of behavior makes a given state to lose its sense of sovereignity. This is because laws that identify it as a sovereign state are trampled upon by the diplomatic immunity of the foreigner. Because of this, taxpayers have been cost millions in compensations and legal expenses. This erodes the government’s ability to act and treat its’ citizens according to their best interests[29].

Bilateral investment treaties threaten public policy, public interest and democratic governance and should alert anybody concerned with environmental and social policies.

Public interest can be put before corporate profits due to opportunities presented so as to break away from the current investment policies. The competence of foreign investments has been moved from the 27 European member states to the European Union Level. This is as a result of the signing of the Lisbon treaty. Currently, the European Commission, parliament and council are discussing the directions of the future EU investment policy and the content[30].

Development and environmental organizations, human rights, social movements as well as trade unions must voice their concerns and agitatefor a balance in an investment policy that is not merely concerned only with investor rights, but also holds investors accountable. Besides this, it promotes public interests and protects them, promotes environmental sustainability and human rights[31].

The bilateral investment Treaty (BIT) protects the foreign investors, assisting them in its efforts to develop its economy. It achieves this by creating more favorable conditions for foreign private investment, thus strengthening the private sector[32].

The treaty is fully consistent with the EU policies towards domestic and international investments as outlined in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). A particular part of this policy that is reflected in the BIT is that EU investment abroad and foreign investment in the European Union should be given national treatment[33].

Under the bilateral investment treaty,  the Parties  involved also agree to international law standards as relates to expropriation and  the compensation for expropriation; freedom of investments from performance requirements, free transfer of funds associated with investments; equitable; fair, and most-favored-nation treatment. Also considered is the investor’s or investment’s freedom to decide how to resolve disputes with the host government through the process of international arbitration[34].

The problem mainly with BIT as discussed previously is the biasness towards the protection of investor interests while sidelining the host state interests. BITs cannot be extended to serve the interests of the whole state as this is like to promote a state that is full of anarchy. Unlike an investor who is considered individually, for the case of a state, in case there is an expropriation in the BIT, then the most likely outcome to settle the economic difference might be a war. Unlike an investor’s interests, a state cannot be fully guaranteed diplomatic protection by another state hence BITs do not work in their favor[35].

The bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with another country is based on the opinion that an open investment policy promotes economic growth. Such a treaty helps the EU, for example, in its efforts to develop economically, through the creation of favorable conditions for foreign private investment. This, in turn, strengthens the development of the private sector. It is EU policy; however, to give advice to potential treaty partners during the process of BIT negotiations so that the termination of a BIT does not result in immediate increases in private foreign investment flows[36].

Foreign investors under the BIT are likely to engage in acts of corruption and money laundering due to the supreme authorities that they enjoy under diplomatic protection. The host state, therefore, bears the brunt of the foreign investor’s contravention of the terms and conditions stipulated in the BIT. The international investment law takes into cognizance the fact that states may end up treating foreign investors in unfavorable ways due to their breach of the treaty. Human rights obligations, anti-corruption measures and environmental protection policies are clearly outlined in the Bilateral Investment treaty. A foreign investor is bound to hold the environment in high regard and not subject it to pollution of any form, whether air or water. The foreigner is also expected to uphold the dignity of the human being by not coercing them to engage in acts which violate their morality or engage them into drug abuse[37].

In addition to this, the foreigner is expected to uphold honesty and diligence during the conduction of his investments. Deeds of corruption are totally prohibited, and the foreigner is bound to lose his business permit in the host State if the matter is taken to the International Court of Justice and the foreigner is prosecuted[38].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bilateral Investment treaty is heavily biased towards the foreign investors than the host state mainly due to its origin and its structure. Most foreigners enjoy diplomatic immunity in the host countries and therefore, they end up taking advantage of immunity and evade the payment of taxes, and even operate at low cost tariffs and quotas thereby causing the host states to run into negative debts because it is their money that is drained. There should be a proper understanding first between the parties signing BITs and the clauses should be properly understood as outlined under the International Investment Law. Failure of this runs either party involved in the trade agreement into a state of expropriation[39]s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

A.H. Qureshi, A.R Ziegler. International economic Law. Sweet and Maxwell, 2011.

Akgul, Zeynep. The Development of International Arbitration on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Universal-Publishers, 2008.

Andrew Newcombe, Lluís Paradell. Law and Practice of Investment Treaties: Standards of Treatment. Kluwer Law International, 2009.

Bederman, David J. International Law Frameworks, 3d. Foundation Press/Thomson Reuters, 2010.

Beveridge, Fiona. The Treatment and Taxation of Foreign Investment Under International Law: Towards International Disciplines. Juris Publishing, Inc., 2000.

C McLachlan, L.Shore, M. Weiniger. International Investment Arbitration. Oxford University Press, 2008.

Centre on Transnational Corporations (United Nations), International Chamber of Commerce. Bilateral investment treaties, 1959-1991, Volumes 71-991. Carlifornia: United Nations, 1992.

Christopher Dugan, Noah D. Rubins, Don Wallace, Jr., and Borzu Sabahi. Investor-state arbitration. Oxford University Press, 2012.

Devesh Kapur, John Prior Lewis, Richard Charles Webb. The World Bank: Its First Half Century. Brookings Institution Press, 1997.

Dimopoulos, Angelos. EU Foreign Investment Law. Oxford University Press, 2011.

Fatouros, Arghyrios A. Transnational Corporations: The International Legal Framework, Volume 20. Routledge, 1994.

Gráinne De Búrca, Joanne Scott. The EU and the WTO: Legal and Constitutional Issues. Hart Publishing, 2001.

Hallward-Driemeier, Mary. Do bilateral investment treaties attract foreign direct investment? World Bank, Development Research Group, Investment Climate, 2003.

Law, United Nations Commission on International Trade. UNCITRAL arbitration rules. United Nations, 1977.

Mutchlinski, P.T. Multinational Enterprises and The Law. Oxford University Press, 2007.

Paparinskis, M. Basic documents on international investment protection. Hart, 2012.

Peter Muchlinski, Federico Ortino, Christoph Schreuer. Oxford Handbook of International Investment Law. Oxford University Press, 2008.

  1. Doak Bishop, James Crawford, William Michael Reisman. Foreign Investment Disputes: Cases, Materials, and Commentary. Kluwer Law International, 2005.

Rudolf Dolzer, Christoph Schreuer. Principles of international investment law. Oxford University Press, 2008.

Salacuse, Jeswald W. The Law of Investment Treaties. Oxford University Press, 2010.

Sasse, Jan Peter. An Economic Analysis of Bilateral Investment Treaties. Springer, 2011.

Seville, Catherine. EU Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009.

Shihata, Ibrahim F. I. The World Bank Legal Papers. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2000.

Sornarajah, M. The International Law on Foreign Investment. Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Tudor, Ioana. The Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in the International Law of Foreign Investment. Oxford University Press, 2000.

 

 

[1]Akgul, Zeynep. The Development of International Arbitration on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Universal-Publishers, 2008, p. 117.

 

[2]C McLachlan, L.Shore, M. Weiniger. International Investment Arbitration. Oxford University Press, 2008, p. 32.

 

[3]Andrew Newcombe, Lluís Paradell. Law and Practice of Investment Treaties: Standards of Treatment. Kluwer Law International, 2009, p. 37.

 

[4]Tudor, Ioana. The Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in the International Law of Foreign Investment. Oxford University Press, 2000, p 82.

 

[5]Rudolf Dolzer, Christoph Schreuer. Principles of international investment law. Oxford University Press, 2008, p 132.

 

[6]Law, United Nations Commission on International Trade. UNCITRAL arbitration rules. United Nations, 1977, p. 165.

 

[7]Salacuse, Jeswald W. The Law of Investment Treaties. Oxford University Press, 2010, p 140.

 

[8]Law, United Nations Commission on International Trade. UNCITRAL arbitration rules. United Nations, 1977.

 

[9]Akgul, Zeynep. The Development of International Arbitration on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Universal-Publishers, 2008, p 211.

[10]Devesh Kapur, John Prior Lewis, Richard Charles Webb. The World Bank: Its First Half Century. Brookings Institution Press, 1997, p 82.

[11]R. Doak Bishop, James Crawford, William Michael Reisman. Foreign Investment Disputes: Cases, Materials, and Commentary. Kluwer Law International, 2005, p. 184.

 

[12]Beveridge, Fiona. The Treatment and Taxation of Foreign Investment Under International Law: Towards International Disciplines. Juris Publishing, Inc., 2000, p. 221.

[13]Fatouros, Arghyrios A. Transnational Corporations: The International Legal Framework, Volume 20. Routledge, 1994, p. 66.

[14]Gráinne De Búrca, Joanne Scott. The EU and the WTO: Legal and Constitutional Issues. Hart Publishing, 2001, p.41.

 

[15]Hallward-Driemeier, Mary. Do bilateral investment treaties attract foreign direct investment? World Bank, Development Research Group, Investment Climate, 2003, p. 367.

[16]Law, United Nations Commission on International Trade. UNCITRAL arbitration rules. United Nations, 1977, p. 146.

[17]Rudolf Dolzer, Christoph Schreuer. Principles of international investment law. Oxford University Press, 2008, p. 152.

 

[18]Mutchlinski, P.T. Multinational Enterprises and The Law. Oxford University Press, 2007, P. 81.

 

[19]Beveridge, Fiona. The Treatment and Taxation of Foreign Investment Under International Law: Towards International Disciplines. Juris Publishing, Inc., 2000, p.89.

 

[20]Paparinskis, M. Basic documents on international investment protection. Hart, 2012, p 205.

 

[21]Mutchlinski, P.T. Multinational Enterprises and The Law. Oxford University Press, 2007, p. 117.

 

[22]Bederman, David J. International Law Frameworks, 3d. Foundation Press/Thomson Reuters, 2010, p. 67

 

[23]Rudolf Dolzer, Christoph Schreuer. Principles of international investment law. Oxford University Press, 2008, p. 115.

 

[24]Paparinskis, M. Basic documents on international investment protection. Hart, 2012, p 53.

 

[25]R. Doak Bishop, James Crawford, William Michael Reisman. Foreign Investment Disputes: Cases, Materials, and Commentary. Kluwer Law International, 2005, p. 43.

 

[26]Salacuse, Jeswald W. The Law of Investment Treaties. Oxford University Press, 2010, p. 223.

 

[27]Sasse, Jan Peter. An Economic Analysis of Bilateral Investment Treaties. Springer, 2011, p. 163.

 

[28]Akgul, Zeynep. The Development of International Arbitration on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Universal-Publishers, 2008

[29]Seville, Catherine. EU Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009, p. 187.

[30]Bederman, David J. International Law Frameworks, 3d. Foundation Press/Thomson Reuters, 2010, p. 334

 

[31]Sornarajah, M. The International Law on Foreign Investment. Cambridge University Press, 2004, p. 229.

[32]Andrew Newcombe, Lluís Paradell. Law and Practice of Investment Treaties: Standards of Treatment. Kluwer Law International, 2009, p. 57.

[33]R. Doak Bishop, James Crawford, William Michael Reisman. Foreign Investment Disputes: Cases, Materials, and Commentary. Kluwer Law International, 2005, p. 321.

[34]Beveridge, Fiona. The Treatment and Taxation of Foreign Investment Under International Law: Towards International Disciplines. Juris Publishing, Inc., 2000, p. 106.

 

[35]Seville, Catherine. EU Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009, p 135.

[36]Akgul, Zeynep. The Development of International Arbitration on Bilateral Investment Treaties. Universal-Publishers, 2008, p. 57

[37]Bederman, David J. International Law Frameworks, 3d. Foundation Press/Thomson Reuters, 2010, p. 443

 

[38]C McLachlan, L.Shore, M. Weiniger. International Investment Arbitration. Oxford University Press, 2008, p 121.

 

[39]R. Doak Bishop, James Crawford, William Michael Reisman. Foreign Investment Disputes: Cases, Materials, and Commentary. Kluwer Law International, 2005, p. 106.

 

World War One and its Consequences

World War One and its Consequences

The following is an analysis of chapter 24 of Kevin Reilly’s book “Worlds of History-A Comparative Reader.” This chapter focuses on the effects that the first world war also known as World War one had on the world. This war is a critical component of world history due to the scope it covered. In total over 60 million military personnel were engaged in battle over the four and a half year period that the war endured leaving a total of nine million fatalities taking both civilian and military casualties.

The key objective of the editor who passed this chapter was to highlight the negative impacts that the war had on the countries that participated in it. At the same time, the paradigm shifts that resulted in international politics following the war are also highlighted. The chapter takes into account the events that unfolded in all the fifty two months of the war. These include the manner in which the bloody combat generated widespread suspicion about technological advancements, negative opinions on progression of the states, the diminishing of imperialist notions that had existed, rejection of social stratification, changes in traditional gender roles in society and also the emergence of modern forms of art. In general, this chapter dwells on the cultural, social, political and economic effects that this war had.

The reason why these objectives have been singled out is the fact that they represent the themes that appear over and over again in this chapter.  The economic effects of the war for are for instance presented through the repeated mentioning of the ideological differences that led to the escalation of tensions between the allies and the tri-partite group of Germany, Hungary-Austria and also Italy. The fight to impose member country’s financial systems was one of the key reasons for the fighting and at the same time one of the greatest barrier to the getting of a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Germany for instance is portrayed as a nation that was jealous of other European states which had participated in the scramble for and partition for Africa. This is put in light of the fact that it was Germany’s former leader, Otto Von Bismarck who convened a meeting of the European continent’s political leadership to enlighten them about colonizing African countries. The biggest of the Allied forces was Great Britain which was the only world power due to immense wealth it had accumulated over time. This was the result of the country controlling vast amounts of human and natural resources in its colonies thus enriching it (Reilley-922). Germany on the other hand considered this move too late and as a result the prospect of taking control of China as proposed by a section of the country’s political class became unrealistic. Consequently the options that remained were the attacking of relatively softer targets that were within reach and this lead the German Army to its march to France.

One of the most horrendous representations of how tough life was for soldiers who went to war is the poem by Wilfred Owen (Reilley-939). Following a brief biography of this poem’s author and a brief introduction, the poem is displayed. He describes the exhaustion and desperation that characterized their experience in battle against the German soldiers. The main element he is talking about in this poem is the weaponization of poisonous gas and its subsequent use by Germans on the battle field. This illustrates the negative element of advancement in technology given the fact that such weapons served to indiscriminately increase the already swelling number of casualties whose lives the war had claimed. In the following page he graphically describes in detail the manner in which the poisonous gas slowly and painfully killed its victims. The fact that he died before the end of the war amplifies the danger that soldiers were needlessly exposed to for the purpose of territorial superiority which was the main bone of contention during this war. This leads one to take a more skeptical look at war and the true intentions of those who support it.

Imperialist thoughts also suffered a blow in this war. The idea that nations from the Western world were superior to others also suffered greatly due to the military upsets they had to endure in the war. This was not just an observation made in Europe but also back in Africa where imperialism was having the greatest psychological effect. Several African colonies contributed soldiers in their tens of thousands (Reilly, 940). This was a spectacle laid bare for all to see and it had the effect of making those who witnessed it and the effect that this had on the Africans was the beginning of a change in attitude as they saw that the white man was just as vulnerable as they were. It should be noted that the end of the First World War heralded the beginning of the fight against colonialism by the African countries. This was carried out through ideological means as well as guerilla warfare and rebellions.

With regard to changing gender dynamics as a result of the war, women are the ones whose status was somewhat uplifted considering the fact that their governments looked to them for assistance in various things. The German government for instance conducted a public campaign that asked women to contribute gold for the country to use in fundraising for the war effort which was in dire need of sponsorship at a time when the public coffers had run dry. At the same time the wars were so demanding that the demanded the conscription of women who took up roles in the battlefield by taking care of the injured. This in effect changed the traditional view that women belonged at home taking care of the children and house.

The materials that the editor of this chapter used in the development and advancements of the objectives are mainly primary sources of various sources accompanied by a brief introduction and commentary that contextualizes them appropriately to show how they relate to the world war one. The main primary sources that are used in this chapter are excerpts from accounts of individuals who saw the war first had. Poems created during the war are also used. Public advertisements run by governments, politicians as well as aid agencies are also presented. Extracts from novels authored by scholars and analysts of this war are also used in this chapter. It is highly likely that these were employed in the preparation of this book so as to maintain authenticity to the highest level of authenticity and originality given they are presented largely in their respective unadulterated formats. These different sources provide me with a fairly accurate picture of what unfolded during the Great War with regard to the results and consequences of the same.

The parts of the chapter that had a profound impact on the my understanding of World War One in relation to world history  are the images of advertisements that were used by the various organizations and entities to appeal to the public. The Italian war poster depicts a soldier taking a heroic stance while pointing at the reader and the intention was to raise funds for the war effort and this too shows the heavy financial burden that this war imposed on the states involved (Reilly, 933).The expensive nature of the war is adequately captured through the poster that asked women for gold (Reilly-952) and also America’s famous uncle Sam poster encouraging men to sign up for conscription into the Army (Reilly- 932). This is a stark reminder of America’s reluctance to join the war until the last minute. Another image from the United States is the propaganda poster depicting the enemy as a beast that needs to be dealt with. This shows the desperate manner in which those who were in power wanted to sway the public’s opinion in such a manner that aligned to the one held by the allied nations. The humanitarian crisis that engulfed as a result of the war is well illustrated by the poster urging well-wishers to contribute money towards the plight of the over two million Armenian women and children who had been left vulnerable by the war (Reilly-938). Like the poem mentioned above, this poster captures and highlights to the public the negative impact that resulted from this war.

All in all I can say that the book does a great job of presenting world history due to the diversity of media selected by the editor.

Works Cited

Reilly, Kevin. Worlds of History Volume Two: A Comparative Reader: Since 1400. McMillan, 2007.

 

 

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic Stroke

Pathophysiological process template

The diseases whose symptoms are given in the case study are for ischemic stroke. Therefore Mr. Black is suffering from this disorder.

Ischemic stroke is a strike that is characterized with a sudden loss in blood circulation to the brain area. As a result nreulogic function in the body gets lost (Crystal, 1996).There are two types of strokes hemorrhagic or ischemic where Ischemic is the most common one and they are also caused by thrombosis

A stroke occurs once there is an interruption of the blood supply in the brain. This deprives the brain nutrients as well as oxygen which may result in death of the brain cells. Ischemic stroke results once an artery blockage or narrowing occurs (Crutchlow, 2002). This cause reduced blood flow that is severe to the brain. There are also some cases when some people experience a blood flow disruption to their brain. Blood clot in the arteries that supplies blood to the brain also result in Ischemic strioke.These blood clots are caused by fatty deposits in the arteries.

Pathogenesis, it is clear that ischemic stroke occurs as a result of interruption in the cerebral blood flow to the brain.Ischamic contributes to the production of metabolism energy and depolarization of cells leading to the calcium ions accumulation in the intracellular space. There is also production of radicals and acidosis (Moore, 1951). In case the blood disruption is severe death of the cell occurs. This result from activation of receptors like N methyl D.A normal adult brain has a blood flow of 50 to 60 mL/100g/minute and when it falls below 18 mL/100g/minute evoked sensory potentials disappears. This can also be viewed from another perspective where if the blood flow goes below 12 mL/100g/minute, infraction occurs (Morris, 2005). Therefore, a blood flow of 10 and 20 mL/100g/minute is reliable with ischemic penumbra

A medical history for those patients suffering from ischemic stroke seeks to find out on the risk factors atherosclerotic as well as cardiac disease. The most common stroke signs include hemiplegic, loss in hemisensory, a partial or complete hemianopia, and unexpected lessen in consciousness (Matfin, 2009). It is important to note the time when a patient was last without a stroke symptoms.

Ischemic stroke holds about a quarter of strokes that occur when a blood clot or a thrombus is formed. The blood clot blocks the flow of the blood to a part of the brain. In another case an embolus may occur when a blood clot formation occurs somewhere in the body, this clot has a possibility of being carried to the brain and can cause ischemic stroke.

According research it is clear that most people who suffer from ischemic stroke experiences long life disability. There is also a likelihood of people who have stroke to suffer another within a span of five years. About 40 percent of people who have stroke experience severe moderate impairments while another 20 percent dies (Minagar, 2005). It is also notable that physical as well as mental impairments that results from stroke never resolves in an year of therapy and mostly persist for the lifetime of the patient.

A precise ischemic stroke diagnosis, cause and location are important when a patient visits a medical center with the symptoms discussed in this paper. This can be done through laboratory test and through the use of advanced imaging diagnostic tests. The other ways is by use of a CT scan, CTA, and cerebral angiogram, among others.

There is no distinguished d cure for a stroke, but there are medical as well, as surgical advanced ischemic stroke treatments that are advanced. These treatments are aimed at giving stroke patients with hope of finest recovery. Some of the treatments include medications aimed at dissolving blood clots and therapies to reduce brain swelling. Medications that protect the brain from damage and support measures are now available.

Stroke prevention is a strategy that is same to that of preventing a heart disease. These health recommendations include, curbing and controlling hypertension by ensuring a low blood pressure. Lowering the cholesterol concentration and saturated fat in the diet is important. It is advisable to quite tobacco use; maintain a healthy weight and feeding on a rich diet both in fruits and vegetables.

Question 1 Part 2

Ischemic stroke common pathway is lack of enough blood flow in the cerebral tissues. This is because of narrowed or blockage in the arteries that ends to the brain or within the brain. These types of strokes can be subdivided into thrombotic and embolic. Narrowing of the arteries commonly results from atherosclerosis, which is fatty plaques lining occurrence in the blood vessels (Flomin, 2008). When these plaques grows the blood vessels becomes narrow and the blood flow beyond is reduced. Atherosclerotic plaque contains some damaged areas that cause a blood clot which ends up blocking the blood vessels or a thrombotic stroke. This is what led to Mr. Black difficulty in speaking and his mouth drooling from the precise part of his mouth (Minagar, 2005). Mr. Black was not in a position to raise his right arm or support him upright. These signs show that Mr. Black left side of the body was had dead cells. There is a drastic reduction in the blood flow such that cells are undergoing a cellular death.

The laboratory tests conducted yielded  the results as follows, full  blood count-all values within normal range ,blood glucose level-6.5 mmol/L ,electrolytes urea and  creative -all values within normal range ECG-normal sinus rhythm. CT brain scans no intracranial hemorrhage or mass lesion (Moore, 1945). There is pathogenesis that leads to the structural and functional changes resulting from Mr. Black’s stroke. The tissues that boders the infant cores or the ischemic penumbra of Mr Black is not fully damaged. The functionality of these areas is rendered by reduced blood flow, but it is partially metabolically active (Moore, 1945). Cells in the left part of Mr. blacks body are endangered to damage and might go through apoptosis after several hours ,but incase blood flow  and oxygen concentration is restored after the start of the stroke there is potentiality of recovering them.

Other vision problems associated with stroke includes those with an increased light sensitivity. It is also clear that there is brain complexity while adjusting to different light levels. (Lehne, 2010). The rate of blinking may slow following a stroke and /or there may be incomplete eye closure with a partial blink, which will cause a part of the cornea to dry resulting in the eye feeling uncomfortable.

Question 2

The cerebrum forms the largest part of the brain. It comprises of a right and left hemisphere. In most cases, people’s right hemisphere takes charge of the functions of the left side of the body as well as many cognitive functions of the body. Therefore, a right stroke happens when a body blood supply to the left side of the brain is interrupted. The brain tissue dies due to lack of oxygen and nutrients from the blood. In accordance to Mr. Black’s manifestation we see that he has his left arm paralyzed and his left leg not as strong as before.  He also drools from the mouth down. All these are may be caused by a blood flow blockage which may be because of a clot from another part of the body. The clot cuts off flows through the blood extending the trap to a vessel that supplies the brain (Lee, 2011). There are also clots that form in the arteries that supply the brain with blood.

Question 3

The common pathway of ischemic stroke is lack of sufficient blood flow to perfuse cerebral tissue, because of blocked arteries that leads to the brain or those within the brain. Ischemic strokes can be broadly subdivided into thrombotic and embolic strokes (Lehne, 2010). This explains the action of the mode of action of Alteplase and Assasantin.

 

Assasantin is used in the prevention of ischemic further strokes. It contains aspirins and dipyridame which works differently to prevent blood platelets from blocking the blood vessels which causes stroke. This form of medication is taken by those people who had suffered from stroke to prevent a further occurrence of the disorder. Diet observation is important as it determines on the functionality of the drug. It acts well when taken with a meal. The medicine should be swallowed with help of water and should not be chewed. Some of its side effects include vomiting, gastritis, skin problems among others.

Alteplase helps in treating ischemic stroke where 0.9mg/kg is infused in an hour’s time. Clogged catheters are cleared through the injection of 2mg/2ml solution in the clogged catheters. Alteplase helps in breaking down clots and it is drug injected able directly to a vein (Tortora, 2010). To increase on its action in the body inject able drug is far greater than that which occurs naturally. The point here is to help in dissolving of the blood clots that forms in the veins affecting the cerebral blood flow which results into a stroke. It is an enzyme that is found naturally in the body and causes blood clots to dissolve. One of its side effects is that it interferes with the body ability to stop bleeding or the blood platelets.

 

References

Bordow, R. A., Ries, A. L., & Morris, T. A. (2005). Manual of clinical problems in pulmonary medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Williams.

Crystal, R. G. (1996). Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: Biology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, therapy. New York: Marcel Dekker.

Crystal, R. G. (1996). Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency: Biology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, therapy. New York: Marcel Dekker.

Crutchlow, E. M. (2002). Pathophysiology. Therefore, NJ: Slack.

Essential texts Jenkins, G. W., Kemnitz, C. P., & Anatomy and physiology from science to life (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2008). Understanding pathophysiology. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby/Elsevier.

International Symposium on Retinal Degenerations, Anderson, R. E., LaVail, M. M., Holyfield, J. G., & Mandal, M. N. A. (2010). Retinal degenerative diseases: Laboratory and therapeutic investigations. New York: Springer.

Lehne, R. A., (2010). Pharmacology for nursing care (7th ed.). St. Louis, Mo: Saunders/Elsevier.

Lee, R. C., Cravalho, E. G., & Burke, J. F. (2011). Electrical trauma: The pathophysiology, manifestations and clinical management. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Mufson, M. A., Heck, C. A., & Nesler, S. M. (2002). Pathophysiology: PreTest self-assessment and review. New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division.

Minagar, A., & Alexander, J. S. (2005). Inflammatory disorders of the nervous system: Pathogenesis, immunology, and clinical management. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press.

Moore, R. A. (1951). A textbook of pathology: Pathologic anatomy in relation to the causes, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of disease. Philadelphia: Saunders.

 

Moore, R. A. (1945). A textbook of pathology: Pathologic anatomy in relation to the causes, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of disease. Philadelphia: Saunders.

 

Porth, C. M., & Matfin, G. (Eds.). (2009). Pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Swanson, T. A., Kim, S. I., & Flomin, O. E. (2008). Pathophysiology: II. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Sigel, A., Sigel, H., Sigel, R. K. O., & Ebooks Corporation. (2006). Neurodegenerative diseases and metal ions. Chichester, West Sussex, England: Wiley.

 

Breathing: Is the breathing adequate

Short Answer Test (SAT)

 

Marking criteria and standards: Assessment 3 – Short Answer Test (SAT) by use of ABCDE components protocol

A-Airway: Is the airway complete or partially patent?

Assessment– The patient responds with a patent voice. This indicates that there is a partial obstruction in the airway. The patient voice has changed to a noisy breathing with an increased effort in breathing. There are also sighs of reduced levels of consciousness characterised by snoring.

Intervention: use a head-tilt and chin-lift manoeuvre in order to help open the patient’s airway. Airway suctions by use of proper equipments is recommended.

Pathophysiology:  studies of multiple individual airways during either contraction to closure or relaxation in real time, is an important study in airway as well as changes in airway size with changes in lung volume. It is notable that obstruction in the airway that are no treated can rapidly lead to cardiac arrest (Corkin, et al. 2012).

B – Breathing: Is the breathing adequate?

Assessment: In all settings, it is possible to decide on the respiratory rate, thoracic wall movements inspection of the symmetry and use of auxiliary respiratory muscles, needs to be conducted. Pressing the chest is crucial on independent dullness or resonance determination. Cyanosis, swollen neck veins, and lateralization of the trachea can be recognized.

Intervention: Conduct lung auscultation by use of a stethoscope through the application of an ox meter pulse .It there no sufficient breathing it is advisable to perform assisted ventilation by giving rescue breaths. A bag mask can also be used.

C-Circulation: is the circulation adequate?

Assessment: there is change in color, sweating, as well as reduced consciousness level indicating signs of decreased perfusion.

Intervention: Approaching the problems indicated by performing a heart auscultation. Monitoring of the blood pressure as well as measurements (Corkin, et al. 2012). The patient should be place in a supine position and uplifting the patient’s legs. After that intravenous results should be collected as soon as possible and infusion of saline.

Pathophysiology: A critical study of the capillary refill time and pulse velocity is important in order to define more on breathing disorders. It can be done in any setting. On the other hand inspection of the patient’s skin gives clues on circulatory problems.

D-Disability what is the strength of consciousness?

Assessment: A rapid assessment of the blood is important to determine the level of the patient’s consciousness. It can be done through the use of AVPU method. In this case the patient gets grades on alertness, responsiveness of the voice, pain responsive and general unresponsive in all the three areas.

Intervention: On the other hand, the Glasgow Coma Score can be used. An inspection on the Limb actions is important in order to estimate possible signs of lateralization. There should be efforts to stabilize the cerebral conditions of the airway which is an immediate treatment for patients (Corkin, et al. 2012).

Pathophysiology: In particular, a study to determine when the patient is only pain responsive or unresponsive, and on airway patency needs to be done. Some the recommended ways to determine it so far includes placing the patient in the revival position, where personnel qualified are able to secure the airway. Evaluation of Papillary light reflexes and blood glucose level is also an important area to put focus on.A way to control a decrease in the consciousness A caused by low blood glucose can be outlined. The two ways includes oral or glucose (Corkin, et al. 2012).

E-Examination: any clues to explain the patient’s condition?

Assessment; There are signs of trauma, bleeding, rashes on the skin reactions, needle marks, etc, which must be observed, must be observed.

Intervention: Bearing the patient dignity in mind, clothes should be removed to give room to a thorough physical examination. Body temperature estimation can be done by feeling the skin or using a thermometer.

In conclusion the 12 lead ECG provided in the case study is a graphic representation of the electric activates of the heart on a two plane platform of Mr. Henry. The QT interval in the ECG measurements is done from the beginning of the QRS which is located at the end of the T wave. This is usually inversely related to heart rate. The patients age and sex is highly influence its outcome (Corkin, et al. 2012).The QTC is an implication of the QT that has been corrected for heartbeat. In the case of the ECG provided Qt intervals represents the heart beats ,they might also prolong end  if it exceeds 1 and half of the R-R intervals in the heart beat rates that ranges from 60 to 100 beats in one minute. There are no signs of a prolonged QT interval in this case because the patient has not been using any kind of drug. Once there is shortened QT interval it is an indication that Mr. Henry may be related to presence of hypocalcaemia or thyrotoxicosis (Corkin, et al. 2012).

 

 

References

.

Corkin, D., Clarke, S., & Liggett, L. (2012). Care planning in children and young people’s nursing. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

Introduction

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of the year 2002 was enacted on 30th July 2002. The other name of the act is the Public Company Accounting reform and the investor Protection Act in the house of the senate and the accountability and the Responsibility Act in the house or the Sarbanes-Oxley as It’s popularly known. It’s a federal law that was enacted to enhance the United States boards or the management of public companies and the public accounting companies or firms. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act came into being or was enacted as a result of reaction to major scandals in accounting and corporate world in the U.S. PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) was created and charged with the responsibility of overseeing, disciplining, and regulating accounting firms and inspecting them. The Sarbanes-Oxley also covers corporate governance, financial disclosures, and internal control systems.

Evaluate the effectiveness of regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act over minimizing the corporate fraud and protecting investors and make (1) suggestion for improvement.

Congress discussed and passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as a result of the scandals that hit the country in the corporate sector. This Act was meant to stream line and regulates the management of accounting firms in the US. The Act strengthens the corporate and management governance in the public and private sector by increasing transparency in financial accounting and auditing. The Act attempted to control the activities of major accounting firms and the boards of public companies by creating the PCAOB to set the overall auditing standards. A new and strict definition of the independence of the auditor general was implemented. The criminal penalties for fraudulent activities were intensified under the act and the time frame for financial information disclosures and their content also came under the strict scrutiny of the act.

The Sarbanes-Oxley act (SOX) has over the year’s motivated and encouraged public companies to go private in a way to cut down high costs related to the compliance of the SOX Act (Hartman, 2005)   Some multi-national companies have opted to stay clear of the US market in order to avoid the effects of the SOX act. (Kuschnik, 2008)

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act makes it mandatory for all companies to include in their annual reports the internal control reports which must include the management responsibility statement for the establishment and maintenance of adequate and essential internal control measures, structures and procedures in its financial reporting standards. The assessment of the structure and procedures of its internal control system. The auditors are also required by the act to comment on the effectiveness of the internal control system. Compliance to this section of the act increases the responsibilities of the auditors which eventually add additional costs on the normal audit fees. (Kimmel, Paul, Weygandt, Jerry, Kieso, Donald, 2011).

The major improvement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act should center on minimization of the overall costs requirements for the full implementation of the act and its impact on small and middle tier accounting firms which also contribute to the auditing profession standards in the US. (Sissell, 2006) The government should find a way of leveling the play field for both the big and small players in the auditing profession to encourage also the growth of the small sectors of auditing profession. Some firms actually withdrew from the US market in order to avoid the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley act. (Beckstead, 2006)

 

 

Given the oversight of the accounting profession by the PCAOB as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, assess the impact on auditing firms and the public accounting professions.

PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) was created and charged with the responsibility of overseeing, disciplining, and regulating accounting firms and also inspecting them. The Sarbanes-Oxley essentially covers the corporate governance, financial disclosures, and internal control systems. The largest audit firms position themselves to serving their clients efficiently by investing heavily in information technology, training and in other facilities that are far beyond the reach of the small independent audit firms. These investments which are implemented by the large firms make it economically impossible for the small clients to afford their services which are comparably more costly hence the big 4 audit firms continue to exploit the market for large corporate companies.

The different and initial demand elasticity for the buying clients increases the power and market of the central tier auditor groupings in line with the SOX implementation. As in the case of differentiated product market, most consumers have a higher relative quality and cost the product have an initial increased inelastic demand and the willingness to pay higher prices. Studies have shown that several small and middle tier auditing firms have left the market in an effort to avoid the requisite costs of registration with the PCAOB, which has possibly decreased the competition for middle and small audit firms hence raisin their costs. (Asthana, Balsam and Kim, 2004)  Some policies of PCAOB like the one-size-fits-all the rules basically creates a stumbling block for the small audit firms (Beckstead, 2006) While the big four auditing firms worldwide control majority of the auditing jobs in the US, more than 1600 audit firms have registered with the PCAOB since the year 2006, meaning that there is still enough market for small audit firms among the small clients. (Beckstead, 2006)

Offer your opinion as to whether or not you believe the accounting profession is better off being self or
government regulated with regard to a firm’s ability to detect and report corporate fraud.

The accounting profession is better regulated by the government instead of self regulation. In a liberalized market it was prudent that the accounting profession regulates itself. But with scandals that have almost brought disrepute to the accounting profession, I would strongly recommend that the accounting profession be brought under the strict and direct scrutiny of the governments oversight authorities like the PCAOB. These would protect the rights of the public and also prevent the abuse of the public’s right to fair disclosures and accountability by the auditors.

Predict whether or not corporate fraud will be reduced, increase, or remain the same based on requirements for audits of publicly traded companies as prescribed in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Support your position.

Corporate fraud will definitely reduce following the enactment and the consequent implementation of the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of the year 2002. The act has eleven sections which deal with all aspects of the accounting profession. The Act also provides protection for the whistle blowers who disclose fraudulent activities in any corporation. This provision encourages accountability and integrity in matters relating to the management of the state enterprises and large corporations. The act also prescribes for stiffer and more intensified punishment for convicted offenders of the act to discourage prospective offenders in future. The act also brings on board a lot of accountability in the accounting profession relating to the auditing of public and private companies.

 

 

References

 

Kimmel, PhD, CPA, Paul D.,Weygandt, PhD, CPA, Jerry J., Kieso, PhD, CPA, Donald E. (2011). Financial Accounting, 6th Edition. Wiley

Kuschnik, B. (2008) The Sarbanes Oxley Act: “Big Brother is watching” you or Adequate Measures of Corporate Governance Regulation? 5 Rutgers Business Law Journals.

Sissell, K. (2006) Committee to Recommend Changes to Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Chemical

 

Week 68, 31:

 

Hartman, T. (2005) The cost of being public in the era of Sarbanes-Oxley. Foley and Lardner

 

Presentation. June 2005. Hay, D.C., W

 

 

Beckstead, B. (2006) Sarbanes-Oxley

 

 

Why it is important to evaluate COPPS

Why it is important to evaluate COPPS

Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) is philosophy aimed at promoting or enhancing cooperation of the citizens, civil groups and the community in enhancing security in the neighborhood with the aim of enhancing the quality of life.  It is important to evaluate the program before adopting it.

One of the reasons why it is prudent to evaluate the program is to ensure that it is able to provide positive outcomes in the areas it is adopted. Circumstances vary from one program to another and therefore it is important to evaluate the program to determine its suitability to ensure that it functions as anticipated.

The second reason for evaluation of the program is to find out the areas that require amendment and correction. For the program to work effectively it requires the creation of awareness and cooperation between the police and the community members. This evaluation will help to find out some of the mistakes or rather breaches in the program.

Various methods can be used to evaluate the program. The two methods that are appropriate include the empowerment evaluation and transformation approach. In empowerment evaluation, participants will be involved in the process to ensure that they contribute their idea and views (Bamberger, 2000). These views will actually help in determining the suitability and reliability of the methods and if it is worthy adopting or not. It will also provide insights on some of the possible changes that should be effected to make improvements. Transformative evaluation method can also be used to evaluate effectiveness of the program. This approach aims to integrate all the views of the stakeholders including those marginalized. Therefore, by incorporating the views of all the stakeholders, social justice is promoted and this in turn elicits varied views that help in highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the program.

 

Reference

Bamberger, M. (2000). The Evaluation of International Development Programs: A View from      the Front, American Journal of Evaluation, 21:95-102.

 

Product Reassessment

Product Reassessment

Introduction

Digital and Video Cameras over the decades have enjoyed monopoly market before the advent of the Smartphones. It has been noted that Digital and Video Cameras are optical devices that are used in the recording of images that can be printed, stored or transmitted to other devices or platforms. The images recorded by the Digital and Video Cameras maybe moving images such as movies or videos or still photographs. Camera originated from a Latin word known as ‘camera obscura’ which signaled a dark chamber, which was an early mechanism adopted in projecting images. Technology has evolved the modern camera with added features and applications. In United States, Digital and Video Cameras are facing stiff competitions from Smartphones.

African Market

African market is made of developing nations and least developed nations, an indication that the market is not wholly exploited. There are many avenues that Digital and Video Cameras can employ in making a catch in the market. It has been noted that Smartphones in Africa are very expensive and unreliable basing on the inadequate distribution of the electricity. Majority of the phone consumers in Africa base their purchases depending on the durability of the battery life after charging. Smartphones are known to consume power basing on the many technological applications (apps).

South Africa and Kenya are the entry points for businesses in Africa, this is considering that the two markets are highly developed and presents enough challenges that prepare investors to adopt products and services in other African nations (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000). Surveys have shown that Africa is rich in potentials and also in opportunities, it houses a number of economies that are fastest growing in the world, particularly numbering to seven out of the ten fastest growing economies in the globe.

Middle class consumers in Africa is ever rising, and the majority of the population is aged thirty five years and below, there are high chances that Digital and Video Cameras can develop a competitive edge in the African market if well integrated with the exact needs of the target customers (Burton et al, 2012). The economic development and growth of Africa is propelled by talents and demographic dividend energy.

Market Predictions

Predictions done by IMF (The International Monetary Fund) indicated that no other continent in the world will grow faster than Africa in the coming decade. African governments particularly in South Africa and Kenya are collaborating in improving the ever changing business climate, indicating that investors are ever encouraged to invest in Africa (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000). It is expected that investments in Africa by Digital and Video Cameras producers will create local jobs, strengthen local communities and also strengthen local businesses as the African continent gets connected with the other parts of the world.

Statistics obtained from World Factbook indicated that sales of Digital and Video Cameras are ever decreasing with majority of the target customers in the United States preferring to use Smartphones (Cia.gov, 2013). Further survey argued that if Digital and Video Cameras got spoilt or got lost, then the target customers would prefer to purchase a Smartphone rather than repairing or buying another Digital and Video Cameras. This is a clear indication that a significant number of consumers have changed tastes and preferences, and that it is the high time that Digital and Video Cameras products adopts new marketing mechanism to remain relevant in the market. Africa has over three hundred million people in the middle classes, an indication that the target market is highly promising.

Brand Positioning

Brand repositioning is the solution for Digital and Video Cameras in the Africa and in the United States, taking an example of a brand that successfully repositioned and took back the target market is Marlboro. Marlboro in 1950s faced a challenge after it was linked to cancer. Marlboro previously was successful for its brand ‘Mild as May’. The initial cigarette brand targeted women; the company developed a brand for men. Marlboro cigarettes managed to restructure the target market by focusing at the new audience. Main reasons for repositioning are pegged on declining sales, target audience are no longer pleased by the products and services, the products and the services have evolved with time, stiff competition with a better value propositioning and customers taking the products and services as outdated and obsolete (Burton et al, 2012). Digital and Video Cameras is facing a number of challenges, an indication that repositioning is the solution in setting new target audience (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000).

Brand positioning takes different forms, the best approach for Digital and Video Cameras is identifying and attempting the target market. South Africa and Kenya are the target market for Digital and Video Cameras in Africa with intentions of diversifying to the whole of Africa. Digital and Video Cameras will establish placement strategies identifying with promotions, distribution, price, competition and packaging. Digital and Video Cameras will create an impression in the minds of the African consumers (Burton et al, 2012).

Brand positioning of the Digital and Video Cameras in South Africa and in Kenya will constitute communicating and identifying the brand’s differentiation, uniqueness and verifiable value. The brand repositioning process will involve Digital and Video Cameras identifying direct competition in South Africa and in Kenya, understanding the culture of the African consumers, understanding the way competitors are positioned in the market, documenting own positioning strategies, comparing own marketing strategies and competitor marketing strategies, setting differentiation, developing value based and distinctive positioning concept and developing a positioning statement in the target market (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000).

Product positioning process in South Africa and in Kenya will involve defining the target market, identifying the dimensions, gathering information from target audience, gathering the share of mind connected to the Digital and Video Cameras, determining the location of Digital and Video Cameras in the target market, setting the ideal vector connected to Digital and Video Cameras in the African market and examining the best fit between Digital and Video Cameras and the market.

Positioning research and concepts in the African market for Digital and Video Cameras will call for functional positions, symbolic functions and experiential positions. Measuring of Digital and Video Cameras positioning in the African market will involve perceptual mapping, statistical techniques and survey techniques among others (Burton et al, 2012). Statistical techniques will employ factor analysis, multidimensional scaling, logit analysis and conjoint analysis.

Adoption Rates

Digital and Video Cameras will target word of mouth referrals as the method of encouraging high adoption rates in Africa. Majority of the African cultures value relationship based model of communication, an indication that Africans value relationships in making choices. There are high chances that Digital and Video Cameras products with time will embrace customer experience, customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. Digital and Video Cameras will be positioned in ways that the target customers will be willing to recommend the product to other potential consumers (Burton et al, 2012).

It has been noted that majority of the middle class earners in Africa are spenders, in the same concept, there are high chances that Digital and Video Cameras will be an option for most target consumers. Prices of Digital and Video Cameras must be made affordable to the target consumers (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000). Africa is not fully developed, an indication that distribution of Digital and Video Cameras will face diverse challenges. The common distribution challenges identify with channel partners and poor infrastructure. Distribution channels will constitute the existing wholesalers and retailers as the target intermediaries. Digital and Video Cameras products will have to establish sound business relationship in distributing the products in the African market. It has been noted that building the right marketing support in Africa will be influential in managing, supporting, customer service, motivation and enhancing brand loyalty.

Marketing Planning Process and Market segmentation

The marketing planning process for Digital and Video Cameras will involve goal setting, analyzing the current situation, creating sound marketing strategy and allocating essential marketing resources and monitoring; all these are carried out through setting a vision/mission, corporate objectives, marketing audit, SWOT analysis, defining marketing assumptions, setting marketing strategies and objectives, setting forecasts, creating alternative plans, setting marketing audit and setting detailed action plan (Beckett & Sudarkasa, 2000).

Market segmentation for Digital and Video Cameras will be critical in dividing the African market into consumers with common needs, which then will follow implementing and designing strategies of reaching at the target market through media channels among other marketing channels. Product strategy will employ product mix, product life cycle and enhancing relevant product development process (Burton et al, 2012).

Conclusion

The world is facing changes with socialization and globalization, technology is part of modernization that is pushing away Digital and Video Cameras products in the United States among other developed nations. It is vital for the producers of Digital and Video Cameras to engage in technology in developing new strategies of meeting the exact needs of the target customers. Smartphones are catching up with the services offered by Digital and Video Cameras products.

References

Beckett, J. & Sudarkasa, M. (2000). Investing in Africa: An Insiders Guide to the Ultimate Emerging Market . Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.

Burton, P. et al. (2012). 42 Rules of Product Marketing: Learn the Rules of Product Marketing from Leading Experts from around the World. New York: Super Star Press.

Cia.gov. (2013). The World Factbook. Retrieved July 29, 2013, from Cia.gov: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/wfbExt/region_afr.html

 

Safety /Prevention of injury in preschool children

 

 

Safety /Prevention of injury in preschool children

 

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to examine the safety issues, their contributing factors and how they can be prevented and the role of the nurse in preventing injuries.

Introduction

The ARACY report card on the wellbeing of Australian children 2013 has cited injury as a leading cause of death among Australian children and youth (0-14years). In comparison to other OECD countries, Australia is doing poorly in preventing injuries (ARACY, 2013).While most of these injuries are preventable, most parents and caregivers only think of the risk after the event. Injury is also the second most common reason for hospital admission for children. Of particular concern are preschool children who are independent and very adventures, falling risk to such injuries as falls, drowning, cuts, piercings, burns, scalds, poisoning and animal related injuries such as dog bites (Centre for Community Child Health, (nd)). Other than death, serious injuries can result in long term effects such as disfigurement and disability which is a major problem for the family due to financial constraints and care and attention needed. It is therefore necessary to reduce the number and the severity of childhood injuries.

Definitions

Safety- the state of being at little or no risk of injury (NPHP, 2005)

Injury- the physical harm that occurs on a person’s body (NPHP, 2005)

Preschool children- children between 31/2 -5 years (Kidsafe 2010)

Background

Most injuries can be prevented by identifying and removing their causes or reducing children’s exposure to them. Injuries are a major public health concern in Australia; with the Australian government identifying injuries in children aged 0-14 as a priority issue in 2004 Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW 2006). More children die from injuries than from cancer and diseases of the nervous system. Moreover, around 300 children die and about 60,000 are hospitalized annually from accidental injuries with children under five being most affected (Kidsafe, 2010).

Preschoolers are at a learning stage and tend to be independent and adventures. They want to play and explore their environments and products around them. Since it is from these environments and products that they get these injuries, it is important that parents and caregivers such as health workers and preschool teachers ensure that the environments are safe and provide supervision. Products to which children are exposed and those designed for use in child care should also be made safe (NPHP, 2005).

Discussion

The AIHW identified several factors that contribute to injuries in children. These factors are:

  • Boys are at a greater risk of injury resulting in hospitalization than girls, about 60%. This is due in part to the fact that boys tend to be more adventurers and the nature of the games they get involved in. while girls play more safe games, boys are into more risky games.
  • Social disadvantage. Children from poor social backgrounds are at higher risks of injuries.
  • Risk of injury depends on the age. Hospital admissions resulting from burns, near drowning and poisoning are more common in infants and children (0-4 years)

Factors associated with specific injuries in preschoolers include:

Falls, drowning, and transport accidents were the major reason for deaths resulting from accidental injuries (AIHW, 2007). The major causes of hospitalization was injuries from falls, being hit or struck by a person or object, cuts and piercings, animal related injuries, transport, burns, scalds, and poisoning.

Falls- falls are from scooters, bicycles, beds, chairs and preschool furniture and playground equipment (Kidsafe, 2010). The outcome of a fall depends on the height involved. In 2001, there were 135 cases of injuries from low falls and 6 cases from high falls in preschool children (ABS, 2003).

Cuts and piercings result from knives, and sharp objects and striking against edges of furniture. Jammed doors and heavy falling objects could result in crushing injuries.

Choking or suffocation resulted in 55 deaths in 2002 (ABS, 2007). This resulted from inhalation of food and other small objects. On the other hand, strangulation in bed resulted in 11 deaths. Entrapment in cabinets can also result in suffocation.

Dog bites are the most common cause of animal related injuries resulting in hospitalization. Preschoolers are often bitten on their heads and face due to their height. These incidents often occur at the children’s own home or where the child has gone to visit.

Most transport related deaths resulted from injuries from car crashes and drive way run-overs. Due to their size, preschoolers are often run over in the drive way as drivers reverse. This is also referred to as low speed vehicle run over and it may occur in the drive way, parking lot or off- road (Anthikat,  & Barker, 2013). Death also results if children are not properly restrained in the vehicle in the event of a crash.

Drowning or near drowning occurs in backyard or private swimming pools. In 2002, almost half all deaths by drowning in children 0-4 years occurred in swimming pools (Medscape, (nd)) while falling into water bodies such as dams and objects containing water resulted in almost a quarter of drowning deaths.

Poisoning from medicines is most common from in three year old children. The most common cause of poisoning death in preschoolers is from cardiovascular medications often found at home. Paracetamol and analgesic drugs constitute the leading cause of poisoning that leads to hospitalization. However, death and long term injuries from these drugs are rare. The low severity levels could be as a result of legislation on availability of poisons in Australia (Connor, 2001).

Burns and scalds result from hot beverages, hot tap water, oil and food and hot household appliances. In 2001, hot beverages, food, cooking oil and fats were the major cause of burns and scalds in preschoolers.

Preventing injuries

To ensure safety, engineering, education and enforcement are three aspects that must be considered. Engineering refers to designing and modifying the environments in order to eliminate hazard. Enforcement on the other hand refers to regulations and standards that require compliance. Education refers to the attitude and behavior change that is required to eliminate injuries (Pearson, et al. 2010). Engineering, education and enforcement could work hand in hand. Engineering and enforcement measures include:

Bicycle helmets- ensure that it fits and has the Australian/ New Zealand Standards label

Keep medicines and poisons out of reach of children- they should be tightly closed and stored in closed cabinets. Where possible, buy medication with child resistant lids.

Keep children out of the kitchen.

Supervise children while they eat to prevent choking.

Supervise children at swimming pools and get them professional training. Cover fish ponds and do not let them walk alone around any water bodies.

Matches and cigarette lighters should be kept out of reach.

Children should be well restrained in vehicles and should not be left alone.

Ensure safe water temperatures- temperatures should be less than 500 Celsius. Keep hot liquids and food at the center of the table or where the children cannot reach them.

The swimming pool area should be properly fenced

Install smoke alarms.

Bumps should be installed and speed limits introduced in neighborhoods

Replace broken window panes

Parents and care givers should learn first aid

Education interventions can take place at school, at home, in the community, in clinical settings and in the mass media.

At school, there should be active supervision for the preschoolers, play equipment and other structures should be properly maintained and a regular hazard and safety checks should be conducted. The school should involve the children’s parents in injury prevention.

At home, nurses and other professions should make home visits and conduct training especially for disadvantaged groups.

In clinical settings, safety education should combine counseling on behavior and attitude change and demonstrations.

The mass media is critical in informing and educating the public on safety and prevention of injuries. They do this by carrying out exhibitions and campaigns.

In the community, social and environmental interventions are employed. The community and professionals create tailor made solutions to the safety problems.

Overall, the education approaches that will have an impact in reducing injuries to preschoolers include: educating the parents in order to change behavior and attitudes, close and continuous supervision, creating a social environment that promotes safety, and creating a physical environment that is safe through design, policy and legislation.

The impact of injuries on the family:

Child injuries result in economic costs for the family due to the medical bills incurred. Most injuries from falls, and transport involve the head and neck which would take long periods of time to heal or in other cases, results in disability. There is significant psychological stress involved in caring for disabled children. The costs could strain families especially the socially disadvantaged who may not have enough to meets all their basic needs. This results in the family not meeting its nutritional, communication and rest needs. They also result to psychological, social and emotional problems for parents, siblings and care givers. In some cases, marriages and sibling relationships have been strained and in few cases detrimental (Shudy, et.al, 2006).

Recommendations

The role of the nurse among other health workers in preventing injuries cannot be ignored. They are involved in conducting home visits to care for patients and while at it, they also conduct training for parents and care givers and provide advice. Nurses are also involved in counseling parents and children who have been involved in injuries in order to help them in the recovery process. They also provide materials such as checklists, and information leaflets.

The nursing practice, in recognizance with the alarming statistics, should become more involved in preventing injuries through safety training, education and counseling. They should work hand in hand with other professionals involved in providing safety environments and appliances. This will provide a holistic means of ensuring safety of preschoolers and all children and youth. As health care moves towards patient- centered care and research provides guidance for widespread fall prevention, fall and fall-related injuries have the chance to be addressed across the healthcare system. Nurses should ensure that no fatal injuries result while patients are in hospital (Currie, 2008).

Conclusion

While injuries are the major cause of death and the second most common reason for hospitalization in children, they are preventable. Parents, care givers, health workers and other professionals should play an active role in preventing preschool injuries. Education, engineering and enforcement should be considered in ensuring safety and injury prevention. There are risk factors associated with various injuries such as age and sex. Boys are at a higher risk of dying and getting serious injuries than girls. There are different risks at different ages and social disadvantage is also a factor. Injuries have a major impact on the family’s economic, social and psychological status. Injuries are also a public health issue because of the burden placed on the health care system through disability and premature death (DHHS, (nd)).

References

Anthikat, P., Page, A., & Barker, R. (2013) Risk factors associated with injury and mortality

from pediatric low speed vehicle incidents: a systematic review  http://www. dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/841360

ARACY (2013) Report card: The well being of young Australians.pdf. Retrieved from www.aracy.org.au/…/reportcard-the-wellbeing-of-young-australians

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Causes of death. Retrieved from www.abs.gov.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2003). National Health Survey. Retrieved from www.abs.gov.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Health of Children in Australia. Retrieved from

http://www.abs.gov.au

Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. (2006). Injuries. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov

Cantwell, P. (nd). Drowning. Retrieved from http://www.emedicine.medscape.com/articles/772753-overview

Connor, P. (2001) Accidental Poisoning of Preschool children from medicinal substances,

Australia. Australia Institute of Health and Wealth

Center for Child Health. (2006). Preventing Injury: Practice Resource. Retrieved from http://www.raisingchildren.au/verve/_resources/preventing_injury.pdf

Currie, L., (2008) Fall and Injury Prevention in Hughes RG, editor Patient Safety and quality: An

Evidence- Based Handbook for Nurses Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nhi.gov/books/NBK2653/

Department of Health and Human Services (nd) Preventing Injury: Impact and scale of the issue

Retrieved from http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au

Kidsafe CAPFA (2010) Twelve Facts about child Injury in Australia. Retrieved from

http://www.gtp.co.au

NPHP (2005) The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan 2004-2014. Retrieved

from http://www.nphp.gov.au

Pearson, M., Garside, R., Moxham, T., & Anderson R (2010) Preventing unintentional injuries to

children in the home: a systematic review of the effectiveness of programmes supplying and /or installing home safety equipment Heath Promotion International Doi:10.1093/heapro/daq074

Shudy, M., de Almeida,Ml., Ly, S., Landon, C., Groft, S., & Jenkins TL, (2006) Impact of

pediatric critical illness and injury on families: a systematic literature review. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1714257

 

Importance of health in children as related to the community

Importance of health in children as related to the community

Children are important as they form part of a community. Therefore, ensuring the health of children is something that needs prioritization.  A good start in the health and wellbeing of children is paramount as it impacts positively to the entire community (Valentine, 2002). A healthy community is able to achieve its various objectives. This paper delineates on the importance of health in children by factoring in aspects concerning whose responsibility is to ensure healthy children and issues to do with poverty and nursing processes in ensuring the promotion of wellness in the community.

As stated earlier, a community comes from children and therefore, they are required to have proper health. Childhood is complex as many factors combine to influence their development and health.   The health and wellbeing of children depends on what happens to them as individuals who are part of the family, and as the larger members of the community and society as whole (Valentine, 2002). Taking preventive measures or initiatives early in life is effective in improving health outcomes among children.  Preventive initiatives to enhance the health of children include immunization, nutrition and physical activities.

The benefit of health in children trickles down to the community.  Healthy children reduce the number of deaths. This therefore helps in continuity of the society. The community is also able to prosper in terms of economic paradigm. The cost of seeking medical services will certainly reduce and this will allow increased levels of investment. Children are dependent and cannot live on their own.  Parents, guardians and other stakeholders as children’s homes, community members and government have the responsibility of ensuring that children are well taken care of (Binder & Rudolph, 2009). Parents are the closest people to children and are   required to ensure that they are well taken care of in terms of health care, nutrition and diet.  The government for instance is also responsible for the well-being of children in terms of healthcare system. It has the responsibility of facilitating accessibility of healthcare through the setting up of health facilities, ensuring adequate medical supply, the recruiting of qualified medical practitioners and ensuring that all children are taken for major immunizations such as polio and measles. Consequently, the responsibility for the health of children is in the hands of the parents and the community at large.

Accessibility to healthcare is however limited to few children, especially those that are fortunate enough to be born in families that parent are economically stable. Many children from poor backgrounds are often unable to access to medical services and many succumb to death. Likewise, many are uninsured and this makes it difficult for them to access to quality health care. This problem is prominent in many developing countries where the rates of poverty are still high. However, these problems can be solved if appropriate measures are put in place (Valentine, 2002). One of the strategies is to make healthcare accessible to children by reducing the amount of money required.  The government should be at the forefront in supporting such children.  Another alternative is to make health facilities accessible among children free. This will ensure that all children are able to access to health care. It is also prudent for the government to create awareness through campaigns to educate parents from poor backgrounds on the importance of seeking medical services for their children.  At the same time, insurance premiums should be reduced to ensure that parents who are not economically stable are able to afford their children cover.

Nursing processes and levels of care are instrumental in promoting wellness among the children. Nurses should be well trained to ensure that they have enough skills and competences to provide better health services to children.  The healthcare can also be provided at various levels to enhance wellness (Binder & Rudolph, 2009).  The medical services can be provided at home whereby medical practitioners can make visits to various homes or communities to administer medical services. Major vaccinations such as polio can be provided at home to ensure that all children are immunized. Health facilities can also be built in the community to provide short and long-term health needs for the children (Levels of care. (2013). Referral hospitals should also be built to ensure that any complicated cases are addressed from there to ensure that all children access to quality medical care.  These facilities should be well equipped with sufficient equipments and should have experienced physicians. Furthermore, they should operate 24 hours a day to ensure that all patients are attended to during at any time. These will help to improve the quality of health and wellbeing of children and community at whole.

Health in children is therefore essential and much attention need to focus on its provision. Community as a whole has the responsibility of promoting   better heath by ensuring that children are immunized, eat balanced diet and engage in physical activities. Furthermore, government and medical practitioners have as well the responsibility of promoting wellness and quality healthcare amongst children.

 

References

Binder, L., & Rudolph, B. (2009). Commentary: A Systematic Review of Health Care Efficiency            Measures, Health Services Research, 44(3): 806-811.

Levels of care. (2013). Retrieved from:          http://health.utah.gov/hflcra/facinfo/HFLevelsOfCare.PDF

Valentine, F. (2002). Children’s services, Nursing Management – UK, 9(1):12