How the concentration of an acid affects the rate of reaction on marble chips :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

How the concentration of an dosage affects the rate of reaction on marble chipsBackgroundThese different speeds of reaction be referred to as their rates. Therate of reaction depends on how often and how heavy(a) the reactingparticles collide with each other. Particles have to collide in orderto react, and the have to collide hard enough as well. This is calledthe collision theory.When the temperature is increased the particles all move quicker. Ifthey are moving quicker accordingly they are going to have more collisions.Reactions unless happen if the particles collide with enough energy. Ata higher temperature there impart be more particles colliding withenough energy to make the reaction happen. This sign energy isknown as the activation energy, and it is needed to break the initialbonds. If one of the reactants is a solid then breaking it up intosmaller pieces bequeath increase its surface area. This means theparticles around it in the event will have more area to work on sothere will be more useful collisions. A catalyst works by giving thereacting particles something to stick to where they can bump into eachother. This obviously increases the number of collisions too. If thesolution is made more concentrated it means that there are moreparticles of reactant knocking ab surface mingled with the water molecules,which makes collisions between the important particles more likely.Chemists overseeing orotund reactions in industrial situations mustcarefully consider the rates of reactions. For some reactions, such asthe production of a final material, fast reactions will be desirableto increase production and therefore sales profit. For otherreactions, such as the degradation of a material, reducing the ratemay be skilful to increase the lifetime of a product.Times Education Series Chemistry GCSEPlanI will investigate how the concentration affects the rate of reactionbetween hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate (marble chips). Therate of reaction c an be measured by measuring the amount of gasproduced after a indisputable amount of time.The reaction will withstand place in the conical flask from where the gasproduced will travel into the up-turned measuring cylinder. The gaswill then displace the water in the tube. I will measure out exactly50ml of 1molar hydrochloric acid into the conical flask. I will thenweigh out exactly or as close as possible to 2 grams of small sizedmarble chips. I will put the chips into the flask with the acid andimmediately place the bung over it so as to lose as little gas aspossible. I will then take readings at intervals of fifteen seconds.

Computer Use in the Construction Industry :: Expository Essays Research Papers

Computer Use in the Construction IndustryTechnological advances are benefiting the construction business in many different ways. On-line services, estimating software, and blueprint design (CAD) are just some of the areas that have enhanced the building world. Commercial and residential contractors are all of a sudden seeing how computer technology can benefit their business and are straightway utilizing it more and more everyday. For the past thirty to forty years, construction, technologies, and practices had hardly changed. From the conscription boards to finished product, building science stayed very conventional and for the most part simple. According to Building Performance Construction Services, Builders are adverse to change.1 They had a system and it worked, so why change it? Statistically proven, over the past couple of years there has been a significant increase in disceptation and customer demand. Thus, forcing companies to use advanced building materials, tec hniques, and technology to keep up to date in the competitive world. Computer programs like estimating software, Computer assisted outline (CAD), Excel, and Access are all designed to draw, compute, and keep track of information for you. Estimating software uses pre-programmed data to come up with price figures they are virtually wrongful conduct free and can be done fast, in a fraction of the cartridge clip it would take to complete a task in longhand. Computer Aided Drafting, or (CAD), can draw plans that are exactly to scale and viewable in 3D from every angle imaginable. This allows new modern design techniques and course to become possible and put to use. Excel and Access create spreadsheets and compute equations to organize and categorize necessary material. Excel can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, as puff up as many other functions automatically which can then be applied to a document on the computer, saving a lot of time and paperwork. It is obvious that programs like these make the managerial side of construction much faster and easier. Using advanced equipment is another way computers have revolutionized the building industry. electronic tools are constantly improving with the use of lasers, digital equipment and battery-power. Lasers for cutting or leveling purposes enable projects to be more precise and accurate. Digital equipment can bring through needed data on the jobsite to a card/disk, which can then be downloaded and accessed from a computer system. Advances in battery technology can now power many tools changing the way the construction process is approached.

Too Much Science in Walden Two by B.F. Skinner Essay -- Psychology

Too oftentimes Science? In the 1930s, Europe began to f either under the shadow of collectivism with the rise of the Nazi p artistic creationy in Germany, the Communist Revolution in Russia, and the fascistic uprising in Italy. Americans tried to ignore this growing crisis in Europe for as long as executable evening some in the joined Kingdom were not unduly concerned with this sudden change. Some people, including authors Aldous Huxley, were startled and put their fears down on paper. Huxleys Brave radical World shows an unsettling approving front that covers the disturbing reality of a futuristic socialist world. After the war ended, more novels about the socialism appeared, George Orwells 1984 and B.F. Skinners Walden 2 as a few examples, though they are complete opposites on the views of socialism presented. In Walden Two, the tone is very positive. The head of the community, a man named T.E. Frazier, explains each aspect of the thriving communal se ttlement to a group of curious enquirers. The party includes an old colleague of Fraziers, a psychology professor named Burris, a ism professor named Augustine Castle, and two veteran soldiers from World War Two named Steve Jamnik and Rogers, along with their girlfriends Mary Grove and Barbara Macklin, respectively. Frazier walks them through all the shapeings of the Walden Two community, from the agricultural cultivatees, sheep herding techniques, and work schedules to the moral code, education system, and personal relationships. He says that one of the problems with the United States government is that it does not use the scientific process to find out what the people of the state of matter need and want. He claims that everything runs so smoothly in Walden Two because the community is... ...t provider for people of all ages and races, with equivalence of the sexes and gentle behavioral engineering that encourages art and science. Huxleys Brave New World, on the other hand, shows how drastically wrong genetic and behavioral sciences could go if allowed to do so. Both novels show how communal lively solves numerous social problems, though Walden Two has a much more peaceful setting instead of the treat one created by Huxley. The question both(prenominal) books bring up is how far the human race should allow science to go before we become carbon paper copies of each other or even completely inhuman. But then, how far is too far?Works CitedSkinner, B.F. Walden Two. United States of America Prentice Hall, 1976.Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York, New York HarperCollins Publishers Inc. c1932 Huxley.com, 1998. 16 kinfolk 2004. . Too Much Science in Walden Two by B.F. Skinner Essay -- PsychologyToo Much Science? In the 1930s, Europe began to fall under the shadow of socialism with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, the Communist Revolution in Russia, and the Fascist uprising in Italy. Americans tried to ignore this gr owing crisis in Europe for as long as possible even some in the United Kingdom were not unduly concerned with this sudden change. Some people, including authors Aldous Huxley, were startled and put their fears down on paper. Huxleys Brave New World shows an unsettling optimistic front that covers the disturbing reality of a futuristic socialist world. After the war ended, more novels about the socialism appeared, George Orwells 1984 and B.F. Skinners Walden Two as a few examples, though they are complete opposites on the views of socialism presented. In Walden Two, the tone is very positive. The head of the community, a man named T.E. Frazier, explains every aspect of the thriving communal settlement to a group of curious enquirers. The party includes an old colleague of Fraziers, a psychology professor named Burris, a philosophy professor named Augustine Castle, and two veteran soldiers from World War Two named Steve Jamnik and Rogers, along with their girlfriends Mary G rove and Barbara Macklin, respectively. Frazier walks them through all the workings of the Walden Two community, from the agricultural processes, sheep herding techniques, and work schedules to the moral code, education system, and personal relationships. He says that one of the problems with the United States government is that it does not use the scientific process to find out what the people of the nation need and want. He claims that everything runs so smoothly in Walden Two because the community is... ...t provider for people of all ages and races, with equality of the sexes and gentle behavioral engineering that encourages art and science. Huxleys Brave New World, on the other hand, shows how drastically wrong genetic and behavioral sciences could go if allowed to do so. Both novels show how communal living solves numerous social problems, though Walden Two has a much more peaceful setting instead of the mock one created by Huxley. The question both books bring up is how far the human race should allow science to go before we become carbon copies of each other or even completely inhuman. But then, how far is too far?Works CitedSkinner, B.F. Walden Two. United States of America Prentice Hall, 1976.Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. New York, New York HarperCollins Publishers Inc. c1932 Huxley.com, 1998. 16 September 2004. .

Asoka of India :: essays research papers

Asoka was one of the greatest rulers of ancient India. He was the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya of Magadha who established the first Indian empire. Chandragupta reigned for twenty-four years before relinquishing his deal in favor of his son, Bundusara (Asokas father), who left no noticeable mark upon the empire. Asoka was born in 304 B.C. and was known in his youth as Canda Asoka (the fierce Asoka) because of his aggressive nature.     Asoka came to the throne in 270 B.C. after a power struggle that ended in the death of one of his brothers. He was at first disposed to follow the guinea pig of his father and grandfather and complete the conquest of the Indian peninsula. In about 256 B.C. Asoka attacked Kalinga, a country on the east coast of Madras, in order to set forth his empire, which he ruled as a tyrant at the time. Asoka succeeded in conquering Kalinga in the bloody war in which 100,000 men were killed, 150,000 injured, and thousands were captured and retained as slaves. The sight of the slaughter involved in his conquest deeply distressed Asoka and deeply affected his mind. Overwhelmed by the carnage, he changed his way of life.     Asoka, who practiced Brahmanism, renounced war eternally and sought peace in Buddhas preachings of love and ahimsa. The war developed in him a hatred of all kinds of violence so he gave up hunting and the slaughtering of animals. He became a strict vegetarian. His son, Mahinda, became a Theraveda monk and was sent to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Asoka spent time piously retracing the steps of the Buddha and raising stupas inscribed with chaste injunctions and imperatives at holy places of pilgrimage, and for some two years he became a member of a Buddhist order without relinquishing his role as Emperor.     Asokas conversion to Buddhism, affected with the help of his own teacher, Upragupta, was gradual. Even though he did little to change the system of go vernment he inherited, he introduced a impudent and powerful moral idealism, which was a moral rule or way of life in the Buddhist sense, as he understood it. He called this the virtue of Piety. This law, though following the tenets of the Buddha, was distinct from them and peculiar to Asoka. It was to become one of the great turning points of the civilization of the East, having profound effects throughout the neighboring kingdoms, not least in

Isolation in Bartleby the Scrivener :: Bartleby Scrivener Essays

Isolation in Bartleby the Scrivener   "I prefer not to," "I prefer not to," tells the reader about Bartleby isolating himself. The phrase shows his neglect of involvement, an otherwise form of isolation. The narrator tells the reader exactly what he did to Bartleby, very vividly, as shown below. In the novella, the author tells the reader, down to the smallest detail, what he did to Bartleby to isolate him from the world. He tells us in this passage, "I placed his desk close up to a small side window in that part of the room, a window which originally had afforded a lateral view of certain grimy backyards, and bricks, but which, owning to insubsequent erections, commanded at present, no view at all, though it gave some soft. Within three feet of the panes was a wall, and the light came down from far above between two lofty buildings, as from a very small opening in a dome. Still pass on to satisfactory arrangement, I procured a green folding screen, which might entirely isolate Bartleby from my sight, though, not remove him from my voice." The quotation describes how the narrator secludes Bartleby from society. Even his window, usually a form of escape, results in Bartleby being trapped behind another wall, thus reinforcing his total isolation. The irony lies in the fact that the narrator, while trying to isolate Bartleby, becomes abnormal by it, so much so that he appears almost human. Instead of dismissing him on the spot for refusing to copy, proofread or leave the premises, he tries to find other employment for him, and even considers inviting him to live in his residence as his guest. The narrator develops before our eyes into a caring soul, very different from the cold, unsympathetic person at the beginning of the story. "To befriend Bartleby, to humor him in his strange willfulness, will cost me little or nothing, while I lay up in my soul what will eventually prove a sweet morsel for my conscience." The na rrator would normally befriend Bartleby or any other "sucker," but Bartleby has tending(p) him a conscience. The narrator has realized that a common blemish in a person does not determine the person. In the beginning of the novella, the narrator alone cared about his work, but now he realizes that people have a life outside of work, except Bartleby.

Isolation in Bartleby the Scrivener :: Bartleby Scrivener Essays

Isolation in Bartleby the Scrivener   "I prefer not to," "I prefer not to," tells the reader roughly Bartleby isolating himself. The phrase shows his lack of involvement, another form of isolation. The fibber tells the reader exactly what he did to Bartleby, genuinely vividly, as shown below. In the novella, the author tells the reader, down to the smallest detail, what he did to Bartleby to isolate him from the world. He tells us in this passage, "I placed his desk close up to a small side window in that part of the room, a window which originally had afforded a lateral view of certain grimy backyards, and bricks, but which, owning to insubsequent erections, commanded at present, no view at all, though it gave some light. inside three feet of the panes was a wall, and the light came down from far above between two lofty buildings, as from a very small opening in a dome. Still further to satisfactory arrangement, I procured a green folding screen, wh ich might entirely isolate Bartleby from my sight, though, not remove him from my voice." The quotation describes how the narrator secludes Bartleby from society. Even his window, usually a form of escape, results in Bartleby being trapped behind another wall, thus reinforcing his total isolation. The irony lies in the fact that the narrator, duration trying to isolate Bartleby, becomes affected by it, so much so that he appears almost human. Instead of dismissing him on the spot for refusing to copy, proofread or escape the premises, he tries to find other employment for him, and even considers inviting him to live in his residence as his guest. The narrator develops before our eyes into a caring person, very different from the cold, unsympathetic person at the beginning of the story. "To befriend Bartleby, to humor him in his strange willfulness, will cost me little or nothing, while I lay up in my soul what will eventually prove a sweet morsel for my conscience." Th e narrator would normally befriend Bartleby or whatever other "sucker," but Bartleby has given him a conscience. The narrator has realized that a common blemish in a person does not determine the person. In the beginning of the novella, the narrator only cared about his work, but now he realizes that people have a life outside of work, except Bartleby.

Does the Bangladeshi Worker Community Experience Ill Health more than their White British Counterparts?

1.AbstractFor a person to enjoy a good quality of life, remaining strong and legal is essential. However the ability to retain good health is much affected by a jog of diverse factors including ethnicity, living standards, age, occupation and access to medical examination facilities. The purpose of this look is to investigate whether of people of workings age within the East Pakistani Community are more prone to illness that their counterparts within the white British population. 2.Aims of the StudyResearch Question Does the Bangladeshi worker community hold ill health more than their White British counterparts?In hostelry to explore the question of whether Bangladeshi people of working age are more prone to illness when compared to their White British counterparts, I go chosen to acknowledgment and collect sayation on the followingThe attitudes that Bangladeshi and White British workers shake off towards ill health The knowledge and awareness that Bangladeshi workers have towards accessing NHS runs The ship canal in which Bangladeshi workers can become more aware of the means of reducing ill health How Bangladeshi workers can be encouraged to make lifestyle changes in ensnare to nurture their health Literature reappraisalThe Literature review I conducted has revealed evidence which suggest that Bangladeshi workers are more prone to illness than their White British counterparts. For instance- enquiry conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 2007, revealed a significant difference between levels of long- line illness within the White British and Bangladeshi working age communities (Salway et al, 2007). According to the research, 16% of the White British sample suffered from long term illness, compared to 64% of the Bangladeshi sample. There was also a marked difference in the age of onset, with the White British workers within the sample experiencing illness between the ages of 50 and 59, whereas the Bangladeshi sample experienced onse t between 34 and 39.The relationship between health and ethnicity has been an area of much debate and exploration amongst academics over the years, and has oft been linked to the concept of, social exclusion, an aspect of which relates to the difficulties that some ethnic minorities have in accessing adequate housing, employment, opportunities and public services. ( Purdy and Banks, 2001). Concerns regarding the inequalities that ethnic minorities encounter when accessing welfare service systems created vital legislation in the early 1980s in the form of the Black Report, and addresses inequalities that continue to exist today, The Black Report placed strain on material explanations for class inequalities in health, which given the class locations of ethnic minority people might also be relevant to ethnic inequalities in health. ( Nazroo in Bury and Gabe, 2002145). More recently, research conducted as part of the Fourth National Survey of Ethnic Minorities in 1993 suggested that some Asian groups such as Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are more at risk of experiencing acute heart disease than other ethnicities, an assertion that has been controversial amongst academics, While this border on was useful in reveal the extent to which convenient assumptions of similarity within obviously heterogeneous groups were false, it could be suggested that these findings mean we can use the term, Pakistani and Bangladeshi heart disease, rather than, s give awayherly Asian heart disease to describe the situation ( Nazroo in Bury and Gabe, 2004 147). These insights and others very much informed my opinion as I embarked on this research project. 4.SampleSocial Classification, Age, Sample Size, Location and Research TimingsIn order to explore a wide range of attitudes towards health, I recruited respondents using a random take in approach, in order to construe that a range of attitudes and perspectives were explored. As a result, the sample comprised a wide range of occ upation and educational backgrounds and abilities, reflecting all of the categories of play social and market research social classification ( Robson, 2002 ) This form of classification consists of the following GRADESOCAL CLASSOCCUPATION AUpper Middle ClassSenior Management or original BMiddle ClassAssociate Management or Professional C1Lower Middle ClassClerical, admin and support staff C2Skilled Working ClassSkilled manual workers with a perfunctory training or qualifications DUn skilled Working ClassUn skilled manual workers without formal qualifications or training EPeople who exist on low incomes and benefitsCan be boththing from casual workers to pensionersIn order to construct a sample which reflected the categories in the above table, I recruited respondents at locations regularly frequented by people of all backgrounds, including the Croydon Whitgift Shopping Centre, Croydon High Street and the Croydon Bangladeshi Welfare Association. I recruited 40 respondents in tot al- which included working people within the Bangladeshi and White British populations, between the ages of 25 and 60. Both male and female respondents are included and research commenced at the bloodline of March and concluded at the beginning of May.5.Research ConsiderationsEthics and info ProtectionBefore conducting the research, I gained the approval and permission of both the London Borough of Croydon and the Universitys Ethical Review Committee. Prior to mocking the respondents, I explained to them the purpose of the research, how their opinions would inform the findings, and how the findings would be used. I also assured them that their views would remain completely confidential, and that they had the opportunity to opt out of the project at any time they wished to. The questions were also carefully constructed in a manner that would not cause distress or offence, and I made a concerted political campaign to make them feel comfortable and valued (Bryman, 2012).Limitations and Researcher BiasAs with all research projects, this investigation had certain imperfections and limitations in its design and execution. Above all, the study would most believably have been very different if it had been conducted within a, real world research context without the researcher having to juggle the research work with other priorities such as course work. Also, as the data was collected in one area, it may be regionally biased. However, it should be pointed out that the majority of people within communities experience many similar conditions and socialising factors, which can make, snap- shot studies representative of the larger population valid, and on the whole and much social, commercial and market research is carried out in this manner. Another factor than can affect the reliability of data is the possibility of respondents expressing what they feel researchers want them to hear- therefore modifying or embellishing responses. Whilst this remains an issue in al l research projects, it should be pointed out that the rapid answering that quantitative closed questionnaires tends to produce, will most likely make respondents answer bluntly and accurately- without the after-thoughts that inform much qualitative work (Robson, 2002).6.MethodologyData Collection MethodsThe project used a variety of methodologies including an initial pilot study, primary and secondary methods. Secondary and desk research, including the Literature Review was undertaken in order to create a detailed knowledge of the subject which was to be explored in the research, as well as key hypotheses to be addressed. Additionally, a pilot study was conducted prior to undertaking the fieldwork in order to test the relevance and clarity of the questions and subjects posed to respondents, as a means of making the fieldwork as effective and seamless as possible.During the primary, fieldwork stage of research, I chose to use a mostly quantitative questionnaire with close ended ques tions, in order to specifically focalize on the topics that needed to be explored to satisfy the research objectives. This created a situation in which respondents answers were consistently relevant. However in order to ensure that the respondents had the opportunity to express additional issues relating to the topics, I also included several open ended questions- inspired by a more qualitative approach.Data Analysis MethodsOnce the fieldwork had been completed I chose to use the Statistical Package for Social Sciences or SPSS as a means of analysing the data I had collected. This approach provides several benefits, including the ability to record and log data quickly and to organize it across a range of analytical formats including statistical and multivariative approaches. For presentation purposes, the results were ordered into graphs, charts and tables ( Blaxter, et al, 2011) which spirited to debase misunderstandings and comprehension issues. 7.Dissemination of Findings and ResultsThe research findings were presented using a short reform format and have been made available to the University for future reference. During the life of the project, I also unplowed the sponsor up-to-date with the findings as they developed, both in the shape of preliminary insights and the conclusive more detailed final report. I have also passed the findings onto the respondents via email, and have thanked them enormously for their crucial participation in the project.Key FindingsCrucially, the research revealed that minority ethnic respondents experienced aspects of social exclusion, both in terms of accessing mainstream health services and golf-club in general. This is mainly attributed to the lack of English language skills that some of the sample had, as well as cultural issues which result in the secrecy and silver screen of health issues, problems and ailments. Within the Bangladeshi sample there was also a tendency for health issues to be internalised within the s ocial and family networks of the community itself- which also resulted in a resistance to seeking mainstream NHS support and services. ConclusionsThe Bangldeshi worker community have a tendency to experience the onset of serious illnesses earlier than their White British counterparts, through a range of behavioural and cultural factors that prevent them from accessing NHS service in a systematic manner that would improve their health.Considerations for Future ResearchThe aim of the research was to provide information and insights relating to why Bangladeshis are prone to ill health, and how public awareness can be raised in order to address their problems. However, during the fieldwork and analysis stage, I was very surprised to the extent that people within the Bangladeshi community conceal their ill health and delay accessing help as a result of strong societal and cultural pressures. Therefore, I have emphasised the need for additional research in the final report, in order to ob tain more information on this subject, as a means of devising solutions that can help eradicate such problems. Based on the research that has been conducted so far, I am confident that my data collection and data analysis approaches offer effective means of generating crucial findings- but would also recommend using different methodologies for future research such as qualitative focus groups and brass to face interviews. This approach will enable the researcher to retrieve a greater understanding of key issues, and can involve the use of enabling and projective techniques that can enable respondents to express themselves in a clearer manner. ( Robson, 2002). Focus groups and face to face interviews can also provide vital insights on behaviour and practice which is not always possible when using a quantitative approach. (Bryman, 2012). This is often expressed through the recall of certain situations and experiences- which can also serve to create a greater understanding of the con texts of certain situation- for instance, the specific ways in which Bangladeshi people interact with NHS services.9.Details of FundingThe research was budgeted at ?500 and was funded by Research Councils UK ( RCUK). The organisation regularly commissions research within a range of academic disciplines including medical, biological, social, economic and environmental sciences, in order to investigate ways of increasing wellbeing within society. The research I conducted was funded with the intention of finding ways to address the impact of poor health within the Bangladeshi working age community.BibliographyBack, L. Solomos, ( 1995) Race, governing and Social Change. London Routledge.Blaxter, L. Hughes, C. Tight, M. (2011) How to Research, 4th ed. Cambridge Open University Press.Bury, M. (1997) Health and unsoundness in a Changing Society. London Routledge.Bury, B. Gabe, J. ( 2004) The Sociology of Health and Illness. London Routledge.Bryman, A. ( 2012) Social Research Methods. Lon don Palgrave.Israel, M. and May, I. (2006) Research Ethics for Social Scientists. London Sage.Purdy, M. Banks D ( 2001) The Sociology of Politics and Health. London Routledge.Robson, R. ( 2002) Real World Research. London Blackwell.Salway, S. Platt, L. Chowbey, P. Harriss, K. Bayliss, E. (2007) Long- Term Ill Health, Poverty and Ethnicity. London Policy PressZikmund, G. William (2003) Business Research Methods. London South Western.http//www.jrf.org.uk/publications/long-term-ill-health-poverty-and-ethnicity(Accessed eleventh March 2013)

The Usa Beef Exported To Eu Is Safe And Should Not Be Banned

It has been a decade since the European Union (EU) issued a 10-year eject of U. S. import quetch treated with hormone additives. The primary reason set by EU was the fact that scientific advertisers ar convinced the hormone additives in squall be harmful to piece health (James, Barry 1999). Despite the fact that the World Trade composition (WTO), the international body that regulates international trade policies and laws, ruled out the ban, the EU preferred to defy much(prenominal) ruling.Such a vital economic event beat upd multi-faceted set up in the international congresss of both nations economic, political, ethical and cultural relations. The main point is non the ban itself, rather, it is the fact that on that point has been no solid scientific evidences further established by the EU out front it ordered the ban on US hormone-treated kvetch. In fact, three neutral members of the WTO panel arbitrators ruled that the EUs decade-old ban on the import of hormone-t reated beef broke world(prenominal) trade rules (Thompson, Sharon R.1999 cited in Orr, Rena 2001). This paper provide focus on the health safety of hormone-treated beef exported by U. S. to the EU. In this premise, this paper will present facts and figures that will prove the safety claims coition to hormone additives using scientific studies by the representatives of both nations. The events leading up to the ban on the domestic use of hormones in oxen raising and on imports of hormone-treated beef atomic number 18 important in explaining the political longevity of the issue in Europe.In many ways the story begins with the growing of non- regimenal institutions, such as the consumer and environmental groups, to wash upher with the rise of the European Parliament, each cutting their political teeth on issues that appeared to resonate with public opinion. The beef-hormone contr oversy was do to measure for these organizations. Trade concerns were non dominant in the early ye ars, and the disciplines applied by trade rules were in any case weak.European livestock producers were searching for ways to stimulate growth in cattle, and took eagerly to the use of hormones, but sometimes with inadequate knowledge of the consequences of misuse of such chemicals. Regulatory control sometimes slipped mingled with the cracks, as coordination and harmonization of national regulations progressed haltingly in the European Union. The fall in States has about 90% of its beef production raised with growth hormones (capital of Minnesotason, Michael 1999).Growth hormones are injected to cattle for the purpose of enhancing muscle and plunk growth and thereby allowing cattle to produce more milk (Bald, Renee and Bill Bigelow 2002). The process is as simple as injecting tiny pellets of these hormones into the ears of the cattle (Jacobs, Paul 1999). Such hormones are approved and permitted to be legally used as per federal laws by ranchers in producing burdeny and lean c ows (Paulson, Michael 1999).There are generally six types of hormones used in beef production and three of these are natural sex hormones- testosterone, progesterone and oestradiol-17 beta (Bald, Renee and Bill Bigelow 2002). In the fact poll make by Health Canada (2005), hormonal growth promoters are defined and explained as follows Hormonal growth promoters are naturally occurring or celluloid products. They are approved for use in beef cattle. The effect of hormonal growth promoters (HGPs) is to increase lean tissue growth.Fat deposition is reduced and since fat is so energy dense, food conversion efficiency is increased. The impart is a healthier product which is produced at a lower cost to the consumer. The fact sheet also defined the growth hormone somatotropin as a naturally occurring substance in both existence and animals. It is responsible for skeletal, organ and cadre growth and Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) as a synthetic version of the naturally occurri ng growth hormone somatotropin which is approved for use in the US to increase the production of milk in dairy cattle. The safety of growth promoters has been confirmed by the codex Alementarius. Codex Alementarius with FAO/WHO skillful Committee on fodder Additives recommended minimum daily intake of 17 beta estradiol, progesterone and testosterone but maximum residue limit was not indicated (Orr, Rena 2001). This means that the available data on the identity and concentration of residues of the veterinary medicate in animal tissues indicate a wide margin of safety for consumption of residues in food when the drug is used according to good practice in the use of veterinary drugs (ibid).As background information, the Codex program is under the supervision and sponsorship of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The said program aims to develop food standards that would fit the requirements or needs of participating nations of which as of 2001 a s already 150 nations. Primarily, Codex program targets to minimize non-tariff trade barriers. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), on the other hand is an independent international arm dispassionate of experts in food general health and safety issues.It is this international body that focuses on the scientific evaluation of a veterinary drug without consideration of government policies and politics (Orr, Rena 2001). Codex Alementarius with FAO/WHO concluded that the presence of drug residues does not present health concern and does not pose any health risk to humans (JECFA Fifty-second Meeting Summary and Conclusions, 1999 cited in Orr, Rena 2001). In addition, JECFA concluded that there is no need to establish maximum residue levels for the hormones Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone because the presence of residues would not present a health concern (ibid).The Lamming Committee convention (1982) and the Scientific Conference on Meat Production (1995) confirmed growth promoters are safe (Galvin, Timothy US Dept of Agriculture, 2000). Timothy Galvin is the Administrator of opposed Agricultural Service of US Department of Agriculture. In his statement before the Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation and Rural Revitalization, Galvin stressed that the EUs ban ignores a body of scientific evidence showing that the growth promotants in question are safe when used in concurrence with good animal husbandry practices (Galvin, 2000).Studies in the last four decades founder confirmed that the proper use of these compounds, according to approved registered labels, poses no risk to human or animal health. EUs own Scientific Conference on Growth Promotants held in 1995 reached the same conclusion (BBC News Online, May 13, 1999). In its statement released and published in BBC News Online on May 13, 1999, the unite States speakers insist those experts from JECFA, FAO and WHO have already released its reconfirmation on the safety of growth h ormones under accepted veterinary practice.With this, there should have been no reason to continue with the ban. In addition, they pointed out that EU already presented these arguments to an impartial WTO dispute-settlement panel in 1997 and lost and even in its ingathering a year after (ibid). Galvin (2000) also stressed in his statement In each of its decisions, the WTO found that the EU beef hormone ban is not agreeed by an adequate risk analysis nor is there credible evidence to indicate that there are health risks associated with hormone-treated beef. The US Food Administration, husbandry and WTO and other researchers have concluded that growth hormones are safe if used properly (Lusk, et. al. 2003). Although EU consumers have negative perceptions as to the health hazards of genetically circumscribed foods, of which hormone-treated beef belongs, it should not be a basis for the ban. Perceptions are clearly different from scientifically proved evidences of health risks. Acc ording to Bureau of Consumer Unions based in Brussels, EU consumers are demanding risk-free foods because of the phobia they got from past experiences of pesticide contaminated meats (Lusk, et.al. 2003). However, if we are to base on available facts from scientific studies, hormones are unlike pesticides that go off pose health hazards when in food. In fact, there are studies that show that hormones are naturally present in infinitesimal amounts in all meat whether infix or not (Q&A Growth Promoting Hormones, cited in Orr 2001). Aside from this, the National Cattlemen Beef Association (2001) stressed that the amount of estrogen in plant-source foods is larger than in meat.A standard serving of potatoes contains 225 nanograms of estrogen man a three-ounce serving of beef from an implanted twist contains 1. 9 nanograms of estrogen. Published in the Los Angeles Times in April 19, 1999, Paul Jacobs presented the argument of the US government that three of the six hormones used in b eef production are legal as per federal laws and that these are hormones that are naturally in the human system, thus confirming the statement of the National Cattlemen Beef Association as stated above.Ironic to the EU ban, scientific panel organized by the EU agreed with the WTO stand that these hormones are perfectly safe (Jacobs, Paul 1999). Even if 17-beta estradiol has tumor initiating and promoting effects, the substance is freely available over the counter in the United States along with other hormone additives (James, Barry 1999). The human body naturally produces hormones in amounts greater than what is being consumed by eating meat or any food (National Cattlemen Beef Association cited in Orr, Rena 2001).What often is not recognized is that the natural levels that are found in other animal foods, such as eggs or milk or butter, are substantially higher than those that occur in animal tissue as a result of use of these hormones (Ellis, Richard cited in Jacobs, Paul 1999). Ellis is the director of scientific research oversight for the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Dan Glickman, the U. S. secretary of agriculture, also insists that U. S. beef, whether grown with hormones or not, is absolutely safe, and that EU scientists have consistently failed to come up with proof to the contrary (Barry, James 1999).EU is also fearful of the effect of rBST hormone, as one of the six hormones being used in cattle production in the US. The said hormone was said to have an effect of increasing the rate of infection in cattle. Although this is true, the infection is not applicable in humans (Bald, Renee and Bill Bigelow 2002). Another fear of the EU consumers and its government is the mutation effects of hormones. Although EU scientists identified at least one ordinarily used hormone (17 beta estradiol) as complete carcinogen, it was a common mistake to assume that the substance like other hormones causes cell mutation (James, Barry 1999).Such hormones are feared as endocrine disrupters which was explained by an American scientist as having an effect in the process of cell development but does not have solid invoice as to how it really works as of this moment (Sonnenschein, Carlos cited in Barry, James 1999). The scientist explained that in assessing the risk of endocrine disrupters, therefore, it is necessary to consider their effect not wholly on individual cells but on the relations among cells. In this ground, EU does not have the reasonable and supported evidence as to fearing the mutation effects of hormone-treated beef especially with humans. Lacking proof, the EU can only fall back on observe effects, such as the specific distribution and observed increase of hormone-associated diseases, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, in many countries of the world that may be caused by hormones and hormone-like substances in the human aliment (ibid).Growth promoting hormones has been used in the beef industry for decades by countries o ther than the U. S. The Health Protection Branch of Health Canada approved the use of natural hormones 17 estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and synthetic hormones as zeranol, trenbolone acetate and melengestrol acetate (Taylor, 1983). The C picture for Global Food Issues also has approved the safety of the growth hormones in beef production in relation to human health. There are three factors enumerated and explained by the scientific body.The first factor is the process by which the hormones are administered to the cattle. According to the authors, the doses of hormone implant are specific as to legal and authorized doses per FDA regulations (Avery, Alex and Dennis Avery 2008). The authors also stressed that the implant ensures that the hormone is released into the animals bloodstream very slowly so that the concentration of the hormone in the animal remains relatively constant and low (ibid).Here is an interesting fact stated by the authors Because the ear is discarded at harv est, the implant does not enter the food chain. There is no way that cattle raisers or producers of hormone-treated beef will administer the hormone in excess of what is required since it will honest bring them additional cost for such unnecessary step. This second factor stressed by Avery et. al. (2008) is very significant in proving the cattle raisers were stuck to the limits of hormone battery-acid and that is economically wise.IN fact, there is very little impact on weight gain when such hormone will be administered beyond required dosage. Avery (et. al. 2008) also stressed that USDA is conducting annual monitoring of hormone administration in cattle to ensure everything is done with proper precautions and safety measures. The third factor is relative to the dosage of hormones administered in cattle and its impact on hormone levels in beef. Even with reference to the natural hormones produced by the human body, such dosage is comparatively low level.A pound of beef raised usin g estradiol contains approximately 15,000 times less of this hormone than the amount produced daily by the honest man and about 9 million times less than the amount produced by a pregnant woman (Avery, Alex et. al. 2008). According to JECFAs calculation, even if a person is consuming one pound of beef and that the amount of hormone in such beef is at the highest level of ingestion amount (50 nanograms of estradiol, it is calm down less than one-thirtieth of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of estradiol for a 75 pound child.This is based on the regulatory requirement set by WHO/FAO Expert Committee (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. 1999 cited in Avery, et. al. 2008). In a separate study, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), stated that a person would need to eat over 13 pounds of beef from an implanted steer to equal the amount of estradiol naturally found in a wiz egg and that a glass of milk contains about nine times as much estradiol as a half-pound of be ef from an implanted steer (Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA 1999 cited in Avery et. al. 2008). Avery et. al.(2008) stressed that governing bodies that can prove the safety of hormone treated beef exported by the United States which include The European Agriculture Commission Scientific Conference on Growth Promotion in Meat Production (1995) and Sub-Group of the Veterinary Products Committee of the British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (1999). Having been proven of its safety, let us now look into the consumer preferences and awareness as to buying hormone-treated beef produced in the United States. Consumers are actually aware of Genetically change Foods (GM Foods) but are still willing to buy them.A survey on US consumers found that concern on the hazards of hormone residues in food be average on the list, even below the concerns for contaminants (bacteria and pesticides) (Kramer and Penner, cited in Lusk, et. al. 2003). In a separate study, by the Food Marketi ng Institute found that only 1% of consumers volunteered to be concerned with hormone residue (Lusk, et. al 2003). Apart from this, 65% of US consumers are aware of biotechnology, 73% of who were willing to buy GM foods while 21% biotechnology as health risk (Hoban, 1996).A survey of EU consumers found that consumer awareness of biotechnology ranged from 55 to 57% in France and the United demesne to 91% in Germany. Only 30% of German consumers were willing to buy GM foods whereas 57% viewed biotechnology as a health risk. In France and the United Kingdom, 60 and 63% were willing to buy GM foods with 38 and 39% viewed them as a health risk (Hoban 1996). An experimental auction found that consumers displace more value on the leanness of pork than the use of hormone itself (Lusk, et. al. 2003).A survey of US student consumers found that 70% were unwilling to pay a premium to exchange a bag of GM corn chips for a bag of non-GM corn chips but 20% were willing to pay at least $. 20/oz i n exchange (Lusk, et. al. 2003). EUs ban of US beef for safety reasons is baseless and a clear violation. WTO rules 3 times that the ban on the use of certain hormones to promote growth of cattle violated the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement (Galvin, Timothy, Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of Agriculture, 2000).Europeans who traditionally get their beef from aging bulls and dairy cowsare sometimes subjected to far higher amounts of natural sex hormones than they would get from U. S. cattle. Americans point out that a slaughtered bull, for example, can have 10 times more natural testosterone in its flesh than a treated steer (Jacobs, Paul, The Los Angeles Times, 1999). Estrogen levels from treated cattle are, on average, 3% higher than the meat from an untreated animal. For testosterone and progesterone, the differences are less than one-tenth of 1% (Ellis, Richard, US Dept.of Agriculture cited in Jacobs, 1999). These evidences of the health safety of hormone-t reated beef produced by the United States did not move the EU authorities and did not at all lift the ban. As of this time, there has been no solid scientific evidence yet presented by the EU authorities to justify the decade-long ban. Despite the continuing ban on US beef, the federal government, in cooperation with the USDA and the American livestock producers has been winning all the efforts they could possibly exert in keeping the market alive and growing without the EU market.What the government did was to support the cattle raisers and beef producers in desire and developing new markets to make it up with the lost EU beef market which is undoubtedly significant to the US beef export. As a result, U. S. beef exports represent one of the true success stories in our agricultural trade (Galvin, 2000). Galvin stated that the United States is now able to export more than 80 pct of what is being imported based on volume, and the trade surplus in beef exceeds $1 billion annually. Th e bottom line therefore is that the United States should not be wasting its time and resources in appealing to the EU to lift the ban on hormone-treated beef. This is primarily because it has already proven its case on the safety of the products. Secondly, the United States have proven itself able to establish and develop new markets and strategies to cover what is being lost in the ban. Lastly, the United States have all the resources to support the cattle and beef industry as it can with other industries so what it needs to focus now is to help the industry continue to rise. WORKS CITED Avery, Alex and Dennis Avery (2008).The environmental Safety and Benefits of Growth Enhancing Pharmaceutical Technologies in Beef Production. Retrieved on shew 22, 2008 from http//www. thecattlesite. com/articles/1240/the-environmental-safety-and-benefits-of-growth-enhancing-pharmaceutical-technologies-in-beef-production Bald, Renee and Bill Bigelow (2002). The Beef Hormone Controversy Whose Free Trade? Retrieved on action 09, 2008 from http//www. rethinkingschools. org/publication/rg/RGBeef. shtml Battle over beef hormones. BBC News Online, May 13, 1999. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/business/the_economy/342310.stm Galvin, Timothy (2000). Statement of Timothy J. Galvin Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service U. S. Department of Agriculture Before the Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation and Rural Revitalization Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Washington, D. C. September 25, 2000. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. fas. usda. gov/info/speeches/ct092500. html Health Canada (2005). Questions and Answers Hormonal Growth Promoters. Retrieved on March 22, 2008 from http//www. hc-sc. gc. ca/dhp-mps/vet/faq/growth_hormones_promoters_croissance_hormonaux_stimulateurs_e. htmlHormones in Cattle. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. foodsafetynetwork. ca/en/article-details. php? a=4&c=19&sc=162&id=308 Jaco bs, Paul (1999). U. S. , Europe Lock Horns in Beef Hormone Debate. The Los Angeles Times, April 09, 1999. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. organicconsumers. org/Toxic/beefhormone. cfm James, Barry (1999). Behind oppose EU Ban, a Scientific Puzzle Battle to Prove Beef Hormone Risk. The Herald Tribune, October 18, 1999. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. iht. com/articles/1999/10/18/snhorm. t. php Lusk, Jayson L. Roosen, Jutta Fox, John A. (2003).Demand for beef from cattle administered growth hormones of fed genetically modified corn a comparison of consumers in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. American Journal of Agricultural Economics. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//goliath. ecnext. com/coms2/summary_0199-2500157_ITM National Cattlemen Beef Association Myths & Facts about Beef Production Hormones and Antibiotics. http//www. beef. org/librfacts/mythfact/mythfact_11. html in Orr, Rena (2001). Growth-promoting Hormones in Cattl e. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. foodsafetynetwork. ca/en/article-details.php? a=4&c=19&sc=162&id=308 Orr, Rena (2001). Growth-promoting Hormones in Cattle. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www. foodsafetynetwork. ca/en/article-details. php? a=4&c=19&sc=162&id=308 Paulson, Michael (1999). WTO strip File The Beef Hormone Case. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, November 22, 1999. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//seattlepi. nwsource. com/national/case22. shtml Q&A Growth Promoting Hormones Contact Julie Bousman 202-347-0228 http//hill. beef. org/ft/qagph. htm in Orr, Rena (2001). Growth-promoting Hormones in Cattle. Retrieved on March 09, 2008 from http//www.foodsafetynetwork. ca/en/article-details. php? a=4&c=19&sc=162&id=308 Taylor, W. (1983) Risks Associated with the Exposure of Human Subjects to Endogenous and Exogenous Anabolic Steroids Anabolics in Animal Production. OIE p 273-287 in Orr, Rena (2001). Growth-promoting Hormones in Cattle. Retrieved on March 09 , 2008 from http//www. foodsafetynetwork. ca/en/article-details. php? a=4&c=19&sc=162&id=308 Thompson, Sharon R (1999) International Harmonization Issues. Veterinary Clinics of northwards America Food Animal Practice. Vol 15 No 1, 181-195 in Orr, Rena (2001). Growth-promoting

Mis in Microfinance

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR MICROFINANCE ABSTRACT ICT scum bag be a strategic prick in making Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) more efficient and effective. MFIs screw reach more people in a more economic way by implementing the right trouble Information System (MIS). While a few MFIs be making good use of technology, the majority are facing difficulties in guideting the right consequence. Reasons for this include * Insufficient brass instrumental and military personnel readiness * Unavailability of suitable MIS applications for microfinance * Diversity in problem processes and frequent changes in procedures * Risk of failure of the MIS Diversity of geography and language * Unavailability of vendors and their capacity to implement and support IT solutions * High cost of IT solutions for MFIs * Lack of commitment of management and key decision-makers within an MFI * Lack of awareness about the importance of IT The approve- constituent MIS is the backbone of all Inf ormation System solution and yet it has not received much attention. MFIs, whether large or small, need to seduce a strong back-office MIS before attempting to deploy any advanced front-end applications or delivery channels.These would be worth slight without having a strong and flexible back-office MIS in place. INTRODUCTION Management data remainss (MIS)have play a key role in the traditional banking sector for years, but microfinance institutions have been much slower to utilize this technology, primarily due to budgeting shortfalls. A2009 CGAP inspect found that many microfinance institutions lack well-functioning tuition systems that would enable them to grow into vigorous institutions. Technology was consistently cited as one of the greatest challenges facing MFIs.Over the last some(prenominal) years, however, more and more MFIs have begun implementing information systems, which has the potential to provide several benefits to the constancy as a whole and to MFIs in par ticular ranging from loan tracking to greater transparency and risk management. Management information systems are essentially applications which enable an institution to better organize its data for the purposes of decision-making, competency, and external notifying. Rather than orphic within a pile of manila folders, the data is crisp, up to date, and presented in a compelling and practical form.Benefits include easier cash-flow management and forecasting, timely information regarding portfolio risk, truly time performance updates, more efficient accounting procedures, and simplified external reporting. In sum, a good MIS can increase an organizations competency and decrease its operating costs. The biggest hurdle to the utilization of such technologies among MFIs has been the prohibitively high cost of purchase and implementation. The CGAP survey found that a majority of MFIs use either custom-built or off-the-shelf systems to track their portfolios.But a spic-and-span inn ovation,SaaS(Software as a Service), has been changing that. Typically the SaaS software vendor hosts the application on its tissue servers, which the customer can download on his mobile device or computer terminal on an on-demand basis. This system provides MFIs 24/7 plan of attack from anywhere in the world, real time information, data security and automatic backup. With an SaaS system an organization pays monthly rent, or in some cases a variant fee based on usage levels, for access to the software providers application.Instead of buying the software and using it in isolation, the purchaser gains access to the providers online cloud, and utilize the internet to deposit, organize, and access their information. With this changed cost mental synthesis, more and more MFIs have been able to combine MIS into their organizational structure. SaaS technology is designed to serve outside(a) microfinance networks, such as Opportunity International, as well as national MFI branches, s uch asCresa Financial Services in India. Accordingly, SaaS services are uphill as the MIS model of choice for microfinance institutions.Difficulties in Adopting MIS A number of MIS solutions are emerging. Currently, there are 56 MIS applications listed on the CGAP website, although more are being utilize by various organizations that are not publicized. Despite the advances in MIS, practical experience shows that the acquisition of a suitable MIS is not simple. Many MFIs are assay with their MIS. Some of the reasons for these difficulties are * Microfinance operations are unique and complex, compared to commercial, retail banking. The Microfinance sector is still evolving and lacks standardization in its procedures, methodologies, customer characteristics, type of transactions and reporting. * There is no of-the-shelf software available that can address the requirements of every MFI. * Those MIS that are available are complex and costly for comeion by MFIs. * MFIs lack human and organizational capacity to develop or select an appropriate MIS. * MFIs operate in remote and difficult areas where communication and power radix do not inhabit and are therefore constrained from using IT equipment required to run MIS applications.Outlook of MFIs It is evident that the MFIs around the world are diverse in their structure and practices. Following are some of the factors that differentiate MFIs from each early(a) 1. fictitious character of organization * NGO * MFI (non-regulate) * Regulated MF Institution * Microfinance banks 2. Type of Products and Services * Minimalists (those who offer only credit services) * Loans as well as savings services * Full range of products (including loans, deposits, remittance, insurance, leasing and social services) 3. Organizational Structure * wooden leg setup (small, medium and large) Staff structure * Departments (cost centre and profit centre) 4. Geography * Area specific (operations are limited to a small area) * Country spe cific (operations are spread over an spotless country) * Global operations (operating in multiple countries) 5. Operational Environment * Rural areas * Urban areas * Other 6. Processes and procedures * Models (associations, cooperatives, credit unions, Grameen, etc. ) 7. Regulatory environment 8. Reporting * Management reporting * Stakeholder reporting * Microfinance networks and peer group reporting Information Systems used by MFIsThe microfinance sector is also quite diverse in its use of information systems. Generally there are the following three types 1. Manual System Some MFIs still rely on manual systems, which involve maintenance of records in forms and ledgers. Organizations having manual systems are either small micro-credit programs or NGOs. 2. Semi-automated System More than 50% of MFIs are operating in a semi-automated mode. Within this course of study, the spreadsheet is the common tool being used either in conjunction with a manual system or with an MIS application that does not fulfill the information requirements of the MFI.The majority of non-regulated MFIs have semi-automated systems. 3. Fully Automated System Few MFIs are fortunate enough to have a fully automated and integrated MIS, fulfilling the whole information requirements of the organization. such(prenominal) systems are existent with banks or regulated MFIs. Disadvantage of manual systems Some of the disadvantages of manual Information Systems are * Too laborious and time consuming. * Prone to Errors. * info manipulation and analysis is very difficult. * Maintenance of large amount of data is almost impossible. * Data and information is not secured. Loosely controlled. * Highly inflexible (addition of new products and change in course processes). Benefits of computerized MIS to Microfinance There is no doubt that the right information at the right time at the right place, is all important(p) in decision making. Therefore, information and data is considered among the most valuab le assets fundamental to the success of an organization. The primary roles of the MIS are to capture information, create new information, store information, and pass along information to the user. The two major objectives of MFIs are Outreach and Sustainability.MIS can add substantial value in achieving both the objectives * A major advantage of MIS is that it provides roaring access to accurate and up-to-date information. For example, loan officers get information on loans that need follow-up, branch managers can monitor daily progress of the branch, and senior management can get a full picture of the portfolio performance and quality. Customers also get quick information on their accounts, payments and balances. * Detailed information is captured on customers and their activities that can and so be used to assess client business to assess impact.It is also useful in tracking historical information of clients. * Activities, such as disbursements, repayments, deposits, withdrawal s and cash transfers are completed faster, better controlled and with minimum opportunity for errors. * Information is produced in user-required formats, which facilitates better understanding, setting priorities, objectives and strategy. * Key performance indicators provide an overview of the organizations performance, efficiency and effectiveness of business procedures so that timely adjustments can be made. * Use of ICT helps make MFI services more interactive, accessible and transparent. In terms of innovation, ICT provides full tractability to structure products and services to the needs of its target group. * Efficiency and productivity of staff is increased, as they are able to manage more products, customers, and transactions in less time. consolidation and Consolidation With the growth and advancement of the microfinance industry, new innovations are being witnessed. Among these innovations, technology-based delivery channels and mechanisms are creating opportunities as well as intensifying the competitory environment for MFIs.These channels are not only targeted at lowering transaction costs and extending the reach of MFIs to large populations, but are also think around customer convenience. These technology-based mechanisms enhance efficiency of the MFIs, while posing substantial challenges in managing such technologies. One of the main challenges is that of integration and consolidation. It is essential that the back office MIS has the flexibility to integrate with such systems. The back-office MIS has received little attention within the sector.The general perception is that new technology based delivery systems would easily integrate with the core MIS, whereas in reality it is not that simple. Examples show that MFIs that have adopted such systems without assessment of their core MIS are struggling to integrate these. Because of non-integration, MFIs fall back on electronic spreadsheets or manual procedures to prepare consolidated informatio n. Integration and consolidation are very important for MFIs and inability to integrate new technological innovations holds them back, making them less rather than more efficient.Back-office MIS Starting Point for MFIs The backbone of any Information System (IS) is the core MIS as it holds the critical data, and manages the information. All former(a) systems are add-ons. A simple core MIS comprises of two parts I. Database data structure an organized set of tables designed to the needs of the business. All data of the organization resides in these tables. ii. Application Software comprises of the user interface, business processes, procedures, reports and queries. Fig 1 shopping center MISAdopting an MIS is strategically important for MFIs. They need to undertake a careful and elaborate assessment of current and future needs before committing to a particular solution. Much of the systems flexibility, expandability, and robustness depend on the strength of the backend components. healthy core MIS can deliver cost-effective integration of data, channels and processes, facilitating a single consolidated view of the whole portfolio. Core MIS can provide easy data entry for the backend database, making consolidation easy to achieve.Various studies reveal that a large number of MFIs operate manual systems despite having some kind of MIS in place. One of the reasons the MIS does not cope with the changing needs of the organization is that the backend does not have the right structure. It is important for both the MFIs and microfinance software vendors to concentrate and strengthen the Core MIS. Figure 2 shows a basic structure for the Core MIS for microfinance Fig2 Core MIS for Microfinance Other Key Deciding Factors for IT SystemsWhile the MIS needs to fulfill the business requirements of the organization, but other factors including appropriate infrastructure and hardware are also important in the success and optimal utilization of information systems. We can categorize the components of an information system solution into five areas 1. Physical Architecture (Electricity/Power & communication infrastructure) Physical architecture consists of basic wires or cables to gateways and powerhouses.Together with buildings, offices, and computers, the architecture provides services of voice, data, image and video transmittal while the consistent power supply keeps everything live and running. Every system needs electric power, and if systems are required to communicate, then there must be an appropriate communication infrastructure. Usually MFIs operate in remote and underdeveloped areas where this is lacking. 2. Network Three types of environment setups could be made. i. Standalone Environment MIS is run on soulfulness PCs and data is stored locally. ii.Local Area Network (LAN) PCs are connected together to create a LAN. The network can be either peer-to-peer or client/server. desired is the Client/server network where data is stored and shar ed through a server in a secure way. iii. Wide Area Network (WAN) Branch offices and operation units can be connected through a WAN. It requires proper communication infrastructure and involves high cost to establishing a WAN. For online systems WAN is critical. 3. Hardware Type of hardware depends on the network environment. A client-server environment requires server and switch for connecting the workstations / PCs. . Database Generally databases can be categorized as local and client-server. Each category has its own strengths and weaknesses. These details can help MFIs in selecting the appropriate database i. Local databases there are a number of local databases but the most astray used databases are Microsoft Access, FoxPro, Paradox, and file maker. ii. Client/Server databases iii. Most popular client/server databases also called enterprise databases include Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, Myself, Sybase, and Informix are some of the commonly used client/server databases 5. Applicat ionA combination of business processes and procedures, user interface, reports and controls operate on top of the backend system. A large variety of software development and report generation tools are available and used to write software applications. Getting the Right Fit MFIs face great challenges in choosing the right system solution that can best fit their business needs. An MIS for microfinance must have the following characteristics 1. Cost effectiveness Total ownership and lifetime system operations costs, including hardware, software, network, infrastructure and human resource. . Functionality & flexibility Fulfill maximum of the current business requirement and flexible enough to incorporate future changes. Capture and generate relevant information on an individual, group, and at a consolidated level. 3. Reliability Incomplete and unreliable systems are dangerously risky and can hamper the business. Such systems do not produce the right results and are unable to complete p rocesses to the desired level. Users could be misguided by such systems. 4. Simple to use Should be user brotherly and easy to setup and operate.Activities can be performed in a systematic way and flow. 5. Scalability System should accommodate changes to products, services and delivery channels. It should grow as the business grows. For example, if the system design is scalable, it can be run on an individual PC, Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). 6. Integration Combining data from multiple sources is of great importance to microfinance. Integration of branches to get single consolidated picture should be a priority. Challenges faced by MFIs * Microfinance is a rapidly changing industry. Due to the ongoing volution of the industry, MFIs face difficulty in defining business objectives, needs, priorities and limitations for acquisition of an MIS solution. There is lack of standardization within the microfinance sector, and business practices of MFIs differ from each other. Consequently, software developers face problems in coming-up with an MIS that can be used by most of the MFIs. Common failures are due to ill delimitate business process and procedures. * There is a shortage of skilled professionals who can understand technology as well as the microfinance industry, and be able to suggest the right solution.Such professionals can act as a bridge in filling the gap between use of ICT and microfinance operations * Majority of the MFIs do not have the technical capacity and required resources to understand, adopt and implement MIS solutions. * Most MIS solutions are not affordable to the majority of MFIs. * In some cases there is a lack of vision and commitment from the management towards use of technology * Integration is becoming one of the big challenges, as most of the MIS solutions for microfinance are built on weak platforms, thus not being flexible and scalable enough to integrate with emerging technologies and delivery channels.Recomme ndations * FMFBs experience of adopting technology suggests that MFIs should invest in relevant technologies after thorough and careful assessment of their requirements. The requirement should be addressed in perspective of current needs and future plans. * So uttermost the core MIS of MFIs has been neglected. MFIs should get their core MIS right before opting for any kind of delivery system. * The software industry needs to do more in development quality software for microfinance sector. * Capacity within institutions to manage technology is key to successful implementation and operation of its MIS.MFIs should employ skilled IT professionals on their staff. * MFIs must adopt MIS solutions that not only meet their needs but are also manageable by the MFI from all aspects. In some cases small and medium size MFIs go beyond their needs in adopting an MIS that ultimately becomes a drain on their resources. Such systems reduce the organizations overall efficiency and ultimately their sustainability. * MFIs can get maximum benefit by investing in technology, and putting in a better MIS solution that works for them. MIS is a strategic investment for MFIs. * advancing policies that make ICT accessible and affordable to the majority of the population are important for encouraging the use of ICT within microfinance and for the development of the microfinance sector. Conclusion The use of ICT can truly be to the strategic advantage of MFIs. Innovations in ICT have transformed traditional approaches to microfinance, facilitating growth and reducing cost. Some of the players have already started getting the benefit by using MIS and similar IT solutions, while the majority of the MFIs have yet to realize the importance of its use to achieve outreach and sustainability.The implementation of the right MIS still remains a big challenge faced by MFIs. Efforts are also made from various corners of the world in overcoming these challenges. CGAPs Information System Support is a prudent initiative to assist MFIs in getting access to ICT, aligning their MIS and using the appropriate IT solution. One of the realizations is maiden things first i. e. having an appropriate core MIS first before other systems keeping in mind the strategic importance of ICT to the microfinance industry, renewed efforts are required from all the stakeholders to overcome the challenges faced by the microfinance industry in taking on IT.References Cheryl Frankiewicz and published by CALMEADOW (2003). IT as a Strategic Tool for Microfinance in Africa ADB Releases (2005). Pakistan Economic Update Rao, M (2004), Microfinance & ICTs Exploring Mutual Benefits and Synergy, Orbicom Firpo, J. (2005), Championing measure in Microfinance Technologys Role in Delivering Accessible Financial Services to the Poor

Divorce Essay Essay

The Beginning of the End Growing up I always believed decouple was the strap mistake a couple could make. Now that I am older I now have a different view on divorce. My parents disunite when I was seventeen years old, and since going through this view I view divorce differently. Although most people think of divorce as a negative thing, I think some(prenominal)times it turns out to be the best decision for everyone involved. When I was a little girl all I would strike from people is how divorce was wrong and couples should always work out their differences.My parents would always assure me that no matter how frequently we fight, we will never get a divorce. As the years went on things started changing in my parents relationship and we saw their marriage starting to dissolve. My sister and I could guess that they were no longer the happily married couple they had been for the past 25 years. Eventually my fathers personality started to change, and he no longer was kindle in f amily activities or spending quality time with my sister and I. He was not the papa we had completen our whole lives. After realizing his behavioral changes he finally went to go see a professional.After a few sessions with the doctor and earthy counseling sessions with my mom, my dad was diagnosed with picture. We had already seen first hand what depression could do to a marriage, as his parents had gotten divorced after my dads mother was diagnosed with depression. As time went by I saw my fathers depression taking a toll on my mothers happiness and her daily attitude. I wanted both(prenominal) of my parents to be happy, but was that too much to ask of them to stay together? I knew my father had changed and was not the same man my mom had fallen in love with 25 years earlier.My dad was no longer the fun, ambitious, adventurous guy my mom had met back in college. Instead my dad was bitter, had frequent outburst, and a constant negative outlook on life. When my parents finally reached the decision to divorce my family knew it was going to be a tough road ahead. Although my sister and I were upset we knew it was for the best, it was just going to take some adjusting. Luckily the divorce was very civil and my parents are still able to maintain a peaceful relationship for the sake of my sister and I. We both know my parents love us and that the divorce had nothing to do with anything we had done.My dad has since gotten help and my sister and I visit him often. He is getting back to the fun, loving, kind man we all knew him to be. Unfortunately, my dad waited to late to make changes in his life to save his marriage. Today, my parents are both in healthy relationships with other people. My sister and I venerate spending time with both families and feel blessed these new people are in our lives. I had a very negative view on marriage when my parents told me they were divorcing, but since that time I feel not everyone gets divorced and marriage takes a lot of work.Although the divorce was hard to swallow, it is good to see both of my parents happy again. Now that my parents divorce is final everyone seems to be more peaceful and happy with their lives. I am not saying divorce is the right decision for everyone, but I am saying depending on the situation sometimes it is the best choice. I have learned through my experience not to judge others that are divorced because everyones situation is different. I feel my parents made the right decision for our family and I am a stronger, and happier person as a result.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 9

Mary-Lynnettes hearing had gone funny. Sheheard sparrow hawks words uniform a character remembering aphrase In a bad movie. Kill them, kill them, kill them. countenance laughed In a very strange way.This is going to be re each(prenominal)y rotten for him, MaryLynnette thought, curiously dispassionate. I mean, if wewere going tolive through this, which were not, it would be really rotten for him. He was already afraidofgirls, and sort of pessimistic about life in generalwhy dont we all sit down? rowan say with astifled sigh. Weve got to figure this out.Mark threw back his head and gave another shortbark of a laugh.Why not? he said. Lets all sit down, why not?Theyre fast as whippets, Mary-Lynnette thought.If we run now, theyll catch us. But If we sit, and theyget comfortable, and I distract them-or hitthem with somethingSitl she ordered Mark briskly. rowan and kestrel moved away from the deer and sat. tirestood with her hands on her hips for a moment, so sat,too.Sitting, Mark wa s still acting punch-drunk. Hewaved the flashlight around. You girls aresomethingelse.You girls are really-Were vampires, chaw said sharply.Yeah. Mark laughed quietly to himself. Yeah, he said again.Mary-Lynnette took the flashlight away from him. She wanted control of it. And it was heavy plastic andmetal. It was a weapon.And while one layer of her foreland was thinkingShine the light in their eyesat moreover the rightmoment and whencehit oneof them another dismantle was thinkingShemeans theyrepeoplewhothinktheyre vampirespeoplewiththat weird disease that makes them anemic and one final part was sayingYou strength as well faceittheyrereal.Mary-Lynnettes conception view had been knocked rightout of the ballpark.Dont you justhate that, Mark was saying. You meet a girl and she seems pretty nice and youtell all your friends and then forwards you chouse it she turnsout to be avampire.Dont you just hate it whenthat happens?Oh. God, hes hysterical, Mary-Lynnette realized. She grabb ed his shoulder and hissed in his ear, Get agrip, now.,I dont see what the point is in talking to them,rowan tree, sparrow hawk was saying. You know what we slang todo.And Rowan was rubbing her forehead. I was thinkingwe might influence them, she said in anundertone.You know why that wont work. Kestrels voice was soft and flat.Why? harass said sharply.They followed us for a reason, Rowan saidtiredly. She nodded toward the hole. So theyvebeen suspicious for a while-for how long? She looked at Mary-Lynnette.I saw you dig the hole Tuesday night, MaryLynnette said. She nodded toward the hole. Is thatyour aunt in there? in that location was a brief silence and Rowan looked selfconscious. consequently she inclined her head slightly.Gracefully.Oh, hell, Mark said. His eyes were shut and his head was rolling on his neck. Oh,hell. Theyvegot Mrs. B. in a bag.Two days, Rowan said to wear out. Theyve suspected for two whole days. And we cant removememories that are interlaced with other thi ngs for that long. Wed never know if we got them all.Well, we could just take every(prenominal)thing for the last two days, wear down said.Kestrel snorted. And have two more people wandering around with lost time?Mary-Lynnettes mind went click. Todd Akers andVic Kimble, she said. You did something to givethem amnesia.I knew there had to be a connection.Theres no other choice for us, Kestrel said quietly to Rowan. And you know it as well as Ido.Shes not being malicious, Mary-Lynnette realized.Just practical. If a lioness or a wolf or a falcon couldtalk, it would say the same thing. We have to either kill or die its as simple as that.Despite herself, Mary-Lynnette felt something like fascination-and respect.Mark had his eyes open now. And Rowan was looking sad, so sad. Its awful, her expression said, butsomebody here is going to have to get hurt.Rowan bowed her head, then lifted it to face MaryLynnette directly. Their eyes met, held. After amoment Rowans face changed slightly and she nodded.Mary-Lynnette knew that in that instant they werecommunicating without words. individually recognizing theother as an alpha female who was willing to fightand die for her kin.Meaning they were both(prenominal) big sisters.Yes, somebodys going to get hurt, Mary-Lynnette thought. You threaten myfamily,I fight back.She knew Rowan understood. Rowan was going to really hate killing her.No, a voice said passionately, and MaryLynnette realized it was endure. And the next secondJade was on her feet, hands clenched, words erupting like a steam boiler exploding. No, youcantkillMark. I wontletyou.Rowan said, Jade, I know this is hard-Kestrel said, Jade, dont be a wimp-Jade was trembling, body tensed like a cat ready to fight. Her voice was louder than either of them.You just cant do itl I think -Ithink- Jade-I thinkhes my soulmateDead silence.Then Rowan groaned. Oh, dearKestrel said, Oh,sure.They were both looking at Jade. Focused on her. Mary-Lynnette thought, now.She swung the fla shlight viciously at Kestrel, wanting to take her out first, betting that Rowan would staybehind if Kestrel were hurt. But the swing never connected, Mark threw himself in front of her, slamminginto her arm.Dont hurt JadeThen everything was just a mad tangle. Arms, legs,grasping fingers, kicking feet. Jade and Mark bothyelling for it to stop. Mary-Lynnette felt the flashlight wrenched out of her hand. She found long hair, gothold of it, yanked. Someone kicked her, and pain blossomed in her ribs.Then she felt herself being dragged retracted Mark was holding her, pulling her away from thefight.Jade was lying on top of Kestrel and clutching at Rowan.Everybody was panting. Mark was almost crying.We just cant do this, he said. This is terrible.This is all wrong.Meanwhile Jade was snarling, Hes my soulmate,okay?Okay? I cant do anything with himdeadHes not your soulmate, idiot, Kestrel said in a somewhat muffled voice. She was facedown on the cover of needles. When youre soulmates, it hit s you like lightning, and you know thats the one personin the world you were meant to be with. Youdontthink youre soulmates you just know its your destinywhether you like it or not.Somewhere, deep in Mary-Lynnettes brain, something aflame in alarm. But she had more urgentthingsto worry about.Mark, get out of here, she said breathlessly. ?Run?Mark didnt even ease his grip. Why do we have to be enemies?Mark, theyre killers .You cant justify that. They killed their own aunt.Three faces turned toward her, startled. A half-fullmoon had risen above the trees, and Mary-Lynnettecould see them clearly.We didnot Jade said indignantly.What made you think that? Rowan asked.Mary-Lynnette felt her give tongue to hang open. Be causeyou buried her, for Gods sakelYes, but we found her dead.Somebody staked her, Kestrel said, brushingpine needles out of her golden hair. Probably a vampire hunter. I dont theorise youd know anythingabout that.Mark gulped. Staked her-with a stake?Well, with a picket f rom the fence, Kestrel said. She was already dead? Mary-Lynnette saidtoRowan. But then why on earth did you bury herin the backyard?It would have been disrespectful to leave her in the cellar.But why didnt you have her taken to a cemetery?Rowan looked dismayed.Jade said, Um, you havent seen Aunt Opal.Shes not looking so good, Kestrel said. Kind ofhard and stiff. You might say mummified.Its what happens to us, Rowan said almostapologetically.Mary-Lynnette slumped back against Mark, trying to get her new world view into place. Everything waswhirling.So you were just trying to hide her. But you did do something to Todd Akers and VicKim-Theyattackedus, Jade interrupted. They were thinking very bad things and they pinched ourarms.They-? Mary-Lynnette sat up suddenly. either at once she understood. Oh, my God. Those jerksWhy hadnt she thought of that? Todd and Vielast year there bad been rumors about them jumping somegirl from Westgrove. So theyd tried it on these girls, and Mary-Lynnet te gasped and then snorted with half inhaled laughter. Oh, no. Oh, I hope you got themgoodWe just bit them a little, Rowan said.I wish Id been there tosee it.She was laughing. Rowan was smiling. Kestrel was smiling barbarically. And suddenly Mary-Lynnetteknew that they werent going to fight anymore.Everybody took a deep breath and sat back and looked at one another.They do look different from normal humans, Mary-Lynnette thought, utter(a) at them in the moonlight. Itsso obvious once you know.They wereinhumanly beautiful, of course. Rowanwith her soft chestnut hair and sweet face Kestrelwithher feral sleekness and golden eyes Jade with her delicate features and her hair like starshine. LiketheThree Graces, only fiercer.Okay, Rowan said softly. We seem to have asituation here. Now weve got to figuresomethingout.We wont tell on you, Mark said. He and Jadewere gazing at each other.Weve got Romeo and Juliet on our hands here is what weve got, Mary-Lynnette said toRowan.But Kestrel was speaking to Rowan, too. No matterwhatthey promise, how do we know we can believe them?Rowan considered, eyes roving around the clearing. Then she let out a long breath and nodded.Theres only one way, she said. Blood-tie.Kestrels eyebrowsflew up. Oh, really?What is it? Mary-Lynnette asked.A blood-tie? Rowan looked helpless. Well, its akinship ceremony, you know. WhenMary-Lynnette just looked at her, she went on It makes our families related. Its like, one of ourancestors did it with a family of witches.Witches, Mary-Lynnette thought. Oh gosh. Sowitches are real, too. I wonder how many other thingsare real that I dont know about?Vampires dont unremarkably get along with witches, Rowan was saying. And HunterRedfern-thats ourancestor-had a real blood feud going with themback in the sixteen hundreds.But then he couldnt have kids, Jade said gleefully. And he needed a witch to help or thewholeRedfern familywould end with him. So he had to apologize and do a kinship ceremony. And thenhe ha d all daughters.Ha ha.Mary-Lynnette blinked. Ha ha?So, you see, were part witch. All the Redfern are, Rowan was explaining in her gentle teachingvoice.Our father used to say thats why were so disobedient, Jade said. Because its in our genes .Because in witchfamilies, womenare in charge.Mary-Lynnette began to like witches. Ha ha, shesaid. Mark gave her a skittish sideways look.The point is that we could do a ceremony like that now, Rowan said. It would make us familyforever. We couldnt betray each other.No problem, Mark said, still looking at Jade.Fine with me,Jade said, and gave him a quick, fierce smile.But Mary-Lynnette was thinking. It was a serious thing Rowan was talking about. You couldnt dosomething like this on a whim. It was worse than adopting a puppy it was more like getting married. Itwas a lifetimeresponsibility. And even if these girls didnt kill humans, they killed animals. With their teeth.But so did people. And not always for food. Wasit worse to drink deer blood th an to make baby cowsinto boots?Besides, strange as it seemed, she felt dose to the three sisters already. In the last couple of minutesshedestablished more of a relationship with Rowanthan she ever had with any girl at school. bewitchment andrespect had turned into a weird kind of instinctive trust.And besidethat, what other real choice was there? Mary-Lynnette looked at mark, and then atRowan.She nodded slowly.Okay.Rowan turned to Kestrel.So Im supposed to decide, am I? Kestrel said.We cant do it without you, Rowan said. Youknow that.Kestrel looked away. Her golden eyes were narrowed. In the moonlight her profile was absolutely undefiled against the darkness of trees. It would mean we could never go home again. Make ourselves kinto vermin? Thats what theydsay.Whos vermin? Mark said, jolted out of his communion with Jade.Nobody answered. Jade said, with odd dignity, Icant go home, anyway. Im in love with an Outsider.And Im going to tell him about the Night World. SoIm dead no matte r what. Mark was opening hismouth-to protest that Jade shouldnt take such arisk forhim,Mary-Lynnette thought-when Jade addedabsently, And so is he, of course.Mark shut his mouth.Rowan said Kestrel, weve come too far to go back.Kestrel stared at the woods for another minute orso. Then suddenly she turned back to the others,laughing. There was something wild in her eyes.All right, lets go the whole way, she said. Tell them everything. Break every rule. We might aswell.Mary-Lynnette felt a twinge. She hoped she wasntgoing to regret this. But what she said was Just howdo we do this-ceremony?Exchange blood. Ive never done it before, but its simple.It might be a little bit strange, though, Jade said because youll be a little bit vampiresafterward.A little bit what? Mary-Lynnette said, her voice emergent in spite of her.Just a little bit. Jade was measuring out tiny bitsof air between her index finger and thumb. Adrop.Kestrel cast a look skyward. Itll go away in a few days, she said heav ily, which was whatMaryLynnette wanted to know.As long as you dont get yourself bitten by a vampire again in the meanwhile, Rowan added.Otherwise, its perfectly safe. Honestly.Mary-Lynnette and Mark exchanged glances. Not to discuss things, theyd gone beyond that now. Justto brace themselves. Then Mary-Lynnette took a deep breath and flicked a bit of fern off her knee.Okay, she said, feeling lightheaded but determined. Were ready.

Was Dollarization a Success in Zimbabwe

CHAPTER ONE pic 1. Introduction At independence in 1980 the Zimbabwe horse replaced the Rhodesian one dollar bill at par at a rate which was higher than the American dollar. Although this quickly deteriorated, it was non until the late nineties that a series of events led to the demise of the Zimbabwean dollar. In 2008 in an 18-month experiment, foreign currency was accepted as legal tender for transactions with a set number of retailers. Honorable Members leave be cognizant that in the hyper-inflationary environment characterizing the economy at present, our great deal are now using multiple currencies for day to day parentage transactions, alongside the Zimbabwe dollar. These currencies include the sec African Rand (ZAR), United States Dollar (USD), Botswana Pula (BWP), Euro, and British Pound Sterling, among some others. In line with the prevailing practices by the general public, Government is, therefore, allowing the utilise of multiple foreign currencies for business transactions, alongside the Zimbabwe dollar. 1However, months later, in March of 2009, the newly instated Finance government minister, Tendai Biti, announced that the Zimbabwe dollar would be suspended indefinitely. 2 The main argument in this piece is that the Zimbabwean crisis in the 2000s and the subsequent stabilization of the economy were made possible by the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy in 2009. This article investigates the recent monetary experience of Zimbabwe with dollarization. It shows how dollarization has allowed Zimbabwe to quash hyper-inflation3, construct stability, increase budgetary discipline, and re-establish monetary credibility.This paper analyses the effects of the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy in 2009, in the wake of devastating hyper-inflation and a political crisis that reached its zenith with the electoral crisis of 2008. though there is a direct nexus between the two processes, the former cannot be exclusively ascribed to the latte r there are a host of other issues that have contributed to the economic and financial breakdown in Zimbabwe. 1. 11 The Background to the ProblemThe Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) was forced to revalue the Zimbabwean dollar, three times in a space of little than three years, because of rampant hyper-inflation in the country. In August 2006, in an operation called morn 1, the RBZ removed 3 zeroes from Zimbabwes currency and promised to introduce a new currency in the near future. In August 2008, exactly two years after the first revaluation, the RBZ gelded a further 10 zeroes from Zimbabwes currency, calling this Sunrise II. Rampaging hyper-inflation forced the government to erase another 12 zeroes in early February 2009.This was Sunrise III. Thus, a staggering 25 zeroes had been slashed from the Zimbabwean currency within a space of only three years. The hyper-inflation was just unsustainable, and when the Zimbabwean dollar was officially shelved in March 2009, the highest single denomination was a 100 trillion dollar note. When the 100 trillion dollar note was introduced on 16 January 2009, it was worth the equivalent of US$ 30 on the parallel market. The establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) saw the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy and the shelving of the Zimbabwean dollar in March 2009.Dollarization is a portfolio shift away from domestic currency to foreign currency, to fulfil the main functions of money store of value, unit of account, and medium of alter. It is typically a result of unstable macroeconomic conditions and is a rational response of people seeking to diversify their assets in the face of heightened domestic currency risk. Efforts to have-to doe with the battered Zimbabwean economy, largely through the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy are assessed through the lens of the depositing empyrean.The banking vault of heaven thrived during the peak of the Zimbabwean crisis, as most banks became light upon pl ayers in highly speculative activities in areas such as Zimbabwes bullish stock exchange and real estate. The profits that were being realized in the banking sector trickled down to their workers who became the best remunerated workers amongst all the sectors in Zimbabwe. With dollarization of the economy in 2009, the once vibrant banking sector was suddenly facing the grim prognosis of disintegration, which had plagued sectors such as teaching during the peak of the Zimbabwean crisis.The banking sector was adversely affected by the dollarization of the economy, as the speculative activities that were reaping huge rewards for the banks were wiped out overnight by the adoption of more stable currencies at the expense of the precarious Zimbabwean dollar. This spelt disaster for the banking fraternity, as most banks in the first few months of dollarization struggled to profit their workers in hard currency and instead were forced to downsize their operations and lay-off some of their employees.The paper argues that in complete contrast to most sectors in the economy, the banking sector boomed during the crisis, and the Zimbabwe sexual intercourse of Trade Unions (ZCTU) monthly remuneration lists in 2008 saw the banking workers consistently topping the lists. However, the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy turned the tables on this once prosperous sector, as bank workers like the bank tellers and other clerical workers found themselves being laid-off, as most banks struggled to remunerate their workers in hard currency. 1. 12 Objectives ? To assess the performance of the banking sector before and after dollarization. To investigate the effects of dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy on the banking sector. ? To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of dollarization on the banking sector. 1. 13 The Research Problem The effects of dollarization on the banking sector after the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy. 1. 14 The Research Question What e ffect does the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy have on the banking sector? 1. 15 Sub Questions 1. What is dollarization? 2. What are the forms of dollarization? 3. What are the costs of dollarization? 4.What are the benefits of dollarization? 5. What impact does dollarization have on the banking sector? 6. Was dollarization a success in Zimbabwe? 1. 17 Significance of the study To the tec The research is in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Accounting at the National University of Science and Technology. It leave behind allow the police detective to have a deeper understanding and both(prenominal) suppositious and practical knowledge in the area of research and encourage a practical application of theoretical concepts on the area under study.To the banking sector The research is set to provide enlightment on the impact of dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy to the banking sector. To the university The research project go away suffice the university in coming up with a curriculum on the study of the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy and the impact that it had on the banking sector. 1. 18 Assumptions ? All respondents have fair to middling knowledge of the developments in their particular organizations. ? Respondents leave behind give truthful responses adequate to make sound inferences. The researcher assumes that respondents will respond within a reasonable time period to enable the timetable to be adhered to. ? The researcher assumes that he will have enough financial resources to meet all the expenses. ? There will not be institutional disturbances that could delay completion of the project. ? Secondary data will be available. 1. 19 Literature Review Data will be hive away from the textbooks, libraries, newspapers, journals and the internet. 1. 20 Theoretical Framework Was the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy a success to the banking sector?The research intends to use both i mmemorial and secondary sources of data. These sources of data will help to explore an analysis of what past researchers have brought to light in relation to the impact of the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy on the banking sector. It is under this section that the researcher intends to explain various forms of dollarization. The benefits and costs of dollarization shall be explored through exclusive use of the internet and various text books and journals. 1. 21 Definitions of TermsFor the purpose of this study the following abbreviations and definitions will be used. Hyper-inflation Ruinouslyhighincrease (50percentor more per month) inprices payableto the near totalcollapseof acountrysmonetary system, explanation itscurrencyalmost worthless as amedium of exchange. Although hyperinflation is caused mainly by excessivedeficit spending(financed byprintingmoremoney) by agovernment, someeconomistsbelieve that socialbreakdownleadsto hyperinflation (not vice versa), and that its roots lie in political rather than economiccauses. 4 Dollarization occurs when the inhabitants of a country use foreigncurrencyin parallel to or instead of the domestic currency as a store of value, unit of account, and/or medium of exchange within the domestic economy. The term is not only applied to usage of theUnited States dollar, but generally to the use of any foreign currency as the national currency. 5 BWP Botswana Pula GNU Government of National Unity USD United States Dollar RBZ Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ZAR South African Rand ZCTU- Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions 2. 00 Research DesignSample of people to get away questionnaire is going to be based on knowledge, feeleribility and convenience. 2. 11 Instruments for Data Collection The research will be based on both primary and secondary methods of collecting data which include surveys, interviews, questionnaires and published information and journals. The researcher will use a number of methods in the collection of primary and secondary information. The following methods will be used to gather primary information ? Questionnaires- these will be designed and hand posted to the selected respondents.Sample of people to send questionnaire is going to be based on knowledge, accessibility and convenience. ? Interviews- interviews will be conducted to collect some of the information required in the research. The following sources will be used to tap all secondary data available about the subject ? Use of textbooks ? The researcher in the course of the research will access newspapers, financial reports, business journals and the Internet. Information will also be attained through discussions with classmates and fellow researchers. 2. 2 Data Presentation and Analysis There will be use of tables, graphs and statistical tools/methods including pie charts in data presentation and analysis. These will be used first to present the data obtained through the questionnaires in the interviews, which will then m ake possible the analysis of the data in a more objective and quantitative manner as well as less subjective and qualitative way. A report shall then be compiled and presented on the final outcome of the findings and analysis. 2. 13 Research Timetable and Budget (Project Scheduling)Research Time Table SectionChapterMonth/ completion Introduction1Two weeks Literature Review2Two weeks Research Method3Four Weeks Data Presentation Analysis4Four Weeks Conclusion and Recommendation5Two weeks Research Budget Cost CenterCost Amount (USD) Typing and Printing$20 Photocopying$20 Internet$30 Traveling costs$50 Food Costs$30 Total$150 2. 14 Research Limitations ? The research is going to be limited due to the studies that will be going on concurrently with the research project and the time committed to the research project will be reduced. Time, unforeseen institutional disturbances at N. U. S. T. may delay timely completion of the research project. ? Lack of cooperation there could be unexpec ted lack of cooperation from respondents, if any are to be twisting in the project. ? Possible limited access to confidential information, which might be useful for the purposes of the research. ? Financial constraints The research could be affected by the writers limited funds to fully meet all due costs to be incurred during the research 2. 15 Source ReferencingThe According to Kararach G, Kadenge P, and Guvheya G, (2010). CURRENCY REFORMS IN ZIMBABWE AN summary OF POSSIBLE CURRENCY REGIMES, will be used. 2. 16 Bibliography (a) Books The Harvard way of referencing shall be employed (b) Journals The According to Kararach G, Kadenge P, and Guvheya G, (2010). CURRENCY REFORMS IN ZIMBABWE AN ANALYSIS OF POSSIBLE CURRENCY REGIMES, will be used. 1 (Acting Minister of Finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa on Budget Presentation to Parliament on 29 January 2009. ) 2 Ibid. Biti, T. Statement on the 2009 Budget, Presented to the Parliament of Zimbabwe by the Minister of Finance, 17 March 2009 , http//www. zimtreasury. org 3 Hyper-inflation is defined by Hanke (2008) as a situation where the year- on- year rate of inflation breaches the 12,875 percent mark. Zimbabwe began to hyper-inflate in 2007 and hyper-inflation was officially reported by the Zimbabwe Central Statistical Office to have peaked at 231 million percent in July 2008. 4 http//www. businessdictionary. com/definition/hyperinflation. html 5 http//www. answers. com/topic/dollarizationixzz2BXaOhuVJ 1