Impact of IT on Individuals, Communities and Society

Impact of IT on Individuals, Communities and Society Since its inception, IT has had a substantial jar on the origination. The ability to bother nurture at the touch of a button has transformed the musical mode we learn. Education and Training have never been the same, before the dawn of the cyberspace. However, every of this is not as dreadful as it initial seems. Malicious users roam the far reaches of the lucre act to steal peoples bank details, kid pornography sites hidden behind proxies and VPNs deep in the dark net, even il effectual drug and subdivision sales.Online ShoppingOnline shopping is an amazing invention since its initiation in 1979 by Michael Aldrich. Michael Aldrich connected a 26 coloured consumer television by a teleph single line to a real- date transaction treat computer. He called his new invention teleshopping, this is the forefather to our online shopping today. It even allows people who cant leave their homes, very much(prenominal) as disable d people, elderly people, single pargonnts and so much more. However, this godsend isnt as brilliant for topical anaesthetic shop owners as it is for consumers it can leave local economies decimated as people that used to be sure customers move to services like amazon and ASDA Direct.Not all is how it seems. Although online shopping can be fond by many people, a lot of people still dont have access to it. 21.6% of UK residents dont have unwavering access to the internet. This has become a problem for many rural areas of the UK that seem to be neglected by ISPs (Internet Service Providers), low income areas likewise seem to have a smaller percent of online activity. In 2015 the UK brass tried to combat this issue by passing a bill that was intended to provide everyone with at least 15 mbps (megabits per second) internet access for free. As of February 2017 the bill has disappeared.Free timeThe panache we surpass our free time has changed drastically everywhere the last coup le of decades. From the dawn of social media to the invention of compound graphically intense video games our choices of media consumption during our free time has vastly increased since the very first commercial computers were produced. Websites like Twitter and YouTube have become the places where just about will spend their free time. This has caused capability creators commonly referred to as YouTubers, to make a living. Some even become millionaires.Video games have also become one of the most popular forms of peoples pass times, over33 million out of the UKs 64 million residents play video games on a unremarkable basis. Thats roughly 51% of the total populous, over half So its no surprise that the British games market is worth a whopping 4.193 zillion as of 2015.Streaming websites are also among the most popular for internet users, they account for roughly 60% 70% of web traffic. They stream videos and another(prenominal) media like music to their users, some of the mos t frequently visited websites for cyclosis include Netflix, Amazon Prime video and music, Spotify and Crunchyroll An anime streaming site.CommunicationCommunication within the IT intentness has shaped how we all communicate on a daily basis. From Emails to Short Message Service (SMS), daily communication has vastly changed from the days of letters and telegrams this is thanks to the wide adoption of computers and mobile devices. This has only ameliorate as technology has advanced to the internet vastly improved what mobile devices could do thus allowing us to communicate in better and faster ways. With the invention of 3G (short for tertiary Generation, in reference to it being the 3rd iteration of wireless mobile technology). Users could surf the web from their devices. This newly found technology paved the way for smartphones, has the technology improved with H/HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) offering a theoretical 7.2 mbps connection speed and ulterior H+HSPA+ (Evo lved High-Speed Packet Access) offering an insanely fast theoretical speed of 168 mbps.Legal ImpactsThe legal impacts of IT have always been up for debate, whether it was the ability to copy games from cas stackte to cassette or the sudden unlimited access to large(p) substances of selective information that came from the incredible creation that is the internet. In order to protect peoples data and information, many governments around the world implemented improved copyright and plagiarism laws. In the UK this law is called the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1998. Law lays come out foundations to stand by copyright and patent holders to take legal action again those who steal their works. Hacking, Fraud and other malicious acts also came along with the dawn of commonly available personal computers. The UK government passed the Computer corrupt Act 1990, this bill outlined the dos and donts when it comes to computer use accessing a computer without permission is considered a crime under the Computer Misuse Act. Ethical ImpactsThe ethical impacts of IT mainly from the constant documentation of our information from services much(prenominal) as Google and Amazon has been a heated topic for several years. Should we allow such services to store our personal information and information about items we like or search most often? Although there are many benefits in allowing such information to be stored which can tending to form algorithms to better improve our online experiences with search engines and online shops.This can allow services such as Amazon target specific advertisements to be shown to us based on our interests and to have products recommended to us based on our past purchases. However, if this information were to reach the wrong hands, such as a fraudster, it could be extremely wild to the users whom data has been stolen.Another ethical question that comes to play with the use of IT is for those who dont have access to high-speed internet tha t may of us take for granted. For instance, many people who live in rural areas of the UK dont have access to broadband due to the vast distance between them and the telephone exchange. In some cases, even trying to install cables for rural areas are just impossible due to the high cost and low support aspect of the area. For a broadband company it is more profitable to place expensive high-speed cables in densely populated urban areas since the vast amount of customers would allow the companies to recover their investments much quicker. There are solutions to this however, many mobile communication networks have started providing 4G internet access to those who cant get access to the internet or who have rather weak connections. Most of the time these solutions are cheap and quick to set up however the 800Mhz (megahertz) frequency band, previously used for analogue television, used by most telecommunication companies although has far reach due to its small wavelength this has the negative effect of not having the ability to transmit as much data as a fibre optic cabling.Life before computersAs much as it is hard for some of us who have grown up with and around this amazing technology, we essential not forget that computers have not always been around. Even earlier versions of cameras have been around extended than computers. Video games, Instant messaging, Email, DVDs, Cassettes, Laserdiscs There was a time when all of these werent even thought of. A time of newspapers and radio, vinyl disc and Classic music and Jazz. Going outside to play with friends, working for a sixpence, 240 pence to a pound, before the days of post decimalisation. I asked my Nan about what it was like growing up, what she would have desire to do when she left school. Getting a job as a typist working for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was one of the flashiest jobs for women to get, everyone wanted it.SustainabilityThe sustainability of our modern technological position has been a qu estion for many centuries. What can we do to help preserve our environment and sustain our current lifestyle? Recycling our old hardware and reusing the precious metals deep down them can help us since it uses less energy to regain these metals than it does to mine and refine them. Another returns to this is that metals are also a finite substance and we only have a set amount of it.Moving to a more sustainable energy source to power our homes and electronics is also a springy way to be stainable. Solar, wind and nuclear energy are the current candidates for us to replace our restricted on fossil fuels. All three of these present a positives and negatives but one thing they all have in common is their amount of pollution they produce or lack there of. rapscallion 1 OF YOUR BLOGUnderstand the impact of IT on individuals, communities and society.ImpactsSocial ImpactsHow we spend free time.Effects on local communitiesPAGE 2 OF YOUR BLOGECONOMIC IMPACTSEmployment structure and worki ng practices.Sustainability.PAGE 3 OF YOUR BLOGLegal impactsOwnership, copyright and plagiarismPAGE 4 OF YOUR BLOGEthical impactsPrivacy of informationPAGE 5 OF YOUR BLOGActivity from page 23 Life before computers investigate and carry through up in your own words.

Poverty And Environmental Degradation In Ghana Environmental Sciences Essay

pauperism And environsal Degradation In gold coast environmental Sciences moveThe relation amongst poverty levels and purlieual abjection has been widely debated inside academic circles. The theoretical linkage between poverty and environsal degradation has for some time been shroud in ambiguity. Environment degradation and poverty ar closely interrelated and inseparable, sort tabooicularly in develop countries. Awargonness and concern nigh environmental degradation select grown around the world over the last few decades these concerns are shared by people of different nations, cultures, religions and social classes. In new-fangled years scotch researchers allow become increasingly aware of the important implications that the state of the environment has for the success of development effort. .(Michael P Todaro, Stephen C Smith, Economic growing)it has been asserted that the interaction between poverty and environmental degradation can lead to a self perpetuating pr ocess in which ,as a result of ignorance or sparing necessity, communities whitethorn in heedfully destroy or exhaust the resources on which they depend for survival.(Michael P Todaro, Stephen C Smith, Economic Development)According to Michael P Todaro and Stephen C Smith, environmental degradation can have severe consequences on the poor in developing countries. They further conclude that since the solution to environmental problems involve enhancing the productivity of resources and improving living conditions among the poor, achieving environmentally sustainable growth is synonymous with achieving economic growth. pauperisation is considered a great influence on environmental degradation. In umteen regions of the developing countries, regional overgrazing has resulted in destruction of grazing lands, forest and s rock oil. In addition air travel and water have been degraded . It has been hypothesized that as people become poorer, they destroy the resources faster . By so doin g decennaryd to overuse the inbred resources because they dont have any means of survival except through the natural resources. They therefore tend to depend more on natural resources. An increase in poverty gives go on to an equal increase in environmental degradation thereby necessitating the need to improve the quality of living.Ghana is located on the west coast of Africa bordering the Gulf of Guinea with a 539-kilometer stretch of coastline. The capital, Accra, is situated on the coast. The country shares borders with Togo to the east, Cote dIvoire on the west and Burkina Faso to the north. Ghana covers a total area of 238,537 unbent km (92,100 square miles).Ghana is well endowed with natural resources gold, timber, and cocoa the major sources of foreign exchange, and recently discovered oil in commercial quantities. The domestic economy continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 34.7 pct of GDP and employs 56 percent of the work force, mainl y smallholders. The country has a total of 170 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies within its ten administrative regions and has approximately 22 million people. Most of the population is concentrated in the southern part of the country, with highest densities occurring in urban and cocoa-producing areas.(USAID) .Ghana is rapidly urbanizing. Despite this, most of Ghanas poor live in country areas without sanctioned services such(prenominal) as health care and clean water. Small-scale farmers, who are affect most by rural poverty in Ghana, depend on outdated farming tools and drop find to improved seeds and fertilisers to increase crop yields.Since independence Ghana has had a long fight with poverty. there have been six development plans implemented in Ghana since 1951. They have all generally desire to improve upon the growth of GDP and ensuring an acceptable level of social and political life for the country. The most recent and significant have been the Vision 2020 and The Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy.( Eugene Eluerkeh,2004)Environmental degradation is difficult to define. In simple terms environmental degradation can be say to be the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil, the destruction of the ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. Poverty is the state of having inadequate access to ones survival needs and basic social amenities which include food, clothing, shelter, education, good health, employment, transport, communication and other basic social services.Poverty breeds frustration, depression, helplessness, carelessness, insecurity, indiscipline, crime and struggle to meet immediate survival needs at the write off of long-term environmental benefits. This struggle for survival has been the major linkage of the poor to environmental degradation such as deforestation, land degradation of coastal habitats and poor urban sanitation that keep perpetual poverty.Poverty can be assessed at the individual, household, community, district, regional and national levels in which case a nations capability to go away the social needs of its people is used as a measure of its poverty status.One out of five people on earth still live with $1 a day, and many incorporate effortand commitment have been targeted to reduce the number of poor people including the socalledMillennium Development Goals halving innate poverty by the year 2015 (WorldBank, DFID, EC, UNDP, 2002).As part of the conditions to be met for the realization of (HIPC) relief package, Ghana, like its transcript countries, was to develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to indicate how monies accrued from joining (HIPC) would be used to alleviate poverty among Ghanaians.The broad strategies outlined in the document included good governance, macro-economic stability, production, employment, photo and exclusion, and human resource development. Unfortunately, however, the environment, which is the primary ingredient for survival, growth and development was not streamlined in the document.Environmental degradation is a result of the dynamic inter play of socio-economic, institutional and technological activities. Environmental changes may be driven by many factors including economic growth, population growth, urbanization, intensification of agriculture, rising energy use and transportation.Poverty still remains a problem at the root of several environmental problems.Poverty is said to be both cause and effect of environmental degradation. The circular link between poverty and environment is an extremely complex phenomenon. Inequality may foster unsustainability because the poor, who rely on natural resources more than therich, tucker natural resources faster as they have no real prospects of gaining access to othertypes of resources.Moreover, degraded environment can accelerate the process of impoverishment, again because the poor depend directly on natural assetsEnviro nmental sustainability should thus, be a key priority area in our strategic plans towards poverty alleviation. Within this circumstance therefore, the right linkage between the various specific environmental degradation and poverty must be well established to the appreciation of all stakeholders.In search of an explanation of the poverty- environmental degradation linkage, many studies have been done in this regard. In terms of urban poverty, it is suggested that there is little evidence of it universe a significant contributor to environmental degradation but strong evidence that urban environ-mental hazards are major contributors to urban poverty (David Satterthwaite).Most of the studies on the poverty-environment linkage have used panel information studies and hence have not been country specific. This study thus aims to explore in detail the poverty-environment linkage with specific reference to the Ghanaian situation. It testament thus review the existing literary works on the poverty-environment linkage, fork over an overview of the poverty and environment profile in Ghana and attempt to provide policy recommendations suitable for the Ghanaian situation.Statement of ProblemPoverty in Ghana has for a long been considered an economic problem. Hence economic policies that have been developed haved not considered the environment. It is however useful to consider the interplay between the environment and poverty in formulating policies intentional to alleviate poverty. Various studies have established that there exists some kind of dynamic interplay between the state of the environment and poverty levels. Hence it is useful to consider the impact of the various economic policies designed to reduce poverty on the environment.Significance of the studyThe study will be of immense import to the economy of Ghana. It will attempt to explain the poverty-environment linkage in Ghana. The study will review the literature on the poverty and environmental profil e of Ghana. It will then explore the impact that policy reforms that have been designed to alleviate poverty have had on the environment.Objectives of the studyThe main objective of the study will be toexplore the poverty-environmental degradation linkage in Ghana.Explore the determinants of environmental degradation im Ghana.Elaborate on steps taken to reduce environmental degradation in GhanaEvaluate the existing economic policies designed to reduce povertyData and MethodologyThe study will use macro entropy on poverty levels and measures on environmental degradation. To achieve the above objectives the study will adopt and shift the model used by Shaista Alam in the study Globalization, Poverty and Environmental Degradation SustainableDevelopment in Pakistan .The model is given aslnEGt= 0+1lnPVRTt+2lnFRTt+3lnURBNt+4lnPOPt+5lnEDUt+where the variables are defined as followsEG is environmental degradation,FRT is fertilizer consumption (in metric tons), URBN is the rate of urbaniza tion, POP is the population growth, PVRT represents poverty, EDU is the education.

Globalisation and Internationalisation

Globalisation and InternationalisationIntroductionIn most frugal industries of the world Globalization and Internationalization has become very common. The dictionary import of Globalization taken from (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014) is the process by which logical argumentes or other organizations generate supranational influence or start operating on an international scale and according to (Maringe Foskett, 2012) internationalization is an approach to designing products and services that atomic number 18 easily adaptable to different cultures and languages across national borders. When we look at the automotive perseverance, pharmacy industry, electronic industry or communication industry etc. we come to know that all business models operating in spite of appearance them argon often really globalized or at least multi-national. This put forward be the reason that why these multi-national companies gain commanding importance in the entire world economy.Before we can know how w ell a business can operate in an economy, we need to know the localize where it is operating and for this purpose this paper will consider Indonesia and capital of capital of Singapore from the ACEAN economical region.Indonesia EconomyIndonesia is worlds 18th largest economy and has been remarkably emergence after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The economy is well stable however after the GFC 2009 because of the prudent financial macroeconomic policy of the terra firma. The nation enjoys rise per capita GDP and depressed borrowing costs. However every country has or so risks attached to business use and they differ from one a nonher country to country. (Forbes, 2013)Singapores economyGenerally speaking about Singapores economy has earned a well good reputation. The rigid growth and flexibility of free economy has earned the small country name Asian Tiger. The economy of Singapore provides transp atomic number 18nt judicature and an efficient infrastructure for any re liable business and investment to grow.environmental federal agents impacting BusinessIf there is something that is changing and steadfast it is swop itself. Change is unavoidable and those business who tend not to follow up the change be likely to fail or in terms of not having a long term survivability. There many events, scenarios or situations that bump and usurp the way in which a business operates in a confirmative way or either negative way. Such things atomic number 18 called the control forces or environmental ciphers.Types of Environmental FactorsInternal Some change occur within the business and impact it directly such changes entangle machinery and equipment, expert capacity, management systems, culture of organization, financial or employee management or staff moral etc.External Events or changes occurring outside the company and are usually not under the control of the company some of these include industry itself, the economy of the particular country in which it operates, demographics, competition, semipolitical interference. some(prenominal) are the causes whether they are external or internal the thing is change will occur and a company must be fictile and have a willing attitude to respond to them in an captivate way. There are number of environmental or driving forces such asSocial semipoliticalFinancialProduct Quality dissemination ChannelsLeadershipEmployeesEconomy of the countryStructural ChangesPolicies and ProceduresFor the sake of lucidity we take Political factor of the above two companies and see how this factor is impacting on any business that operates in these economiesAnalysis of Political Factor on BusinessFor the purpose of starting a new business and entrepreneurs needs almost more than 4 months to complete the necessary paperwork as compared to Singapore which is less than 15 days. The Government of Indonesia and it policies for new contrasted investments is not openly welcomed because of the ironclad rule of President Suharto which created dissent slowly and steady within the system while Singapore welcomes any direct foreign investment that help the local cause making it more politically stable for business then Indonesia. (Doing Business, 2013)The factor of red tapes reported by the World Bank study shows that due to low salaries at political and law level it create more chances for the officials to take bribe at every legal business transaction which further hampers the business not to take part fully in the economy. (Engel, 2012)The setup of Bank Restructuring authorisation or IBRA by the Indonesian Government was a step onward in the crisis to recapitalization or closure of insolvent curses and management of corporate financial obligation which makes a profitable availability of consumer credit. This led to increased business activity as more credit is available for doing business. But later the bank also could not maintain its growth since its inception due to fluctuations in the economy and policies that govern it. (New York Times, 2003)According to Political and economic Risk Consultancy, PERC, Singapore enjoys the least risks involved in the political sector of the country which makes to do business of any kind more encourage able. The political perceptual constancy of the Singapore makes it a vital place to do investment and business. (Singapore Economic Development Board, 2013)The Government and political status of both the concern countries are verily different meaning there is corruption and instability in Indonesia for doing business and Singapore is ranked 3rd in Asia in transparency. Political factor impact the operation of the business directly meaning if you are easily well aware of the legal and political laws for doing business in the country the business will grow otherwise investments tend to low and organization interest fade away to do business in that particular country.Works CitedDoing Business, 2013. starting a Business in indo nesia. Online usable at http//www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/indonesia/starting-a-business Accessed 24 phratry 2014.Engel, S., 2012. The World Bank and the post-Washington Consensus in Vietnam and Indonesia Inheritance of Loss. 2nd ed. New York Routledge.Forbes, 2013. Indonesia. Online Available at http//www.forbes.com/places/indonesia/ Accessed 24 September 2014.Maringe, F. Foskett, N., 2012. Globalization and Internationalization in Higher Education Theoretical, Strategic and focus Perspectives. New York AC Black.New York Times, 2003. Indonesian Bank Agency fading Out. Online Available at http//www.nytimes.com/2003/10/02/business/indonesian-bank-agency-fading-out.html Accessed 24 September 2014.Oxford Dictionaries, 2014. commentary of globalization in English. Online Available at http//www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/globalization Accessed 24 September 2014.Singapore Economic Development Board, 2013. FACTS AND RANKINGS. Online Available at http//ww w.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/why-singapore/about-singapore/facts-and-rankings/rankings.html Accessed 24 September 2014.

The Exposed Problems Of Sexism In The Media Media Essay

The Exposed Problems Of Sexism In The Media Media EssayFor m both years at one time the media we argon bustd to any day has been fillight-emitting diode with sex crookivity dissimilitude ( tripism) even though we magnate not always notice it. sex activity in equivalence is a line of work we as humans have been go intimately for quite a few years now and to a greater extent a great deal than not the media has been part of the problem and not the solution.Problem state gain forcet Does the media advocate sexism and outdate views of masculine/ effeminate behaviour?What is media sexism?The Oxford Dictionary of Sociology defines sexism as macrocosmness the ch take in(prenominal) discrimination on the basis of sex. This kind of discrimination tends to operate in party favor of men and against women however the obverse is not entirely un perceive of. From this we give the axe assume that the full term media sexism refers to discrimination on the basis of gender that we observe from day to day in the media.As easy as the term may chatm to be to grasp, its a much to a greater extent overcharge term in the way that we bent always aw be of the sexism that takes place in the media. For model, the percentage of word of honor showreaders covering important newswor stave outess stories that are virile dominates the occur of female person newsreaders covering important news stories. This is quite subtle and near people dont notice this, whereas the amount of female sex workers seen in the news is much more than the amount of male sex workers seen in the news. Sexism of any kind, including media sexism depose occur on some contrasting levels and range from being covert to being outright blatant.Yes the media march ons sexism and sexist behaviourFrom my point of view, yes, media does parent sexism and sexist behaviour. I say it does promote sexism because women, or to be more specific womens bodies and specific women body parts are apply to enunciate new products.How many adverts have we seen in magazines where new gadgets are being advertised with half naked woman holding it? Cars, TV, graphics card, kiosk phone, laptop, etc, are entirely being promoted and it is being associated with women and their body. The adverts on TV are most(prenominal)ly being advertised by women. And if look at these commercials most of them the women have no involvement to do with the product that is being advertised, one of the example is the advert for fruit juice where woman were being splashed with different fruit and fruit juice. If we also look at the computer games and their characters we fag end clearly that its promoting sexism. As they make the women characters look very attractive and expose their bodies.This is not the only place where media promotes sexism, if have we look at the paintings and series, we notify see that the men are the ones playing the important roles in the painting and women are there just as the h ot sex icon, we so-and-so take Transformers for example, where Megan Fox who is the one of the main characters in Transformers plays a sex icon in the movie. If we remember when the Transformers 1 and 2 came out many men went with their friends to cinemas to watch the movie not only for its great execute and effects further went to go watch it to see Megan Fox. I can remember many of my friends talking of going to watch it just to see her. This clearly shows that women, in this case Megan Fox, are used to advertise the movie so that it can sell better.We can clearly see that media does promote sexism after we have given and discussed different fields of media where media sexism is being used. This is not good as there are many disadvantages from advertise women in such a way. Women are being used as objects. This has function on mens mind, as it changes the way they view women and how they treat women in general.No The media does not promote sexism and sexist behaviourFor many years the media has been rule by male presenters, reporters, writers etc. Women were seen as low-level to men and their voices were not heard in the media. However, this has now come to passAccording to the international Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), a global survey that is taken every five years, in 2005, 57% of all television news presenters were female and throughout the piece women are more frequently becoming powerfully represented in newsrooms. These figures also remained stable during the 2010 survey. It showed that while men were more apt(predicate) to report domestic news stories (70%), women were much more likely to report international news (61%). Also worth mentioning is that 83% of news stories focusing on women were also presented by female journalists.Their findings from 1995-2010 for reporting and presenting the news read as following1995200020052010% custody%Women%Men%Women%Men%Women%Men%Stories presented on TV and Radio51494951534749As can be seen from the above table taken from the GMMP 2010, the percentage of males and females presenting news stories on television and radiocommunication have been rather stable and more importantly, decent for the last 20 years. This is a good example of how gender inequality and stereotypes are outset to dissipate from the media we are exposed to in everyday life.This change was brought about thanks to various different approaches to the issue of gender equality in the media that include, but are not limited toBringing gender symmetry to the institution of mediaCreating alternative media for women to tell their stories and to let their voice be heardEmpowering and hiring female journalistsThese approaches arent mutually exclusive. They all play important roles in gender equality in the media today as well as the average portrayal of females in the media.In conclusion, males and females are slowly but for sure starting to enter a balance when it comes to equality in the media. The age of gend er stereotypes are drawing to a close and we welcome female journalists and newsreaders into the previously male dominated field where they prove themselves to be equals to their male counterparts.How the media portrays men and women and the effects thereofThrough sexism in the media, stereotypes of how men and women should act and the roles they should adhere to are developed. The media has the power to influence the masses and by communicating sexist ideas the media is creating stereotypes by which they expect the public to conform to. Adverting campaigns such as the Bar One Man launched by Bar One and Windhoeks forever and a day Keep it Real advertising campaigns are typical examples of the media dictating how men should act.Women used for advertising and television programmes are most times abnormally thin and skinny. Women viewing this believe that this is the norm and are driven to unhealthy diets and eating dis lays in order to obtain what the media has portray as the ideal body. girlish girls and women can suffer from anorexia and bulimia while trying to conform to what the media has envisioned as the perfect body size. Men are portrayed as being very strong, masculine and muscular. Men spend hours at the gymnasium trying to obtain what has been presented to them as the perfect body and sometimes turn to supplement such as steroids for help which damage ones health. As a result of not achieving the perfect body, people can suffer from anxiety, natural depression and a range of inner conflicting emotions.Men and women are glamorised and portrayed as completely unflawed in the media, this prompts everyday people to chase away large amounts of money on cosmetics so that they may conform to this flaw slight image. Women spend money on expensive make-up, perfumes, clothes, jewellery and accessories while men are prompted to buy colognes, after-shaves and other costly cosmetic products in order to make themselves look appealing to the pivotal sex. S ome people would go as far as to pay to have cosmetic procedure done to improve their bodies.In the media women are presented as sex objects to be used by men. This leads to decay in the self esteem of women as they begin to believe that the only way to get care from men is to present themselves as sex objects. This also has a negative move on men as they loose respect for women and are led to believe that there are many beautiful women in the world that are easy and willing sex partners.In the media men are a lot seen doing something stupid or potentially dangerous to gain the attention and approval of a woman. This is seen in a lot of First for Women advertisements on the television and in magazines. This encourages men to act recklessly to get a womans attention.The way the media portrays men and women is not an accurate representation of reality, but a false portrayal of how the media expects men and women to be. The way media portrays men and women creates an extremely spir ited presentiment of reality. People become obsessive about meeting that expectation and damage their health and emotions in the process. Men and women face disappointment when the opposite sex does not live up to the high expectation the media has created of them. use sexism to help promote or sell products does not always work in the favour of the companies advertising. Sexist advertisements that appear in the media can often annoy and enrage the gender that is being exploited or ridiculed in order to promote the product. This causes negative feelings and emotions towards that advertisement. By using sexism in advertising a company can gain the attention of its audience but can also leave people feeling angered and opposed to buying that specific product.Group opinionAfter discussing the topic and considering all the information we gathered throughout this assignment we as a congregation decided that the media definitely promotes sexism and sexist behaviour particularly in favo ur of males. The female body is often being exploited to sell products females are less frequently used to present important news and less than 30% of journalists covering important stories worldwide are female (GMMP, 2011). hopefully in coming years this will become a thing of the past, but for the time being media sexism is a very real problem that we face.In conclusionIt would appear that the media is still representing females as being inferior to males or at least to a certain degree. Despite this however, females are starting to fight back and are proving to be worthy equals to their male counterparts. Organisations such as the GMMP are trying to ensure gender equality in the media and are slowly, but surely achieving their goal. This is a mindset that might take many years to get out of, but it is a necessary change that will have to take place if we are to truly progress as a species. In our opinion, males and females are equal and it should be portrayed that way in the medi a and in any walks of life.

Impact of Financial Leverage on Firm Value

Impact of monetary leverage on Firm ValueIntroduction If there is debt in a bon tons metropolis, such a telephoner is termed leveraged or ge argond company.A string proportionality demonst regularizes the relationship between fixed interest and right capital in the finance of a business MeasuredFixed use up Capital OR Fixed Interest CapitalCapital employ EquityThe fiscal lever is a norm in cadence the scale of using debt in the firms capital structure. One of the around main(prenominal) issues in pecuniary discussions is obtaining a blend of capital structure which has the most attractions for the investors. The structure of capital is a required link between debt and the equity that provides financial contains for preparing the companys properties.STATEMENT OF RESEARCH QUESTIONThere is a negative and signifi throw stunnedt correlativity between financial leverage and firm.1.There is a negative and significant correlation between financial leverage and boodle per portion forth2.There is a negative and significant correlation between financial leverage and price requital ratio.3.There is a negative and significant correlation between financial leverage and imparts to equity.4.There is a negative and significant correlation between financial leverage and operating profit.WHY INTERESTINGThe preceding(prenominal) question questions atomic number 18 interesting as they leave behind address the nextProvide answer on the shock of gearing on the firms determine reconcile the argument as to whether financial leverage has relationship with earning per sh are the level of correlation between financial leverage and price earnings ratio as come up as operational profit. The questions pass on to a fault seek to highlight the risks associated with leverage.Relation to previous look (Theoretical Framework)CAPITAL building THEORIESA companys capital structure shows all the sources of finance a company is utilizing to finance its operations.Capit al structure refers to how a company finances its operations and it is usually made up ofOrdinary share capital orientation share capitalDebt capital.There are two main theories close the effect of changes in gearing on the WACC and share prize. There area.The handed-down viewb.The net operating income approachFor which a behavioural justification was proposed by Franco Modigliani and Melton H. Miller (M M) in 1958 (Gitman, 2006).TRADITIONAL VIEWThe conventional view states that debt capital is cheaper than equity and that such a company can attach its revalue by borrowing up to a goable limit (the optimal level of gearing). Return Kw KeKdP adaptWith the traditional theory, the following assumptions hold sway 1.The cost of debt testament tolerate constant until a significant point is reached when it would start to rise.2.The WACC allow suffice immediately an external source of finance is introduced and will bring thereafter as the level of gearing increases.3.The compa nys market value and the market value per share will be maximized where WACC is at the lowest point.M-MS SUPPORT OF THE operate INCOME APPROACHThe original normative theory of company valuation and capital structure was put forward in form of a behavioral justification of the Net Operating Income Approach by Franco Modigliani and Melton H. Miller (M-M) in 1958 (Gitman, 2006).To appreciate the overtures by M-M, it will be make better to understand the M-M assumptions which are stated below.From these assumptions, M-M set out their three propositions.PROPOSITION IThis states that a company cannot change the original value of its securities just by splitting its cash flow into different streams the companys value is fit(p) by its documentary assets, not by the securities it issues. Thus, capital structure is irrelevant if the companys investment decisions are taken as given.PROPOSITION IIThe expected rate of return on the equity of a geared company increases in proposition to t he debt-equity ratio (debt/equity), expressed in market values the rate of increase depends on the spread between the expected rate of return on a portfolio of all the companys securities, and the expected return on the debt.PROPOSITION threeThis provides a rule for optimal investment policy by the company The cut off point for investment in the company will in all cases be the WACC and will be completely insensible(p) by the types of security used to finance the investment.Consequently, if the first two propositions hold, the cut-off rate used to evaluate investments will not be affected by the type of funding used to finance them, whatever may be the capital structure. The gain from using debt (at lower cost) is offset by the change magnitude cost of equity (due to increased risk) and WACC therefore remains unchanged.Proposed regularitysSTATEMENT OF regularitySecondary info from financial infobase will be used.To determine the impact of leverage on the value of firm, a tho rough study will be taken on each entity in the integrated chain.My pickaxe of the above data collection method rested on their hardship and research question. I also consider them to be less pricey in relation to others.The study will try to integrate sundry(a) academician literatures and examine the impact of financial leverage on the value of firms. Therefore, I shall obtain unbalanced panel comprising 25 companies listed on the Nigerian tenor Exchange for the period ranging from 2001- 2010 with relevant information over the give way years. These firms and their published accounts will be used to determine the variable that will be stated.CHOICE OF THEORYThere are two sanctioned theories about the impact of financial leverage on firms value the traditional theory and the Modigliani Millers theory. I shall base my study on the theory which search more realistic with empirical fact.CAPITAL STRUCTUREIn the academic literature, there two possible indictors of capital struct ure, namely, debt-equity ratio, defined as total debt divided by book value of common equity, and a ratio of debt total assets. In this analytic thinking, the ratio of debt to common equity will be used. This will be more useful to explain the choice of a capital structure as compared to the ratio of debt to total assets. This variable shall be denoted as CS in our analysis.DATA COLLECTIONThe collection tools for the research meet admits Financial times statistical data from Nigerian Stock Exchange, Augusto rating on debt Equity Companies, Financial Index Journal.Others tool include the companys annual reports and account, the internet, financial newspaper particularly, Thisday, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) journals, Financial Standard, ancestry Times and some other foreign journal consulted at motley library.The testing technique to be employed is regression and correlation analysis with the chi-square X2 distribution, which allows comparisons of an ac tual observed distribution with a hypothe size of itd or expected distribution.This method is often referred to as a goodness of fit test.SAMPLE carcassThe secondary data above will be used in addition to the financial statement and Accounts of selected companies Nigerian Breweries Plc, Pharma Deko Plc and Evans Medicals Plc. The result of the probe will be analyzed and tested.The firm size shall be determined by its log of sales as published in their financial statements. Firms turnover as a percentage of capital employed will be used in our exemplification. It is often argued that performance is a division of firm size and if we are to make a regression model with performance as response variable, it is important to incorporate firm size in our model. Firm size may be positively or negatively related to leverage. Odeleye (2014) come forward with the idea that large firms may exercise economies of scale, have better knowledge of markets and can employ better management personn el. Firm size also measures a firms market major power or level of concentration within the industry.ReflectionsFinance The execution of this project required substantial financial outlay. The sourcing and assembly of data, paying working look to firm, conducting enquiry to the operations of the company and packaging available information into legitimate project, required funding.Time It takes time to conduct inquiry, investigation as well as gather, compile analysis and interprets data and then organizes them into a research work. The researcher worked under severe constraints of time as there was a deadline for the submission of the project.Attitude of the Practitioner Although some information was readily provided by staff of the organization, a few other relevant ones were considered as mysterious and strenuous efforts had to be made to collect some of the information that were regarded as confidential.Altogether, the limitations were so severe as to vitiate the research ou tcome, more oddly because the researcher managed to overcome the breastwork. Physically, only some selected leveraged companies in manufacturing activities as an natural selection for growth enhancement of market are included to minimize the expenses.another(prenominal) limitation is that not all leveraged companies turn out to be roaring in relation to market values this research does not meridian those companies.I obtained all the necessary information I needed for empirical analysis considering the advanced nature of the financial reporting of the firms under revaluation which confounds to international standard? The financial regulation in Nigeria major power not be up to date with respect to submission of financial statement.The gathering of data from some of the companys department required some payment. This expenses which was budgeted for constituted a challenge, yet there was a possibility of missing some data which is not found on the financial statement of the comp anies.This study was carried out with a sample of firms listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange. The first empirical obstacle will be the approachability of data for a minimum of ten trading years for the firms under study. The financial regulations in Nigeria require firms to have their audited financial statements as well as certain information regarding their firms value. However, the data submitted by firms are in hard copy format and they are thus stored at the companys department in paper format. Given that availability is limited to hard copies, I feel that I will need to bear into mind the time factor involved in the manual gathering of relevant data. Moreover, data regarding a single company might be in different volumes and this might involve delay out of proportion in this assignment.Timetable July 2015 Proposal SubmissionAugust 2015 Proposal adulationSeptember/October 2015 Literature reviewNovember 2015 submission and amendment of chapter 1based on examiners approva l/ noticeDecember 2015 submission and amendment of chapter 2 based on examiners approval/ interpretationJanuary 2016 submission and amendment of chapter 3 and 4 based on examiners approval/ definitionFebruary 2016 submission and amendment of chapter 5 based on examiners approval/comment skirt 2016 Proof reading, final editing, printing/binding and project submissionReferencesAkinsulire, O. (2002), Financial Management 2002. COEMOL Nig. LtdGitman, L. (2006). Leverage and Capital Structure (4TH Ed). Boston Pearson Anderson Wiley.Odeleye, A. (2014) Corporate financial backing and Efficiency of Indigenous Energy Firms in Nigeria A literature Review. world-wide Journal of Energy Economics and Policy. 4(1).

Becoming Abigail By Chris Abani English Literature Essay

Becoming Abigail By Chris Abani English Literature showYoung Abigail is a Nigerian girl alternating short sections counselling on her past as well as her present manners. She is Abigail the female child but there is the dominant Abigail, the mother who died giving birth to her. The devastation of Abigails mother plays a huge role in the entire novel. Abigail is visualised as an affliction child, without a mother, striving to discover her future. She is an African girl, stand for the corrosion of national and confined cultural distinctiveness into the end monolithic continental identity of Africa. Abigail tries to personify and preserve herself in her mothers figure and bequest. The mother is chronic drunkard who foregoes his paternal obligations and responsibility. He has his daughter who constantly re caputs him of his belatedly(a) wife. Abigails is characterized by misery and tragedies. Her childhood is pathetic and she spends most of it mourning her late mother in commem orative self-induced rituals. She mutters incarnations, cuts herself, tears and burns her mothers delineations, burns herself (Abani, p.10).And this. regular(a) this, (p.18). The novella starts. In less significant hands, this may not be a hopeful starter, but Abani steers us out of the fog swiftly. This computer memory like all the others was a lie. (p.18). Abigail, a youthful girl in Nigeria, is nostalgically recalling her mothers memorial service. Abigail act of mourning is to some extent troubling. It is symbolised by among other acts, the killing of birds and later dressing them in lace from her mothers nuptial dress. But, as written by Abani, explaining the symbol from an authorial distance, we realize that not practically is substantiated in the rest of the book, this tradition recognized complex shipway to be human, and she was allowed to mourn. (p.18).In addition, another frequently evident symbolic stratagem is the use of two alternating strands, without delay and Th en, without the narrative. The latter is associated with Abigails reminiscence of life in Nigeria with her depressed father and his choice to send her to capital of the United Kingdom with a strange family member named ray of light. Nearing to their departure, Abigails father performs suicide, despite the fact that he had intuited the agonies in anticipation of his daughter.The end of the first chapter leaves us with the impression that Abigail takes aft(prenominal) her mother. Their extreme resemblance engenders the author propel us through the mind of her father as he watched her mourn her mothers death similar to watching his dead wife grieve. She is likened to a younger version of her mother grieve her death in advance. Her father turned and looked at her and she saw the photo and recognized it. She resembled her mother that when he saw her suddenly, she knew he wanted her to be Abigail. (Abani, p.20)Although Abigail is now a grown-up, she misses her childhood, one that sh e never got to enjoy. The author takes us through her mind which juggles us from the present to her past and childhood. Thats when the author alternates the two titles, Now and Then. Abigail has had an experience with men that she remembers with so much regret. All the in her life had never been interested in knowing her true personality neither appreciate her beauty, not to mention how she was careful with her hair to make reliable that she looked presentable. She was light-skinned An inherent feature from her great-grandmother. The author likens her to a foreign country, curiously when it comes to the men in her life as they never stayed.Abigail was a purpose maker of dreams and ghosts. She is said to be more ghost than her mother. She likes landscape and marks and finds them interesting. construe maps was her favorite thing. At one point, during her ban in London, she gets possessed with the memories of her mother, Chinese poetry, old maps and her childhood rituals, lies a cross an old crinkled map as if she was a corpse in a crime scene, transforming her body to the contours of countries and rivers, separately landmark taking on a deeper meaning. She decides to mark her body for good with fire. She initially loses her virginity to one of her cousins, Edwin, at ten before her father sends her complete to London with another cousin, Peter, in the name of marriage at fifteen. Peter is apparently believed to be a prominent business man in London and Abigails father believes that he is a well-bred man, good full to take care of his daughter. Unknown to Abigails father, Peter is malevolent and dehumanizing. Fakes her documents and tries to turn her into a prostitute, but when she declines, he ties her up in handcuffs in a quest afterhouse, violates her sexually, urinates on her and beats her as well. Peters debasement of Abigail portrays filth and hunger. Drinking from the photographic plate of rancid water and having to bend over like a dog is distu rbing.She appreciates the permanence of fire. Burning herself and transforming her skin into a personal and collective map of trauma was a thing she wanted to do so much for the memory of her mother. She wanted to feel closely connected to her mother and make her memory concrete. She seeks out anecdotes about her mother, burns her body with thick straightaway noodles that burned into her skin by cashew sap. She also used needles and make ugly whip marks of cigarette tips. The burns and scars are extensions of her swear to become the living shadow and ghost of her mothers memory. They tie her to her mothers image and her country of origin (p.36).Abigails grief process signifies the bitterness and sorrow in her. The author employs rituals as a process with potential to heal when faced with trauma and loss. She is in the end forced to choose between living in exile in England after her lose and trauma or returning to Nigeria. Nevertheless, everybody ends up dead, jailed or mutated. The entire novel is depressing and frustrating, full of despair and hopelessness. Some peoples lives may turn out like Abigails but gulp lessons from the novel remains difficult.

Education in South Africa: Mathematic and Scientific Performance

knowledge in entropy Africa Mathematic and scientific PerformanceThis dissect is aimed at disc overing the pargonntage ca delectation and stinting consequence of short slaying in mathematicsematics and perception in in the south Africa. The main intention of the query is to provide the southwestern African De cut offment of nurture and the heads of organization bodies of school with information that bequeath assist in the straight-laced saying of strategies drafted in the Action Plan, the execution of policies that address the locate cause of execrable mathematics and association carrying out in randomness African schools. The lower-ranking accusative is to emphasize the stinting consequences that may arise as a top of the ridiculous operation in math and larn and ultimately to generate possible leads and ideas which can be used to formulate a realistic and test overcome hypothesis for future researchers.The research was c arfully constructed and des igned utilize the qualitative methodology, since the s recognize of the subject is too complex to be turn to by a yes or no hypothesis. The research process comprised of 2 configurations. The first phase consisted of questionnaires distributed to 10 professionals in the field of mathematics and lore who passed math and information at Matric/Grade 12 aim and the stand by phase 10 questionnaires distributed to Non-professionals in the field of maths and accomplishment who did non pass or complete mathematics and/or acquirement at a Matric/Grade 12 train, The third phase consisted of 5 questionnaires to readingal medical specialists, economists and experts in the maths and recognition passage stream. four interrelated key execution of instrument index constructs within the Education arranging were used, namely Teacher practice, Student movement, Government and Curriculum content.The results of the research launch that the return ofing abbreviates in relatio ns to despicable carrying into action in math and skill was collect to (To be continue).. The economic consequences as a result of the low-down raising remains visual aspected that (To be continued)Keywords root cause, poor execution, mathematics and lore, economic consequencesPhysics, chemistry and mathematics form the basis for m both Scientific or technological applications and discoveries, and as innovation and technological advancement are the driving force behind todays orbicularly competitive economy, it makes good biography sense to gain the versatile skills an enabling scientific discipline degree impart award you.Professor Bruce MilthorpeCHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH PROBLEM groundworkmathematics and skill is a driving force of a slopped ladderacting economy, it is a key area of acquaintance whose competency is necessary for individual and economic weakenment and an important factor of military man-wide conflict peculiarly in a world of rapid technological changes (Tatira, Mutambara Chagwiza, 2012). McGrath and Akoojee (2007) make headway adds that the rationale in focusing on culture is that its crucial for competitiveness, they emphasize that education should be a plaza objective in the sec African home(a) modernisement strategy to enable competitiveness in globalisation and the knowledge economy.The twentieth century has seen education rise higher up the ranks as a base for social economic development and as a prime influential factor of a countries level of wealth by being able to alleviate leanness, increase the workforce and induce intellectual flexibility among its societies (Ozturk, 2001). The research seeks to act as a vertex of reference or set a standard for the Department of education and the heads of governing bodies whose role is primarily the execution of policies and strategic action cooking within the education arranging, specifically in the mathematics and accomplishment arena.Whils t tender-hearted cracking investment within a rural draws in diametric skills which are highly valuable due to the impact it has on the spanking parts of e realday life, skills in math and Science are the near crucial for social and economic welfare, typical examples include important career streams in the life sciences, demeanoral and social sciences, earth and environmental sciences, math and computer sciences, engineering, interdisciplinary and physical sciences (Ozturk, 2001).Education aspires nation building and promotes interpersonal tolerance due to its integration nature consequently Societies are able to transcend beyond cultural and theme boundaries due to the advantages and assurances that education brings, especially maths and science (Romagnolo Anderson, 2010).1.2 Background to the acquire1.2.1 The State of mathematics and Science in southerly AfricaIn Sub-Saharan Africa intimately 1% of gross national product is spent on Science, technology and developmen t, this amount is comparatively low, compared to actual countries (Govender and Gruzd, 2011). Although southbound Africas expenditure on education and training is more than than than than than than most demonstrable countries especially in the last 4 decades. The result show a growth of 48 million in embedded merciful capital in 1960 to 230 million in 1996 (Measured in finish school cycle), the spill is the quality of the education (Simkins, 2002).The issues lies in strategies in cost of budget spend efficiency, the struggle to draw the interest of contrary direct investment and to obey the most favourably experienced Africans in maths and Science (Govender and Gruzd, 2011). consequently the short supply of high-level skills is extensively confining the ability to develop the economy (Simkins et al, 2009). to the south Africa however is at an alarming state with the defeat performance in both mathematics and Science as released in an international conduct coordina ted and released by the Human Sciences query Council (HSRC) on 24 November 1996. The study was conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of educational Achievement (IEA) sound judgement on Trends in International math and Science Study (TIMMS, 2003). The president of the HSRC, Dr Rolf Stumpf commented at the release of the assessment results These alarming results show that merely tinkering with the symptoms without addressing the root causes of our poor performance in mathematics and science lead be a waste of time and money (HSRC, 2004).South Africa ranked 45th out of a total of 45 countries surveyed, in damage of Grade 8 mathematics and Science assessment. The study highlights South Africas country fair at 244 for Science and 264 for Maths compared to the international average of 467 for Maths and 474 for Science at the eighth grade level. The results unveil a substantial variation in Maths achievement between the highest and utmost performing countries, from an average of 605 for Singapore to 264 for South Africa in the mathematics assessment.The line starts at primary level with approximately 75% of the poorly performing school system experiencing poor arithmetic ability from their learners and consequently push mathematical education becoming incomprehensible. South Africa is therefore confronted with a vast challenge to address the numeracy unsuccessful person, unless it will not accomplish the system-wide and prolonged profit in the Maths and Science education reform, in terms of remedying the poor performance symptoms (Rule Bernstein, 2009).There is an increasing shoot to excel in Maths and Science education, as it is the doorway towards building a developed country and to achieve that requires a scientific and technological advancement that will avail growth and development of the economy, this is necessary especially to face the fierce global economic competition (Mji Makgato, 2006 Dimmock, 2011). Commenting befor e the release of the assessment results, the executive conductor of the assessment technology and education evaluation research programme in the HSRC, Dr Anil Kanjee tell that This is especially relevant for mathematics and science education in South Africa, an area that the nation has recognized is in need of significant improvement if we are to participate and excel in the global economy (TIMSS SA, 2003).Problem StatementIn light of the persistent national crisis in Maths and Science education and the role that Maths and Science plays in citizenship empowerment. It is necessary to clear the intimate relationship between unemployment, contrariety, poverty and the role that Maths and Science education plays in dealing with the factors in South Africa. South Africa is amongst the worst in the world in terms of inequality, with a Gini-coefficient in the range of 0.58 0.68. Between 18-24 million of the South African population is in poverty and about(predicate) 36.7% is unemployed including those who are not actively looking for employment. (McGrath Akoojee, 2007).The governing plans to eradicate poverty through creating 5 million jobs through the new growth path by 2020 by redressing the inequality through deliberate affirmative action and practices. The education system is a key element of the new growth path. It plays a resilient role in the transfer and development of skills and technology. In terms of Maths and Science, the new growth framework seeks to strengthen procedures to guarantee give away and more reasonable admission to science and Maths education at alternate level (Patel, 2010).Purpose StatementThe subject of Education, especially Maths and Science has been at the helm of many discussions in South Africa and globally, especially with about 90% of our schools failing to meet the minimum performance standards in Maths and Science. In spite of the above, theres currently insufficient data on the root cause of poor performance in Maths and Science although South Africa is facing a national predicament and this poor performance is actually congesting system-wide remedies (Simkins, 2010).The role of this research is to close the gap in the exploratory literature of Maths and Science by introducing practical data in the root cause and consequences of poor performance in Maths and Science by South African schools. The research exclusively deals with poor performing schools in South African Primary and Secondary schools both in the overt and private sector.Primary goal of the studyThis studys fundamental purpose is to situate the root cause of poor performance in the area of Maths and Science in South Africa. The aim of the primary goal is in the exploration of the primeval phenomenon (Cres well(p), 2008). Achieving the secondary objectives normally implies the recognition of the primary objective (Struwig Stead, 2001). The aim of the secondary objectives is to research the complex set of factors surrounding the c entral phenomenon (Creswell, 2008). Hence listed below are the formulated secondary objectives.Secondary goals of the studyTo explore the economic consequences bugger offd by the poor performance in compliance of Maths and Science in South African schools.To identify the achievement determinants of the economies with high Maths and Science performanceThe above represent the earlier goals of the research but as the research proceeds the objectives may strip as the purposes surface (Struwig Stead, 2001). explore QuestionsThe research is planned to concentrate on the follo locomote crucial questions explore question 1 What is the leading, underlying issue which leads to the poor performance in terms of Maths and Science?Research question 2 What are the economic impact as a result of poor performance in Maths and Science?Research question 3 What role should the South African government play to remedy the root cause of the poor performance in Maths and Science?Layout of chaptersTh e research report consists of seven chapters as followsChapter 1 ingressA comprehensible indication of what the study concerns is highlighted and the goal of the study is discussed to run out light to the depicted object. The overview of the research problem, purpose statement, primary and secondary goal and the research questions channeling the study. The following issues are addressed the role that education plays in the economic development of the country, the state of Maths and Science in South Africa, Cleary highlighting the Maths and Science sectors performance.Chapter 2 Literature reviewAn argument that supports the study is presented using relevant, current literature review. The statement of the research problem is fine and an argument is built using the literature. The chapter shows and looks at literature on the topic of Maths and Science, the stinting impact associated with poor performance in Maths and Science and the heterogeneous types of remedies available for a developing economy.Chapter 3 Research QuestionsThe purpose of the research is defined through research questions, since the research is under-researched. This chapter builds up to the touch that the following chapters will provide practical evidence to explore the dimension.Chapter 4 Research methodologyThis chapter highlights the method of data collection that will be used. It highlights the unit of outline, the population, the sample size and sampling method, the research instrument, outlining all the way how the data was collected and the process select. The limitations to the study and the ethical considerations are outlined.Chapter 5 ResultsThe results are presented in this chapter especially focusing on the qualitative preliminary the results of the root cause and the economic consequence are presented in a form of figures and tables.Chapter 6 Discussion of resultsThe results in chapter 5 are presented with a link to the research question, the research questions are pre sented as the major headings. An in-depth analysis of the result is conducted, clearly linking to the literature review and confirming that the research objective is met.Chapter 7 ConclusionThis chapter summarizes the findings into an organized format, ending with recommendations to the stakeholders and future research.CHAPTER 2 publications REVIEW2.1. IntroductionThe objective of this literature review in uniformity to the research problems is to further describe the problem. The literature review mise en sceneualizes research conducted topically and globally. Relevant publications, journals, reports and academic sacred scriptures were reviewed in order to collect data and discussions on the proposed research, mostly to determine if research of a identical nature was not conducted in prior geezerhood.The theory reviewed in this section is categorized into one-third sections poor performance in Maths and Science, economic impact and victory determinants. The first part provi des a general perspective on Maths and Science poor performance looking at the variables underpinning the subsystems in terms of instructor practice, scholarly person achievement, curricular content and state of the government (Reddy, Kanjee Diedericks, 2007).The second part is an overview of economic impact with particular reference to Maths and Science, looking at the economy of South Africa, China and Brazil. Thirdly the success determinants are discussed looking at the important influences in Maths and Science achievement and the respective predictors. There is a need for specific insight in the factors that determine the success of Maths and Science as this builds on to the termination of the root cause.2.2. Poor performance in Maths and ScienceA large number of studies seem to gravitate towards the problem of Maths and Science education in South Africa as illustrated by the poor performance of matriculants who failed to meet the admission requirements of Maths and Science faculties (Mabila et al, 2006). The problem of poor performance in Maths is one of the most paramount fears of teachers and other Maths educators globally.Allegations point to the fact that poor performance capitulate negative behaviour and even trepidation of Maths by pupils (Wadesango Dhliwayo, 2012). South Africa had a very low minimum pass rates requirement for Maths and Science at 29% and 30% respectively in 2010 but learners are not motivated to study Maths and Science as theyve discovered the failure of others (Mji Makgato, 2006). Maths and Science were mostly disguised as subjects not for the weak and so this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that Maths is a subject for those with greater intellectual ability. The author further adds that the education system methodology of measuring grade passes vs. the provision of educational quality is at the core of the Maths and Science learner fear complicacy.Mabila et al. (2009) argued that there were several factors that contrib uted to this phenomenon of poor performance, namely pretermit of regulation, little resources, poor drive in students and teachers, execution of instrument of policies and lack of parental involvement. Govender Gruzd (2011) added that Maths and Science has a potential of unlocking the continents economic and developmental decline but education in Africa essential extraordinary development the authors cited that education was disregarded and was not in the focal point of Africas expansion plan, the author further say the factors responsible for poor performance in Africa such as lack of suffice teachers, proper infrastructure, learning equipment and enrolment into the Maths and Science subjects bears fruit to the need for development. Bradbury Miller (2011) dissent in their argument in that the unequal schooling system produced various drawbacks that necessitated restoration but agreed on the factors such as lack of qualified teachers as part of the inequality amongst the others which they express as a lack of excess to successive education levels.It is clear from the evidence that Maths and Science education failure is caused by various factors and that poor performance is characterized by inequities, scarce resource and strategy.2.2.1 Teaching PracticeSouth Africa is account to be the leading technological giant in Africa but in terms of Maths and Science it fell below its economic rival Indonesia, Chile and Malaysia. The reason for this lag was due to the lack of Maths and Science graduates who can propel progress forward in terms of knowledge sharing in the space of Maths and Science. The central part of this national dilemma is due to the minimal levels of Maths and Science education in chassisrooms across Africa (Govender Gruzd, 2011).The Department of Education in South Africa changed the curriculum to utilize Maths into the curricular by adding Maths literacy into the equation as an alternating(a) to Maths this was done in order to inc rease Maths society to a 100%. Although this was an outstanding government opening, it added a need for more Maths and Science teachers. Govender Gruzd (2011) indicated that Africa needed atleast 3 million more teachers to cope with the growing enrolments. Simkins et al (2009) qualified the statement by illustrating that South Africa was experiencing the same predicament with an escalating burden of more Maths classes and therefore teachers, this was due to the initiative to enforce Maths learning. This was further aggravated by the shortage of powerful qualified and skilled Maths and Science teachers. The issue lies in the education departments failing to recruit talented and bright Maths and Science graduates who conceive and could teach Maths and Science, these crucial skills could not be attracted into the system due to the lack of incentives and low pay.Govender Gruzd (2011) revealed fearful statistics in terms of educators in South Africa, which stated that up to 60% of the educators, had not been accomplished in Maths and Science, part of the main reason is that government was failing to translate their inscription to education into budgetary allocations. Education policies are drafted but the commitment lacks i.e. the scrapping of teacher colleges, inefficiency in training teachers and outdated teacher practices resulted in untrained teachers who struggled with the topics and hence imparted knowledge with a lack of foundation in content knowledge and imagination. This has created a poor foundation for the future development of Maths and Science graduates (Govender Gruzd, 2011).(Mji Makgato, 2006) said that Maths and Science are practical subjects and the teaching adopted in classes does not continually suggest practice, in the teaching of Maths and Science problems such as poor time management and rudimentary syllabuses as a result of no school learning plan, continued to affect the practical method of teaching.2.2.2 Student achievementFirs tly in order to measure and gain understanding of the variances in student learning, there is a need for suitable and correct Maths and Science assessment tools. South Africas inability to participate in most Maths and Science assessments shows the countries inability to recognize the state of the problem or even a need to know how they fare in the global context so as to improve the performance of its student (Venkat, Adler, Rolinick, Setati Vhurumuku, 2011).According to Taylor (2010) the boilers suit level of achievement amongst South African children is extremely low this is not shocking as there are two educational systems in South Africa. The first covers 80-85% of the learners who experience the historically disadvantaged system with traits of low proficiency in reading, writing and numeracy, the second system covers the 15-20% of the students from the affluent groups who achieve world class results. The first system is further aggravated by poor school management, due to l ack of resources such as textbooks, study materials and proper school facilities.Teachers who were qualified and experienced tended to flock towards the more urban and developed provinces to teach in schools with proper school management (Taylor Derekyu, 2009), hence the blank space in the first system is further disadvantaged by inadequate experienced teachers who lack the proper resources or support to elevate their skills. The majorities of the graduates who obtained university glamour were produced in the second system and further enjoyed a social mobility and performance advantage.Taylor (2010) further indicated that the socio economic status was still the core indicator of student achievement as supported by the results in performance in the different school systems. The author noted the following results as conducted in a national socio-economic status, Schools which did not perform satisfactorily had not completed their curriculum coverage which in turn affected the learn ing power of the students but this could be due to the learning shortfall from prior years which in turn slows the curriculum coverage.Math and Science teachers were tested in a simple maths test and the deficient teachers scored 40% or less, those with higher marks produced students who performed better in Maths and Science, these results showed the importance of teacher knowledge and experience to the student achievement. Taylor (2010) noted that the more materials were available as well the better the student performed, which concludes the point that schools which are properly managed produces better student achievement.2.2.3 Curriculum contentAlthough the change in curriculum by the Department of Education (2008) was an excellent initiative in terms of reading Maths education non-negotiable, adding Maths Literacy as a mathematical wing has caused a nationwide debate The question is what is meant by mathematics in the concept of Maths literacy and the use of the word Literacy i n conjunction with Maths (Vithal Bishop, 2011). Looking at the factors that contributed to the poor performance in Maths and Science, the question that arose in regards to Maths literacy was whether Maths literacy was going to contribute to the knowledge required in a Maths economy or will this growth exert pressure on the system and subsequently on to the poor performance?Table 1 below illustrates the design of the competencies that the Department of Education aimed for with the Maths, Maths Literacy and Science Curricula. According to Simkins et al (2009) the alteration of the curriculum has added up to 60% to the mathematical instructional problem since Maths or Maths literacy have become compulsory with the new National Senior protection changes. The CDE noted that the introduction of Maths literacy has actually resulted in students, who would have qualified to study Maths with a successive pass enroll for Maths literacy instead. This means that South Africa is losing out in terms of potential Maths graduates into the Maths and Science system (Simkins et al., 2009).2.2.3.1 The language issueAccording to the findings by Wildsmith-Cromarty Gordon (2009) dialect differences cause uncertainty in terms of what the terms mean and adds difficulty in comprehension, teachers preferred to have a standardized book in the language of instruction for Maths and Science and as well in the home language for ease of reference. Probyn (2009) stated in his finding that when home language was used in class, it increased the level of class participation. The author argues that the student need to cross borders in order to understand the information within the curriculum as the wording is written as if the reader is of the mother tongue, he further adds that learning in a second language infringes on the value system of the student. Probyn (2009) argued that the issue is that learners one-time(prenominal) experiences are entrenched in their cultural and traditional beliefs , norms and values. mathThis curriculum is designed for those who intend to follow a career path requiring Maths, or those who are interested in the subject.The competencies aimed for include1. Mathematical process skills, such as making conjectures, proving assertions, and modeling situations2. Confident calculation, with and without calculators3. Manipulation of algebraic expressions4. financial calculations patterns and changeation of functions5. Two- and three-dimensional geometry and trigonometry6. Basic statistics and probability7. Differential calculus sequences and series8. Solution of unseen mathematical problems9. Historical development of Maths in various cultures10. and use of technology in calculations, and the development of models.MATHS LITERACYMaths literacy is driven by the life-related applications of Maths. It enables learners to develop the ability and confidence to think numerically and spatially in order to interpret and critically tumble everyday situation s, and solve problems. The competencies aimed for include use of numbers to solve real-life problems poser of situations using suitable functions and graphic representation description, representation, and analysis of shape in two and three dimensions using geometrical skills critical engagement with the handling of data (statistics and probability), especially the manner in which these are encountered in the media and use of technology in calculations.PHYSICAL SCIENCEMaths introduces a more extensive range of mathematical techniques, whereas Maths literacyStarts with real-life situations and develops a more special range of techniques to deal with them. Physical science is divided into six core knowledge areas1. Matter and materials (integrated)2. Systems (chemistry)3. Change (chemistry)4. Mechanics (Physics)5. Waves, sound and light (physics) and electricity and magnetism (physics)Source Simkins et al (2007. p.36)2.2.4 State of governmentDimmock (2011) undertook research in sc hooling policies, the author explored the development and investigated the consequence of the policies from the changing context of the central government in terms of school relationship. The author compared the policies of two severalise countries, which had the best performing schools in terms of international assessments, Dimmock (2011) notes that the two policies are more different than similar in the context of cultural values, political sympathies and economic situations influences but the results are satisfactory in the global context despite the differences.In relation to the study by Dimmock (2011) it is possible to fix that governmental intervention besides the context of the country can produce results which are adequate, as long as they adopt policies which incorporate the countrys culture, politics, and economical standing.South Africas involvement in terms of school relationship is problematical beyond the budgetary relationship where South Africa spent more than a ny other developing country in Africa yet 80% of the overall government spending was on personnel (Taylor, 2010). In a system where teachers are underpaid, the 80% is not justifiable. Simply there has been a lack of targeted investments in innovative solutions and a strong political commitment over a long period of time to change the social compositions of schools which is more important than school spending in educational achievement (Taylor Derekyu, 2009).Education increases productivity and the overall labour market, it develops the ability to innovate and aids in the transmission of critical knowledge for the development of the country. The South African government requires this productivity, labour market and innovation in order to further transform the social compositions of schools, hence without the investment in the school relationships, the government will still lack the resources to innovate (Taylor Derekyu, 2009).2.3 Economic impact2.3.1 South African economy2.3.2 Chin a2.3.3 Brazil2.4 Success determinantsNdlovu (2011 as cited by Gipps, 199340) stated that in terms of Maths and Science education for social arbitrator it should be structured in a way that the teacher is trained to be capable of creating learners who are able to analyze situations, conceptualize and explain critical decisions and so forth. Chipaike (2012) further stated that science formed part of the social environment and connected issues of social development the author noted that science is not merely about manipulation of equipment and laboratory experimentation. It is about education for social development. Social development is laden not provided with concepts but also skills and values such as the development of human potential, moral, cultural and gender sensitivity, participatory democracy, collaboration, unity and peace (Chipaike, 2012). Ndlovu (2011) commented that without Maths and Science, inequality in terms of opportunities and social isolation are exacerbated as Maths and Science enforces citizenship empowerment.Hickling-Hudson (2004) stated that in Cuba which has a dedicated programme to develop teachers in Maths and Science education and has outperformed all the other Latin countries, the teachers have atleast a 5 year university degree, Master or PhD level, foreign exposure in terms of expertise and also receive conformable training. Dimmock (2011) argued that a school policy which has a designated segregation of talent is more likely to achieve excellence, in Singapore they have a specialist school in science and technology, which is endorsed by the government and allocated the cream of the lick in resources.CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS3.1 IntroductionEducation in South Africa specifically in Maths and Science has an underlying deep failure rate due to reasons lin