Health inequalities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health inequalities - Essay Example 49). The U.K. Government’s open commitment to deal with health inequality concerns entailed a structure of detailed policies, strengthened by a tough and motivated objective. The Government focused on the neediest population, with the neediest primary care trusts (PCTs) to get 70% more financial support than the least needy in 2009-10 (DH, Tackling Health Inequalities: 2007 Status Report on the Programme for Action). Between 1995-97 and 2005-07, the average life expectancy for the entire UK populace has notably amplified: the male population with an additional 3.1 years and the females with a further 2.1 years. For the most needy and health-deprived areas, there has been a life expectancy boost of 2.9 years for males and 1.9 years for females. Statistics on infant mortality have remarkably decreased in the last decade with 5.6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births in 1995–97 to 4.7 mortalities for every 1,000 live births in 2005–07 for all individuals belongi ng to socio-economic groups (DH, Tackling Health Inequalities: 2005–07 Policy and Data Update for the 2010 National Target). Social and Economic Factors Social and economic factors adversely affect the health of British individuals. Health inequalities are caused by quality-of-life factors, such as education, employment position, housing, income, poverty, socio economic class and healthcare access (â€Å"Health Inequalities: A Third Report of Session 2008-09† par. 49). There are two vital insights on the causes of health disparities. First, that socioeconomic status has indirect influence on health through intermediary aspects that take a more direct impact on health. These aspects comprise environmental hazards (poor living and housing conditions, risks incurred at work, road and neighbourhood dangers) and psychosocial elements (uncooperative/unsupportive family relations, or stressful daily living) (Graham 7). Another significant insight is that these intermediary as pects are unevenly dispensed, with the young and adult population living in poor and disadvantaged conditions more vulnerable to multiple health complexities, such as health-unsafe environments and health-harmful behaviours (Barker). Individuals belonging to the higher socioeconomic groups have greater opportunities in employment, comfortable living and housing conditions and better health opportunities than those in the lower group (White et al). Death risks are higher for the poorer groups. The health of individuals in a few marginal cultural communities is poorer than those belonging to the higher class (Diamond). Mortality and life expectancy levels in both social classes show the widening gap brought about by health inequalities (White et al). The Black Report The Black Report, also known as the Report of the Working Group on Inequalities in Health, was published in August 1980.  The report has been influential in maintaining health inequalities at the frontline of UK’ s public health schema. It presented evidences that poor health and death are one-sidedly distributed among the less-inopportune UK population, and implied that these inequities have not weakened but intensified into a more serious problem since the founding of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948. The Black Report made a conclusion that failure of the NHS to address this concern did not cause disparities

The Reporter’s Privilege Essay Example for Free

The Reporter’s Privilege Essay For the last 34 years, over a thousand subpoenas were served to reporters of various news media organizations in the United States compelling them to testify and reveal their sources in all kinds of court cases. In 1999 alone, there were 1,326 subpoenas delivered to 440 news outlets according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP). This epidemic has threatened to destroy the freedom of the press, which is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The source possesses valuable information and is the lifeblood of newsgathering. There will be no story without the source. Professional ethics demands that journalists should safeguard their sources even if it means facing jail terms and always keep the promise of confidentiality they make to the source. The American Society of Newspaper Editors Statement of Principles, Article VI states that â€Å"Pledges of confidentiality to news sources must be honored at all costs, and therefore should not be given lightly. On the other hand, the Radio-Television News Directors Association Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct cite that â€Å"Journalists should keep all commitments to protect a confidential source†. Therefore, it is imperative that journalists should not be forced to disclose their sources because it would undermine their constitutional function to inform the people and even destroy the American free press philosophy that the public has the right to know. Subpoenaing a journalist threatens to transform the independent press into an investigative arm of the government; it silences potential confidential sources, which reduces the flow of information to the citizenry; and it thereby violates the First Amendment. (Bates, 2000, p. 4,  ¶2). If it will give meaning to the First Amendment and the freedom of the press, then the reporter’s privilege must be kept sacred. RCFP Executive Director Lucy Daglish, in an interview with Newsweek in 2004, said that democracy operates because the media provides information to the citizenry. Columbia Journalism Review Executive Director Mike Hoyt describes the press as the oxygen of democracy. However, today’s trends of attacking the source seem unlikely when journalists are getting drowned in a sea of subpoenas and face a ritual of jailing. The courts have been contesting the reporter’s privilege in over 100 years but the press continues to withstand the test of time whether in the court rooms or in the corridors of power. When the government subpoenas journalists in criminal cases, additional concerns are raised. The media is said to serve many functions critical to a democracy. Among these are the tasks of informing the public, serving as watchdogs by checking government abuse, and holding individuals in a position to affect the public interest accountable for their actions. To fulfill these functions, journalists must remain independent of government. Subpoenas naturally reduce this independence, thus undermining the medias function in a democracy. (Schmid, 2002, Proponents Of the Journalists Privilege,  ¶4). Court Rulings. Unlike the attorney-client, doctor-patient, spousal, and therapist privileges, the judicial system still does not recognize the reporter’s privilege. A number of cases have already challenged and continue to challenge this controversial privilege resulting in high profile landmarks of court rulings. The first Supreme Court case that answered whether the First Amendment protects journalists from not revealing their source was the Branzburg versus Hayes in 1972. In 1969, Paul Branzburg of the Louisville Courrier-Journal wrote an article about the views of hippies and their plan to produce and sell marijuana. He used fictitious names to protect the identities of his source. He was subpoenaed to testify in a state grand jury that was investigating a local drug trade. He refused to name the men who were in possession of marijuana and was held in contempt. Not worried he wrote another expose detailing a pot session in Frankfort, Kentucky. He was brought back before a grand jury and asked to describe the criminal acts he had observed but he refused to testify. The case went on for two years that ended up with a Supreme Court ruling. In a 5-4 decision, the court did not recognize such privilege saying that the First Amendment does not protect journalists from not revealing their sources. The Court declared that journalists, like most citizens, must respond to relevant questions put to them in the course of a valid grand jury investigation or criminal trial. (Schmid, Supreme Court Precedent,  ¶2). In the course of news gathering, the reporter becomes an eyewitness to a crime, he or she is liable to testify before a grand jury. Branzburg was sentenced to six months in jail. But in a short concurrence by Justice Lewis Powell, he hoped that in the future the law might give way to a court-recognized privilege. In his argument Justice Potter Stewart gave a three-way test for qualified privilege: that a reporter possesses information relevant to the crime, that there is no other way to get the information and that there is a convincing and prevailing interest in the information. The court left the issue to congress whether to enact laws that would protect reporters from not testifying. As a result of Justices Powell and Stewart arguments that in one way or the other the press has some protection under the First Amendment shield laws were instituted by various states. Currently there are 31 states including the District of Columbia that institute this law. The law however varies in detail and scope according to state laws and has specific limits. Generally, only journalists working full-time in a recognized media organizations are covered and not freelancers or book writers. There are certain events that journalists are excluded from covering. Another threat to press freedom is the case of Judith Miller of the New York Times. After a series of court battles in 2004, Miller spent 85 days in prison for not divulging her source on the Palme leak. The case originated when Valerie Palme wife of a former ambassador Joseph Wilson was named in a series of articles revealing her true identity as a CIA agent. Her name was leaked by an official of President George Bush’s administration to the media. The leakage was considered a criminal offense. Under the Intelligence Identities Protection Act, a person who learns the identity of a covert agent like Plame from classified information can get ten years in jail for intentionally disclosing the agent’s identity. (McCollam, 2005, Out of Africa,  ¶3). Many reporters were subpoenaed including Miller. Refusing to testify she was found in contempt. She invoked her First Amendment right but was denied. She was only released when the source voluntary waived his right to confidentiality and came out. It was learned that Scooter Libby, the chief of staff of Vice President Dick Cheney, was the source of the leakage. There are so many other similar cases that hound American press freedom like James Taricani who served six months of house arrest in Rhode Island. In Washington five reporters were in contempt for the stories about nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee named by the press as the source of giving secrets to the Chinese. Vanessa Leggett went to jail for 168 days rather than giving up her source of information while writing a book about a Houston murder. She was only released when the term of her appearance before a grand jury expired. These reporters are fighting for a principle that is sanctified by the constitution. Keeping the source is essential for public trust and to serve the interest of the people. Breaking that trust would only kill the foundation of press freedom and its purpose. Disclosing the whistle blowers would endanger lives in acts of retaliation against them especially from the government. The relationship of journalists to their sources comprises one of the most criticalyet perplexingareas of reporting. Without sources, there would be no stories. The better the source, the better the story. (Willis, 1990, p. 75). The Role of the Press. Since the beginning of the press in 1690 in Boston, Massachusetts, it has grown dramatically through time. In a democratic form of government the press is indeed necessary as Thomas Jefferson once said â€Å"The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.† To serve as check and balance, the constitution created three branches of government, the executive, legislative, and judiciary. However, these branches have now been infected with all sorts of corruptions and abuse of power. Thus the fourth estate was born, the press, to make sure democracy operates as it was envisioned by the founding fathers. In its early stage, the American press was used for propaganda by those who owned it. It was a lapdog that reported only what the publisher wants and solicits advertisements. What made it an instrument of democracy were the many voices that shaped opinion and caused freedom to fly across the country and the whole world. It has become the guardian of U.S. democracy. Today, it takes the role as the watchdog of government investigating anomalies making sure that officials do not violate the rights of the citizenry and become more transparent instead of operating in secrecy. Without the press, we would not have discovered the cheating activities of President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal or President Bush’s misleading tactics to justify the invasion of Iraq. Besides of informing, the press also educates, reforms, entertains, and incites. Far from its origins, the press today carries no ideology and not connected with any political party or government agency. At the turn of century, advocacy moved from news stories to editorial pages, where it has since stayed. News reporters of the twentieth-century claim to be politically detached and objective, unlike journalists of the previous era. To modern journalists, objective means an allegiance to the nonpartisan pursuit of factual accuracy. (Soley, 1992, p. 16). Despite criticisms, the press maintains its objectivity as the number guideline in reporting. The Project for Excellence in Journalism identified major trends in the press’ reporting style. The Journalism of Verification is the traditional style wherein reporters must substantiate their facts to come up with an accurate story. Then there is the Journalism of Affirmation where a reporter delivers the news with a point of view. In making its works more professional and transparent, the press empowers the public in judging the stories whether to believe it or not. From watchdog now comes the guide dog concept called civic journalism that focused on the role of the press in building communities. This brand of journalism challenges people to take part in resolving community problems. It aims to educate citizens about issues and current events so they can make civic decisions, engage in civic dialogue and action, and, generally, exercise their responsibilities in a democracy. (Schaffer, 2001,  ¶25). It reinforces the watchdog role but it does not tell how the public should think or act. This journalism delivers news that help communities cope up with difficult issues concerning their everyday life. The model serves as an alternative style that hopes to address the shortcomings of the press. The Code of Ethics. Journalists are guided by the code of ethics to ensure professional integrity and credibility in enlightening the citizenry. Different news organizations have their own ethics and standards but maintain common elements such as objectivity, accuracy, and confidentiality of sources. In its 50-page report in 1947, A Free and Responsible Press, the Hutchins Commission laid out the goals of journalistic performance. The report was written by eminent scholars and authors under Robert M. Hutchins, president of the Chicago University and has served as the basis of journalistic practices today. The Hutchins Commission identified five responsibilities, the fulfillment of which could serve as a measure of press performance. The press should (1) provide â€Å"a truthful, comprehensive, and intelligent account of the days events in a context which gives them meaning, †a commitment evidenced in part by â€Å"objective reporting†; (2) be â€Å"a forum for the exchange of comment and criticism,† meaning in part that papers should be â€Å"common carriers† of public discussion, at least in the limited sense of carrying views contrary to their own; (3) project â€Å"a representative picture of the constituent groups in the society†; (4) â€Å"present and clarify the goals and values of the society†; and (5) provide â€Å"full access to the days intelligence, †thereby serving the publics right to be informed. (Baker, 2001, p. 154). The Society of Professional Journalists urged its members to always seek the truth by being honest, fair, and report the information rightly. A reporter must be accountable to the public about his news stories. He must act independently by being free from other interests other than serving the public’s right to know. He should minimize harm in treating sources. In pursuit of gathering data, the reporter must show compassion by being sensitive to sources that are negatively affected by the coverage. The journalist must recognize that in news gathering he or she can cause harm or discomfort to the source. Arrogance must not be displayed while collecting data and must be cautious in identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes. Sources must be treated fairly and professionally without inquiring pointlessly about their personal life nor threaten them if they do not cooperate. Reporters should always introduce themselves truthfully while interviewing their sources and not carry false identity just to get the information. Importantly, when the source wants to remain unknown, the journalist must respect that trust of confidentiality. The San Francisco Chronicles code offers one of the clearest treatments on the always-thorny matter of dealing with sources that want confidentiality. It reads in part: A reporter who pledges confidentiality to a source must not violate that pledge. If the reporter is asked by an editor for the identity of a source, the reporter should advise the source of the editors request. If the source wishes to withhold his or her identity from the editor, then the reporter and editor must decide whether or not to use the information even though the sources identity remains known only to the reporter. (Steele Black, 2001, Sources and Reporters). The Need for Shield Law. Notwithstanding the important function of the press in defending democracy, there are no sufficient laws in protecting its existence. All sectors of society especially the government depend on the press for timely information in order to make policies. In its 2005 annual report for press freedom rankings, the United States placed 44th falling 20 places from the previous years all because of the Miller case and the legal tactics that attack the privacy of journalistic sources. This is ironic since the country is the champion of democracy the world over. News organizations are now uniting forces to seek legislative action. However, several proposed bills have already been sent to congress but unfortunately no actions have been taken yet. Since Branzburg some 100 federal statutes have been introduced but failed to pass. The Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 is presently pending in the senate and congress. This act is in response to the jailing of Judith Miller. The legislation would prevent government officials from compelling a reporter to reveal a source unless it was determined by clear and convincing evidence that disclosure of the identity of the person is necessary to prevent imminent and actual harm to national security. (Durity, 2000,  ¶34). A federal shield law is important to safeguard the reporter in the performance of his/her duty. The move is for the federal government to recognize state’s interest in protecting the secrecy of sources and that no party may force a journalist to reveal his/her source or notes by suing the reporter in federal court. This poses dilemma for reporters whether to violate a court order and face jail or break the promise of source confidentiality and face public distrust. Subpoenas are burdensome to journalists because it consumes so much time and disrupts their work. A law could provide reporters for motion to quash subpoenas except when there is prevailing evidence that such information is really necessary and when there is no other way to obtain the information. The trend of compelling reporters to identify their sources has sent fears that the American free press is under attack and being used by the government in investigating its own deficiency particularly the leakage of classified documents. When the government fails to resolves its own problems, it may be tempted to enlist reporters in criminal acts as an easy way out. With an existing law, prosecutors and criminals defendants may seek other means or conduct investigations in acquiring information rather than depend on journalists by attacking their sources. Failing to define who qualifies as a journalist has delayed the passage of shield laws. Perhaps with an established ruling, this problem will be addressed giving courts standards and criteria to give judges guidance who qualifies for protection. This law is needed to standardize legal approaches to the privilege of reporters and to assure them that confidentiality to sources is respected. In effect, sources will feel safe and not disappear but will remain for future news stories. In a decision that strongly endorsed the principles on which the reporters privilege is based, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit observed, If reporters were routinely required to divulge the identities of their sources, the free flow of newsworthy information would be restrained and the publics understanding of important issues and events would be hampered in ways inconsistent with a healthy republic. (Ganett, 2006,  ¶7). Responding to the Miller incident, James Goodale, New York Times’ former vice chairman and general counsel, has encouraged the press to fight on and to guard the freedoms of First Amendment in order to come up with better laws. Nobody can dispute that the press has strong influence in every American citizen. It has molded American opinion and shaped government policies through time. Noted journalists have been recognized for their dedication in the profession. Reporters serve as link between government and its citizens and that of other nations. Because of the press, the world has become a global village promoting culture, language, and perhaps peace. Journalists deserve better. They deserve more than just subpoenas. They have earned their right for a privilege in serving and protecting the democracy of this country. References Bates, S. (2000). The Reporter’s Privilege: Then and Now. Research Paper R-23. The Joan Shorenstein Press Politics. Public Policy. Harvard University. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Schmid, Karl H. (2002). Journalists privilege in criminal proceedings: an analysis of United States Courts of Appeals decisions from 1973 to 1999. American Criminal Law Review. Date: 22-SEP-02. Retrieved October 30, 2006, from http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-2470495_ITM McCollam, D. (2005). Attack at The Source Why the Plame case is so scary. Columbia’s Journalism Review. America’s Premier Media Monitor. Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism. Issue 2: March/April 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2006, from http://www.cjr.org/issues/2005/2/mccollam-plame.asp?printerfriendly=yes Willis, J. (1990). Journalism: State of the Art. Praeger Publsihers. New York. ISBN: 0275932443 Soley, L. C. (1992). The News Shapers: The Sources Who Explain the News. Praeger Publishers. New York. ISBN: 0275940330 Schaffer, J. (2001). The Role of the Media in Building Community. Pew Center for Civic Journalism. Global Issues. An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State. Volume 6, Number 1, April 2001. Baker, C. E. (2001). Media, Markets, and Democracy. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, England. ISBN: 0521009774 Steele, R Black, J. (2001). Media Ethics Codes and Beyond. Global Issues. An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State. Volume 6, Number 1, April 2001. Durity, L. (2000). Shielding Journalist – â€Å"Bloggers†: The Need To Protect Newsgathering Despite The Distribution Medium. Public Policy Studies. Duke University. Retrieved October 30, 206, from http://www.law.duke.edu/dev/journals/dltr/articles/2006DLTR0011.html Ganett Company, Inc. (2006). From Barbara Wartelle Wall: Legal Watch. 2000 Media Law Developments – Sources and Public Records. News Watch. Retrieved October 30, 2006, from http://www.gannett.com/go/newswatch/2000/december/nw1228-4.htm

Inflation And Supply Side Policies In The Uk Economics Essay

Inflation And Supply Side Policies In The Uk Economics Essay Hints: Using information from the internet and economic textbooks.explain what has been happening to the rate of inflation in your country or a region that includes your country,since 1990.You should include diagrams In our region the inflation is on its peak. the rate of commodities and goods increases day by day with high speed. If we look to the diagram changes have been done in every year. In some time in past the inflation rate fall but in the recent time thats 2009 its raised upto 73% which is quite high as compare to the previous year 2008.So this inflation can bring a lot of changes in daily human life.It can effect every field of life.By inflation facilities become reduced everyone tries to reduce his expenditure because of this he tries to spend less as he could.If he his expenses is high as copare to his outcome so he is not trying to facilitate himself.In short inflation can bring change in every term of life. Followin is a Table which shows inflation and percent change since 1990 till to 2009. Year Inflation, average consumer prices Percent Change 1991 12.628 39.52 % 1992 4.851 -61.59 % 1993 9.825 102.54 % 1994 11.272 14.73 % 1995 13.022 15.53 % 1996 10.789 -17.15 % 1997 11.803 9.40 % 1998 7.812 -33.81 % 1999 5.736 -26.57 % 2000 3.584 -37.52 % 2001 4.41 23.05 % 2002 2.504 -43.22 % 2003 3.102 23.88 % 2004 4.568 47.26 % 2005 9.276 103.06 % 2006 7.921 -14.61 % 2007 7.771 -1.89 % 2008 11.998 54.39 % 2009 20.775 73.15 % Task 2 Define Inflation Provide a clear explanation of 2 different causes of Inflation showing knowledge of Keynesian and monetarist views on inflation. Definition: The overall general upward price of goods and services in an economy is called inflation. OR The raising of price in commodities and other daily life materials is called inflation The downward price of goods and services in an economy is called deflation. OR In economics inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. Causes of inflation: Higher indirect taxes imposed by the government: in our country government imposes some indirect taxes annully which ultimately become a cause for rise in the price of commodites For example a rise in the rate of excise duty on alcohol and cigarettes, an increase in fuel duties or perhaps a rise in the standard rate of Value Added Tax or an extension to the range of products to which VAT is applied. These taxes are levied on producers (suppliers) who, depending on the price elasticity of demand and supply for their products, sum up the amount in the price of commodityt. For example, if the government was to choose to levy a new tax on aviation fuel, then this would contribute to a rise in cost-push inflation. Cost-push inflation can be illustrated by an inward shift of the short run aggregate supply curve. This is shown in the diagram below. Ceteris paribus, a fall in SRAS causes a contraction of real national output together with a rise in the general level of prices Rising labour costs: increases in the wages of labour which exceed any improvement in productivity also affect the price of commodity.   This cause is important in those industries which are labour-intensive. Firms may decide not to pass these higher costs onto their customers (they may be able to achieve some cost savings in other areas of the business) but in the long run, wage inflation tends to move closely with price inflation because there are limits to the extent to which any business can absorb higher wage expenses. Monetarists Monetarists do not believe that the government should intervene by trying to manage the level of aggregate demand. They argue that this type of intervening policy will affect acquilibrium in the long run and should therefore be avoided. A key problem with discretionary demand management policies is the time lags, which monetarists believe make fiscal policy too difficult to use to manage the economy effectively. The best thing therefore, is to take a long-run view of price stability and use monetary policy to achieve this. Keynesians Keynesians traditionally see fiscal policy as the key tool of economic management. They see the role of government as maintaining the economy at full employment. The way to do this was to manage the level of aggregate demand until the economy was at or close to full employment. If the economy was growing too fast, then fiscal policy should be essentially deflationary, and vice-versa when below full employment. Monetary policy should, in their view, simply be used as a backup to fiscal policy. However, they would argue that direct interest rate changes could be used to control aggregate demand. Their main objection to monetary policy has always been that there is a weak link between the money supply and aggregate demand, and that. Task 3 What effects would a substantial increases in inflation every year have on the following: An individuals who keeps all his money in a box under his bed. Keeping all his money in box under his bed its means that if someone is money and he is not investing his money in a business or keeping the money in a bank its means that he is decreasing his money one day will come that he will spend all his money so if you have a little money you should have to start a small business then your money will not end over. Someone who is borrowing money at the current rate of inflation but who does not have to pay back for a number of years. It is a good picking point that whenever someone borrows money from someone he is not able to return the money according to the rate of inflation. He may think to return him at rate of inflation. Someone has lent money out at the current rate of inflation but will not be repaid for a number of years. If some one has lent money from someone at the time of current inflation he may need to repaid the money as compare to the rate of inflation.If he has the ability to think then he may need to return more than the original amount he lent. Task 4 Provide reason why the government may want to tackle inflation. Government is trying to control rate of inflation. Inflation can generate a lot of problems in the society. It affect daily life as well as increase in commodities prices. that reasult in the economy , politcal and social unstability It can also bring unemployment as well as poverty. Provide a remedy for each of two different types of inflation you outlined in Task 2 (b). all though the inflation cannot be completely change in deflation in the developing countries but it can be control through removeing its causes. Folwing are the causes which is responsible for inflation Cost Push Inflation Rising imported raw materials costs Rising labour costs Higher indirect taxes imposed by the government A depreciation of the exchange rate A reduction in direct or indirect taxation The rapid growth of the money supply Rising consumer confidence and an increase in the rate of growth of house prices Faster economic growth in other countries Task 5 You have to write a section in the report that includes the following. An explanation of is meant by supply side economics. Supply-side economics is a school of macroeconomic thought that argues that economic growth can be most effectively created by lowering barriers for people to produce (supply) goods and services, such as adjusting income tax and capital gains tax rates, and by allowing greater flexibility by reducing regulation. Consumers will then benefit from a greater supply of goods and services at lower prices. The term supply-side economics was thought, for some time, to have been coined by journalist Jude Wineskin in 1975, but according to Robert D. Atkinsons Supply-Side Follies , the term supply side (supply-side fiscalists) was first used by Herbert Stein, a former economic adviser to President Nixon, in 1976, and only later that year was this term repeated by Jude Wanniski. It popularized the ideas of economists Robert Mundell and Arthur Laffer. Today, supply-side economics is often conflated with the politically rhetorical term trickle-down economics, but as Jude Wanniski points out in his book The Way The World Works, trickle-down economics is conservative Keynesianism associated with the Republican Party. Typical policy recommendations of supply-side economics are lower marginal tax rates and less regulation. Maximum benefits from taxation policy are achieved by optimizing the marginal tax rates to spur growth, although it is a common misunderstanding that supply side economics is concerned only with taxation policy when it is about removing barriers to production more generally. Many early proponents argued that the size of the economic growth would be significant enough that the increased government revenue from a faster growing economy would be sufficient to compensate completely for the short-term costs of a tax cut, and that tax cuts could, in fact, cause overall revenue to increase Evidence of 2 countries that have supply side measures in an attempt to reduce inflation and the success or failure of those measures. What are supply-side policies? Supply-side economic policies are mainly micro-economic policies designed to improve the supply-side potential of an economy, make markets and industries operate more efficiently and thereby contribute to a faster rate of growth of real national output Most governments now accept that an improved supply-side performance is the key to achieving sustained economic growth without a rise in inflation. But supply-side reform on its own is not enough to achieve this growth. There must also be a high enough level of aggregate demand so that the productive capacity of an economy is actually brought into play. There are two broad approaches to the supply-side. Firstly policies focused on product markets where goods and services are produced and sold to consumers and secondly the labour market a factor market where labour is bought and sold. Supply Side Policies for Product Markets Product markets refer to markets in which all kinds of commodities are traded, for example the market for airline travel; for mobile phones, for new cars; for pharmaceutical products and the markets for financial services such as banking and occupational pensions. Supply-side policies in product markets are designed to increase competition and efficiency. If the productivity of an industry improves, then it will be able to produce more with a given amount of resources, shifting the LRAS curve to the right. Measures to encourage small business start-ups / entrepreneurship The small businesses of today can often become the larger businesses of tomorrow, adding to national output, employing more workers and contributing to innovative behaviour that can have positive spill-over effects in other industries. Governments of all political persuasion argue that they want to promote an entrepreneurial culture and to increase the rate of new business start-ups. Supply side policies include loan guarantees for new businesses; regional policy assistance for entrepreneurs in depressed areas of the country; advice for new firms Capital investment and innovation: Capital spending by firms adds to aggregate demand (C+I+G+(X-M)) but also has an important effect on long run aggregate supply. Supply side policies would include tax relief on research and development and reductions in the rate of corporation tax. Ireland is a good example of a country inside the EU that has benefited hugely from cutting company taxes which has led to a large rise in foreign direct investment. One of the new countries joining the EU in 2004, Estonia, has cut its corporation tax rate to zero per cent (0%) in a deliberate attempt to attract new investment and stimulate economic growth and employment. There are now big differences in corporation tax rates among the twenty five nations of the European Union. Corporate Tax Rates in the European Union in 2004 Estonia 0.0% Luxembourg 30.0% Ireland 12.5% Denmark 30.0% Lithuania 15.0% Czech Rep. 31.0% Cyprus 15.0% Portugal 33.0% Latvia 19.0% Austria 34.0% Slovakia 19.0% Belgium 34.0% Poland 19.0% Italy 34.0% Hungary 20.0% Netherlands 34.5% Slovenia 25.0% Spain 35.0% Sweden 28.0% Greece 35.0% Finland 29.0% France 35.4% UK 30.0% Germany 38.7% Innovation and Economic Growth A dynamic environment with opportunities for enterprise and innovation is vital to improving economic performance. New businesses entering the marketplace increase competitive pressures facilitating the introduction of new ideas and technologies. The Government is therefore committed to supporting enterprise and innovation throughout the economy, including in Britains most disadvantaged areas. Supply side policies for the Labour Market These policies are designed to improve the quality and quantity of the supply of labour available to the economy. They seek to make the British labour market more flexible so that it is better able to match the labour force to the demands placed upon it by employers in expanding sectors thereby reducing the risk of structural unemployment. An expansion in the UKs total labour supply increases the productive potential of an economy.   That expansion in the supply of people willing and able to work can come from several sources for example: encouraging older people to stay in the workforce; a relaxed approach to labour migration and measures to get non-working parents to actively look for work. Trade Union Reforms Many of the traditional legal protections enjoyed by the trade unions have been taken away including restrictions on their ability to take industrial action and enter into restrictive practices agreements with employers. The result has been a decrease in strike action in virtually every industry and a significant improvement in industrial relations in the UK. Showing the effects of supply-side improvements in the economy Supply-side factors often help to explain why it is that some countries grow faster than others. In a world of globalisation, it is becoming clearer that maintaining and improving competitiveness is vital in achieving success in international markets. A rising share of GDP in most countries is devoted to international trade. Markets are becoming more competitive and those countries whose supply-side lets those down can find a rising level of import penetration into their domestic markets and a weak export performance in goods and services. Supply side improvements can also be shown using a production possibility frontier Supply side policies and productivity It is important to recognise that the supply-side does not operate in isolation from changes in aggregate demand. If there is insufficient AD, it is unlikely that better supply-side performance can be achieved over a number of years. Equally, if aggregate demand grows too quickly, acceleration in wage and price inflation might require deflationary policies that ultimately harm a countrys productive potential. Evaluating the UKs supply-side performance On the right tracks There has been a remarkable structural improvement in the British economy. This began under Margaret Thatcher and has largely been maintained under Tony Blair. Deregulation, privatisation, reductions in trade union power and reform of unemployment benefits have transformed the business environment. Improvements in the Supply Side Supply-Side Weaknesses Sustained economic growth. The UK has maintained its position as the 4th largest economy in the world and has weathered the global economic downturn well There remains a large productivity between the UK and other leading economies this is now a major focus of supply side policies Task 6 Combine Task 1 to 5 into a single written report to be given to world bank economics unit which is properly structured with. Title of the page Table of contents  Ã‚ ¶ Risk of Inflation  Ã‚ ¶ Definition of Inflation  Ã‚ ¶ Government efforts to control Inflation  Ã‚ ¶ Supply side economics Main body of report In our region the inflation is on its peak. the rate of commodities and goods increases day by day with high speed. If we look to the diagram changes have been done in every year. In some time in past the inflation rate fall but in the recent time thats 2009 its raised upto 73% which is quite high as compare to the previous year 2008.So this inflation can bring a lot of changes in daily human life.It can effect every field of life.By inflation facilities become reduced everyone tries to reduce his expenditure because of this he tries to spend less as he could.If he his expenses is high as copare to his outcome so he is not trying to facilitate himself.In short inflation can bring change in every term of life. Followin is a Table which shows inflation and percent change since 1990 till to 2009 In economics inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. Government is trying to control rate of inflation. Inflation can generate a lot of problems in the society. It affect daily life as well as affect commodities prices. It can also bring unemployment as well as poverty. Provide a remedy for each of two different types of inflation you outlined in Task 2 (b). When the causes of inflation remove thats the best solution to control the inflation. Flowing are the causes Cost Push Inflation Rising imported raw materials costs Rising labour costs Higher indirect taxes imposed by the government A depreciation of the exchange rate A reduction in direct or indirect taxation The rapid growth of the money supply Rising consumer confidence and an increase in the rate of growth of house prices Faster economic growth in other countries An explanation of is meant by supply side economics. Supply-side economics is a school of macroeconomic thought that argues that economic growth can be most effectively created by lowering barriers for people to produce (supply) goods and services, such as adjusting income tax and capital gains tax rates, and by allowing greater flexibility by reducing regulation. Consumers will then benefit from a greater supply of goods and services at lower prices. The term supply-side economics was thought, for some time, to have been coined by journalist Jude Wineskin in 1975, but according to Robert D. Atkinsons Supply-Side Follies , the term supply side (supply-side fiscalists) was first used by Herbert Stein, a former economic adviser to President Nixon, in 1976, and only later that year was this term repeated by Jude Wanniski. It popularized the ideas of economists Robert Mundell and Arthur Laffer. Today, supply-side economics is often conflated with the politically rhetorical term trickle-down economics, but as Jude Wanniski points out in his book The Way The World Works, trickle-down economics is conservative Keynesianism associated with the Republican Party. Typical policy recommendations of supply-side economics are lower marginal tax rates and less regulation. Maximum benefits from taxation policy are achieved by optimizing the marginal tax rates to spur growth. Reference and bibliography (Economics Books) Micro Economics Macro Economics Manegiral economics Monetry and Finance Internet Source: Ed Crooks, Source: Government Spending Review Statement July 2002 Economics editor of the Financial Times. June 2004 Appendices

Education has Lost Touch with its Origin and its Meaning Essay

Education has Lost Touch with its Origin and its Meaning "It is only when all these things, names and definitions, visual and other sensations are rubbed together and subjected to tests in which questions and answers are exchanged in good faith and without malice that finally, when human capacity is stretched to its limit, a spark of understanding and intelligence flashes out and illuminates the subject at hand." Plato had this to say about dialogue and its importance to the process of education. Does this sound like the educational system that is in place today in the United States? Odds are that it does not. What does being educated mean anyway? What is an undergraduate university education? These questions have been debated for centuries, and they are still relevant today. Many people feel that being educated is going to college and making good grades so that a diploma, the mark of an educated person, can be received. Does that diploma really signify that a person is educated? It does, if being educated means being able to p ass a series of tests and courses at the university level, but is that what it's all about? Many college students, and parents, feel that this is what being educated is. These people, it could be said, are missing the benefit boat when it comes to taking full advantage of what an undergraduate education has to offer. Being educated is more than taking notes and passing tests, it is in fact, a participatory process that takes place between students and faculty, through dialogue, all drawing out the best from each other. Through this process, a student develops an understanding of himself in relation to his community, and the rest of the world. With this comes benefits, both for t... ...ht, it is a privilege." At times, a privilege afforded to an individual by their government. It seems, at times, in this era that the idea of what an undergraduate education really means has been lost. For many it has been. That is a tragedy, but there is hope for others. A true university education is available for all who wish to pursue it. It can be achieved if the student enters the university open-minded and ready to participate in a free exchange of dialogue with other students and faculty. Only then will that person, and society receive the full benefits that a university education has to offer. A society filled with people who understand themselves in relation to the others around them is a much better place to live. Socratic dialogue says about education, "We come together to learn about ourselves and our world. We look within to see without."

Mahindra project report Essay

After concrete efforts of our Management, the students of Kohinoor Management School got this esteemed opportunity to have an Industrial visit to a prestigious company like Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. We appreciate the efforts of the management of KMS & M&M for executing this successful Industrial trip. Introduction to Mahindra: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is the flagship company of the Mahindra Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India. The company was set up in 1945 in Ludhiana as Mahindra by brothers K.C. Mahindra and J.C. Mahindra. Mahindra & Mahindra is a major automobile manufacturer of tractors, utility vehicles, passenger cars, pickups, commercial vehicles; its tractors are sold on six continents. It has acquired plants in China and the United Kingdom, and has three assembly plants in the USA. M&M has a global presence and its products are exported to several countries. Its global subsidiaries  include Mahindra Europe Srl. based in Italy, Mahindra USA Inc., Mahindra South Africa and Mahindra (China) Tractor Co. Ltd. M&M is one of the leading tractor brands in the world by volume. It is also the largest manufacturer of tractors in India with sustained market leadership of over 25 years. It designs, develops, manufactures, and markets tractors as well as farm implements. The Journey Begins†¦. We reached the Mahindra plant at Kandivali, Mumbai. We headed to the Conference room and were briefed about the Company by a presentation on the leadership and the entire group of M&M followed by the Q & A Session which lasted for an hour. The honors were done none other than Mr. Shirish Tawde, the Deputy General Manager (DGM) of the Company. Accompanying him were Mr. Kishor Sonawane (Manger – Business Excellence), Rajendra Sawant (Sr. Manager Business Excellence), Mr. Mahesh Dalvi (Manager – Business Excellence, Sector Sustainability). With such dignitaries explaining us the world of M&M, we were just as grateful. This plant mainly deals in manufacturing of Tractors and Farm Equipments. The plant is one of the oldest manufacturing plants in the production of tractors in India. After decades in leading the tractor sector M&M have diversified into the roots of farming and have positioned themselves in the Farm Sector. After being briefed through the introduction of M&M plant, we were about to explore the India’s most Prestigious Companies. We were divided into 2 groups of 15 people so as to have individual attention . We visited 3 units of the plant right from examination of engine parts, assembling of engine and main manufacturing of tractors. They manufacture 2,00,000 tractors annually. The FES contributes 35% market share. Hands on approach to Production (where theory meets practical): Each Group was taken separately and explained functioning of the plant. A lot of theory is learnt is class regarding how the manufacturing units focus on Total Productivity, Total Quality, Zero Defect, etc†¦but by far this was the  first hands on experience on how does a Manufacturing unit or plant works. Here we are explained about how the assembly line manufacturing process works. This section of the plant deals with the installation of the main engine of the tractor. In this picture we are introduced to how the stations work in co-ordination to get optimum results. In the pictures below, the students are taken through a complete channel of stations on the assembly station and the supervisor explaining each of this complicated process. The lag or lead time is calculated and each one at every station tries to improve on it so as to reduce the time effect in assembling each engine. The units where tractors are manufactured in assembly lines follow Total Quality Management (TQM) and Total Productivity Management (TPM). Every sub-unit contributes to the production. They avoid material handling losses with pulleys and fork-lifts. All these techniques add value to the production. Indeed there is no surprise they improve their quality and reduce time with ever unit of production of tractor. Here, we are shown how the final tractors are put in place Students Opinion: Kohinoor Management School gave us the Golden Opportunity to visit the Mahindra and Mahindra plant at Kandivali. It was a great experience to know the organization internally. They are successful enough to balance between Business Excellence and Individual Dignity. Their main focus on farm tech prosperity is what like me a lot, as agriculture is the base of the Indian Economy. -Pratibha Shinde. Visit to the M & M was an eye-opener. The journey unfolded various aspect of the tractor division. Starting from the nuts and bolts, the engine, to the massive structure which forms the backbone of the Indian farms and agricultural sector. The gains or the take away from the visit were splendid. The use of Japanese technology in the assembly line, the step by step process layout, the plan B; the vision of always staying ahead were the insights. Lots of management mantras were demonstrated and inculcated. A great learning and an honour to see the invasion of the GREAT INDIAN TRACTOR DIVISION. -Yogendra Joshi. It was my first Industrial visit to any manufacturing plant and enjoyed every bit of it. To be a part of such an esteemed organization and having a look through all their process was an intriguing experience after all. -Shraddha Salunke On behalf of all the Management and the students we take this opportunity to thank the entire team of Mahindra and Mahindra for providing us with the practical information and well as wonderful hospitality. We take moment to offer our greetings to the entire Mahindra and Mahindra team.

Free Essays on Social Attire

Abstract A common saying is that first impressions are very important in the way people will perceive others for the rest of their social relationship. â€Å"Clothing and other appearance cues provide information about credibility, identity, and anticipated behaviors of others, and is used in initial interactions to answer the question â€Å"Who is this person?â€Å" (Bassett, 1979). In my research I will examine the question of how the factor of the professors’ attire influences a students perception of the competency and sociability of that professor. My participants will answer a questionnaire based on their perception of a male and female confederate shown in a picture in three different types of clothing. The questionnaire will consist of 30 items in two areas, competency and sociability. The participants will be asked to answer the questions concerning these two areas, based on their initial perception of the confederates seen above in the picture. I expect the results to sho w that there will be significant differences between the dress style and the ratings of competency and sociability. I also expect the results to show that when gender and type of clothing are compared with each other, the female in formal clothing will receive higher ratings in competency than the male in formal clothing. In addition, I expect my results to show that there is an interaction between the gender in the different clothing conditions and the ratings of competency and sociability. Based on this study, I hope to be able to conclude that the differences of ratings in competency and sociability due to the factor of the professors clothing are by far more significant as was found in previous research. Influence of Professors’ Clothing on Student’s Perception of Competency and Sociability Twenty years ago, professors across the country experienced an immense liberation. That liberation took place in terms of the dress code that used to be f... Free Essays on Social Attire Free Essays on Social Attire Abstract A common saying is that first impressions are very important in the way people will perceive others for the rest of their social relationship. â€Å"Clothing and other appearance cues provide information about credibility, identity, and anticipated behaviors of others, and is used in initial interactions to answer the question â€Å"Who is this person?â€Å" (Bassett, 1979). In my research I will examine the question of how the factor of the professors’ attire influences a students perception of the competency and sociability of that professor. My participants will answer a questionnaire based on their perception of a male and female confederate shown in a picture in three different types of clothing. The questionnaire will consist of 30 items in two areas, competency and sociability. The participants will be asked to answer the questions concerning these two areas, based on their initial perception of the confederates seen above in the picture. I expect the results to sho w that there will be significant differences between the dress style and the ratings of competency and sociability. I also expect the results to show that when gender and type of clothing are compared with each other, the female in formal clothing will receive higher ratings in competency than the male in formal clothing. In addition, I expect my results to show that there is an interaction between the gender in the different clothing conditions and the ratings of competency and sociability. Based on this study, I hope to be able to conclude that the differences of ratings in competency and sociability due to the factor of the professors clothing are by far more significant as was found in previous research. Influence of Professors’ Clothing on Student’s Perception of Competency and Sociability Twenty years ago, professors across the country experienced an immense liberation. That liberation took place in terms of the dress code that used to be f...