Supply Side Model of Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supply Side Model of Economics - Research Paper Example This paper discusses the assumptions of the supply side model of economics, highlighting on its features, assumed benefits and the role the government plays in it. It further highlights the reasons and when the model was introduced, whether it is a viable model in current economics and its downfalls. Supporting the idea that supply (or production) of goods and services is significant for economic growth, supply side economics attempts to explain macroeconomic phenomena as well as offer policies for steady growth Through a period of time, the improved growth in the economy will create a larger tax base that will compensate revenue that was lost through the tax cut. Also referred to as trickle-down economics, it is based on the theory that income tax cuts mean workers get higher pay that they can spend and provides entrepreneurs and investors an incentive to invest and save Supply side economics argues for three key policies which are tax, regulatory and monetary. The supply curve of the model bends backwards, with the assumption that tax cuts can unlock significant growth in the supplied quantity of productive resources to the economy, in terms of capital and labor and increasing Gross Domestic Product The supply side theory believes that producers, as well as their enthusiasm to produce services and goods, are the ones that determine the rate of economic growth. The supply side model assumes that less regulation will allow greater supply levels services and goods for the benefit of consumers at lower prices.

The Impact of the Repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell Policies Research Paper

The Impact of the Repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell Policies - Research Paper Example Through aggressively taking down the level of sexual harassment and eliminating sexual displays of dominance, the military can become a more solid and unified organization in which men and women are safe and honorably treated with respect. The following study through secondary research will examine the nature of the ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy and the ways in which the repeal is a necessary measure. Through understanding the ways in which the sociological nature of the military will undergo changes, this will be related to the ways in which the repeal of the law will impact military families. The sociology of integrating homosexuality into society will be examined, and then assessed in consideration of the unique environment of the culture of the military. With respect to family culture, the nature of the changes will look at any impact that might occur. The following research paper will discuss the nature of the ‘don’t ask don’t tell policy, creating a background for the controversy and then relating the information to the effect that the repeal of this policy will have on military families. As the issue is intertwined with those who support political factions that support the ‘family values’ platform, the new policies and philosophies that will be included in the sociology of military life will have some form of impact on families within the military. The paper will be structured with a history of the military philosophies on homosexuality and the consequences of those philosophies.

Fragrance Store Business Plan

Fragrance Store Business Plan Business Name: FRAGRANCES Company Summary Fragrances is a new natural and herbal cosmetics company proposing to set up a signature herbal cosmetics store in Central London. The store will deal in herbal cosmetics including perfumes. The company has been setup by a team of three members who have years of experience in understanding and managing cosmetics business, channel marketing and high-level sales. The promoters will initially fund the business themselves as they believe strongly in their product idea. Market research among over 1000 women in various age groups shows that there is a demand for such products. Sales projections for Fragrances are estimated be over  £1 million for the first year, with a decent net profit. The promoters feel that, by creating awareness of their products, many women will prefer to purchase their products for their own use, as will friends and family members. Objectives Create a niche market in herbal cosmetics industry Generate retail sales of over  £1,000,000 in year one. Maintain a gross margin of over 65%. Mission To give an unlimited opportunity to women of all ages to become beautiful naturally Keys to Success Fragrances will: Offer a unique line of herbal cosmetics that will take into account the differences in requirements of diverse age groups. Herbal cosmetic products are currently in demand today and are also available but there are no differences in cosmetics available for different age groups. Satisfy the demand of women who do not want to use cosmetics containing harmful chemicals Execute a targeted marketing campaign to generate awareness of the their products Fragrances will be a UK-based herbal cosmetics company offering its customers a series of unique herbal cosmetics including skincare products, hair care products and perfumes. There will a wide variety in these cosmetics and will take the differences in requirements of diverse age groups. The store will have two product experts who will help the customers choose the right products according to their ages and requirements. The company will reach out to customers through their own signature store as well as its website. In the future, the company will also explore the possibility of expanding to the entire UK by setting up a chain of such stores. Company Ownership Cosmetics industry in the UK is a growth industry dominated by a few key players. Fragrances needs to pool funding to be able to make its presence felt in the industry. It will be set up as a private limited company as the three promoters will pool in their funds and will form the core management team. As a private company it will be able to achieve its initial standing which would not have been possible as a sole proprietorship or partnership firm. Start-up Summary Start-up costs for Fragrances include legal costs, computer supplies, new product marketing, website design and regulatory costs for cosmetics[1]. Start-up assets are mostly dedicated to start-up stock. Start-up Expenses  £ Legal 1,000 Computer Supplies 1,250 Marketing 15,000 Web design 2,500 Regulatory 4,000 General Administration (including rent and salaries) 137,000 Total Start-up Expenses  £160,750 Start-up Assets Cash  £10,000 Start-up stock  £60,000 Other current assets 0 Fixed assets (Including fixtures)  £20000 Total assets  £90,000 Total Requirements for Expenses and assets 250,750 To start with, Fragrances will introduce its herbal range in skincare products perfumes. Skincare products These will include day creams, night creams, exfoliating creams, anti-wrinkle or anti-ageing creams. Within these there will be creams for specific age-groups and skin types. Perfumes Fragrances will start-off with a limited range of perfumes for the working women. In stage two, more variety will be introduced. Source: National Statistics, accessed from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=6 Market Segmentation The three main segments of the market who would buy herbal cosmetics are working executives, college and university students and ageing women. There will also be those who would shop for women, perhaps a husband, friend or a family member. Though the store will be in Central London it will cater to the needs of entire UK. Women living outside London will buy the cosmetics online through the company website. The absence of a store in small towns will not impact the sale as the product will be extremely effective and safe. The confidence will be based on additional expenditure on creating awareness about the products. As per the mid census estimates, the total women population in all age groups in UK is 30,730,300 (Source: NSO Statistics). In addition, statistics indicate that on an average 93% of total women in all age groups buy cosmetics. The potential market may be set at 28,579,179 (93% of total women). Based on the primary and secondary segments, the projected sales forecast is conservatively set at less then 1% of the total potential market (285,790), as highlighted in the following table and chart. Potential Customers Growth 2008 2009 2010 CAGR Working women 0% 142,895 142,895 142,895 0% Young girls 0% 107,171 107,171 107,171 0% Ageing women 0% 26,793 26,793 26,793 0% Others 0% 8,931 8,931 8,931 0% Total 0% 285,790 285,790 285,790 0% Product Elasticity: The product is a necessity and is not highly price elastic. Consumers are ready to pay a higher product if they become aware of the unique benefits from the product. Industry Analysis The UK cosmetics industry accounts for  £5 billion sales. (Source: Euromonitor – Consumer Europe 2002/3 – 18th Edition Pub. Euromonitor International Plc)) 93% of British women use cosmetics in some shape or form making us one of the highest users in Europe. (Source: Key Note Report – Cosmetics Fragrances A Market Sector Overview 10th Edition, Ed. By Eleanor Hughes) Convenience and benefits continue to be a key trend for British cosmetics consumers. Easy application and usage, as well as effectiveness, are the main requirements. Some of these products have a higher price positioning, but consumers appear willing to pay higher unit prices if products can offer genuine benefits in terms of saving time. Fragrances will be a small segment of the cosmetics industry. The market is dominated by major players. Significant shifts in overall value share in this sector have primarily been achieved through major mergers and acquisitions such as L’Orà ©al’s purchase of The Body Shop. Competition Analysis Natural and herbal cosmetic products is a growing sector with the presence of a few big players such as L’Orà ©al’, Bodyshop, Boots and Johnson and Johnson. It is becoming stronger in the UK and UK is now competing with other European countries for product launches. There has been a 170 per cent increase on launches from the comparable period in 2006. According to a recent Mintel report, the UK has seen the largest increase in herbal beauty products of any European country even in the first quarter of 2007. The country accounted for a mere five per cent of the 1600 organic cosmetics launched worldwide in 2006, which has now risen to 19 per cent of the 1053 products that have already been launched globally in 2007. In recent years there has been an explosion of activity as consumers have become more aware of the health benefits of using natural ingredients. Supermarkets have now begun to pick up on this trend, with leading chains such as Asda, Tesco and Waitrose all developing own brands to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for organic and ethical products. Our marketing strategy is to create product awareness among women using cosmetics by strategically placing Internet ads, using direct mailers and generating PR. Competitive Edge The present herbal cosmetic retailers carry a mainstream line of cosmetics that are appealing to the masses. Due to their mass distribution model, it would not be prudent for them to carry small amounts of specialty items for specific age groups. By positioning in the market as a specialty store, Fragrances is confident that word of mouth will help to create product awareness across UK. Fragrances unique selling proposition is that its products will be exclusive and customised for women in accordance with their age groups, skin types etc. Currently, no major cosmetic retailer and online stores offer such customised herbal cosmetics. The primary weakness of Fragrance will be to generate awareness about the cosmetics and highlight how these are different from the other products available in the market. To generate sales, there is a need to first create awareness about the existence of the product and make it easy for potential customers to locate the speciality store. However, it will not be difficult to establish its presence in the cosmetics industry. Marketing Strategy Fragrances marketing strategy is crucial to its success. The company will need to create awareness of its products through: Strategically-placed ads in women’s magazines and women related websites Direct mail and e-mail advertising to working women New product PR in publications for women Sales Strategy Sales are dependent upon creating awareness and generating excitement about the herbal cosmetics. The company will strategically place pop-up and banner ads on web-sites relevant to both women, use direct mail and e-mail lists and seek public relations coverage in relevant media sources. Fragrances will fulfil orders through its speciality store. It will also offer returning customers an option to place their orders on the company’s official website, or fax in orders to the company. E-orders: Customer can purchase online 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Fax orders: Customers can fax in an order 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Sales Forecast The sales forecast for First Year 2008 takes into account slower sales at the beginning as the company creates awareness of its product and website. Initially the company will be selling limited range of skincare products and perfumes. As the company grows, it will explore the demand for other types of customised products. The following table illustrates unit sales of 109,500 units for the first year. This would require the company to sell to less than 1% of its target market. FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 Unit Sales Units Sold 109,500 115,000 121,000 Average unit price  £ 10  £10  £10 Sales Revenue  £ 1,095,000  £1,150,000  £1,210,000 Direct Unit Costs  £3  £3  £3 Direct Cost of Sales  £ 328500  £345000 363000 Initially the company will be managed by its promoters. They will oversee product development, the online store, speciality store and marketing efforts. Outsourcing will be used on some initial tasks, specifically the website design and maintenance. Personnel Plan As the company’s launch date approaches, two product experts will be hired to help with the speciality store sales. As the company grows, more personnel will be added as needed. Personnel Plan FY 2008 (in  £) FY 2009 (in  £) FY 2010 (in  £) Management team for 3 Members  £45,000  £45,000  £45,000 2 Employees  £20,000  £21,000  £22,050 Total People 5 5 5 Total Payroll  £65,000  £66,000  £67,050 Fragrances project the gross margin to be healthy percent (70%). Sales projections for 2008 are at over  £1 million. Refer appendix for a projected profit loss account, projected cash-flow statement and projected balance sheet for the period 2008-2010. Start-up Funding The promoters of the company will use personal funds to finance the start of this business. The primary start-up costs are as follows: Start-up Expenses  £ Start up Funding Start up Expenses to fund 160,750 Start up Assets to fund 90,000 Total Funding Required 250,750 Assets Non-cash assets from start-up 80,000 Cash 10,000 Additional cash Raised 0 Cash Balance on Starting Date 10,000 Total Assets 90,000 Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing 0 Fixed liabilities 0 Accounts payable 0 Other current liabilities 0 Total Liabilities 0 Capital Planned Investment Shareholders equity 250,750 Investor 0 Additional Investment Requirement 0 Total Planned Investment 250,750 Loss at Start-up (160,750) Total Capital 90,000 Total Liabilities and Capital 90,000 Break-even Analysis The following Break-even Analysis shows what is needed in monthly sales to break even. Break-even Analysis (Year 2008) Monthly units break-even 1,914 Monthly Revenue Break-even  £19,140 Assumptions: Average per-unit revenue  £10 Average per-unit variable cost  £3 Estimated monthly fixed cost  £13396 This Confidentiality Agreement (the â€Å"Agreement†) is by and between (hereinafter â€Å"Disclosing Party†) and the undersigned recipient of information. (hereinafter â€Å"Recipient†) Recipient and its Representatives shall not disclose any of the Confidential information in any manner whatsoever, except as provided under Permitted Disclosures. Recipient hereby agrees to indemnify Disclosing Party against any and all losses, damages, claims, expenses and legal fees incurred or suffered by Disclosing Party as a result of breach of this Agreement by Recipient or its Representatives Appendix A Projected Profit Loss 2008 ( £) 2009 ( £) 2010 ( £) Sales 1,095,000 1,150,000 1,210,000 Direct cost of goods 328,500 345,000 363,000 Other costs Cost of goods sold 328,500 345,000 363,000 Gross Margin 766,500 805,000 847,000 Gross Margin % 70% 70% 70% Total Operating Expenses 396,025 375,667 352,917 Profit Before Interest and Taxes 370,475 429,333 494,083 EBITDA 370,475 429,333 494,083 Interest Expense Taxes 148,190 171,733 197,633 Net Profit 222,285 257,600 296,450 Projected Cash Flow 2008 ( £) 2009 ( £) 2010 ( £) Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash sales 1,095,000 1,150,000 1,210,000 Subtotal cash from operations 1,095,000 1,150,000 1,210,000 Additional cash received VAT received 0 0 0 New current borrowing 0 0 0 New other liabilities 0 0 0 Sale of other current assets 0 0 0 Sale of fixed assets 0 0 0 New Investment received 0 0 0 Subtotal cash received 1,095,000 1,150,000 1,210,000 Expenditure Cash spending 58,000 86,000 95,000 Bills payment 652,232 691,342 727,276 Total spent on operations 710,232 777,342 822,276 VAT paid 0 0 0 Repayment of current borrowing 0 0 0 Purchase of other current assets 0 0 0 Purchase of fixed assets 0 0 0 Dividends 0 0 0 Subtotal Cash Spent 710,232 777,342 822,276 Net Cash Flow 384,768 372,658 387,724 Cash Balance 394,768 767,426 1,155,150 Projected Balance Sheet 2008 2009 2010 Assets Current assets Cash 394,768 767,426 1,155,150 Stock 60,000 60,000 60,000 Other Current Assets 0 0 0 Total Current Assets 454,768 827,426 1,215,150 Fixed Assets Fixed assets Accumulated 20,000 20,000 20,000 Depreciation 0 0 0 Total Assets 474,768 847,426 1,235,150 2008 2009 2010 Liabilities and Capital Current Liabilities Accounts payable 53,900 57,085 60,020 Current borrowing 0 0 0 Other current liabilities 108,583 220,456 308,795 Long term liabilities 0 Total liabilities 162,483 277,541 368,815 Capital including profits 312,285 569,885 866,335 Total liabilities and Capital 474,768 847,426 1,235,150 Bibliography Barrow Colin, Barrow Paul, Brown Robert, The Business Plan Workbook, (2001) Kogan Page Ltd Blackwell Edward, How to Prepare a Business Plan, (2004) Kogan Page Ltd Branson, Richard, The Best-Laid Business Plans: How to Write Them, How to Pitch Them (Virgin Business Guides), (2005) Virgin Books; New Ed edition Covello Joseph, Hazelgren Brian, The Complete Book of Business Plans (Jan 1993), Sourcebooks Eleanor Hughes, Key Note Report – Cosmetics Fragrances A Market Sector Overview 10th Edition Euromonitor – Consumer Europe 2002/3 – 18th Edition Pub. Euromonitor International Plc Finch Brian, How to Write a Business Plan, (2006), Kogan Page Ltd McKeever Mike P., How to Write a Business Plan,(1992) Nolo Press UK Population data accessed from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/glance/#population Footnotes [1] The UK cosmetics industry is regulated under the the Department of Trade and Industrys 1996 Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations.

Food Safety and Food Borne Diseases Essays -- Exploratory Essays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food borne diseases cause an estimated 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. For many students, college is the first time many of you ever had to think about buying your own food or cooking for yourselves. As a result, many students are not educated in proper food safety precautions which can prevent many of these food borne diseases. Storing your food in the proper conditions is the first step in proper food safety. For meat, fish, and poultry, it is best to keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which in most cases is in the drawers or the back of the bottom shelf. Storing meats on the top shelf may be more likely to leak and contaminate other foods that may be underneath. As a general rule of thumb, fresh poultry, seafood, and ground or chopped meat can be refrigerated for one to two days before cooking. Fresh red meat, cooked poultry, and meat leftovers can be refrigerated for three to five days, and lunch meats for three to seven day...

International Organizations Essay

International organizations have been noted to be around since the mid- 19th century and such organizations do not operate for profit. An international organization is defined by the United Nations as an organization with an international membership, scope, or presence. The main objective of all the international organizations they say ,have usually been welfare and the improvement of member countries through cooperation. Karns and Mingst identify the two main types of international organizations as IGOs and INGOs which they also refer to as international and transnational structures who are actors in global governance. Global governance, they say, are the cooperative problem-solving arrangements and activities that states and other actors have put into place to deal with various issues and problems. Firstly, Intergovernmental Organizations; herein referred to as IGOs will be discussed. IGOs are organizations that include at least three states among their membership, that have activities in several states, and that are created through a formal intergovernmental agreement such as a treaty, charter, or statute. These organizations range in size from 3 members (North American Free Trade Agreement [NAFTA]) to more than 190 members Universal Postal Union [UPU]. Within these IGOs, members can be limited to one geographic region, for example the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU) or even the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) or they may come from all geographic regions such as members of the World Bank and IMF. Some IGOs are designed for solitary purposes such as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC]), whilst others have been developed for multilateral purposes, for example the United Nations [UN]. Most IGOs though, are not global in membership but are in fact regional, wherein a commonality of interest motivates states to cooperate on issues directly affecting them. Most are small in membership and designed to address specific functions. It must also be noted that IGOs are recognized subjects of international law with separate standing from their member states. According to Karns and Mingst, IGOs function for purposes of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating data, providing a place for negotiations, creating norms and defining standards of behavior through legally binding treaties, monitoring compliance with rules, adjudicating disputes and also taking enforcement measures and for allocating resources, providing technical assistance and relief and deploying forces. Kenneth Abbott and Duncan Snidal (1998) suggest that IGOs â€Å"allow for the centralization of collective activities through a concrete and stable organizational structure and a supportive administrative apparatus. This increases the efficiency of collective activities and enhance the organization’s ability to affect the understandings, environment, and interests of states. † In their book on International Organization Karns and Mingst say that â€Å"IGOs do not only create opportunities for their member states, but also exercise influence and impose constraints on their member states’ policies and processes† which aids in forcing governments to take positions on international or domestic issues of concern. They also facilitate the creation of principles, norms, and rules of behavior with which states must align their policies if they wish to benefit from reciprocity. For example, China’s admission to the World Trade Organization and how this has affected its national policies and required extensive governmental reforms. Secondly, International Non Governmental Organizations; herein referred to as INGOs will be discussed. INGOs are institutions that are established by non-state actors or at least one side of these organizations is not states. They can generally be defined as private, voluntary, non-profit, self-governing, professional organizations with a distinctive legal character concerned with public welfare aims. INGOs unlike IGOs are not created by treaties or states but rather private people and organizations and usual encompass more than three states and therefore cannot be bilateral. They employ limited resources to make rules, set standards, procreate principles and broadly represent more ‘humanity’ than states and other actors do. There are many kinds of NGOs such as transnational, government organized, government-regulated and initiated, business and industry, donor-organized, donor-dominated, people’s organizations, operational, advocacy, transnational social movements, quasi, and anti-governmental NGOs. Their number increased (more than 23,000 in the early 1990s) and their effectiveness for transnational politics became more relevant in recent decades. They have become â€Å"crucial participants in the international policy process† says Brown (1995). Some INGOs are formed to dvocate a particular cause such as human rights, peace, or environmental protection. While others are established to provide services such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid in war-torn societies, or development assistance. Many INGOs are transnational federations involving formal, long-term links among national groups. Examples include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Wildlife Fund, Transparency International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Save the Children. INGOs’ governance functions parallel many functions provided by IGOs and, like IGOs, they can be analyzed as both pieces of and actors in global governance. As pieces of governance, INGOs function to provide processes at many levels to pressure or persuade individuals, governments, IGOs, corporations, and other actors to improve human rights records, protect the environment, tackle corruption, create a ban on landmines, or intervene in conflicts such as that in the Darfur region of Sudan. Some IGOs, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Tourism Organization, and the UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), provide for INGOs roles in their governance. As a result of global trends to privatize activities previously controlled by governments, services once provided by governments or IGOs are now often contracted out to INGOs. INGOs are important pieces of global governance because of the ways they enable individuals to act publicly through creating networks, and volunteering and this makes them useful links between the domestic and international communities and institutions. In this sense, they function as communicators among multiple levels of governance. Both Intergovernmental Organisations and International Non-governmental Organizations are of growing significance in the international community. The proliferation of non-state actors has recently led some observers of international relations to conclude that states are declining in importance and that non-state actors are gaining status and influence. New theories of international relations such as the â€Å"complex interdependence† of Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye (1989) were formed in order to explain new developments. Kegley and Wittkoph (1995) accurately point out that â€Å"as the world grown smaller, the mutual dependence of nation-states and other transnational political actors on one another has grown† Their significance can be noted not only through their international presence but also through their voice and ability to hold governments accountable for not abiding by the standards set forth through their organizations. The benefits of these two types of all the international organizations has usually been seen through its welfare improvement of member countries and its importance lies in the following: 1.  International organizations, such as International Trade Centre and World Trade Organization, assist member countries in promoting fair trade with each other. 2. The aim of the international organizations, such as Natural Capitalism and International Development Research Centre, is to enhance sustainable economic development in the world. 3. The World Bank and Institute of International Finance are international organizations that provide monetary help to member countries. 4. The purpose of the incorporation of international organizations, such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme, is to provide food security to member nations. 5. The endeavor of international organizations, such as Global Environment Facility and United Nations Environment Programme, is to ensure environmental protection. 6. The protection of human rights is ensured by international organizations, such as the ICJ and Amnesty International. 7.  Emergency/disaster relief is taken care of by several international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and ReliefWeb. 8. The WHO helps member countries promote health care and facilities. Most countries though, perceive that there are benefits to participating in IGOs and international regimes even when it is costly. South Africa never withdrew from the UN over the long years when it was repeatedly condemned for its policies of apartheid. Iraq did not withdraw from the UN when it was subject to more than a decade of stringent sanctions. China spent fourteen years negotiating the terms of its entry into the international trade system and undertaking changes in laws and policies required to bring itself into compliance with WTO rules. Additionally , INGOs too are increasingly active today at all levels of human society and governance, from local or grassroots communities to national and international politics. Many national-level groups, often called interest or pressure groups, are now linked to counterpart groups in other countries through networks or federations. International NGOs, like IGOs, may draw their members from more than one country, and they may have very specific functions or be multifunctional. IGOs have been proven to decrease the cost of information gathering which is more important for poor and small countries. Without the UN, many states are unable to obtain information about the international society and politics. Activities of IGOs, such as the UN and the IMF, are decisive for most small countries. They may impose their principles on them more easily than on big powers. Most governments; especially in less developed countries face serious resource constraints limiting their ability to apply the provisions of regimes to areas and activities under their jurisdiction. And in spite of the fact that international organizations are utilized by powerful nation-states, these states do not hold full power over IGOs. IGOs however do have notable influence in international and on the most powerful state, the United States (Karns and Mingst). IGOs have been especially successful in their effectiveness in economic issue areas is also considerably high. For example, the IMF and the World Bank are very effective in money flowing, debt management and financing debt issues between the rich and poor countries. Though still effective, IGOs are less influential in issues of high politics such as political and security issues. INGOs too play an increasingly important role in world politics through agencies, such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International who draw attention to issues of world-wide concern, promote international co-operation and they have a significant impact on the global dissemination of ideas, values and knowledge. One of the major challenges being faced by international organizations however is integrating developing countries on various measures. Health related issues, such as infant mortality in developing countries are also of great challenge. Some other challenges that international organizations are facing are in the filed of intellectual property rights, trade in services and investment measures in relation to trade. Also seen as future difficulties in the international system is the issue of multilateral liberalization due to growing regionalism and the reformation of world trade.

Stds Among Adolescents In Nigeria Health And Social Care Essay

The first sexual intercourse is a milepost in the physical and psychological development of every adult male or adult female. It can besides ensue in unplanned gestations, insecure abortions and sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ) , ( Singh et al 2000 ) . Harmonizing to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , two-thirds of all STDs occur among the young person ( WHO 1993 and 1995 ) .This estimation can be explained by the high hazard sexual behavior of stripling, such as multiple sexual spouses and unprotected sexual intercourse ( Rosenberg et al 1999 ) . The demand for more policies and programmes in turn toing STDs among striplings should hence be a precedence for every authorities. However, the argument on sexual and generative wellness ( SRH ) is absent or hapless in many states, as the issue of gender and sexual intercourse make people really uncomfortable ( WHO 2006 ) . Again, most sexual wellness programmes for striplings globally tend to concentrate on instruction and bar, go forthing out services which enable striplings to show their frights, concerns and acquire interventions for STDs and other sexual wellness issues ( Nworah et al 2002 ) . This state of affairs can be disputing in some parts of Africa particularly the West where as an stripling, sexual wellness issues are non discussed in schools or places and there are no sexual wellness services for striplings. However, this state of affairs is altering, particularly with the outgrowth of Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( HIV ) infection hitting every three in 10 striplings in Africa. This has led to the committedness of more resources for intercessions in turn toing STDs in many states ( WHO, 2003 ) . In this paper, I will be looking at programmes and intercessions used in covering with STDs in Nigeria among striplings, barriers to accessing STD attention for striplings, societal building of sexual wellness and proposed programmes to better on the bing SRH attention for striplings. 1.2 STDs among striplings in Nigeria Nigeria is the most thickly settled state in Africa, situated on the western portion of the continent with an estimated population of 151,212million ; of this 32 % are between the ages of 10-24 old ages ( UN 2008 ) .With such a vernal population and the high prevalence of HIV in Africa, one will presume there will be policies which are effectual in turn toing STDs among striplings in the state. However, the age of presenting SRH instruction to striplings continues to be debated, whereas recent surveies indicate an addition in sexual activities among this age group, therefore the demand to explicate steps to understate the negative impact of these sexual activities ( Okonofua 1999 ) . Among the factors lending to high rate of STDs among striplings include ; the deficiency of equal information about SRH, dislocation of traditional household control and globalization ( Okonofua et al 1999 ; Odion and Ataman 2010 ) . Although there are no accurate informations on the Numberss of STDs among striplings in Nigeria, several population based surveies indicate an addition in STDs among striplings than grownups ( Okonofua et al 2003 ) In an attempt to turn to the issue, the Nigerian authorities in 2000 collaborated with other international administrations and non- governmental administrations ( NGOs ) to develop a national SRH policy. The subdivision of the policy on striplings focused on forestalling hazardous sexual behavior and the purpose was †to addition cognition of generative biological science and promote responsible behavior of striplings sing bar of unwanted gestation and sexually familial infections † ( Federal Ministry of Health 2001 ) . The following were the marks for the policy ; Increased entree of appropriate generative wellness information to all striplings in and out of school. The debut of gender and household life instruction in school course of study. Increasing the entree of comprehensive youth-friendly wellness services including reding for all striplings, including the disabled by 20 % Enforcement and reappraisal of Torahs relevant to adolescent wellness To run into these marks, the national council on instruction decided to incorporate gender instruction into school course of study to turn to the high rate of STDs among striplings. However, force per unit area from the media, spiritual groups and conservative politicians reasoning that gender should non be taught in schools, therefore naming for more dilution of the programme ( Federal Ministry of Education 2008 ) .Sexuality instruction was hence changed to household life and HIV instruction ( FLHE ) , which is more acceptable by all stakeholders. FLHE was integrated into bing topics and all 36 provinces were allowed to learn to accommodate the socio cultural demands of striplings in each peculiar province. The course of study was besides divided into two degrees ; sensitive issues such as sexual orientation, preventives and onanism was specifically taught in senior secondary and the basic sexual wellness issues in junior secondary schools ( Federal Ministry of Education 2003 ) . Second, to increase entree to reproductive wellness information, SRH nines are organised in schools where striplings can hold forums, arguments, essay composing competitions and interact amongst themselves on sexual wellness issues. These nines besides organise wellness consciousness runs and seminars where wellness professionals distribute educational stuffs and give negotiations on bar and intervention of STDs among striplings ( Federal Ministry of Education 2003 ) . Third, some members of the nine are selected by their co-workers and trained as equal pedagogues. Their preparation on STDs comprises of bar and intervention, acknowledgment of symptoms, spouse presentment, postponing of sexual intercourse pieces on intervention for STDs, benefits of early intervention, where STDs can be treated and the demand for professional aid. They so advocate pupils on one-on-one or in a group on STDs and other wellness issues. They besides distribute information on SRH issues and refer pupils with STD symptoms to the appropriate wellness professional for intervention ( Federal Ministry of Education 2003 ) . Finally, to guarantee enforcement of the policy, all province schools in Nigeria were made to incorporate the policy into bing school topics. The FLHE is the merely sanctioned SRH programme included in school course of study towards the bar of STDs ( UNSECO 2010 ) . In a reappraisal of the policy in 2004, the determination was made to develop more instructors who will specialise in SRH and Teach in senior secondary schools. There were besides sensitisation meetings with educationalists and NGOs working in SRH in an attempt to reenforce the programme in schools and increase the range of administrations working towards its success ( ( UNSECO 2010 ) . A long running rating of the programme, was carried out from 2003 – 2009 in Lagos and claims were made to the followers ; pupils exposed to the programme were more knowing about gender, HIV and other STDs, addition usage of preventives, misss were confident to decline sexual progresss from male childs and better apprehension of relationships ( Philliber Research Associates 2009 ) .In malice of these claims, surveies done earlier and after the execution of the SRH policy indicate that educational programmes have non improved on the Numberss of striplings undertaking STDs ( Adeokun et al 2009 ) . There is therefore the demand to look into why STDs among striplings continue to be high in Nigeria.1.3 Why STDs Remains a Problem among Adolescents in NigeriaEven though the incidence of STDs among Nigeria young person is said to be high, there is no defined steps in aiming striplings for intervention and bar of STDs. Surveies have shown that in malice of sexual wellness instruction, striplings lack cognition in STD bar, intervention and other sexual wellness issues ( Okonofua et al 2003 ) . Parents do non discourse sexual wellness issues with their kids, and information from the media is largely deformed taking to striplings seeking sexual wellness information from equals who besides lack accurate information about the topic, hence misinform others ( Fatusi and Blum 2008 ) .The deficiency of cognition about STDs leads to high incidence of unprotected sex, inability to place symptoms of STDs and reluctance to sought intervention ( Nmari et al 2010 ) . The few province wellness services or clinics are besides adult oriented and guidelines in handling striplings are nonexistent hence striplings feel unwelcome in such installation and hence do non utilize the services at all when they are infected with STDs ( Okonofua et al 2003 ) . This state of affairs is possibly due to how sexual wellness is perceived in societies in Nigeria and West Africa.1.3a Barriers in accessing wellness attention vs. societal building of SRHThe societal building of gender functions has brought about inequality in every society.SHR is one country affected by gender inequality in Nigeria. Gender functions have made work forces accountants of birthrate and gender of adult females ( Connelly et al 2000 ) ; doing adult females subordinators with less power in sexual relationships refering contraceptive method, abortion, and gestation while work forces determines the footings of the relationship ( Dixon-Mueller, 1993 ) . However, in a survey by Shefer et al 2002, adult females are blamed for being the causers of STDs, even though they have less power in negociating for safer sex. Individual ‘s behavior or actions on SRH reflects what is socially acceptable or non in communities. This besides explains society ‘s perceptual experience on striplings SRH. The societal building of SRH for striplings in Nigeria explains why most wellness services for STDs are adult oriented. SRH for striplings is a sensitive issue in Nigeria. Both traditional and spiritual leaders believe that adolescent generative wellness should non be discussed until a male child or miss is ready for matrimony. Traditionally, striplings are taught generative wellness during the rites of transition when they are ushered into manhood or muliebrity and ready for matrimony ( Marcusan et al 2010 ) . In the same manner, the Bible or the Koran forbids pre-marital sex hence supplying information about it will promote striplings to indulge in sexual activities before they marry ( Marcusan et al 2010 ) .This besides explains the force per unit areas from the media, spiritual and conservative political leaders to alter the initial gender instruction programme into FLHE. Most striplings besides complain about clinics non being youth friendly and missing privateness therefore their refusal to seek sexual wellness advice or intervention for STDs. The deficiency of privateness is besides a societal issue, from personal experience working in sexual wellness clinic, service suppliers adopt a domineering attitude in relation to service users and tend to handle patients their ain manner with small respect for their rights and self-respect. This state of affairs is worse when covering with patients with STDs. In a survey carried out in South Africa by Shefer et al 2002, patients with STDs were verbally abused by wellness workers by naming them names and this de-motivate striplings from seeking information and intervention for STDs. Again, due to cultural perceptual experiences about STDs, where it is seen as grownup job, striplings who present with STDs are stigmatised by their communities. This stigmatization influences the possibility of an adolescent seeking intervention. Often times, they besides hesitate in seeking intervention because of the possibility of run intoing people they know therefore compromising the confidentiality of their visit to the STD clinic ( Shefer et al 2002 ) . Confidentiality as frequently used in professional codification of moralss can be broken when person ‘s life is threatened. Confidentiality in this state of affairs can be broken non because person ‘s life is threatened but for societal grounds. In most portion of West Africa, people act as their neighbor ‘s keeper, hence it is the responsibility of grownups to describe a kid or striplings if they are seen indulging in harmful patterns ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ajol.info/index.php/og/article/viewFile/57930/46296 } . As mentioned earlier, STDs are diseases of grownups non striplings hence parents must be informed when their kids are seen accessing information or intervention for sexual wellness. Other grounds why striplings do non seek intervention or information for STDs is the high cost of infirmary fees which they are unable to afford. Some striplings therefore entree intervention from traditional therapists, where fees are low-cost, where they will non meet any of the jobs they face at western type of clinics and in line with societal building of diseases. For case STD was perceived as penalty from the Gods or witchery ; hence intervention must be sought from traditional therapists or the fetish priest who were seen as the oral cavity pieces of the Gods on Earth ( Nworah et al 2002 ) . Having said these, there were besides few cringle holes in the 2000 policy which can be improved upon. 1.5 Loopholes in the policy/programme The ends of the policy indicate that non merely is STDs a job among striplings but besides unwanted gestations. Broadening the range of the marks to cover SRH in general was a good thought as there may be other sexual wellness jobs faced by striplings which were non documented, but at that place should hold been specific marks for STDs and unwanted gestations as it was the focal point of the policy. Again, marks must be clip edge, nevertheless all four marks had no clip frame ; hence mensurating it will be hard. For case, 20 % was mentioned in the 3rd mark but the per centum of entree to comprehensive youth friendly wellness service before the policy was non mentioned, therefore hard to mensurate accomplishment. The policy was for striplings in and out of school, but there was no reference of how the out of school programme was implemented, it is hence ill-defined if those out of school were exposed to the programme. It is non surprising that the rating indicated addition cognition of SRH among striplings exposed to the programme. Again, some subjects were merely taught in senior secondary while basic subjects were for junior secondary but there were no reference of which topics the juniors were taught and whether it was relevant for them. The motivation for learning different subjects was non mentioned but this may connote that some striplings who are older but in junior secondary missed out on indispensable SRH subjects important for striplings their age. Specialized instructors were trained for senior schools, this once more may connote those learning in junior schools were non specialised, and speaking about SRH to striplings can be abashing for both instructors and pupils and may impact the quality of instruction every bit good as pupils non inquiring inquiries to clear uncertainties. Finally, the force per unit areas from the media, conservative politician and spiritual leaders faced the authorities to alter gender instruction to FLHE. This is a instance of people concealing behind faith, civilization and political relations to oppose a societal plan instead than rationally looking at the jobs facing their state. To beef uping SRH programmes and cut down the incidence of STDs among striplings, there will be the demand to suggest programmes to better on the bing one. 1.5 Proposed schemes to better programme The purpose of the programme will be awareness run for STDs and behaviour alteration among striplings. The programme will be restricted to striplings aged 11 to 24, therefore the junior and senior secondary age. This age group is chosen to acquire blessing from parents and besides to affect them, as a survey carried out by Wilson et Al in Ghana indicate that most parents will be unhappy for their ten twelvemonth old kid to be taught on SRH issues. To forestall resistance to the programme, audience will be held with parents, instructors, spiritual and community leaders, politicians and the media to explicate the graduated table of the job, why it is of import to learn striplings issues about STDs and SRH in general and seek their positions on the issue. Another audience will besides be held with pupils ‘ representatives, community and spiritual young person leaders to edify me and other sexual wellness experts on the sexual wellness demands, cognition and behavior of striplings in the state. This is important to the programme as surveies have shown that most SRH instruction programmes are affected by disused and hapless information ( Slap et al 2003 ) . The programme will affect striplings in and out of school. For those in schools, the current course of study would be maintained but subjects taught will be the same for both those in junior and senior categories to forestall the juniors seeking information from the senior category which they might non cognize and mislead them. Specialized instructors and SRH professionals will make the instruction to cut down the sum of embarrassment, trusting to construct the assurance of instructors and pupils with clip, so that they can hold more unfastened treatment about SRH issues. In add-on to what equal pedagogues are already making, they will besides be involved in given negotiations making seminars and runs as this is proven to be effectual ( Okonofua et al 2003 ) . For striplings out of school, community and spiritual young person leaders will be given the same preparation as those in schools to take the function of equal pedagogues. Seminars will be organise in churches, mosque and young person assemblages within communities where equal pedagogues will be joined by specialized instructors and SRH professional to give negotiations on SRH issues to the young person. Social selling will be used largely to make out to those out of school. Ads on wireless and telecasting will be done in common local linguistic communications for those who are illiterate. Studies will be done to place catchment countries for striplings where function dramas and picture shows will be organised on SRH issues for them. In add-on to these, in service seminars will be organised for wellness workers in SRH clinics. In these seminars accent will be on schemes aimed at de-stigmatising cultural perceptual experiences about STDs. This is important as surveies carried out in Kenya and Zambia suggests that nurse accoucheuses working in sexual wellness clinics did non like go toing to adolescent with STDs because they see them as promiscuous ( Warenius et al 20060 ) . Hospitals will besides be encouraged to put a twenty-four hours or half twenty-four hours for assignments for striplings and besides do information cusps on SRH available at clinics for patients to pick and read more on SRH issues. In audience with young person leaders and SRH experts, young person Centres will be set up with clinical countries. This is to guarantee that locations of Centres are convenient for striplings. Services will include guidance, prophylactic services, STDs and relationships. The clinical country will supply diagnostic services such as research lab and scan services and clinics will be organised twice a hebdomad for those who need medical services to be seen by wellness professionals. To do these Centres youth-friendly, both striplings and SRH professional will run the Centres. Finally, traditional therapists will be educated on SRH issues and encouraged to mention patients to wellness professionals for a item. Parents will besides be encouraged to discourse SRH issues with their kids to assist bridge the spread of striplings seeking information from their equals.EvaluationEvaluation of the programme will be ongoing at each stage of the programme to set and better on loopholes. Final rating will be carried out a twelvemonth after implementing the programme. To acquire a brooding image of the impact of the programme, random sampling of in and out of school striplings will be done to avoid choosing merely those exposed to the programme. Questionnaires will be used and inquiries will be asked on ; where striplings get information on SRH, barriers they face accessing SRH attention, handiness of young person Centres and service provided. Indictors will be ; 10 % decrease in the Numberss of reported STDs instances among striplings. Continuous usage of societal selling schemes in the programme. SRH instruction being examinable in schools. 20 % addition in striplings accessing SRH services. Result of the rating will be used to better on loopholes in the programme to accomplish the coveted result.DecisionThe SRH demands of striplings should non be over looked, as complications from these wellness issues can be significant for both persons and the authorities ( WHO, 2003 ) . Adolescents in Nigeria are said to miss equal cognition about SRH issues, but perceptual experience of people about STDs and hapless wellness installations have all contributed to the high incidence of STDs among striplings. There is the demand for a countrywide arguments on how SRH information should be disseminated to striplings and besides diffuse the negative perceptual experiences about STDs and other SRH issues. Existing SRH installations for striplings should be improved upon both in footings of substructure and forces. The authorities should besides make the atmosphere for private sector engagement in presenting SRH plans so people can do picks. It should nevertheless, be emphasised that the success or otherwise of any intercession will besides depend on the willingness of people to accept it.