Chapter 2 - research methodology Essay Example for Free

Chapter 2 research methodology Essay Aim and Objectives. The aim of the research is to undertake an analysis of the Chinese banking industry systems, processes and products through a case study of Bank of China and HSBC, London. Objectives. The research objectives are as follows :- 1. Assess the overall state of the Chinese banking systems, processes and products. 2. Evaluate implementation of systems, practices and processes of the modern banking industry. 3. Evaluate areas for further growth and development by Chinese banks. This chapter aims to illustrate the methodology of the research. It describes; common research philosophies, research approaches and the research strategy. Veal (2000) has described research as â€Å"systematic and careful inquiry and search for the truth† or an investigation into a subject to discover facts. What is Research? Research is a well defined area of study of a particular problem or issue in its totality or in specific to a particular area of concern. (Veal, 2000). Research should entail the following characteristics, which will be kept in mind by the author while evaluating the subject (Morgan, 2000):- (a) Systematic collection of data. (b) Analytical interpretation of data. (c) Developing a theory and conclusion. The Research Philosophy Modern research has three models; these are positivism, realism and interpretivism. (Cantrell, D. C. (n. d. )). Positivism Positivism entails a scientific stance for research and interpretation of data. Thus only those phenomenon which are observable and measurable are regarded as knowledge. Positivists maintain an independent and objective stance. (Cantrell, D. C. (n. d. )). Phenomenology (Interpretivism) This is opposite of the positivistic approach and is known as interpretivism or phenomenology. (Cantrell, D. C. (n. d. )). Though positivistic and interpretivism paradigm are two extremes, most researchers use elements of both practices, which is implied in realism. This approach is considered the most appropriate for the project as the writer will be carrying out a comparative analysis of the Chinese and the British Banking system with a case study of the Bank of China vis a vis HSBC, London. Since banking systems are not just financial and economic systems but involve social issues in the context of a broader socio-political environment, a realistic approach to research is considered the most suitable. Research Approach There are two strands, which can be adopted, deductive and inductive. The deductive approach is used when a hypothesis is developed and the research design has to test that hypothesis. The deductive approach is amplified by means of a diagram at Figure 1 (Trochim, 2000). Figure 1 On the other hand the inductive approach is related to qualitative data, as a sample used in a case study as contrasting to the large quantum of data which is used in the deductive approach. A theory is said to be developed from data collection in this approach. A diagram showing the inductive approach is at Figure 2 below (Trochim, 2000):-Figure 2 The dynamic nature of the research will entail application of both approaches by the author as in practice almost all the research projects have elements of both the approaches in view of the importance of including both qualitative and quantitative findings. Research Data In general data contains information collected and recorded in note books, questionnaires, audiotapes, videotapes, models, photographs, films and test responses. (Veal, 2000). Research data in this case will be the response of selected customers and managers of Bank of China and HSBC, London. based on a questionnaire.

Mental Health Groups: Theories and Methods

Mental Health Groups: Theories and Methods Constance Ballew All over the world the issue of mental health is a rampantly growing problem. With budget cuts both statewide and federally since the 1980’s by President Ronald Reagan, our country has had to create more cost efficient ways to meet the needs of our mental health crisis. Because of these budget cuts the need for more mental health services has grown and our county has responded to the outcry from those with mental health issues. Tulare County has come up with a way to help meet these needs locally through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), which was voted for in November 2004 and became effective January 2005. From August 2009 to October 20011 MHSA has helped over 16,000 Tulare county residents with mental health issues. This is possible because of a 1% tax surcharge on those who make $1 million or more per year. Mental health groups in Tulare County treat a broad spectrum of problems. From Bipolar Disorder and depression to schizophrenia, there are support groups to help c lients deal with the difficulties associated with mental illness (HHSA, 2012). In California the rate mental illness vary from county to county. Over all the rate of those with mental health issues in California are 16.3% that equals to about 4 million Californians. This percentage is a scarce comparison to that of all Americans who need mental health services. These figures which are 20-28% are alarming. Mental health affects everyone, even those who don’t have mental illness are affected by the mental health crisis in our county and country. Mental illness does not choose its victims by color, race, gender or age. Mental illness also does not prefer certain social or economic status. (Lund, 2001) Before 1956 many patients were not open to the idea of group therapy, almost two thirds of the patients in fact. And of those who entered group therapy 15% dropped out within the first 5 weeks of therapy. It is also shown in the study done by DeSchill that patients who had already received individual counseling did not increase their likely hood of staying in group counseling over those who had not. (DeSchill, 2014) The creation of mental health groups came from the need for more patients to be seen at a more economic and less time consuming. This is due to the introduction of Managed care into the mental health care system. Managed care has brought some limitations into treatment of mental illness as well as other groups. These are that managed care will pay for a certain amount of group sessions. There is a price cap on some of the sessions and therapist are often limited to the quantity and quality of care they provide group members. The Goal of mental health groups is to help people cope with the disabilities they face in life. It is this such support that helps many people around the U.S. live their lives in more fruitful ways than they would if they did not had the support of the mental health support groups. Mental health support groups provide an end to isolation. The isolation that people suffer who have mental health issues is debilitating and leads to early death rates for the mentally ill. According to Marla Szalavitz, in a study done by researchers at University College London, 6,500 people over the age of 52 where studied. The most isolated of those had a 26% higher chance of earlier death than those who were not isolated. Mental health groups have a valuable role in the part of treating those with mental illness, not just mentally but also physically (Szalavitz, 2013). The group members would be screened prior to entering the group. This is to ensure safety within the group and also to allow the maximum effectiveness for the group. The screening process would be done by a physician who would then refer the member to our group. This would help the therapist to focus on the members in the group who are able to do work and participate in their own change process. The roles of the members in a group are important to study. Each member role help to establish a flow for the dynamic and solidifies norms. The challenges of the leaders in a mental health group can be somewhat different from a leader in other groups. This is because the dynamic could change more often than that of other groups due to the challenges that face those with mental illness. The treatment models used to treat mental illness in group therapy according to Sara Battista, groups can be psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and psychosocial. The purpose and goal of a mental health group is dependent on the type of model used. In psychosocial groups, the goal is to sustain a balance of norms in the clients life, change if it happens is slow and not expected with the psychosocial model of treatment. In a Cognitive behavioral model led group, the leader is an example for the group. The group is made of people with the same sorts of issues who seek the same goal. Psychodynamic groups focus on the role each member has had in their families or in society and now have in the group. (Battista, 2013) In addition to the generalization of the treatments used to treat mental health issues, there are more in depth tools used in groups for the treatment of mental illness. Depression for people who have a mild or moderate level has been treated with cognitive behavioral along with interpersonal psychotherapies. While patients who have a disorder such as schizophrenia have been shown to benefit from cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. (Lehman et al, 2004) Psychoanalytic groups or psychodynamic groups settings usually have anywhere from 5 to 10 people. In this type of setting there is a gender heterogeneity and the ages are usually within the same developmental stages. This is also a group which is cost effective and would benefit the members in financial hardship. The meetings are generally and 1  ½ long or longer depending on the group. This type of group would meet a couple of two to three time per a week. This model is used because of its effectiveness to deal with group issues such as resistance and transference. Because of the heterogeneity in the group, members are able to work out other emotional reactions they might have opposed to that of a homogeneous group. Group members use their interactions with each other to help them work out problems in their lives. There is a sense of self-awareness that is gained by this type of therapy in group and the individual is able to do work more efficiently than on his own (DeSchill, 1974 ). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy used in group sessions is cost and time efficient. This type of therapy helps the group members to focus on life issues such as relationships, matters of their health and are aims to help correct dysfunctional issues with the clients. The goals for this type of group would be to help the group members realize that they can have more choices than the ones that have had in the past. Also to replace faulty behavior with healthy emotions and behaviors. This group would be a smaller group of about 5-10 people and also heterogeneous. This group would most likely meet about twice a week for about 2 hours to help promote the necessary change needed in the group (Cowdry, 2012). Psychosocial group settings are settings in which the group members talk out their problems, this is an effective type of treatment for people who have various type of mental health disorders. The setting would also be gender heterogeneous and include different ethnic backgrounds. The cultural differences in the group may prove to be an issue of resistance but if the therapist is trained with a multicultural background it can be a learning experience for the rest of the group. This group much like the two previous types of groups I have mentioned would be smaller groups and would meet more frequently to help the process of change. (Cowdry, 2012) The group duration is ongoing for those with more serious mental health issues and can be more time limited for those with anxiety or depression issues. Since the goals for the groups are different. The duration would also be different. Meaning that people with schizophrenia will need a group with a longer duration, maybe 2 years while someone suffering from anxiety and depression may only need 16-18. This is because for those with serious issues the goals are more about maintaining their lives and with anxiety or depression it is to help produce change. The goals of each group would be depending on the degree of mental health issues in which the members have. For instance, the goals for group members who are more seriously mentally ill would more tailored to adapting or maintaining mental and physical health and not towards a cure or getting better. While the goals for groups that are for depression and anxiety are focused on cognitive and the behavioral changes for members. It is also focused on helping the group members see more positive ways to manage stress and coping skills to manage negative thoughts. (Corey et al, 2014). Group rules for mental health members should be clear and easy to understand. They should set limits on behaviors and encourage the members to share. Rules should also help to ensure safety and confidentiality within the group. Rules would be as follows; please allow people to finish sharing before speaking. Respect others thoughts and feelings. Please keep what has been shared in group inside group. Please share any thoughts or concerns you may have in group. The tools that can be used in the forming stage of the group can be activities used to create safety and trust. This would be for the first few sessions of the group. The next few sessions would be activities to confront resistance in the group so that the members can get through to the second stage of tuckmans model which is storming. Then a few team building exercises to help the group cohesion and encourage the norming stage. The next few sessions would be based on tools to increase performing within the members and the final stage and for the last few weeks group members and therapist would be focused on the ending of the group-termination. This final stage would be to help the member talk about any issues that they feel haven’t been addressed and also deal with the closing of the group. These last sessions will also be used to go over what has been learned by the group members, what they will do after group and help them with crisis plans. There are some ways in which a group can be evaluated to see if it has been an effective form of treatment. One way is to ask the clients to complete a pre group and post group questionnaire. This would ask questions asking the group member to rate their feelings toward themselves, their mental illness, their current abilities to function inside and outside of the group and also would ask them how willing they are to join the group. The post group questionnaire would also ask the client to rate their feelings based on how they felt after receiving the treatment in group. Another way to evaluate the effectiveness of the group would be to ask the group members to share with each other how they feel in group during the first few sessions about the effectiveness. This would be charted. The therapist can also ask members to come to a meeting after termination of the group in which they are asked their thoughts and feelings again about their time in the group. This would also be charted. T he comparisons used in the feeling checks before and after group can help the group leader determine the effectiveness of the group. A therapist can also evaluate the effectiveness of the group by research. The therapist can study how many people need more help, how many terminate early and for what reasons and also what changes need to be made to enhance the effectiveness (Corey et al, 2014). In doing this research, I found that mental health groups are a vital part of treating those with mental health issues. At times people feel alone, with group such as mental health treatment groups, members don’t have to feel alone and can relate to each other. References Battista, S. (2013) New Trends in Mental Health Treatment, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Retrieved From http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Top_Storytemplate=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay.cfmContentID=158934 Corey et al, (2014) Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling, Groups Process and Practice, Ninth Edition, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Cowdry, R (2012) Treatments and Services, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Retrieved From  http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_Treatments_and_SupportsTemplate=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfmContentID=10510 DeSchill, S (1974) Introduction to Psychoanalytic Group Psychotherapy Part 1, The Challenge for Group Psychotherapy, Retrieved From http://americanmentalhealthfoundation.org/books/introduction-to-psychoanalytic-group-psychotherapy-part-1/ Health and Human Services Agency (2012) Tulare County Mental Health Services Act, Five Year Report, HHSA, Retrieved From http://hhsawebdocs.tchhsa.org/questys.cmx.hhsawebdocs/File.ashx?id=2819v=1x=pdf Lehman et al. (2004) Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatments and Services:  Examples to Inform Public Policy, Millbank Memorial Fund Retrieved From http://www.milbank.org/uploads/documents/2004lehman/2004lehman.html Lund, L. E. (2001) Mental Health Care in California Counties: Perceived Need and Barriers to Access, Center for Health Statistics, Retrieved From http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Pubs/OHIRmentalhealthCareCA2001.pdf Szalavitz, M. (2013) Social Isolation, Not just feeling Lonely May Shorten Lives, Time, Retrieved from http://healthland.time.com/2013/03/26/social-isolation-not-just-feeling-lonely-may-shorten-lives/

The Case Of John Lacking Capacity Social Work Essay

The Case Of John Lacking Capacity Social Work Essay Within adult social care, people, issues, organisations and regulatory bodies are always involved in the discussions on risk and safety. Responsibility, duty of care, adult safeguarding and capacity are of concern. The balance of keeping service users who are viewed as vulnerable safe in society can be contradicted with living independent lives and being able to take the risks others take in everyday life. Therefore, perceptions and assessments of risk is an individual matter for each service user, the communities and society and is fraught with decisions and choices. Mitchell and Glendinning (2007) suggest that the states role and pre-occupation with risk management is under constant evaluation rather than exploring and seeking to understand service users perspectives of risk. They highlight the need for more service users and carers involvement in risks, decision making and protection (Parrott, 2006). Events during the life course such as genetic/biological factors, and childhood experiences can have a huge impact on the ability of the mind and body to develop and maintain good mental health. Ones life course can encounter a combination of stressful events which can test the human bodys ability to cope emotionally, which sometimes can trigger anxiety, depression and/or other mental health conditions. Risk factors which can have a negative impact on ones mental health can be addressed by influencing supportive relationships, a healthy lifestyle, stress management techniques and emotional coping strategies, in which social workers can be apart of ensuring happens. On an individual factor John could be facing depression/grief from the loss of his wife who passed away a year ago. John could still be in the seven emotional stages of grief (Carers UK, 2012). This involves shock or disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance/hope. Social workers and other prof essionals should be aware that, there are no time limits on grief and no set pattern of emotions and behaviours that people can follow, everyone is different and grief does not always happen straight away. The risk factors for experiencing more serious symptoms of grief/loss of a loved one is that John could be at an increased risk of being psychiatrically unstable due to a decline of his emotional well being. The change in Johns life events/situation could have a huge impact on his mental wellbeing, not only because he has lost his wife but he was also a carer for his wife which would have meant John would have had responsibilities daily. Therefore John also faces having to deal with the loss of his caring role, which he may include him feeling guilty/ relieved, exhausted and alone. John may also feel angry that someone has contacted social services as they feel worried about him, as at this moment in time John may be thinking he is coping fine. Johns family/social factors may be a potential risk as John lives alone and his two children live some distance away and only visit monthly. John could be feeling isolated and due to lack of family support and limited social networks, John could be at risk of deteriorating emotionally and physically. John could be feeling a loss of control over his life due to these changes and he could experience all types of symptoms such as significant loss of appetite, diminished energy levels, suicide thoughts, depression, anxiety and many more (NIMH, 2012). The issues around the perceptions of risk and rights for mental health service users are different as people are sometimes perceived as a risk rather than considered at risk in vulnerable situations. Therefore, John could be at risk of being overlooked by safeguarding practices and his individual rights comprised by the Mental Health 1983 if he is assessed as lacks capacity, when maybe all John needs is some support in getting his life back together and learning how to cope w ith all his life changes. This would be a multidisciplinary decision and user involvement in risk assessment and informed decision making about risks to John and others (Ray, Pugh, Roberts Beech, 2008). Regardless of whether John is assessed as having the capacity or not to make decisions under the Mental Health Capacity Act 2005, then professionals need to raise the awareness of human rights and enable John to have these rights realised. Independence, choice, control and experiences and feelings associated with danger, fear, abuse and safety would need to be addressed with John. Sheldon (2010) suggests that in any case of risk management, the service user should have their rights explained, including their human rights and risk management should not interfere with the service users rights to dignity, respect and privacy as also suggested by the Care Council Code of Practice for Social Workers (CCW, 2002, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1). It is important that the key role of assessments of adults allows people to make their own decisions whilst minimising risk or harm. By placing John at the centre of the caring process, it would be the social workers role to discuss options of support for John as a first option. Fair Access to Care Services would enable the social worker to focus on health, safety, autonomy and involvement with his family and the community but without overlooking risks of self harm, neglect, abuse and risks to carers and others. FACS was launched in 2003 by the Department of Health, so that adults in need can be assessed for eligibility of services (DOH, 2003). It focuses on four levels of risk to independent living, which would be of use in Johns case. Risk taking is a normal part of life, however the social worker needs to ensure they have taken all the steps needed to minimise risk. With John by considering the consequences of actions and the likelihood of harm he could cause to himself, and discussing the benefits for independence and well being, a support plan for managing risk could be put in place with Johns consent (CCW, 2002, 4.3). Risk assessment will help in developing risk management plans that minimize risks (Coulshed Orme, 2006). The social work ers role would be to provide John with support to enable him to help himself. Under the National Health and Community Care Act 1990, the local authority would have a duty to assess Johns needs and to ensure thats services are available for John. Protecting and safeguarding John from harm, abuse and neglect including financial, physical, sexual, emotional and institutionally would be the social workers main role. An assessment based on the needs of John would enable the social worker to build a positive relationship with John, to gather the relevant information, form an overview of the situation and identify possible solutions for the best way forward (Parrott, 2006). Assessment and care planning will enable the local authority to provide practical and emotional support for John. During assessment and care plan the social worker would be able to treat John holistically, promote his independence whilst clarifying risks that can follow from decisions made independently and also being a ble to involve other health professionals to benefit John. Through the care plan, John would be able to access a wide range of information and services, designed specifically for him. Social workers use the Mental Health Act 2005 as a criterion to minimise risk of harm to self or others, however the downside for service users is that of potential threat to independence and freedom that sometimes makes seeking help a hard decision to make in some cases, therefore social workers working in multidisciplary teams and having the use of assessment and care planning tools, makes decision making easier. Therefore all professionals and John would have some responsibility for making decisions and every professional would have input into providing and sharing information to arrive at a considered decision (Milner OByrne, 2009). This also minimises the risk of one person being involved and making decisions solely without having the right knowledge or support to reach appropriate outcomes with John. The autonomy of John to decide whether to engage with social services, and accept that he is not coping well at the moment, conflicts with social services and his neighbours concerns of him putting himself in danger/neglect. The professionals would need good social skills and value the principle of inclusion into society and autonomy to enable John to make his own decisions and make positive changes on his own behalf. The conflict in this case is that facing the social worker in assessing Johns needs. On one hand, John doesnt seem to be coping well however he has been assessed as having capacity, but on the other hand, John is exercising his own right to self determination and autonomy as he wont accept any support. The issue the social worker faces is that of John not engaging if John is able to understand some of the presenting problems in his current situation. In order to assess whether intervention is required, three categories of risk may be required. Johns physical risk could be causing harm to himself or others. Johns social risk of becoming isolated and acting in a way that is considered outside of the social norm and emotional risk, his physical and emotional health (Webb, 2006). In the case of John lacking capacity the social worker and other professionals would be working under the framework The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) in order to provide protection for John, who is unable to make decisions for himself. The Act contains provision for assessing whether people have the mental capacity to make decisions, procedures for making decisions on behalf of people who lack mental capacity and safeguards. Professionals would be working under the philosophy of the MCA, which is any decision made, or action taken, on behalf of John who lacks the capacity to make the decision or act for himself must be made in his best interest (Coulshed Orme, 2006). The Act is also supported by its own Code of Practice which has to be interpreted when using the Act. It is important that all professionals working with John understand his capacity might be affected only for a temporary period. The phrases used in the MCA section 2 in relation to a matter and at the material time mea ns that capacity must be assessed on a decision-by-decision basis. Therefore, capacity may not be a permanent status and John should not be described as having or lacking capacity. The level of capacity needed by John would depend on the decision to be made. For example, John may need a lower level of mental capacity to make decisions about everyday matters, such as what to eat or where to go at this moment in time. Professional should ensure John has not been assumed as lacking capacity due to his age, appearance, and mental health diagnosis or disability/medical condition (Webb, 2006). In 2007, under the Mental Health Act for England and Wales, Approved Social Workers were replaced by Approved Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs) with the role and remit extended to other disciplines. The primary role of an AMPH is to act as the guardian of the patients rights. The AMHP has the responsibility of contacting the patients next of kin and to help any appeals against the order that the patient wants to make. In the case of John not having capacity, the AMHP may control access to some services such as day centres, respite care, residential care and other community support services, if needed (DOH, 2001). The social worker would also need to refer to other health/social care professionals if not already done so such as GP, community psychiatric nurse, physiatrist, counsellor, advice services, specific therapies to ensure an holistic approach is taken (Ray et al, 2008). The consultation report on safeguarding adults in Wales In Safe Hands (WAG, 2000) found that people were c oncerned about the balance between safeguarding and personalisation, between choice and risk. Social workers and other professionals need to ensure people have informed choices and introduce support systems. Social workers will have a distinctive role in multiagency settings and will need to ensure they develop practices to enable service users with mental health to identify and realise their own needs. The team involved in working with John will need to have broad experiences and social views of mental health problems especially in regards to discrimination, oppression, civil rights and social justice. They will need to co-ordinate efforts to support John so that he does not have negative experiences and /or perceptions of mental health and ensure he received services fairly and equably. The social worker will work with John to ensure he is not a victim of social isolation, poverty, unemployment, insecure housing and limited social and support networks and will have an independent view in assessment and care planning (Faulkner, 2012). In Johns case risk management will minimize the dangers both to and from John. However risk factors are individual and differ from professional to professional due to personal factors and the degree of control they have over the risk. A risk can be viewed as negative and positive. Risk is associated with decision making processes and should never be made in isolation. Social workers must take every precaution to protect the service user and the public, as the law makes people responsible for behaviours whether or not they were the ones who took the risk, intended or not. Practitioners can be held liable for negligence and a breach of duty. Trying to predict possibilities and risk assessing is a very important part of the social workers role (Parrott, 2006). Part 2

Harry Shippe Truman :: Biographies Presidents Essays

Harry Shippe Truman missing works cited When Harry Truman was about five years old, his family noticed he was having eye troubles. With these eye problems, Harry wasn't able to see stars or the falling dust from fireworks. Harry never noticed this. When his mother got his first pair of glasses, they were thick glass in which the doctor said that he shouldn't run hard or play in many sports with them on. Harry saw a whole new world when he first got the glasses. He would stare for hours just looking at the bright stars. But, Harry's fun with the glasses soon ended when he went to school. The other kids would tease him about the glasses because he was the only one in the class with glasses. The teasing didn't bother him much because the other kids grew up learning not to hit kids with glasses. Harry liked reading books in his spare time. He especially liked Mark Twain's books 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Huckleberry Finn'. He had to read mostly adult books. Another one of his favorite books were biographies of the U.S. presidents. Harry read most of the three- thousand books that were in a nearby library. Harry was very good in school because of reading all the books. His mom wanted Harry, his brother Vivian, and Their little sister Mary Jane to enrich their lives so she bought them a piano. She gave the children lessons and noticed that Harry was especially gifted with the piano. So, she sent him to get professional lessons with a woman named Mrs. Edwin C. White. Everyone in his family thought that Harry would become a concert Pianist. Harry thought so too. Harry had experiences that the other kids did not have while playing the piano. Harry's teacher once was a student of one of the greatest pianists ever to live named Ignacy Jan Paderewski. When he was having a concert in their town, Harry's teacher brought him to the concert and introduced Harry to Ignacy. Ignacy showed Harry how to play his own famous composition Minuet in G. It was a moment Harry never forgot. The kids at his school really started to make fun of him when they saw him going to school with music roles because they thought piano playing was for sissies. But he kept on going and still ignored them. Harry' father got harry a pony so he wouldn't be all books and piano

Admissions Essay: I Spoon-fed Her Each Day :: Medicine College Admissions Essays

I Spoon-fed Her Each Day    Watching my grandmother get progressively weaker; not wanting to believe the doctors' diagnosis of terminal cancer and the prediction that she would live only for another year; separated by thousands of miles from my parents, who had moved to the United States while I stayed in China with my grandmother-I lived a life so different from that of the average seventeen-year-old.   In addition to caring for my grandmother, I was going to school and preparing for my final exams, the equivalent of the SATs.  Ã‚   Grandmother died on the day that I took the exam.   Of the one million students who took the exam that day, I was ranked thirty-fourth and won the national merit scholarship.   And yet I was in a state of complete shock: my grandmother was gone and I felt paralyzed. But eventually my memories of her inspired me to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. I decided to pursue a career in medicine.    I joined the rest of my family in the U.S. and within six months was enrolled in the honors program at Mississippi State.   Since there is no pre-med major, I was able to major in any subject and still complete the pre-med requirements; I was advised to major in Philosophy or Drama to boost my GPA.   Instead, I decided to major in Math, a subject I've always enjoyed.   Though many people told me I must be crazy and that my background would not have sufficiently prepared me for the difficulty ofthe pre-med classes, I have earned A-plusses in all of the ten math courses I have taken so far, five of which were advanced classes.    I have concentrated on opportunities that will prepare me for studies in clinical medicine, oncology and geriatrics.   I learned of a prestigious research fellowship at Harvard and, although it was open only to upperclassmen, I applied and was accepted.  Ã‚   I have taken honors classes in biology and have enjoyed the research work I've done.    Keeping in mind that my goal is ultimately to help people, I've also devoted a portion of my time to volunteer opportunities: I tutored math for high school students in my neighborhood and recently became a part-time volunteer at Memorial Hospital.   It was terribly difficult for me to leave China and create a completely new life after the death of my grandmother. Admissions Essay: I Spoon-fed Her Each Day :: Medicine College Admissions Essays I Spoon-fed Her Each Day    Watching my grandmother get progressively weaker; not wanting to believe the doctors' diagnosis of terminal cancer and the prediction that she would live only for another year; separated by thousands of miles from my parents, who had moved to the United States while I stayed in China with my grandmother-I lived a life so different from that of the average seventeen-year-old.   In addition to caring for my grandmother, I was going to school and preparing for my final exams, the equivalent of the SATs.  Ã‚   Grandmother died on the day that I took the exam.   Of the one million students who took the exam that day, I was ranked thirty-fourth and won the national merit scholarship.   And yet I was in a state of complete shock: my grandmother was gone and I felt paralyzed. But eventually my memories of her inspired me to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. I decided to pursue a career in medicine.    I joined the rest of my family in the U.S. and within six months was enrolled in the honors program at Mississippi State.   Since there is no pre-med major, I was able to major in any subject and still complete the pre-med requirements; I was advised to major in Philosophy or Drama to boost my GPA.   Instead, I decided to major in Math, a subject I've always enjoyed.   Though many people told me I must be crazy and that my background would not have sufficiently prepared me for the difficulty ofthe pre-med classes, I have earned A-plusses in all of the ten math courses I have taken so far, five of which were advanced classes.    I have concentrated on opportunities that will prepare me for studies in clinical medicine, oncology and geriatrics.   I learned of a prestigious research fellowship at Harvard and, although it was open only to upperclassmen, I applied and was accepted.  Ã‚   I have taken honors classes in biology and have enjoyed the research work I've done.    Keeping in mind that my goal is ultimately to help people, I've also devoted a portion of my time to volunteer opportunities: I tutored math for high school students in my neighborhood and recently became a part-time volunteer at Memorial Hospital.   It was terribly difficult for me to leave China and create a completely new life after the death of my grandmother.

Policy Tools

Command and control regulation as defined by Michael Raegan(1987) is â€Å"a process or activity in which government requires or prescribes certain activities or behavior on the part of individuals or institutions, mostly private but sometimes public, and does so through a continuing administrative process, generally through specially designated regulatory agencies†.There is a history of command and control regulation as a policy instrument of the government in Trinidad and Tobago as evidenced by its placement in 2013 and 2014 budget in relation to the gaming ndustry. The gaming industry in Trinidad and Tobago is an illegal one, which operates without government regulation. As stated in the 2013 budget Minister Howai â€Å"Mr. Speaker we intend to bring the gaming industry under more effective control and capture more fully the revenue that can accrue to the Treasury. The Gaming Industry offers a legitimate form of entertainment if it is properly regulated. It was proposed th at effective May 2013 a series of regulations would be put into place to manage the industry until the comprehensive framework and control body was established. In the 2014 budget Minister Howai acknowledged that previous stated policy had not been fully implemented but that vital steps were underway, which included extensive consultations with various stakeholder bodies. According to Finance Minister, the Honorable Larry Howai, a comprehensive governance structure for the industry was developed over the last year.It will entail the establishment of a Regulatory Commission with the power to license premises, operators, suppliers and key employees. The new legislation will control the operations of what will be referred to as registered casinos. The primary advantage of command and control regulation towards the gaming industry in Trinidad and Tobago is that being an illegal practice (aside from pool betting halls), government has the legislative upper hand to determine what is to be regulated and how.Mitnick (1980) explains that a government need not know in advance its subjects preferences as in the case of voluntary instruments and little information is needed to establish the regulation as a result. Government can simply establish a standard and expect compliance (Howlett and Ramesh 2009) making it a highly cost and time efficient tool. Secondly regulation in itself allows for better co-ordination of government efforts and planning because of the predictability it entails (Howlett and Ramesh 2009).This is tied to the directness and specificity of the nature of command and control regulation. This predictability and directness of the regulation makes it easier and more suitable of an instrument in times of crisis or when an immediate response is needed, as noted by the Minister that the gaming industry is substantial and growing industry with the high prevalence to criminal activity and social ills thus immediate action needs to be aken to arrest the issue b efore it spirals, while reaping the benefits of increasing revenue at the same time.Command and control regulation is also more cost efficient than other instruments as well as publicly and politically appealing government's part† (Howlett and Ramesh 2009) Although command and control regulation is cost effective especially when compared to other instruments it is still quite costly, as the cost of enforcement by regulatory bodies may be high due to further costs of information, investigation and prosecution which make the policy legalistic and adversarial(Hahn and Hind 1991).Another issue with command and control in the context of the gaming industry in Trinidad and Tobago is that the very nature of the industry is problematic. Private members' clubs, slot machines etcetera which constitute the industry are all illegal activities that have been allowed to flourish without regulation, thus the administration of the regulatory framework is problematic as it needs to gain legiti macy and acceptance by an illegitimate structure.There has to be total co-operation on the part of all members of the gaming industry in order for regulation to be effective and adhered to. Dyerson and Mueller (1993) also state that regulation is often inflexible and does not offer consideration for individual circumstances, thus a one size fits all regulation of casinos, private members clubs etc does not take into account the size and profitability or extent of gambling taking place.This may lead to incompliance with the regulatory structure and undermining of the very framework government is trying to cement. A mixed approach to regulation could be used, a good example of which is self regulation, which would be more cost effective as government would not ave to foot the cost of â€Å"creation, administration and renewal of standards† (Howlett and Ramesh).However there is a tossup as to how effective and favorable alternative methods really are when one considers the socia l costs of ineffective or inefficient administration of voluntary standards, especially those related to non-compliance (Gibson 1994 and Karamanos 2001) The overall usefulness of this policy tool cannot be fully assessed as it has not been fully implemented and remains largely at the drawing board. This perhaps is a sign of its ineffectiveness and inability to meet the goals of the government.

Policy and Guidance Impacting on Support Services at National Level

Research the policy and guidance impacting on support services at national level and evaluate how this operates at local level The government wants children and young people to have more opportunities to get involved in the design,provision and evaluation of policies and services that affect them or which they use. Minister will be looking to their individual departments and agencies to develop robust but realistic arrangement to make sure this happens.Actively involving children and young people in this way will produce better services. Ultimately that will produce better outcomes for children and young people,as well as stronger communities,as department and agencies across government draw on children and young people s contributions to shape and tailor service to meet real. Rather than presumed needs, The purpose of this guidance is to Introduce the core principles on which this work should be based.Provide departments with some early advice and background and with signposts to ad ditional help,so that departments can develop effective plans and Let departments know the broad timetable for action Government on strategic priorities and the effective implementation of safeguarding policy. We have taken immediate action to start to transform the social work profession. We are clarifying and strengthening the key role of Local Safeguarding Children Boards.And we are establishing a new National Safeguarding Delivery Unit to ensure a co-ordinated approach across Government and to support and challenge Children’s Trusts and local authorities to drive up standards and the quality of practice. This document sets out the Government’s detailed response to Lord Laming’s report and our plan of action to deliver the step change which he has called for. It is an action plan to which I and my colleagues across Government are firmly committed but one which we know we cannot deliver alone.Keeping children and young people safe must be the responsibility, e very single day, of us all. Nothing we can do will bring back the children who have died at the hands of their abusers or relieve the suffering of those children who have been deliberately harmed. But we have to be determined to learn the lessons and to act now to make a lasting difference so that more children will be protected in future. we must move further, faster.