Globalization Strategies In Hollywood

Globalization Strategies In Hollywood Hollywood acts an important role in globalization and Americanization. Hollywood movies not only create the profit of economics, but also produce the global fun which is a form of Americanization. Meanwhile, Hollywood regards Chinese film industry as the most potential international film market. Obviously, Hollywood is drawing support from the strength of the US economics to extend market. After China has participated in WTO, Chinese film and the culture sovereign is confronted to the challenge. As a result, taking Hollywood an example would study the culture globalization and culture Americanization. Furthermore, it could benefit from successful Hollywood movies to find out the strategies of Americanization in order to develop the vitality of Chinese film industry. Current situation of Chinese style movies in Hollywood From Luise Rainer who patted locusts in movie The Good Earth in 1937 to Ingrid Bergman who put on bamboo hat in The Inner of the Sixth Happiness in 1958, and Tom Cruise had jumped down from a high building in Shanghai in Mission Impossible à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¢, Chinese culture has affected Hollywood for more than seventy years. In 2008, Kung Fu Panda was coming. Obviously, it utilized more Chinese styles, but the whole film was produced by western teams and Hollywood patterns. Kung Fu Panda occurred in China, where have high mountains and lofty hills, indeed, it is like a traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Moreover, the roles in this film are also attracted audiences, such as the leading charactera lovely panda Bo and others like monkey, snake, tiger and red-crowned crane. All of these elements constitute this film which possesses the romantic charm with WuShu. It happens that there is a similar case, 2012 has showed in 2009. Some of the scenes have taken place in China. Due to the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army and civilians, human beings in the world could be rescued. Even though it is a story, it is no doubt that Chinese style is increasingly significant than before. From this view, Chinese style has two meanings which contain nature sightseeing and human flavor. On one hand, the wilderness in the west and the views which is charming and graceful in south of the Yangtze River constitute the nature sightseeing in Hollywood movies. On the other hand, from some westerns view, swordsmen films represent the typical model of Chinese culture. Therefore, in terms of Chinese style, the human flavor is another central issue of Hollywood. As some researcher has pointed out that film is like a specific culture product (Abercrombie and Longhurst, 2007), in fact, besides its material properties, films draw support from sounds, images, pictures and languages, these elements produce the symbolic signs and ideologies. Meanwhile, it connects with culture fields because films might shape to a sort of power which relates to collective values of society and the politic fields which includes culture intension. Obviously, the globalization in Hollywood has impacted Chinese domestic film industry. More importantly, it distributes American commercial, culture, politics, lifestyle and values to worldwide. Finally, Americanization will affect culture identity in order to achieve the future of world film industry. Due to that, the topic of Hollywood and Chinese film is emerging. Some concepts Globalization and Americanization In the previous articles, the concept of globalization was explained by which meant the expansion of European countries, thereby, achieving the global economics integration (Modelski, 2008). At present, this concept is quoted steadily which states that globalization represents a new phenomenon (King, 1991). Indeed, economic globalization is the core of globalization, and it consists of the multi- concept such as politics, culture, technology, military, security, ideology, lifestyle and the values. Americanization is not a new phenomenon. Even though Stead (1902) has stated that the concept of Americanization for more than hundred years, the real Americanization should be a kind of phenomenon in the middle of twentieth century. Storey (2005) brought up the features of Americanization is people who live all over the world drink Coco-cola every day, eat McDonalds, wear American style or the clothes which are made by America, see Hollywood movies and watch NBA, save and make use of dollars, speak American English, pay more attention to America no matter politics, economics and entertainments. Besides that, Americans export their values, ideas, policy and weapons to worldwide. After all, these features are only existed in studies; in fact, most of people all over the world even interested in Americanization. Above all, globalization is a kind of objective process; it describes the development of the world, as a result, it has undergone a deeply transformation. Although after 1990s, globalization has little changed by Americanization, the characters would not be altered. Americanization just limits the effect of communication in terms of American popular culture, in other words, it might transform the direction of culture in some countries which affected by American. However, Americanization could not completely influence. From this point of view, globalization and Americanization are two completely different notions. The former one is objective, and the latter one is a description of tendency which is in process. Culture globalization and culture Americanization Culture globalization is a kind of tendency which accompanied by the development of association. It seems that different culture exchange and culture identity has increased deeply, thereby, shaping the culture consistency which has the similar value and lifestyle. However, Crane (2002, p.2) stated that the best known model of culture globalization is cultural imperialism theory. Indeed, culture globalization has expressed two aspects (Gang, 2002). On one hand, at present, the content and the space of culture communication is increasingly widely, the acceptance of new culture and traditional one has risen gradually. From the previous development of human beings, due to the limitation of regions, communication of different groups were not active. However, accompanied by the technology and transportation, people in different places are more closed than before. In other word, people are not only confining the trade, but also developing religions and cultures. In general, the culture betw een different groups has already not restricted by region, meanwhile, the level of communication has enhanced. Therefore, globalization is concentrated on the phenomenon of cross-cultural exchange. On the other hand, every nation culture and region culture would reach an overlapping consensus. As I mentioned before, previous human culture had developed with geographical isolation, due to that, the culture difference is obviously. Firstly, globalization brings the circulation of capital, and then different nations would crash by different culture and values. These changes make people possess a wider horizon. As a result, people would adopt and improve their domestic culture, and they would tolerant with other different culture. In this process of seeking common ground while reserving differences, some advantages would be absorbed into the domestic culture system. By contrast, culture Americanization is a sort of phenomenon which makes American mass communication spreads to different countries in order to converge on domestic culture to American culture. It seems that this phenomenon tries to transform a multicultural society to a single culture. Compare to the definition of culture globalization, culture Americanization has changed a tendency which shapes some universal cultural characters, such as the assimilation of values and lifestyles into some specific tendency of American. However, the society of American has existed one kind of ideology. In general, due to the attraction of American culture, it has shaped a new former of global culture which concentrates on American values. Some researchers have upheld this point urgently and expect to achieve their wishes. Charles Krauthammer who is a columnist in Washington Post has written that it has no global mass culture before, therefore, the present culture is forming, and it is the specific American mass culture (Krauthammer, 2006). Hall (1991) argued that globalization is Americanization. It is determined by film and other culture terms. All of these points belong to mass culture, and American has the advantages rather than other countries. In fact, except American, there is no countries would like to become the reproduction of American culture. Culture Americanization has hit the point of researchers who want to product their domestic culture out of America. Some of them have overstated the influence of Americanization so that people are boycotting the cultural Americanization. Especially, few people have distinguished the concept of culture globalization and culture Americanization. Therefore, only understanding the basic notions of globalization and Americanization could study the American phenomenon, such as Hollywood more deeply. Successful reasons why Chinese style is so popular in Hollywood Kung Fu Panda has won the successful achievement no matter in China or in America. Audiences are intoxicated with the Chinese styles. Due to the shape, spirit and meaning, plus the creation, Kung Fu Panda is so popular in China and all over the world. Consequently, Hollywood producers have concentrated on Chinese style in order to attract audiences to appreciate Hollywood films. People feel that the distance of different culture has cut down. More specifically, someone has pointed out that the Hollywood production has overstepped the understanding of domestic culture for Chinese. The reason why Hollywood captured the marrow of Chinese culture is that Hollywood has developed the strategies in China. The Chinese film market in Hollywood eyes Due to China has amount of populations and the economics has grown, China has acted an important role in current society. Indeed, China possesses a significant position in terms of politics, economics and culture. When China wanted to join in WTO in 1999 ¼Ã…’film is an important topic. Because China always has limited foreign investment to enter the domestic film market, America expected Chinese government to admit more America film entering into China. Besides that, some America film company could invest and build new modern cinemas in China. On November 15th, 1999, China and America has reached the agreement which permits foreign company which invests 50 percent stocks engaging the cinema buildings and managements after three years. In fact, from 1920s, Hollywood had entered into China. During 1930-40s, Hollywood film had occupied 75 percent of Chinese market. More apparently, Hollywood was opened by Cecil B.Demille, Ernes Lubitscht and Mickey Mouse. To be honest, the direct result is that Hollywood has cultivated amounts of audiences. Most audiences in these year liked Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks rather than Hu Die or Jin Yan. More interesting, some fans assorted Chinese and Hollywood stars in pairs. However, at that time, some directors also imitated the Hollywood. In 1934, Han Langen acted Song of the Fishermen, from that, he worked with Yin Xiucen so that copied Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Until 1949, because China has embarked on an independent, self-reliance road, Hollywood films were stooped. Therefore, Hollywood faded out gradually the entertainment in China. After 1980s, when the reform and open policy has suggested in China, meanwhile, with the relationship between China and the whole world h as increasingly closed than before, Chinese culture industry brought the moment for Hollywood, and then Hollywood paid attention to China again. With joined into WTO and one fifth percent of population in the world, even though there are some limitations of laws, cultures and ideology, the Hollywood producers are even addicted to China. As for America, the culture industry in China has not been developed at all. Because China culture industry has not enough investments, technology and regular companies, American producers are so interested in it. Consequently, as for Hollywood, Chinese film market is not only a gold ore, but an undeveloped diamond ore. Almost 1.3 billion potential audiences in China is a temptation for Hollywood. Indeed, when the Chinese film market opens, it will supply a fresh export film market for America, more importantly, China will probably be the second film market in the world, which beyond Europe and Japan. More specifically, in the future, every four Hollywood films would have one subject for China at least. Due to develop the Chinese film market, Hollywood film companies started to research Chinese market in the middle of 1990s. Some of them had established Chinese department, others had employed Chinese students going back to China which assumed an important position. Every film company has got in touch with the organizations which managed films in China. In 1999, Twentieth Century of Fox Film Corporation received the Chinese film delegation. In 2000, Warner Bros. provided financial aids to China in order to hold Chinese Culture in United States in America. Moreover, all of film companies such as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayes (MGM), Paramount Pictures, Inc., Warner Bros., Universal Pictures Co., tried to imagine how to enter into Chinese film market. Larry Gleason who is the CEO of MGM said 55 percent of America film incomes were from out of America; meanwhile, China has the most population in the world, it is no doubt that Hollywood must enter into China. Developing the potential of Chinese mar ket will be the aim of MGM. In fact, the points of Larry Gleason have represented most of Hollywood companies. The strategies of Hollywood in China As a developing country, on one hand, China insists on the policy of reform and open, on the other hand, China should retain the socialist system. Due to the political environment of China, Hollywood might confront some barriers if it will get into Chinese market. First of all, Chinese government even keeps the film administrative limitation. Second, there are some differences between Chinese unique culture and Hollywood culture. Thirdly, Chinese film market is in disorder status. Because of that, Hollywood has a clear awareness. Therefore, from these years, Hollywood adopted sorts of strategies to try to overcome and reduce these barriers, thereby, preparing getting into China for maximum effect. Firstly, Hollywood expected to utilize America political power to expand their survival space. Moreover, Hollywood tried to invest and manage the film production industry, distribution industry and project industry, so that it could establish the Chinese film market. Thirdly, Hollywood want ed to take pictures which are acted by Chinese producers or actors or utilize the Chinese style in order to cater to the Chinese audiences. Finally, with other media formers, Hollywood tried to cultivate audiences to possess wider interests in Hollywood, thereby, developing the potential Hollywood market. In general, these strategies had been used in Hollywood history, and it gained the success. As for Hollywood, China is the second Europe, and it would be the new world from their expectation. From the views of promoting Hollywood, America government always acts the role of guard. As for a product, America government sales films to worldwide. Instead of how to make films, government would think about what should they do first in order to create condition for producing. In 1922, America film production has set up The Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors Association (MPPDA) ¼Ã…’this association has cooperated with government, thereby, striving for abroad benefits. After World War à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¡, The Motion Pictures Exports Association of America (MPEAA) was built. This association was duty to address the external transactions. These organizations often kept in touch with the Department of Commerce. Obviously, political factors are always the reinforcements of Americanization. As a result, in the future, America government must strive for the rights through the politics. To some extent, Hollywood is a new force for Americanization. The second strategy of Hollywood globalization is investing other countries film industry in order to set up an organization which is duty to manage it, thereby, controlling foreign film market. In fact, when Hollywood occupied the Europe film market, the first step was co-production and distribution. At present, Hollywood tried to adopt the same method to enter Chinese film market. For instance, Hollywood needs make films with Chinese, on one hand, Chinese film produce system could be bring into Hollywood; on the other hand, it could make a similar pattern which based on Hollywood, and the audiences could be cultivated by the this new pattern film. Take Kodak for example, they once considered choosing one of five countries or districts where has the biggest potential of film industries, Chinese mainland is in it. Fortunately, they have chosen Chinese mainland because they believe film business opportunities in China are the best. Furthermore, Kodak has planned to build up 6 to 8 mod ern cinemas in Beijing, Guangzhou and other big cities. Besides that, Kodak initiated that they would show both foreign language films and domestic films in order to cater to the requirements of Chinese audiences. Consequently, the reason why Hollywood and other film companies would get involved with Chinese film industry is one of the strategies to enter into Chinese film industry. Through the history of Hollywood, it is very fruitful that Hollywood used foreign directors, actors/actresses and subjects to conquer the hearts of foreign audiences. On one hand, all of these foreign sentiments have poured Hollywood into cultural nutrition; on the other hand, it would bring the culture sympathy from foreign countries. To illustrate, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li represent the Chinese style influences of Hollywood. This strategy has increasingly covered the brand of Hollywood. At the same time, it regards global film to enter into the Chinese film market. The globalization of Hollywood has not only limited the export of films. Every year, there is a grand ceremony in Hollywood which is called Oscar. Meanwhile, Hollywood is utilizing the auxiliary product of film, such as DVD, books, toys to expand the infiltration of Hollywood. In general, Hollywood has stared at the Chinese film market. For the strategies of globalization in America, Hollywood has not only opened up the second market which is inferior to America, but also weaved many America fables through the American love story and hero story. Therefore, Hollywood would conquer the foreign nations. Hollywood has altered the America to the world; meanwhile, the world is changing by America. Discussions The strategies of Americanization and films With the strategies of Americanization, culture industry, especially the film part is a significant chess for America. When culture has become an industry, the functions of economics and culture have overlapped. Indeed, the exports of cultural product have expanded the economic market, also gains the profits. At the same time, on one hand, these culture products could be sold by America lifestyle or values, on the other hand, culture is like a product and product would express culture, they are interaction. Due to culturae products have gained profits and they also create the meaning of advertisement, all of these elements which contain images, sounds, words, pictures and models have exploited the huge market of America politics and economics. As culturae products have its special meanings, America is making great efforts to be Americanization, especially the Americanization of Hollywood films. Early in 1930s, America government realized that film and other formers of mass culture not only possessed the meaning of industry, but conducted America culture, economics and politics. These mass culture and film would possess a priority function. The export of culture might affect other countries, districts and the awareness of nations, religions, culture even languages, in order to weaken their traditional culture, thereby, creating the memory of nation culture and promoting the mixture of America values and beliefs. Consequently, from World Warà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚  , America spread films, TV programmes, records and other mass cultural products to all over the world. During in World Warà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¡, Hollywood became an important tool which helped the government conduct America. Films which become the most international media industry play a significant role in culture industry. To some extent, from beginning, Hollywood has spread America to the world and America movies possessed an international horizon. The first ten years of twentieth century, Hollywood producers have begun to set up offices out of America. From World Warà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚  , America films have replaced by France, British and Germany, became an international film market. From 1919, foreign film markets have brought into the budget of American films. After 1930s, the income of foreign film market already has accounted for one third to one half profits in total of American films. In other words, World Warà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚  and World Warà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¡placed American films into the leader of the world in terms of economics and produce. After that, this priority position has not been wavered. Although the sound film had emerged, and the language barriers also had brought some threatens for American fi lms, Hollywood had adapted this method of art and technology changes, thereby, consolidating its powerful position. Until 1995, Hollywood films have possessed almost 75 percent of Europe box office income in total. Moreover, Hollywood even owns film market in Canada, Latin America, Oceania and Asia. Even though in Hong Kong where has been called Eastern Hollywood, American films have consolidated its domestic position. In the late of twentieth century, Hollywood has gained 7.5 billion dollars in America as well as over 6 billion dollars from overseas film markets. It became an important component in America new economics (Rao, 2009). After a half century of international efforts, nowadays, American films have been the world film and Hollywood is prevalent. Hollywood films no longer seemed only in America; instead, it became a byword for films. Consequently, America mass culture does not like an imports objective. Indeed, Hollywood has conquered the whole world, and we are becoming a Hollywood star. In the past ten years, due to commerce and military, the debate of information era and information society has become the main struggle of international politics, economics and culture. In fact, the competition of countries depends on information creation and the speed of circulation. Therefore, dominating the media is controlling the benefits of politics and economics. In other words, creating the media industry is producing the benefits of politics and economics. Due to this global competition, in many developing countries, culture nationalism is emerging. Consequently, because of the conflicts of nationalism and global tendency, how Chinese films would maintain its national orientation under the impact of Hollywood is becoming an inevitable thinking. From a higher level, this is a question which deals with globalization of Chinese culture. The vitality of domestic movies in China Even though Hollywood is a huge threatens for the domestic films, Hollywood would not become the gravedigger of domestic films, especially for China which has oriental culture for thousand years of history as well as suffered from vast disaster. As a matter of fact, Hollywood is impossible to replace the domestic culture in China. Even if in 1990s, Hollywood films had entered into China, it was still a number of domestic films had a higher market allotment in Chinese film market. For instance, in 2000, the income of Mulan and Notting Hill has less than ten millions, but the income of Chinese film Be There or Be Square has over 39 million (Rao, 2009), which had exceeded any of Hollywood films in that years. It seems that the domestic films in China are also having a place to live in after Hollywood is getting into China. The key point of Chinese film industry needs to exploit, cultivate and expand its advantages as well as reduce the disadvantage, thereby, strengthening the vitality o f domestic films. As for China, the Chinese films advantages could provide buffer of space, and they also require a kind of potential. For Chinese films, the most obvious advantage is China has a long history as well as the specific culture tradition. Though from 19 century, western culture has affected China, it also has a large difference between western and China in terms of lifestyles, values and languages. Due to that, film Star Wars which made a great sensation in Europe and United States has not accepted by Chinese audiences. Furthermore, the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which was directed by Ang Lee was well liked by western audiences rather than China. These examples have showed that China and western countries even has existed the difference, it means Hollywood cannot replace the domestic films, in other words, Chinese films possess their special characters that Hollywood would never have. Therefore, if Chinese films may utilize Chinese traditional resources of culture creatively, the domestic films would occupy an important position in China even in Asia and Chinese culture space in the world. From another point of view, oriental culture tradition might provide a fresh cultural reference to western audiences, thereby, entering into the mainstream of Hollywood. More importantly, China has special condition. Compare to western countries, China is experiencing the transitional era, which transforms traditional society to modern society. Any of the transitional eras are the golden eras of the domestic films, in other words, the transition promotes society relations, interpersonal relations and family relations, due to that, the destiny and values have been altered. Indeed, the true life has provided the materials which are full of dramatic rather than drama as well as it requires much fresher life legend instead of stories. Thus, as for Chinese audiences, on one hand, they need Hollywood produce momentary of imagines; on the other hand, they also use film which is like a mirror to reflect the variation of soul. It should be said that from 1990s, such as The Story of Qiu Ju, Lovers Grief Over the Yellow River, The Treatment have fully utilized the domestic, actual cultural resources to reflect the situation at that moment. All of them are good at combing the social pictures, the ordinary civilians fate to the popular movie patterns. Not only expresses the experiences of transition eras, but also the desire of survival and wisdom, thereby, obtaining the audiences. Therefore, the domestic reality is the cultural superiority of Chinese films. According to the process of globalization, Chinese films also have a significance domestic superiority which is the potential film consumption market. Take Beijing for example, if resident see five films per year, it will reach 6 million RMB in total. Indeed, China has more than 12 million populations, if everyone sees one film per year, though the price is 5 RMB, the income of the whole year should achieve 60 million RMB. This income would support Chinese producers make the excellent domestic films. Moreover, China owns three hundred thousand employees and over hundred years film history, most importantly, there are amounts of talented person who are interested in films, all of these are the advantages of competition. Especially, because China has lower lever economics, the cost of films would less than Hollywood. Therefore, it would become an important strategy of contending for Hollywood. Above all, as I mentioned before, all of them should based on the root, once they come true, the fate of Chinese films would tend to be a bright future. Even though film which is a culture industry would not adapted by all market principles, if Chinese films would not run into market, Chinese films will not be paid attention by the world. Therefore, due to adapt to the market requirements, Chinese film industry must carry on the reformation of industrialization. Overall, Chinese films should make efforts from four aspects in order to open up the international space of Chinese films. First of all, China should establish film produce and distribution organizations which possess the international marketing, thereby, shaping a professional film enterprise. Furthermore, recruiting a number of film management persons who has professional quality of movie as well as carrying on the transitional economics. Thirdly, supporting film companies which produce films according to the requirement of international market, so that film companies could create the domestic film brands which are made in China. Finally, film companies should develop the products which are related to films, with TV, videos, DVD and networks to increase the added values. Conclusion It is no doubt that many people blamed the cultural invasion, even some pointed out that the whole world would be brought into the capitalism system which was hold by powerful capitalism countries. However, some researchers argued that globalization has affected domestic films. Obviously, with the development of globalization, the properties in different countries would not distinguish. When international films become an international culture, it is a risk of cultural environment. Indeed, Chinese film is confronting some challenges and threatens not only from Hollywood. Nevertheless, WTO and Hollywood are just providing an opportunity to refer. As for China, the domestic films must reform to themselves rather than imitating. More precisely, reformation is the only way to live and develop, otherwise, whether Hollywood entered into China or not, Chinese film has no way to go. Consequently, China should explore a kind of film industry and market which is suitable for the condition of China in terms of adapting Chinese politics, economics and cultural principles. The future of globalization not only means the choices of hegemony, but also obtains the equal rights of weakness. To some extent, the diversity of culture is the prerequisite of cultural vitality.

Essay --

Through the ages of United States, school dropout rate has been startling. Although. Historically, high school dropout rates have been steadily declining over past decades. 11.2% high school students dropout in 1994 which is 5.8% less in comparison to 17% dropout in 1970 (Debra Marguerite). Nevertheless, according to data in 2009, one- third of high school students nationwide do not successfully achieve a high school diploma and 1.2 million youths drop out each year-which translates into on dropout every 26 seconds (Enelida, 2010). Dropouts come disproportionately from low-income and minority families. Based on previous study, students from low-income families are substantial likely to leave school prematurely than their peers who is from higher-income family. In some communities, Africa American and Latino made up to 50% of the total dropout number. In fact, in 1970, 17% dropout rate did not constitute a social problem. It was relatively easier for those who dropout to seek adequate paid employment. In today’s social context, the consequences of leaving school without a diploma are more costly (Marguerite). Due to technology advancement, traditional goods-producing economy has transformed to a more service orientated economy. As the result, labor market for blue collar occupations has been shrinking in recent years. Based on Census 2000 data, a suburb of southeast Los Angeles County, California, where dropout rate was nearly 50%, 28% of its inhabitants are impoverished, which is twice the state average of 14%. Even before the financial crisis, nearly half of dropouts were unable to seek paid employment during an entire year. In additional to financial difficulties, high school dropouts are trend to become involved with justice ... ...t dropouts used to describe school life. The school was located in major drug-traffic area of a low income community which is literally one step away for those youth to go on street, engage gang activity and use drug. None of the teachers at Rosa Parks School were a part of the community in which they taught (Ferguson). The sad, shock stories school adults told were based on prejudiced judgment associated with children’s behavior at school, children’s failure as largely the consequence of their attitudes and behaviors as well as those of their families (Ferguson). Families of at-risk children are asserted as lack parental skills; they do not give their children the kind of support that would build â€Å"self-esteem† necessary for school achievement (Ferguson). Faculty should communicate and spend quality time with parents; it helps both sides to understand.

If I Could Live Here!

If I could live in one place out of the country I probably would have to say I would live somewhere in Italy, either in Rome, Venice, or Tuscany. I have always admired Italy because of its beautiful scenery and the magnificent architecture. If I were to live in Italy I would not live in the big city even though it is full of wonderful adventures around every corner and the buildings are magnificent I would probably end up living somewhere out in the country side because of the scenery that is there. All of the antique houses and the magnificent vineyards are just simply breathtaking. If I were to live in Rome, Italy I probably would live in the city because that is where all of their architecture is like the Colosseum, or the Trevi fountain, or Saint Peters Basilica. I would love just waking up in the morning and looking out of my window and seeing these magnificent buildings and being able to enjoy the nightlife. If I were to live in Venice I would probably also live in the city but I would live along the canal because I love the way it looks during the day and night when you are along the canal and the soothing sound of the water. I would also like to live in Venice because of the boat rides that you can take around because I think that would be a fun way to get around anyplace that you go. And if I lived in Tuscany I would defiantly live in the country because the scenery there is simply breathtaking and I would own a small little vineyard and live in a cute little antique house. I love the idea of living in the country because it just looks amazing in the morning at the break of dawn and at sunset. So as you can probably already tell Italy would be my ideal place to live because I just love it. Because not only is it remote and you can stay out of the busyness of the city and go live in the country if that is what you like. But if you like living in the city and seeing all of the architecture. And that’s what I like about Italy is its versatility.

Active Fund Management - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1917 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? 1. Introduction Investors, by their very nature, wish to achieve good returns on their investments, and that too, mostly without taking disproportionate risks. This, unfortunately, is an inherently contradictory desire as high returns are always associated with greater risk. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Active Fund Management" essay for you Create order The current economic scenario provides investors with a number of alternative avenues for growing their assets, which, inter alia, include real estate, bullion, land, art, bonds, bank deposits and of course equity. Equity markets have, in particular, fascinated investors for decades with their promise of huge profits, â€Å"killings† and stories of fortunes built from nothing. Most of these stories, which deal with huge trading profits made by individuals, are of questionable authenticity and anecdotal in nature; nevertheless, they serve to engage the attention of investors and keep their hopes alive through boom and bust times, through depressions and terrorist attacks. In recent years, the activity of investing in equity markets has become increasingly complex and most people have started trusting in the services of specialist organisations that operate through pooled funds; which contain monies contributed by numerous clients. Barclays, the leading global asset management f irm controls assets worth more than 1400 billion dollars.[1] These funds charge fees from their members and employ trained and experienced managers, who are conversant with equity and bond markets and focus solely on optimising the monies entrusted to them. Most fund managers are recruited with care, trained extensively and paid handsomely by their employers. These funds, widely known as Mutual Funds, have a variety of schemes for the benefit of their clients. Mutual funds are often categorised by investment policy. Major policy groups include money market funds; equity funds, which are further grouped according to emphasis on income versus growth; fixed-income funds; balanced and income funds; asset allocation funds; index funds; and specialized sector funds [2] It is the objective of this essay to analyse the functions and methodologies of actively managed funds, with reference to other modes of equity investment, and determine whether their inclusion, in the portfolio of risk-averse investors is desirable. Active fund management refers to a strategy wherein fund managers actively pursue objectives of outperforming specified benchmark indices; in other words they aim to provide returns better than what the market can theoretically give to investors. Active funds, like other mutual funds levy a host of charges on investors that are payable at entry, exit and during the time investors keep their money with them. Fund managers use an assortment of means to achieve their targets, which include the use of ratios, specific sector bets, short selling, use of market inefficiencies and investments in small cap stocks. In a number of cases these measures entail a significant amount of risk. Losses, if and when they occur, are borne by the investors, mostly through the Net Asset Value (NAV) mechanism. 2. The Methodology and Risks Associated with Active Fund Management Actively managed funds are among the fastest growing funds worldwide and increasing num bers of investors are putting their financial assets in the hands of fund managers. Researchers have actively worked on the various mechanisms involved in actual fund management, not only to assess their methodology but also to ascertain their level of success. Studies generally indicate that active funds rarely outperform index funds over sustained periods of time even though there may be phases when they are significantly ahead of index funds. If the cost of fund management is factored into the scheme of things there is a real possibility of the return from actively managed funds not being commensurate with the risks involved; in such case it is difficult to understand how active funds are able to attract so much capital. One school of thought states that the returns from actively managed funds depend upon the quality of fund managers and well managed active funds are able to regularly outperform index or passive funds. However, active management, when thoughtfully executed, ca n potentially add value relative to a static asset allocation implemented through index funds. Investors and their advisors can maximize a portfolio’s potential for alpha by selecting talented managers with low costs and incorporating them into the portfolio in a manner that does not sacrifice control of systematic risk factors.[3] This theory about performance of actively funded funds being dependent upon their management is empirically borne out, to a certain extent, because of the superior long-term performance of some actively managed funds. However, the variables associated with the equity market, the inherent unpredictability of individual share and collective market behavior and the extent of factors that can influence the market, and which remain beyond the forecasting ability, knowledge and control of active fund managers, make such claims untenable. Active fund managers use the help of statistical forecasting tools, fundamental and technical analysis, accepted ma rket models and established stock market theories to make their portfolio decisions. Individual judgmental decisions are seldom, if ever, used. The efficient market hypotheses and the use of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) are some of the important theories that help in explaining the nature of equity markets Efficient Market Hypotheses The efficient market hypotheses have three sections, the weak form, the semi strong form and the strong form.[4] The weak form postulates that prices of shares reflect all information in past and current prices and transaction volumes, thus making movements unpredictable and the chances of making profitable trades just about even. The semi strong form goes a step further to state that prices have already factored in additional information such as company and industry data, as well as broad economic data including interest and currency fluctuations and inflation. These two hypotheses, in effect, state that as current share prices factor i n all the variables used in technical and fundamental analyses, future movement is inherently unpredictable and investment decisions of fund managers nothing more than shots in the dark. Finally the strong form hypothesis states that all information, public and private is reflected in share prices. This is possibly an untenable hypothesis as there may be a number of facts available with the management that may not be available with market operators. A case in point is Enron, where a great deal of inside information, available with the management, was not passed on to the market, enabling the top management to use the undisclosed facts to their advantage. While the efficient market hypotheses rule out the possibility of predictability in stocks, analysts believe this is only partially true and the hypotheses do not address the issue of market momentum, wherein groups of stocks do show the tendency for unilateral predictable movement, a fact that can be used by fund managers to inc rease returns on investments. Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) The CAPM was conceptualised by William Sharpe as far back as the early sixties and has since evolved into one of the chief models for managers to control risks while taking investment decisions. It is an equilibrium model that describes the pricing of assets as well as derivatives. The CAPM is the single most used model for valuing securities and uses the Discounted Cash Flow system with risk adjusted discount rates. The CAPM postulates that entry into markets opens investors to two types of risks, systematic risks that arise from just being present in the market, and unsystematic risks, which arise from investing in particular companies. As unsystematic risks can be controlled through a process of diversification, the main risk in portfolio decisions comes from systematic risks.[5] The use of CAPM and other models like the Arbitrage Pricing Theory and Black Scholes provide alternative tools for fund managers to tackle risks and make informed and calculated investment decisions. It is evident from the foregoing analyses that most investment decisions associated with active fund management have significant elements of risk. In most cases, except when fund managers are privy to information that is unavailable to the market, the probability of profitable decision making is not more than even, and it is possible for results to go either way. The only time when chances of profits are relatively high relate to working in equity markets that have gained momentum. Even in momentum led markets, while the movement of a group of shares can be predicted, it is difficult to do the same for individual shares. 3. Analysis and Conclusion Existing theories on market hypotheses make the point that both fundamental and technical analyses do not provide credible tools to fund managers to help them in making profitable investment decisions. Profitable decisions are facilitated mostly when fund managers have access to information unavailable to the market or operate in markets that have generated significant momentum. Such opportunities however, arise very occasionally. While use of CAPM and other existing models help in constructing risk controlled portfolios, the risk of remaining in the market is permanent and cannot be eliminated. These facts are corroborated to a great extent by the fact that actively managed funds have been outperformed by indices regularly for the last fifteen years.[6] Index funds invest in a selection of equities that comprise the index. Their performances are similar to that of the index. They, however, trail the index marginally in returns because of the associated transaction costs. The costs of index funds are however much less than that of actively managed funds and with most active funds trailing the indices, the rates of return of actively managed funds are significantly lower than those of index funds. Prima facie, there appears to be very litt le reason for the risk-averse investor to invest in actively managed funds. Statistically, their average performance is poorer than that of index funds, their costs are significantly higher and risk profiles obviously greater. Risk-averse investors might still however wish to participate in the far higher returns that some actively managed funds are achieving, especially in the current climate of economic buoyancy. These investors can consider two alternatives. First, investors could choose actively managed funds that have an extended history, i.e., more than five years, of outperforming indices. This is a judgmental decision and does not guarantee future performance. Second, they could opt for funds which operate on a core and satellite system. These funds have a core portfolio of index funds that help in reducing the risk factor considerably. Deployment of the satellite funds is through active fund management and is subject to greater chances of risks and profits. This could be a suitable avenue for risk-averse investors who wish to control risks, but aim to increase their return. Bibliography Active Fund Management and Investment Strategies, 2006, Investment Management, Retrieved November 14 2006 from www.londonexternal.ac.uk//lse/lse_pdf/further_units/invest_man/23_invest_man_chap3.pdf Bodie, Z, Kane, A and Marcus, 2005, Investments, McGraw Hill, USA Burton, J, 1998, Revisiting the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Dow Jones Asset Manager, Retrieved November 12, 2006 from www.stanford.edu/~wfsharpe/art/djam/djam.htm Investment funds from Barclays Global Investors, 2006, Retrieved November 12, 2006 from https://www.bgifunds.com Levy, H, 1996, Introduction to Investments, South-Western College Publishing, USA Wicas, N, 2005, Add active ingredients to spice up passive portfolios, Professional Wealth Management, Retrieved November 12, 2006 from www.pwmnet.com/news/categoryfront.php/id/75/ASSET_ALLOCATION.html Lofthouse, S, 1994, Equity Inves tment Management: How to Select Stocks and Markets, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Bottom of Form 1 [1] Investment funds from Barclays Global Investors, 2006, https://bgifunds.com [2] Bodie, Kane and Marcus, 2005, Investments, Ch. 4, [3] Wicas, N, 2005, Add active ingredients to spice up passive portfolios, Professional Wealth Management [4] Active Fund Management and Investment Strategies, 2006, Investment Management, [5] Burton, J, 1998, Revisiting the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Dow Jones Asset Manager [6] Wicas, N, 2005

Why Parents Should Be Rigid And Open System - 1251 Words

1 People do not exist in a vacuum but among other people, whom together they unite to form family which is the basic unit of the society. People behavior differs that ranges from individual to community level. But in the same time causes of the behavior are different this is due to some level of interaction in the family comes across. Interaction occurs at different factors such as stable but open system which creates limit and when threatened the stability is in danger that why parents are expected to behave in manner not to affect their children so that stability is maintained at the same time the family should not be rigid and should be on the move to change, consequently predict what might come outside their family surroundings. This is reflected in both family in that the Angelino family is seen as stable unit with its own limit such as the family has children and properties and also they run their butcher shop this showing how stable and open system is a strength to the family another point is that the Angelino family comes large family where they enjoy a wider cooperation and they value education hence taking their children to school at parochial school.in another hand the Mr. and mrs mc Neil family comes from a wealthy family they enjoy high education and they also have few children as compared to Ange linos the mc Neil’s family look social and able to have fun with friends.The characteristic in the family include property which can be in terms of land,Show MoreRelatedHow Historical Developments And The Various Aims Of Education1413 Words   |  6 Pagescommunity cohesion.† The concept of integrating schools and aiming for an education system where children in Ireland are mixed together regardless of their background is not just a recent proposal. 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Many people have heard the work autism, but could not define it if asked. Two essays I recently came across, â€Å"Joey: A ‘Mechanical Boy’† written by Bruno Bettelheim and â€Å"Thinking in Pictures†, written by Temple Grandin, share the common topic at hand, autism. Both essaysRead MoreMassive Open Online Courses1349 Words   |  6 Pages MOOC is an acronym for â€Å"massive open online course†; these MOOCs have had a far-reaching influence on the way education is perceived today. For the moment, MOOCs are almost always free, as students pay no fees to register or take the course. Enrollment is high, ranging anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands. While enrollment, and perceived interests may be high, course completion rates are extremely low; frequently, no more than five or ten percent of students who register go on toRead MoreSociety Wasnâ⠂¬â„¢t Built In a Day: Societal Structure in The Age of Innocence.1328 Words   |  5 Pageslayer of window curtains. 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John Steinbecks Dream The American Dream - 795 Words

An American Dream, what is it? Everyone has dreams,to achieve something great; but do you think you could really even go through with it? The book Of Mice and men by John Steinbeck shows how the American Dream is not attainable he shows that even your most precious dreams for your future can’t be achieved. Throughout the novel Steinbeck does not support the American Dream, as it is shown in a series of events throughout the novel. In the novel it shows that it can’t be achieved in three ways; first Crooks dream comes to an end when Curley’s wife puts him into his place, second Curley’s wife dreams come to an end when she gets killed, and lastly the dream of Lennie and George living on the farm comes to an end when George makes the decision†¦show more content†¦She even took away her own dream, by getting involved with lennie after she knew what could happen if she let him touch her hair. All of the dreams were crushed by one character. Lastly Lenn ie and George did not get the dream of living on the farm like they wanted because lennie died. â€Å"He pulled the trigger; lennie jarred, then settled forward in the sand; and he lay without quivering† (Steinbeck 117). Lennie and George had a huge dream about living on the farm. George made decision to help his best friend to save him. After the fact is that he died and then they lost the dream of ever living on the farm. In the last chapter is states that lennie died. This is a huge part of the book, because George and lennie had the dream to live on the farm and to live a life where they wouldn’t be judged for the way that they are. This shows that even for best friends Steinbeck does not support the American Dream. Their dream at ever living on the farm is a zero chance, how could George go on and live on a farm after he killed his best friend in order to save him from having a painful death. An American Dream, what is it? 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It was during this time that many farmers best hope for a new life lay in California. The American Dream is the idea of an individual overcoming all obstacles and beating all odds to one day be successful. This subject is the predominant theme in John Steinbeck’s novel. This is a novel of defeated hope and the harsh reality of the American dream. Steinbeck’s naturalistic and unrefinedRead MoreThe Importance of the American Dream to John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men2288 Words   |  10 Pagesthe American Dream to John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men The novella, Of Mice and Men was written in 1937 in Salinas, California. It was written by John Steinbeck who himself was born in Salinas in 1902. Adjacent to the Salinas River, much of the towns commerce is centred upon shipping and agriculture and specifically vegetable farming. Early in the century many people were migrating to California, and many were trying to succeed in farming. 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Competency of Level 4 Nursing Students on Immediate Newborn Care free essay sample

Chapter 1 Background of the Study Introduction A nurse’s responsibility requires safe and effective care within constantly evolving health care systems (â€Å"Patient safety and nursing,† Wikipedia. com). One such area to be checked is neonatal nursing in which a nurse is to provide immediate newborn care. Such care is critical at this stage for it may distinguish whether the wellness of the care given can improve the condition of the newborn or further worsen the condition of the newborn. Immediate newborn care is a step by step procedure in caring for a newborn to ensure comfort and security while providing their needs. Basically focuses on certain procedures done on a newborn upon delivery from the mother. Such procedures include clearing of their airways upon delivery, providing warmth and attachment to mother, cord care, APGAR scoring, temperature taking, anthropometric measurements, eye prophylaxis, Vitamin K administration, immunization, bathing, initial feeding and proper documentation. It is important that nurses should do the procedure accurately and with confidence. Since skills and knowledge are learned through experience, constant practice and good instructions, the practice of this procedure should be started as early as possible, especially during the internship of student nurses in the hospitals in DR and NICU areas. The researchers came up with this study to know the level of competency of level IV nursing students on immediate newborn care. Knowing the level of competency of the student nurses on this procedure may give good insights on how well does the students perform the procedures and may suggest any possible reforms in their learning process. Theoretical Framework According to Bandura, people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modeling. People learn through observing others’ behavior, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors. â€Å"Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action† (Bandura). Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences. Necessary conditions for effective modeling: 1. Attention — various factors increase or decrease the amount of attention paid. Includes distinctiveness, affective valence, prevalence, complexity, functional value. One’s characteristics (e. g. sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set, past reinforcement) affect attention. 2. Retention — remembering what you paid attention to. Includes symbolic coding, mental images, cognitive organization, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal. 3. Reproduction — reproducing the image. Including physical capabilities, and self-observation of reproduction. 4. Motivation — having a good reason to imitate. Includes motives such asA past (i. e. traditional behaviorism), promised (imagined incentives) and vicarious (seeing and recalling the reinforced model). Bandura believed in â€Å"reciprocal determinism,† that is, the world and a person’s behavior cause each other, while behaviorism immediately states that one’s environment causes one’s behavior. Bandura, who was studying adolescent aggression, found this too simplistic, and so in addition he suggested that behavior causes environment as well. Later, Bandura soon considered personality as an interaction between three components: the environment, behavior, and one’s psychological processes (one’s ability to entertain images in minds and language). Bandura bases his theory on the acquisition of complex behaviors on a triangular diagram illustrating the interactive effect of various factors. These three factors are behavior (B), the environment (E), and the internal events that influence perceptions and actions (P). The relationship between these three factors is known as reciprocal determinism. A major difference between Banduras social-cognitive theory of learning and earlier theories is his definition of learning. He noted that persons acquire internal codes of behavior that they may or may not act upon later. Therefore, he divided learning and performance as two separate events. Learning was the acquisition on the internal symbolic representations in the form of verbal or visual codes, which could serve as guidelines for future behavior. These memory codes of observed behaviors are referred to as representational systems and divided into two types of systems, visual and verbal-conceptual. The first is concerned with abstractions of distinctive features of events instead of just mental copies; the second would be the verbal form of details for a particular procedure. The modeled behavior serves to convey information to the observer in one of three different ways. One is by serving as a social prompt to initiate similar behavior in others. The second is by acting to strengthen or weaken the exiting restraints of the learner against performance of particular behaviors. The third influence is to transmit new patterns of behavior. Bandura describes three types of modeling stimuli, which are live models, symbolic models, and verbal descriptions or instructions. Of these three, in American society, the greatest range of exposure is in the form of symbolic models through mass media. Bandura (1977) states: Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action (p22). Conceptual Framework The researchers based their study on the assumption that the immediate newborn care is an area of health and nursing care services that should be given emphasis, for newborns are very fragile and should be handled with care especially in their first few hours of life. In the professional nurse’s role, performance of her responsibilities and functions to competently perform the immediate care for newborns and prevent any untoward trauma on the client. The paradigm shows in Column I, the profile of the respondents as to age, sex and their assigned hospitals and the level of competency on the immediate newborn care. This would be a tool to know if there’s any difference as to respondents’ age, sex and their assigned hospitals (DR-NICU) it also includes the level of competency of the respondents on immediate newborn care as to: airway clearance, attachment and warmth, cord care, activity/muscle tone, pulse/heart rate, grimace, appearance, respiratory effort scoring, temperature taking, anthropometric measurements, eye prophylaxis, vitamin K administration, immunization, bathing, initial feeding and proper documentation. Column II shows the implementation of data gathering utilizing a descriptive design using a questionnaire, which in Column III the output, results in the measures to address any possible findings in the level of competency of level IV nursing students on immediate newborn care. Research Paradigm INPUT (I) PROCESS (II) OUTPUT (III) Statement of the Problem General Purpose: This study will determine the Competency of Level IV Nursing Students on Immediate Newborn Care. Specifically, dealing successfully with the main problem, this study will answer the following questions: 1) What is the profile of respondents as to: a) Age b) Sex c) Assigned Hospitals (DR, NICU) 2) What is the Level of competency of level four nursing students on immediate newborn care as to: a) Airway Clearance b) Attachment and Warmth c) Cord Care d) Activity/Muscle Tone, Pulse/Heart Rate, Grimace, Appearance, Respiratory Effort Scoring e) Temperature Taking f) Anthropometric Measurements g) Eye Prophylaxis h) Vitamin K Administration i) Immunization j) Bathing k) Initial Feeding ) Proper Documentation 3) What is the difference in the level of competency among the level four nursing students on immediate newborn care as to: a. Age b. Sex c. Assigned Hospitals 4) What is the difference in the level of competency on the respondents who were assigned to government hospitals and private hospitals? Hypothesis There is no significant difference in the level of competency among the lev el four nursing students as to: a. Sex b. Age c. Affiliated Hospital Scope and Delimitation: This study will identify the level of competency of level IV students on immediate newborn care. The respondents include level IV nursing students of the University of Pangasinan who were assigned to DR and NICU in both public and private hospitals. The study centered on the level of the competency of the respondents on immediate newborn care as to: a) airway clearance, b) attachment and warmth, c) cord care, d) activity/muscle tone, pulse/heart rate, grimace, appearance, respiratory effort scoring, e) temperature taking, f) anthropometric measurements, g) eye prophylaxis, h) vitamin K administration, i) immunization, j) bathing, k) initial feeding, l) proper documentation. The checklist type questionnaire will be used as the data collecting tool. The questionnaire included items corresponding to all areas expressed in the specific questions asked and carefully prepared by the researcher to guarantee the collection of all data necessary to answer the main problem. Significance of the Study: The findings of the study will be highly significant to the following: To the Level IV Student Nurses. This study can determine the respondents’ level of competency on immediate newborn care and what improvements may be made for the betterment of service to the involved patients, which are the newborn and their family. To the Newborns and Their Parents. Newborns as the direct recipient of care and their parents will benefit much on any possible findings in the performance immediate newborn care by nursing students in the field. To the Nursing Professors and Clinical Instructors. The study done can provide information on the performance of their students and what needs to be restated, reinstructed, and practiced for the betterment of the knowledge and skills of the level IV student nurses To the Researchers. This research presented can determine the level of competency of level IV student nurses on immediate newborn care and what improvements may be done for the betterment of the different procedures. To the Nursing Professionals. Both nursing educators and clinical practitioners in the area of newborn care practice, will be able to utilize the findings from this study to integrate these to their teaching and practice accordingly towards the full development of nursing education and practice. Definition of Terms The researchers present the following terms appropriately defined according to their usage in the study to aid readers in easily comprehending the contents of the whole study. Competency ? Having the sufficient knowledge and skills in doing a procedure. Level IV Nursing Students ? The correspondents of the study who have already attained immediate newborn care knowledge and skills. Immediate Newborn Care ? This regards the procedures done in caring for newborns upon delivery. a) Airway Clearance ? A procedure done to clear secretions in the mouth and nose of a newborn upon delivery for the patency of airway. ) Attachment and Warmth ? Skin to skin contact of newborn with the mother and the immediate drying of newborns to prevent hypothermia and to promote mother and child bonding c) Cord Care ? The proper clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord. d) Activity/Muscle Tone, Pulse/Heart Rate, Grimace, Appearance, Respiratory Effort Scoring ? An assessment scale used as standard since 19 58 (APGAR et al. ,1958). Done at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. e) Temperature Taking ? It is the checking of the newborn’s temperature with the use of a digital thermometer. ) Anthropometric Measurements ? Taking measurements of newborn’s weight, length, and head and chest circumference. g) Eye Prophylaxis ? Procedure done by instilling a medication in the newborns inner to outer canthus of the eye to prevent infections. h) Vitamin K Administration ? Injection of vitamin K intramuscularly to newborns which is necessary for blood coagulation to prevent bleeding. i) Immunization ? Vaccination against Hepatitis B that all newborns receive within 12 hours after birth. And vaccination of BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin) at birth. j) Bathing ? Procedure done 6 hours after birth of newborn with the use of soap and water. k) Initial Feeding ? Feeding of a Newborn through breastfeeding by the mother. l) Proper Documentation ? Performed by placing proper identification on the newborn, foot printing for birth registration is filed with the infant’s birth record, birth record documentation, including the time of birth and the procedures done. Chapter 2 Related Literature and Studies Foreign Literature †¢ Effect of Training for Care Providers on Practice of Immediate Newborn Care in Hospitals in Sri Lanka. By:Upul Senarath , Dulitha N. Fernando , and Ishani Rodrigo Training programs for health care providers are commonly viewed as the key strategy to promote health care practices. Previous studies highlighted that the implementation of such programs is followed by moderate improvement in ENC practices in hospital settings ( Harris et al. ,1995; Vidal et al. , 2001 ). Among the programs that addressed specific areas, breastfeeding training has shown remarkable Effects with significant increase in breastfeeding indicators ( Cattaneo Buzzetti, 2001; Vittoz, Labarere, Castell, Durand, Pons, 2004; Westphal, Taddei, Venancio, Bogus, 1995 ). Findings of the present study suggest that the implementation of a comprehensive 4-day training Program of ENC can be followed by a significant improve improvement in the practices of cleanliness at delivery, thermal protection, preparedness for resuscitation, and neonatal Assessment in the labor room. The training may possibly have an effect in reducing undesirable health events among low-risk newborns during the postnatal stay. This intervention may not be sufficient for health care providers dealing with high-risk newborns who need care in specialized settings. In general, the practices that were at a lower level during the baseline improved significantly after the training program. There were some differences in the baseline level of practices between the intervention and the control groups, such as immediate skin-to-skin contact, hand washing before handling baby, and providing information to mother after examination. However, the statistical comparisons were made between before and after samples rather than between the intervention and the control groups. The higher levels of immediate skin-to-skin contact in the control group could mainly be attributed to the lower caesarean section rate in this group compared to the intervention group. There were some declines in the control group 3 months after the intervention (e. g. , keeping newborn on a clean surface), but these changes were statistically insignificant. The significant effect of our intervention on practice may be predominantly attributed to the assessment of learning needs of the care providers and developing the Learning objectives and content based on this assessment. Before designing the intervention, a baseline survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of the health care providers and mothers, and high priority was given to poor areas. Our results emphasize that in-service training programs tailored to the local situation after an initial assessment would be more beneficial than standard training using all the sections of a given manual. Another reason for changes is that the present program contained more interactive methods in the training such as demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical assignments than merely didactic sessions. Interactive training sessions that enhance participant activity and provide the opportunity to practice skills can effect change in professional practice ( Davis et al. , 1999 ). The present intervention was not effective in improving some immediate practices such as maintenance of a clean delivery surface and hand washing in the postnatal ward. These results are in contrast with the Brazilian study, where significant improvements were reported in hand washing in postnatal wards following training (Vidal et al. ,2001 ). Failure of our intervention in improving practice of cleanliness in general suggests the need to look for the availability of facilities for maintenance of cleanliness in the labor room and hand washing facilities in the postnatal ward. Thus, we recommend health managers ensure availability of immediate resources in the obstetric units especially facilities for maintenance of cleanliness in labor room and hand washing in postnatal ward. The baseline survey showed that 98. 7% of the newborns under study were exclusively breastfed at the time of discharge . Successful breastfeeding practices among the low risk newborns at hospital were attributed to the consistent efforts made by the health services in training health care providers and educating mothers during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods on breastfeeding (Family Health Bureau, 2001; Jayathilaka Fernando, 2002; Senanayake Wijemanne, 1992). Social and cultural aspects, which were in favor of breastfeeding, would also have contributed in promoting these practices. However, the present study revealed that there is room for improvement in some areas such as management of breastfeeding difficulties, delay in initiation of breastfeeding especially following caesarean deliveries, and lack of support by The staff for breastfeeding in the postnatal ward. Even though preparedness for resuscitation improved following the training, we could not evaluate the resuscitation procedure in the labor room, since very few needed active resuscitation within the study sample. Evidence For effect of training on resuscitation practices in the labor room is limited except for a few studies that showed significant improvement in such practices following implementation of neonatal resuscitation programs (Ryan, Clark, Malone, , 1999; WHO SEAR, 2002 ). Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of Entraining on resuscitation of the asphyxiated newborn. In our study, the reason for the significant improvement in Preparedness for resuscitation in the control group was not clear. Local Literature What every mom should know about newborn care? By: AMYLINE QUIEN CHING February 12, 2010, 6:41pm Doctors may be the experts in healthcare but they are not gods. They also make mistakes and unfortunately, most subscribe to old practices that seriously need updating. â€Å"Knowledge is still the best safeguard against anything. We cannot just rely on medical professionals for everything. This is especially true for newborns. The first two days of life is very crucial and it is vital that parents, especially moms, also know the right ways of doing things,† says Dra. Christia Padolina, officer of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) during the launch of the Immediate Newborn Care (ENC) Protocol. The ENC protocol is a project of the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It hopes to cut down the number of newborn deaths in the country by standardizing the practices inside hospitals. According to DOH National Disease Prevention Director Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, there is now a wide variation in the practices of health professionals especially in provincial hospitals. There are even reports of inappropriate care being given to newborns. Dr. Padolina cites several practices that moms (and dads) should keep an eye on after delivery: 1. Babies must be thoroughly dried to stimulate breathing, one minute after delivery. 2. Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord in about one to three minutes, not under one minute which 99 percent of hospitals do. 3. Babies should not be placed on a cold surface. 4. They should not be washed or given a bath immediately. Wait until after six hours. 5. They must be given to their moms immediately for early skin to skin contact. 6. Babies should not be separated from their moms within an hour after delivery to initiate breastfeeding. 7. Babies should be roomed with the mom immediately and not transferred to a nursery. According to Dr. Padolina, some medical professionals are not aware of these practices while others do not do them at the prescribed time. â€Å"The ENC protocol will help a lot in correcting these mistakes but of course, it is still important that moms know what should be done because it is their aby’s life and wellbeing that is at stake. † Foreign Studies †¢ Competency Assessment: Methods for Development and Implementation in Nursing Education. By: Richard Redman, PhD, RN,Carrie B. Lenburg, EdD, RN, FAAN and Patricia Hinton Walker PhD, RN, FAAN Competent performance by health care professionals is expected throughout society. However, defining what it is and teaching students how to perform compete ntly faces many challenges. This article provides a brief overview of the contemporary focus on competency assessment in nursing education. The redesigned nursing curriculum at the University of Colorado is presented as an exemplar of a practice-oriented model that requires competent performance among students. Methods for implementing a competency-based curriculum and lessons learned during the process are discussed. Increased accountability has become a common theme in contemporary society. In the public marketplace, the theme of let the buyer beware has been replaced with the philosophy of excellence is defined by the customer. This perspective has general application across all types of industries. When the public good relates to education or health care, standards of acceptable performance are clearly defined by regulatory and professional bodies and society holds practitioners fully accountable when performance is unacceptable or questionable. Whether the focus is on public officials, health care professionals, or educators, the expectation is that standards of acceptable performance will be adhered to and the publ ic trust will be safeguarded. Operationally defining acceptable, competent performance is one of the most challenging and immediate components in this accountability paradigm. Those in nursing education face many challenges. Students approach the learning institution with the assumption that they will be taught the requisite knowledge and skills to become competent nurses. Employers of nursing graduates assume that the nursing degree and the state licensure certify competent performance. Many definitional and methodological issues evolve from these assumptions. The social mandate for accountability, however, does not tolerate ambiguous assumptions or debate. While the assessment of competent practice in the service sector has received considerable attention the past 25 years, the implementation of competency assessment models in nursing education has moved at a much slower pace. The purpose of this paper is to examine selected assessment methods designed to accurately document competence within the context of escalating and changing needs in education and practice. The University Of Colorado School Of Nursing (CU-SON) is currently in the process of implementing a competency-based, outcomes-focused curriculum in its four nursing education programs: baccalaureate (BS), master’s (MS), nursing doctorate (ND), and doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs. The Colorado experience described in this article serves as an exemplar for rationale, methods, and process used to develop and implement a practice-oriented model to promote competence among students and practitioners. The methods used in this comprehensive transition provide examples that can be adapted by others in education and practice settings. Multiple requirements for competent nursing practice in the health care system have been established by national associations and agencies. These include the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Standards for Nursing Care of the Critically Ill and their Education Standards for Critical Care Nursing (Alspach, 1992). The Joint Commission for Accreditation of health care Organizations requires that clinical competence be assessed for all nursing staff and holds institutional leaders accountable for ensuring that competency of all staff is assessed, maintained, demonstrated, and continually improved (JCAHO, 1999). The legal and financial implications of employee performance and safe practice in a rapidly changing practice environment make continuing professional competence a major concern for all providers and health care organizations. Stressing the importance of assessing what employees can  do, not what they  know, del Bueno describes the commonly known gap between excellent test takers who have difficulty performing a procedure or recognizing warning signs in a patient experiencing difficulty. The use of criterion-based performance measures determines practice competencies in employees as well as identifies where need exists to correct skill or knowledge deficiencies (del Bueno, Weeks, Brown-Stewart, 1987). Competency assessment is always outcome oriented; the goal is to evaluate performance for the effective application of knowledge and skill in the practice setting. Competency assessment techniques address psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Competencies can be generic to clinical practice in any setting, specific to a clinical specialty, basic or advanced (Benner, 1982;  Gurvis Grey, 1995). Competency-based education has been found to be equally effective in both didactic and self-learning approaches (Lenburg, 1990;  Schlomer, Anderson, Shaw, 1997). Alspach(1984) presents hallmarks of competency-based education that make them applicable both in practice and in educational settings. These include competencies based on validation of what performance by competent practitioners actually comprises. In addition, competency assessment is based on criterion-referenced evaluation methods where the learner’s performance is evaluated against a set of criteria provided to the learner so that both the learner and the assessor are clear on what performance is required. Finally, competency-based education is learner-centered in that outcomes are specified and describe what the learner must do to demonstrate competency. Masson Fain (1997) discuss the value of a competency-based system in cross-training, which is commonly used in today’s cost-containment environment. They illustrate the effectiveness of a comprehensive system of competency validation for long-term staff, orientees, and nursing students. Del Bueno reports it took approximately eight months of clinical experience before new BSN graduates felt confident and competent in their clinical judgments. Given the array of individual differences in nursing performance, she recommends that employers and educators assess competencies before assigning nurses to practice settings or advancing them in educational programs (del Bueno, 1990). While examples of competency-based assessment are more prevalent in the nursing practice literature, limited examples can be found in the nursing education literature as well. Lenburg has provided major contributions in the use of competency-based assessment as an immediate component of nursing education (Lenburg, 1991). Her Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment (COPA) Model provides a framework for assessing the full range of core competencies immediate for nursing practice. These include psychometrically sound techniques for assessment across psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains in all specialty content areas of nursing education (Lenburg, 1979;  Lenburg Mitchell, 1991). Luttrell and colleagues (1999) successfully employed the COPA model to develop a competency-based undergraduate nursing curriculum and used a variety of competency performance examinations and assessments to measure student performance and achievement. Two methods are used to assess competence in learners. Competency Performance Assessments (CPAs) are used to assess all class assignments that have consequences for the course grade, such as papers, projects, participation and presentations. Competency Performance Examinations (CPEs) are used in clinical situations to evaluate clinical outcomes. Both CPAs and CPEs are comprised of critical elements that collectively define competence for particular skills or abilities. Critical elements are single, discrete, observable behaviors that are mandatory for the specific competencies being evaluated. They specify exactly what is required for acceptable performance in clinical and non-clinical courses; the course grade is based on this pre-determined foundation. Faculty, who are clinical experts, work in collaboration with colleagues in practice settings to specify the critical elements for CPEs and CPAs. Approximately 30 % of the faculty are active practitioners who participate in the School’s faculty practice plan and teach in one or more of the educational programs. This faculty provided immediate input in defining the competencies immediate for practice in different settings. In addition, designated clinical scholars from clinical agencies affiliated with CU-SON became active participants in the process of defining outcome competencies for all students. All faculties participated in this curriculum redesign to address how these competencies might be learned and assessed. Critical elements are created within the context of accepted standards of practice, evidence-based research literature, and course objectives. Specific CPEs are then constructed using these critical elements as immediate items for defining and measuring competent performance in the learner for designated modules or courses. Learners in each course are oriented to the specific competency outcomes and all related critical elements that establish the mandatory level of performance for that course. In testing situations, students are presented with one or more focused clinical cases — actual or simulated — and examined in terms of their ability to demonstrate the required critical elements for competent practice to meet the specific needs of that clinical situation. The advanced health assessment course required in the MS and ND programs provides an example of what the faculty wanted to accomplish in the redesigned curriculum, given the guiding principles described above. The graduate level course consists of a series of modules, each one credit, which are available to students in both the MS ND programs. The modules cover core assessment concepts, and one or more of the following specialty areas: adult, geriatric, women’s, children’s, newborn, and prenatal assessment. Students complete only those modules necessary for their specialty option requirements. Entry level competencies have been set for each module. Any student who has completed the content of a required module at another point in their education, or has had extensive clinical practice in that area, or has completed a continuing education program on that content may demonstrate their competency by completing the designated clinical performance examination (CPE). If successful, that student has met the competency requirements for that module and may progress on to a subsequent requirement. Students who are deficient in basic health assessment knowledge and techniques are urged to complete an intensive basic assessment module and demonstrate competency before beginning the advanced modules. This enhances their ultimate success, confidence and competence. Students taking Advanced Health Assessment complete the didactic portions of the various modules in a web-based format. They also have the opportunity to attend lab sessions where they can demonstrate assessment techniques, ask questions of supervising lab faculty, practice particular techniques and demonstrate their proficiency with faculty direction. At various points, testing situations are required and students are presented with a focused clinical scenario and evaluated using the designated CPE and related critical elements. Results of the completed CPEs are part of the official course records, just as any other test result or grade. Specific evaluation comments, therefore, must be written to withstand legal scrutiny. The faculty established the policy that a failed CPE may be repeated only once. Students cannot advance into a subsequent assessment module until they have demonstrated proficiency for prerequisite competencies necessary for entry into that module. Although still in the early implementation phase, this competency-based approach has worked well to date. All enrolled graduate students in both the ND and MS programs are required to complete the modules appropriate to their specialization. In addition, nurses who are seeking prescriptive authority from the State of Colorado Board of Nursing enroll in the appropriate modules if they are deficient in the advanced assessment requirements. This can be done on a continuing education basis or as an enrolled Post-MS Certificate student. Some health care agencies are considering contracting for various modules for their staff as a means to acquire required competencies for incorporation into practice in the agency. Regardless of the purpose for taking the modules, learners are required to pass the designated CPEs and/or CPAs. The experience with the competency-based curriculum at CU-SON over the past 15-18 months has been very positive, although not without numerous challenges. Considerable faculty development in the methods of competency outcomes and performance assessment has been ongoing and will continue for the next one to two years. From the outset, faculty need a comprehensive orientation to the multiple and interrelated components of the COPA Model; they also need ongoing reinforcement and encouragement, and the time to learn and implement new methods. The curriculum committee has provided oversight through review of every course in all programs, whether on campus or web-based. This has been an ongoing process as courses are revised and new courses designed. Each course is reviewed from the competency-based perspective, including review of competency outcomes, interactive learning strategies, and the CPEs and CPAs proposed for that course. In addition, each course is reviewed for its relationship to the overall mission, philosophy, conceptual framework, and program outcomes for the unified curriculum. This process promotes internal consistency immediate to the overall success of the school and its graduates. The syllabus for every course uses a template that includes a standard set of definitions, explanations, and other information related to competency-based approaches and methods. This insures that students are continuously reminded of the performance expectations required for the course within the context of contemporary practice. The redesign also has required the development of a new evaluation plan for the curriculum. This includes new evaluation instruments to measure achievement of competency-based outcomes, effectiveness of learning strategies and assessment methods, and the satisfaction of students, graduates, faculty and employers. These evaluation methods and ongoing focus groups held with students and faculty provide the foundation for continuous quality improvement; they help faculty determine which components are working effectively and which need improvement. Both process and outcome data have provided important insights as additional courses are designed and implemented. The competency-based approach to nursing education has been endorsed by our stakeholder groups, particularly our colleagues in the clinical agencies. This model is very familiar to them and one that they believe has demonstrated validity and reliability. Overall, implementation of the competency-based COPA Model at CU-SON is an evolving success story. It has provided an exciting and educationally sound pathway as the school begins its second century of educational programs for local and distant learners and the consumers they serve. The experience in converting to a competency-based curriculum has been both successful and challenging. Faculty and student experiences to date have been positive. The redesigned curriculum is viewed as responsive to the competency-oriented environment and employers believe the transition of graduates into practice settings will be more effective, efficient, and successful. This competency-based approach to education can serve as a model which offers a wide variety of applications to education and service environments. Local Studies †¢ Performances of BPSU Level II Nursing Students in Rendering Immediate Post-partum Care of the Newborn. According to Blanco (2009), there’s no denying that performing well in clinical is a major challenge for just about any nursing student but for minority students –including male students , as well as students of color-success in the clinical rotation often is linked to faculty members’ sensitivity to issues these students face that may differ from what minority students experience. It also can depend on adapting teaching strategies to diverse learning styles, advocating for students who encounter biased in the clinical setting, and creating effect interventions for students who run into obstacles or need to improve their performance. Stott (2007), states that male nursing students face particular challenges from an academic and clinical practice perspective during their university experience. For example, themes identified from interviews and narratives highlighted the fact that there is a tendency for male nursing students to feel isolated and excluded from an academic and clinical perspective. As well as this, the informants of this study clearly highlighted their preference for engaging in the technical aspects of nursing. The implications for nurse educators are emphasized and from this, educational strategies are suggested to facilitate the retention of male nursing students in undergraduate nursing courses. This give male nurses an insufficient experience in rendering care and execution of their skills. Furthermore, Snavely (2001) reveals that numerical underrepresentation, not cultural factors, causes tokens to experience greater performance pressure, social isolation, and role entrapment. Subjects were 322 male and female nursing students from two similar Midwestern nursing schools. Subjects completed instrument measuring social isolation, upward communication distortion, performance pressure, and communication apprehension. The mentioned statements about the performances of male nurses in newborn care vary. In these citations, our study can serve as a helpful tool to show what causes or factors affects the performances of male nursing students in relation to newborn care. Male nurses face challenging situations whether or not they are allowed to handle women. This causes them alteration on experiences on their part. It gives male nurses minimal experience thus, not acquiring the needed level of performance they need to obtain. The mentioned statements above shows the importance of other experiences learned by the students not only in school but especially in the hospital because it is very necessary for the students to apply what has been previously learned in the classrooms for community, sequence and integration of principles, concepts, skills, and values which are basically the practical application of it. It must be continuously developed so as to ascertain that BSN graduates are clinically competent to undertake hospital works. Moreover, enough clinical or RLE exposures are beneficial to nursing graduates taking the board examination for the fact there might be questions which they actually experience in their hospital duties. Justification of the Study There are no other records or any studies which is similar to researchers. As a result, there is no chance of duplication, forgery or repetition. Sources: †¢ http://www. scribd. com/doc/52566380/Research-Newborn-Care †¢ http://cms. nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume41999/No2Sep1999/InitialandContinuingCompetenceinEducationandPracticeCompeten yAssessmentMethodsforDeve. aspx †¢ http://www. nejm. org/doi/full/10. 1056/NEJMsa0806033#t=article Chapter 3 Research Design and Procedure This chapter presents the method utilized by the researchers in presenting the findings, together with the procedures employed in gathering the data needed for the research study itself. It includes the profile of the respondents, the formulation and the validation of the data-gathering tool, and the statistical tools used in the treatment of the data gathered The Research Design In conducting the study, the researchers used the qualitative method which is a subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them meaning (Marshall Rossman, 2006, and Munhall, 2001). The mentioned method was chosen due to the researchers’ agreement to the belief that truth is both complex and dynamic and can be found only by studying persons as they interact with and within their sociohistorical settings (Marshall Rossman, 2006, and Munhall, 2001). Population and Locale The respondents involved in the study conducted are all of ___ fourth year tudent nurses from the University of Pangasinan of who were or are interning in the delivery room (DR) and/or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These respondents were selectively chosen from the total population of ___ fourth year student nurses from the University of Pangasinan due to the specification of their interned area which serves as the basis of this study. Data Gathering Tool In this research study, the r esearchers will use formulated questionnaires as the main data for gathering the needed information. The researchers based their questionnaires Competency of level IV Nursing Students on Immediate Newborn Care and self constructed questions. The questionnaire that the researchers made is easy to understand by the respondent. The researchers also classified the questionnaires according to the following: 1. Airway clearance 2. Attachment and Warmth 3. Cord care 4. APGAR scoring 5. Eye prophylaxis 6. Anthropometric measurements 7. Vitamin K administration 8. Immunizations 9. Bathing 10. Identification The level IV students will rate according to: HC ? Highly Competent; PC ? Partially Competent; and PyC ? Poorly Competency. The researchers’ questionnaire will evaluate the level IV competency in immediate newborn care. Data Gathering Procedure The data gathering process will start with the distribution of the survey questionnaire. Prior to the distribution, the researchers agreed upon a standard explanation for each of the following questions in the survey tool. The respondents will be selected from nurses who agreed to participate in the study, who meet the inclusion criteria and are able to speak and understand the English language well enough to answer the survey questions. The researchers will ensure that the respondents will be able to complete the survey questionnaire. Treatment of Data The data to be collected will be carefully tabulated, organized, analyzed and interpreted. The formula for average weighted mean is (Downie and Heath, 1984): __ X-EX/N Where: __ X- is the average weighted mean/points EX- the sum of the frequencies or measures N- is the number of cases The weighted mean is: WM- NR x CP/N Where: NR- is the number of responses registered in an item in any of the categories CP- is the number of point assigned to any of the categories N- is the number of respondents Measures to address any possible findings in the level of Competency of level IV Nursing students on Immediate Newborn Care. Descriptive Design Using Questionnaire 1. Profile of the Respondents a. Age b. Sex c. Assigned Hospitals 2. Level of Competency on Immediate Newborn Care a s to: a) Airway clearance b) Attachment and warmth c) Cord care d) Activity/muscle tone, Pulse/heart rate, Grimace, Appearance, Respiratory Effort Scoring e) Temperature taking f) Anthropometric measurements g) Eye prophylaxis h) Vitamin k administration i) Immunization j) Bathing k) Initial Feeding l) Proper Documentation l) Initial Feeding