Category: Uncategorized

MONETARY POLICY

Name

Institution

Incentives altered by the monetary policy

The Reserve Bank of Australia is held accountable for creating and putting monetary policy into practice. Australia has balanced exchange rates hence its money management policy includes the management of temporary interest rates to accomplish the objectives of domestic policy. Other countries, Canada and New Zealand, with developed economies apply this approach. In other nations, an optional center if interest for money management policy is the exchange rate. For instance, they may decide to have their base their exchange rate to a common global currency.

Monetary policy affects business investments in a number of ways. For instance, it affects saving and investment. Increased interest rates increase lending costs to finance expenditure. They also push up the inducement to save or reduce the rate of spending. This will in turn affect the profits of businesses. Real estate business are also affected when the there is high interest rates. This will make them delay the purchase of homes or decrease the amount of money they can spend in purchasing a house (Enright & Petty 2013, p. 65). When the interest rates reduce, businesses are able to borrow large sums of money which can be used in other investments. Consequently, the fluctuations in the number of housed being constructed or purchased will affect the price and demand of other goods like building materials. This will in turn affect those companies dealing in building materials and employment in the industry. When there is an increased cost of investment, less business savings projects are anticipated to produce sufficiently increased rates of proceeds to indicate their progress. However, such projects are carried out when the lending rate is reduced. It is always difficult to detect such changes since an organization involves a lot of vital factors controlling its investment.

The other way monetary policy affect business investment is through cash flow. The cash flow effect for organizations is considered to be less complex since most of them are major net borrowers. Fluctuations in interest rates can have a huge effect on the total cash flow of companies. For instance, in 1980s when the unpaid debts and interest rates were high, total business payments increased up to more than one-third of total profits. This limit on cash flow was definitely one of the reasons why there was a subsequent decrease in business investment in the subsequent years, even though other common recurring factors were also vital. Monetary policy also affects companies through money and credit. When there are increased monetary restrictions, the lending rates for banks are also controlled. The process of rationing loans implies that local banks will not receive enough funds hence they will be forced to regulate their lending rates. Therefore, it will not be easy for companies to obtain loans. If they will have to be given loans, then it will not involve huge sums of money thus this will have an effect in their development projects. However, the lending rate is not expected to change when the monetary policy introduces tight financial conditions (Wiedemer 2012, p. 22). Tight monetary regulations will affect the economy. Companies are not willing to borrow money in for development in the declining economies reducing the total credit improvement.

Fluctuations in interest rates can have an impact on the value of properties hence affecting the possessions and spending choices individuals. In turn, a number of businesses will also be affected since people will not be having enough money to purchase their products. There are a number o categories of properties through which this process might function. These include: residences, possession investments, shares, or other monetary investment. Hypothetically, increased interest rate is anticipated to create a reduction in the value of the properties since the opportunity cost for possessing the assets will be high. On the other hand, then the value of properties is low, the spending rate is anticipated to reduce though reduced wealth and lending capacity to the point that the properties concerned could have served as a security loan.

Monetary policy causes variations in the exchange rates which will in turn affect the prices of both local and foreign goods and services. For instance, a reduction in the interest rates increases the prices of imported goods. This will then affect the average prices of products bought because imported goods always have a direct relationship with the local spending. Business will be affected when the average price of goods is lower than normal. Their returns will decrease since they will be selling their products at a lower cost than that used in production. Monetary policy affects wage and price-setting. If monetary policy accomplishes its main goal of stabilizing prices, then inflation prospects will remain reduced. Therefore, wage and price-setting will also be low. It is important to note that fluctuations in demand can create anxiety in the labor market and intermediary goods market hence affecting wage and price-setting.

Reasons given by the Reserve Bank for its decision to raise interest rates in April 2010

Before the increase in the interest rates in 2010, reserve bank gave many reasons to justify their action. For instance, the government stated that the consensus to increase the lending rate was due to the fact that the international economy was steadily advancing and the GDP is also anticipated to rise in the subsequent years. The growth is still uncertain in some major nations since there was an ongoing legacy of the financial crisis leading to the continuing excess capacity. They gave an example of Asia which had undivided financial sector hence their growth has been tremendous (Desai 2011, p. 58). This effect creates pressure on the values of raw materials. The other reason provided was that the country was experiencing an increase in their trade conditions, adding to returns and advancing an upsurge in investment in the resources sector. In this situation, the output advancement in the country in the next coming years was expected to be more than that of the previous year, despite the fact that the effects of previous expansionary policy actions will be reducing.

The rate of unemployment appeared to have peaked at a reduced level that that which had been previously anticipated. The process of company sector de-gearing was becoming reasonable since the rate of reduction in business credit was also becoming less. This implied that additional lenders were increasingly becoming more prepared to lend some borrowers. The country’s housing dept was on the increase at a higher rate. Fresh provision of loans for housing have restrained in the last few months due to the increase in lending rates. However, at this time the market for creating houses is still distinguished by significant resilience, with the continuous increase in prices experienced at the beginning of 2010. The inflation has increased due to the increase in the temporary factors that had been holding it (Ferran 2012, p. 282). The government also noted that inflation was anticipated to be consistent with the set objective in 2010.

With the danger of serious economic reduction in the country having experienced some time back, the board has been reducing the level of monetary incentive that was installed when the outbreak was experienced to be much less. Loan providers have increased their rates higher than the cash rate. Lending rates to majority of the borrowers have been at a reduced rate than the normal. Therefore, the board decided that it was necessary to increase the interest rates because the growth was most probably to be around trend and price increases close to the objective in the coming year.

Australia’s monetary policies between 2006 and 2013

Arguably, the Australian monetary policies have been appropriate for the economic circumstances during this period because it has assisted in retaining the total internal balance. Especially, the country’s credible med-term inflation targeting structure has functioned appropriately throughout this period. Conversely, it is also important to note that monetary policy interfere with the factors determining the economy. The policy should not interfere with the occurrence of structural change. Monetary policies have played an important role in the total demand and supply is in wide balance hence organizations have been able to carry out staffing, investment, and production with realistic buoyancy concerning the safety of the overall economy (Mishkin 2007, p 424). Since the international financial crisis became more serious in 2008, the loosening of the monetary policy definitely played an important role to the Australian economy. Due to the relaxation, there was a change in the country’s temporary lending rates and exchange rate.

By first looking at the interest rate, Reserve Bank decreased authorized lending rates by 4.25%. This was after it was reduced from 7.25% to 3%, one of the lowest authorized lending rates. This implies that there was an additional household income per year. For instance, when housing loan of $200,000 is reduced by 3%, there would be an additional domestic income of $6000 per year, a huge multiple of $990 given out from the central government as a financial aid. Reduced lending rates also had an impact on the country’s economy. Most of the private companies which depended on credit during their constrained periods were relieved. This is considered to be applicable from employment viewpoint since unemployment mostly affects the private firms and not the public companies. Reduced lending rates also reduced the country’s exchange rate with more stimulatory effects.

The monetary policies have led to the reduction in the employment rate and increase in business investments. Moreover, the country has also experienced its retail sales increase above the rate that can be sustained. In 2008, monetary policy led to a reduction in the exchange rate and prices of products. This reduced the price of imported goods hence people were able to carry out purchases thereby improving their economy caused by the continuous flow of money.

List of references

Desai, P., 2011, From financial crisis to global recovery. New York, Columbia University Press.

Enright, M. J., & Petty, R., 2013, Australia’s Competitiveness From Lucky Country to Competitive Country. Hoboken, Wiley. http://msvu.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=1187724.

Ferran, E., 2012, The regulatory aftermath of the global financial crisis. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Mishkin, F. S., 2007, Monetary policy strategy. Cambridge, Mass. [u.a.], MIT Press.

Wiedemer, J. P., 2012, Real estate finance. Mason, Ohio, South-Western.

Virtual field trip

Name

Institution

Molokai Virtual Field

Field trips are always interesting. The recent field trip I took was a virtual field trip. A virtual filed trip involves visiting a place without leaving once destination. This field trip has basically a view of the tour area through satellite imaging (Cooper & Cooper, 2001). Through the URL in the reference (Glaze & Mouginis-Mark, 1996), you will find a map, and on if you click yellow circles you will see the air photos and white circles will lead you to spots on the ground, this takes you exactly where you want to take your trip. For example, if you click on point one it will lead you to the northwest rift zone of West Molokai. Through the virtual field trip, I noticed several geographical, geological principles make the Molokai region unique. These are:

A lot of cliffs along the East Molokai northern shore

Sea cliffs that have spectacular waterfalls falling down to the sea along the Molokai’s north shore

The remnants of Molokai Island that fell into the ocean

Kauhako Crater found on Kalaupapa Peninsula

Rise of sea cliffs so high along East Molokai shore by like 1,000 meters

West Molokai volcano northwest zone

Different coastlines as I fly around Molokai’s southern shore

Coral reefs closer view near SE Molokai Kamalo area

West of Molokai main town

Examples of watercourse engraved in the volcanic rocks shown on other view of the south side East of the Molokai volcano

The strong point of this Molokai area is it has beautiful spots to explore but has a weakness of not being access by land. Though that is the issue, the pictures from the sky were superb, and I enjoyed the scenes and topography of the ground. Also, the trip advisory was so simple and easy to follow. The Molokai virtual field trip was an interesting trip. I would recommend anybody with the intent of taking a virtual field to a place with interesting geological formations to consider taking the trip to Molokai.

Reverences

Cooper, G. & Cooper, G. (2001). New virtual field trips. Englewood, Colo: Libraries Unlimited/Teacher Ideas Press.

Glaze, L. & Mouginis-Mark,P. (1996). Virtually Hawaii. http://satftp.soest.hawaii.edu/space/hawaii/vfts/molokai/molokai.air.photographs.html

Money And Banking

Until in 2007, advance in monetary economics had led to academic economists as well as, policy makers to argue that there was a well definition of monetary policy in regards to the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve also known as “the fed” defines the monetary policy as an action it undertakes the government to influence the availability as well as, the cost of money and credit. Study shows that the expectations of market participants always play a significant role to determine prices and growth (Wicker pg. 132). Monetary policy is also defined as the policies, statements and actions of the fed so as to influence how the future is perceived. Therefore, the fed in this case acts as the last resort or the lender to the nation’s financial system, for instance, the fed ensures that there is a continued smooth functioning of the financial intermediation by ensuring that they have provided financial markets with an adequate liquidity. In summary, this paper will give a report on the monetary policy of the Fed (Open market operation, reserve requirement, discount rate) during the economic crisis between 2007 and 2009.

The congress for many years have delegated the responsibility for the monetary policy to the fed, however they retain an oversight responsibilities of ensuring that the fed adheres to the statutory mandate of long-term interest rates and maximum employment. The aim of the fed is to ensure that the nation’s central bank falls into categories of monetary policy to ensure that there is financial stability through the lender of resort function as well as providing payment system services to the financial firms and to the government. Traditionally, it is evident that the fed implemented monetary policy through open market operation, reserve requirement and discount rate. Open market operation majorly involved with purchasing and selling of the United States Treasury securities. The fed conducted the operations by ensuring that interest rate targets are set, this was significant in that it allowed the fed to fulfill its statutory and legal mandate of stable prices, maximum employment as well as, moderate long-term interest rates. Therefore, it can be evident that the interest rate targeted are the federal funds rate, which are the price at which most banks buy as well as, sell reserves on an overnight basis. This federal funds rate can be then linked to other short-term rates like economic recessions and inflation expectations, which in turn will influence the longer-term interest rates.

Consequently, Economic recession takes place when there is a fall-off in demand of consumers. When there is a slow growth, most businesses fail to expand making them not to hire new workers. In this case, recession is said to be underway although, it only affects people when layoffs begin. The U. S has become a victim to economic recession and most experts have given their views regarding the situation. For this case, the Government of the U.S needs to know that they are the key players for stopping recession and diverting economy to growth path. The government should also focus on how to increase money circulation, the debt level of per capita and any other causes of recession.

Conversely, interest rates are renowned to have been affecting the interest-sensitive spending such as the business capital spending especially on plant and equipment, residential investments as well as, household spending on consumer durables. Through this, monetary policy can be used to slow aggregate spending in the short run (Hetzel, pg 172). A stable rate of inflation is significant in promoting price transparency however, monetary policy is said to affect inflation in the long run. According to the report submitted by the fed government, it is noted that direct lending is significant in response to the financial crisis, as a result, the fed managed to create a number of new ways of ensuring that they inject reserves, credit, as well as, liquidity into the banking system, and making loans to firms that are not banks. This was significant because these allowed the people to pay back the loans with interest.

For instance, according to Raymond, he argued that in order to resolve the issue of negative impacts of interest that affects the economy, the U.S president should lower the interest rates to enable business and consumers to get back on their feet. I believe this will help in resolving the problem because credit access should never be barriers for a justifiable enthusiastic entrepreneur for starting a business, therefore reducing interest rates will fortunately stop this. I therefore believe that, the U.S president should have his hands to steer this aspect by balancing interest rates as well as, inflation. When inflation increases, interest rates should also increase to discourage borrowing (Brezina, pg. 123).

Conversely, according to Kathy Lee, she also argues that the U.S president should raise taxes while reduce government spending. The U.S government should give tax to encourage the citizens of U.S with enough money for saving and investing in stocks, bonds or start businesses to enable new job created and money that lies idle in bank is routed to healthy use. On the other hand, I also agree with Patricia advice regarding the Federal Reserve. It is true that government should encourage selling of bonds and raising the requirement of the bank reserve since it will improve the stability of many banks to customers’ deposits. Lastly, I also believe that the U.S President should raise interest rates as well as, encouraging savings. I agree to this argument because since people without saving is said to be roofless. The president should encourage saving starting from the micro-economics to macro-economic and aliasing with the congress by giving out tax sops to the citizens abroad, which in turn bring back money to the country to invest there. The graph below represents the fed funds rate target.

Works cited

Brezina, Corona. Understanding the Federal Reserve and monetary policy. New York: Rosen Pub., 2012. Print.

Hetzel, Robert L.. The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve: a history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print.

Wicker, Elmus R.. Federal Reserve monetary policy, 2007-2009. New York: Random House, 2007. Print.

Morals Without God

Question 1

According to an article by Louise Antony in the New York Times, there is a reason to claim that atheists are right about matters concerning God. In response to this post, there is evidence to suggest that her claims are not true. Antony believes that theists only engage in acts of morality because they are commanded to do so. Theists behave in certain ways to, please their God. Furthermore, atheists are believed to follow commands given to them, without questioning. Atheists do not believe that theists are genuine; rather they are people under obligations. Antony provides an example of whereby; someone will love a child only because they have been commanded to do so. It means that the love the person has for the child is not genuine as they have been forced. The latter is not true, as one cannot force the other to love. Parents have an obligation of loving their children, under all circumstances. It is not true to claim that parents love their children because a higher power has demanded it. It would mean that atheists do not love their children, since they do not have any divine power, which has commanded them to do so. Thus, it is not possible to agree with the article by Antony, as people have an obligation of being morally upright (Antony, 2011. 1). It is not right to claim that theists are only morally upright because they have been commanded by their God. The article by Antony is thus not credible.

Question 2

Post 1

It is not right to claim that atheists do not have morals. Various societies have different moral that are wrong and right. For example, it is wrong to eat pork among Muslims, while it is accepted in Christianity. Atheists, thus have their own right to have their own beliefs (Mills & Sagan, 2006. 78).

Post 2

The God, which people abide by, is responsible for actions committed by them. I do not agree with Antony, as people need a divine power to have morals. People will be judged according to earthly laws, as they await further judgment upon death (Huston & Sponville, 2007.19).

Post 3

Not every human being is aware of the differences between wrong and right. If the latter were possible, people would never commit immoral acts. Thus, people need to have a belief in God in order to acquire morals (Mills & Sagan, 2006. 86).

Post 4

I agree with this post as people will never at one point agree on issues concerning morality. People interpret things in different ways, and it is only if God himself came to earth and preached that will make people agree on the matter (Huston & Sponville, 2007.23).

Work Cited

Antony, Louise. Good minus God. The New York Times. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/good-minus-god/” http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/good-minus-god/ (December 21, 2011).

Mills, David. & Sagan, Dorion. Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person’s answer to Christian Fundamentalism. New York: Ulysses Press, 2006.Print.

Huston, Nancy. & Sponville, Andre. The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality. New York: Viking Adult, 2007. Print.

Career 1 Discussion Post

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Professor’s Name

Date

Career 1 Discussion Post

Similar to other counseling disciplines, career counseling faces ethical standards as other counselors. Counselors can access very personal or private matters of their respective clients. Disclosing this information means a breach of confidentiality which could be criminal resulting in civil penalties for the counselors. Disclosure of private information is one of the ethical issues linked to career counseling. However, there are other ethical issues related to career counseling and not in other types of counseling (Hooley & Rice, 2019).

One of the issues is the undue influence of the desired outcomes (Irving et al., 2019). The counselors might attempt to influence the decision-making process of their clients based on their expertise and beliefs. For example, career counselors from organizations related to aviation might attempt to guide their clients back into the aviation companies since they are very familiar with the aviation industry and the career paths of the employees in this industry.

Another ethical issue is the application of inappropriate evaluation processes and models (Irving et al., 2019). When career counselors apply inappropriate testing or interpretation of the results, they would significantly skew the outcome of the clients. For example, the client may be given advanced skills without an evaluation of their understanding and expertise levels. These poor results would result in the clients foregoing a job or career they look forward to but would need additional training.

Career counselors might also provide counseling to clients in untrained or unfamiliar competencies (Irving et al., 2019). Counseling is known not to be a one-size fits. Every client is an individual and requires different levels and types of support. Clients are known to choose counselors that are competent in particular disciplines and subjects. The clients, therefore, expect that the services of the respective counselors are useful and professional. If career counselors operate outside their competency levels, the outcomes are less likely to match the needs of their clients. For example, women returning to the workforce after a child-rearing period require specialized needs such as legal advice and evaluation, and retraining. The specific nature of their requirements, therefore, requires particular competencies that deal with gender or mid-career counseling matters.

Lastly, career counselors may create intentional errors in evaluation and assessment (Irving et al., 2019). Clients who have contracted and sought out professional counselors are predisposed to act on the recommendations or the results from their meetings. This creates high levels of trust in the counselors from the beginning even before the counselor and the clients meet. With regards to this, the assessments and the evaluation results must be accurate according to the needs of the clients. Results containing errors result in the clients making inappropriate career choices or disregarding opportunities and options for appropriate careers.

References

Hooley, T., & Rice, S. (2019). Ensuring quality in career guidance: a critical review. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 47(4), 472-486.

Irving, B. A., & Malik-Liévano, B. (2019). Ecojustice, equity, and ethics: challenges for educational and career guidance. Revista Fuentes, 21 (2), 253-263.

AccupunctureImagine having crippling back pain as you arise out of bed every morning, or sharp pains in your shoulders and knees that no longer allow you to perform up to your actual ability. Whether it is in athletics, at work, or even just through out your daily life these problems can hinder you from being able to perform at your best. Imagine a therapy that can cure these physical disabilities, relieve stress, and put an end to depression. Acupuncture is an alternative means of therapy that can do just that.

People use acupuncture for many different bodily illnesses, mental illnesses, and addiction problems. One expert states that it can be performed in numerous ways including using heat, pressure, friction, suction, and sending impulses of electromagnetic energy to specific anatomic points in the body, but most commonly performed using needles. (Cook, 1999)

Today there are many options when choosing an approach for improved health and health care. Not only are we making intense progress in modern medicines, but also the use of alternative medicines is widely increasing. One form of alternative medicine that is widely used today is acupuncture. Acupuncture has been a complete system of treatment for at least two thousand years. First documented in ancient China, acupuncture over the past two thousand years, has continued to evolve and develop.

Along with the growing use of this alternative form of treatment, more people in the western culture must be informed of the many benefits that can be received with this type of therapy. More people must know their current options in today’s medicine. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has proven safe and effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Many people are unaware of what acupuncture really is. According to J.M. Helms (2001), “Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” Acupuncture is performed with many different techniques, but Zoe Brenner (1997) states, “The healing technique of acupuncture is founded on the principle that internal harmony is essential for good health.”

Here are a few cases that you may possibly relate to; studied by author of Thorston’s Principles of Acupuncture, Angela Hicks (1997). Case number one starts with an older woman named Edna. Edna has constant pain in her right shoulder. This condition has made her feel that her life has become,” [not] worth living.” Just lifting her grandchildren is a difficult task. Secondly, we have Paul a fifty six year old gentleman that has severe migraines. Paul has tried homeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and osteopathy and has experienced no improvement. Doctors have provided Paul with painkillers to try and dull the pain. Lastly, there is Marion, a forty eight year old full time nurse and student in college dealing with depression. Marion had felt that she had lost all of her confidence, and found herself consumed with worry about her classes. All three of these subjects have begun acupuncture treatments hoping to one-day return to their normal selves.

The target ailments that acupuncture can treat are almost endless. Here is a listing of the most common reasons people seek therapy by acupuncture: arthritis, asthma, athletic injury, back problems, chronic fatigue, colds, depression, earaches, headaches, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, chronic pain, sore throat, stress, and toothaches. (Brenner, 1997) Acupuncture has also made medical progress in the following disorders: Digestive disorders, Respiratory disorders, neurological/muscular disorders, and urinary/menstrual and reproductive problems. (Helms, 2001)

Not only has acupuncture made a difference in many medical cases, but has also began to cause positive change with many addition problems as well. Charles Vincent (2001) quotes, “Acupuncture is used in more than 20 states in over 800 drug dependency programs. Patients who go through these programs have lower re-arrest rates on drug-related charges than those not treated with acupuncture.” Currently the U.S. Government sponsors the use of acupuncture in drug rehabilitation programs.

Acupuncture can work in many ways to help maintain human health and well being, but it is still considered alternative medicine in the western countries unlike in eastern countries, such as China, where it is considered modern medicine.

Acupuncture dates back over thousands of years ago. An internet information source says, “Some acupuncture needles date back 3,000 years and have been found in Inner Mongolia, (Ivillage, 2002)” but acupuncture can scientifically be traced back to B.C. times. An acupuncture expert, Kevin O’Neil (2001) states, “The history of acupuncture is much longer than the needles are. Most scholars agree that stone probes, found in pre-historic Chinese caves and tombs were the original acupuncture/acupressure instruments. Such stone probes date back to prehistory, over 5,000 years ago. Acupuncture using needles and the systemized meridians [though] is more traceable to the past 2000 years.”

One scientist has made an unbelievable discovery about how far this therapy may really date back. William Corliss (1999) writes “the Tyrolean iceman died in the Alps about 5,200 years ago, but his mummified body is exceptionally well preserved- so well that 15 tattoo groups on his body stand out. Most are at common acupuncture points. Iceman supposedly suffered from arthrosis of the lumbar spine. The iceman’s body is punctured at the points usually used by acupuncturists to treat this condition. Another Scientist named Leopold Dorfer (1998) says, “these findings raise the possibility that the practice of therapeutic intended acupuncture originated long before the medical tradition of ancient China (approx. 1000 B.C.) and its geographical origins were Eurasian rather than East Asian, consistent with far-reaching intercultural contacts of pre-historic mankind.” Even though there is evidence that acupuncture has been practiced for ages, it didn’t become a popular method of therapy in the western countries until the 1970’s. (Ivillage, 2002)

To fully understand the nature of acupuncture and the theories behind it we must take a look at the qi & blood, and the yin & yang aspects of treatment. Honora Wolfe (2001), an acupuncture activist, believes “Yin and yang are the cornerstones for understanding, diagnosing, and treating the body and mind with acupuncture or any other types of Chinese medicines.” George Lewith (2001) also states “The theory of yin and yang is a kind of world outlook. It holds that all things have two opposite aspects, yin & yang, which are both opposite and at the same time independent.”

Every organ within the body has a yin and yang side. Some examples of yin and yang are….

After understanding that everything has a yin and yang, you can relate this to acupuncture by seeing that, for example, if the upper and lower (Yin &Yang) of the spine are unequal they may just need balanced out to return you back a healthy condition. Furthermore, you must understand the qi & blood aspect of acupuncture. “qi (pronounced Chee) is often translated as energy, and has five specific functions: Defense- protecting the body, Transformation- breaking down the substances into vitamins and minerals that the body can use, Warmth- warming the body inside and out, Restraint holds organs and substances in proper place inside the body, and Transportation- motivating force for all transportation in the body.”(Wolfe, 2001) Qi and blood are the two most important complementary pairs of yin and yang within the human body, like fire and water to the earth. The Internet source, Oriental Medicine (1999) quotes, “Oriental medicine views Blood as a manifestation of qi with very different functional aspects than the blood we understand through the eyes of Western Medicine. Spleen and Stomach are the primary sources of qi and Blood as they are the starting point of the transformation process which turns our food and water intake into blood.” Yin and yang along with qi and Blood are very important keys for acupuncturists to properly diagnose and perform treatments.

A lot of people may question the safety of acupuncture. People wonder, ‘Does it hurt?’, ‘Are there any side effects?’, and ‘What kinds of medical qualifications must a acupuncturist have?’. A current website for medical acupuncture (2001) states, “People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all.” “Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.”(Helms, 2001) The question of how the pain from acupuncture needles differs from the use of hypodermic needles is simple, an informed acupuncture internet source (2001) states, “Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hard and they are not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted into more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered.”

As for side effects, “Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm.” (Acupuncture Today, 2001) William M Cargile (2001), Chairman of research for the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, says “In short [acupuncture] provides maximum benefits without the dangerous side effects associated with many of the approaches of conventional medicine.” Side effects, whether with oriental or conventional Medicine, are some times unavoidable. A clinical abstract by Ernest G. Strzyz (1998), a professor at Humbolt University, showed fabulous results. Out of 409 Patients with 3535 acupuncture treatments, only 11.37% showed adverse effects, most mainly experienced bleeding (2.9%), Hematoma (2.2%), Dizziness (1%), and other vegetative symptoms such as fainting, nausea, and prolonged De-Qi-effect (2.74%).

An acupuncturist must go through years of formal training before he/she may begin to practice. As for education, he/she must have a bachelors and two-year program study in acupuncture or another board approved two-year study. They must also gain successful completion of a board approved tutorial program in acupuncture. As for experience, an acupuncturist must perform no less than 750 patient treatment sessions as a full time acupuncturist during a 12-month period for three years. “The accreditation commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine (ACAOM) is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Acupuncture is a three-year masters level program. Over 45 colleges are accredited in status.” (Vincent, 2001) John Amaro (2000) states, “Currently more than 60% of the chiropractic state boards in the U.S. regulate the practice of acupuncture.” And According to CNN half of all medical schools now offer courses in alternative medicine, and world wide, only 10 to 30% of people use conventional medicine, 70 to 90% now use alternative medicines. (Thinkquest.org, 2002) Currently, traditional Chinese medicine has been chosen by the world health organization for the worldwide propagation to meet the health care needs of the twenty-first century. (Thinkquest.org, 2002) Acupuncture promotes health and well-being, prevention of illness, and provides treatment for specific conditions.

Length of acupuncture treatments varies. “The number of treatments needed differs from person to person.” (Helms, 2001) For long standing conditions, it is generally recommended to have one or two treatments a week. But as for acute problems, generally, you may only need four sessions per year. In Edna’s condition, from previous discussion, she noticed a difference after only her first treatment. Paul had taken treatments once every two weeks for two months, and after only 4-5 treatments he thought, “I’m OK now.” And in Marion’s case, when she had her first treatment she felt it work right away. She felt movement in her temples, and in the sides of her neck. She simply just enjoyed having the treatment. (Hicks, 1997)

Not only has acupuncture made tremendous advances in medicines today, it is now very cost effective versus surgery. Acupuncture treatments can result in the avoidance of surgery, fewer hospital visits and greater return to employment. Acupuncture therapy could possibly save you any where from $26,000 to $9,000. (Vincent, 2001)

After reviewing all of the facts that surround acupuncture, it is obvious that acupuncture has its benefits. It is becoming more of a world-accepted method of treatment everyday. Not only is it effective, but it is cost effective as well. Studies about acupuncture still continue today and new research is being uncovered daily, yet very few are able to prove the method inadequate. Dennis Tucker, Ph.D., L.ac, of Nevada City California (2000) has faith that acupuncture will continually evolve and become a practical method of therapy. “While acupuncture represents a legacy of concepts that predate Western Civilization, as a contemporary health care system it also represents a synthesis of continuously evolving scientific and technological developments which provides us with new tools to meet current clinical challenges.”

Bibliography:

Acupuncture Today: “All About Acupuncture” (Oct. 02, 2001). Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/about.html

Amaro, John A.(2001). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/15/25/13.html

Brenner, Zoe (1997) “The Alternative Advisor.” Time Life Books, pp.32

Cargile, William Michael (2001). F.I.A.C.A. Retrieved march 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.thinkquest.org

Cook, Allan R. (1999). “The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook.” Omnigraphics, 1st edition pp. 55.

Corliss, William R. (1999). “Science Frontiers.” Jan.-Feb. Vol. 121.

Dorfer, Leopold (1998). “5200-Year-Old Acupuncture in Central Europe?” Science, pp. 282,242.

Helms, J. M., MD (2001). “Doctor, What is Acupuncture all about?” American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Retrieved February 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/aboutacupuncture.html

Hicks, Angela (1997) “Thorsons Principles of Acupunture.” Harper Collins, pp.4-7.

Ivillage: (2002) “Acupuncture”. Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.ivillage.com/acupuncture.htm

Lewith, George T. (2000). “Modern Chinese Acupuncture” Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?id=1707

O’Neil, Kevin (2001).”Ancient Way: Acupuncture and Herbs.” Retrieved February 20, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.ancientway.com/Pages/Acupuncture.html

Oriental Medicine (1999) Blood. Retrieved March 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.orientalmedicine.com/bt_blood.html

Strzyz, Ernest G.(2000). Retrieved From the World Wide Web: http://users.med.auth.gr/~karanick/english/articles/adv.html

Thinkquest.org (2002). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/facts-stats.html

Tucker, Dennis (2001). Ph.D., L.ac. of Nevada City, California. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://library.thinkquest.org

Vincent, Charles (2001). “The Safety of Acupuncture.” Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. Retrieved February 2, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acuall.org/safety.htm

Wolfe, Honora Lee (2001). “Acupuncture: Ancient Cure for Modern Ills” Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. Retrieved February 6, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.acuall.org/hwolfe.htm

Career 1 Discussion Post

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Career 1 Discussion Post

Similar to other counseling disciplines, career counseling faces ethical standards as other counselors. Counselors can access very personal or private matters of their respective clients. Disclosing this information means a breach of confidentiality which could be criminal resulting in civil penalties for the counselors. Disclosure of private information is one of the ethical issues linked to career counseling. However, there are other ethical issues related to career counseling and not in other types of counseling (Hooley & Rice, 2019).

One of the issues is the undue influence of the desired outcomes (Irving et al., 2019). The counselors might attempt to influence the decision-making process of their clients based on their expertise and beliefs. For example, career counselors from organizations related to aviation might attempt to guide their clients back into the aviation companies since they are very familiar with the aviation industry and the career paths of the employees in this industry.

Another ethical issue is the application of inappropriate evaluation processes and models (Irving et al., 2019). When career counselors apply inappropriate testing or interpretation of the results, they would significantly skew the outcome of the clients. For example, the client may be given advanced skills without an evaluation of their understanding and expertise levels. These poor results would result in the clients foregoing a job or career they look forward to but would need additional training.

Career counselors might also provide counseling to clients in untrained or unfamiliar competencies (Irving et al., 2019). Counseling is known not to be a one-size fits. Every client is an individual and requires different levels and types of support. Clients are known to choose counselors that are competent in particular disciplines and subjects. The clients, therefore, expect that the services of the respective counselors are useful and professional. If career counselors operate outside their competency levels, the outcomes are less likely to match the needs of their clients. For example, women returning to the workforce after a child-rearing period require specialized needs such as legal advice and evaluation, and retraining. The specific nature of their requirements, therefore, requires particular competencies that deal with gender or mid-career counseling matters.

Lastly, career counselors may create intentional errors in evaluation and assessment (Irving et al., 2019). Clients who have contracted and sought out professional counselors are predisposed to act on the recommendations or the results from their meetings. This creates high levels of trust in the counselors from the beginning even before the counselor and the clients meet. With regards to this, the assessments and the evaluation results must be accurate according to the needs of the clients. Results containing errors result in the clients making inappropriate career choices or disregarding opportunities and options for appropriate careers.

References

Hooley, T., & Rice, S. (2019). Ensuring quality in career guidance: a critical review. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 47(4), 472-486.

Irving, B. A., & Malik-Liévano, B. (2019). Ecojustice, equity, and ethics: challenges for educational and career guidance. Revista Fuentes, 21 (2), 253-263.

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ACCT 2101 PROJECT

Introduction

Lindsay Corporation is a public company located in Omaha, Nebraska United States. The company was founded in 1950 by Paul Zimmerer. Lindsay Corp provides road infrastructure services and water management products and services. The company is divided into two departments. The first department deals with infrastructure and the second department focuses on irrigation. The irrigation department deals with manufacture and marketing of hose reel irrigation systems, center pivot and lateral move. These equipment are used in the agricultural industry. The infrastructure department deals with the manufacture and marketing of special barriers, movable barriers, end terminals, road markings, road safety equipment and crash cushions.

Financial Ratios

Current Ratio

Current Ratio=Total current assets/ Total current liabilities

Current Ratio=313.49M/82.13M

Current Ratio=3.817

Interpretation- This tells the owners of Lindsay Corporation that current liabilities are covered by current assets 3.817 times. This means that the business has enough current assets to meet the payment schedule of current liabilities with a margin of safety.

Working Capital Ratio

Working Capital=Total Current Assets-Total Current Liabilities

Working Capital=313.49M-82.13M

Working Capital=231.36m

Interpretation- This means that Lindsay Corp has $231.36M in working capital. This is good for the company since the working capital is a positive figure. It means the company has the ability to weather hard times.

Inventory Turnover Ratio

Inventory Turnover Ratio=Cost of Goods Sold/Total Inventory

Inventory Turnover Ratio=329.46M/92.29M

Inventory Turnover Ratio=3.56

Interpretation= this means that Lindsay Corp had an inventory turnover of 3.56. That is to say that during the financial period, the inventory was converted to sales 3.56 times

Conclusion

Based on the results from the above three financial ratios I would invest in Lindsay Corporation. Looking at the current ratio, the company has enough current assets to meet the payment schedule of current liabilities with a margin of safety. Using the working capital ratio I would invest in the company since the working capital is positive which means that the company is operating within safety margins. The inventory turnover of the company is also good considering that it is dealing with the sale of imperishable goods and services. A turnover of 3.56 is impressive.

Morality: is it an issue in human cloning?

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Institution

Introduction

Human cloning has, since time immemorial, been one of the most controversial topics in the last few decades. Cloning refers to the process by which a human being is asexually replicated during any stage of his development or growth. It is worth noting that human cells, genes, tissues, and proteins are usually cloned for biomedical or biological research. While controversy is expected for any scientific research topic, the main bone of contention in human cloning emanates from the moral and ethical issues surrounding it. Numerous works of literature have been written pertaining to this issue, all of which seem to revolve around the morality or political issues surrounding cloning.

In the essay titled, “Narcissus Cloned”, John J. Conley states that the discussion pertaining to the ethics of human cloning rarely goes beyond the intuitive blame and praise to a careful analysis of ethical issues that the practice presents. Conley underlines the reasons why the practice is morally impoverished, as well as the key ethical issues that plague the practice. He states that human cloning is a violation of every human being’s respect for life that starts at conception (Conley, 1994). Life starts at conception as this is the time when numerous physical characteristics that shape an individual’s interpersonal relations are formed. In addition, cloning undermines human diversity, which is one of the most fundamental values of social interactions. The main contention that Conley has with human cloning is the fact that it undermines the integrity underlined by human love (Conley, 1994). This is because the conception of human beings is and has almost always been a product or result of love or rather a conjugal embrace of the individual’s parents. Cloning, however, looks like the invasion of the intimate drama involved in the generation and procreation of children by a scientist in the lab (Conley, 1994). Ultimately, cloning infringes on the fundamental aspects of love, life and otherness, thereby challenging the foundation of human dignity. This is the key idea that is incorporated or underlined in “Narcissus Cloned”.

It is obvious right from the beginning “Narcissus Cloned” falls under the genre of argumentative writing. It aims at arguing or convincing the reader about the immorality underlined by human cloning. It attains this by stating its case and supporting its case with various arguments and facts. In addition, it outlines the opposing side’s arguments and rebuffs it. As much as the writer packs a considerable number of ideas in his sentences, it goes without saying that he is extremely concise in putting forward his points.

However, the key point of the entire text is challenged by Ian Wilmut in the essay titled, “The Moral Imperative for Human Cloning”. The essay, published on 21st Feb 2004 in “The New Scientist”, challenges the thought that cloning is entirely evil or morally wrong. This informative essay states that, cloning would come in handy in solving problems associated with regenerative tissues, as it would offer patients with tissue-matched cells. He states that cloning would allow individuals to recreate diseased cells using the same genetic makeup as the cells, outside the body of the patient. In addition, human cloning incorporates the potential of revolutionizing other fields of biomedical research. This is especially as pertaining to the development and testing of new medications. Research has shown that negative reactions to prescription medication have been killing thousands of people per year, even in cases where these drugs have been used correctly. This underlines the fact that there exists no appropriate method of testing or ascertaining the reaction that different people would exhibit for different categories of medications. Wilmut concurs with Conley as to the fact that cloning is mainly done for the benefit of research (Wilmut, 2004). This is the same statement emphasized by Conley in stating that current experiments on human cloning are simply scientific research. However, Wilmut challenges that as much as human beings would not be the key or primary beneficiaries of human cloning they would also gain substantially through the effects of therapeutic cloning. Human cloning is bound to allow for the development of numerous ways of curing or repairing diseased organs or even repairing genetic defects. He notes that transplants of stem cells would give rise to the development of new treatments including the repair of damaged heart muscle. This is in cases where the stem cells are genetically identical to the recipients.

While both authors agree on the controversy that human cloning brews as far as morality is concerned, Wilmut seems to underline the importance of looking at the potential benefits that this practice has for the entire humanity. He acknowledges that human cloning still has a long way to go in enhancing its use in different stem cells (Wilmut, 2004). In addition, human cloning may not be practical for routine use. Nevertheless, there exist different possibilities in the future pertaining to the development of technology, in which case human cloning may be incorporated widely in the treatment of different ailments. Wilmut seems to adopt a more balanced stance than Conley who seems bent on eliminating the process entirely on moral grounds.

References

Wilmut, I, (2004). The Moral Imperative for Human Cloning. The New Scientist, vol, 181

Conley, J.J., (1994). America. New York: American Press Inc.

VI. Questions to ConsiderNow that you have completed this module, consider the following questions and be prepared to discuss them in a conference. This is a small sample of the ethical dilemmas that managers face.

Employees have a right to privacy, but employers also have a right to expect safe, competent behavior from their employees. Should employers be allowed to administer drug tests to their employees? Whose right should take precedence?

It is typical for an employee to sign a waiver that allows the company to administer random drug tests. I would think that an employer who suspects that drug use is inhibiting an employee from doing his work should be allowed to administer a drug test whenever he feels it is needed. There is a difference between someone’s right to privacy and their workplace performance. A company has many rights over its employees and typically the ability to administer drug tests is one of them.

Publicly held corporations have obligations to both shareholders and employees. If money is tight, should a corporation reduce dividends to shareholders or reduce wages to employees?

In my own personal opinion there are two sides to this question. If the employees wages we are talking about reducing are the CEO’s who may be making 300 million dollars in a year then it might be okay to reduce on his salary a bit. However if the salaries in question are those of the everyday worker you will not see good results from this. In the case where you have to reduce someone’s wage you must be able to justify it because if you can’t you will have people quitting or people will start to steal because they feel the company owes them something.

Companies can sell more effectively if they collect information about potential customers such as buying habits, income levels, and lifestyles. People have a right to privacy, but companies also have a right to conduct business. Whose rights are more important?

The right to privacy is a right that you have until you start giving out your information. If you give out your information you make yourself susceptible to having it sold or exploited. You would be surprised what is on the internet about yourself. There is so much information out there available to the public that you never would have expected to be out there. It is the right of the person information to remain private until they give it away. The company can do what they wish with it after that.