Australian commonwealth Bank Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Australian commonwealth Bank - Research Paper Example The Commonwealth Bank was founded as per Commonwealth Bank Act during 1911 and finally, it started operations since 1912. This bank is also one of the oldest and the most trusted banks offered a number of corporate and retail financial services. After the rapid development of globalisation and international trade, the bank experienced very rapid growth and currently, there are 800,000 shareholders are associated with the banks with 52,000 employees in the global market place (Commonwealth Bank Group-1, 2011). Australian Commonwealth Bank basically, offers three types of banking and other financial services for the personal, business and corporate. The financial service is one the most important sectors for the growth of economies as the financial institutions offers major necessary financial assistance to the population and industry of the economy. Like the other manufacturing and technology industries, the research and development is also important for the financial services sectors . In financial services, it is easier to develop a product but its viability is always questionable. Moreover, ineffective financial products are harmful for the entire economy; for example, the mortgage backed securities were one of the prime factors which had led to bring the U.S. mortgage crisis. Therefore, the financial institutions should develop their research and development process for innovating viable and effective financial product and services (Financial Services Innovation Centre, 2009). One the key factors for the success of Australian Commonwealth Bank is its innovative operational and product development process. The bank has realized the necessity of the innovation for gaining a sustainable competitive advantage in the global competitions. Innovation requires necessary resources including infrastructure and skilled employees. The banks is financial very stable and has invested significantly to acquired necessary physical resources for infrastructural and technologic al development. Besides, its intangible resources like innovative and highly skilled employees are also vital determinants for innovations in the organisation (Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2008, p.6-7). The following diagram depicts the structure of Australian Commonwealth Bank that plays a key role in managing the innovation within the organisation. Figure 1: Value Chain Element of Australian Commonwealth Bank (Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 2008, p.7) This bank has been constantly trying to bring innovative products and services to increase the value of its services and its business. Recently, the banks have brought a number of innovative process, services and products signifying the better business performance. During 2010, it has launched a number of successful products and services and some of them are listed below. Introduced Core Banking by 10 million accounts. Launched a savings product with high interest bearing, called GoalSaver. Brought in the new premium prod ucts like Diamond Awards credit card. Better and user friendly technological development has led to increase its netbank users by 20%. Net banking trough mobile device has also been upgraded. It has also brought many new developments and expansion in its School Banking programme for increasing financial literacy. Due to such successful product and process innovation, it has become of the pioneer in customer service satisfaction. These initiatives for innovations have offered the banks a number of

Bilateral Trade Agreements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bilateral Trade Agreements - Essay Example Bilateral trade agreements can also create political and economic ties between the parties, which in turn provide more stability" (Rodrguez). However, it provides loopholes wherein powerful nations can exploit the agreements to the disadvantage of the developing countries. One of the opposition to the free trade, such as the bilateral trade agreements is the "infant industry argument" (Mankiw). It is based on the belief that the industries of the developing nations might not be well equipped to compete against the giants of the more powerful nations. This then will lead to the death of the local industry. Bilateral trade agreements simply kill the local industries who have not exhibited economies of scale. In economics terms, the failure to achieve economies of scale on the part of the local industries, because they are relatively new will result to a less efficient production compared to those who are old in the industry and this will be manifested in the relatively high prices of the former (Robert S. Pindyck). This argument is validated by the study of Rodriguez. According to him trade agreements between nations with large economic level discrepancy can actually hurt the weakest party (Rodrguez). Moreover, he gave the following effects on the developing nations of trade agreements. Reciprocity and national treatment (the obligation whereby foreign goods, services and economic operators must receive the same treatment as local ones) oblige developing countries to implement broad liberalisation in market access in goods, services and government procurement, which may result in surges of imports; moreover, tariff elimination, besides depriving developing countries of revenues, removes powerful instruments of industrial and agricultural policy to protect their infant industries. Market access gains for developing nations may be limited if agricultural subsidies in rich nations are not reduced; restrictive rules of origin, technical barriers to trade (TBTs) such as quality standards and supply-side constraints also limit the possible gains from improved access to developed countries' markets. Reduction of policy space for developing countries; many of the issues included in the current North-South FTAs 'reduce or fully remove policy options and instruments available to a developing country to pursue its development objectives' (UNCTAD, 2007) Source: Rodrguez The United States is one of the countries who have been very active in pursuing bilateral trade talks against smaller nations. Some of these agreements are with Costa Rica, Chile and Singapore. "In the past two years, the US has initiated comprehensive free trade negotiations with 19 countries, a market representing an estimated US $2.5 trillion worth of opportunities to American business. Simultaneously, however, these agreements open the American market, exposing, in particular, US industries dependent on sweat labour that cannot compete with low labour costs in poorer countries around the world. The difference is that the US has the resources to diffuse the pain of the transition, amounting to support of US$1.8 billion in 2003, while developing

Support Positive Outcomes For Children Children And Young People Essay

Support Positive Outcomes For Children Children And Young People Essay There are many different factors that will affect the lives of children and young people. One of these factors is Social, such as personal choice. This could make an impact on a childs life because parents may choose to live a certain way that varies from the norm. For example families with same sex parents. This could affect a childs social life and their education as other children might not see this as normal and they may not want to communicate and socialise with children living in this type of environment. An economic factor that could affect a childs life is poverty. This could impact a childs life as a family living on a low income might not be able to provide for their children as hoped. Accommodation may be poor which can have an effect on the mental and physical health of children and their parents. A cultural factor that could affect a childs life is religious beliefs and ethnic beliefs. Religious beliefs may exclude children from settings or mean that they attend specific settings. Ethnic beliefs could affect the dietary needs of children which could affect them at school and also the way they choose to dress according to religion, this could result in some children having to wear a headscarf for example. This could also affect them at school because they would look different from other children and it could cause a divide within the social groups of the classroom. This can result from low income, unemployment, parental separation, illness or disability, addictions. Children may suffer malnutrition or a poor diet as a result of their parents being unable to afford good quality food. This could result in lack of concentration or poor performance at school. They could also suffer other health related issues. They may be the subject of bullying as a result of their clothing or because they do not have the latest must have accessories. They will probably miss out on further education due to the costs involved, or as a result of the need to find employment to help support the family. One of the side effects of poverty is poor housing. People on low income are often depend on local authority housing. This may result in overcrowding, for example being housed in a home with insufficient bedrooms. This means the child has no privacy, or personal space. They may struggle with homework and course work because of the lack of a space in which to complete it . The housing provided may be of a poor quality suffering damp or be in disrepair. This could have a detrimental effect on the childs health causing asthma or frequent colds and coughs. It will probably be in a less desirable area or could be in an area with social disorder problems. This may result in the children becoming isolated, as their parents may be fearful of letting them out to play or they may themselves become involved in anti-social behaviour and criminal activities. Personal choices made as a child and young adult effect nearly every aspect of life. From education to family planning. Poor choices can lead to poverty and few opportunities, while good choices can open up a world of possibilities. Family experience as a child can very much play a role, but young adults are fully capable of taking responsibility for the life choices they make. Task 2 There are five positive outcomes that practitioners should be striving to achieve. These outcomes are: Be healthy Stay safe Enjoy and achieve Make a positive contribution Achieve economic well being It is important that children who are living in poverty have the same opportunities as their peers as they are less likely to achieve high grades at school. This could lead to unemployment later in life. The local authorities aim to develop services to support children and their families when they are living in poverty. It is important to design services for 16-18 year olds who are not in employment, training and education. If there are no services in place this could lead to unemployment later in life, teenage pregnancies and poor physical health. All these factors could lead to low income in the future Active participation is important for children and young people to make decisions that affect their own lives. It is important in any childcare setting that there is a great amount of resources provided in order to help children create their own play, in every childcare setting children should be involved in observations, this will help them to learn their own expectations of behaviour and the goals they should be achieving. To help improve services children and young peoples views should be taken into account to help them feel respected and valued when it comes to decision making. Every child is different and all have different needs and abilities, it is out job as a childcare practitioner to help and support children and young people in making personal choices and experiences. For example children ages 2-3 who are in nursery may become agitated easily and have tantrums when interacting with other children, this can be resolved by an adult teaching them how to share. Children ages 3-4 in pre-school may need support in making their own healthy choices regarding food and how to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating. Children aged 5+ in primary school may need support in learning to keep themselves safe for example learning them how important it is not to talk to strangers ant the outcomes it may have if they do. Children in middle school aged 10-11 may need support as they approach puberty and also may need support in how to look after their own personal hygiene. Task 3 Some children and young people may have disabilities or certain needs which have to be taken into account when they are in a childcare setting. Children with disabilities have a wide range of impairments including hidden ones. A disability that could impact a childs life could be a hearing impairment. This could affect a child from learning in school and communicating with their peers and their childcare providers. This impairment could stop children from achieving their full potential in life and also affect their emotional well being. To help children with this impairment extra help could be provided in school for example a special needs teacher. The teacher could help the child to communicate in other ways such as sign language and using picture cards. With this help the child and their childcare provider can focus on what the child can achieve rather on what the child cant. This would help to make it a positive environment for the child to learn in and make it easier for them to meet their goals. It is important to have a positive attitude towards disability and specific requirements. In a childcare setting is it possible to reduce the impact of a disability to help the person to make their own choices and achieve to their full potential. Children should not be seen as having special needs as their needs are the same as every other child. It is possible for us to meet a childs needs in different ways if we recognise that they have specific requirements. As a childcare practitioner we should have positive attitudes towards providing the correct requirements for disabled children. We should be ready to learn new skills for example sign language as this can help us to communicate with a child who has an impairment and this could help the child to develop further. The medical model views a disability as something to be cured. There are many ways of adapting a disabled person to fit the non disabled world through medical intervention. When a medical label is placed on a disabled person they are often seen as their impairment rather than the individual. The social model is a constructive approach to disability. This model focuses our thoughts on addressing the impairments to help the person achieve their full potential. The social model has a different view on how the society should change for the disabled rather than the disabled changing for society. The support which a disabled child may need will be tailored to fit that child, this will depend on the impact their impairment has on their lives. For example a child with a hearing impairment may need to use hearing aids. A child born with a cleft palate may need speech and language therapy. A child with Downs syndrome may be given learning support in a specific setting. Task 4 Equality- opportunities to develop and learn, while the Childs physical and emotional safety and well being are protected Diversity- acknowledgement of and respect for the Childs individuality. Inclusion- access to appropriate settings and the experiences they offer for children. Promoting positive outcomes for children all depends on equality, diversity and inclusion. Positive images could promote this. You can provide a positive image of a wide range of people for example: black, female and the disabled can take on active and responsible roles in society, also males can take on caring and domestic roles. This helps children to develop a strong attitude about their own future. It gives them a positive idea on what they can achieve in life and the influence they can have in society no matter what their ethnicity, gender, cultural, social background or disability.

The Language Behind Dawkins’ Selfish Gene Theory :: Science Selfish Gene Theory Essays

The Language Behind Dawkins’ Selfish Gene Theory According to Michael Polanyi, our understanding of a concept depends in part on the language we use to describe it. Connie Barlow's book, From Gaia to Selfish Genes, looks at metaphors in science as integral parts of some new biological theories. One example is Richard Dawkins' theory about the selfish gene, where he claims that the most basic unit of humanity, the gene, is a selfish entity unto itself that exists outside the realm of our individual good and serves its own distinct purpose. Dawkins looks at the evolutionary process, how DNA replicates in forming human life, and the possibility that there is a social parallel to genetics, where human traits can be culturally transmitted. Dawkins, in the excerpts that Barlow has chosen, uses heavily metaphoric language to explain these scientific concepts to the general public. However, the language that Dawkins uses, while thought provoking, also carries some negative implications that extend beyond his theory. The selfish gene theory has many positive aspects, but its metaphors detract in certain ways from the scientific message of Richard Dawkins. The metaphor behind Dawkins' theory can best be described by his opening statement: "we are survival machines-robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes" (Barlow 193). Dawkins links the natural behavior of unconscious bunches of nucleic acid (genes) to human behavior and personality by calling them "selfish." His use of this term conjures up the image of a separate individual, capable of making decisions to help its own good and disregarding our needs. By calling human beings "survival machines" and "robots," Dawkins suggests some serious moral implications regarding our existence. If we were just robots, it would seem that we would be no longer responsible for our actions, as people could attribute all evil to the gene programmers who created these robots. Also, if our primary purpose were to serve as a "survival machine" for something else, life would seem insignificant. John Maynard Smith writes that Dawkins' book is just about evolution , and "not about morals . . . or about the human sciences" (195). However, the attempt to disengage the selfish gene theory from its moral implications is seriously undermined by Dawkins' metaphors. The origin of the selfish gene, and of evolution itself, began in something Dawkins calls the "primeval soup," where protein molecules, by pure chance, bonded together to form "replicators," the ancestors of DNA (198).

Assisted Suicide Essay

Often labeled compassionate, according to the columnist for the Wall Street Journal, Joni Eareckson Tada, legalized assisted suicide or euthanasia is really a deadly double standard for those with severe disabilities, both conditions that are labeled terminal and those that are not. She seems to be of the opinion that euthanasia should never be considered an option no matter how severe or subjective suffering the person is facing. In the article, Tada claims that legalization of euthanasia, â€Å"sends a clear message that a person with a disability may not have a life worth living† (1). She touches on euthanasia in The Nethlands and Belguium . She stands for a powerful example of a person with this depilating condition, in this case quadriplegia, can accomplish in spite of her condition. However this is somewhat of a bias perspective because it implies that she has put a measure on the subjective pain this condition and similar to it entails. There should be certain conditions set in order to qualify for euthanasia so that it is an option for people who want it but we can also make a system to prevent people from misusing it. We were granted free will which includes the right to end our life when we chose. There does not need to be this all or nothing attitude towards assisted suicide and the disabled. Tada argues, â€Å"this ruling sends a clear message that a person with disability may not have a life worth living†(1). This law would bring nothing but a choice for the terminally ill. There are some disabilities that are incurable and cause tremendous suffering. They should not all fall under one umbrella. Andrew Btiva wrote in his article, Disability and physician-assisted suicide, â€Å"We do not believe that the right to assisted suicide is premised on a diminished quality of life for people with disabilities. It is based on respect for the autonomy of terminally ill individuals during their final days. It does not deny people with disabilities suicide prevention services, protection against murder, or protection from other abuses†(1). Tada is very bias in this article claiming that it would take away the disability will to live and go against their advocacy to have hope and live. When a person comes disabled and loses control in many ways, this in fact just gives them something that they can control. There are defiantly some factors that should qualify for a person requesting assisted suicide. They should be terminally ill with no hope of recovery and  in great physical pain. If it were legalized the disabled population would be majority of the prospect’s. I don’t believe that all disabled should qualify automatically as Tada argues in her article claiming that if legalized all disabled including children and obese would qualify for assisted suicide as an option. Tada states, â€Å"Society’s moral and unwritten law has always led us to save our children-and certainly not allow them to destroy themselves†(2). I do agree that children should ever be considered for assisted suicide unless they are in dire suffering with no hope of recovery. Tada argues, â€Å" a child lacks the mental, emotional and psychological maturity to make such a decision about death†(2). I completely agree with this but if you had your child suffering and in a vegetative state with no chance of recovery wouldn’t you want to put them out of their misery? We don’t let animals suffer so why let humans? My aunt had a very full life at 52 she found out that she had pancriaic cancer and after she went to the doctor twice she was informed that she had nothing more than IBS. I had advised her that she should get further checked out. And in June of 2010 she went to the doctor with horrible pain in her stomach and after many tests she was informed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. At that point she was also told that she would not be able to get the surgery to remove it because it was at the lower end of the pancreas where it would be more difficult and could pass from the operation. She was told she could do Chemotherapy. After doing 6 month of intensive pain ridden sessions she realized that she didn’t want to do that any more. Even tho she did not want to end her life she did request that when she was no longer responsive in the hospital that she have the ability to be taken home for the rest of her time. It was only then that the doctors were very opposed to us taking her from the hospital. Not caring that it was her request that she not suffer the were not willing to let us take her home. Before her death she wanted to die at home with dignity. She didn’t want to be in the hospital. She truly believed that it would have been harder on the family to take care of her and she her like that she wanted to stay beautiful and not have her loved ones remember her as a â€Å"vegitable† laying in a hospital bed. This can be a really slippery slope. Who decides for the children or senile women? I truly The person requesting needs to  mentally stable and there needs to be safeguards against any family or doctors so as not to persuade the person in to euthanasia  projects in her article Let’s make a distinchin are qualifier. Terminal and suffering ,incurable, if theres a huge financial burden. Depression and mental

Court News Essay

Editorial Despite our report of the 30th November regarding her majesty’s speech to the House of Commons in which she stated she would act only for the good of her people, it has to be admitted that there is still an air of disquiet in the country regarding the future of the monarchy. The queen, although still in good health in body and mind, is now in her 68th year and the length of her reign is unprecedented. The future of a Protestant monarchy must be assured for the sake of the country, its stability and role in Europe. Around the World It is reported by our correspondent in Utrecht that a burgher of that city, one Oliver Van Noort, a former inn keeper, has recently completed a three year voyage in which he claims to have sailed completely around the world. His voyage, which he reported in a letter to the authorities in the Netherlands caused much excitement. Theatre News, by J. Q. Adams Mr William Shakespeare, author of such entertainments as ‘Julius Caesar’ which was well received, has this year come up with two new plays in contrast. The Merry Wives of Windsor’ is a light hearted comedy to lift the dullest spirits. It features that lovable rogue, Falstaff. , known of course from earlier works. This can be seen for the price of one penny every Monday and Tuesday at the Globe Theatre, Southwark. As this is such a popular play there will be extra boat men around to ferry passengers. For those of a more serious turn of mind the tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the title role being played by Mr Richard Burbage and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, will be performed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fashion K. Emerson Spain continues to be a major influence upon English fashions. The work of Mistress Dinghen Vanderplasse with her knowledge of starching methods continues to be important, especially as ruffs remain in fashion, though they tend to be on smaller scale than on previous years. Silk, hand knitted, stockings were a popular present for many ladies this Christmas past, including her majesty, despite the cold weather. The majority though still prefer stockings of cloth or wool for both durability and warmth. The farthingale, so popular at court, as can be seen in her majesty’s recent portrait, has been estimated to have reached a width of 48 inches in some cases. Will this impractical garment continue to be fashionable in the new century? Recent Legislation by E. Cubberley The recently enacted, and much needed, Poor Law is already bringing changes in our society. It says much for the legislature that they have taken such care to ensure the care of unfortunates. Poor children will be properly apprenticed and trained in a trade as well as in their letters.. The richer member of society will fulfill their social obligations by providing supplies for the poorer folk in difficult times. No more should we have to report upon poor waifs being found starved to death in harsh weather s happened last winter when the harvest was so poor. And think of the benefit to the country of so many young people properly equipped for a trade This, together with the stopping of the monopolies which favored only a few, will benefit all of her majesty’s subjects.