Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Inspirational 20th Century Americans Essay

There are many powerful, influential, and memorable Americans that impacted the United States, and even the world. Of those outstanding Americans, there are three in particular that have impacted America, uniquely. During the 20th Century, Martin Luther King Jr. , Walt Disney, and Bill Gates made strong impacts in our country. These brilliant icons influenced American civilization and culture using their determination, creativity, and intelligence. Martin Luther King Jr. as an average man with a dream to live in an integrated society. He was such an inspirational man due to his strong determination, love, faith, and fearless representation. King applied nonviolent protest to grasp national attention in hope to spread his dream of peace among all individuals, and did all that he was capable of to share that same dream with the rest of society. Also, he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and participated in The March on Washington where he delivered his well-known speech, â€Å"I Have a D ream†. In 1964 King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to him for leading non-violent resistance to racial prejudice in the U. S. (Martin Luther King, Jr. ) Due to his perseverance and participation in the civil rights movement, it led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which then eliminated discrimination and fulfilled Martin Luther King’s dream at last. Another man that was not afraid of showing the world what he was capable of was Walt Disney. Walt Disney had such an inexplicable imagination that was unstoppable. His love to create and fantasize brought him to produce one of the biggest companies in the country and is now well-known worldwide. He was one of the most iconic figures of recent history; children’s impresario Walt Disney has had a striking effect upon children’s literature through his adaptations of classic novels, unique brand of storytelling, and mass market approach to reaching his target audience (The Influence of Disney on Children’s Literature). Disney Productions reach into the hearts of children, not only by amusing but by fulfilling their urges to imagine and dream. Hundreds of Disney films, cartoons, and productions have been created due to one man’s imagination and resoluteness. Perhaps one of the most intelligent and significant Americans, is Bill Gates. Gates was the first to develop the first user-friendly operating system; previously, the first operating system had a program called DoS, meaning you had to type out commands for your computer in order to perform tasks. Bill Gates and his partner Paul Allen, after receiving money from another invention known as BASIC, decided to create a formal business partnership and created one of the most used operating systems today, Microsoft. This invention leads to most of technology that is used today from the computers, laptops, notebooks, to the handhelds and cellphones we use on a daily basis. All these inventions created by Bill Gates definitely sparked this â€Å"Technology Era†, inspiring people to follow his steps and crave to improve and expand technology in the years to come. As a result of this intelligence Bill Gates had, he is now one of the wealthiest men on earth. All of these iconic and successful Americans shared similar qualities such as determination and intelligence. Each of them accomplished their goals and contributed one thing that ameliorated society. These men brought equality, creativity, and advanced technology that is valued even today. America is beneficial for the capabilities of Martin Luther King Jr. , Walt Disney, and Bill Gates. They impacted our society highly, by improving it in their own ways.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Primary Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment Health And Social Care Essay

The shoulder encroachment syndrome is one of the most common cause of hurting and disfunction in the jocks shoulder. Primary shoulder encroachment syndrome can happen in anyone who repeatedly or forcefully uses the upper appendage in an elevated place. The patho-mechanics of this syndrome implicate activities that repetitively place the arm in over caput places. Majority of jocks who manifest this status take part in baseball, swimming, cricket and tennis, but it is by no agencies confined to these athleticss. Repeated compaction of the subacromial contents causes micro-pockets of harm which finally summate as the activity is persisted with. Capsular stringency appears to be a common mechanical job in primary impingement syndrome. The resulting inflammatory reaction involves vascular congestion and hydrops into the sinew or Bursa which farther reduces the infinite beneath the coraco-acromial arch. This consequences in hurting that interferes with normal biomechanics of the shoulder b y doing musculus encroachment and compensatory motions or positions. The importance of its acknowledgment is that encroachment is frequently a progressive status that, if recognized and treated early, can hold a more favourable result. Delay in acknowledgment and intervention can let secondary alterations to happen, with attendant restrictions in intervention options and functional results. 1.2 FOUR STAGES OF IMPINGEMENT Ninety-five per centum of rotator turnup cryings are initiated by impingement wear instead than by circulative damage or injury. The phases embracing the encroachment syndrome has been described. They are: Phase I: Edema and swelling due to overdrive tendonitis. Phase two: Thickening and fibrosis of the sinew. Phase three: Complete thickness lacrimation and bone alterations dwelling of induration or spurring along the anterior acromial process excursing on the greater tubercle with subcortical cystic lesion. Phase IV: Entire tear which lead to superior and anterior instability. 1.3 Mechanical Factor Capsular stringency appears to be a common mechanical job in primary impingement syndrome. The buttocks, anterior and inferior parts of the capsule have been reported to be involved in this. Athletes or persons who avoid painful overhead activity or who are subjected to gesture instabilities as a consequence of their athleticss can develop capsular stringency. During the period of antalgic turning away or imbalanced motion, capsular connective tissue can lose the ability to lengthen due to reduced critical fibre distance and unnatural collagen fiber cross-linking. As a consequence of unnatural orientation between fibres, their ability to glide is impaired, taking to joint stiffness. Capsular stringency and consequent restricted joint mobility can forestall opposite way humeral caput semivowel taking to an earlier oncoming or greater grade of subacromial compaction and painful or limited map, peculiarly in elevated planes of motion. 1.4 THE Magnitude The magnitude of the job is attested by the fact that 30 to 60 per centum of competitory swimmers and 25 per centum of base ball hurlers incur this malady at some point during their callings. The significance of the shoulder encroachment syndrome is that if it is allowed to come on to a point at which surgical intercession is required, really few jocks of all time return to their pre-injury degree of competition. Recognition of the syndrome and early non-operative intercession are indispensable for a successful declaration and the return of jocks to their accustomed degree of public presentation. Most jocks start take parting in athleticss when they are comparatively immature. By adolescence, many would hold experienced the symptoms. The mean competitory swimmer puts each arm through some 1.5 million shots per twelvemonth over a calling that may last 8 to 15 old ages ; baseball hurlers might throw every bit many as 15,000 pitches per twelvemonth, most of those at really high velocities. It is small admiration that these shoulders finally wear out and go painful. Normally known as â€Å" bursitis † , â€Å" cuffitis † , or â€Å" supraspinatus syndrome † , impingement syndrome is by far the most common soft tissue hurt of the shoulder for which an jock seeks intervention. 1.5 OVERUSE INJURIES: AN OUTLINE Overuse hurts in jocks are more common than traumatic and post surgical hurts to shoulder. The joint by structural default via medias on stableness for the interest of mobility. This poses a complex interaction of laxness, rotator cuff hurt ( Tensile tendonitis ) and impingement hurts ( Compression tendonitis ) taking to syndrome doing functional restriction. The etiology once more is attributed to patho-mechanics and can be classified into primary and secondary causes. Primary Causes: 1. Extremes of Range are used. 2. High forces are developed. 3. High repeat rates. Secondary causes: 1. Impingement beneath coraco- acromial arch. 2. Poor training/ conditioning. 3. Poor technique in athletics motion. 4. Poor vascularity of turnup sinews. 5. Muscle strength instability. 6. Muscle stamina instability. 7. Hypomobility. 8. Hyper mobility. 9. Protection of other injured country ( s ) . 10. Interplay of above. 1.6 PHATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF TENDINITIS TENSILE TENDINITIS Tendon map is to convey contractile force of affiliated musculus to cram, facia or other constructions to which it is inserted. Thus it is structured to defy tensile forces applied parallel with the collagen packages of which it is composed. Compressive and shearing forces are ill transmitted. The crosslink construction of tropocollagen molecules contributes to strength of burden sharing agreement. If the tensile force strains the fibres to beyond 8-10 % of their resting length, the cross nexus fails and if continued causes harm and rupture depending on strength of force. In these patients eccentric lading may be rather harmful though biceps and triceps tendinitis respond favourably to eccentric burden. It is non indicated in supraspinatus tendonitis. ( Curwin and Stanish 1984 ) . IMPINGEMENT TENDINITIS Here direct compaction forces cause mechanical injury in add-on to any tensile overloading. This is more likely to do physical harm to existent collagen construction in add-on to tensile failure. Elevation of arm involves matching of forces around the shoulder blade and across the glenohumeral articulation. Activity of the rotator turnup controls the stableness of the humeral caput as the larger musculuss raise the arm. The tendon interpolation angle of some of the turnup musculuss allow them to lend a downward force to the humeral caput, viz. the teres minor, subscapularis and lower infraspinatus. If these musculuss are inhibited by hurting or weakened due to chronic nursing of a sore shoulder, superior migration of the humeral caput will happen to a greater grade, with attendant addition in subacromial encroachment.This gives the character of chronicity and patterned advance of the syndrome to inadequate and inappropriate intervention. 1.7 NEED FOR STUDY The intent of this survey was to measure whether the joint mobilisation as a constituent of comprehensive intervention provided any added effectivity in cut downing hurting and bettering active gesture and map in patients with primary shoulder encroachment syndrome in over caput events. The specific hypotheses were that patients diagnosed with primary shoulder encroachment syndrome, treated with manual joint mobilisation combined with hot battalions, active scope of gesture, physiologic stretching, musculus strengthening exercisings, soft tissue mobilisation and patient instruction would see: Less hurting strength upon subacromial compaction testing. Greater active scope of gesture. The principle behind usage of mobilisation in shoulder encroachment syndrome is that it decreases capsular limitation and reduces redness when little amplitude motions are given. 1.8 INCLUSION CRITERIA Pain about the superolateral shoulder part. Active scope of gesture shortages in humeral lift. Painful subacromial compaction. Limited functional motion forms in an elevated place. In some instances, clinical trials were supplemented with information from physician-interpreted X raies, MRI and CT scan surveies. Age 15-22 old ages. Male gender. 1.9 EXCLUSION CRITERIA Upper quarter-circle glade tests are done to govern out cervical, cubitus, carpus & A ; manus engagement. Shoulder instability. Primary shoulder blade thoracic disfunction. Phase 2nd and 3rd adhesive capsulitis. Third degree musculotendinious cryings. Advanced calcific tendonitis or bursitis. Severe devolution bony or ligaments alterations. Neurological engagement. Advanced acromioclavicular articulation disease. Unstable break of humerus, shoulder blade & A ; collarbone. 1.10 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The usage of mobilisation as a portion of comprehensive rehabilitation attention is still non in trend and my survey aims to sketch the benefits of integrating it into intervention governments. There are merely few surveies done in this peculiar country and needs more nonsubjective findings. It is this dearth my survey aims to bridge. 1.11 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The aim of the survey is to measure the consequence of joint mobilisation as a constituent of comprehensive intervention for primary shoulder encroachment syndrome in footings of early recovery, fast return to functional activities when compared to conventional physical therapy devoid of mobilisation. 1.12 Premise The pre and station values of scope of gesture and trouble graduated table should demo a proportionate alteration in the functional result with a high correlativity. 1.13 PROJECTED OUTCOMEâ€Å" Joint MOBILIZATION UNDER DIRECT PHYSIOTHERAPY SUPERVISION DOES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OVER CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT AS FAR AS FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IS CONCERNED †1.14 THE HYPOTHESIS The void hypothesis for the survey is stated as followsâ€Å" There is no important difference in the result between conventional physical therapy intercession and joint mobilisation techniques in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome † .The alternate hypothesis is stated as follows in conformity with the projected resultâ€Å" Joint mobilisation under direct physical therapy supervising does hold important alterations over conventional intervention every bit far as functional recovery is concerned † .REVIEW OF LITERATURE The reappraisal for this survey was carried out in three countries viz: Effectss of conservative intervention in shoulder encroachment syndrome. Diagnosis of shoulder encroachment syndrome. Epidemiologic surveies on shoulder encroachment syndrome and possible surgical intercessions. 2.1 EFFECTS OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT IN SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME. Douglas E. Conroy and Karen W Hayes in their article on â€Å" Impingement syndrome in the athlete shoulder † have once and for all stated that the topics having joint mobilisation and comprehensive intervention would hold improved mobility and map compared to similar patients having comprehensive intervention entirely. The following survey was indiscriminately assigned to experimental and command groups. Three blinded judges tested 24-hour hurting ( ocular parallel graduated table ) , pain with subacromial compaction trial, active scope of gesture ( goniometry ) and map ( making frontward, behind the caput and across the organic structure in over head place ) before and after 9 interventions. Age, side of laterality, continuance of symptoms, intervention attending, exercise quality and attachment had no consequence on the result. In this assignment, the experimental group improved on all variables, while the control group improved merely on mobility and map. Mobilization decr eased 24-hour hurting and hurting with subacromial compaction trial in patients with primary encroachment Syndrome. ( J Orthop Sports Phys. Ther. Mar 1998 ) . Hawkynss RJ and Hobeika PE in their article on â€Å" Impingement syndrome in the athlete shoulder † have once and for all stated that the impingement syndrome may slop over at any clip to affect the next biceps tendon, subacromical Bursa and acromio-claviular articulation and as a continuum, with the transition of clip, may eventuate in devolution and partial, even complete thickness, rotator turnup cryings subsequently in life. They besides recommend careful warm-up exercisings, occasional remainder by avoiding piquing motion and local modes of ice, ultrasound and transcutantaneous stimulation along with pharmacotherapy. They besides province surgical decompression and unequivocal acromioplasty could be performed. ( Cl. Sports. Med. Jul 1983 ) . Bak K and Magnusson SP have emphasized that internal rotary motion might be much more affected than the external rotary motion which might do superior migration of humeral caput. They besides province that scope of gesture in shoulder demand non correlate with the happening of shoulder hurting. ( Am. J. Sport Med, Jul 1997 ) . Homes CF and associates of University of Arkansas have concluded that intensive patient instruction, place plan, curative exercisings and specific manual mobilisation has better patient conformity and lesser abnormalcies on nonsubjective scrutiny after 1 year. ( J.Orthop. Sports. Phys. Ther. Dec 1997 ) . McCann PD and Bigliani LU in their article on â€Å" Shoulder hurting in tennis participants † has emphasized rotator turnup and scapular musculus strengthening and surgical stabilisation of the capsulo-labral composite for patients who fail rehabilitation plan. Prevention of hurt in tennis participants seem to depend upon flexibleness, strength and synchronism among the gleno-humeral and scapular musculuss. ( Sports Med. Jan 1994 ) . Carpenter JE et al. , in their article in MDX wellness digest have found out that there is an addition in threshold for motion proprioception by 73 % . This lessening in proprioceptive esthesis might play a critical function in diminishing athletic public presentation and in weariness related disfunction. Thought it is still dubious if developing improves the perceptual experience, this is an of import determination that has farfetched deductions in the intervention of shoulder impingement syndrome as weariness might be rather common with the lessening vascularity and injury to the construction of rotator turnup. ( Am. J. Sports Med Mar 1998 ) . Scheib JS from university of Tennessee Medical Center has stated that overexploitation sydromes mandate remainder and control of redness through drugs and physical modes. He prescribed a gradual patterned advance of beef uping plan and any return of symptoms should be adequately and quickly appraised and treated. He emphasized that proper conservative intervention entirely prevents patterned advance of impingement syndromes. ( Rheum. Dis. Clin. North.Am Nov 1990 ) . Morrrison DS and collegues have shown that non operative intervention of shoulder encroachment syndrome resulted in important betterments. In their survey of 413 patients 67 % had a good recovery while 28 % had to travel for arthroscopic processs. Further age, gender and attendant tenderness of acromio-clavicular articulation did non impact the result significantly. ( J.Bone and Joint Surg. Am. May 1997 ) . Brewer BJ has documented a structural alteration of the greater tubercle and progressive devolution of all elements of the sinewy constructions that is age related with progressive ( 1 ) osteitis of the greater tubercle, cystic devolution, and abnormality of the cortical border ; ( 2 ) degenerative sulcus between the greater tubercle and the articular surface ; ( 3 ) break of the unity of the fond regard of the sinew to the bone by Sharpey ‘s fibres ; ( 4 ) loss of cellularity, loss of staining quality, and atomization of the sinew ; ( 5 ) decline of the vascularity of the sinew ; and ( 6 ) dimmunition of fibrocartiage. ( Am J Sports Med, Mar-Apr 1979 ) . Kinger A et al. , stated that volleyball participants have a different muscular and capsular form at the playing shoulder compared to the opposite shoulder. Their playing shoulder is depressed, the scapular lateralized, the dorsal musculuss and the buttocks and inferior portion of the shoulder capsule shortened. These differences were of more significance in volleyball participants with shoulder hurting than in volleyball participants without shoulder hurting. Muscular balance of the shoulder girdle is really of import in this athletics. It is hence imperative to include equal stretching and muscular preparation plan for the bar, every bit good as for therapy, of shoulder hurting in volleyball participants. ( Br J Sports Med, Sep 1996 ) . Jobe FW, Kvitne RS, Giangarra CE in their article â€Å" shoulder hurting in the overhand or throwing athlete- the relationship of anterior instability and rotator turnup encroachment † , shoulder hurting in the overhand or throwing athlete can frequently be traced to the stabilising mechanisms of the glenohumeral articulation. Neer CS, Craig EV, Fukuda H: Following a monolithic tear of the rotator turnup there is inaction and neglect of the shoulder, leaking of the synovial fluid, and instability of the humeral caput. These events in bend consequence in both nutritionary and mechanical factors that cause wasting of the glenohumeral articular gristle and oesteoporosis of the subchondral bone of the humeral caput. A monolithic tear besides allows the humeral caput to be displaced upward, doing subacromial encroachment that in clip erodes the anterior part of the acromial process and the acromioclavicular articulation. Finally the soft, atrophic caput prostrations, bring forthing the complete syndrome of cuff-tear arthropathy. They besides recognized cuff-tear arthopathy as a distinguishable pathological entity, as such acknowledgment enhances our apprehension of the more common impingement lesions. ( J bone Joint Surg [ Am ] , Dec 1983 ) . Flatow EL and associates of Orthopaedic Research Laboratoty, New York Orthopaedic Hospital, on the biomechanics of humerus with acromial process provinces that contact starts at the anterolateral border of the acromial process at 0 grades of lift, it shifts medially with arm lift. On the humeral surface, contact displacements from proximal to distal on the supraspinatus sinew with arm lift. When external rotary motion is decreased, distal and posterior displacement in contact is noted. Acromial bottom and rotator turnup sinews are in closest propinquity between 60 grades and 120 grades of lift ; contact was systematically more marked for type III acromial processs. Mean acromiohumeral interval was 11.1 millimeter at 0 grades of lift and decreased to 5.7 millimeters at 90 grades, when greater tubercle was closest to the acromial process. Contact centres on the supraspinatus interpolation, proposing altered jaunt of the greater tubercle may ab initio damage this rotator turnup part. Co nditionss restricting external rotary motion or lift may besides increase rotator cuff compaction. Marked addition in contact with Type III acromial processs supports the function of anterior acromioplasty when clinically indicated, normally in older patients with primary encroachment. ( Am J Sports Med, Nov-Dec 1994 ) . Hawkins RJ, Abrams JS in â€Å" Impingement syndrome in the absence of rotator turnup tear ( stages 1 and 2 ) † lay accent on prophylaxis in bad populations, such as hurlers and swimmers. Once symptoms occur, the bulk can be successfully managed with nonoperative steps. Prolonged failure of conservative attention prior to rotator turnup tear requires surgical decompression with predictable success in most. ( Orthop clin North Am, Jul 1994 ) . Hjelm R, Draper C, Spencer S supported the construct that capsular ligament non merely supply restraint, but are specifically oriented to steer and focus on the humeral caput on the glenoid during shoulder motions. Glenohumeral ligament length inadequacy can be the primary cause of shoulder hurting, runing from frozen shoulder to impingement like symptoms. Proper capsular ligament length can be restored with manual techniques. All patients with shoulder hurting should hold capsular ligament appraisal to guarantee proper glenohumeral mechanics. ( J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Mar 1996 ) . 2.2. DIAGNOSIS OF SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME. Read JW and Perko M concluded that ultrasound is a sensitive and accurate method of placing patients with full thickness cryings of the rotator turnup, extracapsular biceps tendon pathology or both. Dynamic ultrasound can assist corroborate but non except the clinical diagnosing of encroachment. ( J.Shoulder elbow surgery may 1998 ) . Masala S et al. , in their survey on impingement syndrome of shoulder have proved that CT and MRI are more dependable and accurate diagnostic methods. CT scan is sensitive to even cold-shoulder bony alterations and MRI detects tendon, Bursa and rotator turnup alterations. However they suggest obviously X raies to be performed as a first process. ( Radiol. Med Jan 1995 ) . This thought of MRI being sensitive to name encroachment has besides been confirmed by Rossi F ( Eur.J.Radiol. May 1998 ) . However, Holder J has concluded that distinction between tendinopathy and partial cryings might be hard utilizing MRI imagination. ( Radiologe Dec 1996 ) . Corso G has emphasized the usage of impingement alleviation trial as an adjunctive process to traditional assesement of shoulder encroachment Syndrome. This purportedly helps in insulating the primary tissue lesion. Such that conservative direction could be addressed to that specific construction ( J.ortho. Phys Ther, Nov 1995 ) . Brossmann J and collegues from the veterans disposal medical centre of California have stated that MR imagination of different shoulder places may assist uncover the pathogenesis of shoulder encroachment Syndrome. ( AJR Am. J Roentgenol. Dec 1996 ) . Deutsch A, Altcheck DW et al. , have shown that patients with phase II and phase III encroachment had a larger scapulothoracic constituent than the normal shoulder during abduction motion. The superior migration of humeral caput is likely the consequence of turnup failure, either partial or complete. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS. An epidemiological survey on shoulder encroachment syndrome by Lo YP, Hsu YC and Chan KM in 372 participants found that 163 individuals ( 43.8 % ) had shoulder jobs and 109 participants ( 29 % ) had shoulder hurting. The prevalence of shoulder hurting ranked highest among volley ball participants ( N= 28 ) followed by swimmers ( N= 22 ) while badminton, hoops and tennis participants were every bit affected ( N= 10 ) . ( Br.J.Sports Med, sep 1990 ) Fluerst Ml has stated impingement syndrome to be one among the 10 most common athleticss hurts and impute it to unstable design of the joint. He suggests exercising to rotator turnup beef uping to keep the shoulder in topographic point and forestalling disruptions ( American Health Oct 1994 ) . Fu FH, Harner CD and Klein AH classifies encroachment into 2 classs Primary and Secondary. Primary being caused by nonathletic hurts of supraspinatus sinew while secondary is caused by athletic hurts due to unstable forms of motion ( nerve-racking and end scopes ) . This they concluded will enable better clinical attacks. ( Clin. Orthop Aug 1991 ) . Brox JL, Staff PH, Ljunggren AE & A ; Brevik JL used Neer shoulder mark and found that surgery and supervised exercising plan decidedly had an improved rotary motion when compared to placebo intervention. ( BMJ Oct 1993 ) . Burns Tp, turba JE found that after arthroscopic subacromial decompression mean clip for return to college degree competitions was 6.6 months. However no infection or neurovascular complications were found. ( Am.J. Sports Med. Jan 1992 ) . Blevins FT has suggested categorization of rotator cuff hurt and disfunction based on etiology as primary encroachment, primary tensile overload and secondary encroachment and tensile overload ensuing from glenohumeral instability. Arthoscopic scrutiny shows anterior capsular laxness ( positive â€Å" thrust through mark † ) every bit good as superior posterior labral and cuff hurt typical of internal encroachment. If rehabilitation entirely is non successful a capsulolabral fix followed by rehabilitation may let the jock to return to their old degree of competition. Athletes with acute episodes of macrotrauma to the shoulder ensuing in turnup pathology normally presents with hurting, limited active lift and a positive â€Å" shrug-sign † . Arthroscopy and debridement of thickened, inflamed or scarred subacromial Bursa with cuff fix or debridement as indicated is normally successful in those who do non react to a rehabilitation plan. ( Sports Med.1997 ) . MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY The patients were selected based on an initial baseline appraisal and conformation of their diagnosing. The survey design was pretest /posttest control group design. Control group did non undergo mobilisation but underwent all physical therapy steps. Experimental group underwent mobilisation in add-on to the conventional rehabilitation intercessions. 3.1 SUBJECTS Inclusion standards: All patients were males and belonged to age group of 15-22 old ages. The patients were chiefly diagnosed and evaluated by orthopaedic sawboness and referred to physiotherapy section. All topics who were diagnosed to hold an sole shoulder encroachment syndrome were selected based on symptoms like: Pain about the superolateral shoulder part. Active scope of gesture shortage in humeral lift. Painful subacromial compaction Limited functional motion forms in elevated places. Exclusion standards: 1. History of capsular, ligament, sinew and labrum hurts. 2. Any recent surgeries carried out in and around shoulder articulation. 3. Any neurovascular comorbidities of the involved upper appendage. 4. Any pathology around the shoulder like periarthritis, calcified tendonitis, stop dead shoulders, AC arthritis etc. 3.2 ASSESSMENT TOOLS USED: 1. Assessment Chart 2. Ocular Analog graduated table 3. Goniometry 4. Functional Assessment Scale Visual Analogue graduated table in per centum 40-60 % 60-80 % 80-100 % Least Pain Max. Pain Functional Assessment Scale Reach TO EXTERNAL OCCIPITAL PROTUBERANCE CAN Make CAN Make WITH PAIN CAN NOT Make Reach OVERHEAD 135a- ¦ CAN Make CAN Make WITH PAIN CAN NOT Make REACHING SPINOUS Procedure CAN Make CAN Make WITH PAIN CAN NOT Make GONIOMETRY Measurements Active and inactive scope of gestures for shoulder: Abduction, flexure, internal and external rotary motions were measured and recorded utilizing standard goniometer. SHOULDER EVALUATION CHART Name: Age: Sexual activity: Occupation: Chief Ailments: PAST MEDICAL History: PRESENT MEDICAL HISTORY: ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS: Inspection: ANY MASS OR Swelling Stain Deformity Scars ATROPHY ( GIRTH MEASUREMENT ) Palpation Multitude Tenderness Heat Examination RANGE OF MOTION ACTIVE RANGE OF MOTION: PASSIVE RANGE OF MOTION: Motion PRE-TREATMENT POST TREATMENT Flexure Abduction INTERNAL ROTATION EXTERNAL ROTATION PAIN ASSESSMENT Type Site Side AGGRAVATING Factor RELIEVING Factor 3.3METHODOLOGY In this survey the statistic used to compare the control and experimental group was Independent t-test. The Campbell and Stanley notation for the design is as follows: 0 x1 0 0 x2 0 Where, 0 is observation and ten represents intercession ( X1-physical therapy without mobilisation and X2-intervention with mobilisation ) . The t-test was performed utilizing the expression for independent t-test which is as follows: Where X1 – Mean of the control group X2 – Mean of the experimental group S1 – Std.deviation of control group S2 – Std.deviation of experimental group N1 -No.of patients in control group N2 – No.of patients in experimental group TI ± for N-1 grades of freedom for t13=2.16 IMPINGEMENT REHABILITATION PROTOCOL Impingement is a chronic inflammatory procedure produced as the Rotator turnup musculuss ( supraspinatous, infraspinatous, teres minor and subscapularis ) and the subdeltoid Bursa are pinched against the coracoacromial ligament and the anterior acromial process when the discharge is raised above 80 grades. The supraspinatous/infraspinatous part of the rotator turnup is the most common country of encroachment. This syndrome is normally seen in throwing athleticss, racquet athleticss and in swimmers ; but can be present in anyone who uses their arm repetitively in a place over 90 grades of lift. This three phased plan can be utilized for both conservative and surgical encroachment clients. The protocol serves as a usher to achieve maximal map in a minimum clip period. This systematic attack allows specific ends and standards to be met and ensures the safe patterned advance of the rehabilitation procedure. PHASES OF REHABILITATION PHASE 1: MAXIMAL PROTECTION ACUTE STAGE Goals: 1. Relieve hurting and puffiness 2. Decrease redness 3. Retard musculus wasting 4. Maintain/increase flexibleness Technique: Active remainder Hot battalions Mobilizations: GradeI/II Inferior and posterior semivowels in scapular plane Additional local modes: Ten Pendulum exercisings AAROM-Limited symptom-free available scope Rope and block flexure T-Bar flexure and impersonal external rotary motion Isometrics-Submaximal External and internal rotary motion, biceps, deltoid Patient instruction Sing: activity, pathology and turning away of overhead activity, making and raising activities. GUIDES FOR PROGRESSION: 1. Decreased hurting and/or symptoms 2. Read-only memory increased 3. Painful discharge in abduction merely 4. Muscular map improved PHASE II: MOTION PHASE-SUBACUTE PHASE Goals: 1. Re-establish non-painful Read-only memory 2. Normalize arthrokinematics of shoulder composite 3. Retard muscular wasting without aggravation Technique: Hot battalions Ultrasound/phonophorosis Mobilizations: Grade II/IV Inferior, anterior and posterior semivowels Combined semivowels as requires Anterior and posterior capsular stretching Scapulothoracic strengthening exercisings Continue isometrics AAROM: Rope and block: Flexure Abduction, symptom free gesture T-bar lift: Flexure Abduction, symptom free gesture External rotary motion in 45o of abduction, advancement to 90o abduction. Internal rotary motion in 45o of abduction, advancement to 90o abduction. GUIDE FOR PROGRESSION: Get down to integrate intermediate strengthening exercisings as: Pain or symptoms lessenings AAROM normalizes Muscular strength improves PHASE III: Intermediate Strengthening Phase Goals: Normalized Read-only memory Symptom-free normal activities Improved muscular public presentation Aggressive T-Bar AAROM all planes Continue self capsular stretching ( anterior/posterior ) Chair imperativeness Initiate isosmotic Dumbbell plan: Sideling impersonal: Internal rotary motion External rotary motion Prone: Extension Horizontal abduction Standing: Flexure to 90o Abduction to 90o Supraspinatous Serratus exercises-wall push-ups Initiate tubing patterned advance in little abduction for internal/external rotary motion. GUIDES FOR PROGRESSION: Full non-painful ROM No pain/tenderness 70 % contra-lateral strength The whole protocol covers about 12 hebdomads for every patients and the patient is progressed through the assorted stages in conformity with the symptoms. The control group was non given mobilisation while experimental group went through the same protocol along with appropriate magnitude of joint mobilisation. 5.1 RANGE OF MOTION Flexure: The control group had a average betterment of 17.5A ±5.84 while the experimental group showed a 32.57A ±6 betterment. The t-test performed between them showed extremely important figures with t=6.73 at p-0.05. Abduction: Here the control group had an betterment of 56.57A ±10.06 as against the experimental group betterment of 79.21A ±10.64. The t-test was performed and showed a t-value of 5.78 at p=0.05. Internal rotary motion and external rotary motion: Experimental group showed greater betterment compared to command group with 27.21A ±7.8, 11.14A ±5.1 severally for internal rotary motion. The external rotary motion showed 36.92A ±5.95 for experimental group and for control group it showed merely 20.85A ±8.5. The t-values calculated showed 6.45 and 5.81 for internal and external rotary motions severally which are statistically important. 5.2 Pain There was important lessening in hurting in both the groups as observed. The control group showed a average lessening of44.38A ±8.5 % .The t-values calculated to compare them showed a value of 4.18 at p=0.05. Based on the independent t-test performed for 5 variables in pre-test and post-test control group design we conclude that there is important betterment in the symptomatology and addition of functional activities with joint mobilisation in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Therefore the void hypothesis is rejected and therefore the alternate hypothesis is accepted. So shoulder joint mobilisation is proven to be effectual in the overall rehabilitation of shoulder encroachment syndrome. The undermentioned tabular arraies show the functional recovery forms in the samples selected in the control and experimental group. 6. Discussion As we go through the informations collected in this survey it can be seen that there is really high one-dimensionality in the betterment of the patients with shoulder impingement syndrome in both conventional physical therapy and physical therapy with joint mobilisation. However it can be seen that the magnitude of betterment in the experimental group is much more greater than the control group. It should be emphasized here that the control group besides shows considerable betterment irrespective of the joint mobilisation, unluckily though the Abduction Range of Motion does non travel beyond 150 grades. It is for this ground that athletes come for physical therapy. The overhead activity is accomplished in the experimental group with scope increasing to every bit much as 175 grades. The internal rotary motion besides seems to increase more in the experimental group than the control group with scope addition to every bit much as 67o as against the 50 grades of the control group. This is in concurrence with the literature reappraisal and besides it seems that internal rotary motion is more affected than the external rotary motion. It is besides reflected in the form of recovery in external rotary motion to about 80 plus grades. Probably the capsular forms have a say in this recovery. The abduction besides seems to demo greater divergences from the mean difference likely because it has much more functional significance than other motions taken into consideration. Pain has decreased more than half the original in experimental group because of the rectification of pathomechanics and decompression provided by the joint mobilisation. Control group by contrast shows merely approximately 45 % lessening in the hurting. It should be noted that hurting may do early muscular weariness due to unnatural enlisting forms ( musculuss are less compliant during hurting ) . This leads to abnormal joint motion perceptual experience which may further augment the job doing more uncomfortableness and harm than the original injury itself. 7. Decision The literature reappraisal done and the statistical analysis done from the informations collected from this survey have shown that joint mobilisation is a technique that can assist in early recovery of the ailing jock. This survey has the restriction that it analyses jocks from assorted featuring activities and has been done merely in 14 topics which is quite a little sample. farther surveies which has larger sample size and more distinct choice control will throw much better visible radiation on the betterment form herein observed. The overall intervention should stress on the rotational and abduction constituents of the shoulder motions which predispose the joint constructions to be more profound emphasis than other motions. The conservative intervention of the shoulder encroachment syndrome is more aggressive than antecedently advocated. However there should be some cautiousness if there is supraspinatus engagement for which bizarre burden is contraindicated. Finally it can be through empirical observation stated that joint mobilisation is a valuable constituent in the comprehensive rehabilitation of the shoulder impingement syndrome patients and should be used judiciously after thorough clinical rating for associated comorbidities that contraindicate mobilisation. 8. APPENDIX 8.1 Particular TESTS Drop Arm Test: If the patient can non prolong abduction against minimum opposition or lower his arm swimmingly the trial is positive, implicating a supraspinatus sinew or rotator turnup tear. Impingement Syndrome Test: If inactive compaction of greater tubercle against the coracoacromial ligament or acromian reproduces the hurting, the trial is positive, implicating bicipital or suprapinatus sinew or subcromial Bursa pathology. Yergason Trial: Resisted elbow flexure and shoulder median shoulder rotary motion reproduce hurting or snapping in the anterior upper arm, the trial is positive implicating instability of the long caput of biceps sinews in the bicipital channel. Subacromial Compression Test: The judge positioned one manus over the acromian of the shoulder blade for stabilisation. The other manus was positioned on the ulnar proximal forearm. The arm was passively elevated into the stabilised acromian. Then the cubitus flexed to 90Es and forearm in a relaxed, palm down place. Once elevated, the arm was moved anteriorly and posteriorly in the horizontal plane, trying to compact all parts of the subacromial articulation thereby reproduce hurting. Following each trial the topic was asked to rate his or her strivings in ocular parallel graduated table. 8.2 Mobilization Prior to soft tissue intervention, the experimental group received a series of mobilisation techniques to the subacromial and glenohumeral articulations. The technique was styled by MAITLAND described in Carolyn Kisner & A ; Lynn Allen Colby, depending on the way of limitation in the capsular extensibility of each topic, following four separate techniques were employed. Inferior semivowel ( fig-a ) Posterior semivowel ( fig-b ) Anterior semivowel ( fig-c ) Long axis grip ( fig-d )

Monday, July 29, 2019

Expository Prose Assignment Essay

1.Ed Pilkington purpose for this article is to inform the audience that he wants to abolish the rule of execution because in this article, the U.S legal system made a fatal mistake by sentencing an innocent man to his death.   This article is in expository style because it has a thesis that explains what he is going to talk about and it has the proper structure of beginning, body and conclusion. Another reason is because the author is explaining his knowledge on what he believes on, which is informing his audience by sharing the trail of an innocent man. The thesis in this article is explicit. It is explicit because the author clearly states it in the article near the beginning. â€Å"It is now clear that a person was executed for a crime he did not commit, and his name –Carlos Deluna – is being shouted from the rooftops of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review.† This article is also considered in expository style because it includes methods of exposition. One of the methods that are being used is the short anecdote. This method is shown when the author explains a short flashback of the day of the murder and this evidences to the audience that there is proof that Carlos Deluna is innocent. â€Å"Carlos Deluna told the jury that on the day of the murder he’d run into Hernandez, who he’d known for the previous five years. The two men, who both lived in the Southern Texas town of Corpus Christi, stopped off at a bar. Hernandez went over to a gas station, the Shamrock, to buy something, and when he didn’t return Deluna went over to see what was going on.† Another method is used when the author contrast the trial of OJ Simpson with the Carlos trial. â€Å"This wasn’t the trial of OJ Simpson.† The author uses this method because he is trying to reach out to his audience by saying that this case has no real evidence that Carlos Deluna is the real criminal. While contrasting to the case of OJ Simpson where there was actually proof that OJ was the murderer. The third method of exposition that is used is the process of cause and effect. This example is shown when the author explains how the detectives failed to carry out important evidence like blood samples. The cause in this case would be the detectives not examining blood samples and the effect would be the death of an innocent man 2.The rhetorical situation in this case would be any American citizen that listens or reads about the news and the writer would be Ed Pilkington in New York Times. Ed Pilkington is grabbing the attention of American citizens by informing the citizens that a fatal mistake; made by the U.S legal system caused an innocent man to his death. This article is written for almost all Americans because Pilkington is sending a message to the citizens that they should be more aware of the U.S legal system from now on because miscarriages of justice might happen again. Another reason why this article is for all U.S citizens is because the structure of the article is not long and not too difficult to read. The structure of this article is simple and easy to understand. Pilkington made his paragraphs short but long enough to explain the article precisely. Meaning all Americans can read this article, not just intellectual geniuses. Lastly, the nature of the relationship between the author and the reader is American to another American. The reason for this is because Pilkington wants all Americans to hear about his article, not just specific amount of people. So Pilkington (an American) is explaining his story with other Americans. 3.The definition of style is a characteristic manner of expression, combining the idea that is being expressed with the individuality (the particular voice) of the author. Style includes such general qualities as diction, sentence structure and variety, imagery, rhythm, coherence, and emphasis. In this article the style the author uses is simple and understandable. The author uses some of the qualities that are mentioned in the definition. One of the qualities the author uses is diction. The diction in this piece of article is informal and easy to understand. The vocabulary is not difficult and it is easy to read so most Americans will be able to understand the entire article. Also another style quality that is used is the sentence structure. The sentence structure of this article is short but exact. Meaning it has the right amount of important information and since its short, most readers would not lose interest from it. 4.The relationship between the audiences is Ed Pilkington the author, to any American citizen. Ed Pilkington in this article seems to know his audience very well. He grabs the audience’s attention by using an easy type of style that can be understood by the general public, while still explaining the author’s opinion. The author not only grabs the audience’s attention, he expresses his purpose through out the whole article. The author’s purpose is to try to convince his audience that the capital punishment of execution should be abolished. Like I said before, the author uses a style that is effectively easy for the audience to understand the meaning of criminal and political matters. Even though the author’s style makes the article well written, the article seems to be less effective then effectual. The author explains the article by implying the meaning in one case. The author could have compared more articles on fatal mistakes from the U.S legal system because the trial occurred few years from now and as years go bye, the Government legal system has been improved. Furthermore, the article is effective because the author proves his thesis by describing how an innocent man was sentenced to death but the fact that the author used one example, makes it a risky decision to follow. So overall, the author proves his thesis by using the right type of style, but the concept of abolishing the lethal injection does not seem comprehensible with the proof of just one article.

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming - Essay Example Some of the radiation is altered by the ozone layer, which inhibits ultraviolet radiation from passing directly to the surface to the earth. Much of the radiation that makes it to earth is absorbed and stored as heat in oceans and other large bodies of water. Radiation that strikes portions of the earth with a high albedo, such as solar ice caps and glaciers is reradiated back out into space. In fact, ultimately, the vast majority of solar radiation that enters the atmosphere is destined to be reradiated back into space. But a small percentage of that radiation gets trapped in the atmosphere as it tries to bounce back into space. Certain gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane act to trap the radiation, causing the atmosphere to retain the radiation as heat. This warming of the earth’s atmosphere as a result of trapped radiation is called The Greenhouse Effect. Gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane are called greenhouse gases, due to their tendency to trap radiation, wh ich causes the atmosphere to stay warm. Without The Greenhouse Effect, life on earth would be very different and impossible for humans. The Greenhouse Effect is directly related to the phenomenon known as Global Warming or Global Climate Change. The earth’s atmosphere is constantly changing. ... Humans are the first species in the history of earth to burn massive amounts of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Burning these fuels puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In recent years, the average global temperature has risen dramatically. Changes in global temperature usually happen very gradually, so many people are concerned that a rapid change in temperature will lead to destructive weather patterns, crop failures, increased spread of disease and insect pests (Roberts, 1994). Many scientists feel that this will lead to extinction on a mass scale and major disruptions to human activities. The continued introduction of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane that results from agricultural, manufacturing and transportation activities will surely result in a warmer global climate and stress on nearly all natural systems that sustain life on our planet. There are courses of action that can be taken to reduce or even reverse the warming trend that eart h is now experiencing. One of the most immediate things we can to is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses we are putting into the atmosphere. Much of this comes from the transportation we use every day. Cars burn gasoline, which greatly contributes to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Driving less, or not at all, is one way we can slow global warming. Many people are living in communities that give them easy access to public transportation and to workplaces. More civil planners are providing spaces for walking paths and bicycle lanes in their plans. This means people have carbon free ways to get to work. Using alternative fuels and increasing fuel efficiency in cars is another way to prevent

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Social Media & Public Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Social Media & Public Relations - Essay Example As the Internet has transformed into a sophisticated hub for ‘netizens’ so as to the nature of online communication and exchanges of propaganda, campaigns, and information drive (Duhe, 2007).These changes are obviously referring to the significant changes in the way Facebook, Twitter, and blogs provide means of communication outlets that are not available in the early 20th century. For this research, we will focus largely on the use of Facebook in revolutionizing the conduct of public relations in recent times. The Value of Social Media to Public Relations In the past, press releases were an integral component of public relations until online news releases agencies began to appear in the 1990s, creating a halt from too much reliance on fax machines and e-mails. As the years passed, press releases continued to exist but were also modified to fit the changes in the medium used. Press releases are now exchanged at a fast pace and in the most convenient way: using embedded m ultimedia. Green (2010) calls this as a creativity aspect of public relations that is driven by the swift breakthroughs in Internet programming and online software available as open source. Being creative is part of the trend in public relations, and according to Green (2010), this is an important component in being successful in public relations. According to Grunig (2009), the age of digitalization prompts a turnaround of events in the way public relations is conducted. However, with the greatest help that social media partake to the field of public relations, it is high time to shift the way things are conducted in this kind of specialization. Grunig (2009) mentioned that there is a need to â€Å"reinstitutionalize public relations as a behavioral, strategic† field rather than being an obsolete â€Å"symbolic, interpretive† field. Social media is regarded by many public relations professionals as an effective tool in â€Å"communicating with strategic publics† (Lewis, 2010, p. 1). Lewis (2010) further stated that the use of social media in public relations is also needed in teaching even college students to contribute to the growing success of the renewed public relations in the 21st century. With the latest applications and social media sites available for product branding and advertising, it is also a must to get acquainted with the wise use of social media, which is popularly known as â€Å"media literacy† (Lewis, 2010, p. 1). Even Facebook, for instance, has been widely suggested by PR instructors for their students to utilize in order to create an online community (Sutherland, 2011). Furthermore, the study conducted by Wright and Hinson (2008, p. 1) regarding the use of social media in public relations revealed that Facebook is considered the most important social media followed by â€Å"microblogging sites Twitter, search engine marketing, YouTube, electronic forums, and podcasts.† The study that started in 2005 was conducted to measure the impact of social media and other communication technologies in public relations. The results of the study show that social media â€Å"have brought dramatic changes† to the many aspects of public relations (Wright & Hinson, 2008, p. 2). The developments in terms of the

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Migration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Migration - Assignment Example Individuals may migrate because of social reasons such as family miss understandings, political turmoil, poverty or the intense desire for adventure. In its content, ‘the Bridge’ journal looks at some of the reasons why gender has been one of the core reasons for migration in many parts of the world. Gender roles, inequalities and relations highly influence migration in the current generation (Jolly S., Reeves H 2005 pg. 1). Gender oppression has been a key fight in many parts of the world. The current system of education provides equal opportunities to all people regardless of their gender. Women have the power to manage big institutions and to own property worth million and billions of dollars. This is unlike in the past where men were the dominant species and women were required only to act like companions and servants of the man. Gender movement erupted from the discovery of various abilities by oppressed parties which include both women and men depending on the envi ronment. It is not logical to say that only women are prone to oppression in the modern world. Every form of gender is prone to oppression that can in turn lead to migration. Migration is currently viewed as a problem caused by development but if deeply analyzed; sex segregation in the world’s labour market is one of the major causes of migration. Policies of gender migration in relation to labour markets provide different opportunities to men and women which at time cause unskilled women to more risky migration conduit (Jolly S., Reeves H 2005 pg. 4). Due to this fact, cases of human trafficking have become common in many parts of the world with Africa and Asia being the most affected regions. Economic imbalance, gender oppression and lack of employment cause many women to be lured into human traffic business with them being the commodity of trade. Their desire for a new

Friday, July 26, 2019

Operations Management of Bell Helicopter Company Essay

Operations Management of Bell Helicopter Company - Essay Example Bell aircraft can be found flying in over 120 nations accumulating fleet time at a rate in excess of ten flight hours every minute of the day (Bell helicopter, 2005). 1. Bell helicopter company offers a team of product support engineers and customer service representatives, fluent in many languages, who are available for the whole day and whole week to assist customers around the world, thus allowing timely diagnosis of a problem and appropriate solution. 2. Bell Helicopter Company warrants each overhauled or exchanged component to be free from defect in material or workmanship under normal use and service. Sellers' sole obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement or repair of parts which are determined to sellers' reasonable satisfaction to have been defective within 1500 hours or operation or two calendar years after installation whichever comes first and reimbursement of reasonable freight charges (bellhelicopter.com). 3. Although the company is equipped with impressive manufacturing facilities, it depends on many North American and foreign suppliers who provide more than 500 million dollars worth of components or services annually. 4. 4. The material team is composed of seasoned aerospace industry professionals who, by closely working with suppliers, ensure constant availability of quality supplies, to benefit both company's operations and its clients, while minimizing the inventory cost and the total purchase cost of these parts. 5. Aeronautical accessories Inc. provides aeronautical accessories designs, certifies, manufactures and markets a wide selection of quality helicopter parts and accessories for manufacturers including Bell, Eurocopter, Sikorsky, and others. The company supplies products directly to helicopter manufacturers for installation on new aircraft and to helicopter operators worldwide. Rotor Blade Inc. supports bell operators with quality blade repairs. RBI offers a 3-year, 2000 hour prorated warranty on every blade repair. 6. Bell Helicopter Company uses state-of-the-art equipment such as computerized and personalized systems for flight tests (CAFTA) or for new product design (CATIA) to meet its stringent requirements. The BHTCL Engineering Department possesses a unique helicopter-technology expertise. 7. The purpose of Quality Assurance in Bell is to provide total confidence that the finished product meets or exceeds given Federal Aviation or ISO 9001 regulations and that the product has been manufactured in conformity with Bell Helicopter Quality Standards. 8. The functions of Quality Assurance consist in quality-system evaluation of suppliers to ensure they fulfil company's requirements, receiving inspection, aircraft certification, non-destructive testing, gauge calibrating and corrective and preventive action programs. Quality Assurance is responsible for maintaining manufacturer approval on behalf of Transport Canada and is also responsible for the Aircraft Maintenance Organization. 9. Bell Helicopter is committed to airborne law enforcement, corporate, EMS, and Energy/Utility markets. Bell provides a specialist to ensure that customers have someone to rely on for their specific needs (2006). 10. For cost effectiveness in manufacturing, the company uses Business Objects to improve assembly operation

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Accounting and capital markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Accounting and capital markets - Essay Example In the above assessment, the expected value of dividend for 2013 has been measured by taking into account a dividend growth rate that has been proposed by board of each company which is atleast few percentage above the prevailing inflation rate. The expected value has been calculated using Gordon’s formula: D1=D0 (1+g); where g is the dividend growth rate. The dividend growth rates have been sourced from annual report of each company for 2012 (Pennon Group Plc, 2012; Severn Trent, 2012; United Utilities, 2012; National Grid, 2012). The risk free return value has been obtained by taking into account yield on 10 year UK government bonds. It was considered risk free because only government bond investments are considered absolutely safe. The data has been sourced from Open Knowledge (2015) and annual value has been taken into account. The beta represents systematic risk of an organisation. In this paper, the beta value of each company against all FTSE shares has been considered (Caldwell, 2013). The price earnings (P/E) ratio reflects healthy prospects of a company in the stock market. It is calculated as: Market price of share/ Earning per Share. As per instruction of the paper, the market price of share of each company has been calculated on 01 October 2012. However, the EPS value was measured from the respective annual reports. The expected market return has been calculated as reverse of the price earnings ratio. The cost of equity herein has been calculated as: Ke = Rf + ÃŽ ² * (Rm – Rf) and Stock valuation can be largely categorised as absolute valuation model and relative valuation model. For absolute valuation, the paper has considered dividend discount model. One of the important dividend models is Gordon’s dividend growth model. This model is essentially utilised for valuation of equity stocks and is based on the notion that

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Network Security Planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Network Security Planning - Assignment Example White (2001) defines Cisco SAFE as architecture in security that offers guidelines for modular networks design approach (Cisco, 2010). This approach makes its ease for network designers to understand relationships thus proceed to execute security based on one module after the other unlike the traditional approach of implementing one broad approach for the entire enterprise. Despite its advantage of maximizing control and visibility, Cisco SAFE has limitations and this paper explores these limitations in detail and their impacts on network security. With Cisco SAFE, denial of service attacks is a widespread threat especially for organizations that do not implement protocol analysis in network security design. With poor protocol analysis, the network lacks significant pattern matching with IDS guaranteeing that the rules of each protocol are followed and this results to sending of both protocol related and unrelated data streams. Consequently, traffic is not valid and is an attack that bypasses security systems or an attack crashing the system due to invalid data presence in the intended system. DoS is overcome by ensuring that IDS in Cisco SAFE has the right knowledge of ordinary system protocols like UDP, TCP, FTP, and HTTP. A second limitation is distributed denial-of-service (DDoS). Without proper configuration of Cisco’s firewall Intrusion Detection System (IDS), organizational networks are subject to DDoS attacks preventing networks from bandwidth access (World, 2002). DDoS attacks consume entire business network bandwidth by attackers while Cisco IDS offers distinctive protection against DDoS by detecting attacks proactively and mitigate them. However, Cisco IDS requires configuration after router configuration to enable it to identify and block attacks prior to the occurrence of intrusion or unauthorized transactions and this calls for effective configuration of Cisco IDS. For any

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

CRJS405DB4 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CRJS405DB4 - Research Paper Example These include but not limited to collation, filtering, visualization and processing of data. Collation is the major role played by Excel. It involves gathering items that are related together into a solitary location, the spreadsheet. This aids in facilitating interpretation of data as only those records that are related are kept together. The organization of data in the spreadsheet also enhances clarity and neatness of the records, making access and retrieval easy and faster. Filtering is also another important feature offered by Excel. The data sets can also be easily visualized, making the work of the managers easy and more efficient to perform. SPSS can be defined as an integrated collection of tools for analysis of data commonly used and applied by social scientist researchers ( Mckeh & David, 2004). It is a computer based software package for quantitative data analysis commonly used for analysis of statistical data and other data management tasks. SPSS offers predictive analytics, a common feature which is beneficial to all businesses regardless of their industry. This feature involves predicting changes in the future trends in selling patterns. The results are then translated quickly into a number of harmonized decisions which aid in management and planning for future trends. This helps organization to take caution of possible risks of failure in the future, thus adjusting their operations to fit the situation ( Wagner, 2011). This saves money and improves customer satisfaction, thus ensuring continued success of the business. Future losses are prevented before occurring. When one uses the data garnered in a survey as a tool to develop a profile of features to be used by the company when hiring workers and call that Ideal, it could mean a stagger in the ethics of business. This is equated to having a mold of potential employees and calling them ideal (Cooper $ Vault, 2009). Each of them will be diversified in the

The white mountains Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The white mountains - Essay Example Surprising tones were displayed among the bands of earth made visible by road cut-throughs. These bones of the mountains, the strata that reveal their core construction, only serve to heighten our perception of the volume of rock we’re seeing and the weight of patient time it has taken for wind and weather to sculpt the billowing rounded crests we see emerging around every angle we look. Even the chatter in the car during the drive takes on new dimensions with the changing scenery. While we start with discussions of a suitably frivolous nature, by the time we’ve hit the true mountains our conversation has taken on new weight and purpose. We begin discussing our destination point, The Old Man of the Mountain, and how it came to be. This was a rock formation chiseled out of a cliff’s edge by wind, water, weather and the natural rock fracturing that occurs as a result of constant changes in temperature. The formation closely resembled the features of a craggy old man in profile. The formation collapsed in 2003, the year after our visit. Our stories of how we’d first heard about the Old Man and how we eventually came to the decision to visit slowly began to taper off as the grandeur of the mountains surrounding us began working on our subconscious. With the revelation of each new vista, we began losing track of our conversation, allowing sentences t o dangle without completion as we were struck silently breathless at a new view. Then, suddenly, we were there, at the lookout point just off the freeway that affords a perfect view of the Old Man in profile as he gazes over a spectacular view of Profile Lake. The lake isn’t often mentioned in descriptions of the site and makes a stunning and sometimes surprising counterpoint to the face. He exists in awesome, mystifying reality, poking out from the side of the cliff in perfect detail. It is surprising to us how

Monday, July 22, 2019

The Invisible Hand Theory Essay Example for Free

The Invisible Hand Theory Essay â€Å"The Enquiry to the Nature and Cause of wealth and Nation† by Adam Smith is one of the well-known influenced books in the economy. As express on the title of the book, it shows Adam great interest on wealth condition of a nation. He doesn’t locate the wealth on natural resources and climates but in division of labor and the â€Å"Invisible Hand† within competition of free-market. In Vietnam, healthcare, education and retirement services are opaque and inefficiency due to State monopolization. So by applying the â€Å"Invisible Hand† theory to Vietnamese market, it would be a shift of local economy. The theory â€Å"Invisible Hand† In the book â€Å"The Enquiry to the Nature and Cause of the Wealth of Nation† by Adam Smith, he expresses three arguments: the Economizer Argument, the Local Knowledge Argument and the Invisible Hand Argument. (Otteson and Meadowcroft, 2011:99) [1] â€Å"Invisible Hand† is the term which is rarely mentioned in Adam’s work but has great influence in modern economy. In details, he wrote: â€Å"†¦Every individual necessarily labors to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Smith, 1950: 9) [2], that simply means the entrepreneur is motivated by self-interest to satisfy their need but unintentionally by doing so, at the end it not only benefits himself but also to other people. People act unintentionally with local purpose in mind but it does not only to them. In contrast, Smith believes that it also includes concern about family and friends as well. Smith describe people as economizers and who want to save their time and energy while try to get enormous return of investment (Otteson and Meadowcroft, 2011:99). People use energy more efficiently benefits not only themselves but others. Since people are allowed to focus on narrow range of activities, it creates surplus in goods which they can sell or trade on the market. Furthermore, other locals may interest and imitate that so it saves time and energy for them as well. Another point is that when division of labor is accepted and people allow specializing or concentrating on their task, it will unleash hidden human ingenuity as mentioned on Prof. James Otteson’s interview Adam Smith: The Invisible Hand, 2011 [3]. For instance, entrepreneurs will figure out better ways to do things to satisfy their interest. In order to create opportunity for specialization, free up of market is essential. The competition between buyers and seller is motivated by profit for individuals, as the result both sides have to improve their products and reduce selling prices. This process of attracting customers is leading by the â€Å"Invisible Hand†. Generally, external forces such as Government interventionism is unnecessary because economy can be sustain under guidance of â€Å"Invisible Hand†. Overall, Smith saws creation of the free market as resources of higher standard of livings. (Morgan, 2010:23)[4] To sum up, the â€Å"Invisible Hand† shows that innovation and free market can generate specialization and productivity therefore improves living standards. Positive negative attributes One benefit of the Invisible hand is that it can guide free market through competition for scarce resources therefore benefits everyone since not only it makes the firms produce more quality resources but also enhances variety of products in the market with cheaper prices. (Otteson and Meadowcroft, 2011:89). As this process is repeated in other industry, people will enjoy buying as well as increase their living standards. Even though it is possible that the Invisible Hand can improve living standards but Adam Smith’s ideas only suitable for capitalism for free-market period. Later, when the economic crisis happens, people need visible hand of government intervention to balance the economy. Another disadvantage shows in total free market dominant the market by State-owned enterprises. Petrol in Vietnam for instance, Petrolimex holds nearly half of the market shares and it betrays the principle of free market. Lastly, division in people values will be deeper. (Vietnamnews, 2013)[5] Summary newspaper article Title: Public expects better quality service The author suggests that Government should â€Å"play as regulatory and supervisory role† in management of healthcare, education and retirement. In Vietnam, Government is still a major public service provider so that service users have very few options to choose. In addition, according to a survey made by Central Institute for Economic and Management, public services are facing low efficiency in allocating the funds as well as little engagement with non-State sector. As the result, quality provided remains low. In order to solve the problem, Nhung, a supervisor from Institution, suggests that â€Å"public sector should only do what private sector is unable to do† which also means open up the market for private sector to provide public service. Relevance Opaque, corruption and inefficiency Low efficient services provided by the public sectors is the fact that local people facing every day. Not only healthcare, education and retirement are State monopolized but also petrol market such as Petrolimex. Since the mid 1980s reform period, Vietnam has change from planned economy to a Socialist-oriented market economy but state sector still accounts about 70 percent of total economic activities in Vietnam. Moreover, the sector hasn’t been seen in good health in recent years. For instance, economic scandal, giant Vinashin which announced $4. 4 billion losses which is the biggest lost to the national budget (France24, 2013) [7]. Return to the healthcare system, most Vietnamese have to pay health services out of their own pocket even though it’s public service. There is another fact that patients have to bribe the doctors or they will put him in waiting list for treatment. Opaque, corruption and inefficiency exist in public sector due to lack of competition in the market. â€Å"Public sector should only do what private sector can’t do† Private healthcare or private operators may be more innovative in telemedicine which is use telecommunications to provide patients with clinical healthcare at a distance. Due to profit motive, they can be very productive while public sector meets limitation in funds so leads to low quality services and number of researches. In that case, instead of monopolizing the market, public sector should play as supervisory role as Ms Nhung said (Vietnamnews, 2013). But there is negative affect if market is open for private sector; quality of services in Vietnam highly depends on remuneration for doctors and staffs. Consequently rich people will get better services than others and that creates division in people values. Recommendations If free market is apply, private healthcare has to be more carefully regulated to ensure that it achieves national standards as well as safety, value, and efficiency. Similarity, State should have taxes, standards and a legal system to encourage the free market to operate quickly. New technology can be used in administration of hospitals. Conclusion  Even though Vietnam did change to Socialist-oriented market economy which is partly open-market, the public sector still suffers from â€Å"long illness†. It let a web of state own firms control the economic and stubbornly resistance to change. Note that free market mention by Adam Smith is base of capitalism so it can create also a political issue when trying fully applying it to Vietnam despite the fact that competition does enhance quality of services. On the whole, I would call Vietnamese market is a partly free-market since it encourages private sector in some industry but monopolizes in a few like petrol or electricity.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Analysis of Affordable Housing in London

Analysis of Affordable Housing in London 1.1 Arguments and Discussions A report published recently by the Greater London Authority on the problem of affordable housing in London in June 2005, revealed that the issue of â€Å"affordable housing† (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) was the most pressing matter Londoners wished to see dealt with in terms of improving London as a place to live (Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 2.3). The Barker Review of Housing Supply, not only supported this viewpoint, but it identified housing as a basic human need (Barker, 2006; p.1). Affordable housing in London is therefore a controversial and highly topical subject at the moment (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) (Barker, 2006; p.7). The debate surrounding it is underpinned by various political, sociological, economic and financial factors (Greater London Authority, 2005; Karn and Wolman, 1992; p16 (Rugg,1999; p.19). This thesis will examine why there is an affordable housing shortage; who really would benefit from affordable housing and what sectors of the population are affected by problems associated with affordable housing. The concept of affordable and who really wants it will be examined in detail, since the notion of affordability is essentially so subjective that it is open to interpretation on many levels. Affordability as a concept, will therefore be examined from an ethical point of view; from an economic point of view and finally from a sociological and political point of view, since these viewpoints will all constrain and influence the ultimate interpre tation of what it means to be affordable.    The thesis will attempt to discover if any agency or individual may be blamed for problems associated with affordable housing in London and the policy context this relates to. Historical factors such as Thatcher’s ‘Right to Buy’ policy (Evans, 2004; p.20) will be examined as well as contemporary initiatives such as equity loans for certain keyworkers’ schemes (Greater London Authority, 2005; Sections 5.16). Where historical issues have impacted the contemporary manifestation of issues connected with affordable housing, these will be analysed. Specifically, the thesis will examine contemporary and historical issues relating to affordable housing through two in depth case studies. One will be on the subject of the ‘Right to Buy’ policy introduced by Thatcher and the other will relate to the definition and depth of debate contained within the idea of affordable housing. These two in depth case studies will be examined qualitatively and will be referred to throughout the thesis. There will also be an economic analysis of the problem of affordable housing, and ideas such as artificially controlling the prices of houses in London will be considered. In this sense, there will be a theoretical evaluation of who really wants affordable housing, as the research will specifically ask if it would be desirable to advocate the imposition of affordable housing upon the London housing market.   The thesis will also consider various issues which are related to the problem of affordable housing such as social and economic policies within the city itself and the social problems which are themselves shaped by shortages of affordable housing in London. Therefore various themes will be drawn out during the course of the thesis and these will include social exclusion, poverty, salary concerns amongst professional and semi-professional sectors, house prices, population and demographic cleavages, anti-social behaviour and crime (Greater London Authority, 2005, Section 5.16 ). These themes will be drawn together to ultimately address the question of ‘Who really wants affordable housing?’. 1.2 Conclusions and Recommendations At this stage the conclusions and recommendations of the chapter are that given the issues which have been highlighted above, an argument can be made that affordable housing is a controversial issue which warrants further investigation. These investigations will attempt to shed more light on the concept of affordable housing and who really wants it. The next chapter will look at the methodology   for the thesis, which will set out the means through which this may be achieved.    CHAPTER TWO: METHODOLOGY 2.1 Overview This section will explain the definition and nature of qualitative research and how it will be used in the thesis inquiry. It will outline the research methods which will be used in the research and what framework these methods will be used within. The research will be based upon a qualitative analysis of two case studies; one contemporary which will be based on the concept of affordable housing itself, and the other historical and this will centred on the ‘Right to Buy’ policy introduced by Thatcher in 1980. These case studies will be derived from examination of published texts within the field of economic and politics. These texts have been identified as an appendix to the thesis. Where quantitative information is relevant to the thesis this will be looked at, but evaluated qualitatively, since the basis of the research will be mainly qualitative in nature. Primary evidence in the form of interviews was also used. 2.2 Hypothesis There are two hypothesises which will feature in this thesis. The first is that affordable housing is needed and wanted by the economically disadvantaged within London, and these groups include the poor, the disabled and specific sectors of workers who do not earn enough money to buy their own houses within London. Another hypothesis of the study is that affordable housing is a problem which comprises many interrelated and intersecting issues; all of which may be seen as sociological, economic and political. It follows that any credible proposals in relation to lessening the problem of affordable housing must take this into account, and simultaneously address economic, political and sociological problems. The essence of this hypothesis is therefore that this is the best why to understand and to approach the description and evaluation of the problem of affordable housing in London and who really wants it. These hypothesises will be tested throughout the thesis. 2.3 Aims and Objectives Specifically, the primary aim of the study is to examine whether the above mentioned hypothesises can be supported. Overall the aim of the study is to examine the concept of affordable housing in London, and who really wants it. Primary qualitative data in the form of interviews with key workers and London residents affected by the affordable housing problem, will also be conducted in order to achieve a better understanding of the problem of affordable housing in London. Another aim of the study is to present and interpret these results. Various perspectives on the problem of affordable housing; its possible solutions and impacts will be advanced and discussed by the writer on the basis of these investigations. The study will aim therefore to use this discussion in order to achieve a more full understanding of the problem of affordable housing in London; who really wants it and related sociological, economic and political issues. Ultimately the thesis will aim to add original literature to the research pool in relation to the problem of affordable housing in London, providing a detailed and holistic overview of the problem; who it affects and how its adverse effects may be lessened. 2.4 Arguments and Discussions Definition of Qualitative Research/Explanation of Why Qualitative Research is Appropriate    There are two main categories of research methods; qualitative methods (Bryman, 1995: p20) and quantitative methods (Bornat, Chamberlayne and Wengraf, 2000; Chapter One). The best way to define one is by reference and comparison to the other since the paradigm of research enquiry is mainly split between these two different research rationales (Bryman, 1995; p95 and 20).   Qualitative research aims to explain concepts and phenomena (Bryman, 1995; p95). Specifically the concept of affordable housing will be addressed in this research. As we have seen explained above, the focus of the research will be mainly qualitative in nature. However, in what ways is a qualitative research enquiry more appropriate to this question relating to affordable housing? Qualitative research tends to be more holistic (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) than specific which means that it seeks to understand a topic ‘in the round’ (Bryman, 1995; p.20). On the contrary, quantitative methods value specificity and outcome linked methods of research (Trout, 1998; p.113). This holistic characteristic of qualitative research fits the wider aim of this thesis enquiry, as the problem of affordable housing, its causes, purpose, its critique and its improvement are all topics which, too, must be understood and approached ‘in the round’. Therefore, while quantitative work tends to predict and hypothesise (Trout, 1998; p.113) about possible outcomes, the qualitative researcher will often embark upon their research enquiry with an open mind (Bryman, 1995; p.20), researching malleable conclusions as the enquiry unfolds. This open ended research framework therefore fits the infinitely complex dynamics of affordable housing more appropriately ( Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 1-5).   This open-ended research aim (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) relating to qualitative research may be contrasted with the aim of quantitative research which usually seeks to be confirmatory (Trout, 1998; p.113), rather than (and also more so than) explanatory (Harrison, 2001; p.68). In this context, qualitative research may be understood as inductive (Bryman, 1995; p.20) whereas quantitative research tends to be more deductive in nature. This type of research (qualitative) tends to be situational in nature and tends to reflect given cultural and theoretical mores (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12). This imbibes qualitative research methods with a level of subjectivity which would not be appropriate in a quantitative or positivist study, since the processes under examination (Greater London Authority, 2006; Sections 1-5) often cannot be pinned down by or encapsulated within a quantitative research framework. Again these characteristics of qualitative research fit the enquiry into af fordable housing more appropriately since the levels of subjectivity involved in the arguments and theories connected with affordable housing are vast (Greater London Authority, 2006; Sections 1-5).   Differences between qualitative and quantitative research may also be explained by arguing that qualitative research is process related (Bryman, 1995; p.20) with a relative lack of control (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) over the various processes which are to be understood, whereas conversely variables are strictly controlled within the framework of a quantitative research framework (Trout, 1998; p.113). Others have explained the differences between qualitative and quantitative enquiries by arguing that the former is anthropological in nature (Bryman, 1995; p.20) (since it has a focus on society and sociological forces), while the latter; quantitative research being more ‘scientific’ (Trout, 1998; p.113). Qualitative research methods are also appropriate to this enquiry into affordable housing since they are unstructured (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) and discursive (Bryman, 1995; p.20), allowing a researcher room to analyse possible outcomes/rationales/explanations (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) as well as the ones which will potentially be accepted as the most credible. Colloquially, this characteristic of qualitative research leads many to regard it as a ‘soft’ subject’ area (Bryman, 1995; p.20) which lends itself well to the area of social science research as opposed to ‘hard’ subject areas such as maths or physics which may be described as more tangible (Trout, 1998; p.113). However, this particular dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research methods discredits qualitative research for no better reason than those who critique qualitative research in these terms fail to understand that concepts and phenomena which may be described in tangible, or ‘scientific’ terms do not take precedence over research enquiries into what is not tangible. Simply because a concept may be difficult to understand in isolation, as qualitative subject matter often is does not mean that it is not capable of being understood credibly. Simply because qualitative subject matter may be understood credibly in different ways by different people does not strip each differing rationale of validity simply because another explanation may be pointed to. It must also be remembered that the objectivity of quantitative research often precludes the existence of other explanations of research phenomena, not because there are no valid alternative explanations but because the nature of quantitative enquiry is not always equipped to cope with multi-faceted concepts, whose existence and form may only be conjectured upon and not encapsulated within a given explanation. Concepts and phenomena are not always thoroughly understood through mere extrapolation, which is what makes the pragmatic and open-ended nature of qualitative enquiry universally important and specifically pivotal to this thesis enquiry into affordable housing.   These points should however, in no way, be interpreted as a critique of quantitative methods. Indeed, quantitative statistics and studies will be widely consulted as a vital part of the thesis enquiry (Greater London Authority, 2005; Sections 1-7). It just happens to be the case that qualitative research is a more appropriate means to seek to explain the particular context and rationales underpinning the issue of affordable housing in the context of this particular study. The points, mentioned above regarding the qualitative/quantitative aspects of the wider research paradigm are therefore merely a defence of the qualitative method which will form the main bedrock of this research design. 2.3 Sources and Framework  Ã‚   This thesis will rely upon   primary data gathered through interviews with interested parties and stakeholders in the area of affordable housing. Specifically, groups such as local residents and key workers in London will be interviewed and an interview with a Housing Association in Notting Hill will be conducted. The methodology for this thesis will also rely on sources, such as Government reports and current debates, reports/sources from interested parties in the non-profit making sector, case-studies and contemporary and historical books. These sources will all be used to contextualise the two case studies which, as has been explained previously, form a pivot of the thesis. Archival research in the form of retrieving and consulting relevant press publications and speeches through these means will also be important. The research will therefore be primary and secondary in nature, and it will mainly make wide reference to qualitative/phenomenological material. Reference will also be made to quantitative and empirically derived data. Examining the range of sources which have been explained above will ensure that the research engages the subject with the necessary degree of depth and theoretical perspective. 2.4 Conclusions and Recommendations The conclusion of this chapter is that qualitative research is ultimately more compatible with the overall research aims and objectives.   Primary and secondary qualitative research will be used to gather the information needed to comment on the validity of the hypothesises outlined above.     CHAPTER THREE: LITERATURE REVIEW PART ONE: DEFINITIONS; AND THE PROBLEM OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN LONDON 3.1.a Arguments and Discussions What Does the Concept of Affordable Housing Refer to? Affordable Housing has been defined by Plymouth City Council as: ‘Low cost market, and subsidised housing..that will be available to people who cannot afford to rent or buy houses generally available on the open market†¦.that definition should be framed to endure for the life of the plan, for instance through reference to the level of local incomes and their relationship to house prices or rents, rather than to a particular price or rent applicable at that one point in time (http://www.plymouth.gov.uk ).   Affordable housing causes particular demographic cleavages such as the inaccessibility of certain areas of London to what are referred to as key or essential workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers and employees of the health and social services (Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 5.16) (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16). This problem of inaccessibility means that these groups are ‘priced out of the market’ which means that on the salary that is typically earned by people in their jobs, it is difficult to find a house which is affordable (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16).  Ã‚   The problem of affordable housing has also defined as ‘infrastructure needs’. These needs have been elaborated on in the following way: ‘The changing face of London’s population has immediate implications for every aspect of London life-education.transport and infrastructure.employment and employability, competitiveness and culture†¦Housing provides a useful example..London has 42 per cent of England’s most overcrowded households..’ (Greater London Authority, 2006; Section 2.8).  Ã‚  Ã‚   Affordable housing therefore refers to a situation where there are not sufficient numbers of houses being built to satisfy the level of demand there is for these types of houses and accommodation in general (Greater London Authority, 2006; Section 5.17 and Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) (Barker, 2006; p.7). This situation (some would say artificially) increases the price of property within certain areas affected by affordable housing shortages. These are essentially the mechanics of affordable housing. This definition therefore goes to the heart of what the concept means in practical and real terms. However, this definition does not encapsulate how malleable this concept of affordable housing can be when it is viewed from particular standpoints. The concept of affordable housing is particularly linked with certain social and economic problems, such as social exclusion, poverty and crime (Pacione, 1997; p.7 and Rugg, 1999; p.19). This is also supported through the primary research findings of the writer. An interview with Kate Bond revealed that she was suspicious of the social problems which are associated with affordable housing developments and is reluctant to allow her children to play in these areas (Interview One, 2006; p.1). Affordable housing can therefore also be interpreted from a purely ethical standpoint, in which case it would refer to the wider problem of housing shortages being linked to problems such as poverty, crime and low wages for certain sectoral groups. In terms of economics (and this will be looked at in more detail in the next section) this ethical perspective it somewhat suspended from the analysis and the problem becomes one which is defined in terms of how certain factors such as supply, demand, resources and money shape the concept of affordability in terms of the housing sector. These issues of definition are important to an analysis of affordable housing since, if one is to examine the question of who really wants affordable housing, it is imperative to extrapolate the concept in sufficient detail. Therefore, the problem of affordable housing and its theoretical underpinnings and context will be examined alongside a discussion of what the concept essentially means to different people, as the next section, an economic analysis of the problem of affordable housing and who really wants it, will elucidate. 3.1.b Economic Analysis of the Problem The price of housing in a free-market economy is determined by supply and demand. The supply of houses increases, other things equal, as the price of housing rises. The reason for this is that as the price of housing rises, other things equal, producers will find it profitable to allocate more resources to the production of houses relative to the production of other things they might otherwise produce. However, as the price of housing rises, other things equal, the demand for housing falls. The reason for this is that as the price of housing rises, other things equal, consumers will find it advantageous to substitute away from the consumption of houses towards the consumption of other goods that are now relatively cheaper to purchase. The price of housing, known as the â€Å"equilibrium† price, is the price at which these two forces, demand and supply are equal. This is how economists’ typically analyse markets (Landsburg, 2002; ch.1). How does the price of housing adjust to ensure that â€Å"equilibrium† is reached? If demand exceeds supply, then there is more demand for housing at the existing price than producers are willing to supply at that price. In such circumstances, economists say that purchasers of houses are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to buy a house at the existing price can get one. These potential purchasers start competing with one another by offering suppliers a slightly higher price for a house than was the case in the market initially. This has two effects; first of all, the higher price induces more supply, and secondly, the higher price lowers demand. This means that the â€Å"excess demand† in the market that existed initially falls as a consequence of competition between rationed purchasers. Naturally, this process of competition will continue until prices have been bid upward sufficiently to ensure that demand and supply are equal. At this point, no-on e is rationed and excess demand falls to zero. Of course, this process can be reversed.   Imagine that at the existing price the supply of houses exceeds the demand. Now it is the producers of houses who are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to sell a house at the existing price can. As before, these potential sellers start competing with one another by offering purchasers a slightly lower price for a house than was the case in the market initially. This has two effects; first of all, the lower price induces less supply, and secondly, the lower price raises demand. This means that the â€Å"excess supply† in the market that existed initially falls as a consequence of competition between rationed sellers. Just like the previous case, this process of competition will continue until prices have been bid downward sufficiently to ensure that demand and supply are equal. At this point, no-one is rationed and excess demand falls to zero (Landsburg, 2002; ch.7). What are we to make of this analysis from economics? Economics helps us to understand how prices are determined. They are determined by the forces of supply and demand operating through the mechanism described above. But can this give us some insight into the concept of â€Å"affordability†? Not really. The notion of â€Å"affordability† is one that does not make sense within the discipline of economics. This might be a weakness of economics, but it might also be that the concept itself is meaningless. Let me explain. In economics, the equilibrium price of housing (also known as the â€Å"market† price) is the price that is desirable from a social point of view. It can neither be too high or too low. Provided that the housing market is a so-called â€Å"competitive† market then the equilibrium price is the one that society ought to want (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). How does economics reach this surprising conclusion? It does so from noting that at the equilibrium price, all gains from trade in the market are maximised (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). In other words, despite claims that economics is a â€Å"positivist† subject, it is committed to a specific normative theory of good (Hausman and McPherson, 1996; Ch. 1 and 8). That theory says that what is socially desirable maximises the gains from trade. What does this mean? Let us return to the excess demand example mentioned above. Imagine that at the initial market price, purchasers of houses are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to buy a house at the existing price can get one. It is simple to demonstrate that at this price, the increase in price needed to induce producers to build just one more house is strictlyless than what potential purchasers would be willing to pay a producer in order to build that house (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). Given that this condition is satisfied, it is always possible for a mutually beneficial trade to occur between a potential buyer and a potential seller.   To illustrate this, imagine that a producer of houses (a builder, say) needs the price of houses to rise from  ¿Ã‚ ¡100,000 to  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000 in order to find it profitable to build 11 houses as opposed to 10. If there is a situation of excess demand in the market whenever the price of a house is  ¿Ã‚ ¡100,000 then it is always possible to show that the maximum price someone would be willing to pay in order to induce the producer to build the additional house is strictly greater than  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000. If that price is, for example,  ¿Ã‚ ¡150,000, then the two parties can trade to their mutual advantage. Imagine that the potential buyer offers the producer a price of  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 in order to build the house. This is a price the producer will happily accept. He or she would have built the house for  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000 but instead gets  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 – the producer is better-off by  ¿Ã‚ ¡7000. Economists say that â€Å"producer surplus† rises by  ¿Ã‚ ¡7000 (Lands burg, 2002; Ch.8).   Similarly, the buyer gets the house for  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 but was willing to pay  ¿Ã‚ ¡150,000 for it. The buyer is better-off by  ¿Ã‚ ¡25,000. Economists say that â€Å"consumer surplus† rises by  ¿Ã‚ ¡25,000 (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). An important insight from economics, as seen in this example, is that mutually advantageous trade is possible. Trade is not necessarily a zero-sum game. How does this relate to the idea that the equilibrium price is the socially desirable one? It does so in the following way. As the excess demand in the market is gradually eliminated through upward movement in prices, the scope for mutually advantageous trade between buyers and sellers shrinks. Remarkably, when the excess demand for houses vanishes and the market is in equilibrium, no more mutually advantageous trades are possible. The price that would induce a producer to build an additional house is equal to the maximum price someone would be willing to pay for it – neither consumer surplus nor producer surplus can rise if this trade takes place. At the market equilibrium, all gains from trade have been realised and no more are possible. Economists refer to this state as one of â€Å"economic efficiency† or â€Å"Pareto efficiency†. (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). The above analysis is the main reason why economists (admittedly with some caution) advocate the use of free markets. If a market is competitive then it will produce on its own devices an equilibrium that is socially desirable (if one accepts the principle of economic efficiency). Adam Smith referred to this general idea (albeit in a different context) as the â€Å"Invisible Hand†. He said â€Å"Every individualgenerally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention† (Smith, 1776; p.243). Smith’s idea is that people acting in their own self-interest may produce unintended consequences which, surprisingly, can serve the social good. In the example above, individuals through competition with one another push the market price towards its equilibrium value, and this value is socially desirable. However, to do this was not the intention of the individuals involved. They were just competing with one another and trading with sellers for their own private benefit. How does this analysis help with the problem of â€Å"affordable housing†? From an economic point of view, affordability is a meaningless concept. It is simply not a social objective for things to be affordable, rather the government should seek to promote competition in the housing market and then leave the market to its own devices. This conclusion of economics is striking and quite at odds with other perspectives on this problem. I will argue that affordability is an important problem, and that something fundamental is missing from the economic approach to housing. Within economics what is missing is some notion of â€Å"equity†, or a concern for how the gains from trade are distributed across different people. To illustrate this point, imagine that the equilibrium price of a house in a competitive housing market is  ¿Ã‚ ¡200,000. Then those who are willing to pay  ¿Ã‚ ¡200,000 or more for a property will get one, and the situation will be efficient from an economic point of view. However, this might not be the â€Å"ethically appropriate† way to allocate houses to people. The reason is fairly obvious. What someone is willing to pay for anything is constrained by their income. A rich person might be willing to pay more for a house than a poor person, but this does not mean that it is better th at the rich person gets the house as opposed to the poor person. This is sometimes referred to in economics as the â€Å"equity-efficiency† trade-off. This is the idea that less efficiency is the price we have to pay sometimes if we want to ensure a more equitable distribution of goods across people (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). Policies designed to promote affordable housing fall into this category. The people who will gain the most from them are people on low income, who cannot guarantee that they will be allocated a house through the market mechanism. 3.1.c How is the Problem of Affordable Housing Addressed? Various policy initiatives have been introduced to ameliorate the problem of affordable housing in London. These will be discussed in this section. These policies and whether they have a positive impact upon the community will also be evaluated in this section.   One such policy   takes the form of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (which became operative in 1947 (Jackson, J., 1963; p.18 ), which seeks to address the problems which may arise in relation to affordable housing and the provision of local services (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27).   Where a major developer wishes to obtain planning permission for a development in a given area, it is the case that such developments will put pressure on local services such as schools or hospitals this Act seeks to ensure that some of the cost of such developments are borne by the developers who wish to develop the area (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27). Section 106 of this statute therefore provides that agreements may be reached between local planning authorities and developers in relation to planning permission, where the developer is required to make financial contributions towards the local services in the areas where the planned developments are to be built (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27). However, this statute has been criticised, especially by Kate Barker (2006; p.11), as being in drastic need to reform to make it more simple and certain. The Barker Review also recommended in relation to Section 106, that it be scaled back to address the direct impacts of developments (Barker, 2006; p.11). Also, Housing Associations in London such as the Keystart Housing Association, Tower Homes, Metropolitan Home Ownership and London Str Analysis of Affordable Housing in London Analysis of Affordable Housing in London 1.1 Arguments and Discussions A report published recently by the Greater London Authority on the problem of affordable housing in London in June 2005, revealed that the issue of â€Å"affordable housing† (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) was the most pressing matter Londoners wished to see dealt with in terms of improving London as a place to live (Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 2.3). The Barker Review of Housing Supply, not only supported this viewpoint, but it identified housing as a basic human need (Barker, 2006; p.1). Affordable housing in London is therefore a controversial and highly topical subject at the moment (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) (Barker, 2006; p.7). The debate surrounding it is underpinned by various political, sociological, economic and financial factors (Greater London Authority, 2005; Karn and Wolman, 1992; p16 (Rugg,1999; p.19). This thesis will examine why there is an affordable housing shortage; who really would benefit from affordable housing and what sectors of the population are affected by problems associated with affordable housing. The concept of affordable and who really wants it will be examined in detail, since the notion of affordability is essentially so subjective that it is open to interpretation on many levels. Affordability as a concept, will therefore be examined from an ethical point of view; from an economic point of view and finally from a sociological and political point of view, since these viewpoints will all constrain and influence the ultimate interpre tation of what it means to be affordable.    The thesis will attempt to discover if any agency or individual may be blamed for problems associated with affordable housing in London and the policy context this relates to. Historical factors such as Thatcher’s ‘Right to Buy’ policy (Evans, 2004; p.20) will be examined as well as contemporary initiatives such as equity loans for certain keyworkers’ schemes (Greater London Authority, 2005; Sections 5.16). Where historical issues have impacted the contemporary manifestation of issues connected with affordable housing, these will be analysed. Specifically, the thesis will examine contemporary and historical issues relating to affordable housing through two in depth case studies. One will be on the subject of the ‘Right to Buy’ policy introduced by Thatcher and the other will relate to the definition and depth of debate contained within the idea of affordable housing. These two in depth case studies will be examined qualitatively and will be referred to throughout the thesis. There will also be an economic analysis of the problem of affordable housing, and ideas such as artificially controlling the prices of houses in London will be considered. In this sense, there will be a theoretical evaluation of who really wants affordable housing, as the research will specifically ask if it would be desirable to advocate the imposition of affordable housing upon the London housing market.   The thesis will also consider various issues which are related to the problem of affordable housing such as social and economic policies within the city itself and the social problems which are themselves shaped by shortages of affordable housing in London. Therefore various themes will be drawn out during the course of the thesis and these will include social exclusion, poverty, salary concerns amongst professional and semi-professional sectors, house prices, population and demographic cleavages, anti-social behaviour and crime (Greater London Authority, 2005, Section 5.16 ). These themes will be drawn together to ultimately address the question of ‘Who really wants affordable housing?’. 1.2 Conclusions and Recommendations At this stage the conclusions and recommendations of the chapter are that given the issues which have been highlighted above, an argument can be made that affordable housing is a controversial issue which warrants further investigation. These investigations will attempt to shed more light on the concept of affordable housing and who really wants it. The next chapter will look at the methodology   for the thesis, which will set out the means through which this may be achieved.    CHAPTER TWO: METHODOLOGY 2.1 Overview This section will explain the definition and nature of qualitative research and how it will be used in the thesis inquiry. It will outline the research methods which will be used in the research and what framework these methods will be used within. The research will be based upon a qualitative analysis of two case studies; one contemporary which will be based on the concept of affordable housing itself, and the other historical and this will centred on the ‘Right to Buy’ policy introduced by Thatcher in 1980. These case studies will be derived from examination of published texts within the field of economic and politics. These texts have been identified as an appendix to the thesis. Where quantitative information is relevant to the thesis this will be looked at, but evaluated qualitatively, since the basis of the research will be mainly qualitative in nature. Primary evidence in the form of interviews was also used. 2.2 Hypothesis There are two hypothesises which will feature in this thesis. The first is that affordable housing is needed and wanted by the economically disadvantaged within London, and these groups include the poor, the disabled and specific sectors of workers who do not earn enough money to buy their own houses within London. Another hypothesis of the study is that affordable housing is a problem which comprises many interrelated and intersecting issues; all of which may be seen as sociological, economic and political. It follows that any credible proposals in relation to lessening the problem of affordable housing must take this into account, and simultaneously address economic, political and sociological problems. The essence of this hypothesis is therefore that this is the best why to understand and to approach the description and evaluation of the problem of affordable housing in London and who really wants it. These hypothesises will be tested throughout the thesis. 2.3 Aims and Objectives Specifically, the primary aim of the study is to examine whether the above mentioned hypothesises can be supported. Overall the aim of the study is to examine the concept of affordable housing in London, and who really wants it. Primary qualitative data in the form of interviews with key workers and London residents affected by the affordable housing problem, will also be conducted in order to achieve a better understanding of the problem of affordable housing in London. Another aim of the study is to present and interpret these results. Various perspectives on the problem of affordable housing; its possible solutions and impacts will be advanced and discussed by the writer on the basis of these investigations. The study will aim therefore to use this discussion in order to achieve a more full understanding of the problem of affordable housing in London; who really wants it and related sociological, economic and political issues. Ultimately the thesis will aim to add original literature to the research pool in relation to the problem of affordable housing in London, providing a detailed and holistic overview of the problem; who it affects and how its adverse effects may be lessened. 2.4 Arguments and Discussions Definition of Qualitative Research/Explanation of Why Qualitative Research is Appropriate    There are two main categories of research methods; qualitative methods (Bryman, 1995: p20) and quantitative methods (Bornat, Chamberlayne and Wengraf, 2000; Chapter One). The best way to define one is by reference and comparison to the other since the paradigm of research enquiry is mainly split between these two different research rationales (Bryman, 1995; p95 and 20).   Qualitative research aims to explain concepts and phenomena (Bryman, 1995; p95). Specifically the concept of affordable housing will be addressed in this research. As we have seen explained above, the focus of the research will be mainly qualitative in nature. However, in what ways is a qualitative research enquiry more appropriate to this question relating to affordable housing? Qualitative research tends to be more holistic (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) than specific which means that it seeks to understand a topic ‘in the round’ (Bryman, 1995; p.20). On the contrary, quantitative methods value specificity and outcome linked methods of research (Trout, 1998; p.113). This holistic characteristic of qualitative research fits the wider aim of this thesis enquiry, as the problem of affordable housing, its causes, purpose, its critique and its improvement are all topics which, too, must be understood and approached ‘in the round’. Therefore, while quantitative work tends to predict and hypothesise (Trout, 1998; p.113) about possible outcomes, the qualitative researcher will often embark upon their research enquiry with an open mind (Bryman, 1995; p.20), researching malleable conclusions as the enquiry unfolds. This open ended research framework therefore fits the infinitely complex dynamics of affordable housing more appropriately ( Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 1-5).   This open-ended research aim (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) relating to qualitative research may be contrasted with the aim of quantitative research which usually seeks to be confirmatory (Trout, 1998; p.113), rather than (and also more so than) explanatory (Harrison, 2001; p.68). In this context, qualitative research may be understood as inductive (Bryman, 1995; p.20) whereas quantitative research tends to be more deductive in nature. This type of research (qualitative) tends to be situational in nature and tends to reflect given cultural and theoretical mores (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12). This imbibes qualitative research methods with a level of subjectivity which would not be appropriate in a quantitative or positivist study, since the processes under examination (Greater London Authority, 2006; Sections 1-5) often cannot be pinned down by or encapsulated within a quantitative research framework. Again these characteristics of qualitative research fit the enquiry into af fordable housing more appropriately since the levels of subjectivity involved in the arguments and theories connected with affordable housing are vast (Greater London Authority, 2006; Sections 1-5).   Differences between qualitative and quantitative research may also be explained by arguing that qualitative research is process related (Bryman, 1995; p.20) with a relative lack of control (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) over the various processes which are to be understood, whereas conversely variables are strictly controlled within the framework of a quantitative research framework (Trout, 1998; p.113). Others have explained the differences between qualitative and quantitative enquiries by arguing that the former is anthropological in nature (Bryman, 1995; p.20) (since it has a focus on society and sociological forces), while the latter; quantitative research being more ‘scientific’ (Trout, 1998; p.113). Qualitative research methods are also appropriate to this enquiry into affordable housing since they are unstructured (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) and discursive (Bryman, 1995; p.20), allowing a researcher room to analyse possible outcomes/rationales/explanations (Knowles and Sweetman, 2004; p.12) as well as the ones which will potentially be accepted as the most credible. Colloquially, this characteristic of qualitative research leads many to regard it as a ‘soft’ subject’ area (Bryman, 1995; p.20) which lends itself well to the area of social science research as opposed to ‘hard’ subject areas such as maths or physics which may be described as more tangible (Trout, 1998; p.113). However, this particular dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research methods discredits qualitative research for no better reason than those who critique qualitative research in these terms fail to understand that concepts and phenomena which may be described in tangible, or ‘scientific’ terms do not take precedence over research enquiries into what is not tangible. Simply because a concept may be difficult to understand in isolation, as qualitative subject matter often is does not mean that it is not capable of being understood credibly. Simply because qualitative subject matter may be understood credibly in different ways by different people does not strip each differing rationale of validity simply because another explanation may be pointed to. It must also be remembered that the objectivity of quantitative research often precludes the existence of other explanations of research phenomena, not because there are no valid alternative explanations but because the nature of quantitative enquiry is not always equipped to cope with multi-faceted concepts, whose existence and form may only be conjectured upon and not encapsulated within a given explanation. Concepts and phenomena are not always thoroughly understood through mere extrapolation, which is what makes the pragmatic and open-ended nature of qualitative enquiry universally important and specifically pivotal to this thesis enquiry into affordable housing.   These points should however, in no way, be interpreted as a critique of quantitative methods. Indeed, quantitative statistics and studies will be widely consulted as a vital part of the thesis enquiry (Greater London Authority, 2005; Sections 1-7). It just happens to be the case that qualitative research is a more appropriate means to seek to explain the particular context and rationales underpinning the issue of affordable housing in the context of this particular study. The points, mentioned above regarding the qualitative/quantitative aspects of the wider research paradigm are therefore merely a defence of the qualitative method which will form the main bedrock of this research design. 2.3 Sources and Framework  Ã‚   This thesis will rely upon   primary data gathered through interviews with interested parties and stakeholders in the area of affordable housing. Specifically, groups such as local residents and key workers in London will be interviewed and an interview with a Housing Association in Notting Hill will be conducted. The methodology for this thesis will also rely on sources, such as Government reports and current debates, reports/sources from interested parties in the non-profit making sector, case-studies and contemporary and historical books. These sources will all be used to contextualise the two case studies which, as has been explained previously, form a pivot of the thesis. Archival research in the form of retrieving and consulting relevant press publications and speeches through these means will also be important. The research will therefore be primary and secondary in nature, and it will mainly make wide reference to qualitative/phenomenological material. Reference will also be made to quantitative and empirically derived data. Examining the range of sources which have been explained above will ensure that the research engages the subject with the necessary degree of depth and theoretical perspective. 2.4 Conclusions and Recommendations The conclusion of this chapter is that qualitative research is ultimately more compatible with the overall research aims and objectives.   Primary and secondary qualitative research will be used to gather the information needed to comment on the validity of the hypothesises outlined above.     CHAPTER THREE: LITERATURE REVIEW PART ONE: DEFINITIONS; AND THE PROBLEM OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN LONDON 3.1.a Arguments and Discussions What Does the Concept of Affordable Housing Refer to? Affordable Housing has been defined by Plymouth City Council as: ‘Low cost market, and subsidised housing..that will be available to people who cannot afford to rent or buy houses generally available on the open market†¦.that definition should be framed to endure for the life of the plan, for instance through reference to the level of local incomes and their relationship to house prices or rents, rather than to a particular price or rent applicable at that one point in time (http://www.plymouth.gov.uk ).   Affordable housing causes particular demographic cleavages such as the inaccessibility of certain areas of London to what are referred to as key or essential workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers and employees of the health and social services (Greater London Authority, 2005; Section 5.16) (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16). This problem of inaccessibility means that these groups are ‘priced out of the market’ which means that on the salary that is typically earned by people in their jobs, it is difficult to find a house which is affordable (Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16).  Ã‚   The problem of affordable housing has also defined as ‘infrastructure needs’. These needs have been elaborated on in the following way: ‘The changing face of London’s population has immediate implications for every aspect of London life-education.transport and infrastructure.employment and employability, competitiveness and culture†¦Housing provides a useful example..London has 42 per cent of England’s most overcrowded households..’ (Greater London Authority, 2006; Section 2.8).  Ã‚  Ã‚   Affordable housing therefore refers to a situation where there are not sufficient numbers of houses being built to satisfy the level of demand there is for these types of houses and accommodation in general (Greater London Authority, 2006; Section 5.17 and Karn and Wolman, 1992; p.16) (Barker, 2006; p.7). This situation (some would say artificially) increases the price of property within certain areas affected by affordable housing shortages. These are essentially the mechanics of affordable housing. This definition therefore goes to the heart of what the concept means in practical and real terms. However, this definition does not encapsulate how malleable this concept of affordable housing can be when it is viewed from particular standpoints. The concept of affordable housing is particularly linked with certain social and economic problems, such as social exclusion, poverty and crime (Pacione, 1997; p.7 and Rugg, 1999; p.19). This is also supported through the primary research findings of the writer. An interview with Kate Bond revealed that she was suspicious of the social problems which are associated with affordable housing developments and is reluctant to allow her children to play in these areas (Interview One, 2006; p.1). Affordable housing can therefore also be interpreted from a purely ethical standpoint, in which case it would refer to the wider problem of housing shortages being linked to problems such as poverty, crime and low wages for certain sectoral groups. In terms of economics (and this will be looked at in more detail in the next section) this ethical perspective it somewhat suspended from the analysis and the problem becomes one which is defined in terms of how certain factors such as supply, demand, resources and money shape the concept of affordability in terms of the housing sector. These issues of definition are important to an analysis of affordable housing since, if one is to examine the question of who really wants affordable housing, it is imperative to extrapolate the concept in sufficient detail. Therefore, the problem of affordable housing and its theoretical underpinnings and context will be examined alongside a discussion of what the concept essentially means to different people, as the next section, an economic analysis of the problem of affordable housing and who really wants it, will elucidate. 3.1.b Economic Analysis of the Problem The price of housing in a free-market economy is determined by supply and demand. The supply of houses increases, other things equal, as the price of housing rises. The reason for this is that as the price of housing rises, other things equal, producers will find it profitable to allocate more resources to the production of houses relative to the production of other things they might otherwise produce. However, as the price of housing rises, other things equal, the demand for housing falls. The reason for this is that as the price of housing rises, other things equal, consumers will find it advantageous to substitute away from the consumption of houses towards the consumption of other goods that are now relatively cheaper to purchase. The price of housing, known as the â€Å"equilibrium† price, is the price at which these two forces, demand and supply are equal. This is how economists’ typically analyse markets (Landsburg, 2002; ch.1). How does the price of housing adjust to ensure that â€Å"equilibrium† is reached? If demand exceeds supply, then there is more demand for housing at the existing price than producers are willing to supply at that price. In such circumstances, economists say that purchasers of houses are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to buy a house at the existing price can get one. These potential purchasers start competing with one another by offering suppliers a slightly higher price for a house than was the case in the market initially. This has two effects; first of all, the higher price induces more supply, and secondly, the higher price lowers demand. This means that the â€Å"excess demand† in the market that existed initially falls as a consequence of competition between rationed purchasers. Naturally, this process of competition will continue until prices have been bid upward sufficiently to ensure that demand and supply are equal. At this point, no-on e is rationed and excess demand falls to zero. Of course, this process can be reversed.   Imagine that at the existing price the supply of houses exceeds the demand. Now it is the producers of houses who are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to sell a house at the existing price can. As before, these potential sellers start competing with one another by offering purchasers a slightly lower price for a house than was the case in the market initially. This has two effects; first of all, the lower price induces less supply, and secondly, the lower price raises demand. This means that the â€Å"excess supply† in the market that existed initially falls as a consequence of competition between rationed sellers. Just like the previous case, this process of competition will continue until prices have been bid downward sufficiently to ensure that demand and supply are equal. At this point, no-one is rationed and excess demand falls to zero (Landsburg, 2002; ch.7). What are we to make of this analysis from economics? Economics helps us to understand how prices are determined. They are determined by the forces of supply and demand operating through the mechanism described above. But can this give us some insight into the concept of â€Å"affordability†? Not really. The notion of â€Å"affordability† is one that does not make sense within the discipline of economics. This might be a weakness of economics, but it might also be that the concept itself is meaningless. Let me explain. In economics, the equilibrium price of housing (also known as the â€Å"market† price) is the price that is desirable from a social point of view. It can neither be too high or too low. Provided that the housing market is a so-called â€Å"competitive† market then the equilibrium price is the one that society ought to want (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). How does economics reach this surprising conclusion? It does so from noting that at the equilibrium price, all gains from trade in the market are maximised (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). In other words, despite claims that economics is a â€Å"positivist† subject, it is committed to a specific normative theory of good (Hausman and McPherson, 1996; Ch. 1 and 8). That theory says that what is socially desirable maximises the gains from trade. What does this mean? Let us return to the excess demand example mentioned above. Imagine that at the initial market price, purchasers of houses are â€Å"rationed† – not everyone who wants to buy a house at the existing price can get one. It is simple to demonstrate that at this price, the increase in price needed to induce producers to build just one more house is strictlyless than what potential purchasers would be willing to pay a producer in order to build that house (Landsburg, 2002; ch.8). Given that this condition is satisfied, it is always possible for a mutually beneficial trade to occur between a potential buyer and a potential seller.   To illustrate this, imagine that a producer of houses (a builder, say) needs the price of houses to rise from  ¿Ã‚ ¡100,000 to  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000 in order to find it profitable to build 11 houses as opposed to 10. If there is a situation of excess demand in the market whenever the price of a house is  ¿Ã‚ ¡100,000 then it is always possible to show that the maximum price someone would be willing to pay in order to induce the producer to build the additional house is strictly greater than  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000. If that price is, for example,  ¿Ã‚ ¡150,000, then the two parties can trade to their mutual advantage. Imagine that the potential buyer offers the producer a price of  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 in order to build the house. This is a price the producer will happily accept. He or she would have built the house for  ¿Ã‚ ¡118,000 but instead gets  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 – the producer is better-off by  ¿Ã‚ ¡7000. Economists say that â€Å"producer surplus† rises by  ¿Ã‚ ¡7000 (Lands burg, 2002; Ch.8).   Similarly, the buyer gets the house for  ¿Ã‚ ¡125,000 but was willing to pay  ¿Ã‚ ¡150,000 for it. The buyer is better-off by  ¿Ã‚ ¡25,000. Economists say that â€Å"consumer surplus† rises by  ¿Ã‚ ¡25,000 (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). An important insight from economics, as seen in this example, is that mutually advantageous trade is possible. Trade is not necessarily a zero-sum game. How does this relate to the idea that the equilibrium price is the socially desirable one? It does so in the following way. As the excess demand in the market is gradually eliminated through upward movement in prices, the scope for mutually advantageous trade between buyers and sellers shrinks. Remarkably, when the excess demand for houses vanishes and the market is in equilibrium, no more mutually advantageous trades are possible. The price that would induce a producer to build an additional house is equal to the maximum price someone would be willing to pay for it – neither consumer surplus nor producer surplus can rise if this trade takes place. At the market equilibrium, all gains from trade have been realised and no more are possible. Economists refer to this state as one of â€Å"economic efficiency† or â€Å"Pareto efficiency†. (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). The above analysis is the main reason why economists (admittedly with some caution) advocate the use of free markets. If a market is competitive then it will produce on its own devices an equilibrium that is socially desirable (if one accepts the principle of economic efficiency). Adam Smith referred to this general idea (albeit in a different context) as the â€Å"Invisible Hand†. He said â€Å"Every individualgenerally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention† (Smith, 1776; p.243). Smith’s idea is that people acting in their own self-interest may produce unintended consequences which, surprisingly, can serve the social good. In the example above, individuals through competition with one another push the market price towards its equilibrium value, and this value is socially desirable. However, to do this was not the intention of the individuals involved. They were just competing with one another and trading with sellers for their own private benefit. How does this analysis help with the problem of â€Å"affordable housing†? From an economic point of view, affordability is a meaningless concept. It is simply not a social objective for things to be affordable, rather the government should seek to promote competition in the housing market and then leave the market to its own devices. This conclusion of economics is striking and quite at odds with other perspectives on this problem. I will argue that affordability is an important problem, and that something fundamental is missing from the economic approach to housing. Within economics what is missing is some notion of â€Å"equity†, or a concern for how the gains from trade are distributed across different people. To illustrate this point, imagine that the equilibrium price of a house in a competitive housing market is  ¿Ã‚ ¡200,000. Then those who are willing to pay  ¿Ã‚ ¡200,000 or more for a property will get one, and the situation will be efficient from an economic point of view. However, this might not be the â€Å"ethically appropriate† way to allocate houses to people. The reason is fairly obvious. What someone is willing to pay for anything is constrained by their income. A rich person might be willing to pay more for a house than a poor person, but this does not mean that it is better th at the rich person gets the house as opposed to the poor person. This is sometimes referred to in economics as the â€Å"equity-efficiency† trade-off. This is the idea that less efficiency is the price we have to pay sometimes if we want to ensure a more equitable distribution of goods across people (Landsburg, 2002; Ch.8). Policies designed to promote affordable housing fall into this category. The people who will gain the most from them are people on low income, who cannot guarantee that they will be allocated a house through the market mechanism. 3.1.c How is the Problem of Affordable Housing Addressed? Various policy initiatives have been introduced to ameliorate the problem of affordable housing in London. These will be discussed in this section. These policies and whether they have a positive impact upon the community will also be evaluated in this section.   One such policy   takes the form of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (which became operative in 1947 (Jackson, J., 1963; p.18 ), which seeks to address the problems which may arise in relation to affordable housing and the provision of local services (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27).   Where a major developer wishes to obtain planning permission for a development in a given area, it is the case that such developments will put pressure on local services such as schools or hospitals this Act seeks to ensure that some of the cost of such developments are borne by the developers who wish to develop the area (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27). Section 106 of this statute therefore provides that agreements may be reached between local planning authorities and developers in relation to planning permission, where the developer is required to make financial contributions towards the local services in the areas where the planned developments are to be built (Monk, S. et al., 2005; p.24-27). However, this statute has been criticised, especially by Kate Barker (2006; p.11), as being in drastic need to reform to make it more simple and certain. The Barker Review also recommended in relation to Section 106, that it be scaled back to address the direct impacts of developments (Barker, 2006; p.11). Also, Housing Associations in London such as the Keystart Housing Association, Tower Homes, Metropolitan Home Ownership and London Str