Animal Abuse and Criminal Behavior - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1847 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/04/05 Category Psychology Essay Level High school Tags: Behavior Essay Did you like this example? With decades of research on the topic, scientists and advocates have learned a lot about the correlation between pet abuse and domestic violence as well as the importance of this relationship. Monitoring past instances of animal abuse can be used for early identification of potential abusers for both human and animal victims. It is for this reason that many states have begun to consider creating an animal abuse registry, similar to the more widely known Sex Offender registry. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Animal Abuse and Criminal Behavior" essay for you Create order Intentional animal cruelty is of concern as it is often a sign of psychological illness. Repeated offences frequently show that the individual may be predisposed to committing acts of violence towards humans. Since this is a warning sign of possible violent behaviors, tracking animal abusers could be beneficial in ensuring the protection of both animals and people. Therefore, making and sustaining a registry of those convicted of animal abuse will be an asset in discovering and preventing possible future instances of criminal behavior. In an effort to take animal abuse cases more seriously, deter actions, and provide more substantial punishments to those who mistreat animals, animal abuser registries are becoming popularized within the United States. The registry requires convicted offenders to record their name, address, and image online. Consequently, this prohibits them from owning, possessing, residing with, having custody of, or intentionally engaging in any physical contact with any animal (NYC Health, Frequently Asked Questions). The government hopes these registries will provide peace of mind to communities by alerting the public to the presence of animal cruelty offenders in the community while providing heightened scrutiny of individuals perceived to be at high risk of re-offense to animals or people (ASPCA, Position Statement). It provides a tool to allow people to be more alert to those individuals convicted of cruelty to animals. Advocates claim that the stigma of being registered for all to see will serve to deter people from committing animal crimes. As part of the law, pet stores, shelters, and employees of other certain animal-related businesses and organizations are required to check these registries before finalizing the sale of an animal. They are also expected to refuse to sell or transfer ownership of an animal to anyone listed on the registry. Such registries have already been enacted in states such as New York and Tennessee. Although the registries that are currently established are quite new and havent seen much use just yet, one of the New York registries prevented a New York man in Massena from purchasing replacement animals just a few months after being convicted of animal cruelty and abuse. This mans dog had died after being left unattended for hours in his car while at the state fair. The same man also was facing allegations that he neglected 22 horses and had a foal in his care die at his St. Lawrence County farm (Parker, State Animal Abuse Registry). A substantial part of the opposition that creating a centralized animal abuse registry faces has to do with the worry that the expensive system will be underutilized. Although this is just one example, when given the resources, large-scale organizations, privately owned pet stores and breeders, and even individuals looking for good homes for their kittens and puppies have shown that they are grateful for and are willing to utilize the system to help screen potential owners. While the main and most obvious purpose of creating a registry is to prevent those with an abuse record from acquiring animals in the future, there is also a focus on how the registries could serve the dual purpose of identifying people who are at an increased risk of being involved in domestic violence disputes or carrying out violent attacks against other people (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). Most of the research in this area has involved interviewing or administering questionnaires to victims in domestic abuse shelters to determine the prevalence of companion animal abuse. Studies dating from 1998 to present have reported that approximately half of domestic abuse victims have witnessed threats toward, or the actual abuse of a companion animal (Newberry, Pets in Danger). The studies have releveled that nearly 92% of domestic abuse perpetrators reportedly used threats to the victims pets were used as a means of generating fear to maintain control of the abused. Reaffirming the suspected correlation between animal and human abuse. Many children involved in domestic abuse cases reportedly believed that threats and harm directed at pets aimed to create and maintain fear in the home, isolate the mother, and prevent or punish the mothers attempts to be independent or leave the relationship (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). On top of these high rates of animal to human abuses, a study conducted by the United Kingdoms HM Inspectorate of Constabulary found that police officers called for instances of domestic abuse often didnt take the situation seriously or recorded inadequate evidence: The inspectors, who interviewed hundreds of victims, found many felt they not been taken seriously or felt judged when they alerted police (Morris, Domestic Violence Victims). This is most likely due to the fact that when police arrive, the violent conflict has already ended. This leaves many of the cases as a their word against mine type of scenario. These studies did not include a large portion of Hispanic participants; however, considering the statistics of the study groups, imposing harsher punishments and psychological evaluations for animal abusers would prove to be an effective way of reducing the number of domestic abuse cases. It can also provide police officers a basis of action to go off of when they are called for instances of domestic abuse. Although there is a definitive connection between violence and animal abuse, some argue that animal abuse does not necessarily precede other forms of violence. While this may be true in some cases, as it was identified in a 2008 study, committing acts of violence toward animals as a child is one of the most reliable predictors of future violence (Hodges, The Link). In fact, 100% of sexual homicide offenders had a history of cruelty towards animals. This is because people who have either witnessed or partaken in violent acts in the past have become desensitized to it. Research shows that the more often someone is exposed to a certain situation, the more comfortable that person becomes with it (Hodges, The Link). This perpetuates the cycle of violence through childhood and into that childs teenage and adult life. One such example is the mass school shooting which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018 in which 17 people were killed. This event has since b rought amplified attention to discussions of all kinds related to gun violence. Among those conversations is the link between animal abuse and violent crimes against people (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). Reportedly, the gunman who caused these shootings had been known to abuse animals when he was younger and had a history of shooting small animals for fun (Esch, States Consider Animal Abuser List). Although there is no way to know for certain, many experts believe that the number of tragedies such as the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could be lessened or even averted if these individuals are screened as a potentially dangerous threat due to a psychological condition early on. One of the intended goals of these registries is to identify people with mental disorders and provide them with the support and treatment they require. Although proposed registry is supported by over 83% of Americans (The Tylt, Nationwide Animal Abuser Registry?), the concept is not without opposition. There are still those who worry about the logical and ethical side of creating a system that requires such involvement to maintain and operate. Many animal rights organizations, including the ASPCA, feel that efforts would be better spent further enforcing the already established means of dealing with animal abusers such as mandated psychological assessment[s] and the inclusion of pets in orders of protection (ASPCA, Position Statement). This means that animals will be removed from a hostile or dangerous environment along with the victim. The ASPCA in particular worries about the phycological effects of requiring people to publicly register online may have on already mentally affected individuals. Many opposing voices believe the creation will lead to serious crimes being pardoned with offenders only needing to register their names. T here is also a concern for the human aspect. Some organizations feel that those on the registry will only be further distanced from the rest of society and feel mandated mental counseling would be more useful. On paper, this alternative may sound like a kinder option to those who abuse animals and people. However, depending on how soon or late in their lives patients are offered care, mandating counseling may not be any less of a ?distancer for those with mental health issues. Even if no discrimination is present, those receiving mental care, especially forced mental care, feel stigmatized, at least in the beginning (Henderson, et al., Mental Illness Stigma). It also isnt a guaranteed ?cure for older patients who already feel that they dont belong in their environment. Change cant be forced on an individual; mental health counseling works best for those who either seek out help and want to change for themselves: many of these patients [receiving mandated care] derive little benefit from available treatment programs because they often do not adhere to medication regimens or keep scheduled appointments (Monahan, et al., Mandated Treatment), or are still teens or young adults. Mandated mental care would be most effective if it was identified and administered early on; before the individual begins committing more severe forms of violence and further distances themselves from the rest of society. All considered, none of these alternatives explicitly prohibit abusers from obtaining new animals or track any of their previous offences of animal abuse. So, it is impossible for law enforcement to identify whether an individual merely neglected an animal or has a genuine need for mental help. There is also nothing stating that laws have to be mutually exclusive to either providing mental counseling or registering names to the online databases. Supporters hope that future laws include multiple levels of preventative action to ensure other offences do not occur. It is for these reasons that, on top of other forms of prevention, animal abusers should be recorded to alert others of the potential danger of allowing past animal abusers to adopt in the future. Animal abuser registries are intended to provide law enforcement and private entities information regarding those convicted of animal abuse. While there are concerns surrounding the creation of a national database, many feel that it will be useful not only in identifying those who are of potential danger to pets and animals, but also in identifying and providing help for mentally ill people before they become secluded from the rest of society. This will be a very useful and objective tool for us to lean on when it comes to denying adopters. Now, it wont just be our gut instinct † we have actual documentation to lean on (qtd. in Brulliard, Animal Abusers Registered Like Sex Offenders)

The Power of Context by Malcolm Gladwells argument - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 907 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/10/10 Category Statistics Essay Level High school Did you like this example? A pivotal aspect that makes patterns soar into mass popularity is the thing that Gradwell expresses as the power of context. His essay particularly revolves on massive the decline in crime rates in the New york city between 1980 and 1990. Despite the fact that Gradwell recognizes that a wide assortment of complex factors assumed a key part in sparking the   decline in clime, he contends convincingly that it was a couple of little yet persuasive changes in nature inside the city that played a key factor in accomplishment of the tipping point. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Power of Context by Malcolm Gladwells argument" essay for you Create order Gradwell refers to various experiments to demonstrate that the effect of environment on the character of individuals is more huge than most individuals perceive. He claims that numerous decisions which are credited to individual personal attributes depend generally on the setting than on the cognizant decision of people. In his writing, he contends that ideas, patterns and practices can be spread in the general public beginning with minor changes and factors. Moreover, it shows that the power of context approach can really give foundation to dynamic social change contrally the passive approach which just goes for collecting the hoodlums. To support his contentions, Gradwell cites various theories and experiments. He utilizes the broken windows theory to contend that wrongdoing is the inescapable consequence of disorder. The theory argues that crime is excessively contagious, much the same as fashion trends meaning they can begin like with a broken window and spread to the whole community. Most conservative theories contend that the criminal is a personality type whereas the broken window theory contends up a direct inverse viewpoint. It proposes that the criminal is really somebody intensely sensitive to his environment and who is tempted to carry out wrongdoings in view of the environment around him. It contends that real crimes, for example, murder and assault are apparently empowered by minor violations, for example, graffiti, public urination and broken window thus urban communities can diminish genuine wrongdoings by clasping down minor violations. To support his contention, he points the effect of the broken windows theory started by Wilson and Kelling and exemplified by kelling and bra tton which aimed at cutting down wrongdoing in New York City.In enforcing the theory, they clasped down minor violations, for example,graffiti and public urination. In couple of years the city encountered a considerable decrease in crime including major crimes, for example, murder and assault. By citing the difference between the past situation and the situation after changes were enacted, Gradwell supports his argument on the effectiveness of the broken window hypothesis The power of context theory utilizes comparable approach to broken window theory. Gladwell employs the theory to contend on the effect of environment in affecting human behavior. The illustrates how the power of environment influences the intuitive decisions done by person. In one of his illustrations, Gradwell points the case of a character by the name Goetz. Goetz had a reputation among his companions as an irascible and often explicitry racist man. he would state that the city expected to eliminate spics and niggers. Three months prior to killing the men on the   sub way, Goetz had been mugged by three dark young people. So everything considered, it appears to be anything but difficult to foresee that Goetz would have shot the four dark men on the sub way. But, as indicated by the power of context theory, it wasnt just Goetzs psychology that drove him to shoot; it was the environment he was subjected to at the time. Gladwell   uses such illustrations to demonstrate that nature has substantial effect on molding human conduct. He points that the theory can assume a key part in behavioral change in the general public. The theory can be utilized to target tipping points starting the minor crimes negative social behaviors.to substantiate his claims, Gradwell refers to a case of decrease of criminal incidents in new york which were grounded by the broken windows theory and points that the theory is actually a narrower case of the power of context theory employed in investigation of criminal conduct and their association with environment The scandalous Stanford Prison Experiment is a solid case of how condition can change a mans conduct in shockingly real ways. Amid the notorious Stanford Prison Experiment of the 1970s, volunteers were divided into detainees and monitors in a ridicule jail. Disturbingly quickly, the phony watchmen started to treat their phony detainees cold-bloodedly, apparently overlooking that the analysis was an investigation by any means. The test turned out to be so rough and twisted that it had to be canceled after just six days, even though it was initially expected to continue for two weeks. One of the significant conclusions of the experiment was that physical condition can have a practically overwhelming impact on human conduct. The jail condition changed the subjects conduct rapidly. Gradwell arguments can be thought as persuasive from some perspective. Ordinarily, when solicited to depict the development of ones character, one would react with records of early childhood encounters or memorable situations in his or her life.   Character is developed throughout ones entire life and every circumstance and experience serves as a lesson regardless of the context where the experience was encountered. It’s the impact of these external experiences that are said to impact ones character. Similarly, Gradwell employs this approach to substantiate his claims. Its perspective that Gradwell uses as the basis of his argument.

Us Foreign Policy - 2444 Words

1. Introduction The goals and norms of American foreign policy can be traced over a number of centuries. Starting in 1776, foreign policy in the United States (US) has gone through a rollercoaster of competing strategies and schools of thought. Two competing strategies of Isolationism and Internationalism have taken their turns headlining the foreign policy principles of various American governments. Importantly, the reasons for the to and fro movement between these two extremes can not be linked to a single source but to a multitude of elements both internal and external shaping American thinking. In the sections that follow, a historical path will be traced through American foreign policy starting in 1776 with a watershed period†¦show more content†¦The key to combating communism was the belief in the domino theory, claiming that if one state fell to communism it would have a domino effect on neighbouring states, capitulating them into communism. Though small scale conflicts and ideological flare-ups characterised the Cold War Period, the most famous foreign policy principle was that of dà ©tente. Through the leadership of Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger dà ©tente was based upon mutual respect and the view that both the US and Soviet Union would gain from cooperation and restraint (Kegley et al, 2003: 51). This period was one of the more stable in terms of US foreign policy as it almost singularly focused on defeating the threat of communism and the challenge to its liberal internationalism. Much of the Cold War was based upon ideological differences and power struggle. As the Soviet resolve started to wane under the Gorbachev presidency, the Soviet Union recognised the benefits of the free market economy the US was promoting. During this period heading towards the end of the Cold War the USSR and the US entered into several agreements regarding their nuclear weapons, as well as the control of arms world wide. This would lead to the move toward nuclear disarmament across the rest of the globe. 5. Post-Cold War and 9/11 The post-Cold War period was markedShow MoreRelatedUS Foreign Policy Essay1017 Words   |  5 PagesUS Foreign policy is what the United States of America does in foreign countries. This may include setting new rules or even controlling the countries’ governments. What the US does in other countries usually ends up creating a conflict or an uprising in the region. US foreign policy makes the world very unstable and it causes disagreements between countries. The Israel Lobby has a great deal of negative influence on US foreign policy. The US is also very keen to destroy WahabbistRead MoreEssay about President Bush And Us Foreign Policy1683 Words   |  7 Pages2000 raised a debate between democrat and republican and in the end the American people chose a new leader Mr. George w. Bush. President Bush clearly defined foreign policy objectives and goals. I have seen and hear our dear President Bush foreign policy after September 11. Following this, Bush has established its top priorities in foreign policy. He claims that an acts in the government to improve the international community through negotiation and cooperation. Likewise President Bush remark It isRead MoreUs Foreign Policy2433 Words   |  10 Pages1. Introduction The goals and norms of American foreign policy can be traced over a number of centuries. Starting in 1776, foreign policy in the United States (US) has gone through a rollercoaster of competing strategies and schools of thought. Two competing strategies of Isolationism and Internationalism have taken their turns headlining the foreign policy principles of various American governments. Importantly, the reasons for the to and fro movement between these two extremes can not be linkedRead MoreUs Foreign Policy Essay902 Words   |  4 PagesUnited States Foreign Policy has always been in a constant form of metamorphosis. Gradually, since the birth of the United States of America, the country has been slowly evolving it’s policies and relations with other countries. The United States began its history as a insignificant isolated nation. It slowly overtime would change to what the powerhouse that it is today: A Global Superpower. Just after the 13 Colonies began the break with Britain, the nations first government would come into existenceRead MoreUs Foreign Policy Essay865 Words   |  4 PagesWhy is US foreign policy pulled to extreme of either doing too much or nothing at all? The inability of U.S. foreign policy to stay effective is because America has committed itself to supporting alliances that have not proven to be mutually beneficial. Foreign assistance, which is supposed to improve the well-being of recipient countries, goes directly to small coalitions. The United States, with the fear of losing its position on the global stage, has committed itself to the conundrum of regimeRead MoreThe Washington Rules Of Us Foreign Policy1513 Words   |  7 PagesThe â€Å"Washington Rules† project of US foreign policy has managed to sustain and regenerate itself since the end of World War Two. According to the theory of â€Å"Washington Rules,† the world must be ordered by the United States and cannot be permitted to order itself. This notion is considered to be a self-mechanism; the United States has a duty and moral obligation to be the world’s policeman to the point where other nations just naturally expect us to act. Nonetheless, we so metimes forget that by followingRead MoreEssay on Israel and US Foreign Policy1261 Words   |  6 Pagesof the US, served its own interests which were not always consistent with US interest in regional stability. The Israeli violations, however, were either condoned or even approved by the US administrations. These reactions comprised what this chapter addressed as a pro-Israel model of intervention. The pro-Israel intervention represented the US foreign policy reaction when the violation to regional stability was committed by Israel. The cases discussed above were evaluated against the US reactionRead MorePost-Cold War US Foreign Policy1417 Words   |  6 PagesPost-Cold War US Foreign Relations The Cold War and its ending with the dismantling of the Soviet Union and a great reduction in the threat of communism as a competing system to capitalism and democratic governance changed the focus of US foreign policy. The change did not happen overnight and has ebbed and flowed significantly across time, often associated with the nature of foreign conflicts and US involvement in them but change it did (Saull, 2007, p. 180). The reduction of the size, might andRead MoreUS Foreign Policy During the 20th Century797 Words   |  4 PagesOver the course of the history of the United States, specific foreign policies have affected the methods in which the U.S. involves itself around the globe. Specifically, certain policies have affected U.S. involvement in Latin America. It is the intention of this essay to explain the United States foreign policy behind specific doctrines. In order to realize current objectives, this paper will proceed as follows: Part 1 will define the Monroe Doctrine, Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 will concurrentlyRead MoreHistory And Political Science : Future Of Us Foreign Policy Essay1357 Words   |  6 PagesName: Course: Instruction: Date: History and Political Science: Future of US Foreign Policy America has been enjoying complete global domination for quite a while now. There is no other country on earth that has been able to do that; ever. For about 50 years, America has been the strongest in terms of its economy, its military might, as well as the cultural power it holds over the other countries in the world (Hastedt). For the last twenty years, all the rest of the world has known in terms of the

Synthetic Biology Essay - 1508 Words

Impacts on the Environmental Movement David Park, Expos 101, Prassack, 11/15/2011 The environmental movement, addressed in Rewilding North America by Caroline Fraser, focuses on the negative outcomes of human activities in the environment. It is a movement that restores the environment that humans have damaged. Scientists have addressed the idea, in A life of its own by Michael Specter, of using synthetic biology to mend environmental issues. Synthetic biology combines the elements of engineering, chemistry, computer science, and molecular biology†¦to assemble the biological tools necessary to redesign the living world (Specter 364). There are both positive and negative impacts of a synthetic world on the environment movement.†¦show more content†¦However, synthetic biology would essentially compete against rewilding for funds, and hinder the environmental movement. One example of the competition between the environmental movement is the option of using cores and corridors versus to previous established programs. Initially, the promotion of cores and corridors was rejected by the organizations at first. Later on, rewilding advocates created a new group, seeking to reshape the environmental movement, and acquired money from Tompkins and Johns. The rewilding movement ultimately took money away from other programs, and changed the concept of the environmental movement. Now another decision has to be made between rewilding and synthetic biology. Because money is limited, organizations can only support a limited amount of movements. By funding synthetic biology, other environmental movements will be halted, whether it is better or for worse. The environmental movement is important, but it does not take priority over synthetic biology. On the issue of nature, the environmental movement and a synthetic world stand at different spectrums. Nature has constantly been molding the earth, and ever since humans came, with their technology, the environment has started to deteriorate. The movemen t for nature focuses on the negative impact of humans on to nature. Many of the movements that are in affect recognized that wilderness cannot be preserved by sealing itShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Synthetic Biology1324 Words   |  6 Pages2.1 Fundamental research Synthetic biology has a lot to offer in fundamental research. Starting from the most well characterised laboratory organism, E.coli, we are still in half way from full knowledge of understanding the function of all its genes as the functions of 20% of them are still to be identified (Keseler et al., 2011). Moreover there are many more other microorganisms with great importance which are even less-well understood. Synthetic biology provides the ability to make specificRead MoreSynthetic Biology Therapies And Treatment Of Infectious Diseases And Cancer Therapies1490 Words   |  6 Pagesthe biomedicine and pharmaceutical industry. Synthetic biology therapies has been developed for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, as well as approaches in vaccine development (Ruder et al., 2011). As Ruder et al. (2011) have discovered, effective synthetic biology therapies can been rationally designed and constructed to alter mechanisms underlying disease and related biological processes. In the process of developing synthetic biology for prevention of infection, bacteriophages haveRead MoreSynthetic Biology : An Interdisciplinary Branch Of Biology And Engineering1933 Words   |  8 PagesSynthetic Biology Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering that incorporates the design and development of new biological elements, equipment, and systems, as well as the re-design of existing natural biological systems for useful functions. It is a practice that guarantees improved drugs, better hydrated crops, greener fuels and even a potentially modernized or reconstructed chemical industry. Synthetic biology also has the potential to reduce our dependence onRead MoreThe Process and Applications of Synthetic Biology1605 Words   |  6 Pagesmicroscopic level. Synthetic biology is a very useful tool that can lead to milestones in the science field. Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems. It focuses on the whole system of genes and gene products to extend and modify the behavior of organisms and engineer them to perform new tasks.(Andrianantoandro) Synthetic biology has to be done in a specific way to achieve the desired product. The process begins with synthetic biologists using resourcesRead MoreTechnology : The Promise, Peril, And New Business Of Engineering Life1681 Words   |  7 Pagesridiculous. However, this has all happened as science fiction has turned into reality. We are at a similar point with synthetic biology today as the field is poised to revolutionize the world in ways that we don’t seem to understand yet. Robert Carlson, a principal at Biodesic and a bioengineer, has attempted to describe this concept nearly ten years ago in a book called Biology Is Technology: The Promise, Peril, and New Business of Engineering Life. He is often referred to as the â€Å"authoritativeRead MoreCan Synthetic Biology Solve Our Problems?1161 Words   |  5 PagesCan synthetic biology solve our problems in biofuel production? In recent years the increased interest in biofuel production has been sparked by the environmental damage, economic impact and dwindling reserves of petroleum-based fuels and chemicals [1] causing a huge influx in investment in improving biofuel production processes. Synthetic biology has allowed biofuel production to advance by providing new methods in which they can create optimal biocatalysts for sustainable and efficient productionRead MoreImportance Of Synthetic Biology : High-Technology Perishable Designs952 Words   |  4 PagesHigh-tech Perishable Designs - Synthetic Biology Our journey of moving from homogenous to heterogeneous, from bio-mimicry to synthetic biology, of rationally engineer microorganisms dates back to 1990s. Synthetic biology—unlike chemistry—is involved in the technical alteration of animate nature. Building on recent advances in genetic science and technology, synthetic biology aims to understand the molecular fundamentals of the metabolic and reproductive functions of simple single-cell organisms preciselyRead MoreChemistry And Biochemical Engineering : The Fields Of Synthetic Biology And Chemical Engineering1270 Words   |  6 Pagesof work: Recent advances in the fields of synthetic biology and biochemical engineering have been fundamental in progressing the ability of engineers to sustainably and quickly produce specialty chemicals in bioreactors. Using well-characterized microorganisms to generate commodity chemicals is a scalable and cost-effective method for producing a plethora of complex products that are diff icult to synthesize chemically. In fact, the workhorses of biology- enzymes- enable high specificity in biochemicalRead MorePlaying God s Footsteps : Synthetic Biology And The Meaning Of Life1067 Words   |  5 PagesFrankenstein’s Footsteps: Synthetic Biology and the Meaning of Life. By Henrik Van den Belt. In the article Playing God in Frankenstein’s Footsteps: Synthetic Biology and the Meaning of Life, published in Nanoethics in 2009, Professor of Reformed Theology Henk Van den Belt discusses bioethics and theology in the context of the meaning of life, as a scientific definition and as viewed and explained by religion and in society. The article analyses different views on creating/modifying synthetic life, and providesRead MoreSynthetic Biology: Transplanting an Artificial DNA to a Living Bacterium Mycoplasma560 Words   |  3 Pageswebsite, the names of the scientists and three quotes. This is followed by transplanting the artificial DNA into a living bacterium Mycoplasma capricolum with its own DNA. They then allowed the bacterium which now contains both artificial and synthetic DNA to multiply. This means that the daughter bacteria will contain both artificial and authentic DNA. To remove the authentic DNA bacteria, they used an antibiotic that kills the bacteria with authentic DNA but not the bacteria with artificial

Curbing Unemployment Through Skills Acquisition Free Essays

string(36) " causes of unemployment in Nigeria\." Curbing Unemployment through Skills Acquisition: A Study of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Kaduna State By AMUPITAN, Oboromeni Federal University, Lokoja Nigeria January, 2011. ABSTRACT The paper â€Å"Curbing Unemployment through Skills acquisition: A case of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE)†Kaduna State is about unemployment and how it can be reduced through skills acquisition. This work is aimed at finding out how the NDE has reduced unemployment through its skills acquisition programme. We will write a custom essay sample on Curbing Unemployment Through Skills Acquisition or any similar topic only for you Order Now Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources which include published and unpublished works, journals, internet, questionnaires and interviews. The systematic sampling method was used in determining the sample size of 150 respondents, statistical tables was used in data analysis while the Average Mean Score method was used for the test of the hypothesis formulated. The formulated hypothesis which states â€Å"that inadequate skills acquisition has led to an increase in graduate unemployment in Kaduna State† was Accepted. It was discovered and also recommended that skills acquisition is an effective tool in reducing graduate unemployment. Thus, specific skills acquisition schemes should be included in the curriculum of post-secondary schools to help make graduates self employed. INTRODUCTION 1. 1Background of the Study Unemployment is no longer an alien word to the world’s populace. Even the western world experienced a notable rise in their unemployment rate, as the official unemployment rate in the 16 European countries that use the euro rose to 10% in December, 2009. Deutsche. 2010) Developed countries which hitherto experienced full employment are presently affected. The situation in Nigeria is quite alarming as the unemployment rate tends to be on a perpetual rise. In nations, most especially, developing countries like Nigeria unemployment serves as a major yardstick for development as was rightly portrayed in Dudley Seers definition of development. Seers (1969) asserted that: The questions to ask about a country’s development are therefore: what has been happening to poverty? What has been happening to inequality? What has been happening to unemployment? If all three of these have declined from high level, then beyond doubt this has been a period of development for the country concerned. If one or two of these central problems have been worse especially if all three have, it would be strange to call the result â€Å"development† even if per capita income doubled. As a result of this consequence and the rising rate of unemployment, the Federal Government of Nigeria established a committee in 1986 to proffer solution to the menace (unemployment). The committee’s recommendations formed the basis for the establishment of the â€Å"National Directorate of Employment† in 1986 established to curb and reduce the rate of unemployment through skills acquisition, self employment and labour intensive work scheme. 1. 2Statement of the Problem The International Labour Organisation feels â€Å"occurs when a person is available and willing to work but currently without work†. It is unfortunate that such occurrence is prevalent in the nation. Ake opined that â€Å"unemployment remains the greatest challenge of the economic wellbeing of the Nigerian Nation† (Daily Trust Newspaper, Jan. , 2010 Pg. 34) Unemployment rate has been of immense interest to the general public and policy makers. The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) was established in 2003 to promote the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the Nigeria economy. It is to source, process and dis seminate business information, develop policy, establish business support programmes build capacity and promote services, enhance MSME access to finance. The question is: how may Micro Small and Medium Enterprises have emerged from this scheme? The recent crisis in the financial sector which has led to a ban on loan is an obvious limitation to this scheme. Should our graduates then become unemployed because banks are not giving out loans? Another of such programme is the Nigerian Agricultural Co-operative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB) Limited which is dedicated to financing agriculture at both micro and macro levels, they are to provide affordable financial and advisory services to the farm and non-farm enterprises of the Nigeria economy using well trained and highly motivated staff, back by appropriate technology. If the NACRDB provided such assistance on time and make their procedures less cumbersome, many people would have been attracted to the scheme. But ironically, such funds more often than not are eventually made available at the end of the farming season. Also programmes such as (the Directorate for food, Roads and Rural Infrastructures otherwise known as (DFRRI), Mass Mobilization Self Reliance and Economic Reconstruction (MAMSER) and the National Agricultural Land Development Project (NALDA) created by the Babangida regime were all scraped by the Abacha regime. During the 1980’s there was a global recession which became progressively worse for Nigeria because of the inherent weakness in the economy. The sudden reduction in oil prices led to cuts in government expenditure budgets leading to a reduction in employment opportunities especially school leavers. Hence, in order to curb the menace of the rising unemployment rate and considering its political and socio-economic implication; which includes a general increase in crime rates, such as armed robbery, youth restiveness, political thuggery, alcoholism, vandalization of petroleum pipes and electricity cables and prostitution. Economic wastage such as excessive loss of output which manifests in a reduction of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and gross underutilization of Human Resources were reasons which led to the establishment of the National Directorate of Employment in 1986 to create employment for the teaming unemployed. Unfortunately, unemployment has either been on the rise or fluctuating, this is reflective in the various unemployment rates. As at 1985, unemployment rate was 8. 5%; 14. % in 2005 and as at December, 2009 it became 19. 7% (Wikipedia Encyclopedia). Is the National Directorate of employment living up to its mandate or are there other factors that affect unemployment? This, the researcher seeks to find out. Hence, this study seeks to find out how the National directorate of Employment has helped in reducing unemployment through skills acquisition programmes. 1. 3Objectives of the Study 1) To determine the causes of unemployment in Nigeria. You read "Curbing Unemployment Through Skills Acqu isition" in category "Essay examples" ) To find out whether skills acquisition will help curb unemployment to the barest minimum. 3) To proffer possible solutions to the problems being faced by the National Directorate of Employment and make recommendations that will help improve the Directorate. 1. 4 Hypothesis Tested The following hypothesis was formulated: That inadequate skills acquisition has led to an increase in graduate unemployment in Kaduna state. 1. 5Significance of the Study The study would provide vital information on the reduction of unemployment through skills acquisition; thereby helping not just students of public administration but the general public, policy makers and politicians, who are either affected in one way or the other or charged with the task of making developmental policies to set their priorities right. On the whole, the work would also add to knowledge. 1. 6Scope and Limitation This study is limited to the graduate scheme of the National directorate of Employment, Kaduna state. Focus was on two local governments, that is, Zaria and Kaduna north, mainly because they contain the highest proportion of graduate beneficiaries. The time frame used is 2005 to 2009. 1. 7Methodology Data for this study was collected from both primary and secondary sources, which include textbooks, journals, newspapers, article, and the brochure of National Directorate of Employment, National Directorate of Employment annual reports, file documents, internet, and publication, among others. Primary data were sourced mainly from questionnaires administered to both staff and beneficiaries of the National Directorate of Employment. Population and Sample Size Two local governments (Zaria, and Kaduna South) were picked as the focus basically because they have the highest amount of graduate beneficiaries. Thus, 150 questionnaires were administered to both members of staff and beneficiaries. The Systematic Sampling method in which 1 respondent was picked out of every 8 respondents was used. This gave a sample size of 150 respondents out of the total population size of 1200 people. The total population size includes both beneficiaries and staff is 1200. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques i. e. Average mean score and tables will form the basic analytical tools. LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 2. 1Discussion of Related Concepts 2. 1. 1Unemployment Unemployment as defined by the International Labour Organisation â€Å"occurs when a person is available and willing to work but currently without work. Thus ILO agrees that only a person who is willing and available to work can be referred to as unemployed. This implies that not everybody who is not working is unemployed, To Colander D. C. unemployment occurs when people are looking for a job and cannot find one. This further concurs with the earlier definition where there is a conscious effort by the person or people seeking employment, but fails to point out if the person or people in question have something doing or not, because some people who are working seek new jobs. Form the foregoing definitions, one is forced to ask if anybody willing and available to work could be termed unemployed, evened if the person is a child. To this Frank R. et al defined unemployment as â€Å"adults not holding a job but looking for one. † Who then is an adult? An adult is one who is 18 years and above, therefore the definition could be said to be â€Å"Anyone who is 18 years and above who is not holding a job but looking for one could be termed unemployed. In line with the aforementioned, the Bureau of Labour Statistics USA considers a person who is 16 years or older who has not worked during the preceding week but made some effort to find work (for example, by going to a job interview) in the past four weeks as unemployed. Unemployment in Nigeria has actually become a menace, a vivid picture of which was painted by former executive secretary, National Manpower Board (NMB) Umo when he said at a seminar that â€Å"the problem of unemployment amongst our tertiary gradates is of recent vintage, if situated in a historical perspective, it is not more than two decades since it started, but since then, it has become unabated and cumulative†. To him many young graduates move from long spells of unemployment to high crimes including armed robbery while others have become handy tools for unscrupulous politicians. 2. 1. 2Employment The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines employment as â€Å"the situation in which people have work†. This definition clearly States that when a person has work doing he/she is employed but fails to specify if the person is being paid for the work or not. Operationally, employment could be referred to the act of labour force being temporarily or fully occupied on either wages basis of interest basis for self occupied work. This definition added a new dimension, in that employment could be work based on wages or mere self interest either way, one is employed provided he/she is working. Frank et al defined employment in terms of being employed. To them a person is employed if he or she worked full-time or part-time (even for a few hours) during the past week or is on vacation or sick-leave from a regular job. In a nut shell, employment could be defined as a person who is currently working for wages or self-interest. 2. 1. 3Labour Force Thomas J. H. et al (1970) defines labour force â€Å"as the non-institutional population who are working or looking for work†. That is, it includes the unemployed, employed, proprietors, the self employed and members of the armed forces. To him, the labour force excludes all person engaged exclusively in housework in the homes or attending school, that is, a student, is not a member of the labour force unless he is working in addition to attending school (it is worthy of note that â€Å"non-institutional population† refers to all persons 16 years of age and older including members of the armed services but excluding persons in institutions). 2. 1. 4 Full Employment To Ackely the concept of full employment is a very â€Å"slippery concept† and though â€Å"full employment is not definable nor should it be defined†, believes that Henry Hazlutt, it is worth-while analyzing the various views of economists on full employment. The Classical View The classical economists believed in the existence of full employment in the economy. Full employment to them was a normal situation and any deviation from this was regarded as abnormal. To the classical economists â€Å"unemployment resulted from the rigidity in the wage structure and interference in the working of free market system. This comes in the form of trade union legislation, minimum wage legislation etc. On the other hand, Full employment exists â€Å"when everybody who at the running rate of wages wishes to be employed†. According to Pigou, those who are not prepared to work at the existing wage rate are not unemployed because they are voluntarily unemployed. To them, there should be no possibility of involuntary unemployment in the sense that, people are prepared to work but they do not find work. According to the classical economists, the above view only operates in an ideal economy. This far differs from the reality in which involuntary unemployment is prevalent. The Keynesian View To Keynes, full employment means the absence of involuntary unemployment. That is, full employment is a situation in which everybody who wants to work gets work. He assumes that â€Å"with a given organisation, equipment and technique, real wages and the volume of output are uniquely co-related so that, in general, an increase in employment can only occur to the accompaniment of a decline in the rate of wages†. In order to achieve full employment, Keynes advocates increases in effective demand to bring about reduction in real wages. 2. 2Types of Unemployment Economists have distinguished between various types of unemployment which includes Cyclical Unemployment, Frictional Unemployment, Structural Unemployment and Classical Unemployment. The aforementioned types are the most widely accepted by scholars. Other additional types that are occasionally mentioned are Seasonal unemployment, Hardcore unemployment Migrated unemployment. . 2. 1Cyclical or Keynesian Unemployment Cyclical or Keynesian unemployment is also known as Demand Deficient Unemployment. It occurs when there is not enough aggregated demand in the economy. Cyclical unemployment exists when the number of workers demanded falls short of the number of persons supplied (in the labour force). It gets its name because it varies with the business cycle which consists of alternating periods of booms and depressions. Robert F. et al said it could e likened to the most familiar form of musical chairs, in which the number of chairs is always less than the number of players. The Great Depression of the 1930’s is a striking example of Cyclical unemployment. In Nigeria today, the recent economic in Nigeria recession where supply was more than demand, most especially in the private sector is an example of cyclical unemployment. 2. 2. 2Frictional Unemployment Frictional unemployment occurs when a worker moves from one job to another. The time period between jobs is considered â€Å"frictional unemployment†. Frictional unemployment is an example of a productive part of the economy, increasing both the worker’s long term welfare and economic efficiency and is also a type of voluntary unemployment. 2. 2. 3Structural Unemployment Structural unemployment occurs when the numbers of jobs in a labour market are unable to provide substantial jobs for everyone who wants one. 2. 2. 4Classical Unemployment Classical or real-way unemployment occurs when real wages for a job are set above the market clearing level, causing the number of job-seekers to exceed the number of vacancies. Economists like Murray Ruthbard, suggest that even social taboos can prevent wages from falling to the market clearing level. Some economists believe that this type of unemployment can be reduced by increasing the flexibility of wages (abolishing minimum wages or employee protection) to make the labour market more like a financial market. This suggestion unfortunately, will lead to massive exploitation on the part of employers most especially in developing countries. 2. 2. 5Seasonal Unemployment Bradley R. S. s of the view that some joblessness is virtually inevitable as long as we continue to grow crops, build houses, or go skiing at certain seasons of the year. At the end of each season thousands of workers go searching for new jobs, thereby experiencing some seasonal unemployment in the process. Like in Nigeria, during the raining season, farmers are actively employed to plough sow, cultivate and harvest crops, this include both the aged and young. It is very common to see rural-u rban migrants, return to their rural villages to cultivate during the raining season. And once harvest is over they return to towns to search for menial jobs to carter for their needs. 2. 3Causes of Unemployment in Nigeria The cost of unemployment in any nation cannot be overemphasized, below are some of the costs identified by eminent scholars: individuals, economists, psychological, social socio-political. Economic Causes i)The Legacy of British Rule The bequest of some Nigerians who had high school education after independent and held job felt to be remunerated with high wages was a right. This made majority of high school graduates at that time expressed their distaste for agriculture and their desires to be â€Å"pen pushers† these people were attracted to white collar jobs which were borrowed from the colonial master. This white collar jobs were unlike agriculture which provides employment for about eighty percent of the population. The colonial government fiscal policy with respect to employment also discouraged new entrants into agriculture which was the major alternative for white collar job. Under the policy, marketing boards were introduced where farmers were heavily taxed by the colonial government. This made agriculture less appealing and killed the incentive that would have made people wish to take it upon as a carrier. Therefore, the mentality of white collar job was built into individuals Nigerian as a future employment. ii)The Oil Boom Era (1974-1980) Agriculture prior to the exportation of petrol had been the main asset of the economy but was neglected during the oil boom. All sorts of things were imported into the country. The government of the day embarked upon all sorts of â€Å"white elephant:† projects e. g Ajaokuta Steel, building of Refinery, etc instead of investing in property with the windfall from oil. Over reliance on petroleum has till today led to fluctuation in government’s expenditures on unnecessary things and wastage of resource. The sudden slump in the international market for oil makes many projects undertaken especially construction come to stand still. Many employment opportunities were forced to reduce their capabilities. Nigeria found itself in economic mess which it is still battling to salvage. iii)Consumption Pattern This entails the pattern of consumption of Nigerians’ as a relationship to the problem of unemployment. It has contributed to the high level of urban unemployment because the consumption of urban centres’ entails imported goods which attracted more able people from rural areas to search for job in urban centres’. This is due to the fact that Nigerians are to believe their home made goods are inferior. But the more the demand for goods and services from foreign source the more employment we make available to the nationals of those countries and the reverse is the case for Nigeria. Social Causes i)Rural-Urban Migration The flow of labour force from rural to urban area has been a major cause of Nigeria’s unemployment situation. As a result of the neglect of agriculture and great increase in government expenditure during the oil boom era led to the migration of many young people who would have otherwise stayed in the rural areas to practice agriculture as an occupation. Most migrants from rural areas were found to have only primary education with few having six years of secondary education. This led to surplus of unskilled workers and shortage of high level manpower. But now that Nigeria’s economy is producing more and more gradates from her institutions of higher learning, in almost all the metropolitan cities the unemployment problem continues to increase. People unable to get job since urban areas became saturated and unable to absorb every skilled job seekers. Table 1 Unemployment Rates, 2003-2007 (as at December) Description| 2003| 2004| 2005| 2006| 2007| National (Composite)| 14. 8| 11. 8| 11. 9| 14. 6| 10. 9| Urban | 17. 1| 11. 0| 10. 1| 10. 0| 10. 0| Rural | 13. 8| 12. 1| 12. 6| 15. 1| 12. 6| Source: National Bureau of Statistics, 2007. From the table above the composite unemployment rate stood at 11. 9% in 2005 compared with 14. 6% in 2006, and 10. 9% in 2007. It also shows that the rural unemployment rate is higher, hence, the reason for migrating to the urban areas in search of greener pastures. Educational Factors The type of educational system inherited from the colonial masters put more emphasis on the production of gradates for white collars jobs at the expense of technical and vocational type. The result is that gradates do not only get unemployed but do not even find â€Å"black – collar† jobs to manage. Government policy with respect to university admission for first degrees in favour of the science as opposed to the arts does not still encourage students to study the science and other technological subjects, which Nigeria lacks. However, the expansion in all educational level ranging from primary to tertiary institutions has contributed more to the unemployment problem. This is because the expansion does not correspond with the job provisioning for future graduates from the numerous schools. Political Causes i)Political Instability Ever since Nigeria got her independence from the British colonial masters in 1960, there has been political instability. A major problem of post independent Nigeria has been conflicts of personalities in politics and unbridled political party rivalries both of which affected government policies in all parts of the country. Apart from the fact that the country had to go through a civil war form 1960 up till 1970. There has also been series of coups which have often resulted in abrupt changes in government up to date like that of June 12, 1993. This political environment which is unstable has negative effects on investment thereby creating problem of unemployment in the country. ii)Migrants from Neighbouring Countries People from neighbouring countries such as; Ghana, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast and Togo move down to Nigeria in search for jobs. They feel that the Nigeria economy is better and more promising. As a result of this the Nigerian Labour Market cannot absorb all the job seekers, since it has too many factors to contend with. Foreign job seekers especially those from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), those countries are often prepared to accept lower wages than Nigerians for the same type of work. And as employers are looking forward of cutting costs, they have no choice but to absorb these foreign seekers. Socio-Political Causes The political independence Nigeria got from Great Britain was more of a flag independence and not economic Independence. Nigeria even today remains subservient to the whims and caprices of countries like Britain and United States of America. Despite the effort made to gain total control of the economy through the promulgation of the indigenization decree of 1977, Nigeria’s economy is still dominated by multinational corporations that employ a substantial number of Nigerians, thus, the fact remains that the profit is fleeing Nigeria to foreign countries head quarters. The profit flight is supposed to be ploughed back into the country for provision of more jobs and development. Furthermore, external participation in the domestic activities of Nigeria by foreigners which is not reciprocated by similar Nigerian participation in their own domestic affairs militate against development efforts. All these slow down the economic growth and cause unemployment problem. Ethnicity Problem Nigeria is made up of many ethnic groups. Each of this ethnic group had the fear that another group may dominate it. Apart from this, some ethnic groups which tend to be closer to neighbouring countries identify more with the than with other ethnic groups in the country that they are not familiar with. It is a fact that some northern States in Nigeria prefer to recruit Pakistani, Egyptians, and Indian professionals other than Nigerians from other ethnic group. Such discriminatory policies no doubt cause more unemployment in the country. 2. 4Theoretical Framework Various scholars have propounded theories relating to employment and unemployment. These include those of the Classical view who believe that full employment was a normal situation and any deviation from this was regarded as abnormal. Okun’s law which was propounded by an American Economist named Arthur Okun (1926-1980) who looked at the US GNP during the 1950s and 1960s. Thus, for the purpose of this work the KEYNESIAN THEORY was adopted. It was propounded by John Maynard Keynes, a British Economist whose ideas have profoundly affected the theory and practice of modern macro economics, social liberalism and economic policies of government. 2. 3. 1The Keynesian Theory In the Keynesian theory which was propounded in 1936, Keynes argued that aggregate demand determined the overall level of economic activity, and that inadequate aggregate demand could lead to prolonged periods of high unemployment. He opined that if aggregate demand is not high enough to sustain full employment level of economy, then a gap is created between aggregate demand and aggregate supply known as the deflationary gap. To him this gap must be closed through concerted government programmes if not, the situation could degenerate into chronic unemployment. The Keynesian prescription for reducing unemployment includes the following: 1) Increase in aggregate total demand through direct increase in government expenditure 2) By government policies that indirectly encourage more private investments (e. g. investment subsidies, tax allowances, low investment rates on business loans, establishing of institutions, etc). 2. 3. 2Its Application to this Study Looking at its applicability to this work, the Keynesian theory States that: inadequate aggregate demand could lead to prolonged periods of high unemployment. It is no longer news in Nigeria that the demand for labour is on the decrease, as industries (e. g. textile) which hitherto where major employers of labour have been closed down due to unfavourable working conditions such as poor electricity supply, financial institutions have been hit by global recessions and the public sector have also resorted to downsizing thus making aggregate demand grossly inadequate thereby leading to a high rate of unemployment. Nigerian unemployment is a typical case of shortage in aggregate demand; the supply by far supersedes the demand. With thousands of graduates leaving the higher institutions each year, the demand for time in the labour market depreciates. To Keynes, if aggregate demand is not high enough to sustain full employment level of the economy, then a gap is created between aggregate demand and aggregate supply known as the deflationary gap. This gap manifests itself in chronic unemployment which is been witnessed in Nigeria, with an unemployment rate of 19. 7% as at December, 2009. He further propounded that this gap must be closed through concerted government programmes so as to avoid unemployment. From the foregoing it is evident that the Keynesian theory of unemployment not only explains the unemployment problem but has proffered solutions or ways of eradicating it. An Overview of the National Directorate of Employment 3. 1Introduction The worldwide economic depression of the early 80s caused a rapid deterioration in Nigerian’s economy. Industrial output shrank to an all time low and commercial activities were consequently reduced, leading to the loss of employment opportunity for many Nigerians. By the end of 1985 the unemployment situations in Nigeria had reached desperate and alarming proportions (about 8. 5%). In the urban areas, where the educated tend to congregate, the unemployment rate was especially high. In the rural areas, it was no less severe. Graduate unemployment, which hitherto was unnoticed, emerged and was growing rapidly. The effect of such large-scale unemployment spelt disaster for both the society and individual victims. Deviant behaviours expressed in crimes and other anti-social behaviours were frequent among the frustrated youths. The increase in crime rates and riots further created an atmosphere of general insecurity. Unemployed youths were easily susceptible to such manipulations and incitement by unscrupulous elements in the society or even politicians. It is in line with this that president Babangida appointed a committee on 26 March 1986 to deliberate on strategies for dealing with mass unemployment under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Productivity. The report of the Chukwuma committee, as it became popularly known, was approved by the Federal Government in October 1986. Based on its recommendations the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was established on November 22, 1986 and its initial core programmes were formally launched on 30th January 1987. The president in his 1987 budget speech directed the new body to concentrate its effort on the reactivation of public works, promotion of direct labour, promotion of self-employment, organisation of artisans into co-operatives, and encouragement of a culture of maintenance and repairs. To ensure effective implementation of the President’s directive, a board of Directors representing a cross section of all interest groups from industry, commerce, agriculture, finance, employers, labour and government was set-up to define policy and supervise operations. This board articulated four (4) practical programmes nationwide, each operating as a separate department. They include: a) National youth Employment and Vocational Skills Development Programme. b) Small scale industries and graduate employment programme. c) Agriculture sector employment programme d) Special public works programmes. These programmes were backed by the necessary administrative, monitoring and support personnel, thus enabling optimum use of resources and prompt response to the requirement of the public. 3. 2Objectives of the National Directorate of Employment The objectives of the NDE were clearly Stated in Decree No. 24 of 1989 [i. e. NDE Decree (1989)] section 2 of the Decree provides for the objectives of the directorate. Thus, the NDE mandate is as follows: i) To design and implement programmes to combat mass unemployment. ii) To articulate policies aimed at developing programmes with labour intensive potentials. ii) To obtain and maintain a data bank of employment and vacancies in the country with a view to acting as a clearing house to link job seekers with vacancies. iv) To implement any other policies as may be laid down from time to time by the Board established under section 3 of its enabling act. NDE’s main function is to combat mass unemployment through skills acquisition, self- employment and labour-intensive work scheme. 4. 1Summary of discussions and findings It is no longer news that salaried jobs can no longer cater for the teaming graduates turned into the labour market from various higher institutions in Nigeria. This has led to the search of alternative means of lively hood. One of such is the acquisition of specific skills to make graduates self-employed. It is against this backdrop that the hypothesis which States, â€Å"That skills acquisition is a prerequisite to a reduction in graduate unemployment in Kaduna State† was formed. In order to ascertain the hypothesis above, respondents were asked questions bordering on their level of acquisition vis-a-vis unemployment. The questions were answered by checking one position on two point scale of â€Å"Yes and No†. 4. 1. 1Skills Acquired apart from Western Education Here respondents were asked if they have acquired any skill apart from the regularly western education. The responses gotten are shown in table 4. 1 below: Table 4. 1 Acquisition of Special Skills apart from Western Education Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 86| 59. 7| No| 58| 40. 3| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. The table above indicates that 86 respondents representing 59. 7% have acquired specific skills other than the western education while 58 respondents which represent 40. 3% have not. This shows that specific skills acquisition is not alien to graduates in Kaduna State. 4. 1. 2Self Employment The respondents were further asked if they were presently self-employed. The following were the responses gotten: Table 4. 2: Self Employment Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 55| 38. 2| No| 89| 61. 8| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. Table 4. 13 depicts that 38. 2% of the respondents are self employed while 61. 8% are not. This shows that some respondents are utilizing the skills they have acquired. 4. 1. 3Nature of Self Employment The respondents who claimed to be self-employed were asked to specify the nature of their self-employment and the following responses were gotten. i) Fashion designing ii) Farming iii) Electrical works iv) Wood work/carpentry v) Mechanized farming vi) Forest trading 4. 1. 4Acquisition of Specific Skills by Graduates in Kaduna State Many people agree that depending solely on salaried jobs is not the best. Thus, people should learn to acquire alternative sources of income. Hence, the respondents were asked: Do you think that most graduates in Kaduna State have acquired necessary skills to make them self employed? Their responses are given below. Table 4. 3: Acquisition of Special Skills by Graduates in Kaduna State Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 36| 25| No| 108| 75| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. The table above shows that 36 respondents signifying 25% agreed that graduates in Kaduna State posses the necessary skill of being self employed while 108 respondents representing 75% were of the contrary view. , this shows that most gradates in Kaduna State have not acquired necessary specified skills to be self employed. 4. 1. 5Self Employment an Alternative to Salaried Job The respondents were further asked if they agreed that self-employed in an alternative to salaried jobs. The following responses in table 4. 15 below were gotten. Table 4. 4: Employment an Alternative to salaried Jobs Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 136| 94. 4| No| 8| 5. 6| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. The table above indicates that 94. 4% of the respondents agreed that self-employment is an alternative to salaried jobs while 5. 6% do not agree that it is an alternative. Based on the responses gotten, it clearly shows that most people take self-employment as an alternative to salaried jobs. . 1. 6Skills Acquisition Schemes Established by the Government and Self Employment In a bid to make people become self-employed, government has put in place various schemes among which is the NDE. Thus, respondents were asked if the skills acquisition schemes put in place by the government have helped beneficiaries to become self-employed. The followi ng were the responses gotten Table 4. 5: Skills Acquisition Schemes and Self Employment. Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 120| 83. 3| No| 24| 16. 7| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. From table 4. 16 above, 120 respondents representing 83. % agreed that the skills acquisition schemes put in place by government have helped beneficiaries to become self-employed while 24 respondents representing 16. 7% disagreed. 4. 1. 7Inclusion of Specific Skills Acquisition Programme in Post-Secondary School Curriculum With regards to specific skills acquisition, respondents were asked if skills acquisition programmes be included in Post-secondary schools’ curriculum and the following responses were gotten: Table 4. 6: Inclusion of specific skills acquisition programmes in post-secondary school curriculum Response| No. of Respondents| Percentage| Yes | 140| 97. 2| No| 4| 2. 8| Total | 144| 100| Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. For table 4. 17 above, 140 respondents representing 97. 2% opined that specific skills acquisition programmes should be included in all post-secondary schools curriculum while 4 respondents representing 2. 8% held a contrary opinion. 4. 1. 8 Opinions about Skills Acquisition Schemes in Nigeria Respondents were asked to state their opinion on the skills acquisition schemes put in place by government and the following opinions/views were gotten: i) That the skills acquisition schemes have helped reduced unemployment not only in Kaduna State but in the country as a whole; ii) That loan should be made available to the unemployed so that they can utilize both funds and skills together; iii) That skills acquisitions schemes should be fully implemented so that it’s aims and objectives can be accomplished; iv) That skills acquisition scheme should be well funded; v) It was also expressed that the skills acquisition schemes in Nigeria is too small compared to the population of the unemployed, thereby making it insignificant; vi) That, the skills acquisition schemes are sub-standard and need to be improved so that it can compete with those in other nations; vii) That skills acquisition helps graduate to become self employed; viii) That for skills acquisitions to succeed an adequate system that ensures the monitoring and evaluation of the scheme must be put in place; ix) That the skills acquisition schemes have been bedeviled by poor management plan, indiscipline and corruption; x) That the culture of skill acquisition should be inculcated into the citizen s right form primary schools; Finally, that there should be more awareness and funding of the schemes available The table below shows a summary of the questions asked and responses gotten. 4. 2Test of Hypothesis using the Average Mean Score Method. The average mean score was used to test the Hypothesis which States: â€Å"That inadequate skills acquisition has led to an increase in graduate unemployment in Kaduna State†. Formular: X = ? p x where X=Average mean score ?p=Summation of percentages x=Total number of variables Decision Rule: Accept Ho if average means score is 60% and above, reject Ho if average means score is less than 60%. Variables 1) Acquisition of specific skills other than western education 2) Self employment 3) Acquisition of specific skills by graduates in Kaduna State. 4) Self employment and alternative to salaried jobs 5) Skills acquisition schemes and self-employment 6) Skills acquisition and post secondary curriculum Table 4. 7: Highest Responses Variables | Responses | 1| 59. 7% of the respondents opined that they have acquired specific skills other than western education. | 2| 61. 8% of the respondents said they were not self employed. 3| 70% of the respondents were of the view that most graduates in Kaduna State have not acquired specific skills. | 4| 94. 4% of the respondents agreed that self-employment is an alternative to salaried jobs. | 5| 83. 3% of the respondents agree that skills acquisition schemes have made their beneficiaries self employed. | 6| 97. 2% of the resp ondents agreed that specific skills acquisition programmes should be included in post-secondary school curriculum. | Source: Researcher’s Survey, 2010. No. of Variables Percentages 159. 7 261. 8 375 494. 4 583. 3 697. 2 Total 6471. 4 ?p=471. 4= 78. 6% x 6 X = 78. 6% From the above calculation the average mean score of the Hypothesis is 78. 6%. Going by the decision rule which States that Accept Ho if average mean score is 60% and above, our Ho which States; â€Å"that inadequate skills acquisition has led to an increase in graduate unemployment in Kaduna State† is Accepted. This implies that adequate skills acquisition will lead to a decrease in graduate unemployment in Kaduna State. 4. 3Major Findings It was discovered that Skills Acquisition is an effective tool in the reduction of graduate unemployment in Kaduna State. The researcher found out that most unemployed graduates in Kaduna State will opt for self-employment through the acquisition of specific skills, rather than wait for the non-existent salaried jobs. The researcher found out that â€Å"skill acquisition schemes† when effectively implemented will go a long way to reducing graduate unemployment not just in Kaduna State but in Nigeria as a whole. It was also discovered that skills acquisition gives birth to small scale enterprise which in turn boost individual and national economy. As in the case of developed nations like China, Japan and even USA who started from small scale enterprises and they are world powers today. Thus, the importance of skills acquisition in unemployment reduction and by extension poverty reduction cannot be over-emphasized. 5. 1Conclusions and Recommendations As established by the study, the importance of skills acquisition cannot be overemphasized. Thus, it is recommended that learning of specific skills should be inculcated into the curriculum of the post-secondary schools of not just Kaduna State but Nigeria as a whole irrespective of the course of study. In developed countries like the USA courses are courses such as fashion designing, automobile repairs, traffic control, animal husbandry, typesetting, catering, horticulture, swimming, memo writing, satellite installation, wood work and even cooking are included in formal school curriculum. Such compulsory electives should be imbibed in the nation thereby creating the spirit of entrepreneurship. There should be a diversification in the activities of the National Directorate of Employment. New challenging and innovative skills should be introduced from time to time. This will make it more enticing appealing for gradates to enrol, as young people like to explore new grounds. Also, specific organisation or institution should be established with the sole aim of tackling graduate unemployment. Since unemployment cuts across various barriers (gender, class, age) and the National Directorate of Employment which is saddled with combating unemployment cannot effectively manage graduate unemployment as its resources (time, finance) are divided among other classes. Thus, giving more attention to graduate unemployment by establishing a body with the mandate of combating graduate unemployment will go a long way. References Bradley R. Schiller (2004) The Macro Economy Today 9th ed: New Delhi; McGraw Hill Irwin Companies. D. Rudiger et al (2004): Macro Economics: New Delhi; Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Ltd. David C. Colonader (2001) Macro Economics 4th ed. : New York; McGraw-Hill Irwin. Euro-Zone Unemployment Climbs to 10 percent High Deutsche Welle. January 29, 2010. F. Onosode (1993): The Decades of Development Crises in Nigeria Essays. Ikeja: Malthouse Press Ltd. F. A. Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty:www. google. com G. Umoden (1992): The Babangida Year: Ikoyi-Lagos; Gabumo Publishing Company ltd. http://atext. ap[lia. com/controller/apliatext. aspx International Labour Organisation: Resolution concerning statistics of the economically active population, employment, unemployment and underemployment, adopted by the thirteenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians (Oct. 1982) pg. 4. Jhingan M. L. (2004) Principles of Economics. 2nd ed. : India; Vrinda Publication Ltd. National Bureau of Statistics, Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire Newswise, Retrieved on October 27, 2008. National Directorate of Employment (2006) Brochure. Kaduna State Office. Richard A. (2007): â€Å"Fact Sheet on the Impact of Unemployment (PDF) Virginia Teach, Department of Economics USA. Robert F. e al (2001): Principles of Economics: India; McGraw-Hill Publishers S. Dudley (1969): The Meaning of Development. Eleventh Conference of the Society for International Development, New Delhi India. Wikipedia Encyclopaedia. www. econlog. econlib. org/archieves/2009 www. google. com www. uo. org/public. /english/bureau/stat/dpownload/ res/ecacpop. pdf How to cite Curbing Unemployment Through Skills Acquisition, Essay examples

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Copyright and Plagiarism The thoughts and publications of others are regularly referred to by students in the process of study, and this makes it critical for the original author to be properly acknowledged in the student work. Plagiarism occurs when an individual deliberately or accidentally submits or presents the work of another person as his or her own. Where excerpts are cited directly, the author must be acknowledged in the text, through footnotes, in endnotes, or n other accepted forms of academic citation. In the case of collaborative or group work when permitted by the instructor, students must ensure that they adhere to the requirements as outlined by the instructor.Regardless of intent, all students are responsible for ensuring that any work which has been submitted is their own or has been cited correctly, and does not constitute plagiarism. Students who are uncertain as to what constitutes plagiarism should consult their instructor before handing in any assignments. We will write a custom essay sample on A War or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Students may also consult the librarian or one of Alexander Colleges tutors for proper citation methods. Accommodation for Disabilities Students who have a disability or medical concern that may affect their attendance or participation in class must establish their need for accommodation with the Director of Operations or Director of Academic Affairs prior to commencement of classes or at their earliest convenience.Each student applying for accommodation will be considered individually, on a case-by-case basis, with respect and confidentiality. Instructors will make provisions as mutually agreed upon by themselves and the student. Policy: Attendance Alexander College is highly interested in the academic success of our dents. To this end, students are expected to maintain a minimum of 70% attendance in each course. If a student fails to maintain this standard, instructors may choose to bar a student from writing the fall exam. Policy: Lateness Students are expected to arrive on time for their classes. After 10 minutes into the class, the door of the classroom will be closed and the instructor maintains the right to disallow students from entering the classroom.If there is a break time in the middle of a class, the instructor may allow students in at this time. Policy: English Only Policy in Effect; In order to succeed in an academic environment in Canada it is vital for students to communicate effectively in English. For this reason Alexander College has a strict English Only policy Policy: History Classes Reading: Students are expected to do all assigned readings in preparation for class. This means you are expected to have read the required chapters before the class so you can participate in class discussions and follow the lectures. You are also expected to take detailed notes of your readings to develop your critical reading skills. It is not possible to do this course without having a copy of the required textbook. Class Participation: Participation in class and group discussions is expected and will comprise a significant percentage of the final mark. Guidelines for class participation will be provided to help guide this learning process. Writing: Also, students will become familiar with writing historical essays, including providing proper citations (footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography, according to the Chicago Manual of Style (SMS)). For the research paper you will be required to use a thesis statement in a well researched argumentative type essay. Writing is an integral part of this course.Some guidelines and audience will be provided but it is up to each student to become skilled in academic research, analysis and writing practices. There are references guides and other assistance available in the Alexander library to help you. Your course Instructor and the Alexander tutors and librarians are all there to assist you in developing your academic research and writing skills. You must use the Chicago Manual of Style (SMS) no other style guide is acceptable. This is the standard guide for History and other research-oriented disciplines. Reminder: The plagiarism guidelines of Alexander College are strictly enforced in this course. You must know Alexander current rules about quoting sources and the use of tutors and you must follow those rules exactly.

Portable Charger free essay sample

What is a Portable Charger? -Compact sized plug-and-use charging dock that can be used on the go for mobile devices, removing the need for static charging through a wall plug. -Current chargers in the market are able to provide charging capacity of up to 2-3 full charge for mobile phones, reducing the need for frequent charging of the power bank. Notable brands in the market? -MiPow (HK) -Romoss -Chinese manufacturers? What is the demand for it in the market? Based on Y13, what is the actual sets manufactured etc. -Rise of mobile devices means the need for bigger battery capacity. -For heavy mobile device users, portable charger could become an alternative power management device. -Lessen the burden of carrying multiple devices and usage of additional wires and chargers What does our inductor provide for P. Charger? Inductor is mainly found in the output design for Portable Charger, however we are trying to promote our inductor to be used in the input IC charger as well. We will write a custom essay sample on Portable Charger or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page With the usage of the inductor in input, charging time of the battery can be improved. Our inductor is also able to sustain the magnetic field from the current flowing through providing extra energy capacity and stability in current discharge. Usage for inductor in P. Charger -Based on teardown for Romoss powerbank design, there are 2 area that our inductors can be used. 1)Output, step up regulator (Low DCR-type inductor) 2)Input, IC charger (Typical inductor) *Not required for all design* Current competitors doing promotion for powerbanks -Vishay