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THE EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL SYSTEM* CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Introduction The Philippine Statistical System Through the Years The Present Statistical System Recent Initiatives of the Philippine Statistical System Lessons Learned, Challenges and Opportunities ______________________________ Philippine country paper prepared by the National Statistical Coordination Board and disseminated during the Seminar on the Evolution of National Statistical Systems organized by the United Nations Statistics Division in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations Statistical Commission held on 23 February 2007 in New York, USA. 1 THE EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL SYSTEM COUNTRY PAPER By The National Statistical Coordination Board, Philippines1 1. INTRODUCTION This country paper presents the history and existing features of the Philippine Statistical System (PSS).It also articulates the system’s recent initiatives as well as the lessons learned through t he years and the challenges and opportunities currently faced by the system. The Philippines is one of many countries with a decentralized statistical system. The PSS has evolved through several stages in response to the prevailing political, economic and social policies of the government. The emphasis on development planning in later years led to the creation of research and statistics divisions in existing departments to provide for their data and information needs.As a result, a decentralized system emerged whereby statistical services are managed and supervised by the respective agencies with overall coordination by a national body. The present PSS is the result of a comprehensive review of the system that was undertaken in 1986 by a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral committee constituted by the Philippine government. The review was also undertaken in line with a government-wide reorganization which saw the need for necessary and proper changes in the bureaucracy in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness n the delivery of public services. The recommendations of the committee, which recognized the need to maintain a decentralized statistical system characterized by independence, objectivity, and integrity to make it more responsive to the requirements of national development, provided the basis for the reorganization of the PSS in 1987. Its mission is to provide timely, accurate and useful statistics for the government and the public, especially for planning and decision making.With the inadequate resources and other constraints, the PSS continues to seek for alternative measures and strategies toward responding to the current and emerging demands of the various clientele and stakeholders. The PSS also continues to effect improvements in its capacity to provide quality statistical products and services. Likewise, it recognizes the need to conform to international standards, comparisons and practices, and it provides support and cooperation to the statistical endeavors of the international community. Dr. Romulo A.Virola is the Secretary General of the National Statistical Coordination Board, Philippines (ra. [email  protected] gov. ph). 1 2 2. THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL SYSTEM THROUGH THE YEARS2 Government statistical activities in the country have gone a long way from the Spanish regime to the present statistical system. From the simple attempts of the Spanish monarchy to collect information on the country and its resources, the PSS has evolved to become a decentralized system with a strong coordinating body to serve the more complex needs of policy formulation and decision making.The following were the significant developments in the country’s statistical system at various periods and stages. 2. 1 Spanish Regime (1571 – 1898) During the Spanish regime, there was no regular and systematic data collection in the country except in the later years of the colonial period. Information on the people, villages, set tlements, tributes collected, judicial cases settled and the natural resources were obtained by the governors-general upon instructions from the King of Spain to the Spanish governorgeneral in the Philippines.From about the middle of the 18th century, the priests kept records of baptisms, marriages and deaths, making possible some population estimates. The first census under the Spanish regime was conducted in 1877 with the issuance of a royal decree ordering the enumeration of the population. Succeeding censuses were conducted in 1887 and 1897. The results of the first census were published in Archipelago Filipino en la Oceania Censo de Poblacion Verificado in 1887 but those of the latter were never published.The Spanish colonial statistical system began when an Officiana Central de Estadistica was established in the Direccion General de Administration Civil in 1889. The priests were obliged to report births, marriages and deaths which occurred within their parish to this office. T he publication of the Boletin de Estadistica de la Ciudad de Manila, a monthly journal, was started in 1895, making available population and vital statistics. 2. 2 American Regime (1898 – 1946) The onset of the American regime brought with it a more systematized data collection system.This was marked by the creation of a statistical unit in the Bureau of Customs to collect, tabulate, and disseminate statistics on imports and exports. Although no statistical units were formally created in other government offices during the time, information were nevertheless collected and compiled by them for administrative purposes. The Bureau of Agriculture, created in 1902, compiled data on the number of farms, irrigated areas, and cultivated land.The Bureau of Labor, created in 1908, gathered data on the number and membership of labor organizations and labor cases. Vital registration likewise improved during this period. The first census under the American regime was conducted in 1903, wi th the next censuses undertaken in 1918 and 1939. Different organizations carried out the censuses each time. The PSS – Composition, Organization and Coordination, NEDA, 1980; Executive Summary of the Phase 1 Report of Decentralization and the PSS Project, 1994; History of the PSS – http://www. ire. it-u. ac. jp; Executive Order No. 121 – Reorganizing and Strengthening the PSS and for Other Purposes, 1987. 2 3 The Department of Public Information carried out the 1903 census and the United States Census Bureau processed the statistics while the ad hoc Commission of Census conducted the 1939 census. In 1918, the Bureau of Commerce and Industry was created (with a statistics division) under the Department of Commerce and Communication. For thirteen years, this division served as the clearing house of all statistical information in the country.The data were published yearly in statistical bulletins, which served as the comprehensive and authoritative sources of stat istical information during the period. The first attempt to consolidate statistical authority and responsibility in the country came about with the transfer of the Bureau of Commerce and Industry to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, which was organized in 1932. A special statistical division in the department was created which absorbed the Bureau’s statistical functions as well as those of the Bureau of Agriculture.The statistics produced were published in the Philippine Statistical Review. The centralization of all statistical activities in one agency was realized when the Bureau of the Census and Statistics (BCS) was created by Commonwealth Act No. 591 in 1940 under the Office of the President. All major statistical units of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Department of Labor, the Bureau of Health, the Bureau of Customs, the National Library, Department of Public Information and the 1939 Commission of Census were merged to the new Bureau.The move to ce ntralize the statistical system was interrupted because of World War II. 2. 3 Postwar recovery period starting in 1946 When the Philippines gained independence from the U. S. in July of 1946, the urgent need for data with which to plan and implement rehabilitation programs for a war-ravaged economy manifested itself. The BCS remained under the Office of the President until 1947 when it was placed under the newly organized Department of Commerce and Industry for administrative purposes.In 1948, the BCS conducted the first postwar census. The creation of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1949 and the Agricultural Economics Division in the Department of Agriculture in 1953, as well as the return of the Labor Statistics Division to the Department of Labor, ushered in a period of great activity. With the expansion of government activities in the fields of public health, education, social welfare, public administration, crop subsidies, monetary stabilization, and agro-industrial deve lopment, statistical units gradually resurfaced.Consequently, the need for a decentralized statistical system with a central authority responsible for coordinating all the statistical activities of the government was recommended. 2. 4 Reorganization in 1956 Through the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission created in 1954, a set of recommendations was formulated which provided the framework for the administration of a coordinated decentralized statistical system.These recommendations brought about two significant changes in the statistical system, as follows: (a) the emergence of the Office of 4 the Statistical Coordination and Standards (OSCAS) and (b) the transfer of some statistical functions from the BCS to other government agencies. The decentralization of statistical activities was carried out in 1956 with the creation of a central coordinating authority, the OSCAS under the National Economic Council (NEC) by virtue of Executive Order No. 119.Among the functions of t his body was to oversee the coordination of all statistical activities of five major statistical operating agencies and more than a hundred administrative agencies which carry out statistical activities as part of their administrative and regulatory functions. The five agencies were the following: (1) Bureau of the Census and Statistics, (2) Bureau of Agricultural Economics, (3) Department of Economic Research, Central Bank of the Philippines, (4) Labor Statistics Service, Department of Labor, and (5) Disease Intelligence Center, Department of Health.Later, more government agencies surfaced to become major producers of primary statistics to meet the increasing needs of government planners for statistical data. Likewise, all statistical functions pertaining to agriculture and natural resources, banking and finance, labor, vital registration, and education were transferred from the BCS to other government agencies, which by nature of their administrative and regulatory functions and f or highly well-organized statistical units, were better qualified to undertake them.This set up existed for about a decade and a half until another government-wide reorganization of the executive branch of the government was introduced based on the Integrated Reorganization Plan (IRP) in 1972. 2. 5 Reorganization in 1972 The implementation of the IRP in 1972 abolished the NEC and set up in its place the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) headed by a Director-General. One of the offices under NEDA was the Statistical Coordination Office (SCO), which was made up of two staff units drawn from the three branches of OSCAS.Meanwhile, in 1974, the BCS under the Department of Commerce and Industry was reconstituted and renamed National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO) and placed under the administrative supervision of the NEDA. During this time, only one official served as the NEDA Deputy Director-General for SCO and, concurrently, as Executive Director of NCSO. The offic ial also acted as Chairman of the Statistical Advisory Board (SAB), which was the forerunner of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The existence of SCO, NEDA brought about a number of developments in statistics, particularly through its Statistical Development Fund.Among them were the following: (1) expansion in standardization work as exemplified by the publication of the Manual on the Philippine System of National Accounts, Frameworks, Sources and Methods; (2) first Philippine Statistical Development Program; and (3) development of statistical frameworks, such as Input-Output Tables (in collaboration with NCSO), Flow-of-Funds Accounts (in collaboration with the Central Bank), Social Accounting Matrix, and Agriculture Economic Accounts (in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture). . 6 Reorganization in 1987 Recognizing the need to further enhance the efficiency of the statistical system and improve the timeliness and accuracy of statistics for planning and decision making, a comprehensive 5 study and review of the PSS was conducted by a special committee in 1986. The committee recognized the need to maintain a decentralized statistical system with a strong coordination characterized by independence, objectivity, and integrity to make it more responsive to the requirements of national development.Thus, the PSS was restructured with the issuance of Executive Order No. 121, entitled â€Å"Reorganizing and Strengthening the Philippine Statistical System and for Other Purposes† on 30 January 1987. The Executive Order provided the basis for the present structure of the decentralized PSS. By virtue of this order, the NSCB as the highest policymaking and coordinating body on statistical matters was created in 1987, replacing the NEDA Statistical Coordination Office and the Statistical Advisory Board.The Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC) as the research and training arm of the PSS was also established. The NCSO was rename d National Statistics Office (NSO) and was tasked to be the major statistical agency responsible for generating general-purpose statistics and undertaking such censuses and surveys as may be designated by the NSCB. The demands of national economic recovery after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 necessitated changes in the organizational and functional structure of the entire bureaucracy. Under Executive Order No. 16 issued on 30 January 1987, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) was established as one of the seven bureaus of the Department of Agriculture to take charge of the production of statistics on agriculture, fishery and related fields. The BAS has assumed most of the functions of its predecessor, the Bureau of Agricultural Economics. It was also on 30 January 1987 when the Department of Labor was reorganized anew under Executive Order No. 126 and one of its provisions was the abolition of the Labor Statistics Service and the creation of the Bureau of Labor and Employment S tatistics (BLES) as one of the six bureaus of the Department.The other departments have maintained the statistical units within their respective offices. Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) created its Department of Statistics on 20 March 2005 to assume the statistical functions lodged before at its Department of Economic Research. 3. THE PRESENT STATISTICAL SYSTEM 3. 1. LAWS AND OTHER LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR STATISTICAL ORGANIZATION AND SERVICES3 The following are the laws that govern the operations of the PSS: 3. 1. 1 Executive Order No. 121 – Reorganizing and Strengthening the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) and for Other Purposes issued on 30 January 1987 3. 1. 2. Commonwealth Act No. 91 – An Act to Create a Bureau of the Census and Statistics to Consolidate Statistical Activities of the Government issued on 19 August 1940 Other legal provisions concerning the statistical affairs in the country are the following: 3 Agency websites. 6 3. 1. 3. Executiv e Order No. 116 – Renaming Ministry of Agriculture and Food as Ministry of Agriculture, Reorganizing Its Units, Integrating All Offices and Agencies Whose Functions Relate to Agriculture and Fishery into the Ministry, and for Other Purposes issued on 30 January 1987, which includes the creation of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics within the Ministry 3. . 4. Executive Order No. 126 – Reorganizing the Ministry of Labor and Employment and for Other Purposes issued on January 30, 1987, which includes the creation of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics within the Ministry 3. 1. 5. Executive Order No. 135 – Providing for the Establishment of A Well-Coordinated Local Level Statistical System issued on 6 November 1993 3. 1. 6. Executive Order No. 352 – Designation of Statistical Activities That Will Generate Critical Data for Decision-Making of the Government and the Private Sector issued on 1 July 1996 3. . 7. Executive Order No. 406 – Inst itutionalizing the Philippine EconomicEnvironmental and Natural Resources Accounting (PEENRA) System and Creating Units Within the Organizational Structure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) issued on 21 March 1997 3. 1. 8. Proclamation No. 647 – Declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month signed on 20 September 1990 3. 1. 9. Proclamation No. 93 – Declaring the Month as National Census Month signed on 7 June 1995 of September 1995 3. 1. 10. Proclamation No. 248 – Adopting the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) for 1999-2004 issued on 24 February 2000 3. 1. 11. Proclamation No. 1140 – Adopting the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) 2005-2010 issued on 19 September 2006 Board resolutions and memorandum orders/circulars are likewise issued as necessary by the NSCB Ex ecutive Board when there are new statistical frameworks and indicator systems, new mechanisms for statistical coordination, new methodologies or concepts, etc. or adoption and implementation by the various stakeholders of the system. 3. 2. THE COMPONENTS OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL SYSTEM The PSS consists of statistical organizations at all administrative levels, its personnel and the national statistical program. Specifically, the organizations comprising the system include the following: A policy-making and coordinating body – the National Statistical Coordination Board A single general-purpose statistical agency – the National Statistics Office 7A research and training arm – the Statistical Research and Training Center Units of government engaged in statistical activities either as their primary function or as part of their administrative or regulatory functions – all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of national and loca l governments and all government-owned and –controlled corporations and their subsidiaries The major statistical agencies in the PSS include the NSCB, NSO, SRTC, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) of the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) of the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Economic Statistics of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Other data producers in the government include research and statistics divisions/units usually within the planning service of the various departments and bureaus. The major statistical agencies and all other data producers are situated in various administrative hierarchies of the country with each unit collecting and aggregating data. The said administrative areas include the national, regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels. In addition, the local government units (LGUs) in each province, city, municipality or barangay are rich sources of data.T he enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991 which mandated the devolution of basic government services to LGUs had some implications on the data generation activities of the affected sectors. The chart below shows the linkages among the various institutions and players in the PSS. Framework for the Management and Coordination of the PSS 3. 2. 1. The policy-making and coordinating body 8 National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)4 The NSCB was created as the highest policy-making and coordinating body on statistical matters in the Philippines. It is under the administrative supervision of the National Economic and Development Authority. The NSCB formulates policies, delineates responsibilities, sets priorities and standards on statistics and administers the one-stop statistical information center.It also maintains multi-sectoral statistical frameworks and indicator systems which serve as bases for the improvement of statistical coordination. It provides links and fora for c oordination between and among these key players. It also serves as the statistical clearing house and liaison for international statistical matters. Foremost among the objectives of the NSCB is to develop an orderly PSS capable of providing timely, accurate, relevant, and useful data for the government and the public for planning and decision-making. The major goal of the NSCB is to promote the independence, objectivity, integrity, relevance and responsiveness of the PSS. The powers and functions of the NSCB as defined under Section 5 of Executive Order No. 21 are as follows: Promote and maintain an efficient statistical system in the government; Formulate policies on all matters relating to government statistical operations; Recommend executive and legislative measures to enhance the development and efficiency of the system, including the internal structure of statistical agencies; Establish appropriate mechanism for statistical coordination at the regional, provincial and city lev els; Approve the Philippine Statistical Development Program; Allocate statistical responsibilities among government agencies by designating the statistics to be collected by them, including their periodicity and content; Review budgetary proposals involving statistical operations and submit an integrated budget for the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Review and clear, prior to release, all funds for statistical operations; Develop, prescribe and maintain appropriate framework for the improvement of statistical coordination; and Prescribe uniform standards and classification systems in government statistics. The NSCB as coordinator is not engaged in primary data collection. The Executive Order further provides that the decisions of the NSCB on statistical matters shall be final and executory.At the helm of the NSCB is the NSCB Executive Board which is composed of the undersecretaries of the different departments and heads of major statistical agencies and chaired by the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning. The NSCB Executive Board holds quarterly meetings. The NSCB has a Technical Staff which performs the following functions: Provide technical and secretariat support to the NSCB; Serve as the statistical clearing house and liaison for international statistical matters; and Executive Order No. 121 – Reorganizing and Strengthening the PSS and for Other Purposes issued on 30 January 1987; NSCB website – http://www. nscb. gov. ph 4 9 Perform other functions as may be assigned by the NSCB and as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of Executive Order No. 21 The products and services provided by the NSCB Technical Staff are the following: Statistical policies and measures to resolve specific issues and provide policy directions in the PSS National Accounts and related economic accounts to assess the economic performance of the country Economic and social indicators Standards and classification systems to prescribe uniform standards in government statistics Statistical publications and CD Roms to disseminate the most relevant data produced by the PSS and to make statistics more accessible to the public The PSDP to serve as a blueprint of priority programs and activities to be undertaken to improve the PSS in the medium term Services †¢ Coordination of inter agency concerns †¢ Coordination of subnational statistical systems †¢ Statistical survey review and clearance system †¢ Development of statistical standards and classification systems †¢ Designation of statistics †¢ Local and international data requests †¢ Technical services †¢ Advocacy for statistical awareness †¢ One stop statistical information centers †¢ On line statistical service thru the Internet (www. nscb. gov. ph) 3. 2. 2. Data Producers In the government, the major agencies that produce statistics as their primary function are as follows: National Statistics Office (NSO)5 The NSO is the major statistical agency responsible in collecting, compiling, classifying, producing, publishing, and disseminating general-purpose statistics as provided for in Commonwealth Act No. 591. The NSO is under the administrative supervision of NEDA. It generates data on population, housing, agriculture, fisheries, business, industry, prices and households through periodic censuses and sample surveys.NSO also has the responsibility of carrying out and administering the provision of the Civil Registry Law as provided for in Act No. 3753 dated February 1931. It also processes and compiles administrative-based statistics on domestic and foreign trade, business permits and vital statistics from the civil registration system. More specifically, the NSO is tasked to: Prepare for and undertake all censuses on population, agriculture, commerce, and industry (Section 2, C. A. 591; Section 1, Batas Pambansa Blg. 72); 5 NSO website – http://www. census. gov. ph 1 0 conduct statistical surveys by enumeration, sampling, and other methods (Section 2, Batas Pambansa Blg. 2); compile and classify other statistical data and information (Section 2, C. A. 591); conduct social and economic studies and make projections of population, agricultural production, income and the number of livestock (Section 2, C. A. 591); publish and disseminate all information related to the above functions (Section 2, C. A. 591); assist the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) in the formulation of a continuing comprehensive statistical program for the government (Section 5, Presidential Decree 418); provide technical assistance and support to projects of other statistical agencies and institutions (Section 5, P. D. 418); carry out and administer the provisions of Act. No. 753, entitled â€Å"An Act to establish a Civil Register† (Section 2, C. A. 591) and other laws on civil registration; and issue authorization to solemnizing officers in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209 effective August 3, 1988). Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS)6 The BAS, which is under the Department of Agriculture, produces agricultural statistics. It generates statistics on crop production, prices of agricultural commodities, volume and value of livestock traded, farm income and expenditure, farming systems, agricultural finance, through sample surveys. Section 16 of Executive Order No. 16 defines the functions of the BAS as follows: to collect, compile and release official agricultural statistics; to exercise technical supervision over data collection centers; and to coordinate all agricultural statistics and economic research activities of all bureaus, corporations and offices under the Department of Agriculture. Further, Section 41 of Republic Act No. 8435 or Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 approved on December 22, 1997, mandates the BAS to serve as the centr al information source and server of the National Information Network (NIN) of the DA; and to provide technical assistance to end-users in accessing and analyzing product and market information and technology. In 2000, the BAS structural organization was strengthened and reoriented pursuant to the relevant provisions of DA Administrative Order No. series of 1998 in compliance with the provisions of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act or RA8435 of 1997. This law designates BAS as the central information source and server of the National Information Network (NIN) of the DA. Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES)7 6 7 BAS website – http://www. bas. da. gov. ph BLES website – http://www. bles. dole. gov. ph 11 The BLES, which is under the Department of Labor and Employment, produces labor and employment statistics. It generates establishment-based labor data, such as labor turnover, labor practices, organizations, occupational injuries and illnesses an d wage rates. Section 21 of the Executive Order 126 andates the BLES to carry out the following functions: Formulate, develop and implement plans and programs on the labor statistical system in order to provide the government with timely, accurate and reliable data on labor and employment; Conduct nationwide surveys and studies which will generate trends and structures on labor and employment; Develop and prescribe uniform standards, nomenclatures and methodologies for the collection, processing, presentation and analysis of labor and employment data; Establish appropriate mechanisms for the coordination of all statistical activities in the Department and for collaboration with other government and private agencies including international research organizations in the conduct of surveys and studies in the area of labor and employment; Disseminate statistical information and provide statistical services/advice to the users by establishing a data bank and issuing the Bureau’s s tatistical materials and research findings; Develop and undertake programs and projects geared towards the enhancement of the technical competence of the Department on theories, techniques and methodologies for the improvement of the labor statistical system; Monitor and exercise technical supervision over the statistical units in the Department and its agencies; and Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Secretary. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)8 The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines.It was established on 3 July 1993 pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the New Central Bank Act of 1993. The BSP took over from the Central Bank of Philippines, which was established on 3 January 1949, as the country’s central monetary authority. The BSP enjoys fiscal and administrative autonomy from the National Government in the pursuit of its mandated responsibilities. Th e BSP has supervision over the operations of banks and exercises such regulatory powers as provided in the New Central Bank Act and other pertinent laws over the operations of finance companies and non-bank financial institutions performing quasi-banking functions.The BSP, through its Department of Statistics, monitors and compiles various statistical series on monetary, financial and external variables useful for the formulation and analysis of monetary, banking, credit and exchange policies. To increase public awareness on various economic and financial issues, as well as promote transparency in its operations, the BSP releases various publications, reports, media releases and other relevant resource materials. The BSP also conducts the Business Expectations Survey and the Consumer Expectations Survey. 8 BSP website – http://www. bsp. gov. ph 12 Other Data Producers In addition to the above statistical agencies, various other departments, including the bureaus and attached agencies under them, also generate statistics as by-products of their primary functions.The following are the departments with stronger statistical units and more statistical outputs: Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Education, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Finance, Health, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Tourism, and Trade and Industry. Other sources of data are the following departments: Budget and Management, Interior and Local Government, Justice, National Defense, Public Works and Highways, and Transportation and Communications. 3. 2. 3. Statistical Training, Education and Research Institutions Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC)9 As the training and research arm of the PSS, the SRTC conducts short-term courses in statistics and related fields and researches to enhance existing methodologies, concepts and systems used in statistical operations. As specified in Section 10 of Executive Order No. 21, the functions and responsibilities of SRTC are as follows: Develop a comprehensive and integrated research and training program on theories, concepts and methodologies for the promotion of the statistical program; Undertake research on statistical concepts, definitions and methods; Promote collaborative research efforts among members of the academic community, data producers and users; Conduct non-degree training programs to upgrade the quality of statistical manpower base in support of the needs of the statistical system; and Provide financial and other forms of assistance to enhance statistical research and development. The SRTC has a Governing Board which formulates policies for the management and operations of the agency.This Board is composed of the Secretary-General of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) as Chair with the following as members: the Administrator of the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Dean of the UP School of Statistics (UPSS), the Director of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), a Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Executive Director of the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC). The Executive Director of SRTC serves as exofficio member of the Board. In 2005, the SRTC conducted 29 statistical training courses/programs, equivalent to 1,145 training hours, with a total of 643 participants.Three research projects were also completed Executive Order No. 121 – Reorganizing and Strengthening the PSS and for Other Purposes issued on 30 January 1987; SRTC website – http://www. srtc. gov. ph 9 13 during the year. The training was conducted not only for the major statistical agencies and other data producers in the central/regional offices but also for the local government units. The SRTC has also embarked on partnership with the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific for statistical training as well as with other international organizations, such as the German Development Cooperation, UN FAO and UNFPA for the conduct of training courses.Academe On human resource supply, the PSS relies on the academic institutions offering Statistics/Applied Statistics courses and related fields such as Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science/ Information Technology, Demography, Public Administration, and Business Administration/ Management. Several universities throughout the country are offering undergraduate and graduate degree courses in statistics, with the University of the Philippines School of Statistics in Quezon City, Metro Manila and the University of the Philippines Institute of Statistics in Los Banos, Laguna as the leading universities in terms of course offerings in statistics. Statistical researches in the system are usually undertaken in close collaboration with the academe.The PSS benefits from the strong collaboration and partnership between the official statisticians and the members of the academic and research communities who sit as chairpersons/members of various interagency/technical committees, serve as consultants in research activities and projects implemented by the PSS and act as advocates of statistics in general. 3. 2. 4 Data Suppliers/Respondents Collection of data is done either thru sample surveys, censuses or reporting forms. Respondents can be individuals, households, business establishments/enterprises, government or non-government institutions. The extent and quality of data supplied by the respondents critically affect the quality of statistics produced by the data producers.To strengthen the relationship with the respondents, the data producers conduct dialogues and communication programs to advocate support to data collection activities. 3. 2. 5. Subnational Statistical System The NSCB Regional Divisions perform the mandate of coordination at the subnational level using mechanisms such as those mentioned above as well as providing technical assistance to the data producers and users in the regions. Due to the budgetary constraints of government, these units are physically present only in ten (10) regions: Regions 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). They also manage and administer the regional branches of the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC), one-stop shop of statistical information and services.Providing assistance to the NSCB in terms of statistical coordination at the subnational level are the Regional Statistical Coordination Committees (RSCCs). The RSCCs formulate policies and programs particular to a regional statistical system. The members include agency regional directors, provincial planning and development coordinators and a representative from the private sector. These Committees are chaired by the NEDA Regional Director and are coordinated by the NSCB Regional Divisions. 14 The NSO has its regional, provincial and municipal offices. Likewise, the BAS has provincial offices. The other departments ha ve their subnational offices at different levels.These offices gather data at the subnational levels and forward thm to the central offices for consolidation. They also serve as outlets for dissemination. In addition to the statistical agencies and the various departments of the national government, the local government units (LGUs) also generate statistical information covering their respective areas or constituents. They also conduct surveys and process data from local administrative forms for their planning and monitoring purposes. Most of the data generated by the LGUs are municipal and barangay data since these are not available from the national surveys except in the Census of Population and Housing where data are generated down to the barangay level. 3. 3.MECHANISMS FOR STATISTICAL PLANNING AND COORDINATION, INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND ADVOCACY Different mechanisms for statistical planning and coordination, information dissemination and advocacy being implemented by the NSC B Technical Staff are being advocated to the agencies in order to improve their effectiveness in servicing the data needs of the various stakeholders and users for development planning, policy formulation and monitoring of the progress of government programs. Other initiatives and measures are also continuously being undertaken to improve the organization and operations of the PSS, thereby enhancing the quality of the statistical products and services. STATISTICAL PLANNING AND COORDINATION 3. 3. 1 Statistical PoliciesStatistical policies may be in the form of acts, executive orders, presidential proclamations, and resolutions and circulars issued by the NSCB Executive Board which are intended to guide agencies and other stakeholders in terms of organization and implementation of concepts, definitions, methodologies, new systems, best practices and others. The implementation of and compliance with the statistical policies are being monitored by the NSCB Technical Staff. 3. 3. 2 Stati stical Frameworks and Indicator Systems The NSCB is chiefly tasked to develop and maintain appropriate frameworks and indicator systems to serve as tools for statistical coordination. This includes the System of National Accounts (SNA) that produces estimates of the Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The SNA is maintained by the NSCB with data inputs coming from various agencies including private institutions.The compilation of the SNA by the NSCB has given it a powerful tool for statistical coordination that allows the identification of data gaps that need to be addressed by the PSS. Other frameworks/indicator systems that are maintained by the NSCB include the Leading Economic Indicators, Foreign Investments Information System, Gender and Development Indicators, Philippine National Health Accounts, Poverty Statistics, Food Balance Sheet, Quarterly Economic Indices and Economic and Social Indicators, the STATDEV which is a tool for monitoring the targets under the 15 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The NSCB also serves as the repository of the MDG database for the Philippines. 3. 3. 3 Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP)The PSDP articulates the vision, direction, strategies and priority statistical programs and activities to be undertaken in the PSS for the medium term in order to meet current and emerging needs of the national and local planners, policy-makers and data producers. The formulation of the sectoral statistical development programs was spearheaded by the NSCB through the various inter-agency committees, task forces and working groups composed of the key players and stakeholders in the PSS. Indicative budget requirements for the programs and activities are also included. The PSDP which is prepared every six years is designed to provide vital information support to the Medium-Term Philippine Development Program and to promote efficiency of statistical opera tions through optimum use of available resources and adoption of cost effective measures.It envisions a PSS with greater capacity to provide excellent service and high quality statistical information for better use in policy analysis and decision-making to meet the changing needs of the stakeholders, data users, society and the international community. Several PSDPs were formulated in the past and the current one is the PSDP 2005-2010 which is the 7th PSDP developed by the system. This is the Philippine version of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) being advocated by PARIS21 or Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century. 3. 3. 4 System of Designated Statistics (SDS) Executive Order No. 52 was issued in July 1996 to implement the System of Designated Statistics (SDS) as a mechanism for the identification and generation of the most crucial and essential statistics for administrators, planners, policy makers, and decision makers in the gov ernment and private sectors. It is also an important tool in addressing problems, such as data makers in the government and private sectors. It is also an important tool in addressing problems, such as data gaps, duplication, delayed release and inaccessibility of important sets of statistics, and as a framework for setting priorities in data production. The designation includes the implementing agency, frequency of collection, geographic disaggregation and schedule of data dissemination.At present, there are 60 activities/statistics designated; however, it is a dynamic system that allows modifications to respond to changing needs and priorities and to emerging capabilities of statistical offices. The statistics under the SDS form the core of official statistics that constitute a set of public good that the designated data producers must be accountable for. These include censuses, surveys, administrative data systems, derived data systems and statistical indicators. As a result, the se designated statistics receive priority attention in the preparation of the national budget and duplication of statistical efforts is minimized, if not eliminated.Relatedly, the Philippine government has been subscribing to the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS) since 1996. The SDDS covers economic and financial data and their releases are monitored through the advance release calendar and metadata. The NSCB serves as the coordinator for the SDDS. 16 3. 3. 5 Statistical Budget Review One of the functions of the NSCB is to review budgetary proposals for statistical activities of agencies. For many years now, the annual Budget Call issued by the Department of Budget and Management provides that the NSCB endorse agency budget proposals involving the System of Designated Statistics.Budgetary thrusts are formulated for the guidance of the major statistical agencies and other data producers. In the review of statistical budget proposals, the PSDP and a number of minimum targets/measures aimed at enhancing/ensuring the quality of data and capability building of agencies serve as the criteria. 3. 3. 6 Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) The SSRCS involves the substantive review of the design and instruments of statistical surveys or censuses sponsored and/or to be conducted by government agencies including government corporations at the national and/or subnational level. Recently, the scope of the SSRCS has been expanded to include administrative recording systems.The system aims to ensure the quality of the data to be generated from the inquiry, to avoid unnecessary duplication in data collection and to elicit the cooperation of data providers and respondents. Some of the review criteria adopted include (1) essentiality and appropriateness; (2) reporting burden; (3) adequacy of survey and forms design; (4) clarity of questions and nstructions; (5) use of standard classifications and definitions; (6) c ompleteness and adequacy of tabulation plans; and (7) schedule and manner of disseminating results. On the average, the NSCB clears around 18 surveys annually which include regular, periodic and one-shot surveys with individuals, households or establishments as respondents. 3. 3. Statistical Standards and Classification Systems The standard classification systems serve as instruments for promoting the comparability and consistency of statistics generated by data producers. These standard classification systems can also be used in the organization of databases and information systems. Annex 1 shows the list of the existing statistical classification systems in the Philippines. Other standards include the prescription of standard concepts and definitions in the various sectors to ensure the comparability of statistics generated. 3. 3. 8 Technical and Inter-Agency Committees on Statistics (TCs/IACs) and Task Forces (TFs)The TCs/IACs/TFs are created (1) to assess and evaluate the qualit y, usefulness and timeliness of sectoral data and determine areas of duplication, discrepancies and gaps; (2) to review the concepts, techniques and methodologies used in the collection, processing and reporting of data; and (3) to recommend an efficient and workable scheme for the allocation of agency responsibilities in the production of statistics. Thru these committees, weaknesses in sectoral statistics including those affecting data quality can be addressed. The committees recommend policy measures to the NSCB Executive Board. The TCs/IACs/TFs are composed of both data producers and users including the private sector and members of the academic and research communities. 17 To date, the committees created by the NSCB include six TCs, ten IACs and two TFs. Annex 2 shows the list of the committees and task forces. 3. 3. 9. Agency Statistical Calendars Agency statistical calendars are useful guide to data users in their search for statistical information from government sources.The statistical calendar contains information on the statistical activities of the agency, such as the frequency, outputs to be generated, expected date and mode of release, and contact person. 3. 3. 10. Bilateral Meetings Bilateral meetings are conducted between two agencies for the purpose of discussing, clarifying and resolving specific problems of the agencies in terms of data production and dissemination, among others. 3. 3. 11. Performance Measurement Scheme for Statistical Agencies and Other Data Producers A Performance Measurement Scheme for Statistical Agencies and Other Data Producers was institutionalized in 2002 after it was pilot tested in 2001.It determines the capabilities of agencies in responding to the needs of their clients and other stakeholders thru a set of indicators of agency performance in terms of relevance, timeliness, accuracy, reliability, transparency and integrity, comparability, effectiveness, accessibility and client orientation. Through the scorecard t hat will be maintained for each agency, the public will be made aware of the success of the agency in accounting for its commitment to the public. Ultimately, the results will be used for advocacy, promoting public accountability and benchmarking purposes as basis for pursuing improvements in the quality of outputs and services.The performance scheme which is proposed to be conducted every two or three years is also seen as an approach in measuring the quality of products and services of the PSS. The criteria considered to assess the performance of national statistical offices are as follows: (a) relevance; (b) timeliness and accessibility; (c) accuracy and reliability; (d) transparency; (e) independence and integrity; (f) comparability; (g) quality of research program and training materials, facilities and resource persons; (h) effectiveness of coordination; and (i) quality of financial and manpower resources, equipment and facilities for statistical operations. Indicators based on these criteria were identified. 3. 3. 12.Hosting of International Conferences/Meetings The NSCB spearheads the hosting of international statistical conferences/meetings by the Philippine government. Topics discussed include developmental/emerging concerns in the field of statistics. This is being done in coordination with international organizations. STATISTICAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION 3. 3. 1. National Statistical Information Center The National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) was first established in the country in 1993 through a project jointly implemented with the Statistics Sweden and the Swedish 18 International Development Agency (SIDA). The NSIC, which serves as a one-stop shop for statistical information in the country, is lodged at the NSCB.To date, several branches of NSIC have been established in selected regions where there are NSCB Regional Divisions. Services provided include frontline and library services, bookshoppe and technical services. 3. 3. 2. Governme nt Statistics Accessibility Program (GSAP)/General Standards for Statistical Information Dissemination (GSSID) The GSAP was implemented in 1998 with the vision of making statistical information and services in the country highly accessible to users nationwide and worldwide. Its conceptualization was anchored on the fundamental principle that information is used for decision-making and therefore the timeliness and integrity of the information should be ensured.The components of the program include the organization of an inter-agency consortium, issuance of an executive measure providing for the program as a flagship project of the government, investments on technology upgrading, systems and human resource development, adoption of common policies and standards, and alliance with the private sector. The GSAP paved the implementation in 1999 of the General Standards for Statistical Information Dissemination (GSSID) in the PSS. The GSSID was designed as a mechanism of the government in s etting appropriate and acceptable standards of reliability, integrity, timeliness, transparency, and accessibility of government statistics.Specifically, it promotes adherence to these standards in the dissemination of statistical information and greater utilization of data, fosters adoption of generally accepted data dissemination practices, and involves active participation of users in making statistics more accessible and useful. Worth noting is the standard on the dissemination in advance of the calendar of release of the various statistical products of an agency. In the long-term basis, the GSSID also serves as a tool to address data gaps and spur continuing improvements on data dissemination. The GSSID was inspired by the SDDS prescribed by the International Monetary Fund. 3. 3. 3 Press releases/articles/websiteThe issuance of press releases and articles by the major statistical agencies and other data producers on the latest available data or emerging concerns that would be r elevant to national planning and development is another mechanism for statistical information dissemination. These press releases and articles are in print form and/or posted on the agency websites. STATISTICAL ADVOCACY 3. 3. 1. National Statistics Month The NSM is being observed annually during the month of October, following a Presidential Proclamation, as a vehicle for soliciting the support of the public at large in improving and enhancing the quality and standards of statistics in the country.The NSM, which has just completed its 17th year in October 2006, has become an effective venue for strengthening and unifying the Philippine statistical community and in instilling nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics. Every year, the NSM focuses on a particular theme to highlight the statistics pertaining to the theme. The major activities undertaken by government agencies and some private institutions include symposia and 19 training/seminars/lectures, in formation dissemination using print and broadcast media and statistical contests. A much-awaited event among fourth year high school students is the Oratorical Contest which is held annually as part of the NSM celebration of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Department of Education.It has gained popularity because the oratorical contest has served as a venue for promoting awareness in statistics, for instilling pride in the Philippine culture and for hearing the voice of the young. During NSM celebration, other contests held catering to students and the youth include statistical quizzes, poster-making and slogan writing contests. 3. 3. 2. Statistical Conferences The National Convention on Statistics (NCS) is held every three years to provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences in the field of statistics, in both theoretical and practical applications, and for discussing recent statistical developments and prevailing issues and problems of the PSS.It further aims to elicit the cooperation and support of statisticians and professionals in related fields from the government, academe and private sector towards a more responsive statistical system. The 10th NCS will be held in October 2007. Statistical congress is conducted annually in Western Visayas which started in 2001 and in Mindanao which was first held in 2004. The statistical congress aims to gather producers and users of statistics as well those from the academe in order to share a common knowledge and understanding of recent developments in the statistical system and address prevailing and emerging statistical concerns in their respective regions.The Philippine Statistical Association (PSA), the professional statistical organization in the country with chapters in selected regions, conducts quarterly/annual conferences to serve as venue for discussing current statistical issues. There are also inter/intra university conferences, such as the Student-Faculty Conferences. 3. 3. 3. Philippine Stati stics Quiz (PSQ) The PSQ is an annual contest that aims to test the knowledge of statistics of first-year college students and is held nationwide. It further aims to contribute to the building of scientific and technological manpower by helping identify and nurture talents in the field of statistics. It is organized jointly by the National Statistics Office and the Philippine Statistical Association. 3. . 4. Press conferences, producers’ and users’ fora Press conferences are held by the major statistical agencies to present latest available data for critical indicators, such as the national accounts, inflation rate and core inflation. Producers’ and users’ fora are also conducted to enhance awareness and appreciation of available statistics and to gather feedback towards the improvement of PSS products and services, and to communicate ongoing developments and plans. 3. 3. 5. Feedback/evaluation mechanisms 20 Feedback/evaluation mechanisms are necessary to solicit comments and suggestions from the data suppliers and providers and data users.Their comments and suggestions would serve as useful inputs towards the improvement of the statistical system. 3. 4 STATISTICAL MANPOWER One of the essential conditions for the PSS to achieve its goals and objectives is the formation of a core of qualified personnel to undertake statistical work and to contribute to the progressive development of its statistical activities. Although there are other factors that play important roles in the ability of an agency to manage its statistical operations, it is the capability of the statistical manpower in the organization that eventually determines the performance of the agency. Statistical manpower includes personnel involved in the collection, processing, compilation, dissemination and publication of data.It includes statisticians, mathematicians, economists, accountants, engineers, information technology specialists, and subject matter specialists in v arious fields who possess the statistical knowledge needed to plan and carry out statistical programs, projects or researches and who use the science of statistics in analyzing data. 3. 4. 1. Manpower Resource As shown in Table 1, the number of personnel engaged in statistical work of the government as of 2003 based on figures from six (6) statistical agencies and 11 selected other data producers totals 5,725 with 2,290 (40 percent) personnel employed in the central offices and 3,435 (60 percent) in the regional/field offices.It is important to note that of the 3,435 personnel in the regional/field offices, those from the NSO and BAS which take charge of conducting regular censuses and surveys account for almost 79. 0 percent of them. 10 Table 1. Statistical Manpower in Statistical Agencies and Selected Other Data Producers, Philippines, as of 2003 Agency Statistical agencies (6) Selected other data producers (11) Total Total 4,535 1,190 Central 1,784 506 Regional 2,751 684 5,725 2, 290 3,435 There are a few professional statisticians in the PSS as majority of those holding statistical positions acquired their skills through training and experience. As of 2003, those with degrees in statistics, whether undergraduate or graduate, account for only 4. percent of the total number of statistical personnel. Hiring professional statisticians and keeping them is a continuing challenge for the PSS. An inevitable problem encountered is the succession and turnover in statistical posts typically due to resignations or retirement. Such turnovers may lead to difficulties especially if there are skill shortages. 10 Results of the 2003 Performance Measurement Scheme for Statistical Agencies and Other Data Producers. 21 In many ways, motivation is the key to the success of statistical human resource management and development. In addition, most government workers perceive that they are not properly financially compensated for the work they perform.The low salaries of statistici ans in the government have actually contributed to the exodus of trained official statisticians to the private sector, the international organizations and even to statistical agencies of foreign countries. Thus, it is important to maintain high morale among statistical personnel, and enhance their loyalty and esprit de corps. 3. 4. 2. Management and Development The PSS recognizes the importance of statistical capacity building such that there is a need to continually build the human capacity of the agencies in order to be more effective and efficient in responding to the ever-increasing demand for statistical data by planners and decision makers from all sectors. With qualified and competent statistical personnel, the capability of an agency to undertake statistical work is strengthened.There should be more concerted efforts and innovative approaches in building the capacities of the agencies to effectively manage the statistical activities and to respond to the demands of the stake holders. Aside from training, other factors in the area of personnel management include good compensation, pleasant working conditions, proper motivation and a dynamic profession. Meanwhile, an inevitable problem encountered with respect to newly-trained staff is the increase in employee turnover. With the new skills acquired by the staff, their marketability increases and if the organization cannot match the attractive offers received by the trained staff, which is often the case, the staff is lost. Capacity building is mostly done through non-degree training which aims to develop statistical expertise at various levels of competencies.Participation in training programs/courses is funded from own agency budget or by availing of training grants/programs sponsored/conducted by local or international institutions. Furthermore, most locally-funded and foreign-assisted projects undertaken by the statistical agencies normally include a training component for the project staff. The SRTC, as the training arm of the system, contributes heavily to developing/strengthening the knowledge and skills of statistical workers on the various aspects of statistical work, such as survey design, data collection and processing, database management, and data analysis, presentation and dissemination.These regular programs are meant to enable civil servants at the central and regional/field offices to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to improve their performance in producing, analyzing, and disseminating statistical information for public consumption. Aside from SRTC, other statistical agencies such as the NSO, NSCB, BAS and BLES also conduct in-house statistical training and special-purpose statistical seminars/training for advocacy and/or technical assistance purposes. Opportunities are also available for the statistical personnel to pursue advanced degrees in statistics, such as master’s and doctorate degrees, both in local and foreign universities through scholarship grants/fellowships.Also through the Philippine Statistical Association (PSA), the professional organization of statisticians in the country, short training courses are offered to the members as well as the private sector. 22 Despite the conduct of these training activities, there continues to be a number of challenges in building human

An Analysis of Lord of the Flies by William Golding Essay

We were all taught to be civil and do the right thing, but when you get thrown into the wild, some individuals revert to the basic instincts and turn savage. Lord of the flies was written by William Golding. It was published in 1954. The book is about a group of boys that end up on an island and one of the boy’s turn savage and he loses all is basic instincts. I am comparing the novel with the children’s movie Madagascar. Both the book and, movie have similarities in character, plot and theme The character jack turned savage shortly after they got on the island. He lost his savagery and his basic instinct of living kicking in. Alex from the movie Madagascar also turned savaged and turned to basic instinct of living for an lion. He started getting his hunting instinct because he didn’t get his daily steaks that were given to him when he was as at the zoo. Jack also turned to hunting to live, he started hunting boars. The plot of both the movie and novel had similarities in both the movie and novel they end up on an island by accident. In a period of time in the movie Madagascar there were two groups, one which wanted to go home, and the other group was fooling around. This is similar to the two groups in the novel. The theme of savagery is shown in both the novel and movie. It is shown in the movie because Alex becomes savage when he doesn’t get his food. He starts seeing others as food and his hunting instincts cut in because he was hungry. This is the same with Jack, he becomes savage and hiss instinct to kill. The movie Madagascar and Lord of the flies both have similarities in the loss of basic instincts of living and savagery. There will always be a loss of common knowledge of being a human being when there is survival involved. There can always be solutions to fix savagery, for example in Madagascar Alex’s craving for food was cured by the penguins making him sushi.

Financial Planning Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Planning - Case Study Example The ethical standards also require the financial planners to get acknowledgement from their clients for deploying funds in the high risk investment avenues. In cases of conflict of interest, the financial planners are required to regard their professional duty of giving priority to the interest of their client. Finally, the high standards of practice require the financial planners to provide unbiased financial advises to their clients for protecting their interests. The financial planning done by the planners of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia falls under the FPA code of professional and ethical practice. However, the issues that led to the inquiry by the Senate against the scandal in the Commonwealth Bank’s financial planning activities exposed the activities of the financial planners of CBA. ... ivities of CBA financial planners that came to light after the global financial crisis included misallocation of superannuation funds in the investment areas that is considered to be highly risky as a result of which the retired employees lost a major part of their superannuation fund. This is a specific example of CBA breaching the FPA code of conduct and ethics as the investments in high risks avenues was done by CBA without the consent of the retired employees and the clients. Apart from deploying funds into high risk management avenues without the prior permission of the holder, several associated issues related to forgery of signatures, and mysterious missing of documents came to light. Thus, the financial planners of CBA resorted to unethical practices which are against the professional norms. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia concealed that information from their clients who were not even informed of the activities of the financial planners. Question 1 b The financial plannin g scandal of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia demonstrated the conflict of interest between the clients of the bank and the activities of the financial planners of the Commonwealth Bank and the management. The financial planners under the management of the Bank were engaged into unethical professional practices of undertaking high risks on investments with the funds of the investors who were their clients. Although a logical reasoning by the financial planners would explain the investments were risky, they were engaged into unfair practices by taking a chance to increase the return of the bank with the help of public money (McKeown, 2012, p.39). The interest of CBA was to maximize the return on investment made by them with the use of public funds. The interest of the bank never

Music Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Music Critical Analysis - Essay Example Additionally, as the massacre begins to unfold, the original score tends to utilize homophony as the percussion is boosted. It comes as no surprise since the percussion was and is considered a sign of military parades and hence military strength. On the other hand, the adapted score continues as an oratorio as the musical score tries feebly to support on screen actions during the massacre. Another distinctive feat in the original score is the use of dissonance to introduce multiple new elements such as strings with the original percussion. The musical score’s rhythm and melody are pressed upon further in order to relate the music to the developing climax. However, the adapted musical score is far more flat since the rhythm fails to accrue various beats in order to augment the development of the entire piece. In a similar manner, the original score features a number of differentiated tones before it relegates itself to the end as the entire composition begins to signify an ending. However, the adapted musical score continues unabated in a single composition to the very end providing a trite homophony that fails to highlight the start, climax or end of the visual

Things we dont like Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Things we dont like - Research Paper Example The main issues that is of significant concern is the country’s economy. Over the past years, the government has been issuing economic report based on statistical elements that describe different economic trends such as economic growth, rate of unemployment, GDP growth, and interest rates. Although the government considers such statistic as the only tools of relaying economics information, such information is unconvincing and inconclusive. This is because economic reports are based on statistics that can only be understood by people who have economic knowledge (Shaw 643). On the other hand, the government does not indicate the validity or the credibility of such information. It is evident that majority of the people lack economic understanding and, therefore such information does not make sense at all. In addition, the government fails to give information on how such economic indicators relate to the real world. Such economic indicators fail to connect the actual situation wit h the theoretical aspect or to explain how things happen in the real world (Shaw 632). I consider it hypocritical to have statistics stating that the country is experiencing an economic growth while the cost of living is increasing constantly. Authorities are prone to giving inconclusive information on issues that affects the public. Government reports are filled with generalizations that do not replicate to the actual situation in the ground. I am concerned about when the authorities will learn to give out credible information that captures and explain the real situation and real happenings. For instance, the weather department is charged with the responsibility of directing the public on matters related to weather patterns and changes. However, the department never issues any concrete information on the area of their responsibility. The public needs to have precise information about the weather. However, the responsible department

Reading Journals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Reading Journals - Essay Example In addition to that one magazine called To The Bride, about a hundred another different texts written in the postwar period are analyzed by Neuhaus in order to develop an understanding of the ideology behind female gender norms popular in those years. It dawned on the author that most of those texts targeted newly wed women thus getting them familiar with the path men wished the women to follow for the rest of their lives and which stretched from their kitchens to catering to their husband’s needs. The article interestingly reveals how marital concepts during the 1950s set in contrast with the present ideologies by identifying that a woman was only eligible to get married if she knew how to make the best steak or pie for her husband to be. In this way the author aims to convey to the public how stereotypical gender roles were promoted during the 1950s through cookbooks that young girls were encouraged and even pushed to act out. One question regarding this article that I would like to be discussed in the class is about how women’s dependence on men in the 1950s could be demonstrated by the fact that men claimed themselves as meat consumers and women as meal

Progress through Cultural Diversity Research Proposal

Progress through Cultural Diversity - Research Proposal Example The slave trade and the racial stigma it affixed to the colored communities are not completely removed from the American community even now. The abolition of slavery has provided better opportunities for the colored people, but it is doubtful whether the political gestures like affirmative action had fulfilled all its objectives when it comes to the idea of equal opportunities. The discontent that remains amongst the dominant communities regarding the implications of affirmative action is evidence for the power-related conflicts that remain among diverse communities. The argument that the reservations available for once-oppressed communities drain the nation of true quality and skill reveals how the prejudices that question the notion of equal opportunities still exist. The question remains whether it is possible to strive for unity through political gestures, or does it have to emerge from a change in perspectives. The notion of retaining the existing unity would be a hypocritical o ne when there needs to be a focused effort to accept diverse cultural factors. The famous black movement of the Harlem Renaissance has in fact contributed towards the artistic and literary richness of America. The innovations of this period like the Jazz have been effectively incorporated into the popular and mainstream culture of the nation. This is evidence enough of the power that cultural diversity possesses.  

Crime , justice, society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Crime , justice, society - Essay Example nd promotion of the fundamental freedoms of all people, the human society will be no different from the Animal Kingdom where there is the survival of the fittest.2 One way of bringing equality to the practice of individual freedoms is through the enactment of laws and the running of the criminal system, which defines punishment for people for various offences committed. As much as the criminal system is important in defending the defenceless and ensuring that there is greater level of fairness in society, it cannot be said to be faultless. Recently, attention has been drawn to the limitation of the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to the issue of miscarriage of justice.3 This is because whiles trying to enforce enacted laws, there have been cases where people who do not deserve punishment and prosecution have unduly received these. With this situation in the criminal justice system recognised and acknowledged, there have been different interventions that have been taken to solving it. In this paper, two major interventions namely the criminal appeal system and the criminal cases review commission are critically assessed in the context of how best they help in solving the problem of miscarriage of justice in England and Wales. The Criminal Appeal System in the U.K is directly vested in the roles and procedures of Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal in England and mandated under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995. As the name implies, the criminal appeal system is in place to ensure that people who have issues with the passage of judgement in other lower courts will have the opportunity of appealing their judgements. In the U.K., there is so much prominence placed on the criminal appeal system such that the Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal is made to come only second to the Supreme Court of the U.K. The Appeal Court and for that matter the criminal appeal system has been in place since 1875 with the purpose of ensuring that no one falls out on the need to

Destructive Leadership in Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Destructive Leadership in Organisations - Essay Example The study is therefore considered as extremely important and can be highly effective in the field of research pertaining to leadership in organizations. Moreover, this study will have the ability to show the relationship between employee satisfaction and leadership styles. Hence, the study also has high value in the field of business research. On the basis of the objective of the study, the following are the research questions which will be answered by adopting suitable methodologies. The research questions are as follows: - Q1. How leadership styles are important in deciding the success of an organization? Q2. How destructive leadership abuses the employees emotionally? Q3. How destructive leadership harasses the employees of an organization? Q4. How destructive leadership affects the performance of the employees? Literature Review This section of the study will carry out a review of the literatures to be used for the study. It will mainly highlight the views or the theories propose d by the scholars previously. In this context, the literature review will be carried out with the help of books, journal articles, newspaper, magazines and authentic electronic sources. However, the main focus will be on the academic journal articles. There are only few research papers which has emphasized on the darker side of leadership or the ill effects of destructive leadership (Tepper, 2000). On the other hand, more research can be found about effective or constructive leadership (Kelloway, Mullen and Francis, 2006). According to Ashforth (1994), traditionally, research pertaining to leadership principally focused on how effective leadership help organizations to grow or what are the elements of a good leadership. Moreover,... This essay carries out a review of the literatures to be used for the study. It will mainly highlight the views or the theories proposed by the scholars previously. In this context, the literature review will be carried out with the help of books, journal articles, newspaper, magazines and authentic electronic sources. However, the main focus will be on the academic journal articles. The methodology to be adopted for a study plays a crucial role in successfully carrying out a project. The research methodology of a project is also important because it is responsible for creating the pathway of the research. This section will shed light on the research approach, and the data collection method. In addition to this, the research methodology section will also shed light on the respondents and sample size. The principal objective of the study is to uncover the impact of destructive leadership in an organization. The study also has some sub questions that tries to establish direct relationship with some elements of employee satisfaction. In order to complete the project successfully, it is essential to consider the philosophical context of the research. The study will be designed in such a way that none of the participant gets physically or emotionally hurt. The respondents can leave the study any moment without giving prior notice. The study will seek consent from the concerned authority and the participants will be also made aware about the purpose of the study.

Determining a substance by tritration Essay Example for Free

Determining a substance by tritration Essay Aim: Using the procedures of a standard acid base titration lab, the goal of this experiment is identifying the amount of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) that is presented in a calcium carbonate substance presented by our teacher. Hypothesis: Due to any unknown substance that we encounter in the chemistry room, we must take serious precaution, as the substance may very well be highly contagious and dangerous to smell, touch or taste directly. The only ability that we posses that can be used to observer this substance is our vision that is going to help us in determining the concentration of the substance. Although that with vision only, it will not suffice the need that is necessary to make that judgment as we need quantitative data (finding the exact concentration of calcium carbonate). Unless we have prior knowledge about this substance, the processes of a titration must be used. My hypothesis begins that this has about 60% concentration. Variables: Independent Variable: There is none in this experiment. The goal of this lab is not to include any variables that will change the concentration of the calcium carbonate. We need constant results for the concentration of the calcium carbonate, as that will determine the actual concentration of the calcium carbonate in our substance. Dependent Variable: The volume needed to titrate the calcium carbonate solution by using the phenolphthalein indicator. Though it is a clear substance, the indicator will change its color into pink when the solution becomes a base from an acid. By determining the amount of hydrochloric acid is needed to change the color of the solution, we can determine the concentration of calcium carbonate through some calculations. Controlled Variables: 1. The Distilled Water: The distilled water will be the only water that will be used during the entire experiment. The distilled water was prepared and resented by our teacher. 2. The calcium carbonate substance: The calcium carbonate substance was constant throughout the entire experiment. 3. The Hydrochloric Acid: The hydrochloric acid was one of the main components of this experiment. Therefore this acid was also prepared and presented by the teacher. 4. All Equipment: All the same equipments such as the pipette and the filter paper were used throughout the experiment. Apparatus: * Unknown white powdered substance * 50cm3 burette * 3 250cm3 Erlenmeyer flask * 200cm3 for hydrochloric acid * 0.1M of Sodium Hydroxide * Burette clamp * Retort stand * Distilled water * Goggles * Filter paper * A funnel * Phenolphthalein indicator * A scale * Paper towel * A spoon * Pipette * Pipette sucker * White paper Method: 1. First set up the retort stand and the retort clamp as indicated by the diagram below. Of course, the flask must be prepared in the subsequent steps. However unlike the diagram, place a white piece of paper beneath the flask so that the color change becomes more easily visible. 2. After placing the paper towel and scaling the scale, measure out approximately 10.0 grams of the unknown substance and record the exact mass 3. Add 200cm3 of 1.00-mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid and stir until the reaction is complete. 4. Filter the solution and withdraw 10cm3 using a pipette and make up to 100 cm3 in a volumetric flask. 5. Titrate 10cm3 portions against a standard 0.1M NaOH using the phenolphthalein indicator. 6. Record both quantitative and qualitative data. 7. Repeat the process of titration three times. Observation (Data Collection): Measurements: * Mass of Calcium Carbonate solution: * Burette: Calcium Carbonate solution made using 250cm3volumetric flask with an uncertainty of ?0.5cm3 * Pipette: 25.0cm3 of 0.100moldm-3 NaOH(aq) ?0.04cm3 Chemical Equations: Before we delve into the calculations, it is best that we list the necessary chemical equations of this lab. One must note that in this experiment, that there were two chemical reactions. Firstly, the first experiment occurs when the white substance mixed with the HCl. The second chemical reaction took place when the HCl solution meets with the .1M of NaOH 1. 2. Qualitative Data: Description of the substance used and produced Hydrochloric Acid Clear, viscous, Calcium Carbonate White, powder form Phenolphthalein Indicator Clear solution, comes in a bottle, add as drops Solution Produced in the end Bubbly, white liquid, most of the unknown mixture dissolved Clear/pink throughout. Quantitative Data: Measurement Recorded During the Experiment Trial 1 2 3 4* Initial Burette Reading (ml?0.05cm3) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Final Burette Reading (ml?0.05cm3) 5.45 5.90 5.60 5.40 *To note, for the calculations below, the supervisor at the time suggested the best data to use would be the average of the HCl used because the numbers found were very consistent. Calculations The following steps were taken so to find the % by mass of CaCO3 in the mixture 1. The moles of acid presented in 200cm3of 1.00 mol dm-3hydrochloric acid. 2. The moles of acid presented in 10cm3of the acid solution titrated. 0.00056molof HCl 3. Multiply the volume present in the volumetric flask. 4. The total moles acids remaining after the reaction with CaCO3 5. Subtract the value in 4 from that obtained in 1 to find moles acid used. 6. The stochiometric equation for the reaction of HCl and CaCO3 Hydrochloric acid+Calcium carbonateCalcium chloride+water+Carbon dioxide -Therefore the molar ratio is 1 mole of calcium carbonate to 2 moles of hydrochloric acid 7. Using this and the value in 5 to calculate the moles of CaCO3 present. Then calculate the mass of CaCO3 8. Using the value found in step 7 and the original mass of the mixture, here is the calculation to find percent of the mixture is made up of CaCO3 Uncertainties: * * * * Total Uncertainty= Conclusion: This experiment in general was very interesting. During this lab, I was able to learn of how we can identify the amount of a substance by knowing the concentration and volume of another. We were able to do so as we knew the moles and concentration of sodium hydroxide that had enabled us to find the unknown concentration of calcium carbonate. Because the actual percentage of CaCO3 was not given, we must concur that the accuracy of this lab has been affected and therefore must be assessed by our uncertainty percentage. The percent of uncertainties represents the desultory errors that may have occurred, which either may make the measurements bigger or smaller than the accepted value, due to imprecise measurement. One way to avoid future random errors, better equipment may be needed, or repetition of the measurements. Despite the uncertainties based on lab equipments and other mediums of measurements, one of the biggest possible sources of error lies in the systematic errors of this lab, especially finding the exact endpoint. Though the pink color should indicate when the endpoint is reached, in trial 2 and 3, the solution turned a faint pink color and my partners and I did not know whether that faint pink indicated the endpoint. This could have resulted in a measurement lower than the actual value. To possibly improve this source of error, I believe more time and trials should be allotted to the students. When I was doing my experiment, we were only given a single class time to follow the procedures, write down our notes, and clean up our experiment. If more time was allotted, then higher quality recordings could be made. This would then give us a clearer idea when the endpoint actually is. Next, though it is unlikely, to improve this lab we may have to rinse the burettes and other flasks prior to performing this lab. In my chemistry classroom, burettes and flasks are arranged so that the clean ones are clearly seen and labeled while the used ones are in the sink. However it could be possible that another student may have placed an unclean burette in the cabinet full of clean equipments. Therefore, for accuracy purposes, all equipment should be washed using soap and tissues. Reviewing and understanding the errors can significantly improve this experiment. Though my hypothesis of the concentration being 60% calcium carbonate was wrong, this experiment taught me the value and usefulness of the process of titration.

Definitions of Sprituality

Definitions of Sprituality Finding a universal definition of spirituality is challenging and problematic. According to Maher and Hunt (1993): â€Å"what makes the process of defining spirituality so elusive is the nature of the term itself. It is value laden and seemingly so cultural, religiously and ethnically bound, that any meaningful definition appears to be an exercise in futility (p.22)†. Nevertheless, the challenges associated with defining spirituality have not prevented an explosion in the development of (supposedly) spirituality measures. Hill and Hood (1999) carried out an extensive review of spirituality measures and found more than 120 definitions of spirituality. Yet, how these researchers define spirituality is a question that still needs to be answered. Unruh et al. (2002) carried out another review of the literature to look into different meanings of spirituality and religiosity and identified seven themes highlighting how spirituality is defined in health literature including: (1) tran scendence or connectedness to a belief or higher being; (2) existential, not of the material world; (3) relationship to God, a spiritual being, a higher power, or a reality greater than oneself; (4) not of the self; (5) a life force of the person, integrating aspect of the person; (6) meaning and purpose in life; and (7) summative, including definitions that included many of the abovementioned themes, as well as values and motivations. Furthermore, McSherry and Cash (2004) also carried out another review to look into the different definitions of spirituality and concluded that it would appear that there is no such thing as a universal definition of spirituality and the theoretical probability of creating one is virtually impossible. Given that Unruh et al. (2002) and McSherry and Cash (2004) carried out an exhaustive review of the available definitions of spirituality, it is not relevant to undertake another review of how spirituality is defined in my study. However, for the purpose of this thesis three principles for considering an appropriate definition of spirituality have been adopted. These principles were originally identified by Spilka (1993) and allow for an individual, multidimensional and subjective operationalization of spirituality. Hill et al. (2000) summarized these principles as follows: (1) spirituality as grounded in a belief in a higher being (i.e. God), which considers spirituality to be relevant to the thoughts and practices that underpin theologies either broadly or narrowly defined; (2) spirituality as grounded in self-fulfilment, a conceptualization of spirituality that focuses on human achievement or potential; and (3) spirituality as grounded in the connecting of oneself to a larger â₠¬Ëœsystem’, which focuses on one’s relationships with the broader reference group, nature or ecology. Although these are not definitions of spirituality per se, each of them offer a contemporary understanding of spirituality. In my thesis, a number of definitions of spirituality were identified and evaluated according to Spilka’s (1993) three principles. Considering the first principle, Pargament (1999a) describes spirituality as, â€Å"a search for the sacred (p.12)† whereas religion is â€Å"a search for significance in ways related to the sacred (p.12)†. According to Hill et al. (2000) the ‘sacred’ is an entity (e.g. God or Ultimate Being), object, principle or concept that transcends the self, that is, set apart from the ordinary and is worthy of worship. Operationalizing this definition, Pargament suggests that the self transcends through searching for the sacred. Hence, search for the sacred may not include an intermediate ‘sacred’ acts such as the pursuit of academic excellence, or the like as worthy of worship, or self-fulfillment and personal satisfaction (Pargament, 1999b). In this definition, Pargament suggests that spirituality is placed within the broader domain of religion suggesting that it can be influenced by the beliefs, values and principles of a specific religion. However, t his is challenging and asserts the difficulty in determining a universal definition of spirituality considering that there is no one universal religion practices throughout the world. The fact that different religious doctrines have adopted diverse and often competing religiosities may therefore render a universal definition of spirituality (Moberg, 2002). Moreover, placing spirituality within the domain of religion restricts research to a narrower and more traditional conceptualization of God (Stifoss-Hansen, 1999). Taking into consideration that there are various types of religions and that although the majority of UK’s population follow a more traditional Anglo-Celtic (e.g. Catholic) religious beliefs and practices (59% of the UK population is reported as being Christian) (UK Census, 2011), there are many who follow other religious beliefs and practices. Pargament’s definition of spirituality might not therefore be applicable to peoples following Islam, or peoples of a Dharmic (e.g. Buddhism) origins, for instance (McSherry and Cash, 2004). Hence, the ongoing use of Pargament’s definition of spirituality could be argued to be limited. Considering the second principle, Stifoss-Hansen (1999) provided a different definition of spirituality to that of Pargament. Stifoss-Hansen (1999) proposes that spirituality includesdifferent characteristics that are not in line with Pargament’s definition of spirituality. These characteristics include connectedness, authenticity, existentialism, meaning if life, holism and self and community, which are considered as aspects of an individual’s spirituality indicating that spirituality must be considered a broader, not a narrower, concept to religion. According to Stifoss-Hansen, â€Å"spirituality is people’s search for meaning, in relation to the big existential questions (p.28)†. Operationalizing this definition, it seems broader than that provided by Pargament and goes beyond the possibly narrow limitations of traditional religion. Yet, there remains a question whether searching for existentialism can result in one living a spiritual life. Pargament (1999a) debates that it may might and also it may not. For Pargament, finding meaning in life, which might be considered as part of existentialism, is not spiritual in nature or complexity. Further consideration of Stifoss-Hansen’s definition of existentialist spirituality suggests that one seeks to know the self, free from beliefs, feelings and identities or labels created upon fear of losing one’s physical and psychological identities (Ho and Ho, 2007). Seeking the self has a higher degree of complexity and may therefore require a lifetime dedication and self-discipline to master (if mastering the pursuit is, truly, possible) (Hamel et al., 2003). Hill et al. (2000) offered another definition of spirituality adopting Pargament’s definition as a foundation. Hill and his colleagues stated that spirituality is â€Å"thoughts, feelings and behaviours that arise from a search for the sacred (p.66)†. They even developed a criterion for considering Pargament’s definition of spirituality. According to Hill et al., â€Å"the term ‘search’ refers to the attempts to identify, articulate, maintain, or transform while the term ‘sacred’ refers to the divine being, divine object, Ultimate Reality, or Ultimate Truth as perceived by the individual (p.66)†. Opposing to Pargament’s definition, Hill et al. suggest that even though an individual’s spirituality can be expressed through religion, it does not essentially need the institution of religion. In this definition, Hill et al. (2000) consider the role of a Being or Purpose that is superior to the individual; namely the Trans cendent which might or might not involve God as the Higher Being. One’s Higher Being or Purpose may be placed within or beyond the individual, or that the transcendent may be external to the individual, a recognition of something more superior to the individual (Mahoney and Pargament, 2004). With regards to the third principle identified by Spilka (1993): spirituality as grounded in the connecting of oneself to a larger ‘system’, Reed (1992) offered a definition of spirituality that focuses more on the individual relationships with self, others, nature and a power greater than the self. According to Reed: ‘‘Specifically spirituality refers to the propensity to make meaning through a sense relatedness to dimensions that transcend the self in such a way that empowers and does not devalue the individual. This relatedness may be experienced intrapersonally (as a connectedness within oneself), interpersonally (in the context of others and the natural environment) and transpersonally (referring to a sense of relatedness to the unseen, God, or power greater than the self and ordinary source (p.350)†. In this definition it appears that spirituality is firmly centered on interpersonal relationships and the community; where nature or the environment has a central role in one’s experience of spirituality. Contrary to some other definitions of spirituality offered, the one offered by Reed suggests that one can only know who they are after they have achieved connectedness with others, not independence (Tacey, 2003; Hamel et al., 2003). Considering Reed’s definition of spirituality further, by its very nature, it appears to be holistic. It demonstrates that spirituality means an awareness of oneself and our relationships with everything that is not the self (Meehan, 2002). It highlights that individuals seeking spirituality must identify, understand and value the essential socio-spiritual fabric connecting them with all others and nature (Fraser and Grootenboer, 2004). Such a definition of spirituality implicitly takes into account a level of awareness that is post-convent ional in orientation. Reviewing each definition of spirituality presented so far, if spirituality is considered as a universal phenomenon relevant to all persons (Helminiak, 2008), then it is critical that research arrives at a universal definition of spirituality. However, it appears that there are different perspectives to what spirituality ‘is’ and, thus, in my thesis I adopted the definition that was developed during the European Association for Palliative Care Congress in Vienna with the aim of identifying one definition of spirituality in Europe. According to Nolan et al. (2011): â€Å"Spirituality is the dynamic dimension of human life that relates to the way persons (individual and community) experience, express and/or seek meaning, purpose and transcendence, and the way they connect to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, to the significant and/or the sacred (p.88)†. This definition of spirituality agrees with the three principles highlighted by Spilka (1993) and are in line -in part- with the other definitions; however it is more comprehensive. This definition is also in line with the spiritual well-being framework identified by Fisher (1998) which states that spiritual well-being is not limited to only religious or spiritual behaviours (e.g. belief in God, reading the Bible, church attendance, or praying) and experiences, but extends to the affirmation of life in relationships with oneself (personal), others (communal), nature (environment), and God (transcendental others). Given that it could be argued that while no one definition of spirituality is possible, Nolan et al.’s (2011) definition of spirituality is used as a working definition of spirituality in my study to find out whether the definitions of spirituality offered by participants fits with this definition and to find out how participants in my study viewed spirituality and how it links to their well-being. The next section now moves on to present the literature review aims and questions.

High School Memories about Race Essay -- Black African American Racial

For Generations Yet Unborn I grew up in Illinois, west of Chicago. I attended elementary school through high school in my hometown. I cannot help but smile when I think back on my high school experiences. A Power Point slide show presentation runs through my mind with fond memories of football games, homecoming dances, and school plays all set to the tune of my high school’s fight song being played by the marching band. This mental slide show belongs not only to me, but also to many of my friends here at U of I. I know not everyone experienced the same â€Å"Miss Suesy High School† experience that I went through, but as a 16 year old I somehow blocked other’s not so grand high school experiences from my mind, and naively continued to go to football games and dances. When I came to the University of Illinois, along with twenty some others from my high school, I pressed saved on my slide show of high school memories and began my college career. It wasn’t until Mar ch 1, 2004, that I opened up my Power Point file of high school memories at the request of an amazing woman. Melba Beals, a congressional Gold Medal honoree for her work as a civil rights activist, spoke at the University of Illinois in March about her experiences as one of the Little Rock Nine and her book Warriors Don’t Cry. In Beals’ book, she recalls unpleasant childhood memories of growing up in Arkansas during segregation of the 1950s. Beals drank out of water fountains marked for blacks only, ate at â€Å"colored† restaurants, rode at the back of the bus, and attended a segregated elementary school. Beals and eight other children â€Å"helped integrate an all-while Arkansas public high school in 1957.† The majority of Warriors Don’t Cry exp... ...ed segregation â€Å"little pins† and with time all the pins will be removed and the pain will be gone. Melba said my generation will live to see even more results than she ever will. Her advice to us was to continue our education and to learn as much as we can. She said endless opportunities are available with education, whether you are black or white. Melba is over fifty now and she is still continuing her education in international educational studies. Melba has recently adopted two young children and she learns from them and with them every day of her life. She told us never to loose our passion for learning. Education for her keeps her â€Å"young and alive.† If I can reach Melba’s age, and have the outlook on life that she currently has, I will feel blessed. Melba’s slide show may be very different than mine, but without hers mine would not be nearly as bright.