Impact of terrorism on Italian economy

Introduction Background Information Terrorism has become a global phenomenon. This has been boosted by the hard economic times that have been witnessed in the world. Various studies have been conducted, and they indicate that terrorism has had on a number of developing countries. The same can be said about the US and UK. However, there is little literature on the impact terrorism has had on other developed countries especially in Europe. Italy is a developed country in southern Europe. The country has borne the blunt of terrorism in the last two decades.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Impact of terrorism on Italian economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thesis statement This paper seeks to find out the impact that terrorism has had on the economy of Italy, a developed country. Terrorism has had on the economy of Italy In the 17th century, Italy had been undergoing a recession and Spain had taken advan tage of its weakness to rule most of Southern Italy. Towards the end of the 17th century, Spain had declined in terms of political and military power. The Italians in Southern Italy had tried to rebel in the 17th century. However, their rebellion had often been quelled. It was not until the beginning of the 18th century, particularly in 1713, when Spanish succession came to an end after they lost the war of Spanish Succession (1700-1713) to Austria which then took the part of Spain in dominating Southern Italy. In 1734, Spain would regain Naples from Austria. There was a lot of progress in the 18th century, and church powers were reduced. The Italian rulers also implemented major reforms in the country. In 1796, Napoleon successfully invaded Italy. The Napoleon conquered the Naples in the year 1798. However, Napoleon proceeded to win at Marengo. On the other hand, Piedmont was taken in as part of France. The Cisalpine Republic, was given a different name, the Italian Republic. When the Napoleon was defeated, the old regime was recaptured. This happened in 1815. Most of the old kingdoms were reinstated in the 19th century. However, Venice and Genoa remained without reinstatement. This era was marked by a high level of restlessness and discontent. Carbonari organized rebellion in Naples. In addition, there was another rebellion that was instigated by the same group in 1821. The rebellions were both unsuccessful as the Austrians were able to quell these rebellions. One Italian nationalist, Giuseppe Mazzini was a key figure who championed for a united Italy. After leading an unsuccessful rebellion in 1831, he had to flee to France and later to Britain but continued to agitate for Italian nationalism. The year 1848 was marked by a number of revolutions in Europe (Duggan, 2006). Palermo was the first, Naples and Venice followed soon and succeeded in restoring its status as a republic.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Pope had been prevailed upon to rescue the Italians. Nevertheless, the Pope did not intend to fight the Austrians. Naples’ King staged a coup. He was supported by the Swiss mercenaries. Later on, the Pope was forced to flee his home after a coup that made Rome a republic albeit short lived since the French soon restored the Pope. Creating unity in Italy started in 1852. This is the time when Camillo Cavour was stated to be captured by the Prime Minister of Piedmont. Camillo joined the French and British people to fight Rusia in 1855. None of the countries wanted the unity of Italy. In 1860, a unified Italy was established. This happened when King Victor Emmanuel established a treaty with Garibaldi. The latter yielded to pressure and gave all his powers to the King. Italy had been on the same side with Germany and Japan. The three countries had all lost terribly to the allies. The reconstruction of Italy started in 1946. This was the year when Italy had a referendum to create a republic. Later, the elections for the assembly were held and soon the first president became Luigi Einaudi in 1948. Italy stood to benefit from the Marshall Aid from the USA (Ferraresi, 1996). The industries were soon flourishing, and the standards of living continued to increase. The growth continued until the late sixties when university students showed unrest. This was followed by labor unrest. This perhaps forms the first incidents of modern day terrorism in Italy. Failed university systems radicalized the students, and this was fuelled by the failure of the then governments to deliver to a section of the citizenry. The centre of these radical movements was the perception that communists had given upon the ideals on which communism was founded. The citizens were losing confidence in the Italian government to preserve these ideals. Some Italian students even saw the cooperation between their communist lea ders and Christian Democratic representatives as a sign of contempt for the working class. Further, there was easing of tensions between the west and the communists in the east. This led to the adoption of hybrid business philosophies that were both borrowed from the capitalists and communists. However, the capitalist policies were highly loathed by the working class as they saw this as the cause of the disparities that were emerging in the Italian societies. The western philosophies allowed companies to adopt the technology that was quickly replacing the workforce. These tensions between workers and their unions coupled with the disgruntled university students soon give birth to a number of leftist and terrorist organizations. The most notorious would emerge the Red Brigade. It is largely acknowledged as the most dominant and ruthless terrorist organizations the country had ever had.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Impact of terrorism on Italian econ omy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Red Brigade was formed in 1970 by a group of university students. It had emerged from the late 1960s’ protests by workers and students where they had joined workers in demonstrating against the right wing political leaders. They initially operated in the major cities within Italy such as Milan and Turin. They would target factories which were viewed as the breeding grounds for social disparities (Willan, 1991). Its leaders advocated for the formation of a revolutionary state by use of armed struggle so as to separate the Italian government and the western elements. As a result of the group’s hatred for the manner in which union leaders were treating workers coupled with the refusal by the government to solve salient social and economic issues, many of the early ideological targets of the group’s leadership involved attacking the establishment which included trade Unionists, politicians, and business owners. In 1971, the group enthusiasm led to a change in the change of internal terrorism procedures from a tactical point of view to a more strategic approach. Members had previously participated in the destruction of vehicles belonging to union officials and factory equipment. The new strategy involved broader attacks on buildings and offices. They later started engaging in human targeting when during the year 1972, the group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a foreman. The group was fast becoming the most stubborn terrorist group in Italy. The organization was fast growing, and it soon established an organizational command similar to that of a military force. It had the executive committee, which was the headquarters as it was in charge of ensuring the smooth running of the organization’s activities. The field unit structure composed of sections the urban regions. This was aimed at breaking down the command unit along the regional boun daries. The Italian government was unable to stop the organization, which boosted its growth. Notably, many believed that the Italian government was on its way to collapse. The incident finally puts this organization on the focus of the country. After the abduction of the Prime Minister, the group had sought for 55 days to dialogue with the government to release sixteen of its members. Unfortunately, the government and the Christian Democrats did not yield.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More After the death of the then Prime Minister, the government engaged in a war to capture the leaders and silence the organization. The group ceased to exist in the early 80s. In the early 1980s, Italy experienced a recession. This is an aspect that affected other countries in the world too. However, the recession did not last long as it came to an end in 1983 which continued to the end of the Cold War. In 1984, a new terrorist organization emerged. The new group did not use kidnapping though it continued with assassinations and terrorist bombs. The new red brigade movement survived even after the Cold War (Carbone, 2011). However, the group was not very active, but they continued to carry out attacks against government figures. The movement later extended its opposition to the Italian policy on foreign relations. In this case, there was a believe that the government of Italy was being manipulated by the western powers. After the 9/11 terror attacks, the group commended the attackers, an act that would increase the focus the Americans had on the group. BR/Pcc, in 1999, attacked and some people in the group slew an officer who worked in the ministry of labor. The Institute for International Affairs in Rome was bombed by the BR/Pcc in the year 2001. Fortunately, there were no deaths reported in that bomb attack. With the rise and growth of the terror group reminiscent the earlier Red Army Brigade, the Italian government embarked on an exercise to eliminate the group. The new strategies used by the government included extensive use of the media, and an increase in the source payments. This new tact enabled the government to separate the extremists from the general public and for the police authorities to infiltrate the terror group easily. The police could identify members of the terror group, map the networks, and then establish measures to prevent future attacks. This was by arresting all known members and sympathizers of the group. These efforts began to pay as s oon as the government arrested various members of the group. In addition, other individuals who were in the former movement and had been implicated in the assassination of Prime Minister Aldo Moro were arrested too. These groups rose to the top of the terrorists’ food chain in Italy. From sabotaging economic activities and causing political anxiety, these groups continued to be a hindrance to the growth of the Italian economy. The fact that these terror groups targeted factories and offices essentially mean that any success in their activities meant there would be a breakdown in the economic growth of the economy. However, even as the country was able to finish these terror groups, a new form of terror had emerged. With the increase of these activities, the economy has suffered immensely. Firstly, terrorism has an effect on GDP per capita growth. This is especially the case where the rate of terrorism is great. It also means that the capital formation to GDP is affected by a rise in the rate of terror activities. Terrorism affects the performance of an economy. It has been found that terror activities will most likely happen in a democratic country that enjoys high income. Italy is such a country, and this explains the rise in terror activities from international terrorists. Countries with developed institutions will even suffer severe consequences from a terror attack. Political instability is also a huge negative in the economic situation within a country. Terror attacks will likely lead to political instability. Take the example of Italy after the assassination of the then Prime Minister. The incident caused instability in the country’s political arena and economic growth stopped as investors did not know what to expect in the future. It is important to note that modern day Italian economy is very much reliant on tourism, education, and banking. For the tourism industry, terror completely eclipses any tourism activities in a country. Further t o the economic misfortunes that bedevil, Italy, the country joined the European Union in 1999. That decision seems to have been disastrous as that has led to unimaginable levels of unemployment (Bindi, Scuola superiore Della pubblica amministrazione (Italy), Brookings Institution 2011). The country’s northern region remains very industrialized while the south drags on with poverty. Italy has a current population of 61 million people. Conclusion Summarize/Review key points As Italy faces the Euro crisis, most analysts are skeptical about what the future portends for the country. The Euro crisis is one of several other crises that are likely to face Italy if the companies in Italy refuse to act together. As discussed earlier, Italy faces a major problem in that the south and the northern regions continue to operate in very different economic environments. While the north has innovative and robust companies that continue to grow and employ more Italians, the south has smaller g overnment and family companies which operate in a domestic market that is not competitive. Production in this region continues to go down over the years. A balance of the two economies essentially means Italy is undergoing no growth as it moves into the future. As such, Italy’s future is bleak. Concluding thought Compared to Germany, the Italian economy has fallen behind by thirty percent. The industrial production in Italy continues to go down- 25 per cent since the start of the 2008 recession. However, given the change in the political leadership it remains to be seen what the future of Italy is going to be. Therefore, the leaders should improve all the sectors of the country. References Bindi, F. M., Scuola superiore della pubblica amministrazione (Italy), Brookings Institution. (2011). Italy and the European Union. Rome: Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione (SSPA). Carbone, M. (2011). Italy in the post-Cold War order: Adaptation, bipartisanship, visibility. La nham, Md: Lexington Books. Duggan, C. (2006). A concise history of Italy. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press. Ferraresi, F. (1996). Threats to democracy: The radical right in Italy after the war. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press. Willan, P. (1991). Puppetmasters: The political use of terrorism in Italy. San Jose: Authors Choice Press. This research paper on Impact of terrorism on Italian economy was written and submitted by user Melina Jefferson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How To Do A Classification Essay, with Topics and Outline

How To Do A Classification Essay, with Topics and Outline What is a classification essay? List of topics Outline example Many students find classification essay writing challenging. The readers require the author to sort or organize some elements into particular categories using a particular principle. It is organized in a manner that each of the elements must belong to a particular group which shares some common characteristics. The introduction highlights the purpose and feature the sorting principles. The author can also elaborate the sorting principles in the introductory paragraph. The primary purpose is to break a subject into smaller parts which are more manageable and specific. This article is going to explore tips on how to write great classification essay. For those who find writing task  challenging, this article contains guidelines and tips for dummies and experts on how to write a classification paper. Classification essay topics The following are some examples of good classification topics for practice: Computers Movies Lecturers Music Economic activities Roommates Universities Pets Political parties Websites Programming languages Hobbies Video games Schools Sports YouTube videos Ways of quitting alcohol Talk show hosts Reality shows Roads More topics can be found in books, the Internet, media, etc. The aforementioned topics coupled with the tips discussed in this article can help someone improve his/her writing skills. Classification essay outline When doing a classification paper, determine the categories for sorting the elements under classification. For each element in the writing, classify by a single thorough principle and ensure each element fits in a particular class. The categories used in a writing must be thorough to avoid leaving some elements unsorted. For a good article, an outline is indispensable. The author can put down a classification essay outline to be his/her yardstick. The outline is the author’s guide throughout the writing process. The outline becomes the template the author needs to fit the content. The outline is based on the thesis statement. Outlining is best handled during the preparation of the essay draft. Outline example Top Three Hobbies for Girls Introduction Background Information Thesis Statement Reading Topic Sentence Explanation Examples: Poetry, Magazine, Newspaper, Novel Cooking Topic Sentence Description Examples: Decorating, Topping, Garnishing Jewelry Making Topic Sentence Description Examples: Earnings, Bracelets, Etc Conclusion Summary of the Aforementioned Divisions Structure elements of classification essay Introduction Classification essay tips are insightful methods and tactics on how to write a great article. The introduction should be captivating, compelling and interesting to ensure the reader’s attention is captured to continue reading. After capturing the attention of the reader, it is important to create a smooth transition for the reader into the subsequent paragraphs. Therefore, the introductory parts of the should capture the attention of the reader and introduce the subsequent paragraphs. Start  is a critical step that must be well articulated to capture the attention of the reader. The introduction should elaborate the topic and connect it with the sorting principles. It is important to prepare a draft to guide you through the writing process. Classification essay prompts the author to find good classification principles that place each element in at least one group. Classification essay thesis statement Thesis writing is an important step and should be carefully framed to communicate the intended objective. The thesis is quite significant and instrumental in implying to the reader what to expect. Thesis primarily consists of the topic and how it is classified. The thesis should be in the introductory paragraph to make known to the reader what to expect. Thesis statement typically includes the topic and how it is organized, classified or categorized. Body paragraphs Body paragraph harbors the main content of the work. They can be tweaked to fit into tables. Tables demonstrate the categories better as dictated by the sorting/classifying principles. If the content is organized in continuous prose, then each paragraph can hold elements of a particular group. Either way, the body paragraphs should demonstrate the differences each element has from the other according to the sorting principle. The paragraphs should also be organized in a manner that each one of them is independent of the other albeit stemming from the same topic. Body paragraphs also need examples at least for each category. These tips for a classification essay writing can be instrumental in understanding how to prepare, organize and write a great article. Tips for a classification essay writing help students improve their writing skills if practiced regularly. Classification essay conclusion The categories and classes of classification used in the article determine how to conclude a classification paper. A classification essay conclusion can be a recap of the classification principles and categories. The conclusion for a classification essay should wrap the content of the entire paper. The author can hook by reintroducing the thesis statement and the classification principles. The conclusion does not need to be long, but it should bring together the classified elements by invoking its classification principles and connecting it to the topic. Finalizing  steps If the article was written by professional writers, the client is entitled to free revisions from the writer. For those who write their articles, they can form groups for peer revisions to iron out any errors and enrich the content. It is also important to proofread the work to pick up on any grammatical or syntax mistakes that can downgrade the quality of the work. Proofreading is a critical step that can make a difference between a good and a great essay. Citations also need to be included bibliographic information to avoid plagiarism. The citations can be included at the end of the work and their corresponding inclusions inside the article properly inserted and cited.

Literature Review for research on benefits of prekindergarten programs Essay

Literature Review for research on benefits of prekindergarten programs on literacy readiness - Essay Example The paper tells that Assel, Landry, Swank, and Gunnewig (2007) conducted an investigation to prove that American pre-school children lack sufficiency in language and literary skills to move forward to kindergarten. Prior to conducting this, they have their reference from two language and literacy curricula. In order to justify their point, Assel, Landry, Swank and Gunnewig created a pre and post-test design and initiated them to 603 children as chosen respondents plus a control group. In the data analysis, they formulated a multilevel growth curve modeling having child outcomes as dependent variables, while child’s level performance and rate of growth between pre and post test as independent variables. Based on the result, compared to those in the control group, the skills of children under language and literacy curricula have significant improvement. Thus, the proponents concluded that a well-specified curriculum in prekindergarten programs has a substantial impact on childre n’s learning. In conclusion, it is obvious that prekindergarten programs have remarkable impacts on children’s literacy. However, understanding this aspect requires careful evaluation of the subject matter itself. The entire issue is not only confined in the actual evaluation of children’s literacy skills but including their environment and especially the entire prekindergarten program itself. At this point, it would be remarkable to consider the most obvious about how prekindergarten programs could be maximized for children’s literacy benefits.

Peer review of classmate's paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Peer review of classmate's paper - Essay Example This provides the reader with very well organized information. Having read such a comparison essay, the reader can easily remember the conflicts of opinions of the scholars that were discussed in the essay. Block system, on the other hand, provides a writer with increased convenience but it does so, on the cost of the quality of comparison. In the block system of a comparison essay, the writer discusses the opinions of only one scholar in the whole paragraph or a series of paragraphs on several aspects of the subject under consideration, and later, totally discusses the views and opinions of the second scholar. This is exactly what you have done in a major part of the essay. In such a system, the reader forgets the essay’s status of a comparison essay, and takes it as a regular essay. Although the reader gains knowledge about the opinions of both the scholars, yet he/she may feel difficulty recapitulating conflicting views of the two scholars over specific aspects of the subje ct.

Movie Analysis Supersize Me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie Analysis Supersize Me - Essay Example Culture of the Spanish influenced to build up the behavior of the persons engaged in that drama. The documentary ‘supersize me’ is a behavioral oriented and cultural oriented movie with much impact on the current prevailing US culture. The region where the story takes place is in United States and the culture affecting the hero of the story was the American culture of having fast food from the posh restaurants, in the movie context the starring character finds his 5 time daily food in Mc Donald restaurant. The environment which describes here is the food experimenting intention by the hero ,where he also wanted to establish that the outside junk foods are good for health and it will cause no effect on the health, there he doesn’t follow the principle’when health is lost something is lost’. The values mainly depicted in the movie are the cultural values which were priorly stated and the family values where the utmost care taken by the family in bringi ng back to normalcy. Personality: Personality of the person is the self-concept. That is, they offer a structure for the person so that a reliable pattern of behavior can be build up. It is the particular amalgamation of attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral reaction patterns of a human being. At the same time as there are various different theories of personality that explain the relevance and components of the personality traits of the individual. A short definition would be that personality is made up of the attribute patterns of belief, approach and behaviors that create a person unique. Besides to this, personality arises from inside the human being and remains reasonably reliable throughout life. Some of the basic individuality of personality consists of: Psychological and physiological, multiple expressions, Consistency and finally the It impacts behaviors and actions. This particular drama Biutiful follows the personality traits of the people. Story is usually talks about t he relationship between the father and his children’s. The unique personality of the father, children develop their own culture and attitude to react with the certain situations. Motivation: The motivation is a widely described behavior of individuals, where they are the tendency for the doing the particular actions due to external or internal stimuli. The internal factors of the motivation are the within the individual as they arise due to the basic need fulfillment of the person,or to achieve a particular goal.There can also be the motivation due to less-apparent causes like the altruism and selfishness,the motivation is indirectly related to emotion. Non-behavioral psychologists observe motivation to have two proportions, intensity (strength) and direction (behavior focused) As the Maslow’s hierarchy of the needs is considered; there are four kinds of needs for an individual. The hierarchy model of Abraham Maslow is in the pyramid form, from the bottom. It states th e psychological need of a person where the person is more selfish in his own ways and he gives priority to his personal comfort than considering the needs and wants of others. The main constraints of the psychological needs are the breath, food, finance and the other essential resources. The second is the safety need which mainly emphasis on the safety and security of the family, finance, resources and the security of oneself from any other calamities and robbery. The next step in the pyramid shows the necessity for the love and care

Fundamental concepts of the IASB framework

Fundamental concepts of the IASB framework The International Accounting Standard Board herein referred to as the IASB, sets forth standards that outlined in its Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements. The IASB framework applies to general-purpose financial statements. That is, the primary financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, etc.) and the accompanying notes but not additional financial or nonfinancial information, such as directors reports, management discussion and analysis, etc. The IASB framework because of its more limited scope, discusses objectives in the context of business entities only (IFRSs and US, 2007). The IASB framework starts with a broad focus, by discussing the objectives in terms of information useful to a wide range of users in making economic decisions. It lists a wide variety of present and potential users. The IASB framework narrows that focus to a particular group of users. Reasons given include pragmatic reasons (for example, a focus to avoid being vague or highly abstract) and that meeting the information needs of that particular group of users is likely to meet most of the needs of other users. The objectives of financial statements/reports have significant implications for other parts of the framework. For example, objectives affect the elements, in particular the definitions of liabilities and equity. If the objective of financial reporting is to provide information useful to shareholders in making economic decisions, this points toward defining equity narrowly (for example, common shareholders only). Shareholders are interested in the effect of transactions or events on the value of their shares (for example, dilution). In contrast, if the objective of financial reporting is to provide information to a range of users (for example, shareholders, lenders, suppliers, and various other users), this points toward a focus on reporting the effect of transactions or events on the entity, not on the financial position of one particular group of users. Fundamental Concepts Underlying Assumptions The IASB framework prominently features two underlying assumptions: the accrual basis and the going-concern basis. Accrual accounting and related concepts are reviewed extensively. In contrast, the going-concern basis is disclosed in a footnote only. Qualitative Characteristics The IASB framework discusses qualitative characteristics of financial information in terms of attributes that make the information provided useful to users in making economic decisions. The IASB framework discusses fundamental qualitative characteristics, qualitative characteristics and pervasive constraints, an outline of each follows this paragraph. The IASB framework also discusses constraints, such as cost-benefit considerations, and the trade-off between the various qualitative characteristics, such as relevance, and reliability. The IASB framework states that the exercise of prudence or conservatism does not allow the deliberate understatement of net assets and profits. The Boards have identified two characteristics that it has determined to be fundamental qualitative characteristics. Those are: relevance and faithful representation. The definitions are below: Relevant Financial Reporting information that has predictive value or confirmatory value. Faithful Representation Financial reporting complete and free from material error and neutral. The Boards have identified enhancing qualitative characteristics to be: comparability, verifiability, timelines, and understandability. The pervasive constraints identified by the Board: materiality and costs (Conceptual framework for, Chapter 2 2008). In the IASB framework the assets definition has a central role, in that all other element definitions are based upon the definition of assets. That asset primacy is not because information about assets is the most important financial information. Rather, it is because, for a set of definitions of elements of articulated financial statements to be internally consistent and avoid circularity, it has to start by defining one of the elements and base the rest of the definitions upon that definition. Capital and Capital Maintenance The concepts of capital and capital maintenance concern how an entity defines its capital (that is, its store of wealth) for the purposes of distinguishing between an entitys return on capital and its return of capital. The IASB conceptual framework briefly discusses two concepts of capital (and their associated capital maintenance concepts): financial and physical (or operating capability). It does not specify which of the two concepts should be adopted, other than to say that the selection of the appropriate concept of capital are based upon on the needs of users of financial statements. Pros and Cons of Principles Based-System The inherent characteristic of a principles-based framework is the potential of different interpretations for similar transactions. Proponents of worldwide adoption of IFRS work to ensure assure that similar transactions would obtain the same treatment by companies around the world, resulting in globally comparable financial statements. A principle-based system addresses a broad area of accounting that remains consistent with a clear Conceptual Framework. The major benefit of principles-based accounting is that the guidelines can be applied in a variety of situations/industries that avoids the need for managers to manipulate statements to fit a certain requirement (Toppe, Myring, 2009). In principles-based accounting the guidelines are set but not necessarily dictated for every situation, which is one of the major concerns pertaining to this type of accounting system. This situation implies second-guessing and creates uncertainty and requires extensive disclosures in the financial statements. A lack of precise guidelines could create inconsistencies in the application of standards across organizations. For example sometimes financial information can be inconsistent from one company to the next in the same industry thereby damaging the ability for comparability (Doupnik, Perera, 2009). In a principle-based accounting system, the areas of interpretation or discussion are clarified by the standards-setting board, and provide fewer exceptions than a rules-based system. However, IFRS include positions and guidance are considered as sets of rules instead of sets of principles. Stated below are some of the underlying concepts of IFRS that provide a flavor of impacts on the financial statements and therefore on the conduct of businesses. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Consolidation IFRS favors a control model whereas U.S. GAAP prefers a risks-and-rewards model. Some entities consolidated in accordance with FIN 46(R) may have to be shown separately under IFRS. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Statement of Income Under IFRS, extraordinary items are not segregated in the income statement, while, under US GAAP, they are shown below the net income. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Inventory Under IFRS, LIFO (a historical method of recording the value of inventory, a firm records the last units purchased as the first units sold) cannot be used whereas under U.S. GAAP, companies have the choice between LIFO and FIFO (is a common method for recording the value of inventory). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Earning-per-Share Under IFRS, the earning-per-share calculation does not average the individual interim period calculations, whereas under U.S. GAAP the computation averages the individual interim period incremental shares. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Development costs These costs are capitalized under IFRS if certain criteria are met. Under U.S. GAAP development costs are expensed. FASB The Financial Accounting Standard Board herein referred to as the FASB, sets forth standards that outlined in its collection of Concept Statements. The FASB framework applies to general-purpose external financial reporting. This includes not only the financial statements but also other financial and nonfinancial information. Examples include other financial and nonfinancial information contained in company annual reports, company prospectuses and service performance information in the annual reports of non-business entities (IFRSs and US, 2007). Objectives The FASB framework contains two statements on objectives-one relating to business entities (Concepts Statement 1) and another relating to non-business entities. Measurement Measurement is one of the most underdeveloped areas of the two frameworks. Both the IASB and FASB frameworks contain lists of measurement attributes used in practice. Those lists are broadly consistent, and are composed of historical cost, current cost, gross or net realizable (settlement) value, current market value and present value. Both frameworks indicate that the use of different measurement attributes will continue. However, neither provides guidance on how to choose between the different measurements attributes that exist. In other words, the framework lacks fully developed measurement concepts. Those measurement concepts would need to cover both initial measurement and subsequent measurement. Subsequent measurement includes revaluations, impairment and depreciation. The Boards also will need to consider whether the conceptual framework should include not just measurement concepts but also guidance on the techniques of measurement. For example, the FASB conceptual framework includes Concepts Statement 7, on the use of cash flow information and the present value measurement technique to estimate fair value for the purposes of initial recognition and fresh-start accounting. One cross-cutting measurement issue seems to be the unit of account-whether items are grouped at some level of aggregation rather than measured individually (Leuz, 2003). Display-Presentation and Disclosure The display section of the conceptual framework would cover concepts for determining both in which and how recognized information are presented in the primary financial statements and what information are disclosed in the notes or elsewhere in the financial reports. At present, neither framework explicitly sets out definitive concepts of display. Some discussion of presentation and disclosure in the frameworks (for example, both frameworks contain discussion of how information is reported to meet the objectives of financial reporting, by briefly describing the statements that comprise a full set of financial statements and the roles of notes and supplementary information). However, that commentary needs to be pulled together and developed further, to develop concepts of presentation and disclosure useful to the Boards in setting standards for presentation and disclosure (Benston, Bromwich, Wagenhofer, 2006). Fundamental Concepts Underlying Assumptions The accrual basis and the going-concern basis are not listed as underlying assumptions in the FASB framework. Qualitative Characteristics Both frameworks discuss qualitative characteristics of financial information in terms of attributes that make the information provided useful to users in making economic decisions. Both frameworks have similar qualitative characteristics, for example, understandability, relevance, reliability and comparability. Both discuss constraints, such as cost-benefit considerations, and the trade-off between the various qualitative characteristics, such as relevance and reliability. However, there are some differences between the two frameworks. For example, the FASB Concepts Statements set out the characteristics in a hierarchy, treating understandability as a user-specific quality separate from the others, relevance and reliability as the primary qualities and comparability as a secondary quality. In contrast, the IASB framework treats all four as primary qualitative characteristics. Some improvements could be made to the qualitative characteristics of both frameworks. For example, both include neutrality but also prudence or conservatism. Although both frameworks state that the exercise of prudence or conservatism does not allow the deliberate understatement of net assets and profits, some argue that any concept of prudence or conservatism is inconsistent with the concept of neutrality. Discussions with constituents of both Boards suggest that important qualitative characteristics common to both frameworks may be misunderstood. For example, some constituents seem to equate reliability with auditability or verifiability, overlooking the frameworks meaning of correspondence between the accounting information and the real-world economic conditions or events that it purports to represent. Misunderstandings and other difficulties with reliability seem to cut across several present and potential projects at one or both Boards, including revenue recognition, insurance contracts, and fair value measurement (IASB, 2006). Conceptual Framework Project Exposure Draft Some History The first steps taken were to update existing concepts to reflect changes in markets, practices and the economic environment that have occurred in recent years. It was concluded early in the joint project that major reconsideration to all areas of the IASB and FASB frameworks were not needed. They were largely similar. The focus was directed on improving and reaching a convergence between the existing frameworks of each. The convergence process began with a series of exposure drafts. The exposure drafts relating to the joint conceptual framework project are a product of a shared goal of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), herein referred to as the Boards. Their shared goal is to develop a common conceptual framework for financial reporting. The exposure drafts are open for public comment. All comments received by FASB are public information and have been posted on their website. The first discussion paper issued in July 2006 eventually became the first in a series of joint publications that ultimately became the first exposure draft. To date there has been many subsequent drafts published on not only the conceptual framework but also on subsequent issues such as Disclosures, Borrowing Costs, Discontinued Operations, Revenue Recognition, Consolidation, Fair Value Management, Liabilities and many others. As part of the IASBs due process, the Boards consult with practitioners by publishing discussion papers and Exposure Drafts on each of the proposed chapters of the common framework. The new framework is anticipated to be a single document rather than a series of Concept Statements as is the current FASB framework. The Current Exposure Draft- Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting The latest conceptual framework exposure draft published in May 2008 and like its predecessor was open for public comment. It is anticipated that an additional exposure draft on the topic will follow incorporating inputs from various sources and changes needed after future exposure drafts are published on the various topics such as revenue recognition, liabilities, and disclosures among others. Differences between GAAP and IFRS The most common question one could expect to have regarding the new framework is what are the changes? The potential impact and resulting costs on businesses could be huge is there is a large shift away from the current FASB standards. A huge shift appears unlikely as the two are basing their shared framework largely upon the current FASB concept statements, athough there will be some differences. Some of those be addressed in the pages that follow. This list is not by any means an all-inclusive list of the difference, merely a highlight of some of the more notable difference. These differences are subject to change in the future with publication of new exposure drafts concerning the conceptual framework. An an excellent article published by Deloitte that can found at the following link: http://www.pwc.com/en_US/us/issues/ifrs-reporting/assets/ifrs_usgaapsep09.pdf. This article is a more comprehensive list of the differences between IFRS and GAAP that exceeds the scope of this resear ch paper (Conceptual framework for, para.BC1.3 2008), (Current situation and, 2010). Authoritative Status of the Framework Currently FASBs Concept Statements have the same authority as articles and textbook These are surpassed in authority by common accounting practices. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requires entities preparing financial statements under its authority to consider the IASB Framework when there is no standard or interpretation that specifically applies to an event, transaction or similar issue. This would give more authority to the material sourced by the preparers of United States financial statements (Conceptual framework for 2008). General Purpose Financial Reporting The focus of the IASB Framework is on the preparation of financial statements. Currently FASB Statement of Concepts focuses on financial reporting. The disparity between the two becomes less when one considers that the primary focus of FASBs conceptual framework is on the financial statements (Conceptual framework for, para.BC1.3 2008). First-time Adoption Full retrospective application of IFRSs in force at the time of adoption. FASV has no specific standard for first-time adopters. The general practice of U.S. GAAP has been full retrospection application unless a specific standard states otherwise (IFRSs and US, 2007). Consolidation IFRS favors a control model whereas U.S. GAAP prefers a risks-and-rewards model. Some entities consolidated in accordance with FIN 46(R) may have to be shown separately under  IFRS (Forgeas, 2008). Statement of Income Under IFRS, extraordinary items are not segregated in the income statement, while, under US GAAP, they are shown below the net income (Forgeas, 2008). Inventory Under IFRS, LIFO (a historical method of recording the value of inventory, a firm records the last units purchased as the first units sold) cannot be used while under U.S. GAAP, companies have the choice between LIFO and FIFO (is a common method for recording the value of inventory) (Forgeas, 2008). Earning-per-Share Under IFRS, the earning-per-share calculation does not average the individual interim period calculations, whereas under U.S. GAAP the computation averages the individual interim period incremental shares (Forgeas, 2008). Development costs These costs are under IFRS if certain criteria are met, while they are expensed under U.S. GAAP (Forgeas, 2008). Similarities between IFRS and GAAP Below is a list of a few of the similarities between IFRS and GAAP. This list, as with the list of differences, is not an all-inclusive list but a selection of a few of the similarities. Entity Perspective The Boards are similar on the topic of users of financial statements. They both agree that the list of potential users is broad and includes investors, lenders, creditors, employees, suppliers, customers, governments and governmental agencies. They address the entity perspective as the corporation possessing a distinct separateness from its sources of capital providers (Conceptual framework for, para.BC1.11 2008). Primary User Group Again the topic of who the primary users of financial statements are is essentially the same of both Boards. IASB Framework, paragraph 10 says: As investors are providers of risk capital to the entity, the provision of financial statements that meet their needs will also meet most of the needs of other users that financial statements can satisfy. FASB Concepts Statement One focuses on the users of financial information being those whom use the information for investment and credit decisions (Conceptual framework for, para.BC1.3 2008).

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Its Effect on Skin Cancer Incidence E

Introduction This term paper is situated in an area of specific health related and environmental concern: the human dimensions of global change. For about a decade now there has been growing scientific interest in the global environmental changes resulting from anthropogenic activity. However most of this research has focused on the scientific bases of environmental transformations with little attention to how human social responses are linked to global change. As a result, scientists and researchers alike are beginning to ask questions about the symbiotic relationship between human well being and physical change. Abstract This research compilation plans to use one environmental health component of the global change phenomena - ozone depletion and skin cancer - to advance and deepen your understanding of the relationships between human wellness and environmental change. This project should deepen understanding by developing a framework for conceptualizing environmental health policy issues. In this way the relationships between scientists, policy makers and the public will be explored theoretically as the interactions of science, the state, and society as a whole. The Relationship of Skin Cancer Prevalence and the Increase in Ultraviolet-B Exposure due to Ozone Depletion Ultraviolet-B radiation damages the human skin: Acute exposure causes sunburn and chronic exposure results in loss of elasticity and increased aging. Increased absorption of UV-B triggers a thickening of the superficial skin layers and an increase in skin pigmentation (both of which act to protect the skin against future sunburns). This protective mechanism however, also makes the skin more vulnerable to skin cancer. Strong evidence exists of a dose... ...tion/2.html Mahaney, Francis X., "Nocturnal Animals Help Shed Light on Human Melanoma," __Journal of the National Cancer Institute__, 87 (21): (1 November 1995). Available on the World Wide Web at http://wwwicic.nci.ni h.gov/jnci/iss8721/87-1584.html. Roses, Daniel F., Stephen L. Gumport, Matthew N. Harris, and Alfred W. Kopf, __The Diagnosis and Management of Common Skin Cancers__ (Atlanta, Georgia: American Cancer Society, 1989), 89- 50M-No. 3373-PE. Schein, O.D. et al., "Ocular and Dermatologic Health Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure from the Ozone Hole in Southern Chile," __American Journal of Public Health__, 85 (4): 546-550 (April 1995). "Stat Bite: Trends in Melanoma Incidence," __Journal of the National Cancer Institute__, 87 (20): (1 November 1995). Available on the World Wide Web at http://wwwicic.nci.ni h.gov/jnci/iss8720/statbi20.jpg.