Abstract This paper summarizes the article by Toni Terling, "Private Schools are not Emotional Havens for Teens", which states that while private schools do show a higher level of achievement, for example, they also show increased risk of suicide and weapon use, among other negative outcomes. The author then goes on to discuss his personal reaction to the article's finding and how it relates to his experiences in the American school systems.
Outline:
Article Summary
Response to Article
How This Relates to My Own Personal Experiences
Insights the Article Adds to My Experience
Works Cited
From the Paper "Alternatively, the many friends I had that attended private school had an overwhelmingly more positive experience than I encountered in public school. If a student became depressed or violent in their private school, the issue was noticed immediately due to the small setting and was taken care of swiftly. Of course, cliques, being a product of human nature, existed on a smaller scale in my friends' schools, however, these cliques were less cohesive. This appears to be because the small setting gave everyone the feeling of belonging to the same big group, which allowed them to avoid splintering into smaller ones as is common in the larger public school environment."
Tags:achievementriskpolicymarginalized, school size
Abstract This paper compares the mortgage lending policies and practices in the United States and Canada, as well as in China. Risk management is the key focus, and the paper discusses the efforts taken by the three nations to achieverisk management. In the US, risk is managed through market forces which drive capital infusion and pooling. In Canada, risk is managed through government involvement. China is not well-developed yet and it remains which of these two basic paths it will take.
Abstract This paper explains that the trading policies of Merrill Lynch depend on the integrated management of its client-driven accurate positions, together with the associated hedging and financing; moreover, several trading habits make Merrill Lynch susceptible to market, credit, liquidity, process and other threats, which are practical and need exhaustive controls and supervision. The author points out that where suitable, credit risk alleviation methods comprise of the prerogative to need start-up collateral or margin, the privilege to cease transaction or get guarantees in case any untoward incidents happen, the prerogative to ask for the guarantee in the event when some exposure ceilings are crossed and the purchase of credit default safeguards. The paper stresses that, to respond in a better fashion to credit risk management, Merrill Lynch needs guarantees mainly from U.S. government and agencies securities, on several derivative business deals.
From the Paper "Liabilities in favor of other brokers and dealers linked to outstanding dealings are booked at the amount for which the securities were purchased, and the deal is squared off on the receipt of the securities from other brokers or dealers. As regards long-standing securities failed-to-receive, Merrill Lynch might buy the basic security in the market and look for payback for losses from the counterparty. Merrill Lynch has time-tested policies and measures for extenuating credit risk on principal dealings, inclusive of appraisal and setting up ceiling for credit exposure, maintaining collateral, and persistently evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties."
Abstract This paper explains that the goal of its thesis is to conceive a model to manage the global interest rate risk of the commercial portfolio in order to determine the optimal structure of the new production and to test the tool on the Credit Foncier de Monaco, private banking and subsidiary of Calyon, which is obviously the investment banking of Credit Agricole. The paper's thesis is divided into two main sections: the theoretical modeling and the empirical application.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Abbreviations
Introduction
Theoretical Modeling
Identification
Interest Rate
Nominal vs. Real Rate
Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rate
Short-Term vs Long-Term Rates
Spot vs. Forward Rates
Term Structure of Interests
Theories
Methods
Deterministic and Stochastic Models
Sources of Interest Rate Risk Repricing or Maturity Mismatch Risk Basis or Bid-Ask Spread Risk Yield Curve Risk Options Risk Interest Rate Exposure
Net and Gross Positions
Balance-Sheet & Gap
Profit and Loss Statement and Spread
Factors
Measurement
Volume
Instantaneous Gaps
Generalized Gaps
Indexed Gaps
Simulated Gaps
Value
Duration
Convexity
Market
Margin Sensitivity
Modified Duration and Relative Convexity
Money Markets Rates
Management
Hedging And Speculation
Micro or Macro Hedging
Systematic or Selective Hedging
Partial and Total Speculation
Hedging Risk and Opportunity Cost
Passive and Active Hedging
Passive Hedging or Beta Management
Active Hedging or Alpha Management
Instruments
Spot
Forward And Future
Fra And Swaps
Options
Modeling
Utility
Structure
Utility Function
Constraints
Regulation
Commercial
Model
Objective Function
Efficient Portfolio
Optimal Portfolio
Empirical Application
Presentation
Cfm
Treasury
Asset-Liability Management (Alm) Committee
Adaptation
Structure
Constraints
Rates
Simulation
Leverage
Regulatory Constraints
Variance-Covariance Matrix
Utility
Variances
Conclusion
Glossary
Appendix: Balance-Sheet + Profit & Loss Statement
Appendix: Balance-Sheets by Currency, Maturity and Interest Rate
Appendix: Gaps
Appendix: Correlation and Variance-Covariance Matrix
Appendix: Weightings and Balance-Sheets in March 2008
Appendix: Coefficients of Variation
Appendix: Objective Function for Different Aversions to Risk
From the Paper "Taking into account the stock and constraints, the model determines the optimal allocation of the production for different scenarios of rates level, rates volatility and risk aversion degrees. The bank hedges against the interest rate risk by optimally adjusting its production.
"The optimal portfolio is the tangent point between the efficient frontier and the indifferent curve. It is obtained by equalizing the marginal rate of transformation (MRT) to the risk to return, which is the slope of the efficient frontier, and the marginal rate of substitution (MRS) to the risk to return, which is the slope of the objective function."
Tags: tool transformation, tangent point, risk premium, asset management
Abstract This paper reviews the history of risk management techniques and goes on to discuss the risk management techniques of today. The paper then takes a look at the distinction between forward contracts and futures, discussing the various advantages and disadvantages, hedging techniques, trading of futures and options, and risk exposure.
Outline:
Brief History of the Evolution of Futures and Options
Difference between Forward Contracts and Futures and the Limitations of Forward Contracts in Risk Management
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Futures and Options as Risk Management Tools
Futures as a Hedging Technique in Different Industries - Farmers, Agriculture, etc.
Trading Futures and Options
Differences between Hedgers and Speculators
Different Types of Options -Straddle, Strangles, Exotic, etc.
The Possibility of Buying and Selling Weather Derivatives and How This Help Certain Industries Reduce Their Risk Exposure
From the Paper "Disadvantages of Options. Just like futures, options involve risk of loss and may not be suitable for use by everyone. A wise analysis of its response in the market performance is a must. Trading futures and options involve basis risk. This kind of risk can only be eliminated by incurring marginal transaction costs such as broker's fees, opportunity costs, hidden costs of illiquidity, and learning costs. However, these costs of trading options are much higher in percentage basis as compared to trading the underlying stocks, which may lead to exhaustion of profits. Since options can be traded in any underlying stocks, it becomes complex and would require maintenance otherwise it may cause difficulty in trading. Due to poor liquidity, there is a risk not to recover an investment in buying or selling options in a stock for speculative gain. A higher amount of premium may be required because of uncertainty in the cash market, thus will render hedging of the option more difficult. It is also very explicit that options are time-sensitive, thus, there is a possibility that it may expire worthless. There is also a tendency that the buyer may lose the entire premium since options are wasting asset if it still remains out-of-money until the expiration date. Like futures, the seller has to face the risk of being assigned exercise in random by the stock exchange."
Abstract The paper examines the role risk perceptions play in shaping citizens' policy preferences on three issues involving types of potential harms: air pollution, crime, and hazardous waste storage and disposal. The paper uses cases studies to illustrate that risk perceptions are relevant to the public's views on environmental issues. The analysis shows that crime, as a personal safety/social policy issue, and air pollution as an environmental regulatory issue are extremely similar in terms of determinants of policy preferences. Hazardous waste storage and disposal is quite dissimilar. The paper concludes that that it is evident that most individuals do see the role of government as inclusive of a duty to protect the citizenry from such hazardous materials and environments.
Outline:
Introduction
Specific Case Studies Regarding Waste Management Issues
Specific Relationships between Risk Management and Policy Risk in Individual Policy Preferences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Individuals' perceptions of risks are relevant to the policy process. The degree of risk individuals assign to activities (e.g., cigarette smoking) or technologies (e.g., genetic modification of foods) involving possible harm helps shape their attitudes toward public policy on such issues. Extensive literatures explain both the underlying causes of risk perception per se and the determinants of assigning risk to particular activities, situations, or technologies. But relatively few studies account for how those risk perceptions specifically influence preferences toward government policies designed to manage potential public health, personal safety, or ecological hazards."
This paper examines the correlation between risk management and project management as well as the ultimate aim, which is to ensure that the project achieves its defined goal.
Abstract This paper defines project management as a set of activities which has a defined start point and a defined end state and pursues a defined goal. Risk management is a process that involves measuring risk, assessing risk and finding ways to manage identified risk. The writer of this paper explains why the main challenge of project management is to ensure that the project achieves its defined goal. This paper discusses the various methods and strategies for identifying and managing risks as it relates to business. One method starts with the simple process of considering a project and listing everything that could be a barrier to its completion. Another method of identifying potential risk is to consider all the steps necessary to successful completion of a particular project and then determine what can prevent each step from proceeding. The writer contends and details why effective risk management is a crucial part of project management.
From the Paper "The next consideration is how risks can be identified. This can start with a simple process of considering a project and listing everything that could be a barrier to its completion. This can be a starting point, but may not ultimately be useful. After all, there are an unlimited number of things that can theoretically prevent a project from proceeding effectively. It is not feasible to suggest that every possible problem can be prepared for. Another way to manage risk is to consider all the steps necessary to successful completion of a project and then determine what can prevent each step from proceeding. In a complex project, this can also mean determining the steps of a project that are the most critical to a successful outcome. This focus on the key success steps associated with a project is an effective way to concentrate on the most critical problems, rather than focus on every possible potential problem. In addition, while some would say that it is better to prepare for the worst and think of every possible problem, this in itself can be a waste of resources and can reduce the amount of focus on the most important potential problems."
Abstract This paper discusses the myriad factors that may be contributing to the achievement gap between black and white children in America. The paper also looks at some positive signs regarding the educational future of black children and some possible solutions for closing the gap.
From the Paper "As recently as 1998, the press was reporting that African Americans score lower than European Americans on vocabulary, reading, and math skills tests in general, as well as on standardized tests claiming to measure scholastic aptitude and intelligence. Although the gap had narrowed somewhat after 1970, the American black child still scored lower than whites, as much as 15 percent lower. Despite abundant speculation and a wealth of research, no one had yet come up with a "magic bullet" to put a stop to the disparity; in fact, research had shown that the problem was extremely difficult to overcome, despite integration (a fact for more than 40 years) and improvement in other socioeconomic factors. ?It is true that the gap shrinks only a little when black and white children attend the same schools. It is also true that the gap shrinks only a little when black and white families have the same amount of schooling, the same income, and the same wealth.? (Jencks and Phillips, 1998) The disparity is substantial, as revealed by grades. Researchers in Shaker Heights, Ohio, found that ?black-white GPA gap equals roughly one letter grade. The mean GPA is in the neighborhood of C+ for blacks and B+ for whites.? (Ferguson, 2001)"
Abstract This paper explains that risk perception examines the opinions of people when asked to evaluate hazardous activities, substances and technologies, which helps policy-makers by improving communication between them and the public, by directing educational effort and by predicting public responses to new technologies, events and new risk management strategies. The author points out that the fields that have the most important influence in evaluating risk perception are (1) geography because of the recent broadening of focus on technological hazards, (2) sociology and anthropology because risk perception is influenced by friends, family and co-workers, and (3) psychology because of the use of psycho-physical scaling and multivariate analysis techniques to produce quantitative representations or'cognitive maps' of risk attitudes and perceptions, which demonstrate that every hazard has a unique pattern of qualities related to its perceived risk. The paper states that, for the last 30 years, instead of asking how to prevent lead poisoning, the medical community has taken a risk assessment approach, asking, "How much lead is safe for industry to put into children?"
From the Paper "The present 'risk balance' situation also does not appear to differentiate between different sorts of risk. For example, a one in 1000 risk imposed on someone is different to a one in 1000 risk accepted by someone. It is often the case that the risk from using a chemical, say, is borne by the population as a whole, whereas the benefits accrue only to a minority. This is inequitable, and a new focus in risk - allowing a product on the market only if it passes a criterion of 'social need' for example, would ensure that inequitable distributions of costs and benefits were reduced."
Abstract This paper discusses the Ontario Financing Authority's (OFA) financial risk management program. Various risks are discussed and analyzed including liquidity risks, foreign currency exchange rate risks, debt maturity rate risks, and interest rate risks. The writer points out that in order to mitigate the financial risks inherent in a large and diversified debt portfolio, it is important for the province to maintain prudent risk management policies and practices.
Abstract This paper examines the role of the mentor in the academic achievement of low-achieving students. It focuses on the history of mentoring, the description of the mentoring process and the relationship between mentoring and student achievement. The paper concludes that in most cases mentoring is a process that benefits both parties and assists in improving conditions in the academic setting or in the workplace.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The History of Mentoring
The Mentoring Process
The Relationship Between Mentoring and Student Achievement Conclusion
From the Paper "As it related to academic achievement, the researchers focused on two measures of academic achievement: test scores and grades. The research results found that the mentored students in the first cohort were more successful academically that the students without mentors by the time 8th grade was completed. On the other hand, the mentored students in the second cohort actually did worse than the students without mentors. The researchers point out several reasons for the differences between these groups. One factor being the differences between the academic statuses of students in these groups. In addition, the participants were chosen differently between the two groups. The first cohort consisted of students that were chosen by teachers and the second was chosen randomly."
Abstract In this paper the author takes a critical look at the changing U.S. policy in the Middle East since 1991. He examines how prior to 1991, American policy was aimed primarily at using some countries led by Israel as a bulwark against communism in the Cold War years. He highlights that with the end of a bipolar world there was a radical shift in American policy towards the Middle East. The paper examines how this was brought about by the threat America saw to its most vital interest -oil in the region as a result of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait; at the same time, with the sudden demise of the hitherto counterbalancing factor, the Soviet Union, the stage was set for a decisive policy. In conclusion, the author argues that the American policy of planting democracy in societies that do not have the necessary preconditions and institutional frameworks of accepting and absorbing the system could mean risking backlashes and other actions.
From the Paper "In the absence of the Soviet factor, American policy in the Middle East has become more intrusive; American policy could have a positive impact if its moves towards establishing its policy are perceived as being salutary. A prime test case of this policy is the way its role is seen in the Israeli-Palestine issue. (Cantori, 1994, p. 452) The immediate years after the Gulf War led to a hyperactive engagement in the region under president Bill Clinton, for whom resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict was a principal goal. In his presidency, America assumed the role of an 'honest broker' in bringing about a peaceful settlement of issues bedevilling the region. However, before substantial headway was made, a new regime took guard under Bush Jr., under whom the same vigour was not enforced. American interventionism, which became low-key under the new dispensation, has led to suspicion in Arab quarters that America, with its uncompromising tilt towards Israel, has not been the 'honest broker' that it promised to be."
Tags:policy, arab, gulf, administration, political, foreign, affairs
Abstract This paper provides a thorough analysis of monetary policy while concentrating on the role of the Federal Reserve System. The paper looks at the instruments used by the Federal Reserve System, the performance metrics in relation to the business environment and the role of monetary policy within the macroeconomic framework. The paper also analyzes the role of money when achieving economic objectives such as economic growth, controllable inflation and low unemployment rates.
Outline:
Introduction
The Money Creation Process
A Description of Monetary Policy Federal Reserve System: 1970s and 1980s
Federal Reserve System: 1990s and Beyond
Monetary Policy Efficiency
Federal Reserve System Performance: Monetary Policy Vs. Fiscal Policy
From the Paper "After WWII, Milton Friedman wrote a seminal work on the Quantity Theory of Money that used past research to show the linkage between money and hyperinflation. Similarly, it became clear to many analysts and economists that the role of the Federal Reserve System was more expansive, as there were efforts to measure and analyzes the growth of money stocks. As the Federal Reserve Bank acts as the bankers' bank, and dictates monetary policy, measurement efforts that are linked to the two points listed above involved expansive money supply estimation to include and define narrow and board definitions of money (Federal Reserve Board para. 4)."
Abstract This is a research and critical review of China's one child population policy. It delves into the nature of the policy, the reasons for its implementation, the benefits and draw backs of the policy and whether it has been successful or not. The author looks at the problems with the policy with special reference to the way it effects society and proposes alternatives and solutions to the policy.
From the Paper "The Chinese population policy is approaching its silver anniversary and the contentious nature of the strategy remains. Without question the one child per family policy has changed China's demographic landscape, but many individuals still question the success and ethical nature of the implementation. These strategies have also caused new problems that the country must address. Numerous people wonder if the positive decline of population growth can offset the negative effects of the policy."
Abstract The war in Iraq is one of the most debated subjects on the international scene. The author of the paper examines the policy of the main actor involved, the United States and its place inside the wider framework of the policy towards the Middle East. The writer specifically looks at the reasons for the US presence in Iraq, both stated and unstated, the status today of objectives at the onset of US involvement, a discussion as to the relevance of US policy towards achieving its stated goals and finally, an examination of the costs and benefits involved in the intervention.
Outline:
Introduction
Stated Policy of the US in Iraq
Objectives in Iraq and the Middle East
The United States and its Stated Objectives
Assessment of the Policy Towards Iraq
Costs and Benefits
From the Paper "There are several aspects that must be taken into account in order to have a better image of the war in Iraq and the current situation on the ground. In this sense, it is important to consider the policy of the main actor involved, the United States; also, its place insider the wider framework of the policy towards the Middle East; in addition to these general aspects, an important issue is the precise reasons for the American presence on the ground, to the extent in which these reasons are made available to the public; the status of the objectives stated in the beginning of the operations must also be assessed, as well as the degree in which the direction of the policies is adequate for achieving these goals. Finally, an important segment for describing the wider situation of the war in Iraq and the US's attitude towards it is the assessment of the costs and benefits of the operations."
Tags: Iraq policy, middle east, strategic vietnam congress deaths government bagdad security economy budget military force
