Abstract
The paper discusses TV ratings that attempt to provide guidance for parents regarding the content of the programs their children are watching, as well as gives viewers an idea of the maturity of the program content. The paper comments that the efficacy of these ratings remains in question because of the subjective and arbitrary nature of the way information is portrayed, and suggests that, instead, parents must establish a free and direct discourse with their children about what they are watching. The paper concludes that TV ratings must not merely be revised, but rather they must be abandoned at an industry and government level and, instead, the real rating system must be enforced from household to household.

Outline:
Introduction
Questions of Efficacy of Ratings
What Shows are Targeted?
Prime Time
Sports
News
Parents
Many Want to Decide Content of Child's Broadcasting on their Own
Prefer Talking with Kids than Relying on Ratings
Make Sure That There is no Television in Children's Bedrooms
See That Their Children Mature at Different Rates
Fears of Censorship and Legal Issues on a National Scale
Confusion Over Standards
Better Ways of Monitoring Content than Ratings
New Media
Why Television Rating System Different Than Movie Ratings
Difficulty of Surveillance of TV and New Media
Internet
More Cable Stations
Conclusion
Dialogue not Regulation is the Answer.
No More Ratings--Conduct Ratings from Family to Family, Within the Home

From the Paper
"The subjective and arbitrary nature of the way information is disseminated about rating may be why "one New York mother thought only ABC carried ratings. Several parents thought the Government was applying them," and another said she did not see or understand the rating system until her ten-year-old explained it to her! While parents who worked away from home and left their children unsupervised for long periods of time said they liked the system, they were unclear about how to enforce it, it seemed to make them 'feel' good rather than spur them to proactive action."

Tags:confusing, media, environment, monitor, prime, timerating, systems

Abstract
The paper relates that in the published study, the authors endeavor to analyze the impact of quality ratings systems (QRS) upon the attitudes and practices of the teachers undergoing the process. The paper explains that such evaluations serve multiple purposes, not the least of which may involve program accreditation and licensing requirements. The paper discusses how the authors of the study under review note that two issues still remained to be considered. The first issue they identified is, how teachers who are to be evaluated can prepare for the visit? The second issue they identified, and corollary to the first, is what is their overall judgment of the process? It is these two questions that the present study is designed to explore.

From the Paper
"In the published study "Classroom quality rating systems: How do teachers prepare and what do they think about the process?" (Scott-Young, C., et al. 2008) the authors endeavor to analyze the impact of quality ratings systems (QRS) upon the attitudes and practices of the teachers undergoing the process. Quality rating systems involve the evaluation of prekindergarten and kindergarten programs and, according to the study's authors, is currently implemented in fourteen states, although there are many more on the verge of implementing the system (Scott-Young, C., et al.)"

Tags:prekindergarten, assessment, ecers, r

Abstract
This paper discusses the criteria of ratings that are being practiced by different agencies regarding movies, TV programs and other media. The paper analyzes that there is no foolproof system in place to judge the contents, however, it there are some voluntary ratings being carried out.

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of the Movie Picture Association of America's (MPAA) rating system, how it originally began, the reasons for its introduction, and how movies are rated. The paper first describes the board that rates the films and the requirements one must meet to be on the board. Among the points mentioned, is the inherent conservatism in the MPAA board. The paper then defines what each of the ratings signify and what determines how a film will be rated. The paper then discusses specific examples of films in history being re-edited to attain a more socially acceptable rating, making the film more marketable.

From the Paper
"The requirements to be a member of the board are very specific that members be parents. This points to a conservatism inherent in the system. The assumption being that those people who are not parents would have no ability to judge the suitability of viewing material for children. It seems unrealistic to assume that any responsible adult wouldn't be capable of performing this function. Further if board members are to be possessed of an "intelligent maturity", one would think them capable of protecting children from inappropriate material, yet the first requirement is a "shared parenthood experience". It could be argued that while the members of the ratings board are shielded from industry pressure they are no protected from public derision and social pressure. In fact these pressures can be even more forceful."

Tags:movies, films, censorship, producing, directing

Abstract
This paper discusses the two types of exchange rate systems used in the world today - the fixed rate system and the flexible rate system. It discusses the differences between the two systems and their advantages and disadvantages. The paper then looks at the current problems in China using a fixed (pegged) exchange rate system. The paper ends with the writer's opinion on the subject.

Table of Contents:
Advantages of a Fixed Exchange Rate
Advantage of a Floating Exchange Rate
Current Problem with China
My Opinion

From the Paper
"The foreign exchange market is the largest market in the world, it is the market "in which individuals, firms, and banks buy and sell for any currency" (Salvatore). Since each country has its own currency, an exchange rate system is needed. An exchange rate is the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another. The two types of exchange rate systems used in the world are the fixed rate system and the flexible rate system. Both systems have their pros and cons, and both are used in the world today."

Tags:monetary, pegged, currency

From the Paper
"EVOLUTION OF THE BRETTON WOODS EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM & THE FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM
This research examines the evolution of the Bretton Woods exchange rate system (a fixed-rate system) and the floating exchange rate system. Advantages and disadvantages of each system type are discussed, along with a brief review of approaches to exchange risk hedging under the floating rate system, and an assessment of the possibility of returning to a fixed-rate system.

The onset of the economic depression in 1930 caused most major countries to abandon the gold standard by 1933. In 1934, however, the United States adopted the gold exchange standard, and set the gold/dollar exchange rate at one ounce/$35.

Under the gold standard prevailing prior to the beginning of.."

Abstract
A paper about the problems with the MPAA, The Motion Picture Association of America and their rating system. The author describes what the MPAA is, their role, and strategies for rating, revealing their inconsistencies and inherent biasness in certain aspects.

From the Paper
"We finally reach a point where we have to ask if the MPAA is doing a "good" job. I have found that the MPAA often has the right idea, but seems to continuously fall short when rating movies. By falling short, I mean that there are constant inconsistencies in film ratings dealing with moral aspects (homosexual content, violence, etc.) These problems need to be further addressed and solutions,such as the ones mentioned above, need to be considered. The effectiveness of ratings also needs to be addressed. As is, ratings are not as effective as one might hope they would be. Evidence has proven this by showing lack of consistency, bias, confusion, etc. Rating films is not a "bad" idea, but their current state is not really working. The MPAA needs to focus more on just explaining what is in the films instead of over-rating them to the point of forcing film makers to edit their creativity."

Tags:film

Abstract
This research proposal identifies the known problems with the rating systems and proposes a study that would help determine if the Q-Score reports are misrepresenting the American television viewing public. In this article, the writer discusses whether Marketing Evaluations'
Q-Scores for television ratings accurately represent the television viewing habits of all Americans, including minority groups, or whether the limited population samples and data analysis methods are skewed in such a way that minority populations are underrepresented in ratings and the media. The writer claims that this is an important study because of the integral role that television and the media play in the lives of all Americans, and as a part of American society overall. The writer concludes that if there is a misrepresentation of minority groups in the current Q-ratings reports, this must be identified and this information made available to the public so that all members of society can make an informed decision regarding media-related activities, such as advertising, that are affected by the quality of television ratings reports.

Outline:
Abstract
Purpose and Rationale
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Limitations
Works Cited

From the Paper
"If a small-scale study finds a significant problem, other researchers will be interested in doing further analysis on this issue. Also, the public may simply be made aware of the issue, therefore considering these questions when taking stock in ratings reports. It is known that the television media industry and their advertisers depends on ratings reports to make decisions regarding programming and product placement. It is also well documented that minority groups have been significantly underrepresented in the Nielsen ratings, the country's leading marketing provider of television ratings, as will be illustrated by the following literature review. What is not known is whether the Q Rating system, which collected data in different ways than the Nielsen ratings, also has a problem in properly representing minority groups and providing accurate data on the television viewing habits of the American public."

Tags:surveys, media, analysis, methods

Abstract
This paper analyzes Michigan's economy, attributing the wane to the decline in the motor-vehicle industry and low tax rates. It also discusses bond ratings, and Michigan's present bond rating of AA - which is the middle high range bond rating offered due to the changing economic climate. The paper reviews this rating by studying the demographics, unemployment rate, income and administrative structure of Michigan as well as Michigan's major sources of income and expenditure.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Demographics
Population Trends and Growth
Michigan's population breakdown by age is as follows:
Michigan's population breakdown by race is as follows:
Educational Attainment
Unemployment, and Income
Income
Unemployment
Housing
Administrative Structure
Political Affliation in Michigan's Administrative Structure
Current 2008 Economic Agenda
Job Creation
The No Worker Left Behind Program
Family Health Care
Education Spending
The Michigan Legislature
Government Shut-Down
The Budget Process
Key players in the budget process include:
Development of the Executive Budget
Legislative Action
Governor Signs Bills And/Or Vetos:
Budget Revisions
The impact of economic and political issues on the Budget Process:
Revenues
The Major Sources of Revenue:
Federal Revenue
Sales and Use Taxes
Income tax:
Non-tax Revenues:
Other taxes:
Transportation Revenues:
Business Taxes:
State Education Tax:
Expenditures
Expenditures between FY 2006 and FY 2005
Cause of Budget Problems
Education expenditure
Public welfare expenditure
Hospitals expenditure
Health expenditure
Highway expenditure
Police expenditure
Corrections expenditure
Natural resources expenditure
Parks and recreation expenditure
Government administration expenditure
Utility expenditure
Economy
Credit Rating
Employment
Debt Analysis
Historical Levels of Michigan State Government Debt
Michigan Government Debt Outstanding
State Government Debt in Michigan Compared with Other States
Economic Analysis
The Economy
Unemployment
Gross Domestic Product
Contributors to the Economy
Museum Industry
Hunting Industry
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Bond Rating and History
Bond Ratings and Their Definitions
Factors that Affect Credit Rating:
Economic Factors
Debt/Issue Structure
Financial Factors
Management/Structural Factors
Standard & Poor's and Fitch Classify Bonds as Follows:
Moody's system
Michigan's Bond Rating
Financial Impact of Lower Bond Rating
Table One--2005 Full Time Year Round Workers in Michigan by Educational Attainment
Table Two--Michigan Gubernatorial Election 2002
Table Three--Michigan Gubernatorial Election 2006
Table Four--Total State Revenue Source FY 2006
Table Five--2006 General Expenditures by Function
Table Six-- Total Expenditures between FY 2006 and FY 2005
Table Seven--Percentage Difference of Expenditures in FY 2006 and FY 2005
Table Eight--2006 Worst State Unemployment Rates Compared
Table Nine--Yearly Debt Outstanding Between 1979-2006
Table Ten--2006 Specific Debt Outstanding
Table Eleven--State Rankings of State Debt Per Capita 1980-2005
References

From the Paper
"Michigan's budget problems are largely due to revenues not keeping up with the cost of maintaining programs and policies. Most of the budget goes towards organizations or individuals that provide services - a little over 80 percent supports K-12 education, community colleges and state universities, cities, counties, Medicaid, community mental health programs and corrections. Trying to reduce spending will mean cutting these programs. Since revenue growth has exceeded expenditures, the state budget demands structural change. Michigan used their reserves to maintain current programs and policies, such as, education, health and corrections - the economy has declined, but spending pressures continues to accelerate. Since Michigan's state sales tax rate is low, difficult to fund major projects and programs. Half of the school aid fund is covered by sales tax."

Tags:policies, budget, credit, debt

Abstract
This paper discusses the health care delivery systems in the United States. Firstly, it gives an overview of how health care is delivered to the patient. Next, it points out some of the flaws that have been occurring in this system. Additionally, the author explores some of the factors a patient looks for when rating a health care delivery system.

From the Paper
"The U.S. health care delivery system was thought to be the best in the world but lately people have started to question this once unchallenged assumption. Some experts have said that our health care delivery system needs to make major improvements. Throughout this paper I will give an overview of the health care delivery system of the U.S. I will discuss the good qualities of our health care delivery system as well as the flaws that occur in it. Additionally I will discuss how health care delivery systems are evaluated. Lastly I will discuss some factors which are important to a patient when it comes to a health care delivery system. The means by which health care is delivered to U.S. patients is changing. The U.S. health care delivery system is comprised of many components including hospitals, outpatient facilities, transitional ..."

Tags:health, care, delivery