The Information Asymmetry, Corporate Failures in Contemporary Issue in Essay

The Information Asymmetry, Corporate Failures in Contemporary Issue in Accounting - Essay Example The inside reviewer assumes a basic job in decreasing organization costs by guaranteeing and guaranteeing that monetary reports arranged by the firm are steady with guidelines and gauges true to form by the speculators (Ahlawat and Lowe 2004, p. 147). There is frequently a business connection between the customer and the outer review. The firm agreements the inspector to review and bear witness to the firm’s exactness of the fiscal summaries. Corporate disappointments and major monetary embarrassments like Enron and WorldCom have come about because of poor bookkeeping framework where there were data asymmetry between investors, financial specialists just as other outside gatherings, and the insider parties for the most part the administration administrators and the interior evaluators. There is additionally a business connection between the inspector and the investors who depend on the budget reports arranged by the reviewer. Inward review work works intimately with the admini stration in analyzing inside controls, identifying misrepresentation and exhorting them in the proper therapeutic measures if there should arise an occurrence of extortion location in the framework (Sengupta 1998, p. 462). In the container of inner review capacity and review boards of trustees, these evaluators are utilized by the firm and are in this way paid by their organizations, the collaboration between the interior examiners and supervisors just as the workers can be possible wellsprings of irreconcilable circumstance, which may bring about the inspectors not being in a general sense objective and furthermore trading off their autonomy. Interior reviewers and the prevailing ranking directors can cooperate to guarantee that their individual advantages supersede those of the firm. In such cases, the monetary reports gave to the speculators and investors may look predictable with bookkeeping gauges and standards while being a long way from the genuine situation of the organizati on. Job of data in the firms’ corporate administration Information assumes a significant job in encouraging firms’ corporate administration. One of the significant issues of corporate administration is the development of components that help in adjusting goals of administrators to those of the firm’s investors (Hermalin and Weisbach 2008). The firms’ top managerial staff regularly end up vigorously entrusted with the job of observing and exhorting administrators. These sheets involve inner chiefs who are the firm’s senior administrators and outside executives. Outside chiefs are fundamental in carrying autonomy to the capacity while the interior executives help in achieving data the firm’s exercises. These chiefs being insiders or senior officials in the administration can shroud data where they identify that such data will be used in teaching or removing the administrators private advantages. Data assumes a significant job in the choice and development of corporate administration instruments that help in adjusting activities of supervisors and senior officials with shareholders’ interests. Data likewise helps in lessening contracting costs and really taking shape of vital choices. Data asymmetry The interior review work and the administration for the most part have more data about the firm’s execution than the firm’s investors. This data asymmetry can be adverse to the firm’

A Root Cause Analysis Essay

Medicinal services offices that are certify by Joint Commission are required after a sentinel occasion to direct an underlying driver examination (RCA). An underlying driver examination is led to decide the reason or factors that added to the sentinel occasion. A couple of things must be asked in the RCA, for example, who, what, where, why and how so as to distinguish the reason. After the reason for the sentinel occasion is resolved and a remedial activity plan has been set up a disappointment mode and impacts investigation (FMEA) could be led to lessen the probability that it ought to happen once more. The situation A multi year old male (Mr. B) was brought into the crisis space for agony to left leg and left hip. The injury happened when the patient had a fall because of him losing his equalization in the wake of stumbling over his pooch. The clinic is a 60 bed provincial emergency clinic situated in Mr. B’s old neighborhood. Mr. B was acquired by his child and neighbor. Upon triage Mr. B was whining of agony 10/10 on the numerical torment scale and his vitals were seen as steady. Mr. B has a past filled with disabled glucose resistance, prostate malignant growth, and incessant torment which he is on oxycodone. The Patient states he had no known sensitivities or past falls. Upon the nursing evaluation Nurse J. has seen that the patient has constrained range moving, his left leg has expanding and seems abbreviated in contrast with the right. Medical caretaker J. has educated the ED doctor which he went to his bedside for assessment. Upon assessment the doctor concluded that Mr. B expected to have a decrease of his left hip, because of the disengagement and will require a cognizant sedation. Mr. B requires various dosages of drug to accomplish the ideal sedation influence for the decrease. When the decrease was fruitful Mr. B is left with child in the room where a full arrangement of vitals were not consistently observed and goes into respiratory disappointment which lead to the passing of Mr. B. Staffing on this day is the day of the occasion comprised of a secretary, crisis division doctor (Dr. T), and two medical caretakers (one RN and one LPN). A respiratory advisor is in house and accessible varying in this six bed ED and sixty bed medical clinic. Occasions At 3:30pm-Mr. B was taken to ED for left leg and left hip torment from a fall. Torment is a 10/10 vitals incorporate 120/80 circulatory strain (BP), 88 pulse (HR) and normal, 98.6 temperature, (T), 32 breaths (R), 175 lbs.. At 4:05pm-Mr. B was given Diazepam 5mg IVP which had no effect after 5min. At 4:10pm-Dr. T orders 2mg of hydromorphone to be given to Mr. B. At 4:15pm-Mr. B was given 2mg of hydromorphone IVP. At 4:20pm-Dr. T isn't happy with level of sedation and requests Mr. B to be given 2mg of hydromorphone, and diazepam 5mg IVP. At 4:25pm-Mr. B has all the earmarks of being calmed and decrease of his (L) hip happens. The patient remains calmed and seems to have endured the strategy. The methodology finishes up at 4:30pm. No pain is noted, quiet is put on screen for circulatory strain to be taken at regular intervals alongside beat oximeter however no supplemental oxygen or ECG drives (screens cardiovascular cadence and breaths) was set on understanding right now. At 4:30pm-Nurse J permits Mr. B’s child to stay in the live with him as he is being screen by circulatory strain machine as it were. Attendant J leaves the room. At 4:35pm-Mr. B vitals are BP 110/62, O2 sat is 92% still no oxygen or ECG leads are on tolerant as of now. EMS is moving a patient in respiratory trouble, hall is starting to get clogged. LPN and Nurse J. during the time spent releasing 2 patients and are checking in the patient that EMS has shipped in. LPN enters Mr. B’s room and resets his disturbing screen that was demonstrating a sat of 85% and restarts the B/P to reuse. LPN doesn't flexibly oxygen and doesn't alarm Nurse J right now. The board isn't told that quiet sharpness and patient burden is expanding. Medical attendant J is currently completely connected with the crisis care of the respiratory misery quiet. At 4:43pm-Mr. B’s child comes out of room and advises the medical caretaker that the screen is disturbing with vitas of B/P 58/80 O2 of 79%. The patient has no obvious heartbeat and isn't relaxing. A STAT code is called and the child is taken to the sitting area. The code groups shows up places Mr. B on heart screen where he is in ventricular fibrillation and the group starts resuscitative endeavors. CPR is begun and the patient is intubated. Mr. B is defibrillated and reversalâ agents, vasopressors and IV were begun. At 5:13pm-After 30 min of intercessions the ECG comes back to an ordinary sinus beat with Mr. B’s B/P being 110/70. The patient is totally reliant on the ventilator, his understudies are fixed and expanded and there is no unconstrained developments. The family as requested the patient to be moved out to a tertiary office for additional propelled care. Result After seven days Mr. B has kicked the bucket. The family had mentioned that life-support be evacuated after cerebrum passing had been controlled by EEG’s. This is a sentinel occasion. Examination of sentinel occasion should start with a Team and strategy for examination. Interdisciplinary group remembered for the RCA ought to incorporate the Director of Nurses, Nursing Supervisor, Risk the board, Nursing Coordinator, and Manager of the office. When the group is assembled the RCA ought to be begun. The group should set up interviews with all staff that was included and present in the division the day the sentinel occasion occurred. A total graph audit ought to be directed by group. The strategies on cognizant sedation, staffing of office, and normalized work ought to be explored. At the point when the reason is distinguished a remedial activity plan ought to be led. The restorative activity plan will permit a progression of ventures can be set up to help make or change polices if necessary. The new or changed polices ought to be placed into instruction models to educate to present and new staff varying. The Root Cause Analysis Causative components (why it occurred) decided reason Individual’s cause factors Medical caretaker J didn't follow technique for cognizant sedation. The patient was not put on ceaseless B/P, ECG, and heartbeat oximeter all through the strategy. Respiratory Therapist was not educated regarding the cognizant sedation. LPN didn't address low o2 immersion of 85% between the 4:35pm-4:43pm. Dr. T didn't assess the patient’s weight and incessant agony drug use. Attendant J didn't scrutinize the medicine that Dr. T requested. Team’s cause factors The executives was not called and educated regarding staffing necessities and sharpness of patients. Back up staff was not brought in to help when sharpness and patient burden had expanded. Condemnation among Nurses and Dr. T were absent when the patient started to decompensate. The executives/Organizational reason factors Risky Staffing at ED. There was insufficient staff present to securely oversee crises in the ED. RCA Findings: Mistakes and additionally Hazards 1. Per convention the patient was not snared to the best possible checking hardware at the bedside. The office strategy police called for consistent B/P ECG, and heartbeat oximetry during and after technique until tolerant meet the release rules. The medical caretaker ought to have stayed with understanding during the recuperation time frame. Crash truck with defibrillator was absent during the technique nor was the correct inversion specialists that could turn around the medicine given for sedation. 2. Nursing staff correspondence was poor. LPN didn't tell Nurse J or ED doctor when the patient’s o2 immersion dropped down to 85%. Oxygen was not set on tolerant when O2 immersion dropped which prompted respiratory disappointment making the patient code and in the end prompted Mr. B’s passing. 3. Correspondence between ED staff and the executives needed when staffing needs expanded. Persistent security was put in danger when the patient burden and keenness expanded in the ED and the staffing didn't increment. Staffing lack caused the medical attendant and nursing bolster staff to take care of different patients and leave Mr. B unmonitored which prompted respiratory trouble because of the patient being over cured for sedation which prompted respiratory disappointment and inevitably prompted Mr. B’s demise. 4. The ED doctor didn't demand the patient be moved to the closest injury place because of absence of recourse’s in the crisis division. Suggested Corrective Action Plan/Change Theory/Improvement Plan 1. Improved patient wellbeing during cognizant sedation: Effective quickly all cognizant sedation systems will be led per convention. Inside 10 days the cognizant sedation methodology ought to be assessed by a board of trustees to guarantee the accepted procedures are being utilized. Inside 30 days of this RCA allâ staff ought to be instructed on cognizant sedation convention. All nursing staff should utilize audit conventions for cognizant sedation before a cognizant sedation method is to happen. 2. Correspondence inside the office ought to be assessed promptly by a gathering of staff individuals to discover where the miscommunication disappointment lies. This could be that the nursing bolster staff is uninformed of the parameters that ought to be accounted for to medical caretaker or doctor. With 10 days of this RCA a strategy on documentation of correspondence ought to be set up to guarantee that all nursing staff are recording the correspondence of a patients change in status ha s be accounted for to doctor. From this point forward all nursing help staff ought to be taught on parameters that ought to be accounted for to nursing staff and doctors. This ought to be placed into an arrangement alongside documentation of correspondence. 3. Improved patient to nurture proportions: Management should set up a sheltered medical attendant to quiet proportion for the crisis room. Correspondence strategy among office and the executives ought to be set up taking effect right now to guarantee that no other patient ought to be put in harm’s route due to staffing shorta

The Hobby of Running free essay sample

Running as an interest is suggested in light of the fact that it is advantageous in assisting with improving wellbeing, causes you to meet new individuals and is flexible and moderately economical. Running is additionally a helpful apparatus in diminishing pressure and gives other mental advantages. Running is a moderately simple leisure activity to take up. Running requires no new abilities. You can start running at any age with numerous individuals more than 40 making their first running strides as they set out on the way to wellbeing and another and energizing leisure activity. The expense to begin running is low requiring just a decent pair of running shoes and a steady games bra for ladies. No costly gear or rec center participation is required to be a sprinter. You can run anyplace for all intents and purposes all year. You can run practically whenever of day or night that suits your inclination. There are numerous social advantages from running. You can join a running club to meet new individuals, discover a preparation accomplice, or essentially to get running tips from others. We will compose a custom paper test on The Hobby of Running or on the other hand any comparative point explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Running with a mate can help reinforce the obligation of fellowship just as give the security part of running two by two. In the event that one sprinter becomes ill or harmed the subsequent sprinter can help. An aggressor will be less inclined to assault a couple of sprinters or a gathering of sprinters than an individual running performance. Running clubs frequently have social runs and furthermore fill in as a group cheering crew during long runs. There are raising support preparing gatherings, for example, the Arthritis Foundations Joints in Motion Training Team or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys Team In Training, which will prepare you to run a half or full long distance race in return for gathering pledges endeavors. Many sorted out races are gathering pledges occasions for nearby associations, for example, schools and holy places and national associations, for example, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Team RWB supporting America’s veterans. Not exclusively will you help yourself with the endowment of wellbeing however you will be supporting an extraordinary reason and helping other people en route with a segment of your entrance expenses being utilized for these admirable missions. Running for recreation can assist you with improving your wellbeing from numerous points of view. It decreases the danger of cardiovascular failure by bringing down your circulatory strain and raising great cholesterol. Running diminishes the hazard for osteoarthritis since it is viewed as a weight bearing activity which assists with expanding bone thickness. Ongoing examinations likewise show that it additionally helps in the battle against osteoarthritis since it helps increment oxygen stream and flushes poisons out of the body. It is accepted that the effect of running creates multiple times your body weight as an effect on your joints and this is thought to build the creation of proteins in ligament that makes your bones and joints more grounded (Thomas, 2013). Running is an extraordinary technique for helping you to get thinner or keep up a sound weight. Running helps consume calories in two different ways; calorie use during and quickly following the run and by building muscle. The calorie consume from running is around 600 calories for every hour dependent on a six mile run at 10 minutes for each mile. To figure the all out calorie consume for running utilize an estimation strategy for . 75 x your weight in pounds (lbs. ) (Burfoot, 2005) . Muscle assembled and kept up by running additionally helps in throughout the day calorie consume. Muscle consumes calories and fat doesn't in this way the more bulk you assemble the higher your digestion will be and the more calories you will consume even very still. Running is an incredible method to alleviate pressure and has been utilized by emotional well-being specialists to treat despondency and enslavement. Running for 20 to 30 minutes discharges endorphins prompting a loose and tranquil inclination. Longer separation running expands the arrival of endorphins and can prompt what is known as the â€Å"runner’s high†, a sentiment of happiness which is likewise frequently connected with finishing a continuance occasion, for example, a half or full long distance race. Running permits you to utilize the time on the path to clear your head and consider issues that you are battling with. In many cases the issues that appeared to be overwhelming before a run can appear to be littler or non-existent thereafter. Speed running or finishing a couple of runs are sound approaches to discharge the passionate cynicism that accompanies outrage and disappointment as long as it is done securely. The constructive vitality from conquering hindrances of finishing a run in a specific measure of time or meeting the objective of finishing a separation run can give mental advantages of helping you to find out about your own quality and mental core interest. This recently discovered self-assurance and information about yourself can likewise be moved to different aspects of your life and assist you with adapting to issues in a sound manner. Regardless of whether you are racing to get more fit, running alone or with a gathering, fleeing from pressure, regardless of the explanation, the street to better wellbeing starts when you choose to bind up a couple of shoes and put by walking before the other.

Warfare in the High Skies

Fighting in the High Skies Unique Etihad Airways and Emirates Airways are two opponent aircrafts working from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This proposition takes a gander at a few segments of an examination venture intended to take a gander at the components of their showcasing procedures, against the background of their contention. The paper gives an investigation of the two organizations and thinks about their promoting strategies.Advertising We will compose a custom research paper test on Warfare in the High Skies explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More The paper likewise presents discoveries of past research with respect to universal market section and analyzes the various methodologies that might be utilized by an organization hoping to build up itself into a remote land. The paper closes by giving different proposals to both Etihad and Emirates on how they can progress by gaining from one another which may compromise the representativeness of the accomplished example. Presentation Etiha d Airways and Emirates Airways are two opponent carriers working from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This proposition takes a gander at a few parts of an exploration venture intended to take a gander at the components of their showcasing systems, against the background of their contention. As can be seen from table 1, the salary from the aircraft business continues fluctuating. Diagram 1 and 2 likewise portray the outcomes in the table graphically. Table 1: Summary of Airline Profits and Margin Item/Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Operating Revenue 291 295 305 328 307 306 321 378 413 452 490 514 Operating Expense 274 279 293 317 319 311 323 375 409 440 474 498 Operating Profit 17 16 12 11 - 12 - 5 - 2 3 4 12 16 Operating Margin (%) 5.8 5.4 3.9 3.3 - 3.9 - 1.6 - 0.6 0.8 1 2.6 3.3 3.1 Net Profit 8.5 8.2 8.5 3.7 - 13 - 11.3 - 7.6 - 5.6 - 4.1 - 0.5 5.6 5 Net Margin (%) 2.9 2.8 1.1 - 4.2 - 3.7 - 2.4 - 1.5 - 1 - 0.1 1.1 1 Chart 1: Summary of Airline Profi ts and Margin Chart 2: Trend of Changes over the YearsAdvertising Looking for research project on business financial aspects? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Aims and Objectives The point of the examination is to decide the components influencing the decision of market passage models in the worldwide market. Emirates Airlines and the Etihad Airlines have figured out how to break into universal markets in spite of unpleasant household contention. This makes them the best contender for the investigation. The targets of the examination will be as per the following. To explore the market section models of Etihad Airlines and the Emirates Airlines. To examine the characterizing components and the ramifications of the competition between the Etihad Airlines and the Emirates Airlines. To decide the drawn out possibilities of the two carriers according to their current promoting systems with regards to their competition Justification for the Topic Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines are severe adversaries in the aircraft area in the UAE. The two carriers have been vieing for piece of the pie since the foundation of Etihad Airlines. The huge contrast between these two aircrafts is that Etihad Airlines is a lot more youthful than Emirates Airlines. In spite of this, Etihad Airlines is ending up being a solid contender for administration in the UAE airspace. The primary inquiry this prompts is â€Å"how can a youthful organization take on a built up organization and become a savage rival?† Secondly, â€Å"what promoting procedures do the two carriers use, and how do these techniques contribute towards their success?† Need for the Study The need to contemplate the competition between Etihad Airlines and the Emirates Airlines originates from the accompanying reasons. To begin with, advertising decides the achievement or disappointment of any business. Along these lines, the way that Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are each fruitful in their own correct makes them perfect contender for an examination in advertising system. Besides, Etihad Airlines has not yet equaled the initial investment since its initiation, and it will take a couple of more years before it makes benefits. Emirates Airlines has been making benefits since its commencement. Does this circumstance originate from the showcasing methodologies of the two carriers? Thirdly, there is have to decide the drawn out possibilities for the two carriers given their current rivalry.Advertising We will compose a custom research project test on Warfare in the High Skies explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Importance of the Study The significance of this examination is that it will give a stage to analyzing the adequacy of promoting techniques under a circumstance of harsh contention. The two carriers position themselves as extravagance aircrafts. They likewise offer types of assistance in serious courses over the worldwide scene. Their contention can wind up with one of them falling and the other turning into an imposing business model. Then again, every one of the organizations is an objective of procurement by its opponent. These issues outline the significance of examining the showcasing systems of the two aircrafts so as to figure out which one is probably going to get by in the long haul. The proposition intends to give a decent foundation to see how the two contending organizations work, and how they can really exploit their qualities to situate themselves deliberately in the market. Besides, the significant information that will result from this examination will be an extremely helpful asset to the two organizations as they try to grow their tasks. In light of the result of this examination, the two organizations will have the option to investigate their advertising procedures and make the fundamental enhancements where important so as to perform better. As the two organizat ions have just made a transition to infiltrate the universal market, this consequences of this examination will furnish them with data that is basic for their endurance in a worldwide set up. In addition, this investigation will be a decent reference for future market looks into or in any event, for existing and potential carrier organizations. Wellsprings of Information There are three principle wellsprings of information for this undertaking. To begin with, the undertaking will inspect existing information in regards to the activities of the two aircrafts from writing. The examination will likewise look at explore papers composed on different parts of the activities of the two carriers. It will be essential to talk with individuals who utilize the carriers to decide the consumer loyalty files. At long last, it will be imperative to examine productions by the two organizations to unravel their showcasing strategies.Advertising Searching for research project on business financial aspects? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More Writing Review Among different things, this area will look at the writing that exists with respect to these two opponent organizations. The data assembled will later give a decent establishment to seeing how these two organizations complete their showcasing activities and what's on the horizon for two. Characterizing Marketing According to pundits, the showcasing idea is tied in with delivering things that individuals don't generally need and afterward fooling the clients into getting them through tricky promoting. Be that as it may, Shaw (2011) portrays promoting as a total way of thinking for maintaining a business, in light of the gathering of all around investigated, surely knew, and veritable client necessities. It is the administration procedure liable for recognizing, envisioning, and fulfilling client prerequisites in a gainful way (Shaw, 2011). Evidently, the utilization of the word foreseeing in the definition stresses that promoting is a powerful control, where client prer equisites. As indicated by Shaw (2011), fruitful carriers are those that acknowledge the standards of promoting ought to give a structure to everything they do, and set out to apply these standards as broadly and as thoroughly as could reasonably be expected. Foundation of Etihad Airlines and the Emirates Airlines Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, situated in its capital Abu Dhabi, made its first business trip in November 2003 (Hausmann, Austin Mia, 2009). From that point forward, the carrier has become quicker than some other in the business avionics history, as of now serving in excess of 50 goals in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Etihad offers the best expectations of administration and solace both on the ground and noticeable all around with world class cooking, grant winning level beds in its superior lodges and the most extensive seats in the economy, just as over 500 hours of on-request in-flight amusement. Etihad works a youthful and earth productive armada of in any event 42 airplane, which is set to keep developing (Hausmann, Austin Mia, 2009). The Emirates bunch comprises of Emirates Airline, Dnata, Mercator, Transguard, and Emquest. Emirates Airline’s divisions incorporate Emirates SkyCargo, and Emirates Destination and Leisure Management, which oversees Emirates occasions, Arabian Adventures, and Emirates Hotels and Resorts. As indicated by Hausmann, Austin and Mia (2009), Emirates works administrations to 97 urban communities in 61 nations in Europe, America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub substance, and Asia-Pacific. The airplane’s wide bodied armada involves more than 110 airplane and it has on hand, a further 112 airplane worth more than US$ 30 (Hausmann, Austin Mia, 2009). Clearly, universal games sponsorship assumes a focal job in Etihad’s worldwide promoting technique, as it tries to build up its profile in business sectors over the world. Si gnificant global sponsorship bargains incorporate the Ferrari F1 Grand Prix group, Chelsea Football Club, the Etihad Stadium, Harlequins Rugby Football club, and All Irish Hurling Champions. Etihad is the title supporter of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Hausmann, Austin Mia, 2009). As per Kleymann and Seristã ¶ (2004), Emirates Airlines is hesitant to join

A peek into Global Food Systems COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

A peek into Global Food Systems COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog During my second semester of my first year, I was required to take Global Food Systems. As a development novice, I wasn’t entirely sure what the class would cover; moreover the value it played within a larger development perspective. After all, my background is primarily in marketing and communications. Sadly, the only insight I had into any type of food system was the label of origin on my local vegetables. Truthfully, I had initially placed prioritization on the class not just because it was a required MPA-DP course, but also because MPA-DP Director Glenn Denning teaches the course. I knew the course would be challenging and rich, considering Glenn was involved with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for more than  18 years. He was at the forefront of replenishing Cambodia’s destroyed rice fields (and thus, helping to grow an impoverished nation) after the horrendous genocide of the “Killing Fields.” If anyone was going to show me both the micro and macro benefits of a national food system, it would be Glenn. Looking at a country’s food system through a micro lens helped me to understand the importance of soil and vegetation within a country. For example, is it beneficial for a country to produce domestically for their citizens, or should they instead import certain food internationally? One case Glenn cited was about United Arab Emirates. The country is one of the top 10 most water-scarce countries in the world, yet has invested so much in complex irrigation systems. An interesting debate ensued in which my colleagues and I argued whether or not this was a beneficial systemic plan. Glenn also presented the importance of understanding a food system from a macro view. South Africa, for instance, is self-sufficient in agriculture and is even an exporter with certain products. (Wine anyone?) However, the food system linkages are weak, and many South Africans experience hidden hunger and malnutrition. A country’s food system will have direct impact on the health of its citizens. Currently, some South Africans are experiencing obesity and resulting non-communicable diseases (heart disease). This, along with its alarming HIV/AIDs prevalence, their food system is imperative to the health and wellbeing of its citizens. In the end, I really enjoyed this class. It was a great balance of different perspectives of the food system, along with some integration of health and nutrition in a development context. If  you’d like to learn more about the MPA-DP program, please feel free to contact me. The Global Food Systems course runs every spring semester, and there may be an opportunity to sit in the class if you are considering the program. [Photo courtesy of  Michael Goode, MPA-DP 2014]