Coronavirus in North America Essay - 275 Words

Coronavirus in North America (Essay Sample) Content: CoronavirusNameInstitutional affiliationDateI am researching to establish the prevalence of MERS Cov infection in North America, and its symptoms among the people in North America, as it affects a majority of people. A considerable level of ignorance has prevailed within those infected and policymakers North America leading to lack of sufficient information about MERS CoV. As of November 6, 2014, World Health Organization (WHO), including 331 deaths, reported 909 human cases. Additional cases of the emerging strains coronavirus are expected.This study will present the voice of North Americans in ways in what they perceive are effects of the Coronavirus in human. Nevertheless, the study aims to provide readers and future researchers with comprehensive and detailed information about the mechanisms of viral spread, its symptoms, and appropriate preventive measures against human coronavirus. Conceivably, the findings from this study are important to facilitate the populat ionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s awareness on the dangers of the infections and thus kill the prevailing notion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"just another simple infectionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬. Finally, finding of the study is important to policy makers, planners, developmental institutes, NGOs, and the ministry of health and public service. It will facilitate the development and formulation of the vision future in these institutions on better ways to prevent, control, and treat the human coronavirus.Problem statement and justificationCoronavirus is common in most of the regions throughout the world. They can infect both human beings and animals. Past studies reveal that different types of this virus can infect people and consequently make them fall sick. Coronavirus usually causes mild to moderate respiratory infection. However, others such as SARS have caused severe illness to both people and animal. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is the first fatal infection documented about the Coronaviruses. It origina ted in the Guangdong province in China in the year 2002. In the last one decade, more than 8000 cases of SARS were reported including about 800 deaths across the world (Anderson et al. 2004; WHO). Notably, many studies about SARS have been carried out, and adequate general information concerning characteristics and epidemiology of coronaviruses produced. Contrary to this, there is no sufficient information about another emerging type of Corona virus, the MERS-CoV.According to Gardner Maclntre (2014), the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) occurred in 2012. Garder and Maclntre describe coronavirus as a very rare virus but able to cause serious problems and even death if not treated in time. Several people have lost their lives from the attack by the disease. For instance, it claimed the lives of 282 people of the 688 that contracted the MERS CoV. However, there are no well-established source of the human infection and an epidemiologic pattern about MERS CoV as compared to SARS. Because MERS are new infections, there is limited research and investigation concerning it. Additionally, due to limited studies and lack of clear sources of MERS-Cov infections to both human and animals, there are no established standard measures to control MERS-CoV. Mechanisms of the MERS CoV transmission remain unclear and inadequately undocumented. Based on reported exposure of main cases, the major ways includes the interpersonal relationship. However, the spread and prevalence of MERS-CoV to the United States and other parts of the world from Middle East is documented insufficiently.Based on the previously researched epidemiologic patterns of the coronavirus, the studies reveal that the viruses possess crown-like spikes on their surfaces, and this gives them their name (Song Sutter., 2013). Hui et al., (2013) asserts that four categories of coronavirus exists that include the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. For this reason, six coronaviruses that affect human beings include HCoV- 229E, HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, HKU1, HCoV-OC43, and MERS CoV à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ that causes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.Rabia (2013) asserts that the first confirmed case of MERS was discovered in September 2012, when a patient in Saudi Arabia had developed a severe acute respiratory infection, which progressed to acute renal failure. The patient eventually succumbed to death. Samples obtained from him showed pneumonia as a cause but it led to the identification of the MERS virus. As Rubia (2013) describes, some of the majorly affected countries in the Middle- East include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe, cases reported in Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Greece.New England Journal of Medicine 0f 2013 reveals that people are infected with coronaviruses several times in their lifetime and young children, and the elderly are most affected due to low immunity problems. In addition, the patients who have other underlying health complications such as comprised immune system are more at risk of contracting the virus, especially in the case of HIV/AIDS. Of the different groups in the society, the health workers, tourists, and travelers, have recorded large numbers of new infections (Gautret, 2013). For example, human- human transmission occurs in a family setup when living and with an infected person with close contact. In healthcare facilities, health caregivers are infected when they are exposed to respiratory secretions or body fluids of the infected patients.The routes of transmission, therefore, include direct or indirect contact, respiratory droplets like mucus during coughing, sneezing, tear or by close personal contact through touching, hugging, kissing or by shaking hands. Additionally, the virus may also spread when one touches contaminated surfaces then touching their mouth or nose. Gortazar and Segales (2013) say that sometimes during outbreaks, the r eal mode of transmission may not be known. For instance, the first MERS CoV outbreak occurred in a hospital setting in Jordan, 2012. The virus phylogenic analysis revealed that the virus had been circulating since at least 2003.The report is far longer than earlier estimated based on most common MERS CoV strains ancestor found in humans (Gardner Maclntre, 2014). Nevertheless, phylogenic analysis has found a close association between MERS CoV found in humans and various species of bat. However, no confirmed cases of the virus similar to MERS CoV have been confirmed in bats. In contrast, recent studies by Azhar et al., (2014) and Memish et al., (2013) have identified MERS-Cov and MERS-Cov as antibodies in dromedary camels. The reports suggest that MERS CoV is widespread and has there infected more camel in different regions.Detection of the infection occurs through analysis of the swabs from the nasal and the pharyngeal areas of the suspected patients. If the initial results are nega tive for a suspected patient, then the nasal-pharyngeal swabs are repeated specimens or checked in the laboratory. The common symptoms of the infection include fever, coughing, sore throat, and runny nose. It is therefore, necessary to prevent the disease to avoid further contraction of the virus (Lu et al. 2013).As Lu et al. (2013) asserts, hand washing with soap and water could be protective from the virus especially after handling infected patients. People should avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands and to avoid close contact with people who are known to ...

Brave And Strong Women During The Civil War Essay

Brave and Strong Women in the Civil War Keyamber Ford Central High School November 9, 2015 4th Period Abstract Women in the Civil War were basically the beginning of a movement, because many people thought that women could not accomplish fighting in a war. The role of women in the Civil War failed to be noticed by people in history. Women’s roles prior to the Civil War were to take care of home and family. Single women or those who were poor could find work outside the home, but there was a short list of things or places for them many women who stayed home also became the center of the arrangement of ladies gathering supplies and raising funds for the soldiers. Brave and Strong: Women in the Civil War The Civil War began April 12, 1861 and ended on April 9, 1865. Plenty of men fought in this war, but so did many women. Women had the job to be nurses, caretakers, or become like a mother to some of the men during war, but they also fought. Many people did not know that women was fighting in the Civil War, some even had husbands fighting in the war. Women decided they needed to change the world once for all by fighting and showing people they can actually do a job of a man. Women were only supposed to be the backbone of the family. They had to cook, clean, and make sure the kids were taking care of while the husband is off fighting. But women decided to help the males and leave home with men names and faces to get into the war and help them fight. LadiesShow MoreRelatedWomen During The Revolutionary War1197 Words   |  5 PagesWomen serving in the military is a topic that most people have very strong convictions on. Rather you are for or against women serving, you can find strong opinions that support both sides in this contentious dispute. Women have struggled to fit into the military life for years. Even though woman have fought alongside men in each key battle from the start of the American Revolution, they still find it hard to shake the stereo types about woman who serve. Woman have always had to cloak themselvesRead MoreWomen Of The Civil War1720 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Civil War, it was erected to make sure the men would not have died in vain, and after reading it I could not help but to ask myself, â€Å"Are we to let the women?† Kids will learn of the Civil War starting in elementary school, and will continue to do so as far as their education leads them. They will learn of the brave men who fought for their beliefs and rights, brother who fought against brother, and the men who led these soldiers into battle. There is, however, one side of the Civil War whichRead MoreDiscrimination And The War At Appomattox Court House1486 Words   |  6 Pagestensions between northern and southern states concerning states’ rights and slavery sent the country into turmoil. The bloodiest battle in American history soon began and the country would never be the same again. However, after the conclusion of the war at Appomattox Court House, the definition of American citizenship and personal liberties would be changed forever. Unfortunately, discrimination has continued to take place within the nation’s borders against other groups of people. Recently, discriminationRead MoreMovie Review : Cold Mountain Essay1149 Words   |  5 Pagesfirst assault scene at the beginning of the film, I thought that the north and the south both had strong motives and they were both willing to give it their all in order to preserve and defend their cause. This beginning scene if very heart broken because a lot of men died suddenly from one moment to the next. This makes me reflect on how hard and very divesting the civil war was not just for the women but also for the men who lost their families, wives, homes, and even their lives for the greaterRead MoreWomen During The Civil War1523 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Civil War, some of the more notable names were: Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas â€Å"Stonewall† Jackson, and George Custer. These names are synonymous with great generals who fought great battles during the war, but what about Sarah Emma Edmonds, Clara Burton, Dorthea Dix, Rose O’Neal Greenhow, and Loreta Janeta Velazquez? These names are not as known as their male counterparts, but these ladies of the Civil War Era did their part to aide their respective sides in the war. What these and other women didRead MoreAbraham Lincoln : Heroes Serve Powers Or Principles Larger Than Themselves952 Words   |  4 Pagesgets his or her strength from higher principles and he or she knows the value of sacrifice. Only brave and strong men and women could fight against something evil that has existed for a long time bec ause if they fight it, they might die or they might lose everything. Heroes are never afraid to fight for something that they believe in. Abraham Lincoln was one of heroes. He was an American president during 1861 to 1865, and he presents with all his power to his country. Abraham Lincoln was an outstandingRead MoreRecruitment Of A Female Nurse1500 Words   |  6 Pagesfirst in Washington and later other areas. Dix, like the rest of society, had some very strong ideas about what a nurse should and shouldn’t be and in a document dated July 14, 1862 she specified those ideas. No candidate for service in the Women’s Department for nursing in the military hospitals of the United States, will be received below the age of thirty-five years, (35) nor above fifty. Only women of strong health, not subjects of chronic disease, nor liable to sudden illnesses, need apply. TheRead Moreadvantages and disadvantages of the civil war1031 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, the Confederacy and the Union both had numerous advantages and disadvantages and there were multiple women and slaves that contributed to the war. To begin with, the Confederacy had its significant advantages that helped it push through the war, one of which was its strong leaders. Many believed â€Å"Stonewall† Jackson and Robert E. Lee were some of the best officers even before the war. Also, they had the advantage of fighting on their own soil. They knewRead MoreThe Process of Becoming a Marine Corps Officer1506 Words   |  7 Pageswords liberty and justice, sworn to protect every American soul. Marines have battled on land, in air, and at sea for their country and many brave men and women have lost their lives in the line of fire. These brave soldiers are lead by intelligent officers who are strong leaders, quick decision makers, and possess great mental toughness. The young men and women blessed with the privilege of being officers in the Marine Corps face many hardships on their journey to greatness, yet many travel down thisRead MoreThe Battle Of The Civil War1073 Words   |  5 PagesThe Civil War was a war that was thought to would have lasted no longer than ninety days. After all was said and done, the war lasted more than four years and claimed tens of thousands of lives of both The Union and The Confederate States. There were several battles fought on Northern and Southern soil, battles that forced bloody mortal combat between brothers in the fight for equality amongst all men. It tested the strength of the foundation that the United States was built upon. The Civil War was

Akron Children’s Hospital Case Study - 1120 Words

1. Develop a focus group discussion guide for the research described above. a. What topics should be discussed in what order? * How do children parents decide which hospital to take their children to, when their children need acute care? * Is the quality of service a factor on their decision * Is the financing a determine factor? * Is their decision driven simply by emotion? b. What pre tasking exercises might be relevant? Ask the people who are participating in the focus group to prepare a journal: list the events that took place from the time your child was first sick until your child felt better. c. What exercises might you use during the focus group? * Give the group members a blank sheet of paper. Ask them to†¦show more content†¦* Don’t present too many concepts for respondents to keep in their heads while you ask a series of questions referring to the concepts. * Order the questions so that the format varies from scale-type questions to Yes/No or single-choice answers. You want to avoid boring your respondents or allowing them to get into a response pattern. * Don’t skip around from topic to topic. Just as in writing a paper, prepare an outline and group your questions according to topic or subject matter. Write transitional statements between sections or changes in subject matter. * In general, you will begin your questionnaire with a question related to the subject of the research, one that is designed to capture the respondent’s interest without being threatening. This can be an open-ended question that encourages respondents to express th eir thoughts about the subject matter and literally trains them to talk to you. However, it is often better to begin with closed questions that respondents can answer easily so that they can learn that the interview process will be fairly easy for them. * Questions can then be ordered from the least threatening issues to the most threatening. Threatening is, of course, a relative term, because questions about respondent incomes are consideredShow MoreRelatedAkron Children’s Hospital Case Study1105 Words   |  5 Pages1. Develop a focus group discussion guide for the research described above. a. What topics should be discussed in what order? * How do children parents decide which hospital to take their children to, when their children need acute care? * Is the quality of service a factor on their decision * Is the financing a determine factor? * Is their decision driven simply by emotion? b. What pre tasking exercises might be relevant? Ask the people who are participating in the focus groupRead MoreAkron Children’s Hospital1555 Words   |  7 PagesStudy about Akron Children’s Hospital Executive Summary: In this paper, I will attempt to study the operation condition about Akron Children’s Hospital. First of all, I will briefly introduce the hospital’s basic information, including the beginning of its operation, its development process, and current situation. Then, we will focus on the Akron Children’s hospital’s current managerial problem. They want to by using the research to help them fix this problem. The research process is conductedRead MoreAkron Childrens Hospital650 Words   |  3 Pagesmanagement-research question hierarchy for Akron Children’s Hospital? The management research hierarchy for Akron Children’s Hospital includes: Discover the Management Dilemma: Akron’s Children’s Hospital felt the need to distinguish itself from the other prominent pediatric hospitals in the Northeastern Ohio area: Akron Children’s wanted to be the top pediatric hospital choice in Akron and the surrounding counties. Define the Management Question: How can we (Akron Children’s) convince the public, orRead MoreBusiness Research Analysis: Determining the Best Positioning Strategy for Akron Childrens Hospital667 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Tiffin University Case Study 2.3: Kid Stuff? Determining the  Best Positioning Strategy for Akron Childrens Hospital Submitted for MKT 611 Business Research Analysis Professor Lance Mowrey By: Lauren M. Middleton November 2nd, 2014 1. Akron Children’s Hospital Marketing Director Aaron Powell felt it was important to conduct this study because Akron Childrens Hospitals marketing director Aaron Powell thought that it was importantRead MoreThe Health Care Market Of Northeast Ohio1580 Words   |  7 Pageschildren with serious illnesses. Hospitals that have not been involved in pediatrics are now emerging into this particular field. In order to contest this, Akron Children’s Hospital (ACH) decided to try to figure out how the selection of institutions and physicians amongst parents with seriously ill children work. This is an effort to differentiate itself from other health care providers entering the pediatric care market. The advertising strategies within the major hospital in the area had some similarities;Read MoreAkron Childrens Hospital687 Words   |  3 PagesCase Study: Akron Children’s Hospital 1) What is the management-research question hierarchy for Akron Children’s Hospital? a. Management Dilemma- Step 1 is identifying the management dilemma. The dilemma that the hospital faces is how to increase the bed-occupancy rate and what can the hospital do to gain more business than its competitors. b. Management Question- Step 2 is how to differentiate itself and step out of the shadow of its competitors. c. Research Questions-Read MoreA Case Study of Akron Children‚Äà ´s Hospital2143 Words   |  9 PagesAkron Children’s Hospital Anthony D. Davis, Sr. Keiser University MBA 542 Read MoreMaternal Separation And Its Effects On Children1830 Words   |  8 Pagesfor a great amount of time leads children to develop anger, anxiety, resentment, difficult parental relationships, and other issues in their daily lives. Due to difficult parental relationships, it can also cause issues with other relationships. A study was done by Kalinichev et al. (2002) to compare female and male rats that were maternally separated, handled, or undisturbed as neonates in anxiety-like behaviors, in response to startle-inducing auditory stimuli and elevated plus-maze. It was discoveredRead MoreComputerize Medical Insurance System10020 Words   |  41 PagesNigeria operates a mixed economy, private providers of health care have a visible role to play in health care delivery. Health Insurance is designed  to pay the costs associated with health care. Health insurance plans pay the bills from physicians, hospitals, and other providers of medical services. Countries with national health insurance generally consider access to health care to be a basic right of citizenship. Historically, health insurance in Nigeria can be applied to a few instances: free healthRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesStudents achieve concept mastery in a rich, structured environment that’s available 24/7 Instructors personalize and manage their course more effectively with assessment, assignments, grade tracking, and more manage time better study smarter save money From multiple study paths, to self-assessment, to a wealth of interactive visual and audio resources, WileyPLUS gives you everything you need to personalize the teaching and learning experience.  » F i n d o u t h ow t o M A K E I T YO U R S  »

Exam Paper free essay sample

This examination paper consists of 5 printed pages  © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 2 BM/APR 2006/MGT269/268 QUESTION 1 a. To adopt an audience-centered approach to communication, what do you need to learn about your audience? List at least five (5) specific examples. (5 marks) Describe the six (6) phases of the communication process. (5 marks) b. c. Describe five (5) common types of communication barriers. (5 marks) d. Briefly explain five (5) characteristics of effective report content. (5 marks) e. Explain five (5) types of materials that are often best presented on handouts. 5 marks)  © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 3 BM/APR 2006/MGT269/268 QUESTION 2 Read the following letter content which is an extract from the column of Readers Forum in the New Straits Times. Dear Forum, I had a very unpleasant experience at one of your chain hotel of Terang Resort Cherating. I reached at the resort lobby after a long journey from Kuala Lumpur. The journey was tiring and expecting a warm welcome from the hotel staff. We will write a custom essay sample on Exam Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I went to the resort on December 23, 2005, after getting the good feedback and recommendation from a friend. I waited for 20 minutes during that time. There was only one front desk officer on duty. The other officer was absorbed in talking through the mobile phone. When I mentioned this to the officer at the desk, she was rather rude. My family and I decided to change the hotel until the officer on the mobile phone came running to me to render assistance. I wonder whether if there might be some other way the resort could monitor its staff so that the busiest times are better covered by more and dedicated employees. Also being rude is not a good customer service to the industry. Ani Ally 25, Jalan Tombak, Bandar Baru Bangi, 50000 Selangor As the Resort Manager, you have read the letter by Miss Ani Ally in the New Straits Times. Reply to the complaint based on the content above. (25 marks)  © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 4 BM/APR 2006/MGT269/268 QUESTION 3 a) Syahrul, a regular customer of Jackson Dry Cleaners who picked up his dry cleaning in the last two days has complained about experiencing skin irritations after wearing his newly cleaned clothes. The management has discovered that a new employee mixed the wrong combinations of detergent when making the cleaning solution for the clothes. As a clerk in Jackson Dry Cleaners, you are responsible to write a letter to the customer to explain the situation and to emphasize the problem. The letter will convey an offer to reclean the clothes for free and include a coupon for another free cleaning. (20 marks) b) By using appropriate approach either direct or indirect, write the following bad-news messages. i) A letter from an insurance company to a policyholder denying a claim for reimbursement for a special medical procedure that is not covered under the terms of the customers policy. 2. 5 marks) A memo to all employees notifying them that the company parking lot will be repaved during the first week of May and that the company will provide a shuttle service from a remote parking lot during that period. (2. 5 marks) ii)  © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL 5 BM/APR 2006/MGT269/268 QUESTION 4 As a market researcher for Naza Star chain of car dealerships, youre examining car and truck ownership an d lease patterns among single drivers in various age groups. By discovering which age groups have the highest percentages of owners, you will be better able to target advertising that promotes the leasing option. Using information in Table A below, prepare a bar chart comparing the number of owners with the number of leasers in each age category and provide information on your findings. TABLE A Age Group 18-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 46-49 50-54 55 + Number of owners (in 000s) 1,830 1820 1680 1,303 1,211 1,780 3,200 3,435 Number of leasers (in 000s) 795 1450 1412 1,905 1,895 1,426 1,145 860 (25 marks) END OF QUESTION PAPER  © Hak Cipta Universiti Teknologi MARA CONFIDENTIAL

University of Cambridge and Answer free essay sample

For Examiners Use This document consists of 12 printed pages. IB07 06_0580_02/6RP Â © UCLES 2007 [Turn over 2 1 For Examiners Use For the diagram above write down (a) the order of rotational symmetry, Answer(a) (b) the number of lines of symmetry. Answer(b) 2 (a) Use your calculator to work out 1 ? (tan 40o )2 . 2(tan 40o ) [1] [1] Answer(a) (b) Write your answer to part (a) in standard form. Answer(b) 3 Xsara throws a ball three times at a target. Each time she throws the ball, the probability that she hits the target is 0. 2. Calculate the probability that she does not hit the target in any of the three throws. Kalid’s brother invests his money in this bank. At the end of 3 years, how much more money will he have than Kalid? [2] Answer(b)$ Question 23 is on the next page. [3] Â © UCLES 2007 0580/02/J/07 [Turn over 12 23 For Examiners Use NOT TO SCALE A 12 cm B The largest possible circle is drawn inside a semicircle, as shown in the diagram. We will write a custom essay sample on University of Cambridge and Answer or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The distance AB is 12 centimetres. (a) Find the shaded area. Answer(a) (b) Find the perimeter of the shaded area. cm2 [4] Answer(b) cm [2] Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge. Â © UCLES 2007 0580/02/J/07

England and a Mercantilist Economy essays

England and a Mercantilist Economy essays England established colonies in America to provide them with raw materials. England passed the Navigation Acts to enforce mercantilism. During the seventeen hundreds, England was suffering from many hardships. England became preoccupied and could not enforce the Navigation Acts. This was known as a period of solitary neglect. Solitary neglect influenced the development of American society. Its influence can be seen in America's legislative assemblies, commerce, and religion. By seventeen-fifty Colonial America was governed by the colonist. Although England still owned the colonies, the colonist reacted to the colonial government rather than England. Many colonies in the New World passed acts, which allowed them to be self-governed. The pilgrims in Plymouth signed the Mayflower Compact, which said they would rule themselves although they are a colony of England. Virginia established the House of Burgesses and representative democracy. Representative democracy means citizens vote for the person they want to represent them. Connecticut wrote a document entitled "The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. This reinforced self-government and the ideas of representative government. England had a mercantilist economy. Mercantilism means governmental control is exercised over industry and trade by the theory that a majority of exports over imports increases national strength. They established colonies in America to provide England with raw materials. The mother country brought raw materials from the colonies and manufactured them. They then sold the new manufactured goods back to the colonies at a high price to create revenue. England passed the Navigation Acts to enforce mercantilism. Navigation acts were legislation passed by the English Parliament in the 17th and 18th centuries to promote and protect the English industry and commerce against foreign competition. The Navigation acts consisted of three parts. The first part said tra...

What are the pros and cons of company's IPO Should company be floated Essay

What are the pros and cons of company's IPO Should company be floated at all - Essay Example Although the aim of growth is to bring benefits to the company, there exist both pros and cons that can arise from this process of going public (Helwege 2004, p.541). Pros and cons of Initial Public Offer (IPO) There are several advantages that accrue to a company by going public. As mentioned above, the principal advantage is the financial benefit through raising capital. An IPO adds a value on the company's stock. In addition, those insiders retaining stock are able to sell their shares or even use them as collateral (Datta 2000, p.715). Going public also creates a currency type in the form of its stock, which can be used in making acquisitions. In addition, there is a possibility that the company can access the capital markets for its future financing needs. Overall, a company's debt-to-equity ratio improves considerably after an initial public offering, which indicates that the business is likely to earn more favorable loan terms from its lenders (Datta 2000, p. 716). Another adv antage is the increase of public awareness of the company. IPOs normally produce more publicity by increasing the awareness of their products to a new group of potential customers. Subsequently this is expected to increase the company’s market share. The founders can also use the IPO as an exit strategy. Many venture capitalists have tried this in an attempt to open up successful companies (Hao 2007, p.112). For others, the prestige associated with the public companies or a post of a director or officer of any public company has a certain allure. Furthermore, going public puts the company ahead for promotion. The publicly traded companies are mostly better known than non-publicly traded ones. The company can gain publicity and a stable image by trading publicly. This makes the public companies offer a wide variety of stock, which has a considerable potential of significant appreciation in value. Those companies will trade publicly and portray a positive image hence attracting highly qualified personnel at all levels of management. It is possible to view such companies as growth-oriented hence their duty is to answer to a board of directors and shareholders who in turn demand increased profitability as frequent as possible, and also act quickly to solve managerial problems and also replace those senior executives who are performing poorly (Benninga 2005, p.117). Although the benefits of an IPO are many, there are certain challenges. One outstanding challenge is the disclosure of information to investors. There is a high cost of complying with the regulatory requirements. Other costs that will also arise include the generation of financial reporting documents and audit fees (Hao 2007, p.112). This will subject the public companies to added pressure of the market. This may force them to focus mainly on short-term results rather than their long-term growth. Since the investor is keen on profits, management will be under scrutiny. This may trigger the manage ment to engage in questionable practices in order to increase earnings. Another setback of going public is that these public companies operate under precise scrutiny. There is disclosure of confidential information touching on the company including those transactions with management; the prospectus divulges prior violation of security law and executive compensation. This may be confidential information belonging to the company that it may be reluctant to reveal. Furthermore, formalisation of the decision-making process follows and with less flexibility when the shareholders are also there. This may bring complexities to these companies. Previously, decision making was quite flexible due to the presence of few people. The company is also subject to