Deinstitutionalization Of Mental Hospitals In 1970 Criminology Essay

Deinstitutionalization Of Mental Hospitals In 1970 Criminology Essay Introduction Deinstitutionalization of mental hospitals came into play in 1970 in the United States; the program aimed at treating mentally retarded patients within the community itself rather than maintaining and treating them at mental hospitals. During these days, state mental hospitals were regarded as institutions that deprived the mentally ill patients their freedom to associate with family and community members within the society. For instance, the United States Congress approved the Community Mental Health Centers Act that facilitated deinstitutionalization, thus getting out the mentally ill persons from confinements of the custodial institutions into deliberate medication at the community mental health institutions. Despite the perceived good of deinstitutionalization by the policy makers in the United States and the world over, the move has brought about more sophisticated problems. In essence the whole program has failed to achieve its objectives and has led to mentally ill individual suffering in the boulevards and dungeons, as well as in the shelter homes, and beggars homes, (Sheth 12). To be true enough, the policy of deinstitutionalization has failed completely. New Freedom Commission on Mental Health analyzed the American public mental health and confirmed that it is in a terrible state. This paper is aimed at discussing the impacts of deinstitutionalization for the last 35 years on criminal justice, advantages and disadvantages of deinstitutionalization and how mental health issues should be addressed in correctional systems. Discussion As at the present, it is estimated that more than 4.5 million Americans are suffering from severe mental illnesses. The total number of persons that do not receive medication out of the 4.5 millions is approximately 40%. This has increased homelessness, violence, and incarceration. Since the onset of deinstitutionalization policy, almost one third of homeless persons in the US suffer from severe mental retardation. In addition in Oklahoma, researchers have established that there is a correlation existing between the increasing number of suicidal and the decreasing state of mental health centers. Ted Strickland, a US congressman testified that, thousands of mentally ill persons are being taken out of hospitals and dumped in communities where there are no adequate mental health services that cannot receive and take care of them. The idea of deinstitutionalization has culminated into trans-institutionalization, whereby large numbers of mentally ill individuals find themselves in prisons, jails, and homeless shelters, (Sheth 15). For instance, the recent studies have shown that more than 40% of Beggars Home inmates are mentally ill. The policy of deinstitutionalization is a recipe of the evil that is done to the mentally ill persons in the US. The defenseless and helpless mentally ill people roam and beg on streets, roadside, footpaths, and are also seen starving in streets, eating from garbage bins and take refuge in shelter homes. In addition the society jeers at them, verbally, physically and sexually abuse them. Policy makers who came up with this particular policy, wanted to clean and beautiful mental hospitals without taking into consideration that the streets and other social places will be messed up. Recent studies have established that there are more mentally sick people in prisons and jails compared to those ones that are hospitalized. Around 9,000 people released from New York jails and prisons on annual basis have psychiatric disabilities without housing or support services. It has also been found out that 40 to 50% of community mental health system clients have a history of criminal arrest. Furthermore there is a direct link between closure of mental hospitals and mushrooming of new prisons and jails. With regard to the US department of Justice, when 40 mental hospitals were closed in the past ten years, 400 new prisons were opened up. The law enforcement department is now tasked with confronting and solving the communitys problems resulting from deinstitutionalization. For instance, studies show that, more than 70% of mentally ill individual should be sent to jail for their own safety and well-being. Recent research depict that rates of arrest of mentally ill persons is higher compared to that of normal people, (Sheth 17). This is because; such individuals are arrested on charges like disturbing peace and criminal trespass. In the first place, incarceration was thought to be the best remedy with regard to vast problems faced on the streets; the reality is that arresting a chronically mentally ill person and taking him or her into custody and forcefully imposing criminal justice, denies justice to all concerned. Of all the mentally ill persons arrested only 12% are arrested for charges that significantly warrant for incarceration. Moreover, 54% of mentally ill arrestees are always found to be incompetent and hence can not stand trials. Arresting mentally ill persons in essence does not solve the problem or enforce criminal justice but rather intensifies management and financial problems for detention facilities. These kinds of arrests only fill criminal court calendar rather than solving the problem. The moment of arresting mentally ill individuals, the criminal justice enforcement funds are shifted to mental health area to cater for the arrestee, with law and justice enforcement agencies instead of state hospitals playing their fundamental duty of housing and treating the mentally ill. In fact at the detention levels surveys have found out that between 50% and 60% of the inmate population are mentally ill with successful suicide rate 75% higher that of the general population. Advantages of Deinstitutionalization Treatment of outpatient clinics is less expensive and effective as compared to treatment in highly sophisticated mental hospitals that require boarding fees in addition to medical fees. Consequently, the patients will have freedom of community based treatment as compared to in-patient hospitals. Disadvantages of deinstitutionalization Deinstitutionalization has broadly contributed to homelessness, as people released from in-patient facilities have no place to go. Furthermore, it has also led to a revolving door situation, where chronically mentally ill persons are periodically hospitalized, released and eventually hospitalized. How mental health issues should be addressed in correctional systems With regard to criminal justice to mentally ill individuals, a proactive and conscious approach is a basic requirement and several elements are significant in implementing such an approach. Studies have shown and suggested that law enforcement officers have higher chances of arresting a mentally ill person than it is to a normal person. In relation to this, officers in criminal justice department should undergo or receive extensive training with regard to handling cases of such kind. The training should not only advocate for identifying mental illness symptoms but also provide communication skills and knowledge that the officer can use to communicate with and handle the psychiatric patient. The training should also be designed in a manner that does not compromise the humane treatment or concern for the officers safety. Criminal justice department especially the law enforcement agencies should collaborate and negotiate with medical institutions to come up with policies and mental illness cases procedures, implementing no-decline agreements that would importantly increase the choices of the criminal justice system. For better service delivery by law enforcement officers, the psychiatric com munity should wholly be involved by putting aside their mutual stereotypes and antagonism. It is also necessary for the law enforcement officer to have adequate information on statutory guidelines in relation to law enforcement that initiates involuntary psychiatric commitment. They should also understand that mental illness symptoms should not be taken or considered criminal behavior to aid the arresting if the same behavior will be relied upon for civil petition for automatic hospitalization. The expertise in this section requires the law enforcement officer to undergo training that will eventually equip him with the appropriate procedures that meet the statutory designed standards. The law enforcement bodies can also commence innovative pre arrest diversion systems. For instance, the law enforcing officer in the field, who comes in contact with psychiatric offender, should have more options, instead of making the arrest he can leave the crime scene other than providing the solution to the basic issues. The pre-arrest diversion program, which consists of mobile crisis unit involving mental health practitioners in corporation with law enforcement officers, would give the officer freedom of not making custody related decisions till new options with regard to the situation are reviewed, (Sheth 18). For this matter the non-violent offenders shall be handed over to crisis teams thus allowing officer to attend to other criminal related issues. Conclusion In the last two to three decades there has been a rapid rise in numbers of the mentally ill persons released into the society. Deinstitutionalization has integrated itself into trans-institutionalization whereby a massive number of psychiatric patients have been transferred of shifted from state owned hospitals to streets, beggars homes, prisons and jails. The civil libertarians have eventually changed into criminal justice system. Most, law enforcement officers consider mental illness symptoms to be elements of crime. For this situation to change, law enforcement agencies should shun from being inundated by such social problems, in addition a proactive response linking the societys resources to the real and actual area of need is essential. Work Cited Sheth, Hitesh. Deinstitutionalization or Disowning Responsibility. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 13.2 (2009): 11-20.

The Effects of Music on Laboring Moms

Coping with labor pain when you are a first time mom is usually an experience filled with great anxiety. The first stage of labor is called the latent phase, in which she may be excited and anxious for labor to be well established [ (Marcia L. London, 2011) ]. The laboring mom may be unable to cope with contractions because of fear, anxiety, or lack of information [ (Marcia L. London, 2011) ].The nurse’s response should be to be supportive and provide encouragement and to establish a trusting relationship [ (Marcia L. London, 2011) ]. The challenge for the labor nurse is to reduce the pain and anxiety and to help make the labor and delivery a positive experience. The application of music therapy may be an appropriate tool for reducing anxiety and pain [ (Marcia L. London, 2011) ]. Music therapy has become popular in medicine in the last two decades.Studies show that the impulses from the auditory stimulus override the pain signals carried by the smaller nerve fibers, and music perceived by the right brain may stimulate the pituitary gland to release endorphins for decreasing pain [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ]. Music may also alter pain perception by improving mood, increasing relaxation, and reducing anxiety. Music also increases control and distraction to pain perception. The purpose of the study I read was to undertake an evaluation of music therapy on labor pain and anxiety in Taiwanese primiparas.It was hypothesized that primipara women receiving music therapy would perceive less pain and anxiety and have higher fingertip temperatures, an indication of less pain, during labor than those participants who had not received music therapy but received standard routine care [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ]. This controlled study provided evidence that music therapy for women during the latent phase of labor provided psychological and physiological benefits from pain [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ].The participants in the study were primipara women giving birth with the fol lowing criteria; they had a normal pregnancy, their pregnancy had gone to term, they planned to undergo a vaginal delivery, they had a single, normal fetus to deliver, they did not intend to use pharmacological analgesics during labor, and they consented to the participate in the study [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ]. In this study pain and anxiety were the main outcome measurements. Ultimately 60 participants were included in the analysis, 30 women were entered in the experimental group and 30 women were entered into the control group.Participants were instructed to choose types of relaxing, anxiety-reducing music. In addition to receiving standard nursing care, the experimental participants listened to music for at least 30 minutes during the latent phase and active phase of labor. Measures for pain and anxiety scales were given before and after 30 minutes of music listening during the latent and active phases of labor. Participants in the control group were not aware that they had the opportunity to listen to music, but they received the standard routine care after admission.Both groups completed the same pretest and posttest measures at the same phases of labor as the music group. Twenty-four hours after childbirth, women in the experimental group were asked to complete an open-ended questionnaire to indicate their perceptions of the effectiveness of music therapy on pain and anxiety and a five-point scale to evaluate the helpfulness of music. All the outcome measures for latent and active phases were analyzed separately because of the different level of pain.The results indicated that women in the music-listening group had lower pain and anxiety and higher fingertip temperatures than their peers in the control group during the latent phase, but the outcome measures were not significant during the active phase. Music seems to have multiple functions in pain reduction, including focusing, distracting, and stimulating pleasure responses. The study provides evidenc e that preselected music that is slow, relaxing and calming in nature, with little variation in tempo or volume is helpful for laboring women in the early latent phase [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ].In the active phase of labor the slow music was not effective. This is when contractions are more intense and more painful and it is possible that the auditory cue did not synchronize with the women’s rhythmic short, rapid breathing [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ]. It could be that music with a more rapid tempo would be more helpful. Pain and anxiety can influence heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, peripheral blood flow and fingertip temperature (FT). Elevation of FT is a significant indicator of physical relaxation through the sympathetic response [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ].This study shows that music can promote relaxation and decrease muscle tension which can increase peripheral blood flow as well as skin temperature as evidenced by the increased FT [ (Yu-Hsiang Liu, 2010) ]. In conclusion, this controlled study provides evidence that music therapy for women during the latent phase of labor provides quantifiable psychological benefits. The findings of this study may provide an evidence-based music therapy protocol for women in labor.Clinical health care professionals such as nurses could consider providing music as part of their routine when working with women who face the first-time childbirth process. Nurses could apply music therapy in reducing the pain and anxiety for women who are at the early phase of labor. Music does not have harmful side-effects and is easy to administer, so if it is yet another way to ease the pain and anxiety of a laboring patient and could help make the childbirth experience a positive one, the nurse should consider offering the therapy to her patients.

Analysis of Cyber Law Case about Employee Surveillance Free Essay Example, 2750 words

As employee abuse of e-mail and Internet privileges can have severe consequences - in addition to lost productivity, such abuses also open the employer up to security breaches, viruses, not to mention that employees commit crimes more than the third parties5 - there is a definite need for employers to subject their employees to surveillance. Then there is the issue of cyberslacking, which is just like it sounds employees abusing their privilege and taking away valuable company time with their personal online activities, which leads to loss of productivity and theft of company resources. However, employees have rights as well, and there are a number of different UK cases and statutes that are implicated in employee surveillance. One such is the Human Rights Act 1998, which states in Article 8 that everyone has a right to respect for his private correspondence. 7 Courts have interpreted this particular Act in a variety of ways that would be pertinent to the question of employee surveillance. For instance, the court in Halford v. UK [1997] I. This court found that intercepting phone calls made from an employee on business premises was a breach of the employee s privacy. 8 This decision was upheld in 4839 and Douglas v. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of Cyber Law Case about Employee Surveillance or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page For instance, in MS v. Sweden(1999) 28 E. 313 ECHR, an employee complained that the release of her medical data was provided to her employer, which led to her dismissal. However, the court ruled that that disclosure was legitimate and necessary to a democratic society.

Personal Experience With The Stitt Feld Handy Negotiation...

To Negotiate is a part of every day life, and in most cases is absolutely critical to your success. (book) There are a multitude of advantages and disadvantages towards specific approaches to conflict and negation. With several references to Stitt Feld Handy Negotiation Simulations I will discuss with you my initial understanding and experience of negotiation, prior to this class. I will also discuss my personal experience with the Stitt Feld Handy Negotiation Simulations, and how many of my initial views towards negation have altered since completing them. Based on this I will introduce my newfound understanding and plans for negotiating. I will conclude, by providing an overall evaluation of the negotiation module, specifically the negotiation simulations. †¨ Personally, I have always held negotiation and conflict at opposite sides of the spectrum, I felt I was an excellent negotiator, however I generally avoided conflict at all costs. I suppose I thought of myself as a great negotiator because the only instances in which I would be involved in a negation were where the stakes weren t very high, and the conflicts were minimal. What I failed to understand is that negation and conflict are entirely intertwined, you rarely have one with out the other(Book).†¨ The majority of issues I have negotiated in the past have all been minor, interest based negations. The other party and myself focused on each others interests and made attempts to work together to create options thatShow MoreRelatedIntroduction. Cahn And Abigail (2014) Define Negotiation1961 Words   |  8 PagesINTRODUCTION Cahn and Abigail (2014) define negotiation as â€Å"a particular type of conflict management—one characterized by an exchange of proposals and counter proposals as a means of reaching a satisfactory settlement† (p. 229). Negotiation is a fact of life. Subsequently, we spend a substantial amount of time negotiating for something every day. The fact of the matter is that life is full of conflict situations. Whether in our personal or professional lives and whether or not we are aware of it

Isaac Storm - 2332 Words

EXPAND ON GILDED AGE CORRUPTION IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Was it innovation or greed and corruption that played a pivotal role in making the United States the leading industrialized nation in the world during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, also known as the Gilded Age? In the book, Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson the author describes how greed and corruption by the United States government ultimately leads to poor decisions after a horrific disaster in 1900 [Larson]. In addition, well-researched essays by Henry Demarest Lloyd and Emma Goldman back up Larson’s theory that the Gilded Age was actually a very dark time for the United States. Isaac’s Storm describes the historical aspects of the national weather service, weather†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Nature is rich; but everywhere man, the heir of nature, is poor.† Lloyd begins his work by complaining about how the rich remain rich and the poor remain poor; however, as the essay progresses, one can see the accuracy of his views. He references the creation of Adam and Eve, stating that, â€Å"Never since time began have all the sons and daughters of men been all warm, and filled, and all shod and roofed.† It’s been true throughout history that because of monopolies that a very small percentage of men control a majority of land and resources. Lloyd states that individuals holding a majority of resources and land believe that that there is a scarcity; that there is not enough. And in order to survive, in order to be happy, in order to be prosperous, they must contain and constrain. Men must hold on to any and everything they can get their hands on. The minority has an opposing viewpoint. It feels that there is an abundance of resources, but because of unequal distribution, there is never enough to go around: â€Å"There is too much iron, too much lumber, too much flour―for this or that syndicate. The majority have never been able to buy enough of anything; but this minority have too much of everything to sell.† Lloyd concludes by expressing that we have become a â€Å"mutual deglutition.† He states that we have advanced too quickly and implicates that we are beginning to reverseShow MoreRelatedEssay on Isaac Storm743 Words   |  3 PagesIsaac Storm On Friday evening, September 7, 1900, many of the 37,000 residents of Galveston, Texas, were settling down to dinner, few if any of them concerned about the steady 15 mph northerly wind rattling their windows. Within 48 hours, at least 8,000 of the townspeople would be dead, victims of the single worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Relatively few people are aware that the deadliest natural disaster in the United States was the hurricane that struck Galveston Island on SeptemberRead MorePre And Post Disaster Changes Essay781 Words   |  4 PagesWorld Georgraphy Gerren Isaac GEO 1113-71 October 9, 2016 Introduction Hurricane Katrina, one of the intense storms, impacted the coast of the United States. Affecting the central Gulf Coast states of the US; cities such as New Orleans, LA, Mobile, AL, and Gulfport, MS were impacted by the burden of Katrina s force. The hurricane was so large that the area sustained forceful winds for hours before the storm s eye reached land on August 29, 2005. Following the hurricane, devastated cities acrossRead MoreOutline for Informative Speech on Galveston Hurricane of 19001293 Words   |  6 Pages In 2008, Hurricane Ike, one of the most destructive hurricanes in Texas history, knocked out power to over 2.6 million people. The storm caused a 14-foot surge and over 18 inches of rainfall. Before the day was over Ike had claimed 84 lives and 19.3 billion dollars in damage. That storm was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life. Life after the storm was no better. The heat was oppressive, the cleanup monstrous, and the weeklong lack of electricity humbl ing. Thesis/Preview: HurricanesRead MoreThe And The Sacrifice Of Isaac By Peter Paul1107 Words   |  5 Pagesyears of art to capture the intensity of the stories. My Journey to The Sacrifice of Isaac by Peter Paul Rubens begin when I saw a painting at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art almost six years ago in a grand room, with tens of other paintings and high, echoing ceilings. I stood in front of a massive, Renaissance-era piece. Without looking at the title or artist’s statement, I knew it was of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. It had the iconic look of one of the most infamous stories from the bible. And whenRead MoreThe Legacy Of Isaac Monroe Cline1252 Words   |  6 Pages Isaac Monroe Cline was one of the era’s new scientists who believed he knew everything there was to be known about the motions of clouds and the behavior of storms. Isaac was the chief of the United States Weather Service bureau in Galveston at this time. The idea of a hurricane destroying the city of Galveston baffled him. As rain started to fall in the city with a higher intensity than normal, people were reassured by Isaac’s beliefs. He was completely wrong. Galveston which is locatedRead More The Impact of the Scientific Revolution Essay1513 Words   |  7 Pagesreverse this problem was to fix the institutions. Three important scientists of this era were Tycho Brahe, Galileo and Isaac Newton. Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) determined that the sun was the center of the universe. Galileo (1564-1642) was the first scientist to invent the telescope and view the earth. He determined that there were stars and high mountains in the moon. Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was very important because he invented calculus, which mathematically proves science. He was also the creatorRead MoreAge of Enlightenment: Revolutionary Viewpoints Spreading Essay830 Words   |  4 Pagestime gained confidence in themselves as free thinkers and realized the beauty and wealth of knowledge that nature could provide. Throughout the years of the Enlightenment, there were many individuals credited with great revolutions and discoveries. Isaac Newton and John Locke were two of these men. The well-known tale of Newton’s apple is perhaps the clearest example of how observation of nature helped to revolutionize thought. One day when Newton was outdoors, an apple fell from a tree nearby. SomeRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The North Atlantic Region Essay1368 Words   |  6 Pagescoastline property and land from the storm surge, there is also a need to reduce the intensity of the hurricanes themselves. A study done by the faculties at Stanford University and the University of Delaware shows that a large array of offshore wind turbines could serve that purpose adequately. They proved their hypothesis that the addition of a large array of wind turbines along the coasts of major U.S cities significantly reduced the wind speeds and storm surges by extracting enough kinetic energyRead MoreG reat Innovators Essay1414 Words   |  6 Pagesa lawyer, Martin started learning about law in 1505. One stormy night, Luther was walking, more or less running, in a storm that could have possibly ended his life for him right then and there. A lightning bolt just barely missed him as he was in a mad dash he fell down and began to pray and shout to God. He promised that, if he lived, he would become a monk. And so the storm stopped after this prayer and he became a monk, regretting the words he prayed at the time. About a month after the incidentRead MoreCharacteristics Of The Enlightenment Period1488 Words   |  6 Pageswith experience, but as they grow up, they learn more behaviors, morals, and skills which are then applied in their lives. Rationalism is a skill that is used in our day-to-day lives. Little decisions, such as dressing in a raincoat for an oncoming storm are examples of rationalism. This shows how important the enlightenment time period was and some of the impa ct it has made in our daily lives. The world during the enlightenment period differs greatly compared to the world today. Before the 1700s

Egyptian Sculpture Analysis Free Essays

His Wife, Infer-shames The Statue Group of En-shaft-aka and His Wife, Infer-shames was found in a rock- cut tomb at Dashes and sculpted by an unknown Egyptian artist in 2350 BC. The artist uses all aspects of composition to convey Egyptian dominance. Using a Standard Egyptian Scale, the figures were carved in proportions seen to be ideal by the Egyptians. We will write a custom essay sample on Egyptian Sculpture Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now The sculpture was carved out of limestone. It was richly painted with brightly colored paint. Now, only traces of the paint are visible. This piece is currently n view at The Walter’s Art Museum. En-shaft-aka is depicted is his most idealized form?muscular, athletic, youthful, and large in size, all of which evoke a sense of male dominance. His left leg advances forward as he rests his weight on his right leg. This pose creates a sense of depth and movement within the form, however in order to maintain durability, his legs are still fully connected to each other and to their base. The combination of his reddish skin tone, black painted eyes, and tightly curled, detailed wig is very typical of Egyptian Art in the Old Kingdom. The close attention to detail indicates how important the figure was and illustrates the skill of the artist. Infer-shames accompanies En-shaft-aka as his wife and inferior. She is not carved with the same attention to detail as her husband was perhaps because she was of less importance. Unlike the wig of her husband, the strands of her hair are not defined. Instead, her hair is merely a block of limestone. Infer-shames proportions are very naturalistic and they reveal the Egyptians ideal proportion of human features. Her waist is very slender while her hands and feet are too large compared o the rest of her body. En-shaft-aka and wife’s faces are very similar to each other as well as to other portraits of their time, which confirms they were based off standard Egyptian ideals and were not veracious portraits. The over idealized forms lack character and individuality, thus ridding the piece of emotion. The figures’ rigid poses and lack of physical connection between each other thereby heightens this notion. With legs facing straight ahead, En-shaft-aka and his wife do not touch as they impassively and confidently gaze into the future, evoking a sense of permanence. How to cite Egyptian Sculpture Analysis, Papers

Evolution of Commonwealth Bank of Australia-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Commonwealth bank of Australia. Answer: Introduction Commonwealth Bank of Australia is a pioneer in providing integrated financial services. The business of the bank pertains to retail business, institutional banking, and products that pertain to management and services. The major chunk of the population in Australia hails the bank as the major financial institution. Moreover, Commonwealth bank played a leading role in securing a strong economy that enables employment opportunities, financial security, and growth. In the year 2017, the bank served more than 16.5 million customers, gave back 75% of cash profit and employed a whopping 51,800 people (CBA, 2017). The report evaluates Commonwealth Bank of Australia, a leader in the banking and financial services with eight major initiatives in hand that projects the commitment level of the company in the creation of long-term growth that is sustainable in nature. Ratio analysis is conducted so as to see the impact on the areas of profitability, use of the asset, liquidity and capital structure. The managements performance is evaluated with the help of ROA and EPS (Ferris et. al, 2010). The process of share valuation enables to forecast on the performance of the company. Further, the performance of share is ascertained and a comparison is done with the index of the market. An in-depth analysis of the shares has been done followed by a SWOT analysis. The report considers various information from external sources and conclusion has been derived whether or not to invest in the company (Brigham Daves, 2012). In 2017, the Commonwealth earned an income of $26bn. There was a marginal increment in the interest income. The figure stands at $33,293 million in 2017 as compared to a figure of $33,817 million in 2016. The bank had a profit of $9.9 billion out of which three quarters is provided to the shareholders while the rest remains reinvested. The bank returned profits to the shareholder in the form of a dividend of $7.4 billion (CBA Dividend, 2017). The expenses of the bank constituted to $4.8 billion and the tax amount stood at $3.9 billion. Financial health This section stresses on the profit reaping nature of the company and the potential of the management with the liquidity factor. A company can attain the desired goal and expand when it contains the desired liquidity and reaping good profits with a strong performance in the market (Davies Crawford, 2012). Profitability The profitability ratio denotes the ability of the company in generating profit from its activities. It evaluates the ability of the business to generate earnings in comparison to the expenses and various other costs that are relevant in nature that is incurred during a period of time. A comparison with the previous year ratio will help in answering about the performance of the company (Berk et. al, 2015). As for Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the ratio profitability ratio consists of the gross profit, net profit and the return on assets ratio. The gross profit margin of the Commonwealth bank has increased from 44.70% in 2016 to 47.37% in 2017 signifying that the bank has a proper manager management of the interest expense. It can be cited that the management of the bank has controlled the interest expense thereby leading to gross profit (Wood Sangster, 2005). Secondly, the net profit margin is computed by dividing the net profit by sales. Commonwealth banks net profit has shown an increment in 2017 that stands at 26.78% as compared to 24.92% in 2016. There is a slight or a marginal increment in the ratio that can be attributed to the better management of the operating income. The increment in the operating income indicates a strong management and hence, be able to post higher net profit ratio Brigham Ehrhardt, 2011). The ROA indicates the profitability that is linked with the assets of the company. From the computation, it can be commented that the bank has been able to post a better figure as compared to the year 2016 however; the increment in the ROA is marginal. Moreover, the returns should be at the higher end as higher the ROA, the better for the company. The assets have generated profit for the bank, however; the same can be utilized in a more efficient way for higher profit. Liquidity The liquid position determines the ability of the organization in meeting the obligations. The liquid position is highly observed by various parties because organizations that are heavily reliant on debt are vulnerable and risky in nature. Banks, suppliers and other parties who lend to the business generally check the liquid position (Melville, 2013). The liquidity position can be known with the help of current and quick ratio. A current ratio of more than 1 indicates that the organization has more current assets as compared to the current liabilities and hence, the obligations will be discharged. As per the computation, it is observed that the current ratio of Commonwealth bank stands at 1.28 times as compared to the ratio of 0.78 in the year 2016. As there is no inventory available with the company, therefore, the quick ratio will appear the same as the current ratio. The quick ratio projects the same finding like that of the current ratio. The increment in the ratio is a powerful indicator that the business can meet the obligations with ease and flexibility. The trend of both the current and the quick ratio stands positively. Both the current and the quick ratio move in the same director hence, additional loans can be procured and will be granted by the banks and the financial institutions for the proper ratios. Capital structure The capital structure constitutes an important part for the company as it determines the manner in which the company has structured the funds. It needs to be noted that the structure must be settled in mix blend of equity and debt otherwise the company will fail to produce the desired effect (Porter Norton, 2014). The debt to equity of Commonwealth Bank stands at 9.83 in 2017 as compared to 1.48 in 2016 meaning that the company is highly geared. When debt-equity ratio stands more than 1 it indicates that the company has a major reliance on debt. This ratio gives an instance that Commonwealth bank relies more on debt and a vast increment is witnessed in 2017 (Bodie et. al, 2014). Further, the debt ratio remained the same. In both the year the ratio stood at 0.93 indicating a major reliance on debt (CBA, 2017). The equity ratio of the company stands at 6.52% in 2017 as compared to 6.49% in 2016 indicating that a marginal increment has happened. Higher the equity ratio, the better is for the company. The capital structure is more infused with debt and hence, prone to more risks (Bodie et. al, 2014). Asset efficiency For Commonwealth bank, the asset turnover was 3.48 in 2017 as compared to 3.67 in 2016. This indicates that for each dollar in assets, the company generated $3.48 in sales (CBA, 2017). On the other hand, the Commonwealth bank posted a higher equity ratio in both the years. Though there was a drop in the equity ratio in 2017 yet the percentage was higher indicating the efficient use of the banks equity management. It implies that the shareholder equity has been utilized to the optimum level but of a lower extent as compared to the year 2016. Further, this ratio can be compared with other competitors that belong to the same industry (Wahlen et. al, 2010). Market performance The Earnings per share of Commonwealth bank has increased in 2017 that stands at 577.6 as compared to 542.3 in 2016 (CBA, 2017). It augurs a strong signal because a higher EPS is always required as it projects that the company is highly profitable and contains more profit for the purpose of distribution to the shareholders. Moreover, a higher EPS ensures an increment of the stock price (Shah, 2013). Hence, going by the structure of the EPS it can be commented that the market structure of Commonwealth bank is strong. Management assessment As at 5th October 2017, the market capitalization of Commonwealth Bank stood at $1,30.45 billion and the current stock price of the company stands at $75.40. The market capitalization of the company stands strong and as the market capitalization of the company exceeds $10 billion it is a large-cap company (CBA, 2017). Hence, the size of Commonwealth Bank provides ample advantages to the organization in terms of less volatility of the shares while the small caps are exposed to huge volatility. Further, the stability of the company remains intact and the large-cap companies provide more dividends. The ROA of the company is positive and the EPS of the company has undergone a strong change in a positive manner (Subramanyam Wild, 2014). It signifies a positive trend and stress that the management of the company is strong and is performing the duty in an effective manner. Growth in the EPS is one of the vital factors because an organization with a higher EPS is always vouched for as compa red to the company with a lower or a declining EPS (Albrecht et.al, 2011). Outlook/ forecast CBA has ensured a strong position in the market with high profits and by regular payment of dividend. It is a good investment for the long-term perspective. Banks always have a formidable business and being regulated in nature it helps them to make an immense profit. CBA stands among the Australias big four banks. At the current scenario, the shares of CBA are not a good buy and must be sold because the price of CBA is priced to perfection. The company has reached a peak in terms of growth and going by the trend it can be either hold for a price target of $83.91 or to sell at this juncture to book profits. Moreover, the banks are always under a cyclical nature of banking and the risks can pull it downwards. Moreover, valuation plays a significant part in the process of investment for the blue chips companies until availed at prices that are bargained. In this process, the investors lock themselves into returns that are mediocre (Choi Meek, 2011). Moreover, after reaching a significant height, it is difficult to assume that the prices of the share will move in the same rapidity as was seen in the past. The growth prospects are not diminished, however, at the current juncture it is important that the shares should not be purchased. The shares can be sold currently to book profits and later can be repurchased if any corrections take place (Libby et. al, 2011). Liquidity and size (table 18, p31) The stock of CBA is liquid in nature as the shares that are traded that are 2,117,817 shares. The average volume indicates that the company shares are having a high exposure. CBA fall under the large-cap and hence is able to enjoy the confidence of the investors. Since the volatility factor is less owing to the strength it is able to get a strong exposure (Deegan, 2011). Principal activities Since it is the banking industry, the organization is faced with innumerable challenges and opportunities. Therefore, a SWOT analysis of CBA is done that will stress upon the various aspect and provide a brief description of its strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats. SWOT of CBA Strengths Leading Australian Bank according to Main Financial Institutions (MFI) rankings: Customer care has been a bonus point of the CBA. It has maintained the no.1 spot for many customer-related services with award achievements. Attention is paid more towards an increase in customer satisfaction. Higher quality and well-diversified credit portfolio: CBA invests 58% of its received loans in property and mortgage while only 13% is used for international trading. Master Netting Arrangements helps it in the reduction of risks (CBA, 2017). Continues emphasis on technology with new offerings: A whole lot of apps and other associative projects have been launched by the bank to expand its area and dominance. Robust financial position with high credential ratings: CBAs profit increased by 7% in 2017 as compared to 2016. It also provided a huge unexpected dividend. Average net profit seemed to increase by 7% also. Continually improving work environment: The company posses strong beneficial training programs so as to increase the skills and ability of its employees. According to the Australian Workplace Equality Index Awards 2016 the company acquires the second place. Weakness High dependence on off-shore borrowings: CBA to survive through indiscriminate subsidy. This increases the risk nand makes it vulnerable in the marketing environment. CBA pays stress ion eliminating it but some of it still afloat. Embroilment in money laundering scandals: In 2017 the company was found guilty of breaking 53,700 anti-money rules and involvement in a scandal. This was a threat to the companys image and as a result, the bonus of senior employees was eliminated (CBA, 2017). Limited geographical diversity: CBA associates its working with New Zealand, China and Vietnam. The company has no roots in Asia or Europe which deprives its of chances to expand. Increasing operating expenses: Expenses of the bank have risen by 4% which is due to the alteration in technologies and market, but this reason is not satisfactory and the bank seems to now take control over the personnel costs and currency disorders. Opportunities Expansion into emerging markets: CBAs working in China has brought it dominance and expansion chances on a large scale. Free Trade Agreement between India and Australia will be finalized soon and this will take the companys dominance to another level (CBA, 2017). Indigenous Costumer Assistance Line (ICAL): Indigenous and Aboriginal Torres Straits Island get CBAs services through telephones. The bank has got some dominating chances by its association with this section by providing loans. Threats Phasing out of government guarantees to banks: The deposits and debt of CBA have been depriving of protection after the sale of the government shares which posses as a serious threat to the company. Higher Capital Requirement by APRA: The new rules set up by APRA and RBA will put pressure on CBA to push up their tier one ratios and this will affect and potentially increase the interest rates of the bank (Damodaran, 2010). Fragile business environment and slowdown in China: Lower rates have attracted retail loans but the field of corporate loan is empty, which is a threat to the bank is. Also, any effect in the Chinese market will affect the bank as it is its main associative (CBA, 2017). Price sensitive announcements (table 11, pg. 21) The share price of the company underwent a huge volatility in the past few months where the price of the share surged to a high of $85.05 and fell to the low of $73.24 (CBA, 2017). It needs to be noted that the high level of volatility provides investors the opportunity to select the stock and enter into the stock. Further, it can be purchased at a low price. From the financial statements, it can be commented that the CBA contains a strong management and is fundamentally strong but certain information has made the share price to fall. The price of the shares dropped to $76.60 because the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority is concerned investigated a deep look into the company (CBA share graph, 2017). Further, a steep decline in August 2017 has been observed even considering the fact that the bank reported a $9.93 billion profit. The main reason for the decline can be cited due to the fall in the banks net interest margin that measures profitability and fell by 3 basis points to 2.11%. Conclusion The assessment and evaluation of CBA indicate that the financial health of the company is strong. When it comes to profitability, the bank has reported strong number. Both the gross profit margin and the net profit margin have shown an increment. The ROA is even positive. This signifies that the fundamental of the bank is intact and the assets are utilized in an effective manner. The liquidity of the CBA is strong because the current and the quick ratio stands above 1 meaning the bank wont face any problem while discharging the obligations. The two-year trend indicates a positive scenario of the company. Further, for a big organization like CBA, the ratio indicates that the company has a major reliance on the debt component. However, going by the size of CBA it can be said that for large cap companies the ratios are a little high. Further, the increment in the EPS as compared to 2016 is a major highlight that the management is performing in an effective manner References Albrecht, W, Stice, E Stice, J. (2011). Financial accounting. Mason, OH: Thomson/South-Western. Berk, J, DeMarzo, P. Stangeland, D. (2015). Corporate Finance. Canadian Toronto: Pearson Canada. Bodie, Z, Kane, A Marcus, A. J. (2014). Investments. McGraw Hill Brigham, E. Daves, P. 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