The making of the modern Oman since 1970 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

The making of the modern Oman since 1970 - Essay Example the fact that Oman did not have sufficient infrastructure like cemented roads, bridges, sea and airports, telecommunications and broadcasting systems, health care and educational facilities made Oman’s economic progress impossible to achieve. (Omanet.om, 2008a) For this study, the researcher will examine the major key factors that have lead to the rapid transformation and modernisation of the Sultanate of Oman. To provide the readers with a brief introduction, the researcher will discuss about Oman’s geographic information and history. Eventually, the differences on the economic outlook between Sultan Qaboos and the past sultans with regards to the economic and social development progress in the country will be highlighted. With regards to this matter, the researcher will examine the past and current economic development on oil, trade, and agriculture and fishes industry; the education and health system; as well as the communication and transportation development. In line with globalization, the researcher will discuss related economic issues in Oman’s foreign affairs. Prior to the conclusion, potential developmental perspectives and other significant strategies that will keep Oman competitive in the global market will be exa mined. The Sultanate of Oman, having a total land area of 309,500 sq. km., is situation on the north side of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), east side of the Arabian Peninsula, the northwest area of Saudi Arabia, and the southwest of the Republic of Yemen. (U.S. Department of State, 2008) Basically, the main part of Oman is separated from the northern part of the state by the Sharjah and Fujairah (UAE). (Omanet.om, 2008a) (See Appendix I – Oman’s Geographical Map on page 20) As of 2006, Oman’s estimated population has reached a total of 3.2 million including the 577,000 immigrants. The country has a wide variety of ethnic groups including: Arabs, Baluchi, East African (Zanzabari) as well as South Asian’s Indians,

Personal Budgets in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Personal Budgets in the UK - Essay Example According to the paper, in response to the increasing demand and the rising public expectations based on choice and quality, the government decided to act. It set out to transform the way in which care and support were offered for the older and disabled adults. At the heart of this transformation was a very powerful idea that would potentially revolutionize how the disabled and older persons received their care. The idea was basically based on personalization. That is, instead of commissioning care and support services for people living in its area, the local authority would provide eligible persons with their own personal budgets so they could acquire help and assistance that would be more attuned to their individual needs and circumstances. Personalization is aimed at giving the people more choice and control over the kind of support they acquire. It is defined as the ability of an individual to determine what type of support to get despite the mode of payment used by the one seeki ng healthcare services. These may include direct payment or personal budgets. Direct ayments are defined as the direct cash payments given to service users in lieu of community services that are in demand based on assessments done they are aimed at giving a wider choice to the clients. Personal budgets on the other hand describe the allocations given to users after assessment which meets their assessed needs fully. This is all in part of the government’s wider agenda to improve efficacy and responsiveness of public services. These personal budgets can provide flexibility, choice and control to the service users. Further, they can improve health and well-being and ultimately, user satisfaction.