Evaluating the Effectiveness of Consultants’ Roles in Improving Value for Money in Public Infrastructure Projects in Ghana

Ghanaian construction projects encounter a number of challenges, including low health, safety, and environmental requirements, poor performance, and time and cost overruns. To provide value for money (VFM) on government infrastructure projects in Ghana, this research assesses the roles of project consultants, specifically architects and quantity surveyors, and highlights important obstacles. A cross-sectional survey design involving architects and quantity surveyors yielded a 96% response rate after 100 questionnaires were distributed. Consultants’ responsibilities also include monitoring standards compliance, providing advice on delays, controlling budgets, and advising on project completion dates. Difficulties encompass a lack of promptness in decision-making, unethical conduct, political pressure, and inadequate focus on contract administration and construction audits. Project urgency, longevity, political clout, timely decision-making, and team experience are important variables that impact VFM. Policy makers and construction management practitioners should take note of the implications for Ghana’s public infrastructure projects.

China’s Monetary Policy Impacts on Money and Stock Markets

This study investigated the impact of China’s monetary policy on both the money market and stock markets,assuming that non-policy variables would not respond contemporaneously to changes in policy variables.Monetary policy adjustments are swiftly observed in money markets and gradually extend to the stock market.The study examined the effects of monetary policy shocks using three primary instruments:interest rate policy,reserve requirement ratio,and open market operations.Monthly data from 2007 to 2013 were analyzed using vector error correction(VEC)models.The findings suggest a likely presence of long-lasting and stable relationships among monetary policy,the money market,and stock markets.This research holds practical implications for Chinese policymakers,particularly in managing the challenges associated with fluctuation risks linked to high foreign exchange reserves,aiming to achieve autonomy in monetary policy and formulate effective monetary strategies to stimulate economic growth.

Quantitative Easing: Money Supply and Commodity Prices of Oil, Gold, and Cocoa in Ghana

This study investigates the dynamic relationships between the money supply (M2) and key commodity prices (Cocoa, Gold, and Crude) in the context of Ghana. Utilizing Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) analysis, we analyze the short-term and long-term Granger causality relationships among these variables, aiming to shed light on the potential linkages between monetary policy and commodity markets. The analysis covers the period from December 1999 to April 2023, using lag structures of 1 and 8 to capture both short-term and more enduring effects. Our findings reveal significant Granger causality relationships between the money supply and various commodities, with nuanced patterns emerging across different lags. In the short-run, our results suggest bidirectional causal relationships between COCOA and M2, CRUDE and M2, and GOLD and M2. Additionally, M2 Granger causes changes in COCOA, CRUDE, and GOLD. However, the causal relationship between COCOA and GOLD appears to be unidirectional, with COCOA not significantly Granger causing changes in GOLD. The short-term findings highlight the intricate interplay between monetary policy and commodity markets. In the long-run (lag 8), our analysis unveils robust Granger causality relationships between the variables. Past values of COCOA, CRUDE, and GOLD Granger cause changes in M2, indicating a notable influence of commodity markets on the money supply. Similarly, M2 Granger causes changes in CRUDE and GOLD. Notably, the findings underscore a more comprehensive and intertwined relationship between monetary policy and commodity prices in the long-run. Based on these results, we derive several policy implications. Policymakers should carefully consider the potential impact of monetary policy decisions, such as quantitative easing, on commodity markets and price dynamics. Measures to stabilize commodity prices, promote export diversification, manage inflation expectations, and enhance economic resilience are recommended. Additionally, effective data monitoring, international collaboration, and proactive risk management strategies are essential components for navigating the complex interactions between monetary policy and commodity markets. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between monetary policy and commodity prices in Ghana, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable economic growth and stability. Further research can delve into the mechanisms underlying these relationships and explore their broader implications for trade balances, economic performance, and policy formulation.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Combat Money Laundering

Banks and other financial institutions handle sensitive records regarding people, trusts, and corporations. Money, as a sensitive and useful commodity, makes financial organizations valuable and prone to criminal elements. Common criminal activities that target the banking sector include money laundering, identity and personal records theft, and terrorism financing. These are global issues that have garnered the attention of international bodies and governments. One method proposed to deal with illicit finance and money laundering is artificial intelligence (AI). AI implements various algorithms and techniques to monitor customers, markets, and financial transactions that help identify various banking habits. Understanding clients’ transactions and the nature of bank transfers enables AI to prevent and combat money laundering. This research offers an understanding of how artificial intelligence is used in the financial system to combat fraudulent activities such as money laundering. It is organized into five chapters covering various aspects of artificial intelligence and money laundering.

Time is Not Money!——It Is a Providence of Opportunities

The essay discusses the interrelations between Time and Money and the right ways for managing them.Additionally it discusses other aspects of life and time,such as:definition of time,smart use of time,use of time as distincting between men and animals,time,age and responsibility,time and the“meaning of life”,quality and quantity of lifetime,social aspects of time and science,technology and time.The author clearly expresses his opinion,that Time is a neutral abstract entity,exists in free democratic regimes and in less-liberatated autocracies.It is the explicit responsibility of every man and woman,anywhere,and everywhere,to prepare and train themselves for a smart use of the time awarded to them.On the other hand,Time is available for everyone and everything.The busy diligent hard-working person always seeks more challenging missions,while the less-energetic idle person,is always busy and tire of doing nothing.The author also claims that Time is an opportunity.It is available and inviting every active person,a thinker,a doer,and an entrepreneur to use and have it to achieve their goals.The author advises:Do not complain I have no time-dare to make the first step and“the other will come,tumbling after”.Active individuals have time for every challenging initiative;passive ones have no time for anything.

Demand for Money and Inflation in Ethiopia

One of the vital components of the macroeconomic model that helps policymaking is the demand for money function.Having reliable predictions on the money demand function helps in determining the optimum growth of money supply which is vital in controlling the inflation rate in the economy and also preventing monetary disturbances from affecting real output.In order to formulate and estimate the money demand function in Ethiopia,this study used quarterly data from 2000Q3 to 2021Q2 and employed the Ordinary Least Square method and Engle-Granger two-stage procedure for empirical analysis.The empirical result from the models indicates that,in the long run,all variables(real GDP,CPI inflation,real effective exchange rate,real interest rate and lagged real money balance)are significantly affecting the demand for money in Ethiopia.Whereas,the estimated coefficients of the short-run variable show that the real effective exchange rate,CPI inflation,and lagged real money balance are the main determinants of demand for money while the real GDP and real interest rate are insignificant.Another important finding is that absolute value of the coefficient of the error correction term implies that about 54.2%of the disequilibrium in real money demand is counter-balanced by short-run adjustment in each quarter.The study suggests that in conducting monetary policy,policymakers should consider not only the behavior of income and price but also the movement of exchange rates.The study also calls for appropriate formulation and estimation of the all-encompassing demand for money function that is capable of bringing stability to the growth of money coupled with sustainable economic growth.

Energizing Yiwu with Language Learning Yiwu businesswomen are picking up more English as business booms

Recently,a video of a businesswoman in Yiwu practicing English received impressive views and comments.Many echoed sentiments like,“Yiwu businesswomen are so dedicated,”and“They are either making money or studying to make money.”

Impact of payment source, referral site, and place of residence on outcomes after allogeneic transplantation in Mexico

BACKGROUND The impact of social determinants of health in allogeneic transplant recipients in low-and middle-income countries is poorly described.This observational study analyzes the impact of place of residence,referring institution,and transplant cost coverage(out-of-pocket vs government-funded vs private insurance)on outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(alloHSCT)in two of Mexico's largest public and private institutions.AIM To evaluate the impact of social determinants of health and their relationship with outcomes among allogeneic transplant recipients in Mexico.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,we included adolescents and adults≥16 years who received a matched sibling or haploidentical transplant from 2015-2022.Participants were selected without regard to their diagnosis and were sourced from both a private clinic and a public University Hospital in Mexico.Three payment groups were compared:Out-of-pocket(OOP),private insurance,and a federal Universal healthcare program“Seguro Popular”.Outcomes were compared between referred and institution-diagnosed patients,and between residents of Nuevo Leon and out-of-state.Primary outcomes included overall survival(OS),categorized by residence,referral,and payment source.Secondary outcomes encompassed early mortality,event-free-survival,graft-versus-host-relapse-free survival,and non-relapse-mortality(NRM).Statistical analyses employed appropriate tests,Kaplan-Meier method,and Cox proportional hazard regression modeling.Statistical software included SPSS and R with tidycmprsk library.RESULTS Our primary outcome was overall survival.We included 287 patients,n=164 who lived out of state(57.1%),and n=129 referred from another institution(44.9%).The most frequent payment source was OOP(n=139,48.4%),followed by private insurance(n=75,26.1%)and universal coverage(n=73,25.4%).No differences in OS,event-free-survival,NRM,or graft-versus-host-relapse-free survival were observed for patients diagnosed locally vs in another institution,nor patients who lived in-state vs out-of-state.Patients who covered transplant costs through private insurance had the best outcomes with improved OS(median not reached)and 2-year cumulative incidence of NRM of 14%than patients who covered costs OOP(Median OS and 2-year NRM of 32%)or through a universal healthcare program active during the study period(OS and 2-year NRM of 19%)(P=0.024 and P=0.002,respectively).In a multivariate analysis,payment source and disease risk index were the only factors associated with overall survival.CONCLUSION In this Latin-American multicenter study,the site of residence or referral for alloHSCT did not impact outcomes.However,access to healthcare coverage for alloHSCT was associated with improved OS and reduced NRM.

陷入困境

水就在你的周围,在英语当中也比比皆是。你如果in deep water“有麻烦了”,就是遇到了严重的问题,可能是有债务还不上。你如果身处于troubled waters“困境”当中,就是做一件事情遇到了困难。你如果到了dead in the water“穷途末路”,就是陷入困境中,什么都没办法做。你要是spend money like water“花钱如流水”,就是随意花钱而不多加考虑。你要是keep one's head above water“勉强度日”,就是尽力应对眼前的状况,但几乎无法做到。

Birds and Humans

Birds are good friends of humans.They kill a great number of pests.But it seems that humans are not friendly to them.Humans use much pesticide to kill pests.But a lot of birds are killed at the same time.Sometimes,humans directly kill birds.Some people kill birds for food,money or even fun.So the number of birds has become smaller and smaller.

Making a Mark

David Njagi is a taxi driver based in Nairobi,Kenya.He recently changed his regular diesel engine taxi for a Chinese-made electric vehicle(EV),a trend being followed by many Kenyans looking to save on the high costs associated with fossil fuels and making transport more sustainable.Niagi decided to use his private vehicle as a self-employed taxi driver for the Bolt(European ridesharing app)to earn an income after he was laid o!from his job as an accountant at the Coca-Cola.His EV is convenient and a cost saver.“I own a Chinese model EV.It is extremely durable.It can travel long distances as the electric charge lasts for several hours.So apart from saving money,I make at least 80 percent more profit than I did on my previous diesel vehicle,”said Njagi.

Dashing on Two Wheels

In Nigeria,commercial motorcycles,or okada,are an important means of transport for the public and provide jobs to millions of riders.As the country promotes a transition to e-mobility,more electric motorcycles are being introduced to the sector,bringing not only environmental benefits,but also economic benefits to riders.Vincent Onyekachi in Lagos is one of these riders,who believes the electric motorcycle is much better because it helps him to save money spent on fuel and constant repair.“My former okada was always having issues and I was spending so much money to fix it,but this electric motorcycle does not create any stress.I am able to save now;before I did not have any savings,”he told ChinAfrica.

节俭的百万富翁

Heinz B.looks like a homeless person with nothing to his name,but appearances can be misleading.He might not look like the rich,but the octogenarian is worth several millions of dollars and knows how to increase his for⁃tune.Besides,he claims to have been frugal his whole life,so he doesnt really need money to get by.He is more than happy living on food found in dumpsters and hoarding(贮藏)all sorts of things other people throw away.

吉莫曼：让“Money”遇上“Idea”

美国的中小企业占据了美国企业总数的99.7%,雇用了美国50%的劳动力(政府组织除外),支付薪酬占美国劳动力总薪酬的45%,在过去十年内每年创造了60-80%的新增就业机会。在评价中小企业对美国经济的贡献时,民主党出身的前总统克林顿说:"小企业是美国经济的火车头"(Small business is the engine that runs the American economy),甚至称20世纪90年代为"小企业的年代"。在对小企业的评价上,共和党出身的现任总统布什说:"小企业是美国经济的心脏"(the heart of the American economy)。像微软、苹果、Google这样的国际化大企业,都是从个人化的小企业成长起来的。那么,美国的中小企业处于怎样一个适宜发展的环境中?中国的企业又能从美国成功企业身上学习到哪些经验?为此。

英语访谈节目New Money在本科口译教学中的应用

中央电视台英语新闻频道的New Money（新财富）节目,内容丰富,形式生动,为口译教学和训练提供了了大量材料.本文通过分析New Money节目中主持人的采访艺术和嘉宾的应答技巧,结合笔者利用该栏目设计口译训练步骤和方法的教学实践,尝试探讨英语访谈节目在本科口译教学中的应用.

Money and Marriage——The matrimonial value orientation in Pride and Prejudic

Pride and prejudice is a very popular novel written by Jane Austen and it is read widely all over the world. It was written in 1813. That specific history time decided that people at that time took money much more seriously, even on their marriage. In this paper, the marriage cases of most characters in the book were taken as typical to analyze how money influenced their matrimonial value orientation.

Is money going digital? An alternative perspective on the current hype

Current financial discourse suggests the imminence of a cashless society,a concept that arose from the global popularization of digital financial services and the development of technologies with the potential for application in financial markets.However,claims about the impending obsolescence of paper money are neither disruptive nor a novelty.Instead,this paper argues that the conversion of money from paper to bits has been a gradual,adaptive process,and that money is already digital.Moreover,in this paper we propose that the statuses of electronic money(e-money)and banknotes have switched in the view of monetary authorities.

Application of <i>SARIMA</i>Model on Money Supply

In the paper, the data of the narrow money supply of China from January 2005 to March 2016 as sample, model is established by using Eviews6.0. Upon inspection, the model has good fitting effect (MAPE = 1.09) and high prediction accuracy. According to the results of the model, the paper forecasts the development trend of the narrow money supply of China and puts forward some suggestions to provide reference for monetary policy of China.

enough money和money enough之异同

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English谈到形容词enough的用法时说:“Enough can come before or after a plural or a mass noun。”井举了enough money/people和money/people enough作为例子。有的语法家可能就是因为这个不够详尽的解释,就认为形容词enough作定语时既可放在被修饰名词之前,也可放在被修饰名词之后,意义没有什么区别。可笔者认为作前置定语的enough和作后置定语的enough有时虽可互换,但所表达的意义不尽相同;有时且不可互换。本文打算从以下三个方面谈一下个人的看法,供大家参考。

简析“新世纪高职高专英语’综合教程《With What Do You Buy Your Money》中两段译文

一、原文 Two years ago,I gave my yearly talk before the Applied Philosophy Institute in Sunnyvale, California. The topic was"Money & God."The audience turnout was excellent.Almost everyone had some deep feelings about money and God——taken separately or united in various holy and unholy alliances.