Is there Any Dependence Between Consumer Credit Line Utilization and Default Probability on a Term Loan? Evidence from Bank-Level Data

Whereas recent studies on revolving lines of credit suggest a positive relationship between exposure at default and default probability on the line, this paper considers the relationship between two financial instruments through the simultaneous analysis of credit line utilization and default probability on a personal loan. We model both financial instruments endogenously in a simultaneous equation system and find strong evidence of a positive relationship between the two instruments. Individuals in the default state use their credit line 59% more than those in the non-default state, and full utilization of the credit line increases the default probability on the loan by 46% when compared with non-utilization. Our results suggest that banks should manage both financial instruments simultaneously.Consumer finance, consumer risk management, credit line, term loan, default probability, ability to pay, endogeneity, simultaneous equations

First Nations communications and support program

First Nations communications and support progra

Master of Science

thesisGrandparents of grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain an under researched population. This research provides grandparents a voice concerning the experience of their grandchildren with ASD in workshops that taught them the use of the 3D Google SketchUp™ software. The workshops focused on the computer strengths of the participating children. Six grandparents participated in two focus groups. Videotapes from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and coded. Two key themes were identified from the data: reframing expectations and building communication bridges through shared interests. Grandparents perceived that their grandchildren learned technological skills and had a positive experience, which gave them hope for future educational and employment opportunities for these grandchildren. The grandparents perceived that the shared interests in the computer program augmented communication opportunities between themselves and their grandchildren, and with other grandparents of children with ASD. This paper addresses the challenges children with ASD and their families experience and explores from the grandparent’s viewpoint the potential benefits of social engagement around technology

Master of Science

thesisSport injury is both a physical and psychological event. Some athletes may still be recovering psychologically even after their bodies have healed. Research has found that athletes who return to sport before they are psychologically ready may be at risk of experiencing maladaptive appraisals and performance outcomes. On the other hand, research has also shown that athletes may experience adaptive outcomes after injury such as improved performance and personal growth. In an effort to determine possible factors contributing to the disparity between these post-injury appraisals and experiences, the purpose of this study was to retrospectively explore the potential mediating effect of achievement goals on perceived competence and return-to-sport outcomes among college athletes who have recovered from a serious sport injury. The sample consisted of 75 male and female college athletes who returned to sport after having missed at least 3 weeks due to injury. Participants completed a survey measuring perceived competence, achievement goals, and return-to-sport outcomes. Results indicated that task-approach goals significantly mediated the relationship between perceived competence and a renewed perspective. These findings suggest that athletes who believed themselves to be capable and proficient in their sport after having recovered from injury were motivated by goals to perform well, to be effective, and to obtain good results. In turn, the pursuit of such goals facilitated perceptions of beneficial outcomes including greater enjoyment, mental toughness, understanding of relevant sport skills and strategies, motivation for sports success, and appreciation of sport. This study is the first to look at achievement goals in the context of sport injury. It offers promising avenues for future research as well as a number of practical implications. Progressive functional tests and psychological interventions such as imagery and self-talk could assist in building or maintaining athletes' perceived competence. Additionally, coaches and significant others may do well to use language that orients the athlete towards attaining success as opposed to avoiding failure, to emphasize effort, task completion, and correct form, and to avoid comments that compare the athlete to others or to his/her preinjury standards of performance

Design: One, but in different forms

This overview paper defends an augmented cognitively oriented generic-design hypothesis: there are both significant similarities between the design activities implemented in different situations and crucial differences between these and other cognitive activities; yet, characteristics of a design situation (related to the design process, the designers, and the artefact) introduce specificities in the corresponding cognitive activities and structures that are used, and in the resulting designs. We thus augment the classical generic-design hypothesis with that of different forms of designing. We review the data available in the cognitive design research literature and propose a series of candidates underlying such forms of design, outlining a number of directions requiring further elaboration

Approche de mesure et d'analyse des réunions de révision technique du processus de génie logiciel

Le travail coopératif en génie logiciel -- L'approche technique au travail d'équipe -- La prise de décision -- La solution de problèmes -- Des équipes de travail efficaces -- Les réunions en génie logiciel -- La réunion de révision technique -- Travail individuel et coopératif -- Problématique de recherche -- Amélioration de la réunion de révision technique -- Description des problématiques -- Description de la méthode de recherche -- Représentation formelle des données -- Étude des réunions de révision technique -- Analyse statique de la nature des interventions -- Influence du rôle des individus sur les interventions -- Identification des échanges -- Modélisation de la pratique -- Utilisation des résultats en génie logiciel -- Efficacité de la représentation formelle

Mourir dans le contexte induit par la Loi concernant les soins de fin de vie : discussion dans une démarche de bioéthique interdisciplinaire et théologique

Au Québec, la Loi concernant les soins de fin de vie (LSFV) est en vigueur depuis décembre 2015. Cette loi permet aux patient-e-s de demander une aide médicale à mourir et de l’obtenir lorsque certains critères légaux d’éligibilité sont rencontrés. L’objectif est de discuter des changements en éthique des soins de fin de vie induits par la LSFV. Le magistère romain et l’Assemblée des évêques catholiques du Québec ont énoncé publiquement leurs positions, alors que quelques voix chrétiennes dissidentes se sont aussi exprimées. Les tensions entre les positions magistérielles et les normativités de l’État de droit démocratique méritent réflexion, dans le contexte de la critique du cléricalisme, de nouveaux modèles ecclésiaux et d’une « dissidence respectueuse ». La problématisation par Jürgen Habermas de l’activité communicationnelle, de la tension entre factualité et validité et des risques de dissensions dans les sociétés complexes fournissent des axes théoriques utiles pour enrichir la discussion. Ni les orientations méthodologiques, ni le cadre théorique ne visent à mener une argumentation directement liée à la légitimité des pratiques médicales de la LSFV. La discussion en bioéthique interdisciplinaire et théologique évite certains pièges de la polarisation, permettant de multiplier les points de vue et les nuances. Tant d’un point de vue historique, culturel que sociologique, l’aide médicale à mourir apparaît comme un fait social. Un cadre théorique issu De l’éthique de la discussion de Jürgen Habermas structurera la discussion des enjeux pratiques: les usages de la raison pratique y sont différenciés en interrogations pragmatiques, éthiques et morales. Lorsque la posture d’écoute et d’engagement « sur le terrain » sont privilégiées, même en bioéthique théologique, il y a possibilité que l’aide médicale à mourir soit considérée comme une forme de dernier recours ou un moindre mal. Une approche heuristique de la raison pratique permet d’explorer des repères en bioéthique et notamment de déployer le consentement libre et éclairé sous l’angle du triple usage de la raison pratique. L’incertitude morale façonne la réflexion éthique et est une marque de la condition humaine. La fin de vie est une expérience singulière pour chaque personne dont la visée est la « bonne mort ». Des thématiques en bioéthique interdisciplinaire et théologique émergent : la narrativité et l’accompagnement, la mort tragique du Christ, la « post-autonomie », l’autonomie relationnelle, des approches féministes en bioéthique, des bonnes pratiques de communication, etc.Quebec’s Act Respecting End-of-Life Care has been in force since December 2015. The law opens up the possibility for patients to request aid in dying and access medical assistance in dying when the legal criteria of eligibility are met. The objective is to discuss the changes in end-of-life care induced by the Act. The magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and the Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops have publicly stated their positions, although there have been dissenting voices in the Christian community. Tensions between magisterial positions and democratic normativities deserve reflection, in the context of a critique of clericalism, new ecclesial models and « respectful dissent ». The problematization by Jürgen Habermas of communicative action, tensions between facticity and validity, and the risks of dissensions in a complex society, provide useful theoretical axes for enriching the discussion. Neither the methodological orientations nor the theoretical framework are intended to lead to an argument directly related to the legitimacy of the medical practices of the Act. Discussion in interdisciplinary and theological bioethics can avoid a few pitfalls of polarization, by admitting multiple points of view and nuances. Both a historical, cultural and sociological reading makes medical assistance in dying appear as a social fact. A theoretical framework from Habermas’ Discourse Ethics will structure the discussion of practical issues: the uses of practical reason are differentiated into pragmatic, ethical and moral questions. When the posture of listening and engagement « on the ground » is favoured, even in theological bioethics, there is apossibility that medical assistance in dying could be considered as a latter resort or a lesser evil. A heuristic approach to practical reason allows us to explore benchmarks in bioethics and to deploy, in particular, free and informed consent in terms of pragmatic, ethical and moral uses of practical reason. Moral uncertainty shapes ethical reflection and is a mark of the human condition. The end of life is a singular experience for each person whose aim is the « good death ». Themes in interdisciplinary and theological bioethics are emerging: narrativity and support, the tragic death of Christ, « post-autonomy », relational autonomy, feminist approaches in bioethics, good communication practices, etc