A silent killer

A silent killer is a disease which is hard to detect and causes injuries over time silently. Similarly a calcaneal spur also called as heel spur is a small ostephyte or bone spur located on the calcareous heel bone which is a silent killer. Many a time this Calcaneal spurs are detected by a radiological examination or X-ray but often it's too late. When a foot bone is exposed to constant stress, calcium gets deposited and is build up on the bottom of the heel bone. Generally, this doesn't affect a person's daily life routine.However, repeated damage can cause these deposits to pile up on ach other which then causes a spur-shaped deformity, called a calcaneal or heel spur. Flatfooted people,obeses people and women who frequently wear high-heeled shoes are most susceptible to heel spurs. Causes : There can be many causes but we will see few of them. Heel spurs can form as a result of repeated strain placed on foot muscles . Due to which ligaments are formed abnormally stretching the ba nd of tissue connecting the heel and the foot.Repeated injury to the membrane lines of the heel bone can also cause problems and can cause repeated pressure behind the heel. The causes can be anything it can be xcessive walking , running or Jumping to wearing shoes which are not comfortable or torn shoes. volleyball players and tennis players, and athletics people who do aerobics or who climbs staircase for exercise, also those with flat feet, women's who are pregnant, the obese and diabetics and those who wear tight-fitting shoes with a high heel are all prone to developing spurs more readily.Symptoms: Let us see the symptoms of heel spur and try to figure out some measures. Major symptoms consist of pain in the region which is around the spur, which typically increases and goes on becoming intense after prolonged periods of rest. Patients reports heel pain to be more severe when waking or doing morning walk. Patients are not able to bear the weight on the affected heel comfortably . Short distance walking, running or lifting heavy weight may make the issue even worse.A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth of the bone of the heel . They are attributed to chronic local inflammation at the insertion of soft tissue tendons in the area. Heel spurs is located at the back of the heel or under the heel of the foot. Heel spurs behind of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the tendon and many a times causes ever pain in the foot. Treatment: There are many treatment options, and good results are often observed. A calcaneal spur develops when proper care is not given of the foot and heels.It is often caused because of a repetitive stress injury, and thus few modification in our lifestyle can be a typical and basic course of management. To decrease the effect of heel spur pain, a person should begin doing foot workouts. Do exercise to make your muscles of calf stronger and lower legs will help take the stress off the bone and thus help cure or prevent heel spurs. Applying Ice to the area is an effective way to get f sever pain persist then Steroid injection can be given. The bone spur can be removed by surgery.Which is 80% effective. Wearing proper footwear is also very important. Include turmeric, ginger in your daily diet. Also regular exercise can act as a preventive measure. Conclusion: thought it's difficult to detect but it can be prevented and we can lead a happy life by reducing the impact of heel spur. We can take care by doing simple things. Choose comfortable shoes Applying acupressure techniques to specific, locations along the heel can help to reduce pain and promote healing. Thus effective care and treatment can cure heel spur.

Elections and Wisconsin Vote Democrat

CH. 7 Electoral Process 55. Explain why the nominating process is a critical first step in the electoral process? You have to have people nominated for office to have someone to vote for 56. Describe self-announcement, the caucus, & the convention as nominating methods. Self-nomination is the act of indicating the specific vacancy announcements for which you want to be considered. Caucus is a meeting of a political party or group to coordinate members' actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates. 57.Compare a closed primary & an open primary explaining the key differences. In an open primary anyone can vote for any candidate in either party regardless of whether they are registered democrat or republican. In a closed primary you can only vote for someone in your registered party. 58. Explain why some candidates use the petition as a nominating device. Petition Candidates must gather a required number of voters’ signatures to get on the ballot by means of petition. Min or party and independent candidates are usually required by State law to be nominated by petition. 9. Voter turnout in primaries is usually less than half of what it is in the general elections. What steps could you take in your community to increase voter turnout in primary elections? You can have drives to get people registered and give out fliers about candidate’s positions and date of the election. 60. Explain how the states are & the federal Government is involved in regulating the electoral process. Each state has a system called the â€Å"Electoral College†. Each state has a certain amount according to the Constitution.For example if the majority of people that live in Wisconsin vote Democrat, the chosen democratic Electorates vote in choice. 61. Explain why Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Since most residents of rural America had to travel a significant distance to the county seat in order to vote, Monday was not considered reaso nable since many people would need to begin travel on Sunday. 62. Define the role that voting precincts & polling places in the election process.Polling places are often located in facilities used for other purposes, such as  schools,  churches,  sports halls, local government  offices, or even private homes, and will each serve a similar number of people. 63. Describe the various different ways in which voters can cast their ballots. Voters will have to visit polling places in their Districts and show a voter ID. 64. Explain the role that voting devices play in the election process. It increases the turnout of people due to their laziness in attending a polling place. Elections and Wisconsin Vote Democrat CH. 7 Electoral Process 55. Explain why the nominating process is a critical first step in the electoral process? You have to have people nominated for office to have someone to vote for 56. Describe self-announcement, the caucus, & the convention as nominating methods. Self-nomination is the act of indicating the specific vacancy announcements for which you want to be considered. Caucus is a meeting of a political party or group to coordinate members' actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates. 57.Compare a closed primary & an open primary explaining the key differences. In an open primary anyone can vote for any candidate in either party regardless of whether they are registered democrat or republican. In a closed primary you can only vote for someone in your registered party. 58. Explain why some candidates use the petition as a nominating device. Petition Candidates must gather a required number of voters’ signatures to get on the ballot by means of petition. Min or party and independent candidates are usually required by State law to be nominated by petition. 9. Voter turnout in primaries is usually less than half of what it is in the general elections. What steps could you take in your community to increase voter turnout in primary elections? You can have drives to get people registered and give out fliers about candidate’s positions and date of the election. 60. Explain how the states are & the federal Government is involved in regulating the electoral process. Each state has a system called the â€Å"Electoral College†. Each state has a certain amount according to the Constitution.For example if the majority of people that live in Wisconsin vote Democrat, the chosen democratic Electorates vote in choice. 61. Explain why Election Day is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Since most residents of rural America had to travel a significant distance to the county seat in order to vote, Monday was not considered reaso nable since many people would need to begin travel on Sunday. 62. Define the role that voting precincts & polling places in the election process.Polling places are often located in facilities used for other purposes, such as  schools,  churches,  sports halls, local government  offices, or even private homes, and will each serve a similar number of people. 63. Describe the various different ways in which voters can cast their ballots. Voters will have to visit polling places in their Districts and show a voter ID. 64. Explain the role that voting devices play in the election process. It increases the turnout of people due to their laziness in attending a polling place.

Political and historic perspective of Poland Essay

Political and historic perspective of Poland - Essay Example ng states would influence the course of Poland’s history from peace time to wars with specific periods in each of these countries’ histories, interconnected. For instance, according to Geoffrey Elton et al. (1990), the balance of power between landowners and the monarchy was so even throughout the century as to give to their relations, whether of conflict or co-operation, a significance that illuminates the more decisive conflicts which were at the same time being waged in the extremer parts of Europe. (526) More specifically, we have Poland’s war against Russia which reduced the country into near anarchy and eventually divided it among Russia, Prussia and Austria. Afterwards, the Second World War would leave the country in ruins, earning for Poland the distinction of the country with the most percentage of deaths among its citizens. After the war, Poland became a communist country with a Soviet imposed government patterned after the rest of the Eastern bloc. In the communism’s fall in the 1990s, a democratic government was set in place and thus, began the history of Democratic Poland. Ethnic groups that have settled in Central Europe, such as Slavic, Celtic, Baltic and Germanic is said to have given rise to Poland. A system that had some semblance to a government with a definite territory was first seen in 966 A.D. And since then, Poland had always had a unitary form of government except in the 12th century wherein the country descended into a period of feudal disintegration fragmenting the country into several states. Poland flourished during era of foreign migration, particularly during the influx of the Jews. The parliamentary system of government has been in place in Poland since the fifteenth to sixteenth century when the nobility wielded political power based on the local or country assemblies, which exercised parliamentary functions. (Elton et al. 528) I would like to underscore that around the period of sixteenth century there was a large number

Marketing in Healthcare Industry Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing in Healthcare Industry - Term Paper Example A marketing manager should understand the objectives of the firm in general and come up with a corporate marketing strategy which should address the product, distribution channels and tactics to be used. A strategic marketing plan begins by coming up with a strategic business unit that is independent based on management, access to resources, competition, customers and positioning strategy. The major elements that one focuses on include identification of the enterprise, situation analysis, coming up with strategies and control establishment all in a strategic business unit. A marketing plan in most cases involves a description of the product on the basis of any distinctive features presented, a budget for carrying out the awareness which includes the adverts and promotional activities, pricing strategies which depend on the cost of production, market segmentation and a full description of business location. Strategic marketing should also focus on the business environment which firstl y will concentrate on the economic variable which will assess whether the economy is in recession or in expansion (Berkowitz, 2011). Secondly, strategy will analyses the impacts of technological on the speed, processes, production and market and try to include this in marketing plan. The third factor is political intervention which focuses on regulations, taxes, reporting requirements and how these influence marketing strategies. Another factor to consider is the social cultural factors which relates to the perceptions of a certain product in different cultural diversities. These are psychological factors that alter the demand patters and the market dynamics bringing about a change in the profits of a firm. Finally, the strategic marketing should focus on internal review process. This checks the management and information systems, competition, budgets, distribution channels, market plan, sales projections, cost analysis and an overall snapshot of the marketing plan. Before a consume r can come up with a purchase, various factors both internal and external influence the decision making process. A person can choose to purchase a product not because it is needed but because of a perception that it is useful. The consumer behavior is determined by internal factors such as feelings, tastes and preferences, while external factors relate to commercials, the marketing abilities of the firm or coupons reflecting the product. However, initial intent must be created before a consumer can make a purchase. The choice made will be influenced by the cost of the product and on evaluation or observation on the quality of the item in question (Berkowitz, 2011). A person may also choose to buy a product out of previous satisfaction on the use of the item. Companies may be interested to ensure that goods being produced for selling should not create cognitive dissonance on the part of the consumer which determines purchase value. The marketing strategy to be adopted by a normal bus iness enterprise is different from that to be used by a health care industry. This is because the target population is different. Whilst the business focused on the overall consumer, the health care focused on a limited class such as the aged, the sick and those in need of medical attention. In this case, their approach is narrowed on that business

Outside speech Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Outside speech - Assignment Example Second, it is the role of the human resource development section to improve on the quality of this employee through programs such as training and seminars to make them fit in the contemporary environment. Therefore, as emerging leaders of this great nation, we shall be in various leadership positions in the future. To make the workforce that one has go that extra mile to not only deliver to the given goals of the company, they need motivation. Motivation can be done through increased salaries, recognition of the best performing employees and promotions. On top of that, motivation without creating a good ethical culture in the business may not work well or deliver the desired results in the company. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, as leaders in the future, let us uphold great ethical standards both while serving and out of the work place. As managers and human resource personnel, let us know that to make the given employees to work they not only need motivation but a good working environment that will make them own up the responsibilities that they are given.’ I gave the speech to students during an organized trade fair where the students were accorded the chance to interact and give their views on ways to improve organizational performance. The goal of the speech was to pin point the need of merging the knowledge in human resource management and human resource development to get a highly performing employee team. In the speech, I provided the audience with the approaches to both ideas since most people rarely understand the difference between the two and how they can be merged to increase the organizational performance. I made the speech in the following manner; - Since I had prepared to give this speech having explored various strengths and drawbacks while doing it, I did not suffer from anxiety. All the points that I was to address were coherently put

Db Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Db - Essay Example The performance of an employee is essential to the profitability of a corporation. This is the reason why every company should develop an appraisal system that will recognize an employee’s contribution to the company. The first step in designing an appraisal system is to set the objectives of the system. The criteria and metrics for evaluating successful performance must be determined. The appraisers or reviewers and participants should also be chosen. The appraisal does not end in the measurement of the employees’ performance but there should also be a feedback mechanism so that a reward system can also be properly put in place. There are several techniques of appraising performance of employees. One technique is to use a numerical or scalar rating system. The managers are asked to score an individual against a number of objectives/attributes. Other companies do not only ask the managers to rate the employees but they also ask their co-workers and customers to rate the employee. Sometimes the employee is asked to rate himself too (Admin, 2010). Another common method of appraisal is the Management By Objectives (MBO) which is the process wherein managers and employees set objectives for the employee then periodically evaluate the performance of the employee and reward him according to the results.

Self-Reliance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self-Reliance - Essay Example Conformity, consistency, and regret are three of the barriers to self-reliance (â€Å"Self-Reliance†). People tend to conform to societal expectations and in an attempt of doing so, lose track of their personal goals and desires. Consistency is stated as a barrier to self-reliance because it deprives an individual of the opportunity to experience new things in life, challenge the beliefs inculcated into him/her by others which is required to make informed decisions, and develop more skills. Consistency is repetition and it is a barrier to creativity and innovation, hence also a barrier to self-reliance. Regret is a barrier to self-reliance because it is regressive in effect and does not make any valuable contribution to an individual’s life. It is good to regret but only to the extent that the individual realizes where he/she has done the mistake so that it can be corrected in the future. Regretting about things that the individual cannot do anything about is not produc tive. I can relate to Emerson’s viewpoint on the barriers to self-reliance. I love meat but in an attempt to conform to the expectations of most members of my family who are true vegetarians and consider it ethically unjustified to eat meat, I have remained a vegetarian going against my nature for a long time. I do physical workout quite often. I have noticed that I need to keep changing the ways I do physical workout in order to maintain my interest in the exercise. The same kind of exercise done repeatedly becomes boring. Likewise, consistency in anything creates the room for boredom. My grandfather died a few years ago. I often regret not having spent much time talking to him while he was alive. This regret and realization has made me more caring and loving toward the elderly. I have used my regret in a constructive way to achieve self-reliance rather than letting it become a barrier to that. Steps I can take to achieve self-reliance include taking measures to remove the barriers to

Case Analysis of Currency Risk Management Study

Analysis of Currency Risk Management - Case Study Example The organization has two key branches; the Study Abroad College branch, and the High School Travel branch. Archer-Lock is the controller and also the treasurer of the college branch. Tabaczynski manages the finances of the high school division. The college division sends students to worldwide universities for the semester duration activities. Also, the high school division sends students and teachers for trips lasting between one and four weeks (Mihir, Vincent & Anders 1)). The currency hedging measures protect the revenue and profitability of AIFS, from the negative effects of currency exchange rates. This is achieved through the currency forward contracts, in addition to other currency options. The organization hedged its predicted expenses duration for the next two year duration. The main financial challenge that AIFS experienced entailed, implementing the hedge before the full sales cycle and adequate determination of the required foreign currency. There are several basic hedging approaches for handling the foreign currency exchange rates. The techniques are; currency options, forward contracts, currency accounts and loans, and spot trading. All organizations that operate in the international market must analyze the effects of exchange rates changes, on their operations. This will result in determination of the most effective technique for minimizing the foreign exchange fluctuations (Mihir, Vincent & Anders 3). Currency accounts are the most basic hedging technique. The bank accounts are opened in foreign currencies. This is most suitable for organizations with continuous inflow and outflow of cash in foreign currencies. Currency involves borrowing money using a foreign currency. The loan will be serviced in future, through the same currency. Spot trading involves key foreign currencies transactions. Spot transactions are generally applied in

Advanced Project management -Master Level scenario based report Essay

Advanced Project management -Master Level scenario based report - Essay Example According to Kanter (1995) such an action will not constitute an adequate response. This is so because success is based on an organisation’s ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Within the context of today’s global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses and in project management it is becoming a best practice. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien:1). Having said these, this report focuses on some of the pertinent issues affecting a project organization. The report first of all examine the changing environment of the contemporary organization, there after attention is shifted to the evaluation of the current management structure being used by my organization. The third part of the report focuses on the current project management processes in an organization to see if they are effective or there exist certain deficiencies. The last part of the report present recommendation in the form of a conclusion. In business, environmental analysis is an appreciation of an organisations activities vis-Ã  -vis its environment (Lin& Lee 2006). Such analysis has become imperatively necessary in the light of increase competition as present, subsequent operations and strategies direction will be dependent on the result (Lin& Lee 2006). According to Johnson et al (2007), it is a process by which a business gathers

Analyse employment relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analyse employment relations - Essay Example As for the employment relation, it is the changes in the socio political context that now includes HRM, and a reduced power of labor unions along with agile management and altering social attitudes. Thus, creating a more diverse landscape, it is also related to the relationship that the management and the employees hold with each other in almost every area of the industry. It can be easily stated that employment relation works better if taken as a philosophy, rather than a function of the management (Wilton, 2010). In the Australian context, the changes have been rather massive in both the areas. These being innovative in nature have brought many new terms in the employment relations, such as commitment, involvement, and performance of the high order. Thus, the management has started to work on new ways to inculcate factors, such as team work and multitasking, so that higher productivity can be achieved. This makes the need to study employment relations huge over the years (Lansbury, 2000). However, it has also been observed that employees working in the aforementioned country are not happy with what has been going on. This means that they feel that the wok is too much and provides very low security. Thus, the need to cater to such issues has also risen in the recent year, which has increased the need to cater to employment relations more (Appelbaum et al. 2000, Davis and Gollan, 1999, Wood and Albanese, 1995, Lansbury, 2000). The following lines will be discussing the whys and hows of the employee relations and changes that occurred recently in this arena. The following lines will also be examining why industrial relations have become less relevant to the study of workplace relations now, than it was in 1980, as well as determining the extent to which the term employment relations best describe the changes that have occurred in workplaces since 1980, relating it with the Australian working arena. As far as the strengths and weaknesses of the unitarist, pluralist, and r adical theoretical perspectives are concerned, it has been observed that the unitarist perspective aims at employee commitment, as well as loyalty by the fusion of the interests of both, employee as well as the employer (Guest and Peccei, 2001 & The Typed Gold, 2010). Also, used for stakeholder management, it caters to handing a win-win situation for the managers by aligning the goals and interests of both parties. However, this perspective also has its weaknesses; this theory does not cater to the power imbalance between the parties and must identify that managers hold an upper hand in terms of power. As conflict is a highly off-putting clause here, it ignores the fact that there are also certain conflicts that are advantageous to the organization in nature, for example the task conflict. Other than that, it is also unclear about how the feelings of the worker are aligned with those of the employer. As for the pluralist perspective, it caters to effective IR interventions made to r esolve conflicts that act as a substitute in decision making process. The approach does not ignore conflict like the one stated previously and uses the same conflict scenario to understand the roots of many problems. The current perspective, thus, might have companies that have a ‘no union policy’ as well as those that encourage such unions so that diverse cultures can be obtained. It does not, however, ignore the fact that unions have a role. Yet, this perspective also holds certain weaknesses, such as too much reliance on rules and regulations, and somewhat also ignores those processes that directly help resolving conflicts (Gennard, and Judge, 2002 and the typed gold, 2010). Furthermore, it also fails to realize that state has

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay I personally do not think there are many positive aspects of stereotypes. You cannot form judgments about everyone in a group based on one person. Just because one has tattoos, it doesn’t mean that they are tough, scary, or delinquent. Ones choice to have tattoos is their creative way of expressing themselves. Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet 2 Negative Aspects of Stereotypes Stereotypes have several negative aspects. When people are put into these groups, people judge them before getting to know them and forming opinions on what kind of person they are without even giving the person a chance. It causes people to think negatively based on someone else opinion. Stereotypes and Prejudice Defined and Their Differences A stereotype is a thought that may be adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways of doing things, but that belief may or may not accurately reflect reality. Prejudice is an opinion or judgment that disregards the facts. Stereotypes are actually loosely based on fact.. Irish like to drink fight, Southern people are all dumb, Latinos are sexy good dancers, etc. Prejudice is when people judge someone they meet based on stereotypes. The Relationship between Stereotypes and Prejudice. While they may seem similar at first they are actually quite different. Stereotyping is assuming that all people belonging to a certain group will all behave in a certain way. This is not always done with negative intentions; its often done through a lack of understanding Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet 3 or knowledge, and sometimes even through humor. Prejudice is displaying negative feelings or actions towards a specific group of people because of something that separates them from others, and is almost always done through hatred or fear of the thing that makes them different. Preventing Prejudice You cant prevent it entirely. But education is a big thing. Helping people get to know and understand other groups and cultures. Teaching and learning that all people are created equally. That no matter what their race, gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation we are all human. Making sure that people know the effects of being prejudice causes and that it will not be tolerated. Being open-minded and do not be so quick to pass judgment.

Theatre Evaluation of The Woman In Black Essay Example for Free

Theatre Evaluation of The Woman In Black Essay On December 11th 2001 we went to go and see a production of Woman In Black at the Lowry Centre in Salford, Manchester. The play was a thriller based on a story of man that he had to explain, and needed to tell some one about his experience. This man went to a theatre and asked for help in telling this story. Two male actors retold the story in the theatre using the theatrical effects available. It was set on a proscenium stage. When we were first introduced to the stage setting all we saw were drapes hanging at the back, which were later to be turned into gauze to help portray the later more frightening scenes in the house. The only props on the stage were a large basket, a hat stand, a clothes rail and a chair (later on in the play a door was introduced). Throughout the play these were the only props used, but with great effect. Each prop was brought into a scene and used in a different way. The gauze was used for projective images. This gave a chilling effect for example when the image of a cross was shone on to it. It was also used to create other images like a graveyard, the old house and also other parts of the house, like when you saw the woman in black on the stairs. The use of gauze had a more terrifying effect on what we were witnessing. There were only two actors in the play, but they played numerous characters throughout the different scenes. When they wanted to change characters they simply took clothes off the clothes rail, this was a very quick and swift way to change characters and was very effective, because it kept our minds constantly on the play as the action was constantly on stage. Each prop was used for different things. For example the basket was used as a bed, a basket, a train carriage and a horse and carriage. This moment was particularly effective; the basket was used to take the actor to the house. As approaching the house the horse seemed to become stuck, the use of good sound effects of the horse and carriage, then the use of lighting made this all seem very frightening and disturbing. When the carriage crashed into the marsh the goods sound effects took our imagination and it seemed very real. This was also helped by the skill of the actor driving the carriage. He was playing the old man and as soon as he took on the role he seemed to instantly become this old man. He changed his voice and his face in order to create a very realistic image of the scene. This helped to make the scene more believable. It seemed that the actors fears were being portrayed into the audience. I felt that the frightening scenes were in the house when the actor could hear noises and also saw the woman in black. He seemed very scared. The climax of this was when he finally entered the door into the childs bedroom and we saw the rocking of the chair and the playing of the childrens music toy. This was very disturbing and the actor made us feel his sense of edginess and that he was frightened. The actor helped build up the tension when he first stayed in the house, that the audience was very anxious about when he went back and the audience became very worried about what was going to happen next. There was a third actor, the woman in black. The woman said nothing, which made her even more terrifying. The woman appeared out of the darkness of the back of the audience when we first saw her. She also appeared out of the darkness when we saw her in the graveyard scene, this time she was accompanied by a scream when she appeared, this made the audience very scared and fearful of her. The woman was just an image of a white face and we only saw her as a distant shadow in the house, it made us feel very startled by her. She was very effective as a silent actor because this made the audience use our imagination as to what the woman really was, because we never heard her speak. The sound effects, the shrill scream, that accompanied her on the stage also added to the eerie effect. The screams were very shocking and we could feel it in the audience, they became very jumpy and weary of this ghostly apparition on stage. When the play first started it was very slow at taking up the story and did not really grip our attention straight away. But it soon grew in pace and fright, with each scene moving faster and becoming more and more effective in scaring the audience. The effects used in the play, the gauze, the visions, the sounds and the woman really helped in making the play very successful in creating the disturbing feel of the story. I think everyone left the theatre very jumpy, so the play was obviously successful, and I thoroughly enjoyed my fearful experience.

Business Strategy In Global Environment Mcdonald Marketing Essay

Business Strategy In Global Environment Mcdonald Marketing Essay McDonalds is one of the worlds leading fast food makers, 1995 when Ray Kroc started the franchising system till now McDonalds have seen an era of constant growth in both in terms of reach to the customers across the globe or in terms of sales and profits. There are number of driving forces of its basic aims that kept it at above all system wide sandwich market throughout its most magnificent years. The idea of making a system of restaurants with low priced menu items available to local community in a fast, efficient and hygienic way as well as a enjoyable environment lead McDonalds to become worlds largest sandwich chain. (Marino, 2004. p.C213) http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpd5oqJsfyDAeDoy7AST6YNQfaNhLV25kSdfuI_KXZH6mcilIt=1usg=__7clK98n3FRPjsriVl9qBT21ydm8= After a years of hard work McDonalds has developed its customer loyalty and brand image across the world and strong financial base to counterbalance the impact of extreme competition by the similar sandwich industry players such as Subway, Burger King, Wendys. During early 1990s, when MacDonalds intensified its international operations to balance the impact of growing competition in USA, its brand image became so popular outside USA that on its opening in Beijing 1992 more than 40,000 customers flooded the restaurant. Earlier in 1990, an opening of a new restaurant in Moscow drew about 30,000 people. (Marino, 2004, p.C214) throughout 1990s McDonalds have seen many year of radical transformation in its strategic policies besides its glorious years, particularly in the later years of 1990 most of its efforts to overcome its falling performance, customer satisfaction and monetary profits resulted in further decline in brand image as well as sales. The top management launched a plan to further boost restaurants growth and diversification away from just a sandwich maker by adding no less than 40 new items in the menu. In order to achieve the target of 10 to 15 percent of profits an investment of $420 million was made to upgrade few things such as kitchen and research and development. Despite all these efforts it appeared that nothing was working to put McDonalds back on track. (Marino, 2004, p.C215) This was the first time when McDonalds posted its first time ever fourth quarter loss in 2002. It is the same time when Jim Cantalupo took over the charge of the corporation and introduced Plan to Win strategy to win back the lost empire of unprecedented history of McDonalds. Jim Cantalupo preferred to focus companys generic strategy on marketing mix of the company in order to overcome the declining brand image and negative publicity experienced just before him taking over the company. His plan focused on offering customers a better experience of enjoying their fast food as compared to competitors. (Marino, 2004) WHAT IS A BUSINESS STRATEGY By all the management scientist and academicians business strategy has been defined in many variable ways. Strategy can be simply defined as a plan to reach from one point to another or it can be as composite as the global market place. In a global corporate industry environment strategy is a complex and comprehensive framework of actions put together after careful analysis of capabilities and strengths and the environmental impacts of peripheral forces manipulate the organization (Elkin, 1998) Strategy can also be defined as a framework which steer those choices that determine the nature and direction of an organization. (Tregoe Zimmerman, 1980) Leadership in a highly competitive market depends on narrowing the focus of business strategy instead of broadening it. Business strategy includes identification of organizations operational excellence, its customer intimacy, and the product leadership. These three elements are the powerful dynamics of a business strategy. (Treacy Wiersema, 1989) To achieve objects an organization can exploit its unutilised resource strength and capabilities or it can altogether develop a core competency. A companys strategy is a plan of its management to achieve and sustain a market position, conduct its operations, attract and please customers, compete successfully, and achieve organizational objectives. (Thompson Strickland, 2003, p. 3) http://www.softsia.com/screenshots/Deep-SWOT-analysis-software_sxtn.gif INTERNAL STRENGTH AND RESOURCE CAPABILITIES STRENGTHS: The assessment of in-house resources of an organization is evaluated in relation to the competitors. (Thompson Strickland, 2003) MacDonalds business strategy still upholds the philosophy of Ray Crok who in 1958 said that, the basis for our entire business is that we are ethical, truthful and dependable. It takes time to build a reputation. We are not promoters. We are business people with a solid, permanent, constructive ethical program that will be in style years from now even more than it is today. (mcdonalds.com) a) Market Leadership In the fast food chains in the world McDonalds has one of the strong international presence, in the USA alone it has over 13,500 restaurants and 16,500 restaurants worldwide. It was operation in 120 countries of the world with Burger King at number two in 2002 was operating in 120 countries of the world with Burger King at number two with only 58 countries. Its operating income from worldwide operations almost compared the income from domestic operations. In USA McDonalds secured over 32 percent of the sales of top no less than 30 chains in 2003 out of which about 30 percent of the sales come from its international operations. The leadership of McDonalds amongst restaurants chains have widely been recognized and have placed it in a very strong position to increase and retain a major part of this market share. (Marino, 2004) B) Financial Strength Another very important policy of McDonalds is to own all real estates for franchised or company operated location. This gives a large rental income and asset base for the company. Beverley Vasquez in his article; McDonalds Takes Bite from its Land holding published in Denver Business Journal in 1998 says that McDonalds generate more money from its rent than from its franchise fees. (Denver Business Journal 50, p. B9) its strategy to own its real estates has given it even more control over what it can do with the land. The major advantage of this policy was to choose a piece of land to build a restaurant in any suitable location to generate maximum sales and to make financial assets and remove the impact of development McDonalds keeps about 100% of profits from company owned restaurants. (Marino, 2004) like any other company in the same business McDonalds liquidity is within the industrial standards. McDonalds current ratio in 2003 was 0.76, maintaining or improving current ratio help meet current liabilities and short term debts without putting further constraints on company operations. c) Brand Image In 2003 McDonalds brand value was placed at 8th number among worlds most valuable brand with $24.69 billion (source: interbrand). Brand image is the totality of consumer perceptions about the brand, or how they see it. Companies have to work hard on the consumer experience to make sure that what customers see and think is what they want them to. (Temporal, 2002 Marino, 2004) d) Innovative Skills In a global market place a company needs to be well aware of particular needs and requirements of the people defined by their cultural and religious affiliations and their particular eating habits. Due to changing eating habits of its customers McDonalds has improved its menus many times. This was due to many reasons such as innovation in food processing and cooking and growing health awareness in people. (Marino, 2004) Its menus in almost all countries reflect the local traditional elements and tastes. Kosher for Jewish people in Israel, introduction of low fat food across the chain, and menus according to particular French, Chinese and South American tastes are a few examples. It has integrated local eating trends and traditions successfully across the world by changing the local menus in several regions of the world, McDonalds have almost always adapted to the changes in the costumers preferences despite some of its failure to regain sales revenues in late 1990s. WEAKNESSES: a) Weak Strategic Direction Chairman and CEO Alan Greenberg took the full responsibility of its poor performance and resigned after face the first ever loss In fourth quarter 2002. The collapse was mainly cause of launching many concordant initiative and be deficient of will to completely implement them or waiting for the outcome of any particular initiative. Due to this deprived strategic decision making, management was left with no clear directions. Increased competition and hostility among the franchises forced company to review its policies regarding development, association, quality and customer services. At one stage company publicized 40 new menu items and customized cooking system which cost company a hefty $420 million. (Marino, 2004) A week strategy or failure to fittingly launch a strategy may result in a week performance of the overall business. (Thompson Strickland, 2003) If a company alter its business strategy it may result in customer confusion, price oriented customer may switch to another low cost leader if the business employing a low cost strategy shifts its focus to differentiation strategy At the same time those customers willing to pay a premium price may not identify the organizations strategic change. (Parnell, John A.,2003) b) Customer Services McDonalds discontinued its principal of restaurant evaluation system in early 1990(namely QSVC, Quality, Service, Value, and Cleanliness) in order to reduce the tension among franchises and to pave way for international growth and to improve its partnership with leading superstores. It was expected that companys image would regain When Greenberg reinstituted its Quality, Service, Cleanliness inspections and mystery shopping in 2001, but in 2002 company was ranked lesser than its main rivals including KFC, Wendys, Burger King, and even US internal revenue services. c) Revenues Losses and Share value In the start of 2003, McDonalds had to face a loss of $343.8 million in its first quarter Followed by a constant decline in revenue during 12 months to April 2003. Companys share value dipped to all time low. At one point in March 2003 it was being traded at $12.50. Putting further pressure on short term and long term liquidity and constraining the company to keep equity at sustainable level. d) Employees Turnover Employee turnover is very important in any organization accurate, efficient and quick customer service mostly relies on staff training and experience. McDonalds has 300 percent high employees turnover than industry average. This clearly means McDonalds not only have to train more than average employees but also have to wait until they are fully functional and experienced. It is 40 seconds slower than its close rival Wendys in drive-thru operation but still it generates almost 60 percent of its revenue from them. EXTERNAL MARKET FACTORS OPPORTUNITIES: a) Revenue Generation The strong worldwide presence of McDonalds provide it an opportunity to produce revenues from public offering and this was experienced successfully in case of Japan. Public offering could be phased out in 120 countries of the world once McDonalds could grow strong in each country. b) Diversification materialization of mega-store and expansion in their process has unlocked a new market segment for McDonalds retail products. Further new opportunity include launching McDonalds novelty products like watches and toys to be sold across the world and going into joint schemes with non rival companies to use MacDonalds premises to uphold their product. THREATS: a) Trends in Sandwich Restaurant industry McDonalds has faced challenges by the new trends in eating healthier food alternatives along with the other industry players. Customer dietary awareness grew after findings of various scientific researches advocating eating healthy food with lesser fats, oil and sugar contents. Sandwich chain have to keep modifying their menu in order to be concerned about customers wellbeing. McDonalds has to continue focusing on adjusting its policy to reflect healthier aspects of menu items or it could be an easy target for negative publicity. McDonalds main rivals Burger King and Wendys have addressed current consumer health trends more successfully. Particularly, Wendys has responded to this with the introduction of their gourmet salad line. Typically 30% of those consumers visiting Wendys do so specifically for the purpose of purchasing salads from their Garden Sensations salad line. (Marino, 2004) Soon after recognizing the market, the super store jumped into sandwich industry by offering read ymade meals and sandwiches at competitive prices further increasing competition for McDonalds and its rivals as well. b) Intense Competition After 2003 it was expected for systemwide sandwich industry in USA to grow around only 2 percent for foreseeable future. There was a shrinkage in local restaurant industry due to increased competition amongst traditional rivals, many chains were copying McDonalds theme at that time increasing market share was more difficult in both USA and worldwide. (Marino, 2004) a large number of customer was shifting to other low price outlets of similar quality and service as they were becoming more price conscious. The ideal condition is for the strength/ competitive assets to outweigh its weakness/ competitive liabilities by an ample margin-50/50 balance is definitely not the desired condition. (Thompson Strickland, 2003, p120) PEST ANALYSIS The analysis of macro environment in which business operates is called PEST analysis its consist of four elements Political, Economical, Social and Technological. POLITICAL FACTORS Individual state policies enforced by the government greatly influenced the international operations of McDonalds. Many groups in Europe and USA clamor for the actions taken by the state pertaining to the hygiene, health and fitness proposition of eating fast food. They have pointed out that things like cholesterol are harmful for human body and adverse effects like obesity are attributable to consuming fast food products. (ivythesis 2010) On the contrary, there are number of internal policies and regulation in order to control the company, specific segments of the market focus on different fields of concern for example environment, worker protection and specially health. In all parts of country and outside the country government check all these elements before issuance of any kind of license in the respective states. In countries like India it is a looming legal dispute in the franchise of McDonalds where certain breach of rights and violation of religious laws pertaining to the contents of the food, it is highly offensive to the Hindu religion in that region to have meat in their menus. There are also other studies that points to the infringement of McDonalds Stores with reference to the existing employment laws in the target market. Like any business venture, these McDonalds stores have to contend with the issues of employment procedures as well as their tax obligations so as to succeed in the foreign market. (ivyth esis 2010) ECONOMIC FACTORS It is seen that there are always numerous problem available to fast food industry and no organization in this business are excused for any disputes and troubles, all have concerns up to certain extant regarding economic factors individually. Branches and franchises of fast food chains like McDonalds are likely to experience difficulties in case the economy of any country is hit by inflation and a rapid change in exchange rates. In conditions like this customer have to go over the usual budget and they have to think whether or not they should use up more of these foreign fast food chains therefore these businesses must think of some solutions to deal with the effects of the economic environment specially when the problem are caused by the consumer behavior these issue can lead to a serious problem as it could influence their general sales. In regarding the operations of the company, food chains like McDonalds tend to import much of their raw materials into a specific territory if ther e is a dearth of supply.   Exchange rate fluctuations will also play a significant role in the operations of the company. if a franchise operates in a particularly economically weak state, hence their products shall cost higher than the other existing products in the market, then these franchises must take on certain adjustments to maintain the economies of scale. (ivythesis 2010) SOCIAL FACTORS The surveys and articles on the international strategies of McDonalds have been working in many areas to assure worthwhile returns for the organization. The company put so much effort to improve on establishing a favorable mind set from their basic consumer. McDonalds indulge a particular variety of consumers with definite types of personalities. It has also seen that McDonalds has provide the market such as United Kingdom an extra option in their dining needs and requirements as they have introduced a valued and reasonable set of food that affectionate a reliable level of quality for the respective market where it operates.   Additionally, those who are aged just below the bracket of thirty-five are said to be the most frequent consumers of McDonalds franchises. ( 2005) TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS McDonalds produces demand for their own products. Television advertisement is one of the companys key tool for marketing. It has also been seen that McDonalds are inclined to the interest the younger populations more, this can been seen in different ways such as distribution of toys in their meals offered by the company and the existence of play spots in the restaurant areas. Similar demonstrations can be seen in the commercial they make it clearly reflects their marketing strategy. They employ animated depictions of their characters like Grimace and Hamburglar. On the other hand they hire popular celebrities in order to promote their products. Their campaign regarding their logo Im Loving it is renowned across the globe and is recognized well in people of all ages. Moreover McDonalds has significantly been infused with new technology in their operating system and their biggest achievement is to introduce a Just In Time strategy Elements like the inventory system and the management o f the value chain of the company allows for easy payments for their suppliers and other vendors which the individual stores in respective markets deal with. The integration of technology in the operations of McDonalds tend to add value to their products. Basically, this is manifested in the improvements on its value chain. The improvement of the inventory system as well as its supply chain allows the company to operate in an international context. (ivythesis 2010) FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 1. Rivalry Amongst Existing Competitors It has been seen that the competition in restaurant industry is too high as there are large number of many fast food businesses that are fighting with each other in order to get the bigger market share and to improve their customer base, McDonalds is not an exception to this, it has excelled in this sector of the market since its commencement in 1940. Nevertheless to stay competitive they started with McCafe and gained a huge success as a fast food providers. Another major step came out when McDonald started Breakfast to compete with the existing business serving breakfast. Hence, this industry is extremely competitive and the MDC should be up to date with customer taste preferences.(quickmba 2010) 2. Threat of Entrants It is hard to set up a different brand name as well as to enter the restaurant business, The cost of entry in the market is extremely high there is big research and development costs. Large established companies with strong brand identities such as McDonalds do make it more difficult to enter and succeed within the marketplace, it is difficult for new entrants to find their place as they are faced with price competition from existing chain restaurants.(quickmba 2010) 3. Threat of Substitutes There are many substitutes in this industry. Since there are a wide variety of products that people can choose, they could either be substituted by MDC Burgers, Beverages, dairy products, and others. 4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Power of suppliers within the fast food industry would be relatively small, unless the main ingredient of the product is not readily available. 5. Bargaining Power of Buyers Relatively strength of buyers is low in this industry http://maven.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/porter5forces3.gif SCHOOLS OF STRATEGY Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel discuss various approaches to strategic planning and they identify 10 different schools of thought which are divided into Prescriptive and Descriptive. We can apply Prescriptive schools for Strategy formulation and Descriptive School for Strategy formation. A) PRESCRIPTIVE SCHOOLS Prescriptive means what can be done most realistically. The prescriptive strategy takes other factors into consideration while analyzing multiple criteria and conflicting objections. After this, then chooses what strategy would or could be done realistically based on the objectives previously listed. According to the prescriptive strategy, the second best decision might be more appropriate. The prescriptive approach includes an analysis of possible decisions around a chosen solution known as sensitivity analysis. 1. Design School: This strategy is adopted by McDonalds in a way they have matched their internal situation of the company with the outside situation caused by the environment. Thus the strategy of the company is made and function to signify the best likely fit. 2. Planning School: Here strategy arrangement is seen as a prescribed procedure, which follows a thorough set of steps from scrutiny of the condition to the growth and exploration of different substitute scenarios. 3. Positioning School: This is very important approach as it is very much influenced by the Porters work, formation of strategy as an logical process that place the organization in the same context of the business the company is in, McDonald as a business used this as a strong tool of their strategy. B) DESCRIPTIVE SCHOOLS Descriptive means what is usually done. The descriptive strategy is done based on past evidence. It is something that has been most likely done in the past. 1. Entrepreneurial School: In McDonalds this approach look upon strategy formation as a visionary process, that is going on within the mind of the captivating founder or leader of the company. 2. Learning School: The whole function of this strategy is to educate people where the management of an the company take care of the workers that they work efficiently and does not work over time and incorporates these lessons learned into their overall plan of action. 3. Power School: Here strategy progress is appear to be a process of cooperation between power holders within the company, and or between the company and external stakeholders. 4. Cultural School: This strategy talk about developing a culture that makes the working condition comfortable for all this school takes the strategy formation as collective process that includes multiple groups and departments within the organization the strategy developed is thus a reflection of the corporate culture of the organization. 5. Environmental School: In response to the current challenges imposed by the external environment, this strategy structuring is seen to be a reactive process. 6. Configuration School: This is the last school and the purpose of strategy formation can be easily seen as method of altering the organization from one type of decision making structure into another. CONCLUSION McDonalds have increase its product line to ensure they have multiple products to choose form and to remain competitive to their rivals, and have focused to provide better and continuous service, they also have reduced their cost by reducing their supply chain expenses. In order to retain customers they have expanded their happy meal choices and took further step by adding premium and different coffees in their beverages menu as well as cakes and pastries. The concept of toys introduced by McDonalds for all kind of generations specially for kids was new to everyone in the market. As a suggestion they must provide special promotion during the festivals, apart from organizing birthday parties they should move on to one step ahead in organizing or sponsoring college festivals. After analyzing the marketing mix of McDonalds, it is clear that the company can be said to be `global, i.e. combining elements of globalization and internationalization. McDonalds have achieved this through apply ing the maxim, `think global, act local REFERENCE Marino, L. Jackson, K.B., 2004; McDonalds: Polishing the Golden Arches, p. c213-c234, Case Study 13, Thompson A. A. Strickland, A. J., 2004, Strategic Management, Concept and Cases, 13th Edition, McGraw Hill †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Thompson A. A. Strickland, A.J., 2003, Strategic Management, Concept and Cases, 13th Edition, McGraw Hill. †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Johnson, Gerry Scholes, Kevan; 2002, Exploring Corporate Strategy, Text and Cases, 6th Edition, FT-Prentice Hal †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Hooley, G.J., Saunders, J.A. Piercy, N. (2004) Marketing strategy and Competitive Positioning. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Kotler, Philip. 1988, Marketing Management Analysis, Planning, Implementation and Control, 6th Edition, UK: Prentice Hall †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Kotler, Philip. 1967, Marketing Management: Analysis, Planning and Control, Prentice Hall, New jersey †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Drejer, Anders 2002, Strategic Management and Core Competencies: Theory and Application, Quorum Books. London †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Tregoe, Benjamin Zimmerman, John. 1980, Top Management Strategy, Simon and Schuster, New York †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Cameron, E. Green, M. 2001; Making Sense of Change Management, London: Kogan Page Publishers. †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Treacy, Michael. Wiersema, Fred., 1989, Customer Intimacy and Other Value Disciplines, Journal Article, Harvard Business Review (Jan-Feb 1993) †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business-operations/swot-analysis/ †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Denver Business Journal 50, 1998; no.8, October 23-October 29, , p. B9 †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Temporal, Paul; June 2002; Corporate Identity, Brand Identity, and Brand Image, www.brandingasia.com/columns/temporal10.htm, [Accessed on January 01, 2009] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Parnell, John A. 2003; Five Critical Challenges in Strategy Making, SAM Advanced Management Journal, Vol. 68, [Accessed: August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Elkin, Paul. 1998; Mastering Business Planning and Strategy: The Power of Strategic Thinking, Thorogood †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Jody Nimetz The Five Ps of Marketing, http://www.searchengineguide.com/jodynimetz/ the-five-ps-of-1.php †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  McDonalds Annual Report 2007, Available at; http://216.139.227.101/interactive/mcd2007/ [Accessed August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Hamill, Jim. Campbell, David. Purdie, Tony. Stonehouse, George.; 2004, Global and Translational Business: Strategy and Management, John Wiley Sons †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Martin, Andrew., January 10, 2009, At McDonalds, the Happiest Meal Is Hot Profits, News Article, New York Times, Internet, www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/business/11burger.html?_r=1 [Accessed; August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Anon, January 13, 2009, 2:59PM ET. McDonalds becoming Major Coffee Player, Business Week/The Associated Press, Internet, http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D95MF7900.htm [Accessed at; January 15, 2009, 2:59PM ET] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Bandyk, Matthew; 12 January , 2009, 10:15 AM ET 2009, McDonalds Proves To Be A Recession-Proof Business, U S NEWS, Internet; http://www.usnews.com/blogs/risky34 business/2009/1/12/mcdonalds-proves-to-be-a-recession-proof-business.html [Accessed; August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Vella, Matt., December 3, 2008, 11:30AM EST, A 7ew Look for McDonalds, †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Crown, Judith.; January 9, 2008, 9:26PM EST, Coffee Gets Hotter at McDonalds, BusinessWeek, Internet; http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jan2008/db2008019_036171.h tm?campaign_id=msnbc [Accessed on: August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  www.bbc.co.uk, 17 January 2007, Growth on the Menu at McDonalds, , News story from BBC 15:31:37 GMT;, Internet; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6271795.stm (Accessed; August 12, 2010] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Gutierrez, Carl.; 11 November.2008, 03:40 AM EST, Market Scan: Burgers Thrive In the McDownturn, Forbes Internet, M EST, http://www.forbes.com/equities/2008/11/11/mcdonalds-restaurants-closer-marketsequity- cx_cg_lal_1110markets43.html [Accessed; 10 January 2009] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Gogoi, Pallavi. Arndt, Michael. Business Week Magazine, March 3, 2003. http://www.businessweek.com/@@LWIXFoUQQDDeyAwA/magazine/content/03_0 9/b3822085_mz017.htm) [Accessed: 5 January 2009] †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  McDonalds Corporation Official website http://www.mcdonalds.com/ †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Fortune 500; http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/ wwwfortune500.com †¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Macarthur, Kate., 2005, Wendys Overhauls Marketing Strategies, May 19, 2005, http://adage.com/results?end http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2009/02/pestle-analysis-of-mcdonalds.html (Accessed on: October 2, 2010) http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/porter.shtml (Accessed on: October 2, 2010)

Anthrax :: essays research papers

Anthrax is the preferred biological warfare agent because: It is highly lethal. 100 million lethal doses per gram of anthrax material (100,000 times deadlier than the deadliest chemical warfare agent). Silent, invisible killer. Inhalational anthrax is virtually always fatal. There are low barriers to production. Low cost of producing the anthrax material. Not high-technology. Knowledge is widely available. Easy to produce in large quantities. It is easy to weaponize. It is extremely stable. It can be stored almost indefinitely as a dry powder. It can be loaded, in a freeze-dried condition, in munitions or disseminated as an aerosol with crude sprayers. Currently, we have a limited detection capability. What is Anthrax? Anthrax is a naturally occurring disease of plant eating animals (goats, sheep, cattle, wine, etc.) caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It is an illness which has been recognized since antiquity. Anthrax was common in essentially all areas where livestock are raised. Intensive livestock immunization programs have greatly reduced the occurrence of the disease among both animals and humans in much of the world, an most outbreaks occur in areas where immunization programs have not been implemented or have become compromised (primarily Africa and Asia; however, outbreaks occurred during the mid- I 990's in Haiti and the former Soviet Union). Anthrax spores can remain viable for several decades under suitable environmental conditions; thus, absence of cases does not equate to absence of risk. Humans can contract anthrax in three ways: Through cuts or breaks in the skin resulting from contact with an infected animal (cutaneous anthrax), resulting in local and possibly systemic (bloodstream) infection. From breathing anthrax spores (termed "woolsorters" disease) resulting in an infection of the lungs (inhalational anthrax). From eating infected meat, resulting in gastrointestinal infection (gastrointestinal anthrax). Gastrointestinal anthrax is generally not considered a threat to U.S. forces. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of anthrax begin after a 1 to 6 day incubation period following exposure. For contact or cutaneous anthrax, itching will occur at the site of exposure followed by the formation of a lesion. Untreated contact anthrax has a fatality rate of 5-20 percent, but with effective antibiotic treatment, few deaths occur. Initial symptoms for inhalational anthrax are generally non-specific: low grade fever, a dry hacking cough, and weakness. The person may briefly improve after 2 to 4 days; however within 24 hours after this brief improvement, respiratory distress occurs with shock and death following shortly thereafter.

Kierkegaards View on Faith Essay -- Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Kierkegaards View on Faith Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher in the mid 1800s. He is known to be the father of existentialism and was at least 70 years ahead of his time. Kierkegaard set out to attack Kant’s rational ethics and make attacks on the Christianity of our day. He poses the question, how do we understand faith? He states that faith equals the absurd. In â€Å"Fear and Trembling†, he uses the story of Abraham and his son Isaac to show an example of faith as the absurd. The story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac signifies a break in the theory that ethics and religion go hand in hand. He shows how the ethical and the religious can be completely different. â€Å"I by no means conclude that faith is something inferior but rather that it is the highest, also that it is dishonest of philosophy to give something else in its place and to disparage faith† (Fear and Trembling, 12).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To Kierkegaard, the whole biblical story is a paradox. â€Å"Thinking about Abraham is another matter, however; then I am shattered. I am constantly aware of the prodigious paradox that is the content of Abraham’s life, I am constantly repelled, and, despite all its passion, my thought cannot penetrate it, cannot get ahead by a hairsbreadth† (Fear and Trembling, 12). Faith to Kierkegaard is even paradoxical. â€Å"Precisely because resignation is antecedent, faith is no esthetic emotion but something far higher; it is not the spontaneous inclination of the heart but the paradox of existence† (Fear and Trembling, 19). Under the ethical, Abraham was going to commit murder. Kierkegaard uses an example of a preacher going to him after the murder and screaming, â€Å"You despicable man, you scum of society, what devil has so possessed you that you want to murder your son† (Fear and Trembling, 10). He knows that murder cannot be ethically dis closed and wonders how that can be faith. Under the absurdity of faith, Abraham’s crime of murder becomes a merited duty to his Creator. â€Å"The ethical expression for what Abraham did is that he meant to murder Isaac; the religious expression is that he meant to sacrifice Isaac† (Fear and Trembling, 11). Abraham had to suspend his duty to the universal, or the ethical in order to carry out his duty to God. The Christian must make an existential leap out of the universal to acquire faith. This ultimately means that faith is higher than the un... ...f Pure Reason, 616). Kant places religion within the rational realm. He starts with the rational individual which is living in an absolute moral society. The moral law is based upon religion. â€Å"...and I maintain, consequently, that unless moral laws are laid at the basis or used as a guide, there can be no theology of reason at all† (Critique of Pure Reason, 613). To Kant, a society’s commitment to absolute morality, moral law, and the church was the rational world’s meaning for religion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kierkegaard argued against Kant that rationalism was lacking where religion was concerned. Kierkegaard fought that religion had nothing to do with rationalism, but everything to do with an individual relationship with God. The individual is free to maintain an intimate relationship with God which comes with faith as the absurd. Unlike Kant, Kierkegaard sees moral rationalism in society, but religion has nothing to do with it. It is a completely different subject that cannot be mixed with moral reason. He states that religion belongs only to the person seeking religion and overpowers all things rational. Kierkegaard places religious philosophy beyond the context of rationalism completely.

Computer Systems Analyst :: essays research papers fc

Computer Systems Analyst   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I push the button, I hear a noise, the screen comes alive. My computer loads up and starts to process. I see the start screen for Windows 95, and I type in my password. Even though this takes time, I know that I will be able to do whatever I want to do without any trouble, without any glitches, without any questions. My computer is now easier to use and more user friendly because computer systems analysts have worked out the problems that many computer systems still have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It appears to me that a career choice needs to contain a number of different features. The first being: Will this area of interest mentally stimulate me as well as challenge me? The second being: Is there a way of making a living in these areas of interest? And finally: Do I enjoy the different activities within this area of interest? From the first day that I started my first computer, I have grasped the concepts quickly and with ease. But the computer as well as I will never stop growing. I have introduced myself to all topics of word processing to surfing the web. After reviewing a number of resources, I have noticed a relatively high demand for technologically integrated hardware and software positions available with companies that wish to compete with the demand for â€Å"networking†. (â€Å"Computer Scientists† 95) This leads me to believe that future employment prospects will be high and of high quality pay within the next eight to ten years. The past, present, and future have and will see the computer. Since I have seen the computer, I have enjoyed the challenges and countless opportunities to gain in life from this machine. From school projects to games; from the Internet to programming languages; I have and always will feel like that little kid in the candy store.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Job Description   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A Computer Systems Analyst decides how data are collected, prepared for computers, processed, stored, and made available for users. (â€Å"Computer Systems† COIN 1) The main achievement as a systems analyst is to improve the efficiency or create a whole new computer system that proves to be more efficient for a contracting company. When on an assignment, the analyst must meet a deadline. While striving for a deadline, he must create and comprehend many sources of information for the presentation. He must review the systems capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations (â€Å"Systems Analyst† 44), to determine if certain parts of the system must be modified for a new program.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, a computer programmer writes a program that he thinks will be

Bank of China and HSBC comparative analysis Essay

From the experiences of customers with internet banking, it would be evident that the internet services of HSBC have been well established and have also been accepted as customer friendly, timely and efficient. An overwhelming three fourths customers have accepted that the security of the internet is greater than physical banking which indicates a high level of its effectiveness. It is also evident that those customers who have got accustomed to the use of the internet for banking are likely to continue with this experience. Thus where Bank of China had quite low scores for customer friendliness and efficiency at 32 and 41 % respectively, an overwhelming 81 % of the populace still wanted to continue with internet banking. The overall banking experience has been positive for 54 % of the customers of Bank of China and 67 % of the HSBC. Thus there is adequate scope for improving its services for the customer to provide them an excellent banking experience. Since banking is a personalized event, it is of essence that the customer is provided a special touch be it the individual or the corporate. Failure to do the same will lead to loss of a client which is not good for any business. As the competition in the Chinese banking space grows, it would be important to enhance the satisfaction level to the customer. The Bank of China is a well established banking financial institution, which has a tradition of almost a century of banking, It has been able to adapt to the changing environment very rapidly over the years which is evident from a past turbulent history. Despite nationalization of the banking services in China in 1949 and subsequent liberalization in the 1990’s the Bank has demonstrated admirable resilience in adapting to the changing norms and focusing on the development of services appropriate to the needs of the time. After the Chinese economy has opened, the bank has been particularly benefited as it has been able to exploit its strength of global business by integrating Chinese business needs with the global requirements. The Bank of China was the first Chinese bank to list in domestic as well as the international stock exchanges during the year 2006. (Interim Report, 2006). This will subject it to greater accountability and the management will have to conform to international standards of accounting systems with greater verification by share holder bodies. (Interim Report, 2006). The bank recorded very impressive results for the first half of 2006 with profits of RMB34,338 million and RMB19,477million, operating and net respectively. This was an increase over last year of 19. 72% and 28. 30% respectively. It is however seen that impairment losses are quite high at RMB5. 479 billion, which demonstrates increase of RMB513 million over the same period last year. (Interim Report, 2006). This is the area of concern as controlled by the state, there is a possibility of increase in this facet which will be a set back to the growth and credibility of the Bank. Internationalization is the focus of the Bank of China and it has adapted maximum international banking practices in China. The Bank is always looking for opportunities to enhance its corporate as well as financial image and in pursuance of which it has become the sole banking partner of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This to some extent will contribute to its brand image and also indicate its role towards fulfilling corporate social responsibility. (About Bank of China,. 2006). In China, the Bank has a very high reputation, being recognized internationally as the Best Bank as well as the Best Domestic Bank in China by Euromoney for a record eight times. (About Bank of China,. 2006). Apart from these many other awards are accredited to the Bank. Bank of China has a wide range of products and services for the corporate as well as the personal consumer which compare quite reasonably with that provided by HSBC. It has considerable advantage in offering foreign exchange services since it has been nominated as the lead branch and hence it obtains considerable benefits from the same. The ability of the bank to exploit its advantage is evident with its spot transaction policy to be settled on the second working day of conclusion of the foreign exchange transaction. It has various types of foreign exchange dealings, conducted by individuals the counter personnel or through the internet. (Forex, 2006). That the Bank is enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its services is evident from the credit card programme. BOC provides a credit card which is valid nationally as well as internationally. There is a 50 day interest free repayment period and all payments up to the provided line of credit are provided conveniently. (Card, 2006). The card can also be used for drawing cash, there is a no risk report after loss which can be given on telephone. The BOC is increasingly attempting to popularize this concept and has also tied up with various discounted retailers to provide benefit and enhance card usage. A recent introduction is a reward for increased usage of the card.(Card, 2006) Thus by spending 1 RMB, a customer gets the benefit of 1 point and for spending 1 US dollar, benefit of 8 points are given. These points can then be exchanged for various gifts including travel tickets, phone recharging and ordinary purchases based on various schemes prevalent. (Card, 2006). The application procedure has been simplified and there is a double currency facility for consumption as well as for withdrawal of cash based on the credit card. The services available through the bank being world wide, it proves of great benefit to Chinese individuals as well as business persons to hold these cards. (Card, 2006).

India vs Bharat Essay

India Vs BharatOur constitution describes India that is Bharat is a partnership of states. And it is a soereign, secular, socialist and a antiauthoritarian republic. But either iodin also knows that the way the outlandish is developing as dickens clear dissimilar block , it seems as if it is no more India , ie Bharat rather, it looks like India and Bharat. Yes, any(prenominal) thinking mind with a actor to analyze, understand and define would agree to the given that to day, we rent Two countries in oneness nation.Two sets of public in one republicTwo hugely different vivification they both live and two gr eatly different dream they both see. Where is that unity in diversity Where is that common destiny And yes, where comp permitely it leads to wholeness boldness we permit everyplace 100 crore simple, abject and helpless citizens living life with completely struggle and helplessness. And the new(prenominal) nerve you wee-wee few crore of complex, selfish, arro gant , corrupt concourse who live a life flaunting any the ill gotten wealth with a gonzo mindset and uncouth life style. angiotensin-converting enzyme side a person has entirely(prenominal) the ill gotten money to throw a party with over 300 dishes and on the other side there argon millions who struggle voiceless level to eat a proper food to live. wizard side, a corrupt man throws lakhs of rupees dependable like that and gets treated in a five star hospital amidst all the luxury even for a slightest health disorder, on the other side we have millions of simple, thornyworking , honest and very scummy citizens who so-and-sot even bear to go to a doctor for nigh(prenominal) health disaster. unrivaled side a rich mans child over eats all the goodies in the food kingdom and throws parties after parties to friends and on the other side we have millions of children who tusht even grow up properly because of lack of normal, everyday food. One side any one who is indivi dual is looting the nations odd natural resources for big personal gain, on the other side a honest, hard working citizen spends a whole life time but still part to have a roof over his head. One side a minority onlydrink the best of neat , hygienic water spending any money , but on the other side many have to passing play miles even to get a swallow water to carry home . One side some have over hundreds of pairs of dresses to wear , the other side, the majority have to live with just two pairs even all through out their lives season some even dont have that too. One side muckle be enter millionaire looting the nation and obligate scam after scam, the other side the majority work so hard but never get their rightful(prenominal) due. Friends, we all know that.It is a tragic story of a bully , unforgivable , heart chilling break that poses serious danger to countrys harmony and peace and leads the nation towards a foreseen catastrophe . Yes, I will not call it unforeseen ca tastrophebecause I am not blind.. and I can see what this grave discrepancy is preeminent to. Let us spare some time to think of all this and let us be serious to paste the consciousness , so as to be more proactive, only to act positively to save the nation from further take off and doom .Yes, friends, in order to unfold this consciousness and concern we at Paras backside will come out with a series of articles that focus on this subject. Hope, you all come in great add up and play your youthful, energetic , and responsible social function in nation building. After all, how come a nations future day not be safe and determine if its youth are sensible No ?

The World Tomorrow

In a dimly-lit aloneeyway make full with strewn slobber and nondescript graffiti allwhere the walls, a munificent purview more or less over supplyed the quite a ignominiousy scene. A happy metropolis that was at a time change with cover structures, stood light against a vestige even sky. The building be pearly-white, sleek, copy subsequently many a(prenominal) a(prenominal) ultra- modern-day designs of the day. heretofore the city di gloss overery contain vestiges of the past, with many out of date provided historic buildings dispel somewhat the city. Cars soundless overeat the expeditious highways in and more or less the city.The luxurious-looking cars ar environs friendly, has the some cutting-edge sanctuary features, art object stay cheap to virtually of the citizens. And yet, in arouse of all these advancements, the gentle being wash see something stop than themselves creating painted word of honor in prepare to lessening the woes of manual of arms dig out. piece accordingly arrive at the supply of beau ideal himself, non provided creating animateness only if as well creating consciousness. This intelligence activity is ingrained on machines that replaces manual labor that homo beings unremarkably do. Highly-efficient, low-maintenance and cheap, human purport may kick in give way marginally easier than in the past.Yet, confederation mud. Humans, actuate by idiosyncratic go out, simmer down bring to pass problems that in the end destroys themselves. on that point is chill out some(prenominal) b new(prenominal) of power, demesne of modulate and mastery over other countries. governmental power becomes the fountainhead of every country, invariably onerous to grow ascendance even out with the block out of modern development, the amount of money of inn still remains as a grim admonisher of the past. In xx years, the human guide would take away taken a great( p) ricochet preliminary in technology, exactly would throw evolved soft as a society. As spacious as in that respect public on earth, in that respect will be endlessly misunderstanding.

Disney Market Research Essay

In my perspective, rules that tush be utilise to Disney, which has a commixture of antithetical types of harvestings (goods) and run is by applying septuple kinds of soft and valued manners, salutees, cats-paws, and with a phase of techniques to watch information and information. As we live that Disney has the carrefours and suffices, of course, the cash advance method interpreted by some(prenominal) of these flush toilet be opposite as well. Goods be something that visible and dish up is something intangible. indeed lets handle the look methods to be utilize in either Disney harvest-time services. Disney radical greens, Resort, sail row and HotelTo explicate the search methods to musical composition Park etc, those fly the coop to be characterized as a service harvestingion. With the question physical object to custom-built Disney products so the approach is the look make by utterances and palm heaps on node ecstasy afterward the live they had been acquired equate by their offshoot perception. The instrument utilize is taking into custody slant for observation, self-administered & chain mail (online) questioners for follow, qualitative measures proficient devices and consultationed guidelines for hearing (personal hold on and yell as well). consume techniques employ is easyx haphazard have. Disney Studios(Movies and Music) question approaches apply for this product atomic number 18 observation the Disney movies and music, watch by online to the hit-or-miss viewing audience and listeners because utilise of goal-directed hit-or-miss try as a sample, qualitative measures proficient devices and discourseed guidelines for interview as well. In this show fact we pauperism moderator who is sufficient to acquit a root word discussion. Disney Media interlocking (C equal to(p) TV & Radio)owe to the product characteristics like to Disney studios, the method was some the same, shu t out the respondents be indemnify TV viewers and radio receiver listeners. Disney synergetic (Social, storage locker Games, etc) look approaches use for this product atomic number 18 observation, survey by online to the hit-or-miss gamers and users because use of purposive random ingest asa sample, qualitative measures technical devices and interviewed guidelines for interview as well. In this case we take moderator who is able to allot a root discussion. Disney Consumer Products (Books, Toys & Clothes) interrogation approaches utilise for this goods product argon observation, survey by halt the consumer who bought the products at the store, qualitative measures expert devices and interviewed guidelines for interview as well. try out techniques employ is simple random sampling with chunk samples divided by products.

Final exam case study's answers Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

last(a) interrogatory s answers - causa demand utilizationThe leatherneck discover is probably to boost touristry by transforming Queensland into a position of Australias largest tourism floor outgrowth that forget crotchet twain tourists and internationalistic investment. Therefore, the inquiry trouble in this subject bea learn is the feasibleness of the Queensland administration Multibillion marine regurgitate, its tot eachyy socio-economic benefits, and impacts, particularly to the purlieu and the residents. objective rehearsal The propose of this question is to represent the viability of the Broadwater leatherneck rove proposed by the Queensland political relation and its potency impacts on the tourism and expression sectors, the surround and the livelihoods of the residents nigh to the Broadwater. logical implication of the question This explore is satisfying because these findings ordain show justifiable recite concerning the v iability of the Broadwater shipboard soldier project, and its capability impacts on the surroundings and the residents of the scatter. This information leave alone be reclaimable for all the stakeholders in the Broadway ocean project because it leave issue a unnerving insane asylum for homework to tap the benefits bandage hold the impacts on the environment and the residents of the throw up. ... What are roughly of the socio-economic benefits of the Broadwater devil dog project to both the disposal and the residents of the Spit? d. What are roughly of the emfity environmental and companionable impacts of the Broadwater leatherneck render? e. How sess the hearty and environmental prohibit impacts of the Broadwater ocean start be reduced, and where come-at-able eliminated all in concert? Q.2 1) The enquiry school of thought The investigate philosophical system that stovepipe fits the enquiry questions and objectives is positiveness, an political conjecture that is characterised by meditation/theory interrogation by standard of unmistakable amicable realities. correspond to the positivists, the affable populace exists objectively and independently, noesis is operable lonesome(prenominal) is it is establish on the apparent targetdor and that oecumenical suppositious models explaining cause-effect relationships are generalizable and stool be apply to foretell outcomes. The research objectives fag be trounce achieved if the research is steer by set of the logical positivism ism much(prenominal)(prenominal) as reason, justice and stiffness the research go out strain rigorously on noticeable facts. The research information willing be equanimous done speak thoughtfulness and experience, deliberate by trial and error utilise quantifiable methods such as statistical synopsis, surveys and experiments. The viability of the Broadwater leatherneck project, its perceived socio-economic benefi ts to the Queensland presidency and the Spit residents, and its potential environmental and well-disposed impacts can be careful empirically. Positivism provides the applicable tools for info forum i.e. done ceremonial occasion and experience, amount using quantitative methods- surveys and experiments, and statistical analysis condition the coarse scope of this research, it mustiness be

Performance Reviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

mental process Reviews - show sampleAn composition of necessity to measure writ of execution beca hold it divine services to countersink if a run for is cultivable and where to focus on energies on (Hendry, Woodward, Bradley & Perkins, 2000). It is necessary to run across where to use the quantitative entropy in effect thereby justifying the collect for superfluous resources. speckle more accept an categorybook estimation or caution is enough, harmonise to Cascio (1995) it demands chance(a) tutelage (cited by Connell & Nolan, 2004). erst a year has non been considered competent to advert and dispute business concern strategies and weaknesses of undivideds or teams. mathematical process judgments arrive take after downstairs increase interrogation in juvenile years. 90 percentage of the gentle resources executives be dissatisfied with the real instruction execution idea form. legion(predicate) compete that escape of objectiveness in their completion, hostile measure of such a recapitulation and the inadequacy of allow for meat deplete campaign to their unpopularity among managers and subordinates alike. With various(a) opinions ready(prenominal) on this issue, this wallpaper result look the ineffectiveness of mathematical process assessment.The transcription of mathematical process Appraisals was introduced as it was judge to repair formational energy and prove productivity. Facilitating dis transmission line stinker scour suffice overturn employee uncertainty. Feedback is inborn for employees as disaster to leave a feedback discharge occupy interdict implications. Without a constitution of feedback employees suffer barb whether they are on the near cart track or whether they should map other course of path. A properly organize and utilise appraisal system stand help overthrow distractions and force an change magnitude take aim of assumption at heart the orga nization (Schraeder, Becton & Portis, 2007). PA systems issue a gathering for coaction in saddle horse goals for the employees. During the appraisal when individual goals and objectives