What a Brother Knows Essay

The Things a Brother Knows Essay There are many relationships throughout the book The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt. Levi’s relationships vary throughout the book. Levi’s main relationships are with Boaz, Perl and Zim, along with Christina. Levi’s relationship with his brother Boaz seems rocky. There are quite a few ups and downs. When Boaz first arrives home, Boaz would not come out of his room. Levi could somewhat relate to how Boaz was feeling. Levi ended up letting Boaz use his laptop.Everything was going fine until Boaz found out that Levi was looking through his history. Later when Boaz finally leaves for his trip Levi gets worried about him and is curious on where he is going. A few days later Levi goes looking for him. Levi has a strong relationship with his two best friends Pearl and Zim. Pearl and Zim are both jealous of each other, because they both want to be Levi’s best friend. Yet Levi tries to treat them equal. Zim seems to always be there when Levi needs to talk about Boaz.When Levi told Zim that Boaz was lying about going hiking, Zim always tried to make positive comments. Pearl is also a supportive friend. On the trip to find Boaz Levi did not want to spend his money on a hotel because, he wanted his money to last him the whole trip, so Pearl ended up paying for the hotel. Levi has a somewhat close relationship with his brothers ex girlfriend Christina. Ever since Levi was younger he thought that Christina was good looking with a nice personality.When Boaz arrived home Christina had come to visit him. While she was waiting to talk to Boaz Christina and Levi had a close conversation. Later Levi ended up dreaming about Christina. Levi has many relationships in the book What a Brother Knows. Some of the relationships are good, but some of the relationships are rocky at times. Throughout the rest of the book I am sure most of Levi’s relationships with his brother Boaz, his friends Pearl and Zim, along with Boaz's ex girlfriend Christina will become stronger.

Ken Research Essay

India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size by Revenue, 2008-2012 Market Share of Major Players in Indian Nuclear Medicine Equipment Market, India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2013- 2. 5. 1. 2. 5. 2. 2012 2. 5. 3. 2017 3. India Medical Imaging Market Trends and Developments Refurbished Medical Imaging Equipment Shift Towards Digital X-ray Increasing Affordable Medical Imaging Equipments 4. 5. India Diagnostic Imaging Services Competitive Landscape, 2012 Growth Drivers Ageing Population Increasing Chronic Diseases Easy Finance Availability Increasing Health Expenditure . Restraints Large Capital Inflows Depreciating Value of Currency 7. India Medical Imaging Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2013-2017 7. 1. Cause and Effect Relationship between Dependent and Independent Variables in the India Medical Imaging Market 8. India Medical Imaging Market Macroeconomic Indicators, 2008-2017 8. 1. 8. 2. India Total Pop ulation, 2008-2017 India Ageing Population, 2008-2017 3  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied 8. 3. 8. 4. 8. 5. 9. India Healthcare Expenditure, 2008-2017 India Health Insurance Premium, 2008-2017 India Personal Disposable Income, 2008-2017 Company Profiles of the Major Players in Indian Medical Imaging Market 9. 1. GE Healthcare Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 9. 2. Phillips Healthcare Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 9. 3. Siemens Healthcare Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 9. 4. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 9. 5. Shimadzu Corporation Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 9. 6. Mindray Medical International Ltd Company Overview Business Strategies Financial Performance 10. Appendix 4  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied 10. 1. 10. 2. 10. 3. Market Definitions Abbreviations Research Methodology Data Collection Methods Approach Variables (Dependent and Independent) Multi Factor Based Sensitivity Model Final Conclusion 10. 4. Disclaimer 5  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: India’s Medical Imaging Equipment Market on the basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 2: India’s Medical Imaging Market Segmentation by Equipment Type on the Basis of Revenue, 2008-2012 Figure 3: India X-Ray Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales Revenue in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 4: Market Share of Major Players in the India X-Ray Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Figure 5: India X-Ray Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2013-2017 Figure 6: India MRI Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 7: Market Share of Major Players in the India MRI Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Figure 8: India MRI Future Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 20132017 Figure 9: India CT Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 10: India CT Equipment Market Value Breakup by Equipment Type, 2011 Figure 11: Market Share of Major Players in the India CT Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Figure 12: India CT Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2013-2017 Figure 13: India Ultrasound Market on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 14: Market Share of Major Players in the India Ultrasound Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Figure 15: India Ultrasound Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 20132017 Figure 16: India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 Figure 17: Market Share of Major Players in the India Ultrasound Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Figure 18: India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2013-2017 6  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied Figure 19: India Medical Imaging Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2013-2017 Figure 20: India Total Population in Million, 2008-2017 Figure 21: India Ageing Population Size in Million, 2008-2017 Figure 22: India Healthcare Expenditure in USD Million, 2008-2017 Figure 23: India Health Insurance Premium in USD Million, 2008-2017 Figure 24: India Personal Disposable Income in USD Million, 2008-2017 7  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied LIST OF TABLES Table 1: India X-ray Equipment Market by Value in INR Crores, 2011 Table 2: India X-ray Equipment Market by Sales in Units, 2011 Table 3: India X-ray Equipment Imports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 4: India X-ray Equipment Exports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 5: India MRI Equipment Market by Value in INR Crores, 2011 Table 6: India MRI Equipment Market by Volume in Units, 2011 Table 7: India MRI Equipment Imports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 8: India CT Equipment Imports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 9: India CT Equipment Exports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 10: India Ultrasound Market by Value in INR Crores, 2011 Table 11: India Ultrasound Market by Volume in Units, 2011 Table 12: India Ultrasound Equipment Imports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 13: India Ultrasound Equipment Exports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Table 14: India Nuclear Medicine Market by Value in INR Crores, 2010 and 2011 Table 15: India Nuclear Medicine Market by Sales in Units, 2010 and 2011 Table 16: I ndia Diagnostic Imaging Services Competitive Landscape, 2012 Table 17: Cause and Effect Relationship Analysis between Industry Factors and Expected Medical Imaging Industry Prospects Table 18: Correlation Matrix for India Medical Imaging Market Table 19: Regression Coefficients Output 8  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied INDIA MEDICAL IMAGING MARKET INDIA MEDICAL IMAGING MARKET INTRODUCTION AND MARKET SIZE, 2008-2012 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. medical imaging market grew at a CAGR of ~% from USD ~ million in 2008 to USD ~ million in 2012. This growth was primarily due to the increasing establishments of healthcare units including hospitals and diagnostic centers. A lot of venture capital firms are actively participating in the growth scenario by providing the optimal financial support †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Figure: India’s Medical Imaging Equipment Market on the basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 600. 0 500. 0 400. 0 300. 0 200. 0 100. 0 0. 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012E 329. 5 INDIA MRI MARKET SIZE BY REVENUE, 2008-2012 India’s MRI market is the largest medical imaging equipment market in the country. The market has showcased healthy growth during the last four years and has grown at a CAGR of around ~% from USD 89. 3 million in 2008 to USD ~ million in 2012. MRI is important equipment which is used for detection of internal bleeding and swelling in soft tissues of the human body such as brain, heart and others. The equipment also provides †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied Figure: India MRI Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2008-2012 140. 0 120. 0 100. 0 USD Million 80. 0 60. 0 40. 0 20. 0 0. 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012E 89. 3 Table 1: India MRI Equipment Market by Volume in Units, 2011 Type of MRI Equipment 3 Tesla 1. 5 Tesla, Economy 1. 5 Tesla MRI (Mid and High end) 0. 2 to 0. 5 Tesla Refurbished Total MRI Equipment Market by Sales in Units, 2011 INDIA COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE MARKET SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS IN INDIAN CT EQUIPMENT MARKET 10  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied Siemens healthcare is a market leader in the CT medical imaging equipment market with ~% during 2012. The major reason behind is efficient and price competitive products coupled with adequate networking and marketing executives to support the sales. Its SOMATOM is the top selling product in the market. Following the second largest player is Phillips healthcare with ~% market share with its†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Figure: Market Share of Major Players in the India CT Medical Equipment Market, 2012 Siemens Philips GE Healthcare Others INDIA ULTRASOUND IMPORTS AND EXPORTS IMPORTS India’s import market for the ultrasound equipment have been on the rise from the past few years and witnessed a CAGR of around ~% during 2008-2012 where it grew from USD ~ million in 2008 to USD ~ million in 2012. The consistent growth in the demand for ultrasound equipments in India during 2008-2012 has primarily been responsible for †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Table: India Ultrasound Equipment Imports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Year Imports (USD million) 2008 2009 72. 1 2010 2011 2012E 11  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied EXPORTS India’s Ultrasound exports has grown at a CAGR of around ~% during 2008-2012 from USD 19. million in 2008 to USD ~ million in 2012. The major players such as GE, Siemens and others have been the major exporters †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Table: India Ultrasound Equipment Exports in USD Million, 2008-2012 Year Exports (USD million) 2008 19. 2 2009 2010 2011 2012E INDIA NUC LEAR MEDICINE IMAGING MARKET FUTURE OUTLOOK AND PROJECTIONS, 2013-2017 The nuclear medicine imaging equipment market of India is expected to continue to grow strongly with a double digit year-on-year growth until 2017. The market is expected to reach to USD ~ million in 2017 from USD ~ million in 2012 at a CAGR of ~% during 2012-2017. Moreover, in 2013 the market is estimated to grow by †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Figure: India Nuclear Medicine Imaging Market Size on the Basis of Domestic Sales in USD Million, 2013-2017 160. 0 140. 0 120. 0 USD Million 100. 0 80. 0 60. 0 40. 0 20. 0 0. 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 142. 0 12  © This is a licensed product of Ken Research and should not be copied DISCLAIMER The research reports provided by Ken Research are for the personal information of the authorized recipient and is not for public distribution and should not be reproduced or redistributed without prior permission. You are permitted to print or download extracts from this material for your personal use only. None of this material may be used for any commercial or public use. The information provided in the research documents is from publicly available data and other sources, which are reliable. Efforts are made to try and ensure accuracy of data. 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“Bonum Ex” Principle Essay

The principle â€Å"bonum ex integra causa, malum ex quocumque defectu† means â€Å"an action is good when it is good in every respect; it is wrong when it is wrong in every respect.† This means that in order that an action may posses in an essential degree — no action is absolutely perfect — its moral perfection, it must be in conformity with the law in three respects. First, the action, considered under the character by which it ranks as an element of conduct, must be good. The physical act of giving another person money may be either an act of justice, when one pays a debt, or it may be an act of mercy or benevolence, as it is if one give the money to relieve distress. Both, of these actions possess the fundamental element of goodness (bonum ex objecto). The motive, if there is a motive beyond the immediate object of the act, must also be good. If one pays a man some money that one owes him with the purpose, indeed, of paying one’s debts, but also with the ulterior purpose of enabling him to carry out a plot to murder one s enemy, the end is bad, and the action is thereby corrupted. The end which is the motive must also be good (bonum ex fine). Thus, an action, otherwise good, is spoiled if directed to an immoral end; conversely, however, an action which in its fundamental character is bad is not rendered good by directing it to a good end. The end does not justify the means. The circumstances under which the action is performed should be in entire conformity with reason, otherwise it lacks something of moral completeness, though it may not be thereby rendered totally immoral. We frequently say that something which a person has done was right enough in itself, but he did not do it in the proper place or season. Hedonism The supreme good of man according to Aristippus is pleasure or the enjoyment of the moment, and pleasure is essentially gentle motion. Pleasure can never  be bad, and the primary form of it is bodily pleasure. But, in order to secure the maximum of pleasure, prudent self-control is necessary; and this is virtue. Epicurus held that pleasure is the chief good; but pleasure is rest, not motion; and the highest form of pleasure is freedom from pain and the absence of all desires or needs that we cannot satisfy. Hence an important means towards happiness is the control of our desires, and the extinction of those that we cannot gratify, which is brought about by virtue Utilitariansism Utilitarianism is a modern form of the Hedonistic ethical theory which teaches that the end of human conduct is happiness, and that consequently the discriminating norm which distinguishes conduct into right and wrong is pleasure and pain. Moral Positivism Positivism asserts that sense experiences are the only object of human knowledge, but does not prove its assertion. It is true that all our knowledge has its starting point in sense experience, but it is not proved that knowledge stops there. Positivism fails to demonstrate that, above particular facts and contingent relations, there are not abstract notions, general laws, universal and necessary principles, or that we cannot know them. Moral Rationalism Rationalism is used to designate any mode of thought in which human reason holds the place of supreme criterion of truth; in this sense, it is especially applied to such modes of thought as contrasted with faith. In other words, man’s ultimate truth is what our reason dictates. Communism In its more general signification communism refers to any social system in  which all property, or at least all productive property, is owned by the group, or community, instead of by individuals. Thus understood it comprises communistic anarchism, socialism, and communism in the strict sense. The complete equality sought by communism is a well-meant but mistaken interpretation of the great moral truths, that, as persons and in the sight of God, all human beings are equal; and that all have essentially the same needs and the same ultimate destiny.

Business plan Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business plan - Coursework Example This project will be funded by the state. The source of that income will therefore, be the government and other partners of the state. The expected income to be generated by this project will be emanating from the various businesses that are included in the Rhossili Town. This includes the revenue from the people visiting the amusement park, revenue from visitors visiting the beach park, income from the fee charged to investors or private firm and the fee charged on the airline users (Laurence, 2013). The cash disbursement will be made on various projects. This includes advertisement. Advertisement will be done using the electronic media, the newspaper, the local Wales and English magazines and internet. The construction of the phase one development of the Central Square in town will cost approximately 10 million dollars. The revitalization of the Town Airport will cost approximately 50 million dollars. The development of the phase one of the Amusement Theme Park will cost 15 million dollars. The Redesigning of the existing Beach Park will cost 5 million dollars. The setting up of the dual transport system will cost 250 million dollars (Laurence, 2013). ... ement Park Development 5 5 5 0 0 Redesigning Existing Beach 5 0 0 0 0 Dual Transport System 50 50 50 50 50 Advertisement 2 2 1 1 1 Airport Maintenance Charges 3 3 2 2 1 Wages 6 6 7 6 6 Total Outgoings 86 81 70 59 58 Monthly Net Cash flow S/D 16.2 -4.3 -4.6 -4 -2 Closing Bank Balance 16.2 11.9 7.3 3.3 1.3 Projected Profit and Loss Statement This forecast measure the performance of a business in a given period of time. The forecast shows the amount of money that is expected as revenue for a period of time, for instance one year or month. It also shows the amount of money that is expected as expenditure for the given period of time. The difference between the two amounts is either profit or loss depending on the amount that is bigger. If the revenue exceeds the expenses, the resulting amount is profit. If expenses are higher that revenue, the resulting amount is a loss. This forecast summarizes the business or projects transactions in a given time frame, usually one year (Ward, 2013). P ROJECTED PROFIT AND LOSS In Millions 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Years Projected Revenue Revenue Beach services 5 5 6 8 10 Fee on private investors 20 20 20 20 20 Fee on the malls 25 25 30 30 30 Charges on airline users 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Revenue from park services 25 25 25 25 25 Revenue from rental shops 10 15 20 18 22 Revenue from transport services 8 8 6 8 7.5 Ending Cash and other revenue 20 21.5 26.6 45 65 Total Revenue 113.2 119.7 133.8 154.2 179.7 Projected Expenses Direct Costs Central Square Development 5 5 0 0 0 Airport Revitalization 10 10 5 0 0 Amusement Park Development 5 5 5 0 0 Redesigning Existing Beach 5 0 0 0 0 Dual Transport System 50 50 50 50 50 Advertisement 2 2 1 1 1 Airport Maintenance Charges 3 3 2 2 1 Wages 6 6 7 6 6 General and Administration 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

The Limitations of the Behaviourist Approach to the Study of Learning, Essay

The Limitations of the Behaviourist Approach to the Study of Learning, with Reference to Chomsky's Critique of Skinner - Essay Example Chomsky’s works have been rated as the most influential pieces in the study of psychology particularly concerning behaviourism. In this case, a lot of transformations were witnessed amongst learners who studied the language. With his works labelled as classics, and having all the evidence in regard to the study of language, as opposed to behaviourism that is too general, this work shall aim to understand the limitations of the behaviourist approach, with the reference to Skinner. 2.0. Body In the views of Noam Chomsky, the aspect of behaviour cannot be understood in the study of B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning. According to the thoughts of Routledge & Chapman (2005) Chomsky indicates that Skinner’s work is the worst ever written in the history of psychology. In this case, Chomsky indicates that his work comprises tangible evidence and conclusions as compared to the behaviourism standpoint. First, Chomsky argues against the viewpoint of Skinner’s learni ng through operant conditioning by arguing that one cannot study the behaviour of an individual, but not the components under study. The psychologists in this case, must not rely on the existing evidence and the abilities portrayed by the individuals, but the psychologists must go a step ahead and analyze the contents of the brain of the persons under study. From the brain, the researchers are likely to understand how the behaviours portrayed by the individuals have come into practicality. The brain, according to Chomsky (2006), is the root of the behaviours portrayed by the individual. The behaviours are simply a replica of the processes that go on in the individuals’ brain and cannot be alienated from the end product that is the behaviours of the individuals (Chomsky, 2006). In relation to Chomsky, Skinner went for end product- the behaviours portrayed- without getting to the grounds in which the behaviour has its roots. According to Altmann & Gaskell (2007), Chomsky emphas ises that study of the brain gives evidence of the behaviours portrayed by the individuals. In his work, Chomsky compares the study of behaviour to referring to Physics as readings in Science without considering the fact that the readings are mere data collected after an occurrence of a certain experiment by the learners or scientists in the laboratory (Randall, 2007). The study, analysis, testing and comparisons of data in the study of any field are compulsory. The end product cannot be alienated from its components; thus, the study of behaviour by Chomsky holds much evidence as compared to Skinner’s study on operant conditioning and learning. On another view point, Chomsky indicates that yet another limitation of Skinner’s behaviourist approach is that he relied so much on speculations as compared to critical study of the conditional behaviour. Scheer (2010) indicates that Skinner applied experimental investigations that had unfounded experimental techniques that wou ld have led to his study to having valid evidence on human behaviour. The limited significance of the techniques led to the coming up with the premise that behaviour cannot rely on inferences, but critical analysis of facts. According to Shackelford & Vonk (2012), Chomsky holds the view that language can only be understood in relation to Information

Building Cost Estimation and Calculation of Construction Profit Essay

Building Cost Estimation and Calculation of Construction Profit - Essay Example Item rate contracts Sources of profit specific to item rate contracts: 1. Profit as a percentage of each executed item from tender. Contractors try to reduce low-margin items and increase high-margin items. 2. Profit from sub-contractors. 3. Profit from administrative reimbursable expenses borne by client. 4. Profit from delays caused due to client, or design changes. Cost plus fee or Cost plus percentage contracts Sources of profit in cost plus fee contracts: 1. Profit as a percentage of expenditure. Higher the project cost, higher the profit. 2. Profit from efficient material purchase. Material is bought low and contractor's fee is calculated as a percentage of a higher material cost. Profit from material and from administrative charges. Not possible if material bought by client. Labour contracts 1. Profit from labour. 2. Profit from administration, site office and other reimbursable expenses. Design-Build Contracts. Sources of profit in Design-build contracts: 1. Profit on design services. 2. Ability to maximise profit through influencing the design process. 3. Reduction in costs through better coordination and streamlining of execution. 4. Control of costs through easy and efficient tracking of changes and adaptability to change. PFI (Private Finance Initiative) or BOT (Build Operate Transfer) contracts: The only way for contractors executing such projects it to maximise revenue by operating the project for a specified period of time that is deemed to be sufficient for the contractor to recoup expenses and a reasonable profit. Such contracts are given for large public projects like roads or power plants. In conclusion, a contractor has two avenues of maximizing profit from a project; direct and indirect methods. Direct methods are...Material is bought low and contractor's fee is calculated as a percentage of a higher material cost. Profit from material and from administrative charges. Not possible if material bought by client. The only way for contractors executing such projects it to maximise revenue by operating the project for a specified period of time that is deemed to be sufficient for the contractor to recoup expenses and a reasonable profit. Such contracts are given for large public projects like roads or power plants. In conclusion, a contractor has two avenues of maximizing profit from a project; direct and indirect methods. Direct methods are those that are built into the contract, and indirect are those profits that accrue due to an efficient and well managed project team.

Orgaanizational Culture and Values Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Orgaanizational Culture and Values - Essay Example The values of an organization and those of the nurse hugely impact on patient care in any health care setting. Nurse’s values are supposed to be guided by professionalism or nursing professional ethics while those of the health care facility should be guided by organizational ethics. It is, therefore, clear that a nurse if only able to perform professionally if the organization has offered an environment to facilitate such performance (Hall, Doran and Pink, 2008). Nurse’s values can also be attributed to their personality which impacts on how a nurse delivers patient care. Organizational culture also tells a lot about its values and when this culture conflicts with the nurse’s professionalism, patient outcome is negatively affected. For example, many health care institutions currently grapple with limited resources including human resource. When the management policy dictates that a single nurse addresses many patients, this hampers on patient outcomes because of minimized attention. Organization values also affect the levels of motivation among nurses because these values foster a particular environment which can either lower of increase motivation levels (Park and Kim, 2009). Therefore, environmental context coupled with nurse’s behaviors bring about distinct levels of motivation. The aggregate situation resulting in the blending of nurse’s values and those of the organization hugely affect patient outcome either positively or negatively as explained above. According to Vandome and McVey (2012) effective communication is an essential ingredient for organizational success. Communication in an organization is either internal or external in nature. Internal communication is primarily between and among the management and the employees while external is between the organization and the outside world or external stakeholders like customers. Workplace challenges are easily overcome through effective

Definition and Explanation of Closed and Open Economic Systems Essay

Definition and Explanation of Closed and Open Economic Systems - Essay Example ic system are trading of goods and services at international levels and engaging in import and export of goods and services between various countries. Therefore there is no doubt that this leads to inner and outer flows. It may be goods and services in the form of import and export or the flow of resources, such as labor, capital and currency. The flow of labor is in two ways: emigration and immigration. Emigration means the outer flow of people to different countries, whereas immigration is the inner flow of laborers into the country. Capital flow refers to foreign trade investment. Defines and explains leakages in an open system. In the open system, a there is financial model that computes the goods and services exchanged nationally. The leaks in the open system include all transactions of foreign countries.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"In an open system, taxes are included in the model to show government purchases and inject money back in to the economy† (The Mechanics of Open and Closed Syste m, 2012, para. 4).  Ã‚  Funds being lost due to purchases of foreign facilities can also be seen in the open system. Another structure of leakage that can happen is when US industries outsource their capital OR labor to foreign countries. Even though the industry is saving and can currently make extra profits, the cash that is leaked may not be regained later. Define and explain injections in an open system. An injection happens when a foreign or individual company purchases American commodities or facilities. If a foreign industry hires workers belonging to the US, the wages deserved by the employees are measured and injected back into the financial system. Similarly, when the local government produces purchases in America or provides facilities like welfare, the cash is injected back into the... This essay discusses the closed economy, that is the opposite of an open economy. In a closed economic country, that were analyzed in this essay all economic activities are conducted within the boundary of the country. Such an economy is an independent economy, which means the country does not accept imports from other countries and also does not export to foreign countries. The main objective of this type of economy is to make everything available for people within the confines of the economy. Thus, it can be stated that such a country will not engage in any type of trade or have even the slightest of interactions with other countries. However, it can be seen that in the modern times closed economic countries are very rare. For example, China was a closed economy earlier and then transformed into an open economy, when the China Government understood the benefits that come along with being an open economy. Hovewer, the researcher also mentions that Brazil remains one of the most clos ed economies in the world today. Today, an industry aims to give more US jobs in addition to create earnings from selling to foreign countries is the important example of injection. The company â€Å"green† was identified Wind Sail Reception, Inc. is situated in Nevada and has been creating turbines to change wind to power since the year 2002. The industry sells to American energy services and European services. The income created from the European market is measured a cash injection to the economy of the United States.

Clement Greenbergs Past Theories of Post-Modernism Essay

Clement Greenbergs Past Theories of Post-Modernism - Essay Example The essay "Clement Greenberg’s Past Theories of Post-Modernism" gives a review of Clement Greenberg’s past theories of post-modernism. Within the context of the stated, the research aims to respond to the question of the applicability of Greenberg’s post-modernism theory to contemporary photographic art. In an attempt to satisfy the stated purposes, the research will first overview Greenberg’s writings, following from which it will define and discuss the concepts of modernism and postmodernism. It will also look towards the works of female photographers and critically analyse the works of three photographers. Prior to proceeding, it is necessary to clarify that the essay focuses on female photographers and the feminist artistic movement. The said approach/focus was determined by the importance of establishing a clear and precise focus for this research and, secondly, by the fact that the feminist movement, especially in the arts, is often argued to have be en enabled by both modernism and postmodernism, on the one hand, and to have promoted and popularised modernism and postmodernism, on the other. In Greenberg's Early Criticism, there is an emphasis on the dominance of literature over other arts. As far as he was concerned, Klee's work is representative of the continual struggle which visual art has with literature. Within the context of the stated, in Greenberg's Early Criticism, the canvas is the product of a struggle and conflict. Harmony is important to Greenberg, but not at the expense of intensity.

The impacts of European colonial activity in the region of the Middle Essay

The impacts of European colonial activity in the region of the Middle East - Essay Example The Middle East is one of the centres for colonial activities of Europe during the start of the 19th century. This activity persisted until the 20th century. Most of the Middle East countries opposed the colonization with great struggle, resistance and revolt.The European empire is not very efficient with achieving their goal of successfully colonizing most of the countries in the Middle East but there are some countries which were eventually conquered. This inefficiency might be the result of conflicts within the European Empire. Countries like Britain, France and Germany fight each other in order to colonize another country. These countries include Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Sudan (Held 2000, p.73). The colonization of the Middle East by Europe is actually part of the second wave which started during the second half of the 19th century. This era is considered as the â€Å"New Imperialism period†. The colonial activity persisted until the start of the decoloniz ation era. Moreover, the end of this era did not occur in most colonies until after World War II (Porter 1996, p.118). This second half of the 19th century was regarded as the shift from an unofficial control of empire using political, military and economic power into direct control, wherein it has also embarked cultural and social influence to its colonies. The Ottoman Empire was composed of the countries included in the Middle East today. Most of these countries were actually the target of European colonization after the Ottoman Empire was destabilized. ... To have an edge and possibility of defeating Europe, the Ottoman Empire should have improved itself in all aspects of its society. However, this is quite impossible since Europe have established this power for a long time since the start of its colonization (Armstrong 2000, pp.141). Because of the fall of the Ottoman Empire during that time, it became easier for Europe to conquer most of its territories. Colonization of countries in the Middle East, as well as other places in Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, spread like a wildfire as the European invade these countries quickly (Porter 1996, p.92). The classic example of this colonization includes the colonization of Syria and Sudan. Sudan, even though part of the Middle East, is located in the continent of Africa. Today, it is known that most countries in Africa are categorized as poor. These countries actually try to combat and revive their heritage from the bad effects of colonial periods. European colonizers did not give enough help to their colonies with regards to adaptation to development and the use of modern technologies ((Mitropolitski 2004). European colonizers do not consider the welfare of its colonies but rather focus only on promoting their own benefit. They utilize the resources of its colonies which make them more developed while neglecting the basic needs of its colonies. In the end, it is the colony who suffers. Sudan has been easily colonized by Britain that time. It is because Sudan has a very diverse population. It is easy to colonize a country where there is a certain division in groups. Also, this British colony was surrounded not only by alliance forces but also by enemies to the colonizers. Because of this, Sudan has become

Human Resource Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Resource Planning - Essay Example Human resource planning (HRP) is an "information decision making process designed to ensure that enough competent people with appropriate skills are available to perform jobs where and when they will be needed" (Kohl). It is a vital function that includes and supports the corporate strategy, and then deploys the necessary human capital where it is called for in the organization by the strategy. HRP includes the activities like Recruiting, performance appraisal, training and development. Recruiting can be done in planned in two ways- outsourcing or internal recruitment. Internal recruitment can be taken through direct placements from outside or through performance appraisal of exiting staff. Performance appraisals stresses on the skills that will be required for employees to move into higher level positions via promotion, where as training and development efforts need to be designed to provide these skills. 'However HRP during the 1960s and 1970s was about getting the right people at the right time. But in 1980s and 1990s HRP was about managing downsizing and redundancy. But at the beginning of the 21st century HRP appears to be more and more orientated towards dealing with the skill shortages faced by large organizations.' (James) Corporate strategic plans can only be achieved when the organization is staffed with the right kind and number human resources at the right time to offer the necessary skills, knowledge, abilities according to the planned task. Successful planning and handling of Human resource needs can become a competitive advantage or disadvantage to the organization. Having excessive or too few employees create problems for organizations. In general organizations don't tend to keep human resources on bench for three reasons. Human resources are costly; Productive work cannot be performed with unplanned resources; finally non utilization of productive resources results in poor economy, (who other wise would have been engaged in more productive work). On the other side, shortage of Human resource is also not a desirable Practice. For example, a supermarket store during the promotional scheme day requires more sales people than the other days. But when the necessity is wrongly estimated or neglected, it may also result in loss of employee efficiency due to heavy customer service demand. Customers that are waiting in long lines may turn away from the store taking their business elsewhere. Such problems can be reduced or eliminated through effective human resource planning. Also during the cases of divestment practice of unprofitable factories, HRP provides the exact guidelines on whether to divert the staff to the existin g factory or to retrench them completely. Against: As Rothwell (1995) suggests, 'Apart from isolated examples, there has been little research evidence of increased use or of its success. Being inadequate and not matching with other planning systems and lack of structured supporting system results in the failure of human resource planning efforts. There are different perceptions on the purpose of HRP; others have noted: Some perceive it as manpower planning primarily in terms of budgeting to control labor costs; and to other it is a management development technique; and for some other organizations it is a process of HR back ups and replacements for current employees; and also it is perceived as human resources informational system

The capability of culture Essay Example for Free

The capability of culture Essay The capability of culture to transcend and influence people’s action and decision making processes remain to be seen since time in memorial. It tries to reach out into many diverse fields of study and tries to exemplify an explanation that these things are influenced by numerous perceptions, action and ideals present during a particular time frame. It is through this that culture can be argued to have a practical value or utility. In understanding this relationship, one must be keen to understand its notion. Since the term refers to the shared beliefs, ideals, and practices of groups of individuals at a given particular time, they continuously try to shape the actions of society as a whole (Klamer, 2002). One important notion that culture has a practical value because it individual actions can be interpreted using the sociological notion. People can create decision making processes that are influenced by the norms and traditions a particular group advocates (Klamer 2002). Similarly, its practical value spreads into different branches as individuals tries to perceive an understanding that though their action may have been independent and individualistic in orientation, it is a collective effort because their decisions are governed by numerous factors that are equally important and needs to be considered (Klamer, 2002). In addition, our own actions can be embodiments and catalyst for the creation of a new trend that can help to either catapult or move the idea of culture forward or backward. Our individual and collective decisions can contribute to the how we address the value of culture in our lives. Due to this, we can either contribute to the redefinition of what we perceive is the value of culture or play a part in formally establishing the link of the term in its utility and overall impact in our lives. Reference Klamer, A. (2002) Value of Culture. Retrieved November 17, 2008. 465-469.

Media Theory Understanding Media Media Essay

Media Theory Understanding Media Media Essay Media theory is analyzing the media in different views. An understanding of media theory explains the various ways in which our way of communication determines how feelings are developed and also are limited, whom we can reach and whom we cannot, who and what we are and what we think and dont think about. This explains everything that we can do, think and experience practically in the world (see ref 1) To put it in a broader sense, we can say that an explanation or understanding of a set of concepts and ideas that are coherent is a theory.(the world in its broadest sense, e.g. the individual human being, man-made artifacts , group of human beings, nature etc.). A way in which one generally proceeds while attempting to understand or explain the world is a method. A process where a given theory (understanding) and a given method (procedure) are confronted and united is an analysis therefore that leads to an outcome of the analysis. The concept of method, theory and analysis can be broadly depicted as shown below. (See ref 2) We can say that in the analysis of the world, one observes it with a particular gaze (the approach in which the eye scans the world around and continues towards it) and few look through certain optics, or a particular pair of glasses (the grinding and form of spectacle lenses) that give a particular view of the world, which is what one sees. (see ref 2) The vital concepts of media theory are: Media Language Media language is all about having an understanding of the involved processes in the building of the media texts and the way techniques used in the building affects the way the texts are read. The technical codes of the any certain forms of media are to be discussed (like the font or size of the masthead on a newspapers first page, or the using of a music that is spooky in a certain scene or horror film) and the way they are used produce the required meaning. But the description of these would become much easier with some knowledge of Semiotic theory, as this would help us to describe the way communication takes place. According to this theory, every particular piece of text, if its a book, a film, a picture or an individual word-they are all made up of unique signs. These unique signs have both denotative or literal meaning- a signifier and a signified meaning or a connotative. The shape the sign takes is the signifier, and the idea it represents is the signified. Having knowledge about semiotic theory is very useful especially while studying advertising. The advertisers generally plan to give supplementary meanings to the products which would help in selling of the product, upon the actual literal meaning. Genre This Genre concept accounts for conventions and codes that texts generally share and also their features that are generic. By identifying some major elements that occur in the text and also in other texts of the same genre, the genre of the text is classified. The elements vary from font to music to costume to plot points (depends on the medium) and these are known as paradigms (generally, method of doing something).The paradigms are identified by the audience and these accordingly bring about an expectations set to the text reading. For example, in a police thriller the accused is brought to the justice at the end. These paradigms can be made into groups depending on if they relate to theme (the ideas and issues it deals with), structure (how the text is put and the shape the text takes) and iconography ( i e., the major symbols and signs that we hear/see). Narrative Narrative refers to the text shape or structure itself, its story telling way and how it is formed or shaped. This comes from the common word narrator which means a storyteller. In a similar way, narrative indicates a written story or a story that is told. When mass media is concerned the media text is the story and complete team of people involved in building and shaping it properly for the audience. Thus narrative is a way of structuring and organizing Representation According to the definition, every media text is a reality re-presentation. In other words, these are all intentionally composed, lit, written, framed, cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by the producers. These are completely artificial composition of the real world we see around. All that we see, listen and read in the media is build. Its important to keep in mind while studying the media-any form of media, ranging from a video at home to a magazine that is glossy, everything is representation of some persons idea of existence, coded as a series of symbols and signs which is readable by the audience. Though, it is vital to make a note that the absence of media would make our perception towards reality much limited. And these duplicate or artificial texts are required to communicate our worlds view as an audience. To put it more clearly, for a sense of reality media is required. Hence the representation is a fluid and also a process that is two-way; the producers plac e the text somewhere in connection to reality and this text is determined on its connection to reality by the audiences. Audience: A minimum of two parties are required for a communication to take place, that is, one who send the message and the one who receives it. The receiver of the text is the audience as they interpret the conveyed message. Either analyzing or constructing a text, the text destination has to be considered, i.e., the audience and the response of the audience (or other) to the text. (See ref 3). This document is about to discuss about a commercial T.V advertisement and analyzing it in the semiotics view of perspective. Semiology/Semiotics Semiotics depicts a variety of studies in literature, art, anthropology and mass media instead of a separate academic discipline. Semiotics is vital as it helps us in not taking reality for something which has a existence that is purely objective and is not dependent on human interpretation. It explains how reality is a signs system. Learning the subject semiotics would result in more awareness and making us realize reality is a construction, also of the roles played by others and ourselves to construct it. It brings about awareness that computers, visual or audio media, books or in the world doesnt contain the meaning for information. The transmission of meaning is not directly done; a complex exchange of conventions or codes happens and these are created by us. But we arent always aware of these. Its both innately interesting and knowledgeably endowing being aware of such kind of codes and conventions. From semiotics, we realize that we are in a world that is full of signs and ther e is no other way of understanding things, but through organized codes and signs. The study of semiotics gives us an awareness that these codes and signs are generally transparent but our task is disguised in reading them. As the visual signs in the world are increasing day by day, we have to understand that though some signs appear to be very realistic, they are not realistic. We might perform the semiotic function that is- denaturalizing of signs which is valuable; this might be performed by making the codes more obvious and clear by which the interpretation of signs is done. The ideological functions are served when the realities are defined. The realities that are suppressed and those that are privileged can be revealed by contesting and deconstructing the sign realities. The maintenance and construction of reality is the study of signs. It is like leaving the control of the world that we live in that is full of meaning to others if such studies are declined. (See ref 4) Social Semiotics/Multimodal Semiotics/Multimedia Semiotics: Ranging from movies, music, mass media images, printed texts, voice, digital multimedia and web content in the computer- we include various kinds of media that is physical in our everyday usage of signs and languages for meaning making and communication. These several means of communicating a meaning (often referred as modalities of communication) sometimes overlay and interpret or pass on the meaning from other contemporary media in our culture. We can simultaneously watch the news on the television that interprets an event, listen to music, we can read the multimedia web pages, also watch a genre like sit-com which is a mass-media genre that would require lot of knowledge of codes, write emails, write or talk about a movie. That is we are continuously making meaning, sending and receiving in several types of media, regularly communicating and deducing meaning from one medium to other. This learning points to something which is referred as semiosphere; an existence of our concurrent and inherited semiotic system; the whole world of possible and available meanings in the cultural system. The social semiotics proceeds to semiosis- a meaning making process; necessarily the system of meaning-the inter-relations between signs are taken into consideration as the resources for deployment of meaning making. Some semiotic practices are specifically scrutinized for the building of several types of messages and meanings in several situations and cultural contexts that are of meaningful activity by social semiotics. (See ref 5). Let us consider the advertisements that were released on air by the virgin group of company on the virgin mobiles to study the concept of Semiotics. The virgin company deals with two different types of business one is the mobile network and second one is the media such as broadband and TV channel network. This network provider entered into the market with a lot of value added services such as message offers, low rate international calling, To make the public know about these services the virgin group has made a several advertisements and released on air. The above two images are the logos of the Virgin group Ltd. From the above logos or the symbols we can identify whether the business is mobiles or the broadband. In the above two businesses virgin mobile was introduced in 1999 and virgin media was introduced into the market in 2007. If you observe the font style and the color of the word virgin in both the logos, are same because of the brand image. Even the color used in the virgin mobile logo couldnt be kept away from the virgin media logo ANALYSIS Advertisements are now a days very much important in the real world to make the people aware of any news; these advertisements may be in the form of newspaper ads, TV commercials, radio transmission, internet and leaflets. These advertisements are now become very commercial. Companies who want to release any new product have to make people know about it and this is done by advertising the product in different means. These make profits to the companies and thats why, even the advertisements are very expensive the companies make advertise their products spending lot of money. On the other side the companies are making controversial advertisements to make the product highlight for the better sales. There were many controversial ads released in air by many companies, where these ads are not accepted by the society which are either banned or released by removing the uncensored bits from the ad. But, from past 2 Decades the Indian advertising industry has released many censored advertisements which are unfit for the public acceptance (See ref 6). As advertisement consists of fully semiotic codes and its meanings, analyzing the advertisements in semiotic view of perspective is very easy. Coming to the analyzing part the media I have chosen is a TV commercial advertisement from virgin mobile network. Virgin mobile network is one of the largest cellular network providers in India which is a joint group between the Tata cellular service and virgin group. This network provider has launched in India recently in 2008 provides both postpaid and prepaid sim cards. The above two companies together provides 50 per cent of share in the market (see ref7). During the Indian premier league (IPL) matches, these advertisements were banned due to some comments made in these advert. Some of them are class and some of them are violent. These advertisements are made by the virgin mobile to advert the service that is provided by the network which is the cheapest STD calls provided by the virgin mobiles. To show that they are providing the `cheapest STD rates they have chosen eight people from different states of India where each of them calls to each other for every single minute which s hows the STD calls are cheaper. To make this concept mix up with the IPL (INDIAN PREMIERE LEAGUE) they have chosen eight people as there are eight teams in IPL where each member is a fan of their state team. These eight members rings up each other for every single minute and abuses themselves about the teams which shows that the STD calls are very cheaper. When we observe the name of the provider Virgin Mobiles the meaning of the word Virgin is pure and by this we can analyze that the company has chosen the name to say that the network is very good. There were total 63 ads released during the IPL as there were eight fans for the eight teams in IPL and each one of them criticizes the other seven teams. The following are the images from the ads which were banned during IPL by the virgin mobile. On the first look of these images we can notice that two people are talking to each other in a phone, but when you observe the last image when the sign or the symbol STD @20p/min is displayed than the viewers comes to a conclusion that the people are speaking from different parts of India at a very cheap rate and also can conclude that the network provider is providing the STD calls at very low cost. As we know semiotics is the study of signs where everything that taken as sign. According to the Daniel Chandler semiotics is not only the study of signs but anything that stands for something. The above image is from one of the advert released by virgin mobile during IPL, in the above image the left side fan belongs to the Bangalore team and the right side fan belongs to the Punjab team, this we can know by seeing the titles below the both fans. By considering the Daniel Chandler statement on semiotics and by viewing the above image in his view of perspective we can say that the right side fan belongs to Punjab even though if there is no caption because of the physical appearance of him, as all the people who lives in Punjab wears the turban on their head. In India people never used to say or think about the word virgin as it gives us the primary idea about sex, but when this network entered into market with the name virgin than people mainly youngsters slowly started speaking the word. This network created massive profits and became one of the top network providers in India in a very less period of time as they concentrated mainly on youth rather than old people. To attract the youngsters the virgin group of ltd has released the advertisements on virgin mobiles which is based mainly on love and some of the advertisements are based on the friendship. (See ref8) Then slowly trend has entered into the society that the word virgin was printed on t-shirts which shows that youth was so attracted towards the virgin network. After attracting the youth this network was slowly called as the Dhosth ka network which means friends network as it was very useful for a group of friends who wants to keep in touch for a very long time because it provides the lowest calling rate. This virgin network mainly concentrated on youth rather than the aged people by providing services such as message offers and free calls to a number. The advertisements which were released by the company other than the ads released during IPL were very much attracted by the youth as they was fully involved with the ideas of a student. The color combination used in the logo of virgin media i.e. red and white gives the feel of romantic and cool which attracted the youngsters a lot. The caption that is used for this network is Think hatke which means think different. Now a days caption plays a major role in every single media in this world. Caption is defined as the short name or title which describes the meaning and the ideas of a business or any other media. These captions are now a days became very popular that each and every company who wants to introduce any new product into the market they advert it by different media transmissions with a good caption. INTERNET SOURCE OF THE BANNED ADVERTISEMENT:

Watch market situation in Singapore

Watch market situation in Singapore This report will investigate market situation and suggest a marketing strategy, which Seiko Watch Corporation will adapt to launch Seiko brand into watch market in Singapore. Although the weak of distribution channels of wristwatch products and strongly competition from rivals in luxury watch market, Seiko can benefit and reach successful due to offering a wide range of products and its brand value is the core competence. With luxury wristwatches range, Seiko is targeting to the specific segment and the right customers. Moreover, Singapore is known as a potential market along with high demand in watch market. Therefore, Seiko can take opportunities and advantages to increase purchasing power, improve brand awareness and make Singapore become a profitable market. 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Seiko Watch Corporation (SWC) Seiko is a global Japanese wristwatch manufacturer, established in 1881 and is constantly revolutionizing in the watch making field worldwide. In 1913, Seiko has started by introducing Japans first wristwatch and released the worlds first quartz watch in 1969. (Seikowatch, 2010). In 2001, Seikos watch division was found as an independent company, is called Seiko Watch Corporation. SWC is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with its primary interest related to product planning and sales of watches for domestic and overseas market (Seikowatch, 2010). 2.2 Singapore market Today Singapore is a young and dynamic country and also attracted many large foreign enterprises. Singapore ranks as the worlds richest countries. This country is a multi-lingual, multi-racial and multi-cultural nation with overall population about 5.076 million in 2010 (Singapore Department of Statistics, 2010). Singapore economy relies heavily on trade and services (40% of national income), became a center for global trade, Asian dragons and economic centers in the region. Referring to mention this country is a tourist center and shopping of the world. Although Singapore is considered as a small market and lack of natural resources but it becomes a hub of foreign investment. Many foreign investors enter this market to do business because of its strategic location, well infrastructure, highly skilled workforce and favorable government policies (Refer Appendix 1). Singapore government invests strongly in developing education and training skills level for their people. Singapore workf orce is being highly skilled and well educated; they are well paid in the global commercial and attracting to many foreign employers (Refer Appendix 2). Therefore, Seiko can benefit from Singapore market through applying efficiency strategic marketing plans to do its business. 3.0 Corporate Objective This report will concentrate on product wristwatch of Seiko, which has its own distinguish features with different technology. Seiko watches is an excellent combination of design, color, material and price for men and women. In order to recommend suitable marketing strategy to benefit and penetrate into the fashion wristwatch market in Singapore is the purpose of this report. The specific goal of Seiko watches is to become a wristwatch leader in Singapore market. The primary objective is to reach first year 20% Singapore market share with total sales about SGD10million and continuously 40% market share for next 3 years, which get SGD20million annually. 4.0 Situational Analysis 4.1 SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is careful evaluation of an organizations internal strengths and weaknesses as well as its environmental opportunities and threats (Griffin, 2008). Using SWOT analysis has many benefits for company itself to better understanding the main issues and general trends confronting in the wristwatch segment. 4.1.1 STRENGTHS 4.1.1.1 Seiko is a successful global branding Recently, one executive of Seiko stated We have very strong brand awareness, with around 70 per cent recognition of Seiko as a watchmaker (EzineArticles, 2010). Seiko performs innovation and continuity in its business that is why company can get success and becomes a big player along with Swatch, Rolex, Timex, Casio, and Citizen in watch industry today. Today, Seiko is in the top three brands for premium watch category (WatchMarketReview, 2010) 4.1.1.2 Seiko Financial Performance In terms of financial performance, Seiko has constantly increased its sales and profit. The watch business reported a 17.4 billion yen increase in sales to 47.3 billion yen (a 58.4% increase from the same period in the previous year) (Refer Appendix 3). Business operation of Seiko is recognized as profitable and continuity. Along with a strong finance capability, Seiko will see more opportunities to improve distribution, advertising as well as RD to benefit in Singapore market. 4.1.1.3 Seiko has wide product offerings Seiko is taking full technological advantage of quartz, kinetic and mechanical wristwatch by updating new products frequently. That is reason to explain why Seiko has 3000 watch styles (Robert and Stephen, 2000). In addition, Seiko developed its reputation from innovation of design and features, which could not found on its competitors through offering the precision optics wristwatch (WatchesForMenStore, 2010) 4.1.1.4 Seiko has global infrastructure Global infrastructure of Seiko covers a wide network, which includes affiliates and distributors in big market such as USA, UK, Asia-Pacific, and Africa (Refer Appendix 4). With a global infrastructure, Seiko can take full geographical and marketing advantage in order to build a global brand and excellent services in watch business. 4.1.2 WEAKNESSES 4.1.2.1 Weak distribution channels in Singapore market Seiko, as an upper-medium-priced brand, is sold through jewelry stores and catalog showrooms and is less likely to be found in discount or drug stores (Sak Onkvisit and John J. Shaw, 2004). However, in Singapore market, just Thongsia Company, an official distributor of Seiko is responsible for its operation (Seikowatch, 2010). The distribution of Seiko is weak at Channel Width/number of middleman and needs to improve to benefit in a potential market as Singapore. 4.1.2.1 Seiko has poor Promotion Seiko is lacking marketing and advertising activities in Singapore while it is potential market and has grown in recent years. As a result, this may lead Seiko to lose opportunities to gain market share in wristwatch business in Singapore market. 4.1.3 OPPORTUNITIES 4.1.3.1 Growth of Watch Market According to the Fashionproducts (2010), the global market currently valued at US $ 26.5 billion dollars and has grown continuously. The largest manufacturers of watches like Japanese (Casio, Citizen, Seiko) and Swatch will see more chances to increase sales and profit while the global fashion jewelry industry has been growing about 5.2% at an average compounded annual growth rate since 2000 (Refer Appendix 5). Moreover, Singapores total trade in clocks and watches reached S$3.4 billion and grew 39% from 2005 to 2008 (PuristSPro, 2010). 4.1.3.2 Increasing demand for luxury watches of Singaporean Singapore is becoming hub trade center in Asia for various brands for wide range covering high, middle and low-end products in watch market. In addition, the high-end and luxury watch products are very active in this market (Docstoc, 2010). According to Peoples Daily Online (2010), more Singaporeans are interested in and becoming connoisseurs about luxury watches. The high demand in luxury market lead Singapore becomes a watch retail growth and potential in Asia. 4.1.4 THREATS 4.1.4.1 Strong rivalry among competitors The luxury watch industry is very profitable market. However, there are many numerous barriers for new entrants to enter the market successfully. Earning profit and expanding business scale in this market is just for the actual players, who have a global network of distribution channels and a strong brand. Selling in order to bring highest profit and best benefits is still a serious issue for most companies. In luxury watch industry, Seiko is known as in top 20 watch brands all over the world about sales (Refer Appendix 6). 4.1.4.2 4.2 PESTEL Analysis 4.2.1 Political and Legal factors According to latest research by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a research body under the prestigious magazine The Economist, Singapore ranked position 30 in the chart of Global Peace Index GPI (Refer Appendix 7). Singapore corporate income tax rate has been going down in recent years and flat at 17% in 2010 (Refer Appendix 8). As a result, Singapore becomes an attractive investment destination in Asia. That is a big advantage for Seiko when profitable capability of company may be higher and costs of business operation could be reduced. 4.2.2 Economic factors According to Tradingeconomics (2010), Singapores Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2010 is at 18.7% (Refer Appendix 9). The per capita GDP is high higher than most of developed countries in Asia. The economy of Singapore depends heavily on trade and services. Moreover, Singapore holds a premier position of import and export volume of watches as well as transit trade and sales in luxury watches through transacting with largest watch manufacturers in the world (Docstoc, 2010). At present, the interest rate in Singapore was last reported at 0.02 percent (Refer Appendix 10). This rate is quite low and has been decreasing in recently years. As a benefit, Seiko can consult and compare in order to borrow capital to resolve financial issues in its business operation. The inflation rate in Singapore is at 3.80 percent in November of 2010 (Refer Appendix 10). The chart shows that the inflation is increasing. It means that the purchasing power will be decreased and the market will be more fluctuated. Focusing to research and plan to maintain sales volume is necessary for Seiko. On the other hand, the unemployment rate in Singapore is at 2.10 percent in the third quarter of 2010 (Refer Appendix 11). It is a positive point in this market and the purchasing power in watch market could be higher. 4.2.3 Social and Cultural factors 4.2.3.1 Singaporean is more interested in luxury watches Based on research of Prosperity Financial Services (2010), recently, the demand for luxury watches and high-end items is increasing in Singapore market. The evidence is number of watch collectors or enthusiasts in Singapore have seen an increase until now. The overall growth in spending for luxury watches was at 44 per cent in 2007. Singaporean becomes be more knowledgeable about watch collectors. They like to buy many new innovative watches that come out in the market place along with highly established international brand names. Moreover, Singapore is also in top 5 countries with most buyer feedback in watch industry (Refer Appendix 14). 4.2.3.2 The tourists spend more to buy luxury watches in Singapore Practically, Singapore now becomes a wonderful place to choose for many tourists every year. In Singapore watch market, its not just 4.5 million locals people, who buy up these watch. According to a report of Brandchannel (2010), there is one in every five tourists shopping dollars for watches. There were 20,000 luxury watches, which tourists bought up in past year, spending up to S$ 200 million (US$ 117M). The favored watches price is between S$40 and 100. Specially, many best non-Singaporean customers paid cash for such purchases. 4.2.3.2 Living Conditions in Singapore Singapore is the most popular country for migrants. Along with the positively about economy growth rate, the living and working conditions have been growing up at that time. High living conditions and stable income lead people in Singapore pay more attention into fashion and luxury items. According to MICA (2010), Singapore was ranked as the best place to work, live and play (Refer Appendix 12). In term of Watch industry, Singapore would be a profitable and potential market for Seiko. 4.2.4 Technological factors 4.2.4.1 Growth of Internet Singapore has a strong growth of internet. There are 3,658,400 Internet users as of June, 2010, about 77.8% of the population (Miniwatts Marketing Group, 2010). In addition, Singapore has second highest Internet penetration in Asia-Pacific (Refer Appendix 13). The expanding of internet opens for most watch manufacturers the new way, new environment for doing business. The internet also can bring to Seiko and others a huge number of customer all over the world. 4.3 Competitive Advantage and Core Competencies In order to maintain strengths and catch up business trends, Seiko utilized its resources to create following capabilities and competitive advantage (Ferrell and Hartline, 2008). 4.3.1 Successful global branding In some marketplace, successful branding becomes an important source of competitive advantage through differentiating between various offerings in market, maintaining quality of products, reaching strong image, and sustaining consumer commitment. If the company could achieve and sustained, its brand would have competitive advantage (Abrol P.N and Bhalla, V.K, 2005). Seiko is a successful global brand in the watch industry over the world and its brand can offer opportunities for matching characteristics of the specific markets and can also be profitable (Marieke K. de Mooij, 2010) 4.3.2 Wide product offerings Example, Rolex and Seiko are both in the watch business. But Rolex sells a limited product line of high-priced quality watches. Seiko sells a wide variety of relatively inexpensive but innovative specialty watches with features like compasses and altimeters (Gary, D and Jean, P., 2008). Offering variety number of products is suitable business strategy of Seiko to deliver its brand into particular markets and target segment. 4.3.3 Respected Company Through associating with quality, design, and innovation products as being committed during the years, Seiko has differenced itself to produce high quality watches and became one in the largest watch manufacturers over the world. The expertise in quality manufacturing, precision engineering and design miniaturization has contributed to building Seiko brand one of the most respected, most powerful reputation in the world. 5.0 Recommendations The model from Ansoffs Matrix shown below suggests strategies for market development in business operation of Seiko in order to maintain strengths, increase brand awareness, distribution channels and market share for company in luxury watches market in Singapore. Source: Hollenesen (2003) 5.1 Segmentation Targeting and Positioning (STP) Marketing Segmentation and Targeting are two steps in the process, which Seiko must use in order to identify who is companys customer in the luxury watch market in Singapore. Market Segmentation helps Seiko to define groups of buyers with different demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Targeting is done after segmentation to compare defined segments and then choose the most attractive one to design strategies for right customer. Positioning concerns to customers perception and competitors of Seiko in watch industry and then creating a detailed marketing plan for companys business operation (William D. and Andrew Z., 2010) 5.1.1 Segmentation Targeting The Demographic factors are the most popular bases for age, gender, income, occupation, education, religion. The Psychographic factors also need to consider such as customers needs and wants, and buying attitudes (William D. and Andrew Z., 2010) . The market segmentation for Seiko in luxury watch market is adults, over 18 years of age. The target customers of Seiko are businesspersons, tourists, watch collectors, who have stable/high income and high demand in this market. 5.1.2 Positioning Market positioning can be made up of the specific value requirements or the core competencies of the target group (Scott, Mc., 2009). Highlight a feature or an attribute of product is one key of positioning (Burrow, 2006) In watch industry, Seiko positions itself as pricing bands of watch products and the positioning of Seiko brand is The World leader in watch technology during the years (Refer Appendix 15). Seikos price range and characteristics of the target segment is linked to the positioning of its brand. 5.2 Marketing Objectives and Goals Using the SMART acronym is most popular method for many organizations today. The SMART acronym is usually standing for: The Luxury watch business is at the maturity stage of product life cycle and Seiko still has potential growth in Singapore market. There are the SMART objectives for the first and the next three years of marketing plan for Seiko wristwatch. First year objective For initial year in Singapore, Seiko is aiming to reach 20% Singapore market share with total sales about SGD10million. The next 3 years objective: To achieve 40% market share for next 3 years, which get SGD20million of sales revenue annually. 5.3 Marketing Strategies and Programmes 5.3.1 Product At present, Seiko is well known for its Seiko brand. Seiko wristwatches is designed and made following its strategy of Innovation Refinement, which immediately has powerful impact to Seiko target customers (Seikowatch, 2010). Seiko wristwatch products are variety and differentiation in order to meet the expectations as well as high demand of both men and women customer in Singapore. In term of Packaging, the wristwatch products of Seiko should include the print of characteristic features and attributes to emphasize the benefits to its target customers. 5.3.2 Pricing The price of Seiko wristwatches should be developed by evaluating of the customers expectations and competitors prices on its products. Researching consumers opinions about pricing is important as well as prices of Seikos products. The following process will be the good advice for Seiko to setting price in Singapore market: In Singapore market, a competitive pricing in not advised for Seiko in this case. Seiko has a successful global branding and it is focusing on differentiation strategy, which has strongly effect on customers perception and purchasing power. Seiko has high brand awareness in worldwide watch industry along with a global network infrastructure, these creates a super value for Seiko brand. This brings to Seiko a competitive advantage and motivates Seiko to charge a premium price for its luxury watch market in Singapore. For example, The Spring Drive is the first luxury item of Seiko and it is expected to retail around $3,200 to $3,500 in international market. 5.3.3 Place Singapore is a potential market plus with high demand in watch industry. Seiko should create a wide distribution network so that products can be present in all places, regardless of the affected to the transportation system (Refer Appendix 16). 5.3.4 Promotion Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is known as the most popular model to conduct promotion process in business (Kolter and Armstrong, 2007). With recommendations, Seiko should focus on advertising, public relation, and sales promotion. Advertising can increase awareness of what Seiko business offers. Seiko should start its advertising campaign with knowing their target customers. Seiko is advanced to print media advertising on fashion magazines in Singapore such as Shape Singapore Edition, AsiaSpa. The outdoor advertising at bus-stop, or transit advertising on buses and taxies are also suitable for Seiko business. In term of public relation, global social media network like Facebook, Twitter seem to be free marketing tools along with a huge benefit for Seiko business. For Sales promotion, Seiko can use some subtle forms of price discounting, such as offering free financing, buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) or 20 per cent extra free, which will make customer to pay more attention for Seiko watches. 6.0 Conclusion In order to identify a marketing strategy effectively, which can improve brand/product awareness and help Seiko to benefit in Singapore market is very necessary. Efficiency marketing strategy will connect Seiko to right target segmentation and right customers as well as build up Seiko image in the worldwide watch industry map. Reference Printed Books: Abrol P.N and Bhalla, V.K., 2005. International Business. USA: Anmol Publications Ltd Burrow, J.L. 2006. Marketing. USA: Thomson South- Western. Chris P, Isobel D, and Robin L., 1994. International Marketing Strategy. USA: Simultaneously published Ferrell, O.C. and Hartline, M.D., 2008. Marketing Strategy.USA: Thomson Southwestern. Gary, D and Jean, P., 2008. Managing Now. USA: Houghton Mifflin Co., Griffin,R., 2008. Fundamentals of Management.USA: Houghton Mifflin Company. Hollenesen, S., 2003. Marketing Management: A Relationship Approach. UK: Pearson Education Limited. Kotler, P. and Armstrong G., 2007. Marketing An Introduction. USA: Pearson Education Ltd. Marieke, K., 2010. Global Marketing and Advertising. UK: SAGE publications Robert,G and Stephen, P., 2000. Nike culture the sign of the swoosh.UK: SAGE Publ. Scott, Mc., 2009. Marketing Communications in Toursim and Hospitality. Hungary: Elsevier Ltd Sak, O and John J. Shaw., 2004. Channels of Distribution.UK: Routledge William, D. and Andrew, Z., 2010. Entrepreneurship. UK: RR Doonelley Publications Websites: [1] Seikowatches, 2010. Corporate Message. [Online]Available at: http://www.seikowatches.com/corporate/message.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [2] Seikowatches, 2010. Corporate Profile. [Online]Available at: http://www.seikowatches.com/corporate/profile.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [3] Singapore Department of statistics, 2010. Latest Data. [Online]Available at: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/latestdata.html#12 [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [4] Singapore Economic Development Board, 2010. Singapore Rankings. [Online] Available at: http://www.sedb.com/edb/sg/en_uk/index/why_singapore/singapore_rankings.html#rank_chart%22 [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [5] EzineArticles, 2010. Seiko Becoming The New Name In Hip Watches. [Online]Available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?SeikoBecoming-The-New-Name-In-Hip-Watchesid=1165815 [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [6] SEIKO HOLDINGS CORPORATION, 2009. Investor Relations. [Online]Available at: http://www.seiko.co.jp/en/ir/ [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [7] Seikowatches, 2010. Products. [Online]Available at: http://www.seikowatches.com/products/index.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [8] WatchesForMenStore, 2010. Seiko and Citizen Watches Reflect Japanese Watch. [Online]Available at: http://www.watchesformenstore.org/seiko-watches-japan-made/ [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [9] WatchMarketReview, 2010. Seiko. [Online]Available at: http://www.watchmarketreview.com/aug09/seiko_tete.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [10] Seikowatches, 2010. Global Network. [Online]Available at: http://www.seikowatches.com/corporate/global/index.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [11] Fashionproducts, 2010. Fashion Accessories Overview. [Online]Available at: http://www.fashionproducts.com/fashion-accessories-overview.html [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [12] Docstoc, 2010. Watch Industry Report. [Online]Available at: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/9912864/Watches-industry-Report [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [13] PuristSPro, 2010. Singapore Clock Watch Trade Association (SCWTA). [Online]Available at: http://home.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-17/pi-3468496/ti-561911/s-0/ [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [14] Vision of Humanity, 2010. Global Peace Index GPI. [Online]Available at: http://www.visionofhumanity.org/info-center/media-pack/2010-global-peace-index/ [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [15] Janus Corporate Solutions Pte Ltd, 2010. Singapore corporate income tax rates. [Online]Available at: http://www.guidemesingapore.com/taxation/corporate-tax/singapore-corporate-tax-guide [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [16] Tradingeconomics, 2010. Singapore GDP Growth Rate. [Online]Available at: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/economics/gdp-growth.aspx?symbol=sgy [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [17] Prosperity Financial Services, 2010.Growing in Watch Market. [Online]Available at: http://www.prosperitypersonal.sg/community/experts-talk/53-smart-investor/187-harvest-time [Accessed 01 December 2010]. [18] Brandchannel, 2010. Time is money in the luxury watch market of Asia. [Online]Available at: http://www.brandchannel.com/brand_speak.asp?bs_id=93[Accessed 01 December 2010]. [19] MICA, 2010. Living conditions in Singapore. [Online]Available at: http://app.www.sg/who/195/Living-conditions.aspx [Accessed 01 December 2010]. Appendix Appendix 1: Source: Courtesy of Singapore Economic Development Board

Failed Leadership Essay -- Religion, Yahweh

Elijah is a prophet of Yahweh, Whom ministry is started with dramatic surprise to the local people and the nation. He announce drought that there will not be either rain or dew in the nation except by his word (1Kings 17:1). Elijah’s ministry again followed by another victory on mountain of Carmel in revenging the power that claims to be mighty. We see different pictures of Elijah in 1Kings 17-19. In Chapter 17 we see Elijah who is talking as powerful decision maker. In Chapter 18, we see Elijah who is victorious over his rivals, and confront with the King (1kings 18:17-19). In Chapter 19 we see a disheartened Elijah who seems forgotten his late victory over the prophets of Baal. Finally in this text (19:1-4) we see the fallen Elijah, fallen mighty saint who is begging for death and Elijah who was retiring from his long-term service as prophet of Yahweh (1kings 19:15-18). Lives of all the actors of this text may loudly speak to the Oromo people who have fled persecution o f dictatorial regime and suffered selfish character of some of their own leader who led the liberating institution. I. Application Today, when we read this text (1Kings 19:1-4 and 19:8-15) having the Elijah in the previous two chapters (17 and 18) in mind a lot of things may come to our minds, such things as confidence, mightiest , fair, and persecution. After the great events on Mount Carmel, Elijah did not get the opportunity to enjoy the victorious moments over the prophets of Baal. For those of you who had tremendous experiences in the struggle for freedom and went through persecution, it must be easier to understand what it feels to be in hopelessness, fair and disappointment. Lately friend of mine told me that he walked on his feet for nine da... ...ip and turn people face to worship the might God, however, he was filled with pride. Similarly the leaders who claim to lead the liberating force working toward the Oromo people might resemble Elijah who has big courage to work for the kingdom he is called to serve but failed in pride. Finally, the steps Elijah took in freeing people from worshiping the Idol could partly please God he was serving, to the contrary his pride displease God. Hence in order the struggles to continue the people who have been messing with the issue have to be removing. In our text God told to Elijah to go and remove the current political and religious leaders to be replaced by new leaders (1Kings 19:15-18). We are human being we will not serve forever and we will not mess up forever. God will use all possible means to call and install whom he want and remove that He wants to remove.

The Empirical Reality of Walden Two of B.F. Skinner Essay -- Psycholog

The Empirical Reality of Walden Two B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two is the fictitious account of an eclectic group’s visit to a modern utopian community started by psychologist T.E. Frazier. Authors often depict â€Å"perfect societies† in novels, as the subject holds wide appeal and great creative opportunity. Aldous Huxley envisioned a Brave New World; Lois Lowry wove the tale of The Giver. What sets Walden Two apart from such books? Simply stated, Skinner’s work truly does not seem as if it belongs in the fantasy or fiction genre, as the others do. The novel reads as an actual experiment, albeit one performed in a text-only version of the world. The author perfectly follows the steps of a scientific investigation throughout the plot, meeting nearly all goals of the scientific enterprise. This approach leaves readers practically incapable of brushing the novel’s bold statements off as fiction: to do so feels equivalent to denying a proven reality. For a positive future, it is only common sense that a generation of healthy children must be raised. A stable family unit and personal attention seem logical ways to rear successful young people. Yet statistics show that in 2003, approximately 37,000 marriages and 21,000 divorces occurred in Kentucky; other states showed very similar ratios, such as Ohio, with about 73,000 marriages and 40,000 divorces (NVSR, Pg. 6). Clearly, many students already have â€Å"broken homes† as obstacles, but the homogenous treatment of children in schools adds even more difficulty. Despite pre-existing differences in personal preferences, subject aptitudes, and upbringings, for instance, the system calls for children to move along a determined national curriculum of academic acceptabilit... ...hiatry Vol. 8, No. 1. 2003 . United States. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics Reports Vol. 52 Num. 22. â€Å"Births, Marriages, Divorces, and Deaths: Provisional Data for 2003.† 10 June 2004 . WebMD Health. Health Guide A-Z: Stress Management. â€Å"Effects of Stress.† Page 2. 4 Nov. 2002. . Weiten, Wayne. â€Å"The Research Enterprise in Psychology.† Psychology Themes and Variations. 6th ed. 2005. The Empirical Reality of Walden Two of B.F. Skinner Essay -- Psycholog The Empirical Reality of Walden Two B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two is the fictitious account of an eclectic group’s visit to a modern utopian community started by psychologist T.E. Frazier. Authors often depict â€Å"perfect societies† in novels, as the subject holds wide appeal and great creative opportunity. Aldous Huxley envisioned a Brave New World; Lois Lowry wove the tale of The Giver. What sets Walden Two apart from such books? Simply stated, Skinner’s work truly does not seem as if it belongs in the fantasy or fiction genre, as the others do. The novel reads as an actual experiment, albeit one performed in a text-only version of the world. The author perfectly follows the steps of a scientific investigation throughout the plot, meeting nearly all goals of the scientific enterprise. This approach leaves readers practically incapable of brushing the novel’s bold statements off as fiction: to do so feels equivalent to denying a proven reality. For a positive future, it is only common sense that a generation of healthy children must be raised. A stable family unit and personal attention seem logical ways to rear successful young people. Yet statistics show that in 2003, approximately 37,000 marriages and 21,000 divorces occurred in Kentucky; other states showed very similar ratios, such as Ohio, with about 73,000 marriages and 40,000 divorces (NVSR, Pg. 6). Clearly, many students already have â€Å"broken homes† as obstacles, but the homogenous treatment of children in schools adds even more difficulty. Despite pre-existing differences in personal preferences, subject aptitudes, and upbringings, for instance, the system calls for children to move along a determined national curriculum of academic acceptabilit... ...hiatry Vol. 8, No. 1. 2003 . United States. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics Reports Vol. 52 Num. 22. â€Å"Births, Marriages, Divorces, and Deaths: Provisional Data for 2003.† 10 June 2004 . WebMD Health. Health Guide A-Z: Stress Management. â€Å"Effects of Stress.† Page 2. 4 Nov. 2002. . Weiten, Wayne. â€Å"The Research Enterprise in Psychology.† Psychology Themes and Variations. 6th ed. 2005.

Aids/Hiv Essay 6

Kimberly S. Johnson SOS 313: Social Implications of Medical Issues Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Its Deadly Effects Deanna Swinford March 14, 2010 Over the past few decades Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention strategies has focused on helping high risk individuals including individuals uninfected with HIV. The responsibility of National programs is to inform the public regarding prevention strategies, identify priorities, plan, and implement disease prevention strategies. It’s common knowledge all over the world that HIV infection is the leading cause of death. â€Å"Human immunodeficiency virus HIV and AIDS remain the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. As of December 2004, an estimated 944,306 persons had received a diagnosis of AIDS, and of these 529,113 (56%) had died† (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Approximately 40,000 new cases of HIV infection occur each year and 40 million people worldwide are now living with HIV† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 318). Everyone knows, or should be aware that there’s no way to restore their damaged immune system, and no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS. Advances in medical systems today have shown improved life expectancy. â€Å"Since 1995, the number of deaths from AIDS in the United States has declined so sign ificantly that HIV/AIDS is no longer treated as a terminal illness but rather as a chronic condition to be managed† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 18). â€Å"A virus is an infectious organism that cannot grow or reproduce outside living cells. To survive, it must enter a living cell and use the reproductive capacity of that cell for its own replication. Consequently, when a virus enters a cell, it instructs the cell to reproduce the virus† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). Normally the body recognizes these as foreign, this is how a healthy immune system is suppose to work, as I remember from anatomy and physiology, then will destroy the foreign cells. Some will remain dormant, sometimes for long periods of time, and without causing problems, but still will remain in our body with other cells and can replicate at any time. â€Å"HIV infection is caused by a retrovirus called HIV. A retrovirus uses a complicated process called reverse transcription to reproduce itself. This process uses a viral enzyme called reverse transcriptase to integrate the virus’s genetic material into the other cells. HIV essentially takes over these cells—primarily the CD4 cells to produce more HIV. They multiply extremely rapidly and some errors caused by this rapid generation of ells are not corrected, so there are constant mutations of the virus. Some of the cells containing the virus burst, releasing HIV directly into the blood stream. Consequently, there can be both infected cells and virus in the blood traveling to other sites† (Falvo, 2010, pg. 313). This rapid generation of cells explain why some patients who may have been somewhat stable, then they rapidly deteriorate or their medications do not seem to work anymore. The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary depending on the phase of the infection. â€Å"Early infection—when first infected with HIV, you may have no signs or symptoms at all, although it’s more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Signs and symptoms may include: * Fever * Headache * Sore throat * Swollen lymph glands * Rash Even if you don’t have symptoms, you’re still able to transmit the virus to others. Once the virus enters your body, your immune system also comes under attack. The virus multiplies in your lymph nodes and slowly begins to destroy your helper T cells (CD4 lymphocytes) —the white blood cells that coordinate your entire immune system† (Mayo clinic, 2010). In my opinion, this phase is when most HIV is transmitted, sexually people don’t know they have it, they are engaging in unprotected sex and it’s just too late. This among others is a priority needed regarding informing public awareness. â€Å"Later infection—you may remain symptom free for eight or nine years or more. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms such as: * Swollen lymph nodes-often one of the first signs of HIV infection * Diarrhea * Weight loss * Fever * Cough & Shortness of Breath This phase is scary in itself; it could be a multitude of conditions, an individual wouldn’t know, depending on their lifestyle, probably have a clue that they have aides. I do not think any of our physicians would guess HIV infection either. Thinking back, I have taken care of a few HIV patients, and if I didn’t already know they had the infection, I don’t think I could have guessed it! But they do have a dark circles around their eyes, deathly look, and very pale. A number of the signs and symptoms are just what you would guess for the flu, or respiratory infection. Just think for so many years, they are carrying the virus, and not knowing! â€Å"During the last phase of HIV—which occurs ten or more years after the initial infection, more serious symptoms begin to appear, infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS. In 1993 the CDC redefined AIDS to mean the presence of HIV infection as shown by a positive HIV antibody test plus at least one of the following: * The development of an opportunistic infection-an infection that occurs when your immune system is impaired. Such as: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) * A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 of less (normal 800-1200) By the time AIDS develops your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections. The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include: * Soaking night sweats Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Dry cough and Shortness of Breath * Chronic diarrhea, Headaches * Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth * Blurred or distorted vision, Weight loss You may also begin to experience signs and symptoms of later stages HIV infection itself, such as: * Persistent, unexplained fatigue * Soaking night sweats * Shaking chills or fever higher than 100*F for several weeks * Chronic diarrhea, persistent headaches Everyone should get tested especially if they are engaging in high risk behavior, like IV drug use, unprotected sex. Every community should also make their people knowledgeable about services available to them. High risk individuals also need to know these test are private and not released to anyone else, including the federal government, employers, insurance companies and family members, unless of course the individual gives permission or consent to do so as stated by the Mayo Clinic. (2010). There are several ways to become infected with HIV: Sexual Transmission: Vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. * Infected blood: Since 1985, American hospitals and blood banks have screened the blood supply for HIV antibodies. * Needle sharing: Needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia puts individuals at high risk * Accidental Needle sticks: HIV positive people and health care workers through needle sticks are low. Experts put the risk at far less than 1%. Mother to child: Each year nearly 600,000 infants are infected with HIV, either during pregnancy or delivery or through breastfeeding. If women receive treatment during pregnancy, the risk to their babies is significantly reduced. â€Å"In the U. S. most pregnant women are prescreened for HIV, and antiviral drugs are given. Not so in developing nations, where women seldom know there status, and treatment is limited or nonexistent. When medications aren’t available, Caesarean section is recommended instead of vaginal delivery. Other options, such as vaginal disinfection, haven’t proven effective† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Other sources of transmission can be sexual devices that are not washed or covered with a condom. The virus also can be present in vaginal tears or the rectum, which places the person at greater risk of developing HIV. Needle users also should be informed that some communities have a needle exchange program where they can trade used needles and syringes for new ones. Most individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS use a test to predict their prognosis called viral load. This measures the amount of virus in the blood, of course the lower the load the better their prognosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages adolescents and adults ages 13 to 64 as a part of their routine medical care for these ages. Yearly testing should be done. Several tests can be done, including ELISA, and Western Blot tests. ELISA looks for antibodies to the virus in a sample of your blood. If the test is positive, meaning you have the antibodies to HIV, they would repeat the test, and then do the western blot test, which checks for HIV proteins, combining the two tests confirms the diagnosis† (Mayo clinic, 2010). There are home tests in which you mail in a drop of your blood, and call a toll free number to receive the results in three to seven business days. This test is marketed by Home Access Health, is as accurate as a clinical test, and if positive, they are all retested. We all know, there is no cure for HIV, nor for AIDS, which was first identified sometime in the 80’s. Since that time a number of drugs have been developed to treat both HIV, and AIDS. The other problem, and a big one, with this condition, is the secondary infections that come along with HIV/AIDS. According to current guidelines, treatment should focus on achieving the maximum suppression of symptoms for as long as possible. This aggressive approach is known as highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of HAART is to reduce the amount of virus in your blood to very low or even nondetectable levels, although this doesn’t mean the virus is gone. This is usually accomplished by three or more drugs . The first anti-retroviral drugs developed: Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI’s). They inhibit the replication of the HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase. They include zidovudine (Retrovir), Iamivudine (Epivir), didanosine (Videx). A newer drug emtricitabine (Emtriva), which must be used in combination with at least two other AIDS medications, treats both HIV and hepatitis B† (Mayo clinic, 2010). Treatment should be also aimed at quality of life in my opinion, as most of these drugs cause a number of side effects, including the most common nausea, and diarrhea. Another drug, the Protease inhibitor, which interrupts HIV replication at a later stage in the life cycle by interfering with an enzyme known as HIV protease. It causes HIV particles in your body to become structurally disorganized and noninfectious. Protease inhibitors are usually prescribed with other medications to help avoid drug resistance. â€Å"A clinical trial with a Chemokine co-receptor inhibitors (CCR5 antagonists) make up a new class of drugs used to treat a type of HIV infection call ed CCR5-tropic HIV-1. The only drug in this class—maraviroc (Selzentry) was used in this trial , approximately twice as many people with CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection who received maraviroc had undetectable viral loads after 24 weeks as did those who received more standard therapy in the control groups. The side effects of maraviroc may include liver and cardiovascular problems, as well as cough, fever, upper respiratory infections, rash and abdominal pain. â€Å"The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the most recent international social program instituted by the U. S. Government to combat HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, this foreign policy initiative has dedicated $63 billion for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in foreign countries. Despite PEPFAR’s many accomplishments, it continues to promote controversial prevention strategies† (Barney, Buckingham, Friedrich, Johnson, Robinson, Sar, 2010, p. 9). The most important thing to remember, and to be able to implement is to get individuals, and doctors to coordinate HIV testing into routine medical care. The CDC has initiated several strategies for prevention: Strategy 1: Incorporate HIV Testing as a Routine Part of Care in Traditional Medical Settings. CDC will issue recommendations strongly encouraging all health care providers to include HIV testing, when indicated, as part of routine medical care, like other routine medical tests by: * Promoting removal of real and perceived barriers to routine testing, including â€Å"de-coupling† HIV tests in the medical setting from extensive, pre-test prevention counseling. In some jurisdictions, statutory requirements, e. g. for pretest counseling, can serve as barriers to testing. * Working with professional medical associations and others to promote adoption of the recommendations. CDC will work with public and private payors to promote appropriate reimbursement incentives. Strategy 2: Implement New Models for Diagnosing HIV Infections Outside Medical Settings. * Encouraging the use of HIV rapid test—Some persons do not have access to traditional medical settings * Funding pilot projects in 2003, aimed at identifying the most effective models for HIV diagnosis and referral for medical and preventive care which CDC grantees can employ outside traditional medical settings Strategy 3: Prevent New Infections by Working with People Diagnosed with HIV and their partners. CDC will promote preventive and treatment services within and outside traditional settings by: * Working with HRSA to reach those who have been diagnosed with HIV but who are not receiving treatment and care * Conducting demonstration projects through health departments to provide prevention case management and counseling to people living with HIV. * Standardizing procedures for prevention interventions and evaluation activities to ensure that such measures are appropriate and effective. * Ensuring that requirements related to partner notification in grant guidelines are fully met. Piloting new approaches to partner notification, including rapid HIV testing for partners and using peers to conduct appropriate partner notification, prevention counseling, and referral. Strategy 4: Further Decrease Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission: Treatment of pregnant women and their infants can substantially reduce the number of babies born with HIV infection. * Promote screening of every pregnant wom an for HIV, using the â€Å"opt-out† approach. Make prenatal HIV screening a routine part of medical care. * Promote screening of newborns whose mothers HIV status is not known (Center for Disease Control, 2010). Historically, HIV and AIDS have been treated differently from other diseases or conditions. Since the last decade or so, it has changed, as far as how it is viewed medically. No longer is AIDS viewed as a deadly condition, rather it’s more looked at as a chronic, long term condition, that is treated like other diseases, we treat the symptoms, and the secondary infections. The problem with AIDS/HIV is the public doesn’t have the knowledge that the medical community has, and will probably never understand, or believe the real ways of contracting the infection. We as health care professionals need to continue to inform the public regarding prevention, and encourage more public awareness of the need to be tested before it is too late. References: Barney, R. , Buckingham, S. , Friedrich, J. , Johnson, L. , Robinson, M. , Sar. , B. (2010, Mar). The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR): A Social Work Ethical Analysis and Recommendations. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare. 37(1), 9-22. Retrieved from Ebscohost database. Bashook, P. , Linsk, N. , Jacob, B. , Aguado, P. (2010, Feb). Outcomes of Aids Education And Training Center HIV/Aids Skill-Building Workshops on Provider Practices. Aids Education and Prevention. 22 (1), 49. Retrieved from ProQuest database. Center for Disease Control. (2010). A Career with the CDC Global Aids Program. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/globalAIDS/johs. html Falvo, D. (2009). Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness & Disability. Boston: Jones & Bartlett. HIV/AIDS: ALL. (2010) . Retrieved from http://www. mayoclinic. com References Insert References Here.