Causes of foetal echogenic bowel in pregnancy - particularly in relation to cystic fibrosis Free Essay Example, 1500 words

In many cases, there is no family history of this condition, so the birth of a child with Recessive Inheritance comes as a surprise to them. Classification of CF Mutations: According to International Classification of diseases ICD published by WHO, cystic fibrosis is categorized under Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases. The classification for Cystic Fibrosis is further sub divided into four parts- 1. E 84.0 CF with Pulmonary manifestations. 2. E 84.1 CF with Intestinal manifestations. 3. E 84.8 CF with other manifestations. 4. E 84.9 CF unspecified. Taking into account the current knowledge and diagnostic problems, a special group was formed to produce a new classification table suitable to the present requirements. It was decided that a diagnostic classification would be made on Clinical grounds instead of Laboratory grounds, but at the same time acknowledging the importance of identifying CFTR mutations in people possessing clinical conditions such as pancreatitis and atresia, but not all cases are CFTR related. Therefore the working group agreed to classify it as â€Å"Cystic Fibrosis and Related Disorders. † Since Cystic Fibrosis Mutations are quite common - the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and the American College for Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend testing patients for 25 of the most common CF mutations. We will write a custom essay sample on Causes of foetal echogenic bowel in pregnancy - particularly in relation to cystic fibrosis or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now But a cystic fibrosis test panel –DNA Direct’s recommend testing patients for 32 Mutations which include the 25 of the American College. These cover the majority of mutations in different ethnic groups – roughly around 90% of CF mutations. The 32 Mutations Covered in This Test G85E deltaI507 R553X 711+1G>T 3659delC R117H deltaF508 R560T   1078delT 3849+10kbC>T I148T V520F R1162X 1717-1G>A 3876delA R334W G542X W1282X 1898+1G>A 3905insT R347P S549N N1303K 2184delA R347H S549R 394delTT 2789+5G>A A455E G551D 621+1G>T 3120+1G>A Causes for Foetal Echogenic Bowel in pregnancy with relation to Cystic Fibrosis. Some common findings in fetal sonography are Intra-abdominal calcification and other echogenic masses. This may occur due to the liver, spleen, kidneys, gall bladder, gastro-Intestinal tract, peritoneal cavity or the adrenal glands. Though no added risk is applied to the neonate or fetus, yet if such lesions are discovered, a prompt and detailed survey and review of maternal history should be done to further investigate the case. The diagnosis and result in most cases are determined by a combination of specific ultrasound appearances and at least one fetal or maternal factor.

Video Games Have A Positive Effect On Kids And More Adults...

I believe that video games have a positive effect on kids and more adults should let their kids play video games because of the many learning aspects that it can share. Most people say video games are too violent and that it stops kids from paying attention in school. All video games require a lot of critical thinking that can help you think better either its dealing with school work or any other situation. â€Å"Kids who play video games are given unusual problems to solve, many of which they must solve very quickly. This process improves critical-thinking skills and can teach kids the value of trying several different solutions to a problem, a skill that will benefit them for life† (Lisa Weber and Demand Media 2007). For example the same†¦show more content†¦Video games are often highly motivating for children with autism, and these games offer opportunities for successful learning and a stress-free opportunity to improve skills such as planning, organization and se lf-monitoring† (Lisa Weber and Demand Media 2007). For example kids that play video games that have the online feature that allows you to play other video gamers and also communicate with other kids across the world allows kids that struggle with autism or making friends to meet other people and actually have the social life the he/she always wanted but knew that they couldn’t have in actual modern society. Its ok to let your kids play video games because kids that don’t play video games will never get this experience if there parent or guardian won’t allow them to and it is very important to have some kind of social life in today’s world, not having a social life could leave your child feeling neglected or depressed but if you let your kid play video games then this will not happen to them at all. There are a lot of good things that can come from a video game’s and one of those things is hand eye coordination. The main video game that helps out the most with hand eye coordination is the Nintendo Wii, the Nintendo Wii is a game console that has a remote control that controls your every movement and display’s it on the TV screen Being coordinated can help someone in a lot of different ways like if you played sports or if you had a

The Collection of Intelligence Information in the Current World Free Essays

string(151) " result in an information overload, meaning huge amounts of time and effort to be used to scan the information and select which is actually important\." â€Å"So much information is now available on the Internet (even if some of it is inaccurate) that intelligence collection in the traditional sense is now no longer necessary†. Do you agree? What kinds of information might or might not be available? As a decision-maker would you agree to give up intelligence sources? Introduction Governments â€Å"run â€Å" on information. They need to be constantly aware of what is occurring around them, and how this could affect their interests, in order to take the right decisions at the right time. We will write a custom essay sample on The Collection of Intelligence Information in the Current World or any similar topic only for you Order Now However not all the information they need is publicly available, which is why intelligence agencies were created with the objective of collecting, analysing and using confidential information, obtained secretly, to advise decision-makers. The collection process takes place after certain tasks have been assigned by the decision-makers, and consists of acquiring the necessary information which will then be treated at a later stage of the intelligence cycle. Traditionally, the collecting process of such agencies comes from either human intelligence, meaning information directly transmitted from a trustworthy person to an intelligence officer, or technical intelligence, which uses technology and machines to obtain this information. Today, however, the collection process of all information-seeking organizations has been transformed with the Internet. It is the largest, fastest-expanding source of information worldwide, where anybody on any point of the globe can post or have access to information. The impact of the Internet on Intelligence agencies is undoubtable, and it has become a major component of open-source intelligence (OSINT, the process of acquiring information from public sources to be treated and put in use for intelligence purposes). It provides information which is cheaper, more accessible, more timely and easier to disseminate in a shorter time. This has lead some people to believe that: â€Å"So much information is now available on the Internet (even if some of it is inaccurate) that intelligence collection in the traditional sense is now no onger necessary†. Has the Internet revolutionized the information collection process to the point of making the traditional methods obsolete? In this paper, I will defend the view that it has not, thus disagreeing with the statement above[1]. I will discuss that information available on the Internet is no replacement to information collected in the traditional sense, both theoretically (I) and in practice (II), even though it is a useful instrument which can also be used to guide decision-makers (III). I) The theoretical distinction between information available on the Internet and traditional intelligence collection In 2005, General Michael Hayden, from the US Open Source Centre, stated that â€Å"just because information is stolen, it does not make it better†[2]. This is true, however, what if the information was â€Å"stolen† because it was not available anywhere else? One must not confuse the terms information and intelligence. Information is made up of the facts agencies seek; intelligence is the process of acquiring and making use of confidential information which responds to the government’s interests. Of course, if this information was available on the Internet, no rational organization would prefer to spend more money, more resources and a greater effort on high-risk operations, which is what information collection implies in the intelligence domain. The problem is that the information intelligence agencies seek is voluntarily hidden by the entity that controls it, which is why it is confidential, and for obvious reasons not posted on the Internet. Moreover, the more people that have a piece of information, the harder it is to have control over it, which incites organizations detaining information to keep it to themselves. By definition, intelligence information is therefore unavailable elsewhere. Consequently, the information on the Internet has a different content to information coming from intelligence, hence it cannot replace it. Furthermore, the definition of intelligence does not only regard the content of the information, it also concerns how the information is collected. According to David Chuter’s definition, intelligence means that the entity from which information is obtained does not want you to have it, and does not realize you have acquired it. On the contrary, the person posting information on the Internet wants you to have access to it and is aware anybody could acquire it. [3] Therefore, in both aspects of the definition of intelligence, there is a clear distinction between information coming from intelligence and from the Internet, and because of their difference in nature, one cannot replace the other. However, in practice, this theoretical distinction is blurred due to the fact that anybody can post on the Internet, including holders of confidential information. They could, for example, want to harm the person or organization they work for by making such information public through the Internet. II) In practice, the Internet is no replacement to traditional information collection The Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1988, General Alfred Gray Jr. , said that â€Å"most of the intelligence which needs to be known could be obtained via open-source information†[4], which the Internet is a major source of. Undoubtedly, with the huge amount of information available on the Internet, this must be true. There are examples of confidential information been publicly made available through the internet, such as the major Wikileaks information release on confidential subjects- the war in Afghanistan and in Iraq, amongst others. We could then ask ourselves: what if confidential information has been canalized through the Internet and we no longer need intelligence to retrieve it? The information intelligence agencies search for must be important and useful, or it would be irrelevant to the governments that need it. This means it must go through numerous filters and a high discrimination process. The Internet, while it may provide useful facts, has such an enormous amount of information that it impedes this selection process from being efficient. John McLaughlin, a former deputy CIA director, says â€Å"In the Cold War, we struggled to get data. Today, the problem is that there is too much data–more than we can handle. â€Å"[5] This can result in an information overload, meaning huge amounts of time and effort to be used to scan the information and select which is actually important. You read "The Collection of Intelligence Information in the Current World" in category "Papers" The difficulties in collecting information from the Internet go further than the quantitative issue. Because the information available on the Internet is what the person publishing it wants others to see, it can be dangerous because depending on this person’s interests the information could be contradictory, misleading or even false, hampering the whole intelligence cycle. To avoid this, and as with any information collection, the source must be considered trustworthy, and this is always a difficult matter. On the Internet it is even more so: information is often anonymous, and meta-data (such as the circumstances surrounding the piece of information or the motivations of the person providing it) is extremely limited. Just like Jorge Luis Borges illustrates in his short story The Library of Babel, if one cannot tell what is true from what is false, the information is useless. Consequently, further sources are needed to prove the truthfulness of information and avoid being mislead. This means returning to traditional intelligence collection methods, in which case the Internet cannot be considered a source of information in itself. It can be seen, however, as inspiration for a further investigation. Moreover, the immensity of information available on the Internet incites certain types of behaviour in the information collectors, linked to their subjectiveness, that are also counter-productive for information collection. Political pressure is a potential source of error because it encourages agents to search in a certain direction, which the Internet, with its near-infinite information, is sure to justify. Firstly, it must be noted that not all information an agency looks for is necessarily available, however, the large amounts of information available on the Internet encourage people to believe such information exists. Secondly, misleading sources can exaggerate and create non-existent threats, which is sometimes what intelligence agencies are looking for in order to justify their utility. Thirdly, it is part of human behaviour to struggle to admit you are wrong, especially after investing effort in trying to prove the opposite. Once again, of all the information available on the Internet, that which proves you are in the right direction is likely to be picked, and the rest avoided, encouraging wish-fulfilment behaviour and confirmation bias. With these practical issues concerning information collected from the Internet, it can therefore be considered dangerous for it to be considered a source of information in itself. Nevertheless, it should not altogether be denied a role in information collection. The usefulness of the Internet and its place in the decision-making process If not a trustworthy source by itself, the Internet certainly contributes to a better information collection. Firstly, it directly facilitates the collection of open-source information which is then used for intelligence purposes. Such is the case, for example, with radio or television broadcasts which are now available online. In this example, it means monitors no longer have to be near the broadcast source, nor is complex equipment needed (antennas†¦ ) to obtain these broadcasts. [6] The Internet has an incredible logistical advantage, providing cheaper sources in real time all around the globe. Open-source information is useful in providing complementary information to the confidential one. It helps determine the context and the circumstances in which the information is transmitted; it serves to â€Å"fill in the gaps†. This is essential, seen as a piece of information taken out of context makes no sense or cannot be used efficiently. Intelligence failures often come from an inability to understand â€Å"the bigger picture† or the general context of a given situation. For example, during the Vietnam war, the strategic concept of the conflict was misunderstood: the US believed it was mainly a Soviet-Chinese supported conflict and ignored the major influence of Vietnamese communists and nationalists. Moreover, information coming from he Internet is in real-time, so it can help those who collect the information assimilate new situations which arise from social or economic change for instance, and to do so quickly. It is therefore important source of collateral information, which enhances traditional information collection and enables it to be understood and interpreted. From a decision-maker’s point of view, most confidential information is not available on the Internet (despite some exam ples which today are still very limited), which signifies traditional intelligence sources of information can by no means be given up on. The Internet is however an essential tool which must be integrated in the collection process, and in the other stages of the intelligence cycle, in order for the information provided to be pertinent. It can also serve as inspiration for further investigation, as long as its potential dangers are understood, for it is easy for decision-makers, who are under political power, to get carried away by misleading available on the Internet. Conclusion In summary, on one hand, most of the information available on the Internet is not the one which interests intelligence services because they seek mainly confidential information. On the other hand, some of the information on the Internet hampers information collection because it can be misleading, contradictory, or even false and can lead to counter-productive behaviour from the intelligence agents. Consequently, the information available is not always the one intelligence services are looking for. In addition, there is a theoretical distinction linked to the fact information coming from intelligence must be unavailable elsewhere, which means information from the Internet cannot replace traditional intelligence. This does not imply the Internet should be avoided by intelligence services, on the contrary, it can provide essential information in complement to that obtained by intelligence services. It simply means the dangers of the Internet should be kept in the mind of decision-makers who must find the balance between these two sources of information. ———————– [1] Only the collection stage of the intelligence cycle will be discussed concerning the impact of the Internet, as this is what the statement points to. [2]http://www. usnews. om/news/national/articles/2008/09/12/spy-agencies-turn-to-newspapers-npr-and-wikipedia-for-information. [3]According to this definition, open-source intelligence is not a actually a source of intelligence, the concept open-source information in use for intelligence purposes is therefore more appropriate. [4]†Global Intelligence Challenges in the 1990’s†, American Intelligence Journal (Win ter 1989–1990) [5] http://www. usnews. com/usnews/news/articles/061103/3dni. analysts. htm [6]https://www. cia. gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol48no3/article05. html How to cite The Collection of Intelligence Information in the Current World, Papers

Salon Human Resources Management free essay sample

Salon Human Resources Management (HRM) If I’m chosen to receive a SME grant from the state government of RM50, 000 to start a small business, I will open salon in this metropolitan country. Excellence in Human Resources Management will do more for the long-term growth and profitability of a salon than any other product, project or promotion. My aim is to help improve productivity –via- Human Resource management techniques.And to achieve it I provide information, advice, training and a range of services, working with salon employers to prevent HR problems and improve performance and productivity. When I put it in context, the success of my salon depends totally on the willingness and skill of my salon staff to perform their duties: To perform them well and to perform them more often to more clients. As the salon owner, of course I’ll employ stylists and or therapists. These stylists and therapists are responsible for the current state of my business. We will write a custom essay sample on Salon Human Resources Management or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Yes, I manage them and I am responsible for their performance but unless I have been trained or have extensive professional human resources experience my employees will likely be performing below their true potential. The inspirational salon manager realizes that his or her staffs have pride, feelings, aspirations and needs and the take into account that many of them have ambition and want to succeed, whilst others just want to get along.So that, to be an effective Salon Manager I’ll take board and considers of three parties that I mean is the need of the salon business, the needs of employees and the needs of the shareholders. Simply having a set of Salon Employee Contracts and possibly a salon employee book is not enough to constitute a Salon Human Resources Strategy. Further if my salon employee, job description and performance appraisal are not bespoke per salon employee and their specific salon trade, chances are they do not perform their duties to 100% of their revenue building potential.Besides, a salon human resources strategy is concerned with creating congruence between what my salon staff should do, their understanding of their responsibilities as profit centre’s and their ability and willingness to perform their duties profitably for me and the salon. Also a Salon Human Resources Strategy will help me the salon owner or manager to promote a really happy and stable working environment where everyone is growing professionally and the salon is growing profitably.To build a top performing salon team, the team leader needs to install a legislatively correct set of procedures, routines and HR documents designed to promote individual professionalism and profitable salon growth. This begins by installing documents which are bespoke per salon trade and tailored to individual team members, in example Salon Manager, Senior Stylist, Graduate Stylist, Trainee, Receptionist, Beauty Therapist, and Nail Technician etc. Also the salon manager needs to know how to manage the documents and the employees.There is much more to a Salon HR strategy than meets the eye, and when implemented by a knowledgeable manager it enables that salon manager to take control and really boost business performance. What does salon human resources pack is include recrui tment pack for all hair and beauty trades, job description for all salon trades, person specification for all salon trades, employee contract for all salon trades, comprehensive salon employee handbook, performance appraisals for all salon trades, training needs analysis and PDP system for all salon trades and many other form letters, policies and procedural documents.So in conclusion, as well as providing complete Salon Human Resources packs and training we also sell individual documents in including salon employee contracts to make sure all the manpower are continuously growth, efficient and smooth with my salon business. For me without a good human resources management the organization cannot develop.

My Sisters Keeper free essay sample

Cloning is a controversial topic to where most people who argue about it, definitely do not agree with each other’s opinions. â€Å"My Sister’s Keeper† is a movie where one child, Anna, is conceived solely so her older sister Kate can fight leukemia. Once Anna reaches a certain age, she realizes what has been happening to her and refuses to go through with anything else by suing her mother. Throughout the movie, this situation tears the family apart and members of the family are heartbroken but it ultimately helps decide the outcome of what should happen (Cassavetes, 2009). In the movie â€Å"My Sister’s Keeper†, a girl named Kate is diagnosed with leukemia at a very young age. After running tests the parents find out that they along with the younger brother to Kate, are no matches for Kate to receive anything from them. The parents then decide it would be a good idea to have another child made specifically to be a match for Kate, which was suggested by another doctor. We will write a custom essay sample on My Sisters Keeper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Another child is later born, Anna, and Kate is finally able to be healthy again and return back to a normal life. As many years pass Kate ends up with leukemia again and this time Anna understands what has been happening to her since she has been born and refuses to give her sister anything else. Anna ends up going to a lawyer and suing her mom for medical emancipation. The audience later finds out that Kate is the person that made Anna go to a lawyer and do this because Kate no longer wants to live. After all of the court hearings and going back and fourth with the judge trying to decide what to do, Anna won the case against her mom and became medically emancipated. During this entire process with the court, Kate ended up dying (Cassavetes, 2009). Kate’s mom’s actions are best supported by the ethical terms deontology and medical paternalism. Deontology is doing the right act and having the best motive regardless of the consequences. Kate’s mom expressed deontology when she had decided that it was fine if she had used Anna for Kate’s medical problems since before Anna was ever created. Medical paternalism is when people believe they know what is best for others; as in when Kate’s mom believed what she was doing was right regardless of the opinions anyone else had. Her mom was not able to accept the fact that her daughter was dying and did not want to deal with it. Ethical terms that opposed Kate’s mom’s actions are nonmaleficence is doing harm to another while nonconsequential ethics is the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the consequences of the action. Kate’s mom was causing nonmaleficence by putting Anna through all these unnecessary surgeries. During the time, Anna had no idea what was going on and had no say in the things she wanted. Kate’s mom thought that it was ok for her to conceive another child for the good of her first born. Kate’s mom would constantly have Anna as a back up to use in case something went wrong with Kate. Autonomy is when an individual makes his or her own decisions. In the movie, I believe Anna’s rights are most important compared to Kate’s or her moms. In my opinion I believe that Kate and Anna’s mom was completely wrong for what she had done and how she thought nothing was wrong with it. Anna’s life was only created to help her sister survive. From the day Anna was born, tests and procedures began to help keep Kate alive. Anna was of course way too young to understand what was happening to her and why. When Anna reached the age of thirteen, she was fully aware of what she had been going through since the day she was born and no longer wanted anything to do with it. At this age, Anna was able to comprehend what was happening to her and why, and even though she did want to help her sister fight leukemia, she and her sister Kate were tired of fighting. Anna stuck by Kate’s side throughout the entire situation, as Kate was the person who encouraged Anna. She told Anna to hire a lawyer and fight for medical emancipation from her parents since she was never before allowed to state her consent. Kate had been completely accepting of her because she was tired of fighting and she knew it was coming. The ethical implications from the nurses are that they continued to do their job despite their opinions in what they thought was right or wrong. Even if the nurse did not agree with what the family was doing, they still had a job to do; deontology. Cloning is a huge ethical and moral issue to the point where not everybody can agree on the same thing. In the movie, all the mother was trying to do was save her first born child from dying but did not realize the kind of physical pain she was also putting her other daughter in. This ethical dilemma created many problems within the family and until Kate eventually died from leukemia, the fighting had stopped and the Anna had gotten what she and her sister had finally wished for; peace. My Sisters Keeper free essay sample Reading Logical Jostle: My Sisters Separator: Jodi Peculated I Finished the text: 11/03/textile Source: Novelette of publication: enhance you pick it up, you can never put it down. This family tragic drawn you in every moment and get interesting and interesting because everybody gets a chapter and you read it from the point of views of Anna, Sara, Brian, Campbell (Annas Lawyer), Jesse (Annas Brother), Julia and lastly Kate (Annas sister), but we dont get Skates point of view until the end. Also Saras point of view is staged mainly in the flashbacks. Its very ass to lose yourself that Jumps through narrative to narrative through time. And all of this is happening within two weeks, by separating the novel into individual day. With each characters narratives, you begin to sympathies with each and every one of them. When I first began reading the novel, I warned of two things, that I would cry like a baby and that it will break my heart, and it successfully did. We will write a custom essay sample on My Sisters Keeper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page At the beginning I had a very clear view on the situation that Sarah was wrong and Anna was right. I thought: how could you ask your child to do something that would endanger her life? It didnt occur to me that by Anna refusing to donate her kidney Kate would definitely die. It didnt occur to me that Sarah was only trying to save her child. Its very interesting to see everyones side of the story. Throughout Brains narrative you see how tough it is to have a child who is dying. Throughout Sarahs narrative you realize how demanding and challenging it is for her to try and save all her children, both physically and emotionally. Throughout Jessie narrative you see how difficult it is for him to know that his family has given up on him. Throughout Annas narrative I didnt like Sarah; she seemed to be neglecting Anna and favoring Kate, yet until the end I didnt quite understand her intentions for filing a lawsuit. I understood her reasoning for not wanting to be used, yet by having a sister I knew that no matter what, I would always do whatever it took to save her. The audience is denied the answer to why, right until the end, where the twist really comes in. Even though, in real life this kind of situation doesnt happen a lot but in some situations in this kid of matter parents will have to result to this e. A family in the UK was exactly in the same situation and they has to especially to get permission from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HAVE). Using IF techniques a cell will be removed from the specially selected embryo and checked that it is disease-free and a good tissue match. Using this technique Gain will have an 80% chance of a match being found, compared to a 20% chance from a brother or sister conceived naturally. This familys experience is very similar to the book, it made me realize that parents would do anything to save heir child. In my opinion, since them both are designer baby they do have a right to their own bodies, since they have a right to say. think the Authors purpose is to not only entertain readers with a really good story but to also explain to readers about the causes of cancer and the effects it can have on a family. My Sisters Keeper is a deeply moving novel on one of the most sensitive issues known to mankind. A novel which will definitely cause tears. My Sisters Keeper (Personal Response) By Michelangelo

buy custom New Product Pricing Strategy essay

buy custom New Product Pricing Strategy essay What is the product name? Describe the product.NEXT is to launch a brand extension to its Online Director (online store) with the name of NEXTs Chit Chat Chic Club or C4. This is a unique service offering that combines online shopping with online social networking that stimulates shopping experience with friends in a virtual set up. It is designed and targeted specifically for young females, who enjoy shopping with their girl friends and like discussing fashion products before making purchases. NEXTs Chit Chat Chic Club will function as a website service with design features that stimulate a real shopping environment with options to chat, polling, take and share pictures and, of course, shopping.The success of NEXTs Directory in the online retail industry and the key trends in the fashion retail industry are the two main reasons which frame the need for this service brand extension followed by the internal strengths of NEXT in the form of the minimum financial muscle and capital inve stments required to execute this service. The e-store is to sell four product lines: Super Girl, Party Chic, Trendy Casual, Simply Casual and Humble Styler.The fashion industry trends that are being referred to here are: (1) the fashion retailers expansion to online selling to cover a much broader market of consumers and target using behavioral marketing techniques and specific social trends prevalent amongst the consumers and furthering refinement of segmentation and positioning; (2) the extensive use of online advertising incorporating the clever use of social networking and social marketing; (3) fashion retailers use of viral advertising to get their message across to a broad range of audience in the form of videos, and acquire trial through the most cheapest tool of promotion; (4) owing to the economic meltdown, the frequent use of sales offers that condemn the retailers to sell most of their product lines in cheap prices; and finally (5) the use of celebrity endorsements and us e of in-house designers as part of the effective supply chain and creation of unique brand identities, most importantly (Berman 210).Explain how you are segmenting the market. Why did you choose this method of customer segmentation? Please be specific.The present service idea incorporates the combination of two basics of segmentation. For the females the brand is to target at: demographic and psychographic models (Kotler and Keller 370). Demographic segmentation entails the use of income, gender, age, physical location and family size to differentiate different customer groups. Inthe present case, the females belonging to the age group of 18 to 30, living in US are to be used.On the other hand, there is a very wide range of population that accounts for this segment and to further refine the segmentation, the service brand uses the model of psychographic variables (Hines 130). These include the personality and behavioral characteristics and the likes and dislikes to differentiate th e potential from the customers who are not likely to ever purchase the service offering of NEXTs Chit Chat Chic Club. The specific personality types most suited for the service offering are consumers who are social, out-going and are fashion followers and innovators.Who is the target market?The target market is based on the segmentation identified using two key variables. The following profile of potential customers may be drawn, as shown in Table 4 below. Table 4: Most Attractive Customer Segment to Target Age 18-30 Occupation Student or Young professional Income to Spare on Shopping Up to $100 per month Social Position Fashion Innovator, Fashion Follower What are your products benefits to the target market?A key trend in the fashion retail is using social networking websites to link fashion follow-up with the latest trends offered by the fashion retailers to attract not only online shoppers, but also those who are highly influenced by social groups and peers with regard to shopping (Newman and Patel 780). This is what the idea of NEXTs C4 is based on. The cultural aspect of fashion purchase behavior underpinned in the concept of the plan of NEXT C4 is related towards the need for social belongingness amongst the female gender. The website triggers their need to relate with other females and get influenced with others style.At what price will your product be introduced? Why?Each product line corresponds to a different price range. Price ranges are set differently to allow consumers to identify the most affordable product line for them. Product lines are prriced up to $100, the distribution is shown below.Super Girl $100Party Chic $7 0Trendy Casual -$50Simply Casual $35Humble Styler $15What pricing strategy are you using? Why?Value based pricing and price skimming are the two pricing models to be used for NEXTs C4. Value based pricing will be based on the added services the website offers in the form of a social environment; together with that, initially higher prices will be introduced (which will be affordable nonetheless), followed by discounts and cheaper offers. In six months after, the bottom line profitability is attained. Discounts are to be offered quarterly once the initial stock is sold generating breakeven and a preliminary profit.What objectives will be accomplished by using this strategy? Be specific.The pricing strategy would allow the brand to position itself as an affordable fashion retail location in the online market and attract consumers. Discounts are offered for the products priced above 40. This strategy is used to remove risk of hampering the price based market positioning of the compan y if all products are offered for sale using promotional pricing. This will restrain the company to charge higher later on as customers are looking for cheaper deals (Smith 240). The shop is to position itself in the middle market and low priced market, so that customers perceived it to be offering value deals and did not expect further discounts, as sales discounts are offered mainly because of seasonal trends such as holidays.What is the product worth this price?The price is, actually, underpriced based on the fact that the product is a unique and innovative idea that no other fashion retailer is selling. The price is set at a standard rate which incorporates the pricing strategy of affordable product lines in the brick-and-mortar outlets of NEXT. But at the same time, the price allows the potential consumers to know that the e-store is for people looking for affordable fashion only.Identity and explain what prices you should charge at each stage of the PLC?The prices will be incr eased by 5 pounds in the third year of the product life cycle as the website enters to maturity. During the growth stage, the prices will remain stagnant so that the positioning as desired by the company for the e-store was perceived as affordable and trendy. As the technology industry and fashion retail market change at a fast pace, the product life cycle is quite short. Due to inflation, the prices will increase. However, the brand has to evoke further innovation into the service. Buy custom New Product Pricing Strategy essay

Should conscience always come first in making ethical choices Essay

Should conscience always come first in making ethical choices - Essay Example Thus, it is beyond any doubt that it is particularly important in the decision making process. This paper will argue that in spite of being abstract notion, conscience should always come first in making ethical choices. To begin with, one should point out that it is generally thought that there is no stable algorithm which is able to determine every single decision that a person makes. In other words, â€Å"route to a decision is not predetermined by the mechanism. In this case we need an additional theory to explain voluntary choice†1. This means that the idea of conscience may become the element which is able to make the issue of the nature of the decision making process easier to understand. Indeed, when it comes to analyzing making a decision, there is a considerable number of variables that a person should take into account. Keeping that in mind, it is rather difficult to design a fine as well as well structured approach towards decision making in general. That is why one might heavily rely on conscience when it comes to the issue in question as this concept may provide a person with the required categories that could be later used to make a decision which a person considers to be corre ct. Another important implication that the lack of clearly defined mechanism of the decision making hold is that a person is free to choose its elements. In other words, some people might find it effective to rely on conscience while making a decision and other will dismiss this notion. Thus, the evidence as well as practice shows that if conscience comes first in the decision making process it brings positive consequences. However, a person should approach the notion of conscience with caution. The opponents of this argue that â€Å"conscience has become [the] mystery of decision-making, the enigma to which man assigns human quandaries and upon which he builds this artificial speculation as to the source of moral human choices†2. As a result this point of view

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 130

Case Study Example mber of clients who buy specific good, the bigger the number of customers who use the good or the service, the more the value will the good have to every user. Economies of networking in the Groupon’s model rise, immediately when the threshold is achieved, in the arrangement of product discounts to the clients who take part in the system of the organization. Therefore, the bigger the threshold the greater the discount gets. This implies that economies of networking depend on the demand factor of the product market due to the establishment of the customer bargaining authority with product retailers. Groupons business model is designed to make a fee for linking suppliers of products and services with clients by means of striking, discounted proposals. This is actually an old business model and manner of conducting business: suppliers have dispersed discount s for a lengthy period; the notion of loss leader is antique to such an organization. A major amount of the challenge that the company is presently facing are the charges it sustained developing as great as it has become in a short period of time. This rapid development is accompanied with it some noteworthy overhead expenditures (Sayan, Sarah and Alison

The Ethical Aspects of Cloning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Ethical Aspects of Cloning - Essay Example Margaret Talbot embarked on a bold and delicate journey to explore the issues behind human cloning for the purposes of recreating lost loved ones. Beginning with an example of the death of a 10-month-old baby boy caused by something going wrong during a minor operation. The parents of the infant want to clone him, giving the reason that he should have a chance of life. Although they are a healthy, fertile couple with the ability to produce another child, they do not want another child. They want that child.Talbot goes on to wonder if people realize that creating a genetically identical copy of a human does not mean that the clone will be the same person, only a replica.The idea of cloning a human being for the purposes of replacing what was lost is ludicrous in my opinion. First of all, as Talbot’s article states, the clone would not have the same memories or necessarily the same personality as the original.A good case in point to demonstrate a difference in personality betwee n an original human and a clone would be identical twins; they are genetically alike, yet they have different preferences, different personalities and sometimes are so different that they may as well have come from different families.It is easy to become so familiar with a person, a pet or a friend that to associate anyone or anything that looks like them is associated with the original, with expectations of sameness. This is a very basic human reaction and the desire for continuity. Religious or spiritual beliefs aside, everyone and everything is unique, even if similar.

Costs and benefits of the EMU

Costs and benefits of the EMU Abstract: This paper contributes to the ongoing debate over European Monetary Union (EMU) including the costs and benefits of joining it. Advocators of EMU stressed that it is essential to create a stronger European Union with greater economic, political and social cohesion, whereas the opponents did not support this stage of the European Unions construction such as the United-Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden, reviewing the merits of a single currency (OCA) and the requirements for a stable currency (Convergence Criteria). (Bernhard Winkler, 1996) Identify and discuss the costs and benefits of joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)? Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Introduction According to Franà §ois Mitterrand, â€Å"EMU is seen as a mean to recover some influence over European monetary affairs.† (Franà §ois Mitterrand, 1992)The French left wings president at time wanted the emergence of the European Union against the US dollar which has been widely used as the yardstick measurement for all currencies. In Europe, the existence of different national currencies was considered as the remaining barriers for a barrier-free single market and the influence of the dollar pressed the European Union (EU) to form an Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The genesis of the EMU with the initial impulse given by the Werner Report in 1970, then failed in 1973 with the oil crisis and finally relaunched with the Delors Plan in 1989 and the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992, was noteffortlessly. The EMU is a type of trade block involving a single market and a common currency. At the European scale, it involves a single European market within its borders and the adoption of the Euro. Economists usually refer to the EMU as an economic trade off between perceived benefits and cost of joining the area (Thomas D. Willett, 2002). There are diverging views on the extent of these costs and benefits, and therefore, especially on the question whether to join the EMU or not. The aim of this paper is to analyse the key issues surrounding the entry in the EMU, and balance positive and negative aspects. The pros and cons regarding the EMU require a careful analysis of the economic benefits and drawbacks at both national and company level. Debate surrounding the EMU There are many benefits that a country will have by entering EMU. Recently, the euro has gained a lot of influence since many European nations have adopted it. Indeed, the benefits of EMU increase and costs decrease as the level of integration intensifies. (Krugman, 1990)The growing importance of the euro in international trades and the increasing trade activities which result from adopting the currency clearly shows that benefits will outweigh costs. For a country international trades are fundamental in order to have a stronger economy. Therefore, the â€Å"antis-EMU† advocate that the process will submerge the individuality of the European nations in an â€Å"unwieldy federation, hobbled by bureaucracy, commanding little popular support and imposing a crippling burden of regulatory and other costs on Europes economies† (David Currie, 1997, pp.14) They believe that an organized Europe will have a negative impact for most member states as it will also â€Å"reduce the volume of trade and would certainly increase the level of unemployment† (Martin Feldstein, February 20, 2008). In order to join the EMU, a country must correspond to the Maastricht Convergence Criteria: price stability, sustainable public finances, exchange rate stability and durable convergence. The term â€Å"convergence† refers to the process of unifying technological and non-rival domains, preparing late countries in terms of structure and institutions to match with those at the forefront. One of the first obvious benefits is that the implementation of those criteria represents a factor of macroeconomic stabilisation and sustainable economic growth for both EMU countries and future members. However, the convergence requirements are also a clear example of conflict because they are considered as lacking economic rationale and imposing unnecessary pain. Many economists have attacked the convergence criteria, responsible of provoking instability and serving no other purpose except to delay. (De Grauwe, 1993) The convergence criteria and EMU itself seek to guard against â€Å"unsustai nable budgetary policies in a member state† because these are seen to lead to either â€Å"default or debt monetisation† which would â€Å"be a major threat to the overall monetary stability† (European Economy, 1990:100) Furthermore, the convergence criteria make clear that fiscal discipline is defined as the avoidance of an unsustainable build-up of public debt (Emerson, 1992, pp.107) and the transition to EMU for a country will amplify the domestic effectiveness of national fiscal policy for stabilisation purposes. (Emerson, 1992, pp.115) Benefits and costs of joining the EMU Our aim is to understand the incentives of the players in the EMU, and a natural starting point is to assess economic costs and benefits of a single currency for a country like France as an example. More or less, there are microeconomic benefits versus macroeconomic costs. a) Transaction costs and stable environment One of the most obvious benefits is the resulting ease of transactions across the European Union. Countries are using one currency and as a matter of fact, the elimination of exchange rate fluctuation helped to eliminate transaction costs in intra-EU trade. Firms and business are both saving time and money. For example, an estimated $30 billion[1] a year is spent on foreign exchange transactions. The transactions involve the change from one currency to another but also from accounting systems. Additionally, joining the EMU eliminates the possibility of exchange-rate variation with the EMU zone. If exchange rates move irregularly and unsystematically in response to arbitrary speculation, exchange volatility imposes a macroeconomic cost (David Currie, 1997). Thus, its elimination represents a real advantage as it provides a more stable environment for trade within the euro zone by lowering risks and uncertainties as the economy is more flexible and resources more mobile. b) Monetary policy and the European Central Bank Despite affecting a fundamental aspect of a countrys sovereignty, member-states must abandon monetary policy. Additionally, members are deprived from revenue of seigniorage which is the net revenue derived from the issuing of currency. This loss mainly affects high-inflation rate countries such as Greece or Spain for example. Monetary policy is not anymore at the national level but depends on a supranational authority, the European Central Bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Established in 1998, the ECB is responsible for monetary policy covering the sixteen member States of the Euro zone. Granting monetary control to the ECB means that National governments are giving monetary policy instrument such as regulating exchange rate and interest rate, and this is likely to involve a cost. This cost will occur during recession or inflationary boom, when a country will be unable to raise or lower interest rates independently of other countries within the EMU. c) Fiscal power of member-states Joining EMU severely limits the fiscal power of member-states. While they maintain formal responsibility for fiscal policy, member-states will have to show fiscal rectitude to avoid penalty. Convergence criteria require countries to reduce their debt which produced a ‘squeeze effect (Gà ¤rtner, 1997) for countries with loose fiscal policy. Indeed, fiscal policy remains the only macro-economic tool that is available to governments. At the same time, the union has the power of coordination and surveillance, and the ability to recommend modifications of fiscal policy and to apply sanctions against governments that have no taken the recommended steps. d) A single currency and its effect on public support As we already mentioned earlier, a member-state joining the EMU will have to adopt a common currency: the euro. Despite the fact that the adoption of the euro will clearly affect the countrys sovereignty, some people ‘feel closer to other countries (European Commission, 2002) which can bring Europeans together and build a notion of European identity. Therefore, the adoption of a common currency can result in undermining a nations identity. Currencies such as the â€Å"Francs† or the â€Å"Deutsch Mark† have symbolized economic prosperity, especially due to the fact that people trusted them. Moreover, the â€Å"Franc† was the French national currency since 1795 and has remained for two hundred and four years. The Deutsch Mark had the reputation as one of the worlds most stable currencies. For a country like France or Germany, the change of their currencies was a memorable step. Moreover, an obvious economic consequence is the impact on the purchasing power. For example, in France the switch from â€Å"Francs† to the â€Å"Euros† had a major effect on the French purchasing power. Twenty euro is the equivalent of approximately a 120Francs and this was perceived as a large amount of money in terms of purchasing power before the introduction of the new currency. While the adoption of the euro was meant to bring stability over the long-term, a study has been conducted showing that price rises were evident in the service sector such as restaurants, cafà ©s, hairdressers and recreational and sporting services. (Eurostat, 2003) Nevertheless, French consumers have noticed a change in the cost of living. Additionally, adopting a new currency is not always the easiest thing to do. e) Effects on firms and businesses Another benefit is the increase in attractive opportunities for foreign investors and these effects are unevenly spread across firms and businesses. Thus, larger firms will benefit more from EMU. For example, strong domestic enterprises will benefit from a greater degree of internationalisation of their markets. It will be especially helpful to small and medium sized enterprises which may not be able to reap sizeable economies of scale. Nevertheless, firms and businesses will be the first to experience the negative effects from joining the EMU. For example, travel agents and banks that are losing commission on currency exchanges and European currency traders will no longer be able to exert this business. Moreover, the single currency may lead to the â€Å"Europeanising† (Brown, B.2004, pp. 57-60.) of labour markets within the EMU zone. Consequently, it would be much easier to compare wages across the zone, especially in sectors where trade unions wield bargaining power. This w ill lead to an increase of wages and could engender major problem to companies outsourcing in low wages countries such as in Eastern Europe. The single currency will remove just the elements of labour-market flexibility. f) Price transparency and price convergence Nevertheless, joining the EMU will foster competition as there is greater price transparency across countries. Indeed, a single currency makes easier to show how prices differ between countries. It has been found that â€Å"the prices of goods differ considerably in different countries and continents due to the differences in currency.† (McCallum, 1995, pp24-25) As an example, before EMU, a customer living in France was able to buy a high value-added car cheaper when going in Germany. Hence, this leads to lower prices in the short to medium run because consumers can buy from the cheapest source and thus, drive prices down as companies are running under pressure. Indeed, â€Å"The formation of the euro zone and the SM of almost 300 million consumers will inevitably sharpen competitive pressures throughout Europe†. (Spanos et Al., Greek, pp.638) The subsequent enhancement of competition will increase economic efficiency and should cause price convergence. (Spanos et Al., Greek, pp.639) Consequently, the EMU provides information to its members and thus, enables them to make wiser decisions. g) â€Å"One fit all† policy problem: Moreover, other problems of joining the European Economic and Monetary Union will occur in the medium to long term. Indeed, the concern is that whether the states are sufficiently similar for them to co-exist with a common currency. For example, not all states are at the same stage of the trade cycle which represents a periodic fluctuation in the rate of economic activity as measured by levels of prices, production and employment. As an example, the UK is the worlds fourth largest economy and the second largest in the EU. The City of London represents Europes major European financial centre. The case of the UK has specific arguments: the UK has a lower level of intra-EU trade, one of the highest percentages of home owners and is affected differently by oil price movements due to different arrangements. It is then weaker and more vulnerable to external shocks which are unexpected shocks that do not affect every nation equally. (D. Johnson, C. Turner, 2nd edition, p180-183) Hence, if t he UK joins the euro, they will have to increase their exchange risks because the euro is turning around the dollar. The pound for example is neutral compared to the dollar and the euro. Consequently, the inappropriateness of one monetary policy for so many states is a major cost of joining the EMU. The case against the UKs entry in EMU depends also on other factors such as the recession the country is undergoing and the influence of the United-States. Benefits outweigh the costs? The case of Greece is a good example to show how benefits can outweigh the costs. Indeed, Greece has recently entered the EMU and thus, represents a good example for a number of candidates. Hence, it is an example of an economy in transition that has made a lot of progress in order to fulfil the macroeconomic convergence. A study of Greek firms has been conducted by Spanos (Business strategy analyst at Athens University) which helps to understand how firms react when entering the EMU and found that leading Greek firms â€Å"appear fully aware of the dramatic changes they will have to address in the near futureIn line with recent empirical evidence, the findings presented here are encouraging in that they suggest a strong learning effect that has presumably led Greek management towards convergence.† (Spanos et Al, pp.646) We understand that both EU membership and the panorama of competing in the EMU have acted as major catalysts. In short, the EMU has contributed toward the dev elopment of western-type of management style. Additionally, Greek firms have new challenges to overcome and this requires new competitive strategies, organizational structures, and management processes. Consequently, Greek firms strategy has shifted toward offer better quality products and services, and a tighter cost control. Trade theories are examples of why benefits outweigh costs. (Aiginger, K. et al, 1999, pp.3) The traditional theory was described by Ricardo in 1817; a country can achieve a â€Å"comparative advantage† resulting from differences in productivity or endowments between countries and regions. Consequently, trade liberalization and economic integration will result in production re-location and increasing specialization according to comparative advantages. Additionally, Mundell (1961) McKinnon (1963) and Kenen (1969) identified the reasons why a country should or should not enter a monetary union. If for every member-state benefits outweigh costs then the currency area is optimal. An â€Å"optimum currency area† (OCA) considers the premise that â€Å"when an external shock hits the economy, it is easier to adjust the exchange rate rather than domestic prices or wages.† (A. Belke and D. Gros, (1997). pp. 3/50) Indeed, this approach assesses what a country loses by giving up the exchange rate as an adjustment instrument. Conclusions To conclude, according to Martin Feldstein, EMU is seen by France as an opportunity to be a â€Å"co-manager† of Europe as an equal of Germany. Furthermore, it has been assumed that economic integration among the European countries will lead to convergence while reducing asymmetric shocks. However, classical theories assess that integration results in more specialization due to comparative advantage. Hence, core economies (France and Germany) may benefit at the expense of less efficient economies such as Eastern member-states. Furthermore, with a Single Market, firms will have to expand in size in order to compete. Such large firms are mostly located in core economies of the EU. However, Greece case study showed that EMU has contributed to the development of firms by offering higher quality products and services. We can then conclude that if a country joins EMU, benefits will clearly outweigh costs. References: Aiginger, K. et al. ‘Specialisation and (geographic) concentration of European Manufacturing, Enterprise DG Working Paper No 1, Background Paper for the ‘The Competitiveness of European industry: 1999 Report, Brussels. Ardy, B., Begg, I., Hodson, D., Mahe, I. and Mayes, D. (Eds) (2005) Adjustment to EMU: One Europe or Several? Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Backà ©, P., Thimann, C., Arratibel, O., Calvo-Gonzalez, O., Mehl A. and Nehrlich, C. (2004) ‘The Acceding Countries Strategies towards ERM II and the Adoption of the Euro: An Analytical Review, ECB Occasional Paper Series, n °10. Frankfurt: European Central Bankn http://www.ecb.int/pub/ Brown, B. (2004) ‘Existing EMU, the International Economy, 18 (2), pp. 57-60. C. Allsopp M. Artis, â€Å"The Assessment: EMU, Four Years On,† Oxford Review of Economic Policy 19 Cambridge University Press, Bernhard Winkler. â€Å"Towards a Strategic View on EMU: A Critical Survey.† Towards a Strategic View on EMU: A Critical Survey Jan.-Apr 16.1 (1996): 1-26. Print. Commission of the European Communities (2004) ‘EMU after Five Years, European Economy, Special Report, and Number 1/2004, http://europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/2004/eesp104en.pdf Chang, M. 2009. Monetary integration in the European Union. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. David Currie, The Pros and Cons of EMU by, the economist intelligence Unit, January 20, 1997 De Grauwe, P. (2002) ‘Challenges for Monetary Policy in Euroland, Journal of Common Market Studies, 40 (4), pp. 693-718 Dinan, D. 2005. Ever closer union: an introduction to European integration (3rd ed.). Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner. Chapter 15 European Central Bank (2008) Statistical data Warehouse, http://www.ecb.int/stats/prices/hicp/html Gà ¤rtner, M. (1997) ‘Who wants the euro-and why? Economic explanations of public attitudes towards a single European currency, Public Choice 93 (3-4): 487-510 Greek Firms and EMU: Contrasting SMEs and Large-Sized Enterprises, Spanos et al. 2001, European Management Journal, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 638-648. (Available electronically) Johnson and Turner, 2006, Economic and Monetary Union Chapter 15 Dinan, 2005, Economic and Monetary Union Dr Rachel Doern, Royal Holloway University of London, Lecture n °5: Economic and Monetary Union, 2009 Panos.C. Afxientiou (1998), Convergence, the Maastricht Criteria, and Their Benefits, Philip R.Lane. â€Å"The Real Effects of European Monetary Union.† The Real Effects of European Monetary Union 20.4 (fall, 2006): 47-66. Print. Susan A. Banducci, Jeffrey A.Karp and Peter H.Loedel. â€Å"Journal of European Public Policy.† Economic interests and public support for the euro(June 2009): 564-81. Print. Thomas D. Willett.Some Political Economy Aspects of EMU. Elsevier Science Inc, 2000. Print. Kathryn M.E. Dominguez, The Journal of Economic Perspectives â€Å"The European Central Bank, the Euro, and Global Financial Markets.† The European Central Bank, the Euro, and Global Financial Markets Fall 20.4 (2006): 67-88. Print. Werner Bonefeld, Economic and Political Weekly. â€Å"Politics of European Monetary Union: Class, Ideology and Critique.† Politics of European Monetary Union: Class, Ideology and Critique 33.35 (1998): 55-69. Print. http://www.unc.edu/depts/europe/conferences/eu/Pages/emu8.htm http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmpubacc/541/54107.htm

Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports Essay -- Doping in Sports

The use of performance enhancing drugs in sports (doping) is done to improve athletic performance. Doping in sports has become a highly controversial topic among professional sporting venues and in the media. With the increased pressure to perform, high priced contracts, increased competition, and advanced training methods today’s athletes will try to gain an edge by any means necessary. Performance enhancing drugs used by athletes today include Human Growth Hormone (HGH), anabolic steroids, peptide hormones, amphetamines, insulin and stimulants. The reason athletes use performance enhancing drugs is to increase the amount of testosterone produced in the body. The increased testosterone in the body increases muscle strength by enabling new muscle growth. Although there are laws passed with the intention of ridding sports of the use of performance enhancing drugs, it is still a highly debated topic. Supporters argue it is beneficial for the sport. The opposition argues against it. A syndicated political columnist argues â€Å"Drugs that make sport exotic drain it of its exemplary power by making it a display of chemistry rather than character—actually, a display of chemistry and bad character† (Will). In light of the overwhelming evidence, one must agree with the 2004 Anabolic Steroids Act, which attempts to ban the use of anabolic steroids in U.S sporting events. The use of performance enhancing drugs in sports is dangerous, unethical and ruins the integrity of the specific sport, by giving an unfair advantage to the user over their competitors. No one can deny that the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports makes it much more entertaining for fans. Watching home run records get shattered, and new world record times being set,... ...iego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Rpt. from "testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce, and Tourism." 2002. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. "We Should Accept Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Competitive Sports." Writ. Radley Balko. Intelligence Squared US debate. Intelligence2 debates. 15 Jan. 2008. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. West, Doug. "Steroids Are Harmful." Steroids. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Rpt. from "Steroid Abuse—Getting Bigger." Youthcultureï ¼  today. 2002. 20-24. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. Will, George F. "Steroids Are Destroying Baseball." Steroids. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Rpt. from "Steroids Scandal Is Damaging to Baseball." Conservative Chronicle (15 Dec. 2004): 25. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web.

Rapid, volatile and discontinuous change Essay

Brief Overview To compare with last decade, all industries or organizations have dramatic changed in today’s global market, no matter in social, political, technological and economic areas. Base on that, all industries have to make appropriate respond to these changes. However, the continuous change is no longer appropriate to the newest business model, but that rather, a range of discontinuous changes have become our new experience (Handy,1990) Today’s external environment has rapid, volatile and discontinuous change, which is the newest challenge of strategic management in an industry. 1. Introduction This essay is going to explore the concept of rapid, volatile and discontinuous change with undertaking wide range of academic journal articles, which in order to make sure that has a deeper understanding of its nature, impact or implications for an organization. In addition, according to the real situation of today’s global and industrial market, only those companies who can coordinate their strategic management to follow up the changes in the market can gather long life and profit. Therefore, this essay will discuss an example to see how those companies manage their business to fit in today’s external environment changes and how those change situations are connected to strategic management process making, and they influence the organizations. Also, the essay will engage theories and models to assess and evaluate the impacts of rapid, volatile, and discontinuous change based on the sample case. Finally, CEOs play significant role in strategic management process, and they should have abilities to solve the puzzles when facing the rapid change. Therefore, this essay will finally use particular cases to address how CEOs respond appropriately to discontinuous change, and what if they respond inappropriate respond. 2. Body The concept of rapid, volatile, discontinuous change All industries are getting involved in a business world that has occurred frequent changes nowadays. Those changes can come from anywhere; they can be small or massive. Handy (1990) indicate that the continuous change is no longer exist, we cannot predict the future from the past, and change is  unexpected and it can happen at any time. In other words, we are experiencing the discontinuous change epoch. For example, in 2008, plenty of large financial institutions had shut down in terms of the global financial crisis. The crisis resulted that the ‘Great Recession’ of economic happened and many bankrupts appeared. The housing market also suffered and the numbers of unemployment increased. Viljoen and Dann pointed that â€Å"a degree of turbulence will exist in all organizational environments (2003). Because of the turbulence in that time, all industries had to face the influences following such changes. In terms of that, successful companies have to operate an efficient and appropriate management strategy to respond the changes of external environment. On the other hand, we can see the light of those changes. According Viljoen and Dann reported that, the more change the greater turbulence and then more opportunities appeared in the uncertainty external environment. Under the financial crisis, there were some companies survive and even gather large profits from the crisis. For example, Morgan Stanley is a financial services company who survived in financial crisis because of its long term preparation of strategic management. The 2008 crisis eliminated its two largest competitors – Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns Cos., but had kept it stayed, which means that the survivors who made appropriate management strategies can win the market battle (Malhotra, 2009). All in all, th e opportunities in degree of change will be offered for those organizations with appropriate strategic management. Where this concept fits within the Strategic Management process In an organization, there is no doubt that one of significant part of operating business is strategic management planning. Strategic management planning has supported the organization in a long term running and has offered a direction to manage unexpected change of external environment. One thing can be sure that rapid, volatile and discontinuous change is focusing on strategic management process operation. However, it is difficult to predict accurate future development (Thompson & Martin, 2010). Because every company has their own situation, so that managers have to consider the change occurring in the external political, economic, social and technological environment and do internal and external analysis according to the particular situation. Some models can be applied by managers to assess their  companies’ external environment to improve the current business strategies, and then have more fit in the global market changes. When the companies fail to respond efficient strategic management, they also fail to facing the threats from external environment changes. Moreover, under the rapid, volatile and discontinuous change global environment, strategic management was built and developed in different way comparing with the last decades. For instance, to manage the complexity, dynamism and unpredictability environment is the topic in strategic management (Ambrosini, 2009). Additionally, analysis of SWOT had been combined into the operating strategic management because of the discontinuous change occurring in the world. Models for assessing the impacts and implications of rapid, volatile and discontinuous change In order to better assess and understand the rapid, volatile and discontinuous change, a variety of business models are using by industries operation. Those models can improve the strategy management process as well as evaluate the implications of rapid, volatile and discontinuous change. First of all, the turbulence model is one of the models that indicate degree of change within a specific environment or industry. The criteria of it are complexity, dynamism and unpredictability (Viljoen & Dann, 2003). Base on this model, managers would consider the turbulence in a particular environment is not only bringing the threats to the company, but also bringing the opportunities. During that period, companies have opportunities to beat their competitors by using appropriate strategic planning. The case of Morgan Stanley is an excellent example while it owns remarkable strategy and management charac teristics. Secondly, Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model is another powerful analysis tool to help managers identify the competitiveness of outside environment. This model was made in Michael Porter in early 1980s; it indicates that bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat of new entrants and substitutes, these five forces will impact industries profit potential in the final. They have power to analyze the competitive environment effectively and have been used for the analysis of competitive strategy. This model produces far-reaching impact on global business strategy formulation. To propose a viable strategy should include these five forces to identify and evaluate the  characteristics of different industries and companies. Besides, the Strategic Alignment Model can also be applied to exam the business strategy systems. This model refers to the value of intangible assets in a company, and it helps companies to achieve the coordination of operational strategy and information technology. For example, an excellent IT system is an indispensable part of operating strategy (Lerina, 2012). In addition, Business Rules Group model also can be applied to making efficiency business strategies (David, 2010). Under the business perspective, Business Rules model refers to in a particular activity; there is an obligation to take care conduct, action, practice and procedure. It offers managers to better understand their business strategies’ suitability. The response of the CEOs to this kind of change The response of the CEO to today discontinuous change would affect whether the company can sustain its competitiveness in the changing world market or lose its seat. Research shows that in ‘Great Recession’ time, those companies which can introduce and conduct the most efficient strategy can survive to the last. For example, Morgan Stanley survived in 2008 financial crisis because of its operating and strategy characteristic. It converted from an investment bank to a financial bank during the height of financial crisis. As a depository institution, it can acquire fund through deposits by the general public. To compare its competitors, even though it is not quite unscathed, Morgan Stanley has survived. Therefore, it is clear that CEOs should use different business models which can suit for their own company to analysis about the changing environment, specially the potential threats, new entrants and substitutes. Furthermore, dynamic learning is a useful approach to mainta in the competitive advantage, which is based on four activities: scanning, monitoring, forecasting, and assessing (Trkman, 2010). Morgan Stanley’s CEO used dynamic learning to contribute the capabilities of this company and then to face the business challenges. Also, the CEO has done sufficient research about the potential capabilities when he wanted to invest in new field projects, therefore, Morgan Stanley can extend its line of credit to depository institutions such as credit unions, savings and loan associations. For more cases like Samsung Electrics group, has set up an efficient strategy to face its major competitor – Apple. Since in early  1980s, Apple’s smartphone has started to dominate the cell phone market with its creative features and unique system. Due to the change in global market and development of Apple, Samsung industry created a new line smartphone – Galaxy S with some new features in order to compete Apple iPhone’s line. That is an effective change and creating in management strategy made by Samsung industry, which can keep customers eyes on its new products and its development in the world area. Samsung industry have done an excellent job to respond the discontinuous changing market, which has brought it large scale of profits and also become one of the dominate smartphone industry in the global market. However, some CEOs make an appropriate respond while others do not respond to the volatile change of external environment appropriately. For example, Blackberry smartphone industry has made inappropriate strategies when facing discontinuous change in global market. Blackberry smartphone has maintained its stiff features and cannot get used to today’s technological change and customer’s demands. Therefore, the industry ends up experiencing a dramatic decrease in sales and customer loyalty. 3. Conclusion In conclusion, under the economic development and the rapid, volatile and discontinuous changes in global market, all industries are facing huge challenges to maintain their business. CEOs have responsibilities to upgrade their companies’ management strategies in order to adapt the changing of global business environment. However, there are large scale of uncertainties in today’s market and plenty of risky consequences, CEOs have to introduce and implement the most efficient strategy to keep the company staying in the competitive market. Also, as the dominate roles in organizations, they have to adopt appropriate business models to support the strategic management process. Furthermore, they should have abilities to see the company’s trends, strength, weakness and opportunities as well as analyze their competitors’ strength and weakness, in order to better cope with the external environment dramatic change. Finally, they should gather the lessons from those companies who fail to adopt efficient strategies and could not survive in the changing global market.

My first date

I can vividly recall my first date but not for the reasons one would usually suppose. Actually, in my opinion this ‘momentous’ event hardly meant anything to me at the time and this was reflected in the triviality with which I treated the occasion. My focus at age thirteen wasn’t primarily at chasing girls though it should have been. My focus was on impressing my older brother and getting his attention. I admired him in so many ways. He isn’t the kind of brother many other boys my age would dote over. He was a ‘study-aholic’ and dedicated himself primarily to his school work and the work he did after school. He hardly had time for anyone else, and that included me. I longed so much for those days when he would mess around with me or punch me or beat me and deny it to my parents when I complained. We had both grown up from those days and somehow I feel as I grew older I began to lose my older brother. My first date was, in actuality, to be a movie and dinner with an extraordinarily intelligent and mildly beautiful young girl with whom I went to school. This date, however, also represented a chance for me to spend some needed time with my brother, even if it was to be only a few hours. I feigned annoyance when my parents insisted he had to accompany. Being the kind of son that he is he, of course, did not complain. He was all too willing to do as my parents requested and I was all to happy that he didn’t have better things to do that evening than spend some time chaperoning his younger brother. I hadn’t spent more than an hour with my brother since he started on his new part-time job with the same company my dad worked. He also did odd jobs around the neighborhood. I hadn’t heard the full conversation but I caught on that he and my parents had discussed his college education and they had stressed how difficult it would be to finance his studies immediately after he completes high school. He, however, was insistent that he needs to get into pre-med right away and thus took on the challenge to earn as much as he could to allay the cost burden on my parents. I’ve always admired his diligence and this in addition to the fact that he was MY big brother and no one else’s, set him apart from all other older brothers. Francis left early that morning to go to work. My dad always joked that he would soon take over his position because he was always so eager and on the ball. I had wanted his opinion on what to wear but it was too late when I got up and I felt a bit disappointed. Nevertheless this didn’t throw me off at all because I knew that at five o’clock he would be home with enough time to change and get dressed and then we would be on our way to meet the two sisters a short walking distance from our own home. That walk, with my brother, at six-thirty that evening, on that cloudless Saturday evening, was the highlight of my evening and is the memory I most treasure in my reflections of that evening. While we were walking towards the house he ruffled my hair with his fingers, the way he usually did and almost threw me off the sidewalk with a slap on my back. We romped, just like in the old days, for the full fifteen minutes it took us to arrive at their front door and at that time I found the brother I hadn’t seen in a long while. We didn’t have a particularly spectacular time with the girls. It was just like a normal date I guess. Susan was alright and so was her sister. They both seemed quite enthused to be out of the dreariness of their home for a change. We chatted about any and everything. Of course some times I brought up some silly ideas and my brother would hunch me in the side with his elbows, or rub my forehead till it burned. It was in those moments that my mind would flash back to our younger days, when he, in his mischief, would do just the same. It felt like magic finally having my brother back and knowing that I was not in danger of losing him to the rest of the world. My first date, the date with my brother with whom I now share a peculiarly close friendship was indeed, a marvelous experience.

Awareness Helps in the Early Diagnosis of Bronchitis essays

Awareness Helps in the Early Diagnosis of Bronchitis essays Awareness Helps In Early Diagnosis of Bronchitis Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi. The bronchi are the small openings in the bronchial that become swollen making the opening to the lungs smaller. Since the bronchi tree has a smaller opening, less air enters the lungs making it difficult to breath. It may develop suddenly, following a head cold, or it may persist or return regularly for many years, causing progressive degeneration of the bronchi and lungs. Certain people are more susceptible than others; men are more of a target to bronchitis than women, the reasons are unclear for this statistic. Considering the importance of breathing, you should be aware of the causes, the symptoms and the treatment of this condition to help you with early diagnosis of the problem. First, becoming familiar with the causes of bronchitis may help you to avoid the problem at all. The causes of bronchitis are from viral or bacterial infections, which spread to the chest. A sinus flare-up that turns into a severe sinus infection will easily spread to the chest causing bronchitis. A common cold, not treated, will eventually spread to the chest also causing a case of bronchitis. Of course, catching your cold and sinus problems early will help to prevent the spread of the infection, but seeking the aid of a physician will help more. Second, after realizing the causes of this condition, you should become familiar with the symptoms. In acute bronchitis, the basic symptoms are a head cold, fever and chills, running nose, aching muscles and possibly back pains. At first, you will think you have a little cold until the fever and chills and runny nose starts. You will begin to notice all the achy muscles in your body that comes along with most fevers. The cough is dry and racking and eventually becomes phlegmy. The persistent cough is worse at night than during the day. Also, smoke and fumes you breath in will cause persist ...

To what extent does an understanding of power enhance our appreciation Essay

To what extent does an understanding of power enhance our appreciation of the problems and paradoxes confronting the would-be ra - Essay Example The common people were but adherents of the rules set forth by those in charge, and remonstrations were subject to adverse sentences. For this reason, power was wholly desired, and at the same time a basis for apprehensions of those under it. However, when pluralism came into the picture and the United States of America initiated the crusade for democracy, many believed that power was dispersed among qualified citizens of a territory. Pluralism is the view that â€Å"in liberal democracies power is dispersed among a variety of economic and ideological pressure groups and is not held by a single elite or group of elites. Pluralism assumes that diversity is beneficial to society and that autonomy should be enjoyed by disparate functional or cultural groups within a society, including religious groups, trade unions, professional organizations, and ethnic minorities† (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2011). The above notion proposes that power is but a diminutive piece of a puzzle that wa rrants connection with the rest of its kind before it can make an influence. Power has no real value if the parties concerned do not consent its amalgamation. This tends to imply that political power is of modest roots, contrary to the general impression that the same is abusive and overbearing. In effect, political leaders are also called public servants, as they require consensus of the majority of their constituents before any legislation is put into operation. In a corporate perspective, power is bestowed upon organizational managers, not for the mere purpose of implementing policies or taking control of the employees. They are not identified as rulers, but rather leaders who are expected to set good examples to their subordinates, to facilitate coordination among all levels of the organization, to formulate decisions when the need arises, and initiate alternative courses of actions at the presence of setbacks. In other words, organizational power in the corporate world is but a ccountability in its most prestigious form. Henry Minztburg, author of The Succesful Managers, defines ten managerial roles; all embracing interpersonal, social, and decisional aspects. They include figurehead, leader, liaison, monitor, disseminator, spokesperson, entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator and negotiator (Management.atwork.com 2008). All of these roles are what makes managers a figure of power in a corporate environment with the employees acting as contributors to the cause. In his work â€Å"Top Performance†, Zig Ziglar points out that â€Å"you won’t be an effective leader or manager unless you gain the willing cooperation of others. Cooperation is not getting others to do what you want, but getting others to want to do what you want† (Business Summaries 2009). In other words, a manager or a leader is unable to exemplify true power if support from subordinates is not given at will. Renowned author Stephen Covey suggests that there a re four ingredients to a good leader: inspire trust, clarify purpose, align system, and unleashed talent (Covey 2007). He (2007) expounds that fine leadership is a product of combined character and competence demonstrated towards the benefit of not just the organization but also the people; that, an open communication is a conduit to an objective best identified. Should a leader be merited trust for the display of outstanding qualities, it is equally imperative that

Hypotheses- Quantitative Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Hypotheses- Quantitative Analysis - Assignment Example Healthcare is a discipline that is intensely driven by data that contain health information of a particular patient. However, in order to improve the health outcomes of a patient, hypothesis is applied as a method of statistical inference. Data is analyzed by physicians and then undergoes through cognitive processes such as the hypothetico-deductive approach. This approach involves various diagnostic reasoning where the medical experts first generate diagnostic hypotheses. They then make some data collection in order to refute or confirm their hypotheses. In addition, physicians may use a backward or forward reasoning. However, the backward reasoning, which involves working backward from the hypothesis, is different from forward reasoning. This is because medical experts depend on a wide set of heuristics to analyze the available data and make sound decisions (Heathfield, 1998). In the field of health information technology, hypothesis is used to obtain rational solutions through a statistical testing procedure. The procedure may involve the use of specialized statistical software and computers that consist of extensive help guides (Heathfield, 1998). However, in the testing procedure there is formulation of a statistical hypothesis. In addition, a sample data is used to determine the validity of the statistical hypothesis being formulated. In conclusion, hypothesis is a crucial statistical method of interpreting certain phenomena or events and giving guidance in making further investigations. Healthcare institutions widely use hypothesis in improving the health outcomes of their patients. In most cases, the physicians use the hypothetico-deductive approach during the diagnostic reasoning and use the collected data to either confirm or refute their