Technical Efficiency of China's Banking Industry Literature review

Technical Efficiency of China's Banking Industry - Literature review Example Nonetheless, most economies have been able to exhibit resilience and remained stronger. Economic turbulences and dynamisms have affected different industries within various global economies. China’s banking industry has not been spared from such turbulences and dynamisms hence the need to analyze its technical efficiency. The following chapter provides a chronological description and critique of relevant theories in respect to technical efficiency within China’s banking industry. The chronological description and critical review entails empirical papers linked to the concept of the study. Different theories of efficiency with respect to technical efficiency are discussed within this chapter. 2.2 Overview of China’s Banking Industry China has being operating economic and financial system on the basis of social principles until 1978. Amazingly, the People’s Bank of China (PBC) had for a long time been in-charge of issuing currencies as well as being the fina ncial hub of all the economic plans of China. After 1978, China realized the need for serious economic and financial reforms. The objective of such reforms was to increase economic and technical efficiency of financial and economic sectors within the country (Jiang, 2001). Jiang (2001) adds that China aimed at enhancing resource allocation through such reforms. Albeit gradual, serious reforms were carried out in major sectors of the economy, banking being the main recipient (Adams, Berger, & Sickles, 1999). China decided effect the reforms in two main stages; from 1979 to 1992 and from 1993 to the present time. The first stage was characterized by development of two tier banking systems; People’s Bank of China (Central Bank) and four state-owned banks that included Bank of China (BOC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), and Commercial Bank of China (CBC). Despite high degrees of functional segmentations, these banks were permitted to accept depos its and offer credit facilities to households and corporate organizations by 1985 (China Daily, 2006). The first stage formed the basis of further reforms, which was characterized with development of small and medium sized commercial banks. The main reason for allowing entrance of commercial banks within Chinese banking system was to enhance competition, which was aimed at providing high quality and differentiated services and products (Jiang, 2001). Examples of small and medium commercial banks created during this period included CITI Industrial Bank, Guangdong Development Banks (GDB), China Merchants Bank (CMB), Hua Xia Bank (HXB), and China Everbright Bank (CEB) (China Daily, 2006). Notably, most of these commercial banks were joint-stock owned unlike the previously mentioned state-owned. The second stage, which was flagged off by State Council in 1993 saw various decisions made within the financial system reforms (Leigh and Podpiera, 2006). In this stage, the main aim was to enh ance c

Consumer Responses to Sex in Advertising

Consumer Responses to Sex in Advertising Abstract: This study analyses the Chinese and British consumers responses to sexual content in advertisements, the advertised brand and consumers buying intentions towards the brand. Focus groups will be the principle research method used in this study, totally 32 Chinese and British participants (including 16 male 16 female) will attend the focus groups discussion. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in the effect of sex appeal on advertising and brand evaluation between Chinese and British consumers. This investigation will also explore whether gender or product involvement will have any significant relationship with consumers attitudes regarding different sex appeal ads. Rationale for the research Advertising is an important global marketing strategy, it is important for managers to know whether they can use standard advertisements in each of the places where their brands are sold or whether they need to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“localiseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? the advertisements my modify them to adapt the local cultural. The appearance and popularity of using sexual appeals in advertising has become a serious issue in the last 50 years. When using sex in international advertising, it is important to figure out whether sex appeal could be adopted cross national. Whether the effect of using sex in commercials is vary by country and cultural background. The main goal of the present study is to examine how the effect of sex contained advertising and consumers attitude toward these advertising and associated brand vary in different cultures by comparing Chinese and British consumer responses. There are many differences in social systems, cultural backgrounds and marketing and economic approaches betw een these two countriesChina is considered one of the largest developing countries in the world which has made it a target market for manufacturers from around the world in recent decade, whereas the United Kingdom is a highly developed Western country and is one of the main exporters to the Chinese market. The overall research objectives were defined as follows: 1. Fill the existing Gap in Chinese Research into Sex and Advertising Compared to the British regulators of the 1990s and early 2000s (Independent Television Commission, Broadcasting Standards Commission and the Radio Authority) which carried out a number of studies into the consumers attitude and responses toward sexual content in advertisements, the study in this area in China has been rare. One of the purposes of this research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese consumers responses of sex appeal advertising; what are the responses of Chinese audiences when they are exposed to sex appeal advertising? Does sex in commercials sell for Chinese consumers? This study could help the managers who targeting Chinese market understand the attitude and responses of the specific type of sexual content in advertising. This study will also investigate the specific type of sexual appeal which might cause public offence. Recognizing the audiences attitude and acceptance of specific sexual content in advertising might increase the effectiveness of usi ng sex appeal in television in Chinese market. 2. To understand the differences and similarities of consumer responses exist in both countries. Through a comparison of British and Chinese consumer responses, the difference and similarities that exist in these two countries will be outlined. This work will contribute to the understanding of how sexual appeal work differently by countries and by genders. Research Questions RQ1. What are the key differences in responses toward sex appeal advertising, brand, and buying intention between Chinese and British Consumers? RQ2. Whether gender is a significant variable in consumer responses to sex contained advertising? RQ3. Whether product type is a significant variable in consumer responses to sex contained advertising? Literature Review The definition of sex in advertising Since the 1800s, markets and advertisers have used sexy words and images to sell certain products. Along with the emergence and popularity of sexual advertisements, numerous studies have been carried out in this field. American social scientist Byrne (1982) deemed that sexual advertisements are a type of advertising with ascribed sexual meaning. Courtney and Whipple (1983:p.103) defined sex in advertising as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sexuality in the form of nudity, sexual imagery, innuendo, and double entendreà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ employed as an advertising tool for wide variety for products.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? As noted by Gould (1994), sex in advertising is typically visual (physically attractive models, depictions of sexual behavior with partners or alone) but can also include verbal innuendo and explicit copy. In 2001, Reichert et al. cited that in the context of advertising, sex has been general considered as a tool of persuasion to draw attention to certain products or brands. By its very nature, advertising is a form of persuasion communication. (Thorson, 1990), As such, sex could be used to as persuasive message to promote products and brands. In 2003, Reichert pointed out that sex in advertising can be thought of as a sexual appeal that involve many factors and forms such as nudity, physical attractiveness, sexual behavior and double entendre (Reichert, 2003). Whatever presentation of the sex, the important underlying conceptual commonality is that the information evokes sexual thoughts and feelings in the viewer (Reichert, 2003: 234). Does sex sell? The previous study indicated that with sexy illustrations advertising can effectively grab consumers attention and improve recall of the commercial message. Sexual appeals have been shown to be more attention. Marketing researchers in this area investigated reactions of individuals to certain sexual appeals in advertising and explored reveal how sexual stimuli evoke reactions in individuals, and how these reactions may influence consuming behaviors. The goal of an advertisement is to promote products or services in an effective manner to attract the most people. If an advertisement cannot grab peoples attention, then it cannot affect their likelihood to buy that product. Thus, advertisers seek to make their commercials noticeable to their audiences. Consequently, marketing studies in this area often investigated whether marketing effectiveness of sexual advertising is improved by comparing audiences attentions between sexual and non-sexual advertising. In other words, these studies try to find whether sex appeals could increase the chance for ads for grabbing consumers attention then arousing their buying intention. The impact of sexual appeals on brand name recall and brand evaluation are also important themes in this field. Berceid and Walster (1994) investigate the power of the physical attractiveness. They found attractive people are usually rated as more desirable, respectable and influential than less attractive people. This psychological evidence on the power of physical attractiveness supports the potential commercial value of using sexy models to promote products in advertising. Alexander and Judd (1978) found that nudity and erotic content in ads can increase consumer attention to an advertisement but not necessarily enhance the brand recall and brand evaluation. In the study carried out by Marilyn et al. (1998), sexual appeals have been found to be more attention-getting, likeable, dynamic and more likely to increase a consumers interest in the topic than were nonsexual appeals. The previous research shows that with sexy illustrations advertising can effectively grab consumers attention and improve recall of the commercial message. Sexual appeals have been shown to be more attention. However, sexual appeals that are attention grabbing can also fail to enhance brand recall and brand evaluation of advertising. Many studies found that brand recall from non-sex-containing advertising is higher than that from adverts that do contain sexual content (Steadman 1969; Alexander Judd, 1978; Courtney Whipple, 1983). Individual Difference and Product Type Previous study indicated that individual differences of consumers and product type promoted in ads should be considered when predict the effectiveness of using sexual appeal in commercials. The gender differences and different cultural background of consumers could impact their attitude toward sex contained advertising, moreover, the different product type promoted in sex appeal ads could influence consumers attitude as well. Male and female represent distinct differences when they were exposed to sexual content. Men showed more tolerance of sexual theme and content, meantime, their attitude toward sex appeal ads itself and associated brand were more positive than their women counterparts (Steadman, 1991). In 2004, Pope et al. considered gender differences as an independent variable of impact on consumers attitudes toward sex appeal advertisements. The finding indicated that compared to males, female consumer were more tended to responses positively to mild sexual appeal in adverts. The cultural background is another important capricious in consumer responses to sex appeal ads. People from different countries have distinct attitudes and opinions of sexual content contained in commercials. The research shows that in continental European countries, such as Denmark, Germany, Italy and France, consumers generally showed tolerance of nudity in advertisements (Frith Mueller, 2003). In fact, according to a focus groups survey launched out by Tissier-Desbordes and Manceau (2002), French women typically regard female nudity and sexuality as aesthetic rather than sexual and erotic appeal. Wheras, Fetto (2001) carried out a public opinion survey in the U.S. focuses on peoples opinion toward sexual image in print advertising, majority people express that they do not like much sex in print ads and will boycott products which applied sexual appeal to promote. Meanwhile, compared to the U.S. consumer, British consumer showed an even stricter attitude toward female nudity in commercials (ITC, 2003). The previous research also indicated that influenced by traditional social and cultural values, people who live in countries in Asia and the Middle East tend to be more conservative than the US and Europe with respect to sexual content in adverts ( Frith Mueller, 2003). In addition, people were more likely to accept products and have positive attitude toward brand when they could see clear congruence between the products and the sexual content. Beauty and personal care products could easily be associated with sexual content and so increase the recall and acceptance among audiences (Gunter; 2002; Cheng, 2002). When consumers could not found clear relationship between the product type and sexual content they were more easily to be offended and harm the brand evaluation. The Sexual Content Might Cause Public Offence in Britain and China In Britain, IBA (Independent Broadcasting Authority) carried out a serious public opinion surveys in 1980s. This work was concerned, especially, with the publics acceptance not just of sexual treatments in advertising, but with the advertising of products that were associated directly or indirectly with sexual matters (Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA, 1988). The finding shows people find advertisements that featured sexual matters or promoted products for personal hygiene deeply offensive, only 16% audiences admitted that they had been offended by advertisements. The greatest source of these offensive advertisements is related to nudity or sexual content. The majority of audience (70%) said they would not feel embarrassed by watching sanitary protection products on screen. In a later survey, more than 1,1000 UK television viewers were asked if they had ever been offended by television advertisements in this study. Most people expressed they did not think AIDS, contraceptives or condoms advertisements would cause offence. However, majority of British Viewers felt uncomfortable when faced by advertisements for homosexual advice services and Homosexual related products. In 1994, ITC research comprised focus groups and depth interviewer to investigate audiences attitude toward different degrees of nudity in advertising. The finding indicated that nudity was regarded as more acceptable when it was relevant to the product and appeared after 9 pm. The data of focus groups revealed that the suggestive and partially nude seems to could be accepted by audience in any time, semi nude and back nude could be accepted after 9pm, full-frontal nude and sexual intercourse imply or explicit scenes were unacceptable by audience (ITC 1998). In 2004, British researcher Andrea and Lloyd carried out a focus groups survey to examine the consumer attitudes towards female nudity in advertising. The data from focus groups that consumers are more accepting of female nudity in adve rtising when they see a clear congruence between the sexual content and the product, message or positioning. There have been many fewer public opinion surveys on sex contained commercials in China. The only substantial studies we have located are that conducted by Cheng in Hong Kong in 2002. This survey used questionnaire which aimed at identifying what kind of advertisements consumers find offensive. The finding indicates that commercials promote contraceptive products were considered as more offensive than ads about female and males underwear. This study also pointed out that whether an audience will feel offended by advertising on the appeal than the product itself. Relevance to my study The review of previous research may contain clues about how specific aspects of advertising can exert effects on consumers. It provides useful inputs to methodology. The review of previous studies in this field could help to understand that how consumers responses to sex appeal should be studied and analyzed. Three important elements, attitudes towards the ad, the brand and buying intention were adopted for testing the effectiveness of sex appeal in this study. The review of relative gender-role stereotyping studies offers the theoretical basis for examining the men and womens different attitudes when they were exposed to sex contained advertisement. In addition, the previous cross-national comparison work, especially those compare sexy advertising in western and eastern cultural context, offers more detail what we already know about cross-national comparison into consumers responses to sex appeal advertising. Methodology Given the nature of my project, qualitative research approach would be the best way to fully tackle the research questions. This paper will apply focus groups to examine peoples attitude and opinion toward sex in advertising. It also tries to explain the differences existed in the Chinese and British consumer towards sexual appeal advertising. Participants For focus groups, Chinese and British participants will attended in group session to discuss their opinion and attitude toward sexual appeal in advertising base on their individual experiences. In total, 32 participants will take part in this study and were divided into 4 groups: Chinese females, Chinese males, British males, and British females. All participants are university students in LSC. Procedure Each of group would be asked to watch several advertisements contained different level of sexual content. Some advertisements only contain mild sexual content such as soft kissing, embracing, and suggestive nude), others contain high level sex appeals such as half nude, making out and sexual intercourse implied). The product types promoted in those sex contained ads are varying from beauty and personal care stuffs to electronic products. After that, participants would answer questions regard to their attitudes toward ads itself, brand and buying intention, and each participants will be required to discuss the question with others. Focus group will run for around 90 minutes. All discussion will be taped for data analyzing.

Captains of Industry :: essays research papers

In 1796, president George Washigton wrote a farewell address to speak to the nation before he retired. In this, he explained valid reasons to keep America an isolated as well as neutral country. It is clearly prominent that Washington's farewell adress was necessary. This is due to the fact that it gave the nation something to ponder as well as dwell upon. Washington's intent was for his adress was to serve as an itenerary for the future of our nation. This did not succeed. Although it would be reasonable to be used today, we continue to remain allies with some countries, and enemies with others. Washington's address analyzed the nation's domestic difficulties. He stated that, "...anthipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded, and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings toward one another should be cultivated." In this, he expressed his desire for neutrality in the nation. Another main point that explains the necessity of the address was to cement the fact that we should stay out of other country's affairs; that we should be our own independant nation. Washington did not want America to take sides, because at that time, America was stilll forming as its own country and he believed that we should concentrate on our country. If America is to be an independant country, why should we have affairs with other countries? For example, Europe. Washington strongly felt that we should break ties and establish none with other foreign contries and that we should not, at any circumstance, interfere with European affairs. In his reasoning, he expressed his desire for isolation in the nation. Being a strong figure that many looked upon, Washington's intent for his policy of isolation and neutrality was to serve as a prescription for future years. By using VALID reasoning combined with hope for his nation, Washington denounced the idea of favorites and enemies in order to for our nation to be "a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation to give mankind the maganimous and too novel example of a people always guided by exhalted justice and benevolence..." His speech was also addressed at the end of term, in order to serve as a basis for the future of our country to follow. Despite this GRATUITUS attempt, his address did not succeed in being the precedent it was designed to.

A Family Legend Passes

Blake Wilson Wilson 1/4 English 1101 Paper # 2 Narrative Essay 8/30/12 7:30PM â€Å"A Family Legend Passes† It still feels like yesterday, a place I haven’t quite left, here I was following behind an ambulance again. I remember being frustrated feeling overwhelmed over all of the repeating events, â€Å"I wanted it to be over already†, how I learned to regret that thought.We arrived to the hospital once again, I made my way to the parking garage and started circling hastily looking for a parking spot, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of the comedy of myself circling through the garage just like this â€Å"Deja-vu† of a visit was coming to be. Things seemed kind of melancholy the standard procedures were taking place, the nurses were taking vitals, blood samples, doctors asking how much pain she was in, what medications she was on, she was being admitted once again, Carmen; my grandmother, my mom’s mom.It was getting late, I had to work th e next day and my very pregnant wife needed some rest also, so we headed home. The next day I went to work as normal as a maintenance worker I went about my usual tasks; replacing ceiling tiles, carpet repairs, patching and painting walls etc. , I remember feeling uneasy all day, I called my mother around lunch time. I was told that they’re Wilson 2/4 Going to turn off her pace maker the battery was dying and they were going to need to put a temporary one in her leg until the tech was able to get in, in a few days.I hung up the phone with my mother and went back to work, I got a call around three telling me that she didn’t get through the surgery so well and that even with the temporary pacemaker installed she wasn’t stabilizing, suddenly I found myself on the interstate doing 95mph with short emotionally unstable bursts of 115mph passing everyone I made it to the hospital from my house in about 4 minutes. What happened next I wasn’t prepared for, I walke d into the room and an nfamiliar chill overcame me I felt it coming before it could be said, â€Å"the doctors say she isn’t going to make it this time Blake they want to sedate her and let her go peacefully† I stormed out of the room muttering â€Å"you would give up you bitch† to my mother, I was lost I knew those I would hear those words someday, but not this day it couldn’t be could it? Well it was night now shows how much I was paying attention to time, everything was a blur to me now I felt numb I found myself wandering past everyone in the halls sobbing coming back from my smoke break emotionless to the world we sat through the night not sleeping.It was morning time again I had to go into to work again, my mother and wife assured me she would be there when I got back two days went by like this, no sleep, emotionless, chain smoking, no eating I couldn’t think of any reason to be selfish and eat when my grandmother Wilson 3/4 was on her death bed, the smoking was just an attempt to keep my emotions under control.I spent countless hours in the room holding my grandmothers hand, staring at the monitor, back at her and back again it was starting to seem like an countless cycle but I was enjoying the limited amount of time that was left, I went outside to smoke once more a feeling overcame me and I burst into tears something felt different, this was really happening I was going to lose the one grandma I knew all the hospital visits all the times she had recovered before now meant nothing,.I remember all the times bringing meals to her, my disabled grandmother I would sit in her room for hours talking to her about the past, learning how she used to program computers back in her younger years, so many memories flashing before my eyes â€Å"they say life flashes before your eyes before you pass but nobody ever tells you all the memories go right before a loved one passes†, I walked into the room and it felt freezing cold my mother was weeping looking on the computer for a goodbye song, my wife sitting bedside in a chair looking on to me with a look in her eyes that said what next?I held her hand one more time and whimpered out an I love you. I thought I felt my own heart beating, but soon discovered it was my dear grandmothers heart beat I could feel I felt the last few beats and then they stopped I sat bedside with my head laying on the bed for what felt to be an eternity I heard my wife ask if I was ok once more, I finally raised my head in awe she wasn’t breathing anymore, eyes still half open I reached up and closed her eyes and collapsed onto the bed in an uncontrollable fit of tears.Wilson 4/4 All I could do on the silent drive home was stare out the window mad at the world, now I knew what it felt like to lose a loved one, what a painful lesson, Maybe I should start showing more interest in those around me, you never know how precious those moments are.

International Issues Essay

Abstract No two countries have the same political and legal system. Each country has its own laws and regulations on business and products. When doing business in another country it is important to know the laws and abide by them. Culture plays a huge part in a business’s success when venturing into a foreign market. Being sensitive to the cultural and religious beliefs in that country is important to a business’s long term success. A business needs to be educated in the laws, customs and cultures of that country so that business will be able to comply and coincide with that country. A business needs to know how and where to resolve any legal issues that may arise while doing business in that country. Disputes need to be handled in a way that is respectful to that country and adheres to the contract in which the parties agreed. International Issues Issues in Legal Disputes in International Transactions â€Å"International transactions and dispute resolution requires both an understanding of the law and a sensitivity to foreign culture, politics, formal and informal power structures and decision-making approaches† (White and Williams LLP, 2013). When entering into a contract with a foreign country, one needs to be very specific in the contract about how to resolve any issues that could come up between the two companies. Deciding and agreeing on where issues will be resolved is a key element in the contract. Going to court can be costly for both companies and the decision made by the court could take an extended amount of time. If the companies were to go to court, deciding in where the court hearing would take place is another issue. If the hearing was to be held in the foreign country, the laws might not be the same and that country might not have much experience in international disputes. If the hearing was to be held in the United States, the other company and the country’s government it resides in could become hostile and not uphold the ruling. Arbitration would be the best way to resolve any disputes between the two countries. Arbitration can save a lot of time and money for both companies while also protecting the images of both companies by not having a lengthy trial in the press. â€Å"Arbitration is often less costly, less litigious, and less time-consuming, and offers more privacy to the parties than litigation† (Companies Export, 2008).The ruling from the arbitration could be binding or non-binding depending on what is agreed upon in the contract. Practical Considerations When trying to resolve a dispute with a company in a foreign country, one would need to look over the written contract that was drawn up at the beginning of the relationship. â€Å"The governing law clause will set out which country’s law will apply to any dispute under the contract, and the jurisdiction clause will state in which country the legal action must be taken† (Smith, 2007). The U.S. based company needs to be aware of the laws that affect the company and the business dealings in the other country. The company needs to consider the cultural aspects, the ethical behavior, and the legal structure within that country. â€Å"U.S. laws governing the international business activities of the U.S. companies fall into two categories. The first consists of laws, such as antitrust, employment, and economic-espionage laws, that are also applied frequently in the domestic context. With respect to these laws, the international business activities of the U.S. companies are a rguably at special risk because management educated and trained outside the United States might be less familiar with these laws than management educated and trained in the United States† (Winer, 2013). Bribery is also a consideration when taking legal action against a foreign business partner because this is illegal under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). In some countries, bribery and gift giving is not seen as an illegal or unethical act but a form of showing respect and gratitude. A company needs to be careful on how this is perceived because it could be seen as an illegal act on the company’s part. Factors against CadMex Time and money would work against CadMex in the sublicensing agreements. In the simunlation, Candore is under an epidemic and needs the medicine ViroBlax at a subsidized price. There would not be enough time, due to the epidemic, to work out a contract that both parties will agree upon. Each separate pharmaceutical company in Candore would have to be sought out and a new contract would have to be drawn up for each different company. This is not only costing CadMex time but countless dollars on man hours. CadMex would have to invest a lot of money into properly training the employees and building the proper facilities. CadMex would also have to insure that the generic products were to the proper standards and up to regulation. Even if CadMex was to invest the time and the money into sublicensing the drug, CadMex would lose money because the drug is being sold at a subsidized price. The royalties that would be paid out with sublicensing still would not gap the margin of loss that CadMe x has. When Customs and Laws Conflict When the local customs and the local laws conflict with the customs and laws of an organization operating abroad; the organization should look at the customs and laws in which it is operating under and those should prevail, as long as the company is following the laws in which it is to operate by. When operating abroad, it is important to be aware and sensitive to the customs of that country. Allowing employees to observe religious and cultural holidays will not only keep moral high but also will keep the company within the laws that country has. Knowing the cultural normalities and integrating those into the business model will allow for the employees and members of the community to feel that the business has their interests mind. Being able to comply with the laws of the country in which the business is in while also complying with the laws set by the country, in which the mother company resides, can be a hard line to walk. Complying with the laws of the country in which was agreed upon in the contract at the onset of the partnership would prevail. Making sure to follow the rules of the country that the business is in is important because that is where the business will produce its goods. â€Å"Employees who engage in international business are responsible for knowing and complying with both the laws and regulations of the countries in which the businesses operate and the U.S. law and regulations that apply outside U.S. borders. If U.S. law conflicts with the local customs, or if the local law is more restrictive than U.S. laws or company policies, one must follow the more restrictive law, custom or policy† (Olin, 2012). Resolving Domestic and International Issues Resolving domestic issues can be done through arbitration or through the court system. It can be as simple as suing a party and showing up to court. When trying to resolve an issue domestically, the laws are well known for both parties and the venue in which the issue will be settled is easily accessible to both parties. Resolving an issue internationally is more work involved. The issue has to be resolved through which venue both parties agreed upon when signing the contract. Both companies need to know the laws of that country and travel might be needed. If arbitration was selected, both parties would need to submit all paperwork to a panel of arbitrators and adhere to the judgment in which the panel decides. If one party does not comply with the ruling, then legal action must be taken. Conclusion When doing business internationally, a company needs to be aware of many factors. Conforming to the culture and abiding by the laws that are set in that country are essential to that business and its success. A company needs to know how to resolve issues that will come up in the daily running of the business. Being sensitive to religious and cultural norms will not only help with the moral of employees but the community as well. Adhering to the contract in which the company agreed upon will help avoid any legal action being taken against them. By following the laws and cultures of the country the business resides in will ensure success of the company and future dealings in that country. References Companies Export. (6/4/2008). Retrieved from http://export.gov/regulation/eg_main_018226.asp Olin. (2012). International Business. Retrieved from http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/fullpage.asp?BzID=1548&to=cp&Nav=0&LangID

Evita and Juan Peron essays

Evita and Juan Peron essays In 1946 Juan Peron was elected President of Argentina, a country located in South America. With Eva Duarte, becoming his first lady, life changed for all in Argentina. The lower and middle class were helped, even though many high class did not agree. Juan and Evita Peron were two important leaders of Argentina. Juan Peron was born in October 8th, 1985 in Buenos Aires providence to a middle class family. At age 9, he left home for a private school. When he reached 15, he was enrolled in the Military Academy. In 1924 he instructed an officers training group, which supported the fascist and Nazi movements in Italy and Germany. Peron started his political career as an army colonel. He became vice president and minister of war in 1945. On January 15, 1944 an earthquake almost completely destroyed the town of San Juan, 500 miles west of Buenos Aires. Thousands were killed. The Argentina military was there to support and help out. Juan was the leader, and it was then that he met Eva. February of 1946 Juan became president of Argentina. He married Evita, and with her help, gained support of many poor and middle class people. He legalized divorce in Argentina. September 16th, 1955 fires broke out, and soldiers fought for Peron, and his presidency came to an end. He was kicked out of A rgentina and charged with treason. He went to Panama and met a nightclub dancer, named Isabel Martinez. They married and Argentina did not approve of it. They took all the statues of Peron and Eva out. Peron negotiated his way back into Argentina after 17 years of exile. He returned to people waiting and fighting because of him, and many were killed. Peron was reelected president in the late 1970s. In late June he got a viral lung infection, and on July 1, 1974 he suffered a heart attack, and died. Eva Duarte was born in 1919 in Los Toldos, Argentina. She was born into a poor family, with a father who denied her. She was the y...

The eNotes Blog Scholarship Spotlightâ€February 2016

Scholarship Spotlight- February 2016 Every month, we select some of the best scholarships around and post them here on our blog. When you are ready to apply, check out our tips on  How to Write a Scholarship Essay. Visit   Essay Lab  if you’re looking for a writing expert  to review and provide feedback on your scholarship or college application essays! Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Amount: Up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (50 recipients) Eligibility:  Applicant must be a high school senior, high school graduate, or a current postsecondary undergraduate student enrolled full-time in undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university. Applicant must be majoring in (or planning to major in) a course of study that focuses on Engineering, Technology, or select Design or Business related programs of study. Requirements: Electronic application.  You may wish to gather the following information that will be necessary for the application: A list of your work experience and involvement in school and community activities Your transcript of grades (online transcripts must display student name, school name, grade and credit hours earned for each course, and term in which each course was taken) Your parents/guardians financial information from their most recently filed tax return or your own financial information if an independent student. Due Date: February 29, 2016 at 5:00pm EST. Learn more and apply The Levin Firm Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Eligibility:  Applicant must be attending college or planning on attending college or graduate school in the near future. Requirements:  In order to apply, applicants must submit a 500+ word essay on the following topic: Teen drivers account for a disproportionate number of motor vehicle crashes. While the reasons for this are varied, some observers believe that raising the minimum driving age would help address this issue, while others believe it would simply make the riskiest drivers on the road a little bit older. With whom do you agree and why? Due Date: February 15, 2016 Learn more and apply Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Amount: $10,000 Eligibility: Scholarship contest is open to all high school, college and university students enrolled at any time during the latter half of 2015. Applicant must be a legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Requirements: Applicant must submit a photo, artwork or computer graphic for the front of a greeting card.  Designs should be appropriate for business and  consumer use. Due Date: February 25, 2016 Learn more and apply AFA Teens for Alzheimers Awareness College Scholarship Amount: $5,000 Eligibility: Applicant must be a high school student who will be entering an accredited four-year college or university within 12 months of the deadline. Requirements:  Applicant must submit an essay on a topic related to Alzheimer’s disease. Due Date: February 15, 2016 Learn more and apply

Rechazo de solicitud de tarjeta de residencia para EEUU

Rechazo de solicitud de tarjeta de residencia para EEUU Aunque cumplas con los requisitos para solicitar una tarjeta de residencia es posible que la peticià ³n sea denegada. Estas son las causas y quà © se puede hacer. Lee con atencià ³n esta lista de 42 causas que te hacen inadmisible (esa es la palabra que se utiliza tà ©cnicamente) para recibir la tarjeta de residencia. Lo ideal es conocerlas antes de meter los papeles con Inmigracià ³n, y asà ­ ver cules son las posibilidades de obtener la residencia. Pero si ya ests al final de la tramitacià ³n y te dicen que no, debes saber si puedes hacer algo. Y, en ese caso, lo quà ©. Causas de denegacià ³n de la tarjeta de residencia por ser inadmisible Padecer cierto tipo de enfermedades contagiosas o carecer de determinadas vacunas.Sufrir de enfermedades fà ­sicas o mentales de tal modo que puedas causarte daà ±o a ti mismo o a otros.Alcoholismo.Ser un drogadicto o haber sido condenado por violar alguna ley que regula las drogas ilegales, tanto en Estados Unidos o en cualquier otro paà ­s del mundo.  Ser un traficante de droga o participar de cualquier modo en ese tipo de delito.Ser esposo/a y/o hijos de un traficante, si se ha recibido dinero del narco en los à ºltimos cinco aà ±os.Haber sido condenado por un delito inmoral. Tener dos o ms delitos con una condena de cinco aà ±os o ms.Haber sido condenado por un delito agravado.Ejercer o haber ejercido la prostitucià ³n o haber solicitado los servicios de una prostituta (o, en su caso, de su versià ³n masculina). Esto aplica por diez aà ±os.Pretender obtener inmunidad para no ser procesado en EEUU por un delito y conseguir asà ­ salir del paà ­s.Haber realizado activi dades que comprometan la seguridad de los Estados Unidos. Haber cometido o haber conspirado para cometer un delito de trfico humano. O ser el esposo/a o hijo/a de tal persona y haberse beneficiado de ese delito en los à ºltimos cinco aà ±os.Realizar o haber llevado a cabo labores de espionaje o haber participado en un intento para derrocar al gobierno de los Estados Unidos.Haber realizado cualquier actividad que pueda clasificarse como terrorista.Membresà ­a en un partido totalitario, en el comunista o en el partido nazi.Haber participado en un genocidio.Ser una carga pà ºblica o cuando es probable que se va a ser en el futuro.Haber participado de cualquier forma en lavado de dinero o pretender entrar a EEUU para desarrollar esa actividad delictiva.Ser un mà ©dico o personal de sanidad que carece de la debida cualificacià ³n o certificacià ³n.Estar ya en Estados Unidos y haber entrado al paà ­s cruzando ilegalmente la frontera. Es decir, no hubo un control migratorio en una aduana terrestre, en un puerto o en un aeropuerto y, por lo tanto, ningà ºn oficial de inmigracià ³n admitià ³ o le concedià ³ una parole al extranjero que ahora solicita la green card. No haberse presentado en Corte cuando se tenà ­a una citacià ³n durante un proceso de deportacià ³n.Haber presentado o utilizado un documento de identificacià ³n falso. Asegurar falsamente que se es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos.Llegar a EEUU como polizà ³n  Haber que han violado las condiciones de una visa de estudiante.No tener documentos que son necesarios para obtener la green card.Haber sido penalizado civilmente de acuerdo a las disposiciones del artà ­culo 247C la Ley de Nacionalidad e Inmigracià ³n (INA, siglas en inglà ©s).Cumplir con alguno de los supuestos que hacen a una persona inelegible para poder adquirir la ciudadanà ­a americana, segà ºn los artà ­culos 314 y 315 de la INA.No haber cumplido en tu paà ­s con la obligacià ³n del servicio militar.Haber sido expulsado de Estados Unidos nada ms llegar a las fronteras del paà ­s.Tener o haber   tenido presencia ilegal en Estados Unidos.Cometer una infraccià ³n inmigratoria y despuà ©s continuaron vi viendo en Estados Unidos en una situacià ³n de presencia ilegal. Haber sido deportado Haber sido deportado y despuà ©s de su deportacià ³n han vuelto a cruzar ilegalmente a Estados Unidos, causando asà ­ lo que se conoce como prohibicià ³n permanente. Practicar la poligamia.Secuestro internacional de nià ±os.Haber votado ilegalmente en Estados Unidos.Haber renunciado previamente a la ciudadanà ­a para evitar pagar impuestos.Haber tenido  una visa de intercambio J-1 hasta que pasan dos aà ±os viviendo fuera de EEUU en los casos en los que aplica, que no es siempre.Cuando tu presencia en EEUU puede ser calificada de que serà ­a un perjuicio para el paà ­s.Haber reclutado a nià ±os-soldados o cometido tortura o asesinatos extrajudiciales.Haber atentado gravemente contra la libertad de religià ³n cuando se actuaba como oficial de otro paà ­s. Haber ayudado a indocumentados a entrar ilegalmente a Estados Unidos. Cà ³mo Estados Unidos sabe que se ha realizado alguna de esas actividades El gobierno de los EEUU obliga a todos los solicitantes de una tarjeta de residencia a someterse a unas pruebas biomà ©tricas, entre ellas, a la de huellas dactilares. Esto permite obtener mucha informacià ³n tanto de actividades realizadas en USA como fuera. Si cualquier agencia del gobierno se da cuenta de que has mentido en relacià ³n a uno de esos asuntos las posibilidades de que en el futuro puedas conseguir algà ºn beneficio migratorio son prcticamente nulas. Quà © hacer si si en tu pasado hay alguna actividad incluida en esa lista Si todavà ­a no se ha iniciado la tramitacià ³n de la tarjeta de residencia, consular con un abogado de inmigracià ³n especialista en tu tipo de problema. Y saber de antemano quà © se puede hacer. Si la tarjeta de residencia te ha sido ya denegada, consulta con un abogado de inmigracià ³n especialista en este tema para analizar si: Puedes pedir un perdà ³n (waiver). Estos son los requisitos y los trmites para solicitar el perdà ³n.  Adems, los familiares inmediatos de ciudadanos que estn en Estados Unidos y cuyo à ºnico problema es estar ilegalmente en el paà ­s y no pueden ajustar su estatus podrà ­an en algunos casos calificar para el perdà ³n provisional I-601A. Si hace muchos aà ±os (2001 o antes) se tuvo una peticià ³n aprobada a favor de un inmigrante, estudiar si se cumplen los requisitos para beneficiarse de la proteccià ³n 245(i). Si la prohibicià ³n para obtener la tarjeta de residencia por la causa que te afecta expira tras el paso de un nà ºmero determinado de aà ±os, ya pasaron y ya no habrà ­a ese problema.Si te afecta lo que se conoce como una prohibicià ³n permanente (permanent bar). Es muy difà ­cil de conseguir un beneficio, pero no imposible. Dependiendo de la causa de la prohibicià ³n y del tipo de visa que se desea solicitar es posible solicitar el perdà ³n en cualquier m omento o puede que sea necesario esperar como mà ­nimo  10 aà ±os fuera de Estados Unidos. O si simplemente no hay nada que hacer. Consejos para probar conocimientos En asuntos de inmigracià ³n, cuando ms sepas, mejor. Toma este test de respuestas mà ºltiples  para verificar que tienes los conocimientos bsicos para obtener y conservar la tarjeta de residencia.   Es un proceso largo y costoso. Cuando menos errores se cometan, mejor. Y este test te ayuda a mejorar tus conocimientos. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. no es asesorà ­a legal.

Retailing- Boots V Superdrug Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Retailing- Boots V Superdrug - Essay Example In order to remain competitive in the market, the retailers have to adapt some strategies in order to differentiate their business from others. In this report, the strategies adapted by two retailers; Boots and Superdrug based in the same market sector and segment have been compared. The report also evaluates the retail strategy as well as the implementation of those strategies in the light of its competitive environment. Both the retailers are present in the United Kingdom. In the end, both the retail businesses are compared using the SWOT analysis with the intention to provide a clear view of the business. The aim of this comparison is to analyze which retail business is more effective in today’s competitive environment and the strategies adapted by which of the two retailers are better than the other. BOOTS Boots is the one of the most recognizable businesses in United Kingdom. Being established in the 1849, the company has a strong heritage and wide range of products offer ed to customers. This is the main reason why the company is very well regarded by the customers. Boots is a very reputable brand in UK as well as in other parts of the world. It could be said that Boots in itself is a very strong brand and it owns several strong sub-brands as well which includes No.7, Soltan and Botanics. Boots is the member of Alliance Boots which was formed in the year 2005 to face the rising competition in the market. The alliance has helped the business to become the UK’s leading pharmacy and beauty retailer. With the merger, the company has remained focused on its philosophy of treating the customers fairly and equally. Moreover, the company has been expanding its offerings to further improve its profits. (Taylor, 2012a). MARKET SECTOR AND SEGMENT The market sector in which the company operates is the retail business and provides the customers with variety of products. The products being offered by the company includes; Health and beauty Personal care Co smetics and toiletries Baby care Dental care Bathroom toiletries Hair care Men’s toiletries Pharmacy services Skincare Perfumes Paper products OTC medicines (Bized, 2009) The company’s market segment is based on demographics; age. The company aims to provide the mature women; that are more health and beauty conscious, and would pay higher price than normal to look young and beautiful again. The company also provides the male customers with products to enhance their looks and to remain smart and handsome even at the maturity age. EVALUATION OF RETAIL STRATEGY IN LIGHT OF COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT Boots strategies to deal with the environment External environment or factors influence the businesses of retailers as well (Lusch, Dunne, & Gable, 1990).. Therefore it is important for retailers to formulate strategies to manage their external environment (Oldfield, Ian, & Malcolm, 2000). The strategies to deal with the environment adapted by Boots are as follows Strategies to d eal with the Political factors To deal with the political environment, the company always looks for flaws in the business and creates contingency plans for their vulnerability. The company also employs rigorous planning for the identification and assessment of political environment in order to remain ahead of schedule. Boots aims to operate in countries that are politically stable therefore the company does not actually face many problems from the

Assignment Prompt Compare and contrast the methods used by Spain and

Prompt Compare and contrast the methods used by Spain and France in creating their North American colonies (remember that North America refers to modern Canada, United States, and Mexico) - Assignment Example The French used the policy of assimilation. They were friendly to the locals and strived to influence a holistic culture change as they absorbed the locals. They developed schools and churches for the locals besides relating with them as their equals. They encouraged the natives to embrace education and their way of life thus becoming their equals. The Spanish on the other hand were harsh to the natives. The Spanish the natives harshly, they used the natives and the African slaves similarly thus creating animosity between them and the natives1. Additionally, the Spanish brutalized those who did not convert thus spreading their culture forcefully throughout the colony. This instigated widespread resistance and rebellion from the natives. Key similarity between the French and he Spanish was their attempt to convert the locals to their culture and way of life. They established missions to help spread their new religions to the locals since this would help harmonize the colonies. Pickett, Margaret F., and Dwayne W. Pickett.  The European Struggle to Settle North America Colonizing Attempts by England, France and Spain, 1521-1608. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co, 2011.

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 110

Discussion - Essay Example It will be vital to mention in this regards that corporate culture impose positive as well as negative impacts on organisational change. Concerning the positive aspects, the impact can be felt in explicitly comprehending the business procedure. Conversely, concerning the negative aspects, the impact can be apparently observed in the form of inappropriate allocation of valuable resources (Nadler, 1998). The various elements of organisational change that commonly encompass structure, processes and systems, are used in a change initiatives for clarifying what changes are required to be made, rewarding business or operational systems as well as supporting the same and appropriately utilising the available resources (Nadler, 1998). Apart from these, as per the observations made by Nadler (1998), the above-identified elements are predominantly used in the context of change initiative with the intention of mitigating risks that emerge while incorporating changes and applying innovative technological advancements accordingly. As apparently noted, the elements of structure, processes and systems are used in a change initiative by the modern organisations for obtaining several benefits. These benefits principally comprise improving profitability along with productivity and most significantly, making important decisions within the stipulated time (Nadler,

Using an extended example critically discuss the view that a sector Essay

Using an extended example critically discuss the view that a sector matrix gives a better strategic understanding of product markets than the concepts of product or commodity chains - Essay Example e essay analyses other tools including value chains and commodity chains in a bid to prove the effectiveness of the sector matrix that provides an in-depth understanding of the patterns of both demand and supply which are the key market features that influences the profitability of an organization (Lane, 2005). The essay will provide a systematic approach to the analysis of the above tools including their strengths, weaknesses and the comparison of their performance against the sector matrix which the paper hypotheses is the most effective marketing tool. Marketing refers to the management function mandated with the determination, anticipation and satisfaction of the customer demand. Every business organization has a primary objective of sustained profitability in order to increase its market share. The need for growth as Froud, Haslam, Johal & Williams (1998) explain in their sector matrix relies on the determination of the market. Business organizations must have a substantial market shares and possibly increase their shares a feature that will portray growth and sustained profitability. In order to achieve such growth patterns, the organizations must have effective understanding of the factors that influence the demand from the market. By understanding the factors affecting demand, the organization readily manipulates its supply of products thereby cushioning the organization from incurring loses. Additionally, understanding the relationship between demand and supply makes it possible for organizations to plan their productions th ereby sustaining their profitability as the below analysis of the sector matrix portrays (Alexander, 2010). Just as the name suggests, the sector matrix breaks down an industry into various factors that influence the production and sale of products. Understanding the industry is fundamental for every organization since it helps the organization appreciate the nature of supply and demand. This way, the sector matric overcomes some of

Labor Union History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Labor Union History - Essay Example Labor unions became prominent in the aftermath of the Civil War. The National Labor Union was the first US union. Another famous labor union was the American Federation of Labor which was established in the late nineteenth century. It acted as a federation for skilled workers unions. In 1905 the Industrial Workers of the World was formed to represent unskilled workers. There are two umbrella organizations for unions. One of them is AFL-CIO and the Change to Win Federation. They have advocated policies that are beneficial for workers. They also have played an important role in increasing the working conditions of workers. This paper traces the history of American labor unions from World War II till the present era (Vittoz, 45). The Congress of Industrial Organizations was established by an autocratic person John Lewis. The CIO organized millions of workers in the 1930s. Lewis was a charismatic speaker and strategist whose speeches forced the closure of the coal industry to ensure that his demands were met. Lewis supported President Roosevelt at the onset of the New Deal. Roosevelt had tremendous appeal with workers. Lewis sent organizers to mobilize thousands of workers to support President Roosevelt. He was one of the main financial supporters of Roosevelt. It is estimated that he contributed over five hundred thousand dollars to Roosevelt's election campaign (Zieger, 65). Lewis organized trade unions in the... By organizing steelworkers, Lewis clashed with the AFL. The AFL represented workers from all industries rather than a particular trade (Zieger, 85). Lewis pushed for a change in the policy of the AFL with regards to industrial organizing. He did this by calling upon leaders of other unions within the AFL. William Green who was the president of AFL opposed Lewis and considered him as an enemy. The CIO was now known as the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Lewis firmly established the organization as a rival federation opposed to the AFL. Lewis's organization provided the financial muscle to the CIO as they organized drives to recruit workers and form trade unions. Phillip Murray was the protg of Lewis. He was made the head of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. The UAW conducted the Flint and Chrysler sit-down strikes in the 1930s in which Lewis successfully used negotiations to approve worker demands. The CIO had a total strength of 2,850,000 workers in 1942. The economic depression of the 1930s caused a decline in the labor union membership. The union movement was also marked by failures to obtain concessions from the mass production industries and to organize the workers. However during the 1930s, the US congress passed legislation during the New Deal. Collective bargaining was allowed by the passing of the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933. Businesses were also required to maintain good relations with trade unions under the 1935 Wagner Act. Prices and wages were stabilized by the National Recovery Administration. A number of regulations were imposed that set price and production standards for all kinds of goods. However this had an adverse impact on the labor unions since employers had to hire people at an expensive

Contemporary Issues in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemporary Issues in Business - Essay Example These approaches evidently require some changes in order to finally establish a relevant achievement rate on the part of an organisation. However, in implementing them, there are difficulties that organisations have had in the past when trying to implement new approaches to performance improvement in business management operations. The work at hand tries to provide TQM and BPR as common examples of modern business approaches which have had high failure rates with the discussion why this took place and its probable impact on the attempts of companies to become lean. In reality, organisations are very able to make changes in the way they operate or when they introduce new systems. This is evident in the idea that every organisation has relevant management system that they follow or initiate. In fact, in the presence of tough competition, organisations have felt the necessity to do the right thing, in order for them to establish a market share and remain in the competition. Doing the right thing, in modern time means embracing change. This allows the organisation to do what is essential. In fact, there are various organisations at present that try to implement new business approaches such as TQM and BPR. However, in implementing these, it is also evident that organisations face remarkable difficulties too. These difficulties in general are in line with how the organisations operate, how they will implement the actual new approaches or changes and how they will evaluate and initiate the necessary corrective measures or control. These are some of t he most important issues that the work at hand specifically emphasises. In the first place, some difficulties when organisations need to change the way they operate include finding the right actual approach on how the human resource should respond to change. For instance, changing the basic outlook and orientation of

Labor Union History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Labor Union History - Essay Example Labor unions became prominent in the aftermath of the Civil War. The National Labor Union was the first US union. Another famous labor union was the American Federation of Labor which was established in the late nineteenth century. It acted as a federation for skilled workers unions. In 1905 the Industrial Workers of the World was formed to represent unskilled workers. There are two umbrella organizations for unions. One of them is AFL-CIO and the Change to Win Federation. They have advocated policies that are beneficial for workers. They also have played an important role in increasing the working conditions of workers. This paper traces the history of American labor unions from World War II till the present era (Vittoz, 45). The Congress of Industrial Organizations was established by an autocratic person John Lewis. The CIO organized millions of workers in the 1930s. Lewis was a charismatic speaker and strategist whose speeches forced the closure of the coal industry to ensure that his demands were met. Lewis supported President Roosevelt at the onset of the New Deal. Roosevelt had tremendous appeal with workers. Lewis sent organizers to mobilize thousands of workers to support President Roosevelt. He was one of the main financial supporters of Roosevelt. It is estimated that he contributed over five hundred thousand dollars to Roosevelt's election campaign (Zieger, 65). Lewis organized trade unions in the... By organizing steelworkers, Lewis clashed with the AFL. The AFL represented workers from all industries rather than a particular trade (Zieger, 85). Lewis pushed for a change in the policy of the AFL with regards to industrial organizing. He did this by calling upon leaders of other unions within the AFL. William Green who was the president of AFL opposed Lewis and considered him as an enemy. The CIO was now known as the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Lewis firmly established the organization as a rival federation opposed to the AFL. Lewis's organization provided the financial muscle to the CIO as they organized drives to recruit workers and form trade unions. Phillip Murray was the protg of Lewis. He was made the head of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee. The UAW conducted the Flint and Chrysler sit-down strikes in the 1930s in which Lewis successfully used negotiations to approve worker demands. The CIO had a total strength of 2,850,000 workers in 1942. The economic depression of the 1930s caused a decline in the labor union membership. The union movement was also marked by failures to obtain concessions from the mass production industries and to organize the workers. However during the 1930s, the US congress passed legislation during the New Deal. Collective bargaining was allowed by the passing of the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933. Businesses were also required to maintain good relations with trade unions under the 1935 Wagner Act. Prices and wages were stabilized by the National Recovery Administration. A number of regulations were imposed that set price and production standards for all kinds of goods. However this had an adverse impact on the labor unions since employers had to hire people at an expensive

There are two questions. I need to analyze and give my opinion Research Paper

There are two questions. I need to analyze and give my opinion - Research Paper Example Economic theory covers the four major fields of human society i.e. consumption together with aggregation, household production and the choices concerning investments to be made over the time, uncertainties, the influence of competitive equilibrium over crime, social interactions, economic growth, etc. and lastly the imperfect competitions like monopoly (Becker). Economic theory has a great significance in forming a sound social order. There is nothing eccentric and strange about its place in the social life of humans. Rather it is highly applicable and provides solutions to many problems(Wellington 384-388). Considering the given scenario in the light of economic theory, the basic commonalty that I have identifiedis that they both are the result of consumption and aggregation issues on the micro economic level. In both the situations Sam Slime has exploited the victim.However, in the first scenario he has used the usual criminal tactics of robbing and therefore he got trapped by the police but in the other situation he used the political influence so as to get hold of his hidden motives. As stated in the economic theory the fundamental force behind the criminal activities is the competitive equilibrium which indicates that the fluctuation in the market prices of fundamentally required commodities effected the overall consumption of Sam Slime.This enabled him to indulge into such criminal acts while on the other hand his social interactions withpoliticians helped him to achieve his evil desires. In the second situation he benefitted from the poor political structure prevailing in the country. He just simply became a loyal supporter of the politician who then imposed tax over the victim so as to get $50 from him which was eventually given to Sam Slime.Research indicates that in a consumer-capitalist society prevalence of justice is comparatively difficult than other social systems. Irremediable acts such as the one committed by Sam Slime are a consequence of conv entional economic theory and overall unethical practices(Trainer 7-23). Stealing money using any means is not only a criminal activity rather it is also a highly unethical conduct. However, when such an act is committed using the laws and political influence than it causes greater damage which is the most significant difference in both the situation. In the first case, Sam Slime robbed $50 though it was the only amount left with the victim.Yet it was not that detrimental for him as he was able to save his life by giving the money.But in the second case when he refused to pay the tax so as to keep safe his $50, he was caught up by the police and was convicted for law violation although his act was completely justified. This indicated that theft done on the national level or through the use of political influence as in the given scenario produces much more detrimental consequences. Is stealingthrough the political process any less morally reprehensible than  stealing done individual ly? Ethics are the fundamental driving forces of human life whose absence might lead to irreparable consequences not only for the individual but also for the people around him. Ethics are responsible for the rational humanactivities and also to keep humans far away from offense (Bruno). Stealing is yet another criminal act which is condemned legally, morally and socially. However when it is correlated with the political process then it is slightly difficult to analyze its moral status. In

Gender and Sexuality Barriers in Healthcare

Gender and Sexuality Barriers in Healthcare â€Å"Vancouver School Board Introduces Gender-Neutral Pronouns† – and many similar headlines spanned across website pages and swept newspapers stands just this past summer, surely an indication of progressive politics in action for the queer people of Vancouver. In this case, giving non-binary and gender-neutral identifying students in Vancouver a chance to use gender-neutral pronouns – pronouns that do not make assumptions about a person’s gender. No longer are they stuck having their identities ignored at school: they can be recognized and respected in official records for who they are. This recent event demonstrates how the social barriers that complicate the lives of queer people are disintegrating; however to me, it begs the question: are the same barriers disintegrating within the workplace? Or are they still present and as strong as ever? The barriers in question being a situation or event in which a non-binary gender (transgender) identified indiv idual is treated differently to a non-transgender individual, or if the same discrimination applies to someone because of their sexual preferences (sexuality). It is also important to understand the definition of â€Å"queer† and the false negative connotation that society associates with the word. The negativity stems from its original meaning of â€Å"bizarre†, â€Å"strange†, or â€Å"outlandish†; however, the word has evolved over time to now define and encompass people within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. In its essence, the evolution of the word is parallel to societies’ attitudes towards queer individuals – changing rapidly for a virtuous cause. Not only is the discrimination being experienced by queer people unethical, disrespectful, and wrong, but these barriers that Eliason et al., Brewster et al., and others have proven to exist through their research must be preventing a whole range of studies and fields of research from progressing as lawyers, scientists, doctors, and more are not hired solely based on their gender or sexuality (Eliason et al., 1365). It is also evident that many queer people will in fact leave their work place because of the discrimination, or even be fired because of higher management discovering their sexuality or gender (Eliason et al., 1365). In an effort to diminish these clearly existing barriers, the most prominent ones in the field of healthcare will be researched and discussed: What do scholars suggest are some of the key gender and sexuality barriers that exist within healthcare, and prevent others from entering healthcare in 21st century North America? Beginning with gender barriers that queer patients face inside the field itself, it is clear that physicians are less comfortable working with male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender individuals than lesbian, bisexual, or gay (LGB) individuals, based on Eliason et al.’s research in 2011. The study spanned 45% of LGBT physicians in the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and a select number of heterosexual, non-transgender physicians in the American Medical Association (AMM). Of the male physicians in the AMM, only 65% felt comfortable working with MTF patients, and 64% felt comfortable working with FTM patients (Eliason et al., 1363). The female physicians in the AMM came in with slightly elevated numbers: 66% felt comfortable working with MTF patients, and 69% felt comfortable working with FTM patients (Eliason et al., 1363). These numbers are relatively low when compared to comfortableness levels of physicians working with LGB patients. This can generally b e expected, as society has had more time to grow accustomed to LGB individuals, and thus most physicians are more comfortable when practicing with LGB patients, with an average comfortableness rate of 92%, 93.5%, and 91.25%, respectively (Eliason et al., 1363). A physician’s uncomfortableness levels with MTF and FTM patients can be related to unacceptable behaviour such as denying of patient referrals and accusation of â€Å"unethical behaviour† (Eliason et al., 1365). Non-conventional gender and transgender ideals â€Å"[†¦] challenge prevailing social conventions regarding the expression of gender [†¦]†, according to Brewster et al., who quoted Fassinger and Arsenau in their 2007 study, and are very new to not only the healthcare workplace, but society in general (61). However, according to Eliason et al., queer discomfort with patients stems from not only general unease due to differing societal norms, but the lack of LGBT education within medical s chools across the United States. Their study finds that some students are only exposed to as little as one hour of transgender health studies across their whole time spent at medical school. Of which, 56% of the students described the little time they had as â€Å"unhelpful†, whereas 76% of the students said that their own â€Å"personal experience working with LGBT patients† was very helpful (Eliason et al., 1362). Based on this research, these personal experiences should be cultivated in medical school in order to prepare students for facing real life experiences with LGBT patients when they proceed to become a physician. Even after stepping out of the healthcare work environment and looking at entrance to the field of healthcare as an LGB individual, it is apparent that sexuality barriers of entry to healthcare exist during even the earliest stages of education. 15% of students in Merchant’s, Jongco’s, and Artemio’s study were found not to disclose their sexuality during admission interviews to medical school because they felt that they would not be admitted if they did (786). Another 17% of students did not disclose their sexuality because they felt uncomfortable in the interview environment (Merchant, Jongco, Artemio, 786). Based on this evidence, one can extrapolate that a medical school which openly advertises LGBT support and education would essentially disintegrate these problems of interview admission, and also help bridge the apparent â€Å"not at all comfortable† gap between physicians and LGBT patients (Eliason et al., 1363). In the bigger picture, a student†™s sexuality is of no concern to any admission advisor of any school; students are not admitted, or should have their admission affected by their sexuality or gender identification. Additionally, from an objective point of view, if a medical school were to publicly advertise their openness and accepting nature of LGBT students, they would have more students apply and thus gain popularity, as LGBT students will seek out education in environments in which they are accepted and respected. This is evident in Merchant’s, Jongco’s, and Artemio’s study, which displays a drastic increase in the number of students willing to disclose their sexuality when applying for university residence, as they are aware of the university in question’s advertised â€Å"affirming environment†, and that there is no consequence for admitting so (787). Even after graduating medical school, LGBT physician’s work environments do not seem to improve in any notable fashion. Common experiences amongst colleagues in the workplace consist of 65% of LGBT individuals recall hearing â€Å"disparaging remarks†, 22% feeling â€Å"socially ostracized†, and 15% being harassed by their fellow coworkers (Eliason et al., 1365). General psychology agrees that this discrimination is mostly due to the simple human nature of pushing away things that do not fit the sociological norm. Conversely, Brewster et al. present an alternative view on the source of workplace discomfort with LGBT individuals; describing the workplace relationships as being built from â€Å"lower job satisfaction and higher anxiety†, using Lyons et al.’s, Smith Ingram’s, and Waldo’s research to prove their point (61). Although almost all researchers agree that the negativity towards LGBT patients, LGBT physicians in the workplace, and LGBT students is decreasing, there is a common consensus among gender and sexuality researchers that it is difficult to measure the rate of change in negativity (Burke, White, 61; Eliason et al., 1366). The difficulty arises from having simply too small of a sample size for conducting research at regular intervals of time. Burke and White argue that LGB individuals comprise of roughly 3% of the population (a very â€Å"conservative estimate†), and that if these proportions apply to the healthcare field, there would only be 20,000 LGB physicians across the country (61). And of course, not all of these physicians would be willing to participate in a study. This limits a research essay to only having a select few studies available for analysis. Another limitation that exists within queer research is the fact that gender-variant and differing sexualities are very new, and thus have had less time to be observed and addressed. However, as society becomes more accepting over the course of time in the workplace, the barriers of gender and sexuality to healthcare should shatter to give rise to acceptance, and research will hopefully not be in need at all. Works Cited Eliason, Michele J., Suzanne L. Dibble, and Patricia A. Robertson. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Physicians Experiences in the Workplace. Journal of Homosexuality 58.10 (2011): 1355-371. LGBT Life with Full Text. Web. 17 Nov. 2014. Brewster, Melanie E., Velez Brandon, DeBlaere Cirleen, and Moradi Bonnie. Transgender Individuals Workplace Experiences: The Applicability of Sexual Minority Measures and Models. Journal of Counseling Pyschology 59 (2012): 60-70. PsycARTICLES. Web. 17 Nov. 2014. Burke, Brian. P., White, Jocelyn C. The Well-being of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Physicians. Western Journal of Medicine 174.1 (2001): 59-62. Web. 17 Nov. 2014. Merchant, Roland C., Artemio M. Jongco, and Luke Woodward. Disclosure of Sexual Orientation by Medical Students and Residency Applicants. Academic Medicine 80.8 (2005): 786. PsycINFO. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.

BioServer Systems Selection Process Essay -- Information Technology

BioServer Systems Selection Process BioServer Systems (BSS) provides secure web server space to its clients. The company is young but has grown exponentially thanks to its groundbreaking encryption technology that is sought after by many businesses including luring some government clients. Stanley Jausneister owns the company and was able to capitalize on his network of pharmaceutical contacts he amassed from his former career in that industry. A longtime client has recently had to fire one of its employees for attempting to sell pharmaceutical cultures to someone overseas. The client realized that they not only had problems with their background checks but contacted Stanley to see if BSS was indeed conducting background checks that were valid. An analysis of BSS interview process and subsequent background testing will be reviewed. Recommended Background Testing for BSS BSS has many clients that have access to data that could affect the national security of the United States. Their clients have access to cultures of potential bioterrorist weapons including the plague and anthrax. When hiring for a new position, all candidates should complete a blank application that is submitted along with their resume. The blank application and resume will reveal any discrepancies in the application. Since the data stored on their servers needs to be secured at all times, a consumer credit check should be conducted as well as a review of criminal history. A consumer credit report according to Heneman & Judge (2012), â€Å"are prepared from accessible databases by a consumer reporting agency and bear on the person’s creditworthiness and standing, character, general reputation, personal information and mode of living† (p. 406). To comply with feder... ...ait Taxonomy: History, Measurement, and Conceptual Issues. In O. P. John, R. W. Robins, & L. A. Pervin (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (pp. 114- 158). New York, NY: Guilford Press. Peck, B. (2012). Employment Credit Checks: The Case for Requiring Employers to Use More Accurate and Fair Assessments. Retrieved from http://www.demos.org/publication/employment-credit-checks-case-requiring-employers- use-more-accurate-and-fair-assessments Robbins, S.P. & Coulter, M. (2007). Management. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Rosen, C.B. (2008). Conducting Employee Background Checks: Navigating Current Rules. Retrieved from http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1199354727551 Tomassi, K.D. (2006). Most Common Resume Lies. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/20/resume-lies-work_cx_kdt_06work_0523lies.html

Robinson Crusoe :: Free Essay Writer

Robinson Crusoe Robinson Crusoe was written by Daniel Defoe. The novel was firstpublished in 1719. It tells the story of a young explorer who becomes maroonedon a deserted island. His experiences of the island change his outlook on life. Daniel Defoe was a short story writer that came from an poor family.Defoe was poor for most of his life and made his living as a butcher and awriter. Defoe mostly wrote short stories and political essays. Robinson Crusoewas a combination of two short stories. Many believe Defoe used RobinsonCrusoe to portray himself in a certain ways. The description was almostidentical to his own and after his wife left him, he felt as if he was marooned on a deserted island. The story takes place in the 1700s on a deserted island somewhere off thecoast of Brazil. The island is fairly large in size and has a small shore. Theinterior of the island has many trees, wild pigs and other small animals and asmall cave in which Crusoe stores food. I walked about the shore lifting up my hands. Look around, I see nothing but water, a forest, and the remains of my ship. At first, I was afraid of wild animals but after some exploration of the land, the only animals I had seen were wild pigs, squirrels, and some small birds.The only possessions that Crusoe retrieved from the remains of his ship were asmall knife, a box of tabacco, a pipe, and a small book that would later becomehis journal. Robinson Crusoe was a young and stubborn explorer. He was extremelytall and strong. His stay on the island changed him from a mean, stubborn manto an open-minded protestant. Standing at six feet, two inches and having my long, thick brown hair back in a ponytail, I felt as if I was eight feet tall. Without the permission of my parents, I was still sailing away from the misery. I held the cargo box is my strong arms, waiting to board my beautiful ship.Crusoe became a skilled craftsman and was an extremely religious man due tohis stay on the island. Being the only man on the entire island, he established afaith in God. He also became more articulate from writing in a journal daily.Overall, his stay on the island changed Crusoe's life greatly. As the story begins, Robinson Crusoe defies his parents and sets out tosea. Crusoe encounters a series of violent storms at sea and ends up in Africa.

Metabical Case

Table Of Contents 1. 0 2. 0 3. 0 Introduction Executive Summary Situation Analysis 3. 1 Identification Of The Problem 3. 2 Market Analysis 3. 3 SWOT Analysis 3. 4 Target Market Marketing Communication Strategy 4. 1 Marketing Communication Plan/Objectives 4. 2 Marketing Budget 4. 3 Schedule for Key Marketing Communication Activities 4. 4 Promotional Strategies 4. 4. 1 Advertising Strategies 4. 4. 2 Promotion and Public Relations 4. 4. 3 Sales Force 4. 4. 4 Comprehensive Support Program 4. 5 Product Strategies 4. 6 Distribution Strategies 4. 7 Pricing Strategies 4. 7. 1 Potential Customer 4. 7. 2 Sales Forecast 4. . 3 Return on Investment (ROI) Conclusion 4. 0 5. 0 1 1. 0 INTRODUCTION Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals (CSP) was an International health care company with a focus on developing, manufacturing, and marketing products that treat metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, immune deficiencies, as well as other chronic and acute medical conditions. The company captured ove r $25 billion in sales in 2007. Barbara Printup is the senior director of marketing of CSP who is responsible for the most successful product by CSP, Zimistat. CSP had assigned Printup to be in-charged of the upcoming U.S product launch of CSP ¶s newest prescription drug, Metabical. Barbara Printup, Senior Director of marketing for Cambridge Sciences Pharmaceuticals (CSP) will be the person who is responsible in the product launch of Metabical which scheduled for January 2009. It was now February 2008, and Printup ¶s first order of business was to develop a viable positioning strategy and associated marketing communications plan for Metabical. 2. 0 Executive Summary Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals (CSP) came out with the first prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically for overweight individuals called Metabical.The majority of Metabical trials participants reached their weight-loss goals by week 12. Although pricing had not been finalized, CSP estimated the retail pri ce for the drug would be approximately $3 to $5 per day, with the average course treatment lasting 12 weeks. In this report, we will conduct an analysis for CSP ¶s product, Metabical starting from the analysis of the industry. We will then elaborate the issues regarding overweight and obesity in the United States and analyse the market survey done by the company regarding overweight issues in order for us to decide which is the best market segmentation that we should target.The second focus in this report would be the positioning strategy which we will state the point of parity and point of differences of Metabical and come out with the positioning strategy and target market. The third focus will be the the SWOT analysis of the product which we will state the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Metabical which lead us in deciding which marketing communication strategy need to be taken next. Finally, we will discuss on marketing communication strategy which best su it with the product so that CSP able to communicate well with the target consumer.To decide the best positioning strategy and marketing communication plan, CSP had spent so much time and money in R&D and on FDA trials for Metabical. Printup was well aware that in order to recoup this massive investment, the drug need not only a successful launch, but also long term, steady demand. If Metabical were not successful with initial consumers, credibility of the drug would be in question and FDA approval would mean little. Printup still needed to flesh out the optimal segmentation, targeting and positioning of the drug, Then she could move on to assessing her current marketing 2 ommunications strategy and developing a timeline for the key activities. The case study had led us in analysing and deciding who was the ideal target consumer? How should each participant in the decision-making process to be addressed? How could these participant best be reached? What was the appropriate message to convey to one of them? What was the role of the support program? What was the optimal rollout schedule for the key marketing communications activities? In this report, Printup will provide all recommendations for the successfull marketing communication strategy and to ensure the long-term steady demand for Metabical. . 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM OVERVIEW OF OVERWEIGHT ISSUES IN THE UNITED STATE Excess weight is considered a public health crisis in the U. S, with approximately 65% of the entire adult population categorized as overweight, obese, or severely obese. Being overweight is related to a number of serious health complications, and according to the American Obesity Association in 2005, ? the second leading cause of preventable death in U. S. In addition to health risks, overweight individuals endure a significant social stigma as well as outright discrimination.Laziness and self indulgence are common stereotypes associated with this group. Many overweight people feel lik e social outcasts. The professional life of an overweight individual could also be negatively affected, as excess weight has been found to adversely influence, hiring decisions, wages, and promotions. Researchers and health care professionals measure excess weight using the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. The BMI scale, which calculates the relationship between weight and height associated with body fat and health risk, is appropriate for both men and women.It has three BMI categories of excess weight for adults:overweight (25 to 30); obese (30 to 40); and severely, or morbidly obese (over 40). According to CDC National Centre for Health Statistics in 2002, 65% adults age 20-74 are overweight. Overweight can give negative impact to the people ¶s life such as coronary heart disease, endometrial, breast and colon cancer, gynecological problem, stroke, liver disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, hyper tension and many other diseases. People are getting fatter almost everywhere in the world. In 2005, 1. 6 billion adults in the world are overweight while 400 million are obese.The World Health Organization predicts there will be 2. 3 billion overweight adults in the world by 2015 and more than 700 million of them will be obese. MARKET ANALYSIS Marketing survey An extensive market survey had been conducted in 2007 which included 1,000 men and 1,000 women age ranging from 18 to 70 with BMIs of 25 to 29. 9 from various socioeconomics levels. The objective of the market survey is for CSP to understand the consumer ¶s behaviour and what they actually want. 3. 2 3 At first 70% of respondents surveyed were not satisfied with their current weight. 5% 0f them said were actively trying to lose weight but just 15% of them mentioned that were comfortable using drugs to help their weight-loss goals. When we described the benefits of Metabical to participants, 12 % of them immediately ask us to make an appointment with health care providers and request a prescription. I n terms of satisfaction with their current weight in each gender, 75% of women and 65% of men mentioned were dissatisfied with their current weight and appearance, whereas 50% of women and just 30% of men visited a health care provider for annual physical test.Base on survey which respondents mentioned 55% of women and 40% of men wanted to change their behavior to live a healthy lifestyle. While 60% of women and 30% of men said tried and failed to lose weight in past five years. The survey results reveal 65% and 35% of respondents were dissatisfied with current weight-loss options on the market for women and men respectively. In our data pool educational level of respondents as they mentioned was that 75% hold a college degree and 45% hold high school diploma and they were aware of the health risks associated with being moderately overweight.Based on respondents ¶ report, 65% of 18 to 35 years old respondents said that they wish to lose weight to look better and the rest (35%) of the same age group respondents said that they wish to lose weight to improve their overall health. While respondents with 35 years old and above have percentages 40% answers for good looks and 60% for better health. According to survey results 5%, 11% and 20% of respondents who have income level less than $40000, between $40,000 and more than$80,000 respectively mention that they would be willing to pay ? ut of pocket ? for a prescription weight-loss drug. Therefore according to the survey there is a need for a better weight loss drug which is proven and safe to lead a health lifestyle. Market Research Based on statistic on adult population in United States between 1976 and 2000 obviously we can see the percentage of obese and overweight steadily increasing. The percentage of overweight population who had BMI between 25 and 30 which categorized in overweight group was 34% in year 2000. while in the same year 25. % of U. S. populations categorized as obese and 4. 7% into severely obe se. Also the percentage of obesity were rise steadily with age in both gender with the highest occurrence among men age 65 to 74 and women age of 55 to 64 and with overall more prevalence in men rather than women. As we can see the percentage of obese had inversely related with education level and income level. The highest obesity percentages were in less than $25,000 with 32. 5% and level of education less than high school with 27. 4%.Through this experience and strong need to cater the moderately overweight people, health care providers saw their potential customers in them who want to lose unhealthy pounds. Health care providers went ahead to produce the drug and recommend them to use it besides getting help from diet and 4 exercise schedules. Based on reports which were obtained from health care providers one of their major concerns about weight-loss drug was that patients would get back weight when they stopped taking pills. We try to achieve psychographic segmentation of overw eight.According to research which was done on females, they have verity of aims to lose weight. In age 18 to 30 with high school education and under $40000 income have low self-esteem and unrealistic expectation to look like a movie star. And in age group between 25 to 40 with college education and income level $50,000$80,000 said willing to alter current behavior to get back to their old physic. While age 35 to 65 with college education plus and more than $80,000 income mentioned ready to make change to be healthier. In age group 45 to 65 with some college education and income $40,000 to $60,000 want to lose weight but if it is easy.In age group 40 to 65 with some college education and income $30,000-$50,000 they accepted their overweight and they don ¶t want to change the lifestyle. Printup also commissioned a study to analyse psychographic segmentation of overweight individuals. The study revealed that women demonstrated the most distinct segmentation. Out of five psychographic profiles, we feel that CSP should focus into two of it segmentation which is as follows: SEGMENT ? I want to be healthier? DESCRIPTION Want to lose weight to feel better and live longer.Knowledgeable about the importance of nutrition and exercise. Ready to make a change. Focused on gold of reclaiming former weight. Motivated and willing to alter current behaviour. TYPICAL DEMORGRAGPHIC PROFILE Age 35 to 65, college education plus, household income $80,000+ ?I want to wear my skinny jeans? Age 25 to 40, college education, household income $50,000 – $60,000 To support the above findings, in February 2008 focus group study revealed their dissatisfaction with current weight-loss options and the desire for a proven and safe way to drop excess weight.This focus group participants also expressed the desire for a prescription ±strength drug with FDA approval and clinical result to back up weight-loss claim. 5 3. 3 SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT Analysis is a Strategic Planning method that is used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a business. It involves monitoring the internal and external marketing environment. Table 1 : SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. FDA approval Safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss. Less harmful compared to other products.One pill per day Average course treatment lasting12 weeks Combination of Calosera and meditanan created dramatic effect for weight loss. Strong and Comprehensive marketing strategy Experience marketing and R&D team Allocate substantial amount of money in marketing budget i. ii. WEAKNESSES Negative side effect-gastrointestinal discomfort. Not effective for individual with BMI>30 OPPORTUNITIES i. ii. iii. iv. Comprehensive support program Health care plans to include Metabical in their prescription drug program 65% of adult population categorized as over weight, obese or severely obese.No prescription  ± drug options for overweight segment (BMI 25-30 ) available in 2008 except drug Alli approved by FDA Market research indicated of high indication of people wanting to loss weight. i. ii. iii. THREATS FDA imposed stringent regulation due to negative side-effect cases. Increasing herbal / dietary supplements Deceptive marketing claims. v. 3. 3. 1 STRENGTH CSP believed that its prescription drug, Metabical, is far more superior than any weight-loss solution on the market because Metabical would be the first prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically for overweight individuals (i. . , those with BMI of 25 to 30). The combination of calosera and meditonan produced dramatic weight loss for overweight individuals and it is find to be less harmful as compared to other weight loss drugs. It worked in a low dose formulation, thereby reducing stress on heart or liver function than other weight loss drugs tended to produce. Metabical also contained a controlled release feature that required only one pill to be taken per day with aver age course of treatment lasting 12 weeks. It also helps in changing people behavior to a healthier eating habits.CSP is an international company with a strong and experienced marketing and R&D team. CSP has developed a comprehensive marketing strategies and have allocated substantial amount of money in marketing budget. 6 3. 3. 2 WEAKNESSES Despite of its strength, Metabical has few negative side effects associated with excess fat and calories in the diet. It occurs when users consumed high level of fat and calories. These side effects were similar to the gastrointestinal discomfort caused by Alli, only less severe.Metabical ¶s formulation however is not very effective in helping individuals with BMIs of 30 or greater and was, therefore, not recommended for this group. 3. 3. 3 OPPORTUNIES Excess weight is considered a public health crisis in the U. S and approximately 65% of the entire adult population categorized as overweight, obese or severely obese. With these large population , it creates an even bigger market share for Metabical. In addition, no prescription drug option specifically for the overweight segment (BMI of 25 to 30) were available in 2008 except for drug Alli had been approved by the FDA for weight loss used.Meaning there will be no strong competitor for Metabical for the time being. From the market survey and market research conducted by CSP, it showed high indication of people actively wanting to lose weight and live a healthy life style with comprehensive support program will enable individuals to achieve better results than they would from the pill alone. In addition, the support program would teach lifestyle skills for healthy weight maintenance after the initial weight loss was achieved. 3. 3. 4 THREATThe drug industry faced several safety concerns with regard to weight-loss drugs and had been accused of deceptive marketing claims that dempened enthusiasm for the products. This deceptive marketing claim had damaged the industry credibil ity and to regain consumer ¶s confidence would be another big challenge to the drug industries. The rising in the numbers of dietary supplements and herbal products had worsened the situation due to its unregulated condition by the FDA and the products negative side effect such as sudden cardiac death and other serous health risks had reduse people confidence in weight loss drugs. . 4 TARGET MARKET In developing a viable positioning strategy in order to determine the right target market, CSP had conducted an extensive market survey of overweight individuals in the year 2007. Under the market analysis, Barbara Printup also carried out a study to analyze psychographic segmentation of the overweight individuals and they found out that women demonstrated the most distinct segmentation. Based on these findings from the market survey, market research and the psychographic segmentation, we suggest that the target market for Metabical are as the following: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 4. 0 Specifica lly for overweight individuals with BMI of 25 to 30. Women with age ranging from 25-65 Women with household income between $50,000 – $80,000 Women with college education and above Concern with health issues caused by overweight and actively trying to lose weight Willing to change current behavior and to live healthy lifestyle MARKETING COMMUNICATION STRATEGY The communication strategy of a prescription weight loss drug such as Metabical had to address all participants in the decision making process.Therefore, the communication strategy must focus on two main targets firstly, the Healthcare Providers and secondly direct to consumers who would be prescribing the medication. The marketing communication strategy should also address the concern of the healthcare providers which is  µthe patient would regain weight after they stop taking the pills ¶ and to include in the communication process by providing solution through Metabical and its continuous support program.As far the end consumers the communication process must address their concern which is  µwant to lose weight to feel better and live longer ¶. The initial Metabical launch budget is as per Table 2 below: Table 2 : Marketing Budget YEAR 1 ADVERTISING Push (Prescriber) Pull (Direct To Customer) Total Advertising $ 1,000,000 $ 12,000,000 ——————-$ 13,000,000 $ 200,000 $ 600,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 500,000 $ 200,000 ——————-$ 3,500,000 $ 3,500,000 $ 800,000 ——————-$ 4,300,000 $ 600,000 $ 1,491,000 $ 255,000 $ 23,146,000 PROMOTIONDevelopment of Support Program Lunch & Learn Seminars / Other Promo Production of Support Program Training / Promotion Materials Direct Mailing To Health Care Providers Total Promotion PUBLIC RELATIONS Medical Education Meeting and Event Press Release / Materials Total Public Relations Market Research Sales Force Allocation Product Management Allocation TOTAL BUDGET It is also very important for the marketing communication strategy to have the timeline for the key marketing activities and we proposed the optimal roll out schedule for key marketing communications activities to be as follows: 8Table 3 : Schedule of Marketing Communication Activities TIME LINE Sales Force Road show On Clinical Information by sales Pharmacies Team Advertising To Create Brand Awarenes & Knowledge Advertising Branding Image Promotion & Public Relation Product Launch Continues Support Program YEAR 1 YEAR 2 FEB 2008 JAN 2009 4. 4. 1 ADVERTISING A sum of $13. 0 million had been allocated for these push and pull advertising. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a new phenomenon in the drug industry due to the introduction of guidelines by the FDA in 1997 that opened up the flood gates to the drug advertisements.The first year, CSP should aggressively spend on the advertising activities to DTC in order to create product knowledge and brand awareness which include television, online (website), radio advertisements and press conference during the product launch in January 2009. In order to meet its objective we propose that the advertisement strategy must go with the tagline ? Losing weight is tough, You don ¶t have to do it alone. Let Metabical and your healthcare provider start you on the road to a healthy weight and better lifestyle?.The Senior Executive of CSP did not agree with the idea of celebrity endorser but we strongly believe that this celebrity spokesperson idea is a great idea and able to attract more customers to buy Metabical. As we know that celebrities have become the trend setter and very influential in terms of their style of dressing, hairstyle, cosmetic that they are wearing, their car model and even what they eat. Thus, a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey can be very influential in attracting more customers especially when she endorse Metabical in her talk show program.Metabical ¶s advertising strategy should also target the professional medical community which is the healthcare provider. For example, they could create a campaign by print ads in leading medical publications and interactive ads online related to health issues in order to raise awareness about the drug and its benefits. 9 This advertising concepts which aimed to healthcare provider must go along with the tagline ? Empower your patients to lose excess weight. Change their unhealthy eating habits and achieve long term success.Introducing Metabical short-term drug therapy and comprehensive support program for overweight patients. It gets results? 4. 4. 2 PROMOTION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS The promotion and public relations budget also included campaign aimed at both healthcare providers and the end consumers. The total budget allocated for this campaign is $4. 3 mil with $1. 3 mil was allocated for promotional campaign in the first year. Before the Metabical launch, pamphlets and reply card for sample of support program should be mai led to 100,000 health care providers as a direct mail campaign.These pamphlets contain information about Metabical. The next best campaign that the marketing communication strategy should focus heavily on is the viral marketing campaign in order to reach the market globally. This viral marketing involves internet sales, social network such as facebook, twitter and blogs in order to create buzz for Metabical. Infact, CSP should set up a team on this viral marketing campaign in order to reach customers faster and cheaper globally.The plan to launch an online contest during Metabical launching day is a good idea whereby Metabical users would have the chance to compete who could reduce their BMI ¶s by the highest percentage. Normally in the weight loss industry, people want to see results and testimonial on the drugs. ` We consider the Public Relations efforts to include pre-launch and atlaunch press release is a good more because it can act as a teaser ad and to inform the public at large that Metabical is the newly safe weight loss drug in the market.The roundtable discussion involving prominent leaders member of media and medical professional in the medical community and medical research symposium to members of media and medical professional, is an important strategy because in order for the weight loss products to be successful, an endorsement by expert is very likely to increase the confidence level of the customers. In addition, the coverage of these high profile events in the leading news organization shall enhance the marketing communication strategy of Metabical.A series of breakout sessions focusing on health issues for overweight patients shall further strengthening the communication strategy in product effectiveness and awareness. 10 4. 4. 3 SALES FORCE The Metabical sales team consisted of 32 sales representatives who service approximately 3,200 medical offices. These sales team had been instructed to give product detail of Metabical to the healthca re providers.In order for the sales team to be effective in meeting objective of creating product knowledge and its benefits, they providing clinical information and to arrange for a visit to at least four medical offices per day in order to finish up the 3,200 medical offices which are already in their data base. CSP also need to increase the number of their sales force team in order to cover the other 100,000 healthcare providers which are still untapped by them. This additional sales force team need to attend all the inquiries that they might receive after the mailing of pamphlets and sample to the said 100,000 healthcare providers. . 4. 4 COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM The most common problem among the weight loss drug company is that people will start regaining weight once they stop taking the pill and in some cases, these people will gain even more weight then their initial weight. Realising this issue, CSP planned to create a comprehensive support program to complement the Met abical pill. Its goal is to enable individuals to achieve better results than they would from the pill alone. In addition, the support program would teach lifestyle skills for healthy weight maintenance after the initial weight loss was achieved. 200,000 will be spent on the development of the support program and the cost in Year 1 associated with producing the program is approximately $2 million. It is recommended that CSP to add this comprehensive support program in their packaging in the form of a CD in each pack so as to enhance the ability of Metabical users to reach and maintain their weight-loss goals. They can also put it in their website and to other form of social network. The sales force team also need to include this support program in their presentation in order to convey its benefits to the healthcare providers.It must also be well stated in the pamphlets and flyers which they are distributing. 4. 5 PRODUCT STRATEGY Metabical is the first prescription drug approved by FDA specifically for overweight individual with BMI of 25 to 30. Clinical trials proved Metabical to be safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss for overweight individuals. The majority of trial participants reached their weight-loss goals by week 12. Thus, CSP need to decide on the best form of packaging by considering what is the number of pills that would be included in each pack. 11Packing the whole twelve week supply in one package will cause higher pricing and it will effect the number of potential customers. Even though the twelve-week supply will enable the customers to complete the twelve-week cycle in 3 months in a row but it will limit the potential customers only to those who can afford the entire medication program with one-time pay. Therefore, it is advisable to pack Metabical with one pack for four week supply which can make it affordable for everyone. However, there is risk to this one-month packaging whereby there will be no guarantee that the consume rs will complete the entire treatment.As such, it is also suggested to have another packaging with 3 pack for 12 weeks supply and as value added, a CD contain comprehensive support program is attached to it. By attaching the comprehensive support program to the 3 pack of twelve week supply it can definitely attract more customers especially those with higher income bracket of more than $80,000. 4. 6 DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Being a prescribed weight loss drugs definitely the distribution channels are limited to places such as Drug store, healthcare Providers, Specialty Store uch as Watson, Pharmacy such as Guardian and the latest trend is the Internet Sales. 4. 7 PRICING STRATEGY Pricing is another important factor in determining the success of Metabical. In order to determine the price for Metabical, first we compare with its closest competitor which is Alli ¶s pricing model. We have to also come up with several other assumptions such as by assuming that consumers will be ready to p ay more for a prescription drug and generally people trust prescribed drug rather than the non-prescribed drugs.So, to set higher price for Metabical would not be a problem and would be acceptable by the consumers. Therefore, we come-up with price simulation as per Table 4 below: Table 4: Pricing Simulation METABICAL ALLI Estimated Retail Price Dosage Treatment $3 to $5 Per pill 1 Pill Per Day 12 Weeks (90 Days) $120 Per Pack / $2. 40 Per Pill 1 Pill Per Day 50 Days $2 Per Pill Revenue Per Month Revenue Per Year   ESTIMATED RETAIL PRICE $3 Per Pill $4 Per Pill $5 Per Pill $6 Per Pill $60 $720 $90 $1,080 $120 $1,440 $150 $1,800 $180 $2,160 To sell at $90 per month is to low because Metabical is a prescription drug. To capture a larger group the price should not as high as $150 per month. $120 per month would be the right price for a four weeks supply. Based on Table 4 above, we set Metabical price at $120 per month which we assume would be the right price for a four week supply. 1 2 Pricing strategy is also directly ties with the demand forecast and sales forecast. Thus, based on Market Survey and Market research finding we come up with demand forecast as per Table 4 below: 4. . 1 POTENTIAL CUSTOMER Table 5 : Potential Customer POPULATION OVERWEIGHT POTENTIAL USER (Million) (25 < BMI < 30) (MILLION) 2000 209 34% 71. 06 2008 230 39% 89. 70 FROM MARKET SURVEY 12% – Respondents Immediately Make an Appointment With Their Health Care Provider and Request a Prescription YEAR 2000 YEAR 2008 71. 06 Mill X 12% = 8. 53 Mill 89. 70 Mill X 12% = 10. 76 Mill Say Only 10% Consumers Can Be Reached In The First Year 8. 53 Mill X 10% = 0. 85 Mill 10. 76 Mill X 10% = 1. 08 Mill YEARFrom the above demand forecast, we then come up with the sales forecast as per Table 6: 4. 7. 2 SALES FORECAST Table 6 : Sales Forecast ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF PACK TO BE SOLD From : 2. 55 Mill Packs (0. 85 Mill X 3 Packs) To : 3. 24 Mill Packs (1. 08 Mill X 3 Packs) Consider Price @ $120 P er Pack CSP WOULD EARN BETWEEN $306 Mill to $389 Mill 4. 7. 3 RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) Table 7 : Return on Investment (ROI) INITIAL YEAR SALES TURNOVER ($ Mill) ACUMULATIVE CASHFLOW ($ Mill) RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) ( % ) (423. 5) (423. 15) YEAR 1 347. 40 (75. 75) -19% : : : YEAR 2 383. 88 308. 13 77% YEAR 3 424. 18 732. 31 183% 515% $2,623. 65 MILL 1. 27 YEARS YEAR 4 468. 72 1,201. 03 300% YEAR 5 517. 94 1,718. 97 429% INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR) NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) PAYBACK PERIOD y ASSUMTIONS Product Price : $120 Per Pack (For 1 Month Treatment  ± 30 pills) Estimated Product Sold in Year 1 : From 2. 55 Mill  ± 3. 24 Mill (Say On Average 2. 90 Mill Packs). Turnover Increase by 10% Every Year. Investment Cost $423. 15 Mill. 13 5. 0CONCLUSION Print-up had come up with a strong and comprehensive marketing communication strategy which focus on the brand awareness and Metabical benefits to the targeted group. Based on the extensive market survey and market research as well as the focus group findings, the marketing communication strategy of Metabical will be successfully creating demand for Metabical. Furthermore, being known as the only prescription drug with FDA approval and clinical results to back up weight-loss claims will definitely attract a lot more customers and steady demand in the future. 14