GBST300 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

GBST300 - Essay Example It absorbs several American citizens in its personnel lineup which contributes to increasing overall income distribution and reduces unemployment. Despite all its outlets spread across the world, it has the head office in US where all decisions are made with significant production process controlled from within. This means that significant returns from its outlets in other countries are repatriated back to USA which contributes to overall growth of economy. Walmart need to consider its stand on environmental care and corporate social responsibility which will address the importance of the society on its existence. There is also the need to improve employment terms as this is critical to its sustained performance and overall public image. The emerging trend in business society where organization rating is pegged on commitment to the society besides shareholders welfare put Walmart in a place to care about the welfare of the society on top of the shareholders. This emerging approach is subject to the market trend. The increasing dynamism in the global businesses practices does not promise consistent sourcing and such treatment of employees. It is therefore important to note that Walmart is increasingly becoming under the global spotlight on some of its practices hence push to

Health Care Innovation Essay Example for Free

Health Care Innovation Essay I will compare the current health care system with the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that became law on March 23, 2010. The current system, which is being phased out between 2011 and 2018 is increasingly inaccessible to many poor and lower-middle-class people. About 47 million Americans lack health insurance, an increase of more than two million people from 2005 (Rover, 2011) the increasingly complex warfare between insurers and hospitals over who pays the bills is gobbling up a great deal of money and the end result is that the United States pays roughly twice as much per capita for health care as Canada, France, and the United Kingdom yet experiences slightly lower life expectancy than those countries. President Barack Obama campaigned for the need to reform the American health care system, stating that the cost of health care was a â€Å"threat to our economy† and that health care should be a â€Å"right for every American. † (Rover, 2011) Thus began the passage of health care reform. On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became law. Private and Parochial schools have been competing with public schools for as long as I can remember. These schools have to show that they are worth paying for or they do not get customers. The health care industry, on the other hand does not have government competition. The old health care system gave insurance companies all the power. It is more along the lines of, pay us outrageous fees or you die. Even if you have their coverage they still look for ways to drop you from their insurance. I feel that under the new health care reform laws I will not have to worry about getting laid off and losing my health insurance coverage again. There are 92 provisions in the ACA (Affordable Care Act) that are being mplemented between the years 2011-2018. This paper, however, will only cover the provisions I feel are of concern to most lower to middle class Americans, or should I state â€Å"financially struggling like myself†. Furthermore, the ACA has a broad range of provisions that aim to advance a framework and foundation for redesigning the healthcare delivery system to one that is person-centered, offers individual control, improves quality, and integrates care across settings and providers (Shugarman, L. R. , Whitenhill, K. 2011). Key provisions undergird health and long-term care reform by improving the continuum of care within four domains: long-term care insurance, home and community-based services (HCBS) expansion, care coordination, and workforce reinforcement. Since the recession began in December 2007 nearly 7 million Americans have lost their jobs. In addition, there were an estimated 43 million uninsured prior to that; Many of whom lost the only health insurance coverage they had for themselves and their families. Former employees are given the option to buy temporary insurance through companies such as Cobra which contains provisions giving certain former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. However, this insurance is costly, well above the financial means of someone without a job. The typical cost for basic family coverage can be around $1,309. 00 per month. A cost that is nearly impossible to cover when you are unemployed or underemployed. Under the ACA, the following provisions would be considered pros for the average American: (a) Coverage will expand to cover nearly 95 percent of legal U. S. residents. Plus, preventative care will be free. (b) Increased regulation will stop insurance companies from rigging prices, for instance there was a recent 40% insurance premium increase in California. (c) Insurance companies will have to accept everyone. No more pre-existing condition exclusions. They can’t place limits on coverage anymore, either. (d) Cheaper prescriptions for seniors. e) Ensuring Free Choice. Workers who cannot afford the coverage provided by their employer may take whatever funds their employer might have contributed to their insurance and use these resources to help purchase a more affordable plan in the new health insurance exchanges. (f) Eliminating Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage. The law prohibits plans from imposing annual dollar limits on the amount of coverage an individual may receive. (g) Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead. (h) Makes Care More Affordable.  The act includes tax credits to make it easier for the middle class to afford insurance will become available for people with incomes above 100 percent and below 400 percent of poverty (i) Chain restaurants will be required to provide a nutrient content disclosure statement alongside their items. You will see calories listed both on in-store and drive-through menus of fast-food restaurants. (Affordable health care for America, 2010) Under the ACA, the following provisions would be considered cons for the average American: (a) Cuts in Medicare.  The elderly on Medicare will see their benefits changed dramatically. The biggest item being used to pay for the new program is more than $500 billion in cuts to the Medicare program at a time when 72 million baby boomers become eligible for it in the next decade. The second biggest move to pay for this is by raising and expanding the Medicare tax. (b) No new incentives for primary care physicians (c) More taxes, the government has to pay for healthcare reform somehow. Taxing businesses is a big strategy. Families earning more than $250. 00 a year will have to pay higher Medicare taxes, also, this isn’t a tax, but employers will be fined $3,000 per employee if they don’t provide affordable medical coverage. (Drea, 2010). However, the provision that is causing the most concern is the insurance mandate. Within this mandate everyone is required to be insured or else pay a fine. There is an exemption for low-income people. This mandate takes effect in 2014. (Right To Health Care, n. d) I personally feel the ACA will benefit most Americans for several reasons. First, if you do not have health insurance, you will have a choice of high quality, affordable coverage for yourself and family. Second, the reform will finally bring skyrocketing health care costs under control. Third, the reform will provide every American with some basic protections that will finally hold insurance companies accountable since they will not be able to discriminate against persons with pre-existing illnesses or conditions. Lastly, Americans can now purchase their health insurance coverage with the bargaining power that was only reserved for larger companies, instead of individual policies which are extremely expensive. Bear in mind that from 2000 to 2006, health care premiums increased 87% compared to overall inflation (an increase of 3. 5%) and wages (3. 8%). A ‘Public Entity’ would help keep costs from skyrocketing (Right to Health Care, n. d). Working Americans may be experiencing something akin to sticker shock. The average cost of a family policy now exceeds $13,000 a year, having doubled over the last decade, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Similar increases over the next decade would translate to the average policy for a family costing in the neighborhood of $24. 000 a year. (Right to Health Care, n. d). I really had not paid that much attention to the new health reform act, prior to a tragedy that happened to my best friend’s family recently. One of her sisters had been covered by her employer sponsored health care plan for the last 10 years. For 8 of those years she was the picture of health, no major illnesses or accidents requiring the use of her insurance other than the occasional checkup. About 2 years ago she decided to up her yearly deductibles and co-pays from $1,200 to $6,000 in favor of a lower monthly premium to help make other household bills easier. At that time there was no reason for her to feel anything bad would happen; Had she been covered under the new ACA she may not have had to worry about paying high medical bills. Unfortunately last spring my best friend’s sister was diagnosed with bi-polar disease; a few weeks later coincidentally she also discovered she had breast cancer. Late this past summer, my best friend’s sister committed suicide. I am not saying that her health insurance situation was the main reason for her decision to take her own life, but I know her family tried many times to convince her she needed more help for her major depression. Her response was always that she could not afford it. The emotional trauma associated with her two illnesses and the constant worry over the medical bills only added to her anxiety and depression. Fear of hospital bills should not deter anyone from seeking medical care. My best friend is carrying around a lot of guilt that she could have and should have done more for her sister by insisting her sister get the medical care ecessary and not worry about how it would be paid for. Since my best friend’s sister’s death, I have come to realize that not being able to afford health care insurance could be the difference between life and death for many. How appalling to live in a country with such great wealth, yet millions face financial ruin if they are uninsured or insured and their current insurance provider decides to drop them. I am not saying that the new health care reform laws will be fix all our problems, but I feel it’s a good start, and only time will tell.

Ban On Spam? :: essays research papers

Ban on Spam? Since the early days of the Internet with it’s slow connections, to today’s high tech version that plays a major function in everyday business, most advancements have been positive ones. Unfortunately one advancement that has not is Junk E-mail. These junk e-mails, (also known as â€Å"Spam†) can be described as useless messages are plaguing our Internet Service Providers (ISP) mail systems. The result of this is slower connections, a loss of time and of money. Therefore, in this work we will explore effects of Spam, (negative and positive) and will even decide if it is possible to make this practice an illegal one, even with the protection of our Constitutional First Amendment rights The question of whether or not junk emails could actually be made illegal does not have a short or easy answer. Yes it is true that these mails slow down many ISP servers by the massive amount of traffic they create, but do they really cause that much of a problem? Years before many of the current telemarketing laws were passed, companies could call whenever they felt that people were home, and attempted to pass on a good (and many times bad) deal to the consumer. This resulted in calls ranging from the early morning, to dinnertime, and lasting until the late hours of the evening. Now clearly this was a problem that needed to be alleviated. In contrast to the ring of each telephone throughout a person’s home, an E-mail box simply shows that a mail has been sent. In this case of E-mails, users can simply click on their delete button and the mail would be no more, that’s it. This gives companies who use Spam as a commercial tool a valid point. In addition, they also have a friend called the First Amendment on their side. The 1st amendment is thus far most likely the reason that Spam has not been made illegal, or controlled by the Federal government. Clearly stating that, â€Å"Congress shall make no law†¦prohibiting the freedom of speech, or of the press†¦Ã¢â‚¬  law makers are desperately attempting to find a loophole to gaining legal action against Spam. Despite the opposition of some free-speech advocates, the legislation is creeping closer to the House floor. Now for such legislation to be put into law, a bill would have to be proposed in the House of Representatives. A committee would devise a Bill and once debaters of both sides finished their arguments, a vote would take place.

Image of Filipino Women Essay

Like in Estrella Alfon’s Magnificence; she illustrated that Filipino women are tough when it is for her children; while Lumnay was very weak and couldn’t accept her husband’s marriage to another woman. . Filipino women could stand and hold firm on her virtues and ideals. No matter what the consequences are, they stand for what is right. Sometimes they are mocked and insulted because of their ideals. But these women, like Miss Noel stood determined to continue what she has started and what she was fighting for. Esperanza is also a woman of virtue. She despises sleeping with a man to whom you’re not married. Some Filipino women are very innocent when it comes to hardships, emotions or other things surrounding them. Majority of these women were born or they belonged to middle class family. They haven’t experienced difficulties while growing up. While some women are oblivious to difficulties and hardships, some are introduced to it a very young age. They sacrificed their happiness for the sake of their family and loved ones. They think of everything as they’re responsibility and it affects their way of thinking, their social life and even their marital life. Filipino women are generous and very caring. They support their family through thick and thin. They will never let their family down especially when it comes to children. They are also very sweet and understanding, Filipinas are also very jealous, they are very possessive not only on the material things but also with their loved ones, especially the mothers. There are also this conservative God-fearing Filipinas. They have principles and won’t go against it. There are many more character traits a Filipina could have, but whatever the point is, Filipinas are raised differently and you could see it by the way they talk or move. Filipino women may look independent and wise but still, they need to feel deserve to be respected and cared for. They need to be loved and feel loved.

Food and Industry Essay

Political This can have two extreme effects on threat of new entrants. If the government brings out higher restaurant license cost and increased taxes and/or implements strict health and safety regulations along with more documentation procedures, this will increase the barriers to entry. However, if the government does the opposite by decreasing license cost and taxes or has a lenient approach to health and safety procedures, the threat of new entrants will be high. Economic. Due to the rising income disparity and the adverse economic conditions, the number of unemployed is increasing due to which the labor cost will decrease, and the up-class restaurants will be more in demand as the rich are getting richer. Thus, the threat of entrants is high because of increased profit margins in such ventures. In case of improvement in the economy, more people could afford to go out to restaurants which give more opportunities for new restaurants to come up. Social. The current social trend is in favor of eating out especially at expensive restaurants, thereby, increasing their demand and also owning such eat-outs is now very socially appealing thus, increasing the threat of new entrants. Technological The rise in innovative technology has made management of restaurants very easy and the new sophisticated software now enable restaurants to run with less number of employees, thereby, reducing the labor cost. Thus, this factor increases the threat of new entrants. |B |Bargaining Power of Buyers |Yes |~ |No | | | |(+) | |(–) | | |Are there a large number of buyers relative to the number of firms in the business? |[pic] | | | | |Do you have a large number of customers, each with relatively small purchases? |[pic] | | | | |Does the customer face any significant costs in switching suppliers? | | |[pic] | | |Does the buyer need a lot of important information? | | |[pic] | | |Is the buyer aware of the need for additional information? | | |[pic] | | |Is there anything that prevents your customer from taking your function in-house? |[pic] | | | | |Your customers are not highly sensitive to price. |[pic] | | | | |Your product is unique to some degree or has accepted branding. |[pic] | | | | |Your customers’ businesses are profitable. | |[pic] | | | |You provide incentives to the decision makers. | | |[pic] | Interpretation The bargaining power of buyer is low in the industry firstly because their product is a commodity item and consumers have no choice but to continue consumption, as it is also a form of entertainment in our country. This makes the industry more attractive and profitable and the PEST forces such as increasing population is an appealing opportunity, however, the economic situation of the country brings along adverse effects on the industry. Nandos should therefore, bank on the rising income disparity. PEST forces that affect Bargaining Power of Buyers Political This political factor has no direct affect on the bargaining power of buyers. Economic The increasing population reduces the power of buyers. Even though the adverse economic situation of Pakistan is reducing the consumer base, it is still not making much impact on the bargaining power of buyers. Social The trend is moving towards eating at restaurants, which is increasing the base of consumers, thus, reducing their bargaining power. Technological The advancement in technology makes it possible for the buyer to gather all the information quickly and make informed decisions. Thus, this is increasing the bargaining power of buyers. |C |Threat of Substitutes |Yes |~ |No | | | |(+) | |(–) | | |Substitutes have performance limitations that do not completely offset their lowest price. Or, |[pic] | | | | |their performance is not justified by their higher price. | | | | | |The customer will incur costs in switching to a substitute. | | |[pic] | | |Your customer has no real substitute. |[pic] | | | | |Your customer is not likely to substitute. | |[pic] | | Interpretation The threat of substitutes is medium to low, as this industry does not have any real substitutes, because restaurants offer unique experiences along with their basic product i. e. food items. In Pakistan, eating out is a form of entertainment and people generally like going to specific restaurants and cafes because of their splendid experience in the past including ambience and food. Nandos should therefore concentrate their efforts on upgrading their restaurant ambience and the taste offered by them. PEST forces that affect Threat of Substitutes There aren’t many substitutes of the restaurant industry. However, decrease in the purchasing power of the people could lessen their visits to the restaurants thereby increasing the threat of substitutes. If better substitutes are provided to people such as more variety in the ready-to-cook foods could increase the threat of substitutes. |D |Bargaining Power of Suppliers |Yes |~ |No | | | |(+) | |(–) | | |My inputs (materials, labor, supplies, services, etc. ) are standard rather than unique or | | |[pic] | | |differentiated | | | | | |I can switch between suppliers quickly and cheaply. | | |[pic] | | |My suppliers would find it difficult to enter my business or my customers would find it difficult | | |[pic] | | |to perform my function in-house. | | | | | |I can substitute inputs readily. | | |[pic] | | |I have many potential suppliers. | | |[pic] | | |My business is important to my suppliers. |[pic] | | | | |My cost of purchases has no significant influence on my overall costs. | | |[pic] | Interpretation Bargaining power of suppliers is high because the inputs are not easily substituted, keeping in mind only those companies in the industries that are rather cautious about their inputs as poor quality inputs can cause them a hefty amount of business. Also, the inputs are usually of a perishable nature, thus, stock-ups are not possible, that is why reliability of suppliers is very important. Therefore, these companies usually have one or two major supplier of main inputs, who can provide good quality inputs in a timely manner. This is an unattractive aspect of this industry, that’s why; Nandos should integrate backward by probably farming their chicken, in order to eliminate this power of suppliers. PEST forces that affect Bargaining Power of Suppliers Political. If the government grants subsidies to other chicken suppliers so that they are able to produce at the same level and with same quality as KnN, then the supplier power will reduce. If the government establishes quality standards for using hygienic meat products, the supplier power would go very high since there is only one major chicken supplier. Economic The current economic situation of the country will reduce large scale companies such as KnN; thus, the supplier power will increase. Also our poultry industry is â€Å"going down†. This will further increase the power of suppliers. Social. This factor will not affect the input of food industry. Technological Technology has made it possible to manage the poultry industry, thus enabling more suppliers to come in. therefore, the power of suppliers will reduce. |E |Determinants of Rivalry among existing competition |Yes |~ |No | | | |(+) | |(–) | | |The industry is growing rapidly. |[pic] | | | | |The industry is not cyclical with intermittent overcapacity. | | |[pic] | | |The fixed costs of the business are a relatively low portion of total costs. | | |[pic] | | |There are significant product differences and brand identities between the competitors. |[pic] | | | | |The competitors are diversified rather than specialized. |[pic] | | | | |It would not be hard to get out of this business because there are no specialized skills and |[pic] | | | | |facilities or long-term contract commitments, etc. | | | | | |My customers would incur significant costs in switching to a competitor. | | |[pic] | | |My product is complex and requires a detailed understanding on the part of my customer. | | |[pic] | | |My competitors are all of approximately the same size as I am. | | |[pic] | Interpretation. The rivalry amongst the existing firms is moderate to high as each tries to outdo the other by offering cost-effective deals to the consumers especially during Ramadan. With the increasing rate with which these eat-outs are opening, the market share for each of them is deteriorating. Thus, each is rigorously competing against the rest. In such situation, it is usually the restaurants with small operations such as Nandos that suffer. Nandos should therefore, try to combat this issue by increasing their operation via market penetration or market development. PEST forces that affect Rivalry among existing competition. Political If the government grants subsidies to local competitors to match the international chains, the rivalry will increase. Economic The fake economic growth has increased the availability of funds; therefore the competitors can match international chains now. Thus, the rivalry will increase. Social This factor will not affect the input of the Restaurant Industry. Technological Technology has made it possible for competitors to affectively reduce cost, thereby, enabling to match each other and copy the others competitive advantage. This will increase the rivalry between competitors. | |Overall Industry Rating |Favorable |Moderate |Un-favorable |Implications | | |Threat of new entrants |3 |2 |7 | | | | | | | |Threat of new entrants is high | | | | | | |Unfavorable | | |Bargaining power of buyers |5 |1 |4 | | | | | | | |Bargaining power of buyers is Low | | | | | | |Favorable | | |Threat of substitutes |2 |1 |1 | | | | | | | |Threat of substitutes is Medium to Low | | | | | | |Somewhat Favorable | | |Bargaining power of suppliers |1 |0 |6 | | | | | | | |Bargaining power of suppliers is high | | | | | | |Unfavorable | | |Intensity of rivalry among competitors |4 |0 |5 | | | | |. | | |Intensity or rivalry is Moderately High | | | | | | |Unfavorable | | |Total |15 |4 |23 |Reasonably Unattractive | Interpretation Overall, it is an unfavorable industry as the major cities of Pakistan are swamped with many restaurants and cafes. Nevertheless, the industry position can be exploited to ones advantage, if strategically smart decisions are taken. For Nandos, the recommendations include: †¢ Constantly innovate and bring in more competitive advantage that are unmatchable, in order to reduce the threat of new entrants. †¢ Backward integration to reduce the power of suppliers. †¢ More effective differentiation to reduce the rivalry between Nandos and competitors. 1 Overall Macro-Environmental Pest Factors Political Factors: The political factors that mainly affect Nandos concern how the government relates to health issues concerning food items being served or brings out new regulations regarding the restaurant business. For Instance: when Bird Flu occurred in Pakistan, if the government would have asked for ban on chicken items or some strict regulations on the chicken items being served, then it would have highly affected Nandos as well. Government regulations regarding franchises or international chain of restaurants would affect Nandos in relations to itself or in dealing with its competitors. Economic Factors: Pakistan is a developing country and the majority of the population has low purchasing power. Nandos caters to that niche of the Pakistani society that has a relatively higher purchasing power than the majority of the nation. Any economic instability or economic recession would decrease the power of a lot of consumers, decreasing the niche segment that Nandos caters to. Thus economic power does affect Nandos as people tend to spend less on eating out at relatively expensive places when they have a tighter budget. If the economy develops and more people have the purchasing power, then more people would be able to visit restaurants like Nandos. Social Factors: The trend of eating out has been carrying on in Pakistan since a very longtime. Pakistani people have always loved eating out. It is even the main source of entertainment in Pakistan. Earlier on families would go and eat out, but since the past few years, this trend increased even further in teenagers, young adults and with corporate people. Nowadays, if we visit any restaurant such as Nandos, we get to see a diverse crowd that includes teenagers, families, couples and even corporate businessmen. Thus eating out is becoming an increasingly important social trend which works positively for places like Nandos. Technological Factors: The restaurant business works well where the management handles the service well. To be quicker and more efficient in processing and then serving the orders, restaurants need to have better technology. To keep records of day-to-business, better technology is essentially important. Cooking also requires better equipments to work faster and better. Nandos has the essential equipment to make all of its flame-grilled items which even works towards providing healthier items by not making deep-fried products. 2 Key Driving Forces Affecting the Industry †¢ The Internet and new E-Commerce opportunities The Internet can revolutionize the entire restaurant industry by including the aspects of ordering food online. In this way consumers could be provided with more convenience and be more informed about the menus. †¢ Increasing globalization of the industry Global chains of restaurants such as fast food joints like KFC and Mc Donald’s have existed since a very long time now. The aspect of a global chain leaves a positive impression on the minds of the people since they tend to believe that the product is of quality and hygiene. More and more restaurants are following this trend and opening up their chains in Pakistan. This does affect the restaurant industry on a whole. Nandos is also globally widespread but it hasn’t penetrated much in Pakistan as yet. †¢ Product Innovation Those restaurants that have had a unique menu or recipe have been able create a strong place in the industry. People have always wanted variety in Pakistan. Any new element or uniqueness in a restaurant’s menu could give it a competitive edge in the market. Nandos has banked on this opportunity by introducing an entirely new concept adopted from South Africa. †¢ Technological Change Advances in technology can dramatically transform the restaurant industry. Technological developments can competitively produce significant changes in the distribution channel and logistics and reduce the costs in the value chain. †¢ Entry or Exit of major firms Exit of major firms in the restaurant industry can lead to changes in market shares of all the companies that compete with such firms. Entry is relatively easy and keeps on leading to increased competition in this industry. †¢ Changes in cost and efficiency Decrease in cost can lead to significant changes in the profit margin of the business. However increasing costs can prove to be detrimental to the businesses in the industry. †¢ Regulatory influences and government policy changes Regulatory influences or policy changes such as increased quality and hygiene standards can drive up costs of firms but would lead to better and safer food items. †¢ Changing societal concerns, attitudes and lifestyles Emerging social issues and changing attitudes and lifestyles can be powerful driving forces of industry change. The trend of eating out has been increasing consistently in Pakistan giving more opportunities for new companies to come with more and more variety for the public. 3 External Factor Evaluation (EFE) |Key External Factors |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score | | | | | | |Opportunities | | | | |Market Potential – growing market for fast casual |0. 17 |2 |0. 34 | |People’s need for variety in the food and entertainmnt sector |0. 10 |3 |0. 3 | |Rising Demand for Home delivery and Takeout |0. 08 |3 |0. 24 | |E-commerce |0. 02 |1 |0. 02 | |People’s preference for red meat |0. 06 |1 |0. 06 | |People’s attraction towards promotional offers |0. 08 |2 |0. 16 | |Increasing trends for business/corporate lunches and dinners |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | | | | | | |Threats | | | | |Economic Problems in the country |0. 09 |2 |0. 18 | |Bird Flu Threat |0. 03 |3 |0. 09 | |Political Problems in the country |0. 02 |2 |0. 04 | |Growing market for cafes in Pakistan |0. 06 |2 |0. 12 | |Availability of nandos table sauces in the market |0. 03 |2 |0. 06 | |Only one chicken supplier (KnNs) |0. 08 |2 |0. 16 | |Huge variety of Restaurants, fastfood places |0. 12 |2 |0. 24 | |Changing tastes of people |0. 01 |2 |0. 02 | | | | | | |Total |1. 00 | |2. 18 | Analysis: Nandos, Pakistan’s total weighted score is rather disappointing considering their global background. Currently their total weighted score of 2. 18 is about 20% less than the industry average of 2. 5. They are not exploiting the opportunities in the food industry to their advantage neither are they combating the threats well. The most major opportunity staring them in the face is the rising market potential which has the highest weighted score of 0. 34, as the trend in Pakistan is moving towards fast-casuals. To handle this opportunity they must open up new outlets to cater to the untapped vicinities. Another opportunity that has a high score of 0. 3 is the peoples need for variety. The strategy for such an opportunity would be to add varieties like fancy beverages (e. g. cocktails and mocktails), sea-food and meat in their menu (available at Nandos outlets in other countries of the world). Of the threats, that needs their immediate attention is the rate with which new restaurants that â€Å"Pop-up†. To counter this Nandos must concentrate on increasing its efforts on rightly implementing their Focused Differentiation Strategy. They should further enhance their brand image to capture more loyal customers. Another threat which has a relatively high weighted score is the economic problems of Pakistan; the way this can be overcome is by establishing subsidiaries under another name. The third biggest threat with a weighted score of 0. 16 is that they have only one reliable supplier; they can definitely counter this via backward integration that would include farming their own chicken. Company and Competitor Analysis 1 Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) |Key Success factors | |NANDO’S |BBQ Tonite |Roasters |GunSmoke | | |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score | | | | | | |Strengths | | | | |Product – their Peri-Peri recipe |0. 20 |4 |0. 8 | |Strong brand personality |0. 07 |3 |0. 21 | |Ambience at the restaurant |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | |Customer Loyalty |0. 02 |3 |0. 06 | |Marketing efforts towards the consumer base |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | |Strong Supplier/Distribution system |0. 10 |4 |0. 4 | |Products have essential ingredients for a health life |0. 01 |2 |0. 02 | |Strong Background from Africa present till today |0. 01 |3 |0. 03 | |Selling Experience |0. 04 |4 |0. 16 | |Strong food concept |0. 02 |3 |0. 06 | |Strong Globalize Strategy – adaptive to culture |0. 06 |4 |0. 24 | |Creative and unique Menu |0. 02 |4 |0. 08 | | | | | | |Weaknesses | | | | |Low Marketing Budget |0. 08 |2 |0. 16 | |Stagnant Growth – Not penetrated |0. 15 |2 |0. 3 | |Communication system within dept- not strong |0. 04 |2 |0. 08 | |Weak Technological system in the Administration Department |0. 04 |1 |0. 04 | |No Beverage Variety |0. 04 |2 |0. 08 | |Total |1. 00 | |3. 02 | Analysis: The total weighted score of 3. 02 is 20. 8% more than the average industry weighted score. The reason for such a phenomenal score is their PERI PERI recipe which is their main strength with the highest weight. Basting, marinating and table sauces are usually the most important ingredients and they are definitely quiet effectively banking on this strength. Their delicious basting and marinating sauces still remain a mystery to the rest of the world. Along with this, they are handling all their strengths really well with the exception of their healthy ingredients, which they are handling in an average way, although, it has a low weight considering the psyche of Pakistanis, they can definitely improve their score by communicating the nutritional values of their ingredients. On the other hand, they are very poorly countering their weakness. Their main weakness is their stagnant growth with the highest weight and with only a sore of 2. There is no evidence, that they are willing to do anything about it as their outlets are still missing in the major cities of Pakistan, like Islamabad. They should definitely improve their growth rate and try to improve their marketing budget. This will definitely enhance their total weighted score. The strategies to improve the growth rate would include market development and product development via establishing more outlets and increasing the variety in their menu, respectively. Strategic Analysis and Recommendations 1 Generic Strategy [pic] Although, Nandos Pakistan claims to be following a Focused Differentiation Strategy, they haven’t really implemented it that well. Nandos Pakistan caters to that Niche market which requires a different taste and value and is prepared to pay the price for it. Their focus is entirely on the Upper Middle and Upper-Upper class. The strategies implemented by Nandos have not exactly catered specifically to this focused differentiation strategy. The company needs to make effort in targeting and communicating their real value to its specific set of consumers. Another contradiction in this strategy is that there is no outlet in Islamabad, Pakistan, where mostly the rich and the influential reside. Now is the time to really bank on the rising income disparity in the economy via increasing their prices. This will also attract more customers from upper-middle/high class, as it is quiet socially appealing for them to dine at expensive places. Nevertheless, Nandos offers only chicken items; this is in line with their current strategy. They should really check their strategic approach or correct their focus. Nandos should stick to its focused differentiation strategy. The following strategies have recommended for improving their strategic position: †¢ Increase their prices to capture a larger share of their current target market. †¢ Open up outlet in the major cities of Pakistan like Islamabad and Faisalabad. †¢ Effectively communicate their niche marketing strategy to their target audience to further emphasize what their brand actually stands for. †¢ Add value by offering an outstanding service which is unforgettable and unmatchable. ———————– ‘Nando’s is devoted to providing its customers appetite for life, who love to laugh and live to eat. At Nando’s we believe in our flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken, we believe it’s the best in the world. We aim to be the most successful grilled food restaurant in the world at delivering the best customer experience in markets we serve and to do so, Nando’s will meet its customer expectations through highest quality food prepared with leading technology and by hiring and retaining personnel with exceptional capabilities. We believe in offering quality and value to our customers and grow in such a way that creates profitability and value for shareholders and structure the society in such a way so as to improve the quality of life of the whole community. Our distinctive competence is our open style of informal restaurants, through the wonderful saying â€Å"Mi Casa so casa – My home is your home. ’ ‘Our vision is to be the first choice in grilled food restaurant business around the globe. ’ HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW Customer Home Delivery Dine-in Take-Away Kitchen Restaurant/Retail Outlet Store Warehouse in Pakistan Fries from McKainz Ketchup from Knorr Chicken from KnN’s Peri-Peri Sauces from South Africa.

How The U.S. Electoral College System Works

How The U.S. Electoral College System Works The Electoral College is not a college in the sense that the word is generally used. Instead, it is the important and often controversial process by which the United States selects the President of the United States every four years. The Founding Fathers created the Electoral College system as a compromise between having the president elected by Congress and having the president elected by the popular vote of qualified citizens. Every fourth November, after almost two years of campaign hype and fundraising, more than 100 million Americans cast their votes for the presidential candidates. Then, in the middle of December, the president and vice president of the United States are actually elected. This is when the votes of only 538 citizens- the electors of the Electoral College System- are counted.   How It Works When you vote for a presidential candidate, you are in fact voting to instruct the electors from your state to cast their votes for the same candidate. For example, if you vote for the Republican candidate in the November election, you are really just picking an elector who will be pledged to vote for the Republican candidate when the Electoral College votes in December. The candidate who wins the popular vote in a state wins all the pledged votes of the states electors, in the 48 winner take all states and District of Columbia. Nebraska and Maine award electors proportionally. The National Archives explains: Maine has four Electoral votes and two Congressional districts. It awards one Electoral vote per Congressional district and two by the statewide, at-large vote. Nebraska has five Electoral College votes, three awarded to the district winners, and two awarded to the statewide popular vote-getter. Overseas territories of the United States, such as Puerto Rico, have no say in presidential elections, even though their residents are U.S. citizens. The Electoral College system was established in Article II of the Constitution and was amended by the 12th Amendment in 1804. How Electors Are Awarded Each state gets a number of electors equal to its number of members in the U.S. House of Representatives plus one for each of its two U.S. senators. The District of Columbia gets three electors. State laws determine how electors are chosen, but they are generally selected by the political party committees within the states. Each elector gets one vote. Thus, a state with eight electors would cast eight votes. There are currently 538 electors, and the votes of a majority of them- 270 votes- are required to be elected. Because Electoral College representation is based on congressional representation, states with larger populations get more Electoral College votes. Should none of the candidates win 270 electoral votes, the 12th Amendment mandates the election be decided by the House of Representatives. The combined representatives of each state get one vote and a simple majority of states is required to win. This has only happened twice: Presidents Thomas Jefferson in 1801 and John Quincy Adams in 1825 were elected by the House of Representatives. Faithless Electors While the state electors are pledged to vote for the candidate of the party that chose them, nothing in the Constitution requires them to do so. In rare instances, an elector will defect and not vote for their partys candidate. Such faithless votes rarely change the outcome of the election, and laws of some states prohibit electors from casting them. However, no state has ever prosecuted someone for not voting the way they were pledged. The 2016 election saw the most ever faithless electors, as seven were cast; the previous record was six electors who changed their votes, in 1808. When the College Meets The public casts their votes on the first Tuesday after Nov. 1, and before the sun sets in California at least one of the TV networks likely will have declared a winner. By midnight, one of the candidates will have probably claim victory and others will concede defeat. But not until the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December, when the electors of the Electoral College meet in their state capitals to cast their votes, will there really be a new president- and vice president-elect. Why is there such a delay between the general election and the Electoral College meetings? In the 1800s, it took that long to count the popular votes and for all the electors to travel to the state capitals. Today, the time is more likely to be used for settling any protests due to election code violations and for vote recounts. Criticisms of the System Critics of the Electoral College system point out that the system allows the possibility of a candidate actually losing the nationwide popular vote but being elected president by the electoral vote. A look at the  electoral votes from each state  and a little math will show you how. In fact, it is possible for a candidate to not get a single persons vote in 39 states or the District of Columbia, yet be elected president by  winning  the popular vote in just 11 of these 12 states (The number of electoral votes is in parentheses): California (55)New York (29)Texas (38)Florida (29)Pennsylvania (20)Illinois (20)Ohio (18)Michigan (16)New Jersey (14)North Carolina (15)Georgia (16)Virginia (13) Because 11 of the 12 states listed above account for exactly 270 votes, a candidate could win these states, lose the other 39, and still be elected. Of course, a candidate popular enough to win California or  New York  will almost certainly win some smaller states. When It Happened Five times in Americas history presidential candidates have lost the nationwide popular vote, but been elected president  in  the Electoral College: In 1824, 261 electoral votes were available, with 131 needed to be elected president. In the election between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson- both Democratic-Republicans- neither candidate won the necessary 131 electoral votes. While Jackson won more electoral and popular votes than Adams, the House of Representatives, acting under the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, selected John Quincy Adams as the sixth President of the United States. Bitter over the process, Jackson and his supporters proclaimed the election of Adams a â€Å"corrupt bargain.†In 1876,  369 electoral votes were available, with 185 needed to win.  Republican Rutherford B. Hayes, with 4,036,298 popular votes, won 185 electoral votes. His main opponent,  Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, won the popular vote with 4,300,590  votes but won only 184 electoral votes. Hayes was elected president.In 1888, 401 electoral votes were available, with 201 needed to win. Republican Benjamin Harrison, with 5,439,8 53 popular votes, won 233 electoral votes. His main opponent,  Democrat Grover Cleveland, won the popular vote with 5,540,309  votes but won only 168 electoral votes. Harrison was elected president. In 2000,  538 electoral votes were available, with 270 needed to win.  Republican George W. Bush, with 50,456,002 popular votes, won 271 electoral votes. His Democratic opponent,  Al Gore, won the popular vote with 50,999,897  votes but won only 266 electoral votes. Bush was elected president.In 2016, a total of 538 electoral votes were again available, with 270 needed to be elected. Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected president, winning 304 electoral votes, compared to 227 won by Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. However, Clinton received about 2.9 million more popular votes nationwide than Trump, a margin of 2.1 percent of the total vote. Trump’s Electoral College victory was sealed by popular vote wins in the perennial swing states of Florida, Iowa, and Ohio, as well as in the so-called â€Å"blue wall† states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, all Democratic strongholds in presidential elections since the 1990s. With most media sources p redicting an easy victory for Clinton, Trump’s election brought the Electoral College system under intense public scrutiny. Trump detractors tried to protest his election and petitioned electors to cast faithless elector votes. Only two listened. Why the Electoral College? Most voters would be unhappy to see their candidate win the most votes but lose the election. Why would the  Founding Fathers  create a constitutional process that would allow this to happen? The framers of the Constitution wanted to make sure the people were given direct input in choosing their leaders and saw two ways to accomplish this: The people of the entire nation would vote for and elect the president and vice president based on popular votes alone. A direct popular election.The people of each state would elect their members of the  U.S. Congress  by direct popular election. The members of Congress would then express the wishes of the people by electing the president and vice president themselves. An election by Congress. The Founding Fathers feared the direct popular election option. There were no organized  national political parties  yet, no structure from which to choose and limit the number of candidates. Also, travel and communication were slow and difficult at that time. A very  good candidate  could be popular regionally but remain unknown to the rest of the country. A large number of regionally popular candidates would thus divide the vote and not indicate the wishes of the nation as a whole. On the other hand, election by Congress would require the members to both accurately assess the desires of the people of their states and to actually vote accordingly. This could have led to elections that better reflected the opinions and political agendas of the members of Congress than the actual will of the people. As a compromise, the Electoral College system was developed. Considering that only five times in the nations history has a candidate lost the  popular national vote  but been elected by electoral vote, the system has worked well. Yet the Founding Fathers concerns with direct popular elections have mostly vanished. The national political parties have been around for years. Travel and communication are no longer problems. The public has access to every word spoken by every candidate every day. These changes have led to calls for reforms to the system, for example, so that more states have a proportional allocation of electoral votes to more accurately reflect the popular vote.

Importance of Science Essays

Importance of Science Essays Importance of Science Essay Importance of Science Essay Modern science and technology have changed our lives in many dramatic ways. Airplanes, automobiles, communications satellites, computers, plastics, and television are only a few of the scientific and technological inventions that have transformed human life. Research by nuclear physicists has led to the development of nuclear energy as a source of power. Agricultural scientists have developed better varieties of plants and highly effective fertilizers. The development of antibiotics and other new drugs has helped to control many infectious diseases.Studies in anatomy and physiology have led to amazing new surgical operations and to the invention of lifesaving machines that can do the work of such organs as the lungs, kidneys, and heart. In recent years it seems that importance of science has declined in the past couple of years. However its necessity in growing the economy and finding new solutions to old problems and dilemmas remain the same. However history is now entering a period where the great discoveries mostly cannot be made without some sort of financial backing for the equipment and research time.This means that there is a real chance for major nations losing ground in the sciences if they do not make the conscientious effort to invest in research and development. President Obama made a telling point in saying that innovation was the key to â€Å"winning the future. † In an increasingly competitive global market it is the country that can harness innovation and technology that will be the most successful economically. Basically labor is something that can gain value one day and lose it the next but the possibilities and new markets created by science and invention are eternal.So what are areas where science is important? The first is in everyday human life. Thanks to advances in the biomedical fields there is fewer infectious or lethal disease than ever before. Some illnesses that would be death sentences even just twenty years ago with advance d research into the study of bacteria and viruses are now becoming manageable and in some cases have even eradicated. People are now living longer as we understand more about aging and the nutrients need to keep the body healthy and active long into our sunset years. Another great area where science is proving itself is industry.In industry new materials are being discovered everyday that will help technology make huge leaps. New allotropes of carbon are being discovered like grapheme and carbon annotates that could make feats like space elevators or even faster microchips a reality. The present era is the era of science. Science has undoubtedly done a great service to mankind. Man, a rational being, has been curious to explore mysteries of nature and this led to many discoveries being made in various part of the world. But he is never satisfied with the acquired knowledge and is always keen to unraveled mysteries of the universe.He has conquered the land and air. His incredible lus t for knowledge has revolutionized human life and raised the standard of life. He was able to invent innumerable ways of making his life comfortable and happy. Every sphere of life has been revolutionized by science. There have been innumerable inventions. One of the greatest inventions is the invention of medicines. There has been a series of tests carried out using animals as subjects and various medicines have been tried out on these animals to check their efficacy. Many fatal diseases can now be cured because we have the drug to fight those diseases.It has reduced the rate of infant mortality and increased the life span. Before these inventions millions of people died for lack of medical care. Science has given us many machines that have made our lives very comfortable. Buses, cars, sewing machines, mixes, grinders, etc. are all machines that are used every day by us and the discovery of electricity has made it possible for us to change night into day and summer into a comfortab le cool season it is now easy to cultivate fields as we have tractors. New forms of irrigation are now being employed.It is easier to protect the crops because of the use of various chemicals and pesticides. Even mosquitoes can be driven away because of the discoveries made in science. It has enabled man to entertain himself in many ways. TV, radio, video and the cinema are all popular means of entertainment. Besides entertainment they educate the masses. Today the computer has made life even easier for us. The press, the means of communication, etc. have all improved because of science and its gifts to us. Science is what gives us scientific answers to our daily life, or Lives.It helps us deal with many things that need scientific explanation, upon a regular and upon a dependable foundation. TV, radio, mobile phones, computers, telephones, refrigerators, microwaves etc. All work as a result of scientific research and development and even their very operation. Food as well. Scientif ic research helps in the development of every country rapidly but we do have feelings. Transportation is nearly all mechanical. Planes, trains and automobiles. All work as a result of scientific principles Science is taught to show how things in life work. Science has to do with everything.Technology helps us better understand things such as science. For instance, youre using technology Science is one of the most significant areas of study. The information that is discovered as a result of scientific research contributes to advancements in technology, medicine, mathematics, and so many other realms of importance to society. It is critical to almost every aspect of daily life. There are many different branches of study within the broad field of science. The natural studies focus on nature and biological life.The social sciences focus on society and human behavior. Both of these branches are empirical science. Mathematics, statistics, and logic are classified as formal sciences. All o f these areas can overlap at times. Advances in science over the centuries have brought many welcome changes to everyday life. Without it, there would be no electricity and none of the modern conveniences that most people use and enjoy every single day would exist. From the time that a person wakes in the morning, to the time that they go to sleep at night, science is impacting and effecting their lives in ways small and large.Technology is constantly evolving and improving, allowing people to communicate and share ideas and information from all over the globe. Agriculture allows people to produce food at a more rapid and efficient rate. Thanks to advancements in the field of biology, as well as engineering technology, people are now able to grow and create food that will sustain societies. The development of improved fertilizers and safe and effective pesticides have made it possible for different types of produce, wheat, and grains to grow in places that they once could not have t hrived.This has helped to create food sources globally. Modern medicine and advancements in medical technology have helped improve the quality of human life. It was not until the 1800s that scientists postured that diseases and illnesses were caused by bacteria and germs. Scientific research led to the creation of an effective vaccine that revolutionized the medical world, eradicating diseases that once killed thousands of men, women, and children. Without the changes and discoveries that have taken place, humans would not enjoy the quality of life that they do today.Science plays a very important role in public policy. It helps to inform the decisions that both governments and individuals make in regards to the environment, transportation, economics, defense, and so much more. Just about every single aspect of modern life has been impacted by science and the information that it provides. The world is full of wonders and science is the key to unlock them all. Everything in this worl d is made up of compounds. Some of them are visible to the naked eye and some of them are yet to be known. Some people often think that science is boring.The truth about science is that it is exciting, fascinating and breathtaking as it makes up everything in this world. Science is the study of both physical and natural elements to find intellectual explanations about things. It is based on tests and continuous studies on microorganisms, chemicals and all types of matter. Whether it is solid, liquid, gas or plasma, science unlocks every mystery about life. It broadens and enriches the lives of people and other living things through innovations and improvements done by scientists.Health care facilities would not be able to use advanced equipment if not for people who unceasingly work in the name of science. Incubators, CT-scan, laser eye treatment and all machines and methods that use advanced technology are all products of men who exert their efforts in the field of science. As more and more studies are conducted each day, doctors and other health experts are able to find cure to diseases. New human vaccines, supplements and antibiotics are made through scientific research and experiments. Science is not boring stuff at all.Even the stars, constellations, planets and other life forms outside the Milky Way cannot be discovered without science. Weather forecasts are done through constant readings made by scientists based on the movement of air, water, heat and other life forces that can affect the world’s climate. Farmers also benefit a lot from science. The construction of windmills and solar panels would not be possible without it. New pesticides and fertilizers are discovered to increase the growth of crops thus boost the profit of farmers and decrease the likelihood of being eaten by pests.Science is a way of life. It gives people the chance to discover new things day by day and improve the quality of lives through innovations. The effect of science t o mankind is something that should be considered as a gift rather than a culprit because it is all up to people how they would use these inventions. The main objective of science is to help people comprehend the history of the natural world and how it can be improved or preserved in order to make life better for everyone. Talking about science is a great way to spread the interest that people have for generations to come.It is very difficult for some people to become interested in this subject because they do not know how to go about finding the latest events and understanding how it may apply to them in the context of everyday life. Typically, people are simply content to watch news broadcast that does not focus on issues such as these. Instead, they tend to talk about what is happening in the world of politics or current events. While these things are important, science is something that has a great impact on everything we do on a daily basis. As you likely know, there are many be nefits to exposure to sun on a regular basis.However, too much exposure can also be very harmful to the skin and potentially lead to skin cancer. Since the sun is a great source of heat, it would make sense to replicate this experience in order to keep people comfortable when it is nowhere to be found. Light therapy is now being used across Sweden in order to combat the winter depression that many people deal with. Researchers are finding that the experience of light therapy is a great way to provide people with some of the benefits that they would be missing out on when the sun is not out.First, there is a positive change within the mood of people that have the ability to take part in this technology. This is very helpful because it allows people to get through the winter without feeling the worry that they typically take on. Additionally, these lights provide some heat that would otherwise come from the natural sun. As a result, they are able to have a much more enjoyable experien ce while waiting on the bus. It is not very often that people think of ways to change how we get around. However, this is an idea that would have a large amount of benefits for the people within the area.The sun provides a lot more than light, it is essential for life. An absence can make it impossible to maintain the life that you once took for granted. The use of this new technology is a great experience of just how science can impact our world. Educate others and inspire their love for this field and all it offers. Science of human life is the earliest science even when there was no other science. Even with very inadequate appreciation of human body ; functions humans attempted remedies and palliatives. As the problems crystallized unlike in other fields of science, focused research led to what it is now.The pace continues relentlessly to meet the new challenges thrown by new diseases and maladies. This importance can be gauged if one views its role in human resources management, labor laws and the medical care the employers are required to take that was absent in the past. One of my old, fairly innocuous posts has been climbing up the popularity lists: The Importance of Science in Our Lives. It’s just a link to an article online with a little commentary. I see on my statistics pages that a lot of people arrive using Google searches of â€Å"Importance of Science. I wonder if this is a common school assignment for students, e. g. , â€Å"Write about the importance of science in the modern world† or some other similar variation, and then off they go to Google to get their answers rather than thinking for themselves. Maybe that’s too cynical. Anyway, I have been intending to follow up with some more specific and simply worded reasons that science is important to not just me (e. g. , my income), but to our civilization today. Science is important because. 1. We don’t have to take someone’s word for something, we can test the ir claims. . Horrible diseases can be cured, or prevented entirely, and it can still provide hope for those with as- yet-incurable diseases. 3. People who love each other can talk to each other whenever they want no matter how far apart they are in the world, and can be together the next day. 4. Science can show us what has caused mass extinctions and point the way to preventing similar catastrophes in the future. 5. Science can make us feel big and special for understanding the age of the Earth, the nature of stars, and the size of the universe, even if those things dwarf us. . Science saves lives. 7. It has helped us to no longer need to worry about personal survival as our top priority, giving us more time for love, laughter, singing, and dancing. 8. Whenever one problem is solved another two rear up to take its place, so the need for science will never go obsolete. 9. Science gives us superpowers, like looking across the universe, seeing atoms, flying across the Earth or to the moon, moving mountains, and harnessing the energy of the sun. 10. Science, in the long run, is the only reliable way to.

I Write to Discover What I Know

I Write to Discover What I Know As a blogger, I see everything that happens in my life as a possible jumping off point for an article. There are writing topics surrounding me at every moment. And yet, I sit down most weeks not knowing what I’m going to write about. I face â€Å"writer’s block† on a regular basis. How do I manage to think of something to say every week? I scroll through various topic sources such as: articles I’ve read or that someone has sent to me over the past week things I’ve learned at a conference or workshop articles someone else has written that I might want to post as a guest post client success stories and challenges, as well as business lessons from the past week Topic ideas are a dime a dozen. But how do I land upon one that strikes a chord with my audience? Sometimes I start writing only to discover that it’s a dud; and so I start over. Today’s article began when a friend sent me a link to a page of chalkboard art. I looked through the images through my default filter of â€Å"Is there a blog article in this?† When I saw a beautiful rendition of a quote by Flannery O’Connor, â€Å"I write to discover what I know,† I knew I had found a rich topic. I started thinking about a class in law school, Alternative Dispute Resolution, where I first discovered the phenomenon of â€Å"discovering what I know† by putting pen to paper. Each week we were given a choice of 3 topics and had to write a page or two about one of them. Each week, I was sure I would have nothing to write about. But write I did. I got an A. Writing doesn’t have to be academic to be a discovery process. Even writing a shopping list can help you uncover previously hidden information. So can writing a heartfelt letter to a friend. If you are someone who writes a journal, you understand that you discover surprises about yourself as you let your thoughts flow onto the page. Often all it takes to â€Å"unblock† a writer is the spark of an idea; sometimes that idea must be accompanied by a detailed framework or outline of a full essay. If someone is having a hard time writing  a resume, going through How to Write a WINNING Resume  along with one of my resume questionnaires  can do the trick. Clients often tell me that completing that questionnaire is one of the most valuable parts of working with me; they identify what they know about themselves as they start putting it into words. I would like every person faced with a writing project to know that it’s okay to start out not knowing what you’re going to write. Even if you have no clue, try sitting down and writing, even if it doesnt make sense or isn’t related to the topic. Stream of consciousness is just fine and is a great way to discover your own thoughts. You might be someone who needs to talk through ideas with another human being and nail down an outline before writing. If so, call someone (perhaps The Essay Expert) to work with you. If, on the other hand, all you need is structure, I recommend reading â€Å"how to† books such as How to Write a WINNING Resume or How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile. If you are stuck on your resume, try answering the questions in my resume questionnaires so that you have guidance as you start to put your ideas to paper (or to computer). I am a frequent writer, and thus an evolving discoverer. I explore how seemingly unrelated topics connect with each other. I dive into my opinions, likes and dislikes. I find out more and more about who I am and who I am not. Flannery O’Connor was right on target, as  I hope you too will learn as you embark on this path of discovery.

Short answers questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Short answers questions - Assignment Example This is also interpreted to mean that narrative identity is subject to personal interpretation of ethical identity and can be largely considered to be an illusionary identity of the reader. According to Thompson (65), the degree at which abortion can be considered morally permissible is constrained by factors that make it morally impermissible. Thompson (65) argues that abortion is morally permissible in circumstances such as when the necessary precautions to avoid pregnancy are taken but eventually conception occurs either way. In this case, the parents of the fetus can consider abortion as refusal to take responsibility for an outcome they are not ready to take responsibility of. On the other hand, Thompson (66) argues that since it is problematic to point at what point a fetus is considered to have a moral identity, it is rational to assume that fetuses are humans from the time of conception, thus, they have moral identities which make abortion the killing of a human. Thus, regarding the two counterarguments, abortion is both morally permissible and impermissible. By applying the Personal Identity Theory of Reductionism, which considers the psychological continuity affecting identity

Homework assignment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Homework assignment - Research Paper Example Over the years, many employers have been faced with the dilemma of having to recruit workers but they lack ideas of how to get the right person for the job. This happens in situations where someone may require a house help, mechanic, electrician and many more to work for an individual. An example of the problem is that an individual may be travelling and their car experiences a mechanical breakdown and you are unaware of how to deal with this problem. This site will help an individual get a mechanic near their location. This section outlines the approach to the problem described above. The approach is from Foster et al. [2, Sec. 6], which discusses a scenario of service-based distributed query processing using OGSA-DAI. The key idea is to make the data available to all the users via a web service with the help of Grid Distributed Query Processing Service techniques (GQPS). An adequate method of solving this problem is to create a web browser where all interested personnel can sign up and fill a form which involve entry of personal details like; location, age, profession among others (Oliver, 2005). All those who sign up will have an account with their details that will be stored in a database. The web interface will contain a search option which will enable anyone interested in getting a worker will enter the profession and a list of all those in that category of profession will be. In case the employer needs some from a particular area, he or she needs only to specify the area while searching (Converse, 2004). The design delivers a web based interface for data access. The intended deliverable of this project is the development of a site for data access search of professions in a distributed environment, which indeed will provide more opportunities for work applications in real world scenarios (Vikram, 2005). The site will also have a rating system through which service providers can be rated. This is vital information that employers

6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

6 - Essay Example Laying off workers will result in unemployment loop that is going to reduce the demands further. From an economist’s point of view, the key indicators of goods and services are government purchases, net export, investment and consumption. As for consumption when the consumers are scared of spending, it is likely to spike of an economic crisis. The main reason people are scared to spend is because of the economic uncertainty. When it comes to investment, normally a reduction in consumption will also come with come with an increase in investment, however, with a decrease in cost of mortgage people tend not to invest. A reduction in the price of goods that are both exported and imported tend to lead to a general reluctance of people to invest. According to Keynesian theory, the government should spend more on things that are to make people spend more money (Mankiw, 2008). Generally if Keynesian theory is to be observed, one should take a keen look on these four factors and how they relate to an economic

ECON PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ECON PAPER - Essay Example My small business is related to the development and marketing of herbal medicine for chronic ailments like arthritis, asthma, which when treated with allopathic medicines bring many side effects with them. Doctors prescribe the drugs, which are mostly NSAIDs and are used to provide relief from pain. Although, they are highly effective yet they have severe side effects too. They can instill stomach cramps, drowsiness, diarrhea, heartburn, edema (swelling of the feet), nausea and much of the discomfort. Over and above, NSAIDs carry a risk of causing heart attacks, stroke, clotting, and kidney failure, if taken for a long period of time. The risk is proportionate to the dosages. No patient would like to suffer such perils after continued consumption of these drugs. If they are given a choice for an alternative herbal medicine; it is certain that they will always switch over to a safer drug where the possibilities of any side effects are not there. My herbal medicines are made from rind of mangosteen, ginger, and many such herbs. My herbal medicines are targeted to those customers who do not get permanent cure from ailments as mentioned above. (See The Columbia Encyclopedia, p-30582) Mangosteen is a naturally available fruit and is said to be a queen of fruits in their growing countries. Extracts of it are used to formulate herbal medicines that work as a potent anti inflammatory. Its extraordinary ability to cure lies in a compound called xanthones, which are abundantly available in the rind of this fruit. Science has found 40 types of xanthones in mangosteen. Thus, this is the most potent source of xanthones naturally available. Xanthones are the most powerful antioxidants provided by nature. Antioxidants are the compounds necessary for our healthy life. They slow the process of ageing and work as potent anti inflammatory

Case analysis--- intercultural communication Essay

Case analysis--- intercultural communication - Essay Example The term globalization can be defined on the basis of four elements such as network extensity that facilitates connecting with different organizations, countries and people located across the globe, interaction intensity in such networks, speed of movement of such people, products, information across the globe, and the impact that is caused on various communities due to such a trend. In the context of globalization there often exists dilemma amongst the companies as to follow the ethical standards that are set in their home country or to adapt to the cultures and ethics of the local country so as to sustain its business operations (Varner & Beamer, 2011).One of the most renowned companies in the technology sector that faced such a dilemma was Google. It is the largest search engine across the globe with a total market of 70% in United States as identified in the year 2010. The company has not only been able to achieve high performance standards and success but also have set an image of being highly ethical by nature. The company performs all its operations based on the philosophy that money can be made even without doing any such thing that is evil. The major turmoil that the company noticed was in the year 2006 with the launch of a search engine that was China based. The company’s major motive was to gain market share in China and to make the Chinese pop ulation easily access all forms of information through its search engine (Human Rights Watch, 2010). However the company in order to be aligned with the censorship laws of the Chinese government agreed on the aspect of filtering certain words and information that would violate the law. Such words majorly were those that were politically sensitive such as democracy, etc. However the company faced major challenge through this initiative as many personnel engaged in human

Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Essay

Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV - Essay Example Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Apple also faces challenge in maintaining its core competencies relationship building, marketing, innovation, and brand management - as it moves on controlling the broader range of products and oversees wider markets. Wider customer base and new rivals brings on much variety of strengths and strategies. The entertainment and technology in itself are constantly updating. It is even uncertain that the Apple could bring on innovative design campaign for its brand reputation or launch new products or give out technological breakthroughs that will attract wider enjoyers. Moreover, the company’s products rather than depending upon the internally developed software and hardware depends on the ability to safe the media contents. Apple’s growth and success balancing stakeholder demands has even been facing problems. At times managing the clashing expectations of suppliers, partners, customers, investors, legal/governmental entities, and others put greater amount of stress on Apple's management team. Moreover the company is dependent upon its vision, Job’s charisma, relationship-building skill and mass communication put the Apple in to at risk in case of improper succession planning and the likewise non-proficiencies. An appropriate set of goals written and strived for would help ensure that Apple Computer remain updated with its current position in the market or otherwise. Apple success strategy also ensures steps are taken for copyrights infringement. http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/claimsofcopyright.html A healthy way to obtain customer satisfaction and ensure constant growth for the company would be to make use of following dimensions: Dimensions for Success Financial Performance Measures: Cash Ratio - ( Cash Input over Cash Output comparison) Sales Ratio - (sales per 100 customers) N.P Ratio - (Net Profit on sales) Gearing Ratio - (Long Term Debt to Shareholders Equity) Stock Turnover Ratio - (Inventory to Cost of Goods Sold) Creditor turnover - ( Creditors to Cost of Goods Sold) Debtor turnover - (Debtors to Accounts Receivable) P.E Ratio - (Market Price to Earnings Per Share) MPS - (Market Price per Share) Non-Financial Performance Measures/ (strength and weakness analysis through inte rnal factors) Product life Cycle (stages through which a product moves) Labor Turnover (refers to movement of employees in and out) Analysis of stock-outs (out of stock events) Complaints re manuals

Case analysis--- intercultural communication Essay

Case analysis--- intercultural communication - Essay Example The term globalization can be defined on the basis of four elements such as network extensity that facilitates connecting with different organizations, countries and people located across the globe, interaction intensity in such networks, speed of movement of such people, products, information across the globe, and the impact that is caused on various communities due to such a trend. In the context of globalization there often exists dilemma amongst the companies as to follow the ethical standards that are set in their home country or to adapt to the cultures and ethics of the local country so as to sustain its business operations (Varner & Beamer, 2011).One of the most renowned companies in the technology sector that faced such a dilemma was Google. It is the largest search engine across the globe with a total market of 70% in United States as identified in the year 2010. The company has not only been able to achieve high performance standards and success but also have set an image of being highly ethical by nature. The company performs all its operations based on the philosophy that money can be made even without doing any such thing that is evil. The major turmoil that the company noticed was in the year 2006 with the launch of a search engine that was China based. The company’s major motive was to gain market share in China and to make the Chinese pop ulation easily access all forms of information through its search engine (Human Rights Watch, 2010). However the company in order to be aligned with the censorship laws of the Chinese government agreed on the aspect of filtering certain words and information that would violate the law. Such words majorly were those that were politically sensitive such as democracy, etc. However the company faced major challenge through this initiative as many personnel engaged in human

HRM of Sonoco Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

HRM of Sonoco - Essay Example The strategic value of the Human Resource Management Structure in the development and implementation of the organization’s goal cannot be gainsaid. Thus its involvement in any planning and roll out of strategies and initiatives is not only a must but mandatory (Little, 2011). Sonoco is a 100 year old organization that have survived wars and repeated economic crises. It is also a paternal organization that values relationship rather than performance. Sonoco will be examined in this thesis to assess how the value of human resource management will be applied. Background The growing role of Human Resource Management in organizations (Losey, Meisinger, & Ulrich, 2005) that enable it to play an important role in strategic initiatives cannot be made more apparent that in the case of Sonoco. For the better part of the last one hundred years Sonoco packaging company have successfully achieved uninterrupted growth coupled with impressive financial success. However, the past several glob al crises have also affected the primary customers of Sonoco that contributed to a drastic reduction in its fiscal performance. Despite these adverse economic situations Sonoco managed to grow through the acquisition of several other companies. In trying to survive several crisis that would include reduced local demands Sonoco also had to contend with the increasing visibility of off-shore competitors that severely undercuts its prices. To resolve these challenges Sonoco tried and failed to get the right talents that would give it a fresh perspective. Instead Sonoco experienced productivity issues. The unreliable market experienced during the case would have been as a result of poor production which is also a consequence of lack of... According to the research findings the growing role of Human Resource Management in organizations that enable it to play an important role in strategic initiatives cannot be made more apparent that in the case of Sonoco. For the better part of the last one hundred years Sonoco packaging company have successfully achieved uninterrupted growth coupled with impressive financial success. However, the past several global crises have also affected the primary customers of Sonoco that contributed to a drastic reduction in its fiscal performance. Despite these adverse economic situations Sonoco managed to grow through the acquisition of several other companies. In trying to survive several crisis that would include reduced local demands Sonoco also had to contend with the increasing visibility of off-shore competitors that severely undercuts its prices. To resolve these challenges Sonoco tried and failed to get the right talents that would give it a fresh perspective. Instead Sonoco experien ced productivity issues. The unreliable market experienced during the case would have been as a result of poor production which is also a consequence of lack of proper management by the group managers and corresponding supervisors within the packaging department. Some of the consequences of poor management experienced in the case study include but not limited to reduction in sales which negatively impacted the company creating a perception that the company is losing consumer interest in the global market.

The Modernization of Japan Essay Example for Free

The Modernization of Japan Essay According to Contemporary Japan: A Teaching Workbook in Columbia University and East Asian Curriculum Project: â€Å"the arrival of United States naval fleet commanded by Commodore Matthew C. Perry has ended the seclusion of Japan from the outside world, particularly western. Perry then instructed to open Japan to foreign trade and diplomatic contact†. The Edo bakufu, recognizing United States military superiority, signed a treaty of friendship during a second visit by Perry in 1854. In 1868, the Meji restoration was successful and totally isolated from westerners influence. A new government was installed composed and led by rank and file samurai from the domains of Satsuma and Choshu. The newly restored government pledged to restore a new nation that shall be modernized and independent. As further cited by the Contemporary Japan: A Teaching Workbook in Columbia University, East Asian Curriculum Project: â€Å"it meant finding a new symbol around which Japanese people could rally (the Meiji Emperor), a new sense of investment in the modern society being built, the opportunity to make a â€Å"success† of oneself, and the dismantling of the old feudal order†. Subsequently over the period, in favor of a modern centralized government, the old feudal domains were abolished. The old feudal class distinctions were notably the samurai class. Resistance and contradiction in the newly restored government, as Saigo Takamori led a rebellion in 1878, were repelled. The Meji government proved its imperial power to rebuild its cultural heritage, society and the way of life. The government, as led by the Meji Oligarchs, has paved its governmental system into parliament. A constitution was enacted and the exercises of election that has finally outlined the parliament proceedings like modern states.

King Lear’s Sins Pale in Comparison to those Committed Against Him Essa

King Lear’s Sins Pale in Comparison to those Committed Against Him King Lear commits several acts that are nearly unforgivable. Not only does he exile a trusted, loyal servant, he also banishes his own daughter. Cordelia, unable and unwilling to submit herself to the ridiculous game of her father, is sent off to France with his curses. His subsequent action - the division of the land between his two ungrateful daughters - is the final act, the final sin, and one that plunges the land into turmoil. However, his actions do not excuse the responses they bring from his kin and kinsmen. The sins against him - the actions of his two daughters and the evilness of Edmund - are far greater than those he committed himself. While he may have started the series of events that eventually consumed the land in turmoil, it were those three who propagated the chaos. King Lear is definitely much more sinned against than sinning. That King Lear sinned, there can be no doubt. Nevertheless, a sin does not exclude the possibility that there was a sufficient cause (in his mind) for the action. Examine, for instance, King Lear's decision to exile his own daughter, Cordelia. The King is of an advanced age. Though he will not, can not, admit it, senility is advancing upon him, clouding his brain and influencing his judgement. Combined with his pride, age, and subconscious fear of encroaching mortality, Lear has a great desire for flattery, and more importantly, to have the love of his children reaffirmed before him. After the two first daughters inflate his ego, Cordelia is left in the unenviable position of trying to surpass them. She too will not, can not, bring herself to do so. Thi... ...don him in his madness. Edmund, the main force of 'evil' in the play, not only comes near to destroying the country the Lear has worked so hard to maintain, he also gives the order for the death of the King and his youngest daughter. This, of course, leads directly to Lear's own self-induced death. Therefore, while king Lear's sins were horrible, and cannot be fully excused by his madness or his redemption, they still pale in comparison to those committed against him. While he wallowed in pettiness, they succumbed to greed, evil, and murder. Works Cited Kermode, Frank. "King Lear." The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. G.B.Evans. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1974. 1249-54. Muir, Kenneth, ed. King Lear. London: Methuen & Co, 1972 Partee, Morriss Henry. "Edgar and the Ending of King Lear." Studia Neophilologica 63 (1991): 175-180.

Turkish Free Zones :: essays research papers

TURKISH FREE ZONES Free Zones are defined as special sites within the country but deemed to be outside of the customs border and they are the regions where the valid regulations related to foreign trade and other financial and economic areas are not applicable, are partly applicable or new regulations are tested in. Free Zones are also the regions where more convenient business climate is offered in order to increase trade volume and export for some industrial and commercial activities as compared to the other parts of country. With the objective of increasing export-oriented investment and production in Turkey, accelerating the entry of foreign capital and technology, procuring the inputs of the economy in an economic and orderly fashion and increasing the utilization of external finance and trade possibilities, Free Zones Law numbered 3218 was issued in 1985. Since then, - Mersin (1987) - Antalya (1987) - Aegean (1990) - à stanbul Atatà ¼rk Airport (1990) - Trabzon (1992) - à stanbul-Leather (1995) - Eastern Anatolia (1995) - Mardin (1995) - ISE à stanbul International Stock Exchange (1997) - à zmir Menemen-Leather (1998) - Rize (1998) - Samsun (1998) - à stanbul Thrace (ÇATALCA)(1998) - Kayseri (1998) Free Zones became operational. In general all kind of activities can be performed in Turkish Free Zones such as manufacturing, storing, packing, general trading, banking and insurance. Investors are free to construct their own premises, while zones have also available office spaces, workshops, or warehouses on rental basis with attractive terms. All field of activities open to Turkish private sector are also open to joint-venture of foreign companies. INCENTIVES OFFERED IN TURKISH FREE ZONES Turkish Free Zones are tax free zones. Income generated through activities in the Zones are exempted from all kinds of taxes including income, corporate and value-added tax. The validity period of an operation licence is maximum 10 years for tenant users, and 20 years for users who wish to make their own offices in the zone; If the operating licence is for production, these terms are 15 and 30 years for tenant users and investors, respectively. The requested operation licence period can be prolonged to 99 years according to the type of investment. Free Zones earnings and revenues can be transferred to any country, including Turkey, freely without any prior permission and are not subject to any kind of taxes, duties and fees. There is no limitation on the proportion of foreign capital participation in investment within the Free Zones. In contrary to most Free Zones of the world, sales into the domestic market are allowed in Turkish Free Zones.

Patton-Fuller Community Hospital Essay

QUESTIONS 1. What additional factors encountered in international as compared with domestic financial management? Discuss each briefly. International financial management is faced with many more business factors than domestic financial management. For instance, international businesses are required to operate in many different financial aspects around the world. International financial management must deal with customers, shareholders, vendors, and other businesses across a much wider plane than domestic financial managers. Investment decisions regarding international issues may also be greatly affected by the exchange rate, taxes, and arbitrage. It may also be more of a challenge to manage financial records when involved in international trade. Additional differences include higher rates of return as well as the interest-rate parity theory (IRP). The IRP is the forward premium or discount that should be equal and opposite in size to the difference in the national interest rates. The exposure to the decline of foreign currency is also a serious factor regarding international financial management. An additional factor is the fact that many international subsidiaries may choose to work independently instead of for the multi-national company. This would in turn prove disastrous for the entire company. International companies have much more access to funds as they can seek credit and financing in other countries besides their own. Finally, financial managers have the opportunity to make foreign investments. 2. What different types of businesses operate in the international environment? Why are the techniques and strategies available to these firms different? There are many types of businesses that operate in the international environment. Any business which participates in business transactions with other nations are part of the international environment. Any organization that is involved in imports and exports would definitely be involved. As  well, any large firm that communicates daily with dignitaries from other countries would also be involved in the international environment. These techniques and strategies may be different because of these businesses’ gross domestic product. In addition, these organization’s advancements in technology, knowledge, and communication may lead to higher economic development; therefore, the opportunity to participate in international trade and globalization. 3. What is meant by arbitrage profits? Arbitrage profits involve investments with little to no risk. An investor makes arbitrage profits by buying in one market with cheap currency, and then selling in another market. This strategy does not involve an investment of funds or any risk bearing. However, the investor would still make a sure profit. 4. What are the markets and mechanics involved in generating (a) simple arbitrage profits Simple arbitrage involves two or more markets. This type of trading does not include exchange rates across all markets with a single currency. Instead, simple arbitrage is taking advantage of the differences in price regarding one asset. (b) and triangular arbitrage profits? Triangular arbitrage is the process of converting one kind of currency to another, then converting it to another currency, and the finally converting back to the original currency. Triangular arbitrage usually occurs within a short time frame. Traders involved in triangular arbitrage would have to have advanced equipment and knowledge in order to effectively and quickly take advantage of this kind of trading. References Keown, A., Martin, J., Petty J., & Scott, D. (2005). Financial Management: Principles and Applications. Prentice Hall, Inc. Patton-Fuller Community Hospital Organizations are constantly looking for new ways to grow. A part of this includes budgeting and forecasting which prepares a corporation for its future endeavors. Corporations explore options for growth and Patton-Fuller Community Hospital has discovered three options for expanding their operations. (Apollo Group, Inc., 2010). These three options include going public through an Initial Public Offering, acquiring another organization in the healthcare industry, and merging with another organization. This essay will provide the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the three options Patton-Fuller Community Hospital has. Going public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) has its advantages. For instance, â€Å"creating currency that can be used to fund growth and generating liquidity for founders, investors and employees, among others† (Benton, 2005). When an organization goes public the largest concern is creating shareholder wealth therefore, choosing an IPO provides the funds necessary to increase shareholder wealth. However, acquiring another organization in the healthcare industry may strengthen Patton-Fuller to increase the firm’s assets. According to Patton-Fuller’s 2008 financial statement (Apollo Group, Inc., 2010), the current ratio is 5.41 indicating that Patton-Fuller has $5.41 in current assets for every $1 in current liabilities. The healthcare industry is a costly business therefore this ratio could use improvement. Merging Patton-Fuller with another organization provides benefits that this hospital lacks. Patton-Fuller is current working on remodeling the hospital waiting area and has recently solved an issue with the nursing staff. Merging with another organization could provide the assistance this hospital  requires in the sense of meeting its long-term goals as well as increasing its operating income return on investment which is currently at 12.3%. We will examine the weaknesses of the three expansion options. There are many disadvantages of going public through an IPO. The major disadvantage of going IPO is the cost and time involved in the transformation. Managers of top business people grow exhausted from dealing with attorneys, bankers, investors, accountants, etc. Another disadvantage is going public gets very expensive. Fees are paid out for various things and to various people. Losing confidentiality, flexibility, and control is another disadvantage. The SEC requires that all public organizations release information about public affairs, profits, etc. Patton-Fuller has to decide if giving up their freedom is the direction they want to gear toward. Acquiring another organization in the same industry can have its disadvantages. One major disadvantage is the industry being purchased having financial problems. This kind of organization is not worth the investment. The price to purchase may be a good cost for a bad reason. Cost characteristics can be another issue. Competitive problems are another issue. Everyone is trying to go after the same business. Some organization or cut throat concerning competition. If Patton-Fuller takes this route, they need to make sure the industry being purchase is worth the investment. They do not need their investment to work for them. Merging with another organization another organization could definitely bring on some challenges. When merging, votes must be approved by the stockholders. Stockholders play a big role in businesses merging. Obtaining the votes can be time consuming. Trying to get at least two-thirds or more votes is a task. There could also be conflict of objective between the two businesses. This could be a huge problem. When the two businesses do not see eye to eye, this can cause disruption within the organization. Then there is always the notion of a business becoming too large. When a merging business becomes too large to quick, this leads to higher costs. When merging, Patton-Fuller need to do their research about the business they want to merger with. Merging with the wrong organization could be a risky task. Patton-Fuller needs to do their research and weigh their options about all three expansion options. Patton-Fuller need to think long-term and what would be beneficial to the hospital long-term. The Patton-Fuller Community Hospital has been serving its local community since 1975; however the executives at the hospital now believe it is time expand from being a privately and have three options for expansion: going public through an IPO, acquiring another organization in the healthcare industry or merging with another organization. Opportunities of each approach that could benefit the Patton-Fuller Community Hospital will be determined and discussed. When a privately held coming goes public, it usually means that the company is selling shares of its stock for the first time to the public. This means that a once privately held company now is owned by public stockholders. The change of going from a privately held company to a publicly held company would require a lot of changes to the hospital; more than likely there would be a change in management and a loss of flexibility. However, going public through an IPO may be the only way the hospital would be able to continue to grow and expand. For any business, going public requires a lot of time and resources to ensure that the process happens smoothly. It is often believed that a company should look for other alternatives such as securing venture capital, forming a limited partnership or examine their current capital before committing to an IPO solution for expansion. Acquiring another healthcare company could be a consideration; acquisitions occur when two similar companies combine to form a new company altogether. The buyer of the other company takes control of the company because it is buying its shares; this means that the company the purchases the other company has full control over its assets and assumes all liabilities from the company that is being purchased. Acquiring another company within the healthcare industry would allow the Patton-Fuller Hospital to expand within the community. While acquisitions occur when one company buys another company and establishes itself as the owner of both  companies, a merger is the result of two companies that agree to move forward together but continue to be owned and operated separately. Merging is often a good idea for a lot of companies because it allows companies to join together for both organizations’ best interests to occur. Mergers allow businesses to dominate within their industries bu t allow them to each be individually owned and operated. There are threats associated with going public through an IPO. One threat is that there is a loss of control. â€Å"If Wall Street analysts don’t like the way the company is being run, your stock price may suffer, which means hard work has gone to waste. The board of directors may not like the job you’re doing, so your job is in jeopardy. And, of course, the shareholders may vote contrary to your opinion, which could significantly affect your life,† explains Harry S. Raphael, partner of Raphael and Raphael, LLP, a Boston-based full-service accounting and business consulting firm. The threat of losing control of an organization will run the risk of losing the organization. Also, Public companies have a greater accountability for their actions and must also meet stringent requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that cause innumerable distractions to the management team. At the same time, steady growth is expected on a quarter-by-quarter basis. If the expectations are not met, there is a chance of the company not being financed by lenders and therefore causing the company to go bankrupt. Lastly, â€Å"going IPO presents a different kind of communication channel, both internal and external, which must be created and maintained. Much of this burden falls on the chief financial officer (CFO), but investor and public relations firms play significant roles in the operation and daily life of a public company, as well. Such communications practices for public companies — or those entrenched in the IPO process — can be critical† (Hell No We Won’t IPO, 2010). The thought of purchasing an ongoing business would appear to be a good idea however, there are possible issues to consider: there is an existing  reputation, customer base, suppliers, equipment, leases and cash flow. â€Å"The infrastructure and management team are also in place. These facts will make it difficult for the business to soar if all mentioned is negative instead of positive. There is the possibility of the seller backing out just you get ready to sign the deal due to emotional attachments to the business. Their products may be inadequate and/or defective. The inventory is old and outdated. The business is on a downswing and experiencing a negative cash flow. Overall, it is difficult to find one good feature about the business, except the sales price. When this situation occurs, it is easier to start a new venture than purchase an old one† (AllBusiness, 2010). Merging with another business, of the same kind, is also an option. However, there are threats to consider. â€Å"The cooperation of the target firm existing management is almost a necessity for a merger. This cooperation may not be easily or cheaply obtained. Moreover, the diseconomies of scale if business become too large which leads to higher unit costs. It’s also will create clashes of culture between different types of business. Thus this reduces the effectiveness of the integration. Merger also may be creating a conflict of objective between different businesses, meaning decisions are more difficult to make and causing disruption in running of the business. It also results dissatisfaction among current staffs as positions will be limited and the management have to decide which staffs to hold the position after the transaction has taken place† (William, 2008). Patton-Fuller Community Hospital is a privately owned and has many options on how they can expand. Patton-Fuller now knows the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the three expansion options. They have to determine what approach would best facilitate the hospital needs. References AllBusiness. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty- businesses/minority-owned-businesses/459211-1.html Apollo Group, Inc. (2010). Patton-Fuller Community Hospital. Retrieved on October 09, 2010, from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Healthcare/PFCH/pfchHome.htm Benton, G. L. (2005). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Going Public. .IPO Planner, Guide and Resource Directory for Companies Going Public. Pillsbury Winthrop LLP. Retrieved on October 09, 2010, from http://ipoplanner.webzel.net/forum/00000003.html. Hell No We Won’t IPO, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from http://www.va- interactive.com/inbusiness/editorial/finance/articles/hellno.html William, Peter; The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mergers, November 15, 2008. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1189676/the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_pg2.html?cat=3