Future of healthcare Essay

Future strategic direction plays a huge role in health care. In this paper, I plan to describe a minimum of five challenges that are defining the future strategic direction of health care. The challenges that will be addressed include the information technology advancements such as the electronic medical record/electronic health record challenge, the accreditation, quality of healthcare, and organizational compliance challenge, the access to health care including the uninsured and those in the poverty levels challenge, the market shares and advancing age of population challenge, and the maintaining a skilled workforce challenge. I will also describe how an organization can adapt its direction and strategies to effectively address these challenges. Technology, protocol, regulations, populations, and workforce skill will always change within time and how an organization chooses to address these challenges will determine its success or failure. The first challenge to be addressed is the challenge of information technology advancements such as the electronic medical record or electronic health record. To be used effectively, the EHR must have a meaningful use. There are several ways for the EHR to have a meaningful use. First, to have a meaningful use the organization must have a knowledge of the use and its benefits to the organization. There are several factors that must be in place for the meaningful use to benefit the organization. One such way is that technical resources must be available and  utilized effectively. Other ways would include vendor support, the use of information for specialists, the return on the investments, and the availability of state programs. FUTURE 3 Technical resources are crucial because there will always be problems that arise in the systems. Information for specialists must be available and easily accessed without invading privacy. There needs to be a return-on-investment to be effective. The availability of state programs has to be present to be effective. The challenges that may arise when adopting the HER process may include cost challenges. This would require knowing the cost of the infrastructure of the program, the training involved, and the technical support involved. This would require a great dealof budget planning to see a return on investments. Time would also present a challenge with this system because it requires more time on behalf of the employees that they normally would have been seeing patients. Preparation is a challenge because all stakeholders wo uld have to be in support of the adoption and all the work that goes into it. There has to be a well thought out implementation of the program and maintaining it to be successful. Another challenge could be the availability of vendors with the whole market on deadlines and with consultants and extension centers in high demand, availability could become an issue. Training is another issue that needs to be well planned and without adequate training, time, cost, customer satisfaction, and employee support from good training, there could be failure. Making sure that the new HER system operates fully with other existing systems is crucial and data migration from paper or digital resources could result in data losses. They are also very time-consuming. Along with the HER challenges, organization are also facing the challenges of accreditation and organizational compliance. There are strict rules and regulations as well as protocol to follow for an organization to earn accreditation status. Staff can provide to be a huge challenge in accreditation because many employees do not believe in the accreditation being an FUTURE 4 overall positive step to take because of all the necessary time, paperwork, certifications, etc. and skepticism about the credentials of the accreditors while reaching this status and maintaining it. Effectiveness  and cost eff ectiveness proves to be a challenge in organization’s looking to be accredited. It can become very expensive. Separating quality improvement from quality control can seem a difficult process. While accreditation processes basically guarantee quality improvement in an organization, just taking all the necessary steps and keeping employees on board can prove to be the biggest challenge. Another challenge would include the low number of accreditation boards available for hospitals. To face these challenges, having a good baseline accreditation process in crucial to the strategic planning. Education of managers with explanations of the advantages and benefits of the process will be needed. Using credible and knowledgeable evaluators and knowing monitoring standards can be proven key to success. An on-going data collection monitoring system can provide excellent ways of tracking in your strategic planning process. A project plan of core standards and time frames, mini-evaluations of requirements, and obtaining commitment from all staff will prove to be beneficial in the strategic planning process as well. Besides the accreditation and HER challenges, the future will also bring challenges in the access to healthcare by the under-insured and poverty level citizens. The issue here includes the overall healthiness of the under-insured and lower income people to have preven tative care and take care of pre-existing conditions. If these conditions go undetected, the outcome can become dire. These people are far less likely to seek treatment and will many times not report any problems in getting the necessary medical care. This is where the access to healthcare becomes an issue because if it is not reported, problems escalate with the available access. Many of these FUTURE 5 people do not seek care on a regular basis and do not have primary care physicians or other sources of care. With prices rising, the number of uninsured and under-insured has grown. If given prescriptions if they do get to seek care, many do not fill the medications because of cost and affordability issues. Many major illnesses are not caught on time and then they have to be hospitalized. After hospitalization, they are referred to a specialist but most of these patients do not follow up with the specialists again because of affordability. This leads to a huge lack in access to health care that is necessary. The Affordable Health Care Act and the expansion of Medicaid  services addresses many of these issues. Improvements in access, the utilization, and reduction of high out-of-pocket costs have reduced the number of people needing access tremendously. Strategic planning for the future would include safety nets of clinics and hospitals to care for the uninsur ed, charity care, reduction of costs, and prescription help programs. Federal funding and community communication to address needs and raise money with charities and donations will play an important role. The health reform has addressed many of these issues, but planning for the future, knowing what help is available, and leading these patients to the help available, will be necessary to maintain progress in this area. The challenge of market shares and advancing population ages is at an all-time high and expected to get higher. The U.S. population is aging. Home health with the population aging resulting in challenges in the delivery of healthcare, hospital consolidations becoming necessary, length of hospital stays needing to be reduced as well as growing Medicaid and Medicare customers are all examples of these issues. There is and continues to be huge growth in home health markets. The workforces are older and the patients are older than in the past with the future showing even more advancement in average ages. More retirement age workforces and FUTURE 6 patients that will only require home health or hospice services is something that is being seen more and more. The challenges to the workforce would include keeping a regular staff that will have many years of continuous work for the company so that we have available medical staff in our hospitals, medical office, clinics, etc. Strategic planning for the future would include strategies and recommendations on the recruitment and the retaining of skilled health professionals regardless of their ages. Identifying innovative practices to promote employment in healthcare even those with disabilities or past retirement ages can be aimed at retaining the experienced older staff and creating job opportunities for all ages. Maintaining a skilled workforce is yet another challenge that has been identified and needs to be addressed for the future of our health care. Research has shown that in workforce demographics and the trends of the workforce, hospitals will face low vacancy due to recession, shortages, and the tight labor market in the next decade. (Schidlow, 2008) Recruiting and retaining workers to replace  the retirees will be crucial. Strategic planning to include work process redesign, new technology implementation and maintenance, keeping employee satisfaction, and the attraction of a new generation of work staff will be necessary. Future strategic direction plays a huge role in health care. In this paper, I described a minimum of five challenges that are defining the future strategic direction of health care. The challenges that were addressed included the information technology advancements such as the electronic medical record/electronic health record challenge, the accreditation, quality of healthcare, and organizational compliance challenge, the access to health care including the uninsured and those in the poverty levels challenge, the market shares and advancing age of population challenge, and the maintaining a skilled workforce challenge. I also described how an FUTURE 7 organization can adapt its direction and strategies to effectively address these challenges. Ultimately, technology, protocol, regulations, populations, and workforce skill will always change within time and how an organization chooses to address these challenges will determine its success or failure. FUTURE 8 References Beaman, C. D., Jr. (2008). Caring for the uninsured. Healthcare Executive, 23(1), 46-47. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database. Bisognano, M., Schummers, D., & McCannon, J. (2008). Leadership’s role in execution: Change must happen organizationwide to be successful. Healthcare Executive, 23(2), 66,68,70. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database. Delgado, R. I. (2009). Financial performance drivers and strategic control: The case of cancer treatment centers (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from the ProQuest database. Reilly, P. (2012). Leading change in a new era. Healthcare Financial Management 66(1) 53-57. Retrieved from the ProQuest database. Runy, L. A. (2009). Why the hospital physician staffing structure must change. Hospitals & Health Networks 83(6), 55-56, 1. Retrieved from the ProQuest database. Schidlow, D. V. (2008). Strategic planning in health care: The results are everything†¦or are they? Physician Executive, 34(2), 32-4. Retrieved from the ProQuest database. Spath, P. L., & Abraham, S. C. (2013). Strategic management in healthcare organizations. Ashford University: San Diego, CA.

Fashion Fundamentals Test Review

The designer who creates designs for several manufacturers, is called a High fashion or name designer Stylist- designer Freelance designer The secondary level of the fashion industry is composed of: Is composed of growers and producers of the raw materials of fashion Ђ Is the ultimate distribution level Is the retailer Is composed of manufacturers and contractors of finished apparel Is the level that functions with all other levels simultaneously The primary level of the fashion industry is composed of: 5. True or False Licensing is a legal arrangement whereby firms are given permission to produce and market merchandise in the name of the licensor for a specific per 6. True or False Lines encompass an entire seasons production from a designer 7. True or False odd of time.There is no difference in price point or market location between a line and a election. 8. True or False A knock off is a copy of an original designer garment. 9. True or False An anchor piece for a collection is a piece that sold well at retail therefore it is re cut/ remade in new fabric for the current season. 10. Spring I is shown (circle one) October and November January February March None of the above 11. Resort is shown (circle one) 12. True or False Merchandisers are the links that hold the entire product development process together. They are the link between the design staff, production facilities and the sales staff. True or False The manufacturer does it all from sales, product development to shipping product. He final In stage four of the production process garments are shown to retailers Cutting involves (circle 3 of the below) Making a marker Grading a pattern Spreading the fabric on a cutting room table Bundling the pattern pieces Finishing involves (circle 3 of the below) Sewing on buttons Dyeing Attaching labels Washing to prevent shrinkage Floor ready procedures include (circle 3 of the below) Labeling cartons Adding sales tickets / bar codes to garments Completion of sh ipping documents Packing properly with correct hangers Private labels are owned by a retailer and only found in their stores. Specification buying is when the retailer tells the manufacturer their standards before they place an order. Offshore production is the practice of producing goods within the country of origin. Manufacturers/ designers produce product only within their category. (For example: a coat manufacturer only produces coats/ outerwear) Designer price zones are considered: The highest price point Bridge price pointModerate price point Budget price point Please select the price point for product that is sold in the moderate market (Guess, Esprit, Levi Strauss is examples) The major market centers are: (circle 2) New York Houston Dallas Chicago Marts consist of exhibition spaces that house wholesale markets Haute Couture losses money itself but creates profitability through licenses, pr ©t a porter lines and franchising. Pr ©t a Porter is fashion that is â€Å"custo m made or made to measure† Semi Annual â€Å"Prà ªt† shows are held in the below capitals: (circle 3) Paris Milan London Geneva Rome Which European fashion market city is known and respected for its luxury textiles, handwork, leather goods and accessories. 30. Compare and contrast the roles of the designer versus the merchandiser? They both research trends, colors, and fabrics using forecasters. Designers sketch the piece while the merchandisers figure out the right prices, places, quantity, etc. 31 . How does a Jobber differ from a manufacturer?The Jobber handles the designing, planning, cutting, selling, and shipping, but not the sewing 33. What is a chargeable? Retailers way of financially penalizing the manufacturer for late, incomplete, mistaken, or wrong ticketing issues on garments 34. What role do factors play in the fashion industry? Fund the deals by purchasing accounts receivable or lending money 35. What are the six stages of the product development process ? 1 . Plan line 2. Create design concept 3. Develop design 4. Plan production 5. Produce 6. Distribute 36. Name the major market centers in the USA. Miami, New York, Dallas, Los Angels, Chicago 37. Name the major market centers in Europe. London, Paris, Milan

Chinese Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chinese Culture - Essay Example It was therefore only to be expected that it would also make the usual transition from a feudal to a capitalist society much before Europe. However, that was not to be. China's feudal system lasted for about three thousand years - almost three times that of Europe - and when the last dynasty, the Qing, collapsed in the early 20th century, it was largely because the weakened political system, still feudal in nature, could not recover from the successive blows dealt to it by the extraneous capitalist powers that were intent on exploiting the country politically and economically. What is the reason behind such an extraordinary fall from a glorious past From its position as perhaps the earliest mature and technologically advanced civilization in the world, how did China become the 'sick man of Asia', as it was being called by the end of the 19th century Many explanations have been forwarded for this great longevity and continuity of traditional cultural and socials models in China. First, there is the fact that the succession of Chinese dynasties, though they were often established by minority groups or derived from external origins, caused little disruption in the inherited cultural life of the people. The peaceful traditional Chinese way of life always proved to be more powerful than the military might of the conquerors, and conquered them in the end. This gave rise to a great inertia in the lives of the people which was very difficult to break. Consider the Yuan Dynasty, established by Mongols who invaded from the steppe regions in the late third quarter of the 13th century. The native Chinese population was thoroughly intimidated by this warlike tribe. A peace born of resignation and fear, sometimes known as Pax Mongolica, ruled the country. It has been said that so thorough was the conquest that a naked maiden on horseback could ride the length of the country without fear of molestation. Yet even this indomitable tribe finally embraced the Chinese way of life and even their religion. Similarly the Manchu-s in the middle of the 17th century. Secondly, the recalcitrance described in the last point was an obstacle not only to cultural change, but also economic change. Technology is one of the underpinnings of capitalism, and in this respect China was far ahead of the West until the coming of the European renaissance. The Chinese had the world's first hydraulic clock in the 8th century, and by the 11th century their advanced metallurgical industry was producing vast quantities of military grade iron. Yet the successive governments never wavered from the theory that agriculture was the key to the economy. All their economic and fiscal policies favored agriculture to the detriment of industry. Consequently, a proper industrial infrastructure never emerged. Even a market-oriented agriculture can be the basis of a capitalist transformation. But Chinese agriculture was inward-looking. Farmers were not particularly interested in selling products, but lived off the harvest. So a vast portion of the country's production was never involved in the market. The religion of Confucianism, first embraced by the Han emperors of the third century BCE and continuing as the 'state religion' until the fall of imperialism, preached a political and social ideology that instilled a complex retrospective attitude in the populace. Many scholars think that it was one the

A detailed analysis of the tactile sensory system examining the Essay

A detailed analysis of the tactile sensory system examining the neurosceince, praxis and sensory modulation in relation to Autism - Essay Example ASD, Autism spectrum disorders are enduring neurodevelopmental disorders described as impairments in these three areas of functioning: communication abilities; restricted, stereotyped or repetitive behaviour patterns; and social behavior. Most researchers concur that autism is originated by either abnormal organization within the central nervous system, irregular brain structure, or both. Due to the variation of symptoms, the wide variety in their severity and the functional deficits’ continuum, the term ASDs is now being utilized to report the disparity observed in these children (Wing, 1997). Although there had been several theoretical evidence regarding the causes of autism, nowadays, more specific knowledge is available for the neurological and genetic abnormalities that exist. It’s been proposed that a surplus of axons in particular regions of brain results in an over-connection of these regions. Yet, their connections to other regions of the brain seem to be fragile (Herbert, 2005). It seems to be a need of coordination among these areas of brain. This lack of synchronization seems to affect brain functioning. People with ASDs have trouble conveying dissimilar cognitive functions mutually in an organized way. They suffer from difficulties in organization and planning (Prior & Hoffman, 1990). Synchronizing volition with sensation and movement can be complicated for some. In autism every part of the brain appears to perform on its own (Just et al., 2004) thus lacking a coordination of information. The information related to the environment is interpreted through sensory systems. It can be explained as a process within the brain which arranges sensory experiences – sound (taste), touch, gravitational pull, body awareness, movement and sight – into collective information which is then utilized by the individuals in reacting to and learning about

Technological Awareness of Teachers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Technological Awareness of Teachers - Essay Example Because technology provides animation and different kinds of presentation using media materials, and these helps our students to absorb information by just watching and listening. Essentially, educational technology helps to improve the overall efficiency of the teaching-learning process. It is noted that a microteaching session can be real and convincing since it issues videotape recording as evaluative medium and should be learned by our mentors. As educators became much more aware of their responsibility to deliver the best quality education to students, they have begun to recognize the need to be aware of educational technology. The perception when educational technology was first heard is a negative one but it appears that to many people it has served to inhibit the introduction of better educational technology and its use in improving the delivery with higher quality learning outcomes.2 The new technologies are radically changing the nature and configuration of adult education. With computer information, educators are no longer the primary source of factual information. Changes are therefore occurring in the methods and content of instruction, both supplementing and changing the relationship between the teacher and the learner. Still, the new technologies have freed many individuals to enjoy their leisure and to work at home in a distraction-free environment. And in the future, most educational services are foreseen to be delivered electronically by teleconferencing, cable and satellite television, computer networks and other means et to be discovered - provided educators learn how to use the media in congruence with the principles of community education. The future trends in media technology hold promise for further improving learning, reducing the barriers that limit effectiveness in the learning process, and tapping the potentials of new technological tools in instruction. The researcher will inform the teachers and would be teachers that as they enter the educational field at a very exciting moment as a teacher, human resource trainer or educational administrator. There has been expressed a critical need for an effective in-service program on the development of teaching competence. Among the alternative strategies introduced, however, Microteaching has been cited as being both a model and a real teaching encounter. In the search for strategies to develop teaching skills microteaching sessions have shown tangible to have positively contributed to the professional growth and improved teaching performance of student teachers. Background of the Research (Progressive nature of the documents that show the development process ) The researcher chose this topic to help and inform educators regarding the usage and usefulness of educational technology on their teaching profession and know what are the instructional media and technology to use. There is something that teacher's are missing on, in the tertiary education, there has been and increasing emphasis on group learning techniques. This move to group learning has been given further impetus by the development of science and technology-based games simulation and case studies. These techniques of instructions are ideally suited for use in teaching the various higher cognitive and non-cognitive skills are now regarded as essential part of a properly rounded

Teaching plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Teaching plan - Essay Example content in the form of behavioral objectives, put the interest of the interest of the student ahead of the teacher and finally ensure the set part connects the students back to the previous lessons. The three main objectives to be used during the teaching process were: to translate the written material into Mandarin, use pre and post quiz to determine learning objectives and outcomes respectively, and clients performing exercises according to what was learnt. The first and third teaching objectives are cognitive learning goals whereas the second objective is a psychomotor learning goal. It is imperative to assess the learning goals to determine the quality of learning intended for the clients. Bloom’s taxonomy, originally created in and for an academic setting, is useful in determining the usefulness of set goals in facilitating holistic learning. Bloom placed value in the mastery of subjects and advancement of higher orders of thinking as opposed to mere transference of facts. According to this classification, cognitive learning entails the transference of knowledge, psychomotor involves skills, and the affective domain concerns the attitudes towards a subject. The clients were given the opportunity to pictures and posters of various exercises. After that, they received a demonstration of each exercise and an explanation of the material presented on the board. The large poster outlined the benefits of exercise, the types of exercises to be used to improve strength, endurance, flexibility and balance, helpful tips during exercising, and points to remember during exercising. The first step of looking at the posters and having the material explain to them is in the cognitive domain of learning. The information is comprehended by the mind, but has not yet resulted in behavioral change. The clients performed the exercises in a seated position and were taught how to carry out the exercises safely. The first aspect of learning while seated is in the cognitive

THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA Essay

THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA - Essay Example The resultant nature of upcoming bacteria and viruses leads to drug tolerance. In most cases, pathogens acquire newer forms and abilities of resistance through evolution. In a broad sense, the pathogens acquire a stronger resistance against drugs and thus, repel any upcoming drugs, making them ineffective. The development of drug resistance specifically stems from drugs that aim at eradicating specific viral and bacterial proteins. Since such drugs are mainly specific to given viruses and bacteria, any mutation in such pathogens interferes with its destructive nature, which results in drug resistance. As the drugs become more developed, the viruses and bacteria mutate to acquire protective qualities that are commensurate to the strength of the developed drugs. With this in mind, the innate capacity of bacteria and viruses to evolve to such an extent of outpacing upcoming drugs suggests that stakeholders in the medical field should work towards achieving long-term and viable anti-microbial therapies that will evolve with the pathogens’ ability to adapt t o the situation. A succinct analysis of Bryskier (2005), reveals that antibiotics are composed of natural secretions by fungi and bacteria that aim at engulfing and killing other bacteria that are pose competition over limited nutrients. The drugs used in treating diseases in the contemporary originate from such secretions. Professionals in the medical field remain alarmed by the discovery that some viruses and bacteria have developed resistance to drugs, and further evolved through mutations or DNA alterations. Based on information outlined by Fisher and Mobashery (2010), rresidential areas and health facilities act as proper breeding grounds for drug resistant qualities of bacteria and viruses. Such bacteria flourish in an environment dominated by people with ailments and whose immune systems are

The Concept of e-Healthcare Information Security and Issues in Essay

The Concept of e-Healthcare Information Security and Issues in e-Healthcare Information Security - Essay Example The problem with electronic based healthcare information is that efforts need to be made to stop people who are not authorized to access the information from accessing it. It is essential to ensure that people are not only physically, but even virtually stopped from accessing this information if that are not authorized to do so. There are several issues linked with the security of electronic healthcare information such as the inconsistency between the laws that govern healthcare and the policies of different healthcare institutes (Shoniregun 23). Another issue is that just because of politics and lack of proper culture different healthcare systems such as the e-healthcare information systems and the physical employees are obstructed from successful implementation of the system. Same issue is experienced when the healthcare system tried to integrate different electronic healthcare systems such as guidelines for practicing as a clinical and the decision support system (Shoniregun 24). The information of electronic healthcare is derived from a diverse range of sources which makes the information monitoring analysis and security quite difficult. Other than that the internet and other technologies have further added to the challenges of securing and managing healthcare information that is electronic in

Explain Anselm’s Ontological Argument Essay Example for Free

Explain Anselm’s Ontological Argument Essay Explain Anselm’s ontological argument. The ontological argument was put forth at first as a prayer by the eleventh century monk and philosopher Anselm of Canterbury. In his Proslogion, which means discourse, he presented this argument as a prayer for believers to substantiate their belief in god. Anselm uses ‘a priori’ (which means before experience) reasoning, which conveys that it does not rely or depend on experience and so an argument of this sort is more plausible and likely to intrigue and attract philosophers, by not depending on experience or acquaintances it can be understood and derived purely from logic. Furthermore its truth doesn’t depend on anything apart from logic and can be deduced purely from the meaning of the words used in the argument. The ontological argument uses deductive reasoning, which means its conclusion is contained within the premises presented, and if one accepts these premises to be true then one must accept that the conclusion is also correct; an argument of this sort would be: 1. Men are all mortal. 2. Renà © Descartes was a man. 3. Consequently Renà © Descartes is mortal. From this example if we accept the premises (12) then logically we must accept the conclusion (3) so in some form this argument presents a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion. Anselm’s argument said ‘God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived’, by greater he means perfect and by conceived he means to think of, so we can put in other words: God is that than which nothing more perfect can be thought of. When Anselm first wrote this in the Proslogion, his intentions for this were not for it to be used as an argument to prove God’s existence but just a mere prayer for believers, but due to his reliance solely on reason and logic it has become popular and has overcome the test of time as it is still relevant today and is being studied. The argument can take this form: 1. God is that than which nothing more perfect can be thought of. 2. Even a fool can understand this definition. (By fool Anselm most likely meant someone who does not believe in god, and so he said this to show that  this argument is nothing of a complex sort but of a simple nature which can be comprehended by anyone, even a fool as Anselm said.) 3. This fool says that god ceases to exist in reality, merely as an idea. 4. It is greater to exist both in the understanding and in reality, than essentially just in the understanding. 5. The greatest possible being, for it to be the greatest must truly exist in both modes: reality and understanding. 6. Hence god does exist both in reality and in the understanding; therefore we can also conclude that the fool in reality is actually a fool. (The fool is denying the existence of the greatest possible being, this being must exist for it to be the greatest possible being, and if he wasn’t the greatest possible being then surely we could conceive of something greater.) Anselm starts the argument with a definition, and uses this definition to prove god into existence, however this argument relies on a particular definition and analysis of a particular one. There are two fundamental and paramount facets to this argument: one is the understanding of the definition, this is an integral part of the argument, because the argument arises from this start point, and also that it is greater to exist both in reality and in understanding. Anselm understood god in an analytical sense, analytic sense is where the whole meaning of a word or statement is transferred through the words only, like for example, Tom has a brother, you wouldn’t say he has a brother who is a male because the fact that he is a male is already conveyed through the meaning of the word brother. And so likewise, Anselm understood god in the same way, so it isn’t necessary to say ‘god, you know exists’ the aspect of existence is already given away from the word god, and so in a way could be perceived as inseparable from god. This argument mentioned hitherto was found in Proslogion 2, which tried to prove gods existence. A contemporary of his, Gaunilo of Marmoutier who was a monk and also a theist, replied to Anselm’s Proslogion, with a work titled ‘On Behalf of the Fool’, he was truly also a Christian and had a firm belief in god, but he rejected the jump from the definition that god is the greatest being to the conclusion that he must exist. Gaunilo claimed that through Anselm’s reasoning we can potentially prove anything one wishes into  existence by proposing it’s the greatest thing or maximally perfect in its calibre. He used the example of an Island, that if we were to say that there existed an island which was the most excellent and possessed an inestimable wealth, we can easily understand this; even a fool can comprehend this. And therefore it is the most excellent, and it is more excellent to exist both in reality and in understanding moreover this island must exist. He argued even a fool is right to be sceptical about Anselm’s argument, as evidence is required for a matter as great as god. Furthermore he went on to claim that Anselm’s argument is a ‘reducto ad absurdum’, this is Latin for reduced to absurdity. As Anselm was aware of this criticism during his lifetime, he wrote a Reply to Gaunilo, in this he defends his argument and draws up another aspect. He says ‘God cannot be conceived not to exist†¦ That which can be conceived not to exist is not god’. This introduces another matter; Anselm asks whether a god is greater who can be thought of as not existing or a god which cannot be thought of not existing. Furthermore he claims that it is a contradiction for a god who can be thought of not existing if he truly is the greatest possible. Anselm created a dichotomy between the concepts of things: necessary and contingent existences. Anselm himself didn’t use these aforementioned terms himself but were later applied by philosophers but Anselm did split the two as he described the island as physical and therefore he could easily propose that it could cease to exist due to other physical causes like for example the sea levels rising could eradicate the island completely. However he said that it is impossible to imagine the greatest being not existing or ceasing to exist, and then surely it would not be the greatest being. Necessary existences do not depend on any other thing for it to exist, as it is the greatest thing so it is not predisposed to anything else. On the other hand, contingent existences do depend on other things and also there was a time when they didn’t exist, like for example humans, who are a perfect example of a contingent being. However Anselm argued that god was a necessary being, and it cannot be thought of as not existing, it has always exists and always will. It is rather hard to conceive of another necessary being or existence apart from this. Anselm put forward this proposition in Proslogion 3, that god has a necessary existence, and this is the type of god that he is, in this way Anselm shows that Gaunilo was a fool as he didn’t understand the type of god that Anselm discussed.

Principles of Marketing - Shoes Essay Example for Free

Principles of Marketing Shoes Essay For most women shoes are probably the most important part of the whole outfit. The shoes you wear can increase your confidence or destroy it, and you can never have enough. Companies capitalize on this idea by mostly targeting women when they are marketing their shoe products. The market for fashion forward men is growing rapidly, thus more stores are providing a lot more variety of men’s shoes as well. The shoe market is divided into three major product categories athletic shoes, casual and dress shoes, and then â€Å"boom-or-bust† novelty designs. The shoe industry is one of the more â€Å"mature† industries, meaning that it has passed the emerging and growth stages and the sales are slower and more constant. The average woman owns 17 pairs of shoes. Women make up 25% out of the 40% casual/dress shoes segment, while the remaining 15% of it belongs to men. In order for a company, to retain its old customers and attract new customers, they must continually offer better and bolder shoes. The taste of shoe buyers changes often, and so the retailers must improve their shoes. The improvements in an athletic shoe would focus on comfort and performance enhancement. The dress and casual shoes would rely on the fashion-forwardness and the superior products and novelty designs focus on improving profitability. The whole shoe industry has to be able to adapt to change and with the electronic era here. The biggest change the industry probably has to make is moving to an e-business adjusting a company’s sales to stay the same and even increase, while keeping up with the technology and trends at the same time. That could mean expanding internet sales and closing down low performing stores or just marketing their online segments harder. The Designer Shoe Warehouse, more formally known as DSW, opened in 1969 and over the years has become a â€Å"leading branded footwear and accessories retailer†. DSW offers a wide range of brand name shoes and sneakers for men women kids as well accessories. Their strengths rely in the distinctive and convenient store layout as well as the prices offered to customers. Some shoes at DSW are offered at lower prices than in other stores. DSW is a warehouse with rows upon rows of shoes. The possibilities seem endless. They carry lots of different brands and styles so everyone can find something that they like. The company has 364 stores in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as 346 leased departments for other retailers in the US. Not only does DSW have a whole bunch of traditional brick and mortar store locations, there are two websites. There is a product site where you can purchase shoes and accessories, and there is an investor relations site where you can find information about the company, press releases, SEC filings, and stock information since it is a publicly traded company. DSW became public in 2005. One effort in retaining customers would be their rewards system. To become a member is free of charge and you receive reward certificates after every 1,500 points earned. There are special deals and offers that are available to members only, such as, double-point shopping days twice a year, birthday certificates, and tracking purchases. And if you want to, you could upgrade your membership to the Premier Rewards status; for a small price. But, the Premier Reward members get all the perks, such as free next day shipping, triple-point days twice a year and access to events and offers that are just exclusively for them. The product website has an easy layout for customers divided into categories and sub categories. When a customer is in the process of looking for a shoe to purchase there are many great features included to help along the way. Such as full product detail that includes a colorful description of the shoe, the materials the shoe is made out of, and the dimensions. The customer can see ratings other people give the shoe such as duration, width, and comfort. There are also indications on the site that are more specific to feet preferences. Options such as choosing whether you want the shoe to come in a wide or narrow, the different colors and sizes available are given to the customer as well as, compare prices to show you how much you can save on a particular shoe. These details help the customers find a shoe that is the best for them. ALDO is a private company that is deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and service to others. Their mission is to deliver Total Customer Service, and make people feel good through the products that they provide. Similar to DSW, ALDO sells shoes and accessories to men and women. ALDO stores are found all over the world in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and 60 other countries. ALDO’s success relies on its ability to be fashion forward and globally conscious. This company is big on giving back and the employees participate in community service events, fundraisers and causes. One big cause ALDO participates in is the fight against AIDS. They have been involved with the fight since 1985 but in 2005 the ALDO Group launched campaign called ALDO fights AIDS that has been spreading awareness and raising money for a cure by using talented and known celebrities and media genres to donate as well as promote it. Something that differentiates ALDO’s website is that they have a ‘Trends’ tab on their website that describes the looks, or styles they represent and has a gallery of pictures to show how they would dress while wearing the shoes. To make it easier for the customer, they have a section on the website that has the top pic ks for both men and women. When thinking about purchasing a pair of shoes from ALDO there are many helpful things such as videos to teach you about the style of the shoes, colors available, a full written description of the material of the outside of the shoe and what the soles made of and a size guide with US and European sizes since their shoes vary in the sizes offered. The website also provides recommendations on what else you may like according to their beliefs. ALDO offers free returns and fast delivery. There is a new age among us where shoe stores don’t have to actually have a building, but only a space online to sell and showcase shoes. Zappos is one of those stores. Zappos was founded in 1999 at the peak of the internet boom because the founder Nick Swinmurn was dissatisfied with the shoe market. No one retailer had everything that he was looking for. The vision for the company is to have the best service and best selection online and they are living the vision, and have been evolving with the market for the past 9 years. Zappos has been called the Amazon of shoes. Even though the company does not have traditional brick and mortar stores they do have a warehouse that houses all of the shoes that they make available for sale. Zappos is a family that is made up of different members that do different things. The first member is Zappos.com, Inc. which has the facilities, finance Treasury and Accounting departments, the Help Desk , Human Resources, etc. The next member of the family is Zappos CLT which takes calls, emails and chat live with customers. Zappos Development is responsible for content, creativity and marketing. Zappos Gift Cards sells gift cards. Zappos Insights provides insight into the company culture and mentors people on Zappos Family culture. Zappos IP is comprised of development and the Project Management Team. Zappos Merchandising develops relationships with the vendors and purchase the products on the site. Zappos Retail consists of clothing and apparel to help with retail therapy. And the last member of the family is 6pm.com, LLC, this site sells shoes, clothing, bags, and accessories at discount prices. The Zappos Family has ten core values that they live and abide by in order to grow strong and fulfill their goal to have the best service and best selection online. When on the Zappos website it is extremely easy to navigate through the pages. There are many categories and sub categories to choose from and the selections under them are endless. Zappos currently houses 1,140 different brands of shoes clothing and accessories with the goal and plan on increasing that number. They sell merchandise from Crooks and Castles which sells hip clothing to Giuseppe Zanotti which sells expensive high fashion shoes, heels, boots, and sandals. A newer, all internet company is Just Fabulous or JustFab.com. This company is led by, fashion icon and owner of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons. JustFab keeps its members and customers up-to-date with fashion trends and styles. This company is differentiated because when you first sign up for JustFab, you take a style quiz about the different styles and looks you like. And every month your own style experts pick out items that they think you will like, and adds them to your boutique. There is a VIP membership, where members pay $39.95 for everything on the site and receive free shipping and returns. There is no obligation to pay but each month you must browse your boutique by the 5th or else you will be charged the $39.95. It is very important for a company to differentiate itself from others. Differentiation is key to getting and retaining customers, whether the differentiation comes from customer service, brand style, membership perks, etc. The companies selected all have things that differentiate them from each other, most of them relying on their rewards programs and customer service. DSW and Zappos pride themselves on having a wide range and variety of shoes, accessories, and clothing. They both try to be a â€Å"one-stop-shop† getting all of your needs fulfilled in one place. I think the personalized stylist in the JustFab Company is a brilliant idea because it is a form of interactive marketing. They are increasing relationships between the customer and the company. The only critique of JustFab is in the variety and styles. Most of the shoes and clothes they sell look cheap and ugly, but that is the price to pay when you are only spending about $40.00 for a pair of shoes, when they can run from $60-$200 for a good pair, or even more. ALDO has a strong sense of community and the products are extremely stylish. The AIDS campaign is also a good sense of social responsibility that increases the goodwill of the company. Out of all the companies the best and most effective business model and presence would have to be Zappos’s. The Zappos Family established a set of goals in the beginning and have been working toward them ever since. They live, work, and thrive by their ten Zappos Family Core Values. They are constantly working on growing the company and offering more brands to sell. The prices are good because they give sales on different shoes periodically. One thing I would do to better the company would implement a â€Å"boutique† just like in JustFab because all the variety it can be a little overwhelming at times. Websites Used http://www.dsw.com/ http://investors.dswshoe.com/ http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/culture http://www.justfab.com/how-justfab-works.htm http://about.zappos.com/ http://www.statisticbrain.com/footwear-industry-statistics/ http://www.investopedia.com/terms/ http://articles.philly.com/2011-10-18/entertainment/30292867_1_shoes-foot-pain-women http://www.valueline.com/Stocks/Industry_Report.aspx?id=7259

Career in Quantity Surveying

Career in Quantity Surveying Quantity surveyors come in two flavors. There is the PQS, Private Quantity Surveyor, who works in professional practice and the CQS or Contractors Quantity Surveyor, who works for a building contractor. The Quantity Surveyor   is responsible for all the financial, contractual and legal aspects of a construction project.   The PQS will provide cost planning advice during the design stage of a project and then monitor the actual costs against the budgets whilst the project is being built.   Building contractors are often paid monthly in instalments on large projects and it is the quantity surveyors job to determine a fair valuation for the work that has been completed.   In addition the PQS will advise the client on a suitable form of building contract. The Contractors Quantity Surveyor will be involved in pricing work that a contractor is asked to tender for, letting packages of work to specialist subcontractors and valuing and paying for subcontractors work. In the same way that the PQS provides cost planning advice to the client the CQS provides financial advice to the building contractor. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry.   As a student quantity surveyor, Ruth Smart worked on the McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs.   Listen to what she has to say about her work by clicking on her link.   Hit Back on your browser to return to this page. If you think you are more skilled with figures than floor plans then you might think about becoming a quantity surveyor the so called economist of the construction industry. As a student quantity surveyor Ruth Smart worked on McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield calculating the construction costs. The major one of this stadium was all of these they are called banana trusses because they are shaped like bananas. The steel work that went into this stadium was very expensive. There is a lot concrete in this building as you can see all the seats. The whole structure is concrete. The seats are put on top of concrete. Steps, huge, huge money. The nicer bits are thing like you know the actual pitch, and the lights all these extras that you don’t think of which need to be priced. The line markings, everything we have to take into account everything, signage, big project. I studied quantity surveying at Leeds and years 1 and 2 was spent in the college learning, year 3 was spent on site at McAlpine Stadium and year 4 was my final year again spent in College. It wasn’t just text book stuff it was things like learning to build a brick wall. What construction was about the actual physical building of buildings. Surveyors who have been educated in Britain are viewed very well overseas. Two months after I graduated I started work out in Johannesburg, South Africa. Which was fantastic lots of exposure. Thrown in at the deep end was great running my own jobs. I became chartered June 2000. It’s good in the fact that if you wanted to set up your own practice you have to be chartered to do it for your professional indemnity insurance. It’s good also because being chartered means you are more qualified and you get a bigger salary. And also if you take a break from your career when you are chartered it’s easier to get back into your career. Team work in this sort of industry is very important because there are lots of different parties you have to communicate with and that you have to work with. The design team being architect, quantity surveyor, engineer, contractor must all work together must all communicate because without each other we couldn’t get the job done. I was attracted to the construction industry because I had never met a woman who worked within construction and it was a challenge to me. I would say to a woman who was a little bit nervous about joining the industry to go for it because I think it’s worthwhile and she’d love it like I do. Quantity Surveying Our team undertakes all types of Quantity Surveying services for a wide-ranging client base and property profile. We cover all aspects of a project, from feasibility through to overall redevelopment, consistently applying a number of firm principles. These include strict financial and risk control at all times, continuous value engineering and cost-in-use assessments. Our Services Feasibility and Planning Provision of an unambiguous statement, setting out each client’s brief and objectives. Provision of initial cost advice and an anticipated complete out-turn price. Initial estimates are later developed into detailed cost plans to monitor the ongoing cost of the design development. Identification and control of the project’s risks, which can typically include neighbouring issues, access issues, ground conditions and programme restrictions. Procurement Recommendation on the form of contract. The selection of contractors and associated tendering/negotiating processes The provision of an unambiguous, concise and complete Agreement between all parties, accurately reflecting our client’s requirements and the contractor’s proposal. Appointment of the contractor and production of contract documentation. Construction Financial monitoring, including interim payments and variation control Programme monitoring Contract operation and administration Real-time reporting on programme and out-turn costs Completion Managed possession we can negotiate and agree full, sectional or partial possession of a project Agreement of final account Supplementary services We supply a range of supplementary services, complementing our other divisional colleagues by providing specialist cost and time critical analysis to them, where they may be responsible for the overall service to the client.   Such services include: Employer’s agent, as identified by the JCT Standard Form of Contract Litigation support for disputes arising within building contracts Expert witness relating to issues of construction Cost-in-use/value engineering for alternative construction solutions Development monitoring for third parties Fire insurance valuations Planning supervision as recognised by the Health Safety Executive Capital allowance assessments for increased allowances against corporation tax Tax and VAT guidance QS Description Quantity surveyors prepare cost estimates and plans, audit projects, manage construction costs and administer construction contracts for all levels and types of construction. Quantity surveyors may perform the following tasks: talk to architects, engineers, builders, contractors, suppliers and project owners study architectural and engineering drawings and specifications prepare a Bill of Quantities, which lists the individual components required to construct the project check on changes of design to assess the effects on cost assess and recommend payment to contractors during construction prepare monthly cash-flow forecasts for clients and tax depreciation schedules undertake feasibility studies to assist in decisions about the worth of a project proceeding act as consultants to business and government. Quantity surveyors usually work in offices. They also visit building sites, clients and other members of construction teams. Personal Requirements: analytical and logical able to concentrate for long periods good oral and written communication skills able to work accurately with figures able to work as part of a team able to work independently aptitude for working with computers. RICS Increasingly, Chartered Quantity Surveyors are becoming involved when they should be: at the start of the decision-making process. The role of the quantity surveyor has changed significantly in recent years. There was a time when they tended to be brought in, too late in the day, to cost someone else’s work and ended up being wrongly cast in the role of the spoilsport who said it was all too expensive. Today the skills are largely the same but importantly the perception and understanding have changed. Increasingly, quantity surveyors become involved when they should be: at the start of the decision-making process. Whilst the primary role of a quantity surveyor remains to manage costs on building or construction sites, arguably they are just as valuable at providing ideas and creative solutions in the early stages of the project. Quantity surveyors are particularly skilled at taking the long view, assessing the options and at providing the client with a full picture on which to make decisions. Take, for example, a large new housing complex requiring an access route. When all the aesthetics and environmental issues have been considered the decision is whether to go for the shorter more direct option or for the longer one. Superficially the shorter route seems more attractive but detailed examination reveals expensive additional engineering would be required. The full job specification for a quantity surveyor would alone fill this page but typical responsibilities include: preparing cost estimates managing costs on site advising on choice of materials advising on construction techniques dealing with planning issues, building regulations, architects involvement in the procurement process providing cost and contract expertise The type of project could range from large residential or offices to motorways, water companies or a sports stadium. Alasdair Thompson is a Divisional Director of Franklin + Andrews, one of the UK’s leading firms of quantity surveyors. With ten years’ experience Alasdair has a very clear opinion of how quantity surveyors should be used: â€Å"There is no doubt our clients get the best value when they involve us at the outset. I also believe the relationship with the other professionals is much more cooperative and open with everyone listening and taking advice early on.† Quantity Surveyor: a person who measures and prices building work. In real life: Quantity surveyors are the accountants of the building profession planning and managing costs of construction projects from start to finish. Quantity surveyors (or QSs as they are known, since its a bit of a mouthful) either work for a private QS practice and act on behalf of clients or for a contracting firm which carries out construction work. This profession is certainly not all hard hats and wellies. In fact the role of the quantity surveyor has changed so dramatically in recent years that the profession doesnt always answer to the name of quantity surveying anymore! You will often see private practices referring to themselves as cost consultants and project managers because of the nature of the work they now handle. Due to the recession, QSs have had to adapt or die and there are now fewer, larger private practices than ever before taking on a broader remit of work. No longer do quantity surveyors just measure and price work, they have a more strategic role. Nowadays the QS is involved at all stages of a project from preparing tenders and planning costs to preparing final bills of quantities; essentially, making sure projects are planned and completed to cost and quality, on time. UK construction professionals are respected abroad and, partly in response to the depressed home market, many UK firms have developed an international outlook. Best bits Seeing things happen exactly as you said they would. The opportunity to have a career with commercial AND practical elements. No two projects are the same. Worst bits As with all parts of the construction industry, quantity surveying is very recession sensitive. Everyone outside the industry thinks you are an estate agent! Dont bother if Youre sensitive to jokes about counting nails. You want a nine to five career full of textbook projects. Demands Technical and business knowledge. QSs understand the building work in hand and make sure work is done in a commercially viable way. A logical mind with a down-to-earth approach to problem solving and a personality which is at ease with business executives, site employees and spreadsheets is an advantage. Teamwork Overused word, but in this business you appreciate the clients needs and work with them to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Also required is the ability to motivate and lead people on site. Flexibility Youll be required to travel to projects all over your patch (a car is often part of your salary package). Qualifications and training Most entrants follow relevant degrees or HNDs and have gained work placements in the process (sandwich courses are popular). To qualify as a chartered quantity surveyor entrants take the APC (assessment of professional qualification) run by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The APC is all about what you know and how well you can apply it. Areas of work Contracting QS Private Practice QS Contracting QS Often seen as the muddy boots side of the profession because contracting QSs are usually based in site offices although contrary to popular rumour they do not count bricks all day! The contracting QS has a budget for every project and must make sure a project stays within it. To control the purse strings the QS will: Organise work on site in the most efficient manner. Liaise with the site employees, plus employees from subcontracting organisations (smaller organisations brought in to handle particular portions of work). Negotiate with the clients QS over any price changes. Approve payments made to suppliers, employees and subcontractors. Prepare bills of quantity for work in progress and the final accounts. Private QS A private quantity surveyor is employed by a client to advise on their construction costs. Key roles for the private QS include working out the most appropriate way to meet clients needs and advising on: The site chosen. Costs of labour, plant and materials. A suitable building contractor. Once the project is up and running the QS monitors costs and negotiates with the contractors QS (agreeing payments and any changes to the original price) to ensure work is carried out to the quality specified and in the time available. Once a project is complete the services of a QS can be retained to ensure a building is managed and maintained efficiently. Quantity Surveyors National Commercial Services UK National Commercial Services specialise in the following areas Quantity Surveyors Careers in Construction Construction Consultants Construction Dispute Resolution Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveyors are concerned with financial management, measurement and accounting on construction projects. They deal with detail and tend to be highly literate and numerate and possess computer and IT skills to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities. They work on their own or within teams of other QSs or multi-disciplined professionals. They can be employed by Contractors, Subcontractors, Trade Specialists, Architects, Consulting Engineers or other companies or organisations involved in the construction process. Quantity Surveyors are trained professionals. Some will start straight from school, some will study further with a university or higher education degree in the subject. Professional qualifications can be gained through a number of institutions recognized throughout the world, examples being the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (Inst.C.E.S.). QSs can work in all levels of the industry, from assistant and trainee through intermediate, project, senior, managing, regional and chief Quantity Surveyor levels to Company Directors. Quantity Surveyors are involved with all financial aspects of construction work and increasingly, in the role of commercial, legal and contractual specialists. In addition to the prime quantity surveying functions, many QSs have an expertise in the research, preparation, submission and negotiation of contractual claims as a part of the general responsibility for financial control and financial well-being of contracts. Quantity Surveyors work in building, civil engineering, water, process, M E and other areas of the construction industry. They usually operate in two distinct environments. Pre-contract work involves the preparation of documentation to enable work to be put out to tendering contractors on behalf of the Client. Clients include government bodies, public and private authorities, developers and others seeking to undertake construction projects. Quantity Surveyors working in this area are usually employed by Professional Quantity Surveying Practices, Consulting Engineers, Architects or other companies, practices, professionals or individuals retained by the end user to ensure that what is eventually built is what he actually requires. He is likely to work in conjunction with designers and engineers and other construction professionals. The Quantity Surveyors work includes taking off quantities from drawings prepared by others, analysing, tabulating, formulating the information to facilitate the preparation of bills of quantities, schedule of rates or other documentation chosen to enable the works to be measured and valued. In doing this, the Quantity Surveyor follows guidelines set out under various documents which form part of the contract, including the method of measurement, conditions of contract, contract specification and other particulars. He may be involved in the preparation of preambles or other documents forming part of the contract. Once the documentation is prepared, the contract can be let and the work commenced. The quantity surveyor is then concerned with Post-contract work, for either the Employer or his agents, or the Contractor carrying out the work. He may work on site or remote from site in his Employers offices. The Quantity Surveyor working on behalf of the Employer may have been involved in the pre-Contract work or he may not. His job is to ensure that the value of work carried out is properly established in accordance with the particular contractual arrangements being used, and to certify appropriate payments to the Contractor. This involves taking receipt of the Contractors interim applications for payment usually at fortnightly or monthly intervals, checking the Contractors submissions and calculations and preparing details for certification of payment by the Engineer or the Architect. The principle role of the Quantity Surveyor working for the Contractor is to look after the financial interests of his employer. He will calculate and record the financial value of the work carried out and ensure that the Contractor is paid properly and on time. During the currency of the contract, he will be involved in measurements on site and from drawings in order to establish the true value of work done in the interim period. This is usually itemised within a bill of quantities or schedule of rates prepared in advance as part of the contract documentation. He will consider variations, modified and additional works and evaluate their value for his interim applications for payment. Concurrently, he will be concluding measurement and evaluation wherever possible as part of the final measure, to be submitted later as part of the Contractors Final Account. In addition to preparing applications for payment, the site-based Quantity Surveyor is also likely to be involved in internal company reporting so that the Contractors management are kept abreast of the financial status of the project. He is likely to be involved in forecasts and budgets and other reporting systems. Another key role for the modern quantity surveyor working for Contractors, is the procurement, appointment, administration, management and payment of subcontractors. On some projects, the management of subcontract accounts is the Quantity Surveyors chief responsibility. He may also have responsibility for matters such as insurance claims on behalf of the Contractor or third party claims.

What are the main reasons for Sony PlayStation’s profitability? Essay

What are the main reasons for Sony PlayStation’s profitability? In the year 1994, Sony launched its own video console called the PlayStation which is now one of the most well known and best selling gaming consoles in the whole world. The PlayStation has been even more successful since the product has been re-launched and innovated in 2000, called PlayStation 2. The secret behind the success of high profitability will be discussed in this coursework, primarily the main reasons have been Innovation, the Advertising Strategy applied and the rest of the marketing mix used by the Sony Corporation. One of the main reasons behind the PlayStation being a ‘winner’ for the Sony Corporation is Innovation. Innovation is the process of bringing a new idea to the marketplace. Sony’s PlayStation revealed the CD-ROM gaming technology for the first time in the market instead of the cartridge-based technology which was used by its respective competitors, Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn. This mind-blowing technology helped to improve the graphics providing a 3D multimedia view along with the incorporation of a 1024K dual-parted VRAM which allowed the picture displayed on-screen to change quickly. These high quality graphics proved to add value to the product and thus many consumers decided to go for the PlayStation. To Sony’s delight, PlayStation sold more than 300,000 units in the first 30 days: a great achievement which boosted up the profitability of the company, leaving the competitors thoughtless. Another reason which has helped to increase PlayStation’s profitability is the advertising campaign approached by Sony. The PlayStation is usually advertised through magazines and TV adverts. This time it did not aim at the traditional 8-16 years old demographic target audience. Although, this time the product was aimed at an older audience so that higher consumer awareness could be achieved. The good thing about the PlayStation’s TV adverts is that it tries to differentiate the product from the competition whilst also generating interest and awareness of the new product launch. Also, Sony tries to sponsor certain big and famous events such as 1995 MTV Music Awards and the UEFA Champions League in order to increase more profitability. Furthermore, all this advertising has helped to create a positive image about the company. This strong and po... ...his has helped to satisfy the demand better which has increased Sony’s sales and therefore led to higher profitability. Apart from all these things, Sony’s PlayStation has had other innovative ideas which have increased profitability. The PlayStation 2 also has a DVD player incorporated with it. This means that now the consumers enjoy the added value of a DVD player and they do not need to have a separate one. Moreover, Sony was the first one to introduce more than four players gaming through the Multi Tap. This meant that now consumers could play with each other just using one console which helped to increase flexibility. Furthermore, it also introduced the Memory Card which allowed users to save their game data in it. Like this, the user could continue the game from last saved stage or could take it to a somewhere else and play there. What is more that, PlayStation’s remote control have more better design which make it easier to play and prove to be more comfortable. All these innovative ideas have helped to make the PlayStation much more appealing than the competitors’ products. The profitability has again been affected due to these factors by incrementing it.

A Town Like Alice Essay -- Character Analysis, Jean, Joe

In the novel A Town Like Alice an enduring love gets it’s foundation during WWII when Jean and Joe develop the beginning of their relationship based on needs. Needs that are manifested during the horrific times they endured as prisoners of war. During a time of isolation and degradation the barriers of social status were obliterated and they found comfort in each other as well as a momentary escape from the misery of being prisoners of war. The connection Jean and Joe formed in Malaysia, during WWII, set the foundation for an undying and enduring love that lasted a lifetime. Jean and Joe later crossed continents in order to reunite with one another. â€Å"‘Dear Joe. Of course I’m in love with you. What do you think I came to Australia for?’† (248). They had found a bond in the war based on need, a need for companionship and understanding, and in that need they later discovered an enduring love that could never die. In the novel The English Patient war temporarily eliminated the stigma attached with dark skin and allowed for another love based on mutual needs to blossom. â€Å"His only human and personal contact was this enemy who had made the bomb and departed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (105). Kip’s connection with Hana allowed him to connect with humanity again. The love he discovered with Hana filled a need of Kip’s to never be weak. â€Å"He refused to believe in his own weakness, and with her he had not found a weakness to fit himself against† (114). The English Patient also substantiates the fact that love during war gives a reason to hope in often hopeless times. In the novel Return of the Soldier rather than unite lovers war seemed to separate a love that was meant to be between Chris and Margaret. Chris and Margaret were truly in love but war, although tempor... ...ould run down his cheeks, which was to her the most dreadful thing of all, to see a man like Septimus, who had fought, who was brave, crying† (137). His shell shock is exacerbated by the fact the medical field didn’t fully understand or acknowledge the seriousness of shell shock during that time. Neither his family nor his doctors had any idea what he was dealing with or how to help him. War and his mental illness were the cause of Septimus feeling separate from life. Separate mentally and emotionally. Septimus felt trapped, although he did not want to die he felt that there was no way to escape besides death. â€Å"’I’ll give it you!’ he cried, and flung himself vigorously, violently down on to Mrs. Filmer’s area railings† (146). Atonement and Mrs. Dalloway show that war is an unimaginable horror but it also shows that the human condition has unimaginable strengths.

Bristol & Treatment Centre in Bristol in February

Moreover, during this course, I have required her to log all her experiences in her diary which she has dutifully done. I see her conversing with patients prior to and following their treatments, inquiring about what their jobs entailed. She has also shown interest in learning about their exercise regimes, particularly those who have undergone hip replacement. I wish to write about her personal characteristics which she has exemplified during this period. I should begin with her exemplary work ethic.I have observed that she has been very thorough and enthusiastic in documenting all the learning she has yielded on her day-to-day interaction with me and the patients. The latter have just been through hip replacement and necessitate therapy. She is eager in engaging in conversation with therapists and patients; familiarizing herself with their roles and responsibilities. Her enthusiasm is what keeps her dedicated to her tasks even amidst difficult circumstances – a trait which I feel is indispensable in being a successful medical practitioner.I have had the opportunity, too, to learn more about her ambitions of becoming a successful oncologist in the future. This ambition is driven by the authentic passion to help others, as she has had the personal experience of nursing someone in her family who has been inflicted with cancer. I believe that this grassroots ambition and personal experience is sufficient to ‘fuel’ her into realizing her dream. In her brief stint with the Centre, I have seen her fortitude in accomplishing what she has set out to achieve.Perhaps, this is further attested to by the fact that she has graduated with a BSc (Hons) Human Biology degree from the University of Bristol. Apart from her strong academic background and good work ethic, I have also felt her ‘vocation’ – her calling – for the medical profession. She has quickly and effectively established rapport with the patients and therapists of th e Center with her easy, friendly manner.In a profession that is sometimes perceived as ‘detached’, it is important for practitioners to develop a personal relationship with their doctors – one that is firmly based on trust and esteem. I feel that _________ easily fits that bill. This trait will also help her blend in well with a multi-disciplinary team, for example, one in which both medical practitioner and medical counselor have critical roles to play. She is a team player and recognizes the power of synergy and collaboration within a medical team.She is also a very good listener and knows how to empathize with patients. I also wish to share her interest in serving marginalized communities, which she has expressed to me as her mentor. This deep sense of altruism is again critical in her desire to become a medical practitioner. She would be willing to go through great lengths just to be able to serve the underprivileged. In pursuit of her dream, she is seeking a learning institution which shares the same goals of altruism especially for marginalized communities; an authentic sense of service; integrity; and competence.She will surely be an asset to the institution who shall accept her as a medical student. I am thus strongly recommending her acceptance to your learning institution which most certainly upholds these values. She is intellectually capable to learn all the competencies of an exemplary medical practitioner, and has the willingness, drive, and heart that go with being one. I am certain that she would prove to be an asset to your program.

In Partial Fulfillment in Principles of Management Essay

Summary: Mr. Oscar Pascua has a construction business; he hired his niece Ofelia to help him manage the construction firm. He assigned Ofelia to do the administrative work. Ofelia enjoyed her work doing various tasks she ordered to perform, positive interactions with employees kept Ofelia busy and contented with her work. Milagros, Mr. Pascua’s sister has an entertainment business. She noticed and saw Ofelia’s work and got interested of borrowing Ofelia for a while. Obviously, Milagros wanted the administrative aspects of her business straightened out. Ofelia was only too glad to join her aunt Milagros. She taught that she could give herself a break from the construction firm. When Ofelia began to work with her aunt, she found out that there are many things she should attend to. For instance, employee records are not complete, and company policies and procedures are not well documented. It is difficult to determine employees’ performance. Ofelia distributed the required forms to the employees and the talents who are undergoing training, she noticed that they are not eager to accomplish them. One day a janitor approached her and asked if she would dispose the contents of the wastebaskets even if the forms she distributed are in them. Ofelia tried to contain her anger. After a while she regained and asked her self, â€Å"What kind of people are the? I wish I’m back at my former job†. Questions: 1. Do you think the situation is hopeless for Ofelia? 2. What will be your advice to her? Statement of the Problem: Ofelia thought that in the entertainment business is a less difficult than her former job; she didn’t make a brief research in the entertainment business. She accepted it without any hesitations, unluckily her present job was worse than she can ever thought. Answer: 1. The situation of Ofelia is a bit hopeless but she can still manage it. 2. I will advise Ofelia to go back to her former job at the construction firm because she’s more productive in working with his uncle. She could just tell her aunt to hire a new administrator, a more experienced administrator in entertainment business. Conclusion: We therefore conclude that Ofelia must know how to cooperate with different level people especially in entertainment business; she must have more patience and a different level of interaction to those people or employees. If she doesn’t want the job she can resign and go back to her former job at Mr. Pascua, Ofelia is hardworking person and she’s confident and she enjoys her work, but when you’re not into the kind of a thing job you must not accept it if you do not have a proper training and seminars. Before you get a job you must know first how it will be, what kind, and who are the people or employees you’re going to work with. Sometimes it is better to know the situation first before entering.

Case 7: Better Late Than Never

Case 7: Its better late than never! 1. What was Ryan’s starting salary? How much could he have contributed to the voluntary savings plan in his first year of employment? RATE NPR FV PV YEARCONTRIBUTION TO SAVINGS PLAN .05170,00066,6675th$7,333 .05270,00063,4924th$6,984 .05370,00060,4693rd$6,651 .05470,00057,8492nd$6,363 .05570,00054,8471st$6,033 Ryan’s first year salary at this company was $54,847 and he could have contributed $6,033 in his first year of employment. These were found by using the present value formula for all five years. 2.Had Ryan taken advantage of the company’s voluntary retirement plan up to the maximum, every year for the past five years, how much money would he currently have accumulated in his retirement account, assuming a nominal rate of return of 7%? How much more would his investment value have been worth had he opted for a higher risk alternative (i. e. 100% in common stocks), which was expected to yield an average compound rate of ret urn of 12% (A. P. R. )? YEAR SALARIES CONTRIBUTIONCONTRIBUTION TO SAVINGS PLAN 5th66,667Ãâ€"11% =$6,033 4th63,492Ãâ€"11%=$6,363 3rd60,469Ãâ€"11%=$6,651 2nd57,849Ãâ€"11%=$6,984 1st54,847Ãâ€"11%=$7,333 Total$33,364 FV FormulaRate: . 07 NPER: 5 PMT: 0 PV: -33364 Current accumulated in retirement account= $46,794 $46,794- $33,364= $13,430 FV Formula Rate: . 12 NPER: 5 PMT: 0 PV: -33364 Net worth of average retirement account= $58,798 If Ryan had take advantage of the retirement plan, he would currently have accumulated $13,430 assuming at rate of return of 7%. Assuming a rate of 12%, he would have been worth $58,798. 4. How much would Ryan have to save each month, starting from the end of the next month, in order to accumulate enough money for his wedding expenses, assuming that his investment fund is expected to yield a rate of return of 7% per year?Wedding Expense $15,000 x 1. 04= $15,600 PMT Formula Rate: . 07/12 Nper: 12 PV: 0 FV: -15600 How much needs to be saved= $1,258. 82 M onthly 5. If Ryan starts saving immediately for the 20% down payment on his house, how much additional money will he have to save each month? Assume an investment rate of return of 7% per year. 250,000x 1. 04= 304,163 304163x . 20= 60,832 Rate: . 07/12 Nper: 5 PV: 0 FV: -60832 How much needs to be saved= $844 Monthly 6. If Ryan wants to have a million dollars (in terms of today’s dollars) when he retires at age 65, how much should he save in equal monthly deposits from the end of the next month?Ignore the cost of the wedding and the down payment on the house. Assume his savings earn a rate of 7% per year (A. P. R. ). PV= 1000000 x 1. 04 (. 04/12+1) 38 years till retirement FV= 4,438,813 38 Years x 12 Months= 456 Months Iy= 7 FV= 4438000 Cy= 12 Py= 12 Monthly Payments = $1,963. 65 7. If Ryan saves up the million dollars (in terms of today’s dollars) by the time of his retirement at age 65, how much can he withdraw each month (beginning one month after his retirement) in equal dollar amounts, if he figures he will live up to the age of 85 years?Assume that his investment fund yields a nominal rate of return of 7% per year. FV Formula PV: 4438000 n: 240 Months iy: 7 Cy: 12 Py: 12 Withdraw amount each month: 34,414 for 20 Years 8. After preparing a detailed budget, Ryan estimates that the maximum he will be able to save for retirement is $300 per month, for the first five years. After that he is confident that he will be able to increase the monthly saving to $500 per month until retirement. If the account provides a nominal annual return of 7%, how much money will Ryan be able to withdraw per month during his retirement phase?PV Formula Rate: . 07 Nper: 5 PMT 0 PV: 21,478 300x 1. 01 x 396= 200,289 Rate: . 07 Nper: 33 PMT: 0 PV 972,321/ 20 Years x7/12+1= 7,600 Monthly 9. What is the lesson to be learned from this case? Explain. I have learned that you must beginning saving for a retirement plan early because by the time you retire your investment can increase tremendously, allowing a future for the rest of your family as well as to be able to live comfortably while retired.

I.T. solution for Castle Couriers Essay

Analysis 1.1 Statement of the problem 1.1.1 Introduction For this project I will be constructing an I.T. solution for Castle Couriers. Castle Couriers is a company, which provides a number of courier services, mainly for car showrooms. Their main service is the transportation of vehicle registrations to the V.R.O. (Vehicle Registration Office) and their return, and also the transportation of tax related forms to the tax office, also from car showrooms. It is currently a company with a small number of employees, approximately 4, and a very local customer base. However they plan to expand in the near future and do not believe their current system will be effective with much more data. The current system, Lotus SmartSuite, is not designed with their company in mind and is therefore complicated to operate and the addition of data is often laborious. I hope to improve their situation by creating an automated database, so that creating documents and modifying data is a very simple task. 1.1.2 User Requirements The owners of Castle Couriers have a number of requirements: -Reduce time spent on inputting data -This will aid the expansion process because an increase in data will not lead to a further increase in time spent processing. -Increase ease of finding data -Again a time saving requirement, useful during the complicated period of expansion. -Producing a sufficiently high quality document range -Now that the production of documents is virtually automatic, the end users are keen to see that the quality does not decline. -Must be user friendly due to lack of computer literacy of end user -There must be very few complicated procedures, as having to increase the end users I.T. skills will take time and possibly money. 1.1.3 Current system At the present moment Castle Couriers uses a generic program called Lotus Smartsuite. My knowledge of Smartsuite is minimal but the program has not been specifically designed for this company. I have been informed that it is similar to Microsoft office, which I have good experience in. It is very popular with many businesses because of the amount of very professional tools available. However, in the case of Castle Couriers, these tools are not linked together effectively, allowing for a minimal amount of automation. They store data in both spreadsheets and databases, with certain functions allowing a limited level of automation. 1.1.4 Data Flow diagram of current system The following diagram illustrates the current processes involved in dealing with an order 1.1.5 Problems with the current system Castle Couriers’ main problem with their current system is its complexity, which is leading to an increase in the amount of time they spend producing documents and organising orders. Adding new customers, as they are planning to do, should they decide to continue with expansion, is very difficult and is adding to the already complicated and overloaded system. Modifying data is also a time consuming problem as it takes time to navigate through the procedures necessary. 1.1.6 Objectives of the new system The new system should meet a series of criteria, firstly the time spent inputting data and the ease with which this is done should be improved. Making the system less complex than Lotus Smartsuite should solve both of these objectives. Secondly they would like to be able to search for details of customers and services easily. Very importantly, this program must maintain the high quality of documents such as invoices and memorandums. Finally none of the staff who will be using the system have very much experience in IT, so the system must be easy to operate and difficult to corrupt. 1.1.7 Performance indicators The following performance indicators will be used: – It should take less than 1 minute to construct and print invoices – Data entry should be made simple enough for all queries to be 100% accurate – The system must be able to cater for any number of staff/customers/services to be added without improvements as the company expands – It must be impossible to erase any fields or tables – The system should be simple enough for users with only a basic I.T. knowledge to operate 1.1.8 Volume of data The level of data that will be stored in the database is likely to be quite small at first, but this should increase as Castle Couriers continues expanding. Initially there are likely to be about 40 customers, with a choice of 3 services and 5 members of staff. Details of each customer will need to be stored and will cover name, address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail, contacts within the firm and their history with Castle Couriers. 1.1.9 Hardware and Software The majority of the design will be carried out on my school’s computer network with the equivalent to a 1.6Ghz Pentium processor, 128MB of RAM and an easily sufficient sized hard drive. My home PC and the computers of Castle Couriers are of a similar specification. Therefore there should not be any problems in compatibility. However, at home, where some aspects of the design will be carried out, I have a newer version of Microsoft Office, and therefore a newer version of Access. This should not cause any problems, however should I wish to incorporate functions not available in the school’s version, I will have to do this last. All of the designing will be done in Microsoft Access, with some links to Word, for better quality documents, and Excel, for data interpretation. This is available on all three of the concerned systems. 1.1.10 End user skill level None of the people who will be using the system have any formal I.T. qualifications. Their only previous I.T. experience is based around the use of Lotus SmartSuite. This will be a problem for me because the system I will be designing for them will be entirely based within three programs, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. It will therefore be necessary to make the project very simple to use with automatic functions. 2 Design 2.1 Consideration of solutions 2.1.1 Manual System This would be based around data being processed, stored and filed in the form of paperwork, with calculations being manual and documents handmade. -Easily the slowest -Higher risk of loss/damage to data -Complicated and tedious -Lower quality documents -High risk of mis-calculations We have therefore judged that this system would not be suitable for Castle Couriers, as it is far too slow and complicated and will not be better than the current system. 2.1.2 Spreadsheet System A spreadsheet system would be designed and operated in a program such as Microsoft Excel. -Easy to design -Little chance of damage/loss -Simple functions A spreadsheet system would not allow for the necessary functions and operations to improve on Lotus Smartsuite. 2.1.3 A specifically designed courier system A package, which has been specially designed for this type of business, could be obtained from certain software companies -Best program -Expensive -All necessary functions present This is probably the best option as it is designed only for use in this type of company, however due to the expense of this program Castle Couriers have allowed me to attempt a database before deciding. 2.1.4 Access database This is the option they have allowed me to attempt and this will be designed and implemented by me -Very cheap and easy to design -Inter-personal interaction during design -Easier to train users Using this system has the advantage of allowing Castle Couriers to have an influence in the design of the system. 2.2 Database Design 2.2.1 Entity-relationship diagram There are six entities, or tables, within this database. They are basically split into two separate functioning databases, however I will keep them in one for ease of use and because the ‘services/tasks’ table will be used by both systems. The first system, outlined in red, will concern the receiving and payments of orders, whereas the second, outlined in blue, will allow allocation of tasks for employees.

What Does It Take to Get into the University of Massachusettsâ€Amherst?

Located in picturesque Western Massachusetts and ranked as one of the top public universities in the country, the University of Massachusetts—Amherst is known for attracting bright students who pursue rigorous research and academics. Notable alumni include Jack Welch, Catherine â€Å"Cady† Coleman, Bill Pullman, Natalie Cole, and many others. One unique facet of the university is that it participates in the Five College Interchange, which allows you to take courses at nearby colleges including Amherst, Smith, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke. What does it take to get into Massachusetts’ flagship public university? Read on to find out. You will apply to UMass Amherst via the Common Application unless you fall into one of the following categories: Students in the above categories can find the appropriate application links here . As part of your application, you will need to submit your: * In this case, you should submit scores for the essay portions as per the university’s recommendation. UMass Amherst discourages submitting other supplementary materials. There are some special procedures for individual programs such as art and architecture. UMass Amherst requires the following high school academic work (number indicates units): College of Engineering, School of Management, and computer science major applicants must have completed an advanced math course, such as precalculus, trigonometry, or calculus. College of Engineering applicants must have taken chemistry and physics as well. Last year, UMass Amherst had a 59% admissions rate, with 41,612 applicants and 5,010 matriculating freshmen. The average combined SAT score for the class of 2021 was 1268, and the average GPA was 3.89. Keep in mind that despite the seemingly high acceptance rate, you are still facing stiff competition and will need to set yourself apart, especially if you intend to pursue a particularly rigorous program; for individual colleges and programs, such as Commonwealth Honors College, the acceptance rate is much lower. Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. Emphasize innovation. UMass Amherst boasts a student body of â€Å" bright, bold, unconventional thinkers.† With rigorous yet rewarding opportunities, the school promotes intellect and creative thinking. Demonstrate your leadership experience and commitment to learning through work beyond the classroom. As with most prestigious colleges, you should show extracurricular activities in your area of interest, such as independent research for science majors. Know your strengths. UMass Amherst has 11 colleges and schools for undergraduates including: You should apply to the school that is best suited to your talents and interests, not the one that has the highest admissions rate. Your application should demonstrate leadership, extracurriculars, and strengths in areas associated with the college. For example, if you apply to the college of engineering, you should have a strong math and science background and extracurriculars in those subjects as well. You will need to put down a first- and second-choice major on your application. This is not set in stone, but you will be accepted to a specific school, so it should be the one most aligned with your strengths. Also, remember to meet the minimum coursework requirements for your intended major. Have a hook . UMass Amherst emphasizes diversity. This is exemplified in Campus Pride rating the university as one of the best campuses for LGBTQ students and its status as a top school for veterans, currently serving over 400. You don’t have to be part of a minority group to be accepted to UMass Amherst, but you should have something that sets you apart. Are you a nontraditional student with a unique story to tell? Explore that in your essay. Do you have a special talent, such as playing an interesting instrument? Make sure to include any extracurriculars in which you’ve participated or honors you’ve been awarded to that end. Being denied admission to any college, particularly one of your top choices, is disappointing. Still, it’s important to take a step back and regroup. If you get rejected from UMass Amherst, here’s what you can do: Take a gap year or transfer in. If you had your heart set on UMass Amherst or received bad news from the other colleges on your list, one option is to take a gap year and reapply next admissions cycle. If you do decide to go this route, make sure you have a productive plan for the year. You might undertake a research project, volunteer, study to improve your SAT scores, or take classes at a local college. Do know, however, that this path is risky, as taking a gap year won’t ensure your acceptance the second time around. You could also begin your studies at another institution with the hopes of transferring. UMass Amherst accepted more than 1,300 transfer students in 2016, meaning acceptance isn’t out of the question. Keep it in perspective. Even if UMass Amherst was your top choice, chances are, you’ll find a way to make a college that did accept you work. College really is what you make of it, and if you put effort into adjusting to another school by joining clubs, working hard in your classes, and cultivating a social life, you’ll likely find that you can make a fulfilling college experience for yourself, even if you end up at a college that wasn’t your top choice. When you sign up for our program, we carefully pair you with the perfect admissions specialist based on your current academic and extracurricular profile and the schools in which you’re interested. Your personal application specialist will help you with branding, essays, and interviews, and provide you with support and guidance in all other aspects of the application process.