World Healthcare Analysis an Example of the Topic Economics Essays by

World Healthcare Analysis There has been an increasing change in the healthcare industry trends and strategic management over the last couple of decades. Some of these include healthcare spending as well as production of biologic and generic drugs. Among some contributing factors to these changes include but are not limited to the following. Population ageing has and will continually act as a key factor in determining healthcare spending. Developed-world countries are experiencing a rapid population ageing as compared to developing countries. A study of 60 developed countries indicates that life expectancy is projected to rise from seventy two years in 2008 to approximately seventy three years by 2013. This implies that the average world population will age. New medical technologies emergence and adoption will also be a significant costs driver. It will further be influenced by extent of the benefits that payers will be willing to provide. These rising benefits levels will lead to excess cost growth-the fact that health spending growth per person exceeds the GDP growth rate per person (Economist Intelligence, 2008, p.2) Need essay sample on "World Healthcare Analysis" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed These two factors will be an added burden to the already bloated public health systems, although the real benefit levels that governments provide will more vigorously challenge the health systems financial stability than any other factor. On the same note, severe governmental fiscal problems are expected in the forthcoming decades in almost all developed countries. This is constantly making government healthcare benefits less affordable in these countries, especially putting into consideration the high rates with which populations are ageing at. One basic reason for this is that there is decreasing output in terms of labor force and as thus the number of tax payers is shrinking. With diminished taxes, governments are becoming less and less capable to provide healthcare. Many governments and private payers will inevitably respond to these issues in a myriad of ways. One such approach will be to reduce the benefit levels in an effort to curb such benefit growth so that it is brought to reasonable proportions with the GDP growth rate per individual (Walshe, 2003, p. 76). Others will attempt equilibrium by maintaining the benefits but at the same time aggressively attacking the prices paid to providers and suppliers in the system. Furthermore, others will encourage the populations to reduce lifestyle diseases burden by reappraisal of health attitudes at the societal level. In general, there will be an increased offload of the cost burden onto the patients and healthcare consumers. Similarly, other markets will use the expanded elderly populations political influence to pressure governments into increased retirement health benefits. A good example of this trend is what happened in the United States recently when Part D of the Medicare drugs benefit was introduced. This is because more employers will probably attempt to refrain from paying health benefits to former employees after retirement, a factor that would eventually overburden the concerned governments (Walshe, 2003, p. 74). On the other hand, private payers will more or less adopt a more preventive care from the conventional curative care in concerted efforts to reduce on the costs. Insurance providers are expected to lower premiums if evidence for choices of healthy lifestyles such as gymnastic exercises is provided. In addition, there will be an increase in incentives to make people more health conscious. The bottom of the line in this approach will ascertain that the beneficiarys health status and level of offered benefits will not be the only determinants of the medical costs premiums. Legislative changes will be part of the many policy changes that will be effected to push for reforms in many countries concerning the healthcare of the citizenry in the world healthcare market. In many countries, including the United States, quite a large proportion of the citizens remain deficient of even the most basic healthcare especially health insurance. The fiscal feasibility of a universal comprehensive healthcare Programme is in doubt for now but this remains a heated debate and political priority. One method to include all into this progamme is by subsidizing health insurance for those persons in the low income bracket (Economist Intelligence, 2008, p.5). A more significant system will be one that compares the efficacy and safety of the treatment procedures for both acute and chronic diseases as well as on prescription drugs. This will be aimed at arriving at greater cost efficiency in health systems. It is thought that the best way to adopt this is on a bottom up initiative. In conclusion, considering the increased burdens that come as a result of persistent chronic diseases brought about by sedentary lifestyles, there will be a significant trend that will lead to introduction, in developed markets, of value-based pricing. Based on pharmaco-economic reviews, governments will tend to combine reimbursement and pricing functions for higher contentious process and results there from. On the same note, it is expected that generic drug industries may take the order of the day if they are able to produce cheaper drugs whose efficacy can be ascertained beyond any reasonable doubts (Dabbah, 1999, p. 85). On their part, patented drug manufacturers are expected to be dramatically hit by such generic drugs growth. For the last few years, the greatest impact has been in the cardiovascular drug market. One country that has been known for its doctors to be reluctant in allowing branded drugs is Japan but researchers believe that Japanese doctors will soon or later follow suit along countries who accept generic drug prescriptions. References: Dabbah Roger (1999). Total R&D Management: Strategies and Tactics for 21st Century Healthcare Manufacturers. Buffalo Grove, IL: Interpharm Press, pp. 85 Economist Intelligence Unit (2008). World healthcare outlook: of mixed benefit. Industry Briefing, November 30th 2008; 1-8 Walshe Kieran (2003). Regulating Healthcare: A Prescription for Improvement? Philadelphia, Open University Press, pp. 74, 76

Why is the UKs relationship with the rest of the EU so difficult

Why is the UKs relationship with the rest of the EU so difficult Introduction European countries have witnessed great political and economic integration with a Union of 27 European countries being currently in existence. This vibrant European Union can trace its roots to the post World War II years when integration among European nations was seen as necessary to end the devastating wars between neighbours.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Why is the UK’s relationship with the rest of the EU so difficult? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The European Union has achieved significant growth from an initial membership of 6 nations to the current membership of 27 nations. It has emerged as a major political and economic force in the world, even threatening to compete with the traditional superpower, the United States of America. Of the 27 members making up the European Union, the UK has set itself apart as the nation that has a problematic relationship with the EU. While the other nations have a good relationship within the union and mostly support its policies, the UK continues to have a mostly adversarial relationship with the union. This paper will set out to discuss the major reasons for the difficult relationship between the UK and the rest of the EU. Reasons for the Difficult Relationship The UK is more concerned with the economic aspect of the EU than the political dimension. From the onset, the UK has been reluctant to foster stronger political ties with other European countries instead emphasizing on the economic dimension of the union. This is in contrast with the view of the other EU countries that view political goals as being equally important for the union (Chalmers 23). The main motivation of the UK to join the union was economic and the country never strived for political integration. Margaret Thatcher who served as the British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 expressed the concerns that Britain had regarding political integration. Thatcher s tated that British was constantly losing her independence and sovereignty as more decision-making power was transferred from the British Parliament to Brussels. The UK’s lack of commitment to political integration, which is a core aspiration for the other EU member states, has increased the difficulty in relationship between it and the EU.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Britain’s relationship with the EU is complicated by the fact that Britain was not involved in the founding of the European Union. When the six European countries, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, founded the EU, Britain choose to isolate herself from this union. British did not feel the need to engage in a union with other European countries since her economy was larger than that of countries such as Germany or France. Therefore, Britain disregarded the oppo rtunities she was given to participate in the process of establishing the EU during its formative years. Watts and Pilkington note that because of this disregard, Britain had excluded itself from the decisive events taking place on its doorstep (21). This created a hurdle for the UK since it did not have a part in the setting up of the basic rules that govern the EU (Watts and Pilkington 127). The formation of the Union led to an acceleration in economic growth for the member states and the six member states were going from strength to strength. This growth persuaded Britain to finally join the Union but by then, the six founding states had shaped the community to serve their best interests. As a new arrival to the Union, Britain had to be content with adapting itself to the rules that had already been put in place by the founding club of states. When a country chooses to be a member of the EU, it gives up some of its national sovereignty and agrees to be bound by some policies that dictate the policies of countries within the union on social, economic, and political matters. Unlike other EU countries, which are ready to give up their local powers and accept the authority of the European Court of Justice, the UK wishes to repatriate power back to Westminster. The UK currently feels exposed to EU integration and is therefore looking for ways to limit this exposure and therefore protect itself (Chalmers 132). The UK has tried to remove itself from some of the agreements of the EU in order to increase its autonomy.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Why is the UK’s relationship with the rest of the EU so difficult? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Britain’s move towards limiting the authority of EU bodies can be seen from the Conservative Parties 2009 election manifesto, which clearly highlighted their commitment to limiting the power of the European Court of Justice over Britains cour ts (Brady 3). In line with this ambition, Britain intends to pull out of most of the EUs crime and policing co-operation in order to avoid having the European Court of Justice undermine Britains common law traditions. Brady observes that the UK wants to remain part of specific elements of EU crime and policing while disregarding those that are deemed unfavourable for the UK (2). This move has made many EU member states hostile to the UK. Britains politicians have played a significant role in making the relationship between the UK and the EU difficult. Begg observes that there is little support for the EU among British politicians with the anti-Europe politicians commanding a substantial political base while those in favour of the EU having little influence in the political system of the country (1). British parliamentarians are constantly calling for a referendum in the country to decide on whether the UK should maintain its EU membership. Public support for the European Union has a lways been low among Britons and this makes the relationship with other EU member states difficult since Britain is perceived to be an undedicated member. From the onset, the British did not unanimously favour membership to the European Community and legislation in support of the European integration was voted into Britain through a small majority in favour. The UK is constantly renegotiating the terms of its membership to the EU, an action that is frustrating the other members of the EU.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Begg notes that the UK government is carrying out an audit of its relationship with the EU with the aim of making changes to suit the interests of Britain (1). This need for renegotiation has been necessitated by the alleged disenchantment of Britons with the EU. For EU member states, such actions are seen as a move towards more exceptional ism by British instead of fostering deeper integration. The special relationship between the UK and the US has made Britains relationship with the rest of the EU difficult since UK foreign policy traditionally started out by trying to build an Anglo-US position. Britain has for decades developed a close and special bilateral relationship with the US and the two governments have constantly sort to cooperate with each other and engage in deep consultation. Niblett notes that the UK and the US has many common foreign policy objectives that they collaboratively pursue (637). These strong bilateral relations tend to make the EU a secondary party to th e US as far as UK policy makers are concerned. The negative perception of deep US-UK relationships by EU member states can be seen by the historical attempt by French President Charles de Gaulle to veto Britains application to join the community in 1961 where President de Gaulle asserted that Britain’s ties with the US would be hindrance to the UKs dedication to the European Union. Nationalism acts as a major undermining force for Britain’s involvement in the EU. Watts and Pilkington states that Britain is the EU member that has mostly employed euroscepticism to defend national sovereignty against the encroachment of an alien Europe (110). In 1994, Leon Brittan, a former British Commissioner expressed the unease about Brussels due to the perception that it was interfering where it should not do so and the belief that Brussels lacked sufficient democratic legitimacy. Following the EU enlargement, the UKs influence in the Union has reduced considerably and it is no longe r able to moderate the EU debate or easily mediate with the majority of EU members. This lack of significant power in the union has increased nationalistic tendencies at the expense of involvement in the EU. Britains idea of her role in the world also contributes to making the relationship between the country and the rest of the EU difficult. George suggests that due to her impressive historical legacy, the British population and its politicians feels superior to the other European countries and are therefore unwilling to relate on an equal footing with them (42). For centuries, the British Empire significantly influenced the world with Britain having colonies on every continent at the height of her imperial era. With such a legacy, entering the EU for Britain meant a loss of some of its worldwide influence. This has created a psychological barrier that has greatly strained Britains relationship with the rest of the EU. The UK has always conducted itself as an independent party to t he EU instead of a member state. This perception was best articulated during Margaret Thatchers rule, which was characterized by increased political isolation. During this period, the UK sort to highlight her sovereignty and opposition to political and social integration with the rest of Europe. Barely 3 years after UKs entry into the EU, the Britons were calling for a renegotiation of their terms of entry (Bideleux 143). This move had the support of the political establishment of the country and its citizenry therefore demonstrating the outsider status that UK aspired for. Financial considerations have made the relationship between the UK and other EU member states problematic. The UK has sort to reduce its financial responsibilities in the Europe and ensure that its financial well-being is not tied up with that of the other European nations (Eudey 15). This stance is best demonstrated by the refusal of the UK to give up its currency, the British Pound in favour of the common curre ncy of the EU, the Euro (Tavlas 37). The Eurozone crisis, which nearly triggered the collapse of the EURO currency, has increased the difficulty of the relationship between the UK and the rest of the EU. This crisis has been costly to the unions big economies with countries such as Germany and France having to shoulder enormous financial responsibilities in order to preserve the integrity of the common currency since its collapse would be devastating. Instead of taking on a more helpful approach, Britain has continually pointed to this event as justification for her scepticism about deep economic integration in the union. Most of the EU members have perceived Britain as being unhelpful during the crisis and this has reduced the goodwill that the UK enjoys with the EU. British officials are not very open with their EU counterparts and this has led to some of their actions been regarded as adversarial. Brady reveals that when taking actions that influence the EU, British ministers hav e not taken the time to articulate their position and enable the other EU members to better understand them (3). This lack of openness has antagonized many EU member states who are at times irritated by the actions of the Britons. Without open communication between British national officials and their EU counterparts, the EU officials can only guess at the motivation behind the actions of the UK government. Discussion Due to the numerous troubles that the UK has been having with the EU, there have been talks of Britain opting out of the union. Such a move would be detrimental to both the UK and the EU. The UK is important to the EUs continued political and economic growth. Without its involvement, the EU would lose some of its global powers and its ability to develop a more dynamic economy. Exclusion from the EU would also see Britain reduce itself to a second-class status in Europe and lack the power to influence the future decisions of the Union. Britain’s role in the EU is crucial to her economic well-being. Cottret states that while most of Britain’s foreign investment comes from outside the EU, the country is regarded as the most suitable launch pad for entry into the European market (192). Britains withdrawal from the EU would therefore seriously damage her advantage and lead to a significant decline in foreign investment. It is therefore in the best interest of Europe for the UK to continue being a member of the EU. However, the difficulties experienced in the relationship between the EU and the rest of the Union need to be mitigated. For the to occur, the UK will have to concede that it cannot maintain its identity entirely and accept to adopt a European identity. The nation will also have to accept the fact that the sovereignty of the British Parliament will be challenged and surpassed by the European Court of Justice from time to time. While this will be an infringement on the fundamental principle of the British community, it will be a small price to pay for the advantages of being in the EU. Conclusion This paper has discussed the difficult relationship between Britain and the EU. It has highlighted the many reasons that make Britains involvement in the EU difficult. The UKs historical legacy makes it difficult for the country to accept narrowing its political interests primarily to the European continent. The lack of involvement in the formative years of the Union also means that Britain did not have a say in the establishment of the core policies and rules that govern the EU. These difficulties have mitigated the role of the UK in the union and led to speculations about its future membership to the EU. This paper has noted that if the UK leaves the EU, there will be significant loses especially for the UK. Action therefore needs to be taken to make the relationship between Britain and the EU less problematic. Begg, Iain. It is entirely possible that Britain could leave the European Union within the next decad e. Feb. 2012. Web. Bideleux, Robert. European Integration and Disintegration: East and West. NY: Routledge, 1996. Print. Brady, Hugo. Britains 2014 justice opt-out: Why it bodes ill for Camerons EU strategy. Brussels: Centre for European Reform, 2013. Print. Chalmers, Daniel. European Union law: text and materials. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print. Cottret, Bernard. Civilization of Modern Britain. Vienna: Breal Publishers, 2004. Print. Eudey, Greg. â€Å"Why Is Europe Forming A Monetary Union.† Business Review 3.1 (1999): 13-21. Web. George, Stephen. An awkward Partner: Britain in the European Community. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print. Niblett, Robin. â€Å"Choosing between America and Europe: a new context for British foreign policy.† International Affairs 83.4 (2007): 627–641. Tavlas, Grant. â€Å"Benefits and costs of entering the Eurozone.† CATO Journal 24.2 (2004): 34-54. Web. Watts, Duncan and Pilkington, Colin. Brita in in the European Union Today. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2005. Print.

Design SSRD (single subject research design) in early childhood Essay

Design SSRD (single subject research design) in early childhood - Essay Example The child who participated in this study, Lulu, attends a daycare three days a week from 7am to 5pm. At the time of the study, Lulu was 24 months old. Lulu’s family has a diverse background. Her father is from Middle Eastern descent and speaks Arabic and English. Her mother is from European descent and she speaks Russian and English. In daycare Lulu is only exposed to English and baby sign. Lulu met the criteria for a normal developing child according to the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Lulu’s overall development is age appropriate in motor skills, social-emotional, and self-help. Lulu’s language is age appropriate. Lulu is very sociable and enjoys talking to other children and adults. Lulu knows that when she is around family she can speak either Arabic or Russian. She knows to use English at daycare and with new people that she meets The dependent variable was Lulu’s verbal language. Lulu uses several of Arabic, Russian, and English words. For example she says water in Arabic only (mai) and the ball she always says it in Russian (mathci). She says night night if she is sleepy and wants to go to bed in addition to Baba, Mama, bye, milk and auntie. Lulu uses around 100 single words and she uses two to three word phrases. Also, she uses sounds to point for things that she do not know their names or it is difficult to say such as, oi oi oi if she wants us to open something for her. After the study we would like to see Lulu continue expanding her verbal language The research team will observe Lulu for 30 days. The researcher will count the number of verbal words that she uses and the number of baby sign used. The measurement would be event sampling of parent use of baby sign language. The researchers will use a checklist of parent implementation of baby sign. The baseline would be Lulu’s use of verbal language with people without mom using baby sign. During the B condition (intervention) mom will use baby sign.

Operations Management Assignment in Ritz Carlton Hotels Essay

Operations Management Assignment in Ritz Carlton Hotels - Essay Example Ritz Carlton considers that the clandestine to efficient quality management stays to employ efficient staff which recognizes the guests’ requirements and provides them immediately (Case Study, p. 301). In the hospitality or service-care industry, quality is regarded as the extreme significance but unluckily up to now the spotlight has merely been on preparation lead staff to make sure guest satisfaction (Class Note 1 ppt, Slide 17). If a customer resides at the hotel, his opinion of quality is describes by the reliability, declaration and compassion. Ritz Carlton has situated this seeming quality as its main target and also for achieving it stresses on predictability, veracity as well as timeliness. All these three factors collectively lead to greater level of customer satisfaction (Case Study, p. 302). When these service customaries have been resolved the next stride is to determine the measurement methods for monitoring how well these customaries are being realized. The most important problems faced by the services and hospitality industry in respect to implementing TQM are identifying measurements as well as process improvement techniques that generate quantifiable data (Class Note 2 ppt, Slide 6). In effect, some measurement methods have previously been adopted by different hotels, such as Ritz Carlton. Various advanced technologies are being used in order to get maximum advantages or benefits by employing different automated building as well as safety systems to different types of a computerized reservation system. In this context, the Ritz Carlton has come up with greater user-friendly tools and mechanisms in order to enhance the existing level of customer satisfaction (Case Study, p. 302).1The hotel industry is expected to obtain a higher level of quality improvement even wit hout using different sophisticated statistical tools and techniques which are generally utilized by the production and manufacturing industries. Ritz Carlton, after achieving the â€Å"Baldridge award†, the organization has  decided to lower the cycle time. This is the time holdup between recognizing the need of the customer and satisfying that need.  

Essay Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Assignment - Essay Example Tax cuts for businesses encourage the company to expand, invest, or stay in the state through enabling the probability of higher profits. In addition, it stimulates new companies to start up and convince other companies to relocate to state that offers these cuts. Tax cuts lead to job creation, via the promotion of greater activities in business. However, local and state taxes are not that huge of a burden on the business and the reduction in profits is small in comparison (Lynch 5). Rates of after-tax profits in industries are also not significantly varied by different states and jurisdictions. Finally, these taxes should not be seen as burdens but as a provider of financial support to public service that act to reduce business costs. Another argument for Business tax cuts has to do with the supply side, which contends that business tax cuts provide incentives for jobs, as well as leading to an increase in investment and savings, which stimulates economic activity (Lynch 7). Lower b usiness taxes could encourage businesses to retain more earnings and, thus, avail more funds for increased investment in business that is vital for growth of state and local economies. Tax cuts for businesses also allow incentives for business investments, via increasing the profitability inherent in the investment and providing funds for firms to invest by allowing firms to retain more of their earnings. However, a counter-argument contends that the positive effects that are inherent in tax cuts on savings and work effort have been greatly exaggerated by the proponents of this argument (Lynch 8). In fact, tax cuts could act as a disincentive for people to work. Additionally, although tax cuts for businesses may result in sizeable gains, in savings, for businesses and individuals, the gains will not lead to a decrease in interest rates or a productive investment increase in particular jurisdictions. The effect of the demand side argument is likely to reduce growth of the economy and a slowdown in employment creation. A third argument for the implementation of business tax cuts by local and state administrations is the demand side argument. This argument contends that business tax cuts stimulate the local and state economies by making an impact on consumer spending (Lynch 9). When business taxes come down, individuals and businesses are left with increased after tax incomes. Some of these after tax increases could be saved while the rest is spent on the purchase of more services and products. Increased spending will have a corresponding effect on business volumes of sales and allow firms to produce more products and services. As the companies produce more of these, they will have to hire extra workers. Therefore, employment numbers are increased by business tax cuts. Conversely, while local and state tax cuts can cause businesses to use more of their earnings on investment, they also lead to a reduction in government revenue that leads to reduced spending for l ocal and state governments (Lynch 9). Probably, this will result in the drop for in-state spending. Additionally, this very same theory can be utilized for justification in the increase of local and state taxes. The business climate argument holds that local and state governments can promote the development of the economy by improving on the business climate

Scope And Limitation Of The Research Study Marketing Essay

Scope And Limitation Of The Research Study Marketing Essay Transition from a centrally-planed economy to market-economic structure, the Vietnamese market becomes more dynamic. All business and production activities are encouraged investment to contribute into economic growth and stabilization of the nation. Like other industries, investment in telecommunication services locally is welcomed and facilitated. The Vietnamese telecommunication service industry has rapidly developed. Together with development of the country, demand for communication quickly increases and high quality services are much preferred. More and more telecommunication service providers enter into the Vietnamese mobile service market. At present, there are 7 operators including VNPT, Viettel, EVN Telecom, SPT, HanoiPT, GTel and CMC. All players are facing the fierce competition. Most of the operators try to exploit their distinctive competencies to gain competitive advantages and use the appropriate competitive strategies to get more customers and make more profit. They try to forecast the customer needs and market trends to designing long-term corporate strategy for over all company to achieve the company objectives. In this situation, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) recognised that development of effective business strategy has been considered as a highest priority in order to protect its leading position in this market. Through business strategy helps the company to have a business plan to develop its strengths, minimize its weaknesses in order to achieve opportunities and avoid threats in the marketplace in which it operates. In such a context, this research study deals with the development of business strategy for VNPT in Vietnamese Mobile service market. 1.2. Problem Statement As the competition is more and more fierce, developing appropriate corporate strategies for a company is the key to success in the market. But how can the company develop such a corporate strategy? In case of Vietnamese telecom service market, its considered that its being in stable stage. Especially the mobile service sector and fixed phone sector, they are considered as being in mature stage of its life-cycle. However in broadband sector, its being in the potential and growth stage. VNPT is the biggest company in Vietnamese Telecom market which obtained the highest market share compare to other competitors. At present, VNPT is facing the intensified competition from many competitors like Viettel, EVN, FPT, SPT,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ who try to reduce product price to get more customers as well as market share. The question is how can VNPT protect its position in the Vietnamese Telecom service market? To answer this question, VNPT needs to develop the corporate strategy to defend its curre nt position and extent business in another potential market. This research study examines how to develop the appropriate corporate strategies for Vietnamese Post and Telecommunications Group in order to protect its leading position and develop its business in the telecom service market. 1.3. Objectives of the Research Study The objectives of this research cover the following issues: To review literature dealing with the strategic management process, especially the process of strategy formulation To analyze opportunities and threats of the Vietnamese telecom service market from external forces such as the market trends, suppliers, consumers, competitors. To analyze the current situation of VNPT in term of strengths and weaknesses of its capacity, market share, and operation activities. To develop the business strategy for VNPT. 1.4. Research Methodology 1.4.1. Analytical Framework This research is presented in the form of a case study exposing the complexities of a real business environment in the Vietnamese telecom market. The purpose of this research is to develop corporate strategies for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group. Thus, it is necessary to the analyze market situation and current corporate strategy of VNPT in order to formulate the corporate strategy. A framework may enable to understand the various linkages and interactions between the variables and to develop corporate strategies of the company. Figure 1.1 illustrates this analytical framework. The objective of external analysis is to identify opportunities and threats in the business environment in which VNPT has to face. Two interrelated environments should be examined at this stage: the macro environment of the Vietnamese market and the micro environment referred to the industry in which VNPT operates. The analysis of the macro environment focuses on examining the key achievements and limitation of the Vietnamese economy, political factors and government policies on the telecom service industry. The analysis of the micro environment involves an assessment of industrial growth, production, consumption pattern and the competition between existing operators in which the analysis the main competitors of VNPT is examined in the terms of strengths and weaknesses about their corporate activities. The internal analysis is devoted to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of VNPT. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the production and business of the company in the terms of capacity, market share, sales volume, finance and corporate activities. After having analyzed the internal and external factors, the corporate strategy alternatives can be developed. To select the best solution, VNPT needs to evaluate the alternatives with respect to the possibility to achieve the corporate objectives. The framework of this study can be illustrated by Figure 1.1 1.4.2. Information Needed To examine this research, information needed consists of the following issues: The Vietnamese Telecom service market reports in recent years, general information about Vietnamese economic climate, economic development, and government policies on the telecom industry are also collected. Competition in the telecom market, which is focused on getting information about main competitors in terms of strengths and weaknesses involved corporate activities such as product, price, distribution and promotion. Information about the current situation of VNPT that needs to be obtained including the company profile, corporate objectives, production capacity, market share, corporate activities. 1.4.3. Data Sources Data and information needed for conducting the research were basically obtained from the following main sources: Primary data: Interviews in-depth with managers, key persons of the VNPT Group as well as other specific telecom companies. Secondary source: Data requirements were extracted from the publication of the government offices such as the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communication. Data relating to international context was obtained from the Internet websites, the academic journals Data and information from books and journals, newspapers, articles related to the research were collected in CFVG library and the Vietnamese national library. Data and information were also obtained from VNPT annual reports, from in-depth interviews conducted with VNPT general director, and functional managers. Strategy Strategic management Michael Porter 5 forces SWOT analysis BCG matrix PROBLEM LITERATURE REVIEW SITUATION ANALYSIS Scanning external environment Analyzing competitive environment Scanning internal environment Evaluating current performance results Opportunities Threats Strengths Weaknesses EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF THE STRATEGY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Figure 1.1 Framework of the research study 1.5. Scope and Limitation of the Research Study This research study is conducted mainly at Vietnamese Posts and Telecommunication Group, Vietnam focus mainly in 3 main sectors: Mobile service, Fixed-phone and Broadband service. The study has been undertaken purely from a viewpoint of strategic management in order to set up a long term development for VNPT. This research has the following limitations: The process of strategic management involves 4 basic stages: (1) environment analysis (2) strategy formulation, (3) strategy implementation, and (4) evaluation and control. The research focuses only 2 steps: environment analysis and strategy formulation. In assessing the strengths and weaknesses of VNPT, the research has not examined its financial ability due to difficulties in gaining and assessing data necessary. Data about the competitors of VNPT mainly collected from secondary data, not from those ports themselves. Therefore, the information of these competitors is not sufficient. The tools which can be used to do strategic analysis are many but the only 5 will be under the research namely: PEST analysis: It is a technique understanding the environment factors like political, economic, social, and technology in which the business operates. Five forces analysis: it is a technique for identifying the forces which affect the level of competition in an industry level and business level. SWOT analysis: it is a useful summary technique for summarizing the key issues arising from an assessment of a businesses internal position and external environmental influences to company. Strategic Choice: This process involves understanding the nature of stakeholder expectations along with identifying strategic options, and then evaluating and selecting strategic options in the business. BCG matrix: It is a technique and analysis that seeks to summarize a businesses overall competitive position in business level and industry level. 1.6. Organization of the Research Study This research is organized in six chapters, as follows: Chapter 1: Introduction provides an introduction including background, problem statement, objectives, scope and limitation of the research study as well as research methodology. Chapter 2: Literature review presents the literature review of the study and summarizes the work of previous studies, it relates to the fundamental ideas on developing business strategy including strategy analysis and strategy designing. Chapter 3: Analyzing external environment covering the economic situation in Vietnam and situation of the telecom service market situation in order to find out opportunities and threats in the environment in which the company operates. Chapter 4: Analyzing internal operation analyzes and assesses the current position of the company regarding strengths and weaknesses of VNPT about its performance, market share and operation activities. Chapter 5: Developing strategies for VNPT conclude about above analysis based on SWOT matrix, BCG matrix identify competitive position and suggest a strategic approach, in particular a competitive strategy for VNPTs development in Mobile service Industry. Based on suggested strategy, recommende functional strategies for VNPT. Chapter 6: Conclusions summarizes the main points draw out from the study.

Summer of My German Soldier :: Essays Papers

Summer of My German Soldier The novel, Summer of My German Soldier, written by Bette Greene is about a young Jewish girl, Patty, who befriends a Nazi soldier. She confides in him because of the lack of parental love in her life. The Nazi soldier shows Patty that she is a person of value and is important in the world. This is something that her parents have never told her. Michael Tuchner, director of the cinematic version of, Summer of My German Soldier, does a fair job of portraying the action in the novel, however some key scenes are not shown thus taking away important facts that the viewer would see. There are many scenes in the movie that are not in the book. There are a few key additions, one of which is, Anton asking Patty for accessories. The accessories are a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, comb, etc. When he is asking for these things he seems really demanding. In the book he does not appear to be this way. Another addition is, towards the end of the movie, Patty’s father comes into her room and tells her that she is a bad person and is dead to him. He also tells her that she has always hated him, and in a way this compares to the scene in the book where he goes into the garage and yells â€Å"nobody loves me, nobody loves me!†. The scene in which Ruth walks through the town with Patty is another key addition. It shows that she is confident in herself and that she is not afraid of the prejudice of the white people. This scene closely compares to the scene in the book where Ruth orders the white guards in the juvenile detention center to fetch Pattyâ⠂¬â„¢s Christmas bag. There are many scenes in the book that do not take place in the movie. The most apparent deletion is of the scenes dealing with the grandparents. In the movie Patty’s grandparents are never mentioned; in the book they play a major role in her life. In the beginning of the book, before Patty meets Anton, her grandparents are all she has. Unlike her parents, they treat her like a person. Also at the end of the book they keep her before she has to go to the juvenile detention center.

English 101 Grit Essay

If â€Å"Grit†, as defined as a measure of perseverance and the way to achieve a long term goal to succeed in college, then who needs family support and resources? Angela Duckworth’s theory of ‘Grit’ is based on an area of psychology research that determines how to be successful in college. Duckworth’s theory argues that having ‘Grit’ or perseverance is the main force that will pull students through to complete college. While I believe Duckworth’s theory to be useful and that having â€Å"Grit† can be key to one’s success in college completion, I do believe that it is the backbone to many other traits and outside influences important to succeed in college. In the case of Donna Beegle’s Story, I think that Duckworth’s theory would be only somewhat useful to understand her success. In the article, â€Å"An Insider’s Perspective: The Donna Beegle Story,† Beegle tells her experience of overcoming extreme poverty and beating all odds and achieving a doctorate. During her road to success, Beegle had many outside influences that were the key to those achievements. She reached out to a Community Action Agency that really opened the doors for her and started a rippling effect towards key resources and influential people. First and foremost, the biggest stepping stone for her was when the agency connected her to the WIT (Women in Transition) program. Beegle states, â€Å"With an enormous amount of support from the WIT program staff and my family, I entered the community college to work on a two-year degree. (246) In addition to the WIT program, Beegle states, â€Å"The one thing that kept me from giving up was the â€Å"Section 8† public housing certificate from the Portland Housing Authority given to me by the WIT program. † (246) Beegle’s statement proves one of my points, that if it was not for that resource, she would have not have been â€Å"gritty† enough to continue her education. For people like Beegle, a GED was just not in the realm of capabilities for her, without those resources, she would not have been able to persevere to that point and beyond with her education. Secondly, let’s consider her family. Her family played a huge role to her success as well. Beegle’s parents watched her children while she attended college, and gave her the motivation and praise she needed to keep going. In addition Beegle’s brother Wayne provided an unusual and unexpected amount of support that led her to complete her two-year degree. Wayne was incarcerated for twelve years; during those years he had an endless amount of time to read and become something Beegle describes as â€Å"middle- class literate. †(248) It was her brother, who through letters back and forth between the two, helped her understand her assignments. Therefore, it’s her family’s support and help from her brother that allowed her to persevere. In addition to all of the resources and family support, Beegle was lucky to have crossed paths with a language specialist by the name of Dr. Bob Fulford. Fulford was the mentor in Beegle’s life that made a huge impact on her educational success. He went beyond his job as a professor of the university she attended, and really took the time to work with her and guide her through academic achievement and personal affairs. He also taught her how to write and corrected her speech. On top of that support from him, he also â€Å"linked her to a network of professionals in the community who continues to widen my range of possibilities. † (249) I believe Fulford’s guidance and encouragement were the key element to Beegle’s success. If it was not for him and other mentors like him believing in her and recognizing she was not â€Å"stupid†, she would not have the chance to better her education. For some people, Duckworth’s theory of ‘Grit’ and perseverance is just not enough to get a college student through to college completion. According to Beegle, â€Å"[m]entors, [m]iddle-[c]lass [l]anguage† (247) and people seeing her for where she was â€Å"[w]ere [k]eys to [m]y [e]ducational [s]uccess†. For me personally, if I did not have my family, financial aid and the Women’s Program at Highline Community College, I really don’t think I would be able to manage. Even if I had ‘Grit’, there are road blocks like child care and having affordable housing that make it possible for me to stay in college. In my experience, ‘grit’ has helped tremendously when combined with the other elements in my life. For example, I recently helped my mother move from her apartment she has been in for over 24 years, to her home she now owns. Between my brother and I and just a few friends, we spent weeks of packing, updating the new house and unpacking. It was ‘grit’ that helped me through doing this huge move while still making it to class every day, turning in all my homework, and acing two quizzes. I was determined to make school a priority over all the other important events that were going on around me. However, some might argue how ‘grit’ played a major role in Beegle’s and my own story, especially when faced with a big disadvantage such as poverty and severe lack of proper education and in my case, a single parent. They may say that the only way to overcome those obstacles is to persevere through it. It’s true that wanting an education and a better life is what will make someone become â€Å"gritty†. It is my ‘Grit’ that has helped me in my classes; there have been assignments that have made my eyes go cross and makes me feel like I just want to give up. But my inner grit comes out and I think of the long term and what I want for my daughter and I. It is those moments when I can say Duckworth’s theory is useful to my situation but not in the grand scheme of things. With grit alongside with these other elements, one can be successful. So in conclusion, I do think having ‘Grit’ plays a big part in one’s success to college completion or at least it is a great supporting factor. Do I think â€Å"All I need is Grit and I can get a degree? † No.  What I think is, grit can help through the hard times, when you feel like giving up, persevere through those obstacle and find another way to get to where you want to go. It is that inner quality of grittiness that will assist someone on their journey. Like Beegle states, â€Å"With subsidized housing, food stamps, mentoring from numerous people, and the support and encouragement of family and agencies, I was able to move forward and become educated. † (248) for me and others alike, ‘Grit’ is only one piece of the 500 piece puzzle.

Draconian Implies Cruelty

Draconian Implies Cruelty Draconian Implies Cruelty Draconian Implies Cruelty By Maeve Maddox During the recent Congressional gridlock regarding the federal budget, the word draconian has become a common epithet used to preface the words budget cuts, in the way the epithet powerful usually precedes Ways and Means Committee. How appropriate is the use of draconian to describe budget cuts? It depends. Asking the Pentagon to cut some of its $463 billion non-war related expenditures is not the same as cutting off a thiefs hand for stealing. Eliminating programs that are keeping people alive, on the other hand, might appropriately be called draconian. Apart from budget cuts, draconian is often used in contexts in which official procedures are seen as unnecessarily cruel or tyrannical: Over the past week, the unrest in the Middle East deepened, with growing protests in Bahrain and Libya, and more draconian measures by the countries’ leaders to quash the opposition. A new report this week from Human Rights Watch peers into Chinas Draconian and ineffective incarceration of people struggling with drug addiction. We are not going to take the draconian police measures necessary to deport 11 million people. Draconian new measure requires police to arrest anybody who cant prove they are a US citizen. Since 2005, a rather draconian law has been adopted to deal with offenders. Failure to pay a ticket results in the revocation of driving privileges in Quebec. Somali women complain of draconian Sharia restrictions. Draconian [drÄ -kÃ… nÄ“-É™n ] is an eponym, a word derived from a persons name: draconian (or draconic) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Draco, archon at Athens in 621 B.C., or the severe code of laws said to have been established by him; rigorous, harsh, severe, cruel. OED Although draconian has come to mean unreasonably harsh, Dracos written code in which punishments were spelled out was seen at the time as being more just than arbitrary punishments inflicted by the local authority figure. According to legend, Dracos code prescribed death for most offenses. Plutarch passed along this much-quoted anecdote: It is said that Drakon himself, when asked why he had fixed the punishment of death for most offenses, answered that he considered these lesser crimes to deserve it, and he had no greater punishment for more important ones. I say according to legend because Ive read that in the only fragment of Dracos code that survives, exile (not death) is the punishment for homicide. Dracos name could have something to do with the fact that his code of laws entered Greek memory as being really really cruel: Greek dracon means dragon or serpent. Bottom line: draconian is a strong word that conveys disregard for the humane treatment of others. Its wasted as a mere synonym for extreme. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 English Grammar Rules You Should KnowWhat is the Difference Between Metaphor and Simile?Preposition Mistakes #1: Accused and Excited

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly essays

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly essays Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly Mental disorders are becoming more prevalent in todays society as people add stress and pressure to their daily lives. The elderly population is not eliminated as a candidate for a disorder just because they may be retired. In fact, mental disorders affect 1 in 5 elderly people. One would think that with disorders being rather prevalent in this age group that there would be an abundance of treatment programs, but this is not the case. Because the diagnosis of an individuals mental state is subjective in nature, many troubled people go untreated regularly (summer 1998). Depression in the elderly population is a common occurrence, yet the diagnosis and treatment seem to slip through the cracks. Depression is an example of a metal condition that may slip through the cracks when it comes to detection. The health care industry contributes to the overlooking of depression in the elderly because of the overwhelming desire to keep costs down. The factors of depression are open for interpretation, which results in different doctors looking for different things. In addition to that, elderly people may not exhibit the traditional symptoms of depression either. Aged individuals may have symptoms of depression that go unnoticed due the fact that those symptoms are being attributed to a different ailment. One half of all depressed patients seen by general physicians are not identified as depressed (August 1995). Also, some of the things people look for in detecting depression are things that society seems to think are the norm for our elders (October 1999). In addition, there appear to be a few fundamental differences between depression in the young and old. Elderly people tend to have more ideational symptoms, which are related to thoughts, ideas, and guilt. Elderly depressed individuals are also more likely to have psychotic depressive and melancholic sy...

Chapter 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Chapter 4 - Assignment Example During the 1950s-1980s, Matsushita was able to make use of the post-war effects on the Japanese economy; most Japanese were grateful to receive job security at a time of uncertainty. As the Japanese economy expanded and the workforce grew older, suddenly employees had found the freedom to find a job to best suit their needs. This resulted in a shaky business environment from the point of view of Japanese business, but it greatly benefitted the average employee. 4. What is Matsushita trying to achieve with human resource changes it has announced? What are the impediments to successfully implementing these changes? What are the implications for Matsushita if (a) the changes are made quickly or (b) it takes years or even decades to fully implement the changes? Matsushita is trying to offer more options for its employees be being flexible in working conditions. The impediment to this change is an older generation set in its ways that refuses to either change or move on. If the changes are made quickly, older employees may quit in protest and the company may lose some of its most valuable assets. On the other hand, if it takes too long to implement the changes, Matsushita may grow at a slower pace than its competitors and lose significant market share. The Matsushita case shows that societal culture and business success are linked. Culture is always changing, so business needs to do the same. If a business remains the same for too long, productivity decreases and workers lose interest in their

Financial Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial Accounting - Essay Example One useful content is the report that the company was able to achieve a good set of results in the areas of sales, profits, and earnings per share growth. Another useful content is the increase of the company’s ROCE by 13 percent. The increase brings the company closer to achieving its 2014 benchmarks. Another useful content is restating the United Kingdom as the company’s outstanding core business (http://www.tescoplc.com/). Some of the contents of the chief executive officer’s report are irrelevant. Stating that the company must focus on increasing sales is redundant. All companies strive to increase sales, without exception. Another irrelevant content is the focus on climate change policies. All companies are required to implement environmental laws. (http://www.tescoplc.com/). (b). Chairman’s Statement. Some of the contents of the Chairman’s report are useful. The useful contents include reporting the company’s successful business operati on during the 2011 accounting period. Tesco’s Chairman, David Reid, emphasized favorable financial results in the 2011. Another useful content is stating the current year’s dividend is 10.8 percent higher than the prior year’s dividend distribution. Some of the contents of the Chairman’s Review report are irrelevant. ... (b) Audit Committee Chairman’s Report. Some of the contents of the Audit Committee Chairman’s report are useful. One of the useful contents is focusing on the Audit Committee’s meetings focusing on internal control matters. Another useful content is stating that the Audit Committee meetings are done five times during the year. Likewise, another useful content states that the affected departments cooperated with the Audit Committee. Some of the contents of the Audit Committee Chairman’s report are irrelevant. One irrelevant content is stating the group internal controls and risk management processes are embedded in their businesses. All businesses are required to implement internal controls to reduce or stop fraudulent and erroneous transactions. Another irrelevant content is stating the board is organized each year to one or more of the Group’s international businesses. PART TWO Background Information (a) Property Plant & Equipment IFRS compliance: Property, Plant and Equipment. Tesco Plc records the ? 24,398 m property plant and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. IFRS standard Section 17, Property, Plant, and Equipment, requires entities to property, plant, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes all amounts paid to put the said assets into operations. The same IFRS concept requires entities to record the same assets at carrying value (net of accumulated depreciation). The assets must be depreciation over each asset’s useful life (Mehta 2010) Intangible Assets. Tesco Plc complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Specifically, Tesco Plc’s ?4,338 m goodwill and other intangible assets amount complies with IFRS no. 3, Business Combinations, which states that must identify