Monday, September 30, 2019

OPEC CARTEL Essay

â€Å"OPEC As a CARTEL† There are two kinds of extreme market structure and they are perfect competition and imperfect competition. In a perfectly competitive market there are many numbers of sellers and many numbers of buyers selling and buying homogeneous products, therefore there is very little impact of a single buyer or seller changing the price of his/her product. In an imperfect competitive market there are few sellers and these sellers have some control over the prices and output of the product. Here, in this kind of market the whole market is affected by an individual changing his/her product price. In USA most of the industries fall between these two extreme market structures. But in this essay we’ll talk about oligopoly. It is imperfect competitive market state therefore here there are few no. of sellers. Oligopoly covers many kinds of industrial behaviours and structures because of its broad nature. Oligopoly is a market condition where few numbers of sellers (oligopolists) come together and form a market or an industry. An oligopoly may have 2 firms or 20 firms, selling and producing differentiated or undifferentiated products and services. There are few participants in this market structure therefore each participant is aware about the activities of other participants. The decisions are influenced by one another. As this market is operated by few firms, the price of the product and the quantity of production is fixed by the firms itself keeping in mind their self-interest and self-respect. Sellers (oligopolists) are acting and cooperating like a monopolist – producing a small amount of quantity of goods and selling these goods at a price higher than the marginal cost. These are some of the powerful incentives at work which hinder a group of firms from maintaining the monopoly outcome. An oligopoly is operated under imperfect competition; they follow a kinked  demand curve which shows that inelasticity below the market price and elasticity above the market price, offering differentiated services and products they have strong barriers to entry. Kinked demand curve is downward sloping curve. There is a discontinuity at the bend – the â€Å"kink†. Due to this there is a discontinuity in the marginal revenue curve. The demand above the kink is relatively elastic, therefore all other firms’ prices remains unchanged and demand curve after the kink the demand will be inelastic, therefore all the firms will have similar price cut, eventually leading to a price war. The best way to overcome this problem is to produce at the point E that is the equilibrium point and, coincidently the kink point. There are many industries in oligopoly conditions are automobile, cigarette, malt beverages (beer), small arms ammunition, oil and petroleum, etc. There are many kinds of oligopolies, a number of different oligopoly models have been structured. But we are going to further discuss about the structure of CARTEL. But before that if u examine all oligopoly models have a similar thing i.e. ‘The behaviour of any given oligopolistic firm depends on the behaviour of other firms in the industry comprising oligopoly’. According to the traditional economic theory the producer who is at the stage of profit maximizing and also has some market power (either due to oligopoly or monopolistic competition) would have set marginal cost equal to marginal revenue i.e. MC=MR. A cartel is an organisation of independent firms coming together, to control and limit the production and increase and decrease of price and profit. Cartels can be formed in an informal or formal manner with the agreement of every member. Cartels usually occur in an oligopolistic industry. The main aim of cartel is to increase individual profits by reducing competition. There are two kinds of cartels: Private cartels and Public cartels. In a public cartel there is involvement of government and such cartels are legally formed. Private cartels are formed by few industries and are subject to legal liability under antitrust laws now found in every country of the world. Private cartels have to often face competition laws. Private cartels are recognized and fragmented by the competition policy by most of the countries in the world. But finding out cartels and further proving them is very difficult because firms are not so careless to put such agreements on papers. Antitrust authorities have found that in last 200 years price increase achieved by cartels is almost 25%. There was a 28% price hike in private international cartels (cartels formed by one or more nations). Domestic cartels where at 18%, less than 10% domestic cartels failed to raise the market price. This study was possible after several economic studies and legal decisions. There are some differences in public and private cartels. It is said that public cartels are less harmful than private cartels because they are operated in the presence of government private cartels are more effective and, hence, possibly harmful, though there is no proof to prove this right. Government has all the authorities to establish and enforce the rules relating to prices, output and other such matters; this is in the case of public cartels. Examples of public cartels are export cartels and shipping conferences. There are also depression cartels permitted in some countries this type of cartel helps in stabilising the required price and production. For example, in Japan such type of cartel is allowed in steel, aluminium smelting, ship building and various chemical industries. In United States during the time of great depression of 1930, in industries such as coal mining and oil production public cartels were allowed by United States and they also remained after the World War-II. Germany’s economy was also affected by these cartels during the inter–war period. There were international cartels formed between governments of some nations by signing an agreement it was called as international commodity agreement which covered products such as coffee, sugar, tin, and oil (OPEC). Private Cartels are having huge different than public cartels, an agreement is signed on terms and conditions that provide mutual advantages, these terms and conditions should not be detected by outside parties. Private cartels are responsible for violating the antitrust Laws. Game theory means studying the oligopolistic behaviour of a series of strategic actions of a firm and reaction of the rival firm. According to this theory cartels are unstable, due to the behaviour of members of a cartel is like the behaviour of a player who has a dominant strategy in a game. If a member does not abide by the rules in the agreement that member will make more profit than by following the agreement. The situation would be worse if all the partners break the agreement. Cartels do not sustain for a long run because members have cheating incentives. A Cartel can exist for only 5 to 10 years this was found by deep study of cartel. If the members intend to cheat on the agreement in order to earn short term profit so that they could cover the long term losses this depends on the situation if they have short term profits through break down of cartel than they’ll possibly break it down. How difficult it would be for a firm to, find out that other firms are following the agreement or not. If the other firms are not following than they are cheating and therefore the cartel becomes unstable. There are few ways to keep watch on a cartel: 1) Number of firms in the industry, 2) Characteristics of the products sold by the firms, 3) Production cost of each member, 4) Behaviour of demand, and 5) frequency of sales and their characteristics. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was initially created with efforts of 5 countries and then later on joined by 9 other countries. It is an intergovernmental organization which was formed by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, on September 10 – 14, 1960, in Baghdad. These five founding members were later on joined by nine other members: Qatar (1961), Indonesia (1962-2009), Libya (1962), United Arab Emirate (1967), Algeria (1969), Nigeria (1971), Ecuador (1973), Angola (2007), Gabon (1975-1994). Ecuador suspended its membership from December 1992 – October 2007. Initially headquarter of OPEC was in Geneva, Switzerland, and after 5 years it was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965. OPEC was found with some objectives. The objective of OPEC is to manage and unify petroleum polices among member countries and thereby secure the stability in the prices for petroleum producers. It was necessary that flow  is maintained in supplying petroleum at an economical rate, to the consuming countries, provided that the members investing in this industry get a fair return of capital. They also have a unique strategy that is allotting the production quota to a member country. This system helps in maintaining and stabilizing the price to a certain level. Developing its collective vision with some objectives and creating its secretariat, in Geneva and then in 1965, in Vienna, OPEC adopted a ‘Declaratory Statement of Petroleum Policy in Member countries’ in 1968. This policy stated that it is absolute right of the member nations to have a permanent rule over their natural resources and use them in order to increase the rate of national development. During 1970s OPEC became an international importance in the world market of petroleum and crude oil, it had a full control over the pricing. During this period there was a steep price rise in petroleum products. In 1980s the prices began to fall down as people started shifting from petroleum products. OPEC’s market share fell heavily to the third of the early rise. At this time member countries had to bare a heavy loss, but soon they regained their position with a little price hike almost half the early rise. OPEC started recovering its market share slowly. During the period of 1990s OPEC had a fall in prices same as it had in 1980s, but it had a solid recovery this time. During this period the prices were stable at some extent than in 1970s and 1980s. One of the member nation left OPEC and one suspended its membership. In 21st century OPEC had an innovative plan which helped in stabilising the prices of petroleum products in early years. The prices began to rise from 2004 and still it’s rising. During this decade one member activated its membership and another member suspended it. OPEC has not proved to be a successful cartel because it was unable to control the prices of petroleum products. Though OPEC had few members and that helped in reducing the conflicts. It was easy for the members to monitor one another’s activities and thereby adhering to the agreement. It was also easy to coordinate the price policy and the output policy according the agreement. It is simpler to form a cartel with few members. OPEC as a cartel is working effectively because 3/4th of its oil reserve is regulated by four countries they are: Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran. There is only one threat to OPEC as a cartel, and that is increased production by  non-members. In the short run the price elasticity of demand for oil is quite low, according to this statement if enough production restrictions are implied than it will give a price hike this is a favourable environment for a cartel. Following this in 1973 OPEC contributed to two third of the total oil production of the world. Today if we compare the prices of crude oil than they are much higher than the early stages. To survive for such long period of 50 years OPEC had to face many challenges to fulfil its objective. The first challenge in front of OPEC is how to overcome the problem of supply of crude oil in all the countries keeping in mind the interest of the member countries of OPEC. Initially OPEC used to supply its crude oil to all type of countries like developing countries, under developed countries and developed countries but later on it was not able to fulfil the demand as it kept on increasing. Therefore, OPEC decided to first fulfil the demand of those countries with greater need and who provided with a fair deal and then look forward to those countries that had less demand for crude oil and offered a cheap deal. This decision was taken keeping in mind its own profit. The second challenge for OPEC is the NON-OPEC countries i.e. countries which are not members of OPEC. If these countries started production at high rate then these countries would take the major market share of OPEC and that was not good for member countries. NON-OPEC countries had no restrictions in production and pricing of crude oil. These NON-OPEC countries would take the short run profits because they can vary their prices. The third problem faced by OPEC is that United Nations (UN) was constantly pressuring OPEC in order to stop the wastage of gas which is emitted in high amount due to the usage of old technology. Technological issue is the fourth challenge for OPEC because they used old technology and to install new one it would take time and the market demand would not be fulfilled. Updating the technology was a big issue. The fifth issue was about maintaining large reserves of crude oil in order to sustain the sudden shift in demand. The sixth that is the last challenge is in the form of question that how OPEC can overcome the financial problems occurring during the production of oil because producing oil needs heavy capital investment? There is a big risk taking and uncertainties involved in this process and these uncertainties can be overcome with the help of proper  planning. If OPEC is unable to fulfil the challenge than there, is a fear of losing the whole market share against the NON-OPEC countries. Analysis of OPEC’s behaviour can be done through certain aspects. First, relying on a structural model is better than relying on the estimation approach. According to the analysis done in first step, in last 25 years all the theoretical models constructed for OPEC should be taken and then they should be properly tested. After this we compare and contrast it with equilibrium model of dynamic oligopoly. In the second step we consider organization as a whole and not considering the supply functions of individual countries. By doing this we would be able to estimate the collusiveness of OPEC. This helps us in identifying the switching periods between collusive and non-cooperative behaviour. OPEC has its own collusive behaviour and in many cases there was break down and price war between member countries. Price of crude oil depends on the demand and supply of it. There can be different variations maybe low or high, in price of crude oil, due to the imbalance in demand and supply – maybe little demand and more supply or more demand and little supply. The price of crude oil will be high if demand is more and supply is less and price will be low if supply is more and demand is less. Sometimes the prices fall down due to the non-cooperative act of members of OPEC or due to going against the agreement and cheating. Sometimes the reason for high price of crude oil may be other factors like taxation, governments of the countries of the world, natural disasters, etc. Factors like transportation, climate, capital, machinery, cost of production, etc. affect the prices of crude oil. As other cartels, OPEC also tries to raise the prices of crude oil by reducing the quantity of production of crude oil. When the price raises each member of cartel wants to increase the production by going against the agreement, so that they can get large amount of profit. OPEC member countries frequently agree to the reduction of production but then they cheat on the agreement. During the period of 1973-1985 OPEC was successful in maintaining the high-prices of crude oil, with the help of cooperation of  member countries. The price of crude oil per barrel rose steeply from $3 per barrel in 1972 to $11 per barrel in 1974 and then to $35 in 1981. After that there was absence in maintaining cooperation between member countries due to the argument on the topic of increasing production. Due to this the prices of barrel fell down by $13 per barrel in 1986. In this case OPEC has failed to work effectively because it was lacking in coordination and cooperation between member countries and this resulted in the instability of price of crude oil. According to the study there are approximately 1.5 trillion barrels of oil reserve in world. Out of which 81.33% i.e. 1193 billion barrels, is with the member countries of OPEC. In 2010, OPEC member countries produced 29.2 million barrels per day of crude oil that is about 41.8% of the world total output; this has increased to 69.7 million barrels per day. According to OPEC they have sufficient crude oil reserves that can last for 112 years. According to OPEC’s World Energy Model (OWEM) the demand for crude oil in 2006 was 84.7 million barrels per day. Due to the continuous growth in world’s economy the demand for crude oil in 2015 will rise to 96.1 million barrels per day, 102.2 million barrels per day in 2020 and 113.3 million barrels per day in 2030. OPEC as a cartel was unsuccessful to a certain extent and successful to a certain extent. There was high variation observed in prices of crude oil due to the instability of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Lack of cooperation and coordination amongst the members of OPEC was seen because each individual member was tempted to earn high amount of profits and therefore he/she would cheat with the agreement. There was one thing observed that, when the price of crude oil rise than the members of OPEC intend to go against the agreement and they try to increase their production in order to earn short-run high profits. During any crisis in the world OPEC was not able to keep itself steady. There were some technological related issues with the members of OPEC. They used the old machinery to produce the crude oil and to overcome that they started updating their machineries, but during this period they were unable to handle the market demand for crude oil and therefore t hey failed to provide it to other  countries which resulted in price hike. If innovation is carried out properly than the cost of production will reduce to certain point and this will react in high rise in demand in international market, which will directly affect the profits of members of OPEC. In conclusion I would like to say that OPEC is a best form of oligopoly and both suit to each other because of the continuous development of OPEC as a cartel. In past 50 years OPEC has faced many heavy tasks; it failed to fulfil some tasks but still tried to recover the losses. OPEC has the largest oil reserve in the world. Amongst the NON-OPEC countries main competitor of OPEC is U.S.A because it has one of the largest reserves of crude oil. If we see in today’s market than OPEC as a cartel has a higher market share and it is the longest and largest living oil producing organization. OPEC is one of the longest survived cartels in the world. REFRENCE 1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartel 2) http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/24.htm 3) http://www.scribd.com/doc/55875469/Oligopoly-OPEC 4) http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/press_room/179.htm 5) Principles of Microeconomics (Indian edition) 4th edition, by N. Gregory Mankiw, published by Cengage learning India Pvt. Ltd., 356-357 6) Principles of Economics 8th edition, by Karl E. Case and Ray C. Fair, published by Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd., 310-311

SeniorServ Practice

Mohammad ChowhanAmerican Public UniversitySeniorServ, Adult Day Health CareSecuring Home, Health & HeartAnaheim, CaliforniaInstructor: Dr. Carter-Mccummings, JewelMarch 22, 2018Abstract. I chose my practicum site because of several reasons. Selecting SeniorServ practicum has numerous benefits to facilitate selecting public health career. As an intern, I have the opportunity to experience the type of work that could be performed in the position, to determine if my skills match the work that is essential and to evaluate whether that work is what I could see myself accomplishment day in and day out in a enjoyable career. One of the fastest growing areas of health care is elder care. As people age and find themselves with increased health issues, the need for dependent care often tops their list as they plan for the years ahead. More and more seniors are choosing to stay in their homes as long as possible and that can put a burden on the primary caregivers who may not have the time or the ability to provide the necessary care. Providing a healthy, interactive environment for the dependent adult can give the caregivers relief from constant care for their loved one. There are many opportunities in the adult day care area. Maybe one of these is a perfect match for me. SeniorServ Adult Health Day Care is a non-profit, client centered, day program for older adults living in the Orange County Area. Most of our participants vary in levels of dependency from mild to severe and often have a chronic illness. SeniorServ's main goal is to keep families and their loved ones united within their respective communities and homes for as long as possible through an integrated care program which includes daily activities, Physical ; occupational therapies, nursing and personal care services. SeniorServ Adult Health Day Care operate smoothly is challenging and rewarding. There are opportunities in planning events, transportation, scheduling, finance, public relations/ presentations, fundraising, supervision, crisis management and recruitment as well as meaningful daily interaction with the program participants we serve. Each brings its own reward.IntroductionFor 50 years SeniorServ has been the largest nonprofit senior nutrition and supportive service provider in Orange County, serving nearly  one million meals  to over  10,000 at-risk older adults annually. We deliver programs and services that reduce hunger and improve wellness for seniors so that they may live independently in the homes and communities they love. The organization was originally incorporated in 1967 as Feedback Foundation. In 2006 Feedback Foundation and Senior Meals and Services merged creating SeniorServ,  providing the capacity for meeting the growing and diverse needs of older adults in our community. SeniorServ leverages its 22,000 square foot commercial kitchen and warehouse to process all our foods while providing social enterprise opportunities to the community at large.SeniorServ is proud to celebrate 50 years of programs and services that diminish hunger and loneliness for penurious seniors. Although a lot has changed since our humble beginnings in 1967, one thing that has remained is our commitment to helping older adults stay in their homes, preserve their dignity, and maintain their independence. With your support, we can give support – bringing them healthy meals, providing friendship, and, often, offering the only human contact they have all week long. Home-delivered meals, Case Management, Adult Day Services, health related rehabilitation. Friendly Visitors, Care Circles, and Care Coordination work at keeping seniors in Orange County living in the homes and communities they love. Good nutrition is the basis of good health. Meals on Wheels and Senior Center lunches throughout the county deliver healthy nutrition. Adult Day Health Care safeguards health through supervision, and therapies. Care Coordination reduces health risks after hospitalization. Compassionate care in our Adult Day Health Centers, friends and activities at Adult Day Services, companionship from a Friendly Visitor and support from a Care Circle are just a few ways SeniorServ makes sure older adults are happy, connected and feeling loved. MissionTo nourish the wellness, purpose, and dignity of seniors and their families in our community.Values of SeniorServCompassion: We are caring ; compassionate in all we do. Integrity: We are always honest and ethical. Respect: We treat every person with dignity and respect. Excellence: We deliver on our mission with excellence and professionalism. Communication: We listen and speak openly with each other. Innovation: We create an environment where innovation and possibilities thrive. Indispensable GoalsCollaborate with other elder advocates and seniors focused organizations to develop a strategy for the enactment of federal and state legislation that is of benefit to California older adults. Ensure that basic, essential in-home and in facility support services, both medical and non-medical are available to older senior adults.Develop a patient-centered community case management model for chronic care and successful transitions along the care continuum including transitions from and to hospitals, other care facilities, and homes. Explore and implement best practices for integrated assessment and treatment mental health, substance abuse, and cognitive decline, including access to a geriatric treatment progress.Enhance awareness of the importance of nutrition, exercise, brain fitness, socialization, and spirituality in the aging well process.Service Delivered in SeniorServAdult Day Health Care (ADHC) is designed for individuals with physical and mental impairments under SeniorServ. This center provides supportive therapies to enable individuals and their loved ones to maintain as much as daily independence as possible. Nursing and MedicalPersonal Care Physical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech and Cognitive TherapySocial ServicesDietary ; Nutritional ServicesStimulating Exercise HallTransportationRespite for CaregiversWeekly Public Health Awareness Discussion SessionsCollaborations with Other Organizations ; AgenciesSeniorServ has deep collaboration with other organizations and agencies for effective implications. Agencies and organizations are as follows:Alignment HealthcareKaiser PermanenteSCANSt, Joseph HealthActive Care LivingSilveradoLocations of SeniorServAnaheim Health Day Care CenterSanta Ana/ Tustin Health Day Care CenterBuena Part Senior CenterPreceptor's CredentialsMr. Giovanni Corzo, vice president home & Care Services, Overseas SeniorServ's direct care services. Chair of the OneCare Connect Member Advisory Committee (OCCMAC). He represents California MediConnect Plan member (Medicare-Medicaid).Important Public Health Issues Being Addressed in Practicum SiteChronic Health Conditions: More than 80% of elderlies have at least heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Cognitive Health: The most mutual cognitive health issue facing the elderly is dementia, the loss of those cognitive functions. The most generic form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, though there is no cure for dementia, a treatment plan & medications to manage this disease is helpful, like different activities, puzzle-based exercises. SeniorServ has fully fledged sections under physical therapy, occupational therapy and aids for above purpose. Mental Health: A common mental disorder among seniors is depression. Unfortunately, this mental disorder, often undiagnosed & undertreat. But social and other activities-based exercises are very helpful to ease. Promoting lifestyle of healthy living such as betterment of living condition and social support from family, friends or supporting groups can help treat depression. SeniorServ has daily activities including † Lets color it† , Mà ºsica and health awareness sessions. Physical Injuries: The leading cause of injury among elderlies is increasing, due to age, bones cause to shrink and muscle to lose strength & flexibility, senior are most vulnerable. These problems are handled at SeniorServ through education, increased physical activities and practical modification. Malnutrition: Malnutrition in older adults leads to health complications, such as a weakened immune system and muscle weakness. Registered Dietitian and nutrition staff SeniorServ are doing their job to work on healthy breakfast & lunch at regular basis.Sensory Impairments: Sensory impairments, such as vision and hearing, are extremly common for elders. Regading eyes and ears, nursing center take care on daily basis.Bladder Control & Constipation: Incontinence and constpation are common cmplications in senior adults. Center manages elders' food according to their digestive condition. Nursing staff and caregivers are always ready to manage elders' needs. My Contributions at SeniorServHelped Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy staff during therapy sessions.Helped caregivers and nutritional staff during their serving and preparation time.Assisted Activity director during daily tasks and lead small groups.Be part of team who prepared health literature for awareness. I lead small group sessions on public health awareness topics as: Fast Food: Good or Bad Nutrition and Diet Engineered Food for Health Role of Genes in spreading diseases Alcoho, Tobacco and other legal & Illegal Drugs Benefits of Spices, Herbs & Minerals Relationship of Practicum Activities to Student's Academic WorkMy specialty in public health is a reason that I chose SeniorServ for my practicum.Active Living Every Day (ALED) at SeniorServ uses facilitated group-based problem-solving methods to integrate physical activity into everyday living.Enhance Fitness Program is highly adaptable exercise program offering levels that are challenging enough for active older adults and levels that are safe enough for the unfit or near frail.Healthy Moves for Aging Well is a simple and safe in-door physical activity intervention developed and tested by Partners in Care to enhance the activity level of frail, high-risk sedentary seniors living at home. Usefullness, Impact ; Relevance of Selected Practicum on My Planned CareerDuring my stay at SeniorServ, I learned so many new things plus polished my existing skills.I am planning to work for wellness center or advising center that gives awareness in public health, regarding nutrition, healthy activities and social interactions.My Recommendations for the Future Direction of Practicum SiteI recommended them for health awareness discussion among seniors. I started that since in the beginning on weekly basis.I touched topics on nutrition, healthy living, daily fitness exercises.I talked to different senior groups on general health.I recommended to director that talk to individuals and find out their interest and link that help to improve their health.Recommended and be part of leading short talks about health and social issues.Practicum Students should have access to seniors' personal/medical records. Due to my recommendations, I assist SeniorServ's nutritional staff. All centers like SeniorServ don't allow volunteer to physical help in PT & OT areas without initial training. Center is ready to do arrangements for practicum/Inter/volunteers to have initial PT & OT initial training.Evaluations of Overall Practicum Experience & SuggestionsInvolve older adult and youth groups in planning appropriate intergenerational volunteer opportunities for seniors to remain engaged in the community.Integrate a wide range of updated older adult health, recreational, and fitness related activities, such as Pilates and spinning, into existing programsTo enhance the quality of academic learning about elder care issues and policy in various disciplines by integrating meaningful community service into courseworkPracticum DeliverablesFit or Fat (Exercise Program) CopyWeekly Discussion Session Progress Reports (Copy)Mentor/Practicum Agreement (Copy)Leisure ActivitiesDaily Visiting Schedule of Seniors to Nursing Room Brain GamesMonthy Log of Practicum Student at SeniorServ.(Copy)ReferencesHarrigan, B. (2018). Senior Internship. Retrieved March 23,2018 from http://www.natickps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=121475&pageId=575756Weaver, R. (2017). Health Promotion and Wellness Management. Retrieved March 23, 2018 Fromhttps://academics.rowan.edu/shp/departments/hes/programs/undergraduate/healthPromotion/internshiphpwm.pdfRekdal, A. (2016). How interns shape the culture and tech of 20 Chicago companies. Retrieved March 23, 2018 fromhttps://www.builtinchicago.org/2016/07/20/internship-programs-chicago-tech-companiesNiering, G. (2016). Internship Reflection Papers. Retrieved March 23, 2018 fromhttps://www.conncoll.edu/media/website-media/centers/goodwin-niering/greenlivingdocs/Class-of-2016-Internship-Reflection-Papers-Booklet.pdfKumar, S., Preetha, GS. (2012). Health Promotion: An Effective Tool for Global Health. Retrieved February 21, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326808/ American Heart Association (AHA. (2015). Eating Fast Food. Retrieved February 21, 2018 from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/DiningOut/Eating-Fast-Food_UCM_301473_Article.jsp#.Wo4G9q6nHIU Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). A Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke. Retrieved February 21, 2018 from https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/action_plan/pdfs/action_plan_full.pdf National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI). (2017). Three Public Health Training Needs Rise to the Top. Retrieved February 21, 2018 fromhttps://nnphi.org/three-core-competencies-rise-to-the-top-of-the-list-of-public-health-training-needs/ omplete and submit 15 – 25 page reflective paper (12-pt Times New Roman font; double spaced; title page; page numbers-bottom center; APA style, citations & at least  7 references)**The format of the final paper may vary based upon the student's location and activities; however, the following items must be discussed:a. Provide an overview of the practicum agency (organization's mission, organization's goals, location, collaboration with other local, national or international public health agencies, preceptor's credentials)b. Describe current public health issue(s) being addressed during the course of student's practicum experiencec. Describe contributions the student has made during their involvement in practicum experienced. Summarize the relation of the practicum activities to student's academic work and/or concentration areae. Summarize the usefulness, impact and relevance the selected practicum on the student's planned careerf. Provide recommendations for the future direction of practicum agency addressing public health issues on a local, national, and international levelg. Evaluation of overall practicum experience (assessment of overall experience, positive and negative aspects of experience, new skills/knowledge gained, suggestions to faculty for improving future practicum experiences)h. Submit a copy of your deliverables online (Your paper WILL NOT be graded and will receive a zero grade if deliverables are not attached with your  reflection paper).

Saturday, September 28, 2019

5-Pen Pc Technology Essay

P-ISM is a â€Å"Pen-style Personal Networking Gadget Package†. This technology is a technology of five gadget package which has five functions: 1. Pen-style cellular phone provide handwriting data input function. 2. Virtual Keyboard. 3. Compact size Projector. 4. Camera Scanner. 5. Personal ID key with cashless pass function. These five gadgets communicate with each other by the use of short-range wireless technology. This technology uses the cellular phone function to set up a connection with the internet . Bluetooth is extensively used because this technology permits to transmit data(like songs, files, photos, phone numbers etc.) or construct connections without wires. This is very effective because we can able to connect at anywhere and at anytime without having wires. They are used at the frequency band of 2.4 GHz ISM (although they use different access mechanisms). Blue tooth mechanism is used for exchanging signal status information between two devices. This techniques have been developed that do not require communication between the two devices (such as Blue tooth’s Adaptive Frequency Hopping), the most efficient and comprehensive solution for the most serious problems can be accomplished by silicon vendors. They can implement information exchange capabilities within the designs of the Bluet ooth. LED Projector: The LED Projector takes the place of monitor which projects on the screen. The size of the projector is of A4 size. It has the approximate resolution capacity of 1024 X 768. Thus it gives more clarity and good picture. Virtual Keyboard: Virtual Laser Keyboard (VLK)is a new gadget for PC users which replaces the hardware—keyboard. It through laser beam onto the desk or onto the flat surface where you can find the full-size perfectly operating QWERTY arrangement keyboard which connects to the PC as well as to other handheld devices(PDA’s , tablet PC’s etc.). Digital Camera: Its working is like the webcam, you can do video recording, video conferencing with it. It can connect with other devices and because of its small size you can carry it in your pocket. It has 360 degree visual communication device. Battery: Usually the laptops and other devices comes with the battery life of 4 hours , 6 hours etc. but this small device has the battery life of 6+(i.e. 6 days) and for normal use its battery work for 2 weeks. Author:-Ms. Deepti Gupta September 20, 2012 http://www.blog.gurukpo.com/5-pen-pc-technology 5 Pen PC Technology Documentation Free Download P-ISM (â€Å"Pen-style Personal Networking Gadget Package†), which is nothing but the new discovery, which is under developing, stage by NEC Corporation. 5 Pen PC Technology is a gadget package including five functions: a pen-style cellular phone with a handwriting data input function, virtual keyboard, a very small projector, camera scanner, and personal ID key with cashless pass function. 5 Pen PC Technology are connected with one another through short-range wireless technology. The whole set is also connected to the Internet through the cellular phone function. This personal gadget in a minimalist pen style enables the ultimate ubiquitous computing. In fact, no-one expects much activity on 802.11n installations until the middle of 2008. â€Å"Rolling out 802.11n would mean a big upgrade for customers who already have full Wi-Fi coverage, and would be a complex add-on to existing wired networks, for those who haven’t. Bluetooth is widely used because we can able to transfer data or make connections without wires. 5 Pen PC Technology is very effective because we can able to connect whenever we need without having wires. 5 Pen PC Technology are used at the frequency band of 2.4 GHz ISM (although they use different access mechanisms). Blue tooth mechanism is used for exchanging signal status information between two devices. 5 Pen PC Technology techniques have been developed that do not require communication between the two devices (such as Blue tooth’s Adaptive Frequency Hopping), the most efficient and comprehensive solution for the most serious problems can be accomplished by silicon vendors. They can implement information exchange capabilities within the designs of the Blue tooth. The circuit diagram for the 802.11B/G is given below. It is nothing but also type of Blue tooth. Using this connectivity we can also connect it with the internet and can access it anywhere in the world. LED Projector: The role of monitor is taken by LED Projector which projects on the screen. The size of the projector is of A4 size. It has the approximate resolution capacity of 1024 X 768. Thus it is gives more clarity and good picture. Virtual Keyboard: The Virtual Laser Keyboard (VKB) is the ULTIMATE new gadget for PC users. The VKB emits laser on to the desk where it looks like the keyboard having QWERTY arrangement of keys i.e., it uses a laser beam to generate a full-size perfectly operating laser keyboard that smoothly connects to of PC and Most of the handheld devices (PDA’s, tablet PC’s). The I-Tech laser keyboard acts exactly like any other â€Å"ordinary† keyboard: Features of virtual keyboards are: 1.VKB settings can be changed by Sound:   2.Controllable Virtual Keyboard sound effects (key clicks) 3.Connection: Connection to the appropriate Laptop/PC port 4.Intensity: Intensity of the projected Virtual Keyboard   5.Timeouts: coordinated timeouts to conserve the Virtual Keyboard’s battery life 6.Sensitivity: adjustable sensitivity of the Virtual Keyboard 7.Auto-repeat: Allows the VKB to automatically repeat a key based on prescribed parameters. Battery: The most important part in the portable type of computer is its battery. Usually batteries must be small in size and work for longer time. It comes with a battery life of 6+. For normal use it can be used for 2 weeks.This ‘pen sort of instrument’ produces both the monitor as well as the keyboard on any flat surfaces from where you can carry out functions you would normally do on your desktop computer. REFERENCE:- 2012/07/5 http://university-help.blogspot.com Posted by Mahesh

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Importance of Breastfeeding and the implications on Nursing Article

The Importance of Breastfeeding and the implications on Nursing - Article Example of milk from breast is the medium of transference of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type -1 (HIV) but yet it does not mean that breast feeding is the absolute route of transmission of this virus. Moreover, most of the researches are against this proposition and claim that HIV is not easily transmittable. Vast medical researches have played a vital role in the importance of breast feeding during early parenthood duration and continue until total time prescribed. Breastfeeding is advantageous for both infants and mothers as well. Mothers’ state of psychology can be stabled and many problems related to psychology disorders can be dealt by lactation to their babies (Ontario Medical Association 1943). Breast milking is a nutritional source which cannot be replaced by any other supplement and food prescribed and research by physicians for the infants. The obesity usually a mother encounters after pregnancy time period can be removed or at least reduced through the process of breast lactation. The belly watery position and fatty states can also be removed through this process. And speaking of infants, they are highly susceptible and sensitive to diseases at early age so they need highly nourished food (mother’s milk) so they can develop strong immunity system in them against those fatal diseases. Baccalaureate nursing programs according to Mr. Dodgson and Mr. Tarrant (2007), propose that nurses must have evidence based knowledge and education programs on breast feeding. Proper research literature on the breast feeding content should be included in the curricular. Midwives and nurses should promote education about breast feeding during delivery and early stages of birth. Nurses should aware the mothers to give lactations to their infants for the benefits of their babies and for them as well as this program were followed in Hong Kong. The article on surgeon’s call exposed the reasons behind the reluctance of mothers towards breastfeeding practices. As the culture

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Effects of Defendant Age on Severity of Punishment Essay

Effects of Defendant Age on Severity of Punishment - Essay Example Besides, the evil that could be prevented, we (and the hard-working farmer, too) should also consider the fact that one person earned the food, through hard work. And while it might be the case that just desert is outweighed by the greater need of a neighbor, being outweighed is in any case not the same as weighing nothing. (Glenn D. Walters, 1992). Sometimes just desert can be negative in the sense of unwanted, as well as something regarded as a good. The fact that the Nazi war criminals did what they did means they deserve punishment: We have a good reason to send them to jail, on the basis of just desert. Other considerations, for example, the fact that nobody will be deterred or that the criminal is old and harmless, may weigh against punishment, and we may even decide not to pursue the case for that reason. But, again, that does not mean that deserving to be punished is irrelevant, just that we've decided for other reasons to ignore desert in this case. But again: A principle's being outweighed is not the same as its having no importance. (Paul J. Hofer, Mark H. Allenbaugh, 2003). Our social moral code thus honors both the greater moral evil principle and entitlements. The former emphasizes equality, claiming that from an objective point of view all comparable suffering, whomever its victim, is equally significant.

The New Employee Orientation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The New Employee Orientation - Assignment Example The fright of the newness often make one coil and feel withdrawn, yet at the same time there is the joy of joining a new workforce. Just like embracing what a new day presents, a new employee must seek to embrace the cultural climate in the new work environment before he/she can criticize or become judgmental like in the case presented by Schein (2009). The author presents a case of a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) who became judgmental few days after being posted into a new environment. The surest way of learning a particular corporate culture is by understanding one’s role and how that role fits into the whole organization (Lawson, 2006). Embracing the organization culture involves getting to understand the organization’s mission, objectives, policies and structure (Schein, 2009). The various challenges that come with each new day are like the giants in the â€Å"Giant Tales† which are there not stop one from sojourning ahead but they present a venue for growth and innovation (Cromie, 2008). Notably, the presented opportunities evoke every creative spirit as well as create the good working environment rich with experiences of others to learn from (Baek, 2006). It is worth noting that the success of one in the new environment is basically pegged on the willingness of the new individual to learn and so embrace the new work

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

News & Views Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

News & Views - Essay Example What is never mentioned, however, is that everybody has the right to read and get the most basic information about any disease including breast cancer. This news brief seeks to inform everyone that breast cancer is real, and with ever increasing research, the root cause hence the cure for the diases shall be known. Since it was rerpoted that breast cancer exists, a number of studies have sought to understand the its real cure. In most recent studies, it has been indicated that KLf8 to MMP14 signaling is the principle facilitator of metastasis of breast cancer (Lu et al, 2013). According to Lu et al KLf8 to MMP14 signaling helps in progression of breast cancer in human. Lu et al hinted that KLF8 also called the Kruppel-like factor 8, plays a significant role in regulating critical transcription gene, which is a gen responsible for causing cancer. However, what remains unclear is the conditions and mechanism of the operation of this gene. According to Lu et al, KLF8 facilitates the act ivity, rather than the matrix metalloproteinase expression. Background. The debate on the cause and treatment of breast cancer has never ceased. There is lacking scientific proof that breast care can be cured. The number of studies that have sought to ascertain the real cause of this deadly disease has always increased (Ara, & Deyama, 2000; Cristofanilli, 2006). However, most were focused on the initial stages of breast cancer. According to Nawrocki-Raby and Gilles (2003) metastatic cell can help increase the survival chances of a breast cancer patient. Symowicz and Adley (2007) noted that Kruppel-like factor 8 an important cancer promoting protein occurs in different categories of cancers. Zhao and Reiske (1998) KLF8 is one factor that targets the promoters of different oncogenes or the genes that suppress tumor for the transcriptional repression or activation. The function of KLF8 in breast cancer was identified, when KLFB was identified as a kinase focal adhesion downstream effec tor.KLF8is known to be overexpressed in the human cancers that are invasive, such as breast cancer, hence promoting the invasion of the breast cancer cells togehte rwith metastasis. This happens through the propulsion through cycle cell progression. Due to the valid functions of KLF8, the protein is always regulated at the post transitional and transitional levels together with the localization of the nuclear. From the conducted studies, there is no documented study that reports on the molecular mechanism signalling by KLF8 and known to facilitate breast cancer. IN metastasis, and tumor invasion the matrix metalloproteinase has a vital function to play. They operate downstream of FAK by enhancing tumor metastatis. Another study on this field identified MMP9 as one direct transcriptional target of activation by KLF8 together with the mediator promoting KLF8 breast cancer invasion of cell. Togehter with that finding, the study established that KLF8 can regulate the MMP2 3nzyme functio ns with no effect to the expressional levels. Explanation. For the invasiveness of breast cancer ceel, the KLF8 upregulation of MMP14 is vital. A study by Lu et al (2013) showed that the KLF8 overexpression in the cells of MCF-10 would facilitate the knockdown and invasion of the KLF8 inside the MDA-MB-231 invasion cells. This study found that MMP9 is a transcriptional target of activation of the KLF8 in the cells which take part in the invasion of KLF8 invasion dependent (Symowicz & Adley, 2007). The activity of MMP2 is reported to be upregulated

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Foundation Grants and Guaranteed Tax Base Grants in Education Finance Essay - 5

Foundation Grants and Guaranteed Tax Base Grants in Education Finance - Essay Example For the flypaper effect, it can be defined as a result that comes up when a dollar of grants-in-aid that are exogenous which lead to public spending that is significantly great as compared to a citizen dollar income. Money does stick at the point where it hits. It is evident, from the above figure that the matching grant leads to a greater increase in welfare spending than the block grant program. 2. In your own words, summarize and describe the Tiebout model/hypothesis. Explain how and why the Tiebout model implies that people will sort into relatively homogenous communities based on income or some other characteristic. Under given assumptions like perfect mobility and information, no spillovers that are inter-jurisdictional, no scale economies, and no head tax that finances a public good that is local. Then each household will move into an influence that makes the optimal collection of goods in the local scene. This will carry-on until households have fully sorted themselves creating a point of equilibrium. This implies that members of the community will be segregated by class, race, income, and so on. The reason for this is the fact that the taste of public goods in the local scene generally directly varies with the levels of income and other several characteristics. Whether a property tax is deemed regressive depends on the way someone views the tax. According to Zodrow (2001) â€Å"the incidence of property tax- still remains to be one that is controversial both in state and local public finance. The view which is traditional argues that property tax fully shifted towards the consumers’ loss when it comes to higher prices in housing. To the contrast, the â€Å"benefit view† of property tax has a conclusion that it is simply a payment for public services received locally.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Minimum Wage affecting the hunger and environmental nutrition Research Paper

Minimum Wage affecting the hunger and environmental nutrition - Research Paper Example Malnutrition, that is, lack of necessary ingredients for growth and development of people has thus been of great importance in many journals. Even with individuals with enough not feel hungry can still suffer malnutrition. In this case, the malnutrition is not just on lack of food but improper balanced diet. Food security, variety coupled with their affordability defines an environmental nutrition standard of a country. Dietary behaviors influence the whole community in a country though individual practices at household level. These dietary patterns are influenced by various factors among them the income of a household. The purchasing power of a household is determined by its income, holding any other factor constant (Mabli et al., 2010). The introduction of minimum wage requirement exposes various households to a threat of limited amount of goods and services. An income for a household is divided into various categories of expenses (Green-Lapierre et al.’ 2012). These expenses include among others recurrent bill payment, Personal hygiene items, allocation for transportation and most importantly food purchases. This part of argument is mostly concerned with influence of the idea of minimum wage on food purchase part of the expense (Barre, Mizier-Barre & Macintyre, 2011). A considerable high income obviously allows households to exercise a greater freedom in partitioning between the expenses and thus allowing for wide scope of choices, such as with food selection (Kirkpatrick & Tarasuk, 2010). Prices of different commodities are very vital in any decision regarding consumption. The ability to buy of a person is a function of the price under consideration. This means that household with low income or who due to the urgency of the other categories of expenses cannot afford high-nutrition foods are forced to resort to cheaper, less healthy foods (Mabli et al. 2010). Nutritious food consumption

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Study of Teachers Essay Example for Free

Study of Teachers Essay Teaching profession is always looked up as a noble and respectful occupation because the teachers impart knowledge for the nation. Something cliche, without them there would not be any doctors, engineers, astronauts, politicians and the list goes on. However, how many people realise that there are countless of obstacles in becoming an effective teacher? I will be discussing on todays apparent phenomena that involves the reality in teaching in our very own beloved country, Malaysia. Teachers face challenges in the school when they do not receive co-operation from the parents. It is obvious that parents support can be shown through the simplest action of attending the schools Parent Teacher Association meeting, providing generous amount of financial support for school fund, and supporting the effort of the school towards betterment. However, lately it has been reported in the national mass media about parents complaints and dissatisfaction towards teachers approach in punishing their children. The issue that raised their concern involved the way teachers exert punishment at school. In fact, some of them lodged police report and even filed a law suit on teachers. Compared to the good old days, parents allow teachers to apply any kind of punishment towards their children so they would be well educated and disciplined. Besides, there are parents who complain when they need to provide extra support which usually involves little amount of money to improve the quality of their childrens education at school. In addition, disciplinary problem, which is not a tale, really happens in school and the people who are involved are the students. Therefore, all of us have to be alert of students disciplinary problems that are becoming uncontrollable because students go to the extreme when they are involved in truancy, gangsterism, vandalism, attitude problem, disrespectful and other critical unthinkable behaviour problems. Parental guidance is very important because a child naturally observes and imitate the adults actions. However, when the students are at school, the adults who these teenagers are with are the teachers, while the parents attend work or complete house chores. It is relevant to add that peer pressure also adds up to the present disciplinary problems because they are easily influenced at this stage where they are in search for self-identity. The students who are less concerned about gaining knowledge usually lose their main objective of attending school. I will not say that their actions reflect their parents attitude and behaviour for this one reason. In my opinion, some overinvolved or uninvolved parents do not really know their children. The students wear different masks at home and at school, which means that they behave differently at home and at school. Hence, teachers are to be solely blamed when their children are punished or shall I say, literarily abused by the teachers when they commit disciplinary problem. How funny is that? If parents themselves are not convinved of the capability of the school as a whole, it is certainly impossible to successfully improve our countrys education system. The question to be asked here is why are the parents behaving weirdly? In relation to the countrys effort towards paradigm shift and global thinking, it is indeed surprising to witness some citizens who still lack of general knowledge and self-awareness although our country has been independent since year 1957. Anyhow, I am not 100% blaming the parents for this happening but these are some of the truths in our developing country. The next point is that being a teacher requires the person to be physically and psychologically ready to carry the idealistic image of a teacher. Once a person is a teacher, he or she is automatically seen as a role model. In other words, the teachers have to fulfill the expectations and demands from the public in terms of the specific way that teachers should behave, present themselves, and to some extent, pretend to be the figures that they are expected to be. Believe it or not, it happens. Practice what you preach made a discipline teacher at my previous school trimmed his hair until there was almost completely none because he wanted to show the right example to the fellow students. People should bear in mind that teachers are homosapiens that live like others of their kind. It means that they have their own daily routines to deal with such as themselves, family, friends, society and the environment. In this case, a teacher is always a teacher no matter if he or she is inside or outside the educational settings. Teachers are usually aware of the roles that they will play once they have decided to end up in this profession. Therefore, even if the teacher does not want it to happen, they have no other options but to accept the fact that they are public figures, in a way or so. It is not so bad afterall because teaching is very rewarding once the teachers discover that their students excel in their academics and succeed in their life as individuals who are able to contribute to the community. It would take years and centuries for an effective teacher to be forgotten by the students, considering their performance at school. Teaching should never be a last resort for desperate unhired post-graduates who are job hunting nor does it should be seen as a relaxing job because of the short working hours compared to other government professions. For example, the Malaysian government has introduced the Post-Graduate Teaching Course (Kursus Perguruan Lepasan Ijazah) to train the post-graduates for the teaching world. So now the questions are, What makes us so sure that they are really interested in teaching? and Are effective teachers born or made? . There are certain qualities and favourable types of personality that teachers should possess. I did a research on how students view teachers personality and classroom management in Malaysian secondary school. It was found that 90 out of 115 respondents (78%) mentioned that they are able to notice when teachers are not interested to teach in the classroom. Majority of the respondents agreed that they are able to do so by looking at teachers’ facial expressions and teaching style. In my personal opinion, we should never just let any individuals without sufficient knowledge and suitable personality to be a teacher. Students are not guinea pigs that should be constantly used in this kind of experiment, because this would imply a bad perspective on the teaching profession itself. Furthermore, students are able to think for themselves. If our education sector lacks of quality manpower in the teaching profession, try looking again because there are many other qualified candidates who are sincerely wanting to work with the children genuinely. Next, where on earth do people get the idea that teaching is a getaway or escapism to a more relaxing occupation. Todays teachers are not like yesterdays teachers, I am not being judgmental but it is apparent nowadays that teachers carry more responsibilities or burden, depending on how they perceive their tasks. Furthermore, they do not just have to teach but they  are given other responsibilities in the school administration too. I could still remember having a separate conversation with two different teachers in a school during practicum. The first teacher mentioned that teaching has now become the second importance for her after other school related activities because she has to handle co-curricular activities, school administrative work and other workloads. The next teacher who will be retiring in a few years mentioned that her passion level for teaching has decreased for the increase of new responsibilities in school other than teaching. Moreover, in todays globalisation world, teachers are required to get in touch with new technology, new knowledge and new skills to be incorporated in the classroom as well as for self-improvement. An example would be the ability to utilise the computer and the internet resources to assist them in teaching. They are very fortunate because the government is also providing them with free laptops to assist them in their work, and hopefully they are able to utilise them to their fullest. Several years ago, my friend whose mother is a teacher asked for my clarification if I really want to take up the teaching course because from her observation, all her mother does was basically routine work. Besides that, a tuition teacher expressed his surprise when I told him the same thing. Previously, I mentioned that teaching is indeed a noble job, and now whats with this clarification and surprise? It is not so bad afterall, isnt it? Maybe it should be mentioned over and over again that once a person becomes a teacher, he or she does not need to dream too much in changing the system. After few years they will be going with the flow and if they survive, thank God, whereas if they drown, just follow the light at the end of the tunnel. In other words, teachers still have to follow what the Ministry of Education has planned for the schools. In my Professional Development class discussion, I found out that not many educators are up there in the ministry to implement the changes and development in education. I think that we need real people who deal with the real school experience to be making the decisions in improving the school system. There was once an issue about placing the Excellent Teachers (Guru Cemerlang) in the Ministry of Education because it would shake the performance of the students and the school once they left. They should then be remained in the same school to benefit the teacher and students by sharing their ideas, experiences and knowledge so that they can improve. I hope to see that my country has a well structured plan that is workable, so that precious time for planning is saved and the people can start progressing instead of lagging behind, wondering about the already knowns. We have built the tallest building, became the best host for the Commonwealth Games, we claimed ourselves as a global community and there is no doubt that we should be able to improve our approaches in improving the educational system. In conclusion, teachers in Malaysia still face many kind of obstacles in this profession. In fact, teachers from all around the world might face the similar obstacles in the profession. The responsibilities, expectations, issues and happenings that relate to teachers really exist. Teachers play an important role in the society thus, everyone in the country should be aware of their contributions to the improvement of our national standard of education. Innovations IN THE CLASSROOM Efforts to make learning more interactive and more fun for students appear promising, but it may be too soon to judge if they are positively impacting childrens performance in standard tests and surveys. Meanwhile, teachers complain that these efforts have added to their already heavy burden. Padmalatha Ravi reports. 11 January 2007 The census of 2000-01 showed that the dropout rate from schools in Karnataka stood at 10. 5%. One of the main reasons cited for the dropouts was that teaching methods used in the schools are archaic, and do not sufficiently motivate students to remain in class. Educationists say that in addition to outdated teaching methods, inadequate teaching learning material (TLM) and laboratory equipment are also factors that contribute to dropouts. Taking heed of these observations the state government decided to revamp the education system in the state-run schools. Educationists and teachers were roped in to devise new teaching methods. An interesting curriculum, along with interactive learning, was the new mantra adopted. Chaitanya a special programme to train the teachers in adopting new interactive teaching methods, was designed. Chaitanya was an extension of the Nali Kali or joyful learning programme that was tested successfully in some of the schools in Heggadedevana Kote taluk in Mysore. Nali Kali was a collaborative effort of the state government and UNICEF. Both these programmes stress interactive learning methods. The teachers use colourful charts and stories to explain concepts from the textbooks. Picture: Students listening to a radio programme in a government school in Hebbagodi, near Bangalore. More than 50,000 teachers have undergone training under the Chaitanya programme in the last four years. Both primary and higher secondary students have benefited as a result. Dr. T Padmini, a retired Head of the Department of Education at Mysore University, who was part of the Chaitanyas design team says The states intended curriculum is very well designed, so what we needed was a child friendly way of teaching it. Boring teaching methods can cause cumulative deficiencies of interest in children, which may lead to dropouts. The Chaitanya programme teaches teachers to use stories, songs and even drama to teach concepts. Alongside government action, NGOs too are leading from the front in interactive learning. Pratham, in Mysore, is promoting Universal Elementary Education (UEE) by partnering with the Department of Public Instruction. The organisation works with government schools in the slums of the city. They run Balawadi and Balasakhi programmes in these areas. The Balawadi programme prepares children for formal education using play-way methods, ensuring the children enjoy their school-going experience. Balasakhi is a remedial education programme, in which the NGO appoints a special teacher at the government school who aids the children in learning languages and mathematics using the special packages developed by Pratham. The government also introduced the trimester system to reduce the burden on the students. †¢ An instruction set for teachers Mr. Chandrashekar, principal of government higher secondary school in Mysore says Prathams intervention has been very useful for us. The children have fun learning Kannada and arithmetic and because of that it becomes easier for us to teach them what is in the syllabus. The children too like the new way of learning. Salman, a Class 4 student from Mysore, says addition and subtraction is more fun now. Earlier I was scared of arithmetic problems. The language kit developed by Pratham along with Dr. Padmini is hot favourite among parents too. They say it is especially helpful to students who dont speak Kannada at home but have to learn it in school. The new method however is not without problems. Teachers say it has increased the burden on teachers. Meera Bai, headmistress of Sri Ramakrishna Education Society, Bangalore says It is true that the new method is good for students but we have to spend a great deal more time on preparing for the lessons and evaluating them. Giving individual attention becomes very difficult when there are more than 40 students in each class. Why is India still a developing country and what is stopping it from being a developed country? This particular question strikes me every time when I read something about India’s education system. I see India’s education system as a stumbling block towards its objectives of achieving inclusive growth. Let me inform you about certain startling facts. India is going to experience a paradox of nearly 90 million people joining the workforce but most of them will lack requiste skills and the mindset for productive employment according to a report in DNA. India has about 550 million people under the age of 25 years out of which only 11% are enrolled in tertiary institutions compared to the world average of 23%. I wouldn’t be laying too much emphasis on the drawbacks of India’s public education system because it has been an issue well debated over in the past and the main flaws have already been pointed out before. I will be focussing on how the education system’s failure is leading to another social issue of income inequality and hence, suggest certain policies to improve India’s education system and reduce inequality. The really critical aspect of Indian public education system is its low quality. The actual quantity of schooling that children experience and the quality of teaching they receive are extremely insufficient in government schools. A common feature in all government schools is the poor quality of education, with weak infrastructure and inadequate pedagogic attention. What the government is not realising right now is that education which is a source of human capital can create wide income inequalities. It will be surprising to see how income inequalities are created within the same group of educated people. Let me illustrate this with the help of an example: Let us take P be an individual who has had no primary or higher education. His human capital is zero and hence it bears no returns. Let Q be an individual who completed his MBA from S. P Jain college and let R be an individual who completed his MBA from IIM Ahmadabad. The average rate of return for an MBA student is 7. 5% (hypothetical). Q gets a rate of return of 5% and R gets a rate of return of 10% due to the difference in the reputation and quality of the management school. Let the income of P, Q and R be 1. In a period of 10 years, P will be having the same income as he does not possess human capital. For the same time period Q will earn an income of (1+0. 05)^10=1. 63 and R will earn an income of (1+0. 10)^10=2. 59. Now lets see what happens when the rate of return on human capital doubles. Earnings of P will not change since he does not have any human capital. Now Q is going to earn (1+0. 10)^10=1. 63 and R is going to earn (1+0. 20)^10=6. 19. Flabbergasting! As soon as return on human capital increases proportionately income inequality increases. With return on human capital doubling, Q’S income increases by 59% and R’s income increases by 139%. The above example just shows the effect of the quality of human capital n income inequality. So if the government does not improve education system particularly in rural areas the rich will become richer and the poor will get poorer. Hence, it is imperative for the government to correct the blemishes in India’s education system which will also be a step towards reducing income inequality. Certain policy measures need to be taken by the government. The basic thrust of government education spending today must surely be to ensure that all children have access to government schools and to raise the quality of education in those schools. One of the ways in which the problem of poor quality of education can be tackled is through common schooling. This essentially means sharing of resources between private and public schools. Shift system is one of the ways through which common schooling can be achieved. The private school can use the resources during the first half of the day and the government school can use it during the second half. It is important to remember that the quality of education is directly linked to the resources available and it is important for the government to improve resource allocation to bring about qualitative changes in the field of education. Common schooling is one of the ways in which government can use limited resources in an efficient way and thus improve resource allocation. Another reason for poor quality of education is the poor quality of teachers in government schools . Government schools are unable to attract good quality teachers due to inadequate teaching facilities and low salaries. The government currently spends only 3% of its GDP on education which is inadequate and insufficient. To improve the quality of education , the government needs to spend more money from its coffers on education. Most economists feel that the only panacea to the ills of the public schooling system is the voucher scheme. Under the voucher system, parents are allowed to choose a school for their children and they get full or partial reimbursement for the expenses from the government. But however, the voucher system will further aggravate the problem of poor quality of education in government schools. Such a system will shift resources from government schools to private schools. This will worsen the situation of government schools which are already under-funded. Moreover, if the same amount given as vouchers can be used to build infrastructure in schools then the government can realize economies of scale. For example- The centre for civil society is providing vouchers worth Rs 4000 per annum to 308 girls. This means that the total amount of money given as vouchers is Rs 1232000. If the same amount can be used to construct a school and employ high quality teachers who are paid well then a larger section of the society will enjoy the benefit of education. A school can definitely accommodate a minimum of 1000 students. I hope government takes certain appropriate policy measures to improve the education system otherwise inequalities are going to be widespread and India’s basic capabilities will remain stunted. Let us strengthen the case for a stronger education system. High School Teacher Requirements Prospective high school teachers should enroll in a bachelors degree program in secondary education with an area of concentration in the subject that they wish to teach. Alternatively, aspiring high school teachers may major in their content area and minor in secondary education. Most undergraduate programs in secondary education prepare students for licensure in the state in which the program is accredited. Students usually complete a student teaching requirement as part of the curriculum. High school teachers instruct students in subjects such as mathematics, history, English and science through classroom discussions, lectures and other methods. Also known as secondary school teachers, high school teachers evaluate a students progress in a subject through examinations and coursework. An individual interested in becoming a high school teacher needs to be proficient not only in the subject matter, but also in the administrative and technological aspects of the classroom. Teachers should also be able to communicate effectively with parents, students, and other staff members. Listed below are common requirements for becoming a high school teacher: Common Requirements Degree Level Bachelors degree* Degree Field Secondary education with a minor in subject area teaching or  major in subject area with a minor in education (also sometimes called a teacher education program). * Licensure and Certification Secondary or high school certification; private schools dont require licensure* Experience Student or mentorship teaching to obtain licensure* Key Skills Passion and a dynamic approach to the subject matter; ability to retain names; flexible teaching approaches specified to each students needs; coaching and development techniques; high level of organization*** Computer SkillsMaintaining a website and/or managing online discussion boards may be required**; instructional and video editing software*** Technical Skills Proficient in use of films/slides, overheads and other projectors and/or video cassette players and recorders, as well as photocopiers, scanners and other commonly used office equipment*** Additional Requirements Background checks Sources: *Teach. org, **U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ***O*Net Online. Step 1: Complete a Bachelors Degree and Teacher Preparation Program State requirements or preferred degree programs can vary. Generally, students will complete a major in the subject area they intend to teach with a minor in education or with concurrent enrollment in a teacher preparation program. However, some schools have students major in secondary education and minor in the particular subject area in which they plan to teach. Whether a student is enrolled in a teacher preparation program or another type of education degree, they generally complete a student teaching or mentorship teaching component in the program. Success Tips: Participate in internship and student teaching opportunities. Most teacher preparation programs (and their varying forms/names) include student teaching; however, there will likely be additional opportunities to gain field experience or complete volunteer work through the school or community. Students should consider these opportunities to gain an understanding of the subject matter as well as to round out and populate their resume for obtaining positions after graduation. Become a tutor. Students who show a proficiency in subject areas, demonstrated by grades in related classes and cumulative GPA, are likely eligible to tutor these subjects through the school or university. These positions are often paid and students can specialize in one subject area or tutor in several. Complete an alternative teacher program if applicable. Alternative teacher programs generally take 1-2 years to complete and are available to students who already possess a bachelors degree that is closely related to the subject area in which he or she wishes to teach. This can be an expedited route to begin teaching for students who already hold a relevant bachelors degree. Step 2: Earn Teaching Credentials  After bachelors degree attainment, there are additional exams and requirements necessary to complete in order for a student to obtain his or her initial teaching credentials. These also vary by state. Generally, the student will have a basic skills exam in addition to an exam specified to the subject in which they intend to teach. These test scores in conjunction with transcripts showing completion of the bachelors degree and teacher prep program as well as state and federal background checks must be submitted with a completed application to the State Board of Education. States also require teachers to complete several requirements to obtain permanent credentials. This can include additional coursework, exams and tests. Some teachers may be required to earn a masters degree, as well as a minimum amount of teaching experience. Success Tips: Complete additional coursework requirements online. There are online and hybrid online/on-campus courses available to complete state requirements for permanent credentials. This includes masters degree programs. Use development resources. Most teachers associations offer programs that teachers can utilize to gain additional teaching techniques and other skills in addition to staying current on technology commonly used in the classroom. Step 3: Pursue Voluntary Certification  According to the BLS, pursuing additional credentials, such as those offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), can increase job prospects for teachers. The NBPTS offers the National Board Certification, which is an advanced teaching credential. These certificates are available in a variety of areas, including health, library media, mathematics, physical education and science, for secondary teachers. Teacher workload In high schools, it is important to consider not only the number of students per class but the nature of the class, and the subject the teacher is teaching. For example, a math teacher might have no problem teaching an advanced math class, or several math classes, with 35-40 students. But an English teacher teaching four classes of 40 students would probably not be able to give the proper attention to written assignments from that many students, and might not give as many assignments because of the large number of students. Team teaching Some schools might have classes of 40 taught by a team of two teachers. The class size by itself is not necessarily an indication of the attention students are getting. Volunteers Some schools effectively use parents and upper-grade students as volunteers in the classroom. This type of instructional help may not appear in a schools data about class size. Teaching Methods in Indian Schools. An understanding of modern less formal methods of teaching is greatly needed in the Indian Service. Indian schools should at least reach the level of better public schools in this respect. This is especially necessary because the best modern teaching, especially with young children, takes into account the kind of personality problems that are basic in the education of Indians. Need for Knowledge of Modern Methods. Although there are some striking exceptions, principals and teachers in Indian schools as a rule are not acquainted with modern developments in teaching, though educational leave has brought some improvement. The impression a visitor almost inevitably gets upon entering the classroom of an Indian school is that here is a survival of methods and schoolroom organization belonging in the main to a former period. The nailed-down desks, in rows; the old-type recitation; the unnatural formality between teacher and pupil, the use of mechanistic words and devices, as class rise ! , class pass!; the lack of enriching materials, such as reading books and out-of-doors material, all suggest a type of school-keeping that still exists, of course, but has been greatly modified in most modern school systems, if not abandoned altogether, as the result of what has been made known in the past twenty-five years about learning and behavior. This condition is, of course, only what one would expect from what has already been said about personnel. If methods of teaching in Indian schools, with a few conspicuous exceptions, are old-fashioned, without, for the most part, the redeeming quality of thoroughness that some of the old-time teaching is supposed to have had, it is due almost entirely to the lack of training standards and professional personnel. An encouraging feature of the situation is that here and there one does find interesting and successful efforts to get away from the formal and routine in teaching; a first-grade teacher trained under Montessori getting a delightful spontaneous activity out of her little Indian children; young college women coming back from a summer-session demonstration school touched with the newer way and struggling to put the new ideas into practice; Still other teachers using the Indian interest and talent in art to give Indians a creative opportunity; a principal and group of boarding school teachers demonstrating that Navajo children, proverbially so shy that they hang their heads and will not speak in the presence of visitors, can in a few short months, with the abandonment of the stiff furniture and stiffer military routine characteristic of government boarding schools, become as lively human beings as any white children. These suggest the possibilities if personnel can be improved, if teachers can be helped by supervisors and staff specialists who know better methods, and if every effort is made to keep the education of the Indian in the stream of modern education development instead of isolated from it. Study of the Individual Child. Perhaps the most characteristic fact about modern education is the attention given to study of the individual child and the effort to meet his needs. This is the real justification for intelligence testing and for the whole measurement movement. Given more knowledge on the part of the school and teacher of the health of the child, of his abilities, of the home conditions from which he comes, it should be possible to help him more satisfactorily to capitalize on what he has for his own sake and for the sake of society. So little measurement work has been done in government Indian schools that one danger in the measurement movement has not developed to any extent, but it needs to be borne in mind: Testing, particularly intelligence testing, should never be used in a school as a means of denying opportunity, but only as a means of directing opportunities more wisely. Most of the talk about some Indian children not being worthy of an education beyond the grades is indefensible. It is based on a misconception of the reason why society furnishes schooling at all. Discovery of low mental ability in any child, white or Indian, no more relieves society of the responsibility of educating him than diagnosis of a weak heart by a physician would relieve society from giving the person thus diagnosed a chance at life—in both cases the diagnosis becomes the first step in a process of improvement.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pharmacological Profiles of Several Common Drugs

Pharmacological Profiles of Several Common Drugs 2.3 Profile of Pheniramine Maleate (31) Chemical name: (3RS)-N,N-Dimethyl-3-phenyl-3-(pyridine-2-yl)propan-1-amine(Z)-butenedioate Empirical formula: C20H24N2O4 Chemical structure: Figure 2.3:Structure of Pheniramine Maleate 2.3.1 Physical properties Molecular weight: 356.4 Appearance and colour: White or almost white crystalline powder. Solubility: Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96 %)in methanol and in methylene chloride. Therapeutic category:Pheniramine maleate belongs to H1-antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Antihistamine, Decongestant. Dosage: Tablet , Powder, Solution 2.3.2 Pharmacology Pheniramine maleate is an antihistamine used for alleviation of allergy symptoms. Manufacturers frequently list the over-the-counter medication as pheniramine maleate or a derivative. Drug industries also often combine the formulation with other medications for relief of other symptoms. Consumers can generally find the ingredient in an oral solution or tablet form. Certain ophthalmic solutions also contain pheniramine maleate, which provides relief from allergy symptoms associated with the eyes. Allergic reactions are autoimmune responses to certain antigens. When allergens enter the bloodstream, the body releases histamine, which binds with and activates receptor sites, located throughout the body, producing physical symptoms. The pharmacological action of pheniramine maleate involves blocking the receptor sites for the histamine H1, found in the heart, central nervous system, smooth muscle, and vascular endothelium cells. Blocking the receptor sites reduces or inhibits the symptoms. The antihistamine is frequently used for seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, or environmental allergies, such as animal dander. By blocking histamine receptor sites, pheniramine maleate can reduce or eliminate itching, watery eyes, runny noses, and skin irritations. Allergy related skin irritations might include the itching, redness, and swelling associated with eczema or uticaria, commonly referred to as hives (40). The medication may produce a sedative effect when binding to sites in the central nervous system. It also may produce an anticholinergic effect by dilating or relaxing smooth muscle. These side effects sometimes allow pheniramine maleate to be used as treatment for motion sickness or the inner ear condition known as Meniere’s disease. 2.4 Profile of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (78) Chemical name:(R)-(-)-1-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylaminoethanol hydrochloride Empirical formula:C9H13NO2HCL Chemical structure: Figure 2.4 : Structure of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 2.4.1 Physical properties Molecular weight:203.67 Appearance and colour: White or practically white odourless crystals Solubility: Freely soluble in water and alcohol Therapeutic category: Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic amine that acts predominantly on ÃŽ ±-adrenergic receptors. It is mainly used to treat nasal congestion, but may also be useful in treating hypotension and shock, hypotension during spinal anaesthesia, prolongation of spinal anaesthesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, symptomatic relief of external or internal hemorrhoids, and to increase blood pressure as an aid in the diagnosis of heart murmurs. Dosage: Cream, Solution, Ointment, Injection, Liquid, Tablet, Suppository 2.4.2 Pharmacology In general, ÃŽ ±1-adrenergic receptors mediate contraction and hypertrophic growth of smooth muscle cells. ÃŽ ±1-receptors are 7-transmembrane domain receptors coupled to G proteins, Gq/11. Three ÃŽ ±1-receptor subtypes, which share approximately 75% homology in their transmembrane domains, have been identified: ÃŽ ±1A (chromosome 8), ÃŽ ±1B (chromosome 5), and ÃŽ ±1D (chromosome 20). Phenylephrine appears to act similarly on all three receptor subtypes. All three receptor subtypes appear to be involved in maintaining vascular tone. The ÃŽ ±1A-receptor maintains basal vascular tone while the ÃŽ ±1B-receptor mediates the vasocontrictory effects of exogenous ÃŽ ±1-agonists. Activation of the ÃŽ ±1-receptor activates Gq-proteins, which results in intracellular stimulation of phospholipases C, A2, and D. This results in mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, activation of mitogen-activated kinase and PI3 kinase pathways and subsequent vasoconstriction. Phenylephrine produces its local and systemic actions by acting on ÃŽ ±1-adrenergic receptors peripheral vascular smooth muscle. Stimulation of the ÃŽ ±1-adrenergic receptors results in contraction arteriolar smooth muscle in the periphery. Phenylephrine decreases nasal congestion by acting on ÃŽ ±1-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce constriction; this leads to decreased edema and increased drainage of the sinus cavities. 2.5 Profile of Dextromethorphan (79) Chemical name:(1R,9R,10R) 4 methoxy 17 methyl – 17 azatetracyclo[7.5.3.0{1,10}.0{2,7}]heptadeca-2,4,6-triene Empirical formula:C18H25NO Chemical structure: Figure 2.5 : Structure of Dextromethorphan 2.5.1 Physical properties Molecular weight:271.39 Appearance and colour: It is a White crystalline powder Solubility: 1-5 g/100 mL at 21 Â ºC Therapeutic category: Dextromethorphan usually used in the treatment of respiratory infections and allergic conditions Dosage: Tablet , Syrup, Capsule, Suspension 2.5.2 Pharmacology Dextromethorphan is an opioid-like drug that binds to and acts as antagonist to the NMDA glutamatergic receptor, it is an agonist to the opioid sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors, it is also an alpha3/beta4 nicotinic receptor antagonist and targets the serotonin reuptake pump. Dextromethorphan is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, where it enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. The first-pass through the hepatic portal vein results in some of the drug being metabolized into an active metabolite of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, the 3-hydroxy derivative of dextromethorphan. 2.6 Profile of Diphenhydramine (80) Chemical name: 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N-dimethylethanamine Empirical formula:C17H21NO HCL Chemical structure: Figure 2.6 : Structure of Diphenhydramine 2.6.1 Physical properties Molecular weight:291.82 Appearance and colour: It is a White crystalline powder Solubility: Soluble in DMSO, acetone, water Therapeutic category: Diphenhydramineis a first-generationantihistamine possessing anticholinergic, antitussive, antiemetic, and sedative properties that is mainly used to treat allergies. It is also used in the management of drug-induced parkinsonism and other extrapyramidal symptoms. The drug has a strong hypnotic effect and is FDA-approved as a non-prescription sleep aid, especially in the form of diphenhydramine citrate Dosage: Capsule 2.6.2 Pharmacology Diphenhydramine is an inverse agonist of the histamineH1receptor. It is a member of the ethanolamine class of antihistaminergic agents. By blocking the effects of histamine on the capillaries, it can reduce the intensity of allergic symptoms. Diphenhydramine also crosses the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and antagonizes the H1 receptors centrally. Its effects on central H1 receptors cause drowsiness. Like many other first-generation antihistamines, diphenhydramine is also a potent antimuscarinic (a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors), and, as such, at high doses can cause anticholinergic syndrome. The utility of diphenhydramine as

Friday, September 20, 2019

The History Of Nike Inc Footwear Marketing Essay

The History Of Nike Inc Footwear Marketing Essay Nike Inc., develops and designs footwear, sportswear, apparels and equipment. They make the availability of goods in Nike stores, franchisee stores and online through the website www.nikestore.com . They organize, supports and sponsors main sports around the world as they think sports is the main key for being healthy and they also sponsors high profile athletes so that the people can follow their icons. Nike has a trademark logo Just Do It. Recently, many countries faced recession followed by sharp increase of inflation. Graph 1: Inflation Rate Graph (2002-2012). (Source www.usinflationcalculator.com) Inflation defined as a persistent increase in the level of consumer prices or a persistent decline in the purchasing power of money. In other words, the inflation tells the effect on the people life financially. When they see prices in stores going up they call it inflation. Price inflation is a result of monetary inflation. http://thefaintofheart.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/metamorphosis_11.png Graph 2: Inflation rate graph for Nike. As per the data collected from Indonesian Plant, the Nike shoes Cost $20.00 to the company, $35.00 to retailer and $70.00 to the consumer. The breakdown can be found in the table below. Production labor Materials Rent, equipment Suppliers operating profit Duties Shipping Cost to Nike $2.75 $9.00 $3.00 $1.75 $3.00 $0.50 $20.00 Research and development Promotion and advertising Sales, distribution, admin. Nikes operating profit Cost to retailer $0.25 $4.00 $5.00 $6.23 $35.00 Retailers rent Personnel Other Retailers operating profit Cost to consumer $9.00 $9.50 $7.00 $9.00 $70.00 (Including VAT) Table 1: Nike shoes cost breakdown. (Source http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lormand/poli/nike/nike101-8.htm ) Nike spend approx 12% of revenue on marketing every year that includes advertisement, endorsement fee that it pays to sports league and Team. A) Due to inflation there is less demand of the Product and to overcome the company has different strategies to reduce the cost of the production. As the company has a full time employee so the company will have a fixed cost which they need to give to the employee. Instead of fixed employee they can shift to part time employee and thus reducing the cost. They can also outsource their production to a country with low labor cost. They can also lower their material cost by using cheap materials like polyurethane instead of rubber for the shoe sole. The Company also needs to look into the factors like Fixed and Variable Cost. Fixed Cost basically a minimum quantity of inputs required by the firm to be in a business at all whether or not output is produced and Variable Cost by (Begg, 9th Edition) The Cost of hiring Variables inputs, typically labor and raw materials. If the Fixed cost is more than the variable cost than there would be low level of production but if variable cost is higher than fixed cost than the production of the company increases. Q TFC TVC TC AFC AVC AC MC 0 60 0 60 1 60 10 70 60 10 70 10 2 60 20 80 30 10 40 10 3 60 30 90 20 10 30 10 4 60 40 100 15 10 25 10 5 60 50 110 12 10 22 10 6 60 60 120 10 10 20 10 Table 3: Table for Marginal Cost. By the above chart we can see that MC Graph 3: Graph for TFC and TVC. B) Nike is a globally recognized brand which produces accessories, apparels and shoes for majorly sports and fashion. Nike introduced customization of shoes and focused on each and every group age. The brand already attached to many renowned sports personality like Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods. The brand had focused on every sport around the world. Income elasticity of demand (IED) examines how the quantity demanded responds to a change in consumer incomes. IED can be calculated as, IED = (% Change in Quantity Demanded) / (% Change in Income), Consider that the original and new income of my product is $100, $200 and Original and new demand is 25, 50 units respectively. IED = ((50 25) / 25) * ((200 100) / 100), = 1 Here we can see that IED is equal to 1 thus it is a normal good and income inelastic. The price elasticity of demand (PED) measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to changes in the price of the good or service. The PED can be calculated as PED = (% Change in Quantity Demanded) / (% Change in Price), For example we can assume the price of shoe rose from $100 to $200, resulting in demand rising from 50 to 55 units. PED = ((55 50) / 50) / ((200 100) / 100), = 0.1 Here PED The Cross-Price Elasticity of Demand (CPED) measures the rate of response of quantity demanded of one good, due to a price change of another good. The CPED can be calculated as CPED = (% Change in Quantity Demand for X) / (% Change in Price for Good Y), If CPED > 0 then they are substitute goods. If CPED =0 then they are independent goods. If CPED (http://economics.about.com/) Nike substitute good is Adidas and they are horizontally integrated. Nike decides to increase the price of Adidas shoes. If the cost of Adidas shoes increases then there would be decrease in the demand of the Adidas shoes and the demand of the Nike shoes will increase as it will cheaper then Adidas. C) Market structure of Nike is that it should be available for every age groups and it will maintain a leading position to its competitors. Nike will make it sure that the goods are available at all stores around the world and it will make sure that it will fulfill the change in demand of the customers. They will also make sure that the quality products are reached to the customers at cheap costs. The main competitors of Nike are Reebok, Adidas and Puma. Reebok http://www.buyerden.com/media/text_img/Reebok_Logo.gif: Reebok main strategy is that to change the peoples mindset about the word fitness and to bring fitness around the world and they want to declare themselves as the world fittest company. They target is to invest more in marketing strategy rather than the infrastructure. Adidas http://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/ADID/StillAssets/197410.jpg: Adidas focuses on marketing its products as they think that products are a selling goods. They spent huge amount of its revenue on marketing their product. They hire famous designers for the designing of the shoes. Puma http://www.roanokestar.com/imgs/home/puma%20logo.gif: Puma targets female group and female dominant region. They fulfill the demand of the customers on the perception of customers image rather than their needs. They also target middle-upper class group through there advertisement and it reflect it on there marketing strategy. Nike has different strategies with respect to his competitors The mission is to provide availability of products at every marketable place and exceed from all leading athletic companies. The company targets to be in a lead by providing quality products and innovative designs for all age groups. The Company guarantees the availability of every kind of products at all leading market and stores. To meet the changing demands of customers. Value the stakeholders, laborers and other communities in the executing of every strategy and decision. The company focuses on providing quality products on low prices to have bigger share in the market. (http://marketingmixx.com/) Graph 5: Profit prediction after the strategy. D) Nike segments its market according to demographic location as they wants their products to be available at every corner of the world as they treat every customers as equal. Nike make sure that the availbility of products for every age groups. They focuses on the sports as they think that sports make the people live their life in the healthy manner. Nike main product is Footwear and they try to innovate and designs their footwear according to sports and age groups. Nike make it sure that the products are available at every market place so that the customer can go and a grasp on a quality Footwear. They also target to provide their footwear with low cost in the country were the economy is low. The company will focus on different pricing strategies to attract customers. Nike will target on marketing through advertisement like television featuring high profile athletes using our product etc. There will be offers for every customer like buying a product will get discount in their next purchase. There will be loyalty cards where the customers can convert their buy into redeemable points. Special offers will be available for students like they can get extra discount into the existing discount if they show there student Identity card. E) Nike focuses on vertical integration to produce their products. The main parts of Nike footwear are upper (top of the shoes), midsole (the cushion of the shoes) and the outsole (lower sole). Nike outsource to different company to build these segments which led to low build cost. The company focuses on both local and global markets. Nike has earned its maximum of its revenue from North America, followed by Europe and a small share from countries like China and Japan. They are now targeting markets like South America, Russia, India and Pakistan for more revenue as there is a gradual rise in the economy of these countries. Due to inflation, there are fewer sales of products and therefore there is low output. Nike has suffered a lot due to that. Due to inflation there is a increase in the cost of material and the transportation of Nike. To Overcome Nike has decided that they will try to increase their product price and decrease their marketing budget. If the company is new to a particular country there is a lot of help provided by the government of the country like the government may exempt the taxes until unless they start making the profits. F) To overcome the foreign exchange losses, the company will invest in a country where currency is cheap. To do so the company needs to look into the big picture of the world economy like investing in the countries like Qatar, China, Argentina, Srilanka, India, Iraq etc as their Gross Domestic Product(GDP) are growing gradually. The gradual growing GDP of these countries ensures that their economy is stable and there are opportunities for the company to invest in these countries. If companies invest in countries like India they will have cheap labor, cheap raw materials as maximum of raw materials are exported from Asian countries, cost of production will go down means increase in profits.