Intercultural Communication At The National Alliance Party...

NAME: WAINAINA A. N. ID NO: 638552 COURSE: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COURSE CODE: COM 1500 INSTRUCTOR: NGINDA R. DATE: 6TH JUNE 2016 ASSIGNMENT: IMPORTANCE OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN YOUR LINE OF STUDY. INTRODUCTION My name is Amanda Wainaina, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. The main area of focus l have decided to undertake is Development Studies whilst also taking a minor in Management. Furthermore, I am currently interning at The National Alliance Party (TNA). Inasmuch as I am very excited about graduating in August, it is a bittersweet moment for me. The fact that I get to begin a new chapter is exciting, and yet daunting at the same time. However, I am confident I will be able to navigate through it. Throughout my years in university, I have come to realize and understand the very importance of intercultural communication, within international relations. Generally when we refer to intercultural communication we are referring to the two key terms: culture and communication. Generally culture involves the collectively held values, beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and norms of behavior that distinguish a people, group or society. Whereas communication involves the sending and receiving of information which has meaning from the source to the receiver and obtains feedback. Therefore collectively, intercultural communication involves the interaction amongst people and the transference of information from one

Success in Sales Free Essays

Success in Sales (Willy Loman and Chris Gardner) â€Å"I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody† ~ Bill Cosby. Few needs of the person are greater than the need to be understood. To have a voice that is heard, respected and valued – to have an influence. We will write a custom essay sample on Success in Sales or any similar topic only for you Order Now Most of us believe that the key to influence is communication – getting your point across clearly and speaking persuasively. Initially the both characters -Willy Loman in â€Å"Death of the Salesman† and Chris Gardner in â€Å"Pursuit of Happiness† wanted to be understood and change their lives, so they can have influence on the world around them and became successful. But Willy Loman is hopelessly lost in his past. Chris Gardner lives today. He is not sure what tomorrow will bring but he knows that it`s up to him to change his future. His love for his little boy helps him survive and makes him stronger. Unlike Willy Loman Chris doesn`t predict his son`s future†¦but does what he can to make his son`s life brighter and happy. We can find some similarities between Willy Loman and Chris Gardner. They both work very hard to pursuit their dreams of a better life. Willy Loman drove many miles to try and sell things to maintain his family while Chris Gardner also would do anything to meet ends meet to help his family to survive. Willy Loman carried two heavy suit cases with him all the time, even though the business didn’t go to well, his dedication to his family kept him going. Chris Gardner tried to do everything possible to sell his x-ray scanners so he could get the money to pay for apartment and family needs. Obviously Willy Loman loves his son Biff and wants him to have a successful life. It’s quite sad that Willy favors one son over the other, but he still shows great fatherly love and care. He wants his son to succeed and become a big man, no matter what. Eventually after everything fails, Willy commits a suicide to get Biff money Oliver didn’t give him. Chris also loves his little boy and endures many hardships to provide for him. He is trying to teach his son everything he knows, because he knows that the life might be rough for his son in future. Eventually Chris finds a new job opportunity so he can provide for his son. These both man have the same great desire to succeed in sales business. Willy Loman wasn’t wrong, he had mental issues but appearance does play a big part in Salesman’s life. Appearance is one of the major principles. His whole life Willy tried to please everyone, so he would be successful. But I think that eventually he became obsessed with his appearance†¦ Chris Gardner experienced minor success at the start of his carrier. But he never gave up, even in hard times; Chris took matters in his own hands and tried to sell remaining x-rays for money. Willy Loman and Chris Gardner may share some things in common, yet they are so magnificently different. They think differently, they have different values and motivations. Willy Loman`s story is a tragic story of the hopeful dream of one salesman that led to the damnation of an entire family. Willy is a man who is lost in the past and his mind is constantly tormented with the hopes and dreams he had years ago that have since fallen through. Chris Gardner lives his life today. His mind works hard to find ways to change his life for good. Chris doesn`t waste his time on talking about yesterday’s achievements. Willy believes that all it takes to become successful is to be well liked. Chris Gardner does care about his appearance but prefers to practice good communication skills with everyone and knowledge of the business. Willy Loman had a dream that was not realistic; he also lied to his family. His pursuit of this dream led his entire family to live an illusion created by him – that they are better than everyone. In the end, he thought he had no choice but to kill him and try to make things better with insurance money. Chris was always honest with himself and his family. For Gardner there were a lot of tense and hard moments to give up like losing an apartment and sleeping in a washroom with his son, but he kept his hard work and hopes to the very end†¦until he could say â€Å"this part of my life I call Happiness†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Trying to please everyone, to achieve success is not the key to sucess. You have to be yourself and judge situations in your life by your principles. People who try to be loved everyone eventually lose their principles and have no fundament to build upon. Appearance is a major factor of success in sales, you always have try to make a nice first impression. But appearance won’t bring you success if you don’t use intellect and be yourself. Willy Loman learned that the hard way which brought him into the grave; he tried to present himself as a successful, important and loyal man. Willy didn’t know how to listen to others, and wanted the world to understand him. Chris Gardner worked very hard while staying true to himself and dedicated his son. Chris didn’t present himself as someone he wasn’t during interviews and tests, but he proved others that a man who can listen, and is trying to understand the world can be taught just about everything. How to cite Success in Sales, Papers

Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity. Answer: Introduction Mental illness is a serious medical condition that affects individuals with feelings, thoughts, behaviour and mood. Conditions such as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder have been identified with mental illness (El Bcheraoui et al., 2015). In Saudi Arabia, it has been found that there is an absence of awareness about the incidence, veracity and the required counselling to address mental health disorder. This paper is committed in understanding the issue of mental disorder in Saudi Arabia, the summary of the situation, the current law and the gaps in the law, and recommendations of the law. Mental health disorder has been identified as quite common in Middle-East especially Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that that the rate of people affected with mental health disorder has reached to 48 per cent (Shahab, 2017). In Saudi Arabia, mental health disorder is increasing at an alarming rate. This rate of increase in the incidence of mental health issue is accompanied by stigma. Almutairi (2015) argues that there is a general anxiety and depression among patients in Saudi Arabia. In his study he found that stigmatization of confessing about mental health disorder is such that many of his participants who were initially enthusiastic about the study, refused to continue once they became aware about the actual purpose. In Saudi Arabia, an unofficial and approved mental health law policy has been revised in 2008 (AlZaben et al., 2018). The components of this law that timelines are to be implemented for the mental health plan. There is the provision of funding allocation for the implementation of half or more of the products included in the mental health plan. There is provision for the inclusion of mental health care in the primary care. There are legal provisions related to mental healthcare that have been provided in other laws. 3.89 per cent of the mental health expenditures are included in the health budget (Shahab et al., 2017). However, one limitation of the law is that there is no separate mental health expenditure borne by the government Propose a change to the current law or enactment of a governmental regulation that can alleviate the problem Considering the wide prevalence of stigmatization of patients with mental health disorder, the first step that needs to be taken in collaboration with government and non-government actors is creating awareness about the issue. There is also a proactive approach needed to ensure that there are conversations around the issue so that it lead to the dwindling away of the stigma. Conversations around mental health disorder needs to be normalized and this can be done with the aid of government-sponsored advertisements. On the legal domain, it is important to make the unofficial law official. There needs to be allocation of separate budget to mitigate the rising incidence of mental health disorder. This can be done through the training of the primary care givers and establishment of mental care homes that specifically cater to the needs of patients with mental health disorder. Conclusion Based on the above discussion it can be seen that mental health disorder is an issue of real concern in the context of Saudi Arabia. The problem is exacerbated b the associated stigma that prevents the patients from addressing the issue and approaching the doctor. The unofficial law needs to be made official and strengthened to urgently address this issue. References Almutairi, A. F. (2015). Mental illness in Saudi Arabia: an overview.Psychology research and behavior management,8, 47. AlZaben, F. N., Sehlo, M. G., Alghamdi, W. A., Tayeb, H. O., Khalifa, D. A., Mira, A. T., ... Koenig, H. G. (2018). Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid psychiatric and behavioral problems among primary school students in western Saudi Arabia.Saudi medical journal,39(1), 52-58. El Bcheraoui, C., Tuffaha, M., Daoud, F., Kravitz, H., AlMazroa, M. A., Al Saeedi, M., ... Mokdad, A. H. (2015). Access and barriers to healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2013: findings from a national multistage survey.BMJ open,5(6), e007801. Shahab, M., Al?Tuwaijri, F., Bilal, L., Hyder, S., Al?Habeeb, A. A., Al?Subaie, A., ... Altwaijri, Y. (2017). The Saudi national mental health survey: methodological and logistical challenges from the pilot study.International journal of methods in psychiatric research,26(3).

The Illiad Essays - Trojans, Mythological Kings, Ajax, Suicide

The Illiad The Illiad is a story that deals with a small part of the Trojan War. The cause of this war is when Paris, the prince of Troy, sailed to Sparta, seduced and abducted Helen and returned to Troy. When Menelaos discovered that his wife was gone, he gathered a number of Greek generals together to go with him, conquer Troy, and retrieve his wife. However, the Illiad only covers a few months during the tenth year of the war. In this time, many important events took place that could have possibly altered the outcome of this historic event? Two beautiful women whom were enemies of the Achaians are captured during one of the many raids the army had on Troy. One of the women, named Chryseis is the prize for Ahomemnon (the king and commander-in ?chief of the Achaians). But Chryseis' father, Chryses wants his daughter back. Chryses whom was the priest God of Apollo, is hoping to go to the Achaian camp and claim his daughter. Unfortunately, this plan did not work out. And because of this, Chryses prays to Apollo for help. Apollo did in fact help the old man by spreading a deadly plague through the Achaian army, killing hundreds of them. After days of this, the Achaian's most honored soldier, Achilles calls a meeting to determine the cause of the plague. A soothsayer of the Achaians determines that King Agamemnon's arrogance caused the plague by not returning the woman whom was captured to be his war prize. After finding this out, the woman is returned but Agamemnon takes Briseis whom was the prize captured for Achilles. Achi lles is angry and publicly insulted so therefore he refuses to fight for the Achaians and withdrawals his troops. He then requests to his mother Thetis (a sea nymph) to influence Zeus to help the Trojans defeat the Achaians. The leader of the Gods promises Thetis that he will help. Zeus sends a dream to Agomemnon that has him convinced he will defeat the Trojans in battle the next day. With the order from Agomemnon, the army prepares itself for attack. The Trojans and Achaians draw towards each other and Paris challenges one of the Achaians to a one on one fight. The challenger of this is Menelaos. The winner will win Helen and both sides will agree on a treaty of peace. During the duel, Menelaos wounds Paris and begins dragging him to the Achaian's territory when suddenly, Aphrodite appears and rescues him. Agamemnon announces to his army that they have won and demands that Helen is given back to them. Goddesses Hera and Athena want a complete destruction of Troy and they ask Zeus if no truce were made. Zeus, in turn gives in and grants them their wish. As a result, the fighting soon resumes. As a way to start the war anew, Athena searches for Pandaros, a Trojan leader and tells him to kill Menelaos. Being the type of person Pandaros is, he follows through with her advice. But instead of killing Menelaos, he only wounds him. The Achaians are shocked that the Trojans would do this being that the truce is still in order. While Menelaos is being treated, other Trojan warriors' get into battle order. Nevertheless, Agamemnon orders his Achaian troops to prepare to fight and this begins the war (again). The battle continues with much violence and many men are killed. When Diomedes is wounded by Pandoros, he turns to Athena for help. Athena gives the Achaian soldier courage, which helps him to drive the Trojans back and kill Pondoros. Diomedes wounds Aeneas but doesn't kill the Trojan nobleman because his mother Aphrodite rescues him. Ares, the god of war gets involved on the Trojan's side by helping Heckor (prince of the Trojans) command his forces. At first this plan works but then the Achaians receive strength from Hera and Athena. The Achaians are becoming stronger by driving the Trojans back. But, the Trojans are weakening thus causing Hektor to return to Troy. He tells the queen and the other royal women to make an offering of Athena in the temple in hopes to get her to ease her fury off of the Trojans.

The Renaissance in Spain essays

The Renaissance in Spain essays When the new colonies were formed in the New World, it brought a great deal of wealth and prosperity to Spain. The immense resources in North and South America were being exploited; this trade was controlled from the Iberian Peninsula. Charles of Spain, later became Emperor Charles, took over an empire including Africa, America, and Asia. He set up a colonial administration in the New World and his son Philip II developed into a comprehensive system (Doreen Yardwood 24). After England defeated Spain in the Armada, Spanish power began to decline. The Spanish dominated costume and dress during this time. At this period, costume was elaborate and luxurious. The 16th century never surpassed because of embroidery, jeweled fabrics, laces, ruffs, collars, and perfume and powder. Europe had special trades; craftsmen made fabrics decorated them, and tailored them to perfection. Spanish dress and costume was characterized by elegance. Spain introduced the ruff, farthingale, cape and corset. These items were made more popular by the English, German, Dutch, and French dress. The Spanish usually wore the color black for normal wear. For festive and important occasions they wore bright colors. Garments were made from heavy, rich fabrics like velvet and satin. They were decorated with black or white silk, and gold or silver thread with pearls and jewels. The Moorish inspired the beauty of textiles, for example, motifs, embroideries, jewels, girdles, and buttons. The Roman Catholic Church and Spanish court influenced the constriction of whaleboned and basted costume. These garments were not comfortable to wear. When women wore a farthingale and a corset, it caused them to walk with perfect posture in a dignified way, instead of natural movement. The Spanish introduced padding. The ideal Spanish figure in the Renaissance period was slim, and both men and women wore corsets to look slim. The usual squared-shaped m...

A library of ancient information

The totality of an organism’s genes is known as its genome and since each gene provides the instructions for making a specific protein, the genome can be thought of as a collection or library of instruction manuals for producing all the proteins necessary for an organism to function normally and survive (Krogh, 2003). This collection though, is not one that is built up as the organism grows but rather, one that is inherited from the organism’s parents. Human beings have 46 sets of these instruction manuals called chromosomes. Chromosomes come in pairs but during reproduction, only half of each pair is passed on by each parent to their offspring so that the offspring would likewise end up having a total of 46 chromosomes (Krogh, 2003). This goes on for each new generation of offspring produced and so if we try to trace things back we can imagine how we have, for example, inherited the gene for our particular hair color from either our mother or father, and how they in turn have likewise inherited theirs from either of their parents. Going a long way back towards our ancestors’ generation, we can therefore imagine ourselves as having inherited inside us a library of ancient instruction manuals which tell our body how to produce proteins practically the same way that they have been produced in our ancestors. Naturally though it would be expected that during the course of time, modifications may have been made in these instructions but the fact still remains that these basic instructions were passed on from one generation to the next so that the information it carries may serve succeeding generations. A library of ancient information The totality of an organism’s genes is known as its genome and since each gene provides the instructions for making a specific protein, the genome can be thought of as a collection or library of instruction manuals for producing all the proteins necessary for an organism to function normally and survive (Krogh, 2003). This collection though, is not one that is built up as the organism grows but rather, one that is inherited from the organism’s parents. Human beings have 46 sets of these instruction manuals called chromosomes. Chromosomes come in pairs but during reproduction, only half of each pair is passed on by each parent to their offspring so that the offspring would likewise end up having a total of 46 chromosomes (Krogh, 2003). This goes on for each new generation of offspring produced and so if we try to trace things back we can imagine how we have, for example, inherited the gene for our particular hair color from either our mother or father, and how they in turn have likewise inherited theirs from either of their parents. Going a long way back towards our ancestors’ generation, we can therefore imagine ourselves as having inherited inside us a library of ancient instruction manuals which tell our body how to produce proteins practically the same way that they have been produced in our ancestors. Naturally though it would be expected that during the course of time, modifications may have been made in these instructions but the fact still remains that these basic instructions were passed on from one generation to the next so that the information it carries may serve succeeding generations.

Group Membership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Group Membership - Essay Example It is a standard for Filipinos to have the typical Asian character of being family oriented and tightly knit among clans. Filipinos are also known to be extremely friendly and hospitable to everyone. It is because of this trait that other people are very trusting of Filipinos. Filipinos would generally go out of their way to make others feel welcome and comfortable even at the expense of their own comfort zones.Another group I feel associated with, although not entirely feel obliged to be part of, are those interested or is part of the military field. People from the military follow a strict discipline to the point that it is almost stereotyped. This is not always the case, however, that every soldier maintains such steady conduct. There are cases when soldiers or military enthusiasts are just merely power tripping bullies with authority or ego issues. The soldiers who keep true to their code of conduct, self-control, and patience are men who possess distinct traits that are above me re bravado. Between the norms of these two different groups that I belong to, I follow the norms of the military group more than my ethnic group norms. The reason is that it holds more personal use for me with regard to having a strong self-conduct. The military group norm helps cover for my personal weaknesses in character. Being very hospitable and trusting of others is not inherently a terrible trait, but it is easy to be taken advantage of and be played the fool in the end.

Do you think that Mr. Champlin should have consulted with the Navy Essay

Do you think that Mr. Champlin should have consulted with the Navy before spending his time and money on this project - Essay Example Navy irrespective of whether they were lost or considered abandoned in U.S., foreign or international waters. These guidelines are based on the US Constitutional and international maritime laws and the ownership is consistent with Articles 95 and 96 of the Laws of the Sea Convention. These articles delineate the terms of immunity of warships in international waters. Additionally, the statutes as they stand with regards to federal property dictate that all lost or presumed abandoned ships and aircrafts should not be disturbed or removed without a formal application and approval of said application before the property is moved. Operating under this tenet, the actions of Mr. Champlin proved to be in violation of the law. Essentially, he was ignorant of the law but this does not relive any responsibility for its compliance. I find it presumptuous of Mr. Champlin to ask for a refund when he blatantly violated several statutes with regards to presumably abandoned governmental property. I feel that Mr. Champlin should make it his business to be appraised with regards to the special rules of federal property especially in light of the fact that he intended to gain possession of it.

How Medical Marijuana Works Essay Example for Free

How Medical Marijuana Works Essay Marijuana or cannabis is well known for a recreational drug used by younger school age children as well as older Adults. To some people, the idea of medical marijuana is nothing more than an excuse to get the high card. Most school-age children use marijuana because of peer pressure from their classmates or buddies in general. Most older adults have turned to marijuana due to stress in their everyday life. The medical benefits of medical cannabis offer it patients are, swept completely under the rug. In fact, many individuals do not know that cannabis served as a well-established medical treatment until it was criminalized in 1937. Medical marijuana should be legalized in all fifty states. The number of people that suffer is in the millions. Americans that suffer from chronic pain is 100 million, Diabetes is 25.8 million, Heart disease 16.3 million, Strokes 7 million and Cancer patients 11.9 million, the total of American that suffer are 161 million. Why is the government being so inhuman and not legalizing marijuana? There are 29 states that have legalized Medical Marijuana. They are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Washington DC, and West Virginia. All these states have approved Medical Marijuana. Legal weed created 18, 005 full-time jobs and added about $2.4 billion to the state’s economy last year in Colorado. The 15 Langley 2 percent special excise tax on marijuana sales in Arizona’s legalization proposal generate over $114 million in new tax revenue in 2016 and 2017. Maine has improved their state revenue by $69 million. Nevada has shown 161 thousand new jobs, and 89 million dollars increase in their state revenue. Why don’t all the state legalize medical marijuana to help build their budgets so everyone can benefit? In the state of Oklahoma, schools budget could increase, so teachers could get a well-deserved salary. College and Universities could have better learning material as well as the instructors, Professors, and staff could have better salaries and benefits. In the United States, there is 76 % of doctors that are for medical marijuana, 14 % that would use it if it was legal, but would not vote for it, and 10% that don’t care. The 10% is for prescription drugs. A young doctor diagnosed a 5year old child with Dravet Syndrome and she was having more than 300 Grand Mal Seizures a week. This doctor gave this child medical marijuana as treatment and she now has 4 to 6 seizures a month. A gentleman was having Migraines that would last up to two weeks at a time, was giving medical marijuana and now has a migraine once a month at the most. With the benefits of medical Marijuana, all states should legalize marijuana. The health benefits to patients as well as the benefit to the budgets of each state. Medical Marijuana has proven to help treat Migraines, slow down the growth of tumors, relieve the pain of Chronic diseases, Prevent Alzheimer’s, help with ADD, and ADHD, relieve PMS, calm patients that have Tourette’s and OCD.

An Examination of The Meditations, by Descartes :: The Meditations Essays

Descartes overall objective in The Meditations is to question knowledge. To explore such metaphysical issues as the existence of God and the separation of mind and body, it was important for him to distinguish what we can know as truth. He believed that reason as opposed to experience was the source for discovering what is of absolute certainty. In my explication, I will examine meditation two in order to discover why knowledge was so important to Descartes. Meditation One The first meditation acts as a foundation for all those that follow. Here Descartes discerns between mere opinion and strict absolute certainty. To make this consideration he establishes that he must first "attack those principles which supported everything I once believed."(quote, paraphrase) He first examines those beliefs that require our senses. He questions, whether our senses are true indicators of what they represent. By inspecting our sometimes firm belief in the reality of dreams, he comes to the conclusion that our senses are prone to error and thereby cannot reliably distinguish between certainty and falsity. To examine those ideas that have "objective reality," Descartes makes the improbable hypothesis of "an evil genius, as clever and deceitful as he is powerful, who has directed his entire effort to misleading me" (45 ). By proposing this solution he is able to suspend his judgment and maintain that all his former beliefs are false. By using doubt as his tool, Descartes is now ready to build his following proofs with certainty. Meditation Two Comparing his task to that of Archimedes, Descartes embarks on his journey of truth. Attempting to affirm the idea that God must exist as a fabricator for his ideas, he stumbles on his first validity: the notion that he (Descartes) exists. He ascertains that if he can both persuade himself of something, and likewise be deceived of something, then surely he must exist. This self validating statement is known as the Cogito Argument. Simply put it implies whatever thinks exists. Having established this, Descartes asks himself: What is this I which "necessarily exists"? Descartes now begins to explore his inner consciousness to find the essence of his being. He disputes that he is a "rational animal" for this idea is difficult to understand. He scrutinizes whether perhaps he is a body infused with a soul but this idea is dismissed since he cannot be certain of concepts that are of the material world.

KFC and McDonald’s marketing strategy in China Essay

Abstract McDonald’s is the greatest fast food chain in the world, its company sales and operate income was largely exceeded KFC on a global scale, but it confronted a strong challenge from KFC when it emerged into China. This essay analyzes the comparison between KFC and McDonald’s marketing strategy, emphases on finding the similarities and differentiations from â€Å"Seven P Formula† and finally makes a conclusion that localization is more suitable than globalization as the marketing strategy when fast food chain emerged in China’s market. Introduction Localization or Globalization has long been discussed when choosing strategic orientation in international marketplace. These two international marketing philosophies influenced enterprises’ current situation and future development. There are two fast food international companies named McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) who initially adopted different marketing strategies in China that led to differentiation for their future development. McDonald’s first franchise was founded in the United States in 1955, serve people for hamburger, french fries and other type of fast food, while KFC also from the same country, is now one brand of Yum, which first restaurant was founded in 1952 and mainly sells unique taste cooked chicken. From global scope, McDonald’s is exceeding KFC from company sales, operating profit to worldwide system units. McDonald’s company- operated sales were ï ¼â€ž18875 million, operating income was ï ¼â€ž8764 million and it had 35429 systemwide restaurants in 2013(McDonald’s, 2013), while KFC’s company sales were ï ¼â€ž11184 million, operating profit was ï ¼â€ž1798 million and there were 18875 KFC restaurants in 2013(YUM, 2013). However, as these two global fast-food brands emerged in China, the situation has been reversed. McDonald’s annual report uses APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) as representative of Asian but not show the profit from China while KFC can saw significant progress in China, and it highlighted the progress in new restaurants, recruits and volume growth in annual report. The difference between these  two fast food companies was mainly due to their marketing strategies. That is, localization is more suitable than globalization as the marketing strategy when fast food chain emerged in China’s market. Definition The concept of marketing has long been defined by different people. The easiest one to understand may be a process of planning and executing, from price, products, ideas and services to satisfy customers and organizations objectives (Ferrell et al, 1987). This definition emphases marketing as a process preformed in organization, which has an overview of its practical function. It has mutually beneficial between providers and customers’ exchange, where provider’s goal is to offer products and service to achieve profit and customer’s goal is to purchase products which benefit their daily life. Marketing strategy could be the plan that identifying what is the customers’ requirement and what marketing goals and objectives could be achieved if selling particular goods and services in an available time (Jonathan, 2009). Briefly is the competitive plan that the organization will have. Marketing strategy enables an organization to have an understanding on the envi ronment and achieve its goals and objectives by using its resources that can meet the needs of customs (Douglas et al, 2010). A good marketing strategy would effectively improve company to supervise their value and create consumers’ brand loyalty. Localization is a strategy that advocates enterprises to adapt to local culture. The process often set up their products, services and promotion customized relate to local market. Enterprise should try to integrate into and treat them as an inherent member but not a foreigner to the local culture in the target market, which emphasizes the enterprise must adapt to the environment to gain more space in order to further development (Warren, 2008). KFC is an example that has developed food, drink and service highly sensitized to localization. KFC was the first western fast food chain emerged in China in 1987. In order to succeed, KFC abandoned its U.S. business model and planned to sell core products and services locally. Since it started to now, the company’s strength and competences accumulation has exceeded a major part of fast food companies and successfully posed formidable barriers to competitors in China. Globalization was defined by Edmund as the process of creating links  between individuals and organizations that transcend national boundaries and a re not subject to political interference (Edmund, 2008). Globalization is also a marketing strategy that the organization extended their activities worldwide, it is a main tendency for international companies or company who want to operate in other countries. This tendency was influenced by technical factors such as information and communication technology revolution, and principle of finance and trade, also affected by the movement of people. Globalization will continue be a major tendency in the future because of opportunities, which created huge increases in prosperity, notably in emerging markets, such as China (Martin, 2013). McDonald’s was the example that opened it first restaurant in China in 1990 and adopted globalization strategy initially, but eventually achieved few successes than KFC in China’s market. The similarity and differentiation between KFC and McDonald’s in China’s market KFC opened its first outlet in Beijing in 1987, it was the first western fast food company at that time and now it has 4563 outlets, which can be regarded as the largest restaurant chain in China (YUM, 2013). McDonald’s first restaurant opened in China in 1990, and now it has 2003 outlets all around the China. From the apparent distinction of the outlets, it is necessary to analyses the similarity and differentiation between them. The largest difference was the time these two companies settled in China and implemented their strategies. Franchising is a business format that the franchisor grants a license to franchisee and franchisee then can use it logo, products and goodwill. For example, McDonald’s allow other business man open their chain by using the same name if they have paid initial fee and ongoing management service fee (Colin, C et al, 2012). KFC use collaborative mode l of direct and franchise chain which laid the solid foundation of completive advantages. KFC is earlier than McDonald’s to implement franchising, who established the first franchising restaurant in 1993 and continue implement â€Å"do not start from scratch† mode, which means franchisee do not need to found a location, recruiting and training new employees but apply to join in and take over a mature restaurant. In that situation, franchisees can omit the preparatory work and incorporate themselves to the standard management system as soon as possible. However,  McDonald’s insist on implementing direct chain operate until 2003, while KFC has developed about 40 franchise locations during this period. Thus, McDonald’s was fall behind to KFC at the initial stage, which have deep influence on their future development. Marketing strategy helps make recognition of international opportunity on seven parts: product, price, promotion, place, positioning, packaging, and people. The â€Å"Seven P Formula† was used to evaluate and reevaluate the b usiness activities. As the marketing environment changed so rapidly that it is vital to track and achieve the maximum results by adjust seven P (Brain, 2004). The similarities and differentiation of seven P between two companies also illustrate localization is suitable than globalization. Product â€Å"A product is anything that be offered to a market for attention, acquisition, use, or consumption that might satisfy a want or need.† (Philip, 2011). A product contains good, service and ideas. Food is a heart concept of the society and services from the fast-food chain would attract consumers and change customers’ attitude. KFC obtained the success of fast food market mainly by selling chicken products. KFC’s products utilized standard production, which selling inexpensive western-style items with local favor. KFC’s menu changed rapidly to follow the changeable market as they followed product life cycle from introduction, growth to maturity and finally decline. Some products offered temporarily while other permanently. For example, since 24th of March in 2014, KFC started to use the new menus, which eliminated seven items, renewed one item and added fourteen items. The totally variety has reached to 66 products. The success of KFC also from its spec ial ingredients, Sanders’ Original Recipe of â€Å"11 herbs and spices† is one of the most famous trade secret in fast food industry (Chartrand, 2001). The mystery ingredients mixed with local ingredients created a large amount of customers. The manager of KFC realizes that the customers in Sichuan, Hunan and Chongqin are preferred chilly while Shanghai customers would complain the dishes are too spicy. So the company adopted the localization strategy in products and finally changed its recipes to suit the region. McDonald’s mainly selling hamburger with beef, which is a typical western food style. Chinese prefer chicken to beef for some reasons. Firstly, may be  the price, according to the latest price of beef and chicken, there is large gap between them, the average price of beef is 66.60RMB (approximately 6.5 pounds) per kilogram while the average price of chicken only in 19.58RMB (approximately 1.8 pounds) per kilogram (data from the government of china price). Secondly, the traditional cultivation industry in China raise more chicken than cattle, as cattle is so heavy that will eat more and its long growth stage means costly when buying. Due to the price of raw materials, company would change their recipes to adapt the regions, which means products localization. By far, McDonald’s menus have seventeen types of burger and four type of rice, others are beverages and dessert. And McDonald’s insist on standardization on products and just had little change on some food, such as start to sell soy milk for breakfast from 2011. From the difference of the menu, it is obviously that KFC has more products and local appetite products than McDonald’s. Compared the products, KFC’s localization strategy is more suitable than McDonald’s globalization strategy in China. Price Price is the customer pays for a product or a service. It is the most important factor of marketing (McCarthy, 1975). Prices would affect company’s marketing decision and organization’s goal and the achievement in sales volume would influences price reversal. So, it is difficult for manager decide which price is the best, especially in a downturn. Because recessions make customers are able to shift another products or service with lower price as alternatives or substitute (Douglas.2010). The price of a product may go up or go down along with time and location. The right choice of pricing strategy will benefit the company’s competitive position. KFC and McDonald’s use multiple pricing strategies in different situation. They mainly choose the price skimming strategy, the process of selling product or a service for a high price initially, then gradually reducing the price in order to access new market segments(Price , 2009) as their pricing strategy in China. The staple food in KFC contains ten units(six of burger, two types of roll and two types of rice ) in the latest menu, hamburgers’ price fluctuated around 14 RMB (approximately 1.3 pounds), while McDonald’s have nine burger as its staple food and the price range from 6 to 16.5 RMB due to  different meat. McDonald’s mainly sell beef burger all around the world, but the high price is not suitable in developing country, therefore, it started sell burger with pork, chicken, duck and fish. KFC and McDonald’s fierce competition sometimes force each other to adjust their price according to the cost and demand. Promotion Promotion is an activity that designed to boost the sales of products and service (Jonathan, 2009). Sales promotion also defined as an activity or martial that acts as an inducement to stimulate consumers to buy the products (Sally et al, 2012). Companies are aimed at stimulating sales through advertising campaign, temporary price reductions and variety types of promotion methods. The brand would be intangible assets and goodwill of a company. The more successful it promote, the more it will creating brand loyalty from customers. KFC restaurant in China has a large logo of ‘KFC’ and the portrait of Colonel which leave deep impression on Chinese. It has changed old logo to a new one, which stress on â€Å"Taste† and present youthful energy, friendlier and more welcoming. The promotions of KFC are varied from advertising in television to Internet, or distributing coupons in public place. Every year, KFC would have new menus to attract customers and provide meal set, such as buy burger with cola together will save money. Sometimes KFC will send gifts as premiums to attract customers, especially children. It also distributes coupons in the street or can download app of KFC, then you can get small discount from the product. McDonald’s logo is a golden arch of M, with a slogan of ‘I’m lovin’ it’. The promotion method of McDonald’s is similar to KFC. Coupons, package and digital marketing all create growth in marketing. Place and Positioning Place is where the products or service actually sold, it includes geographical location which offered products or services and different types of distribution channel (McCarthy, 1975). The product or service positioning has been described as the place occupied in a particular marketing where product is targeted by customer (Wind, 1980). Generally, Fast food chain has two target consumers. One is the people who live in a busy life. Such as employees who spend whole day in front of computers. These people busy at their working and had no time preparing food. Fast food gives them the chance to eat in a very short time. The other is the consumer who does not like cooking such as young people. KFC and McDonald’s give them the chance to try new. Target on these consumers, these two companies has their special outlets placement strategy. In order to satisfy consumers who have a busy lifestyle, they open their outlets in cities, in which has a higher population density and well-developed transport system. And to those who want to try new and unwilling to cook by themselves, the restaurant always placed close to schools, universities, city centre and commercial areas that young people study at and prefer to go. It has published in McDonald’s official website for the restaurant development. â€Å"McDonald’s looks for the best locations within the marketplace to provide our customers with convenience. We build quality restaurants in neighborhoods as well as airports, malls, tollways, and colleges at a value to our customers.†(from McDonald’s official website), while KFC provides customers with the most convenient, desirable and accessible restaurant locations across the country, such as the outlets in the city centre of Beijing and Shanghai, where has shopping mall or commercial street. People go shopping in those place prefer to find a comfortable place to have a rest, drink a cup of tea or coffee and eat some food. KFC and McDonald’s success in choosi ng location set a good example for other fast food restaurants. Packaging Packaging is a part of marketing process and link to brand identity. The impact on the image of product ultimately derived from customer’s perception of satisfaction. Package is a vital part of a product that making it more versatile, safer and easier to use (Sally et al, 2012). The customer would evaluate the product or service from the first moment of seeing. And package characteristics help sharp buyers’ impression during use. Then their attitude would influence their purchase decisions. KFC’s package adopted world class packaging with new logo which has character of KFC and the portrait of Colonel in the middle of front page. And the design is flexible to local market. McDonald’s package use more colorful package with creative idea. And also has the logo ‘M’ in every package. These two companies both  adopt family packaging, an approach in which all of company’s package are similar or include one major element of the design (Sally et al, 2012), as their approach to promote. Both of their package had live a deep impression on Chinese. People All the people directly or indirectly involved in the service or production will concern in market when making marketing strategy. Customers, employees and other people are inseparable when production and consumption happened. It is essential to pay attention to those people (Booms et al. 1981). KFC in China targets on the concepts of family and group. The customers range from children to the elders. Before 2004, McDonald’s insists on families centered on children, at the same time, attracted young person and young parents. After the year of 2004, the target market has been young people whose age between 4 and 30. McDonald’s advocates the passion and enthusiasm in younger while KFC emphasis on the harmony between family members, in China, this particular marketing where the concepts of family was strengthen, KFC therefore occupied advantages. Through the comparisons of KFC and McDonald’s from seven aspects in marketing strategy, it can have a clear judgment between them. The reason why China has become the place that KFC exceed McDonald’s initially because the policy makers think highly of this particular market and understand the cross cultural management, the appropriate survey helps avoid mistake. Conclusion In conclusion, KFC and McDonald’s adopted different strategies for their development in China. The gross or net profit from their annual report shows that they both have success on operating and developing, but the content emphases on China’s market have apparent difference as their initially adopted localization and standardization (globalization) in advent of China. It means the localization strategy of KFC adopted in China market is more suitable than globalization strategy. The great achievement of KFC in China is not an accident while McDonalds’ backward does not mean their strategy is not good. KFC’s success is largely because it realizes the distinctiveness of the Chinese market and emphasis on the local environment and local customers. References: Booms, B. & Bitner, M. J. (1981). Marketing Strategies and Organizational Structures for Service Firms. Marketing of Services, James H. Donnelly and William R. George, eds. Chicago: American Marketing Association, 47-51. Brain, T. (2004). The 7 Ps of Marketing. Million Dollar Habits: Proven Power Practices to Double and Triple Your Income. p133-140 Charles, D.(2011). A Dictionary of Marketing (3rd ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Wansink, B. (1996). Can package size accelerate usage volume?. Journal of Marketing 60(3):1-14 Chartrand, S. (2001). Patents; Many companies will forgo patents in an effort to safeguard their trade secrets. New York Times. Retrieved August 16, 2014. Colin, C & Jonathan, S. (2012). Listening course book. Reading: Garnet.p77-79 Douglas, W., &John, F., &Essam, I. (2010).Strategic Marketing Creating Competitive Advantage. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 7 Edmund, H. and Mike, N. (2008) A Dictionary of Human Resource Management (2nd. ed.).Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ferrell, O.C. and Lucas, G.H. (1987), An evaluation of progress in the development of a definition of marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 15(3), 12-23. Graham, H., &Nigel, F., &Brigitte, N.(2012). MARKETING STRATEGY & COMPETITIVE POSITIONG. Edinburgh:Financial Times. 6-7 Jonathan. L (2009). A Dictionary of Business and Management (5 ed.). Published by Oxford University Press. Edited by Jonathan Law. Kotler, P.C., Armstrong, G., Saunders, J.A. and Wong, V. (1996), principles of Marketing: The European Edition, Hemel Hempstead: Prentice Hall. McCarthy, E. (1975). Basic Marketing: A Managerial Approach (5th edition). Richard D. Irwin, Inc. McDonald’s.(2013).2013 Annual Report. Retried August 16, 2014, from http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/content/dam/AboutMcDonalds/Investors/McDs2013AnnualReport.pdf Martin, M. (2013). Globalisation. FT.com. The Financial Times Limited Philip,K.,& Kevin,L.(2011). Marketing Management. 14th Ed. Prentice Hall Price Skimming.(2009). In Key concepts in marketing. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.idpproxy.reading.ac.uk/content/entry/sageukmark/price_skimming/0 Sally,D.,&Lyndon,S.,&William,M.,&O.C.Ferrel(2012).Marketing:Concepts& Strategies(6th ed). China: RR Donnelly. Warren, L(2008). KFC in China: Secret Recipe for Success. Wiley. Wind, Y. (1980). Going to market: new twist for some old tricks.Wharton Magazine, 4 YUM. (2013). YUM! FINANCIAL DATA RESTAURANT COUNTS. Retrieved August 16, 2014, from http://www.yum.com/investors/restcounts.asp

Public Bank Berhad

Public Bank Berhad The Public Bank Malaysia was founded in the year 1966. The logo, in modern geometric design, is conceived from two interlocking octagons denoting the domestic and international connections of the Group. The interlocking of the two octagons also suggests security, strength and stability. As per the latest reports Public Bank Malaysia is the largest domestic bank in Malaysia after Malayan Banking Berhad. The Public Bank Malaysia, in terms of its market capitalization, is the largest corporation in Malaysia that is not linked with the Government.The expansion and progress of the Group are symbolised by the edges of the octagons pointing outwards at various directions. Additionally, the graphic formation of the two interlocking octagons also creates an â€Å"eye† of foresight of the organisation. Industry Of Public Bank Berhad Public Bank Berhad is an industry leader in hire purchase financing, home mortgage financing and commercial lending to SMEs in Malaysia. The bank has a strong distribution network comprising 248 full service branches in Malaysia and 109 overseas in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka. Public BankProduct Range Of Public Bank Berhad Public Bank Berhad in one of the leading providers of integrated financial services in Malaysia. It primarily focuses on providing banking and financial services. The bank is engaged in offering various financial products and services, which includes investment banking, commercial banking, wealth management products, and Islamic banking services. Target Market Of Public Bank Berhad The whole Malaysian, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka. Aimed at providing customized banking services and products to individual customers in addition to small business concerns.Consumer Groups The core business areas of the Public Bank Group are consumer and retail commercial loans. Individuals and families can find a range of lending solutions to buy residential unit, vehicle or a consumer good. The bank offers home loan, car loan, passenger vehicle hire purchase financing and personal loan at easy terms and conditions. The small and medium sized enterprises, too, can find simplified procedure here to apply for a commercial loan. Position of The Company In Relation To Other Competitors Public Bank Berhad operates in the Commercial banks sector.This analysis compares Public Bank Berhad with three other companies: Malayan Banking Berhad (2011 sales of 18. 28 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$5. 85 billion] of which 25% was Consumer Banking), Cimb Group Holdings Berhad (2010 sales: 16. 06 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$5. 14 billion] of which 19% was Foreign Banking Ope), and AMMB Holdings Berhad (2011 sales of 5. 83 billion Malaysian Ringgits [US$1. 87 billion] of which 46% was Retail Banking). Company| Sales(blns)| P/E| P/B| Mkt Cap(RMm)| Revenue(RM’000,000)| Public Bank Berhad| 10. 345| 13. 1| 3. 10| 45,067. 8| 10,523| Malayan Banking Berhad| 18. 278| 13. 0| 1. 90| 62,592. 67| 18,397| Cimb Group Holdings Berhad| 16. 059| 13. 5| 2. 07| 55,597. 16| 16,635| AMMB Holdings Berhad| 5. 831| 12. 2| 1. 69| 17,904. 26| 6,343| Market Capital Revenue Ratio For Public Bank | 2008| 2009| 2010| Current ratio| 120,700,000,000/34,789,000,000=3. 47| 137,600,000,000/41,835,000,000=3. 29| 156,500,000,000/45,911,000,000=3. 41| Quick ratio| 60,656,000,000/34,789,000,000=1. 97| 67,986,000,000/41,835,000,000=1. 63| 59,269,000,000/45,911,000,000=1. 29| Average age of inventory | Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading.No inventories| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No inventories| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No inventories| Average Collection Period| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No sales hence no receivables| Average payme nt period| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No purchases| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading. No purchases| Impossible since PBB is not involved in trading.No purchases| Total asset turnover| 10,500,307,000/196,163,106,000=0. 054| 9,715,568,000/271,136,154,000=0. 045| 11,035,597,000/226,328,976,000=0. 049| Debt ratio| (185,934,374,000/196,163,106,000)x100=94. 79%| (205,420,830,000/217,136,154,000)x100=94. 60%| (212,643,888,000/226,328,976,000)x100=93. 96%| Time interest earned| 18,790,015,000/4,562,396,000=4. 12x| 17,068,609,000/3,316,609,000=5. 15x| 19,149,128,000/3,516,111,000=5. 45x| Gross profit margin| (3,948,155,000/10,500,307,000)x100=37. 60%| (4,015,055,000/9,715,568,000)x100=41. 33%| (4,738,265,000/11,035,597,000)x100=42. 4%| Net profit margin| (2,622,660,000/10,500,307,000)x100=24. 98%| (2,551,540,000/9,715,568,000)x100=26. 26%| (3,099,077,000/11,035,597,000)x100=28. 08%| ROA| (2,622,660,000/196,163,106,000)x100=1. 34%| (2,551,540,000/217,136,1 54,000)x100=1. 18%| (3,099,077,000/226,328,976,000)x100=1. 37%| ROE| (2,622,660,000/10,228,732,000)x100=25. 64%| (2,551,540,000/11,715,324,000)x100=21. 78%| (3,099,077,000/13,685,088,000)x100=22. 65%| Analysis Of Public Bank Performance Liquidity Ratio Current Ratio = Current assets/current liabilities 2008| 2009| 2010| 120,700,000,000/ 34,789,000,000 =3. 7| 137,600,000,000/ 41,835,000,000 =3. 29| 156,500,000,000/ 45,911,000,000 =3. 41| The ratio is mainly used to measure the company's ability to pay back  its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets. As we seen the company current ratio for these 3 years, there are decreases from year 2008 to year 2009 but they increase back when come to year 2010. These 3 years current ratio is significant higher than the acceptable ratio. The acceptable ratio is 2:1 but for the public bank, the current ratio are (2008 1 : 3. 47, 2009 1 : 3. 29, 2010 1 : 3. 41).These shows that the Public Bank is not using its resources as efficiently a s it could be. Public Bank should reduce its current assets so there are no excessive current assets. Quick Ratio = (current assets-inventories)/current liabilities 2008| 2009| 2010| 60,656,000,000/ 34,789,000,000 =1. 97| 67,986,000,000/ 41,835,000,000 =1. 63| 59,269,000,000/ 45,911,000,000 =1. 29| Quick ratio  measures  a company's ability to meet  its short-term obligations with  its most liquid assets. The higher the quick ratio,  the  better the position of the  company. From the company 3 years quick ratio, the quick ratio are (2008 1 : 1. 7, 2009 1 : 1. 63, 2010 1 : 1. 29) These shows that the company quick ratio is slightly higher than the acceptable ratio that are 1:1. But the quick ratio for the company are getting better year to year. The company should reduce its current account to reach the desirable ratio that are 1:1. Activity Ratio Average age of inventory =(Average inventories/Cost of sales)x365 2008| 2009| 2010| N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute sin ce Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical inventories are involved. Average collection period = (receivables/sales) x365 2008| 2009| 2010|N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute since Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical inventories are involved. Average payment period =(Payable/Cost of sales)x365 2008| 2009| 2010| N/A| N/A| N/A| Impossible to compute since Public Bank Berhad is not involved in trading. No physical purchases are involved. Total assets turn over= Operating revenue/total assets 2008| 2009| 2010| 10,500,307,000/196,163,106,000 =0. 054| 9,715,568,000/271,136,154,000 =0. 045| 11,035,597,000/226,328,976,000 =0. 049| Asset turnover  measures  a firm's efficiency at using its assets in generating sales.The total assets turnover over for the 3 years, there are decrease in year 2009 but increases in year 2010. For each RM1 of assets for the year 2008, Public Bank only manage to generate RM0. 054 of sales. For the year 2009 and 2010, for each RM1 of the assets, Public Bank only generates RM0. 045 and RM0. 049 of sales. The amount are worsen but there are increases for year 2010. This is because the company have higher profit margin, so they would have lower assets turnover. Financial Ratio Debt ratio=(Total liabilities/Total asset)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (185,934,374,000/196,163,106,000)x100=94. 9%| (205,420,830,000/217,136,154,000)x100=94. 60%| (212,643,888,000/226,328,976,000)x100=93. 96%| A ratio that indicates what proportion of debt a company has relative to its assets. The measure gives an idea to the leverage of the company along with the potential risks the company faces in terms of its debt-load. Time Interest Earned Ratio=EBIT/Interest 2008| 2009| 2010| 18,790,015,000/4,562,396,000=4. 12x| 17,068,609,000/3,316,609,000=5. 15x| 19,149,128,000/3,516,111,000=5. 45x| Ensuring interest payments to debt holders and preventing bankruptcy depends mainly on a company's ability to sustain earnings.However, a high ratio can indicate that a company has an undesirable lack of debt or is paying down too much debt with earnings that could be used for other projects. The rationale is that a company would yield greater returns by investing its earnings into other projects and borrowing at a lower cost of capital than what it is currently paying to meet its debt obligations. Analysis : The company have a high time interest earned ratio in this few year and the ratio keep increase. This suggests that this company is less burdened by debt expense and the company has no problem in settling its interest expenses in the future.Profitability Ratio Gross Profit Margin=Gross profit margin/Net sales 2008| 2009| 2010| (3,948,155,000/10,500,307,000)x100=37. 60%| (4,015,055,000/9,715,568,000)x100=41. 33%| (4,738,265,000/11,035,597,000)x100=42. 94%| The gross margin is not an exact estimate of the company's pricing strategy but it does give a good indication of financial health. Without an adequate gross margin , a company will be unable to pay its operating and other expenses and build for the future. Net Profit Margin=(Earning to common stockholders/sales)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (2,622,660,000/10,500,307,000)x100=24. 98%| (2,551,540,000/9,715,568,000)x100=26. 6%| (3,099,077,000/11,035,597,000)x100=28. 08%| Net profit margin is the ratio of net profit to revenues a company’s pricing strategy and operating efficiency. Return On Assets=(Earning to common stockholders/total assets)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| (2,622,660,000/196,163,106,000)x100=1. 34%| (2,551,540,000/217,136,154,000)x100=1. 18%| (3,099,077,000/226,328,976,000)x100=1. 37%| Return on assets is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total asset, the ratio measures how efficient management is at using its assets to generate earning. Return On Equity=(Earning to common stockholders/total equity)x100% 2008| 2009| 2010| 2,622,660,000/10,228,732,000)x100=25. 64%| (2,551,540,000/11,715,324,000)x100=21. 78%| (3, 099,077,000/13,685,088,000)x100=22. 65%| Return on equity  measures a corporation's profitability  by revealing how much  profit a company generates  with the  money  shareholders have invested. Analysis : Public Bank Berhad have a very high net profit margin and the profit increase from 24. 98% in year 2008 to 26. 26% in year 2009. When in year 2010, it rise to 28. 08% again. It’s mean this company generate 24. 98% in year 2008, 26. 26% in year 2009 and 28. 08% in year 2010 for every RM100 sales. Furthermore, the return on assets are in the high rate.In the year 2008, the ROA is 1. 34% and it decreased to 1. 18% in the year 2009. However, in year 2010 the ROA increases to 1. 37%. It’s because of Public Bank has expanded its self –service channels such as Automated Teller Machines, Cheque Deposit Machines and Cash Deposit Terminals to 1,400 machines to serve its large customer base. The ROE for this company in year 2008 is 25. 64%. However it drops t o 21. 78% in the year 2009. The ROE increases again in the year 2010 to 22. 65%. It’s mean this company is more capable of generating cash internally. For the example, Public Bank Berhad is able to pay its shareholders the return he interest of 25. 64% in the year 2008. Conclusion The Overall of our research about Public Bank Berhad have a very good performance. The Public Bank group should seek to tap all growth opportunities arising from the improving economic and business environment, with the aim of delivering superior shareholder value over the long-term. Retail consumer and commercial banking should remain the core focus of the Group. In consumer financing, the group should continue to promote home mortgages, passenger vehicle hire purchase financing and personal financing. RecommendationOverall all our research about Public Bank Berhad and its competitors, Public Bank Berhad was performance very well in this 3 years. Especially when come to the year 2010, the profit be fore tax increases by 23. 0%. The Group’s gross loans, advances and financing recorded strong growth of 13. 8% in 2010, with the Group’s domestic lending business growing 15. 6% during the year. However, Gross impaired loans ratio drop by 0. 03%. The financial pandemic in late 2008 and 2009 that threatened to push the global economy into a deep recession was largely contained through the concerted efforts of the world’s major government and central banks.

Free Essays on Euthyphro Definitions

It’s important to understand the role the gods play in Euthyphro’s definitions of piety. According to the Athenian culture, wrongdoers did wrong deeds to both society and the gods. When they were prosecuted by society, it was also for the sake of the gods. It was ungodly to commit crimes. When Socrates proposed that Euthyphro explain what was pious in prosecuting his father, Euthyphro ultimately ended up feeding Socrates definitions that were only examples of what piety is. In Euthyphro’s first definition he explains that piety is prosecuting the offender, and impiety is the omission of the offender’s crime. His definition suggests that piety is bringing the wrongdoer before a jury. Socrates rejects this as a definition because it merely illustrates what Euthyphro considers a pious act. It’s an example. â€Å"You only tell me that what you are doing now, namely, prosecuting your father for murder, is a pious act.† (6D). Socrates explains that he is looking for the natural universal definition that everyone can agree upon and not several instances/examples of pious acts. Euthyphro’s second attempt to explain piety: â€Å"What is dear to the gods is pious, and what is not is impious.† (7A). According to Euthyphro, what is favorable to the gods is pious, and what is not favorable to the gods is impious. Socrates counters this by exposing the god’s well-known disagreements. Euthyphro has admitted that the gods love the pious and hate the impious in chorus with disagreeing between themselves. This permits them to love and hate what is pious, and simultaneously agree and disagree on the same things. The god’s lack of harmony doesn’t validate Euthyphro’s definition and only shows how he’s furnished another condition/quality of piety. Euthyphro’s third definition is â€Å"piety is what all the gods love, and that impiety is what they all hate.† (9E). Euthyphro eliminated Socrates’ point of... Free Essays on Euthyphro Definitions Free Essays on Euthyphro Definitions It’s important to understand the role the gods play in Euthyphro’s definitions of piety. According to the Athenian culture, wrongdoers did wrong deeds to both society and the gods. When they were prosecuted by society, it was also for the sake of the gods. It was ungodly to commit crimes. When Socrates proposed that Euthyphro explain what was pious in prosecuting his father, Euthyphro ultimately ended up feeding Socrates definitions that were only examples of what piety is. In Euthyphro’s first definition he explains that piety is prosecuting the offender, and impiety is the omission of the offender’s crime. His definition suggests that piety is bringing the wrongdoer before a jury. Socrates rejects this as a definition because it merely illustrates what Euthyphro considers a pious act. It’s an example. â€Å"You only tell me that what you are doing now, namely, prosecuting your father for murder, is a pious act.† (6D). Socrates explains that he is looking for the natural universal definition that everyone can agree upon and not several instances/examples of pious acts. Euthyphro’s second attempt to explain piety: â€Å"What is dear to the gods is pious, and what is not is impious.† (7A). According to Euthyphro, what is favorable to the gods is pious, and what is not favorable to the gods is impious. Socrates counters this by exposing the god’s well-known disagreements. Euthyphro has admitted that the gods love the pious and hate the impious in chorus with disagreeing between themselves. This permits them to love and hate what is pious, and simultaneously agree and disagree on the same things. The god’s lack of harmony doesn’t validate Euthyphro’s definition and only shows how he’s furnished another condition/quality of piety. Euthyphro’s third definition is â€Å"piety is what all the gods love, and that impiety is what they all hate.† (9E). Euthyphro eliminated Socrates’ point of...

Reflective writing during nursing clinical placement Essay

Reflective writing during nursing clinical placement - Essay Example It was a night shift in accident and emergency section. I was assisting my mentor, the head nurse in A & E section. A teenager was brought in by the medical staff, he was slender and weak, partially in state of paranoia, and had stains of vomit on his shirt. The person, who brought in the teenager, told us that they have found this junkie from the suburbs of the city. He was caught by the police for using amphetamine in the public. My mentor told me that it was a test of nerves to look after drug abusers. Their states vary extensively, and it is important to determine that which drug has been used, and what was the most obvious mode of intake of that drug. She predicted that amphetamine was ingested orally by this patient, so we had to wash out out his stomach by using activated charcoal.The purpose of activated charcoal is to remove amphetamine from GI by vomiting (Amphetamine.com, 2014). Diazepam and Lorazepam are used to calm down the patient. To recover dehydration intravenous in jection of fluids may be used (Lewis, et al., 2013). Hyperthermia is controlled by using wet blankets and ice packs. Intravenous diazepam is administered during amphetamine overdose when seizures are present. For hypertension nitroglycerin and labetol is recommended . If the state of the patient is in danger, serotonin toxicity must be administered (Amphetamine.com, 2014). Drug addicts are hard to manage, it is not only their physiological state that needs to be considered, but their psychological state must also be taken into the account.

Interactive Planning and Occupational Safety Research Paper

Interactive Planning and Occupational Safety - Research Paper Example Such can be said on COPPST Circuitry. It is a global organization with site-level units in ten US states, a site in Canada, another in Nigeria, and several in Europe and Asia. The most recent emergency that occurred at one of the US sites of COPS Circuitry should be considered as a learning opportunity, as well as a time to propose an interactive planned improvement to encompass mandated safety standards in the site. In planning for safety, Leeman (14) described four parts of this phase in the planning process the systems analysis, obstruction analysis, reference projections, and reference scenarios. The Occupational Health and Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA) provides an extensive standard and guideline for employers and managers that address the four said parts of the planning process. ... Â  mission (EOCC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At the state level are Department of Environmental Protection (Air, Water, Soil, Waste, Facility Response Plans, and Emergency Notification), Department of Health and Human Services (Radiation Control Program), State Office of the Fire Marshall (Occupancy and Life Safety Codes), Department of Economic and Community Development, Department of Labor (Workers Comp, Disability, etc.), Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Transportation. And at the local level are Code Compliance Division, Planning and Development Department, and the Water Resource Protection Department. Together with the employers, they play a crucial role in the provision of safety in the workplace. Interactive Planning These various levels and agencies of the government all contribute to the mass knowledge and information in t he formulation of interactive planning for the organizational operations. Various standards are required by these agencies to be met, with the continuing and safe operations of businesses as end-goal. These include safety of workers at the workplace and structural standards and procedures that ensure safety and environmental requirement compliance are met. However, additional considerations include the welfare and goals of the various stakeholders of COPS Circuitry. They are the employees, customers, suppliers, distributors, other local businesses, the local community, corporate OHS, other business units, and the overall corporation.

Manifest Destiny Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Manifest Destiny - Essay Example happy millions.†1 In 1845, O’Sullivan wrote yet another article entitled â€Å"Annexation† where he expounded the doctrine and used it to justify the annexation of Texas to the union and called it â€Å"the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence.†2 Since then the ‘imagined’ divine right has been used to justify American expansionism to the west by American politicians. Despite the fact that O’Sullivan first coined the term Manifest Destiny, expansionism however was not his original idea but has already been in practice since the dawn of the country’s history. English settlers first came to the New World, specifically along the eastern seaboard of the North American continent not as a divine right as O’Sullivan would have it but for more practical reasons. England was then at that time experiencing economic difficulties and settlers came to the New World for better opportunities, while others to evade political and religious persecution. The New World likewise became an imprisonment camp outside of England. 3 The first attempt of the English to establish a colony in the New World turned out to be a disaster. In 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh brought a company of soldiers and mercenaries to the outer banks of North Carolina to establish the first English colony in the New World. 4 In 1607, one hundred colonists established the first permanent settlement in the Chesapeake Bay and survived with the help of the Algonquians under the leadership of Powhatan, the father of Pocahontas. John Rolfe, an English settler who married Pocahontas, developed the tobacco Virginia became famous of – a hybrid of North American and Indian tobacco – and made the colony a success. However, the English colonists wanted more land from the natives, pushing the latter farther until the Algonquians revolted and launched an attack against the surprised colonists. The war dragged on for ten years but because of the success

A report to president Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A report to president - Essay Example The paper is structured into three core sections; firstly, background information of Business development incentives. Secondly, the imperativeness of this program to the general economy. Thirdly, the document will also reflect on the associated challenges of this program. Business development incentives (Background) This program seeks to provide incentives to business to provide cash or near cash incentives to bail out business through harsh economic times. The program will be a non affiliate to a plethora of non-monetary incentives; for instance, public infrastructure projects. This will endeavor to provide a large list of incentives practices to reduce general costs. The affiliate goal of this program is to ensure that areas within our jurisdiction do not suffer unemployment, due to a blatant fiscal policy. Indeed, the job growth will be expected to generate tax breaks and eventually enable business to plough enough resources back to the required capital threshold. Strategist withi n my jurisdiction realized the necessity to introduce this program based on the long history of interrelation of sectors within this economy (Mulligan, 2012). Large economic experience was based from the aftermath of the 2008-2009 economic recessions, in which, the general economy realized a tendency high cost of business was a primary cause factor of unemployment. Businesses realized in order to make it in a challenging time, reducing manpower was an advisable sacrificial method to realize positive returns, during that surviving period. However, this strategy was not appropriate on how it operated. The resultant situation was that our local economy had weak purchasing power and this was subsequent of a gradually failing economy. Technically, unemployment weakened the household, which in turn weakened the firms and finally the government tax threshold was largely affected. Following the successful introduction of this program, it is imperative to consider that the main objective of this program is to bail out local business during harsh economic times (Wiesner. 2009). Why this particular program There are resounding factors that prompted strategist to approach the economy with these considerations. Firstly, it is imperative to consider that the households who are often engaged directly to the economy needed a security on their jobs. This program will attract incentives to attract new business and generate new jobs. Indeed, the lower income segments in our economy were direct beneficiaries with incentives provided by this program. Secondly, it was fundamental to consider the fiscal need associated with this program. During the recession, our local economy suffered reduced revenues and persistent budget deficit which was a direct result of stagnation. This trend was realized when our local authorities attempted to cut tax gap, leaving the administration vulnerable to harsh economic times. The relation here is political psychology associated with an overtaxed pub lic (Anderson & Wassmer, 2000). Thirdly, there was a close consideration of improving administrative capacity one which never had local bureaucrats dictating to the public about their macroeconomic opinions. This would call for the enrollment of better infrastructure improvements, through use of consultancy of viable strategies. These strategies will primarily address regulatory exemptions and tax increment

Effect of Mutant EDA-A1 Gene on Huvecs

Effect of Mutant EDA-A1 Gene on Huvecs Effect of EDA-A1 gene mutant on proliferation and cell cycle distribution of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell Running title: The effect of mutant EDA-A1 gene on HUVECs. Ke Lei, MM; Lunchang Wang, MD; Bing Ma, MM; Ping Shi, MD; Longjiang Li, MD; Tuanjie Che, MD; Xiangyi He, MD Highlights: EDA-A1 gene mutant significantly decreased proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs of mutant group were blocked at G0/G1 and S phase. HUVECs of wild group accumulated in S phase and decreased in G2/M phase. Abstract Background: To investigate the effect of ectodysplasin A gene (EDA-A1) on proliferation and cell cycle of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the possible mechanism underlying this process. Methods: Recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M/W (mutant, M; wild, W) containing the coding sequence of EDA-A1-M/W were transfected into HUVECs. EDA-A1-M/W genes were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the proteins were detected by western blot. Then MTT assay for cell proliferation of HUVECs in each group was performed and cell cycle was detected using flow cytometry. Results: The EDA-A1 gene and protein were detected respectively by RT-PCR and western blot in HUVECs transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M/W, but not in HUVECs transfected with empty plasmid pcDNA3.1(-) (control group) and cells without transfection. Compared with control group, EDA-A1 gene mutant significantly decreased proliferation of HUVECs and the inhibition rate was 45.70% (PEDA-A1 gene did not cause such growth inhibition (P>0.05). A significant increase of the G0/G1 and S fraction was seen in the HUVECs of mutant group, compared with wild group with an accumulation in S phase and a concomitant decrease in G2/M phase population (P Conclusion: Compared with the wide-type, the mutant EDA-A1 gene could inhibit the proliferation and cell cycle of the HUVEC. Key words: EDA-A1 gene; Mutant; Human umbilical vein endothelial cell; Cell cycle; Proliferation Introduction Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), also called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED) or Christ-Siemens-Touraine Syndrome, is a kind of X-linked recessive genetic disease (XLHED) (1). HED is a rare congenital genetic disorder with a birth incidence of 1/100,000-1/10,000 (2, 3). It is characterized by the diminution or absence of eccrine sweat glands, oligodontia and peg shaped teeth and sparse hair (1, 4). Previous study indicates that XLHED is caused by the ectodysplasin A gene (EDA-A1) mutant (5). EDA-A1, a major causative gene of HED, locates in Xq12-13.1 and encodes a novel tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family protein ectodysplasin A (EDA-A1) and this protein is associated with the nuclear factor-ÃŽ ºB (NF-ÃŽ ºB) signaling mechanisms (5-9). Bayes M et al. (10) indicates that the full-length of EDA-A1 is 5296bp (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, AH007059, Gene ID 4007891), the open reading frame (ORF) of EDA-A1 is 1176bp, and it encoding the protein with 391 amino acids (EDA-A1, GeneID1896). Studies showed the combination of EDA-A1 and ectodysplasin receptor (EDAR) could promote programmed cell death and active the signaling of NF-ÃŽ ºB (8, 11). Recently, the related research on HED are mostly for mutation analysis of EDA-A1, and more than 100 mutations in the EDA gene have been reported to cause XLHED up to now (12, 13). However, there have few reports relating to the function of mutant EDA-A1, and the exact pathological mechanism of mutant EDA-A1 on HED is still unclear. In the present study, EDA-A1 mutant (pcDNA3.1 (-)-EDA-A1-M) and wild type (pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-W) eukaryotic expression vector that we used were constructed in our previous study (14). Then the function of transfected EDA-A1 and its mutant for cell proliferation and cell cycle of HUVECs were analyzed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EDA-A1 on proliferation and cell cycle of HUVECs and explore the possible mechanism underlying this process. Material and Method Cell culture HUVECs were kindly provided by professor Wang chunming (Lanzhou University, China). HUVECs were cultured in RPMI-1640 (Huamei Company, Shanghai, China) Medium. The medium were consisted of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Evergreen Company, Hangzhou) and 100U/ml penicillin/streptomycin. All these cells were maintained in humidified incubator of 5% CO2 at 37à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ (0.25% trypsin digestion overnight). Inverted microscope was used for the cell morphology investigation. All the experiments were performed at least in triplicate and repeated at least twice. Plasmid extraction EDA-A1 mutant (pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M) and wild type (pcDNA3.1 (-)-EDA-A1-W) eukaryotic expression vector that we used were constructed in our previous study (14). Totally 3ÃŽ ¼l mutant (M) and Wild-type (W) plasmid DNA was extracted respectively from transfected HUVECs, followed by the sterile deionized water diluted to 1ml. The values of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹A260nm and A280nm were measured by UV spectrophotometer. Plasmid DNA concentration (ÃŽ ¼g / ÃŽ ¼l) = A260 Ãâ€" dilution factor Ãâ€" 50/1000. The plasmid DNA (positive recombinants and empty control) was precipitated by ethanol. Then the DNA pellet was resuspended in sterile deionized water. Cell transfection Cell transfection was carried out according to the instructions of QIAGEN-Effectene Transfection Reagent Kit (QIAGEN). Transfection was carried out when the cell density was up to 70% after 24 hour-cell passaging. Cells were transferred into a complete medium (CM) 2 hours before transfection. Totally 2.5 µg mutant (M) and Wild-type (W) plasmid DNA was slowly added to the 2 M CaCl2 solution (stand for 10 minutes). DNA-CaCl2 solution was slowly added dropwise to the 2 Ãâ€" HeBS (stand for 30 minutes) until the precipitation of tiny particles. The precipitate was uniformly dropwise added to the culture flasks. After a 12 hours growth under standard conditions, cells were washed 2 times with HeBS, followed by the cultured in CM. HUVECs transfected with empty vector were used as the control group. Semi-quantitative real-time PCR To identify the expression levels of EDA-A1 in HUVECs, semi-quantitative real-time PCR (SqRT-PCR) analysis was performed. Total RNA was extracted from cultured cells in each group (cultured for 48 hours) by using reverse transcription (RT) kit (Fermentas Company), followed by the EDA-A1 primers designation (Primer Premier 5.0 software) and synthesis (Shanghai Biological Engineering Company ). The primers used were as follows, EDA-A1 (408bp): 5’- CGC AGG ATC CAT GGG CTA CCC GGA GGT -3’ (forward) and 5’- ATT AAG CTT GCC AAG CGG GCA CCA GGG AGA C -3’ (reverse), ÃŽ ²-actin (230bp): 5’- ACG CAT TTG GTC GTA TTG GG-3’ (forward) and 5’- TGA TTT TGG AGG GAT CTC GC-3’ (reverse). The 50ÃŽ ¼l PCR reaction system were: cDNA template (2ÃŽ ¼l), 10 Ãâ€" PCR Buffer (5ÃŽ ¼l), dNTP (1ÃŽ ¼l), primer (up and downstream, 1ÃŽ ¼l), Taq DNA polymerase (1ÃŽ ¼l), ddH2O (39ÃŽ ¼l). Products were subjected to electrophoresis (1.5% agarose gel, 120V, 90mA). Western blot analysis For Western blot analysis, proteins were extracted from HUVECs in each group. Proteins were collected after cell lysis. Protein concentration was determined using the Bradford dye-binding method (15). The proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and transferred to the 0.45ÃŽ ¼m pore size nitrocellulose (NC) membrane (RPN303E, Amersham Company). NC membranes were blocked with TBS buffer (5% milk and 0.5%-Tween) for 1 hour (37 °C). Then, the membrane was incubated overnight at 4à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™ with the rabbit antibodies EDA-A1 and ÃŽ ²-actin (1:200 dilution with TBST solution), followed by incubation at room temperature for 1h with an anti-rabbit secondary antibody (Sigma). Finally, the expression levels of the target proteins were visualized withchromogenic substrate. MTT assay for cell proliferation detection To determine the proliferation of HUVECs in each group, the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay was performed. The 24 hours-transfected and untransfected cells were seeded into 96-well plate with inculation density of 5000 cells/well and incubated at 37à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™. After 12 hours, 100 ÃŽ ¼l serum-free DMEM was added in each well. After 72 hours, 20 ÃŽ ¼l MTT was added into each well to continue incubation at 37à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™(4 hours). Then, the medium was removed and the precipitation was dissolved in DMSO. The absorbance at 560 nm was measured by SpectraMax 190 microplate reader (Moteular Devices Company) for colorimetric analysis. Inhibition rate of cell growth was calculated (n=10) based on the experimentally measured absorbance value (OD value). Cell cycle analysis Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle.After incubation for 48 h, the cells were collected and washed with cold PBS. The washed cells were fixed in 70% cold ethanol with incubation overnight at 4à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã†â€™. To stain the cells, prodium iodide (PI) solution was added. Flow cytometer (Coulter Epics XL, Beckman Coulter Company) was used to analyze the samples. Cell Quest software was used to analyze the cell percentage of G0 / G1 phase, S phase, and G2 / M phase. Statistical analysis All assays were performed in triplicate and datawere expressed as mean values  ±s.d. The SPSS 13.0 software employing ANOVA was used to analyze all data which expressed as mean ±SD. P values less than 0.05 was considered as significantly different. Results EDA-A1 expression pattern in HUVECs influenced by plasmid-mediated transfection To identify the expression level of ED1-A1 in HUVECs transfected with vector pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M or pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-W, the RNA samples with an OD260/OD280 ration of 1.8-2.0 were chosen for RT-PCR. The HUVECs with pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M or pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-W transfection showed a band nearly 400 bp compared with control using semi-quantitative PCR and primers specific to EDA-A1 (Figure 1). Additionally, ÃŽ ²-actin band between 200 bp and 300 bp have been seen in all the groups. Then, EDA-A1 protein expression in HUVECs were detected by western blot. Figure 1 shows that the EDA-A1 protein was expressed in the transfected cells with pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-M or pcDNA3.1(-)-EDA-A1-W vector, however, it could not be achieved in control group. In conclusion, the EDA-A1 was expressed in HUVECs after exogenous delivered of EDA-A1, but not in the un-treated control cells. Overexpression of EDA-A1 affects HUVECs proliferation To elucidate the effect of EDA-A1 on HUVECs proliferation, the MTT assays were performed. As shown in Figure 2, the HUVECs viability at 96 h transfection was decreased significantly in the mutant group by comparison with wild type and control. The proliferation of mutant group cells was suppressed by 45.7% compaired to control, while the wild type group was suppressed by 16.0% (Table 1, Figure 3). EDA-A1 overexpression regulates the cell cycle of HUVECs To determine the role of plasmid-mediated EDA-A1 transfection in cell cycle of HUVECs, the flow cytometry was used (Figure 4). We observed that 25.45  ± 1.89 % cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase of cell cycle in the mutant group compared with 20.37  ± 0.6% and 20.30  ± 0.68% cells in wild type and control groups, respectively (Table 2). During S phase, both mutant and wild type groups showed significantly higher cell percentages (14.80  ± 1.45% and 12.4 0  ± 1.75%) than that of control (8.55  ± 0.57%). However, both transfection groups had lower cell percentages than control in G2/M phase. The lowest cell percentage with 62.15  ± 1.94% was showed in the mutant group during S phase. We could conclude that the cell cycle distribution in G0/G1, S, and G2/M of HUVECs were regulated by EDA-A1 overexpression. Discussion HED characterized by impaired development of hair, eccrine sweat glands and teeth is caused by mutations in the EDA-A1 gene (3, 16). Recently, the related research on HED are focused on the mutation analysis of EDA-A1, however, the exact pathological mechanism of HED caused by mutant EDA-A1 is still unclear (17). In this study, we investigated the effect of HED related gene EDA-A1 on proliferation and cell cycle of HUVECs. The results showed that mutant EDA-A1 gene significantly decreased proliferation of HUVECs (P EDA-A1 protein, a type à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¡ transmembrane protein, is one of the TNF ligand family members involved in ectodermal development (18). EDA-A1 contains a TNF-like domain (aa: 245–391), a collagen domain, and a furin protease recognition sequence (7, 8, 19-21). The TNF-like domain is necessary and sufficient for receptor molecule EDAR binding (22, 23). Furthermore, EDA-A1 has been shown to specifically bind to EDAR, which could promote programmed cell death and active the signaling of NF-ÃŽ ºB (8, 11). In our study, the reason why EDA-A1 mutant could inhibit the proliferation and block the cell cycle progression in G0/G1 phase and S phase of HUVECs might be the change of protein spatial configuration and biological activity that caused by the EDA-A1 gene mutation and the changed protein could not combined with EDAR and thus inhibit the signaling of NF-ÃŽ ºB. Maria et al. found that HED was related with the blocked signaling pathway of NF-ÃŽ ºB (9). Pascal et al. found th at point mutations in the TNF-like domain of EDA-A1 strongly decreased EDAR binding to EDA-A1 by altering the folding of EDA (21). Moreover, the substitution of Gln306 with Pro in our study was found to be located in the TNF-like domain of EDA-A1 and may influence the epithelial signaling pathway required for the normal ectodermal development through altering the topology of EDA, which is consistent with previous study. HUVECs are cells derived from the endothelium of veins from the umbilical cord, and they are often used as a laboratory model system for the study of the function and pathology of endothelial cells (24). Some studies showed that during vascular development and pathological angiogenesis, the maintenance of blood vessel homeostasis and its functional execution depend on the integrity of vascular endothelium, which is affected by proliferation, migration and apoptosis of endothelial cells (25, 26). Furthermore, Jie et al. showed that recovery of injured endothelial cells through regulated endothelial cell proliferation plays significant roles in thrombosis disease (27). In our study, mutant EDA-A1 decreased the proliferation of HUVECs, therefore, we suspected that pathological mechanism underlying HED caused by EDA-A1 may be the growth inhibit of endothelial cells which could lead to the defection of eccrine sweat glandsis. Despite of all results mentioned above, there were still some l imitations in the present study, whether the EDA-A1 mutant blocked the combination of EDA-A1 with EDAR required further experiment. In conclusion, our study revealed EDA-A1 gene mutant could inhibit the proliferation and cell cycle of HUVECs. We explored the mechanism of HED caused by mutant EDA-A1. The substitution of Gln306 with Pro may influence the epithelial signaling pathway required for the normal ectodermal development through altering the topology of EDA, which could impair the binding of EDA-A1 to EDAR and further inhibit the signaling of NF-ÃŽ ºB. Our finding broadens the spectrum of EDA-A1 mutations and may help to understand the molecular basis of XLHED and aid genetic counseling. Acknowledgements We wish to express our warm thanks to Fenghe(Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd. Their ideas and help gave a valuable added dimension to our research. Conflict of interest The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Authors’ contributions KL and LW participated in the design of this study, and they both performed the statistical analysis. BM and TC carried out the study, together with PS, collected important background information, and drafted the manuscript. LL and XH conceived of this study, and participated in the design and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Figure legends: Figure 1 Detection of mRNA expression of EDA-A1gene in ECV304 cells by RT-PCR: M: mutant group; W: wild group; C: control group. Figure 2 Expression of ECV304 cells transfected with EDA-A1 gene and mutant: M: mutant group; W: wild group; C: control group. Figure 3 OD560 value of ECV304 cells transfected with EDA-A1 gene after cultured for 96h: M: mutant group; W: wild group; C: control group; a: compared with the control group, P Figure 4 The effect of EDA-A1 gene mutant on cell cycle in ECV304 cells. Table 1 OD560 value of ECV cells transfected with EDA-A1 gene after cultured for 96h Note: a: compared with control group, P Table 2 Effect of EDA-A1 gene mutant on cell cycle in ECV304 cells Note: a: compared with control group, P

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Essay -- History, Atomic Bomb

With the approval of American President Harry S. Truman, the fates of two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were sealed. This decision came with heavy hearts, as the United States attempted to end their involvement in World War II by using nuclear power against the nation of Japan. Truman’s primary goal in this form of attack was to discontinue the war as quickly as possible, while also sending a message to the enemy and establish the United States as the leader in atomic energy. Beginning as a secret operation labeled the Manhattan Project, atomic bombs became the new weapons of mass destruction. The evident frontrunner in nuclear technology, the United States was the first country to release atomic bombs on another nation for war purposes (not including testing), eventually creating a window for today’s modern combat. Even though it was common knowledge between scientists since 1939 that nuclear warfare was a possibility, no specialists understood the process of inventing the explosive devices. The United States, along with the United Kingdom, underhandedly worked on the Manhattan project, doling out and collaborating information until the atom bomb was completed. It was a necessity for this international government project to remain a secret, in order to make sure that Germany did not make any atomic discoveries before the Allied powers, and to surprise the Japanese with the bombings. With this goal in mind, it was essential that information would not Due to this cloak-and-dagger secrecy, the attacks were unexpected to the inhabitants of Japan, especially the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With specific objectives, the United States’ decision to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima required extensive research lea... ...tops within ten miles of the city there came unofficial and confused reports of a terrible explosion in Hiroshima. All of these reports were transmitted to the Headquarters of the Japanese General Staff† (Avalon Project: Chapter 7, par. 3) .Upon a staff officer’s flight survey of Hiroshima, â€Å" after flying for about three hours, while still nearly 100 miles from Hiroshima, he and his pilot saw a great cloud of smoke from the bomb. In the bright afternoon, the remains of Hiroshima were burning† (Avalon Project: Chapter 7, par. 4-5). While the damage was being observed, â€Å"a great scar on the land, still burning, and covered by a heavy cloud of smoke, was all that was left of a great city. They landed south of the city, and the staff officer immediately began to organize relief measures, after reporting to Tokyo† (Avalon Project: Chapter 7, par. 6).

Consulting Assignment for Advanced Marketing

Table of Content CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT CONSULTING ASSIGNMENT 1 1 KEY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & TRENDS 1. 1 Macro-Environmental Analysis Political There are legal requirements to set up retailing shops in Singapore. One can just apply for a retail permit online at the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA) website. This leads to it being easy to overcome the barriers of entry, which may further cause an increase in the amount of competitors for OSIM.Since OSIM is in the Health industry, its subsidiary company of GNC/RichLife would have to go through the need of applying an additional permit from Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Another major concern would be the product safety issues and requirements in OSIM’s products. OSIM is registered with SPRING Singapore for Consumer Protection Scheme. This scheme ensures the basic safety requirements in OSIM’s products, and is further verified authentic with the â€Å"Safety Mark† label. Economical According to the latest World Health Statistics (2008), Singapore’s total health care expenditure only amounts to 3. % of its gross domestic product, which is substantially lesser than other Asian countries like Malaysia, China and India. However, Singapore spends more dollars per head than Malaysia, China and India, with an average of SGD$1228 per person. Even though Singapore is facing an economy recession since 2009, Singstat has reported an increase of about 4. 5% in sales of medical goods in 2009 as compared to in 2008. This proves that Singaporeans are progressively concerned about healthcare and are more willing to spend on healthcare even in times of economic downturn.With this display of trend in Singapore, more competition and new entrants have penetrated Singapore. This will affect OSIM in terms of sales and many other factors, as new players will be fighting for the same market share. Increasing sales of healthcare products in Singapore shows that the lifestyle he althcare industry will continue to flourish or if not, do better in future. 3 More and more competitors are seeking to reduce production costs by locating their manufacturing plants in countries with low production costs and labor.This will affect OSIM in terms of pricecompetitiveness, as all of their massage chairs are designed and built in Japan. Social As Singapore is expected to continue developing into an increasingly affluent society, this will have substantial impact on trends in consumer behavior. Consumers will progressively become more brand and status conscious, more discerning and health conscious. As the population ages and material comfort grows, consumers are expected to pay more attention to their health, thus an increasing demand for fitness and health clubs, as well as choosing more expensive yet healthier food choices.This is particularly true for â€Å"Baby-Boomers† in their fifties now with larger spending power. More emphasis is placed on leisure activit ies, such as travelling, water sports, golfing and cultural activities. However, being workaholics, Singaporeans are constantly moving forward, hence little time is allocated to work out. Therefore, there is a potential market for OSIM that is in accordance with its philosophy of bringing healthy lifestyle to its consumers without the need of spending hours in the gym. In addition, especially after the recent pandemics such as Bird Flu, H1N1 and SARs, there is a greater need to lead a healthy lifestyle.Speaking of social status, being able to purchase an OSIM uDream would reflect the status symbol of those who can afford it due to its hefty price tag. Technological OSIM stands out from its competitors in terms of technological advances as well as the innovative design for its products. It is further proven and supported by prestigious Singapore Awards such as â€Å"The Brand with Exceptional Performance† and â€Å"RedDot Design Award† on more than one occasion. OSIM al so makes it a point to constantly come up with new designs and products to further attract existing customers as well as new potential buyers.The company has come up with 6 new products catering to different needs in the last two years, such as uKimono, uSqueez Warm in 2009, and also uRobic, uSpace, uYoYo and uCrown, the world’s first anti-stress head massager in 2008. Offering an extensive range of products to suit the different needs of customers, as well as a wide range in product pricing, OSIM seeks out a large range of target market. 4 Improvements in technical functionality such as additional health benefits other than removing muscle aches in the massage chairs, lower electrical consumptions would help give OSIM further competitive advantage.OSIM has also made use of the technological advancements available to almost every household, which is the access of the internet. OSIM’s website allows potential buyers to find out more information, reviews by other users, and even to make online purchases, all at the comfort of their own home as well as at their own time. In order to attract more buyers, OSIM even have exclusive online offers that are not available in the physical shops. 1. 2 FIVE FORCES IMPACTING ON OSIM’S INDUSTRYThreat of New Entrants It is relatively easy to apply for operating license for new businesses in Singapore and it can be reflected in the daily average of 138 (ACRA Annual Report 2008/2009) of new entities that were registered. However, the initial capital requirement is high for the healthcare industry because of the R&D cost and infrastructure of the manufacturing plant. In addition, the increase in imitations also amplifies the competitiveness of the industry posing great price differentials, thus leading to a high threat of new entrant. Despite being less price-competitive, OSIM’s products possess more superior quality.Therefore, threat of new entrants is deemed to be moderate. Threat of Substitute OSIM is highly threatened by the many varieties of substitutes available in the market. Since OSIM’s mission statement is to â€Å"offer their customers total well-being†, customers can also easily find these needs in many other substitutes. For instance, there has been a recent surge of fitness clubs, which serves as a one-stop centre for many consumers. Customers looking for a total workout can obtain all the equipments they need in these fitness clubs, without having to buy them.These fitness clubs also cater to consumers’ needs for lifestyle, for example, by providing plasma televisions fitted all around the clubs. Other substitutes includes, the very well-received spas and massage parlors, low cost manual and electrical massaging equipment, participating in active sports like Yoga or kickboxing, adopting healthier eating habits and consumption of health supplement pills. 5 It can be seen that most of the substitutes provide consumers with lower cost benefit s an d some may even provide the same health advantages as OSIM products, hence, the threat of substitutes for OSIM is relatively high.Power of Buyer Consumers are presented with a wide array of competitive brands and alternatives such as fitness clubs and traditional massages. As Singaporeans are becoming more affluent, an average household income amounts to SGD$7440 which illustrates a high spending power. Hence, power of buyer is moderate. Power of Supplier Supplier Power for OSIM is moderate. They do not own their personal manufacturing plant or factory. Most of their manufacturing is outsourced to external companies in China and Japan. Recently, they have also entered a Joint Venture Agreement with Daito Electric Machine Industry Company.Daito will help OSIM in the molding and manufacturing of healthcare appliances. However, given that OSIM has numerous supplies of manufacturers, they can fall back on other manufacturers if one fails to commit for whatever reasons, thus the power of supplier is low. Intensity of Rivalry in Industry The main rivals in the healthcare industry include OTO and Ogawa. Being the market leader, OSIM is renowned for its quality and constant innovations. This clearly differentiates OSIM from its competitors. Conversely, its price positioning might put off some consumers and encourage consumers to patronage its competitors.Furthermore, as mode of entry to the retail market in Singapore is relatively easy, cost of exiting would be higher as ACRA has the right to reject any application of termination of a retail permit if they feel that the applicant can still â€Å"survive† the business, which simply means that the barriers to exiting the market is high. 6 1. 3 Key issues that are likely to impact on the marketing strategy for OSIM Key Environmental Possible Market Impact / Industry Issues Economical Rising expenditure on health OSIM care in Singapore can offer more attractive Possible Marketing Mix Implications romotions such as a package deal to attract more buyers Social Consumers are more aware of OSIM can educate consumers on the the need to live a healthier products and the health benefits lifestyle Technological Ever-advancing technology OSIM has to constantly update themselves with the latest technology to continuously innovate to retail existing customers Threat Substitutes of Many different forms of It is difficult for OSIM to counter such except to offer more substitutes, some of which substitutes might cost a lot less than the attractive promotions, better products roducts of OSIM or even attempting to reach out to the consumers more readily with well located shops Intensity of Rivalry Mode of entry into a retail The chances of more competitors within Industry business is relatively easy, entering the market and â€Å"lingering†, and while barriers of exit are high since OSIM focuses on quality in its products, it has to counter such new businesses in the form of quality products with newe r technology, rather than low pricing strategies 7 Consulting Assignment 2 2 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 2. 1 Market Segmentation OSIM OTO OGAWAGeographic ? Residential Areas ? Shopping Areas ? CBD Areas ? All age groups ? Residential Areas ? CBD Areas ? Residential Areas ? Shopping Areas ? CBD Areas ? All age groups Demographic ? Middle-aged Psychographic ? Consumers that seek innovation ? Fast-paced lifestyle ? Family-oriented ? Benefit from consuming novelty ? Seek quality ? Traditionally-oriented ? Family-oriented ? Consumers that seek innovation ? Fast-paced lifestyle ? Benefit from consuming novelty ? Seek value for money Behavioural ? High consumer loyalty ? Seek value for money 2. 2 Strategic Group Map The above strategic map illustrates the positioning of the two closest competitors in comparison with OSIM. Judging from the numbers in the map, OSIM has the strongest global presence with more than 1,100 outlets across 31 countries. OSIM also has the most product offerings that can s atisfy the varieties of needs of consumers. Furthermore, OSIM makes use of their advancement in technology to constantly introduce innovative products to the market. This would allow OSIM to attract new customers and retain existing ones.However, OSIM’s products are priced at a much higher level than its competitors. This gives OTO and OGAWA a competitive edge over OSIM. Despite the attractive prices, they have a weaker brand image. This can be clearly seen in an independent survey conducted where OSIM came up as the number 1 brand of healthy lifestyle products in consumers’ minds, ‘most preferred healthy lifestyle brand’ and ‘the most preferred Massage Chair’ across Asia. 9 2. 3 Competitive Strategy Theory Officially launched in 1993, OSIM is the global leader in branded healthy lifestyle products.The company is constantly developing new products that possess innovation technologies, bringing its consumers healthier lifestyle and overall well -being. The two key direct competitors include OTO Bodycare and OGAWA World. Name of Company OSIM Porter Generic Strategy Differentiation OSIM uses Market Positioning Market Leader advanced PRODUCT INNOVATION: OSIM expand its technology such as Osimotion total demand by constantly introducing Technology that distinguishes new products like uSqueeze and uKimono. tself from conventional devices that rely merely on vibration EFFECTIVE PROMOTION: OSIM recently and innovative Warm Air launched the uKimono that is endorsed by Technology to soothe tired International artiste SHE to reach out to muscles and improve blood the younger crowd so as to increase new circulation. users. INCREASE USERS: OSIM reinforced their global leadership position in the healthy lifestyle industry by their geographical expansion into USA, a large homogenous consumer market with about 100 million household, by entering into a definitive merger agreement with Nasdaq-listed Brookestone Inc.This transaction will br ing OSIM to the next level in its growth and opportunities. OGAWA Cost Leadership Market Challenger Like OSIM, OGAWA does not OGAWA adopts the indirect attack on manufacture its own products. OSIM’s high pricing strategy. OGAWA’s This function is to in China being products are being priced much lower but the with similar functionality as compared to to OSIM thus securing the market share of outsourced manufacturer 10 achieve economies of scale. The more price sensitive customers. savings are then translated to the consumers by retailing the products at a much lower price.Despite the low price, quality is being compromised as the country of origin plays an important role. OTO Cost Leadership Market Challenger OTO focuses on providing lower Most products have similar functions and prices to win a larger share of benefits to OSIM, except that they are the market. Integration therapies of and traditional modern-day priced more competitively. With this, OTO is able to try t o fight for a larger market share. technology allows them to offer OTO tries to indirectly attack OSIM’s high quality at low prices. With most of their outlets in weaknesses, its uncompetitive pricing strategy. eartland malls, they ensure Many of OTO outlets are also situated in maximum exposure in their the same locations as OSIM, strongly targeted market and also challenging them for market share. minimize operational expenses due to low rental costs. This ensures that they remain price competitive. 11 2. 4 OSIM’s Competitive Response Competitors OTO Strategies by Competitors Price Low pricing strategy to gain market share Product Combines traditional therapies with modern-day technology OGAWA Price OSIM should employ Attack. the They OSIM Competitive Response Encirclement hould constantly develop firstin-the-market technologies and innovative products, to avoid Adopted penetration pricing price competition. strategy to gain market share. It is interesting to note th at in They can also employ more Malaysia, an OSIM massage celebrity endorsements to chair is priced at RM 14K where increase their credibility, brand a massage chair from OGAWA awareness and gain market with a similar feature only share. retails at RM 6. 7K Product Product fulfils basic function of providing the total well-being and healthy lifestyle. 12 Consulting Assignment 3 DEMAND FORECASTING 3. 1 Forecast Summary Table FORECASTING METHOD SINGLE MOVING AVERAGES CRITERIA P= 2 P= 3 P= 4 P= 5 P= 2 P= 3 P= 4 P= 5 ? = 0. 8 ? = 0. 2 ? = 0. 9 Y= a + bX FORECAST FOR N=9 8,110 7,550 6,963 6,450 8,868 9,970 8,629 9,346 5,292 8,204 8,311 9499 COMPUTED MAD 1,466 1,973 2,490 3,073 507 514 814 413 2,887 1,242 1,121 200 SINGLE MOVING AVERAGES USING ABOSLUTE CHANGE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING REGRESSION TABLE 3. 1 3. 2 Analysis of Forecasting Methods Judging from the sales figures, a positive linear trend is identified based on the increasing sales of OSIM in the past 8 periods.There are various reas ons that contributed to the growth. Singaporeans are earning a higher income, thus a greater disposable income which translates into a larger purchasing power. This escalation in spending power allows the consumer to purchase OSIM products as a status symbol. Also, due to the nature of Singaporeans being workaholics, there is little time to be engaged in outdoor activities, hence, resulting in a gradual boost of such healthy lifestyle products. Therefore, due to the stable demand, the time series model best suited to this pattern is the least square method.All in all, this method is deemed to be the most effective as it has the lowest computed MAD which reflects its accuracy in the forecasted sale for period 9. Though said so, OSIM should not rely exclusively on the regression method as the model has problems identifying seasonal impacts, and integrating those fluctuations into the forecast. The alternative would be to use the single moving average using absolute change as the deman d of the products are stable and by adopting this method, small random fluctuations are levelled out.It also has the next lowest MAD which implies the accuracy of forecasted sales in comparison with the other models. 13 Consulting Assignment 4 4 FINANCIAL RATIOS 4. 1 Ratio Summary Table OSIM FLAGSHIP STORE GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGE NET PROFIT PERCENTAGE STOCKTURN RATE TABLE 4. 1 67. 72% 17. 41 2. 75 INDUSTRY AVERAGE 52% 5% 6 4. 2 Ratio Analysis Gross Margin Percentage The gross margin percentage is a measurement of a company's manufacturing and distribution efficiency during the production process. In comparison with the industry average of 52 percent, OSIM generates a much higher gross margin of 67. 2 percent. This indicates that OSIM is more efficient than most of its competitors from the industry. This disparity could be due to the low manufacturing cost that OSIM obtained from its contract manufacturers, thus the high gross margin. Despite the constant introduction of new products , OSIM still managed to attain a high gross margin percentage, thus reflecting the low inventory level which signifies high sales volume. Net Profit Percentage OSIM has a high net profit percentage of 17. 41 percent as compared to the industry average of 5 percent which is at least 3 times more.The figure implies that OSIM has better control over its costs compared to its competitors. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the high sales volume and low operating costs incurred through economies of scale. Stockturn Rate Stockturn rate basically determines the firm’s efficiency in managing inventories. The stockturn rate of 2. 75 times by OSIM is relatively low as compared to the industry average of 6 times. The figure is still reasonably acceptable despite being a far cry from the rivals within the industry as it indicates that the inventories of OSIM were used and then again replaced almost thrice in one year.The reason for the gap could be attributed to OSIMâ⠂¬â„¢s experience in managing the inventory. It reflects OSIM’s ability to forecast its sales accurately for the next period and thus, do not need to worry about stock out situations. The risk of OSIM having a low stockturn rate could contribute to higher 14 holding costs which would eventually result in a low gross margin. However, with reference to the gross margin percentage of OSIM, the company is doing rather well in managing its resources. Also, a lower stockturn rate