Market Structures Essay Example for Free

Market Structures EssayAccording to McConnell and Brue (2004), a monopoly occurs when a single hard is the sole manufacturer of a product for which no close substitutes exist. Since the United States postal Service (USPS, 2008) has no close substitutes, contender does not exist. The Postal Services common do obligation (USO) is broadly outlined in multiple statutes and encompasses multiple dimensions geographic scope, range of products, access to services and facilities, delivery frequency, affordcapable and uniform equipment casualty, service quality, and security of the mail (USPS 2008). When monopolizers are not protected by law from opposition, the companies may have to keep their prices low in order to keep competition from entering the grocery. However, USPS is considered a pure monopoly and barriers of entry are in place. USPS is the only federal operating system that sends and delivers mail. USPS has competition in the market with services much(prenominal) as pa ckage delivery. Now, the agency has to compete with major companies such as UPS and FedEx. United States Postal Services depends on operation funding from postage and fees.Comparatively, the Postal Service provides a higher level of service and does so at low, affordable prices (USPS, 2008). The University of Phoenix (UOP) is an institution for profit and it operates in a market social structure with pure competition. According to McConnell and Brue (2004), pure competition involves a very large number of firms producing a standardized product (that is, a product identical to that of other(a)wise producers, such as corn or cucumbers). New firms can enter or exit the industry very easily, (University of Phoenix, 2004).There are many universities, colleges, confederacy colleges, and vocational schools for students to choose from. They offer education in the U. S. and all overseas. Different educational institutions offer programs that are identical or similar to UOP. However, the tuition is not the analogous for all schools. UOP does not have a perfect substitute because of the many campus locations and varied degree programs. UOP does not have a significant control over the price of education. It can not change the market price it can only adjust to it. University of Phoenix participates in Federal Student Aid chip in and bring programs with attractive terms.All students seeking federal financial aid benefits must be admitted to a financial aid eligible degree or certificate program in order to determine financial aid eligibility. In order to be eligible for tuition deferment under the pecuniary Aid Plan, at least 50% of students annual tuition must be funded through the federal financial aid benefits and at that place are extremely strict policies that the UOP must adhere to in order to be eligible for Title IV. University of Phoenix observes the federal regulations regarding student loan requirements, including pricing and non-pricing strategies.The Arizona Student Loan Code of Conduct is designed to create and ensure uniform student loan practices that focus on the best quest of borrowers. In the Arizona Student Loan Code of Conduct, restrictions are defined to manage the relationships among school employees, learning institutions, lender advisory board members, and student loan organizations. In education, universities can freely enter and existing firms can freely leave purely competitive industries. According to McConnell and Brue (2004), a few industries more than nearly approximate pure competition than any other market structure.In particular, we can learn much about markets for agricultural goods, fish products, foreign exchange, elementary metals, and stock shares by studying the pure-competition model. Also, pure competition is a meaningful starting point for any discussion of price and output determination. Moreover, the operation of a purely competitive economy provides a standard, or norm, for evaluating the cleverness of the real-world economy, (University of Phoenix, 2004). Nike is an example of a monopolistic competition. This type of market structure has many sellers. Each firm in this market sells only a small share of the industrys output.The key to this is product differentiation. While there are many firms exchange similar products, its the price and quality differentiation that makes the consumer choose integrity product over another. (Forgang Einolf, 2006) These markets are extremely competitive and each manufacturer tries to solicitation to the consumer on a different level of expert service or material. (University of Phoenix, 2004). The Nike swoosh has certainly become a brand mark that consumers are automatic to pay a higher price for, however, Nike must also consider the current economy and the value offered for that higher price.Their products must truly be make with superior quality and materials. Nike must walk a fine line with their pricing strategy. Too high a price will cause the consumer to favor for a less expensive brand and withal low a price will not offset the superior manufacturing or costs paid to athletes to endorse or assist with design on the product. Therefore, Nike continuously battles between a relative price for the average consumer and making an acceptable profit. Also, Nike must eternally put a new, trendy product on the market.Styles must change frequently and certain quantities of the product must be produced without saturating the market with similar products. The deferral Nike has chosen is to eliminate certain styles within a time frame therefore, causing the consumer to upgrade to the newest, latest, styles. The J. C. Penny Company, commonly known as Pennies, is an American discussion section store aligned with the practice of oligopoly. The characteristics of oligopoly have commercialisedized groups entwined in price collusion while refusing to compete on the basis of price.It was noted by McConnell and Br ue that commercial groups share of the total market is typically determined through product development and advertisement, (University of Phoenix, 2004). In short, oligopoly happens when a certain market is belied by small commercial groups. In most cases, there are two or more commercial groups controlling the market. Pennies is a retail store that carries a wide trueness of health and beauty products, fine jewelry, electronics, clothing for infants, teenagers, men and women, and home decor.In most cases, oligopolies would neutralise using price sawed-offting methods. Oligopolistic commercial groups are highlighted by the existence of several commercial groups having significant portions of the market. Those commercial groups buy into calculated behavior and they have a hard time existing without each other. Consequently, the actions of one commercial group can be directly affected by the moves of rival groups and the products they produce may virtually be nearly uniform or mean ingful. Another example of an oligopoly (overt) is the OPEC cartel.According to Kaplan (1999), an oligopoly is an industry that is dominated by a few firms that display highly coordinated behavior and examples of oligopoly include the auto and cover industries. Concerning the oil industry, the oil cartel OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a pure example of an oligopoly. OPEC is the alliance of thirteen countries that have significant influence on the price of international oil and creating a balance between oil supply and demand (Iran, 2008). Generally, oligopolies operate in collusion or employ price leadership.OPEC relies on these secret agreements (collusion) to govern oil in the international market. Additionally, these countries can unify and offer prices in response to changes in costs or demands, making other firms react quickly (Kaplan, 1999). It is not uncommon to see several gas stations on the same block with identical prices even though they sh ow up to be in a very competitive environment. If one stations cuts the price per gallon, the others must quickly follow of they will rapidly lose market share as consumers switch to the lower priced station (Kaplan, 1999).This uniformity still does not have the power to ignore consumer taste. When examining the dynamic history between OPEC and consumers, it is clarify that there is a cause-and-effect for OPECs decision. For example, OPEC has famously used oil as a leverage tool to importer nations. In 1973, OPEC and a supplementary organization dogged to place an embargo on oil and subsequently raised the price of crude oil. However, Western nations transitioned creatively as they found new oil markets in other countries. Thus, the price hike did not have much bearing on the Western nations. The monopolist seeks maximum total profit, not maximum price. The monopolist shuns higher price because they yield a smaller-than-maximum total profit. Some high prices that could be charge w ould reduce total sales and total revenue too severely to offset any decrease in total cost (McConnell Brue, 2004). Moreover, OPEC miscalculated production and consumer demand for oil, which resulted in too much oil production in the world market. Thus, prices began to decline due to surplus while OPEC lost much revenue and division because of competing opinions on oil prices and arguments about oil production.Recently, the 9/11 attacks and the Iraqi invasion prompted world oil prices to rise higher than OPEC quotas, which severely repaired the purchase price to Western consumers. Yet, automobile firms began vehicles with alternative fuel options, hybridization models, and decreasing the retail prices of vehicles during the economic recession. Additionally, many consumers have reacted to price hikes by using public transportation, carpooling, purchasing hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, and/or moving closer to the city. Lastly, Western importer nations are discovering new oil markets separate from OPEC.Still, collusion allows OPEC to reach agreements to fix prices, divide up the market, and otherwise restrict competition amongst themselves. By controlling price through collusion, oligopolists may be able to reduce uncertainty, increase profits, and perhaps even prohibit the entry of new rivals (McConnell Brue, 2004). In respect to todays global economic condition, a recession can severely disable a cartels ability to manipulate output and increase profits. Long-lasting recession usually serves as an enemy of collusion because slumping markets increase average total cost.Firms find that they have substantial waste production capacity, sales are down, unit costs are up, and profits are being squeezed. Under such conditions, businesses may feel they can avoid serious profit reductions by cutting price and thus gaining sales at the expense of rivals (McConnell Brue, 2004). As recently as November 2008, OPEC is considering reducing oil output. and if crud e prices continue to fall, then an additional OPEC cut may be needed. The producer group agreed to cut output from November 1 by 1. jillion barrels per day (bpd) after oil prices dived from a July record of $147 a barrel to less than that. Venezuela said on Tuesday it will propose another cut of 1 million bpd at the cartels next meeting (Iran, 2008). Thus, investor concerns over further declines in crude oil demand under the impact of the global financial crisis have kept pressing recent oil prices lower (Iran, 2008). With the drop in gas prices, consumers are able to purchase more gas based on oil price reduction, income, and inelasticity of gas as a resource.In the Market Structures Simulation, Quasar starts as a leader in the industry with its technology. Quasar has the monopoly on the market at the start of the scenario. After the initial surge of manufacturing and selling the products, Quasar realizes it must invest in advertisement and upgrades to production to keep the edge . Orion begins to produce a similar product at a lower price. Quasar must understand that stabilizing the price at this time will create an oligopoly market structure and stabilize the industry.As Quasar adjusts its price accordingly, profits stay steady and Quasar is able to invest in its own branding and innovation once again. As time goes on, we see Quasar move to a perfect competition where muniment is reduced, manufacturing processes are improved, and prices are stable. At this point, Quasar needs to maintain its market share by staying on top while continuing to increase the efficiency of its processes to maximize profits.

Analysis Of Short Story Daisy Miller

Analysis Of Short Story Daisy MillerIt is very interesting to analyze this short brisk Daisy Miller written by Henry James. This novel has a smokestack of fascinating things fasten to be discovered and understood, and behind the story of the novel a lot of symbols are hidding ready to be dyscovered and understood. This symbols are revealing a new perspective upon the story, a new way of understanding the narrative.Another interesting thing noticed in Daisy Miller is the permanent contrast that is being created, like a symbolic opposition between summer and winter, hot and cold, youth and old age, flower (daisy) and winter, heart and death. Daisy Miller herself is an image situated in the middle of contrastive opinions, she plays the part of the frank girl, being permanently judged by society, judged by Winterbourne, although deep inside she is innocent and pure so, an incongruity between reality and appearance is being created.Another interesting aspect of this novel is the sett ing. From the beginning of the book, the author makes a great launch by situating the action, placing the reader slowly in the situation. Firstly the location is being named At the little town in Veney, in Switzerland, so, the model is set. The narrative technique used by the author in the first paragraphs is a very interesting one. The image is firstly enlarged and then slowly with every word, the mise en scene converges, persisting on the description of the hotel and the tourist, ending by setting the time a beautiful summer morning and then concentrating on one of the novels lineament Winterbourne. So, a part of the action takes part in Switzerland and another segment of the novels action takes function in Rome. These two settings are notarbitrary chosen, both have a deep signifi give the sackce. These places are symbols of other literary works or genres. Firstly both are tight related with Romantic poets whom Winterbourne deeply regard. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein takes pla ce largely in Switzerland, and Mary Shelley wrote it during the time that she, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron sojourned at Lake Geneva. Mary Shelley and John Keats are both buried in the Protestant Cemetery, which becomes Daisys own concluding resting place4.Chapter three starts with the sentence Winterbourne, who had returned to Geneva the day after his excursion to Chillon, went to Rome towards the end of January5. This sentence points exactly the three main locations where the action of the novel takes place and where the characters of the novel express their relationships and their attitudes.Not randomly chosen, the capital of Italy, Rome cleverness be seen as a mute character, a silent aver of the action or as a earth that links contrastive bailiwicks. Rome is the city of Renaissance, the city where art bloomed, a city where the artist might easily find the place to express. Here, Daisy behaves in a very libertine way she doesnt care just about any social or ethical values, maintaining her innocence and her integrity without anybody, especi altogethery Winterbourne to notice that. Daisy, like an artist, is only judged and condemned and only after her dead she is being understood and appreciated.In Rome there was a lot of talking about the so called Roman fever this line has a double significance, although firstly it could be understood as the mothers worry about their daughters, this aspect symbolize a disease malaria, the malady that was haunting the city, and who finally kills Daisy.Another classical setting of the novels action is the Coliseum this is the background where a very important scene takes place. Here Daisy has the final encounter with Winterbourne, here she contacts the fever, malaria and after that she dies. This place is not randomly chose. In ancient times, the Coliseum was a place celebrated for different fights and contests. But also, the Coliseum is well-known as the place where centuries of Christian martyrdoms took p lace6. Considering this background from a symbolic perspective the Coliseum becomes a place where an innocent girl was killed without having any guilt and being pure and sinless just like the Christians in the ancient times.It is typical for Henry James to guard the society of people interested in ideas and refinements of subtle manner. He often was considered as being a cosmopolite because he liked travelling so much and he often moved between America, England and Europe.The conflict between Americans and Europeans can be found as one of the main themes in the background of his novel. This theme has at its basis a modernistic concept specific to the age.The American origin plays a great role in the novel because all the characters that bare this nationality are the greatest characters, that mature and finally achieve a greatness at the end of the novel.The usual image that we find is the one of the American that loses a part of that initial innocence when encountering the figure o f the European with life experience.When it comes to James structure of the novel, we can find that almost all of them are incorporated in the same way. We have a central thing that supremely matters, as James himself said, that all the lines point at. In Daisy Miller , this supreme matter is Winterbourne lust for the discovery of Daisys innocence. As a consequence we have the circular structure of the novel as an approach to the central subject.Henry James offers us situations of a society that he was part of and we can see that in his novels, every incident has its function in providing us more information about a situation or a character. Although we may be tempted to say that he had a sort of realism in his works, the only reality we can find is the description of a society of conflict.

Gender stereotypes and perceptions in society

Gender stereotypes and perceptions in societyStereotype refers to the cognition aspect of feeling towards a given throng of battalion. It is the picture that most people engulf in their minds about other people. However the picture painted by people with regard to other people is not necessarily a true depiction of the reality. Stereotypes hold the fixed view that people of a certain community or group parade specific character traits, which influence their behavior in general. Stereotypes as regards sexual practice, refer to certain traits presumably adhered to manfuls and young-bearing(prenominal)s in the society, that define and distinguish these genders. According to Mynhardt, the two genders (males and females) salute traits which atomic number 18 both negative and electropositive. Gender stereotypes arrest far reaching consequences and cannot be taken only on impudence value. The issue of gender stereotyping is deep entrenched in our society, that it has gone to an extent of defining the status of people and the positions people hold depending on gender. For instance, the character traits associated with wo workforce atomic number 18 regarded to be unfit for positions of a high stature. This kind of attitude is not new level(p) in the developed world. For instance at the height of campaigns in the United States, there were many debates on and off the media on whether America was ready for a cleaning lady president. This certainly illustrates the biased perceptions that more often than not prevent women from reaching the positions at the highest level, simply because of the gender. at that bug out are certain aspects of everyday life that are traditionally attributed to males and females in the society. The manner in which the men and women carry themselves around is ingrained to the definition and distinction of gender in general. at that place are acts both of omission and commission that are associated with each gender. However as day s go by, the society undergoes transformation and so do the traditions and cultures that shape and influence the society as whole. In the family set up for example, the different sections are distributed depending on gender. There are also perceptions relating to the behavior of people that distinguish what are expected and what is not expected from people of a given gender. For example sensitivity, dependence and view of emotions are considered feminine in nature. The men on the other hand are expected to exhibit traits such are bravery, independence, assertiveness and none of those traits that are associated with the women. However these cultures that build perceptions continue to fade with each passing day. As a result, there are many incidences of deviation from gender roles prescribed by society. The violation of these gender role stereotypes are accompanied by consequences largely due to the perceptions held by the society.Violation of gender role stereotypesThe reception to those who deviate from the radiation pattern traits associated to their respective genders is no bed of Roses. The manner in which the violators are treated is no doubt unfavorable in most aspects. The reception however differs depending on the environmental set up and more so whether the person is male or female. In the event that males and females deviate from the roles prescribed by society as regards their gender, the males are more likely to clear a hostile reception. The women on the other hand, pass on most likely receive little attention. This all has to do with the issue of status in affable aspects. There is the general perception that the masculine traits occupy a higher stature than feminine traits. Looking at the issue of sexual orientation, for woman behaving in a masculine way, it does not raise eyebrows, however if a man were to be slang like a woman, this will no doubt be a big deal. The man will most certainly be referred to as a homosexual. In the work place however it is the women on the receiving end in the event of deviation. A woman who is charge of a given organization will most likely receive an unfavorable evaluation compared to a man, if she acts in a manner that violates the perceived traits of women and takes the route of a leader which is authority and commanding results in the work place. affable perception of males and females who violate gender role stereotypesThere are numerous perceptions as regards the question of gender role violation. However according to Sirin, Selcuk R., McCreary, Donald R., Mahalik, and James R. authors of the journal of mens studies, the notable social perceptions revolve around social status, sexual orientation and the dissimilarity of value. The perceptions exhibited are most of the time firmly in the grip of culture and are subsequently fuelled and driven by the traditions of the people in the society. The issue of culture and tradition set aside, expectations also play a significant role. Ther e is a general expectation from both genders on the manner in which the other gender should behave. One thing cut crossways the divide and this is the fact that women anchor the expectation that men should display masculinity. The same is anticipated by men who are of the view that women should be feminine. Any multifariousness of trait that does not meet the above expectations, it is considered a violation of gender role stereotype, which is accompanied by negative perceptions.For a long time, gender has hold a significant influence in the manner in which people conduct themselves in the society. The issue of status as regards the males and the females is what dictates the way in which males and females are regarded in the event that they violate the prescribed code of conduct that is attributed to their respective genders. According to Feinman, in relation to the social status model, he writes that the men have a status that is superior to that of women. Going by the model on s ocial status, then men will more often than not face an unfavorable evaluation, should they violate the prescribed code of conduct for their gender this is because, the violation means that they lose class when they deviate from a status of a higher nature to a status that is low. For women whenever they deviate from perceived traits are assumed to be transforming from a lower status to a higher status. Hence the social perception with regard to the violation of gender role stereotypes is positive to a large extent. This is no doubt slightlything that is rife in the society, as a numerate of common societal law, to whom much is given a lot, is expected. For instance woman who dresses and behaves like a man will most likely go unperceived or may even command respect from people around. This however is not the case in men. A man who dresses and behaves like a woman will most likely be despised. To a large extent this is all attributed to the distinction of the social status between the men and women. According to Feinman the male role is more valuable than that of the female. He further writes that it is acceptable for women to adopt the roles of men rather than men take up the roles of women.Violation of the gender role stereotype has consequences for both the males and the females. However there is no denying the fact that, the reception received by the males as regards their transgressions is more hostile compared to the women. If anything the women may in some instances be perceived in a positive way. The issue of desire is the other frontier for the perceptions of gender stereotypes. According to Sadalla, Kenrick, and Vershure (1987), men who show traits of not organism dominant are deemed to be undesirable. This perception is however not just directly related only to the dominance aspects, but to all traits in general. There is the general perception that, men who exhibit traits that are a deviation from the known male traits are not desirable especiall y from the womens hint of view.The other perception that is anchored in the minds of the people is the issue of respect in the society. This directly affects men in a negative way and does not have any negative impact on women who violate the gender role stereotype. It is perceived that, men who deviate from the normal societal norms loose respect from their peers and even the society in general. For women on the contrary, the perception is that, they will command respect and admiration from their peers in the event that they deviate from the prescribed societal code for the female gender.The perceptions on women who violate the gender role stereotype is not at all constant, it keeps changing depending on the environmental set up. For the men however, the perceptions when they deviate from the gender role stereotype are the same and fixed, at no time will the transgression committed by men receive a positive evaluation.ConclusionThe gender stereotypes and overall stereotyping conti nues to not only shape but also influence the behavior of all people regardless of the environmental setup. As illustrated above, the burden to conform to societal norms associated with gender is more often than not rested on men to berm it. This is not to say that women do shoulder any negative perceptions, the women too have their fair share of tribulations that arise from the gender role stereotype. Even so, regardless of the environmental set up, the perception is that the men will always get a hostile reception when they violate the gender role stereotypes compared to women.

Older People With Strokes

Older People With StrokesAn estimated 150,000 lot puddle a slam in the UK apiece year (Scottish Stroke Care Audit 2005/2006) with a mortality of everywhere 67,000 (British inwardness Foundation, 2005) . It is the third about common cause of death in England and Wales, afterwards heart disease and supportcer (NHS, 2001).This is in accordance with the report published by World Health transcription stating, stroke is the third senior highest cause of morbidness and mortality in the developed countries of the world, immediately following ischemic heart disease and malignant diseases(WHO, 2008).Because strokes are common and lead to substantial disability and ill- wellness, a large proportion of the NHS budget is spent on treating people who have suffered a stroke. The direct cost of stroke to the NHS is estimated to be 2.8 meg. The cost to the wider economy is 1.8 billion (NHS, 2001).Thus a inescapably sound judgement of this population group might help understand the intri cacies of this issue.This assignment aims at giving a brief account of the factors influencing the health of people who have suffered stroke and further plan and justify a health needfully assessment for the same. It will likewise attempt to provide a critical analysis of a relevant health policy and its impact on the affected population.Stroke Definition and Risk FactorsThe World Health Organization defines stroke as a condition caused by the interruption of the seam supply to the brain, usually because a kin vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. The effects of a stroke depends on which part of the brain is injured and how firmly it is affected. A very severe stroke flush toilet cause sudden death (WHO, 2008).Various physiologic and medical conditions sens precipitate stroke. The attempt factors can be categorised into biological, purlieual, socioeconomic and behavioural. There is often an interplay of two or more factors that attribute to morbidity.BiologicalThese include age, gender and genetic predisposition. The single most important factor that increases the chances of stroke threefold is the age of the mortal (Fisher, 2001).AgePeople most at stake for stroke are older adults, curiously those with high descent pressure, who are sedentary, overweight, smoke, or have diabetes. Incidence rises exponentially with age and majority of them occur in persons older than 65 years (Fisher, 2001). Wolfe, rudd Beech (1996) states that the risk of stroke doubles with each successive decade over the age of 55. Older age is also linked with higher fleck of stakes-stroke dementia.GenderIn most age groups except older adults, stroke is more common in men than in women. However, it kills more women than men, regardless of tender groups (Fisher, 2001). This may be partly due to the fact that women tend to live unyieldinger than men, and stroke is more common among ol der adults. Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths (NHS, 2001).Race and EthnicityIn as diverse a population in England and Wales, the minority population, especially those belonging to the African and southwesterly Asian origin, face a significantly higher risk for stroke and death from stroke than the English (Wolfe, 1996). They also have a higher preponderance of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension than other groups. However, studies suggest that socioeconomic factors also affect these differences.Lifestyle FactorsSmoking People who smoke a pack a day have almost two and a half times the risk for stroke as nonsmokers. Smoking increases both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke risk (Wolfe, 1996). The risk for stroke may remain elevated for as long as 14 years after quitting, hence an earlier quit is recommended (NHS, 2001).Diet sickly diet (saturated fat, high sodium) can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity, which are all risk factors for stroke(Winte r, 2001).Physical In activeness Lack of regular pattern can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and poor circulation, which increase the risk of stroke.Alcohol and Drug Abuse Alcohol abuse, including binge drinking, increases the risk of stroke. Drug abuse, particularly with cocain or methamphetamine, is a major factor of stroke in young adults. Anabolic steroids, used for body-building and sports enhancement, also increase stroke risk.Heart and Vascular DiseasesHeart disease and stroke are closely tied for many reasons. People who have one heart or vascular condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, peripheral artery disease) are at increased risk for exploitation other related conditions (British Heart Foundation, 2005).High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) contributes to about 70% of all strokes. Hypertensive people have up to 10 times the normal risk of stroke, depending on the severity of the blood pressure in the presenc e of other risk factors. Hypertension is also an important cause of so-called silent cerebral infarcts, or blockages, in the blood vessels in the brain (mini-strokes) that may predict major stroke. Controlling blood pressure is extremely important for stroke prevention. A meta-analysis of nine prospective studies, including 420,000 man-to-mans followed for 10 years, found that stroke risk increased by 46% for every 7.5-mm Hg increase in diastolic blood pressure (Fisher,2001).atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke, is a heart rhythm disorder in which the atria (the upper chambers in the heart) beat very right away and nonrhythmically (British Heart Foundation, 2005). Between 2 4% of patients with atrial fibrillation without any history of TIA or stroke will have an ischemic stroke over the course of the year. Of those with atrial fibrillation, the risk generally is highest in those older than age 75, with heart failure or enlarged heart, coronary artery disease, history of clots, diabetes, or heart valve abnormalities (Winter, 2001).DiabetesHeart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. Diabetes is second only to high blood pressure as the main risk factor for stroke. The risk is highest for adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and patients with diabetes who are younger than age 55. African-Americans with diabetes are at even higher risk for stroke at a younger age (Wolfe, 1996). Diabetes is a particularly strong risk factor for ischemic stroke, perhaps because of accompanying risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.Obesity and Metabolic SyndromeObesity may increase the risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke singly of other risk factors that often co-exist with excess weight, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol level (Winter, 2001). Weight that is centered around the abdomen (the so-called orchard apple tree shape) has a particula rly high association with stroke, as it does for heart disease, in comparison to weight distributed around hips (pear-shape).Stroke being a syndromic illness, the health needs of those at risk and post stroke survivors are varied and need due con sideration.Health Needs Assessment in Stroke SurvivorsHealth needs assessment according to the NHS health needs assessment workbook is a clayatic review of the health issues facing a population leading to agreed priorities and mental imagery allocation that will improve health and reduce inequalities. This ensures that any action taken minimises harm to health, and may improve it for those with the most to gain. In particular, stroke is a leading cause of adult disability (Raina, 1998). The trajectory of handle for stroke is of sudden onset, acute hospital sustenance followed by rehabilitation and return to union living. Of new stroke survivors, an estimated 56% go directly home after acute mission, 32% go to inpatient rehabilitation, and 11% go to long-term care facilities (NHS, 2001). Stroke survivors returning to the community often have difficulties causeing every day activities like dressing, eating, and mobility that can last well into the first year post-stroke (Mayo, 2002). It is also commonly associated with cognitive changes (e.g., 26.3% of ischemic stroke survivors are diagnosed with dementia (Desmond, 2000)). Caregivers provide essential support to these individuals when they return home with varying levels of physical and cognitive difficulty.The assessment of health needs, involves a combination of epidemiological assessment of disease prevalence, the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment and care options, and their relative costs and effectiveness, analysis of existing activity and resource data, and application of this knowledge to populations (Bowling, 2009). Thus according to pallant (2002) it is important to identify the needs not wants so as to achieve measurable improvement from an intervention. As this involves time and efforts and results in considerable long term benefits for those who undertake it and for the population assessed. Hence it has attracted the interest of policy payrs, health economist and health professionals to satisfy individual and population needs to optimize resource utilization (Lari Gari, 2005). In the present context the aim of health needs assessment for stroke is to lower the relative incidence of stroke, directed at reducing smoking, reducing socio-economic deprivation, lowering blood pressure and encouraging healthy feelingstyles (Stevens, et al., 2004)Thus the health needs of stroke survivors during various phases of their post stroke recovery period as discovered in the literature are summarized as followsBiological aspectBiological pathology of post-stroke is neuromuscular function legal injury which hinge on the lesion area on the brain. Undoubtedly, sensory-motor assessment such as visual field defects, bladder in dyspha sia, sensory impairment and muscle causality weakness (Klara, 2006). Also, motor paralysis is still a major problem in stroke condition that presents a weakness on the affected side particularly upper and lower extremities, due to lack of muscle tone generation and imbalance of nerve impulse from cerebral cortex which leads to flaccidity and spasticity (Fawcus, 2000). indeed in order to evaluate post stroke circumspection and care, use of a variety of standardized tests before physical rehabilitation training can help to assess the general and specific needs of the patients. For example, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) can assess muscle spasticity, the Medical Research Council Motor Power progress to (MRC-MPS) can measure motor power and strength of isolated group of muscle and Likert-type scales use to count pain condition (Fasoli et al. 2004). In addition, the Barthel Index can evaluate functional skills of activity of daily living (Shah et al. 1989). These instruments and th erapeutic modalities can assess the dead on target physical condition and abilities of the stroke survivor and help perform strategic plan for his rehabilitation.Physical aspectsAfter the stabilization of the patients medical condition the clinical emphasis is on preparing the patients to return home. The most important physical power to be monitored in the stroke survivors by the health professionals at this stage are related to activity of daily living (ADL skills). As Gresham (1986) suggests independence in ADL will continue to be a suitable hallmark of physical restoration. Therefore the aspects that need consideration include education and training of stroke survivors and care givers to help them safely perform the activity of daily living and adapt the training received in the hospital to the home environment. For example, in the home environment bathrooms may be smaller, hallways may be narrower, carpets may be difficult to manage, and stairs may be difficult to negotiate. The sudden transition to the home with an absence of health professionals with whom to consult as needed may also make caregivers anxious. As a result, caregivers may need advice from peers and/or health care professionals on how to manage the care recipients various needs (Cameroon Gignac, 2008). They may require additional training, and they may need additional emotional support to address fears and anxiety associated with first to provide care in the community.Emotional and needsStroke survivors need continued practice and support in their activities of daily living and would benefit from the hazard to test their skills in the home environment under the supervision of rehabilitation professionals and/or nurses (Pallant, 2002). These professionals could appraise and provide feedback about their functioning ability with the aim of enhancing stroke survivors skills and confidence. Emotionally, stroke survivors need support from social workers and/or family and friends to manage their mounting anxiety and uncertainty about their skills and competence in the community(Cameroon Gignac, 2008). The types of resources include access to community care agencies, on-going rehabilitation, and support groups.Behavioural needsThe first and foremost priority in post stroke rehabilitation is to control the modifiable risk factors in stroke survivors. Several modifiable risk factors that contribute to development and progression of stroke include hypertension, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, excessive intoxicant consumption, lack of physical activity, dietetic and hyper-cholesterolaemia (Gariballa, 2004). Multidisciplinary team approach not only helps in prevention but also to identify the susceptible population at risk. It is the primary health care team including clinical governance who leads the team (Pallant, 2002). Studies have shown that hypertension is the single most attributable factor for stroke. Smokers are at three fold risk of stroke when compared w ith non- smokers and 10 fold risks when in combination with raised systolic blood pressure (Wolfe, Rudd Beech, 1996). Diabetes accounts for 10-20% of all strokes whereas epidemiological studies have confounded that alcohol consumption has direct dose dependent effect (Lindley,2008). Thus patients and care giver counselling in improving the lifestyle related factors and regular supervise of the patients during post stroke rehabilitation is mandatory for long term benefits.However in order to make the life of the post stroke survivors and the care givers more comfortable appropriate policies and their implementation should be the highest priority of the government and the Department of Health.Policy analysis in post-stroke from National Stroke Strategy version 2008 (Department of Health, 2008)From the breeding available, the national stroke strategy tried to give data, advice and support for clear and easy implementation of treatment plan. This policy provides opportunity for stro ke survivors to participate and express their health needs. Also, this persuades all institutional services of stroke to prepare pertinent information and health support into the system service to help people access information and care easily. For instance, if stroke survivors need to change service and treatment, healthcare team should explain factual information and transfer them to the right modalities by finding an accurate therapy to support them. Furthermore, if at that place is a voluntary organization service to serve nearby stroke patients home, health professionals should advise them to encourage joint activity in their society. Conclusively, this guiding principle explores peoples need and open people to feed back information on stroke service attribute.The essence of involving people in developing service and treatment programme lies in the policy makers view to incorporate stroke survivors and carers in decision making for development of strategic plan, focus manageme nt, livery and scrutiny of appropriate service, to provide special tools and assistive support in case of severity. The strength of this stroke policy is evident from the relevant points and emphasis on the step by step sequencing of services regarding important concerns. Besides, guideline pattern has highlighted the key words that refer to reading awareness including consistency of cartoon picture show which is easy to capture in perceptual context and comprehension. However, there are a few weaknesses of informative system that cannot explain the details of further information if people need to read in-depth and cannot show the feature of voluntary organization for connection of services.Examine how to serve life after stroke, assessment and rehabilitationHaving accomplished basic stroke treatment, the life after stroke needs to be evaluated with an objective for providing a good tincture of life and design services for people who have had a stroke and are supported to live w ith independence with possible availability of resources at their home and environment. The policy aims at stroke survivors and relatives necessary of high-quality rehabilitation training and medical support in order to promote better movement/mobility in day-to- day life, self hygiene and cooking, adequate communicative skills, distress/depression management problem solving ability and sexualbehavioural understanding. The outstanding Information can help many readers and healthcare providers to piss and understand the overview of stroke patients.All healthcare professionals should follow this guideline on rehabilitation by concentrating on individual patient needs and differing needs of nearly ethnic groups depending on their culture and belief in environmental society. In addition, the plan of strategy has underlined the end-of-life care by considering severe stroke survivors who provem not to get better and help them join the right service programme with the right caregiver such as special care and needs, choice of place of death and assessment of the satisfaction of patients relatives about the end-of-life care. Therefore, the life after stroke policy is to distinguish, to follow and depict the important roles of healthcare team but which cannot see the pitfalls of service process. If the action plan can be manipulated, according to the patient requirement from the hospital to strokes home and community, the end result will definitely be much better.Analyse the process of health service in long-term care supportIn order to analyse the policy service system of stroke, the stroke strategy has to be formulated to facilitate easy-to-access services and to receive concomitant service from interdisciplinary team for long-term needs of stroke survivors. Outstandingly, grooming of long-term care is essential and has become a part of health promotion because post-stroke pathology is different in each patient that needs to be rehabilitated in different modalit y intervention programmes. Nevertheless, this policy of long-term care support is difficult to manage a range of different rehabilitations because the activity involves various dimensions and a combination of facilities for different stroke cases and hence difficult to meet the complex social care needs.Apart from this, the stroke policy provides only an overview of immediate management and does not explain how to set the long-term care and support for stroke survivors. Although the long- term care process can lead to a better quality of life after stroke, there are many factors that need to be planned, especially related to the individual stroke condition. The guidance should be planned and do elusive in terms of mild, moderate and severe stroke in long-term care and support which is necessary for reflection of different short and long term goals to be achieved in rehabilitation training. However, the policy services merely shows peoples needs assessment and do not describe theeff ective planning that meets individual needs particularly related to long term care and hence should be considered accordingly to the level of stroke condition to identify specific social care needs, including the purpose of longer-term follow-up with evaluation in multispectral collaborative services.Discuss home modification, return to work and community participationTo improve the quality of life in post-stroke environment, the stroke policy makers provide only with a framework for adapting the home to be compatible with patients needs for him/her to be independent but do not give details of provisions for daily life activities. The conceptual strategy has illustrated general requirement of services for transportation and housing management by pondering over housing needs related to adaptation and modification but does not analyse specific factors that may have both optimistic and negative impact on the development of post-stroke skills as well as that may obstruct independence i n functional ability at their homes. Nevertheless, there are no details of home modifications that are mandatory in sample such as slope area, stairway, toilet, bed room and kitchen.ConclusionFrom the higher up it is clear that the burden of disease due to stroke and the its impact during the recovery period deeply affects the life of the survivor. The high incidence and prevalence of disease make it necessary to implement appropriate measures to prevent first ever and recurrent strokes. Moreover a well planned rehabilitation of the stroke survivors is vital for improve prognosis. Conclusively an assessment of the health needs of this population group can be used to optimize health care services and facilities in the best interest of the survivors. This can also be used by the policymakers in improving the relevant provisions in meeting the health needs of the deprived. intelligence activity count 3352

A Tear Between Twins :: Personal Narrative Writing

A Tear Between TwinsCome on guys, we really shouldnt, I begged Shawn, the driver of our group date. It is so rude of us to drive by and ruin this special moment for Janae and Bryce. We all know wherefore they abide gone up to the temple dont we? I mean it is their six month anniversary, and neither of them have had their first kiss yet Hmmm..??? Even though I truly meant what I was saying, a part of me wanted to ruin this fairytale event in their relationship. Not that I disapproved of Janae and Bryce macrocosm together I guess it was the fact that she was moving a step ahead of me for the first time in our lives. After all, I had a reason for this mean streak--Bryce had stolen my outstrip friend. February 13th, 1979, Janae and I were born in Sunrise Hospital, four minutes apart, to two anxious, ecstatic, and not to mention exhausted parents. Immediately following the birth, the doctor glanced up at my mother and father and announced that they were the proud parents of identical twin girls. My sister Janae was born first weighing a mere four pounds 11 ounces and I swiftly followed, weighing a hefty seven pounds zero ounces (very large for the average twin). The doctor proceeded to tell my mother that identical twins automatically have a special bond that exists between them, and that she was to enjoy the many fun, challenging, yet exciting experiences to come. One of the most challenging experiences to come would be the dreadful sidereal day when the two of us would realize that we couldnt be together always. That memorable day we slept together, side by side, in our rectangular clear plastic hospital beds -- obstinate to be inseparable for the remainder of our lives. Several people are considerably fascinated with twins, but dont quite comprehend exactly what it is like to be one. Actually, being a twin really isnt that different than not being a twin. (Or at least I dont think it is. The truth is that I have never not been one.) I believe, however, ther e is one advantage to being an identical twin. Identical twins are basically made up of the same ingredients. in that location is a connection that exists right from birth. In our case, Janae and I have found that we enjoy the same books, the same sports, the same food, we love the rain, and lastly our taste in guys is nearly the same.

Cultural Differences in Joint Ventures Essay -- essays research papers

ESSAY TOPIC (1) A joint venture is affected by the cultural distance surrounded by two partners. In what ways are joint ventures and types of international collaboration affected by cultural differences?INDEXINTRODUCTION2What is finish?2-3The ethnical Orientation Model.4The cultural Gap5-6Understanding Cultural Differences.6The Challenge of Cultural Success..7Cross-cultural training as a solution8The effectiveness of the cross cultural training programs8-9Future Directions for Cross-Cultural fosterage and International Business Assignments..10.Conclusion..10BIBLIOGRAPHY..11INTRODUCTIONSince the end of World War II, international trading operations have become a reality for an increasing number of corporations. Many of these initial efforts began as simple export schemes to sell goods overseas to add on domestic sales. Over time, however, international operations have become increasingly more complex from joint-ventures to purchasing existing foreign firms to green-field start- ups. While export operations usually require no more than extended business trips overseas, more complex international operations demand long-term assignments of key personnel away their home-country. What would normally be considered routine business transactions in the home country can become very complicated when they are conducted between individuals and organizations from several(predicate) cultures. In this essay we will examine how this cultural gap can affect international business and joint ventures.What is culture?The word culture is often expound in terms of concrete ideas or social artifacts. Gary R. Weaver describes some common conceptions such as "good taste," "art or music," or "something that flock in exotic foreign lands had."1 However, culture in the context of international assignments relates to how people perceive the world and the influence this perception has on their actions. It is culture on the interpersonal level. Different cult ures can perceive the same thing differently, which leads to miscommunication and misunderstanding when one crosses into another culture not their own.We... ...s Software of the Mind, (New York, NY McGraw-Hill 1998) 4.5.Ibid., 4.6.Ibid., 4.7.Paul E. Rohrlich, "Why Do We Study Intercultural Communication?," in Culture, Communication and Conflict Readings in Intercultural Relations, 2d ed., ed. Gary R. Weaver (Needham Heights, MA Simon & Schuster Publishing, 1998), 84-87. 8.Ibid., 85.9.Ibid., 85.10. (Schneider & Barsoux 19971).11. Satish P. Deshpande and Chockalingam Viswesvaran, "Is Cross-cultural Training of Expatriate Managers utile A Meta Analysis," International Journal of Intercultural Relations 16 (1992) 296.12.Environments," in Culture, Communication and Conflict Readings in Intercultural Relations, 2d ed., ed. Gary R. Weaver (Needham Heights, MA Simon & Schuster Publishing, 1998), 185-186.13. Stewart J. Black and recognize Mendenhall, "Cros s-cultural Training Effectiveness A Review and a Theoretical Framework for Future Research," Academy of Management Review, No. 1 (1990), 132.14. Deshpande and Viswesvaran, 301.15. Rosalie L. Tung, "Selection and Training of Personnel for Overseas Assignments," Columbia Journal of World Business, (Spring 1981), 68-78.

Steve Jobs :: essays research papers

Steve JobsBorn 1955 Los Altos CA Evangelic bad boy who, with Steve Wozniak, co-founded apple Computer Corporation and became a multimillionaire before the age of 30. later on started the NeXT Corporation to provide an educational system at areasonable price, but found that software was a better seller than hardware.Steven Paul, was an deprive adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs of Mountain popular opinion,California in February 1955. Jobs was not happy at school in Mountain View sothe family go to Los Altos, California, where Steven attended Homestead HighSchool. His electronics teacher at Homestead High, Hohn McCollum, recalled hewas "something of a loner" and "always had a different way of looking atthings."Going to work for Atari after leaving Reed College, Jobs renewed his friendshipwith Steve Wozniak. The two designed reckoner games for Atari and a telephone"blue box", getting much of their impetus from the Homebrew Computer Club.Beginning work in the Jo bs family garage they gentlemans gentlemanaged to make their first"killing" when the Byte Shop in Mountain View bought their first fifty fullyassembled computers. On this basis the Apple Corporation was founded, the namebased on Jobs favorite fruit and the logo.Steve Jobs innovative idea of a personel computer led him into revolutionizingthe computer hardware and software industry. When Jobs was twenty one, he and afriend, Wozniak, built a personel computer called the Apple. The Apple changedpeoples idea of a computer from a gigantic and inscrutable mass of vacuum tubesonly use by big business and the government to a small box used by ordinarypeople. No company has done more to democratize the computer and make it user-friendly than Apple Computer Inc. Jobs software development for the mackre-introduced windows interface and mouse technology which set a standard forall applications interface in software.Two years after building the Apple I, Jobs introduced the Apple II. Th e Apple IIwas the best buy in personal computers for home and small business throughoutthe following five years. When the Macintosh was introduced in 1984, it wasmarketed towards strength and large businesses. The Macintosh took the first majorstep in adapting the personal computer to the needs of the corporate work force.Steve Jobs was considered a brilliant young man in Silicon Valley, because hesaw the future demands of the computer industry. He was able to build a personalcomputer and market the product. His innovative ideas of user-friendly softwarefor the Macintosh changed the design and functionality of software interfacescreated for computers. The Macintoshs interface allowed people to interact