Exercises in Scientific Writing: Coordinators, Subordinators

The full PDF (with exercises) can be downloaded from http://louisville. edu,'faculty/ lwolf02,' writing-about-data Joining Sentences with Subordinators One of the biggest differences between mature, effective writing and more basic writing is that mature writers use subordinators to show relationships between ideas. The more complex the information that you are writing about. the more important subordinators are. unfortunately. when beginning writers start using subordinators, they often produce sentence fragments or punctuate sentences incorrectly.Therefore, this chapter has the following goals: 1. Encourage you to use subordinators to connect ideas together. 2. Show that subordinators can be used in either the beginning or the middle of sentences. 3. Ensure that you understand the correct rules for punctuating subordinators. What is a subordinator? Subordinators are words that join sentences and help us highlight a variety of relationships between ideas, including cause,'effect rel ationships, contrasts, conditions, and concessions.Here are the subordinators we use most Often: Subordinator although, though, even though, While, whereas because, since Logical Relationship Contrast/concession Cause/ResL11t Condition before, after, when, Time henever, until, as soon as Example While we can model X-ray emissions, such an approach is often laborious, time-consuming, and impractical. The tuff absorbed a great amount of water after the earthquake because it consisted of porous material. The stress cannot be reproduced if the blocks are too large.Some heart attack victims in our study confessed that they phoned clients and rescheduled meetings before they called an ambulance. When we put a subordinator in front of a sentence, we change the sentence from an independent clause to a dependent (or subordinate) clause. Here's a quick review of ndependent and dependent clauses. Independent clause: Contains a subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete thought. An inde pendent clause is a sentence. Examples of independent clauses: Jim studied. It was very noisy. Our class meets at 9:00 in the morning.Dependent clause: Contains a subject and verb, but can not stand alone as a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Examples of dependent clauses: When Jim studied. Because it was very noisy. After our class meets at 9:00 in the morning. Copyright 2006-2007 Joanna Wolfe. Support for these materials provided by -the Engineering Information Foundation. -3- Note that all of the dependent clauses above begin with a subordinator, such as when, because, after. To turn these dependent clauses into complete sentences, we he became anxious. ependent clause independent clause†can stand as a complete sentence Because it was very noisy, he got into a fight with his roommate. After our class meets at 9:00 in the morning, I need coffee. These sentences can also be written so that the independent clause comes first: Jim became an xious when he studied He got into a fight with his roommate because it was very noisy. I need coffee fter our class meets at 9:00 in the morning Punctuating subordinate clauses 1 . When the dependent (subordinate) clause comes first, it is always followed by a comma. Because the study sample is small , additional research is needed.If the blocks are too large , the stress cannot be reproduced. Before you start, make sure you have all the needed parts. Whereas a hoist can only lift and lower, a crane can move loads in horizontal and vertical planes. 2. When the dependent (subordinate) clause comes second, a comma is not used† unless a contrast or concession subordinator is used, in which case the comma is ptional. Additional research is needed because the study sample is small. [no comma] The stress cannot be reproduced if the blocks are too large. [no comma] Make sure you have all the needed parts before you start.. no comma] A crane can move loads in horizontal and vertical p lanes whereas a hoist can only lift and lower. [comma optional because contrast subordinator (whereas) is used] Presenting Bad News: Joining Sentences to Show Concession We use the contrast subordinators although, though, even though, while, whereas to show contrast. But they do more than contrast: they de-emphasize the points they re attached to and show concession. Concessive subordinators are very useful for presenting â€Å"bad news†: they concede that a problem or shortcoming or flaw exists while de-emphasizing this problem.Emphasizing the good news Concessive subordinators are particularly useful in emphasizing a study or test's good points while still acknowledging mistakes or flaws. For instance, we might write: Although the study's design has some flaws, problem conceded Although the tests were done in a lab, the results are promising the findings should be applicable to the real world. good point emphasized These sentences use the subordinator although to concede so me points, but still leave the reader on a high note†the promising nature of the studies.Emphasizing the bad news Sometimes, however, you want to emphasize the problems. This is especially important when you want to warn readers about potential safety issues. In this situation, you should attach the good point to the concessive subordinator and put the problem in the main clause. Although the findings are promising, good point conceded the tests were done in a lab and may not be applicable to â€Å"real use† situations. roblem emphasized This sentence, in contrast to the examples above, ends on a negative point.No emphasis/Equal emphasis If you want to stress the good and bad news equally, use one of the contrast coordinators, but or yet to Join the two clauses. The results are promising, but the design has some flaws. This sentence stresses neither the results nor the flaws. The two clauses are given equal emphasis. Note that a comma precedes the coordinator. -8- Summa ry of contrast and concession words Word Type Subordinators Coordinators Contrast Although Even though Though While But, yet Concession Note that whereas generally works better for emphasizing contrasts than for emphasizing concessions.Subordinators: Join two clauses and de-emphasize the clause they are attached to. Coordinators: Join two clauses and give equal emphasis to the ideas they Join. Punctuation: If the subordinator appears in the first clause, use a comma: Although the study's design has some flaws, the results are promising. If a subordinator appears in the second clause, do not use a comma. (exception: an optional comma may be used before the contrast/concession subordinators although, even though, though, while, hereas): The study's design has some flaws even though the results are promising.If a coordinator†such as but, yet†connects two independent clauses (complete sentences), a comma should be placed before the coordinator: The study's design has some fl aws, but the results are promising. -12- Coordinators, Subordinators, and Transitions The English language has three basic types of linguistic patterns for connecting main ideas: coordinators, subordinators and transitions. The table below summarizes the purposes and differences among these connectors. Connector type Structure Where they connect Emphasis and nor but yet One sentence Middle of Give equal emphasis to two closely connected clauses.

Hebrew Covenant Essay

The most insightful and genuinely inspired notion of the Hebrew world view is the concept of the berit involving God and His chosen people. Interpreted into English as â€Å"covenant,† the term denotes a little closer to â€Å"promise,† or â€Å"pledge. † In the â€Å"promise† to Abraham, God picks Abraham and his offspring as a particular people, in fact, as the only people of God. He assures Abraham that his progeny will inhabit and possess the lands of Palestine, that they will be immeasurable, and that they will benefit from the security and attention of God over all their enemies. It is this promise and the relationship it entails concerning Yahweh, the one and only God, and His people that characterize the Hebrew cultural and historical distinctiveness. The bond implied by the word â€Å"berit† is the relationship involving a lord and his servants, for in Hebrew, a â€Å"berit† is a pledge that is made unilaterally by a lord to his servants that he will defend and provide for those servants. The promise is not compelled by law nor affected on the lord by his servants—it is utterly voluntary. The term â€Å"covenant† stands for â€Å"business deal,† or â€Å"contract,† and suggests a promise to provide one end of the contract if the other end is met. But a covenant is a two-sided arrangement; it obtains the participation of both parties and they are obligated only by the stipulations of the covenant or agreement. God’s berit, on the other hand, is carried out unilaterally exclusive of the involvement of Abraham or his people in the agreement. Abraham is merely chosen. As implied in the word, the relationship of God to his chosen people is a connection of a lord to his servants; the chosen people, as servants, owe to God first and foremost obedience. In this sense, the Abrahamic berit is open-ended; by picking Abraham’s offspring, God is requiring of that offspring absolute submission and deference for all the rules to come in the future. For God has not bared His regulations to His chosen people in the time of Abraham; that will appear centuries later when the Hebrews are set free from Egypt. Reference: 1. Hooker, Richard, World Civilizations, 1996.

Personal Moral Essay

The personal moral that has the most impact on how I go about living my life is self-respect. Self-respect impacts my life in such a way that has guided me in the right direction and will continue to assist me in the positive direction as I go through life. Establishing self-respect resulted in creating my own identity that has been a foundation for my lifestyle. When I established that strong foundation of self-respect, I began to carry myself as a leader amongst my peers and not give in to common mistakes that come through acts of peer pressure. A sense of self-respect has also resulted in me effectively using my common sense and avoiding preventable and unnecessary errors. By valuing my self-respect, I can respect others and treat them with a sense of worth, as I would expect people to treat me. In order to be successful as a FBI agent, I must respect the multitude of diverse people, opinions, and circumstances that are present in the world. My self-respect has directed me to choose to surround myself with like-minded people who also have positive genuine attitudes, positive traits, and are working to establish and achieve their goals. Self-respect has assisted in my decision-making and problem solving processes. Because I value my self-respect, I have pride and dignity in everything I do. Self-respect is needed in my life’s journey towards independence. Self-respect is not an option for me but is a mandatory principle of my life. It allows me to be open to accepting various viewpoints and constructive criticism from others so that I can become mentally and morally secure and empowered. The enhancements that self-respect adds to the overall outcome of my life’s lessons are the significant influences that increase the gained benefits of my life’s experiences.

Americans versus the Spanish Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Americans versus the Spanish Culture - Essay Example Pietri managed to illustrate the actual state of the cultural rivalry and the differences between the American and the Spanish communities in America. The poem clearly showed the differences, mostly due to his decision to use a number of issues such as differences in language, skin colour, and economic differences. Culturally, people of the Spanish community were considered slaves of the Americans and were supposed to work in their fields, industries and homes, ultimately dying with the poverty they came with to the country. The poem explored their deplorable conditions, their lack of ambition and their high level of suffering. Pedro Pietri revealed that hardly could the Spanish escape poverty that ravaged their masses. Instead, they died in hope for a better life, like owning some form of property, for example, a piece of land or a house. In their efforts to impress their bosses, they frequently died. He sympathized with them, for he never saw a possible end to the problems in the f oreseeable future. The scolding and demeanour of the race is evident, with the writer noting that some workers wished death would befall their supervisors so that they could get a pay rise. He actually sympathized with the troubled race of the Spanish and their hopeless condition. (Pietri 1-11). Rodriguez (7) gave his reasons for believing in the existence of cultural differences between the Americans and the Spanish. However, he did not vividly highlight the effects of this difference, just like Pedro Pietri did. His is a story of his

Plight of the Irish Woman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Plight of the Irish Woman - Essay Example As compared to other works created by Joyce, Dubliners is very different since it represents the thoughts of the Artist when he himself was a young man. His later work gained much critical acclaim for its stream of consciousness approach and the experimental works therefore the controversy surrounding and the banning of Ulysses often takes precedence over the short story collection. That is the primary reason why Joyce is appreciated, respected and remembered more for his novels than his collection of short stories. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of material that has been created in terms of analysis of the Dubliners and the various individual stories contained within. Eveline is the shortest story contained in the collection and offers some very interesting insights towards both the writer and the times he lived in. There are a number of firsts associated with this particular piece since it is the first story in the Dubliners to be written in the third person, it experiments with stream of conscious writing and it was the first time Joyce wrote from the point of view of a woman (Voogd, 2000). Eveline The story begins with Eveline sitting at the window of her house where she can watch the avenue lined with houses. She remembers her family members and the neighbors she had as a child when she played on the field which is now covered with houses. Now that she is a young woman, her mother is dead and her siblings have grown up. She has had a life of hard work at her home as well as the store where she earns a living. The story clarifies that Eveline plans to leave Ireland for ever but it does not make any hints at the beginning of the story if she actually would go through would her plan or not.

Create Research Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Create Research Questions - Essay Example The research questions that will be looked at in this article will focus on the proposals that were produced by Padgett with more emphasis on what should be expected in future research studies in this field. One of the research proposals focused on a study of treatment related and substance related outcomes based on the 48 month study conducted on the housing first and treatment first program for the homeless people suffering from severe mental illness (Padget, 2006). The main aim of the study was to determine whether the findings of the previous studies can be sustained or they may end up changing after some period of time. In order to look at what should be expected in the future, the following research questions will be addressed: The research questions above reflect on some aspects that were discussed by Padget (2004) in her proposals based on the studies that were conducted. In order for a research methodology to be selected there is need to carefully check up on the research questions so as to ascertain the nature of the methodology to be used. In this case a qualitative methodology will be more appropriate based on the fact that empirical materials will be collected to in order to carry out the study. With regards to the case study on the homeless people suffering with severe mental illness the appropriate method of collecting data for the this study will be through sampling and recruitment. Participants will be chosen based on selected criteria after which interviews will be conducted on each respective participant in order to collect their findings. It is well noted that the approval of each participant greatly considered before pushing forward with the research study. A structured interview will be best suited in carrying out the research study and thus the research questions will be analysed in detail based on the response of

The Economic and Political Migration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Economic and Political Migration - Essay Example The shift to the west was promoted by the federal government's massive wartime defense spending that centered in the western states and most notably California. In addition there were tax breaks for the oil industry as well as the social security program that helped sustain the area's growth. Perry and Watkins contend that once the western cities gained the advantage of defense spending, they were able to capitalize on that advantage by the theory of "cumulative causation" (Walton 409). Perry and Watkins further argue that the sunbelt cities that prospered from this advantage also erected artificial developmental barriers in a shift away from the New Deal liberalism, and this perpetuated the process. (Walton 409). As the rustbelt declined, it was unable to attract new economic activity in the changing face of technology. William Julius Wilson puts forth a more contemporary theory. Wilson states that the cities of the Northeast declined due to "economic transformation" (8). He describes this as a shift in metropolitan development strategy that was driven by the change in industry from production based to capital and technology based (8-9). More modern machines were replacing the methods popularized by Henry Ford. International competition further eroded the cities and diminished the value of physical capital.

Quantitative Analysis for Business....Data Collection Essay

Quantitative Analysis for Business....Data Collection - Essay Example With quantitative research, the data collection process works with a stated hypothesis that works with a stated theory. In the case of BIMS, data collection is acquired from patients exposed to different medications and other measures. The various methods that fall under the quantitative include experiments, observation, using management systems to acquire information and conducting surveys (University of Pheonix, n.d.). The major merits associated with these methodologies are that they produce relevant results, as detailed results are obtained from the experiments. The researchers work with real time experiences hence are able to record details that may be used as constrains. The main disadvantage of quantitative is that they are time consuming as massive data entry takes place in the continuity of the process. The method is also prone to error as many data entry of the information is done by individuals, who might key in incorrect information. Quantitative methods of collecting data are expensive, as the researchers might require incentives to lure potential information givers. Also, travelling from one location to another includes miscellaneous expenses (University of Pheonix,

Regional Archeology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Regional Archeology - Essay Example As the report declares the emergent of states in China is a crucial research topic in the archeological world, with significant recent archeological findings contributing to the growing interest in the topic. The survey area presented in the article is called Gongyi, which is located in the eastern part of the Yiluo River valley. The goal of the settlement pattern in the research was to comprehend the factors that determined the arrangement of settlement sites in the region. The study compares social transformation in the core area with the surrounding regions to obtain a more complex picture of the developmental process of early states. This is based on the fact that there is a positive correlation between population growth and social complexity. The study uses data from Brac Island, which is in Central Dalmatia, Croatia. The island is the largest of all the islands in the region with a total surface of 395 Km2. The survey technique used here involved the collection of surface artifact and the known archeological sites revisited and properly recorded. For the analysis and predictive model generation, archeological work presented in the paper needed extensive social and natural environment data, which would have influenced the settlement pattern in the island. Methods such as systematic dating and recording ceramic remains and comparison of the characteristics of the archeological site to previously excavated and studied sites, archeologists are able to determine the settlement pattern.

The Differences and Similarities Between Voluntary and Reflex Nerve Assignment

The Differences and Similarities Between Voluntary and Reflex Nerve Actions - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that endocrine organs are those organs which have specialized glands that produce and secrete chemical substances called hormones that regulate the growth, metabolism, development,  and function of the body. The major endocrine glands are pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenals, parathyroids, reproductive organs and pineal body. The pineal body is located in the middle portion of the brain and secretes melatonin which regulated the wake-sleep cycle of the body. The hypothalamus releases several hormones that control the stimulation and suppression of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The paper tells that one of the important hormone released by hypothalamus is somatostatin which stops the release of secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Hypothalamus is secreted in the lower central part of the brain. The pituitary gland is located beneath the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. It is attached to the base of the b rain by a stalk. It secretes several hormones which control the functions of other endocrine glands. The gland is divided into 2 parts, the anterior lobe, and the posterior lobe. Most of the anterior pituitary hormones have a diurnal rhythm. The hormones of the anterior lobe are regulated by the hypothalamus. They are growth hormone which stimulates the growth of tissue and bone, thyroid stimulating hormone which stimulates the thyroid to produce and secrete thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotropin hormone which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce steroid hormones, prolactin which stimulates the production of milk in women and follicular stimulating and luteinizing hormones which control the functioning of sexual organs and production of sex hormones. Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. It is an anabolic hormone. It stimulates the growth of various types of tissues of the body especially the bone and the skeletal muscle. Growth hormone stimulates synthesis of protei ns, causes mobilization of fat and inhibits the uptake and metabolism of glucose. Increased secretion of this hormone causes gigantism and decreased secretion causes dwarfism. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces vasopressin which controls water loss through kidneys and oxytocin which stimulates milk production and contracts uterus during childbirth. The thyroid gland is located... Describe the differences and similarities between voluntary and reflex nerve actions. Our body carries out mainly 2 types of actions and they are voluntary actions, involuntary actions or reflex actions. Both the actions involve stimuli, impulse, neurons and effector organs. Voluntary action is nothing but an anticipated, may or may not be conscious, goal-oriented movement. It is initiated in the cerebral cortex of the brain and the impulse passes into the motor area of the cerebral cortex and then to the spinal cord. From here, an impulse is passed to motor neuron and then to the muscle mak ing it contract. Example of voluntary action is waving the hand at a friend. The brain sends the impulse to the muscles of the hand and makes the hand wave at the friend. Thus, voluntary action is under the control of the will of the individual. Reflex action is involuntary. It is initiated by the stimulation of the receptor and the impulse passes through the dendrite and then the axon of the neuron through the synapse. It then relays on the neuron of the grey matter in the spinal cord and the impulse is passed to the motor neuron which then sends the impulse to the muscle. The muscle then contracts and produces action. Example of reflex action is running away from seeing a snake. The action occurs without the conscious of the individual. The control of actions is mainly at the spinal cord level. It is an instantaneous movement. Voluntary impulse passes over to the opposite side of the body, whereas reflex impulse does not. Voluntary reflex is slow because of a longer pathway. Refle x impulse is quicker because it involves only 2 synapses. The pineal body is located in the middle portion of the brain and secretes melatonin which regulated the wake-sleep cycle of the body. The hypothalamus releases several hormones that control the stimulation and suppression of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. One of the important hormone released by hypothalamus is somatostatin which stops the release of secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Hypothalamus is secreted in the lower central part of the brain. The pituitary gland is located beneath the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. It is attached to the base of the brain by a stalk. It secretes several hormones which control the functions of other endocrine glands. The gland is divided into 2 parts, the anterior lobe, and the posterior lobe. Most of the anterior pituitary hormones have a diurnal rhythm. The hormones of the anterior lobe are regulated by the hypothalamus. They are growth hormone which stimulates the growth of tissue and bone, thyroid stimulating hormone which stimulates the thyroid to produce and secrete thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotropin hormone which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce steroid hormones, prolactin which stimulates the production of milk in women and follicular stimulating and luteinizing hormones which control the functioning of sexual organs and production of sex hormones. Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. It is an anabolic hormone. It stimulates the growth of various types of tissues of the body especially the bone and the skeletal muscle. Growth hormone stimulates synthesis of proteins, causes mobilization of fat and inhibits the uptake and metabolism of glucose. Increased secretion of this hormone causes gigantism and decreased secretion causes dwarfism. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces vasopressin which controls water loss through kidneys and oxytocin which stimulates milk production and contracts uterus during childbirth. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. They are critical for the metabolism in the body. They have a major role to play in the growth and development of various tissues in the body including the nervous tissue. The follicles of the thyroid store thyroglobin from which thyroid hormone is derived. Hypersecretion of thyroid hormone causes Grave's disease and hyposecretion leads to hypothyroidism, an extreme form of which is known as cretinism. The hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate in the body. On the surface of the thyroid gland are 2 pairs of parathyroid glands which release parathormone. This hormone regulates the calcium metabolism in the bone and blood. The pancreas is located in the abdomen behind the stomach. It has both endocrine and exocrine parts. The endocrine part secretes glucagon and insulin that control glucose levels in the blood. There are 2 adrenal glands, each of wh ich is located on the top of each kidney. They are triangular shaped and have outer cortex and inner medulla. The outer part reduces corticosteroids which regulate metabolism and control salt and water in the body. The medulla secretes catecholamines which maintain heart and blood pressure and cope with emotional and physical stress. The reproductive glands secrete sex hormones. The male testicles, which are located in the scrotum, secrete androgens like testosterone. These hormones are responsible for the growth and development of sexual characteristics in males. In females, the female hormones are secreted by ovaries which are located on either side of the uterus. They produce estrogens and progesterone which are responsible for female characteristics and are also involved in reproductive functions.  

African Americans health disparities Essay Example for Free

African Americans health disparities Essay In 2010, the death rate for blacks was higher (25. 0 per 100,000) compared with any other racial ethnicity group (3. 0 whites). Blacks represented 49% of all deaths with HIV in 2010. A recent study showed that blacks diagnosed with HIV are less likely than other groups to be linked to care, retained in care, receive antiretroviral treatment and achieve adequate viral suppression. African American Males African American men accounted for 42% of HIV cases diagnosed among men in 2011. A majority (72%) of African American men with HIV contracted the disease by male to male contact while 19% contracted HIV through heterosexual exposure. African American Females Among African American women, high risk heterosexual contact was the most frequently cited mode of transmission, accounting for 89% of cases diagnosed in 2011. More Information: ?HIV/AIDS TOPIC SITE ?HIV/AIDS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS ?HIV/AIDS STATISTICS AND SURVEILLANCE Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Gonorrhea In 2010, 69% of all reported cases of gonorrhea occurred among blacks. The rate of gonorrhea among blacks in 2010 was 432. 5 cases per 100,000 population, which was 18. 7 times the rate among whites (23. 1). This disparity has changed little in recent years. This disparity was larger for black men (22.2 times) than for black women (16. 2 times). Chlamydia In 2010, the overall rate among blacks in the United States was 1,167. 5 cases per 100,000, a 4. 0% increase from the 2009 rate of 1,122. 2 cases per 100,000. The rate of chlamydia among black women was over seven times the rate among white women (1,536. 5 and 205. 1 per 100,000 women, respectively). The chlamydia rate among black men was almost 11 times the rate among white men (761. 8 and 69. 9 cases per 100,000 men, respectively). Syphilis During 2009–2010, the rate of primary and secondary (PS) syphilis among blacks decreased 8. 7% (from 18. 4 to 16. 8 cases per 100,000 population). In 2010, 47. 4% of all cases reported to CDC were among blacks and 31. 0% of all cases were among whites. The overall 2010 rate for blacks was eight times the rate for whites, while the 2009 rate was 9. 2 times the rate for whites. In 2010, the rate of PS syphilis among black men was 7. 1 times the rate among white men; the rate among black women was 21 times the rate among white women. In 2010, the rate of congenital syphilis was 33. 1 cases per 100,000 live births among blacks. Race/ethnicity for cases of congenital syphilis is based on the mother’s race/ethnicity. This rates was 12. 3 times the rate among whites (2. 7 cases per 100,000.live births). More Information: ?STD TOPIC SITE ?STDS AND HEALTH DISPARITIES ?STD SURVEILLANCE REPORT ?STDS IN RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITIES Viral Hepatitis Acute Hepatitis A During the past 10 years, there has been little difference between the rates of acute hepatitis A among white non-Hispanics and black non-Hispanics. The 2011 rates for these groups were 0. 29 and 0. 27 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. Acute Hepatitis B In 2011, the rate of acute hepatitis B was highest for Black non-Hispanics (1. 4 cases per 100,000 population). Acute Hepatitis C During 2002–2010, the incidence rate of acute hepatitis C remained below 0. 5 cases per 100,000. The rate of hepatitis C among Black non-Hispanics increased 27. 3% (to 0. 14 case per 100,000 population in 2011). More Information: ?VIRAL HEPATITIS TOPIC SITE ?SURVEILLANCE REPORT FOR VIRAL HEPATITIS Tuberculosis (TB) In 2010, 84% of all reported TB cases occurred in racial and ethnic minorities. Non- Hispanic blacks or African Americans accounted for 24% of TB cases in 2010. African Americans make up approximately 14% of the U. S. population, but accounted for 40% of TB cases in U. S. -born persons. Overall, 11,182 TB cases were reported to CDC from the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2010.

Business ethic reflective essay Essay Example for Free

Business ethic reflective essay Essay It was probably in 2010, I was an agent in an assurance company. My duties was managing and servicing our organization’s existing corporate client portfolio that has been assigned to me. One of our company product called Saving Plan what pay an amount of money monthly or yearly up to 6 years, the annual will received 6% interest and consumer can take their money back after they complete the 6 years payment. As we know, every product might have some weaknesses while it benefits us. It is commonly that company or sales man will try to minimize the weakness of product while they promote it. But what I did wrong was that I did never mention the product weakness to customer that they will only get the best return (interest) after 25 years when they completed payment for 6 years saving plan, what I thought the saving plan as a force to consumer get use to save money and whoever buy the saving plan they will always get their money back at the end if they complete the payment. My concern was close cases at that time. In fact, It was kind of ethic problem when I promoted products but did not let customers understand all about it. Once I heard complain from customer I felt so guilty of myself that I had hidden from my customers. I felt shame to face my customer. I felt that was unfair to my customers and I used customer’s belief to gain my own profit. I thought it will not have any lose for my customers even I did not tell the limitation of the product cause after customer complete the saving plan, they could take their money back at anytime, but customers will only get their return of this investment after 25 years when policy mature. As it tend to depend on the economy, the saving plan may not make profit for customers. This lesson has taught me how to be an ethic person. We could put ourselves as consumers that we will always wish to know the truth and we have the right. I will never do this again in my life, trust is very important and to build a trust will always get back our customers. I would like to explain and analysis all to my customer. I wish I can be a ethic person wherever I am and whatever I do.

An Environmental Analysis Of eBay

An Environmental Analysis Of eBay The eBay is involved in internet auctions; it has been the most successful company in electronic auction that hosts more than 25 million sellers all over the world. Due to its reputation as a leading e-commerce company, it is the most competitive company. This company has come a long way since its inception by Pierre Omidyar in 1995, it was originally known as Auction Web, it faced a big challenge from its first sale of a broken laser pointer but now its web page leads in advertisements of diverse array of goods. This is a comprehensive business strategy for eBays e-business initiative in a detailed report form for the eBays CEO. It explains the value proposition and analysis of the company, on top of core competences that the company posses. The report continues explaining about the analysis of markets and evaluation trends of business in terms of competitive forces of potters five forces. The study explains the challenges that are faced within information and communication globally, as eBay business becomes global with certain stresses on the main processes of business, and systems like customer relationship customers, acknowledgement that is already in systems of legacy. Nevertheless, ICT infrastructure, efficient use integration of B2B, on top of security and standards. The risks that are involved during development stage, mainly concentrates on technical development of product requirements, as well as problems dealing with finances. The chances of market monopolization due to factors like customer test change amongst others. The major objective that the business might have included; keeping owners comfortable, raising the sales growth for the business survival; enabling the survival of the market at the beginning of and during the hard moments. Another objective might be maximizing the profits, to ensure that the business is supported. The critical success factors that the study found were: raising quality of products and production rates; promoting products and efficient service delivery and designing advanced strategies of advertising for revenue boost via increasing the sales. The study found that, the costs incurred by the business at the start of the business includes; cost for technology, technological development costs, consultation fee expenses, piloting training costs, running costs self advancement cost, among other costs. The benefits enjoyed include; improved cash flows, revenue increase, communication among other advantages mentioned in the report. The current situation has exposed the business to a very much competitive market with other e-commerce companies like the Amazon, followed by a decrease in the customer preferences with most customers preferring for goods with fixed prices rather than auctioned goods. The eBay auction company has therefore to make efforts to maintain its initial position in the market. The eBay company has major achievements that when restructured will help it to propel further and achieve its former glory. In 2008 its marketplace segment managed to generate over $ 5.5 billion as compared to 4.8 million which was generated a decade back in 1998. It has thousands of people that depend on it for their merchandise. The three year revival plan that was aimed at creating an array of comprehensively structured marketplaces to effectively capture the customer demand by locating them at one online spot. The adjustment of the fee structure to accommodate those sellers with fixed prices. The adjustment of the search ordering system to enable first appearance of the highly rated merchants. Embracing of new technologies such as Skype to increase communication over the internet. The efforts towards expansion of the services through the acquisition of websites such as the stubHub that is involved in ticket selling and the prostores that enables creation of the online stores. An Environmental analysis of eBay Company Analysis and Value Proposition The eBay company has been operating internet auction for a long time. The company has risen to higher height following the internet action business. It made it t mushroom to a very big company dealing with electronic marketing over the world. Pierre Omidyar found it in 1995 and at that time, it was known as Auction Web, deriving its name from its function. It now sells a wide range of goods and it has risen to the top clime of the business world to become on of the most recognizable and well-known web sites. The company has found its revenue grow ten times in a decade in the United State rising from $4.8 million to $5.5 billion between 1998 to 2008. This was realized from selling merchandised goods. This represents a great growth meaning the company has a great market share. The company has made very many people to support themselves by selling through the eBay while a couple of them use the business service to supplement their income (Reaves, 2003). Its value to people is seen by getting the way it has been visited. It emerged to be the most visited site at 2008 on the web. Value Proposition The company is able to embrace change to ensure that it realizes its goals. For example, the company in 2009 first quarter revenue went down and required a great intervention. The customers preferring fixed priced retailers brought made the eBay company to lose badly. Most of the customers opted a more simple buying technique that did not involve such things as bidding that took most of their time. They also experience a great pressure from their competitors, as there emerged so many online sellers making most of the buyers to consider the auction technique obsolete. Therefore, in pursuit of reviving their business they decided to uphold change brought by the customers demand. They started an online fixed price sale and started coming out of the auction part. They also made this more competitive by centralizing the sale system by ensuring comprehensive market place array through their systems (Tatnall, 2007). The company also was able to embrace change by moving its business by joining secondary market that offers overstock method. The Companys Core Competencies Finance The company has a very strong background. This is generated from the revenues it collects from its daily functions. The company collects a lot of revenue from fees and commissions associated with sales made. The revenues come from the direct advertising site while others are from the end to end service providers. The finance e gotten is made to expand the company globally with a lot of ease. This makes the company to stand at a competitive edge in carrying their daily services that requires finance. Advanced Technology The company has provided the small scale retailers with end to end service using PayPal that enhances business transaction through the eBay. This site helps to impose several types of fees on these sellers that include posting and collection fee of unsold items. They also adjusted their eBay search ordering system to ensure that the highly rated merchants were the one who appears first to ensure that they receive more exposure. The system used a very complicated formula that ensures item price is linked with the buyer and offered them a place to rank the seller according to the customers satisfaction. The technology they have has seen their smaller sellers of unique goods that have in the past successive. The investor supported the move very much making the company to have a great move to the right direction as far as expansion is concerned. Provision of Incentives The company adjusted their payments towards the provision of their service to their sellers. This move was made to cut across the board with no group benefiting than the other. The is made the company to gain more popularity as more sellers were able to access the market through the service provide by the company, hence fast expansion. Market analysis and trends Evaluation of the business in terms of Porters competitive forces model. According to the company, the market analysis can be made by use of the five porters forces. The analysis assumes that there five forces that are important in determining the competitive power of the business (Mindtools, 2010). The first one is the supplier power. The company has inclined their services to the fixed price suppliers ensuring that they narrow their suppliers to small group thus ensuring that they have stronger business suppliers. They have used the technology that they have to ensure that they are able to connect the suppliers with the customers. The suppliers are made to have power as they are made to choose between the prices that have been placed for the marketing purposes. The next one is the buyer power. The company are able to help the buyers to get in touch with the suppliers and to made then to have a platform that ensure them they are able to rate the sellers according to the price of the item they offer. This helps the suppliers to lower the prices of the products that they are selling trough the buyers intervention. Therefore, the company is able to control a wide market range through this process. Competitive Rivalry The eBay company has experienced competition rivalry from different company that offers the same service thus making them to have a decrease in the market share. They have tried to counter this by providing the services that the customers require after ensuring that they have realized this. They have changed their business target by introducing a fixed price platform to ensure that apart from the auction system, they are capable of having another faster means of business. This has made the company to start being revived. Threat of substitution is another force that the company has to deal with to ensure that the customers are not a threat to them by providing similar service. The companies are able to work with very high technology to ensure that the customers are not able to imitate them. They also have centralizing their business system to ensure that they are able to control their business and their top company secret kept a bay from the customers access. Threat of a new entry is another force that the company has to fight with to ensure that people do not interfere with the market. They have strengthened their technology making their market share a little bit firms. Technology and ICT System The companys ICT sector has done well as they are able to change it with a lot of ease. The interaction between the businesses to business has been working well as their are able to interact very well. The suppliers very easily making their ICT sector to be the best when it was started in 1995 have assimilated the technology that they have made over the years. The company has made sure that the security of the buyers and the sellers are entitled through the proper use of security (Quickmba, 2010). They have been able to maintain this over the years through a complex and multiple technology use. By integration of such technology, they have been very competitive. Value Proposition The company is able to embrace change to ensure that it realizes its goals. For example, the company in 2009 first quarter revenue went down and required a great intervention. The customers preferring fixed priced retailers brought made the eBay company to lose badly. Most of the customers opted a more simple buying technique that did not involve such things as bidding that took most of their time. They also experience a great pressure from their competitors, as there emerged so many online sellers making most of the buyers to consider the auction technique obsolete. Therefore, in pursuit of reviving their business they decided to uphold change brought by the customers demand. They started an online fixed price sale and started coming out of the auction part. They also made this more competitive by centralizing the sale system by ensuring comprehensive market place array through their systems (Tatnall, 2007). The company also was able to embrace change by moving its business by joining secondary market that offers overstock method. Business Plan Risks The risks during the development stage will usually center on technical development of the product, marketing, personnel requirements, and financial problems. By identifying and addressing each of the perceived risks during the development period, you will allay some of your major fears concerning the project and those of investors as well, (Dictionary, reference. 2011) The Opportunities and Objectives Opportunities The opportunity to monopolize the market by influencing the Changing customer tastes. The Liberation of customer preferences to increase the number of stable and potential customers. Utilization of the Technological advancement to expand the business through acquisition of more internet service delivery. Utilization of the Change in customer preferences to improve the eBay reputation. Objectives To enable the market survival at the initial start up time and during the hard times like the market or at a time of crisis. The aim of the owners and the shareholders to maximize the Profits to be supported. To keep the owners comfortable by making enough profit. To increase the sales growth to enable the survival of the business Critical Success Factors Increase in Product quality and production rates Improvement on the Distribution channel s. Setting of fair and competitive Prices Promotion of the products and the services delivery. Design the advanced Advertisement strategies to boost the revenues through increased sales. Cost and benefits (ROI) Cost Costs for technology produce an e-commerce website which requires high speed connections onto the Internet, develop a web server, and its software.  The costs of the payment systems is among other costs that are relevant, This is irrespective of whether it is by taking the online payments directly from the Societys web sites or from an alternative third-party agent such as the Pay pal or from a more expensive service like the use of an online bank. The technological development Costs. This might involve several programmers who can be able to make an interpretation of eBay functional requirements and the programs or create the companys website.   The Costs incurred for the consultancy support through design and the implementation the services of specialists in e-commerce will be required in especially in the design and the implementations to guide the eBay management through this process. Costs due to the organization for the piloting training. In the process of the technological development of the website, it is a good idea for one to allow the administration staff to be using the system on almost a daily basis to pilot the systems as part of a training initiative. The Running costs These are mainly the upkeep of the web server and its maintenance costs. The Running costs for change process This involves the costs which factors in for the employees of eBay company to train and adapt to newly introduced technology, mainly some of the strategies that will be used to make the changes as smooth as possible. Self Advertisement. In addition to the eBay chance to be on the Internet it would result in the familiarity to the responses to the emails, the queries, and the complaints that requires the instantatious or very quick responses as it is opposed to the replies to the Customer/Client via letters. To successed online, the eBay company must address the issue of Change Management so that it incorporates into its business, processes which will enable the guiding of the company so that it can successfully maximize its Internet effectiveness.   The Financial Benefits Improve Cash flow The Online payments results into the lead-time in receiving the payments for the memberships within the same day of application.   E-enabling all the membership processes is not always on the reengineering processes which makes it quicker than before, it results in a very complete overhaul to the previous ways of managing membership.   The E-enabled application and payments are always made online.   On the completion of the application, the documentation is quickly sent via the email to the members therefore adding on the value by cutting down the waiting time. It also saves when it comes on the printing and the postage for the Society.   Even if when the member has no email address, the documentation is still available for downloading for those registered members on the web site. The Increase in the Revenues The Internet increases the volume of the members thereby increasing on the total revenues that are collected as fees or commission on goods that are sold. Non-financial benefits Communication The direct email marketing incurs very little or no costs when it is compared with the traditional direct mail marketing.   The direct email marketing always allows for the flexibility of sending the companys message either day or night, as they want. Transparency The Website for Information Management allows the membership process to be completely transparent.   Management will be in a position to know: The total number of members Members in need of renewing their membership Members with arrears on membership fees   The Total number of the members and the accredited members The Forecast towards the expected revenue to be generated in advance by looking at the historic monthly revenues that have been generated. Exposure The availability of the Internet implies that eBay becomes a global Business as a result of the exposure.   This attracts the potential members internationally.   The use of the Web to sell eBays products eliminates the physical boundaries the customer base.   The Customers all over the world can easily search, find out and purchase the products on the eBay products online. Wider Considerations During the signing up process of the prospective members for membership, personal data is being provided.   The provided data includes; the members name, the full address, and the credit card details.   Implementation Plan Objectives Secure a stead market and be to carry out the business global within a year. Sign up more than 3 million customers all over the world within the first three years of operations. To increase the number of business websites to 10 within the first year. Tasks Secure new markets worldwide- general sales manager. Obtain licenses and permits legal executive. Set up regional blog on the websites project manager. Begin recruiting customers sales manager. Create marketing collateral marketing manager. Solicit referrals from clients relationship manager. Tasks Resource allocation Time allocation Progress Secure new markets worldwide. sales manager 3 months 100% Obtain licenses and permits. legal executive I month 100% Set up regional blog on websites. project manager 6months 50% Begin recruiting customers. sales manager 1 year 20% Create marketing collateral. marketing manager 1 year 20% Solicit referrals from clients. relationship manager I month 100% Strategies for assessing the e-Business initiative Balanced Scorecard for eBay Scorecard Balanced Areas for Measures Strategic Objective Measure Metric Target Year 1 Financial a)Raise the customer retention. Business ability to retain the customers. Customer. high b)Grow the business by focusing on customers. Bring in more revenues from each customer Customer. high c)Increase profitability range. Improve the overall profitability range of the company to over 70%. profitability range. ↑70% d)To increase competence level of the business. competitive level of the business will be raised to the highest level. competence level. high Customer value perspective a)To prioritize customer needs and value. The customer needs and value will be highly appreciated. customer needs. High appreciation b)To raise the customer retention/turn over. The customer retention ability of the business will be raised to the maximum of 90%. customer retention ability. ↑90% c)Enhance the customer satisfaction. Satisfaction of loyal customers to be enhanced customer satisfaction. Enhanced Process or Internal operations perspective. a)Initiate a strong measure of process performance Initiate a strong measure of process performance to increase overall efficiency by 80% this financial year. process performance 80% b)To increase productivity. Formulate policies of the business to increase productivity. Productivity. increased c)To improve the operation metrics of the business Operation metrics of the business will be improved to the highest standards within the consecutive series of three years. highest standards. high Learning and growth perspective. a)Increase the technological innovations Increase the technological innovations of the employees to by encouraging experimentation and creativity. experimentation and creativity. Increase b)Optimize the company s workforce Optimize the workforce by reducing the overall turnover from 17 to 13% by the end of the financial year. Overall turnover. ↓17% c)Mentor organizational culture. organizational culture will be mentored towards increment of the productivity by implementing SMART goals. Increment of the productivity Increment Major revenues are derived from the fees and the commissions obtained from the sales transactions, partly the advertisements on the sites and the end t end kind of service provision as that of paypal. The eBay requires heavy financial investments in the range of over $100 that should enable it maintain a stable position over the market place and gain the advantage over its competitors like the Amazon retailers who have successfully gained monopoly of services such as the sale of goods with fixed prices, which is advantageous over the traditional means such as auctioning. The required finances can be sourced from the financial institutions in the form of a loan. These finances can be used to upgrade the achievements of the business. Web site Analysis of eBay EBay needs to develop the analytics for analyzing web site performance. This will be used for the purpose of taking measurements, gathering, analysis and reporting internet data for the reason of optimizing the web usage. Apart from being a tool of being measuring website traffic, it can also be used both in business and market research. Their application can enable eBay to take out come of traditional print campaign of advertising. It wills also helping traffic elimination to the web to the change of website after launch of advertising campaigns that is new. It will provide eBay with data on the number of visitors page views and so on, that is used to gauge popularity and traffic trends which help when carry out market research., (Sterne, 2002) Being one the analytics categories, off-site web measurements and analysis regardless of being ones own or for the web maintains, takes them 5 weeks. Among them, is the measurement potential audience website; visibility or share of voices; and lastly the buzz or comments that is happening as a whole on the internet. On the other hand, on-site web analytics can be used to measure the journey of visitors refer to the web site. This involves the conversions and drivers in the contexts, for example, the landing pages that provide encouragement to people to buy. On-site we analytics measure the performance of eBays website in a context that is commercial. Typically this data is compared against indicators of key performances for performance analysis. In addition, it is used in improving a site on a web, or audience campaign response. In the history, web analytics have been used to refer to on-site visitor measurement. On the other hand, in the past recent years, this factor has been blurr ed, mainly because; vendors are ending up producing tools the both categories get spanned, (Srinivasan, 2001). Analysis Recommendations EBays Web Site Redevelopment, EBay Company needs to redevelop its web to brand, market and sell well in the market. As an effect, it is much imperative for eBay to redesign its web, to attract new leads and product sale. The company needs to use new software tiles as well as tools of programming for the enhancement of functionality and look web pages. It needs to incorporate AJAX programming technology, or in other words, the technology suits. This technology incredibly creates responsive web pages that tend to be dynamic. This in addition combines valuable tools of programming and languages for the formation of one mega-tool that enables smoother communication between end users and the servers of the web. This program in general will provide the following advantages; this will make eBay enjoy almost zero delay services between user interface and web servers, as it eliminate the need of page refreshing. In the process of minimizing communication between user interface and web server, it saves server bandwidth whi le enhancing server functioning. As an effect, it reduces the workload on the server. This takes them 1 month.( Mybestratedwebhosting, 2011) Though their acquisition programs have proved to be much successful, they still have a responsibility of creating a synergy will intend and diversify will detract the eBay from the core business, auction. Though, the management is maintaining that this format of hosting fixed-price by retailers who tend to be reliable, makes shopping to be friendlier to customers and much predictable. However, the fact remains that, this format is diluting eBays brand and reputation as a flea market that is dynamic. As a fact, other than economic problems, its stock has tanked down. This will lead to an increase in eBays site traffic. Since the Skype business is not working well, the company needs to resale it. The objective of Skype was for buyers and sellers to chart about their transactions; however, the expectation was never realized. This is because, though eBay spend about $2.5 billion, it only collect only apportion of that initial cost. Outsourcing of ICT Infrastructure and Services Delivery eBay company needs to maximize savings through ICT use. This will make service delivery much efficient and effective. Under the raising pressure from the budget, back office departments that support PayPal service is supposed to cut their expenses for the preservation of front office services. Simultaneously, they are needed to provide extra solutions and services that tend to assist in unlocking savings across the company. The delivery of efficient services will reduce the operating expenses, add value from rationalize investment, greater accessibility to knew experiences and skills, and lastly, increasing efficiency of IT department will enable IT staff more under similar time frame. As an effect, this will lead to a conflict that will lead to the problem of altering main priorities, gaps ability, and directly influences core service delivery. When solving such like conflict, the needs to outsource back office departments, Swanson. 2007. This recommendation will take them one year due to contract applications this takes an approximate of 6 weeks A part from providing security, the outsourced company will provide management of ICT infrastructures. This will help eBay firm built reliability, confidence and trust much quickly. This is because; eBay will concentrate on their core business their customers. As an effect of outsourcing, the outsourced company will provide flexible services that will tent to meet eBays needs. Having deep technical expertise, eBay will also be provided with high standards of quality services that are based on respect and mutual respect. IT Staffing Requirements The company needs to come up with it staffing requirements to that will tend to support their new initiatives and its global expansion and online delivery. This is because; the IT staffing requirements are in most cases dictated by the responsibility of IT within the company. It should never base on region, size of the industry, industry among other metrics that are similar. The two most significant parameters are the technological complexity of the company, and the IT department scope. The IT staffing requirements was to be based on what will lead to effective and efficient performances of the individual procedure. In the current world, IT staffing requirements varies depending on local practices; for instance, federal, state, and locals. Generally, the standards have just been generalized that; the staff should be enough in number with far much appropriate training and supervision. Both education and training levels might also vary, including registered IT engineers, licensed practical engineers, as well as unlicensed practical assistance personnel. Support services for eBay The firm needs to develop support services for eBay and its world wide expansion and online delivery. The company is supposed to develop parts compatibility gatherings. This improves significance and freeing up of items, on top of explaining in details. The eBay product service support consists of product API and product Metadata products that help in listing support parts compatibility. The product information has calls that return product information. It assists in identifying products that have been associated with compatibilities. This product API gets application compatibility for products, based on their specification; they also find products for the category that is specified, and lastly, gets all available details of compatible details for the products described. On the other hand, eBay needs to implement product Metadata for the return of specified categories. It collects all possible values for multiple property compatibility, among other functions, (Developer program. 2011 ). International legal and ethical issues The company needs to consider international legal and ethical issues. eBay needs to notify users of their partnership with law enforcers. It is on blotter of p

Intel 1998 Financial Status :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Intel 1998 Financial Status Company Info: Intel Corp was founded in 1968, in the state of California. Intel is an independent company; it is not a subsidiary, nor does it have subsidiaries. Furthermore, it is well known for its microprocessors for PCs, chipsets, flash memory, embedded control chips, and network communications products. The purchasers of the products are original equipment manufacturers, PC users, and other manufacturers. Intel makes computer hardware including motherboards, microprocessors, and chips. It is responsible for approximately 90% of the computer microprocessors. In 1971 the 4004 was Intel's first microprocessor. This breakthrough invention powered the Busicom calculator and paved the way for embedding intelligence in inanimate objects as well as the personal computer. Then in 1974 the 8080 became the brains of the first personal computer--the Altair, allegedly named for a destination of the Starship Enterprise from the StarTrek television show. Computer hobbyists could purchase a kit for the Altair for $395. Within months, it sold tens of thousands, creating the first PC back orders in history. In 1989 the 486TM generation really meant you go from a command-level computer into point-and-click computing. I could have a color computer for the first time and do desktop publishing at a significant speed," recalls technology historian David K.Allison of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The Intel 486TM processor was the first to offer a built-in math coprocessor, which speeds up computing because it offers complex math fu nctions from the central processor. Then in 1993 the Pentium ® processor allowed computers to more easily incorporate "real world" data such as speech, sound, handwriting and photographic images. The name Pentium ®, mentioned in the comics and on television talk shows, became a household word soon after introduction. In 1999 the Pentium ® III XeonTM processor extends Intel's offerings to the workstation and server market segments, providing additional performance for e-Commerce applications and advanced business computing. The processors incorporate the Pentium ® III processor's 70 SIMD instructions, which enhance multimedia and streaming video applications. The Pentium ® III XeonTM processor's advance cache technology speeds information from the system bus to the processor, significantly boosting performance. It is designed for systems with multiprocessor configurations. Intel has only one competitor, and it is a multinational corporation with offices based in over 10 countries. In addition, the company employs 64,500 people, and its annual net income in 1998 was 26,273,000,000 dollars.

Humorous Wedding Speech by the Father of the Groom -- Wedding Toasts R

Humorous Wedding Speech by the Father of the Groom Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen - I must admit, I am more nervous about participating in this wedding than I was as the groom (bridegroom) at my own wedding. Maybe it's because I have been married thirty years and I know what my son is getting himself in to! Joking aside, I've had a wonderful marriage and I would like to remind David and Arba that it's a serious business, and shouldn't be entered into lightly - although, at his weight, my son certainly isn't doing that. So how can the happy couple ensure a happy marriage? A lot of advice has already come their way, some which may be of use, some of it may not. For me, the key appears to be understanding women and how they communicate. I've always found the following a good guide: If the word "nothing" is uttered, this actually means "something" and you should be on your to...

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Hello, Class of 2012. We're graduating. June 12 is the day we have worked toward for the past 12 years. We have reached the time where we say good-bye to Hayes and hello to our futures outside its hallowed walls. Our teachers have taught all they can about life's many obstacles and pitfalls, and even taught us a few tricks on how to work them out. Every year we have met new teachers who have made such an impact on our lives that we keep in contact throughout the years. They gave us memories to cherish and keep with us. They have been there for us when we needed them, and they never complained. We knew we could always go to them with our problems and not be judged. We have had our star athletes, our strong academic students, and our extraordinary artists and performers. But I believe the strong, the extraordinary, the stars of Hayes High School were and always will be the teachers. We will never forget them. We're graduating. The stars in our life are not only found inside Hayes' walls, but elsewhere. These people have to put up with us every day and every night. They hav...

Marketing Plan Nike

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Sofia MARKETING PLAN Market entry/grow opportunity for Nike in Bulgaria INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT Coursework in MARKETING Student registration No: 20019402 Program: MBA Lecturer:Dr. V. Blagoev Executive Summary Our approach to developing a market-entry strategy follows a structured process, based on in-depth understanding of all aspects that feed into a commercial launch. A comprehensive analysis, using market data and market research, allows us to assess all areas affecting Nike’s strategic direction: Current market situation: detailed consumer and business market segmentation and analysis of market drivers will be undertaken to identify the most valuable target segments and underlying reasons for market entry/opportunity. Specific target areas are evaluated to provide key inputs: product, pricing, retail structures, sales and distribution planning – A review of competition: extensive competitive profiling in areas such as positioning, bran d, target segments, value proposition, market offer, pricing, customer care, sales & distribution, enable assessment of competitors’ strengths and weaknesses Threats and opportunity analysis: analysis of relevant threats and opportunities that the product might face. An internal SWOT highlight areas of valid advantages and disadvantages, providing input to market entry positioning and value proposition – Objectives and issues: description of limitations or possibilities within the current plan that affect objectives to attain or issues that might affect market and segment growth – Identification of marketing strategy: outline of how Nike is to create customer value and the specific of target markets. It is also referred to specific strategies of the marketing mix (4Ps) and how they relate to threats and opportunities. – Action programs: how marketing strategies will be turned into actions – Budgets: shows expected revenue, expected marketing cost and ROI Conclusions from the market analysis together with internal SWOT and identified strategic risk areas form the basis for describing the market entry/opportunity. Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Current marketing situation 3. Threats and opportunities analysis 4. Objectives and issues 5. Marketing strategy 6. Conclusion REFERENCE I. Current Market Situation 1 Market description Bulgaria isn't renowned for specialist sports stores. The news for sports goods businesses is generally positive, given Bulgaria's negative expectations for rapid economic development being one of the poorest members of the EU. Meanwhile, some analysts expect sports clothing and shoes to climb in demand. â€Å"The global economic crisis has not yet significantly affected the sport goods market because when people cannot afford to buy apartments they prefer buying goods such as trainers,† said Kr Tsonov, (Director of Sport Depot). Tsonov said annual turnover of branded sport goods in Bulgaria last year was approximately Euros63 million, relatively small for a population of 7. 5 million people. The figure doesn't include significant equipment imports from China and Thailand. Germany's Adidas has some 40% of the market share, with revenues of about Euros 39 million annually. The US Nike and German Puma brands each earn Euros 19 and 13 million over the same period. The Bulgarian sport goods market is still developing. Branded sport clothes and shoes are generally favored sales compared to specialized sport equipment, including that for extreme sports. But the current small volume of sales is the main reason why large international sports chains have yet to enter the market. Currently, specialized sport goods are offered by a large number of retailers, but most dealers have just one store. In Sofia, there are about 20 such stores and countrywide there are around 70. But mass distribution has yet to gain a stronghold. When it does, as large brands seek to leverage growth in untapped territory with franchising deals, the Bulgarian sports market will streak away. The main consumers of Nike products can be divided into the following major segments: proffessional athletes (approximately 65  000); †¢ active amateurs (between 20-55 years of age, 368 728), †¢ students (fashion or trend fostered, approx. 896 734); †¢ young active people (between 15-19 years of age, who practice sport for good body shape or just for health, approx. 220 937) and †¢ people from upscale market (usually earn above the average for the country, who would like to feel comfortable and look good when training, approx. 00  000). (Ministry of physical education and sport, 2011, National Statistical Institute 2011) Professional athletes seek better performance and to reach the best of their potential. Product characteristics include light weight, high innovation and cushion technology. For instance Carl Lewi’s custom-designed pair of golden-colored Nike racing spikes made with Zytel, sources state that each shoe weighed about 94 grams. Active amat eurs and people from upscale market are concerned with low risk of injuries and better performance. Product can be viewed with light weight and cushioning technology. Air Max a renowned running shoe by Nike, specially designed to provide the ultimate in impact protection — reducing shock and distributing pressure, best characterizes the product. (www. footlocker. com/searchresults/keyword:nike+air+max/) Students and young active people have similar traits – comfort and trend. Design and cushioning technology is what the product is aimed for. Good example is the online Nike shop, where you can custom your gear – shoes. http://nikeid. nike. com/nikeid/index. jsp#home In general, Nike’s products are considered to be upscale and versus the competitors the pricing is relative higher. Given that the product prices are realistic Nike is offering to its customers, it is doubtful whether all customers think alike. This may represent a weakness, having in mind the lower output of the economy in Bulgaria. To overcome any future problems, especially in high price line, Nike is open for emerging technologies and heavily invests in innovation towards the development of new products, specifically the Nike Alpha Project, a revolutionary new line of athletic shoes. Nike was negligent in the past towards the mid-to lower-price-point products, which offers another gap for improvement. To better develop competitive position at all price points more resources and time should be dedicated. There is a great potential in the lower price point and these are needs that can meet the specific characteristics of the Bulgarian market. A. J. Almaney, Ph. D. (2000) 1 Product review According to Nike, the following shoe styles will be available online in January 2012 refering to the launch date. Regular follow up or update can be found @NikeStore on Twitter. These styles may also be available  at  authorized Nike retailers or authorized Jordan retailers. |JORDAN | |DATE |STYLE NAME |COLOR |PRICE |STYLE # | |01/07/12 |Air Jordan 8. 0 |Black/Dark Concord-Anthracite-Orion Blue |$150 |467807-009 | |01/11/12 |CP3. V |Black/White-Stealth |$120 |487428-003 | |01/19/12 |Fly Wade II |White/Varsity Red-Black |$145 |479976-101 | | | | | | | |BASKETBALL | |DATE |STYLE NAME |COLOR |PRICE |STYLE # | |01/06/12 |Zoom Kobe VII |White/Black-Concord-Neutral Grey |$180 |488244-100 | | | | | | | |AIR FORCE 1's & NIKE SPORTSWEAR | |DATE |STYLE NAME |COLOR |PRICE |STYLE # | |01/14/12 |Air Force 1 |Black/Black |$90 |488298-007 | |01/14/12 |Air Force 1 |Cargo Khaki/Cargo Khaki |$90 |488298-300 | |01/15/12 |Air Max '95 |Obsidian/Obsidian-White-Action Red |$150 |609048-400 | |01/21/12 |Air Force 1 |White/Obsidian |$90 |488298-105 | http://help-us. nike. com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20727 2 Marketing Mix adapted by Nike for Bulgarian Market Nike has been developing its Marketing Mix based on product, price, place and promotion. Thus, seeking the right marketing mix to best contribute to its goal of maximum profitability. Product: Nike understands the importance to satisfy every aspect of the consumer market in Bulgaria. To penetrate the competition and gain market share Nike should have an extensive range of products. Key point is to provide features, designs, various brands, packaging and benefits like extra warranties and after sale service. There is need to cater different market segments and every segment has specific requirements as well as individuals. Customized solutions of the product can be offered and shaped as per the requirements of the customer. Warranties of one year can be offered for the products and in case of defects or problems occur after purchase a replacement can be offered. This can be referred as after sale service and will help in keeping loyal customers. The competitor Addidas is offering only 6 month warranties for the Bulgarian market. There is an increasing interest in the consumer for high end brands and collaboration with other companies could trigger more sales and recognition. E. g. selling i-pods with their jogging shoes range. Price: Internationally Nike is positioned at high-end consumer market with high disposable income looking for better service and top of the line product. Basically the strategy is to provide high cost with maximum profitability, hence high profit margins. That can be justified by higher cost for innovations and advertisement collaboration with top sport athletes. A possible solution specifically for Bulgaria to overcome the high cost is to introduce special promotions during the festive season or low sales periods or by selling out old models. Place: Nike has developed wide range of distribution channels worldwide. Appropriate for the local market are retail channels: retails stores, brand stores and exclusive show rooms. Online shopping is another means of distributing its various products and its less costly compared to the rest methods. Distributers are commonly engaged to support its retail outlets. Factory outlets can have a major role in the down market, where discounted products can be disposed. Promotion: Nike has one of the most comprehensive promotion and advertising. To build awareness, brand image and loyalty Nike can use for the local market advertising, sales promotions, advertisement campaigns, public relations, publicity and sales promotions. Nike often relates to top athletes from various sports – football, tennis, golf and etc. Nike also endorses various teams and clubs, such as Levski Football team. It can use shows for product placement or it can sponsor various events – Sofia marathon, Football Cup, Golf tournaments, like Black Sea Rama or even new stadium as it did with â€Å"Alliance Arena† Nike also can use local celebrities in their advertisements to increase brand loyalty by utilizing the brand image of such celebrities. http://www. slideshare. net/hemanthcrpatna/a-report-on-consumer-behaviour-in-nike 3 A review of competition The rivalry among competitors is quite high for the industry. Nike, Adidas and Puma have grown at a remarkable rate, each offering more choices, more innovations and new trends. Marketing has performed very aggressively by sponsoring different teams and social responsibilities. Main competitors of Nike are Adidas with income for 2008 39  890 bnl and Puma with income for the same period 13  883 bnl. Nike currently is standing in second place with just over 19  248 bnl. Trade register 2007) Market positions and strategies for product quality, pricing, distribution and promotion Adidas Adidas manufactures running shoes, football boots, most famous for the Predator range, basketball Pro Model shoes. In addition Adidas makes sport apparel for tennis, rugby, football, lacrosse and separate line for gymnastics. Adidas has followed the steps of Puma and has entered the lifestyle market by offering deodorants, aftershaves, perfumes and watches. Adidas is a well known brand. Main customers are similar to Nike are athletes and sport enthusiasts. The brand appeals to both men and women and even children. Age group is between 15-35 years. Strength of Adidas include: competitive pricing, effective marketing strategy (sponsorship), market leadership (rivals Nike and Puma for local market), strong online presence (internet site facebook page and linkedin), strong distribution chain (outlets and malls – Sofia, Serdica, Tsarigradsko shousse, City, main distributer – Elmec Bulgaria), partner with leading teams – Ludogorec and Litex Weaknesses of Adidas: high cost structure, over pricing, warranty of products (only 6 months vs. Nike 1 year), no prominent local sport star advertising for brand http://bg-bg. facebook. com/pages/Adidas-Bulgaria/179106108842362 http://bg. linkedin. com/pub/dir/Atanas/Temelkov Puma Currently Puma runs in third on the local market versus Adidas and Nike. It has a different approach towards the market. Long term mission is to be the most desirable sports lifestyle brand. Thus, offering different segmentation ranging from sports (soccer, running, golf, sailing, motorsport), sport fashion (alliance with: the black label, Alexander McQueen, Yasuhiro Mhara, Rudolf Dassler) and sport lifestyle (watches, fragrances, eye-ware). Strength of Puma: fashionable brand, credible reputation, diversification, sponsoring FT Slavia, Chernomorets and Lokomotiv Sofia. Weaknesses of Puma: innovation follower, lack of market share http://www. slideshare. net/rwbcapel/pumafinal II. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Microeconomic situation is steadily favorable. Nike continues to increase the number of representative stores in key places in the major cities. Puma and Addidas, the major competitors are fighting intensively for the piece of the pie. Entering of substitute goods on the current market is a treat for the increase of sales. Factors, which determine the demand for the Nike products are their price, revenue of the consumer, substitute goods, taste of the consumer and advertising. Increasing of raw materials might decrease sales for the products. Same goes if there is presence of substitute goods or similar products. Sports Equipment retail sales in Bulgaria increased at a compound annual growth rate of 8. 7% between 2003 and 2008. Ball sports equipment sales led the sports equipment market with a share of 38. 3% in 2008. Other specialists were the leading retail format for ball sports equipment in 2008 Datamonitor (2010). Opportunities †¢ Athletic shoes and apparel have become a must for all consumers worldwide. This is due to both the increasing numbers of people exercising and the trend towards casual apparel. †¢ Competition is fierce at all levels in within the industry, especially among the leaders. This creates a sense of security for the companies that have been able to create a niche. †¢ Cost cutting due to restructuring of operations will give many companies the chance to price products more competitively. †¢ One area in the industry that is ever changing is research and development. The strong departments will surely capitalize on the trends of tomorrow if their efforts are successful. †¢ E-tailing, or customer-designed internet stores, is threatening the traditional distribution channels, thus excluding intermediates and allowing for increasing profitability. Threats †¢ The industry has reached a level of maturity. While style and technology in athletic apparel and footwear has reached a leveling-off point, the important aspect now is for companies to differentiate their lines. †¢ Inflation is reaching higher levels over the Bulgarian economy, which may decrease in consumer spending. †¢ Consumers are becoming savvier and may lean towards discounted items or look for substitutes. In terms of market saturation, many of the key manufacturers in this industry have been around for many years. Consumers may be scanning the market for new and different footwear and apparel products. III. Marketing Objectives and Issues Providing best quality and ba lanced priced shoes range and apparel to the customer with a special focus on the big cities like Sofia, Varna, Bourgas. Another objective is to make available the product to as many marketable stations as possible. In addition to focus on all types of customers including old aged, young men and women and children as well. †¢ Have strong representation at local and international major sporting events. Advertising at Local Football Cup in addition Champions and Europe League, Tennis tournament Zagorka Master, Volleyball Champions League and local Playoffs, local Golf tournaments – Black Sea Rama, . †¢ Maintain Brand associations with major sport stars – Grigor Dimitrov, Tzvetana Pironkova and Dimitar Berbatov †¢ Effective use of Corporate Event Sponsorships. ie. , Nike Tour Golf †¢ Develop a website solely dedicated to the Nike brand. Nike has multiple websites all integrated by Nike. com †¢ Use Nike brand loyalty to increase sales. †¢ Create a product image that differentiates from the competition. Swoosh become way of life. †¢ Increase product awareness through using an ntegrated marketing approach – 30 second TV spots, Full page magazine advertising, Varying sized billboards Competition is stiff and already has good background on the local market. Key issues that might affect the attainment of the marketing objectives is for com petitors to foresee and adapt to current environment prior to Nike and approach key sport stars and use corporate event sponsorships for their brand awareness. Competitors will definitely follow Nike in its conquest for taking market share and probably use similar methods for generating more customers. Depend in large part on first mover and economy of scale. IV. Marketing Strategy Nike hopes to create customer value and relationships by identifying three key to success strategies that they believe will be instrumental in reaching sustainable profitability. The first  is the necessity to meet the customer's needs by offering the most comprehensive selection and knowledgeable staff. The second key to success strategy is  the need to monitor the competitive environment in an effort to ensure differentiation. And the third need is to create venues and environments for open dialogue and multitude of perspectives. This can be accomplished through proper product, pricing and promotion decisions. Product strategy: several lines of athletic shoes and apparel, diverse product mix consisting of athletic shoes apparel and equipment. Pricing strategy: product skimming strategy and product line pricing. Promotion strategy: advertising (repeat messages at low cost), direct marketing (through e-shop) and public relations (sponsorship of FT Levski). http://www. bplans. com/sports_clothing_retail_shop_business_plan/executive_summary_fc. php#ixzz1ioAOO2X2 V. Conclusion In this industry there is an intense competition, fashion trends and price sensitive consumers that have slowed the growth of this industry. Financially speaking the companies must be aware the economy is slowing and it should keep its revenues high and costs low. Internet is a huge perspective for Nike in Bulgaria, as the service is gaining more popularity than ever and it must keep user friendly apps to generate more customers than the competition. The well know formula to do this is to keep site simple and user friendly. By offering great deal and various promotions through online channels there is a potential to bring more customers and consequently more revenue and improve relationship with its clients. On the other hand involving in different events, sponsorship and tournaments could shine the brand picture and gain positive trend toward the competition. Brand awareness will be retaliated and will give competitive advantage, thus gaining more market share in the long run. REFERENCE 1. (www. footlocker. com/searchresults/keyword:nike+air+max/) 2. 2010 Form 10-K, Nike, Inc.. // United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 3. http://bg. linkedin. com/pub/dir/Atanas/Temelkov 4. http://bg-bg. facebook. com/pages/Adidas-Bulgaria/179106108842362 5. ttp://condor. depaul. edu/aalmaney/StrategicAnalysisofNike. htm 6. http://help-us. nike. com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20727 7. http://nikeid. nike. com/nikeid/index. jsp#home 8. http://www. hktdc. com/info/mi/a/imn/en/1X06BN12/1/International-Market-News/B ulgarian-Sports-Market-Limbers-Up. htm 9. http://www. marktforschung. de/studien-shop/marktdaten/sports-equipment-sales-via-key-retail-formats-in-bulgaria-to-2013-33721/? xtypocommerce%5Bcat%5D= 10. http://www. nikebiz. com/crreport/content/strategy/2-1-5-on-the-horizon. php? cat=cr-strategy 11. http://www. slideshare. net/hemanthcrpatna/a-report-on-consumer-behaviour-in-nike 12. http://www. slideshare. et/rwbcapel/pumafinal 13. Kotler, P. , Wong, P. , Sounders, J. & Armstrong, G. (2005). Principles of Marketing (4th European ed. ). 14. Latest materials improve sportswear performance†. ICIS Chemical Business. http://www. icis. com/Articles/2008/08/04/9144388/latest-materials-improve-sportswear-performance. html. Retrieved 2008-10-14. 15. Ministry of Physical Education And Sport (2011). National plan for development of physical education and sport 2011-2020. Retrieved on November 24,2011, from http://mpes. government. bg/Documents/Documents/Strategii/Strategia_2011-2020. pdf 16 . National Statistical Institute (2011), Population census in the Republic of Bulgaria, Retrieved on November 26, 2011, from National Statistical Institute website: http://www. nsi. bg/census2011/pageen2. php? p2=179 17. Nike 2010 Annual Report  : 18. Nikebiz  : Company Overview  : History  : 1960s, 19. Peters, Jeremy W. (August 19, 2009). â€Å"The Birth of ‘Just Do It' and Other Magic Words†. The New York Times. http://www. nytimes. com/2009/08/20/business/media/20adco. html? _r=3&ref=business. Retrieved 2009-09-30. 20. Principles of Marketing, Kotler and Armstrong, 14th edition (2011) 21. Registry agency (2007), Commercial register, Retrieved on December 23, 2011, from https://public. brra. bg/CheckUps/Verifications/VerificationPersonOrg. ra 22. www. nike. com

Health Care Delivery Systems Essay

Abstract The American health care system is designed to focus on the organizations of individuals, places, and to treat and prevent adequate health care for the target populations. The federal government conducts an immense portion of delivering health care systems in our world today. The purpose for health care delivery systems is to provide financial tangible benefits and provide health care services for the population and institutions. The results showed for the support of the hypothesis is elaborating in the importance of different health care delivery systems and the purpose in how they are utilized in today’s health reform. Running Head: Health Care Delivery Systems Essay Health Care Delivery Systems Health care systems engage the initial contact of people and it is the foundation of primary health care. In order to receive primary health care it begins with providing a service to families, people, and communities through health professionals and their teams. The Health care delivery systems is involved with a proactive method to prevent health issues and to better ensure the organization and to investigate once a health issue has transpired. In addition, these type of services are publicly funded from general tax revenues without direct charges to the patient (Health Canada, 2011). The most two similar forms of health care delivery systems is managed care systems ex. (HMO) and fee for service (FFS). The fee for service plan is generally called Traditional Indemnity (Website 101, 2009). Fee for service offers flexible measures for the exchange of drastically high out of pocket expenses, it also requires a substantial amount of paperwork and premiums are high. Furthermore, some advantages are having the privilege in selecting hospitals and physicians of your own, and having the opportunity in receiving treatment from a specialist without a primary doctor referral. The disadvantages are high deductibles and the patient is responsible of paying twenty percent and the physicians are obligated to reimburse eighty percent of the expensive. Also, fee for service solely pays for â€Å"reasonable  and customary† health issues (website, 101). Doctors may have a different medical fee opposed to other areas, and the patients are obligated to pay their portion that is instated in health plan coverage. However, HMO is the less expensive and less flexible of all medical coverage’s. The advantages are consist of less paperwork and low copayments. It provides for a portion of improvement health preventive care plans. Unfortunately, there is disadvantages that the health care holder will experience with in choosing a PCP which is a primary care physician, and the HMO plan only accepts a network of their physicians or they will not stand up to the obligation of their financial transaction argument. In addition, in order for the client to see a specialist they must obtain a referral from their PCP. The expression Alternative Delivery Systems is created to entail all techniques of health care delivery systems barring acceptable fee-for-service and private practice like IPAs, PPOs, HMOs, and all other health care systems that provide health care of who conducts organized care systems. (http://aspe.hhs.gov/Progsys/forum/mcobib.htm). For example, Managed Care is a health care delivery system that merges payment and the delivery. It also accesses the use of treatments by engaging organization strategies creating to enhance the growth of cost-effective in the delivery of health care. Managed health care plan is a system that assimilates any management with in accordance of finance that delivers health care services of the covered population. In contrast, PPO also known Preferred Provider Organization is the delivery system that commits with medical care providers who gives discounted fees to clients. Nevertheless, clients have the opportunity to give health care to participants who are not members but can potentially become financial penalized due to any action of seeking out side providers and face consequences of not receiving discount and any deductibles of one’s health care plan and copayments. Goals of Health Care Delivery Systems. The reason HMO’s are unique because they prepaid and they are managed care systems that initially were health care alternative to fee-for-service health care. There goals is to obtain affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. This plan is conducted in advance by the option of a fixed fee from all members. Moreover, HMO delivers minimal cost for medical services that are needed for patients, and this health plan is responsible  in conducting the deliver and finance portion of the medical health care services. They also arrange to provide the essential medical care which includes the benefit packages. Prepaid Health Plans (PHP) is known â€Å"to help make quality health care affordable for groups of people, including farmers, blue collar workers and their families† (Ahern, 2007) . In contrast, the traditional health care insurance only funds health coverage for hospital visits, and enrolled insures that receive health coverage in prepaid plans is charged a predetermined for acute and preventive health care from doctors who work in hospitals. As for PPOs, their health care philosophy originally was to create simple concepts in delivering health care services to large groups with lower rates in order to substantially gain a business development for their management. To emphasize, insures can select their own physician’s however penalties can potentially occur if they are not with the network. This form of health coverage is engaged in receiving adequate power with lower health care prices for their clients in the standing of the dense health care system in America. The fee for service (FFS) is ultimately focusing in creating options to approach paid private insurances to gain more control relating with time and the forms of treatment. FFS is designed to reflect on an ideal perspective for private health care plans, instead of government-administered pricing and giving proper recognition in private health care plans that can utilize health care organizations productively. This method will enhance quality and proficie ncy in delivering a regenerated approach in the health care industry (Nicolas, O’ Malley, 2007). Mission Statement If I had full control of conducting a health care delivery system I would focus in offering health care insurance for businesses, government organizations, people, families, groups, and schools. Also, I feel flexibility is significant for the process of selecting your own choice of primary doctors in the same network and receive great service with affordable payments. The health care delivery system will project and promote exceptional quality health care service is the HMO plan. This health plan will contribute in supporting by over exceeding expectations of all parties which includes employees, communities, work force, stake holders, investors, and customers.

System and Change in Industrial Relations Analysis

As a student of industrial relations, I am often bombarded with conflicting theories and reasons for the emergence and importance of this field. Edmond Heery outlines and analyses the justaposition of two different views of modeling this vast and often debated area of industrial relations. His article looks at two types of model building in IR. First, the traditional model of systems-thinking set forth by John Dunlop, one of the pioneers of IR theory. Introduced in 1958, Dunlop’s system theory of IR tries to provide tools to understand the widest possible range of IR activities and explains why particular rules are established in particular contexts. Dunlop argues that IR can be studied as an independent field in an industrial society (much like economics). The systems theory makes use of four related elements: Actors- workers and their institutions, management, government institutions; Contexts- technical characteristics of workplace, budgetary constraints, locus and distribution of power in society; Rules- procedural and substantive; Functional ideology- integration, ie. IR regulates conflict by playing by the rules. The relationship between these elements is twofold- not only does the IR context influence the IR actors and the rules they creat, the actors’ shared acceptance of the common idealogy (the IR game played by the rules) helps bind the system as a whole. Heery goes on to outline several criticisms of Dunl op’s rather classic and still widely studied systems theory. A starting criticism of the systems theory is that it views IR as an independent field with an inherent theory. Critics want to push back this boundary and argue that IR was and is deeply connected with and determined by economics, politics, social, domestic, and familial relationships of the time and place in history. Another criticism is that Dunlop has over simplified his description of actors. For example, critics argue that actors’ roles are often changing with new business environments and the emergence of new actors- such as customers and community. Critics also argue that actors make different strategic choices at different levels (eg. Kochan’s model), but Dunlop’s model does not take his into account. The model places a lot of emphasis on roles as opposed to people, thus ignoring behavioural aspects like human motivations and preferences. Other criticisms of Dunlop go on to disagree with his premise that the function of IR is ideological- to regulate conflict and integrate actors. These criticisms range from those who argue that the ideology within IR is not integ rative, but rather reconciliatory (reconcile with the dominant ideology), to those who argue that the ideology in IR is to delegitimize all actors except for workers (thus undermining employers’ authority). Others also argue that IR is non-ideological and unstable, thanks to rapid modernization and high competition. The most loudly uttered criticism of all is that the systems theory does not explain change in the field. This leads to Heery’s second type of IR model building- the models of change. This type of model has a historical perspective and looks at how change occurs in IR over time. The models also examine the pattern of change and whether it is cyclical or directional, gradual, or catastrophic, and its origin- endogenous (from within the employment relationship) or exogenous (from the wider economy and society). Heery looks at six different types of change models that are broadly divided into exogenous and endogenous. Both exogenous and endogenous models have two subdivisions each of directional (gradual and disjunctive) and cyclical change. In the exogenous-gradual model, IR change occurs due to gradual, cumulative change that is driven by forces beyond the employment control. An example is globalization. In the exogenous-disjunctive model, episodes of change are interspersed with periods of stability. The change itself is triggered into the employment relationship by some external event, like a war. In the exogenous-cyclical model, change follows a repeating cycle of decline and renewal as IR adapts to cyclical pressures in the external environment, such as election pressures and the economy. In the endogenous-cyclical model, change occurs because of the competing drives of the actors. For example, IR is said to be both adversarial (due to the competing interests) and cooperative (due to interdependence of the parties). Thus IR will oscillate between adversarial and cooperative mindsets depending on the context as the limitations of each approach become apparent to both management and workers. In the endogenous-disjunctive model, change occurs as a result of strategic choices of the actors within the employment relations. For example, as a result of unions’ traditional marginalization of women’s and minorities’ issues, there has been an increased mobilization of women and minorities within unions. In the endogenous-gradual model, change is gradually driven by forces internal to IR. This model stresses the maturing of IR institutions over time, as they become more complex and start to pursue differentiated goals- this is a model of union revitalization as a result of knowledge transfer and networking within the labour movement. Heery’s review of the two types of models of looking at IR is comprehensive in looking at the criticism of the systems theory, but does not analyze the change models with the same depth. As a relatively new student in the field, I would have benefitted from a more detailed description of the change model before dwelling into its critique. However, I felt that Heery’s description of the change models was very streamlined and organized in a logical manner. I found his inclusion of a short discussion on the ‘new actors’ that have interests in IR, such as consumers or identity groups particularly interesting and worth considering. In the end, I do agree with Heery, and think that IR is a dynamic and complex field and it is certainly useful to have more than one perspective of studying and thinking about how these relationships are formed, changed, and managed.