General Motors vs Ford Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

General Motors vs Ford - Assignment Example eir major difference is the volume of sales, their operational strategies and the customer’s perception on their products (General Motors Corporation,1998). General motor is an international automaker because of its presence in almost all countries in the world. It has many international plants and joint ventures. With its presence in 157 countries, it can be concluded that it is a global venture. Further, it exports numerous vehicles and spare parts in different countries hence it can be considered as an ardent exporter(Barabba,2004). Ford is one of the largest automakers in the world with many subsidiaries around the world. Being an international organization, it has many brands of vehicle around the world hence it can be considered as global. Ford exports different types of vehicles and spare parts throughout the world and so it can be termed as an exporter(Batcher,1994). In conclusion, although both companies have international presence, General motor has more global presence because of its superb financial performance in its international subsidiary unlike Ford that posts excellent performance only in North

Marketing Simulation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing Simulation - Research Paper Example The Ochre teams had an increase of approximately 10 percent, which is roughly near the Orange team’s performance level. Customers From the market outlook chart above, most of the customers are derived from households and companies. On average, most of the customers are derived from general households. The high-end households also contribute a large portion but particularly in Europe. In Asia, the sales in the high-end households have dwindled to the extent that there are negative sales in this particular segment. The companies follow the household in usage in both Europe and Asia. However, in Asia, the reception in the high-end companies has been poor compared to the European market. Marketing Research The team has three phones in the European market that are SSKE 1, SSKE 3 and SSKE 4. In the Asian market, the team has one phone, the SSKE2A. The SSKE4 I is the best performer in the European market followed by the SSKE1. Most high-end companies prefer the SSKE4 while the ordina ry companies prefer the SSKE1. Therefore, it can be concluded that most of the consumers in the region are derived from companies. The phone model on sale in the Asian market mainly targets the lower end segment of the market. The product has received significant reception in the general households and companies. By not focusing on improving the product to suit the high- end segment of the market, the company is losing on sales in this segment in Asia. The team also has not emphasized enough on creating enough awareness of the product in the region compared to the awareness in Europe. Furthermore, introducing only one product in the region is not a feasible strategy. The team should introduce more products in the region to compete effectively with the competitors. The team also... The team has three phones in the European market that are SSKE 1, SSKE 3 and SSKE 4. In the Asian market, the team has one phone, the SSKE2A. The SSKE4 I is the best performer in the European market followed by the SSKE1. Most high-end companies prefer the SSKE4 while the ordinary companies prefer the SSKE1. Therefore, it can be concluded that most of the consumers in the region are derived from companies. The phone model on sale in the Asian market mainly targets the lower end segment of the market. The product has received significant reception in the general households and companies. By not focusing on improving the product to suit the high-end segment of the market, the company is losing on sales in this segment in Asia. The team also has not emphasized enough on creating enough awareness of the product in the region compared to the awareness in Europe. Introducing only one product in the region is not a feasible strategy. The team should introduce more products in the region to compete effectively with the competitors. The team also channeled most of its resources in advertising and channel investments. This caused a reduction in operating profits for the team. The team should have reduced the investment in the two divisions considering that most phone companies have their own niche in the market. The curved out section will always buy the products. Furthermore, the investment was done without an introduction of more new products. The money would have been used for research and development instead.

Financial Aid (Research Paper) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Aid ( ) - Research Paper Example Some are even homeless, and drastic measures need to be taken to restore their status and pride. Some Veterans require medical assistance as well. Aid needs to be provided to address the veterans’ educational and employment needs too. Therefore, both government and non-government institutions are playing an important role in providing financial assistance to the less advantaged individuals of the society. Government aims to provide financial aids through grants and loans for Masters Students, as well as veterans. Gauging how effective they are in this regard is, however, debatable. This paper will try to shed some light on this important topic. Student financial aid aims to fund students to assist them in paying their education expenses which essentially comprise of tuition fees, room, books, etc. for education at a college, university or private school. Financial aid refers to awards to specific individual students; these could be based on merit or need. Student benefits and scholarship are also different forms of imparting this financial aid to students to fulfill their education qualifications. Grants and student loans are also important components of financial aid packages offered to prospective students', especially those who want to pursue a Master’s degree immediately after the completion of their bachelors. It is more essential to provide financial assistance to those aiming for admission in Masters as the tuition fee per year for Masters is generally much higher than that for bachelors programs. In that manner, the deserving students who have done well in their bachelors and student life can be given a chance to excel more and secure a career for themselves. Therefore, steps need to be taken to facilitate their admissions into Masters Programs based on merit. It is a valuable opportunity for them which they otherwise might be deprived of, given the high cost of education for Masters. As Daniela (2011) explains, Financial aid is positively related to the success of academic studies, hence, government needs to focus even more on providing need and merit based financial aid. â€Å"Student aid recipients finish faster than comparable students who are supported by the same amount of parental/private transfers only and are characterized by the increased probability of actually finishing university successfully.† As Masters serves as a direct stepping stone form student to professional life, it is essential for the US government to give the required incentive, assistance and support to those young individuals who want to secure a better future for themselves and start earning to fulfill the needs of their families. Loans, grants and work studies are various kinds of financial aid that are being provided to students in the US for advanced studies. Much of veteran financial aid is focused on fulfilling the needs of a War-Time Veteran or surviving spouse. They are even provided assistance in the performance of daily ta sks, such as eating, dressing, taking care of the needs of nature, etc. The focus of providing this financial assistance is to empower the veterans who gave up everything to serve and protect their country. As education is an essential field where veterans need financial support so they can equip themselves with skills to secure good positions in job markets, the US government focuses more on veterans’

Improving your Practice through Research Assignment

Improving your Practice through Research - Assignment Example From this study it is clear that  consulting glossary incase of unfamiliar word is an important characteristic of research methodology in handling unfamiliar studies. Researchers in selecting subjects from certain population participating in the study by use of a random strategy, is random sampling. It facilitates fair representation of the overall population since it requires access to a specific population making random sampling unfeasible always. Health care studies are based on convenience sample where participants are recruited from available population. Therefore, Random assignment should be adopted since it is a significant feature in the hierarchy of evidence of higher-level studies.This paper outlines that  to implement this change Assessment by nurses on the evidence based practiced team needs to identify clinical problem based on their questions, observation, and experiences in working with patients. Problem identification and evaluation based on the discussions and de bates from the team leading to selection of central line topic as the pressing setback affecting the staff nurses oncology. Best available evidence are then analyzed and synthesized and the team should plan to write a statement to guide the proposed clinical change. Finally, the implementation and evaluation by staff nurses should be organized designed and conduct an educational sessions for all the other nurses then integration and maintenance of the unit policy is put in place.

The entrepreneurs as the need of the time for making a difference in Essay

The entrepreneurs as the need of the time for making a difference in the global business world - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of entrepreneurship as the word which describes the true accomplishments of an entrepreneur. Over the years researchers have given several definitions for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship according to many is a method which keeps evolving rather than being stagnant. Entrepreneurship can be related to personification of entrepreneurs and accommodates features such as novelty, systematisation, responsibility handling, resource allotment and finance acuity. The world has seen many entrepreneurial firms beginning their journey from scratch and rising to the top position. These firms have focussed on innovation and change in their process of doing business. Entrepreneurial firms are of umpteen numbers in the world but very few have reached the zenith. One such entrepreneurial firm is Virgin Group. Virgin Group of companies was founded by Richard Branson in the year 1970 as Virgin Mailing Order. Later, the company expanded to various sectors, which includes airlines, mobile phone, music label records, etc. At present the Virgin Group is a conglomerate of 400 companies. Virgin Group is referred to as the entrepreneurial firm of innovation and new thinking. It has considerably changed the old methods of doing business. It believes in freshness, something different and thinking out of the box to deliver a changed product, a better product, an innovative product to the large customer base. (Virgin, 2012). Entrepreneur An Entrepreneur is the architect who creates new opportunities through business process by presenting existing or recent product with a different attribute. Entrepreneurs are opportunist and courageously accept the risks prevailing in the entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs possess distinguishing characteristics which enables them to develop unique skills for accomplishing great success in the world of business (Finance in the classroom.org, 2004). Entrepreneurs are just not creative in developing new and innovativ e ideas but are much more than that. They are the torch bearers in the complex world of business with tremendous potential to accept challenges and provide the best solution. Further, entrepreneurs can be said to be the personality who possess certain qualities such as: a. Entrepreneurs analyse the needs and wants, and simultaneously solves the problems faced by the customers. b. Any opportunity is converted into the strength for the firm. c. Innovative ideas are laid down for the best business plan. d. Risks in expansion or new venture are analysed beforehand. e. Entrepreneurs never hold on to a single idea as change is the demand of time. f. Utilise the resources in the best possible way to succeed in the business ventures. g. Learns from the mistakes and failures to attain success in the near future. These qualities stand out as unique and distinctive approach of entrepreneurs in shaping the world and providing the best solution to the arising problems (Mvp.cfee.org, n.d). Entrep reneurs are the force behind the venturing of business. They give the business a new look, different form their counterparts and this is what makes them leaders. Virgin Group over the years has undergone a lot of modification and changes in its approach towards business objectives. It will be wrong not to mention its founder and owner Sir Richard Branson’s name as the success story of Virgin Group was written & executed by him. Richard Branson since the early stages of founding Virgin Group has had different approach unlike his

Immanuel Kant - Metaphysics of Morals Essay Example for Free

Immanuel Kant Metaphysics of Morals Essay In his publication, Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant supplies his readers with a thesis that claims morality can be derived from the principle of the categorical imperative. The strongest argument to support his thesis is the difference between actions in accordance with duty and actions in accordance from duty. To setup his thesis, Kant first draws a distinction between empirical and a priori concepts. Empirical concepts are ideas we reach from our experiences in the world. On the other hand and in contrast, a priori concepts are ideas we reach as an end point of reasoning prior to or apart from any experience of how things occur in the world. Kant then claims that moral actions are supposed done for the reason of morality alone. This train of thought leads to the conclusion that an understanding of morality must be based on a priori concepts of reason. Truly moral ideas are then universally valid if and only if they are based on a priori concepts. From this idea of a priori concepts, Kant begins his thesis with the notion that the only thing in the world that is a qualified good is the good will, even if its efforts bring about a not necessarily good result. A good will is good because of the willing that is involved. Two main implications arise with this idea of the good will. The first implication is moral actions cannot have impure motivations. There are many impure motivations but Kant tends to focus mainly on the motives of the pursuit of happiness and self-preservation. Second, moral actions cannot be based on the speculations of the probable results. This action is not good in itself but good because it brought about a more desirable outcome. Thus, Kant arrives at the conclusion that for an action to be considered to have genuine moral worth its motive must be that of dutifulness to moral law. In Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant lays out three propositions about duty. The first is the will is a morally good action if it is done in accordance from duty, as opposed to an action done in accordance with duty. The second proposition is that actions are judged by the maxim or principle that was the motivation behind the action. If someone undertakes an action with the only motivation being that of a sense of duty, they are following a valid a priori action. On the other hand if they decide to undertake an action in order to bring about a desired result, then their motivation is one that is beyond mere duty. Kants third proposition then explains that is not the respect for the power of the law but rather it is the moral motivation of an individual who acknowledges that the law is an imperative of reason that trumps our other interests. The will, as Kant describes, is of practical reason. A rational being is an individual who has the capacity to execute their behavior by the conceptions of laws. This discipline of action is also known as the will. Our judgment that advises us on our action is known as an imperative or a command to act on a certain motive. An imperative can be either hypothetical or categorical. In the hypothetical imperative one acknowledges an action as right or necessary if it is a manner in which to obtain or achieve a certain goal. As such you would act on an action if a previous circumstance has taken place. These types of actions come from our previous experiences and counsel us to a way in which our desires can be achieved. Thus, an action cannot be held universally valid at all times if its goal is to acquire some objective of desire under a certain set of conditions. If the goal is ultimately happiness, we are unable to set any universally hypothetical imperatives for happiness. This is because the definition of happiness differs from person to person. One mans happiness can very well be another mans misery. As Kant explains, a binding moral law then cannot be equivalent or parallel to a hypothetical imperative. Pure reason comes from the ability to consider neither a motivating condition accompanying another nor its intended results. With that, we then need to find a principle with universal validity or a principle that is valid no matter what issue is being considered. A priori principles of reason are the only principles that fit this standard on which a judgment or decision may be based. Hence, Immanuel Kant formulates that a moral imperative is one that is an unconditional or categorical imperative. A categorical imperative is our moral consciousness to do our duty because we ought to do our duty instead of pursuing our own desires attached to the duty. Such an imperative is driven by pure reason. Because we exclude our desires or maxims, we need only to focus on the form of our imperative. The form needs to be universally applicable or valid for all rational beings to follow. Thus, Kant gives us only one categorical imperative and it is Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law (Kant pg. 38). This universal law of morality states that we should act in such a way that we could will the maxim of our action to become universally applicable. This should be used as the criterion to determine whether or not a maxim is morally valid. Before we are able to apply a maxim to this categorical imperative, it is required that the maxim first, be fit to be a law of nature and second, is based on a notion that all actions have ends. The second pertains to the idea that men and women are ends in themselves. No maxim that does not impose or imply respect as a necessary accompaniment for men and women can be a moral law valid for everyone. Third, we must see every rational being as able to make universal laws. Last, the maxim requires the moral agent to act as a lawgiving member of all persons. From these points, two important ideas arise. The ideas deal with the autonomy of the will and dignity of the individual. Each person is essentially their own lawmaker, obeying the laws that they give themselves as a rational being. A person is not bound to a law by fear or hope of some reward, but freely bound to it by their lawgiving ability. This moral will is autonomous. Autonomy, which means self-law, is the only way Kant believes an individual to achieve the ultimate freedom. If an individual obeys laws from some other lawgiver, such as God and government, because of fear of punishment or hope of reward, he or she is not truly free. I feel the strongest objection to this thesis is Kant does not take enough consideration to human beings natural emotions. I believe his thesis weighs to heavily on mere reason alone without any emphasis on the emotional component of our morality. Kants perception that morality is a chore neglects the fact that by performing actions from duty individuals can obtain a somewhat subtle level of personal gratification from partaking in such acts that are not generally enjoyable to execute. I am not thoroughly convinced that if you are able to gain some happiness and reward from an action that is not generally alluring. The strengths of my personal view rely on the possibility of achieving a feeling of reward by completing an obligation. I feel there is an importance of doing something with a smile on your face. If you are unhappy to perform a moral action it will to reveal outwardly or make apparent that your heart is elsewhere, thus, tainting the action. However, if you perform these tasks seeking a somewhat level of enjoyment others will notice that you truly care about what it is you are doing and perceive the action to be a notable one. The weakness is obviously that you will be more probable to engage and look to engage in more actions that will give you this appeal and instant gratification. This is not an ideal situation because placing a slight neglect to a duty or obligation that you might not find appeal in defeats the purpose of completing all of the obligations set for us to go through with. Kants thesis has strength in the fact that the universal law seems closely related to the golden rule, which is do on to others as you would have others do on to you. With a statement as such it is awfully arduous to not perform a moral action. The weakness still lies in the fact Kant takes little to no consideration to humans natural emotions and feelings. Leading a moral life does not have to be a melancholy life, one in which you are bound to an endless amount of duties that you can seek no joy in. Whether or not Kant intended to make morality seem like torture, it appears it comes off in this manner. Kants overall view of morality appears near flawless. If there was a manner in which he could have incorporated a leeway for some emotions, I feel his thesis is in actuality how each individual should lead his or her life. .

The Prader-Willi syndrome

The Prader-Willi syndrome Prader-Willi Syndrome is a serious genetic disorder that begins at birth with no known cure ; causing mental retardation,short stature,low muscle tone,incomplete sexual development,and its main charecteristic,the desire to eat everything and anything in sight. Prader-Willi syndrome was first known as Prader-Labhart-Willi Syndrome after three Swiss doctors who first described the disorder in 1956. The doctors described a small group of kids with obesity, short stature and mental deficiency , neonatal hypotonia (floppiness) and a desire to constantly eat because they are always hungry. Many other features of PWS have since been described, but extreme obesity and the health problems associated with being fat are the most prominent features. Individuals with PWS have some but not all of the same features and symptoms. PWS is a birth defect. A defect in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain, is suspected to be the cause.The hypothalamus determines hunger and satiety.They cant fell satiety,so they always have a urge to eat.Some PWS cases are so out of control thay will eat bottlecaps,glass,pencils,garbage,bugs,dogfood, and anything else they can stuff in their mouths. The ingenuity and determination of PWS children in surreptitiously obtaining edibles is almost legendary and belies their cognitive defects. Serial weighing may be the only way to discover whether such a child is, in fact, stealing food(Finey,1983). PWS occurs in about l in 10,000 births. It occurs in both males and females equally and is found in people of all races and all nations.It is one of the ten most common conditions seen in genetics clinics. Young people with PWS resemble each other very much.Most of the time, they look like brother and sister. Most of PWS people have almond shaped eyes, narrow foreheads, downturned mouth, thin upper lip and a small chin. Other common features are : obesity , they may be short; they have small hands and feet; have a skin picking habit, thick and sticky saliiva,incomplete sexual development, a curved spine (scoliosis),and chronic sleepiness. PWS patients also have similar personalities: talkative, friendly,extreme attempts towards getting food,arguementivness,repetitve thoughts and behavior, stubbornness, frequent temper tantrums, and sometimes sudden acts of violence. Most people with PWS have some degree of mental deficiency. The average IQ of people with PWS is 65 ,and it ranges from 20 to 90. 41% of PWS people have IQs in the normal or borderline range.Specific academic weakness in math and writing are common, but reading and art are considered strengths.A delay in getting to early developmental milestones is common in PWS. The average IQ testing shows that people with PWS are mildly retarded, the range is from severely retarded to not retarded, with 40% having borderline retardation or just a low normal intelligence. Most affected children, besides their IQ scores, will have many, severe learning disabilities,and will show poor academic performance no matter what their IQ shows to their mental abilities. There are many signs and symptoms of PWS that show up before birth.some are decreased fetal movement in 80-90% and having an abnormal delivery in 20-30% due to having a really floppy baby. There are two distinct clinical stages of PWS. Stage 1 Babys with PWS are called floppy babies a lot. Thats because they have weak muscles, officially it is known as hypotonia. This hypotonia,which almost always occurs, could be mild to severe. Neonatal hypotonia makes sucking difficult, and a special feeding method called a gavage is used.A gavage the placing of a tube into the stomach through the mouth.They use it during the first days of life a lot.. Decreased caloric intake from the special feeding difficulties may lead to failure to gain weight. To keep the babys weight under control supervision by a professional nutritionist or a specialist who understands the syndrome might be necessary. Physical therapy is strongly recommended to improve muscle tone. When the muscle tone improves enough, an increased appetite and weight gain starts.The beginning of the second stage has begun. This hypotonia does not progress and begins to improve between 8 and 11 months of age in most cases.It improves,but it is never completly normal. Stage 2 Stage 2 occurs between one and two years of age and is characterized by an appetite that can not be satisfied whic causes excessive weight gain. Speech problems, sleepiness, decreased pain sensitivity, skin picking habits and decreased growth are also characteristics of the second stage of PWS. The personality problems develop between ages 3 and 5 years also. Most parents who have a kid with PWS do not have another kid affected with PWS. The cases of PWS are thought by scientist to have occured by chance in isolated flukes of nature. But, there have been reports of families with more than one kid with PWS, but it is not common. Fewer than a dozen families with more than one affected offspring have ever been reported. A blood sample for high resolution chromosome analysis is drawn on anyone who is though to have PWS.This will check out the chromosones. Chromosomes are packages of information found in the cells of our bodies. Each cell has a set of 46 chromosomes, which come in pairs numbered from 1 to 23. Parents contribute with one chromosome from each pair.Okay,now Prader-Willi Syndrome is caused by the absence of some genes on one of the chromosones that affect the functionimg of the hypothalamus.Many laboratories around the world are researching this. About three-fourths of people with PWS have a tiny piece missing from one member of the pair of chromosone fifteens (the one inherited by the father).The other one fourth are missing the dads contribution to this part of the chromosone by missing all of the fathers chromosone fifteen and having two copies the mothers chromosone fifteen.The genes in this region are not functional and noone understands why. As soon an the kid has improved muscle tone, and has increased its appetite, and is old enough to get move on the floor,than any food that can be easily gotten must be moved to a safer,out-of-reach place. To make inappropriate food unavailable to the kid with PWS, parents must learn special patterns of food storage and handling Sleepiness during the day and napping a lot are some of the common features of PWS. Recently, studies have show that there is a strong link between this and sleep quality. Some of the types of sleep disorders that have been described in PWS affected people are: disturbance to the sleep wake cycle, obstructive sleep apnea, hypoventilation syndromes and narcolepsy. Although patients with PWS fall asleep very quickly, their sleep period is significantly disrupted with frequent awakenings and abnormal patterns of rapid eye movements sleep (rems). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs with increased upper airways resistance, either from enlarged tonsils , relaxation of the upper airway musculature, or from structural airway anomalies. Sometimes actual pauses in breathing during sleep can occur.. Narcolepsy, which involves sleep attacks and occasional loss of muscle tone, Short stature is also a common feature of almost all PWS affected people (80- 100%), but birth height is usually normal. The average adult height is 59 inches in women and 61 inches in men. Abnormal growth hormone response suggests a possible dysfunction of the hypothalamus and, growth hormone deficiency as a contributing factor in short stature. Improvement in growth rate and decreased rate of weight gain have recently been demonstrated in several growth hormone- deficient children with PWS after six months of growth hormone treatment Other significant actions of growth hormone that have been reported is an improvement of muscle mass, muscle strength, energy expenditure, bone mineralization ,sexual development ,and also a decrease in fat mass ,have led to further investigations in people with PWS. Children with PWS have distinct behavioral abnormalities because of all the frustrations associated with the syndrome. These behaviors may begin as early as two years of age. They will get a variety of different eating behaviors like foraging for food, secretly eating large amounts of food, and other attempts to continue eating. Other problems include verbally and physically aggressive behaviors such as lying, stealing, scratching and skin picking. Tantrums and unprovoked outbursts are common among children and youths with PWS. People with mild cases of PWS can do many things their normal peers can do,such as go to school,get jobs,and sometimes even move away from home.However they need a lot of help.Kids going to school would need to be enrolled in special education programs(Otherwise theyd be eating their pencil and paper).They need to be constantly supervised.