Violence and Substance abuse among Native Americans - 1650 Words

Violence and Substance abuse among Native Americans (Essay Sample) Content: Name:Tutor:Course:Date:Violence and substance abuse among Native AmericansAim of the Research proposalIn a multivariate analysis, it is important to recognize that violence and substance abuse is an interrelated field that requires proper articulation when examined (Bachman 34; Carrillo et al 23). The study will examine violence and substance abuse among Native Americans population. The study will extensively employ logistic regression to examine the social factors that may perpetrate the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. The study is also expected to determine extend at which the different forms of drug and substance abuse within the Native Americans have perpetrated violence, the expected future occurrences, and the various mitigation mechanisms on the menace. Results generated from several models are critically analyzed to determine the causes and effects of the proposed theme. Additionally the study aims to reveal the prevalence rate of viol ence between the Native American who engage in drug and substance abuse. The information achieved from the study is primarily expected to help in designing an amicable intervention on the problem of violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. Background of the studyAccording to the compiled report of the U.S. Department of criminal justice estimate, more than 30% of Native Americans abuse drugs and participate in violence related issues (Browne 200). These acts of violence that the Native Americans engage in are recorded to ranges from, riots, assault, robbery, and physical abuse. The violence and substance abuse is also recorded to be draining the country with over six billion dollars annually (Browne 234). This occurs through drug smuggling, high hospital wage bill, and non-productivity of individuals due to addiction of drugs and substance abuse. As documented by the National Crime Victimization survey (NCVS), violence across related individuals within the Native Ame ricas accounts for more than 24% of the total victimization recorded (Carrillo et al 35)Straussner et al 2003, in his study on violence and substance abuse discovered that the forms of violence that can be subjected to the society shove from the physiological intimidation to use of lethal weapons against the opponent. The National Violence against Women (NVAW) expounded the understanding of such violence within the family to enclose specific events such as stalking and rape (Young 123). As observed in the proliferating culture of drug abusers among the Native Americans it is proposed that a proper survey on its implication should be carried out (young 126). As documentary indicates that before the year, 1975, research on violence and substance abuse was only restricted to a specific number of special population. These special populations were military personnels, students, and families. As shown, the researchers tended to view violence and substance abuse as a rare occurrence and co nsidered the victims as socially out-fit individuals. The possibility of other factors such as regional differences, environmental stresses, and social-economic differences were often overlooked. Lack of intervention and analysis of these factors resulted in relatively slow pace to the attainment of equality of education, economic development, and international understanding (Carrillo 124).With continuous refined research on violence and substance abuse, better mechanisms have been discovered to differentiate the varying degree of their occurrences from mild to severe forms. Straus and Gelles 1986 developed a functioning CTS model that can be currently used as a standard measurement for incidences and tactics of violence. The CTS modification was to provide the various injuries subjected to individuals who experience violence and the various tactics of counteracting them. The results of this CTS model proved that those who use drugs and substance among the Native Americans are more violent as compared to their counterparts who do not use the above drugs (Carrillo 176). Research questionsThe original focus of this research proposal is to analyze the presence of violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. In several documented studies on the relationship between violence and substance abuse among these people clearly depicts that there is a clear relationship of violence and intoxication (Ricardo et al 200). The primary research questions to guide this proposal are; What substances are the Native American using that is mostly associated with violence?Do urinalyses conducted on the individuals who are speculated to love the act of violence indicate the relationship between violence and substance abuse?What are the most prevalence acts of violence committed by the Native Americans associated with the substance abuse? Does the prevalence rate of violence accelerate with the presence of the substance abuse among the Native Americans?What is the differen ce in the rate of violence among the individuals who use substance abuse and those who do not among the Native Americans?The study will formulate relevant innovative approaches in the above research questions by critically analyzing the Native America sampled population to determine the magnitude of the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. MethodologyThe primary aim of this study is to present relevant information from an accurate research procedure. Therefore, the mode of data collection method used in this research is subdivided into two sections that are the primary data and the secondary data collection methods. The secondary sources used include articles, explorative cases, and periodicals. This research proposal is modeled following the data collection process used in the National Crime Victimization survey (NCVS) project. The data presented on the research proposal are based anonymous observations and interviews on the Native Americans on their experience with violence and substance abuse over the past years. The respondents are chosen members of the community of the age above 18 years. The NCSV model was used to facilitate data collection and analysis due to its eminent effort on providence of criminal justice to the local Native Americans. Currently 23 areas of the study target with the potential criminal active population with high levels of substance abuse is chosen (Nebelkopf et al 56)This proposed plan grants the focus group methodology as interviewing the violence victims to compose the data collected as proposed by the NCVS sampling strategy. The focus group strategy is believed to provide a safe environment for the potential respondents to share attitude, beliefs and experience on the matters pertaining to the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans (.Nebelkopf 75) Participants and proceduresThe study examines the relationship between the violence and drug abuse among the Native Americans using both the prima ry and secondary data collection and management processes. All the study procedures are to occur in both the metropolitan and reserved communities of the Native Americans is necessary. The study should be carried out based on the equality among the Native Americans. The research uses a focus group methodology such as recorded interview among the Native Americans as a primary source of data (Nebelkopf78).As required, it is important for the researcher to provide relevant resources and prompt planning before the actual research. The resources and planning provides the researcher with an ample time to provide the necessary focus of overcoming barriers and biases thus provide relevant and meaningful results.Data Planning and Resource Collection Table 1Activity to be carried outStart Date Completion DateAccessing Necessary literature12/12/201320/12/2013Review of the literature21/12/201325/12/2013Developing the relevant research questions26/12/201330/12/2013Submitting the relevant progress report31/12/20135/1/2014Data collection6/1/201410//1/2014Analyzing of data11/1/201415/1/2014Developing of the draft project16/1/201428/1/2014Revised the collected draft29/1/201410/2/2014Final project submission11/2/201412/2/2014Prior to the actual data collection, it is important for the researcher to formulate the relevant hypothesis that will guide in the in data collection and analysis. The hypothesis provided will show the tentative view of the expected actual outcome. The various hypotheses that may be used in this study include;The proliferating Cases of violence among the Native Americans increases with the increase in the substance abuse. The most victimized individuals are women and childrenMajority of the individuals who participate in violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans are youths aged above 18 years old.The violence and substance abuse among the native Americans has been one the hindrances to their economic g rowth over the year... Violence and Substance abuse among Native Americans - 1650 Words Violence and Substance abuse among Native Americans (Essay Sample) Content: Name:Tutor:Course:Date:Violence and substance abuse among Native AmericansAim of the Research proposalIn a multivariate analysis, it is important to recognize that violence and substance abuse is an interrelated field that requires proper articulation when examined (Bachman 34; Carrillo et al 23). The study will examine violence and substance abuse among Native Americans population. The study will extensively employ logistic regression to examine the social factors that may perpetrate the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. The study is also expected to determine extend at which the different forms of drug and substance abuse within the Native Americans have perpetrated violence, the expected future occurrences, and the various mitigation mechanisms on the menace. Results generated from several models are critically analyzed to determine the causes and effects of the proposed theme. Additionally the study aims to reveal the prevalence rate of viol ence between the Native American who engage in drug and substance abuse. The information achieved from the study is primarily expected to help in designing an amicable intervention on the problem of violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. Background of the studyAccording to the compiled report of the U.S. Department of criminal justice estimate, more than 30% of Native Americans abuse drugs and participate in violence related issues (Browne 200). These acts of violence that the Native Americans engage in are recorded to ranges from, riots, assault, robbery, and physical abuse. The violence and substance abuse is also recorded to be draining the country with over six billion dollars annually (Browne 234). This occurs through drug smuggling, high hospital wage bill, and non-productivity of individuals due to addiction of drugs and substance abuse. As documented by the National Crime Victimization survey (NCVS), violence across related individuals within the Native Ame ricas accounts for more than 24% of the total victimization recorded (Carrillo et al 35)Straussner et al 2003, in his study on violence and substance abuse discovered that the forms of violence that can be subjected to the society shove from the physiological intimidation to use of lethal weapons against the opponent. The National Violence against Women (NVAW) expounded the understanding of such violence within the family to enclose specific events such as stalking and rape (Young 123). As observed in the proliferating culture of drug abusers among the Native Americans it is proposed that a proper survey on its implication should be carried out (young 126). As documentary indicates that before the year, 1975, research on violence and substance abuse was only restricted to a specific number of special population. These special populations were military personnels, students, and families. As shown, the researchers tended to view violence and substance abuse as a rare occurrence and co nsidered the victims as socially out-fit individuals. The possibility of other factors such as regional differences, environmental stresses, and social-economic differences were often overlooked. Lack of intervention and analysis of these factors resulted in relatively slow pace to the attainment of equality of education, economic development, and international understanding (Carrillo 124).With continuous refined research on violence and substance abuse, better mechanisms have been discovered to differentiate the varying degree of their occurrences from mild to severe forms. Straus and Gelles 1986 developed a functioning CTS model that can be currently used as a standard measurement for incidences and tactics of violence. The CTS modification was to provide the various injuries subjected to individuals who experience violence and the various tactics of counteracting them. The results of this CTS model proved that those who use drugs and substance among the Native Americans are more violent as compared to their counterparts who do not use the above drugs (Carrillo 176). Research questionsThe original focus of this research proposal is to analyze the presence of violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. In several documented studies on the relationship between violence and substance abuse among these people clearly depicts that there is a clear relationship of violence and intoxication (Ricardo et al 200). The primary research questions to guide this proposal are; What substances are the Native American using that is mostly associated with violence?Do urinalyses conducted on the individuals who are speculated to love the act of violence indicate the relationship between violence and substance abuse?What are the most prevalence acts of violence committed by the Native Americans associated with the substance abuse? Does the prevalence rate of violence accelerate with the presence of the substance abuse among the Native Americans?What is the differen ce in the rate of violence among the individuals who use substance abuse and those who do not among the Native Americans?The study will formulate relevant innovative approaches in the above research questions by critically analyzing the Native America sampled population to determine the magnitude of the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans. MethodologyThe primary aim of this study is to present relevant information from an accurate research procedure. Therefore, the mode of data collection method used in this research is subdivided into two sections that are the primary data and the secondary data collection methods. The secondary sources used include articles, explorative cases, and periodicals. This research proposal is modeled following the data collection process used in the National Crime Victimization survey (NCVS) project. The data presented on the research proposal are based anonymous observations and interviews on the Native Americans on their experience with violence and substance abuse over the past years. The respondents are chosen members of the community of the age above 18 years. The NCSV model was used to facilitate data collection and analysis due to its eminent effort on providence of criminal justice to the local Native Americans. Currently 23 areas of the study target with the potential criminal active population with high levels of substance abuse is chosen (Nebelkopf et al 56)This proposed plan grants the focus group methodology as interviewing the violence victims to compose the data collected as proposed by the NCVS sampling strategy. The focus group strategy is believed to provide a safe environment for the potential respondents to share attitude, beliefs and experience on the matters pertaining to the violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans (.Nebelkopf 75) Participants and proceduresThe study examines the relationship between the violence and drug abuse among the Native Americans using both the prima ry and secondary data collection and management processes. All the study procedures are to occur in both the metropolitan and reserved communities of the Native Americans is necessary. The study should be carried out based on the equality among the Native Americans. The research uses a focus group methodology such as recorded interview among the Native Americans as a primary source of data (Nebelkopf78).As required, it is important for the researcher to provide relevant resources and prompt planning before the actual research. The resources and planning provides the researcher with an ample time to provide the necessary focus of overcoming barriers and biases thus provide relevant and meaningful results.Data Planning and Resource Collection Table 1Activity to be carried outStart Date Completion DateAccessing Necessary literature12/12/201320/12/2013Review of the literature21/12/201325/12/2013Developing the relevant research questions26/12/201330/12/2013Submitting the relevant progress report31/12/20135/1/2014Data collection6/1/201410//1/2014Analyzing of data11/1/201415/1/2014Developing of the draft project16/1/201428/1/2014Revised the collected draft29/1/201410/2/2014Final project submission11/2/201412/2/2014Prior to the actual data collection, it is important for the researcher to formulate the relevant hypothesis that will guide in the in data collection and analysis. The hypothesis provided will show the tentative view of the expected actual outcome. The various hypotheses that may be used in this study include;The proliferating Cases of violence among the Native Americans increases with the increase in the substance abuse. The most victimized individuals are women and childrenMajority of the individuals who participate in violence and substance abuse among the Native Americans are youths aged above 18 years old.The violence and substance abuse among the native Americans has been one the hindrances to their economic g rowth over the year...

Analysis Of Orson Scott Card s The Great Pattern

What is relevant to a writer is subjective: something which kindles inspiration to develop a story, and provides assistance in aspects of novelistic discourse. Orson Scott Card posits that there are four basic factors which create a story: milieu, idea, character and event , a balance of which creates the arc of the story. The reader takes the content of the sum of these factors and finds parallels, or contraries, in their own lives and interests. The writer takes this a step further by conceptualising new worlds and constructing new narratives, taking inspiration from what is read in order to build their own plots. An exploration into what resonates with the contemporary writer is essential in determining whether the focus of aspiring writers should be imitating Fielding’s ‘writers of antiquity’, embracing the ‘great pattern’, or on more recent works. For the purpose of this analysis I will be considering works written within the last twenty years à ¢â‚¬Ëœrecent’, whilst analysing what writers gain, or lose, from fiction written longer ago. Some themes in literature are forever relevant to the human condition. George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four projects an ‘image of totalitarian societies which conceptualizes his experiences of fascism and Stalinism’ . Whilst Stalinism is confined to a precise point in history, the concept of fascism alongside oppression is timeless. The description of pre-apartheid discrimination in Alan Paton’s 1948 novel Cry, the Beloved Country actedShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Ender s Game By Orson Scott Card2040 Words   |  9 Pagesother hand, our environmental surroundings and the experiences we endure may also play a role in making us who we are. There are surely plenty of literary examples tackling this theme, but the one I plan to focus on is the novel Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. I think that this novel illustrates that it isn’t as simple as jus t saying â€Å"Nature vs Nurture†. The development of the individual is dependent on both, with varying degrees of dependence based on the person in question. The novel is set inRead MoreLiterary Criticism : The Free Encyclopedia 7351 Words   |  30 Pagesnovel is sometimes used interchangeably with Bildungsroman, but its use is usually wider and less technical. The birth of the Bildungsroman is normally dated to the publication of Wilhelm Meister s Apprenticeship by Johann Wolfgang Goethe in 1795–96,[8] or, sometimes, to Christoph Martin Wieland s Geschichte des Agathon of 1767.[9] Although the Bildungsroman arose in Germany, it has had extensive influence first in Europe and later throughout the world. Thomas Carlyle translated Goethe’s novelRead MoreOrganizational Behaviour Analysis28615 Words   |  115 PagesORGANISATIONAL ANALYSIS: Notes and essays for the workshop to be held on 15th - 16th Novemeber 2007 at The Marriot Hotel Slough Berkshire SL3 8PT Dr. Lesley Prince, C.Psychol., AFBPsS University of Birmingham November 2007  © Dr. Lesley Prince 2007. Organisational Analysis: Notes and Essays Page i Page ii Please do not attempt to eat these notes. CONTENTS Introduction to the Workshop Topics And Themes The Nature and Scope of Organisation Theory Levels of Analysis The Metaphorical

Understanding The Population Of Interest - 1242 Words

Challenges in Population Definitions The first step in any research is to accurately define the population of interest. Intellectual Disability (ID) has been called by many different terms: mental retardation, learning disability, mental handicap, and developmentally delayed. Generally, these terms are accepted as interchangeable (Schalock, Luckasson Shogren, 2007). However, over time some of the characteristics required to receive a diagnosis of ID has changed. In the recent past, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Metal Disorders Text Revised (DSM IV TR) identified three criteria necessary to be diagnosed with ID. This included: impairments of intellectual functioning (IQ70) are not necessarily excluded from the diagnosis. By deemphasized the importance of low IQ the as a defining feature of ID the diagnosis expanded its definition to include individual assessed with borderline intelligence and above (fact sheet reference). The ID population is extremely heterogeneous. As noted above, the diagnostic criteria describes many different forms of adaptive functioning. It is recognized that expression of symptoms vary significantly within the ID population. Some individuals could have average social functioning with significant impairments related to work tasks and money management. Alternatively, an individual could be significantly impaired in social domains, but capable of managing their own personal care and job responsibilities. Some individuals might be able toShow MoreRelatedArticle Critique : Considering Interest Convergence Dilemma980 Words   |  4 PagesArticle Critique: Considering Interest-Convergence Dilemma in STEM Education As evidenced by a growing number of scholarly studies and popular commentary, the United States’ falling position as a global producer in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), is of upmost concern. A multitude of stakeholders, including educational scholars and administrators, political leaders, economists, and various parties in the STEM industry, all actively work to address the STEM deficit issueRead MoreMarketing Communications Memo1086 Words   |  5 Pageshaving a better understanding of different consumer demographics will impact marketing and has an effect on marketing communications. How messages are communicated most effectively can change depending on who the target audience is. A message that is targeting young consumers, like an advertisement for the Twilight movie would be different than one targeting men. The same can be said for having a better understanding of the psychographics of the consumers. Knowing the different interests and lifest yleRead MoreCapstone Essay1044 Words   |  5 PagesExplain how understanding specific English language learners needs guided the choice of instructional strategies to support the content and language learning. It is essential to understand English language learners’ needs because ELL students face the combined challenge of learning all the academic content as other students, while also learning the language of instruction. With the rapid growth in the size of the ELL student population in the U.S., teachers who are effective recognizes ELL studentsRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of The Silent1555 Words   |  7 Pagesis 10.7 percent of the U.S. Population between that age group. There are many factors that placed adolescents at an increased risk for depression. The purpose of the Web-intervention is to create a sensible application for interactions amongst peers that will bring greater awareness of depression and its complications. This will in turn provide early detection through primary preventive measures thus promote cost effective well-being of a very vulnerable population which is adolescents with depressiveRead MoreThe Process Of Career Selection1476 Words   |  6 Pagesabout ones abilities contributes to the working environment that one chooses. People began to question and limit themselves to working environments that they are accustomed to but not necessarily enjoy. e. strategies for assessing abilities, interests, values, personality and other factors that contribute to career development Assessment tools can enable students to review and reflect on their knowledge about themselves. Hence, learn about ones own strengths and weakness, values, and personalityRead MoreThe Importance Of Education832 Words   |  4 Pagescommunities. I came to understand how, in the US, a national shortage of physicians and unlikely prospects of financial gain have caused few doctors to take an interest in these communities, leaving a diminishing level of access to services and expertise. This unfortunate reality inspired me to take an interest in treating these populations, in hopes of helping to improve the care for our country’s poor and underserved. Jorge’s story broadened my perspective, as I further realized that this need isRead MoreEssay on Protecting Families of Domestic Abuse and Disabilities1520 Words   |  7 PagesClient population There are several populations that interest me however possible preferences include families that deal with domestic abuse and those who are disabled. Working with families that have experienced domestic violence is an interest because in the past I had friends whose family was dealing domestic violence and the impact could clearly in all members of the family. Seeing the difference that was made by those who worked to help their family made this population a preference. AnotherRead MoreThe Impact Of Traditional Media On The Society Essay1382 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction and background The traditional media (print and electronic) plays an important role in the society. Bagdikian (1997) explains media is a source of education, entertainment and information. It also acts as a watchdog to protect public interest against malpractice and create public awareness. It should represent the public and speak for them. It also sets the agenda. Its responsibility is to be truthful, fair, accurate and objective. It should follow the agreed code of ethics and professionalRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On Development And The Spread Of Disease1501 Words   |  7 Pages especially in the developed world. However, along with this growing population and resource web has come a growing understanding of disease, and its impacts on the more-developed and less-developed parts of the world. Another effect of growing population is the concerning truth of climate change: changes in climate not only alter the environment, but can alter the range and distribution of diseases. Moreover , human population leads inherently to social networks and systems that can have significantRead MoreVoting Affect The Level Of Support Constituents Award Their Representative Essay1195 Words   |  5 PagesIn the most basic understanding, representatives, in a representative democracy, serve as vehicles for their constituents. They exist to transmit constituent interests into law. However, due to a number of variables, there are instances where representatives choose to vote in contrast with their constituents. For this reason, it is relevant to examine how these diversions in voting affect the level of support constituents award their representative. This is important when considering the importance

Astrazeneca-report free essay sample

AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company that was created when the Swedish company ‘Astra’ and the British company ‘Zeneca Group’ merged in 1999 (Jerrang Goldberg, 2011). Since then, it has immersed itself into the competitive pharmaceutical market and become a very successful business that specialises in the â€Å"research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals† (AstraZeneca, 2011). PEST Analysis Political Regulations for testing the drugs could change Growing pressure to release more cost-effective drugs Becoming increasingly harder to launch a new drug onto the market because of the regulations enforced by organizations such as the F. D. A. Economical Invested heavily abroad in emerging markets e. g. China and India Increased pressure from shareholders, leads to more mergers and acquisitions Consumers choosing not to try new products Social ( Cultural) There will always be a market for new drugs, e. g. Aging population therefore there is a shift in the drugs needed Animal rights activists could prevent the testing of a new drug to take place Technological Improved IT communications between suppliers and itself Invested heavily in software such as Lean Sigma to improve cycle time efficiency of the drugs Table 1: PEST Analysis Company Overview Porters Five Forces Image 1: Porters Five Forces In 2010, AstraZeneca’s most successful drugs were (Cooper, 2010): 1. Nexium: A drug for heartburn and stomach ulcers 2. Crestor: An anti-cholesterol drug 3. Symbicort: A drug that is used to treat asthma (respiratory drug) 4. Armidex: A breast cancer drug 5. Seroquel: An anti-psychotic treatment (SEROQUEL XR, 2011) Value Chain The value chain was developed by Michael Porter and can be a powerful tool when analysing a company’s organisation and performance. It allows key areas to be highlighted as it offers a quick but thorough overview of a company’s infrastructure allowing one to review it and determine any areas for improvement. The main point of a table such as the one below is to establish whether or not AstraZeneca PLC has any competitive advantages over its competitors. Firm Infrastructure General Management, Compliance, Global Commercial, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Operations, Legal, Research and Development, Safety, PR, Quality Management, IT (Drew Fairchild, 2012) Human Resource Management Expatriate Management, effective and relevant training programmes, consistent policies for employees, recruiting and hiring new employees, motivating and rewarding employees Technological Development Increasing efficiency of employees, investment in technologies such as Lean Sigma to reduce manufacturing costs, ensuring specialised training is undertaken before implementing the various technologies, design for a new drug Procurement Restructuring, reviewing the prices of the drugs currently being sold, improving research and development costs, reviewing general and administrative costs, researching more cost effective options for buying high quality raw materials, constant monitoring of performance (Anon. , 2011) Inbound Logistics Storing and handling of raw materials Contact with suppliers Operations Manufacturing processes, research and development, human and animal testing, constant evaluation of products, clinical trials Outbound Logistics Delivery schedule that is efficient, distribution, cost-effective, transportation, fulfilling orders – predicting which products will be in demand, packaging, storage Marketing and Sales Costs, highly trained sales team, identifying target audiences and advertising accordingly, engaging the customers Service Guaranteed quality, instructions on how to fully utilise the product, extensive testing and post launch clinical studies Table 2: Value Chain for AstraZeneca PLC Business Model Key Partners Discovery: MRC Technology Columbia University University of Virginia Karolinska Institutet Merck Clinical development: Nektar (NKTR-118) Forest (Zinforo) Rigel (Fostamatinib) Launched medicines: BMS (Onglyza) Pozen (Vimovo) New Opportunities: Alcon Galderma Three-year collaboration agreement with IMS Health Key Activities Focus heavily on RD Very interested in using technology to maximise efficiency and cut costs. Channels Their customers (being mainly distributors) look towards organizations such as N. I. C. E. (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the FDA to approve the drugs they are interested in purchasing. New products are announced through the media along with statistics of how they compare with similar drugs on the market. Price is a main factor in obtaining customers loyalty as well as quality. Value Proposition Have personalised healthcare (PHC) where they match a patients characteristics to medicines for more effective treatment. (AstraZeneca PLC, 2010) Wide range of drugs available. Key Resources Suppliers Specialist employees, e. g. Dr. Mike Poole Invested heavily in supplier collaboration software from Ariba improved the speed of product development by reducing the time it takes to swap data with RD suppliers by 70%. (Clark, 2011) Use Lean Sigma software to maximise efficiency of manufacturing new drugs. (Johnstone, et al. , 2011) Customer Segments AstraZeneca PLC’s main target audience are healthcare professionals, such as primary care and specialist doctors. Their products are, however, marketed towards the distributors/local representatives as they are the ones that buy the products in bulk and sell them on. (Anon. , 2012) Customer Relationship Pharmaceuticals are rated highly and AstraZeneca is considered a reliable brand for quality Implemented a click-to-chat technology that allows consumers to contact a live AstraZeneca customer service representative (AstraZeneca US, 2011) They take all their complaints seriously. Cost Structure A lot of money is put towards research and development – Last year alone AstraZeneca invested almost $59 billion for only five drugs to be approved. This meant that each drug technically cost them nearly $11. 8 billion each. (Silverman, 2012) Buying start-up companies so that they can launch their drugs on to market Revenue Streams Revenue from sales New software used improves the infrastructure of the company, saving them money by being more efficient Shares Table 3: Business Model for AstraZeneca PLC Current News AstraZeneca to Sue FDA Over Anti-Psychotic Drug, Seroquel There has been a lot of hype surrounding the current law suit AstraZeneca has filed against the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the drug ‘Seroquel’ as it is a problem that is affecting a lot of the large pharmaceutical companies – patents are expiring and smaller drug companies are therefore releasing generic forms of the drugs immediately. Seroquel is marketed as an anti-psychotic treatment for patients with depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (SEROQUEL XR, 2011). For AstraZeneca, this is a drug that generates a lot of revenue, approximately ? 1 billion in annual sales (Cooper, 2012), and the expiration of their patent has created a sudden niche in the US market that many smaller pharmaceutical companies are looking to take advantage of. AstraZeneca has a lot invested in this drug therefore the law suit would seem personal; however, they also have a very legitimate reason for going to court. The injunction they have applied for to ban the FDA from approving the generic forms of Seroquel is based on the fact that these rival companies cannot carry all of the warnings for the drug on their labels. This is due to AstraZeneca including extra information after post launch clinical studies which is still protected by exclusivity agreements potentially until the 2nd December 2012 (Cooper, 2012). Obviously it is illegal to omit possible side effects of any drug which then makes this a very serious point as it is believed the generic forms would also have the risk of â€Å"high blood sugar† and â€Å"suicidal thoughts† (Cooper, 2012) associated with the chemical quetiapine fumarate (SEROQUEL XR, 2011). Despite this, if the FDA chooses to ignore the Citizen Petitions supplied by AstraZeneca and gives its final marketing approval for the generic forms of Seroquel, the company’s revenue for 2012 will plummet a lot more than anticipated. This is because of increased competition due to loss of exclusivity (Cooper, 2012). Share Buy-Backs AstraZeneca is planning to purchase almost ? 3 billion worth of stock by the end of this year, almost double what they bought in 2010. This is a clear indicator that the fact that their patents expiring and increased generic competition is hurting the business and this is the only option they have of keeping their investors happy. Unfortunately if AstraZeneca’s free cash flow generation is less than the amount of shares they buy-back, their gearing will increase by a huge amount as they will be forced to use the money on their balance sheet (Staton, 2012). The pharmaceutical industry is a much harder market to succeed in these days because of increased competition. There is a high demand for new, innovative products that take time to develop, approve and release and although AstraZeneca is working on new products, they do not always come to fruition. Recently they have had a major project declined by the FDA that they co-developed with Bristol-Myers Squibb: Dapagliflozin which lowers the blood glucose levels of consumers with diabetes. AstraZeneca has also attempted to protect another one of its best selling drugs, Crestor, from generic-drug companies but has been denied by the US Court of Appeals as the generic forms of the drug would only be used for â€Å"treatments not covered by the patents† (Decker, 2012). These are not an ideal situation to be in as with the market constantly changing and new drugs always being in demand it would not be hard for another pharmaceutical company to surpass AstraZeneca if they had a patent for an important drug. Acquisitions of start-up companies and their products is an option that AstraZeneca will begin to fully utilise as it saves them money on the research and development, although they are still heavily invested in their own RD, and, in turn, makes them a lot of money. Share buy-backs are clearly an indicator that AstraZeneca is reshaping the business in order to focus their efforts mainly on RD as this is an area that the company relies on to increase revenue and climb the ranks in the pharmaceutical industry. Financial/Investment Analysis Financial Ratios (Investopedia ULC, 2012) Return on Shareholders Funds (ROSF): This is a percentage of money made that is returned to the shareholders as equity. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE): The ROCE is the amount of money that is being made from the company’s total capital. Liquidity Ratio: A company’s ability to meet its short-term debts. It is more desirable to have a larger value of the ratio as it then indicates that the company has a higher margin of safety and will be able to pay the debts. Current Ratio: This is a liquidity ration that determines whether or not a company can use their current assets to pay off their current liabilities. A positive number is desired as this means that a company is succeeding in meeting their short-term financial obligations. Interest Cover: How easily a company can pay interest on a debt they have already accumulated. Gearing: When a company requires outside funds then gearing occurs. Gearing is the comparison of a company’s long-term debt and its equity capital. We can then apply these definitions to the following table: 2010 2009 2008 2007 ROSF (%) 47. 29 52. 31 54. 56 54. 03 ROCE (%) 27. 90 28. 99 25. 94 24. 36 Liquidity Ratio 1. 40 1. 25 1. 09 0. 99 Current Ratio 1. 50 1. 35 1. 21 1. 12 Interest Cover 11. 62 10. 02 7. 59 8. 46 Gearing (%) 70. 01 89. 78 116. 53 150. 73 Table 4: AstraZeneca PLC Financial Ratios (FAME, 2010) As can be seen from the table, both ROCE and ROSF have dropped from 2009 to 2010. However, it is still clear that AstraZeneca PLC is turning a profit as they are keeping their shareholders happy with a good percentage of money being returned to them and the company itself is making money therefore it can be assume that management is doing well. Their liquidity ratio has increased steadily through 2007-2010 which is a great indicator that AstraZeneca is able to meet its short-term debts and is gradually acquiring a higher margin of safety because of it. Coupled with the current ratio, this has also increased across the presented timeframe further illustrating that AstraZeneca is successful enough to meet its short-term financial obligations. The interest cover has increased from 2009 to 2010, showing that the company is earning more money making it easier for them to interest charges on their debt. However, the interest cover for 2007-8 suggests that AstraZeneca experienced some financial difficulties which could return in the future, despite its interest cover being as high as it now. This could be prevented by ensuring employees are happy with their work environments so they do not strike and continuously developing new products or modifying products. Although gearing has decreased significantly across the four years, it is still very high indicating that AstraZeneca will have the long-term debt it has accumulated for quite a while as the company is not generating enough revenue to pay it back quickly. This could be because they are choosing to spend their money on research and development rather than paying off their debt. Instead of relying on product revenue, AstraZeneca could look into consulting emerging companies and selling their expertise while building a relationship with them that they could use in the future. This generates more money for the company and offers a potential business partner. Overall AstraZeneca would not be a bad company to invest in as its debt it slowly decreasing and it has a history of gaining a profit at the end of the year therefore shareholders would not lose money. Industry Forces and the Market When analysing how well AstraZeneca PLC is doing, we must always consider their competitors. Competition is what motivates a company to perform to the best of their ability and deliver products of a high quality at a cost effective price, it is what drives them to discover and develop new drugs and meet all of their customers’ needs. As can be seen from the list below, AstraZeneca is ranked sixth in the pharmaceutical industry at the moment, however, with companies merging and patents expiring (Roth, 2011), AstraZeneca could attempt to climb the ranks with new, innovative ideas that fill a niche in the current market. List of the Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in 2011 (Roth, 2011) 1. Pfizer 2. Novartis AG 3. Merck Co. 4. Sanofi-Aventis SA 5. GlaxoSmithKline 6. AstraZeneca 7. Johnson Johnson 8. Eli Lilly Co. 9. Abbott Laboratories 10. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical companies are ranked in terms of revenue; whichever company generates the most revenue at the end of the financial quarter is considered the most successful within the pharmaceutical industry. With this in mind it is then interesting to consider the share prices for these companies and how the analysts would advise us to invest. Company Name Share Price ($) Change/% Change P/E Ratio EPS Novartis AG (NVS) 54. 79 +0. 48/+0. 88% 14. 37 3. 78 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 45. 18 +0. 17/+0. 38% 27. 55 1. 634 AstraZeneca (AZN) 45. 11 +0. 37/0. 83% 6. 13 7. 30 Sanofi-Aventis SA (SNY) 38. 90 +0. 07/+0. 18% 13. 74 2. 8265 Merck Co (MRK) 38. 03 -0. 03/-0. 08% 18. 84 2. 02 Pfizer (PFE) 21. 94 +0. 03/+0. 14% 17. 22 1. 272 Table 5: Leading Pharmaceutical Companies Investment Analysis (InvestorGuide, 2012) As can be seen from the table, although AstraZeneca is ranked sixth in the world, its share price is greater than the leading pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. This is a good sign as it shows that their reorganisation within the company has started to come to fruition and more people will be interested in buying shares. This is one of the main goals because, as can be seen by then they will have more money at their disposable to put towards further research and development. It can also be seen that their share price is increasing as the change is positive showing that AstraZeneca is gradually climbing up the market and becoming more and more valuable. When looking to invest in a company it is always better to get a second opinion and consult the analyst charts. The chart below was taken from ‘InvestorGuide’ and shows the personal belief of 7 different analysts and their recommendations history. Current 1 Month Ago 2 Months Ago 3 Months Ago Strong Buy 2 1 1 1 Moderate Buy 0 0 0 0 Hold 4 5 6 6 Moderate Sell 1 1 0 0 Strong Sell 0 0 0 0 Mean Recommendation 2. 57 2. 86 2. 71 2. 71 Table 6: Recommendations for AstraZeneca Shares (InvestorGuide, 2012) As can be seen, 2 analysts recommend now is the best time to invest in AstraZeneca shares. Despite it appearing to be the best time to buy shares in 3 months, when compared with the 4 analysts who would prefer one ‘held’ their money and the other who thinks the best one could do with their share is sell it with hardly any profit, it definitely does not seem like it would be worth the risk anymore. However, another way of looking at it is that the share is currently at a relatively low price; therefore one could potentially save money by investing now. With this frame of mind, we must consider AstraZeneca’s share price history. Graph 1: Share Price Performance, Based on the Figures from (AstraZeneca PLC, 2007-2012) The website used for the investment analysis of AstraZeneca and its competitors is based on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) therefore the graph also reflects the American market so that it is more comparable. It is clear that, in general, from 2007 to 2012 AstraZeneca PLC’s share price has kept within a small range (approximately $55-45) despite there clearly being drops in the market, especially during 2009. Therefore, with the share price currently being at the lower end of this range it would be considered a good thing to invest now, however, one will probably not get any returns on it immediately as, from what can be seen in the graph above, AstraZeneca’s share price is more likely to get worse before it gets better again. This trend is unfortunate but at least it can be assumed that in the end, one would not lose that much money before they started making money. Technology Importance of Technology For AstraZeneca’s Chief Information’s Officer, Rich Williams, technology is the future (NGP, 2009). In 2009, he completely transformed AstraZeneca’s business infrastructure and made it the efficient and cost effective business it is today. By employing one type of technology and implementing it throughout the company he was able to reduce information systems (IS) costs by 30% and allow more time and money to be focused on research and development. Lean Sigma: Useful? Lean sigma is a type of software that is used to improve the performance of a company relative to its competitors using business improvement tools (Romeo, n. d. ). It is considered to be quite controversial as some specialists argue that it stifles creativity within a business due to the rigorous process improvement the technology commands, whereas others rightly point out that the software clearly helps companies save money by reducing manufacturing times (Johnstone, et al. , 2011). To understand both arguments, we must consider them separately. Lean sigma is considered a bad thing because it is perceived that the software could potentially inhibit an environment in which innovative ideas are able to flourish as it is not able to think outside the box. However, in practice it has been proven that despite the nature of the idea, the programme has been able to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the drug making cycle (Johnstone, et al. , 2011). The graph below summarises the stage of innovation (Johnstone, et al. , 2011) that are completed before every new drug is released: Image 2: The Stages of Innovation, Based on (Johnstone, et al. , 2011) It is important to note the â€Å"Learning and Feedback† arrows that are incorporated into earlier phases of the diagram in order to produce the best quality product. This method is used to enhance the â€Å"probability of success† and gain, at the end, the best possible solution to launch the new drug on to society. Software such as lean sigma, is perfect for such a thing as it â€Å"improves the speed, quality and cost of manufacturing and service industries†, and overall reduces cycle time by 50% (Johnstone, et al. , 2011). Therefore, to conclude, lean sigma is helping AstraZeneca improve their process excellence by saving them money on their manufacturing process which is in turn having a positive impact on their research and development. Lean sigma is a great programme to use to take ones business to the next level and it is a technology that AstraZeneca has done well to invest in (Johnstone, et al. , 2011). The Future AstraZeneca’s plans for the future are mainly hinged on an international reorganisation of the company, intended to make sure their focus is directed towards research and development. It has always been a main focus for the second largest drug-maker as RD is what most of its money gets spent towards, which can be seen in the ‘Business Model’. The pharmaceutical company has stated that it will begin to reduce the number of disease areas it focuses on so that it can in turn produce a more specialised, better drug. Not only will it reduce the scope of its research, AstraZeneca will also be focusing a lot of energies towards gaining external collaboration. This will reduce costs for possible failures of RD as they will be able to collaborate with an emerging market that already has the basis of a great patent. It will also continue to use business improvement programmes such as lean sigma to ensure the company performs to the best of its ability and has a more flexible approach to the projects it decides to take on (Anon. , 2011). Overall, AstraZeneca is adjusting to their current situation well and has made the right decisions regarding how to bring their company forward. With changes like these, they will be able to focus more on what they specialise in, RD, and deliver a quality product to their consumers. Conclusion SWOT Analysis Strengths AstraZeneca is an innovative company that is ranked sixth in the world of all the pharmaceutical companies Total turnover from 2007-10 has generally increased showing it is a successful company (FAME, 2010) It has vested interest in all areas of drug therapy and are consistently releasing relevant drugs for the market Weaknesses As patents are expiring they are not releasing suitable replacements therefore generic forms of the drugs are dominating the market They are not releasing enough new drugs, despite the ones they do release being very relevant Opportunities Has made many partnerships with other companies Buying back shareholders for a quick turn around Restructuring the business to focus on their RD Threats Generic forms of their drugs are becoming a serious threat to their revenue Generic forms can be offered to people who are not private practice

Statement of purpose for undergrad in business studies free essay sample

â€Å"Take up one idea. Make that idea your life- think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success†. I read this quote by Swami Vivekananda in 2011 when I was deciding my career choice in 2011 when I was in Grade 11. Initially I was inclined towards science as that’s the preferred career option for most in India. However a deeper analysis, introspection and influence of my parents made me realize my strengths and interests make me more suited for Economics and Business Studies. My family has been a major influence – my father and maternal uncle are both engineers with an MBA from top business schools and have made a great career for themselves. My father is into international business development and marketing and has made a successful career. We will write a custom essay sample on Statement of purpose for undergrad in business studies or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After deciding on Commerce and Business Studies, I scored 91. 2 % (top 10 % in the CBSE across in grade 12 and made it to the top 10 % of candidates who took the board exam nationwide. After 12th grade, I took an entrance exam and qualified for the interview and group discussion round by securing a national rank of 143. I made it to the top 80 students to get admission to the coveted College of business studies, Delhi University (voted as Asias best undergraduate management college by the Commonwealth of Nations). Good academic performance in my school and college, active participation in academic as well as extra-curricular activities in several marketing activity groups and several part time and full time internships during college have helped me to develop analytical, communication and social interaction skills. I now feel strongly that I would like to pursue this career further. During the one and a half years of my undergraduate studies, I interacted with students from different cultural and social backgrounds. The college has a strong culture of developing practical skills and nurturing entrepreneurship. Most students got campus placements and more than 60 % students chose management consulting and marketing as career options. I used to visit NGO’s and teach students on weekends but I wanted to do something bigger. I got through Kartavya ( The social service club of my college) and here, I organized blood donation camps and collection drives in college, visited slums , organized movie screenings and talent shows for the unprivileged children living in orphanages and the happiness I got by seeing them happy is inexpressible. I was a part of MIC (The Management Interaction Cell) wherein my team co-hosted an event with FICCI ( Federation of Indian chambers of commerce and Industry ). I was given the role of Director, Human resources at DUMUN (Delhi University Model United Nations) where my key roles involved raising funds for our national level event, managing and ensuring co-ordination in the team and representing my team to the college authorities. While organizing and hosting these events, I led teams and was appreciated for my leadership skills and dedication towards my clubs. I started enjoying the whole process of recruiting new members, leading them, pitching to prospective sponsors to raise funds and managing the working of the team . This was the time I realized that I enjoy leading people and it is something I can do well. Academically, I balanced my studies well with my co-curriculars and always scored 80% and above in my semesters. I enjoyed every bit of my course and thoroughly researched on all my projects. Business Research, Organizational Behavior and Marketing management have been my favorite subjects in college. The project I enjoyed the most was a live project in Public Relations for which I studied the Cadbury worm crisis and took interviews of employees there to gain first hand knowledge over their crisis. CBS has made me confident about my choice of stream and made me realize my ambitions in life. To quench my thirst for practical management knowledge, I went on to join Vodafone as an HR intern where my assignment was to check employee satisfaction by conducting surveys, suggest better schemes and analyze the areas where improvement was required. Later, I also joined Brand Hawkers as a Marketing trainee. My job assignment involved creating a prospect list of advertising partners for our ‘SmartBooks’ product, qualifying and pitching to them and facilitating their engagement with Brand Hawkers. During this assignment I realized that marketing was the forte I wanted to excel in since this is what I enjoyed the most. It didn’t seem like work to me but it was simply fun. I am confident of my abilities to carve a niche for myself in this field of Business Management. I am ready to take the desired steps to achieve my ultimate goal.

confucianism influence essays

confucianism influence essays Confucianism has influenced the Chinese attitude toward life, set the patterns of living and standards of social value, and provided the background for Chinese political theories and institutions. It has spread from China to Korea, from Korea to Japan where it was first brought to around the fifth century. Confucius had a great impact on the Chinese civilization. His teachings relating to ethics, honor, social responsibility, familial obligations, ancestor worship, and observation of rites and historical precedence provide the glue that gives the Chinese civilization continuity and durability. Although Confucianism was introduced in Korea before Buddhism, Korean people have their own way to follow and change its ideology of Confucianism. Management of accepting the ideology made unique Korean culture. Although Confucianism is often described as a religion, it is not in the formal sense. Confucius did not write about the gods except to indicate that he accepted the religious beliefs of his day. Neither he nor his followers challenged the existing beliefs in a pantheon of gods and the spirit world, which included the spirits of one's prominent ancestors. The cult of worshipping one's ancestors pre-dates Confucianism. This custom had been formalized under the Zhou dynasty. Princely families had the right to worship their ancestors from the founder of their family line to the present. Secondary families in theory were only supposed to be allowed to worship their last 4 generations of ancestors. The head of the family acted as the high priest of the cult and had the responsibility to see that the ancestors were properly worshipped. Powerful ancestors, like any other spirit, had to be placated because they could still have an impact on the natural world. This practice of worshipping one's ancestors partly explains the strength of the family in Chinese culture. From the earliest stages, Chinese civilization seemed to center around t...

Brand management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Brand management - Essay Example In this paper, the writer will characterise Evisu’s efforts at revitalising and reinforcing its brand equity, and provide suggestions as to how the company can rejuvenate its brand equity. Evisu’s history goes back to the 1980s. During the 80s, vintage denim aficionados fanatically pursued methods to make similar replicas of vintage jeans. In 1988, Yamane succeeded in finding and acquiring a classic American shuttle loom that could weave 40 metres daily and make exact copies of vintage denim. The subsequent small output of just 12 pairs of jeans per week heralded the beginning of the Replica Movement. Evisu’s logo and brand identity are linked with the denim revolution. Evisu enjoyed its most successful period in the 1990s to early 2000s. It was hugely popular with celebrities and young people who identified with its unique designs and innovative marketing. It is regularly lauded as the pioneer of high-end, $600 jeans, and the leader of the â€Å"old school† denim movement (Choi, 2014:43). In the mid 2000s, the company faced many challenges associated with financial, creative and competitive aspects, the core components of the fashion industry. Th e tax evasion case it faced in 2006 hurt its PR and finances. In 2006, Evisu’s founder – Hidehiko Yamane – and the company were reported to Japanese authorities on suspicion of tax evasion. Yamane was accused of colluding with two other firms to conceal income totalling over 500 million yen and evading, over three years, income taxes totalling around 160 million yen. This incident severely dented the company’s image, which it had built for decades and sold to millions of people across the world. However, and prior to this case, the company had also been posting unsatisfactory results in terms of brand popularity and financial performances (Rossolatos, 2014:34). An unexpected lull in quality and industry had allowed aggressive brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Armani to eat into