Organizational Behavior and Leadership Quiz Questions free essay sample

Representatives An and B cooperate on a similar undertaking group. At the point when the group faces a perplexing and troublesome issue, the group head as a rule approaches B to produce elective answers for the group to consider. Experience has demonstrated that B effectively scans for extra data and is bound to step up to the plate and to feel that the group can viably impact the results of its activities. Representative A will in general excel on occupations that are very much organized and routine and feels that the results of the groups activities are dictated by karma or possibility. Worker A displays an outside locus of control, and representative B shows an interior locus of control. Worker B was agitated with Employee As conduct at the divisions arranging meeting. Which elements will impact Employee Bs discernment in this circumstance? Circumstance, Target, Perceiver An individual is progressive, gutsy, and pardoning. Which sort of qualities are these? Instrumental qualities A representative appreciates having an enormous range of duty and is spurred to do well in view of individual emotions. Which sort of remuneration is this? Inborn prize Which hypothesis is a revamping of Maslows need order and is preferable bolstered by extra exploration over is Maslows hypothesis? ERG Theory Manager An administers 10 region units with 100 representatives and gets $100,000 in remuneration. Chief B directs 5 locale units with 50 representatives and furthermore gets $100,000 in remuneration. Chief An is annoyed with this relationship and is searching for a new position. Which hypothesis discloses As inspiration to search for a new position? Value hypothesis An administrator provoked a worker to create a normal of 24 congregations every day for seven days. This creation objective was higher than the representative had ever accomplished during any week. The supervisor gave the representative a count sheet to stamp after every get together was finished. Considering the objective setting hypothesis of inspiration, the administrator was relying on which variables to impact the representative to accomplish the creation objective? Particularity and Feedback Which phase of the five-phase bunch advancement model is portrayed by growing cozy connections and cohesiveness? Norming What characterizes a lot of expected standards of conduct credited to an individual possessing a given situation in a social unit? Gathering standard Which kind of gathering is characterized by the associations structure? Formal gathering Management has seen that the quality improvement work bunch is battling in light of the fact that individuals appear to be working in various ways. Which proposed move can the organization make to build bunch cohesiveness? Genuinely separate the gathering To determine a contention between the office staff and the janitorial staff, the division head advises the office staff of another strategy forbidding the eating of food at the work area. Which kind of compromise procedure does this speak to Altering the human variable What is a bit of leeway of a gathering that isn't durable? When execution standards are high, profitability will be higher than in a strong gathering Which term portrays the inclination for people to exhaust less exertion when working by and large than when working independently? Social loafing What is a quality of collective choice creation? Expanded assorted variety of perspectives Which explanation is valid about work groups Members of the gathering create positive cooperative energy through composed exertion What sort of group is framed when representatives from about the equivalent various leveled level however from various work zones meet up to achieve an undertaking Cross-useful group What are essential factors that separate virtual groups from up close and personal groups? Beat existence imperatives and make restricted social setting What is an attribute of critical thinking groups that is not the same as cross-useful groups? Critical thinking colleagues originate from a similar work unit. A group was doled out a task. Partially through the venture clearly the group was neglecting to meet desires. The executives had ensured that people alloted to the group had great relational aptitudes just as great critical thinking and dynamic abilities. Be that as it may, they disregarded different capacities of colleagues required for achieving the work. Which capacity essential for colleagues was neglected? Penchant for social loafing When sorting out a group to build up another quality control framework, the executives needed to allot colleagues having attributes regular to viable groups. Which rundown indicates basic qualities of compelling groups? An atmosphere of trust, individuals who fill job requests, and an enormous group size An organization changed from sequential construction systems to self-guided work groups. What can colleagues do to improve the collaboration and accomplishment of their groups? Dole out individual jobs instead of shared group jobs An organization is changing their work association from representatives working separately to the utilization of groups. Which reward framework could be utilized to cultivate long haul group viability? Prize framework that rewards both individual and gathering action Management is thinking about a rearrangement of deals locales and plans toâ allow representatives to live and work in their separate deals regions all through the United States. In any case, the VP of deals needs the provincially scattered specialists to take part in week after week deals gatherings. Which sort of groups ought to be composed? Virtual groups What is the ideal strategy for expanding colleague i nterest in a worldwide gathering? Video conferencing innovation A recently framed group is attempting to get profitable however can't conclude who ought to do what. In what capacity should the group chief endeavor to determine the issue? Mentor the group through the trouble Which alternative characterizes authoritative culture? A mutual arrangement of implications that is one of a kind to the association Which qualities are remembered for the seven essential attributes that characterize an associations culture? Meticulousness, development and hazard taking, individuals direction What is one of the powers that assumes an especially significant job in continuing an associations culture? Socialization process How can an association transmit its way of life to its representatives? By utilizing material images and explicit language When is authoritative culture thought about broken? When social inconsistency deflects making acquisitions or mergers What is a favorable position of a solid authoritative culture? The organization has low worker turnover How may a magnetic pioneer work to build execution in an association? Articulate an engaging vision. Which possibility hypothesis of initiative recommends that from the get-go in the association between a pioneer and a given devotee the pioneer certainly orders the adherent as an in or an out? Pioneer part trade hypothesis What is a trademark utilized by transformational pioneers? Gives vision and feeling of crucial increases trust Which approach may be utilized to coach a less-experienced worker? Directing and sponsorship Which compromise methods may a director use to control the degree of contention that has gotten broken? Superordinate objectives and adjusting the basic factors Which trademark indicates strengthening? Dynamic force is held in the useful staff director What is a case of authentic conduct in hierarchical legislative issues? Representative dissent What is a reason for worker execution assessments? To give criticism and decide reward distributions What is valid about the connection between execution assessment and inspiration? Administrators must have certainty that the exertion they apply will prompt a positive representative exhibition wherein conditions would the utilization of 360-degree execution assessments apply? At the point when both inside and outer client criticism is useful An organization has rebuilt around groups however execution has not met desires. What ought to be the principle assessment model in a proper presentation assessment for supporting and improving the exhibition of groups? Group results being attached to significant objectives

Funny Mothers Day Quotes

Clever Mothers Day Quotes A pinch of silliness goes far in making connections work. What's more, when that relationship is a mother-kid one, giggling can be an extraordinary pressure alleviator. Consider it. A mother needs to guarantee her childs prosperity, satisfaction, and security each and every day. She never gets the chance to remove the heap from her shoulders. It isn't so much that she doesnt like to chuckle, its simply that she was such a great amount to stress over. Why not give her the endowment of funniness this Mothers Day? Does your mom like jokes and amusing films? On the off chance that funniness is her thing, give her the delight of chuckling on Mothers Day. Utilize these interesting Mothers Day cites in cards and on presents. A dash of silliness will make the event memorable.â Entertaining Quotes Rita Rudner My mom is such a lousy cook, that Thanksgiving at her home is a period of distress. Imprint Twain My mom experienced a lot of difficulty with me, however I think she delighted in it. Dan Quayle Republicans comprehend the significance of subjugation between a mother and youngster. Phyllis Diller Doubtlessly something which implies neediness, issue, and savagery each and every day ought to be kept away from altogether. Yet, the longing to bring forth kids is a characteristic desire. Family Hubbard The most noticeably terrible component of another child is its moms singing. Louie Anderson My mother was a carport deal individual, set aside cash. Please into the carport deal, you may discover a shirt. Shed get in that carport deal and point stuff out to you. Theres a decent fork for a nickel. No doubt, that is lovely. Its somewhat high. In the event that it were three pennies Id gobble it up. Oscar Wilde All ladies become like their moms. That is their disaster. No man does. That is his. Paula Poundstone My mother said she figured out how to swim. Somebody took her out in the lake and lost her the pontoon. That is the means by which she figured out how to swim. I stated, Mom, they werent attempting to show you how to swim. Tim Allen My mother said the main explanation men are alive is for grass care and vehicle upkeep. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar My mom needed to send me to the films with my introduction to the world certificateâ so that I wouldnt need to pay the additional fifty pennies that the grown-ups needed to pay. Lady Edna Everage My mom used to state that there are no outsiders, just companions you havent met at this point. Shes now in a most extreme security nightfall home in Australia. Rita Rudner Despondent people assemble mansions noticeable all around; psychotics live in them. My mom cleans them. Pamela Anderson Im a mother with two little youngsters, so I dont take as much poo as I used to.

Office Communication Top Ten List Entry #9 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Office Communication Top Ten List â€" Entry #9 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog This is the ninth entry in our “Top 10? list for you to consider when communicating with our office and applying. Number 9 Attend an information session or recruitment event. While I realize not everyone can make it to New York, if you can the best way to obtain information is to attend an information session.   If you live nearby or are visiting New York this is probably the best way to learn about our programs and how to put together a competitive application.   Due to the large number of visitors and our small staff we are unable to arrange walk in appointments.   You are always welcome to visit and someone will assist you, however we are rarely able to provide extensive individual counseling appointments. If you would like to schedule an information session, which are held every Monday at 6pm and every Friday at 12pm excluding holidays, it is best to send an email to sipa_admission@columbia.edu and then we can confirm the session with you. We also attend recruitment events across the country and internationally as I mentioned in this blog post here. However, you are always welcome to come to the office during business hours and ask a few questions or obtain information.

Biography of Inventor Jacob Perkins

Jacob Perkins  was an American  inventor,  mechanical engineer, and  physicist. He was responsible for a variety of important inventions, and made significant developments in the field of anti-forgery currency. Jacob Perkins Early Years Perkins was born in Newburyport, Mass., on July 9, 1766, and died in London on July 30, 1849. He had a goldsmith  apprenticeship during his early years and soon made himself known with a variety of useful mechanical inventions. He  eventually had 21 American and 19 English  patents. He is known as the father of the refrigerator. Perkins  was elected a Fellow of the  American Academy of Arts and Sciences  in 1813.   Perkins Inventions In 1790, when Perkins was just 24, he developed machines for cutting and heading nails. Five years later, he earned a patent for his improved nail machines and started a nail manufacturing business in  Amesbury, Massachusetts. Perkins invented the bathometer (measures the depth of water)  and  the  pleometer  (measures the speed at which a vessel moves through the water). He also invented an early version of the refrigerator  (really an  ether  ice machine). Perkins  improved steam engines (radiator for use with hot water central heating - 1830) and made improvements to guns. Perkins also invented  a method of plating shoe-buckles. Perkins Engraving Technology Some of Perkins greatest developments involved engraving.  He started a printing business with an engraver named Gideon Fairman. They first engraved school books, and also made currency that was not being forged. In 1809, Perkins bought the stereotype technology (prevention of counterfeit bills) from Asa Spencer, and registered the patent, and then employed Spencer. Perkins made several important innovations in printing technology, including new steel engraving plates. Using these plates he made the first known steel engraved USA books. He then made currency for a Boston Bank, and later for the National Bank. In 1816 he set up a printing shop and bid on the printing of currency for the  Second National Bank  in Philadelphia. Perkins Work with Anti-ForgeryBank Currency His top-notch American bank currency received  attention from the  Royal Society  who were busy addressing the massive problem of forged  English bank notes. In 1819, Perkins and Fairman went to England to try to win the  £20,000 reward for notes that could not be forged. They pair showed sample notes to the  Royal Society  president Sir  Joseph Banks. They set up shop in England, and spent months on example currency, still on display today. Unfortunately for them, Banks thought that unforgeable also implied that the inventor should be English by birth. Printing English notes ultimately proved a success and was carried out by Perkins in partnership with the English engraver-publisher Charles Heath and his associate Fairman. Together they formed the partnership  Perkins, Fairman and Heath which was later renamed when his son-in-law, Joshua Butters Bacon, bought out Charles Heath and the company was then known as  Perkins, Bacon.  Perkins Bacon  provided banknotes for many banks and foreign countries with  postage stamps.  Stamp production started for the British government in 1840 with stamps that incorporated an anti-forgery measure. Perkins Other Projects Also concurrently, Jacobs brother ran the American printing business, and they made money on important fire safety patents. Charles Heath and Perkins worked together and independently on some concurrent projects.

Path Goal Theory Free Essays

Path Goal Theory In order to encourage, support and motivate their followers, Path Goal Theory requires a leader to take into account situational factors when adapting a leadership style. Successful integration of situational factors with a leadership style can lead to maximized satisfaction and effort from the follower. The Path Goal Theory states leaders must: †¢Forge a path for followers to obtain their goal through coaching and direction †¢Remove roadblocks and obstacles that are preventing followers from accomplishing goal †¢Increase rewards and incentives along the way 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Path Goal Theory or any similar topic only for you Order Now Subordinate Factors (Follower Characteristics) A. Ability: A follower’s self-efficacy and self perception of competence in performing tasks to achieve goals. B. Authoritarianism: is defined as the degree to which the followers seek structure and task clarity. C. Experience: Knowledge of or skill in achieving a goal. D. Locus of control: How one perceives how much they can control events that affect their goal achievement. Those with low internal locus of control seek to participate and engage in decision making. On the contrary, those with a strong external locus of control like to be directed and provided structure. Coach Lengyel has a diverse group of followers with a variety of contrasting personal characteristics. Due to their lack of experience, youth and general â€Å"rag-tag† composition, the players on the team lack confidence, ability, cohesion and self efficacy. Given these characteristics, these players have a high external locus of control and yearn for task clarity and guidance. In contrast, Coach Red Dawson and Interim President Donald Dedmon have more autonomy and have established themselves more in their respected roles. Lengyel adjust to the varying characteristics of these followers by engaging them more in the decision-making process and seeking their advice on certain issues that arise. 2. Environmental Factors: A. Task structure: A leader needs to analyze the elements and nature of a task a follower is responsible for and identify and remove any difficulties it could pose to the follower. B. Formal authority: is the power position of the leader which can affect the satisfaction of a follower. If directive leadership and a highly formal authority system are in place, the redundancy can cause follower dissatisfaction. C. Work group: Group dynamics and relationship among followers. In situations where team cohesiveness is low, followers need supportive leadership. Where a group is more established and talented, a directive or achievement oriented style is more optimal. The players face significant environmental challenges in both their task structure and work group dynamics. First, the vast majority of the team consists of freshmen or students who have never played organized football. Learning the complex play schemes and the intricacies of the competitive collegiate game in such a short period is certainly daunting. Moreover, positions players such as the punter do not fully comprehend everything their roles entail. Since almost all the players haven’t played with each other, the team lacks the camaraderie and cohesion of their competitors. The confluence of these factors and the physically demanding tolls of the game have created significant roadblock in accomplishing their goals. The fear of embarrassing the community and university with poor performance on the field and the stress of the tragedy compounds the challenges the team face and weighs on them greatly. As a result, the players are more sensitive and an overbearing and authoritarian leader will only exacerbate the situation. Similarly, the stress of the tragedy is also weighing significantly on both Coach Dawson and Interim President Dedmon. After losing colleagues and players he coached and recruited from the tragedy, Dawson has significant doubts about whether he can be around the game anymore. The drastic changes with Dawson’s workgroup and formal authority figure are daily reminders of the tragedy that occurred with the team. The tragedy wears on him and he has a significant effect on his confidence and motivation to fulfill and execute the tasks associated with the assistant coaching job. With Dedmon, the opposition by some in the community to rebuild the football program has made Interim President insecure and timid when approaching tasks with the job. Furthermore, Dedmon’s confidence erodes initially when numerous coaches around the country turn down the offer to coach the Marshall team due seemingly insurmountable challenges facing the program. Dedmon has to adjust o a changing environment surrounding the university and to Coach Lyngel’s energetic and enthusiastic style which contrasts greatly with his own. 3. Leader Behavior: A. Supportive leadership: Consider the needs of the follower, showing concern for their welfare, being approachable as a leader and creating a friendly working environment. This approach is best when the work is stressful, ambiguous and or hazardous. B. Directive l eadership: Telling and providing leaders with structure, task clarity while giving appropriate guidance along the way. The leader sets clear standards of performance in order to decrease role ambiguity. This form of leadership can be helpful when the follower is inexperienced. C. Participative leadership: Effective when followers are autonomous. This form involves consulting with followers and making them an integral part of the decision process. This approach is most effective with followers who are knowledgeable and skilled and have a high internal locus of control. D. Achievement-oriented leadership: Setting challenges goals, both in their work and in self-improvement. The leader establishes high standard of excellence and leader shows confidence in the capabilities of the follower to succeed. This approach is best when the task is complex. Lengyel has to question whether the famous sports tenet, â€Å"Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing† is applicable to the season Marshall is about to embark on. His predecessor, like a majority of other coaches led with predominately directive and achievement-oriented styles. Due to the nature of the sport and the intolerance of role ambiguity in the game, Coach Lengyel also exhibits a directive style of leadership in some scenarios. The players’ perceptions of their abilities are relatively low and Lengyel helps them by clarifying and directing them how to do their tasks. For instance, this directive style of leadership is evident when Lengyel instructs and clarifies the position players like the punter and offensive lineman how to do everything that their role entails. Given the players desire for task clarity and guidance, the directive style would most likely be the most effective leadership style with inexperienced players in most scenarios. The most important factor however that impacts the follower characteristics and environmental factors is the stress and pressure resulting from the tragedy. Realizing the enormity of the tragedy, Lengyel utilizes a supportive style that provides psychological support and concern to his followers by their acknowledging the pain and frustration. Knowing that Dawson is in a sensitive emotional and mental state, Lengyel isn’t too aggressive in his pursuit to have him on the coaching staff and always carefully listens and assesses Dawson’s objections and feelings. Lengyel’s pregame speech at the resting spot of six of the players from the Marshall team also exemplifies his exceptional ability to collectively assess both characteristics of his subordinates and the environmental factors when trying to motivate and instill confidence in his team. In the speech he addresses the tragedy of the past, the current team’s shortcomings and even mentions how the team they’re facing has more ability and talent. He declares if they give maximum effort they will not lose and will reach their goals of honoring the memory of the teammates killed in the plane crash and making the community proud. Lengyel realizes that due to the circumstances, that leading with the directive and achievement oriented styles isn’t the most conducive approach. To motivate the players on the team, Lengyel has to utilize a Supportive style that taps into and emphasizes with the emotions of the players and tries to alleviate the stress and pressure of the situational factors. While some other leaders and his peers ultimately fail in certain circumstances for their stubbornness, Lengyel’s biggest leadership strength in contrast is his flexibility. As mentioned, with the players on the team Lengyel’s demonstrates mostly directive and supportive styles. In regards to followers with contrasting characteristics of the players, Lengyel is able to successfully adapt his leadership approach to engage and accommodate them. After assessing that the players on the team do not have the ability to execute relatively complex offensive schemes and tasks, Lengyel realizes they need to simplify their playbook. In this instance, because the assistants have established themselves in their respected roles, Lengyel engages them in the decision-making process. Utilizing the Participative leadership style results in Coach Dawson coming up with the idea to use the simplified Veer Offense. In addition to building trust and satisfaction from the assistant coaches, the players also benefit as it reduces a significant roadblock for them 4. Outcome: A. Performance: Helps followers reach their peak performance. B. Satisfaction: Makes working to obtain goal more satisfying. By successfully adapting to both the characteristics of his subordinates and of the environment, Lengyel helps his followers exert maximum effort and gain satisfaction from obtaining their goals. Coach Lengyel was able to forge a path for his followers by taking into account the different strengths and weaknesses of his followers. As articulated in his speech the team’s main goal of honoring the memory of the team was to â€Å"lay it on the line† and provide maximum effort. Whether it was the players on the players on the field or even Interim President Dedmond aggressively petitioning the NCAA to let their freshmen play, Lengyel’s followers were clearly motivated by his leadership How to cite Path Goal Theory, Papers

Reflective Writing for Sustaining Human Rights - MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theReflective Writing for Sustaining Human Rights. Answer: The phrase, human rights might have a broad definition, but when it is narrowed down to women rights, it takes a more specific direction. This reflective paper will dwell on the women rights. Let us first begin by understanding what women rights are. Women rights are those rights claimed by women, which aim to establish equality between men and women (George, 2015). Focusing on New Zealand, the efforts to fight for these rights are now evident. However, perfect situations are rare, the same case gender equality cannot be completely achieved at work places. Let's now reflect on how the women rights on employment have affected the society. In the earlier days, women used to face a lot of discrimination in the workplace, especially in matters related to opportunities and wages. hanks to New Zealand, the government on its gender equality policies as well as women who have tirelessly fought for women rights at the workplace the rate of gender inequality has greatly been reduced (Bonner, 2012). Moreover, gender discrimination is in itself unproductive at the workplace. Apart from undermining the female gender and paying them low wages, it makes the women lose touch with their work and hence the productivity of the organization is lowered since women are hampered from taking leadership roles in organizations. Therefore, they are not able to contribute their knowledge and skills (George, 2015). The most common types of gender discrimination that were previously being exercised included, wage gaps, sexual harassment, unequal opportunities and lack of involvement in decision-making. Despite the efforts and policies that aim to curb gender discrimination, there are still cases of gender discrimination that goes unnoticed. The main reason that such cases fail to be noticed is due to the reason that men are viewed superior to women (Hurley, 2012). However, there are occupations that men do not prefer to engage in, yet they are suitable for women. Such opportunities include caregivers. However, the society as a whole has viewed these preferences in occupations as being sexist. Another sector that has seen women get many employment opportunities is the hospitality industry. Moreover, the hospitality industry seems to acknowledge women rights as the employment of both genders seem to be equal as well as equal opportunities than any other industries in New Zealand (Kabasakal Arat, 2011). On the other hand, women should not complain too much as they also get some advantages that men do not, for instance, women are likely to get help or assistance on a particular issue as opposed to men. This can be viewed as a way of compensating for the inequalities in other areas of the work. Also, the ministry of social development has shown a kind gesture towards realizing the need for gender equality as it gives equal benefits most of which the bigger percentage that receives the benefit are women. Also, women are hardworking and likely to dominate areas that are male dominated due to their hard work (Kabasakal Arat, 2011). In New Zealand when we look at the unemployment rate, it is found that women are highly unemployed. The main reason behind this is the fact that men tend to get high qualifications in education thus having many opportunity openings than women. Another reason for the unemployment rate is that women mostly have other duties to take care such as house chores of which forces them to take part-time jobs (Lewis, 2015). Moreover, women have encircled themselves in a belief that they are only supposed to stay at home and worry about house chores while men go to work. This further jeopardizes the fight against gender discrimination. The fight for women rights to vote was spearheaded by Kate Shepherded in 1892. This saw New Zealand becoming the first country to grant women a right to vote. According to George, (2015), the New Zealand parliament policies and regulations did not give women the right to stand for parliament. This remained so until the first female, Elizabeth McCombs became the first female member of parliament in New Zealand (Paul, 2012). This also saw the rise in the number of women in parliament up to nine percent by 1981. Up until now, the New Zealand parliaments consist of thirty one percent women. During the colonial period, women in New Zealand did not have protection rights or privileges to work. Women served only as housewives and could only stay at home in most cases looking after the children and preparing food for their working husbands. Equal pay right was enacted in 1972, which stipulated that men and women who work at the same job level should as well be paid equally (Silliman, 2014). Another milestone that further promoted the rights for women is the 1985 act that granted parental leave to women who are in their final stages of pregnancy which is to extend until the child is three to six months old. This closely followed by paid parental leave in 2002, which allows mothers to earn while away from work looking after the child. Moreover, the law also considered men, in that, men could also ask for parental leave to go and look after the child for the remaining period, in the case that the mother had to go back to work (Sweetman, 2015). The New Zealand legislation on ge nder equality is now making women successful as they have allowed them to work as opposed to the previous law. Equal rights have been one of the most top priority of New Zealand government. Numerous improvements have been made to ensure women are given equal rights as men in the workplace. Equal pay for equal work, this approach advocates that regardless of which gender has accomplished the task, the value attributed to the task should be equally compensated whether it is a man or a woman did the job (Tinker, 2016). Executing equal pay for work of equal value principles is one of the interventions that have seen a reduction in undervaluation of women in male dominated work. The standard practice in New Zealand, consist of addressing the gender pay gap foe employees in relation to the median hourly rate. The New Zealand Government has advocated that women be provided with paid parental leave (PPL) after the birth of a child (Wollstonecraft, Williams, 2013). However, there is still a lack of consensus on the criteria to determine the duration of leave as well as the level of pay. Regardless of all that has been achieved there is still need for robust mechanisms, such as legislation, which are required to further drive the gender equity agenda so as to realize employment equity. This calls for commitment from the political broad as well as public consensus. This is to be accompanied by adjustments in providing the early-childhood education funding and ensure its availability in the rural areas where it is scarce. This is because parents in the rural areas are unable to access it as they work on non-standard hours hence no time to access this services. (Lewis, 2015). Conclusion Women rights has been an endless struggle in an effort to equality at work places as well as in the society. However gender equality has not yet been established. I have realized that in the modern society, women has gradually advanced to handle roles that were previously designated for men. This has also contributed to the economic development in a big way. The theme on women rights is important to me, as I come from the Chinese community where women are viewed as inferior to men. However, civilization that is taking place in my society, is slowly getting to realize that both genders are equal and as such they should be treated equally. References Bonner, M. (2012).Sustaining human rights(1st ed.). University Park, Pa.: Pennsylvania State Univ. Press. George, B. (2015).In pursuit of equal rights(1st ed.). [Washington]: The League. Hurley, J. (2012).Women's rights(1st ed.). San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press. Kabasakal Arat, Z. (2011). Womens rights as human rights.UN Chronicle,45(3), 9-13. https://dx.doi.org/10.18356/d16204cd-en Lewis, H. (2015). Human Rights of Women: National and International Perspectives, and: Reconceiving Reality: Women and International Law (review).Human Rights Quarterly,17(3), 576-582. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/hrq.1995.0025 Paul, K. (2012). Women in the Front Line: Human Rights Violations against Women, an Amnesty International Report.Human Rights Quarterly,13(3), 432. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/762632 Silliman, J. (2014).Undivided rights(1st ed.). Cambridge, Mass.: South End Press. Sweetman, C. (2015).Women and rights(1st ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxfam. Tinker, C. (2016). Human Rights for Women: The U. N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.Human Rights Quarterly,3(2), 32. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/761855 Wollstonecraft, M., Williams, Z. (2013).A vindication of the rights of woman(1st ed.).

Need for Effective Networking for Consultants

There is no guarantee that someone who networks will be successful in business. In fact, ninety-five percent of networking activities do not translate to any tangible benefits. However, people that succeed in business participate in networking events. The point here is that doing it does not guarantee it will work, but success relies on it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Need for Effective Networking for Consultants specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More People who benefit from networking understand that networking is a lot more than just meeting people. They know that it takes effort and initiative to turn the networking event into a good use of time. The basic philosophy behind successful networking is that the events provide an individual with the opportunity to meet people with whom they can have mutual benefit. Effective networking is an essential skill for all consultants. The nature of consulting is such that p rior contact adds to the odds of someone agreeing to hire a person. It is imperative to develop strong networking skills to succeed in business. Effective Networking Techniques A consultant has several options to choose from when it comes to the choice of networking techniques. The traditional models stressed on the need for carrying business cards to networking events. It is the easiest way of giving a new contact a way to make contact, but it is in itself not sufficient for effective results. There is the increasing use of blogs and websites as a means of interacting with potential clients. What blogs provide is the opportunity to come off as an expert in a field. This is the dream of every consultant hence the need to have some online presence. Many consultants also use social medial platforms such as tweeter and face book to meet new people. A time-tested method of successful networking is using the same methods that social coaches advocate for like maintaining eye contact when talking to someone, listening more than talking, and generally taking genuine interest other people. This makes a person appear sincere and friendly, one that you would want to do business with someday. One of the key things to remember is that the first meeting is never a sales meeting. As soon as people realize that you are trying to sell to them on the first meeting in an environment not meant for it, they do not leave with a good impression. In networking events, the point is to make positive contact, which may or may not lead to a direct business deal.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Networking Plan among Clients The first thing that the consultancy will do is to seek to establish itself as an expert status organization. This is the lifeline of all consultancies. The best way available for the company to do this is by opening and maintaining a blog, website, or bulletin and using it to address general queries about the issues in its area of business. The quality of the posts determines the apparent success in creating the expert status impression. In networking events, it helps to draw out the people who show interest in the services of the company, or who seem to need the services without realizing it. This requires tact because one can easily come off as a show-off. The best way to do this is to talk about actual cases settled by the company and the results that came about. The third way that the company will ensure it makes the most out of its networking opportunities is by making the events memorable for the people that attend them. There are very many options available for this. They include issuing specials cards either as contact cards or as simply cards with memorable messages on them. If the cards stand out enough, then the person will always remember the meeting, which is the whole point of networking. Networking Plan among Peers It is s omewhat easier to network among peers because of the existing history. However, there is a chance that they will not be as easy to do business with because of the personal relationship shared in these situations. The line between professional and social engagements is simply too blurred. In order to network effectively with peers, it is imperative to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Avoid giving unnecessary favors to your friends because those favors do not count as much towards business objectives. The next way to make the most out of networking opportunities is to practice reciprocity. Take time to refer clients to businesses near you and chances are they will refer the business to others clients. The truth is that there will be some unpleasant moments during networking. The main thing is that the expert should learn to let the unpleasant experiences go away. The final thing to bear in mind during networking events is that personal relationships, especially those tha t are intimate in nature ought to be with people we have known for a while and not new acquaintances. It is also important for clients to see that the consultant is not an excessive drinker. Personal life can have a big impact on networking capacity. Reference List Davis, I. M. (2005). The American Entrepreneur in Asia: A Personal Journey of Global Proportions. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Need for Effective Networking for Consultants specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Mongay, J. (2011). Business and Investments in Asia. Madrid: ESIC Editorial. This essay on Need for Effective Networking for Consultants was written and submitted by user Brooklynn Barlow to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Marketing Theory Case of The Coca Cola Company The WritePass Journal

Marketing Theory Case of The Coca Cola Company Introduction Marketing Theory Case of The Coca Cola Company IntroductionMarketing OrientationThe marketing environmentSocial-cultural environmentEconomic/competitiveTechnological environment/innovation affectingMarketing MixProductPricing The Coca-Cola Companies’ Competitive Pricing Strategy PromotionSWOT AnalysisStrengthsWeaknesses: Opportunities: Threats: ConclusionReference and BibliographyRelated Introduction This report focuses on specific marketing theory, relevant to The Coca Cola Company, marketing theory include Marketing Orientation, Marketing Mix, Marketing environment and SWOT analysis. The author will make analysis of these theories, with an application to the attitudes and marketing decisions of The Soft-Drinks Manufacturer. Marketing Orientation This is when a company takes into account its customers’ needs when making decisions concerning their services they offer and items of sale. There are many benefits of doing this, as the product will more likely meet the needs of their targeted audience, therefore consumers will be more willing to by the product, there is more of a guarantee the product will sale. However in previous decades, many businesses have opted for a product-orientation approach, this is when a company is more concerned with the production of the product, and the systems that are used in its production. (The Times 100, n.d) (The Times 100, n.d) states in the recent decades many companies had preferred to be more product-orientated than customer-orientated, because of the increase in competitiveness within the market, these companies that adopted this orientation were losing out, as a company within a competitive market can only should strive to develop products that suit their audience needs, in failing to do so, they will lose customers fast in the competitive market, this demonstrates the need for products to be more consumer focused especially if a company is operating in a competitive marketing environment, if a company prides itself on the quality of its services and products, through   the usage of new expensive technologies for example, then it would be understandable as to why they would continue to be product orientated. (The Times 100, n.d) Some companies are adopting both orientations, taking into account both the expectations and needs of the customer as well as the quality of product for the item of sale. According to the source, many companies like Coca-Cola are moving towards market (customer) and product orientation, in doing this Coca-Cola conduct marketing research to find out their consumer interests and desires, in finding this they will make amends to the production of their product depending on what the results show the marketing managers. (The Times 100, n.d) The marketing environment Social-cultural environment This is the environment that focuses on the understanding of their target audience; the study of this environment will help Coca-Cola understand what motivate consumers to buy their soft-drinks. Coca-Cola is also influenced by society views, for instance because of the issues surrounding the among of sugars presented in Food and Drink,   and the Food Standards Agency, the production of Coca-Cola drinks now contain less sugars, and any other ingredients that are deemed artificial and bad for Health. (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) According to sources, the Food Standard Agency had in recent years opted for Drink companies to sell their fizzy drinks in smaller quantities, this was in response to the ongoing obesity crisis in the United Kingdom. ‘Drinks with added sugar such as cans of fizzy pop, should be sold in smaller 250ml cans alongside the standard 330ml, it was recommended.’ (Smith, 2010) a study of the social-cultural environment will also lead to an understanding of the demographics.   (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) Economic/competitive This is the environment that allows companies to identify both macroeconomic and microeconomic situations in the market, the influences are different, it can affect the sources of long-term and short-term finances available to Coca-Cola, the influences can also effect the consumer demand from their customers, for instance the credit crunch had decreased the among of expenditure available to consumers. (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) during 2008 Coca-Cola had suffered from economic influences due to the crunch, in which it was estimated that their Bottled water products were experiencing less demand, in key markets such as the US and Europe.   Because of the credit crunch bottled water had experienced a high sales growth in 2007, but ‘middle-classed wallets were squeezed down by the economic downturn’. (Anon, 2008) How Coca-Cola responded to the influences. Coca-Cola has what is described as a financial muscle, the business was at the time was predicted to not be effected by the ‘economic storm’ as their international competitors, this was arguably because of their successful approach towards brand positioning, which has allowed them to still obtain promotional support, without being disrupted by the economic downturn. (Anon, 2008)Other influences that can be either positive or negative include government policy, taxation, and interest rates.   (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) Technological environment/innovation affecting Coca-Cola and many businesses in general, have had new marketing opportunities, because of the advances of technology, such influences are mostly positive, as the production and manufacturing costs of their drinks are mostly likely to have decreased. (Brassington, Pettitt, 2007) In regard to product of products, technology has also helped increase the product quality, which is important to a company such as Coca-Cola who may focus on product-orientation.   For instance, the soft drink’s company experienced new technological advances which allowed them to preserve the fuzziness’ and ice-coldness each of their bottled drinks on sale, ‘By packing new technology into each bottle, so when the cap is twisted off, a mechanism inside will create ice made from the drink itself’. (Hannaford, 2007) Technology has also helped the advancement of more opportunities for promoting the Coca-Cola brand; the company has opened an online website and has been able to advertise on internet websites which would help increase brand awareness. (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) Political regulatory influences These influences relate to the outside governmental regulatory bodies that have jurisdiction under our national and European parliament to impose restrictions and rules relating to trade and other business operations, such influences include the Advertising Standards Agency, for instance Coca-Cola had to an advertisement banned for ‘claiming it to be nutritious while it contained up to five teaspoons of sugar.’ (Sinclair, 2011)Because Vitamin Water contained about a quarter of a consumers GDA (guideline daily amount) for sugar as well as the added vitamins, we considered that the description of Vitamin Water as nutritious was misleading. (Sinclair, 2011) this demonstrates the impact, as the company had to recall their advertising campaign. To conclude most of these regulations that have jurisdiction over Coca-Colas operates are enforced by law to act as regulators, other regulatory bodies include, trade associations, the EU and the local and national parliament. (Brassin gton, Petttitt, 2007) Marketing Mix The marketing mix strategy is a marketing tool used by many businesses, it helps managers develop their product to suit their customer needs, the tool helps the business set pricing strategies and promotional strategies which are variable, meaning that the company can make changes to their mix to match the external influences such as the economic downturn, the marketing mix is controllable itself, it allows Coca-Cola to adapt more efficiently to environmental influences of the market. (Palmer, 2009, 2004) Why is it needed? The marketing mix is needed to match the mix elements to the consumer needs; they are the ‘ingredients to achieve the desired outcome of the consumers.’ (Palmer, 2009, 2004) Each of the elements relate to one another, for instance pricing (considered the most important mix element), would largely concern the product it self, the quality of the product determines the pricing, if it is a product of high quality then the company may adopt a premium pricing strategy for example, this would also determine the promotion mix element, audiences are different, the premium pricing strategy may influence the business to target wealthy customers, who value high quality premium products or services. As well as pros, which highlight the positive things a marketing mix strategy can do for The Coca Cola Company, there are also negative aspects of it, issues which put the customer first, such as with the developments of quality services can become lost, to combat this disadvantage it is suggested that there should be an ‘adoption of a more holistic approach by marketing managers to respond to their customer needs’(Palmer, 2009), it would be recommended that managers   focus on a product-led approach to marketing.   (Palmer, 2009) Product For Coca-cola, their main product on offer is soft drinks.   With regard to the production of the soft drink itself, the main element to their products on offer is Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola company is an international global business, and has more than just one product within the soft-drinks market, other products include Fanta and Sprite all owned by the Coca-Cola Company. (n.d, Sharma, Kumar) Their Products on offer help the company, to motivate the consumer in purchasing the drink. It can be intangible (a service) or tangible, in this case Coca-Cola are providing tangible products. This mix will allow the Soft drinks company to moderate the quality, packaging, quantity of size, all to satisfy their consumers. The moderation is important, it allows Coca-Cola to design for instance their Packaging for different seasons, such as the Christmas season in which they make changing to the style in order to get people into the Christmas spirit, this encourage sells, it demonstrates the changes in the mix allows the company to keep up with marketing opportunities in the marketing environment, it also helps develop their brand image.   (Palmer, 2009) Place (Distribution) This mix, allows The Coca Cola Company to make sure their products are available in convenient places, wherever the consumer prefers to purchase the items, it allows the company to make new distributions, if their marketing research suggest their target audience prefer to purchase their items in new places. (Palmer, 2009)   This mix allows Coca Cola to amend their distributional strategies in place, depending their target audience preference. A good distributional strategy is crucial as an ineffective strategy will impact negatively on the companies’ turnover figures. In marketing distributional decisions, markets must focus on whether the costs of such distribution is affordable and how close the customers are to receiving the product. Marketing managers have an option to adopt strategies such as direct and selective distribution, Coca-Cola products are available in large supermarkets and vending machines, this indicates an intensive distribution, as it is available anywher e at any time (24hr petrol shops) anyplace. Recommendation for efficient distributional channel Coca Cola distributes their products to a wide variety of retailers; therefore this would indicate a need for an efficient management of distribution. (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) The company as a manufacturer would need to deal with stock controlling, transporting their soft drinks products, and finding warehouse facilities for their products. Pricing This is the most important mix of all, it is important as adopting the wrong pricing strategy would lead to a loss of profits, however a good pricing strategy, which is affordable to target customers would lead to higher turnover for The Coca Cola Company. The Pricing mix varies from other Ps, as the other mainly evolves around company expenditure decisions. The Coca-Cola Companies’ Competitive Pricing Strategy According to sources, the Coca-Cola Company currently adopts a competitive pricing strategy. (Sharma, Kumar, n.d,) this is when companies set their prices according to the current market price, The marketing had become more competitive with operating companies such as Pepsi entering the market; this forced the company to adopt a competitive pricing strategy in order to stay the cheapest in the market. In this current period, along with their competitive strategy the firm has also had to make les expenditure on their manufacturing process, and more expenditure on their advertising to keep consumer interest from rivals. (Sharma, Kumar, n.d,) Cost-Based Pricing strategy Originally they were operating within a niche market, before other competitors such a Pepsi had emerged, because of the new market for Soft drinks, the company did not have to adopt a competitive pricing strategy, instead adopting a cost-based pricing strategy, in which ‘a fixed  sum  or a  percentage  of the  total cost  is added (as  income  or  profit) to the  cost  of the product  to  arrive at  its  selling price’. (Business Dictionary, n.d) Recommendation on Good Pricing Strategies ‘If the selling price of a product is set too high, a company may mot achieve its sales volume targets. If it is set too low, volume targets may be by achieved, but no profit earned.’ (Palmer, 2009) In order to adopt good pricing strategies, there will need to be some evidence such from marketing research as to what consumers will expect to pay. Many companies face hard pricing decisions, as pricing cannot be determined alone with the consideration of target audiences, it would be recommended that firms consider the marketing environment, as consumers’ needs changes depending on the current external environment, and the ‘interaction of market forces’. (Palmer, 2009) the pricing strategy is also variable, the company can make on-going changes to their pricing strategy, however such a minor difference can cause a significant change to revenue, e.g. Lower or higher profits. (Brassington, Petttitt, 2007) Promotion This mix is used to help with the communication of the companies brand to the customers, through sale promotional strategies, sponsorship and through (PR) Public Relations.   This mix helps Coca-Cola decide on their advertising expenditure. (Palmer, 2009) Promotional Decisions The promotional strategies along with product and distributional strategy all need to be considered together in order for the company to make better decisions in their mix, it all lies down to evidence, which should give good estimations on their customers likely spending habits and where to target these customers. Coca-Cola through promotional campaigns want to demonstrate how good their brand is, this can be done through various strategies, such as personal selling (Coca-Cola Stalls at public events) , sales discounts (in shopping centres) Research has shown that, Coca-Cola tends to spend large sums on advertising, for instance in 1987 the company made an expenditure of around  £140 million, in television, radio and Printing publications. (Boy, JR, Walker, JR, 1990) This kind of mass media advertising is essential, as most of their customers are likely targeted this way, it helps keep up their brand image, and in attracting new potential customers. Free tasters are also a good strategy as the company brings out new versions of its drinks; this will lead to a new consumer base, and will help generate more loyalty. SWOT Analysis This is the study of strengths, weaknesses and threats (SWOT) This is analysis is needed so that Managers can understand the main threats and opportunities, it helps to get an overall view as to whether the business is profitable or not. It helps with the anticipation of future developments for the company. The SWOT doesn’t include assets of the business; it highlights opportunities for success and potential failure (Kotler, Wong, Saunders, Armstrong, 2005) Strengths The Coca-cola has been operating within the market for decades, it was once a niche market for the company, this indicates power-over competitors in relation to its brand image, it has been in the ‘game’ for years, and therefore, there is a high public awareness of their products.   Ã¢â‚¬ËœCoke is the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage company. Coke sells more than 500 brands of beverages. The company operates five geographic segments: Eurasia Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Pacific.’ (Seeking Alpha, 2011) The company is still experiencing a higher profit margin, for these reasons the company has ambitions to ‘double revenue by 2020. They believe that volume will be by the fast-growing markets and improvement in North America.’  (Seeking Alpha, 2011) Weaknesses: In order for a business to survive weaknesses need to be identified and then appropriate cautions will need to be put in place so that, any weaknesses are reduced significantly so that they no longer pose a disadvantage to the company.   (Kotler, Wong, Saunders, Armstrong, 2005) The Coca-Cola Company has been able to remain profitable in their many years of operating as a company.   As identified before, the Advertising Standards Agency and Food Standards Agency had imposed restrictions on their advertising campaign because of the among of sugar used in their products, this demonstrates a disadvantage for the company, these restrictions could lead to lesser profits, their soft-drinks generally aren’t good for their consumers. For these reasons the company may experience negative publicity which would be a disadvantage. Opportunities: New markets: The Coca Cola had begun operating in the bottled water market, because of the growth, in which the   UK market for bottled water alone has an estimation of near to  £1.4 billion. (British Bottled Water, 2009) this is an opportunity because it opens the company to new audiences increasing their brand image. Threats: There are many threats that are imposed upon organisations, such as the ability of Pepsi, (Coca-Cola’s closet rival), to take over the Soft-Drinks industry. The fact that Coca-Cola has to adopt a competitive pricing strategy shows that there is major competition within the market. Other substituting non-alcoholic beverages also pose a threat to the company; such products sold by Starbucks can threaten the profitability of the soft-drinks company. With the ongoing regulations imposed by the Food Standards Agency and (ASA) consumer may put their health first and choose healthier soft-drink alternatives, which would cause a lowering of turnover for the company. The fact that there are competitive pricing strategies between the likes of their rivals Pepsi also imposes the likeliness of customers ignoring both companies and choosing even cheaper alternatives such as Sainsbury’s and Asda branded Cola.  Ã‚   (Kotler, Wong, Saunders, Armstrong, 2005) Brand management Coca-Cola company main asset is their brand image, it is important in retaining their customers. Brand management involves the enhancing of ones brand, keeping customer interest and expanding to new audiences. To do this requires a lot of attention to the customers, getting them to remember the ‘name, term, sign, symbol design or a combination of these that identifies the maker or seller of the product or service.’ (Kotler, Wong, Saunders, Armstrong, 2005) Brand management is needed, as it increases a company’s ability to get a consumer to add and worship its name and value its quality of product, fending off other competitors by teaching the customer, that their brand is better. There is also an advantage for suppliers, it allows them to Coca Cola understands the importance of its brand image, through the overly use of promotional campaigns and various attempts at direct, and personal selling. It has been said the firm prefer to spend more on its promotional campaigns than its manufacturing costs. The firm has generated a brand image through its logo, which evidently always uses the colour red, in doing this they are reminding customers of their existence whilist increasing their awareness. Branding strategies The Coca-Cola Company has introduced major soft-drink of different kinds into the market, each kind has a different image, and this demonstrates an individual branding strategy, through the usage of new brand names for the various new products they have introduced over the years. There are many advantages in doing this, it increases their audience and allows the company to work on new brands, however these new products such as Fanta do not include the original branding, and therefore it could lead to their loyal customers forgetting the Coca-Cola image. Conclusion To conclude, The Coca Cola company has implemented good strategies, the managers of the company clearly understand the importance of meeting its customer needs, and enhancing its brand image to retain and remind customers of its good brand, hence the need for such a large expenditure on promotional campaigns, it utilizes the marketing mix well, through the adoption of competitor pricing strategy, it realizes its success can be easily threatened by competitors such as Pepsi, and substitute non-alcoholic beverages such as Coffee and tea.   Through its current attitudes and good usage of the marketing mix variables, it is certain this business will continue to dominate and likely double their revenue as they have plan   to do so by 2020, however external influences such as social cultural and economic influences could lead to a failure, regulatory bodies imposing restrictions could stop the business from reaching its potential if it continues on producing ‘misleading’ a dvertisements, however the worldwide recognition of its branding and along with individual brand images, this demonstrates the business has the potential to reach their goal. Reference and Bibliography Books: Palmer, A (2009) Introduction to Marketing. Oxford University Press Brassington, F Pettitt, S Essentials of Marketing, FT Prentice Hall 2nd edititon Doyle, P. Marketing Management and Strategy, Prentice Hall Kotler, P.   (2006) Marketing Management Prentice Hall 12th Edition Boyd, W. H, Walker, C. (1990) Marketing Management: A strategic Approach International Student Edition IRWIN publishing Kotler, P, Wong, V, Saunders, J, Armstrong, G (2005) Principles of Marketing 4th European Edition Published by Pearson prentice Hall Internet Sources: The Times 100 ‘Market and Product Orientation’   thetimes100.co.uk/theory/theorymarket-product-orientation211.php [Accessed March 25th 2011] Smith, R (2010) ‘Sell fizzy pop in smaller cans: Food Standards Agency’ telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7527712/Sell-fizzy-pop-in-smaller-cans-Food-Standards-Agency.html {Accessed March 25th 2011] anon, 2008 Focus Leading water brands hit by credit crunch just-drinks.com/analysis/focus-leading-water-brands-hit-by-credit-crunch_id95738.aspx {Accessed March 25th 2011] Sinclair, L (2011)   ‘Coca-Cola in Hot Water Over Nutritious Ad’http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Coca-Cola-Vitamin-Water-Advert-Banned-For-Nutritious-Claim-By-Advertising-Standards-Agency/Article/201101315898121?f=rss{Accessed March 25th 2011] Hannaford, K (2007) ‘New Technology by Coca-Cola allows ice-cubes to form in bottles of Sprite: TEC’ techdigest.tv/2007/09/new_technology_1.html {Accessed March 25th 2011] Sharma, S Kumar, S (n.d) 4ps Analysis of Nestle and Cadbury Dairy Milk Pvt. Ltd. Delhi Business School scribd.com/doc/34871408/4Ps-Analysis-of-Pepsi-and-Cocacola{Accessed March 25th 2011] scribd.com/doc/31376062/MARKET-SEGMENTATION-AN [Accessed 1st April 2011] Anon, n.d Coca-Cola Case Study.   123HelpMe.com. [Accessed 1st Apr 2011] 123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=23720. Seeking Alpha (2011) ‘Just One Stock: Returns, Cash Flow, Emerging-Market Potential for Cokes World-Class Beverage Brand†http://seekingalpha.com/article/263186-just-one-stock-returns-cash-flow-emerging-market-potential-for-coke-s-world-class-beverage-brand [Accessed 1st Apr 2011] British Bottled Water (2009) britishbottledwater.org/vitalstats.html   [Accessed 1st Apr 2011] scribd.com/doc/16945054/marketing-plan-of-coca-cola [Accessed 1st Apr 2011] scribd.com/doc/9995196/Swot-Analysis-of-Coca-Cola [Accessed 1st April 2011]

Paper on Summa Theologica, Q. 94, art. 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Paper on Summa Theologica, Q. 94, art. 2 - Essay Example Nevertheless, the book can already stood on its own as a basis of creating an excellent and moral society based on theological laws. 1. Christianity is the official religion of the state. Citizens may only adopt Christianity and its different variations as a manner and method of praising of God, for Jesus Christ is the way through man’s divinity. 2. The state should protect the individual and make him or her free from any forms of threat and unjust vexation from outside force. Protection of the individual is necessary because man is in the likeness of God. An assault to man due to laxity of the state in unforgivable. Security therefore must be achieved to protect God and his likeness which is man. Explanation: This proposed law is consistent with Aquinas â€Å"The end or term of production of man† as enunciated in Question 94. The image of God is in man as Aquinas justified â€Å""Where an image exists, there forthwith is likeness; but where there is likeness, there is not necessarily an image" (Summa Theologica Question 94). Protecting its citizens therefore is also an act of protecting God’s likeness because man is created in the image and likeness of God Explanation: Perhaps this portion of the Question is the crowning glory of Summa Theologica because it explicated reason and excellence is part of Divine Plan. That to achieve divinity, it would be necessary to develop man to become perfect that he is now. Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas in Question 94, he said that â€Å"The first man did not see God through His Essence if we consider the ordinary state of that life; unless, perhaps, it be said that he saw God in a vision, when "God cast a deep sleep upon Adam" (Gn. 2:21). The reason is because, since in the Divine Essence is beatitude itself, the intellect of a man who sees the Divine Essence has the same relation to God as a man has to beatitude† (Summa Theologica Question 94). In essence, Aquinas is saying that man can only see the

2.How is the past shown to impact on the present for the characters of Essay

2.How is the past shown to impact on the present for the characters of La Muerte y la Doncella(Death and the maiden) - Essay Example The authorities in the story do not get to hear the story of Paulina Salas, who was kidnaped and raped by Dr. Miranda when she was young. There was Salas kidnapping because of her different political views (Dorfman 71). Thousands of Chilean citizens are believed to have disappeared during the reign of General Augusto Pinochet during the years 1973-1990. The people who had a different opinion from the government were killed. Chile, however, has a new form of government, and the citizens have to learn to live with the aftermath of General Augusto’s era. The survivors have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, and this happens in the play by Salas’ character. The people of Chile were bleeding inside during the reign of Pinochet, who is believed to be a dictator. The country is now healing from the entire trauma and justice to the people is being served. We eventually hear Salas’ voice as she speaks out about her troubles while still in the university. The play is about the characters getting and having a voice on different matters that affect their lives. The play is not necessarily about the Chilean government as it is in an unknown South American country. Salas is sad and looks troubled at the beginning of the play. Salas is unhappy with the man the husband has befriended. She believes that is the same man that tortured her when she was trying to give her voice about her political opinions fifteen years ago (Ainsworth 3). The scene shows us how many countries in the world, mainly those in South America have grown in democracy. The citizens were not able to have a voice or else their lives would end because of it. The present governments recognize freedom of speech and people are free to talk about their troubles with the government. Salas had to suffer fifteen years ago because of her political opinions so that the rest of the people will have a voice in

McDonalds Future Policies and Strategies

McDonalds Future Policies and Strategies Introduction In this assignment we will discuss the business, its environment, factors affecting the environment, current market conditions and the affect of the current market on the the business. Identify the stakeholders of the company, strategy, policies used by the business that helps them to gain competitive edge over its customers. Strategic Review Strategic review helps to analyse and review the strategies used by the business for survival and sustainability. It helps us to understand the decisions taken by the management to increase the sales, market share and hence maximising profit. The Company I have chosen for this assignment is McDonalds which market leader in fast food industry is. In this assignment we will discuss McDonalds stakeholder and their current market position of McDonalds. We will also discuss the environment, strengths and the weaknesses along with the strategies used by McDonalds which affected the position of McDonalds either to increase market share or maximising profit. Task 1.1 Identify the importance of environmental factors affecting the organization or sector. We will discuss the factors affecting McDonalds. I have chosen Mcdonalds as a company having worked for McDonalds for about Four years make me understand the culture, structure and the environmental factors that affect the organisation directly and indirectly.Mcdonlads follow the plan to Win and being the Market Leader in the fast food industry with having restaurant in more than 119 countries with more than 31,000 restaurants in operation. The factors that affect the organisation are the political, social, economic, technological and legal .Apart from those Factors like Globalisation, Diversity and Ethics affect the organisation. Globalisation: Globalisation helps in developing a closer contact between different parts of the world, and have increased the possibility of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship among world citizens. Corporations are expanding their businesses to world market. Corporations go global for the Survival and sustainabilty.Mcdonalds are operating in more than 119 countries with over 31,000 restaurants in operation. Diversity : McDonalds s follow diversity by employing local people and having local suppliers for the restaurants. It also have the different menu for different countries and follow the culture of the countries. Like not serving beef products in India and having different Entries for ladies in Arab Countries respecting the cultural and religious beliefs of people. Global marketing decisions are no different than those made domestically but the decisions are unique to each country (Sister Sister, 2005). McDonalds realises diversity as an asset that enhances in the profitability of organisation. Diversity directly reflects the interpersonal relationships. Ethics: McDonalds Promote the RMHC(Ronald McDonald House Charity ) which provide room and board, food and sibling support at a cost of only $10 a day for families with children needing extensive hospital care. McDonalds sponsor Olympic athletes. Ronald McDonalds Houses are located in more than 259 communities worldwide and support Mobile care programs which offer cost effective medical,dental and educational services to children.In addition to their community involvement, McDonalds has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Restaurants around the world have innovative programs for recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction. Mcdonalds also help the African farmers by buying fairtrade coffee beans and also the Rainforest Alliances. Task 1.2 Analyze the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved. McDonalds is a people business-Ray Kroc Person, group, or organization that has direct or indirect stake in an organization because it can affect or be affected by the organizations actions, objectives, and policies. (Businessdictionary, 2010) Customers: McDonalds provide its customer with the nutritional value of the food and tend to innovate new food for its customers and have loyalty options of drink to retain its customers .It also provide healthy food options like salads, water,delli roll and fruits . Franchise holders (franchisees) Franchisees are crucial to McDonalds success; they deliver its brand promise straight to the customer. Nationwide, approximately 85percent of their restaurants are franchised. The sites for the restaurants and either own or leases the land and buildings. The franchisee then, in turn, leases the building from McDonalds by paying a percentage of sales. The franchisee also purchases the cooking equipment, furniture, play land and signage to complete the fit out of the restaurant. Shared investment and shared risk helps to achieve sustainable growth. Employees: Employees are the internal stakeholders and directly affect the working of organisation. McDonalds provide national qualification to its employees and helps to gain work experience. Mcdonalds follow equal opportunities for its employees. Suppliers: McDonalds supply chain benefits the countries economy. As Mcdonalds lay emphasize on the local suppliers. But the suppliers have to maintain the promise of quality for the customer, the ation, including rigorous quality control in all areas of operations-including animal welfare, health and safety, handling procedures and cleanliness. By providing local supplies Mcdonalds generate employment in the countries and supporting economies of thes to be company. This also enhances the growth perspectives of the countries as New Zealand exports beef to United States for beef patties. Community groups: RMHC(Ronald McDonald House Charity ) which provide room and board, food and sibling support at a cost of only $10 a day for families with children needing extensive hospital care. McDonalds sponsor Olympic athletes. Ronald McDonald Houses are located in more than 259 communities worldwide and support Mobile care programs which offer cost effective medical, dental and educational services to children. In addition to their community involvement, McDonalds has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. Restaurants around the world have innovative programs for recycling, resource conservation, and waste reduction. Mcdonalds also help the African farmers by buying fair-trade coffee beans and also the rainforest alliances. It also is promoting the national Olympics in 2012 . Shareholders: According to the Annual report 2010 Mcdonalds have increased it growth 3.8% and the earning per share of the shareholders have increased by 9% and also the total dividend distributed to shareholders between 2007 -2009 amounted to 16.6 million dollars. Task 1.3 Conclude the major changes taking place in the environment that will affect the strategy. Economy is going through the downturn .It is very tough for companies to survive and sustain in the market. Every organisation follow the internal and external environment to plan any strategy .Profit Maximisation is the main aim of the organisation apart from organisations do plan for the environmental and the social factors that help in achieving the objectives and goals of the organisation. PESTLE Analysis: Political factors: Company is controlled by the policies and regulation of operations .Specific market focus on different areas of concern such as health, worker protection, and environment .McDonalds while operating in India will follow the rules and regulations of India relating to the tax, trade laws and the rights. For example selling of the meat is said to be offensive relating to Hindu community particularly that of beef. Economic factors:- Economic factors are those factors where in the economy of the business is affected it has a major impact on the business these factors such as interest rate , exchange rates could have a devastating effect on the business special when it a multinational business. McDonalds will have to charge customer in the local currency than the standard currency and the price should be within the purchasing power of individual. Social Factors: Social factors are factors originated generally due to the internal stakeholders in the organization, their health and safety. The culture in the organization can have varied effects on the output of the business and the cost of the company is lot more affected due social factors. Technological factors: McDonalds use television advert for the for the marketing purpose. Celebrities and animated depictions are used as an endorsement for I m loving it campaign. McDonalds use inventory system and the management of the value chain allow the easy payment foe their suppliers and other vendor which an individual stores in respective markets deal with. Legal Factors: McDonalds is proving nutritional information of the food on the packaging and the website of McDonalds. McDonalds is using fruits, oatmeal, salad, water and orange juice to promote healthy food habits and fight the obesity. In the Muslim countries McDonalds is using the concept of Halal Food for the target Customers. Other legal concepts like tax obligations, employment standards, and quality requirements are only a few of important elements on which the company has to take into consideration. Otherwise, smooth operations shall be hard to achieve. Environment: McDonalds is using the bin it logo to promote clean society so that the rubbish packaging should not be dumped by the roadside. It is also promoting going green to save energy and reducing wastage to save the environment and showing their responsibilities towards society. Through careful planning and working with The carbon rust we ensure that we use the most efficient equipment for our restaurants according to the technology available(Katie Saunders ,Environmental Manager, McDonalds UK) Mcdonalds is also using contributing in the environmental impact by reducing the energy consumption in restaurants, miniming the use of water in restaurants like using waterless urinals in the restaurants. Mcdonalds is trying to save the environment by reducing waste and reducing the size of the trayliners by 10cm which results in 84 tonnes of paper saving. It is also recycling the used cooking oil for the bio diesel. (McDonalds, 2010) Balance Scorecard Approach: The Balance Scorecard method was given by Kaplan and Norton .It is a strategic approach and the performance management system that enables organisations to translate companys vision and strategy into implementation and take into consideration four perspectives: Financial Perspectives: From the Financial Perspectives Mcdonalds like to focus on the Profitability and sales. For Increasing the sales employees are trained to sell large meals. For the Profitability emphases is laid on the waste reduction and drive thru which is having trained staff to do the job properly. Hand held are used to less the queues on the drive thru as it lessen customer order processing times. Customer Perspectives: Mcdonalds relate to Quality ,Service and value to customers. It target to serve front counter customer in 90 secs and the drive thru customers in 180 sec.Speed and quality is of utmost important to customers. Therefore, customers, like to friendly,fast and quality service every time.New Product like snack wrap, tasty and Great Taste of America is been brought to menu after sometime to retain the customers. Business Process Perspective: From the Business processes Mcdonalds is getting to expand its business by getting global. Also Mcdonalds is adding new product line to its business by opening McCaffes to expand its business. Learning and Growth Perspective: Employee Commitment is very important in the fast food industry. Employee turnover affect the business as retaining the employees is cost effective as recruiting and training is costly. McDonalds provide qualification to its managers from the hamburger university.(maxipedia,2010) Value chain Analysis: Firm Infrastructure: Brand Recognition: Mcdonalds is globally recognised brand. No.1 in Retail food industry. McDonalds is the market leader and exists at number no. 1 in fast food industry. Franchising: About 85% of the restaurants are franchised. Company Image: Company hold a strong image in the community because of the fresh and universal taste. Financial strength: Inspite of the economic downturn Mcdonalds annual sales increased by 3.8 % in 2009. Human Resources: Job Applications: Mcdonalds follow the online application system for recruitment. 2nd largest U.S employer Technology: Just in time order Delivery: Mcdonalds use the refrigerated trucks for delivery as the temperature of the frozen meat patties should not be less than -18 to -22 degrees to be served when cooking. Procurement: Sustainable packaging: Mcdonalds have reduced the size of tray liner and also use the packaging that can be recycled in their concern to protect environment. Renewable resources: 82% of the packing material is from renewable resources. Oil recycling for the bio diesel. Quality Control: For delivery freight truck inspections are inspected and random audits take place for quality control. Inbound Logistics: Operations: Corp. Guidelines for franchisees. Outbound Logistics: Distributor agreement Marketing and Sales: Product: Health and wellness campaign and product offering Price: Providing value to customer e.g. Pound menu, party pack for kids. Promotion: Coca cola endorsement Sponsor of Olympics and feeding the athletes .Mcdonalds is sponsoring Olympics 2012 along with coca cola and Cadbury. Service : Friendly customer service. Clean Environment for customers. Fast food service target to serve front counter customer in 90 sec and drive thru customer in 180 seconds. { Adopted from Harbott.com,2010} Task 2.2 Summarize the position of the organization in its current market. According to The Times In spite of the economy downturn McDonalds is still pushing ahead with the discounting menu. Figures shown by The Times state that McDonald position in the current market is unaffected by the economy downturn .It is following the strategy of the discounting  £or $ 1 menu making it to increase its profit. It has reported the increased sale as 4.2% of the global rise McDonalds share rose from.38 % in early trading of 1950 to  £70.61 in 2010.Mcdonalds is following a low prices strategies on fries,burgers.drinks and the sale of McCafe drinks.(Frean,2010) Mcdonalds is holding strong position in market as it holds more than 32,000 restaurant in operation in more than 117 countries and it has also added to the new product line McCaffes in 2008 providing cappuccinos and frappacinos. And other drinks. Working towards the environments and Children welfare and the organic food and also feeding the Olympics allows them to fulfil their responibilty towards society. Mcdonalds have planned to open around 1,000 more store in 2010 and invest in $2.4 billion to enhance the brand. Mcdonalds have planned to Reimage the exterior and interior of the existing stores to improve seating, lighting and dà ©cor and by doubling drive thru stations to improve speed and convenience.(Yousuf,2009) Task 2.3 Evaluate the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the organizations current strategies. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunity Threats 1) Glo Globalization: 32,000 restaurants serving in more than 117 countr117 countries. 1) Advertisement techniques that target children 1) Innovation: Continued adaptation such as adding on new menu such as snack wrap and great taste of Amaerica to retain the existing customers. 1) Current world economic standing: the companys revenue streams are diversified, but depending on the the length of this recession, they will inevitably be negatively impacted by the trickle down effect. 2) Active Childrens Charity: The Ronald McDonald House helping families with children in hospital. 2) Consumers use disposable income to purchase fast food meals so when the budget it treatened, consumers redirect these funds 2) Conservation: Researching green energies and green packaging solutions Recycling of the waste oil to form Biodiesel.. Using Water less urinals in store to save water consumption. 2) More Casual Dining Restaurants increasing their burger offering and decreasing the price. 3) Adjusted Ingredients and product offerings to comply with upgraded health standards deemed necessary by the USDA:Mcdonalds provide the universal taste in its menu. 3) Public perception: McDonalds has been impacted by negative press like the documentary Supersize Me by Morgan Spurlock in which he contributed our societies obesity to McDonalds and other fast food chains. 3) Exploration: Create new product offerings. Continue to use technology to influence revenue strategy: possibly use text messages to deliver specials offers to individuals who sign up for such services. 3) Public Health Crisis.: people are more foccussed on the dietry needs. 4) Earns revenue not merely by fast food sales, but also as a property investor, a franchiser of restaurants.: More than 85% of the restaurants are franchised throughout the world. Mcdonalds using low price strategy Or the  £1 menu which led t increase in sales by 4.2 % globally in 2010. Task 3.1 Use a range of tools and models to develop strategic options. Turnaround Strategy: Turn around Strategy is used by underperforming companies to normal in terms of acceptance levels of profitability, solvency, liquidity and cash flow. Therefore turnaround strategy is used to manage, stabilise, fund and fix the underperforming and distressed companies. The components of the Turnaround strategies are: Managing the turnaround: Managing in terms of leadership, stakeholder management. Stabilising by ensuring the short term future of the business through cash management. Funding and Recaptilising the company. Fixing the company in strategic, operational and organisational term. Mcdonalds adopted the turnaround strategy in 2003 when the sales declined, ,Measures for the service and quality of the chain continued to fall behind its rivals.To fight back the Company started to follow a turnaround from the corporate level by bringing back the James R Cantalupo former vice president under who the company bloomed from 1990 to 2000 and gained 32,000 franchisees. With the coming back of Cantalupo he started the redesigning by emphasizing more on the quality , friendliness and speedy service of staff and laid emphasis on the increased sales and expanding the more on business. The Mexican Grill and The Boston which was acquired by the Mcdonalds were let out .McDonalds set out new Product line to its Menu By opening McCaffes around the world as expansion in 2003. Breakfast new menu was added as pancakes with the combination of bacon, sausage and egg which was a great success along with the breakfast coffee drinks. It also added healthy food as salads, drinks. Company also added new logo I m loving it in the TV Adverts using Justin Timberlake to target teenagers instead of the kids to endorse Mcdonalds which turnaround a great success for the company and company started to increase its sales following the strategy.(scribd,2010) The changes in the external environment of the business can also be determined by the Porter five force model which exactly shows the real picture of the competition in the market. The model of the Five Competitive Forces was developed by Michael E. Porter in his book à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors in 1980. Since that time it has become an important tool for analyzing an organizations industry structure in strategic processes. Porters model is based on the insight that a corporate strategy should meet the opportunities and threats in the organizations external environment. Especially, competitive strategy should base on and understanding of industry structures and the way they change. Competition: Since the time Mcdonalds started in 1940 it is providing excellence service to its customer. Market is tough and tight for fast food industry. Opening up of cafe to the product line and serving breakfast has provided tight competition with Starbuck and other breakfast serving restaurant. Burger king and KFC are the two great competitors for Mcdonalds. Ease of entry: it is hard for new entrants to enter the market because of the high cost of entry and research and development cost. Established brand names like Mcdonalds make it even harder and new entrants have to face price competition. Substitutes: there are many products available in the market for substites.People can go to Burger King And KFC and Starbucks looking for substitutes. Power of suppliers: products are not readily available from suppliers so the power of suppliers is relatively low. Power of Buyers :Power of buyer is low. {Adopted from: marketing teacher,2010} Task 3.2 Develop a comparative understanding of activity from organizations in the market. Mcdonalds is the market leader in the fast food industry .Fast food business fluctuates with the economy rise and doom, customer taste, cultural differences, climatic conditions and the buying behaviour of customers. Mcdonalds is a customer oriented business focuses on the service, quality, processes and the accuracy of the service delivered to customer. McDonalds tends to provide universal taste of food to customers despite of their regional differences. It promotes diversity among its employees and believes in equal opportunities to its employees. Regular Training and development of the staff at the operational and management level gives it a stand out position in the market. Innovation and the TV Endorsement and its target market and motto I m Loving it makes it a standalone brand among the customers. To retain Customers Mcdonalds is regularly adding new menu its list and to adapt to cultural differences it follows the culture of the country Like having separate entrances for la dies in the Muslim Countries., to respect religious beliefs of the people it is adapting religious beliefs of the community as serving Halal food in the Arab Countries and Not serving Beef in India. To reduce Carbon Emission promoting Recycling, to save water use recycled water in toilets, to save trees reduce the packaging paper and tray liners and also recycle paper for packaging. For survival and sustainability it follows the local wage rate, local suppliers, local legal and taxation system, and local ethics. Task 3.3. Create a range of feasible options as the basis of future organizational strategy. Mcdonalds strategy is about the fresh and quality food to customer with friendly service. Mcdonalds plan to win and target customer with the universal taste respecting the religious and cultural beliefs. With the environmental issues Mcdonalds is helping to promote cleaner streets by sponsoring bins in conjunction with the council and also initiating people to get the Rubbish in Bin By Using Bin it motto. McDonalds is also getting in recycling revolution by using the waste oil to get bio diesel .In its motive to Save energy and water it is getting waterless urinals in the washrooms to save water and are trying to use the recycled water. For the packaging of the food it is using more than 82% of the recyclable material and trying to cut the 10 cm of the trayliners used to serve customer which eventually is saving about 84 tonnes of paper every year. McDonalds is also working for the animal welfare so that that animals are given the free field to roam around and is using free range eg g for its breakfast menu. ,it is also using the organic food to promote healthy food and also using fair trade coffee beans to help the farmers of Africa.Last but not the least Mcdonalds is sponsoring the london 2010 along with the coca cola and cadb ury. Mcdonalds will still follow the strategy of plan to win and keep on improving its quality, service , speed and accuracy .along with the training and development of employees . Conclusion :In the above assignment discussion has been made over Mcdonalds and its policies and strategies over the future which will them to sustain in the future. Though it is a market leader but by showing its concern over the carbon emissions and the work ethics it is showing the great deal of responsibility towards to society . The moral duty is fulfilled by employing diversity and proper training and development. It believes in the equal oppurtunities to everybody And require great commitment from its people to maintain the standards of service ,quality and friendliness so that people can say I m loving it!!!!!!!!!

MRSA infection in neonatal intensive care units

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains increased in the U.S. from 2.4% in 1975 to 29% in 1991. Once established, MRSA is very difficult to eradicate. One of the biggest challenges is preventing cross-transmission of these organisms. Certain patients are more prone to infection and colonization by MRSA, and neonates in NICUs are a high-risk group (Finkelstein, 1999, 24). Risk factors for acquiring MRSA include prolonged hospitalization; a stay in an ICU or burn unit; previous antimicrobial therapy; surgical site infections; and exposure to colonized or infected patients. The majority of MRSA infections in neonates are primary bacteremias and pneumonias. MRSA infections have also been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and greater hospital costs than those due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Why are neonates more prone to MRSA infection? With regards to skin infection it has been shown that an infant's gestational age has a great impact on epidermal barrier function as measured by transepidermal water loss. Preterm infants younger than 28 weeks show decreased functioning of the epidermal barrier, placing them at risk for cutaneous bacterial infection (Kalia, 1998, 323). The skin barrier attains full function, similar to adult skin, by 2 to 4 weeks of age but can take as long as 8 weeks in extremely premature infants. Mandel et al. (2004, 161) conducted a retrospective analysis of the role of cutaneous abscess in sepsis. They found that in 22% of the newborn infants with nosocomial sepsis, cutaneous abscess was the underlying cause. Additionally, their immune systems are underdeveloped, with white blood cells-neutrophils in particular-moving more slowly than adults'. It's suspected that neonates become colonized with S. aureus soon after being placed in a nursery, with the umbilical stump as the site of initial colonization. Factors identified with MRSA outbreaks in NICUs include high infant-to-staff ratios and infection transmission through hand carriage by health care workers (AAP, 1997) Spread of MRSA Infection and prevention MRSA is found on the anterior nares, groin, and perineum, S. aureus is a normal part of the body flora. It's also a common pathogen, causing major infections in both compromised and uncompromised patients. The normal immune response of the body can overcome any MRSA attempt to infection, but in the intensive care due to reduced immune response, and bacterial resistance, these organisms van create havoc. In a report from Australia quoted by Park (2007, 26-27), it was shown that from 1992 to 1994, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections caused only 8% of staphylococcal infections but from 1995 to 1998, there was an outbreak of MRSA infection in two Melbourne hospitals. Methods to halt the spread of MRSA outbreaks include reducing overcrowding and improving staffing patterns, treating umbilical cords with triple-dye, and bathing full-term infants with hexachlorophene. But unless strict adherence to infection control is maintained, it is not possible to control this infection. Handwashing is most important. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that neonatal nursery staff perform a three-minute handwash at the start of each shift, cleansing up to the elbows with an antiseptic soap and sponge brush (AAP, 1997). Infected neonates should be placed on contact precautions. Here the infant must be handled with gloves, and if possible, depending on the spacing available and the acute status of the infant, they should be assigned to isolated chambers (Larson, 1995, 259, 262). Hitomi etal (2000, 127), advocate the use of mupirocin as a nasal spray to control nasal carriage of MRSA in the hospital staff, which act as the greatest source of spread of this infection. Effects of Nosocomial MRSA infection According to the NNIS (2002), In 2000, 55.3% of S. aureus isolates causing nosocomial infections among patients hospitalized in intensive care units in hospitals reporting to the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System were resistant to methicillin. Nambiar etal(2003, 224) give an interesting account of the complications MRSA can cause in an intensive care setting. They describe an outbreak of MRSA, in which neonates had meningitis, blood stream infection (with its complications – soft tissue abscess, shock and a right atrial thrombus, suppurative thrombophlebitis, osteoarthritis of the distal femur and knee joint). Masanga (1999, 169) reported colonic stenosis after MRSA enterocolitis. The predisposing factors for neonatal MSSA enterocolitis include breast feeding from a mother with staphylococcal mastitis,an indwelling feeding catheter   and malnutrition. The clinical picture of MSSA enterocolitis in the neonate is characterized by acute onset of diarrhea and ileus. Necrotizing enterocolitis. intensive care including mechanical ventilation, indwelling feeding catheter, the use of antibiotics, the delay of feeding causing the lower acidity of gastric contents, hypoactive peristalsis and the change of bowel flora, conditions similar to those seen in postoperative patients most likely predisposed to abnormal MRSA growth and resultant enterocolitis. toxic shock syndrome (combination of erythema and thrombocytopenia, low-positive C-reactive protein (CRP) value, or fever), (Richtmann etal, 2000, 88-89, Takahashi, 2003, 234-35). Effect on parents The illness in the neonate is a great source of stress to the parents. Not only is the child separated from the mother, which leads to anxiety for the mother, and nursing problems. There occur problems of lactation, with breast engorgement and galactorrhoea. In addition, the mother is at a greater risk of catching infection from a septicemic child with pneumonia and exanthemas. Skin infection can spread via contact. Thus parents are at an increased risk from a child affected with MRSA infection. Treatment Prevention is the best treatment. This infection can be rapidly fatal in the neonates, particularly the preterm infants. Prompt recognition of the symptoms and active measures to prevent spread can reduce the morbidity and mortality. Cultures should be obtained for susceptibility determination in any child with a presumed S. aureus infection that is moderate to severe. The choice of empiric therapy, before susceptibility testing, and the choice of definitive therapy will depend on the local antibiotic resistance patterns, the tissue site and severity of infection, and the toxicity profile of the antibiotic. Vancomycin has been the traditional antibiotic employed for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia. It has been found, however, that problems with lung tissue penetration may limit the effectiveness of vancomycin   Similarly, daptomycin has been shown to have limited activity for pneumonia due to limited lung penetration and inhibition by surfactant. Linezolid has also recently been evaluated as a specific treatment for MRSA pneumonia, and found to have good lung tissue penetration capability (Bradley, 200575-77) Conclusions MRSA infection in the neonatal intensive care setting is associated with exceptional morbidity and mortality. Preventive measures are the key to victory against MRSA. Each unit has to chart out effective protocols of infection control and adhere to it with a strong will. References 1 Finkelstein LE etal(1999MRSA in NeonatesAm J Nurs, Volume 99(1).January.24 2   Kalia YN, Nonato LB, Lund CH, et al(1998) Development of skin barrier function in premature infants. J Invest Dermatol; 111:320-326 3 Mandel D, Littner Y, Mimouni FB, et al.( 2004) Nosocomial cutaneous abscesses in septic infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed; 89:F161-F162 4 American Academy of Pedaitrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (1997)Guidelines for Perinatal care, 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL, The Academy, 5 PARK CH etal(2007). Changing trend of neonatal infection: Experience at a newly established regional medical center in KoreaPediatr Int, Volume 49(1).24–30 6 Larson, E. L(1995). APIC guideline for handwashing and hand antisepsis in health care settings. Am.J. Infect.Control 23:251-269. 7   Hitomi S, Kubota M, Mori N, et al(2005): Control of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit by unselective use of nasal mupirocin ointment. J Hosp Infect; 46: 123–129 8 National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System Report. Data Summary from January 1992 to June 2001. Issued August 2001. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/NNIS/members/members.htm #nnisreports. Accessed Mar 5 2007 9   Nambiar S, Herwaldt LA, Singh N (2003). Outbreak of invasive disease caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in neonates and prevalence in the neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatr Crit Care Med, Volume 4(2).220-226 10 Masanga K etal (1999). Colonic Stenosis After Severe Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Enterocolitis In A Newborn. Pediatr Infect Dis J, Volume 18(2).169-171 11 Richtmann R etal.(2000) Outbreak Of Methicillin-Resistent Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) Infection On A Neonate Intensive Care Unit (Nicu): The Key Role Of Infection Control Measures. Am J Infect Control, Volume 28(1).February 88-89. 12 Takahashi N (2003). Neonatal toxic shock syndrome-like exanthematous disease (NTED). Pediatr Int, Volume 45(2).233–237 13 Bradley JS (2005). Newer antistaphylococcal agents Curr Opin Pediatr, Volume 17(1).71-77