Before You Register for the MCAT

Before You Register for the MCAT    Sure, you want to register for the MCAT. Youre planning to attend medical school. Youve completed the necessary coursework to get you there, you have your recommendations all lined up and youre dreaming of your future career in the medical world. But, before you do all that, you need to take the MCAT and get a fabulous score. And before you can take the MCAT, you need to register. And before you register (are you seeing a pattern here?), you need to figure out a few things. Are you eligible to register? Do you have the proper identification? And if so, when should you test? Read the details about what you need to do before you register for the MCAT, so youre not scrambling when registration deadlines approach!  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   MCAT Registration FAQs Determine Your Eligibility Before you ever log into the AAMC website to register for the MCAT, youll need to figure out if youre even eligible to take the exam. Yes – there are people who will not be. If youre applying to a health professions school – allopathic, osteopathic, podiatric, and veterinary medicine – then youre eligible. Youll be required to sign a statement that indicates youre taking the MCAT only for the purpose of applying to medical school. There are some people who are interested in taking the MCAT who arent applying to medical school – test prep experts, professors, students who want to change medical schools, etc. – who can take it, but will need to obtain special permission to do so. If thats you, then youll need to send an email to mcataamc.org explaining your reasons for taking the test. Ordinarily, youll get a response within five business days. Secure Appropriate Identification Once youve determined that you may actually register for the MCAT, youll need to get your identification in order. Youll need these three identification items in order to register: An AAMC IDA user name connected to your IDA password You may already have an AAMC ID; youd need it to use any of the AAMC services like practice tests, MSAR database, Fee Assistance Program, etc. If you think you have an ID already, but you cant remember your login, then DO NOT create a new ID! This can botch the system and test score distribution! Call 202-828-0690 or email mcataamc.org if you need help with your current login. Be careful when entering your first and last names into the database. Your name must perfectly match your ID when you come into test. If you find out that youve mistyped your name, then youll need to change it in the system before the end of the Bronze Zone registration. After then, you wont be able to change your name, and you wont be able to test on your test date! Select The Best Test Dates The AAMC recommends that you take the MCAT in the same year you apply to medical school. If, for example, youre applying in 2018  for admittance to school in 2019, then youll need to take the exam in 2018. Most of the MCAT test dates and score release dates will give you sufficient time to meet application deadlines. Of course, every medical school is different, so to be absolutely sure you test with appropriate time to get scores to your first choice, check with the schools before you register for the MCAT. The AAMC also recommends that you dont take the MCAT for the first time in September because you may not have sufficient time to retest if your scores dont accurately reflect what you can do since the MCAT is not offered October – December. If youre thinking about testing more than once, take the exam early in the year from January – March, for instance. That way, youll have plenty of time for a retake if it comes to that. Register for the MCAT Are you ready to go? If so, click here to complete your MCAT registration today!

Foreign Affairs, Economics and the Articles of Confederation essays

Foreign Affairs, Economics and the Articles of Confederation essays The Articles of Confederation adopted in 1777 were designed to provide an effective form of government but did nothing of the sort. Although the Confederation attempted to strengthen foreign relations by maintaining peace with Great Britain and Spain, it failed. It also tried to better the nation's economic conditions through means of taxation and an increase in the national government's power, neither of which worked. Ultimately, the Articles of Confederation were unsuccessful and only added to the stack of problems the nation had to fix. The rest of the world did not think highly of the Confederation, making it challenging for it to convince Great Britain and Spain to honor their part of the peace treaty of 1783. The British had agreed to repay all slaveowners whose slaves had been seized by the British army, as well as promise to leave the United States. The British did not follow through with either of these agreements. John Adams was sent to London as a minister to resolve such issues but returned with no such achievement. Great Britain declined to even send a minister to the American capital. The debility of the Confederation was obvious throughout this all, as it was in its troubles with Spain as well. The Confederation had similar problems when dealing with Spain. The United States had land issues with the Spanish over the border between the United States and Florida, which was owned by Spain. The United States diplomats agreed to a treaty with Spain promising American recognition of Spanish possessions in North America and an agreement that the United States would only have the rights to navigate the Mississippi for twenty years in return for the acceptance of the American views of the Florida border. The southern states refused to ratify the treaty, meaning the problems between the two countries would remain. Foreign tribulations appeared again when the Confederation tried to repair the country's economic troubles as ...

Critically examine the use of the quantitative easing as a policy Essay

Critically examine the use of the quantitative easing as a policy option to help to solve the uk's current economic problems - Essay Example Following the 2008, financial crisis qualitative easing became an element of recovery to the central banks that their interest rates were close to zero lower bound or at zero (Benford, Berry, Nikolov, & Young, 2009). With the intensification of the crisis, most international central banks took possible measures in supporting demand and loosening monetary policies. The bank of England through its monetary policy committee (MPC) dealt with it by cutting interest rates by up to three percentage points in bank rate. In early 2009, the bank further reduced it by one and half percent. MPC in their analysis explained that the cut could not meet the consumer price index of two percent hence need to purchase private and public assets using the central bank money. This led to the introduction of qualitative easing in the United Kingdom economy. The idea behind this was to inject liquid money back into the economy to help boost nominal spending and achieve the two percent inflation target. Disc ussion To avert the financial crisis, the bank of England purchased a large amount of United Kingdom governments bonds (gilts). By January 2010, the bank had purchased medium and long-dated gilts worth 200 billion of assets, and this represented fourteen percent of annual GDP and 30 percent of private sector outstanding gilts. In so doing, and by a combination of support measures the bank balance sheet increased in relation to the GDP threefold before the crisis. To implement this technique further, the government gave authority to the bank to purchase corporate bonds and high quality paper. The government did so in order to improve market functioning by acting as a backstop buyer and seller (Hamilton, 2010). The asset purchasing is one of the unconventional policy measures applied in the bank to loosen the monetary policy. The bank aim of assets purchasing was to cut the bank rates and hence stimulating nominal spending with the aim of meeting the two percent inflation target. This initiative also alleviated inflation that had been domestically generated. Assets purchases affected inflation and spending through different potential channels. First, it increased money holdings and pushed up the assets prices while stimulating the expenditure by increasing wealth and lowering borrowing costs. It also stimulated impact by broadening expectations and its influence on bank lending rates. Effects of assets purchasing The purchasing of assets led to Policy signaling effects, which included the expectations by market participants of policy rates to remain low for longer. At the time of expectations, policy makers were dealing with the issue of falling inflation below the expected medium target. The falling of inflation could have led to push up on real interest rates while reducing spending and keeping of nominal rates at low levels (Hancock, & Passmore, 2011). The assets purchase assisted in keeping inflation expectations on target through supporting of spending. The signaling effect anchored inflation expectations on track hence the hiding the real state of the economy to the agents on their views. The other effect of assets purchasing in stabilizing the economy was through portfolio balance effects, which entailed pushing up prices of other assets and the bought assets. This happened in the sense that after the bank buying assets, there is an increase in money

New advancements in police technnologies Research Paper

New advancements in police technnologies - Research Paper Example Administrators must be well skilled in getting technology over a diversity of financial sources. There are several new advancements of police technologies that are currently used. These new technologies as force manifold that progress competence, usefulness as well as officer safety in a various ways. This paper outlines some of these advancements. The first one is the Crime Acts. Currently, there is an influx of a total of flashlights with every an altered specific wavelength intended to perceive hair, fibers, as well as body liquids at crime acts. These lights permit a crime act to be handled quicker and extra methodically than previously. Places formerly inaccessible for influential fluorescence inspection are now available. The compactness of the current crime act inspection light sources brands the furthest of countryside locations. -the second technological advancement is the Car Camera Systems, which has an advanced an appreciated tool to check and ensure a high degree of offi cer expertise (Rostker, 2008). The aptitude to record video film of events involving the public from a patrol car perspective has proven invaluable in such matters as traffic stops, criminal investigations and arrests, internal affairs, and training. These systems are constantly improving and becoming more cost effective. From the time the first in-car cameras were installed to document roadside impaired driving sobriety tests, the cameras have captured both intended and unintended video footage that has established their value (Rostker, 2008). Various video recordings have resulted in convictions; many provide an expedited means to resolve citizen complaints, exonerate officers from accusations, and serve as police training videos. Occasionally, a video ends up on the evening news, as a humorous excerpt on other television programs. Similarly, there is the Photo Implementation Systems, which are automatically generated in red light color defilements and as a result importantly reco ver security for the proceeding public. Presently there are a number of trustworthy merchants of photo implementation systems accessible to societies. In addition, Searching for Individuals are current imaging strategies usually organized for the exploration and liberation assignments where arenas, as well as other topography can be perused very quickly. Specific rate is the exploration of compact brush or even wooded parts where conservative explorations can be problematic. Correspondingly, imagers can be casted off to exploration to dark constructions and new parts for defendants who are walloping and endeavoring to escape anxiety. This device cans as well elite up a heat autograph on the pulverized where a suspect was formerly walloping. Another technological advancement is the Evidence and Deterrence whereby crime acts inquiries are as well assisted by the systems in skimming for physical indication (Raschke, 2009). Also imagers can perceive bothered surfaces for crypts or even other parts that must been excavated up in an effort to hide the bodies, indications, as well as objects. This device can as well scam thoroughfares for exhaust tracks and other scripts which are not noticeable to the bare eye. Preemptive imager investigation allows officers to scam communal parks, communal streets, backstreets and bays lots, communal constructions, conveyance passageways, as well as other

German Military Able To Succeed With Operation Barbarossa Essay

German Military Able To Succeed With Operation Barbarossa - Essay Example One should also bear in mind the fact that it was the adverse effects of operation Barbarossa that prompted Soviet Union to step down as the unchallenged world super power. The preparation for Operation Barbarossa had been on track on December 18, 1940 and Hitler had made all the stealthy arrangements of the operation and the military maneuver lasted from the year of 1941.The operational goal of the attack was the quick conquest of the European part of the Russia which connects the cities of Arkhangelsk and Astrakhan and Germans had acquired a number of remarkable initial victory against Soviet Union. Their planned military operation against Soviet forces reveals their intention. On June 22nd 1941, â€Å"Adolf Hitler launched the greatest land-air attack in the history of war – Operation Barbarossa. The assault comprised of 3 million troops, 3,500 tanks, and 1,800 aircraft† (Focus on World War II: Operation Barbarossa). Hitler met with initial success as his strategies, German Blitzkrieg tactics, and operations were well-planned and well-executed. One can find that the Axis had performed mobility and obliteration, efficient communication and confidence in battlefield.

Effect of Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías Regime on the Economy

Effect of Hugo Rafael Chà ¡vez Frà ­as Regime on the Economy Introduction Venezuela is located in the upper corner of South America and neighbors with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. It has been nearly 200 years since Venezuela first gained its independence from Spain (1811). From 1830 onwards, when Venezuela split from the Bolivarian Colombia (1819-1830), the country was governed mostly by military and despotic regimes. That military period lasted until 1958 when the current democratic spell started following the ousting of General Marcos Perez Jimenezs dictatorship.  [1]  Despite that long period of military dictatorships, the Venezuelan economy is considered to be a mixed economy where there is a mixture of command and free market elements  [2]  . These will be discussed in greater depth in the following text. Venezuela had until the 1980s a series of successful periods of economic growth  [3]  . The country had from there on and until 1999 a succession of economic and political crises. The government previous to the election of Hugo Chavez headed by Rafael Caldera was in power from 1994 to 1999. During this time in office he had to deal with high inflation rates and a financial crisis. Due to these severe problems, Caldera was forced to impose an exchange control in mid-1994. This was shortly followed by more stabilization actions that were enforced by the International Monetary Fund agreement. Due to these severe actions taken by the Calderas government (Convergencia) he became severely unpopular among the electorate. This did not help him win his reelection and set the stage for Hugo Chavez  [4]  . The purpose of this essay is to discuss whether or not Hugo Rafael Chà ¡vez Frà ­as regime is moving towards a planned economy due his anti- American stance. Moises Naim states that the rise to power of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is often seen as evidence of an impending backlash against globalization, American-style capitalism.  [5]  This statement reflects the change in the governments policies on the Venezuelan economic system. To further explain this transformation it is vital to define what a free market economy and planned economy are. Theoretical Background Hypotheses If the Venezuelan government is moving from a free market economy to a planned economy, one would expect to find evidence of this transition economy. Definitions are needed to be known before explanation of results. A free market economy refers to an economy in which markets, in other words the interaction of buyers and producers, determine price and output.  [6]  In addition, this economic system [relies] on free markets which permit people to engage in economic activities largely free from government control.  [7]  In other words the government must have a hands-off policy in regards to the economy. Therefore, all production is in private hands and companies are able to adjust their wages and prices according to the demand and supply curve. Furthermore individuals are able to make independent decisions regarding the price of products, amount of production, and retailing. The free market economy is one that allows for the best interests of both consumers and producers to be met  [8]  . Advantages of the free market economy include: resources are allocated by market forces and price mechanisms,  [9]  and the motivation of profits provides an incentive to reduce costs and be innovate.  [10]  As William Baumol points out, to some extent, innovation in the economy is important as it indicates the expansion of peoples creativities in businesses and therefore fosters productivity growth in the economy.  [11]  What this makes clear once again is that a lot of the power and decision making lie within companies and the market. Disadvantages can include resources being used up too quickly as firms seek to make high profits and to minimize costs.  [12]  Additionally, large firms can expand and dominate a particular industry; leading to higher prices, and results in excessive power. A planned economy is defined as an economy where decisions are made by the government on the behalf of the people, and in theory, in their best interests.  [13]  This indicates that the state has great ownership of resources in the economy and through this provides social welfare to the people. In this economy the government sets the price of resources. There are thought to be several advantages and disadvantages in a planned economy. The advantages are that the government can directly influence the distribution of income to make it more equal  [14]  . In addition the government determines which [types of goods] are to be supplied  [15]  . This necessarily gives the government the power to decide what goods are considered to be important in the society. A disadvantage of this economy is the government [s dominance which] may lead to a loss of personal freedom of choice  [16]  . Unlike the free market economy there is no incentive for individuals or firms to be innovat iveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ goods are often of poor quality and usually a limited choice.  [17]  No competition in the economy and low profit (or absence of profit altogether) can lead to inefficiencies of resources. In short, it is the government, and not the consumers, who make all the decisions. A planned economy is an ideology often used by governments in communist states. Countries like Cuba and North Korea are currently using a planned economy system. An important concept of economic theory in describing a planned economy and free market economy is the understanding of economic growth. Economic growth is defined as an improvement in the standard of living (that) typically occurs when an economy increases its output of goods and services during an expansion  [18]  . This leads to economic development which refers to an improvement in living standards in an economy encompassing material consumption, education, health, and environmental concerns.  [19]  Therefore the use of a production possibility curve (PPC) is implemented to determine economic growth. Looking at the graph below (figure 1), one can see the theoretical downfall of the total goods and services (GDP) as the market moves from free market to planned economy. The PPC1 curve shifts downwards to PPC2 a level where planned economy would function. In moving from a free economy to a more planned economy orientated structure (transition economy), theoretically the output of the countrys total goods and services would decrease because of the inefficiencies. Overall the economic growth diminishes as the governments dominance in the economy increases. Figure 1 The PPC can also be used to better understand the change in government spending in a planned economy. This curve demonstrates the shifting of the government spending. The graph below (figure 2) presents public sector production and private sector production. The PPC curve represents the maximum amount of output possible given the available resources.  [20]  . At point A, there is an equal amount of production from the public and private sector. The total production at point A is on the PPC curve meaning that the maximum level of production is obtained  [21]  . As the government moves closer to a fully planned economy and it begins to invest in the public sector which include schools, health programs, housing, and so forth bureaucracy and inefficiencies increase and production moves to point B.  [22]  As we can see in figure 2, point B is no longer on the PPC curve but below it, signaling that the maximum level of output is not being achieved. Figure 2 Methodology Departing from the following hypothesis If the Venezuelan government is moving from a free market economy to a planned economy, one would expect to find evidence of this transition economy. This evidence would be found in several areas. One would expect to find more government bureaucracy and interferences in private enterprises. This could take the form of increased unjustified fines, paper work, restriction of all kinds, and control, which all result in reduction of business. One would also expect to find an increase in the nationalization of private companies; this could take the form of expropriation of private lands by the government. Further evidence of a movement towards a planned economy would be greater spending on social welfare. This would be clear in areas such as health, education, and housing. Finally, one would expect to find evidence of more interference in the economic structure exemplified by manipulation of currency exchange rates. To prove my hypothesis, this evid ence should be demonstrated as actually present in order to confirm the transition of Venezuelas economy. To prove or disprove my hypothesis I relied both on primary and secondary sources. In investigating primary sources, I met with two local business men  [23]  and one professor  [24]  in Venezuela. I then asked them specific questions  [25]  regarding their businesses in this transition economy. Furthermore, in October 2010 on a visit to Venezuela, I was able to make my own observations of the state of the country. In investigating secondary sources, I researched articles and books written by authors and journalists. In addition, I looked for statistics that represent the movement from a free-market to a planned economy. Results Analysis Evaluation More government interference on businesses When Hugo Chavezs government got into office in 1999, the government slowly imposed new regulations on all sizes of businesses. This policy mainly impacted negatively small businesses and employment. I interviewed one business man, Otto Horn, regarding the increased bureaucracy that his firm, Floritec  [26]  , encounters. In this interview he stated that It is harder to import and export raw materials and finished products abroad  [27]  . Many businesses are required to fill in extra custom paper work for SENIAT (the governments tax collection entity)  [28]  and face crippling fines for even a minor inconsistency in the eyes of custom agents. It gets harder by the day to keep small enterprises in business. This has led to higher cost for businesses as these bureaucratic obstacles force the firms to hire more labor to deal with these issues. As well, it is noticed that waiting for approvals from the government in so many newly imposed demands on small enterprises means los s of time and money which impacts the efficiency of these businesses. To put an example, the government has begun charging firms for the use of their own company logo on their own trucks. Otto Horn stated, If you want to put a company logo, you need to buy a license from the government and this raises costs.  [29]  These examples point to an increased level of government interference. Small businesses are mostly affected by these measures as they dont have enough capital to cover these new expenses. Big businesses have also been affected by these government interferences and even though they are better prepared to cope with it the uncertainty leads to less investment and further instability in the economy as a whole. In early 2009, the economy encountered high inflation  [30]  . This caused a surge in the prices of all products. The Venezuelan government, under Chavez, made several attempts in reducing this high inflation. One of the actions taken was imposing price controls on certain staple foods in an effort to make them more affordable to everyone. However, this action did not have the best outcome, [the] government [`s] attempts to impose price control has had limited effect as big food producers have cut back on production, food distributors have decreased shipments and even hoarded essential goods and retail sellers have traded on the black market  [31]  This control further damaged the food producers by cutting their profit which forced them to reduce the costs, which in one example was achieved by reducing the number of employees. Furthermore, Luis Carmona of Polar states, Forcing companies to produce rice at a loss will not resolve the situation, [and] simply makes it worse.  [32]  In addition, fewer goods could be established on the market. These price controls largely affects food producers and many food processing companies became bankrupt. Hugo Chavez and his government decided to sue or even nationalize dysfunctional companies if they do not follow the governments rules  [33]  . Hugo Chavez said he would take over the control of the food processing industries, as he said in one of his statements, I will expropriate them, I have no problem with that, and Ill pay them with bonds. Dont count on me paying with hard cash  [34]  . This suggests that the government is serious about making food available to the poor but on the other hand, private firms cannot cope with the price changes unless it cuts down on costs. This is all evidence of a planned economy. Government interference was evident in the conversation with another business man named Jorge Redmond, CEO of Chocolates El Rey  [35]  . Mr. Redmond initially wanted to merge his company with the world renowned company, Nestlà ©. He wanted to merge the company to avoid suffocating levels of governmental interference and bureaucratic hurdles brought upon the firm affecting its products exports mainly to its U.S customers. However the government blocked the deal between the potential mergers, as the government did not want more foreign presence in Venezuela  [36]  . The governments move against expansion of global assets limits the choices of private firms. This emphasizes the governments bureaucracy and interference on businesses. Government Nationalization Growing bureaucracy and government interference have led to a failure of private companies as they cannot maintain healthy profitability levels. This has given the government an excuse to nationalize private firms. Common examples are CA Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV), the countrys telephone company and Electricidad de Caracas, the largest electric company in Venezuela  [37]  . These nationalizations were linked by Chavez to his pursuit of XXI century Socialism  [38]  . In July 2007, at the start of the high fuel prices, the government nationalized key infrastructures of the Venezuelan economy in an attempt to reach the goals of the government.  [39]   Also in 2007, the government stripped assets from two U.S. oil companies Exxon Mobil Corp. and ConocoPhilips.  [40]  The government seized control of the profits of both companies. In the following year, 2008, Hugo Chavez and his government ordered the nationalization of the cement industry, Cemex,  [41]  a Mexican owned company. Chavezs rationale was to prepare for future building in the housing sector. In addition, in 2008, the Venezuelan steel mill, Siderà ºrgica del Orinoco SIDOR, was nationalized. Chavez complained the companies do not put a high enough priority on supplying the domestic market  [42]  . In 2009, the government for the first time ordered the Venezuelan armed forces to take over a business, in this case a rice processing plant  [43]  . In October 2010 the government nationalized AGROISLENA, the countrys largest producer of goods and services for the agricultural sector  [44]  . According to The Economist, since Hugo Chavez got into power in 1999, almost 400 companies have been nationalized, the vast majority in the past two years.  [45]  This shows the governments movement to take over major industries in order to fix the prices of the goods. All the above actions taken by the government have been sweeping reforms throughout the nation with the aim of reducing the prices of products which would result in massive consumption of the products by the local economy. The nationalization of firms by the government points to evidence of a planned economy as the government begins to de-privatize companies, moving towards a greater control of how the economy functions. More Social Welfare Spending Hugo Chavez came to power by promising the people a reduction in poverty and an increase in quality of life for the masses. This spending was fueled by high oil prices in July 2007, crude had reached the remarkable world market price of $US 147 per barrel.  [46]   This increased spending in the public sector gives more evidence of the move to a planned economy. The graph (figure 3) below shows the statistics of government public expenditure  [47]  . The current regime under Hugo Chavez has increased public spending by a factor of 13 between 1999 (the year Chavez entered office) to 2008. Figure 3 The government has spent money on the educational, health, and housing sectors. With the increase profits from the oil rents and productions, the Ministry of Education has introduced mission programs, Robinson I and II are mission[s] focusing on literacy and primary education for adults, Ribas and Sucre target secondary and university education for individuals who never had the opportunity to attend or those who dropped out.  [48]  This missions are examples of increased spending on the public sector. Hugo Chavezs government has increased public spending on the health sector of the economy. The government has created new mission programs such as, Barrio Adentro [which] provides free health care to the poor through the assistance of tens of thousands of Cuban doctors  [49]  Internet correspondence with Guillermo Buhrkohl  [50]  , a political professor from Venezuela, confirms this in the following, The health programs known as Mission Barrio Adentro and Mission Miracle, are programsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ aiming [at]à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ providing primary medical attention to the shantytown population; however the professor confirms the government is literally asphyxiating both health care provided by private hospitals and the traditional public health system, paradoxically the later is the place where the poor go when a very limited Barrio Adentro cannot cope. This proves that there has been an increase in government spending on healthcare which could be seen as detrimental to both priv ate and public sectors. The government promised the masses to increase the public social welfare to all. This would also include the construction of close to free housing for each family. From my own personal observation while visiting the country in October 2010, the use of the billboards to promote housing plans was clearly evident everywhere  [51]  . This evidence of increased spending in the public sector mostly for political purposes adds up to the motive of the planned economy. Manipulation of currency Hugo Chavezs government has interfered deeply into the currency market. The government has made severe adjustments to currency, starting with the introduction of strict exchange rate controls by pegging the exchange rate to the American dollar in 2005. In 2008, the government changed the numerical currency making 1,000 Bolivars equal to the value of one Bolivar Fuerte (strong Bolivar)  [52]  . This measure could be seen to minimize the perceived inflation due to government action. However, it does not address the inflation that the country faces. In January 8th 2010, the government announced the devaluing of the currency by up to 50%  [53]  . The government believed that the devaluation of the Bolivar would trigger an export boom as Venezuelas exports would become more competitive. In reality, the devaluation had little to no effect on the countrys exports, as can be seen in Figure 4  [54]  . Figure 4 As mentioned above, in 2005, Hugo Chavezs administration made extreme adjustments to the Venezuelan financial system. The governments control over the currency exchange rates is shown in a statement, The introduction of the exchange controls has meant that companies and individuals have to apply to the Comision de Administracion de Divisas (Cadivi, the official foreign exchange agency).  [55]  This is where the government fixed the currency rate at 2.15 to the dollar. This triggered an increase in imports from 2005 which can be seen on the graph above (Fig.3)  [56]  . On January 8, 2010, the devaluation has occurred; from 2.15 bolivars to the [US] dollar to 4.3 bolivars to the [US] dollar  [57]  explained above caused higher consumer inflation on goods thus affecting the total spending on imported goods like televisions. The devaluation of the currency and exchange controls has lead the Venezuelan economy to have extremely high inflation. Consumption in the Venezuelan economy has decreased and business production has lowered to meet their expenditures. For example, Movistar, [in Venezuela] a mobile phone company owned by Spains Telefonica, last month [August 2010] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ suspended roaming agreements in 13 countries.  [58]  This indicated that the dollar squeeze is affecting the Venezuelan economy deeply. On the other hand, high inflation means that the government gets more Bolivars from a quick recovery of oil prices, and exporting oil to United States. This money allows the government to satisfy the needs of the Venezuelans to the best interests of the government, and this brings the role of the government into everyday lives as, that gives Mr. Chavez the chance to throw money around: pay rises for the army for example.  [59]  This manipulation of the currency gives solid evidence of interferences in economy by Hugo Chavezs government which adds a new element that confirms the hypothesis of a transition towards a planned economy in Venezuela. Conclusions In this investigation, I found information that supports the transformation to a planned economy from a free market economy in Venezuela. The evidence included: increased government bureaucracy, nationalization of the private sector, increased government spending in social welfare, and increased manipulation of the currency. This has led Hugo Chavezs government to gain greater control of the Venezuelan economic system since his election in 1998. The government is able to decide which goods and services are considered to be important for society. Such examples are the heavily subsidized food distribution firms (MERCAL and PDVAL) created by the government  [60]  . In this investigation, there are a number of difficulties that hinder the gathering of evidence. First, it was hard to gain true statistics regarding the economy. For example, the unemployment rate is hard to determine due to the fact that workers in the informal sector of the economy are included in the statistics which constitutes half of the countrys total workforce  [61]  . It was difficult to find statistical data to support the losses of business budget. Despite my attempts to access this information through internet sources, I was unsuccessful. Secondly there has been a strong political bias in many articles, books, and interviews. These biases affected my research and influenced me deeply, though I made every attempt to remain objective. In addition, it was often hard to separate politics from economics where both are closely linked together. These shortcomings together with a lack of time beg for further and more in depth research to formalize conclusions. Specifically, I would wish to focus on a significant number of concrete business cases where the governments interference in the economy has greatly affected their profitability. I would be interested in confirming the statistical data to support the hypothesis presented. However, the evidence and research presented here demonstrate that there are elements to sustain my hypothesis. It is clear that the government is seriously attempting to impose upon the country a planned economy of the Venezuela. Whether the government is able to complete a transition to a fully planned economy or not, this conclusion stands regardless. In my opinion, the move to the planned economy under Hugo Chavez can have a negative impact on Venezuela as it has negatively limited the freedom of Venezuelan businesses and increased government interference in the economy. Evidence can be found in articles discussing the current brain drain  [62]  ; the educated Venezuelans are more likely to leave the country. Many of these educated people whom are students, professors, doctors, business owners and so forth have either moved to Colombia or to the United States. References Bad news for Venezuelan economy. El Universal 24 May 2010: n. pag. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. . Baumol, Willam. The free-market innovation machine: analyzing the growth miracle of capitalism. Oxfordshire: Princeton University Press, 2002. Print. Blink, Jocelyn, and Ian Dorton. Economics: Course Companion. Oxford: Database right Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. The Bolivarian Brain Drain. Newsweek 1 July 2009: n. pag. Web. 22 Nov. 2010.

Linking Magical Realism and the Sublime in A Very Old Man with Enormous

Linking Magical Realism and the Sublime in A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings      Ã‚  Ã‚   Marquez's "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" links Magical Realism and Sublime literature to one another in such a way that Magical Realism seems to be a genre of the Sublime. This short story was published with a collection of other stories entitled Leaf Storm and Other Stories in 1955. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a native Columbian, has accomplished a great deal in the field of Magical Realism. This particular short story fulfills the requirements for Magical Realism and, at the same time, the Sublime. This fact leads one to believe that Magical Realism is, in fact, a genre of the Sublime instead of the Fantastic. The characteristics of Magical Realism match those of the Sublime much more extensively than those of Fantastical literature. "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" includes many aspects, which may be described as magical. In the story, an old man with a very poor set of wings is found and kept as a pet for several years. These wings were described by the doctor in the story as "...so natural on that completely human organism that he couldn't understand why other men didn't have them, too" (528). The fact that the old man had wings in the first place seems very acceptable to the characters, and this nonchalance is conveyed to the reader. To take an idea or an object that one is familiar with and distorting that image into something unfamiliar is called defamiliarization (Simkins 150). This use of defamiliarization is a very important characteristic of both Magical Realism as well as the Sublime. An angel is something with which most are somewhat familiar; however, Marquez's angel is a completely different type of angel. One e... ...between Magical Realism and Sublime literature seems very obvious when one examines the criteria for each. Marquez's "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" links Magical Realism and Sublime literature to one another in such a way that Magical Realism seems to be a genre of the Sublime. This short story fulfills the requirements of each. However, the requirements are the very same ideas and principles. Thus Magical Realism should be classified as a type of the Sublime. Works Cited Loginus. On the Sublime. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1995. Sandner, David. The Fantastic Sublime. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1996. 51-55. Simpkins, Scott. "Sources of Magical Realism/ Supplements to Realism in Contemporary Latin American Literature." Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community. Ed. Lois Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham, N.C.: Duke UP, 1995: 145-159.   

Global Pharmaceutical Industry

INTRODUCTION According to Hunter s. Thomas â€Å"you can turn your back on person, but never turn your back on a drug, especially when it's waving a razor sharp hunting. † The global pharmaceutical industry had done tremendous contribution to mankind, but now pharmaceutical companies are facing tough time in a decade. The case is broken in to different parts which is emphasized on how internal and external factors affecting the industry firstly, the main environmental forces currently affecting the industry through PEST analysis.Secondly, the implications of the changes in business environment that is internal factors through porter's five force theory. Finally, the use and limitations of the tools applied to solve case are discussed. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION The present pharmaceutical industries are non-assembled and more of competitive but it had emerged in early 19th century in the Rhine valley near Basel Switzerland where dyestuffs were found to have antiseptic properties.Comp anies like Hoffman-la rochy, Sandoz, Novartis are all started as Rhine based family dyestuff and chemical companies, which are still doing tremendous business even to day. Slowly these chemical companies started making pharmaceuticals and synthetic chemicals and evolved as global players. In early 1940's the industry showed drastic changes such as introduction of penicillin and other drugs. In 1960's industry growing rapidly with the setting up of R&D not only this economies prospered by the spending on health care in same period.In 1970's industry showed major development but a strong regulatory controls also came into existence with this development, and this regulatory controls had removed the rule of permanent patent to some fixed period which resulted in birth of branded generics. ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES EFFECTING PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY The scan of external macro environment in which the firm operates can be expressed in terms P- POLITICAL E-ECONOMICAL S-SOCIAL T-TECHNOLOGY POLIT ICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTORPolitical factors includes government regulations and legal issues defines both formal and informal rules under which firm operates some example like tax policy, trade restrictions and tariffs, political stability. Political arena has huge influence up on the regulations of business and the spending power of consumers and other business. Over many years the pharmaceuticals industry has increased political attentions because of increase in recognitions of the economic important of healthcare as a component of social welfare .It takes 10-15 years on average to experiment drug to travel from lab to patient consumption, as patent protection is fixed that is only 20 years but companies has to spend 15 years on experiments by the time it reaches to the market the patent will be almost comes to expired and which will result in birth of generic medicines which has exactly same ingredients as of branded drugs but shows huge difference in price, because the ge neric brand does not spend on clinical trials so the entry of generic are the major impact on pharmacy industry because of the legal policy set by political forces example in us 84% of sales had been dropped in 12 weeks by Allegra hay fever treatment because of expiry of patent in 2006. Another major problem affecting the industry in many countries are monophony which means only one powerful purchaser who are government. Since 1980 government around the world attracting pharmaceuticals as a politically easy target in their effort to control l in increasing health care expenditure like price and reimbursement controls and also the industry loosed both public and political support to resist this change.In 1990 the effect of economic recession had lead to fall in tax revenue, the government forever changing cost containment plans had become operations of the company unstable in European market which is highly fragmented, moreover the expansion of EU had provided many opportunities but it also raised new challenges from generics and low priced imports. ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTOR Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customers and the firms cost of capital examples like economic growth, interest rates and exchange rates. The government price control is a major challenge to the industry in the form of parallel trade. Parallel trade is nothing but free movement of the product across the Europe with out any trade barriers which will affect the local manufacture because the distributor will buy drugs in low price markets and export them to high price markets example buying the product from manufacture in Poland and exporting them to Ireland.The exchange rates and currency problem is also one of the major issue for example Canada has inflexible pricing and reimbursement criteria, where USA does not have price controls as a results the price drug in America is high compare to Canada which leads to damage of brand image in consumers mind for example price of Lipitor is 3. 20/pill in USA where in Canada which is 1. 89/pill for same drug. Not only this, the growth of pharmaceutical market is aligned with GDP growth. As R&D productivity is declined and development times were lengthened, as clinical trials are becoming more complex and costly there was sharp rise in R&D expenditure. SOCIAL CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTORSocial factors includes the demographic and cultural aspects of the external macro environment these factors effects customers needs and the size of potential markets, some social factors include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, emphasis on safety and carrier attitudes. ageing populations are creating pressure on healthcare funding systems as over 65 consumes four times more than that of below 65 which leads to more expensive technology solutions and increase in patient expectations had created an unsustainable situation to the industry. Some countries cannot enjoy unive rsal coverage system and latest treatments because they are not funded by the insurance companies like USA which can afford latest technology but cannot share the benefits because of increasing populations in different parts of the world.In developed countries consumer are benefited by the insurance and can afford ethical drugs but the countries who cannot afford to ethical drugs are switching to generic to save coast which pressuring pharmacists to substitute generic drug as the first choice, patented drugs are only used if generic drug fails. The OTC(over the counter) comprise of 20% of market which may purchase without prescription specially OTC is more in developing countries and also for these the patented drug companies has introduce disease management initiatives to attack the challenges from generic. Some consumer does not want to use biopharmaceuticals because they genetically done. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY Technological factors can lower barriers to ent ry, reduce minimum efficient production levels and influence outsourcing decisions. Some of the technological factors includes R&D activity, technology incentivise and rate of technology change. he technology is an competitive advantage to the companies and success of R&D lays in team working, knowledge management and close relation with external flexible and some indicates lean and flexible operations and out sourcing is a gate way of success not only these there are many questions raised that the investment on R&D is could not sustain for example in 2005 there are nearly 650 cancers drugs in development. The utilization of technology is very expensive because it includes latest instruments which is possible only for developed countries to use technology because they are funded by insurance companies and product developed by this technology cannot afford in developing countries because of its huge investment.THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT OF THE PHARMACEUTICA L INDUSTRY Porter's five force model â€Å"The porter's model is an outside in business unit strategy tool used to know value of industrial structure. The competitive force analysis is made by the identification of five fundamental competitive forces. â€Å"(12MANAGE:2009) POTENTIAL ENTRANCE The threat of new entry is low in this sector because companies has to spend huge amount to produce a product, so investment for the capital is very huge and its as to follow many rules and regulations set up by the government and to maintain the standard which where set is very difficult for new companies which want to enter into market.More over it is very risky business because it takes 10-15 years for new market to come into market and nobody is sure about the success of the products and patent time is also limited. POTENTIAL SUPPLIER Bargaining power of supplier is low because there are only few suppliers because the suppliers in this industry are different from other industries as ingred ients used to make drugs are chemicals so the suppliers are chemical industries. It is very difficult for the suppliers to sustain in the market because if they increase their price the company may change supplier who supply raw materials comparatively low price compare to existing one and industry is not key customer group to the supplier. Brand image, role of quality, service of supplier is not considered by the industry. POTENTIAL BUYERSBargaining power of buyer is high because main buyers are generally government and the companies that is monophony and companies cannot go against them and they can only sell the product to government the other side of the buyer are consumers who's buying power is also high because of substitute available in markets and brand loyalty is low in consumers. POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTES Threat of substitutes is high in this industries, there are many substitute products in market like generics, branded generics, biopharmaceuticals as they are very cheap comp are to the branded drugs as discussed earlier that branded drugs will consider only when generic drugs fails. And import of drugs from china and India which are produce very cheaply compare to local producers. COMPETITIVE RIVALRYCompetitive rivalry is high in this sector because advantage gained by the first mover advantages (patent). As market is getting saturating companies are going global which means world wide launches, global branding and heavy investment in promotion as shorter product life cycle and to gain competitive advantage. In spite of taking care during launching the industry is still faces tough time from generic drugs and not only this merges and acquisitions as one of the major cause for competitive rivalry. SWOT ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICALS â€Å"Swot analysis provide information that is helpful in matching firm resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. â€Å"(QUICKMBA: 2007) S-STRENGTH W-WEAKNESS O-OPPORTUNITIES T-THREATSThe environmental factors internal are strength and weakness and external are threats and opportunities. STRENGTHS Patent is one of the major strength in this sector of industry which has strong brand names such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Novartis. The above mentioned companies have good reputations among the consumers The sector have cost advantages from propriety know-how This sector company have exclusive access to high grade natural recourses The sector has favourable access to distribution networks WEAKNESS Patent is consider as strength of this sector but due to limited time for patent had become its weakness. The products from this sector have side effects.The products take long time in development such as clinical trials which takes 10-15 years. It involves high cost structures such as investment on R;D, advertising. One of the major weaknesses is regulatory and legal issues by FDA. OPPORTUNIITIES Human needs are unfulfilled, so this unfulfilled nee ds are the opportunities for develop new products. The arrival of new technology as technology keeps on changing time by time. The removal of internal barrier like free movements of goods within EUROPEAN UNION. Due to pressure from big branded companies as this sector contributes major share to economy due to there pressure loosening of regulations may be happen in future. THREATSGenerics are the major threat to this sector The shift in customers taste away from the firm's products, customer in this sector does not have particular brand. Availability of huge range of substitutes in markets Entry barriers to some countries Parallel trade is also one of the major threat to this industry. USES AND LIMITATIONS OF TOOLS PEST USE Pest analysis looks at the external environment and good tool to understand big picture of the environment in which business operates. And it will allow companies to take opportunities and reduces threat of a company which they are facing. Pest analysis provide f urther plan to a company to develop if strategic plan is done correctly.With the pest analysis companies can see longer horizontal time and able to differentiate opportunities and threats and also help companies to look outside environment and what are the potential forces which going to affect. Pest is a mnemonic standing for political, economic, social and technology which are use to brain storm the characteristics of a industry and can draw conclusion as the significant forces of change operating with in it. More over it is useful to avoid taking actions which results in failure, it is very useful especially in starting new products because it will avoid assumptions and make to adopt quickly the reality of the new environment, it is straightforward and easy to adopt, broad categories covering major environmental factors and will provide more data about influence. LIMITATIONSIt is not a set of rigid compartment to store ideas more over pest analysis does not analyse all the detail s in the external environments like markets, share holder, creditors, supra-national bodies, pressure groups and labour markets. PORTER'S FIVE FORCE USE Porter's five forces theory is valuable contribution to study competition it give important information in three aspects. STATICAL ANALYSIS: It determine industrial attractiveness and gives an over view of profitability, this model helps in entry and exit questioning a market segment and used to compare influence of competitor forces and influence of competitors . DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS: It helps to understand potential future attractiveness of the industry. ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS:The knowledge and power of five forces help company to develop options to improve position of the company which results in new strategic direction like new differentiation for competitive products of strategic partnerships. Moreover, porter's five force models gives systematic and structured analysis of market structure and competitive situation, this model is ap plicable universal such as particular company, market segment and industries. LIMITATIONS Care should be taken while using this model such as never under estimate the important of current strength of the company. The model design for analyzing individual business strategies and it will not support the interdependence and synergy with portfolio of larger corporate.If we look from the theoretical side the model does not show possibility that an industry could be attractive because some companies in it. More over some times it may be possible to create complete new markets instead of selecting from existing one and also some people argued that environments which are characterized by rapid, systemic and quick changes require more flexible, dynamic approach for strategy formations. SWOT ANALYSIS USE The name it self say it is used to identify company's strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. And use to formulate strategies the analysis usefulness of SWOT is not limited to profit seeking organizations.It is used in decision making situation when a desired end -state has been defined, and it is used in pre crisis planning and prevention and also used to in creating a recommendation during a viability study LIMITATIONS It has ability to over simplify the situation by dividing the firms environmental factors into categories in which they may not fit. The classifications of some factors as strength or weakness, or as opportunities or threats is some what peculiar CONCLUSION The pharmaceutical industry made tremendous contribution to man kind but, the industry is facing tough time in this decade. Yet it is targeted by government, media in spite of huge investment on R&D and the product life is getting shorter. Free trade, parallel trade and exchange rate are oreover the birth of generics, creating major problems to the industry. Niche areas getting crowded creating price pressure, but the presence of global expertise firms like Pfizer, Merck will stand as global opportunities. The industry more than ever needs to get a handle on the slippery business of scientific creativity and provided it critics with indisputable evidence of its value. BIBLIOGRAPHY Johnson et. al (2007). Exploring corporate strategy. 8th ed. England: Pearson Education. 915 Quickmba. (2007). Swot analysis. Available: http://www. quickmba. com/strategy/swot/. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. Answers corporations. (2009). Swot analysis.Available: http://www. answers. com/topic/swot-analysis. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. 12 manage. (2009). Five Competitive Forces. Available: http://www. 12manage. com/methods_porter_five_forces. html. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. 12 manage. (2009). Five Competitive Forces. Available: http://www. 12manage. com/methods_porter_five_forces. html. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. Olivia Hunt. (2008). Evaluation of five force theory. Available: http://www. articlesbase. com/education-articles/evaluation-of-the-five-forces-theory-176854. html. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Olivia Hunt. (2007). Study of Porter's Five Forces Theory. Available: http://www. articlealley. om/article_185592_15. html. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Netmba. (2007). PEST ANALYSIS. Available: http://www. netmba. com/strategy/pest/. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Quickmba. (2007). PEST ANALYSIS. Available: http://www. quickmba. com/strategy/pest/. Last accessed 02 Nov 2009. Verbigena. (2008). History and analysis of pharmaceutical industry. Available: www. verbigena. com/case_studies/history_analysis. pdf. Last accessed 10 Nov 2009 Papers4u. (2009). what is pest analysis. Available: http://www. coursework4you. co. uk/essays-and-dissertations/pest-analysis. php. Last accessed 10 Nov 2009 G. A. Cole  (2005). Strategic Management. 2nd ed. London: person. 506 Read Global Pharmaceutical Industry INTRODUCTION According to Hunter s. Thomas â€Å"you can turn your back on person, but never turn your back on a drug, especially when it's waving a razor sharp hunting. † The global pharmaceutical industry had done tremendous contribution to mankind, but now pharmaceutical companies are facing tough time in a decade. The case is broken in to different parts which is emphasized on how internal and external factors affecting the industry firstly, the main environmental forces currently affecting the industry through PEST analysis.Secondly, the implications of the changes in business environment that is internal factors through porter's five force theory. Finally, the use and limitations of the tools applied to solve case are discussed. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION The present pharmaceutical industries are non-assembled and more of competitive but it had emerged in early 19th century in the Rhine valley near Basel Switzerland where dyestuffs were found to have antiseptic properties.Comp anies like Hoffman-la rochy, Sandoz, Novartis are all started as Rhine based family dyestuff and chemical companies, which are still doing tremendous business even to day. Slowly these chemical companies started making pharmaceuticals and synthetic chemicals and evolved as global players. In early 1940's the industry showed drastic changes such as introduction of penicillin and other drugs. In 1960's industry growing rapidly with the setting up of R&D not only this economies prospered by the spending on health care in same period.In 1970's industry showed major development but a strong regulatory controls also came into existence with this development, and this regulatory controls had removed the rule of permanent patent to some fixed period which resulted in birth of branded generics. ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES EFFECTING PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY The scan of external macro environment in which the firm operates can be expressed in terms P- POLITICAL E-ECONOMICAL S-SOCIAL T-TECHNOLOGY POLIT ICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTORPolitical factors includes government regulations and legal issues defines both formal and informal rules under which firm operates some example like tax policy, trade restrictions and tariffs, political stability. Political arena has huge influence up on the regulations of business and the spending power of consumers and other business. Over many years the pharmaceuticals industry has increased political attentions because of increase in recognitions of the economic important of healthcare as a component of social welfare .It takes 10-15 years on average to experiment drug to travel from lab to patient consumption, as patent protection is fixed that is only 20 years but companies has to spend 15 years on experiments by the time it reaches to the market the patent will be almost comes to expired and which will result in birth of generic medicines which has exactly same ingredients as of branded drugs but shows huge difference in price, because the ge neric brand does not spend on clinical trials so the entry of generic are the major impact on pharmacy industry because of the legal policy set by political forces example in us 84% of sales had been dropped in 12 weeks by Allegra hay fever treatment because of expiry of patent in 2006. Another major problem affecting the industry in many countries are monophony which means only one powerful purchaser who are government. Since 1980 government around the world attracting pharmaceuticals as a politically easy target in their effort to control l in increasing health care expenditure like price and reimbursement controls and also the industry loosed both public and political support to resist this change.In 1990 the effect of economic recession had lead to fall in tax revenue, the government forever changing cost containment plans had become operations of the company unstable in European market which is highly fragmented, moreover the expansion of EU had provided many opportunities but it also raised new challenges from generics and low priced imports. ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTOR Economic factors affect the purchasing power of potential customers and the firms cost of capital examples like economic growth, interest rates and exchange rates. The government price control is a major challenge to the industry in the form of parallel trade. Parallel trade is nothing but free movement of the product across the Europe with out any trade barriers which will affect the local manufacture because the distributor will buy drugs in low price markets and export them to high price markets example buying the product from manufacture in Poland and exporting them to Ireland.The exchange rates and currency problem is also one of the major issue for example Canada has inflexible pricing and reimbursement criteria, where USA does not have price controls as a results the price drug in America is high compare to Canada which leads to damage of brand image in consumers mind for example price of Lipitor is 3. 20/pill in USA where in Canada which is 1. 89/pill for same drug. Not only this, the growth of pharmaceutical market is aligned with GDP growth. As R&D productivity is declined and development times were lengthened, as clinical trials are becoming more complex and costly there was sharp rise in R&D expenditure. SOCIAL CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE SECTORSocial factors includes the demographic and cultural aspects of the external macro environment these factors effects customers needs and the size of potential markets, some social factors include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, emphasis on safety and carrier attitudes. ageing populations are creating pressure on healthcare funding systems as over 65 consumes four times more than that of below 65 which leads to more expensive technology solutions and increase in patient expectations had created an unsustainable situation to the industry. Some countries cannot enjoy unive rsal coverage system and latest treatments because they are not funded by the insurance companies like USA which can afford latest technology but cannot share the benefits because of increasing populations in different parts of the world.In developed countries consumer are benefited by the insurance and can afford ethical drugs but the countries who cannot afford to ethical drugs are switching to generic to save coast which pressuring pharmacists to substitute generic drug as the first choice, patented drugs are only used if generic drug fails. The OTC(over the counter) comprise of 20% of market which may purchase without prescription specially OTC is more in developing countries and also for these the patented drug companies has introduce disease management initiatives to attack the challenges from generic. Some consumer does not want to use biopharmaceuticals because they genetically done. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY Technological factors can lower barriers to ent ry, reduce minimum efficient production levels and influence outsourcing decisions. Some of the technological factors includes R&D activity, technology incentivise and rate of technology change. he technology is an competitive advantage to the companies and success of R&D lays in team working, knowledge management and close relation with external flexible and some indicates lean and flexible operations and out sourcing is a gate way of success not only these there are many questions raised that the investment on R&D is could not sustain for example in 2005 there are nearly 650 cancers drugs in development. The utilization of technology is very expensive because it includes latest instruments which is possible only for developed countries to use technology because they are funded by insurance companies and product developed by this technology cannot afford in developing countries because of its huge investment.THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT OF THE PHARMACEUTICA L INDUSTRY Porter's five force model â€Å"The porter's model is an outside in business unit strategy tool used to know value of industrial structure. The competitive force analysis is made by the identification of five fundamental competitive forces. â€Å"(12MANAGE:2009) POTENTIAL ENTRANCE The threat of new entry is low in this sector because companies has to spend huge amount to produce a product, so investment for the capital is very huge and its as to follow many rules and regulations set up by the government and to maintain the standard which where set is very difficult for new companies which want to enter into market.More over it is very risky business because it takes 10-15 years for new market to come into market and nobody is sure about the success of the products and patent time is also limited. POTENTIAL SUPPLIER Bargaining power of supplier is low because there are only few suppliers because the suppliers in this industry are different from other industries as ingred ients used to make drugs are chemicals so the suppliers are chemical industries. It is very difficult for the suppliers to sustain in the market because if they increase their price the company may change supplier who supply raw materials comparatively low price compare to existing one and industry is not key customer group to the supplier. Brand image, role of quality, service of supplier is not considered by the industry. POTENTIAL BUYERSBargaining power of buyer is high because main buyers are generally government and the companies that is monophony and companies cannot go against them and they can only sell the product to government the other side of the buyer are consumers who's buying power is also high because of substitute available in markets and brand loyalty is low in consumers. POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTES Threat of substitutes is high in this industries, there are many substitute products in market like generics, branded generics, biopharmaceuticals as they are very cheap comp are to the branded drugs as discussed earlier that branded drugs will consider only when generic drugs fails. And import of drugs from china and India which are produce very cheaply compare to local producers. COMPETITIVE RIVALRYCompetitive rivalry is high in this sector because advantage gained by the first mover advantages (patent). As market is getting saturating companies are going global which means world wide launches, global branding and heavy investment in promotion as shorter product life cycle and to gain competitive advantage. In spite of taking care during launching the industry is still faces tough time from generic drugs and not only this merges and acquisitions as one of the major cause for competitive rivalry. SWOT ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICALS â€Å"Swot analysis provide information that is helpful in matching firm resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates. â€Å"(QUICKMBA: 2007) S-STRENGTH W-WEAKNESS O-OPPORTUNITIES T-THREATSThe environmental factors internal are strength and weakness and external are threats and opportunities. STRENGTHS Patent is one of the major strength in this sector of industry which has strong brand names such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Novartis. The above mentioned companies have good reputations among the consumers The sector have cost advantages from propriety know-how This sector company have exclusive access to high grade natural recourses The sector has favourable access to distribution networks WEAKNESS Patent is consider as strength of this sector but due to limited time for patent had become its weakness. The products from this sector have side effects.The products take long time in development such as clinical trials which takes 10-15 years. It involves high cost structures such as investment on R;D, advertising. One of the major weaknesses is regulatory and legal issues by FDA. OPPORTUNIITIES Human needs are unfulfilled, so this unfulfilled nee ds are the opportunities for develop new products. The arrival of new technology as technology keeps on changing time by time. The removal of internal barrier like free movements of goods within EUROPEAN UNION. Due to pressure from big branded companies as this sector contributes major share to economy due to there pressure loosening of regulations may be happen in future. THREATSGenerics are the major threat to this sector The shift in customers taste away from the firm's products, customer in this sector does not have particular brand. Availability of huge range of substitutes in markets Entry barriers to some countries Parallel trade is also one of the major threat to this industry. USES AND LIMITATIONS OF TOOLS PEST USE Pest analysis looks at the external environment and good tool to understand big picture of the environment in which business operates. And it will allow companies to take opportunities and reduces threat of a company which they are facing. Pest analysis provide f urther plan to a company to develop if strategic plan is done correctly.With the pest analysis companies can see longer horizontal time and able to differentiate opportunities and threats and also help companies to look outside environment and what are the potential forces which going to affect. Pest is a mnemonic standing for political, economic, social and technology which are use to brain storm the characteristics of a industry and can draw conclusion as the significant forces of change operating with in it. More over it is useful to avoid taking actions which results in failure, it is very useful especially in starting new products because it will avoid assumptions and make to adopt quickly the reality of the new environment, it is straightforward and easy to adopt, broad categories covering major environmental factors and will provide more data about influence. LIMITATIONSIt is not a set of rigid compartment to store ideas more over pest analysis does not analyse all the detail s in the external environments like markets, share holder, creditors, supra-national bodies, pressure groups and labour markets. PORTER'S FIVE FORCE USE Porter's five forces theory is valuable contribution to study competition it give important information in three aspects. STATICAL ANALYSIS: It determine industrial attractiveness and gives an over view of profitability, this model helps in entry and exit questioning a market segment and used to compare influence of competitor forces and influence of competitors . DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS: It helps to understand potential future attractiveness of the industry. ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS:The knowledge and power of five forces help company to develop options to improve position of the company which results in new strategic direction like new differentiation for competitive products of strategic partnerships. Moreover, porter's five force models gives systematic and structured analysis of market structure and competitive situation, this model is ap plicable universal such as particular company, market segment and industries. LIMITATIONS Care should be taken while using this model such as never under estimate the important of current strength of the company. The model design for analyzing individual business strategies and it will not support the interdependence and synergy with portfolio of larger corporate.If we look from the theoretical side the model does not show possibility that an industry could be attractive because some companies in it. More over some times it may be possible to create complete new markets instead of selecting from existing one and also some people argued that environments which are characterized by rapid, systemic and quick changes require more flexible, dynamic approach for strategy formations. SWOT ANALYSIS USE The name it self say it is used to identify company's strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. And use to formulate strategies the analysis usefulness of SWOT is not limited to profit seeking organizations.It is used in decision making situation when a desired end -state has been defined, and it is used in pre crisis planning and prevention and also used to in creating a recommendation during a viability study LIMITATIONS It has ability to over simplify the situation by dividing the firms environmental factors into categories in which they may not fit. The classifications of some factors as strength or weakness, or as opportunities or threats is some what peculiar CONCLUSION The pharmaceutical industry made tremendous contribution to man kind but, the industry is facing tough time in this decade. Yet it is targeted by government, media in spite of huge investment on R&D and the product life is getting shorter. Free trade, parallel trade and exchange rate are oreover the birth of generics, creating major problems to the industry. Niche areas getting crowded creating price pressure, but the presence of global expertise firms like Pfizer, Merck will stand as global opportunities. The industry more than ever needs to get a handle on the slippery business of scientific creativity and provided it critics with indisputable evidence of its value. BIBLIOGRAPHY Johnson et. al (2007). Exploring corporate strategy. 8th ed. England: Pearson Education. 915 Quickmba. (2007). Swot analysis. Available: http://www. quickmba. com/strategy/swot/. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. Answers corporations. (2009). Swot analysis.Available: http://www. answers. com/topic/swot-analysis. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. 12 manage. (2009). Five Competitive Forces. Available: http://www. 12manage. com/methods_porter_five_forces. html. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. 12 manage. (2009). Five Competitive Forces. Available: http://www. 12manage. com/methods_porter_five_forces. html. Last accessed 30 Oct 2009. Olivia Hunt. (2008). Evaluation of five force theory. Available: http://www. articlesbase. com/education-articles/evaluation-of-the-five-forces-theory-176854. html. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Olivia Hunt. (2007). Study of Porter's Five Forces Theory. Available: http://www. articlealley. om/article_185592_15. html. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Netmba. (2007). PEST ANALYSIS. Available: http://www. netmba. com/strategy/pest/. Last accessed 01 Nov 2009. Quickmba. (2007). PEST ANALYSIS. Available: http://www. quickmba. com/strategy/pest/. Last accessed 02 Nov 2009. Verbigena. (2008). History and analysis of pharmaceutical industry. Available: www. verbigena. com/case_studies/history_analysis. pdf. Last accessed 10 Nov 2009 Papers4u. (2009). what is pest analysis. Available: http://www. coursework4you. co. uk/essays-and-dissertations/pest-analysis. php. Last accessed 10 Nov 2009 G. A. Cole  (2005). Strategic Management. 2nd ed. London: person. 506 Read

employment at will doctrine Essays

employment at will doctrine Essays employment at will doctrine Essay employment at will doctrine Essay ASSIGNMENT # 1: EMPLOYMENT AT WILL DOCTRINE by Mohammed A Khan November 1, 2013 LEG 500: Law, Ethics and Corporate Governance Prof. Charles E. Wilson Employment at will doctrine is a doctrine of American Law that defines an employment relationship in which either party (employer and employee) can immediately terminate the relationship at any time with or without any advance notice and with no subsequent liability, provided there was no express contract for a definite term governing the employment relationship and that the employer does not elong to a collective bargaining group. In USA, any hiring is presumed to at will that is the employer is free to discharge individuals for good cause or bad cause or no cause at all and the employee too is equally fit to quit, strike or otherwise cease work. In this assignment, we have some cases/incidents that faced by the highest authority of a company after his appointment and need to take actions/decisions on those incidents. Case 1: John posted a rant on his Facebook page in which he criticized companys most important customer. In this case Jonhs action of posting a egative statement on Facebook is truly unprofessional and unethical. According to the National Labor Relations Board, criticism by the employee over social network site is a protected activity that employers should not violate by punishing workers for such statements. Hence it prohibits employers to retaliate against employees for will surely have impact on the operation of the company. To limit the liability and impact on the company as a COO, I would simply arrange a workshop on the code of ethics and conduct for the individuals working in the company. Case 2: Jim sent an mail to other salespeople to protesting a change in commission schedules and bonuses suggesting everyone boycott the next sales meeting. Being an internal issue within the company, as a COO I will talk to Jim in person and issue a letter to him to show cause why he did such actions towards destruction of organizations discipline. I will also issue a notice to everybody to keep under organization discipline otherwise taking disciplinary actions to those employees who will break the order. Case 3: Ellen started a blog to protest the CEOs bonus, noting that no one below director has otten raise in two (2) years and portraying her bosses as know nothings and out of- touch. These all issues like CEO bonus, appointment of higher authority are parts of management decision. These are not a part of Ellens concern. I will warn Ellen verbally not to do anything which is not within the scope or authority of her Job. If she keeps going with the same gesture or attitude, I will fire her to restore the chain of command within the company. Case 4: Bill has been using his company-issued Black Berry to run his own business on the side- It is a matter of ethics. As a COO, I will initially warn Bill to do such activities which is not ethical on moral perspective. If he fails to follow the rule I will cut off the facility. Case 5: The secretaries in the accounting department decided to dress in black and white stripe to protest a memo announcing that the company has installed keylogger software on all company computers. It is companys sole authority to introduce or install new software or program for achieving their business goal. Being an employee, you can or cannot like it. You have the right to protest it within the rules of company guidebook. If it permits to demonstrate by dressing black and white stripe to protest, you can do that. Being a COO, I must address a notice mentioning the companys position regarding the issue and will warn those employees not to do such things which may lead to termination due to violation of company memorandum. Case- 6: After being disciplined for criticizing a customer in an email (sent from his personal email account on a company computer), Joe threatens to sue the company for invasion of privacy. First of ll, being a representative of a company, it is not a private issue to criticize any customer of that company even though Joe sent the email through his personal email account. I think its not a violation of privacy rather he should be terminated due to criticizing the customer. Case- 7: One of the departments supervisors requests your approval to fire his secretary for insubordination. Since the secretary has always received glowing reviews, you call her into your office and determine that she has refused to prepare false expense reports for her boss. Since the company does not have any histleblower policy, I will send a show cause notice to that secretary to clarify his/ her position for insubordination of his/her superior in written. Getting the written notice, I will mark that piece of paper to our audit department to scrutinize the matter. If the allegation of the secretary is true I will fire the superior and if the secretary was wrong, I will transfer her to a more unimportant department. Case- 8: for being absent without permission. Being a citizen of United States, it is an obligatory duty to attend in the Jury board and nothing can supersede such duty. So Annas boss has no right to fire her. I must call anns boss and let him know the importance to Join Jury board being citizen of this country. I think every company should have a whistleblower policy in their organization. It draws a line to keep attention to each employee that what would be the consequence of a whistleblower on a particular issue as well as the reward. It is necessary to admit that the protection of whistleblowers is only can be ensured through establishing a whistle blowing policy in the organization. In addition to the whistle blowing legislation, it is ery important that policy implementers use a pro-active management approach to whistle blowing that emphasizes the establishment of functional organizational structures and procedures that ensure actual protection of whistleblowers. Among the most important points with regard to a whistle blowing policy are the following: Managers should address disclosures of wrongdoing to avoid damage to individual or organizational reputations and other negative consequences; A pro-active management approach to whistle blowing feature three simple guidelines: 1) do ome groundwork; 2) be professional; and 3) protect whistleblowers Ongoing training of staff handling disclosures will make an internal reporting system more effective; Ongoing review of the effectiveness of internal whistle blowing systems is needed to ensure effectiveness of whistle blowing policy. In closing, I certainly do not believe that whistle blowing policies are a panacea for all ethical problems. Employees should understand that they must be responsible in making accusations for wrongdoing, and malicious or reckless charges not sanctioned. Employees should nderstand how the organization will respond to their concerns in terms of an investigative process. References 1) Information retrieve of definition and understanding of employment at will doctrine from the website www. bls. gov/opub/mlr/2001/01/art1full. pdf. 2) Information regarding employment at will retrieve from the website vwwv. ncsl. org/ research/labor-and-employment/at-will-employment/ at-will-employment- overview. aspx. 3) Information retrieves from http://ethics. csc. ncsu. edu/old/12_00/ basics/whistle/ rst/wstlblo_policy. html regarding whistleblower policy.

Java Events and How They Work With Event Listeners

Java Events and How They Work With Event Listeners An event in Java is an object that is created when something changes within a graphical user interface. If a user clicks on a button, clicks on a combo box, or types characters into a text field, etc., then an event triggers, creating the relevant event object. This behavior is part of Javas Event Handling mechanism and is included in the Swing GUI library.   For example, lets say we have  a JButton. If a user clicks on  the  JButton,  a  button click event is triggered, the event will be created, and it will be sent to the relevant event listener (in this case, the ActionListener). The relevant listener will have implemented code that determines the action to take when the event occurs.   Note that an event source must be paired with an event listener, or its triggering will result in no action. How Events Work Event handling in Java is comprised of two key elements: The event source, which is an object that is created when an event occurs. Java provides several types of these event sources, discussed in the section Types of Events below.The event listener, the object that listens for events and processes them when they occur. There are several types of events and listeners in Java: each type of event is tied to a corresponding listener. For this discussion, lets consider a common type of event, an action event represented by the Java class ActionEvent, which is triggered when a user clicks a button or the item of a list.   At the users action, an ActionEvent object corresponding to the relevant action is created. This object contains both the event source information and the specific action taken by the user. This event object is then passed to the corresponding ActionListener objects method:   Ã¢â‚¬â€¹void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) This method is executed and returns the appropriate GUI response, which might be to  open or close a dialog, download a file, provide a digital signature, or any other of the myriad actions available to users in an interface. Types of Events Here are some of the most common types of events in Java: ActionEvent: Represents a graphical element is clicked, such as a button or item in a list. Related listener:  ActionListener.ContainerEvent: Represents an event that occurs to the GUIs container itself, for example, if a user adds or removes an object from the interface.  Related listener:  ContainerListener.KeyEvent: Represents an event in which the user presses, types or releases a key.  Related listener:  KeyListener.WindowEvent: Represents an event relating to a window, for example, when a window is closed, activated or deactivated.  Related listener:  WindowListener.MouseEvent: Represents any event related to a mouse, such as when a mouse is clicked or pressed.  Related listener:  MouseListener. Note that multiple listeners and event sources can interact with one another. For example, multiple events can be registered by a single listener, if they are of the same type. This means that, for a similar set of components that perform the same type of action, one event listener can handle all the events. Similarly, a single event can be bound to multiple listeners, if that suits the programs design (although that is less common).

Look for the fax that im sending you Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Look for the fax that im sending you - Essay Example The firm seeks to thrive through employment of friendlier and skilled staff, which in combination with great prices, is set to propel the repeat business that will be reliable. The firm expects that as the price of medication continues to rise, Inter-Global Medicare will be increasingly be appealing to the clientele’s sense of value, affordability, and convenience. Inter-global Medicare Entrepreneurs has come on board with the best prescription medication that seeks to fill the therapeutic gap that many scientific attempts have failed to break. Antiobesity Treatment, which this firm has developed, is called surgical sympathectomy. This entails administration of tables and a theatre surgical operation that is aimed at removing some of the excess fats from the body. After that, the patient is taken through a physical exercise session for at least two months and utmost five months within the supervision of the experts and within the facility. The degree of efficacy of this prescr iption will be based on the extent of weight loss. Considering the other past and even the present alternative prescriptions to the Inter-Global's drug, it emerges the best in terms of side effects with little body immunity destabilization and physical wellbeing. Objectives The objectives of Inter-Global Medicare entrepreneurs for its first four years in the market include; i. Deliver beyond the customers’ expectations with superior pricing ii. Increase the market size by more than 35% per year iii. Develop a steady business that survives off its own cash flow. Mission The mission statement of Inter-global Medicare is to provide clients with the best prices for their prescription medications. Our convenience and services will exceed the expectations of the customers. Keys to Success The fundamental keys to success by this firm will include; Satisfaction of the customers so that they are always motivated to come again. To ensure that the overhead costs as well as operating cos ts are maintained as low as possible. To provide effective prices that will be affordable to the customers and a cost-sales competitive tool against the other players in the industry. Company Summary Inter-Global Medicare entrepreneurs is located in Upper-Hill commercial center and offers prescription medications at discount prices to customers by mail order or at the store front. Company Ownership Inter-Global Medicare entrepreneurs are private limited liability corporation. It is registered with the national companies’ registrar under the company’s registration act. Products The Inter-Global Medicare Entrepreneurs offers a wide range of prescription drugs to patients based within Upper hill and nationally. Both generics and name brands will be on offer. In order for clients to purchase medications through mail order, they must first contact The Inter-global Medicare Entrepreneurs over the phone. The customer then needs to mail in the prescription, fax it, or email it . Once it is received and payment arrangements are complete, the prescription will be sent out to the customer via the delivery department. Local customers may stop by the store front to pick up the medications. In conducting any form of business, the concern should be over the welfare of the customers. The pharmaceutical industry is particularly delicate too given the implication of wrongful administration of drugs on patients. Based on this, the firm would do everything to ensure the safety

Change the attitude Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Change the attitude - Essay Example I am also afraid that during one of my angry bouts, I might seriously hurt someone physically. Through this research paper, I will therefore attempt to delve deeper into the underlying causes of angry behavior, to try and understand the reasons why it develops so easily. In this way, through an understanding of the underlying causes, I may be able to find ways and means to cope with this behavior and change my attitude. Ambrose and Mayne (1999) have summed up the problem of anger as an attitude prevailing among members in society as follows: â€Å"Anger remains one of the most significant problems facing our society today. In a world growing more crowded, with the pace of life increasing exponentially†¦..there is growing potential for anger to play a destructive role on a frighteningly large scale.† (p 362). Anger and aggression is undesirable behavior because it generally leads an individual to manifest that anger against a loved one or an acquaintance. According to Averill (1993), over half of most aggressive actions involving anger are perpetrated against a loved one or an acquaintance, while only 6% of anger episodes are directed against external objects. In offering an explanation for anger, Jeremy Griffith focuses upon biological elements which contribute to this kind of attitude. He points out that unlike animals, human beings are fully conscious. As a result human insight into the past enables a person to make predictions about what is likely to happen in the future, and it is this consciousness that also endows human beings with the ability to control their instincts and manage their lives.(www.humancondition.info). However, in some instances, a conflict develops, between orientated instinct and the experimenting intellect which seeks to understand life’s patterns and to develop greater control over the events in one’s life through using one’s mind. The instincts in effect, try to stop the necessary search for knowledge which is initiated