Supply Chain Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Supply Chain Management - Essay Example Extensive research shows that a considerable percentage of the overall budget of any given company emanates from the costs of flow of materials, and it is upon which companies are rated (Maloni & Brown, 2006, 68). This paper delves into SCM by centering on some of the underpinnings associated with it to ascertain its prominent features that are involved in the improvement of flow of materials from producers as raw materials to end user as finished products, and its involvement in the reduction of costs associated with supply chain. Integrated supply chain In such a situation of Lauritzen Bulkers, a suitable supply chain will be that which identifies vividly the important information systems as well as material flows, and should be aimed at meeting the needs of the customers. This is because a customer play a significant role in the supply chain, and it is upon the management team to ensure they are satisfied with the products and services. This is why any disruptions that may occur i n one mode of transportation may have an effect on the supply and demand for goods world over. This is, in addition to, the globalization that is deep rooted in today’s world, where technology has managed to bring products, services, and people so close that businesses are happening far and wide with transactions made online (Arnseth, 2010, 27 ). This means that an incorporated supply chain should be in force to cater for the big fleet of ship as well as the people involved, for this will ensure the working together of everyone involved towards an appealing proposition of mutual benefit to all the parties concerned. Therefore, it is the relatedness of supply chain progression that offers an enhanced potential that can be seized to achieve a competitive advantage. This is, in addition to, its importance in holding onto that promise of ensuing success. Lauritzen Bulkers Company has achieved this through employment of youthful employees who are at prime performance of their life . This translates to increased productivity in an industry whose success depends on the energy and the flexibility of employees. Moreover, purchases of new vessels that are aiding in the effective transportation with no delay are significant. Therefore, what the company needs on top of these energetic employees as well as new vessels is s good management team that should strive to make the best use of the accessible resources, for the betterment of the company. This should, thus be evident at all the supply chains to ensure that there is no break in the communication flow, which however small it may seem, is capable of disastrous end results. Information systems and management across the chains It is factual that management of logistics and technology come out as a success when costs related to logistic operations are controlled as well as an alarm for information technology whose success relies on selection, exploitation and incorporation (Arnseth, 2010, 25). Therefore, the informa tion systems available are capable of granting a company to decide on what the right supply chain strategy and the mode of transportation of goods. If faced with the same responsibility, I would opt for an efficient delivery system that is home delivery to ensure that the right products land into the rightful owners with certification. Road transport is fine for it is cheap, fast and reliable for it can be found

Tuberculosis Undergraduate Essay Example for Free

Tuberculosis Undergraduate Essay Abstract Tuberculosis is a good example of the importance of the ecological balance between host and parasite in infectious disease. Hosts are not usually aware of pathogens that invade the body and are defeated. If defenses fail, however, hosts become very much aware of the resulting disease. Several factors may affect host resistance levels—the presence of other illness and physiological and environmental factors such as malnutrition, overcrowding, and stress. Tuberculosis is most commonly acquired by inhaling the tubercle bacillus. Only very fine particles containing one to three bacilli reach the lungs, where they are usually phagocytized by a macrophage in the alveoli. The macrophages of a healthy individual usually destroy the bacilli. I. Introduction Tuberculosis is or TB is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs. The most common form is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slender, rod-like bacterium commonly called the tubercle bacillus. The tubercle bacillus is very hardy, surviving when many other bacteria cannot. In addition to affecting the lungs, tuberculosis can affect almost all other organs of the body. Tuberculosis, which in the past called phthisis and consumption, has afflicted man for thousands of years. Evidence of the disease has been found in Egyptian mummies. Tuberculosis was once a leading cause of death in all age groups, but its severity has decreased with improved medical care and better living standards. Most persons have a natural resistance to the tubercle bacillus. Even though large numbers of persons, especially in cities, become infected by the bacillus early in life, only a small percentage actually develops the disease (Orrett Shurland, 2001). This paper intent to: (1) know the occurrence of tuberculosis and how it is being spread; (2) be aware of its symptoms and detection and; (3) figure out its treatment and control. II. Background Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slender rod and an obligate aerobe. The rods grow slowly (20-hour generation time), sometimes form filaments and tend to grow in clumps. On the surface liquid media, their growth appears moldlike, which suggested the genus name Mycobacterium, from the Greek mykes, meaning fungus. These bacteria are relatively resistant to normal staining procedures. When stained by the ZiehlNeelson or Kinyoun technique that stains the cell with carbolfuchsin dye, they cannot be decolorized with a mixture of acid and alcohol and are therefore classified as acid-fast. This characteristic reflects the unusual composition of the cell wall, which contains large amounts of lipid materials (American Thoracic Society, 2000). These lipids might also be responsible for the resistance of mycobacteria to environmental stresses, such as drying. In fact, these bacteria can survive for weeks in dried sputum and are very resistant to chemical antimicrobials used as antiseptics and disinfectants. Tuberculosis is a good example of the importance of the ecological balance between host and parasite in infectious disease. Hosts are not usually aware of pathogens that invade the body and are defeated. If defenses fail, however, hosts become very much aware of the resulting disease. Several factors may affect host resistance levels—the presence of other illness and physiological and environmental factors such as malnutrition, overcrowding, and stress (Weiss, 2000). Tuberculosis is most commonly acquired by inhaling the tubercle bacilli reach the lungs, where they are usually phagocytized by a macrophage in the alveoli. The macrophages of a healthy individual usually destroy the bacilli. If they do not, the macrophages actually protect the microbe from the chemical and immunological defenses of the body, and many of the bacilli survive and multiply within the macrophage (American Thoracic Society, 2000). These macrophages eventually lyse, releasing an increased number of pathogens. The tubercle bacilli released from dying macrophages form a lesion. A hypersensitivity reaction against these organisms causes formation of a tubercle, which effectively walls off the pathogen. These small lumps are characteristics of tuberculosis and give the disease its name. Tubercles are composed of packed masses of tissue cells and the disintegration products of bacilli and leukytes; they usually have a necrotic center. Few bacteria are present in the tubercle (Diehl, 2003). The tubercle bacillus does not produce any injurious toxins. Tissue damage is mostly from the hypersensitivity reaction. As the reaction continues, the tubercle undergoes necrosis and eventually forms a caseous lesion that has a cheeselike consistency. If the caseous lesions heal, they become are called Ghon complexes. If the disease is not arrested at this point, the caseous lesions progress to liquefaction. An air-filled tuberculous cavity is formed from the caseous lesion. Conditions within the cavity favor the proliferation of the tubercle bacillus, which then grows for the first time extracellularly. Bacilli soon reach very large members, and eventually the lesion ruptures, releasing the microorganisms into the blood and lymphatic system (American Thoracic Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000). This condition of rapidly spreading infection that overwhelms the body’s remaining defenses is called miliary tuberculosis (the name is derived from the numerous millet seed-sized tubercles formed in the infected tissues). This condition leads to a progressive disease characterized by loss of weight, coughing (often with a show of blood), and general loss of vigor. (At one time, tuberculosis was commonly was known as consumption.) Even when patients are considered cured, tubercle bacilli often remain in the lung, and the disease may be reactivated. Reactivation may be precipitated by old age, poor nutrition, or immunosuppression. III. Discussion A. Occurrence and Spread When a person with tuberculosis coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing thousands of tubercle bacilli are sprayed into the air. The disease is spread when non-infected persons inhale the bacilli thus released into the air. A person can also contract tuberculosis by drinking unpasteurized milk from cows having the disease. This form of tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. Resistance to tuberculosis depends largely upon the general health of the individual. Persons who are undernourished or weakened by disease are more likely to develop tuberculosis. Outbreaks tend to occur in areas with crowded living conditions, such as nursing homes and prisons (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). About 90 percent of tuberculosis infections occur first in the lungs. Tuberculosis of the lungs is called pulmonary tuberculosis. When tubercle bacilli are inhaled into the lungs, they are either destroyed by white blood cells or surrounded by special cells and fibers in the infected area of the lung, forming tiny nodules called tubercles. If the immune system is effective, the bacteria are kept from multiplying and an active case of tuberculosis does not develop. In some cases, however, the bacteria enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and are carried to other parts of the body. The bacteria usually lodge in the brain, kidneys, bones, or heart (Murray, 2000). B. Symptoms and Detection Early pulmonary tuberculosis commonly gives no specific warning. Later, fatigue, weight loss, or a low fever may be the only symptoms. In advanced stages, severe coughing, hoarseness, chest pain and the appearance of blood in the sputum (a mixture of saliva and discharges from the respiratory passages) can occur. If the patient is untreated and his resistance is low, large areas of lung tissue can be destroyed and there is considerable weight loss. The best way of detecting infection by tubercle bacilli is by means of a tuberculin test. In a tuberculin test, tuberculin—a liquid containing substance obtained from tubercle bacilli—is injected between the layers of the skin. After 48 to 72 hours, the point of injection is examined for redness and swelling (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). A tuberculin test will reveal whether a person has been infected by tubercle bacilli, but it will not indicate whether he has an active case of the disease. Diagnosis of active tuberculosis can usually be made by a chest X ray and other tests. Diseased areas of the lungs usually cast a characteristic shadow on the X-ray film. Another method of diagnosis involves a microscopic examination of the patient’s sputum for the presence of tubercle bacilli (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). C. Treatment and Control Prior to 1945, practically the only methods for treating tuberculosis were prolonged bed rest and (in advanced cases) immobilization of the infected lung by collapsing it. Since the time, drugs have been produced that can stop the tubercle bacilli from multiplying, thus allowing the natural defenses of the body to be effective. The most important of these drugs are streptomycin (INH). In addition, improved surgical techniques permit the safe removal of areas of the lung where infection persists despite treatment with drugs (American Thoracic Society, 2000). Most important in tuberculosis control is early detection, so that persons with the disease can be treated and isolated from others. A vaccine known as BCG can create immunity to tuberculosis. However, in the United States this vaccine is recommended only in special circumstances. One reason is that vaccinated persons react positively to a tuberculin test and therefore cannot be differential from infected persons. D. Planning and Goals The major goals for the patient include maintenance of a patient airway, increased knowledge about the disease and treatment regimen and adherence to the medication regimen, increased activity tolerance, and absence of complications. E. Nursing Interventions a.) Promoting Airway Clearance Copious secretions obstruct the airways in many patients with TB and interfere with adequate gas exchange. Increasing fluid intake promotes systematic hydration and serves as an effective expectorant. The nurse instructs the patient about correct positioning to facilitate airway drainage (Diehl, 2003). b.) Advocating Adherence to Treatment Regimen The multiple- medication regimen that a patient must follow can be quite complex. Understanding the medications, schedule, and side effects is important. The patient must understand that TB is a communicable disease and that taking medications is the most effective means of preventing transmission. The major reason treatment fails is that patients do not take their medications regularly and for the prescribed duration. The nurse carefully instructs the patient about important hygiene measures, including mouth care, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, and hand hygiene (Diehl, 2003). c.) Promoting Activity and Adequate Nutrition Patients with TB are often deliberated from a prolonged chronic illness and impaired nutritional status. The nurse plans a progressive activity schedule that focuses on increasing activity tolerance and muscle strength. Anorexia, weight loss, and malnutrition are common in patients with TB. The patient’s willingness to eat may be altered by fatigue from excessive coughing, sputum production, chest pain, generalized debilitated state, or cost, if the person has few resources. A nutritional plan that allows for small, frequent meals may be required. Liquid nutritional supplements may assist in meeting basic caloric requirements (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). F. Monitoring and Managing Potential Complications a.) Malnutrition This may be a consequence of the patient’s lifestyle, lack of knowledge about adequate nutrition and its role in health maintenance, lack of resources, fatigue, or lack of appetite because of coughing and mucus production. To counter the effects of these factors, the nurse collaborates with dietitian, physician, social worker, family, and patient to identify strategies to ensure an adequate nutritional intake and availability of nutritious food. Identifying facilities that provide meals in the patient’s neighborhood may increase the likelihood that the patient with limited resources and energy will have access to a more nutritious intake (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). High-calorie nutritional supplements may be suggested as a strategy for increasing dietary intake using food products normally found in the home. Purchasing food supplements may be beyond the patient’s budget, but a dietitian can help develop recipes to increase calorie intake despite minimal resources. IV. Conclusion In conclusion, persons infected with tuberculosis develop cell-mediated immunity against the bacterium. This form of immune response, rather than humoral immunity, is because the pathogen is located mostly within macrophages. This immunity, involving sensitized T cells, is the basis for the tuberculin skin test. In this test, a purified protein derivative (PPD) of the tuberculosis bacterium, derived by precipitation from broth cultures, is injected continuously. If the injected person has been infected with tuberculosis in the past, sensitized T cells react with these proteins and a delayed hypersensitivity reactions appears in about 48 hours. This reaction appears as an induration (hardening) and reddening of the area around the injection site. Probably the most accurate tuberculin test is the Mantoux test, in which dilutions of 0.1 ml of antigen are injected and the reacting area of the skin is measured. A number of similar tests are also in common use. A positive tuberculin test in the very young is a probable indication of an active case of tuberculosis. In older persons, it might indicate only hypersensitivity resulting from a previous infection or vaccination, not a current active case. Nonetheless, it is an indication that further examination is needed, such as a chest X-ray for the detection of lung lesions and attempts to isolate the bacterium. References: 1. American Thoracic Society (2000). Diagnostic standards and classification of tuberculosis in adults and children. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 161 (4), 1376-1395. 2. American Thoracic Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2000). Targeted tuberculin testing and treatment of latent infection. American Journal of respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 161 (4), S221-S247. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003). Essential components of a tuberculosis prevention and control program: recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis. MMWR Modibity and Mortality Weekly Report, 44 (RR-11), 1-16. 4. Diehl, H. S. (2003). The Health of College Students. American Council on Education. Washington, DC. 5. Murray, J. F. (2000). Intensive Care: A Doctors Journal. University of California Press. Berkeley, CA. 6. Orrett, Fitzroy A. Shurland, Simone M. (2001).Knowledge and Awareness of Tuberculosis among Pre-University Students in Trinidad Journal of Community Health, Vol. 26. 7. Weiss, R. â€Å"TB troubles.† Science News 133:92-93, 2000. Discusses reasons for the recent increase in tuberculosis in the United States.

The Civil War In Sri Lanka

The Civil War In Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan civil war by definition started in 1983 when two pronounced groups began to rival, the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam, a separatist group that was formed seeking to represent the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka (Clarance, 2002). However civil war on an emotional level between the two ethnic groups, Sinhalese and Tamils started in 1948, when Sri Lanka was granted independence from the British (Clarance, 2002). Sri Lanka first encountered colonialism in 1505 when the Portuguese arrived in search of valuable natural resources such as cinnamon, tea, and the most valuable, land (Clarance, 2002). The Portuguese conquered regions of Kotte, Sitavaka and Jaffna. They also aimed to conquer Kandy as well but failed through several attempts (Clarance, 2002). Next were the Dutch, in 1638 King Rajsinha who ruled Kandy at that time turned to the Dutch to fight over the Portuguese, the Dutch conquered everything except Kandy (Clarance, 2002). Last to colonize Sri Lanka was the British, they set foot in 1796 when the Dutch rule gave away to the British (Clarance, 2002). The British conquered the entire island, and built coffee and tea plantations and imported laborers from India mainly Tamils to work in these plantations (Clarance, 2002). In 1947 Sri Lanka requested to become an independent nation, and in 1948 Sri Lanka gained independence (Clarance, 2002). On the surface, colonialism can be viewed as har mless and in most areas beneficial as it guided Sri Lanka into development. Even though colonialism brought forth an identity for Sri Lanka in relation to trade and international exporting, it also brought separation, discrimination, and a hunger for dominance amongst the citizens of Sri Lanka. Being a Canadian born Sri Lankan Tamil this topic brings great importance and relevance to me. My Canadian birth is a result of this civil war in which my parents found the desperate need to emigrate from their greatly loved motherland. This topic is extremely important to me because I believe in peace and safety for the innocent and vulnerable, violence and death for the individuals who choose to fight is equally remorseful however inevitable. I lost both my grandfathers as innocent civilians to the civil war in Sri Lanka likewise many Sinhalese families were destroyed. All due to the separation caused by language, as everything else between a Tamil and a Sinhalese was identical. There are great faults on both sides, with regards to the actions of both opposition parties. However when pinpointed, the foundation for this violent desire for domination, can be seen as colonization as the main cause if not the only cause for this fight for power and equality. Theoretical Backing: Colonialism has given Sri Lanka a negative impact rather than the positive outcomes it has provided the global north with. Through what can be seen as an immature rivalry between European states to gain land, and other valued goods, it is proven that lack of structure and democracy when granting independence to a colony can shatter an entire nation. The development theory that supports the argument of colonialism being the main cause of the civil war in Sri Lanka would be the post-development theory. The post-development theory believes that only with relation to the global south, colonialism has been destructive on several levels: culturally, economically, socially, and psychologically. Sri Lanka is not the only former European colony that is facing the aftermaths of colonialism; several other countries in Asia have been robbed of their full potential to run as a developed nation, especially in the Middle East. Another prime example would be in Africa, where even in the present day, systems that were brought in by the European states are still being used, such as monarchy. Another more specific theory that would back up this argument would be the postcolonial theory, the postcolonial theory investigates the effective and legacy of European invasion on global south. Postcolonial theorist, Franz Fanon states And it is clear that in the colonial countries the peasants alone are revolutionary, for they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The starving peasant, outside the class system is the first among the exploited to discover that only violence pays. For him there is no compromise, no possible coming to terms; colonization and decolonization a simply a question of relative strength. Fanon pinpoints the exact fate that Sri Lanka has overcome with its decades long civil war, the need for violence to achieve goals, in this case justice and equality. Research and Analysis: Colonialism is the leading cause for the now silent, yet on-going civil war in Sri Lanka. When the British left Sri Lanka in 1948, they built a government and left power to mainly the wealthy Sinhalese landowners (Lange, 2009). These powerful Sinhalese landowners had nothing in common with the rural areas or the minorities in Sri Lanka. Thus, taking rule and advantage of the nation to their liking. They made Sinhala as the official national language and also making Buddhism as the official national religion in Sri Lanka. This created great tension amongst the Tamil community as opportunities were not made equal, Tamils were not permitted nor able to obtain a higher level education or work for the government due to the fact they were not able to speak the national language (Lange, 2009). This created massive riots and rage throughout the Tamil community, which eventually ended in the creation of a separatist group the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam seeking to gain land separate from the Sinhalese population for the Tamils called Tamil Eelam. This was the beginning of a two-decade civil war for the Tamils to both gain equal rights and dignity or to gain a separate Tamil region. Histories of Sri Lanka prior to British colonization are important aspects when examining cause of conflict, in this case the cause of civil war in Sri Lanka. According to research of DeVotta (2000) archeological analysis can prove that Sri Lanka was physically part of India, and was separated through plate movement caused by slow, natural causes. The southern regions of India, specifically Tamil Nadu, are concentrated with a Tamil population, and the northern regions of Sri Lanka are also concentrated with Tamils. Such relations and connections cannot only be seen through language but also through religion and way of life. Clarance (2002) states that reoccurring enslavement caused by colonialism creates a need for finally holding the dominant, leading post. Both the Tamils and the Sinhalese were faced with great amounts of mental and physical damage when the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British colonized Sri Lanka, however the Sinhalese were faced with a greater level of damage becaus e it was mainly Sinhalese regions that were fought for, such as Katte, Kandy, Sitavaka, Colombo and Anuradhapura (Clarance, 2002). Therefore the Sinhalese psychologically developed the need for control, power, domination (Duncan, 2002). Wickramasinghe (2006) expands on the roles that each colonizing groups had. The Portuguese conquered Colombo on arrival which caused the Sinhalese population to move into the Kandy region of Sri Lanka. The Portuguese also forced religious conversion, Christianity, Buddhists and Moors a term used for Sri Lankan Muslims were impeached. Wickramasinghe (2006) argues that such invasion of the Sinhalese caused them to make Buddhism as their national religion when independence was gained. Clarance (2002) makes a diverse point in stating that with the colonization of the Dutch it was greatly the fault of the Sinhalese. Rajasinghe II who was the king of Kandy in 1638 requested the help of the Dutch to fight against the Portuguese, the Dutch however defeated t he Portuguese and overruled what Portuguese had conquered and everything else on the island except Kandy. They also promoted protestant views and demoted Catholicism, and to keep their legacy they mixed themselves with the Sinhalese, now known as Burgher peoples. This later on was a another major cause of great discrimination and violence. The British were the last rulers in Sri Lanka they take the majority of the blame for the current effects of colonization and the civil war in Sri Lanka today. According to Lange (2009) the Tamils and the Sinhalese were in peace living together, reason being that different regions were ruled by Kings that were associated with the citizens of that particular region, therefore conflict with other regions were minimal. When the British entered Sri Lanka in fear of the French gaining power of Sri Lanka in 1796, they started off by merely occupying the coastal areas, to remove the Dutch from the picture, through the Treaty of Amiens, the Dutch ruled areas of Sri Lanka was conceded to the British. Since the Dutch had conquered the entire island excluding the Kandy region, the British only had to fight for Kandy. Jones (2008) states that there were two Kandyan wars in which both were defeated by the Kandy. Jones (2008) clarifies that this was the real cause of independence in Sri Lanka, lac k of British gaining the most resourceful region in Sri Lanka. However Duncan (2002) elaborates on the beneficial aspects of the British rule in Sri Lanka, the British despite failing to conquer Kandy, built massive, national standard plantations for coffee which later became tea production, which was the money making resource in Sri Lanka at the time. The Sinhalese were reluctant to work on tea plantation as they were used to the working on the paddy farm. Wanting to expand the industry thousands of Tamils were shipped from India into Sri Lanka to work on these plantations. Duncan (2002) states that this was also a great cause in the separation between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. As working on a plantation was considered a job of the members of the lower castes, because the desperate and the poor were eager to gain a job at the these plantations for a fraction of what was considered a minimum wage back then. And since thousands of Tamils were imported from India by the British, t his caste was automatically generalized for the Tamils, creating a hierarchy between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Winslow (2001) expands on the final gestures of the British that caused a long term effect on the future of the nation. When Sri Lanka was granted independence the British unconcerned and naively transferred most if not all the power to the Sinhalese, maybe not intentionally by ethnicity but intentionally by who held the most power, the Sinhalese at the time had most of the islands land, business, and wealth, in comparison to the Tamils. According to Erritiouni (2010) it was this particular mistake that is until today the leading cause of the civil war between the Tamils and the Sinhalese. Effects of colonialism in Sri Lanka still take in effect today. Errotiouni (2010) proceeds to state the following occurrences that fed this hunger for war. When the Sinhalese gained power for the entire island they omitted the existence and importance of the Tamils, they made the Sinhala the national language of Sri Lanka, and they made Buddhism the national religion of Sri Lanka. This as a result lead to the discrimination of the Tamil population, not being granted access to a higher level of education such as university or college, and not being granted to opportunity to hold a government job, therefore forbidden to gain a position in the government to have a say in the rights that Tamils are given. Jacoby (2006) elaborates on the separatist group Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam that was formed, as a result of discrimination this group that represented a majority but not the entire Tamil population demanded a separate region for the Tamils, namely, Tamil Eelam. The quest for T amil Eelam was at a cost of hundreds of thousands of lives over the past two and a half decades. A member of the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam was the convicted suicide bomber in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, Indias Prime Minister at the time, in a deadly, sinful quest to gain international attention on Indias partnership with Sri Lankas war against the Tamils. Sri Lanka has lost a great deal as result of this war, the most important, innocent lives. Effects of colonialism are causing major issues in the present time. The recent crisis that occurred in Egypt where nearly the entire population of Egypt protested against the presidency of former President Mubarak. The fight to start a democratic government, and to end a monarch government (Pakistan article warns against struggle for power after Egypt unrest, 2011). According to Burke (1998) Europeans set up boundaries around Africa that split up tribal areas and groups of Africans, so Africans who spoke the same dialect or practiced the same traditions would be split between two different European territories. This also was the cause of monarchies that continue today within countries in Africa. This has caused many civil wars across Africa, and more importantly the mass level of poverty that was caused that even until this day is unsolvable. Power is a vital tool that needs to be transferred and received wisely. Colonialism is a prime example of how power should not be gained and withdrawn from. Sri Lanka has been greatly victimized by colonialism and has been ripped from its great potential as a nation. Through the unprofessional use of power by the European states power was distributed unequally to the people in Sri Lanka at the time of decolonization, which has caused a great deal of destruction and death for tens of thousands of people. Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives due to the crossfire between the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan government, they were slaughtered, shot, molested, violated, and tortured solely because they were born either Tamil or Sinhalese. As there were positive effects to colonization in Sri Lanka, they will never out weight the negative effects that have caused a greatly unstable nation even today. Power at any level is a position with immeas urable value especially when it is in relation to people. The Europeans help immense power, but childishly overthrew that power to distribute power in a nation. They thought for the better of themselves and failed to think for the better good of the nations people. Their decisions that were made carelessly have caused great damage and will continue to cause difficulty in the far future.

Free Essay: Passion and Evil in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

Passion and Evil in The Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorn’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, the Puritan society of Salem excludes anyone who is in any way deviant and renders that person sinful. However, the society, the townspeople themselves, is not without fault. However they try to conceal and contain their passions and all their faults because of their fear of exclusion. All the characters in the book that are excluded from society are the most "natural" and true and possess a second-sense perception and almost magical intuition. Hester Prynne's separation from the townspeople is both physical and mental. She is expelled from the town as an adulteress, and she goes to live with her illegitimate daughter to a cottage "not in close vicinity to any other habitation." (68) They are despised by the whole town. Even children throw stones at them and chase them down the street. People do not dare to come close to Hester because of the mark as an outcast. To the townspeople, Hester's character is something different and uncertain from the values that they are used to. "Wherever Hester stood, a small, vacant area - a sort of magic circle - had formed about her, into which †¦ none ventured, or felt disposed to intrude." (206) Hester is destined to forever wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest - "A" for "adulteress" - a sign of her sin, shame and separation from the righteous people. However, by being separated from the Puritanical town of Salem and all its prejudices, Hester is able to look at the people objectively and see much she was not able to see before. "Walking to and fro, with those lonely footsteps, in the little world with which she was outwardly connected, it now and then appeared to Hester that [the scarlet letter] gave her a sympathetic knowledge of the hidden sin in other hearts. (73) The people of the town are so busy covering up their faults and hiding their human passions, that they cannot see their own or each other's faults. Hester, who wears her Cain's mark of exclusion openly, does not have to worry about the opinion of others, and gains an intuition - an insight into the hearts of the people who throw her out. Hester's mark of shame becomes a mark of being different, a mark of nonconformity.

Jurlique Marketing Essay

1.0 Executive summary The main purpose of this business report is to review the appropriateness of Jurlique cosmetic products for the Australian target market. The key findings are: Australia is a huge market for cosmetic and toiletry industry, while it is full of competition due to the zero duty on American cosmetics; Jurlique is a well established brand for most Australia customers, however, it still needs unique selling points other than natural ingredient to expand its market share. This is mostly based on the product research and development. 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Purpose This report sets out to review the product for a target segment. 2.2 Scope This report first describes the overall cosmetic industry, the market share of Jurlique’s skin care products and the growth trend. Then the macro and micro-environmental analysis are conducted before the detailed description of the products category. Following the target segmentation, some recommendations will be made. 2.3 Methodology This report is created based on the theories from the textbook and the secondary data from websites. In addition, graphs and tables are used to assist the specific analysis. 2.4 Assumption and limitation During the research, some information can not be accessed, however, the information can be found from others as the official website which is formal and perusable to do reference. 3.0 Description of the industry 3.1 Market size and market share According to IBIS World (2010), cosmetics and toiletries industry are based on a solid foundation, with a booming prospect. He also forecasts that global cosmetic industry will embrace an inspiring growth at an average annual rate of 3.2%, within the period to 2012-2013. Graph 1: Global cosmetic industry performance and forecast (Data source: IBIS World 2010) As a key player in the natural cosmetics and skincare industry, Australian-owned Jurlique Company is a well-deserved market leader. It manufactures and distributes a range of skin care and aromatherapy products as well as herbal medicines. Through multi-channel distribution network, the company enters into 20 different countries, where about 60 company-owned concept stores and 5000 or so Jurlique-branded retail outlets are established (Official Website, 2012). Plus, department stores, pharmacies and health food stores, as well as aroma-therapy clinics and beauty salons are also the sales channel of the company’s 75% products. The differentiation in products themselves and diversification in marketing channels both contribute to the company’s profit margins, which are thought to be about 30%, and annual sales, which are estimated to exceed AU$100 million (RAPS, 2011). 3.2 Macro-environment 3.2.1 Overall cosmetic consumption trend Graph2: Total market sale of Australian cosmetic industry Source: Australia Bureau of Statistics The cosmetic and beauty industry has experienced a constant growth the whole world, and Australia is not an exception (see above graph). The Australia cosmetics and toiletries market value is in order of US$1.5 billion, with imports products occupying about half of that (U.S Commercial Service). This suggests that the domestic cosmetic brands are facing relatively fierce competition from cosmetic brands abroad. In terms of market share of cosmetic industry in Australia, the U.S is still maintaining about 30 percent market share (U.S Commercial Service). There are several reasons for this. The U.S is well known for its large proportion of investment in cosmetics research and development; Owing to the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United States, the U.S enjoys zero general import duty on cosmetics and toiletries exported to Australia. 3.2.2 Demographic factor The cosmetics and toiletries industry in Australia is closely associated with the people’s paying increasing attention to personal appearance, both for women and men. The emergence of an aging population in Australia, along with a raised awareness of health and environmental issues, stimulated to a certain extent the consciousness of the importance of products that prolong a youthful appearance. For baby boomer generation which is experiencing life changes brought by aging, they have shown increasing interests in cosmetics and toiletries, not only to enhance their appearance but also for other reasons. A simple example is that they use foundation with treatment ingredients to protect their skin against harmful UV rays, and to help a variety of skin problems. 3.2.3 Cultural changes As the consumer attitude gradually changes, people are more in favor of the natural and safe products in cosmetic market. Australia consumers are not exception. They respected green-added cosmetics, namely, they are increasingly in pursuit of natural, pollution-free cosmetics with no chemicals added. Consequently, the products of chemical-free will gain competitive advantages in Australian cosmetic market to meet the consumer’s psychological needs for green, organic skin care products. 3.3 Micro-environment 3.3.1 Organization Jurlique is a Sydney-based cosmetic company, boasting its skin care products, all of which are made in the most natural way. Funded in 1985 by chemist and also a doctor-Jurgen Klein, the beauty company was characterized by farm system, which makes the fact possible that all ingredients are cultivated and processed in the Adelaide Hills, and then distributed in Australia and abroad (Pola Orbis, 2011). The company’s mission is to generate sustainability and create mutual benefit between people and nature, with its slogan â€Å"Purest Skin Care Products on Earth through Nature, Science and Innovation†. Jurlique, with its headquarters in Mount Barker in the Adelaide foothills, has planted good names for its natural and chemical free products in Australia. On November 30, 2011, Jurlique International announces acquisition by POLA Orbis, which is the fourth leading cosmetic company in Japan and has been developing its business model around the cosmetics industry with a recurring theme of â€Å"beauty and health† since its founding in 1929. This acquisition makes Jurlique brand well positioned along with a strong presence and compelling momentum in key strategic markets, with a focus on Asia, the Americas and the home market Australia. Table 1: Changes in Jurlique shares held by POLA as a result of the Acquisition Source: POLA’s Share Purchase Agreement 3.3.2 Customers Customers of Jurlique are mainly female who pay a certain attention to their skin condition and are willing to buy skin care products at a reasonable price. In addition, customers of Jurlique need to be aware of the importance of natural ingredient for their skin. As spa gradually gains popularity, Jurlique’s target consumer will be expanded to whoever enjoys a natural and comfortable spa. 3.3.3 Publics Rising concern can be noted by Australian consumers of any cosmetic product regarding health and safety. Greater attention is also being given to natural products in cosmetics. Innovative beauty salon products that incorporate premium and organic ingredients are given warm welcome. This can explain that sales of Jurlique products using natural ingredients are showing steady growth. 3.3.4 Competitions Dominated by industrial players like Luxus, P&G and Unilever in Australian cosmetic and toiletry industry, the main high-end competitive brands in the country include well-established world-famous brands such as Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Shiseido, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Bobbi Brown and Clarins. Middle end brands contain Revlon, Max Factor, L’Oreal and Olay (U.S. Commercial Service). In addition, newer brands from Japan and Korea are very popular among Australian young girls such as DHC, Fancl, HABA, Mioggi, Lanegie, Skin Food. 4.0 Products Jurlique products can be classified into six categories by the company’s official website. Table2: Jurlique product line (from Official Website) Product line Products detailed by category Skin care line cleansers, deep cleansing, refreshing, recovering, renewing, moisturizing, nurturing, special care, eye and lip care, tools and accessories Body care hand care, body lotion, body oils, shower gels Hair care shampoo, hair conditioners Baby care hypo-allergenic and pH balanced baby care products Essential oils comprises pure essential oils, essential oil blends, and carrier oils Seasonal offers comprises seasonal sets of products containing specific blends Within all these excellent natural products, Herbal Recovery Gel needs to be mentioned more. Belonging to skin care category, it is a light gel concentrate for day and night, which contains natural antioxidants and is suitable for all skin conditions, including oily and problem skin. It works deeply to strengthen and restore hydration, which can help maintain ideal skin moisture balance. 4.1 Three levels of the products 4.1.1 Core level Core level of a product represents the basic consumption benefit consumers can get from the product. Namely, it is the function or efficiency of the product. For skin care products made by Jurlique, they can not only meet the very basic requirements of target audience for better their skin condition  with its natural ingredients, but they also can realize the process in a sustainable manner. 4.1.2 Actual level Apart from the natural and high-quality characteristics, Jurlique products also have a mature packaging chain, which contains three sets of processes: primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging (Jurlique International, 2011). All products produced are packed into tertiary packaging for shipment from production to logistics, and from logistics to distributors or direct to consumers. The tertiary packaging utilized is common throughout the supply chain where possible. Just like the packaging, labeling considerations will continue to express the green concept. For example, the use of relevant recyclable symbols such as the â€Å"green dot† and inclusion of the material identification will serve as an important tool in marketing strategy. 4.1.3 Augmented level Customers who buy Jurlique products can enjoy comfortable service from the company. Jurlique has its mature online service and various distribution channels. Products sold through every channel will be delivered timely. In addition, anyone who is interested in this brand can sign up for emails, and become a Jurlique insider. The insiders can get the professional advice in terms of skin care and also free gifts from the company. 5.0 Target segment 5.1 Demographic segmentation The majority of target customers Jurlique are females, specifically Generation X and Baby Boomers who are looking for beauty products which can help reduce wrinkles, better skin dark and contain natural or pure ingredients (Phosphagenics Newsletter, 2009). In Australia, Women between age 25 and 39 staying workplace have the strongest purchase power. They are  value and quality conscious, prepared to pay a little more for a prestige product that works. For those female seeking natural and quality products, Jurlique is undoubtedly a perfect choice whose claims match product performance. 5.2 Behavioral segmentation Different people seek different benefits from Jurlique products, and according to the product itself and the behavioral habits of Australian consumer, the market can be segmented into: 1. Single brand loyalty: it is of difficulty to break the previous loyalty for a certain brand, however, it this group have faith in Jurlique, the loyalty will last long. 2. Multiple brands loyalty: this group is willing to try new brands, but the loyalty can not be assured. 3. No brand loyalty: this group tends to be price sensitive or efficiency sensitive. 5.3 Geographic segmentation In geographical version, the whole Australian market can be segmented into several divisions. The five biggest cities in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide should be the major target markets which all have advantages of large amount of working female and strong purchase power. Cities with more than a hundred thousand populations in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania etc will be the second largest target markets for Jurlique. The remaining cities with less population but relatively big purchase power should also be considered. 5.4 Psychographic: Based on people’s life style and value, the market can be segmented  psychologically. The research concerning people’s life style should be based on AOI: 1. Activities: this refers to where and when people use their time on skin care. 2. Interests: how much attention would people pay to the change of skin condition. 3. Opinion: this refers to what people think of the brand. 6.0 Key needs The mainstream trend in Australian cosmetic and toiletry industry is that consumers are willing to pay the higher price for those technologically advanced products because they perceive the ingredients to be expensive, uniquely manufactured based on intensive research and develop. Therefore, the innovative initiative of Jurlique based on its laboratory R&D is in need. In addition, market for color cosmetics, hair care products and beauty salon based products unsaturated to a certain degree. This is mainly for the reason that those products are not the mainstream business scope for the major competitors from the U.S and France. Consequently, Jurlique could stretch its product line or emphasis the manufacture and market capture of those products. 7.0 Recommendations 1. Adjust the shift of distributional channels in Australia The retailing of cosmetics and toiletries in Australia has experienced a remarkable change in recent years. Supermarkets are beginning to play a major role in selling cosmetics and toiletries, replacing traditional retailers and pharmacies (Market Overview, 2010). Major supermarkets such as Coles, Safeway and Woolworths have become the sites where 45 percent of cosmetic products are sold in Australia. Pharmacies and cosmetic retailers are showing more and more presence in cosmetic market. Jurlique should take this change into account when it come to adjusting marketing strategy. 2. Professional technologic certification shows its increasing importance It should be realized that natural or organic ingredients are no more than distinctive selling points which add value to the products. Consumers today tend to expect assurance through product certification, especially for new or unfamiliar products, just as Jurlique for Australian consumer. Therefore, it is highly recommended that Jurlique obtain professional certification from authorized certifiers to enhance product credibility. 8.0 References IBIS World (2010). Cosmetic and Toiletry Retailing in Australia, Melbourne: Arna Richardson, Exporter Guild, Australian, Organic Market, P11(ix), April 2011 Jurlique official website. Retrieved from: http://www.jurlique.com.au/ U.S Commercial Service. 2010, Retrieved from: http://www.trade.gov/cs/ RAPS (2011). Beauty environmental scan. http://175.107.146.153/~rapstcco/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Beauty-Industry-Environmental-Scan-2011.pdf Phosphagenics Newsletter. (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/45622966/PHOSPHAGENICS-concealer Asia-Pacific Cosmetics and Toiletries Market Overview. 2010 Pola Orbis (2011). POLA ORBIS HOLDINGS enters into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Jurlique International Pty Ltd[R].2011. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (2011). Export guide: Organics and green market in Australia. Jurlique International (2011). Australian packaging covenant action plan. Retrieved from: http://www.packagingcovenant.org.au/documents/File/Jurlique%20International%20Pty%20Ltd%20AP_10_15.pdf

TAiwan and China essays

TAiwan and China essays The major problem between Taiwan and China is the Taiwanese economy. If the island state had never managed to industrialize under the GMD, it would have been absorbed by the CCP and the rest of mainland China long ago. As is, its strong economy, international trade and connections keep it steadily propped up in its uneven fight. Globalization and fine balance between defence and parlay of Taiwan are the only things that will keep it out of the hands of China. Taiwan's modern life began the start of the peoples republic of China; almost all of the fleeing neo-fascist and capitalist Goumindang went to Taiwan to escape persecution and to reorganize for the struggle against the now-communist mainland. Due to their somewhat unrealistic world-view and the previous experience that the GMD had in statecraft, they dominated the native Taiwanese, establishing class distinctions and a industrial base very quickly in China. This was aided by their closer connections with the western powers, established early on and kept up through WW2, for example. The communist mainland was forced to start from the ground up, more or less, receiving much less aid and having vastly greater problems of organization, due to size and the rural state of the population. Taiwan made quick, important gains in schools and infrastructure as well, reinvesting money with the purpose to make Taiwan rich. Taiwan was, due to foriegn connections, especially with the USA, also the first and only representatives of Chinese people in the international community. They filibustered and protested very loudly whenever the CCP tried to gain voice in international forums like the UN, and insisted for a very long time that they(Taiwan) represented the entire land area inhabited and governed by the CCP. They had a thriving international lassiez-faire economy that also interested foreign powers in keeping the statist mainland from absorbing Taiwan. ...