Investigating Business Essay

In this section, I will give a detailed explanation of the marketing mix and why it is used in businesses. I will be giving a detailed analysis’ of the Product, Pricing, Place and Promotions. This section is based on about how I found my target market and then fulfilling their wants and needs. Marketing Mix Marketing mix: ‘Provides a recipe for effective marketing’: tutor2u. net Marketing is the term used to describe a range of activities within a business that are designed to keep existing customers and to gain new ones. The ‘marketing cycle’ begins with the objectives of the business, which feed into marketing objectives. Next comes, Market analysis, involving the business looking at its position in the market and the ways it can best take advantage. Market research will be used to fid out which groups can best be targeted, and how. Market planning will include how, when and where to target markets. It includes test produces and test marketing. A marketing mix needs to be developed so that a successful balance of price, product, promotion and distribution is achieved. The marketing mix: Product The product refers to the different range of products supplied by a business. A product can be either a good or a service. It is just one part of the marketing mix and will only be successful if properly combined with marketing. Good market researchers will identify where new products are needed or existing products can expand. The product lifecycle The product lifestyle shows the stages that a product goes through from development to decline. There are five stages to the life of a product and they are development, introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. The first stage is development. This is where the product is being developed it will not be growing as it is currently not on the market yet. Nobody will know what it is as it hasn’t yet been launched. The launch stage also known as the introduction is the second stage. This is where the product will begin to grow little by little. As it is a new product no body knows about it and therefore on a product lifecycle chart, it starts off at the very bottom, with no sales. The producer will need to create brand awareness so people know that the product exists. Brand awareness could be an objective set by the company. Brand awareness could be achieved in many different ways such as advertising in the local paper or on national T.  V. depending where the product will be sold in my case it will be sold locally so it will be most likely to be advertised in a local paper. When the consumers are more aware of the product they are most likely to buy it, as, sales will go up and the product then goes into its next stage of growth. Once, the product comes to the end of the decline stage then it is likely that the company will stop producing it, as they will eventually make a loss instead of a profit. However, not all products will reach the declining stage. The product lifestyle can be shown on a graph to the left. Currently, my product is at the development stage. I am currently finding out my customers need and wants through market research such as field and desk research, I am developing my product around what they want, this is important as they are buying it. If my product is successful it will evolve through the product lifecycle. As my product is a new product and not yet on the market I will need to do a lot of advertising to create brand awareness, through carrying this out successfully it will mean my product will get a good head start in the launch stage. When it becomes more popular I will the advertise in different ways such as television advertising, as this was the most effective way of advertising (results from questionnaire), with advertising in this way my product will be known nationally instead of originally locally. The marketing mix: Price Price is one of the elements of the marketing mix. The marketing mix term is used to refer to the balance between these different elements. Businesses need to get the mix right and in order to do this they need to decide on a price that is appropriate to the product. Most times, all prices determine by the interaction of supply and demand. In some countries, buyers and sellers still bargain until both are satisfied with the price. The auction process such as eBay mirrors this. However, this process can be time consuming and the seller usually sets the price and the buyer shows their acceptance of this by buying at that price. Price will vary according to the circumstances. Normally, if you start a new business you will have to research the market very carefully, examining competitors’ pricing very carefully. What will customers buy on price, example, buy the cheapest? The numbers of pricing strategies which can be used are the choice of pricing strategies that will depend to some extent on the long term objectives of the business- how it wishes to position itself in the marketplace, or how important its financial needs are. The examples of long term objectives are: * Making a profit * Pricing to keep the competitors out of the market * Pricing which positions the company at the luxury end of the market * Pricing to maximise sales and make the business a market leader. Commonly prices are based on the marketing needs of the business. There are often temporary price strategies used to achieve a particular short-term target, called tactical pricing. Promotional pricing is designed to increase sales quickly. This can be done using low prices or discounts, special offers or (buy one get one free. ) The marketing mix: Promotion Promotion involves telling the customers that a product exists, and attempting to persuade them to buy it. It is important to remember that this is just one part of the marketing mix; it is linked to other parts. Promotion is usually divided into advertising and sales promotion. Using different media such as TV, newspapers and magazines, posters, the internet and sponsorship are one of the different techniques of communication. Large businesses have the advantage of resources in promoting products to a mass market. Though, small businesses can make can make variety of promotional techniques in a local area or niche market and achieve good communication with the target market. One of the best promotional tools of a small business is a well-designed website. Place  Place is often referred to the fourth ‘P’ of the marketing mix. It has two key parts to it. Firstly, it is the market where goods and services are sold. This may be physical ‘place’ like a shop, market or trading floor, or it may have no physical existence but be the a market that exists on the phone or, increasingly, in cyberspace. The place where something is sold does not have to be solid; it just refers to the place where the transaction occurs. Secondly, ‘place’ refers to the transaction occurs. Secondly, ‘place’ refers the efficient distribution of goods. Most retail outlets can take many different forms. For example vending machines is a retail outlet, as is a department store. They are categorised by the type of range of goods or services they sell, and their geographical range and position. Multiples provide a brand identify for all of their sites. My product From carrying out primary and secondary research I have been able to choose exactly what my final product is. In carrying out field and desk research it enabled me to find out exactly who my target market is, how to segment the market and finding out and full filling my customers’ needs and wants. This is one of my four objectives. As my product is a new product it is currently at the introduction/launch pad, as nobody knows about it so far, but it will work its way along the graph. My product is a 3D indoor stimulating ride. As analyzed in my questionnaire a large group of the target market would like to see something different introduced in the theme park. This stimulator will include features that no other stimulator has ever included. As mentioned before, this ride is based on a classic book and film, Alice in Wonderland. Firstly the 3D stimulator will be one of the tallest stimulators in the world. The ride will be 395 feet high (beating Las Vegas Stratocasters record. ) with the speed of 150mph. As this is a suspense/vertical drop ride, people will be expecting to be entering a normal looking 3D stimulator ride but as the ride begins, they will be in for a shock. The ride will begin with a small voice of Alice speaking to the rabbit. After, the 3D screen will appear with the clip of Alice following the Rabbit. The ride will shake as it follows the motion of Alice’s footstep. As Alice’s follows the rabbit she will then see a small bottle labelled â€Å"drink me. † After Alice drinks the content from the bottle, the screen will switch off, a puff of white smoke will appear and a distorted nursery rhyme will be heard. The 3D stimulators will then shake vigorously and tilt forward. Flashing images of Alice’s face will appear from the screen with psychedelic patterns and colours. The stimulator will then spin around at a speed of 60mph for 40 seconds and unexpectedly stop. Then The ride will tilt even more and there will be an opening right below the people on the ride. This opening will have a slight cold breeze and will be pitch black. The ride will then drop down vertically from 395 feet, and that will be the end of the ride. This is the poster to my product: Safety As this ride will have a lot of dangers, safety is essential. Firstly, as the people will enter the simulator ride they will have to abide by the height restrictions (min. 1. 4m) anyone under that height will not be permitted onto the ride. Any pregnant women, people suffering from high blood pressure, heart problems or any other serious conditions, won’t be allowed on the ride. Seatbelts must be double checked before the ride begins. If any accidents occur during the rides i. e. vomiting then the ride will automatically stop and medical help will come straight away. Also, there will be paramedics in the area if any accident occurs. Branding From conducting my questionnaire in my primary research, it showed me that most people would prefer a scary themed ride, but I needed further information in how I was going to present the merchandises to the target markets. However from my secondary research it showed that most people would like a horror theme vertical drop ride. I decided to link the horror themed ride (chosen by the target market) with the other most popular choice, the 3D stimulator and combined the two together. For the merchandisers, I’ve decide to use Alice in terror land doll key chains, similar to the slasher film, Chucky the killer Doll. The features will include a sensor. The dolls eyes will follow you’re movement. This will also include a mini torch.

Heena Sidhu: Personal Life Essay

Heena Sidhu is an Indian shooter. She along with Annu Raj Singh won the gold medal in women’s Pairs 10 metre air pistol at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.[1] Heena (384) and Annu (375) won the 14th gold medal for India from the shooting range. She also won a silver medal in the singles event. Heena Sidhu| Personal life Heena is a Punjabi and was born in Ludhiana. Her home town is Patiala. She studies BDS (Dental Studies) and is quite fond of painting and sketching. Career Heena has been a practicing shooter since 2006 when she was in 12th standard and by the end of that year she made it into the National Junior Team. Although Sidhu started practicing shooting quite late but began participating in different competitions from 2007. She played for the Patiala Club and is right handed shooter with right being her dominant eye. Heena, along with Annu Raj Singh and Sonia Rai, won a silver medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol Team event at the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. Her other notable achievements include winning silver medal in ISSF World Cup 2009 at Beijing[2] and 1st position in the women’s 10m air pistol at the national championship 2009, Kerala. Sidhu made it to the Indian squad that represented the nation in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. [3] She competed in the Women’s 10 metre air pistol event, finishing 12th in the qualification round. Freeman began athletics at a very young age. Her first coach was her stepfather, Bruce Barber. By her early teens she had a collection of regional and national titles, having competed in the 100 metres, 200 metres, high jump and long jump.[citation needed] In 1987, Freeman moved on to Kooralbyn International School to be coached professionally by Romanian Mike Danila, who became her first real coach and later a key influence throughout her career; he provided a strict training regime for the young athlete.[3][4][5] In 1988, she was awarded a scholarship to an exclusive girls’ school, Fairholme College in Toowoomba. In a competition in 1989, Freeman ran 11.67s in the 100 metres and Danila began to think about entering her in the Commonwealth Games Trials in Sydney. In 1990, Freeman was chosen as a member of Australia’s 4 Ãâ€" 100 m relay team for the Kooralbyn International School Romanian Mike Danila,, New Zealand. The team won the gold medal, making Freeman the first ever Aboriginal Commonwealth Games gold medallist, as well as one of the youngest, at 16 years old. She moved to Melbourne in 1990s after the Auckland Commonwealth Games. Shortly after moving to Melbourne, Bideau her manager introduced Freeman to athletics coach, Peter Fortune who would become Freeman’s coach for the rest of her career. She was then selected to represent Australia at the 1990 World Junior Championships in Athletics in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. There, she reached the semi-finals of the 100 m and placed fifth in the final of the 400 m. Freeman competed in her second World Junior Championships in Seoul, South Korea. She competed only in the 200 m, winning the silver medal behind China’s Hu Ling. Also in 1992, she travelled to her first Olympic Games, reaching the second round of her new specialty event; the 400 metres. At the 1993 World Championships in Athletics, Freeman competed in the 200 m, reaching the semi-finals. 1994 was Freeman’s breakthrough season, when she entered into the world’s elite for the first time. Competing at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada, Freeman won gold in both the 200 m and 400 m. She also competed as a member of Australia’s 4Ãâ€"100 m squad, winning the silver medal and as a member of the 4Ãâ€"400 m team, who finished first but were later disqualified. During the 1994 season, Freeman took 1.3 seconds from her 400 m personal best, achieving 50.04 seconds. She also set all-time personal bests in the 100 m (11.24) and 200 m (22.25). Although a medal favourite at the 1995 World Championships in Athletics in Sweden, Freeman finished fourth. She also reached the semi-finals of the 200 m. Freeman made more progress during the 1996 season, setting many personal bests and Australian records. By this stage, she was the biggest challenger to France’s Marie-Josà © Pà ©rec at the 1996 Olympics.[citation needed] She eventually took the silver medal behind Pà ©rec, in an Australian record of 48.63 seconds. This is still the sixth fastest time ever and the second fastest since the world record was set in Canberra, Australia in 1985. Only Sanya Richards-Ross has come within a quarter of a second of Freeman’s time since.[6] Pà ©rec’s winning time of 48.25 is the Olympic record and the third fastest ever. In 1997, Freeman won the 400 m at the World Championships in Athens, with a time of 49.77 seconds. Her only loss in the 400 m that season was in Oslo where she injured her foot.[citation needed] Freeman took a break for the 1998 season, due to injury. Upon her return to the track in 1999, Freeman did not lose a single 400 m race, including at the World Championships.[7] ABC footage and interviews of crowds celebrating Freeman’s Olympics win. Her winning streak continued into the 2000 season, despite Pà ©rec’s return to the track. Freeman was the home favorite for the 400 m title at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, where she was expected to face-off with rival Pà ©rec. This showdown never happened, as Pà ©rec left the Games after what she describes as harassment from strangers.[8] Freeman won the Olympic title in a time of 49.13 seconds, becoming only the second Australian Aboriginal Olympic champion (the first was Freeman’s 4Ãâ€"400 teammate Nova Peris-Kneebone who won for field hockey 4 years earlier in Atlanta). [9] After the race, Freeman took a victory lap, carrying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags. This was despite the fact that unofficial flags are banned at the Olympic Games and the Aboriginal flag, while recognized as official in Australia, is not a national flag, nor recognized by the International Olympic Committee.[10][11] Freeman also made the final of the 200 m, coming sixth.[12] In honour of her gold medal win in Sydney, she represented Oceania in carrying the Olympic flag at the opening ceremonies of the next Olympics, in Salt Lake City, joining Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Africa), John Glenn (The Americas), Kazuyoshi Funaki (Asia), Lech WaÅ‚Ä™sa (Europe), Jean-Michel Cousteau (Environment), Jean-Claude Killy (Sport), and Steven Spielberg (Culture).[citation needed] Throughout her career, Freeman regularly competed in the Victorian Athletic League where she won two 400 m races at the Stawell Gift Carnival.[13] Freeman did not compete during the 2001 season. In 2002, s he returned to the track to compete as a member of Australia’s victorious 4Ãâ€"400 m relay team at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Freeman announced her retirement in 2003.[14] Since retiring from athletics Freeman has become involved in a range of community and charitable activities. She is an Ambassador of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.[15] Freeman was appointed as an Ambassador for Cottage by the Sea, alongside celebrity chef Curtis Stone and big wave surfer Jeff Rowley. Cottage by the Sea is one of Australia’s oldest charities and each year provides short-term beachside holidays and respite care for more than 900 children and families in need. [16] Personal life Freeman was born in 1973 at Slade Point, Mackay, Queensland to Norman Freeman and Cecelia. She and her brothers Gavin, Garth and Norman (who died after a motor vehicle accident on 16 September 2008) [17] were raised there and in other parts of Queensland. She also had a sister named Anne-Marie (1966–1990) who suffered from cerebral palsy and spent much of her life in a home for the disabled. Freeman attended several schools, but was mostly educated at Fairholme College, in Toowoomba.[citation needed] Her parents divorced in 1978.[18] Freeman has described how she has been influenced by early experiences with racism and also by her Bahà ¡Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ãƒ ­ faith. [19] Freeman was raised a Baha’i, and says of her faith, â€Å"I’m not a devout Baha’i but I like the prayers and I appreciate their values about the equality of all human kind†.[20][21] Freeman’s mother Cecelia (nà ©e Sibley) was born in the Aboriginal community on Palm Island. Freeman’s father Norman’s father was Frank Fisher; Norman was raised by his mother Geraldine Roy and his stepfather Claude Freeman.[18] Freeman’s late grandfather, Frank Fisher was an outstanding rugby player.[22] Freeman had a long-term romantic relationship with Nic Bideau, her manager, that ended in acrimony and legal wranglings over Freeman’s endorsement earnings.[23][24] Freeman married Sandy Bodecker, a Nike executive and 20 years her senior, in 1999. After her success in Sydney she took an extended break from the track to nurse Bodecker through a bout of throat cancer between May–October 2002.[25] She announced their separation in February 2003. Later that year, Freeman began dating Australian actor Joel Edgerton whom she had initially met at the 2002 TV Week Logies. Their relationship ended in early 2005.[26] In October 2006 Freeman announced her engagement to Melbourne stockbroker James Murch.[27] They married at Spray Farm on the Bellarine Peninsula on 11 April 2009.[28] Freeman gave birth to Ruby Anne Susie Murch on 8 July 2011.[29] She joined with actress Deborah Mailman on a road trip+, a four-part television documentary series Going Bush (2006) where the pair set off on a journey from Broome to Arnhem Land spending time with Indigenous communities along the way. [30][31] In 2008, Freeman participated in Who Do You Think You Are? and discovered that her mother was of Chinese and English heritage as well as Aboriginal. As a result of a 1917 Queensland policy that Aborigines could serve in the military if they had a European parent, her paternal great grandfather On her right arm, the side closest to the spectators on an athletics track, she had the words â€Å"Cos I’m Free† tattooed, Frank Fisher served in the 11th Light Horse Regiment during WWI.[18][32] On her right arm, the side closest to the spectators on an athletics track, she had the words â€Å"Cos I’m Free† tattooed mid-way between her shoulder and elbow. [33] English textbook The story of Freeman and her accomplishments in the Olympics were used in an English book known as Sunshine in Japan. The book was used by Japanese junior high schools in their third year. It told of her winning the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics. It then goes on to talk about Australia’s Aborigines and then about her personal life. Her story is used as a means to teach relative pronouns to the students.

Metaphysics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Metaphysics - Assignment Example These things are real and anyone can vividly attest to that fact. There are however a lot of miseries that still remains uncovered, or things that can not be measured to ascertain their reality. One cannot come up with a conclusive answer as to their reality existence. This is why theories have been developed to answer these rhetorical questions. Reality Theories There are different theories that tend to describe and give meaning to the word reality. To exhaustively discuss reality, we must have an in-depth understanding of these theories and how relevant they are to our lives. These reality theories are; Reality 1; this is the summation of all things that are real. In this theory, reality is what is experienced as they are not as they are imagined or illusion. Reality 1 holds that, everything that exists in singular totality like the universe is real. Talking about the universe, one would obviously know that it is the summation of the planets, stars, space and everything else that c onstitutes this. This meaning does not cover reality exhaustively and thus the need for another reality theory which is reality 2. Reality 2 is what someone experiences out of reality 1. Every person has what he thinks or he experiences as a result of the totality of what is real. Since not even twins can have the same experience, thus reality according to this theory, is what everyone knows or believes in. it means that there are multiple realities since every person will experience something different from his friend. It is thus possible that reality in this case is divided and different among different classes of people like the poor and the rich, men and women, children and adults. Every group has its own reality. Multiple Realities is thus what a person thinks; it is thus brought about by one’s consciousness. The sole thought of individuals. This is what has generated the world’s illusion on history, sport, art, wars, pleasure and the like. Reality is brought abou t by the conscious mind of an individual and what he or she strongly believes in. Monism theory; this is a reality theory which talks against pluralistic or dualistic view of reality. Monism holds that, there has to be unity in any field of analysis, for example, the existence of God. Monism holds that there is one supreme God  but he manifests himself in many ways according to different religions.   Reality according to this theory holds that for anything to be real, it must consist of an amalgamated whole thus everything that exists can be attributed or illustrated using a single model. From Monism theory it can also be concluded that there is one earth but according to different people, many have diverse understanding of what it is or what it looks like. Likewise, the matter and the mind are formed or emerge from same principle or substance. Monism is further categorized into; idealism, mentalistic monism and phenomenalism. Dualism; it holds that reality is constituted by an unchanging whole. Change for this case is considered as just a mere illusion. Dualism does not give room for any change, reality is thus unchanging and it remains to be unified as one. Reality is thus specific, there can not exists two realities at a go, something is either real or not real. Idealism; this is an epistemological theory which holds that reality is attested when the datum or an object of realization are identical. Reality is thus what is

KNOWLEDGE-BASED ASSET MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

KNOWLEDGE-BASED ASSET MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The company should be able to build on its capital and asset base within the first year to actually realize its full potential of meeting its goals. It should be able to formulate a policy to accomplish this objective The second year will in essence revolve around setting up a growth strategy and formula to promote company growth in all the necessary sectors. This approach would ensure that the enterprise strengthens its asset base and share value within that set time frame of a year. In the third year the company’s mandate would be to open up and expand all its communication channels within the third year. This move would guarantee that the enterprise strengthens its client base by upgrading all its communications systems thus improving its communications network. During the forth year its focus will be strengthening its administrative base and leadership to streamline service delivery. By overhauling the entire organizational setting, the company is injecting new life into its core to ensure efficient service delivery. The fifth year would encompass rebranding and formalizing new business practices within the enterprise. This strategy would ensure that the enterprise can present itself as an entirely different and fresh entity with a new identity and a new objective. To espouse the out and out implementation of the tenets ascribed to each year of the knowledge-based asset management process, certain essential modus operandi would enable Waveriders’s journey to excellence. Highlighted herein guidelines for consideration in the Excellence Model: It is important that the organization set up a planning committee with immediate effect. This committee would help in organizing affairs as well as creatively bringing up suggestions and ideas of benefit. The committee would also change the order of the planning stage. This would enable the board to return and address the problem at a later stage when it is of more benefit. Furthermore, the committee would also

Tiger airway case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Tiger airway case study - Essay Example Managers in Tiger use the low fares as a tool for attracting customers – also for keeping their existing customers. However, this practice has affected the firm’s overall competitive strategy. Also, other parts of the organizational activity, for instance the level of the firm’s profits but also the quality of the service delivery has been influenced by the decision of the firm’s manager to adopt a ‘low-fares’ strategy. The above problem would be made clear by referring primarily to the relevant literature. Then, reference should be made in the relationship between the firm’s low-fare strategy and the other elements of the organization, as described above. In accordance with Daly (2002) pricing is a valuable competitive strategy; it is noted that even a minor decrease in the price of a product/ service can help a firm ‘to get a contract’ (Daly 2002, 14). On the other hand, Smith (2011) states that pricing is not always a co mpetitive advantage; reference is made specifically to the case that a firm decreases its prices lower than its competitors. It is explained that in the above case pricing cannot be characterized as a competitive advantage since the firm has no profits, and in this way, no advantage exists for the firm by adopting the particular strategy (Smith 2011, 272). From another point of view, Porter (1998, 528) notes that through pricing, a firm can support its brand name. This view is particular important in the case of low fare airlines, like the firm in the case under discussion. Moreover, Marn, Baker and Zawada (2010, 81) state that pricing can be accepted as an effective competitive strategy but only under the terms that the laws on fair competition are not violated. Towards the same direction, Spulber (2007) supports that pricing can be a highly effective competitive strategy but only if it is combined with another strategy of similar scope; reference is made, for example to the combin ation by firms of pricing and distribution strategies for achieving a competitive advantage (Spulber 2007, 176). In the case under examination the effects of the firm’s low-fares strategy on its other strategies, would be described as follows: a) the firm’s competitive strategy have been affected by the low-fare practice at the following points: a1) it is difficult for the firm to develop other competitive strategies due to the reduction of its profits, a2) the firm’s brand name is enhanced – as a low – fare airline services provider, a3) because the quality of the firm’s services has been decreased, the actual benefits of the firm in regard to its competitiveness towards its rivals are minimized; b) because of the decrease of fares, the profits of the firm are decreased; this fact, inevitably affects the firm’s performance, since it is not possible for the firm to introduce plans for securing its position in the market; c) at the nex t level, the limitation of the firm’s profits has led to the decrease of the quality of its services – a fact highlighted in the case study (where reference is made to the lack of cleanliness of the cabin, the inappropriateness of the seats in terms of space left for passengers, the lack of facilities and stores in the waiting area of the airport – referring to the part of the airport where the passengers of the particular firm have to wait – and so on); from this point of view, the decrease of the firm’s fares has not led to the acquisition by the firm of a

Profiling Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Profiling - Coursework Example I chose the television film since it provides a rational explanation to a real life event given the fact that the film is an adoption Keith Hunter Jesperson’s hunt and subsequent capture (Cettl, 2002). Furthermore, the film provides psychological explanations to the behavior of the serial killer thereby making it a perfect case for studies in forensic psychology classes. Forensic psychology could have helped the case by explaining the behavior of the serial killer. Additionally, forensic psychology could have helped in evaluating the mental stability of the criminal thereby providing expert advice on the appropriate mode of punishment for the criminal (Fulero & Wrightsman, 2009). Forensic psychology helps explains the motivations of the criminal and his appropriate punishment. Forensic profiling is a science since it employs the use of quantifiable hypothesis to trace and develop a relevant profile for a criminal. It requires a keen observation of the patterns in the crime that one commits thereby establishing the motivations of the criminal and possibly predicting his or her next crime (Turvey, 2011). Televisions and movies strive to capture the role of forensic psychology in their works. They use investigators who understand forensic psychology and can therefore provide rational explanation on the crime

Strategic Management- Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management- Case study - Essay Example In the corporate world the chief executive officer position with the corporate hierarchy outside the board of director of a public company. This paper analyzes a scenario of a high level executive who had romantic affair with another manager inside the company he was suppose to lead. The setting of our analysis takes place at Boeing Corporation where Harry Stonececher its chief executive officer (CEO) and a board member of the corporation got involved in an unethical act by starting a romantic relationship with a subordinate. His affair was discovered through unofficial information channel known as whistle blowing. A whistleblower is a person that revels to the general public or the authorities. Unethical or illegal activity within an organization (Schermerhorn, Hunt, Osborn, 2003). The situation was very awkward and let a bad taste in the minds of many stakeholders who did not take this news lightly. When something like this happens the general public gets ideas that bad things may be happing within the organization such as collusion, favorism, corruption, money laundering, human rights violations and cooking up the books scenarios such as the infamous Enron case (Kotler, 2002). The bylaws of the corporate which are part of its corporance governance framework are against such type of behavior generally speaking. If such a things happens between two floor workers the course of action a supervisor should take is simply separating the workers between division and areas of work to prevent labor efficiencies from occurring as a result of unnecessary socialization. The case at hand takes the rules to another level because the Boeing situation involved executive laborers at the peak of the chain of command. The fact that such individuals have so much power implies that there action affect all stakeholders thus social responsibility comes into play as an integral part of the equation. There are many stakeholders group whose company’s action are relevant and

International strategic management - Case study (Emirate airline)

International strategic management - (Emirate airline) - Case Study Example The major segment of the stakeholders, the customers and their interests were overlooked by the company when they too much focused on other aspects of the operations of the company. The customer service standards have been adversely affected and the reputation of the airline has been affected badly in the few years. In an ever changing world of business, customers have attained the topmost priority and the bargaining power of the sellers is low compared to the buyers at present. Moreover, competition has been increased a lot because of the new organizations entering into the airline business which forced Emirates airlines to think strongly in terms of restructuring its business policies and strategies to suit the needs of the current business world and the stakeholders. At present Emirates airline has started to reinforce its competitive power by implementing many revised strategies to make the customers happy. Owned and administered by some of the royal family members of the Dubai administration, the major strength of Emirates airline is its immense financial capabilities. Money is not a barrier for emirates airline to try and test new strategies in its business to satisfy the customers. But this enormous financial strength, one way or other misled the company towards unwise strategies like untimely diversification overlooking the interests of the passengers. The rapid progress of Dubai towards becoming the world’s topmost business hub has provided immense scope of business for Emirates airlines. At present, tourists from all over the world selecting Dubai as their favorite destination for spending their leisure time because of the big shopping facilities it offers to the visitors and Emirates airlines can utilize these opportunities for their advantages. Major airliners like Air India, Etihad, Gulf air, British airways, Qatar airways etc are raising stiff challenges to the smooth operations of Emirates airlines. These competitors are offering cheap

Intervention process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Intervention process - Essay Example Therapist and psychologist dealing with intervention must be careful about the practice to prevent any legal problems that may occur from the act of organizing an intervention. There are laws regarding psychotherapist/patient privilege which govern their actions when it comes to the situation regarding a client dangerousness to self, others, and property of others (Sonkin & Liebert). The therapist has to take every possible precaution to ensure the intervention session does get out of control. He must prepare the team well and may have to enforce some type of security measures such as a guard if the client profile justifies such a preventive measure. Ethics are a part of psychology and their different ethical aspects that must be considered during interventions. Three ethical considerations during this affair are veracity, beneficence, and fidelity. Veracity refers to telling the truth (McGuinness). During an intervention, the persons involved might have to tell the patient harsh wor ds and relive very emotional and personal events that occurred due to the addiction of the patient. The harshness of the message of the group is an ethical dilemma to consider. Beneficence involves making decisions for are incompetent and do not have the faculties to decide for themselves (McGuinness). Intervention with drug addicts has beneficence dilemmas associated with them. The addict, in reality, is not competent to make his own decision since the drugs have full control over his reasoning and judgment.

The mi Adidas Case Study Mass Customization Essay

The mi Adidas Case Study Mass Customization - Essay Example The brothers opposing personalities complement each other well: Adi the quiet, pensive designer, and Rudolf the extrovert salesman (Adidas, 2011, pp 1-26). Adidas shoe: 1932 German athlete Arthur Jonath wins the 100m bronze medal at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, wearing Dassler shoes. This marks the first major Olympic success for the Dassler brothers and fuels the further development of their already thriving company (Adidas, 2011, pp 1-26). A Second Factory: 1938 Adi Dassler buys his second factory in the centre of Herzogenaurach. By that time, the company produces 1,000 pairs of shoes a day. Three Stripes: 1948 Adolf and Rudolf Dassler part with Rudolf founding Puma. Adi introduces Adidas as the official company name, by combining his nickname and last names. At this point, Adi also gives his shoes the unmistakable trademark of the Three Stripes (Adidas, 2011, pp 1-26). The Olympics in Helsinki: 1952 Adidas is the most worn German sports shoe brand at the Olympic Games an d track shoes with removable spikes are used for the first time. Emil Zatopek wins three gold medals – for the 5,000m, the 10,000m and the marathon - all in one week, wearing Adidas shoes, an achievement that has not been repeated since (Adidas, 2011, pp 1-26).

Management and University Simmons Case Essay Example for Free

Management and University Simmons Case Essay In time of economic crisis, companies are looking for innovative methods to improve production and to meet the needs of a diverse workforce in order to improve or maintain the organization’s profit margin in a stress global economy. Indeed, companies are extremely concerned about their future, as well as, preventing closure of their establishment. SimmonsCompany is no exception. However, how does a major company make those changes when tradition is the foundation of their organization and the economic status of their company is in jeopardize of folding, if the right decision is not made? The need to allocation funds for the training and development of its and employees when major debts are owed to the company; thus, threatening bankruptcy is a problem facing Simmons Company. Accordingly, there is certainly a need to change the culture and structure of the organization, if it wants to survive a depressed economy, while other organizations are advancing. In so doing, the company is considering the Great Game of Life (GGOL) whose underlying purpose is to change the dynamics of an organization in order to achieve maximum satisfaction for both the customers and employees. If customers and employees are satisfied, they are loyal, cooperative and creative, thus creating a culture conducive to the workforce. In order to establish such an environment, it is necessary to empower its workers by changing the attitude of each individual employed by Simpson Company. The program will be used to improve morality and empower the lower level of the company in performing their respective jobs in order to improve the outcome of the company. Changes are often difficult to make and, are usually resisted from the top because control of the company is centralized. The result is a poor culture and dictatorial practices. Immediate changes are normally discouraged by those in control, but gradual changes are encouraged, if done overtime or gradually phased into the daily operation of the company. Management must recognize that if changes are not made, their position might be null and void for not doing so. The question is whether changing the culture of the organization is in its best interest? Indeed, some changes must be made considering the state of fair of the company. There are several outstanding debts owed to SimmonsCompany and the debtors are threatening bankruptcy. Additionally, a major supplier has caused havoc for the production department. The need to change the culture and the way it operates is more apparent than ever before. To stay the same, means eventual failure for the company. GGOL is a great opportunity to enhance or change its culture and improve its staff’s level of expectation through effective management in order to meet the needs of today’s demanding economy. As previously mentioned, the company is already experiencing a decline in its profits margin because of its accounts receivables from customers and their major supplier has an item in the form, emitting afoul odor, causing the company to compromise production schedules and posed a serious threat to its profit margin. It would certainly influence my decision to implement GGOL at Simmons. The video was both inspirational and informative. Since diversity is a major concern for most global companies, this is not the case with Simmons. That is, it was prevalent at Simmons, as well as, their enthusiasm in working with each other at the company and for the company. Their positive attitude resonated throughout the video. It is evident from the video that they work collectively and are eager to assist others in different department, when asked to do so. Coming to work seems second nature for them. They are able to share with the upper management areas of concerns and questions, and as such, not prohibited from doing so, which was not the case in the past. In short, they are empowered to take on task without being micro-managed. Now, it is a shared vision by the top, middle, and lower levels of the company with one mission in mind to do what is in the best interest of company. The company should use the top-down and bottom-up design in implementing the GGOL program. However, the company should employ a professional evaluation team to determine which plant should be the catalyst to receive the program. After selecting the plant, the program should start at the top level of the plant because they are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the plant and if they buy into the program other levels are more willing to accept it. The top-level can assist in delivering the GGOL program to the other employees. The next level should be the middle level because they are responsible for inspiring the workers to work collectively towards a common goal, i.e., what is in the best interest of the plant. Needless to say, these individual are very reluctant to change, but must be done gradual due to their commitment to the company, embedded old core values, and long history with the company. When the worker realizes that the change is positive, their outlook improves and this attitude has a snowball effect. That is, one worker at a time starts to embrace middle management’s vision for the company. Now, the workers are willing to trust middle manager because they are open for suggestions and are encouraging empowerment of workers, unlike the past, when the decision from the top was purely totalitarianism with no questions asked or else be fired. Finally, the workers should be the last to receive the program. The middle-level can introduce the program. In so doing, it encourages team work, which will ultimately change the culture of the plant. Changes are needed and welcomed, if it benefits both the employer and employees. If this company continues to operate in a vacuum, the destiny of the company is almost sudden death with uncollectible debts arising and plant processing being restricted because of the foul odor. Emotions were running high, each level of the organization realizing the potential of closure of the company, if it did not change the culture of the organization. The old way of handling concerns and questions is pseudo at best. The company would continue to experience apathy at the workplace. Thus, the $7 million dollar investment for the training and development of personnel is an extremely prudent investment for the company. References Kotter, J. P. (1994). Leading Changes. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Leading Change at Simmons (A)http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/harvard-business-school-press/2007/change-at-simmons-part-a_1e.php Leading Change at Simmons (B)http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/harvard-business-school-press/2007/change-at-simmons-part-b_1e.php

University of hertfordshire objectives

University of hertfordshire objectives Abstract In this assignment project me discuss and construct a Management Strategy that considers the University of Hertfordshire financial and non financial behaviour. A major part of the project is to develop a strategy that could identify the complications at the management level. This model is for the University of Hertfordshire to review and discuss its vision and mission while keeping the objectives of the University in mind. The project will identify the key attributes and criteria fo reviewing the strategy. Moreover the project develops the mission, vision and measures to be notified and followed by the University by considering the organizations ethical, cultural, enviromnental, social and business background. It will help to proactively make good management and therefore reduce loss of revenue and market share. This ultimately will lead to improved communications locally as well as globally as well as greater returns. The Techniques will utilize the latest research techniques and co nsider Universitys corporate objectives and business rules. The process discussed in this assignment is called â€Å"Strategic Planning and Implementation†. Keywords- Strategy Management, Planning, Vision, Business Behavior and Research Techniques 1) Introduction In todays highly competetive environment (business), planning that is budget oriented or forecast based are not that efficient. The University must engage in Strategy Management Planning that clearly defines and assesses the objectives of the university and evaluates the progress of the university. Strategic management is a level of managerial activity under setting goals and over Tactics. Strategic management is closely related to the field of Organization Studies and provides overall direction to the enterprise. According to Arieu (2007), â€Å"there is strategic consistency when the actions of an organization are consistent with the expectations of management, and these in turn are with the market and the context.† â€Å"Strategic management is an ongoing process that evaluates and controls the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors; and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly [i.e. regularly] to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needs replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment.† (Lamb, 1984:ix) The following definitions, when combined, characterize a comprehensive strategic planning process. Strategic planning is: a rational analysis of the opportunities offered by an environment and of strengths and weaknesses of the firm, and selection of a match (strategic) between the two which best satisfied the objective of the firm (Ansoff, 1976). the process of determining what an organization does, what it will do in the future, and how it will manage to do it. (Bryson, 1988). disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide an organization, what it does and why it does it (Bryson, 1988). the continuous process of making present entrepreneurial (risk-taking) decisions systematically and with the greatest knowledge of their futurity; organizing systematically the efforts needed to carry out these decisions; and measuring the results of these decisions against the expectations through organized, systematic feedback (Drucker, 1974). 1.1) Structure of the process- Management Strategy: Strategic Formulation would be the process of the following steps: Mission and Objectives What we want to become and what we aim to achieve. Principles The objectives and the commitments of the University that guide us. Environmental Scanning Factors like global, national and state contexts, education sector, various social and business trends, outcomes and gaps. Strategy Formulation- Strenghts to the opportunities identified and competetive advantage Strategy Implementation- Implementing: budget allocation, procedure. Evaluation and Control- Monitoring and Adjustments required. Developing the strategy would help the University to be acclaimed as International University recognised for innovative and original ideas and exploring and enriching those ideas to enrich individuals, their commitments and the environment. 1.2) Criteria for Reviewing Potential Options: In the delivery of the Universitys Vision, Mission and Aims, choices must be made on where to invest resources (including people, effort, money and infrastructure) to achieve strategic objectives and the associated benefits, and to minimise risk (Sue Hybart, 11 April 2006). The Universitys strategic planning cycle illustrates the process leading from setting strategic objective through option review to making choices upon which specific implementation plans are built. Establishing criterias for strategic investment looking across all areas of the University: Analysis of the System education and its implications Sustain national and international recognition for excellence and enterprise Promote ethical practice in education and research as an integral part of the University culture Maintain a leading research performance through outstanding scholarship,ground-breaking discovery, collaborative networks and commercialised outcomes. Strengthen and sustain a reputation for excellence in learning and teaching through innovation and quality student outcomes. Advance the Innovation Campus as a successful space for developing new ideas and applications through University-business partnerships Strengthen connections to the community through improved channels for interaction and mutually beneficial projects. According to Chan (1993), higher education institutions utilizing strategic planning have five characteristics: a shared and inspiring vision that defines an institutions identity and desired position in the marketplace; a well-done strategic framework that directs institutional energies and activities; an institutional commitment to enrich external environments throug manifesting its values; a widespread strategic thinking capability that prevails over a rigid, formal an centralized planning process; a supportive value system and climate that emphasizes participatory governance and empowers participants within the institution. Moreover there are certain key areas which need to be considered:- Assess the ease of realisation (closure of gap) based on: Distance between current position and aspiration, Investment (funding, time, and other resources) required to close gap on sustainable basis, consideration of market attractiveness and consideration of opportunity cost and risk assessment. Details of administrative support and link to the University. Modifications and support from the staff members. Working in collobatation for the university would act like as an useful tool and it would generate more help and a systemetic way of approach leading to better understanding of the management and their results and analysis. Moreover one of the important factor would be the involvement of the students in learning and their life at University. Moreover to achieve excellent, internationally recognised outcomes, the University should continue to focus more on promoting the ability, creativity, and commitment of the staff at the University. These criteria help in business and enterprise international outlook, and would help in learning and teaching research along with the practical experience and knowledge gained to students and the staff members. According to Mockler (1995) though strategy formulation is very central to understanding strategic management, it does not sufficiently provide a concrete direction for action. This can only be provided by strategy implementation. This view suggests that strategy implementation poses even more difficulties than strategy formulation. However, a basic framework can be derived to serve as a road map to strategy formulation (Mezias, Gringer and Gruth 2001; Hills and Jones 1995; Mockler 1995). 2) Vision, Mission, Objectives and Measures 2.1) PEST Analysis An environment in which the University operates can be expressed in terms of the following factors: Political: It would include various government regulations and legal issues and define various norms and rules under which University operates. It includes tax policies, employment benefits and laws, trade restrictions and tariffs, political coherence among the staff and the students and environmental regulations. Economic Factors: It would and affect the universitys cost allocation. Some key examples are economic growth, interest rates etc. Social Factors: Social factors includes the cultural and demographic aspects. These factors affect customer needs and the size of potential markets. Some factors include health consiousness, career attituded of the students, age distribution and class strength. Business and Technology factors- They can be very important as they may run the other factors. They can lower the barrier to entry, reduce minimum efficcient production levels, including: R and D activity, rate of technology change atc. 2.1.1 SWOT Analysis: Swot analysis helps in matching the resources and the capabilities to the external world in this competetive era. As dicussed on (http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/swot/), a firms strenght are its resources and capabilities that can be used as a basis for developing a competetive advantage.Examples include, strong names, cost advantage, and exclusive access to high grade natural resources. It can be determoined by SWOT matrix which is a very good indicator of the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (Bradford and Robert W. Duncan). 2.2 Vision and Mission: Starategy Management Plays into role if the Vision and the mission are defined within the constraints of the guidelines by the University and the Faculty. Vision- To become an international University that is recognised and known for originality, enterprise and its ethics in focussing, exploring, transfering and applying knowledge to enrich its students and the individuals, their communities and the environment. Mission- Our mission is to excel through Research and teaching of world-class innovative standard and impact,learning environment that supports, informs and inspires our diverse student community,Staff initiative, enthusiasm and commitment to the Universitys goals, Collaboration and enterprise that provide innovative and timely ideas and solutions for the University and its community partners (Mockler (1995)). University share a commitment to promoting and celebrating excellence through initiative, enterprise and achievements that take society forward in an intellectual way and the freedom for opinion. It is very important to maintain the integrity, mutual respect and collegiality among the University. Moreover Students from all over the world having different cultures, ideas should stand together for the development of the University. It is very important for the University to foresight the quality and accountability as an institution by mutual development and community partnership. Moreover equal monitoring plays a vital role where students from all over the world are studying. The University is commited to developing graduates who are informed, independent learners, problem solvers, effective communicators, and responsible towards the society and to themselves. 2.3) Objectives and Measures for evaluation: The university can and have set the goals and objectives as parameters for a progress towards the vision: 1. Excellence and innovation in learning and teaching Graduates equipped to contribute to society and the workplace An active, collaborative and flexible learning experience for students Quality programs relevant to the evolving needs of students and the community An international focus in learning and teaching High quality teaching 2. Excellence and innovation in research Research of high quality and impact at an international level Enhanced capacity to attract external grant funding Quality research student scholarship and training Strong partnerships with external organisations to achieve mutually beneficial research outcomes Enhanced capacity for commercial research and commercialisation of research outcomes 3. Dynamic engagement with our communities A University that is accessible, outward reaching and responsive to its communities Strong reciprocal relationships that enrich our communities Integration of community engagement in our academic activities Enhanced educational aspirations and higher education participation in our regions 4. Students engaged with learning and University life Students engaged as members of the University community Efficient and professional management of each phase of the student experience A social and physical environment where all students can participate in University life Effective communication between students and the University 5. A university of international outlook and achievement A community with a diverse and rewarding global perspective and culture A university of choice for international students International recognition for quality, standards and outcomes 6. Versatile, skilled and committed staff An adaptable workforce with skills aligned to strategic directions A supportive, rewarding and equitable work environment 7. Business capacity to advance the achievement of our Vision Decision-making based on sound planning, governance and quality processes Strategic deployment of resources and information A sustainable and reliable infrastructure Plan for the Implementation of the strategy In this section I would be decribing about all the 7 objectives mentioned in the last heading. Moreover I would be explaining the strategic priorities, key indicators of the performance and the plan which could help in the betterment of the University and its members. 3.1) Development and Creation of the strategy Goal 1 The University is committed to providing its diverse body of students with an engaging internationally oriented atmosphere and learning experience. The priority is to promote ethical education as a part of culture, maintaining the reputation of the University and ensuring that graduates and undergraduates are committed to their employers for their knowledge and skills attained at the University. Strategy Goal 1- University must integrate the development of Graduate into the curriculum at any level and standard. University should develop, focuss and implement institutional approaches for analysing the attainment of Graduate Qualities so that University can know what skills are their students gaining. University should continue to give priority to developing the capacity of students and embed the outcomes of the Academic Integrity Project. University must provide opportunities that equip students for employment in a global labour market. University should optimise the mix of delivery methods to enhance the learning experience of students across all teaching locations and facilities to provide a physical environment that is engaging, collaborative and flexible. An international focus would help them to develop their knowledge and skills lobally and would help them to compete in a larger scale. Key Indicators- Learning and Teaching Performance Student Perception Employer Perception International Recognition

Self Appraisal for Career Development

Self Appraisal for Career Development Introduction Professional development is essential to career progression. Since todays working environment is becoming increasingly more complex, professionals face the challenge of managing the knowledge of multiple disciplines and systems and the ever changing interrelationships between them. There are a range of methods for managing professional development and it is important from both a professional and personal perspective to ensure that efforts are effective. The report below includes some of the methods used by a section manager who works for Selfridges department store. Task 1 Personal and Carrier Development Self Appraisal Self appraisal is an essential part of the Performance appraisal process where the employee able to gives the feedback of day to day activities by himself or his views and points regarding his performance. Usually this is done with the help of a self appraisal form where the employee rates himself on various parameters, tells about his training needs, if any, talks about his accomplishments, strengths, weaknesses, problems faced etc. Most of the performance management systems use self appraisals as one of its key processes. The main benefit of the self appraisal system is that even though it is not formal in every organisation, it provides an excellent foundation to the employees performance review. On the other hand it allows the management to understand the employees impression about the organisation and take decisions of his or her career progress. However there are some limitations in this method as well. Primarily it doesnt help employee to create an influential brand for him or herself that will stick in the mind of the boss. Employee needs to use the appraisal process to influence the boss to think about him or her in terms of the key capabilities/attributes that make him or her special and effective. Self Appraisal for a Sales Assistant Job information Employee: Michael Didenko Company: Selfridges Department store Position Title: Section Manager Review Period: three months from induction Office: London Oxford street branch Department: Mens Section: Mens Products Report to: Department Manager (Roger Newell) Job descriptions and responsibilities There are four main areas included in this role. Firstly Sales and provision of service which includes Receives and approaches clients, Leads a sales discussion, continues to ask questions to discover customer needs and receives complaints or is involved in it. Secondly Receipt and processing of goods where responsibilities of receiving and storing of goods involves as well as management of inventory. Thirdly, concluding of sales transactions which include Making the cash point and system ready to use and managing the point of sale system and most importantly the management of employee activities including the leading of team towards greater performance, recruiting, allocating work tasks, supervising, motivating and liaising with other managers. Specify ways that you feel you met or exceeded job requirements and any reasons why. Can be satisfies as the questioning of customers in order to determine the needs of customers came up with positive feedback. Store managed to create special customised services using the findings of myself. Became the section of the department which has done highest sales in two consecutive weeks after two months of starting job. I feel that our sections customer service in a good level as for the last three month period I have received no complaints but 11 mentioned compliments. Specify the ways that you feel you did not meet job requirements and any reasons why. Sometimes it feels hard to meet up company promotional policy due to personal marketing attitude. Still not excellent in inventory due the large variety. In what specific areas would you like to improve your job performance? Inventory Management techniques Presentation skills Quality of the retail management Team working List the steps you would like to take to improve your preparation for future opportunities. Get involved in the performance workshops Use the company training and development criteria effectively Learn retail management independently What job-related goals would you like to accomplish in the next 12 months? Get excellent inventory management skills. Trained to become a Department supervisor. Soon after finish the degree, get selected to the company graduate scheme. List additional items you would like to discuss. Would like to know about the goods ordering system for the entire deparmrnt and womans department of the company as a career development. Sample Curriculum Vitae Personal profile Young, dynamic BA Undergraduate seeking a career leads to management and administration. Good team worker who enjoys learning via experience. Keen to develop skills in all aspects of life and will work hard to achieve the desired goals. Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and can deal with administrative duties competently. Employment record 2008 To Date: Selfridges Department Store Section Sales Manager Keeping up with key trends and have the confidence to suggest alternatives as well as maximising sales of cooperating brands. This is a great opportunity for Dealing with merchandising standards and deliveries, embracing teamwork, effective communication and supporting the retail management team. 2005 2008: Marriott Hotel, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire Front Office Colleague Managed and provided front of house services including reception, meeting room hospitality and key administration functions in a fast moving environment. This position has given a great opportunity to deliver the highest levels of customer service and professionalism to employees and visitors. 2003- 2005: Fenwicks Ltd, Brent Cross, London- Customer Service Advisor Served at the frontline, represented the service and brand values to an excellent and consistent level for the customers. Had an excellent knowledge of maximizing sales potential through the effective day-to-day management of the relationship with customers from initial sales enquiry, through to order and delivery. This position has greatly developed my communication skills and how to deal with customers efficiently and accurately. Educational Qualifications 2008-2010: BA (Hones) Business Management University of Sunderland The course covered an in-depth study of management theories and practice. In addition over the three year period it emphasises abilities to organise, monitor, control and develop best practice in the management of organisations whilst providing a thorough understanding of the business environment. Major study areas include, Managing Projects Marketing Strategies Strategic Management of People Financial Management Contemporary Developments in Business and Management Strategic Management Additional Skills Excellent experiences in Team work since the college period. Good communication skills through oral and visual presentations. Remarkable computer skills, including information management. Good at being responsible since college. Experienced in several social fieldwork and Charity Work Interests, Activities Other Information Member of the Cancer Society in UK. Member of the College swimming team, prefects guild and athletic squad Enjoy travelling, music and time out with friends as opportunity for new experience and meeting new people. Personal Development Plan DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE STAGES INVOLVED PROPOSED ACTIONS TO BE ACHIEVED BY RESOURCES REQUIRED Supervisory/section management skills  · Authority  · Responsibility  · Delegation  · Communication  · Time management Increase the management skills in order to ease the decision making process, actions can be taken as use training courses, delivering training to other staff, professional reading and shadowing management staff. 1 year * Organisational training scheme * Skills audit with the help of Department Manager * Other learning resources * Management Meetings Promotional Knowledge  · Sales and marketing  · Pricing  · Promotion  · Customer service  · Product and environment Can use training courses, consumer analysis, marketing analysis, management programmes, delegate with the staff on marketing perspective and knowledge of the similar sections 6 months 1 Marketing / Promotional Policy 2 Professional marketing courses 3 Customer feedbacks 4 Training modules Inventory knowledge  · First in first out  · Last in first out  · Average cost Training courses, understanding organisational statements, always involve in stock calculation, one to one discussions with higher management and knowledge of the ordering and sales of the section. 6 months 5 Stock management courses 6 Income and cash flow statements 7 Inventory policy 8 Order document 9 Stock calculation documents Interpersonal skills  · Communication/Interview skills  · Relationships  · Personal impact  · Conflict management Training courses, start of the day team talks, extra activities, build up strong relationships with supervisors and staff and be passionate. 3 month 10 Self Appraisal 11 Training courses 12 Professional reading materials Task 2 Evaluate Progress Evaluating progress is essential to staying on target. The Evaluation results and information gathered during the formal review process is used by many organizations to create new action plans, identify best practices, and set new performance goals. Most of the organisations urge its employees to have personal or pre structured evaluation reports in order keep track of their progress. In this way employees can simplify their way forward on achieving planned targets. This procedure work well in Selfridges and sample evaluation plan for the section manager in mens department is given below. Skill Evaluation Revision Management Skills Section manager development programme is completed and found very effective. Delivering the training to the staff found slightly difficult as very experienced workers have more skills than young managers. Other sections management is very helpful. Need to have more briefings. More management training will provide successful background. Aim: Assist to become the best department consecutively. Promotional Knowledge Market and consumer analysis is undergoing successfully. Yet it is still hard to make a impact on the overall promotions. Ideas of the sale staff and the theories of the marketing staff clash often. More marketing knowledge needed as a section manager. Regular sales promotions will be needed in the section. Aim: To make mens products section more popular in the whole store. Inventory Knowledge Inventory knowledge is increasing slowly but steadily. It seems that this problem is more personal due to the new arrivals and the amount of variety. Stock control is successful so far. Need to concentrate harder. Revising inventory reports will be helpful. Aim: Reduce wastage level of the section to a minimum. Interpersonal Skills Personally satisfied with the time relationships and the conflict management although if try harder can gain maximum out of the more experienced workers. Professional management course is undergoing. Communication should is not directed to the correct receiver several times. Have to maintain a clear communication policy. Team effort should be maximised. Aim: Create one of the best teams of the entire chain. Above evaluation plan is a single review of the ongoing processes depending on the personal development plan. Carrying out a regular reviewing process will assist to enhance the overall output in order to reach the set objectives. Some of the methods can be used are given below. Regular Observations Monthly action plans Weekly customer questioners Staff questioners at least at least every three months Progress reports Annual health checks There are many methods that different organisations use. Given examples above the once that Selfridges regularly use. Task 3 Interpersonal and Transferable Business Skills Problem recognition Lack of Motivation among the employees of Mens products section can be identified as one of the leading problem of the department. If this condition is not reasonably identified and solved properly, it can be spread to the other departments of the store and made an impact on the competitive advantage of the whole company. Analysis After recognising the problem, before finding the solution it is wise step to analyse the background of the problem. There are many reasons to the of motivation in the department. The company is well known for the employment of young energetic people, however there are many experienced people working among them from a long period. Most of this people are almost elderly people and some of them are working as supervisors. Comparing to the young and new starters these experienced people has high knowledge but lack of motivation due several reasons such as, Being unable to see future reward Lack of need Being indifferent Not having plans and Feeling depressed After carefully analysing the reasons it is clear that these matters of should be answered correctly in order to reduce the division of the team and motivate every single employee to gain a sales increase. Solutions In some companies the new starters have lack of motivation due to low ability although in Selfridges it can be clearly seen that the problem is among the well experienced staff. This is surely a major threat however solutions are not that hard. The most important step is to create enjoyable working conditions. This has to be done by the management with the close involvement of the staff. Some social events can bring up the whole department together and can renew the relationships among them self. Creating small sub groups within the department with a mixture of old and new staff and empower them as well as reward the groups will bring the motivation in to a new level. At the same time experienced staff should be rewarded at every possible time to boost up their working energy and to give a good example to the new starters. On the other hand the management should admire these experienced staff every time while setting up goals for them to lead the new staff. This can be seen as a recr eating a team to increase the productivity. Communication within the department In any organisation People have a basic need to know what is going on around them. Employees need to feel comfortable that their managers will share relevant information with them about the company, and about their performance and position within the organization. Having a properly described communication plan with clear channels will make this whole effort much easier and important information will pass easily. The communication strategy within the mens products section is fairly clear in Selfridges and normally exert in three levels within the section managers role. Communication between the section staff and the section manager and supervisors Link between the other section managers Departmental level and higher level management communication. At the first level communication mediums are much straight forward and sometimes informal. Most of the day to day businesses delivered verbally or orally between small groups of members of the staff. Majority of these messages are face to face and section manager is always clear about the actions. It is much easier because the communicated messages can be always adjusted at this level and therefore can be delivered effectively. Section manager uses his interpersonal skills to create an excellent social and work background to facilitate the smooth running of the sections aspects. On the other hand, the second level which connects the fellow section managers and line managers together is not simple as the first one. Although the members of this level share similar characteristics among them there are situations that communication may fail due to the different responsibilities. However again at this levels more face to face and telephone methods are used to communicate which makes easier environment to get linked. Thirdly the department and higher level management communication is different from both of the levels above. At departmental level oral and written communication levels are used more regularly because of the distance between the parties are low. Very high communicative and interpersonal required at this level but different from the first level because the section managers interpersonal skills level represent the entire sections reputation within the department. Communication within the other departments and the higher management will be happening under one way or two way systems most of the times. This Part of the procedure is much formal than any other level therefore very high and clear interpersonal levels will be needed. Time Management Every minute spent in mistaken or incorrect way is a time that effects negatively on the productivity. In any company managing the time of its tasks is a major requirement, as carefully planned schedule will ease the day to day and future responsibilities. In addition managing the time effectively will reduce stress levels of the employees, improve their well-being, and increase focus on the job and productivity. Yet many people in the section managers position often run out of time due the low time management skills. Some of the points given below can be used as good time management strategies. Create a Monthly Schedule Asses and plan the work load each week Adjust the plan everyday Evaluate the plan regularly By looking at above four strategies it might feel that monthly schedule will not be enough to plan and assist the companys strategic objectives. However by planning the time monthly basis and braking down to smaller tasks will help to keep track record easily and concentrate on every responsibility. Task 4 Self Managed Learning Learning Learning at Work gives the opportunity to individually alter a route to a more recognised level using the tasks that complete as part of the current role, so both the person and business benefit. It is an important professional experience which uses a unique framework and work-based projects while giving the chance to interact with other work colleagues unlike academic learning. Learning benefits the section mangers position in many ways. Some of them are, Assessing current work practices and relevant industry experience Evaluating personal, professional and career objectives. Identifying the strategic directions and priorities of the employer Negotiating your own learning plan Organising work-based projects Recording progress and achievements All these benefits can be achieved by using three different methods of learning experiences which are, Learning from the current job Learning through experience and Learning through skills and knowledge Learning Cycle and learning Styles Traditionally, learning has been associated with reading books, attending courses and lectures, etc. However in this fast moving world it has been realised that , learning should be more durable and lifelong and therefore much logical systems should be used. Learning cycle can be identified as an illustration of a engaging and integrating learning methods so that it affects not only thinking but also the behaviour. Many philosophers have explained many learning cycles although the one that David Kolb published in 1984 the most popular. Kolbs learning cycle is illustrated below and explained. Kolb identifies four different stages of the learning cycle as below. Concrete Experience The cycle starts with doing something in which the individual, team or organisation are allocated a task. Key to learning therefore is active participation. Reflective Observation In this stage the person who actually on the learning cycle stepping back from doing and reviewing what has been done and experienced. Abstract Conceptualisation At this stage the learner makes comparisons between what they have done, reflect upon and what they already know. Active Experimentation The final stage of the learning cycle is when the learner considers how they are going to put what they have learnt into practice. In other words it is a way of planning. According to Kolb different people naturally prefer a certain single different learning style. Furthermore he identifies four different styles as below. Diverging Divergers take experiences and think deeply about them, thus moves away from a single experience to multiple possibilities. Assimilating Assimilators greatest strength lies in the ability to create theoretical models. Ideas and concepts are more important than people and require good clear explanation rather than practical opportunity. Converging Converger likes finding practical uses for ideas and theories, evaluating consequences and selecting solutions. Again this type of learner does not prefer interpersonal situations or people connections, instead they like technical uses. Accommodating This learner uses trial and error rather than thought and reflection. He is good at adapting to changing circumstances and get on well with the people. Honey and Mumford styles of learning illustrate the same actions as above however the names they used are different. The similarity can be given as below. Activist = Accommodating Reflector = Diverging Theorist = Assimilating Pragmatist = Converging Presentation Using the Personal Development Plan The presentation slides given below is an explanation of the development objectives given in the personal development plan. In other words they can be identified as the learning tasks which lie among the learning styles. These presentation slides are very useful to submit progress to the higher management and delivering training to the staff. Conclusion Professional development is an important and very useful part of a managers career. Managers must be aggressive and focused in their objectives for professional development. In addition it is their duty to keep the reputation of their position by using different learning systems that are already available. Carefully managed professional development process can be identified as the key aspect of any managers career. The report undertook above was an independent document of a section managers personal and professional development criteria. Bibliography David Kolb, Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development (1984), FT Prentice Hall Grainger, P., Managing People: Your Self-development Action Plan (1994), Kogan Page Parsole, E. Coaching and Mentoring: Practical Methods to Improve Learning (2000), Kogan Page Hayes, J. Interpersonal Skills at Work (2002), Routledge (NY) HNC/HND Course Book http://books.google.co.uk/books?client=firefox-ahl=en http://bsspdl.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/kolb-learning-cycle-2/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles http://labspace.open.ac.uk/file.php/3228/E838_1_Section11.pdf http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9215/guide.htm www.businesslink.gov.uk www.selfridges.com

geore washington :: essays research papers

George Washington was born in Wakefield, Virginia. Then at age three his family moved to a town near Fredricksburge. There the story about George and the Cherry tree was started. There he started tutoring and later attended Henry Williams School. At age 15 he became a surveyor. In 1748 he went to live with his  ½ brother in mount Vermon where he took his first place in office as surveyor of Culperper County in1749. Later at age 20 in 1753 Gov. Dinwiddle made him major in the militia. When the French and Indian war started he was made lieutenant colonel of Virginia Militia. Washington kept advancing. He was then sent to aid major General Edward Braddcock. But in that battle Braddock was killed so George was made colonel and commander of all Virginia Militia. In 1758 after the French and Indian war Washington met Martha Custis. They were married in 1759. In 1769 Washington presented a plan to the House of Burgesses for boycotting British made goods in order to go against the stamp act. Later in 1774 he attended the 1st continental congress in Philadelphia, and the next year he attended the second continental congress. When it became clear that they needed armed resistance. Recognizing Washington’s military experience and leadership the Continental congress gave him command of the new army. He didn’t even ask for pay. So in 1775 he took command of the Continental Army. Through the ne xt six years Washington helped hold the 13 colonies together. When the Articles of Confederation was showing the colonies separating Washington took on the responsibility keep them together through the hardships. When they needed an army washing ton was to get an army from untrained and unpaid men. He did it. In the battle of Valley Forge the cruel winters were tarring them apart. Undiscouraged again Washington turned defeat into a victory. The fighting ended in 1781. The continental army was held together for two more years until final peace was made. Then for a few years Washington relaxed with his wife and family, raising animals and agrigculture experiments. In 1787 Washington became a leader in the movement that led to the Constitution Convention. The discussion was that the existing documents were not good enough in leading the states.

Brown, achievement: Martial arts competition :: essays research papers

A faint twinge of excitement floated through my body that night. A hint of anticipation of the coming day could not be suppressed; yet to be overcome with anxiety would not do at all. I arduously forced those pernicious thoughts from seeping in and overcoming my body and mind. I still wonder that I slept at all that night. But I did. I slept soundly and comfortably as those nervous deliberations crept into my defenseless, unsuspecting mind, pilfering my calm composure. When I awoke refreshed, I found my mind swarming with jumbled exhilaration. The adrenaline was flowing already. After a quick breakfast, I pulled some of my gear together and headed out. The car ride of two hours seemed only a few moments as I struggled to reinstate order in my chaotic consciousness and focus my mind on the day before me. My thoughts drifted to the indistinct shadows of my memory. My opponent’s name was John Doe. There were other competitors at the tournament, but they had never posed any threat to my title. For as long as I had competed in this tournament, I had easily taken the black belt championship in my division. John, however, was the most phenomenal martial artist I had ever had the honor of witnessing at my young age of thirteen. And he was in my division. Although he was the same rank, age, size, and weight as I, he surpassed me in almost every aspect of our training. His feet were lightning, and his hands were virtually invisible in their agile swiftness. He wielded the power of a bear while appearing no larger than I. His form and techniques were executed with near perfection. Although I had never defeated his flawlessness before, victory did not seem unattainable. For even though he was extraordinary, he was not much more talented than I. I am not saying that he was not skilled or even that he was not more skilled than I, for he most certai nly was, but just not much more than I. I still had one hope, however little, of vanquishing this incredible adversary, for John had one weakness: he was lazy. He didn’t enjoy practicing long hours or working hard. He didn’t have to. Nevertheless, I had found my passage to triumph. My mind raced even farther back to all my other failures. I must admit that my record was not very impressive.

Moving Towards Totalitarianism in Our Pursuit of Social Justice Essay

Moving Towards Totalitarianism in Our Pursuit of Social Justice Pursuit of various visions of social justice probably accounts for most human misery. What's more, the historical pattern that has emerged has been one whereby one form of injustice is replaced by one that is far worse. Russia's 1917 revolution expelling the Czars, and their injustices, ushered in Lenin, Stalin and a succession of brutal dictators who murdered tens of millions in the name of the proletariat revolution. The injustices of Chiang Kai-shek were replaced with those of Mao Tse-tung; Castro's ousting of Batista or Ayatollah Khomeini's toppling of the Shah of Iran produced regimes far more brutal. In Africa, after independence, the injustices of colonial powers were replaced with those of brutal dictators. The slaughter of nearly 200 million poor souls, not including war deaths, during the 20th century, was a direct result of pursuit of visions of social justice such as income equality, promoting the common good and fighting the so-called evils of capitalism. As if by design , measures taken to produce what was seen as the good society lowered both the common man's human rights protections and his standard of living. By contrast, after the American revolution, we laid the groundwork that produced the world's freest people. However, for most of the 20th century, we have been losing ground. If you ask the question which way are we heading - away from totalitarianism or towards it - there is no question that, by tiny steps at a time, we are heading towards totalitarianism and arbitrary governmental abuse and control. Some Americans are naive enough to think that the oppression seen in other countries can't happen here. But let's not forget that the countr... ...t determine what is or is not moral conduct. In Nazi-Germany, there were laws that required the reporting of a person hiding a Jew. In our country, the Fugitive Slave Act made assisting runaway slaves a crime. In apartheid South Africa, hiring blacks for certain work was illegal. In the former East Germany, assisting people in their efforts to escape to the West was illegal. Would any decent person demand that any of these laws be obeyed? Decent people must always ask: Does the law have a moral basis? Liberty is not mankind's normal state of affairs. Liberty is fragile. Our liberties are under siege because most Americans are ignorant about our Constitution and its philosophical underpinnigs. Thus, we fall easy prey to political charlatans and quacks all too ready to exploit this ignorance in their quest for power and to satisfy popular visions of social justice.

Mary Shelley present Frankenstein Essay

‘Frankenstein’ was written in 1812 by a woman called Mary Shelley, at the age of 19, this shows that she is very intelligent because to write such a novel with so much understanding at a very young age shows that she was a dedicated female author who studied very hard. At first when I heard of the novel ‘Frankenstein’ I straight away thought without any doubt that it was a man who wrote this novel, because firstly it was a horror story so that instantly clicked in my mind to think that it was a man but I was very shocked to find out that the author of the novel was actually a women. This seemed very unusual to me because firstly at that time female authors were less well thought of than male authors and also even if female writers wrote books you would expect them to be all flowery and cosy type but for a women to write a novel with such imagination, creativity and devilish thoughts seemed very unusual with the basic fact that she was a women. This again showed that she was very intelligent. She also didn’t put her name on the book for 13 years, this was because of the fact that mentioned earlier about female writers being less thought of than male writers. I believe that she done this because during that time there might have been a lot of sexism and she believed that if she put her name on the book than a lot of people may not have bought it because she was a female and when she did put her name on the book I am sure that a lot of people were shocked to hear that it was written by a women. She probably played a vital part in raising the confidence of female writers and broke the deadlock for all female authors. The novel was about a young ambitious scientist who is keen to prove that he can create life. The scientists name is Victor Frankenstein. He accomplished his mission but all his dreams about this being were crushed when he realised what a monster he had created. Frankenstein ran away from the monster and left it to a life of loneliness. The monster learned how to talk and read and soon tracked down Victor Frankenstein. After being treated badly by humans the monster had one thing on his mind which was revenge. The novel starts with a letter from Robert Walton an explorer, to his sister. He is preparing to go on his way to his desired destination the North Pole. He is a very ambitious man and he wants to go on this expedition because no man has ever set foot there. Walton writes: â€Å"Never before imprinted by the foot of man† Walton also wants to be the man who discovers the route to the North Pole because at that time there was no route to this area of the world. This shows how desperate he was to go there and his ambitiousness. He trained his body for the expedition and Walton tells us: ‘I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst and of want of sleep’ This proves his determination and how serious he was about his venture.

Management of pressure ulcers in a high risk patient: a case study

1. Introduction Clinically, pressure ulcers are defined as the lesions that are the result of localized tissue damage or cell death (generally necrosis), developed because of pressure over a bony prominence.More commonly, they are also known as pressure sores or bedsores as they are mainly developed by patients that are bed-bound (Wake, 2010). Approximately, 3 million adults are affected by pressure ulcers and are most common in hospitalized patients (Lyder and Ayello, 2008). However, effective management and care plans against pressure ulcers are still lacking. The role of nursing care is a fundamental aspect to pressure ulcer management, including its prevention and treatment (Wake, 2010). In this case study report, I visited a diabetic patient as a district nurse for insulin administration and provide support by assessing the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers due to associated pathological and other risk factors.1.1. Purpose of the studyIn all health care settings, pressure ulce rs remain one of the major issues. More so, pressure sores or pressure ulcers are associated with significant cause for morbidity in the medical community. The main purpose of this patient visit was to provide healthcare support for patients who were at risk of developing pressure ulcer. The healthcare support included the risk minimisation by doing risk assessment, therapeutic interventions, suggestions for lifestyle changes including exercise and dietary habit. All these were targeted with the views of providing timely assessment of pressure ulcers in high risk patients, and suggest therapeutic interventions for timely treatment of the condition.1.2.Patient historyThe patient was 75 years old male, diabetic and paralysed due to recent stroke attack. He was completely bed bound and was on wheelchair. Furthermore, the patient was suffering from cancer of the oesophagus. Since the patient could not mobilize, his family members and carers used to transfer him from the bed to his whe elchair and wheelchair to his bed.1.3. Risk assessments of needs, vulnerabilities and strengths of the patientThe patient was chronically ill and had several complications associated with his conditions. Stroke attack had caused him paralysis and was unable to move. This had put him in significant risk of developing pressure ulcers. The patient was also diabetic. Diabetes causes slow healing of wounds that may lead to ulcer (Guo, et.al. 2010). In this patient, the combination of factors including diabetes and immobility had increased his risk of developing pressure ulcers. Other factors such as old age of the patient, cancer and dietary factors would trigger the development of these pressure sores. Cancer is a chronic disease that may cause severe debilitation and prolonged confinement to bed. Therefore, it is expected that patients with cancer are at significant risk of developing pressure ulcers (Walker, 2001). Diet may have a supporting role in the development of pressure ulcers . Although the role of nutrition in preventing the development of pressure ulcers is still debatable, it is obvious that patients who are malnourished are at risk of developing those (Doley, 2010). Thus, nutrition therapy could be central in minimising the risk of developing pressure ulcers. It was seen that the patient was clearly underweight due to his chronic health conditions. Overall, the following risk factors of the patient were considered while making his assessment. Based on these risk factors, care plans and suggestions were made to minimise the risk in the patient. Sensory factor: This factor was assessed in order to identify how well the patient can process sensory input from the skin, as well as how effectively he can communicate level of sensation. Since the assessment of skin is an important way to identify patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers, it would ensure the degree of risk of pressure ulcer in this patient and hence, take measures to prevent them before complications arise. Moisture: Moisture is another hallmark of pressure ulcers. Excess skin moisture puts patients at greater risk of developing pressure ulcers. It is common that patients who are confined to bed produce more sweat. Thus, it is required to evaluate what degree the skin is exposed to moisture. Activity Lack of activity is one of major risk factors of developing pressure ulcers in bedbound patients. Continuous friction between the skin and bed mattress may result the development of pressure sores. Measuring the activity is another important parameter to predict the patients’ risk of pressure, irrespective of their degree of mobility. Patients who are unable to move need to be physically turned by healthcare staffs or family members at regular intervals Nutrition As mentioned earlier, although nutrition may not have direct effects on the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers, it may be possible that lack of required nutrients may increase its complications. It is thus important to evaluate what constitutes the usual pattern and amount of caloric intake in the patients. After evaluating the above risk factors in the patient, it was concluded that the patient was likely to develop pressure ulcers if timely interventions were not introduced. These would have direct effect in patient’s health. These ulcers influence the risk of bacterial and viral infections, which can become life threatening in chronically ill patients. In addition, there is a high rate of mortality associated with pressure ulcers. Mortality rate is high as 60% is reported in older patients with pressure ulcers within 1 year of hospital discharges (Lyder and Ayello, 2008). The patient in this case study could have weakened immune system due to his old age and illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. In immune-compromised patients, the risk of infections spreading into their blood and other organs of the body are considerably high. This may result blood poisoning and septicaemia. Both these conditions are very fatal and categorised as medical emergencies (Redelings, et.al. 2005). However, despite of several associated risk factors, the patient was provided with proper care and support by his carers and family members. He was regularly taken off from his bed with the support of wheelchair. More so, the patient was on medications to control his blood sugar. He was also supplemented with vitamin to strengthen his immunity. To conclude, patient although was receiving appropriate healthcare service, these were mainly therapeutics which included medications against the chronic illnesses which he had. Patient and family members were lacking suggestions and expert advice in regards to minimising the risk of pressure ulcers. It was also observed that the patient was provided with a normal bed and mattress that would further trigger the risk of developing sores. 2. Interventions and referrals After evaluating the patient’s condition, as a district nurse, I provided the evidence based interventions and referrals to the patient and his family members and carers as preventive approaches of pressure ulcers. Firstly, the patient was provided with a hospital bed with pressure relieving mattresses. This would help minimise the friction between patient’s body and the bed and hence, reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Moreover, this would provide support surfaces and help in pressure redistribution (Stannard, 2012). Several recommendations for skin care including the use of cold water instead of hot water, use of mild cleansing agents to minimise irritation and dryness of the skin and excessive moisture was suggested. The patient was also advised to avoid low humidity as it may promote scaling and dryness (Lyder and Ayello, 2008). Further suggestion such as avoiding mechanical loading was given. This is considered as one of the most effective preventive measures of p ressure ulcers in hospitalized patients (Lyder and Ayello, 2008). Thus, family members were advised to frequently turn and reposit the patient while in bed. It is essential that patient intake adequate levels of both macro and micronutrients to prevent complications of pressure ulcers. This patient was already supplemented with vitamins and minerals, so no action was taken. However, the patient was suggested to eat diet high in proteins, which are essential for wound-healing and overcome malnutrition. Management of pain is another key aspect in patients with pressure ulcers (Cooper, 2013). Pressure ulcers can be very painful and may require interventions with analgesics (Wake, 2010). However, this patient did not require analgesic treatment as the pain due to pressure ulcers was not very severe. Instead, focus was given on the preventative approaches in minimising the complications associated with pressure ulcers. Finally, the focus was given on the patient/carer education in the management of pressure ulcers. Both patient and carers/family members were made aware about the risk factors of pressure ulcers. Also, they were educated and made aware on the most vulnerable sites of the body that are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. General training was also given on how to take care of skins and methods for pressure reduction. They were told about the severity of the condition and requested to seek medical advice if symptoms of pressure ulcers persist. 3.Critical evaluation and evidence-based examination of outcomes of interventions and referrals The interventions and referrals made for the patient in this case study were evidence based. Risk assessment was made considering the standard pressure ulcer prediction tool, Braden Scale, by observing the six vital signs of pressure ulcers as explained earlier. This tool has allowed for the early prediction of pressure ulcers and thus introduction of early interventions before the complications are developed (Sving, 2014). Classification of pressure ulcers is one of the best ways to predict its outcome. Pressure ulcers are classified into various stages (Lyder and Ayello, 2008). Stage I is determined by the presence of redness in the skin. In case if the redness in the skin is observed, nurses are required to make thorough skin inspection and advice patients about the preventive measures. Stage II is characterized by the loss of skin with the presence of blisters. In stage III loss of skin is quite thick; however, not exposed to muscle or bone tissue. In this stage, there is a high risk of infections, so care should be given in personal hygiene (Sving, 2014). Also, patient should be suggested to include vitamins and minerals in the diet to prevent the possible risk of infection. In stage IV there may be an exposure to bone, tendon and muscle. This condition is considered as potentially dangerous, due to associated risk of life threatening bacterial infections. In many cases, this may also require hospi tal admission to reduce further complications (Lyder and Ayello, 2008; Sving, 2014). To conclude, nurses are required to assess various stages of pressure ulcers and provide treatments and suggestions based on these stages. This is because; different stages of pressure ulcers may require different treatment plans. Some could be minor and may be improved through general suggestions such as encouraging patients to move and involve in physical activities and maintaining healthy diet; whereas some may require therapeutic interventions including the use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, dressing and cleaning of the wound and hospital admissions if complications are severe. (Wake, 2010). Ample evidence is now available on the understanding of effective pressure ulcer treatments. Treatment strategies such as use of hospital bed, avoiding mechanical loading, and physical activity are now considered as the standard form of treatments in pressure ulcers. These approaches not only reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, but are also beneficial in lowering its complications. Furthermore, the association of pressure ulcers with other chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and stroke are well understood. Thus, much attention is to be given while giving care to the patients who have these conditions. Educating patient and family members on the risk factors and management is another approach to pressure ulcer management as suggested by NICE guidelines (Wake, 2010) However, the available knowledge on the evaluation of risk assessment of pressure seems insufficient. The evidence lacks support and requires further epidemiological research to understand risk factors of pressure ulcers in greater depth. Some of the interventions and their effectiveness including re-positioning and nutrition are still questionable. Further studies on the influence of different turning intervals on the development of pressure ulcers need to be carried out. Similarly, what specific diet is suitable for pressure ulcer patients needs further clarification. Appendix1: Care plan of the patient Risk assessmentCare goalsInterventions and evaluations Patient’s needs and vulnerabilities : old age, bed-bound, chronic diseases including cancer and diabetes, paralysed due to strokeTo identify the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcersThe patient was provided with hospital bed, cushion for his wheelchair and family members were suggested to move the patient time to time Patient’s strength: on proper medications, carers and family members providing the support, supplemented with vitamins and minerals to boost the immune functionTo build on the patient’s strengths and to meet his needsPatient was provided with full support from the family members. High protein diet was suggested as this may improve would-healing. Signs of complications, such as pain, bacterial and viral infections.To avoid complications associated with infections including blood poisoning and septicaemiaImmune booster such as vitamins and disinfectant creams to avoid infections. References Cooper, K.L. 2013, â€Å"Evidence-based prevention of pressure ulcers in the intensive care unit†, Critical Care Nurse, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 57-66. Doley, J. 2010, â€Å"Nutrition management of pressure ulcers†, Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 50-60. Guo, S and DiPietro, L.A, 2010. Journal of dental research. Factors Affecting Wound Healing, vol. 89, no. 3, 219-229. Lyder, C.H and Ayello, E.A, 2008. Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Pressure Ulcers: A Patient Safety Issue. Lyder, C.H, 2003. Clinician’s corner. Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management, vol. 289, no. 2, pp. 223-226. Lyder, C.H. 2006, â€Å"Assessing risk and preventing pressure ulcers in patients with cancer†, Seminars in oncology nursing, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 178-184. McInnes, E., Jammali-Blasi, A., Bell-Syer, S., Dumville, J. & Cullum, N. 2012, â€Å"Preventing pressure ulcers–Are pressure-redistributing support surfaces effectiveA Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis†,International journal of nursing studies, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 345-359. Redelings, M.D., Lee, N.E. & Sorvillo, F. 2005, â€Å"Pressure ulcers: more lethal than we thought?†, Advances in Skin & Wound Care, vol. 18, no. 7, pp. 367-372. Stannard, D. 2012, â€Å"Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention†, Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses / American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 341-342. Stechmiller, J.K. 2010, â€Å"Understanding the role of nutrition and wound healing†, Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 61-68. Sving, E., Idvall, E., Hogberg, H. & Gunningberg, L. 2014, â€Å"Factors contributing to evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention. A cross-sectional study†, International journal of nursing studies, vol. 51, no. 5, pp. 717-725. Wake, W.T. 2010, â€Å"Pressure ulcers: what clinicians need to know†, The Permanente journal, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 56-60.