Legalizing Marijuana, An Ethical Perspective

In today’s society, many ethical concerns arise on a daily basis, especially when it comes to the topic of legalizing marijuana. Many individuals have relied on the fact that marijuana was illegal, when determining whether smoking it should be considered unethical.However, many studies have shown that the effects of marijuana are not as detrimental as they were once made out to be. Legalizing marijuana can be an extremely controversial topic because several people have strong beliefs concerning why it should not be legalized, while a significant amount of people have stronger arguments, as to why it should be legalized.When it comes to looking at the ethical standpoint of legalizing marijuana, everyone has a different interpretation as to why marijuana should or should not be legalized. This is because everyone’s sense of morals and values differ from one another.Legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use would be beneficial for large amounts of people for many reasons. The theory of utilitarianism implies that the proper course of action should be the one, which benefits the greatest number of people.Many aspects of legalizing marijuana should be considered when determining if the benefits outweigh the risks. Several states have passed laws, which govern the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. In fact, over twenty states, as well as the District of Columbia have enacted laws that govern the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes only. The increasing number of physicians implying that they would use marijuana medicinally for their patients shows that there are many benefits, which could derive from using the substance.A study conducted by American herbalist showed, â€Å"79. 5 percent of professional members stated that if there were not legal prohibitions they would use cannabis clinically† (Romm & Romm, 2010, p. 25).This study also implies that the top reasons for prescribing marijuana include appetite loss, cancer, pai n, glaucoma, insomnia, and it is also said that it helps with relaxation. Considering the increasing number of patients suffering from such diagnosis, the utilitarian approach shows that legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes would benefit the greatest number of people.When considering the harmful and destructive nature of alcohol and tobacco, it is hard to interpret why and how these substances became legalized. While at the same time, people are curious as to how a substance, such as marijuana, that controversially could result in more advantages than disadvantages, has yet to become legal. Marijuana is significantly less destructive than alcohol and tobacco and is used to treat medical conditions. State legislatures have ignored the signs of potential advantages of legalizing marijuana for years.However, legislatures have previously legalized substances, including alcohol and tobacco, without the advantage of the substances advancing or improving medical care. Therefore, the main ethical argument against legalizing marijuana comes down to the fact that of the legalities governing it's use. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), is an organization that serves as an information center for issues concerning marijuana use and legalization. The NORML Organization also serves as the voice for American's opposing the current marijuana prohibition.This organization presents the fact that if people are using this substance for enjoyment, those people should not be subjected to civil penalties or criminal injustices. A recent government study has shown that over 14 million American's use marijuana on a regular basis, despite legalities (NORML, 1996, para. 1). The NORML organization has compiled a list of principles of responsible use, which could reduce the amount of ethical concerns and legalities associated with using marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes.One of which include the use of marijuana being restricted only t o adults. This is important because, just like alcohol and tobacco, it is unethical, immoral, and irresponsible to provide such substances to children.Another principle includes restrictions on driving while under the influence of marijuana. NORML stated, â€Å"Although cannabis is said by most experts to be safer than alcohol and many prescription drugs with motorists, responsible cannabis consumers never operate motor vehicles in an impaired condition† (NORML, 1996, para, 6). Therefore, the no driving principle is implied.These are two of the most significant principles presented by NORML. The next principle is described as set and setting. The NORML organization states, â€Å"The responsible cannabis user will carefully consider his/her set and setting, regulating use accordingly† (NORML, 1996, para. 7).Meaning, adults should be responsible enough, when using marijuana, to take into consideration several different aspects of one's life. For instance, it is important for marijuana users to consider his or her â€Å"set,† meaning the individual's attitude, personality, and experience.The term â€Å"setting† refers to an individual's physical and social condition or circumstances (NORML, 1996, para. 8). Therefore, individuals should consider and analyze a number of factors before choosing to smoke or just choosing to just say no. Two other principles presented by NORML include resisting abuse and respecting the rights of others. Therefore, individuals should steer clear of any sign of abuse and should not violate the rights of others when using marijuana.Decriminalizing marijuana would aid America's next generation in becoming more successful with the ability to prosper. By reducing the amount of young people being penalized and/or institutionalized for using or possessing marijuana, less lives will be destroyed as a result of the war on pot.Former President Jimmy Carter once said, â€Å"Penalties against drug use should not be mor e damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use† (NORML, 1996, para. 14).Therefore, even our former President considered legalizing marijuana to benefit the greatest number of people, due to the high volume of individual's lives being subjected to destruction as a result of using and/or possessing this substance. The former President also implied that the penalties governing drug use should not be more destructive than the actual drug itself. It has been proven and will continue to be proven throughout this paper, that there are ways to avoid possible ethical concerns raised in reference to legalizing marijuana.For instance, a recent study showed, â€Å" .  . . in the 16 states where medical marijuana is legal, there has been a drop of nearly 9% in traffic deaths since the laws took effect and a 5% drop in beer sales† (Crowe, 2012, para. 1). This st udy does not prove that driving while under the influence of marijuana is any less dangerous than driving while intoxicated. However, the results of the study do imply the fact that since alcohol is sold in bars and restaurants, it is more typical for higher rates of those driving drunk to have life threatening accidents than those under the influence of marijuana.Especially considering most marijuana users consume the substance in the privacy of their own homes. Whereas, individuals who choose to drink alcohol at a bar or restaurant, also choose to risk driving home while intoxicated. The author's of this study also imply that individual's driving while intoxicated are more likely to misjudge their perception and ability to drive, while those under the influence of marijuana typically tend to avoid taking risks on the road (Crowe, 2012, para. 11).However, individual's who choose to drive while impaired or intoxicated in any form are subject to being charged with driving under the i nfluence, which imposes severe penalties and will result in loosing driving privileges. Some may argue that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drugs.However, the NORML Organization argues that, â€Å"For those minority of marijuana smokers who do graduate to harder substances, it is marijuana prohibition — which forces users to associate with the illicit drug black market — rather than the use of marijuana itself, that often serves as a doorway to the world of hard drugs† (NORML, 1996, para.  20).With that being said, it is not the use of marijuana that opens the doors for harder illicit drug use, it is being subjected to the underground market of marijuana that opens the doors for individuals to become familiar with other drugs. There are many ethical concerns when it comes to legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. So far, two states have legalized marijuana for multiple reasons including medicinal purposes and recreational purposes.Washington and Colorado have implemented state laws governing the use of marijuana for recreational use. The Obama Administration and the Justice Department concluded in a recent announcement that federal agents will not intervene in Washington and Colorado’s new found marijuana laws and regulations as long as the states are, â€Å"preventing distribution to minors, stopping marijuana from being used as a cover for trafficking other drugs,  and enforcing laws against driving under the influence of drugs† (Dinan, 2013, para, 20).Therefore, as long as the states regulate the use and possession of marijuana, according to the previously stated guidelines, the federal government will not intervene with the state’s policies concerning the legalization of marijuana. The laws passed in Washington and Colorado are the first steps in the direction of decriminalizing marijuana.Those who are caught with an ounce of marijuana or less will not be subject to pay fines nor will they be ins titutionalized because citizens may legally possess anything less than an ounce. In recent years, the war on drugs has ruined thousands of young lives of those who were caught possessing or using marijuana. Decriminalizing anything less than an ounce of marijuana, when it is being used for recreational purposes, will ensure the judicial systems within the United States are reserved for more serious and/or violent crimes.The authors of Marijuana Legalization stated, â€Å"According to the FBI, there were 758,000 marijuana arrests nationwide in 2011, the vast majority for possession† (Sullum, 2013, para. 17). Therefore, most of the individuals who were arrested for marijuana in 2011 were actually arrested on possession charges, which most likely would not even be considered a crime in Washington or Colorado. Studies have shown that over fifty percent of American’s now believe marijuana should be legalized for recreational use because of the benefits outweighing the risks .Paul Armentano, the director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws recently stated, â€Å"Today, a majority of Americans espouse ending America's nearly century-long, failed experiment with cannabis prohibition and replacing it with a system of limited legalization and regulation† (PR Newswire, 2012, para. 5). By utilizing limited legalization and regulations on marijuana, less people would be put away for what would normally be considered a crime. In doing so, the future of many young people would be protected against being victims of the war against cannabis.From an ethical utilitarian perspective, it would be more beneficial for the greatest number of people, to legalize marijuana. Those who chose to possess and use marijuana are overcrowding prison systems and judicial systems within the United States. Implementing and utilizing methods of distributing marijuana, legally would decrease the amount of people being institutionalized for such crimes a nd could result in billions of dollars of tax revenue, which could strengthen the economy.The Seattle Times recently implied, â€Å"State financial experts estimate the new legalization could raise nearly $2 billion in tax revenue over the next five years, with the money going toward education, health care, substance abuse prevention and basic government services† (PR Newswire, 2012, para. 7). Herein lies, yet another ethical concept as to why marijuana should be legalized. An ethical egoist could argue that a person should have the right to use marijuana if that person sees using marijuana as being in his or her best interest.If not, the ethical egoist could argue that if that person does not see smoking marijuana as being in their best interest, they should not do it. No matter the direction the individual chooses to approach this situation, the ethical egoist would support the person’s right to make the determination for his or her self. Our textbook indicates, â₠¬Å"The egoist simply says that you should do what makes you happiest, or, again, maximizes your utility† (Mosser, 2010, sec. 1. 8, para. 22). With that being said, the utilitarian approach implies, the right thing to do is what benefits the largest number of people.However, the ethical egoist could possibly interpret, restricting one’s use of marijuana as being in his or her best interest. Based on the material presented and the information obtained while conducting research on the topic of legalizing marijuana, the logical notion would be to legalize marijuana. Having the ability to regulate and control the use and possession of marijuana among U. S. citizens, will provide the government with the ability to control its distribution Therefore, making availability to minors just as regulated and controlled as alcohol and tobacco, which would be in compliance with the Justice Department’s regulations.Almost half of our nation’s population previously voted to legalize marijuana. The government is beginning to realize, just like the use of alcohol and tobacco, the use of marijuana will continue legally or illegally. Legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use would be beneficial for a significant amount of people for many reasons. Why not just develop regulations, apply taxes to it, and maintain control over it rather than continuing the â€Å"war on pot† which has failed tremendously over the years.

Bunker Gear Fabric

Bunker gear or turnout gear is the protective clothing used by a firefighter in fighting fires and during rescue operations. This gear is called turnouts because when not being used, they are kept standing by to be put on swiftly by ‘turning out' the pants over the boots. It is a requirement for firefighters to be able to put on all of the gear in no time, and in this set up, all they have to do is to step into the boots and pull the pants up. This solidly insulated gear is worn to shield the firefighter's body from the extreme heat of a fire.Approximately, structural turnouts will break down at 650 °C (1200 °F). A full turnout gear may weigh more or less 30kg aside from other extra tools to be carried. It is consisted of â€Å"a coat, pants and suspenders, leather or rubber waterproof boots, a hood, a strong helmet with eye protection, gloves, a belt, and SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)† (www. sccfd. org). Turnout pants protects the lower part of the firef ighter's body. It is made of fire-resistant materials and they are easy to put on with Velcro and snaps.Turnout pants have side pockets for tools, gloves, and other necessary equipment. In order for the firefighters to be seen at nigh, these pants also have reflective stripes on the bottom. Turnout coat's outside liner is made of exclusive fire resistant fabrics. The coat has various liners for extra protection. One of these liners acts as a moisture barrier, it prevents outside moisture to reach the firefighter. Another part of the liner protects firefighters from the exposure to thermal heat. Pockets are also available for extra equipment such as gloves, radio, wrenches and other tools.Around its neck is a Nomex hood. Except for the face, it covers practically the entire head of the firefighter. The turnout boots are made of rubber. Aside from steel to covering, these have a steel shank in sole to protect firefighters from sharp or pointed objects. In order to be put on quickly, t hese boots have handles at the top. Wearing of this protective gear is a requirement for all firefighters approaching a seat of the fire or entering a hazardous area as stated in the NFPA 1971 Code or the Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting.Looking back in history, firefighters' garment was consisted of a cotton or wool shirt, heavy wool trousers, and a heavy wool tunic, which was sometimes worn over with rubber slickers. Wool was used because of its ability to protect a firefighter from heat and cold, and also because of its resistance to mild flame and water. Their gloves were the traditional leather gloves for laborers. It was only after the World War II when the standards for firefighter protective gears were issued by a number of organizations like the National Fire Protection Association or the NFPA.According to the NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Clothing for Structural Firefighting, turnout gears must be composed of three layers: the outer layer must be made fr om flame-resistant fabric â€Å"that would not be destroyed through charring, separating, or melting when exposed to 500 °F for a five-minute period;† the second layer must â€Å"prevent moisture from penetrating through to the wearer;† and the third layer must â€Å"provide thermal insulation from radiant, conducted, and convective heat† (http://www. pbs. org). Firefighters' gloves should also be resistant to heat, flame, liquids, vapor, and sharp objects.The boots should also withstand flame, puncture, heat, electrical current, and abrasion. Further advancements in firefighters' turnout materials came up during the 80s. The 500 °F temperature resistance limit of the outer shell was raised to around 1,200 °F. The other layer also allowed the firefighters to â€Å"release moisture from inside the gear,† and the material used was a fire-resistant fabric. Being self-extinguishing, this material will not continue to burn once it is out of contact with a fire. Bunker gears are made out of synthetic fibers such as Aramid and Polybenzimidazoles (PBI).These synthetic fibers are polymers. A polymer is a substance with high molecular weight made up of a large number of smaller molecules. These molecules, called monomers, react together in hundreds, or even millions of times. The properties of the polymers are determined by the molecular shape variations that resulted from the reactions. These could be in the form of long, straight chains or branched. It is through their average molecular weight that their sizes are expressed. Polymers with higher molecular weights have the higher strength. They also usually have high melting or boiling points.Filaments made of synthetic polymer fibers have excellent strength because these fibers can be prepared with regular structures that allow the chains to pack together tightly. Another advantage of synthetic polymers is that they are stronger and much lighter than steel, making them the choice for bunker gears and bullet proof vests. Aramids are synthetic polyamides, a class of polymer for textile fibers. It has a carbon-based backbone which contains aromatic rings. Fabrics made of aramids are strong and flame resistant even at extreme temperatures because of the stability of the fiber's aromatic structures and their conjugated amide linkages.Polyamides are manufactured through step-growth polymerization. In this process, â€Å"monomers with two reactive ends join to form dimers (two â€Å"parts† joined together), then â€Å"trimers† (three â€Å"parts†), and so on. However, since each of the newly formed oligomers (short chains containing only a few parts) also has two reactive ends, they can join together; so a dimer and a trimer would form a pentamer (five repeating â€Å"parts†)† (www. fibersource. com). The aramid fibers, on the other hand, are produced through Wet Spinning process.The fiber-forming materials are dissolved in a solvent, which is usually hydrogen sulfate (H2SO4), and spun using a spinneret. Aside from firefighting gears, aramid fabrics are also useful for friction products such as brake pads, clutch pads or seals and gaskets, because synthetic materials made from this fabric does not ignite or melt. Aramid fibers are also flexible, lightweight, resistant to organic solvents and fuels, and good insulators of electricity. Aramids are more popularly known with the names Kevlar and Nomex. The blend of these two aramids is used in manufacturing turnout gears.

Normally, I would have just felt really

It started the moment I woke up.   For some inexplicable reason, my dog, Sammy, decided to chew through the electrical cord and ended up getting fried in the process.Normally, I would have just felt really sad at losing Sammy who had been with me through a number of breakups and the drunken lonely evenings that followed, but I had gotten up late to meet up with this hot girl who asked me out last week.I hurriedly got out of bed to take a quick shower.   It was decidedly the best part of my day.   Uneventful and normal, just the way I like my days.   God had decided differently, however, as I stepped out of the shower only to realize that I had no dry towels.   Sammy, in his infinite wisdom, had apparently decided that his last act on this earth, save the suicide, was to soil all of my towels with his scent.   It was to be one of this many parting gifts to me that day, as I was about to realize.Managing to hurriedly dry myself off like Sammy would have done, I managed to f ind a pair of jeans lying around that was pretty clean.   Not long after that I was fully dressed and ready to go.   Mental checklist of deodorant, wallet, keys, phone all done, I nearly forgot my shoes.   It was amazing though that Sammy didn’t forget my shoes as I slipped my feet into a pool of his saliva that had accumulated inside the only decent pair of shoes that I had.It was the perfect day.   My best buddy dies in a freak electrical cord chewing incident, I dry myself off from the shower by shaking vigorously, and I find that I don’t even have any shoes to wear, all of these events on the one day that they shouldn’t be happening; the day that I was supposed to meet the girl of my dreams.I realize, as I stand there waiting for my dream date, that this was not only the perfect day but it was also the wrong day.   Sammy had somehow left with a last laugh.   He had taken a page off of my calendar and I realize that my date was for tomorrow and no t today.

Global Enterprise and Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Global Enterprise and Innovation - Essay Example â€Å"Innovation has been the basis of the great performance of the Jack Daniel’s trademark, this was inclusive of the commencement and universal crush of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey,† the company said. Even though the invention by and large is up to the authoritarian criteria for classification as a, straight bourbon the corporation disavows this categorization and markets it basically as Tennessee whiskey rather than as Tennessee bourbon. Packaged in distinguishing square bottles, a total of 11 million cases of the flagship "Black Label" product were sold in the corporation’s financial year ending April 30, 2013 Tennessee Honey has been seen to be incredibly popular in Brown-Forman’s next and subsequent major markets; this markets include Australia (contributing 13% of total sales) and the UK (9%), and similarly to Poland and South Africa. Brown-Forman said that Tennessee Honey, in connection with other innovations, lead to the rise of the company’s net sales by 25% in the financial year. In the meantime, the group’s portfolio of best and finest American whiskeys, are inclusive of: Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack raised the sales by 20% for the duration of the year. Innovation from Jack Daniel’s portfolio played a crucial role increasing the sales by 12% expansion rate in Brown-Forman’s comprehensive voyage vend industry, motivated by the flourished Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select. Brown-Forman viewed that the â€Å"outstanding† presentation of the Woodford Reserve product, which growth increased by 28% in course of the year, gives a bright insight of international expectations for the super-premium whiskey. The business attained concrete price hike, which assisted them expand the margin. Due to sustained international attention in North American, whiskey and constructive trends, the company remains watchfully confident that Brown-Forman’s strong and unprejudiced natural growth will carry

The Ethics of Lying Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Ethics of Lying - Coursework Example m a Kantian perspective this is morally wrong, but a utilitarian perspective, where the peace of the dying person is seen as contributing to the well-being of the whole family or community, would be able to justify this as moral (Mazur, n.d.; Plante, 2011; Anscombe, n.d.; Johnson, 2008). Bullet Point 2: Kant would say, with regard to the ethics of lying, that in essence lying is wrong in all cases, and that the ethics of lying is not hinged on circumstances, but on its being always wrong regardless of the external factors. Even in the case of say, a man with a weapon asking where a person is, with the intent of killing that person, one is compelled by Kantian ethics to say where the person is. Yes the person will die in the hands of the man with the weapon, but to lie about where the person is hiding, or where he went, would be wrong according to Kant (Mazur, n.d.; Plante, 2011). Bullet Point 3: Deontological theory in essence weighs the ethics of actions based on certain rules or categories of judgment. One can say for instance that Kant’s ethical precepts rest on the application of certain rules, and falls within the realm of deontological ethics. This is in opposition to consequentialist ethics, where in essence the ethics of actions depends not on some universally applied standards but on circumstances, and the consequences of actions. This is the case for instance with utilitarian ethics (Alexander and Moore, 2011; Mazur, n.d.; Plante,

An appraisal of a piece of research-based evidence relevant to Essay

An appraisal of a piece of research-based evidence relevant to healthcare practice - Essay Example The following appraisal evaluates a clinical research study and its potential applications to nursing practice. The main aims of this research study were to evaluate student nurses’ perceptions of hand hygiene practice compliance in order to explore ways of effectively incorporating best practice standards of hand hygiene compliance into nursing school curricula and training programmes. The impetus for this study was the documentation of increased incidence of health-care associated infections (HCAIs) and data that suggest that there are generally poor compliance rates for hand hygiene among healthcare workers (Creedon 2005). The rationale for the increased attention to hygiene compliance is that greater attention to hand hygiene practices among nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers may produce a decrease in the overall incidence of HCAIs among patients (Boyce & Pittet 2002). This is a very serious problem as noscomial infections are associated with higher mortality rates in critically ill patients, increased hospital stays and excessive antibiotic usage, all of which represent unwanted complications in patient care. There are a number of excellent search engines that would be relevant to this type of search. These include the Cochrane Library Online, which is a website containing journal articles and research findings designed to meet the needs of nursing professionals. Another excellent website is the Centers for Disease Control website (CDC), a USA based database that contains the results of the latest research on infectious disease, and evidence-based practice research findings. Pubmed/medline is an online database that can be used in a search by topic mode to obtain the latest journal research articles on this subject. The rationale for this research study involving nursing students’ perceptions of hand hygiene compliance was the

Early Childhood Education Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Early Childhood Education Program - Essay Example Creative Care Preschool is the ideal place for beginning learners. Armed with a sound philosophy, an efficient program and caring and efficient teachers and a conducive learning environment, this is where their bright future begins. Creative Care Preschool aims to reach the highest standards of quality for an early childhood center. It will provide the best developmentally appropriate programs for children aged 1.5 to 6.5 that will help develop children who are confident, others-oriented, creative and competent. The will have honed their skills to enable them to succeed in a globally competitive world. Creative Care Preschool advocates high quality care and education for very young children. It provides children several opportunities to experience learning first hand by themselves, with capable mentors and with their peers. Creative Care Preschool believes that God created each child in a unique and special way thus deserving LOVE and RESPECT. Each child is endowed with gifts, abilities and innately full of potentials, but in the process of â€Å"becoming† according to his own pace, interests and needs. A child learns best when he finds enjoyment in what he is doing, thus learning should be fun. PLAY is the world of children. Learning through play has value and is an effective method of teaching. Through play, a child develops his mental functions as he learns varied concepts, and at the same time he develops body coordination, he learns how to handle emotions, acquires social skills and values as he interacts with other children. All learning acquired by the child is an outcome of interactions between him and his environment (people, ideas and materials). A child is able to learn in an environment where there is freedom of movement and choice; this enables him to be an active participant in his learning as he initiates activities, asks questions, explores, observes, and socializes

What is life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What is life - Essay Example Link: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml Chemistry involves the study of the chemical compounds that make part of our environs. This is directly linked to biology in that biology engrosses the study of chemicals in living organisms and thus draws the fundamental concepts from chemistry. The study of any living thing within the predispositions of biology involves the study of chemistry. Chemistry also helps in the explanation of the chemicals of life such as the cellular compositions. Chemistry also explains how given parts of the body function and more the digestion of the different foods in the body. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBmghaw7_E The movement of the micro molecules in the cells involves the force of energy and biochemical reactions of the cells which require energy to occur. These reactions are sped up or slowed down depending on the energy that the cells have acquired from the adjacent environments. The building up and breaking down of the cellular components make part of the cell metabolism process as energy is transferred and used in these processes. The enzymes speed the biochemical reactions of the cells to speed up the metabolism processes to support the cell functions. The chemical reactions convert the substrates into products and this is done by attaching chemical groups or breaking off to divide the chemical groups from the substrates, for instance the process of glycolysis. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjza24Oyalc All organisms are composed of cells which are the basic units of life. The cell structures are the smallest units of life and therefore the units that are smaller than the cell are not alive. Different cell structures perform different functions and in different organisms. Generally the cells are composed of plasma membrane, which separates the cells from the external environment, the

Latin America And The World Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Latin America And The World - Term Paper Example Brazil Latin Americans give a lot of importance to their families and relationships. Traditionally the families use to have male head and astringent patriarchal structure where men use to have all the â€Å"say† and last word in the decisions. However, after the independence when many male family heads were either killed or imprisoned, females took the charge of the families. Montilla, a Brazilian author said that: "The traditional idea where the wife stays home and the husband works are not common anymore, the two of them are working. It's not negative in most cases. Many enjoy the space. When they come together they reconnect in a powerful way.† Mexico In the movie; Camila, directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg, the character of Camila narrated the situation of 1984 in Latin America. It was the time when Catholic beliefs in the hands of male authorities were suppressing the existence of females. It was a step taken to break the concrete ceilings that use to exist in the minds of Latin Americans. Camila became the voice of women of that time to rescue their rights and privileges. It was a bold question posted on priests and fathers of the churches that whether Christianity is against women? Is it against female freedom? Does it not allow a female to take her own decisions and most importantly what if males take wrong decisions, are they bound to be obeyed and can a woman raise no voice against it? The magnificent piece of magical realism where supernatural is so carefully blended with ordinary, Like Water for Chocolate, is written by Laura Esquivel.

Control and monitoring on smart grid Research Paper

Control and monitoring on smart grid - Research Paper Example Rp, parallel resistance, is a large value which has significant effect in capacitors which have small values. Rs, equivalent series resistance, albeit a small value, is vital in capacitors which have large values as their impedance is small when compared to Rs, and they dissipate high power. Ls, series inductance, is a representation of the total capacitance and inductance higher frequencies roll-off. At low frequencies, frequency and capacitance vary due to dielectric property changes. The same parasitic elements have an impact on the capacitor’s impedance when tested at different frequencies (National Instruments, 1). Capacitance is a capacitor’s ability of storing charge in an electric field. It is a measure of stored electric potential energy. A parallel plate capacitor common is a common device for energy storage device where capacitance and the conductor’s surface area are directly proportional. On the contrary, capacitance and the plate’s separation distance are inversely proportional. Using +q and −q as the charges on both conductor plates, and V as the voltage between the conductor plates, capacitance will be given by; The farad is the SI unit. One farad is one coulomb per volt. The energy, in joules, in a capacitor equals the amount of work done in charging it. Considering a capacitor with C capacitance, holding plate charges +q and −q. To Move a small charge element dq between the plates against V = q/C, the potential difference, will require dW , the work; A capacitor’s energy storage is calculated by integration of this equation. The initial uncharged capacitance is zero (q = 0). Moving a charge from a plate to the other until and attain a charge of +Q and −Q has to require the work W; Inductors are electronic components with the capability of storing energy as a current. Inductors consist of conductive coils wrapped around a magnetic material or without a core. The cores electrical properties show

Individual Report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Individual Report - Assignment Example These findings have shown that the process of building and managing small group in a learning environment is very important. Small groups are a critical way of observing and developing various skills necessary in learners’ life thus giving group work a new status. It’s only within group work that self confidence, team work and interpersonal skills can be nurtured and assessed. The development of communal activities is reported by students to create environments where by they can observe their own learning, adjust the learning to suit different situation thus get more engaged in their subjects. These attributes are part of a deep approach to learning and ensures higher retention levels buy the learners (Hogan 45). Cognitive research has revealed that even with what is considered to be good instruction, many learners, including academically gifted students have an inferior level of understanding than perceived by most. With commitment, students taking an examination are normally capable of identifying what they have learnt or what they have read; cautious probing, however, often reveals that their understanding is imperfect or distorted, if not altogether mistaken. People have to build their own understanding regardless of how evidently teachers or books tell them things. Mostly, a learner does this by relating new information and ideas to what he or she already believes. Concepts—the basic units of human thought—that do not have numerous links with how a student reasons about the world are not likely to be memorized or useful. Or, if they do remain in theory rather than practical, they will be tucked away in some corner of the brain and may not be available to influence thoughts about any other facet of the world. Concepts are best retained when they are met in a variety of contexts and articulated in a variety of ways, since that ensures that there are more occasions for them to become embedded in a

Problems and Benefits of Privatization of Public Sector Organizations in China Essay Example for Free

Problems and Benefits of Privatization of Public Sector Organizations in China Essay Privatization as an important role of economy , has great contribution for all over the world. So what is privatization? Privatization means transfer of assets of economic activity from public sector to private sector, it has been seen by many governments as a means of revitalizing inefficient industries and as an opportunity to raise revenues to ease budgetary problems; however, privatization in China is very complicated. When reform started in 1978, almost of the productive assets were state-owned in China. But reforms since then have not included privatization. Today, there is more than 70 per cent of Chinese productive wealth which belongs to Chinese government. During the first 20 years of reform, the government concentrated the country’s assets with a great purpose of development which helped to achieve the creation of infrastructure and expansion of industrial capacity. We can image, if the state assets had been privatized, it would become a big trouble for China to mobilize resources during the tremendous industrialization between 1980s and 1990s.That’s why the initial marketization-without-privatization approach has been successful. Also because of that, China has emerged a robust infrastructure and become an industrialized economy. However, this industry-first, government-investment-driven and export-oriented growth model which has been highly resource intensive has run its course. China has expanded export almost of the world, not only the developed countries, also Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. But this growth model is limiting the speed of export. China has to turn towards growth driven by domestic demand, not exports, and one led by service not industry to shift its economy. So what can help to stimulate the transformation? The answer is privatization. Privatization remains a thorny issue in a country where private property became a constitutional right only in 2004 and where the right to own productive assets remains unclear. Many vibrant, purely private companies have sprung up despite this uncertainty, but take care to stay out of the limelight. For example, the most famous Chinese private company is Legend Holdings Ltd, is Chinese investment holding company in IT, investment, and real estate formed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences- the best-known of which is the Lenovo Group in which Legend is the controlling shareholder. In 2006, the volume of its business was 4,033,096 million RMB. Another famous private company is Huawei which makes and sales telecommunication equipment. It is biggest supplier who provides the solution of telecommunication network. Until 2011, the whole company had 146,000 employees, and the annual sales volume was 203.9 billion RMB. Obviously the kinds of private companies become a main power to improve C hinese economy and increase national income. Proverbially, privatization can help to reduce the government financial and administrative burden. The best example is Legend Holdings Ltd. Legend Holdings Ltd was based on the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Chinese government only invested 200 thousands to organize the company. However, until now, the company has developed to an international holding company with the influence from all over the world. The Chinese government doesn’t manage the company directly but it controls a part of stock of the company. According to an analysis suggests that privatization of China’s state-owned enterprises is achieved with limited compromise on the social welfare responsibilities, and much of the improvement in the firm performance comes from the reduction in the agency cost at the management level. The state-owned enterprises generally have bloated management structure with excessive amount of managerial expenses. It is because the State Assets Agency has multiple objectives, and so long as the management meets those objectives it is neither motivated nor disciplined for profit maximization. On the contrary, private companies have their own management systems, they don’t have so much social welfare duties as state-owned enterprises. Rapid development of privatization also can help government to increase their financial income. According to the data suggests, in 2004, mainly to the private economy of small and medium-sized enterprises created 58.8 per cents of GDP, 68.3 per cents of exports and 48.2 per cents of revenue in China. Also we can see the data from Legend Holdings Ltd. Until 2003, this private company handed over to the national tax 5.45 billion RMB. As the state-owned enterprises, the government has to invest by themselves to get profit; however, as private company, government can get revenue without investing or management. Increasing efficiency and productivity in certain public sector is the third advantage of privatization in China. Some state-owned enterprises sale to specific purchasers through MBO(Management Buy-Outs). The managers cooperate with foreign companies which can help to import high technology equipment and improve the manufacturing technology. Obviously, this can increase the efficiency and productivity of company. The most famous example in China is Haier. Haier as a global electrical appliances brand, cooperate with 28 companies from difficult countries like America, Japan and Germany. As of 2008, Haier has surpassed rival Whirlpool as the worlds top refrigerator producer in terms of sales, according to Euromonitor, an independent business intelligence provider. Haier said it sold 12 million refrigerators worldwide last year, up 20% over the previous year. Its market share reached 6.3% globally. On the other hand, with the development of privatization in China, there are many problems which disturb the road of privatization. As I talked before, MBO is a kind of form of state-owned enterprises privatization. The government selling the state-owned enterprises to private organization or individual is another form. The biggest problem for this form is the individual will change the enterprise to family business. The Chinese Social Science Center had a research about Chinese private economy. The data showed 61.82 per cent companies admit that they are family business. Only 27.4 per cent of enterprises’ stock was controlled by family under 90 per cent. In China, family business enterprises’ average life is only 2.8 years. Why? Many bosses of private companies provide management job to their family. However, with the development of enterprise, importing the skills of manufacture and the experience of management become more and more important. Family members are not en ough for the development of business. The crisis of stock is another problem for privatization in China. A while back Huawei company was in trouble of old employees demanded the stock of enterprise. According to this event, we can notice there is more stock crisis in privatization of China. The owners of enterprises want to control the whole company; however, when the state-owned enterprises change to private enterprises, the distribution of stock is very confused. The lack of clear strategy of cooperation and the lack of coordination system make the partner scramble for stock, which can make the management layer into disarray. The developing of enterprise is seriously for entrepreneur. However, the growth of enterprise is not only expanding the company or increasing the number of employees, it appears in many aspects. Chinese entrepreneur always want to control their companies, this means they do not want to decrease their stock of the company. This phenomenon result to the lack of investment. For example, we can connect to family business. The lack of investment and management skills make the enterprises’ average life only 2.8 years. How to affect foreign investment and increase the capital is big challenge for Chinese entrepreneur because when the enterprises become private, the government cannot control or manage or invest to the companies directly. China’s privatization has developed more than 20 years, the private company increase the government financial income and develop Chinese economics. However the privatization in China is still not mature. A state-owned enterprise which changes to private enterprise has to face many problems. In general, the trend of Chinese privatization is optimistic. This also can help to develop the world economics.

Physical Education Essays School Sports

Physical Education Essays School Sports Introduction Physical education has been a central component of the national education system since its first implementation in public schools in the late 19th century. Incorporation of physical activity into schools is believed to offer a range of physical, psychological and social benefits and the National Curriculumcontains policy, based on research by the British Heart Foundation and independent education researchers, for physical education and sport promotion amongst the nations youth. This policy has generally been effective in helping students increase their physical activity levels and meet national guidelines. However, this policy is lacking in some ways and metrics for evaluating the success of the regions physical education programme are somewhat limited. The purpose of this essay is to review existing evidence regarding physical education in schools. The benefits of physical activity for children will first be considered, followed by a review of the National Curriculums policy on physical education. The efficacy of this policy will then be discussed, highlighting any evidence evaluating this relationship. Limitations to existing policy will then be presented, and recommendations for future research and practice will be provided. This essay concludes with a brief summary and outline of key points. Benefits of Physical Activity for Children The UK public education system had upheld a tradition of physical activity promotion within its schools, as well as recognised the multiple benefits of regular exercise on educational outcomes. These beliefs are based on empirical research, of which the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being have been widely documented (see Hills et al., 2011). These benefits appear to impact three broad dimensions of well-being in youth, including physical, psychological and social dimensions (Metcalf, Henley Wilkin, 2012). These three dimensions combine to determine an individuals Quality of Life (QoL), or an individuals subjective standard of happiness and general life satisfaction (Hills, Andersen Byrne, 2011). QoL has become an increasingly targeted outcome variable in public health and medical interventions due to its strong correlation with physical health (Hills et al., 2011). Numerous empirical studies (e.g., Marmot et al., 2012; Metcalf et al., 2012) have demonstrated that improved QoL is associated with reduced disease and illness, as well as reduced healthcare costs associated with treating such conditions. Including physical education in schools has, therefore, been recognised as a productive means of promoting exercise and healthy lifestyle habits from a young age (Hills et al., 2011). A recent review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness for school-aged youth demonstrated that even moderate amounts of daily exercise led to numerous positive outcomes amongst youth population members (Janssen Le Blanc, 2010). Based on a review of 86 papers yielding 113 intervention outcomes, this study demonstrated that physical activity was associated with moderate-to-strong positive effects on blood cholesterol, blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, bone density, psychological depression and physical injury (Janssen Le Blanc, 2010). Furthermore, physical activity was associated with a dose-response effect, whereby children who received more exercise experienced greater benefit (Janssen Le Blanc, 2010). Finally, this study demonstrated that exercise of vigorous intensities yielded greater benefits, while aerobic activities were associated with the strongest effect on bone density. Based on these findings, it was recommended that children aged 5 to 17 years old accumulate at least 60 minutes daily of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Janssen LeBlanc, 2010). Furthermore, Level 2 students are believed to benefit from even higher exercise intensities, while all children in this age group should continue to include weight-bearing and resistance training activities that promote bone and muscular strength (Janssen Le Blanc, 2010). An increasing body of research has demonstrated the positive effects of more vigorous exercise intensities, and health professionals and sports scientists alike are incorporating high-intensity interval training into their program designs (Janssen Le Blanc, 2010). These findings confirm several previous studies (e.g., Craggs et al., 2011; Metcalf et al., 2012) regarding the positive physical effects of physical activity for physical outcomes, and Janssen and LeBlancs (2010) physical activity recommendations provide more rigorous guidelines than those of the National Health Service NHS (2013). Physical activity is also associated with social benefits that can improve QoL in children (Hills et al., 2011). From an early age, physical activity plays a key role in the socialisation process of young students, who engage in play activities as a means of understanding social dynamics such as observation, modelling, sharing, social reciprocity, social exchange, gender roles and more (Brockman et al., 2011). As children reach later stages of their academic careers, involvement in sports and non-competitive activities serve as a key social outlet for children to continue to understand social processes and develop social skills needed to function in both the academic and professional environment (Hills et al., 2011). Continuing to encourage the play aspect of physical activity appears to be an important means by whichto ensure continued participation and prevent the natural decline in physical activity that typically occurs around the ages of 10 to 11 (Brockman et al., 2011). Finally, physical activity offers psychological benefits, both with respect to general affect and cognitive capacity (Craggs et al., 2011). A recent review of physical activity interventions for American children (i.e., Tomporowski, Lamnbourne Okumura, 2011) demonstrated that consistent exercise of moderate-to-vigorous intensities was effective for promoting emotional and intellectual development. Exercise is particularly effective for enhancing executive functioning (Tomporowski et al., 2011). Biddle and Asare (2011) performed a similar review of physical activity studies with British children, demonstrating that physical activity had strong positive effects on reducing depression, with a small effect shown for reducing anxiety. However, interventions conducted specifically with children from the UK remain somewhat limited, with authors finding just nine interventions that met inclusion criteria (Biddle Asare, 2011). Findings related to improved cognition within these children as a result of physical activity are somewhat inconsistent, although there is some evidence (e.g., Craggs et al., 2011) of improved cognitive performance and academic achievement resulting from physical activity of various modalities. Although the physiological route by which these benefits take place is not fully understood, the effects of exercise on cognitive functioning may result from the release of neurochemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, that regulate mood and clarify cognitive processes (Craggs et al., 2011). These activities may also enhance self-efficacy for physical activity, an affective state that may transfer to cognitive activities as well (Best, 2010). As technology develops, research is expected to match physical activity designs with benefits (Craggs et al., 2011). National Curriculums Policy on Physical Education Due to the extensive documentation of the benefits of physical activity, the National Curriculum has implemented policy on physical education for more than one century (Bouchard, Blair Haskell, 2012. A new National Curriculum is currently being designed for UK schools that will allow for more flexibility in programme design and offers a slimmer framework (Association for Physical Education, 2014). However, concepts from the former policy will still be incorporated into the new framework, including basic outlines for educational principles at key stages of learning and development. The policy currently segregates physical activity needs for students in Key Stages 1 and 2 versus those in Key Stages 3 and 4 (Gov.UK, 2013). However, the policy recognises that high-quality physical education is needed to promote full psychological, social and physical development, and the National Curriculum encourages engagement in sports and physical activities throughout all stages (Gov.UK, 2013). Furthermore, the curriculum assesses competency in physical activities, rather than just participation, in order to ensure that students know and apply skills learned within physical education courses and incorporates physical activity into their daily lives (Bouchard et al., 2012). At Key Stage 1, the National Curriculum recommends that students develop fundamental movement skills, become increasing competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance, and coordination, individually and with others (Gov.UK, 2013 p. 1). During this stage, pupils are encouraged to engage in both competition and non-competitive activities and become involved in increasingly challenging activities (Gov.UK, 2013). Finally, pupils within this stage are encouraged to learn basic movement skills that promote coordination and development of general motor programs, participate in team games, and perform activities that require simpler movement patterns (Gov.UK, 2013). At Key Stage 2, the National Curriculum recommends that students continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and to link them to make actions and sequences of movement (Gov.UK, 2013, p. 1). The National Curriculum encourages students to participate in activities that promote communication, collaboration, and the development of self-monitoring and self-evaluation of skills (Gov.UK, 2013). Additionally, students at this stage are encouraged to increasingly participate in competitive activities, develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance and perform activities with more complex movement patterns (Gov.UK, 2013). Comparing performance against peers and national standards is also recommended at this stage (Gov.UK, 2013). Swimming and water safety skills are introduced at Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2. At Key Stage 3, the National Curriculum recommends that students build on and embed the physical development and skills learned in Key stages 1 and 2, become more competent, confident and expert in their techniques, and apply them across different sports and physical activities (Gov.UK, 2013, p. 1). During this stage, students are encouraged to use a range of different techniques and methods to compete against opponents, continue to improve performance based on peers and national standards, take part in increasingly difficult and novel situations, and engage in non-school sport activities (Gov.UK, 2013). Additionally, educators are encouraged to continue to foster confidence through personal mastery of tasks and improvements in comparison with individual and national standards (Gov.UK, 2013). In Key Stage 4, the National Curriculum recommends that students tackle complex and demanding physical activities (Gov.UK, 2013, p. 1). At this stage, students have generally learned to become more independent and have ideally developed self-monitoring skills to continue to direct their own sport and interest physical activity participation (Gov.UK, 2013). During Key Stage 4, students are taught to develop multiple tactics and strategies to use in competitive situations, continue to master techniques of chosen sports or activities, take part in adventurous activities that require complex decision-making, and take part in both school and non-school-related physical activities (Gov.UK, 2013). This curriculum has guided physical education pedagogy for several years, although recent reform has led to some structural changes that are discussed in more detail below. Efficacy of National Curriculum Policy The National Curriculums policy on physical education draws from contemporary development research and is believed to offer an efficacious guideline for individual schools to follow in their programme designs (Standage et al., 2012). As the 2013 policy has been submitted for revision, the 2014 framework is being implemented to provide even greater freedom and flexibility for schools in their physical education delivery and curriculum model designs (Haerens et al., 2011). According to the Association for Physical Education (2014), this increased flexibility will be even more evident in primary schools, and places a higher level of responsibilityon teachers to be experts in their subject matter and pedagogical approach toward physical education (Association for Physical Education, 2014). Such a policy is hoped to place more power in the hands of educators and schools to include programmes they believe will be beneficial for their student populous. Though the National Curriculum is believed to be an efficacious and thorough policy that allows for individuality and creativityon the part of teachers to understand their own students needs, the effects of this policy remain to be seen. The former policy had previously been criticised for its limited evaluative efforts and sometimes ambiguous effects on key learning outcomes (Evans, 2004). According to a report by Evans (2004), the UKs former policy on physical education contained antiquated concepts regarding the development of physical abilities, and argued that the policy promoted exclusive practices for students less apt toward exercise in some respects. In a 2005 study related to the former UK physical education policy, Fairclough and Stratton (2005) found that physical education for students aged 11 to 14 was effective for increasing physical activity in students who were of high academic ability, while students of low- to moderate- academic ability did not increase their physical activity levels in response to physical education programmes. Thorburn, Jess and Atencio (2011) challenged the common conception that physical education programmes contribute to the well-being of students. Based on a review of Scottish physical education programmes, these authors concluded that individual curriculums often produced contrasting effects in student such as those found in Fairclough and Strattons (2005) research. While high-achieving students appear to benefit from this curriculum, such policy may promote exclusiveness in students of differing academic abilities (Thorburn et al., 2011). As a result, physical education may actually detract from the well-being of marginalised student groups. While studies (e.g., Janssen LeBlanc, 2010; Standage et al., 2012) have demonstrated that increased physical activity has been associated with reduced obesity and increased educational outcomes, the precise relationship between physical education policy and these benefits is less clear. Geyer (2012) criticised former education policy for its strong centralist nature and auditing approach toward education improvements. Therefore, allowing for greater flexibility amongst individual schools to assess needs and design a curriculum that most effectively meets those needs is believed to be a significant improvement over former policy (Geyer, 2012). Additional, more stringent evaluative strategies amongst individual schools may allow for less of an auditing approach toward improving physical education outcomes and more of a proactive approach that anticipates changing needs amongst diverse student groups (Geyer, 2012). Limitations to Existing Policy Though the National Curriculum for physical education is based on evidence and has recognised the widespread benefits of physical activity for UK student population members, some limitations exist that have warranted changes within the new policy. In addition to the lack of evidence regarding its efficacy, as well as the centralised and auditory approach toward addressing improvements in the system, the curriculum has been criticised for a lack of clarity and a lack of awareness by parents and teachers as to how to properly implement existing policy (Haerens et al., 2011). For example, Haerens et al. (2011) showed that many teachers lack a clear understanding of the specific goals and outcomes of the National Curriculum at each Key Stage, or suggest that these outcomes do not match the needs of their particular institution. This limitation will ideally be addressed by decentralising the new curriculum and placing more power of design into the hands of teachers within the UK education system (Geyer, 2012). Additionally, parents have been shown to generally lack awareness about key outcomes associated with each stage of development in UK educational pedagogy (Kirk, 2014). This is unfortunate, as parents play a pivotal role in regulating the extracurricular activities of children, and their involvement in promoting physical activity is crucial to capitalising on the inclusion of physical education in schools (Kirk, 2014). Implementation challenges have plagued previous UK physical education policy, and parents may help overcome this barrier (Zhu, Ennis Chen, 2011).There have been contextual constraints among schools limiting fitness science learning in the academic environment, as well as discrepancies in personal values toward physical education as a key component to a science-based educational program (Zhu et al., 2011). Greater efforts are needed to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity to parents in order to gain support for its inclusion and continued participation in schools (Zhu et al., 2011). Recommendations The benefits of physical activity for children are clear, and there are obvious societal advantages to promoting regular exercise from an early age (Standage et al., 2012). As the academic environment represents the most optimal setting in which to promote health and physical activity, a National Curriculum that includes physical education is crucial to a healthy and productive society (Kirk, 2014). However, improvements must be made in the individualisation of curricula based on need, as well as efforts to monitor the efficacy of existing policy (Bohn-Gettler Pellegrini, 2014). Finally, greater efforts to improve awareness of policy and the benefits of physical activity, particularly amongst parents, are needed in order to ensure national physical activity guidelines are met (Geyer, 2012). De-centralising the National Curriculum design and providing more flexibility for individual schools to target specific needs is recommended to promote the most effective physical educationprogramme for UK students (Geyer, 2012). Individual schools differ in their physical education needs, and their curriculum designs should reflect this need. Additionally, engaging parents in the design process as well as seeking their support at the school level may be beneficial in ensuring physical activity behaviours are encouraged in the home environment (Kirk, 2014). Finally, more research is needed that tracks key metrics related to the efficacy of new National Curriculum policy (Bohn-Gettler Pellegrini, 2014). For example, the relationship between physical education implementation and academic outcomes, obesity and QoL would all be beneficial in evaluating the efficacy of physical education policy (Hills et al., 2011). Such efforts may also help reduce the auditory approach taken in previous policy and encourage a more proactive physical education curriculum. Conclusion The purpose of this paper was to discuss contemporary issues regarding physical education policy within the National Curriculum. The benefits of physical activity for children were first explored, including psychological, social and physical outcomes. A review of the National Curriculum policy on physical education was then presented, including former policy and new changes within the 2014 revisions. The efficacy of this policy was then considered, as well as the limitations. Finally, recommendations for improving existing policy and increasing physical activity rates were discussed. Based on the evidence presented within this paper, physical activity appears to offer substantial benefits to students and the inclusion of physical education in the National Curriculum has the potential to offer long-term benefits to society. However, some issues regarding assessment, monitoring, decentralisation of design, incorporating parent involvement, and taking a more proactive approach toward improvements will all contribute to improved policy in the future. Implementing more rigorous research and intervention designs will ideally alleviate existing limitations in research surrounding this topic. References Association for Physical Education (2014). National curriculum 2014. [online] Available at: http://www.afpe.org.uk/advice-on-new-national-curriculum. Accessed 14 Oct. 2014. Best, J. R. (2010). Effects of physical activity on children’s executive function: contributions of experimental research on aerobic exercise. Developmental Review, 30(4), pp. 331-351. Biddle, S. J. and Asare, M. (2011). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: a review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45. Abstract only. Available at: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/45/11/886.abstract. Accessed 14 Oct. 2014. Bohn-Gettler, C. M. and Pellegrini, A. D. (2014). Justice, conflict and wellbeing. New York: Springer. Bouchard, C., Blair, S. N. and Haskell, W. (2012). Physical activity and health 2nd edition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Brockman, R., Fox, K. R. and Jago, R. (2011). What is the meaning and nature of active play for today’s children in the UK. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 8, p. 15. Craggs, C., Corder, K., van Sluijs, E. M. and Griffin, S. J. (2011). Determinants of change in physical activity in children and adolescents: a systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 40(6), pp. 645-658 Evans, J. (2004). Making a difference? Education and ability in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 10(1), pp. 95-108. Fairclough, S. and Stratton, G. (2005). ‘Physical education makes you fit and healthy’. Physical educations contribution to young peoples physical activity levels. Health Education Research, 20(1), pp. 14-23. Geyer, R. (2012). Can complexity move UK policy beyond ‘Evidence†Based Policy Making’ and the ‘Audit Culture’? Applying a ‘Complexity Cascade’ to education and health policy. Political Studies, 60(1), pp. 20-43. Gov.UK (2013). National curriculum in England: physical education programmes of study. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-physical-education-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-physical-education-programmes-of-study. Accessed 14 Oct. 2014. Haerens, L., Kirk, D., Cardon, G. and De Bourdeaudhuij, I. (2011). Toward the development of a pedagogical model for health-based physical education. Quest, 63(3), pp. 321-338. Hills, A. P., Andersen, L. B. and Byrne, N. M. (2011). Physical activity and obesity in children. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45 (11), pp. 866-870. Janssen, I. and LeBlanc, A. G. (2010). Review Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7(40), pp. 1-16. Kirk, D. (2014). Physical education and curriculum study (Routledge Revivals): a critical introduction. London: Routledge. Marmot, M., Allen, J., Bell, R., Bloomer, E. and Goldblatt, P. (2012). WHO European review of social determinants of health and the health divide. The Lancet, 380(9846), pp. 1011-1029. Metcalf, B., Henley, W. and Wilkin, T. (2012). Effectiveness of intervention on physical activity of children: systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials with objectively measured outcomes (EarlyBird 54). BMJ: British Medical Journal, 345. [online] Available at: http://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e5888. Accessed 14 Oct. 2014. National Health Service (2013). Physical activity guidelines for children and young people. [online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/physical-activity-guidelines-for-young-people.aspx#close. Accessed 14 Oct. 2014. Standage, M., Gillison, F. B., Ntoumanis, N. and Treasure, D. C. (2012). Predicting students’ physical activity and health-related well-being: a prospective cross-domain investigation of motivation across school physical education and exercise settings. Journal of Sport Exercise Psychology, 2012(34), pp. 37-60. Thorburn, M., Jess, M. and Atencio, M. (2011). Thinking differently about curriculum: analysing the potential contribution of physical education as part of ‘health and well-being’ during a time of revised curriculum ambitions in Scotland. Physical Education Sport Pedagogy, 16(4), pp. 383-398. Tomporowski, P. D., Lambourne, K. and Okumura, M. S. (2011). Physical activity interventions and childrens mental function: an introduction and overview. Preventive Medicine, 52, pp. S3-S9. Zhu, X., Ennis, C. D. and Chen, A. (2011). Implementation challenges for a constructivist physical education curriculum. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 16(1), pp. 83-99.

Leda And The Swan By William Butler Yeats

Leda And The Swan By William Butler Yeats Leda and the Swan is a poem written by William Butler Yeats. It is a fourteen line sonnet. The poem has many different themes, but the one of sex is the most apparent one. Yeats describes the violent act of rape but makes it sound almost beautiful and very sexual. The rhyme scheme and rhythm of the poem are both very important. The title of the poem is very critical to the overall meaning of the poem as well. Imagery is used liberally throughout the poem also. Figure of speech like: synecdoche, metaphor, personification, alliteration, allusion, and onomatopoeia are also seen throughout the length of the poem. This poem is very beautiful and has much meaning behind it. Not only is it a work of art in writing, it also gives us a feel of history. When analyzing any poem, the title is almost always extremely significant. This is the case in Leda and the Swan. The title is an allusion to the story of Leda being raped by Zeus. Zeus transforms himself into a swan, and the result of his rape impregnates Leda. She is also pregnant from her husband, and therefore is baring four children in her womb. This story continues to go on and ties in with the story of the Trojan War. The poem itself describes the rape of Leda, and nothing more. It begins with the swan descending on Leda and beginning the act of rape. Yeats, then, begins to give descriptions of the sexual act making them sound violent but at the same time very sexual. Ironically, he makes the rape sound almost beautiful. The poem is a fourteen line sonnet. There is a rhyme scheme which goes, abab cdcd efgefg. The first line of the poem ends with the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦still (1) which has a direct rhyme to the third line of them poem ending with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦bill, (3). The s econd line of the poem ends with the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦caressed (2) and the fourth one ends with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦breast. (4). This kind of rhyme scheme continues in the next stanza rhyming lines five and seven: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦push (5) and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦rush, (7), and lines six and eight: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦thighs? (6) and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦lies? (8). The last two stanzas, however, break apart from the rhyme scheme of the first two stanzas by having the first line of the third stanza, line nine rhyme with line twelve: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦there (9) and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦air, (12). Also, line ten is found to rhyme with line eleven: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦tower (10) and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦power (13). Last, lines eleven and fourteen also rhyme, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦up, (11) and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦drop? (14). The rhythm of the poem is also a very interesting one. When read, the poem sounds as if one is telling a story, almost like a bed time story. It sounds very soothing. Although some words like sudden (1), shudder (9), and burning (10) break off the rhythm of the poem and make it sound slightly less soothing, it is still an easy read and an evenly flowing poem. Imagery is seen very much throughout the poem. Yeats is very descriptive in this sonnet, therefore the many things he describes allows the reader to literally visualize the poem in their minds. It begins with the image of the swans first contact with Leda. Describing her thighs being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦caressed / By the dark webs, (2-3) The author continues to describe the sexual seen and allows the reader to envision a violent, yet sensual rape occurring. He describes the Leda attempting to push the swans à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦feathered glory from her loosening thighs (4-5), but being unsuccessful. He continues describing, in a way, the way that Leda may be feeling: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦feel the strange heart beating (7). By using words that sound more calm and pleasant, he makes the rape seem almost sensual, and in a way, as if Leda wanted it as well. This continues throughout the poem evoking many different kinds of images from the reader, some being pleasant and some not. Synecdoche is a figure of speech that is seen very often throughout the poem. The reader may notice the swan being described without actually being called the swan. Yeats uses many different parts of the swan or words that may symbolize the swan, when attempting to directly refer to the swan. For example, in the first stanza it says A sudden blow: the great wings beating still / Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed / By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill, (1-3) One may notice that the dark webs in line three stand for the swans webbed feet. Next, So mastered by the brute blood of the air, (12) the brute blood is actually describing the swan. The swan is the one master of the air. It continues to do this in the last line of the poem while saying Before the indifferent beak could let her drop? (14). the indifferent beak is, once again, a direct reference to the swan himself. He is the one who can finally let her drop when he is finished with her. Another example of sy necdoche in the poem is when Yeats uses words other than Ledas name to refer to her. For example, in line seven we read, And how can body, laid in that white rush, / But feel the strange heart beating where it lies (7-8) Here, we see Yeats using the word body in reference to Leda. It is Leda that is laying under all the white rush and feels the heart beating of the swan.

Pretty Painless Piercing :: essays research papers

On March 26, 2004, I rushed out the doors of my high school and went to pick up my friend Tommy from his high school. He climbed in the car and off we went to New Image Tattoo and Piercing. I was so nervous on the way there but super excited because I was going to get my first body piercing. I was scared and nervous because I only had my ears pierced. My mom got them done when I was six months old, so I don’t remember if it hurt or not. Plus, my parents didn’t know that I was going to get a piercing, so not knowing their reaction was a big concern. As much as I was scared about the outcome, the adrenaline was still pumping through my body like beats in a club playing hip hop. As I pulled into the parking lot, I started having second thoughts. I’ve never done anything like this before and I thought if my parents found out that they’d make me take out my piercing. As I walked through the doors and into the waiting area I was greeted by Bart, one of the owners. We talked for a little while and I had to fill out papers as well as pick a navel ring. My choices were barbells or hoops. They recommended a hoop for easier cleaning and a little faster healing time. Since I was going to the beach for senior week in three months, and the hoops were cuter, I choose the hoop. It was a silver hoop with a red ball. I requested Kurt, the same guy who did my friends piercing. I heard a lot of good recommendations, so that’s who I wanted. He took me into the room and explained everything as he was opening the packages to everything he was going to use. He explained how to clean my new piercing, as well as healing time. He had me stand up so he could mark me so the piercing would be straight and then had me sit back down. He reclined the chair and I peaked my head up so I could watch as he pierced my belly button but I got yelled at. He explained that the piercing could become off center because I was using stomach muscles to pull myself up to watch. So I put my head back down and he used a breathing technique with me.

Intention Consists of Belief, Intention Does Not Entail Belief :: Philosophy Essays

Intention Consists of Belief, Intention Does Not Entail Belief In this paper, we will discuss both Gilbert Harman’s and J. David Velleman’s theories of intentions. The central dispute between their two theories of intention is that Harman holds that intention entails belief, while Velleman holds that intention consists of belief. Velleman constructs a model of intention in which intention consists of belief in order to explain the apparent spontaneity of an agent’s self-knowledge. Harman, on the other hand, rejects the thesis that intention consists of belief because of an example involving an insomniac. My goal in this paper is to show how Velleman’s theory of intention can avoid the problem posed by the case of the insomniac. The conclusion will then be that Velleman’s theory is more plausible than Harman’s, because it is able to successfully explain more about our commonsense observations of agents, namely, how an agent’s self-knowledge is spontaneous. In Harman’s model, intention entails belief in that when one intends to A one believes that one will A. According to Harman, intentions are the result of practical reasoning and beliefs are the result of theoretical reasoning. For example, if I intend to write this paper, I must know that it is within my power to write this paper. Since knowing involves believing, I therefore must believe that I will write this paper in order to intend to write this paper. Thus, one comes to have a belief that one can do something, such as the ability to write a paper, as the result of theoretical reasoning, while one comes to have an intention, like writing a paper, as the result of practical reasoning. Simply put, the process goes as follows: practical reasoning forms intentions dependent upon the conclusions (beliefs) of theoretical reasoning. Now that we have an understanding about how intentions are formed in Harman, it is necessary to discuss what he thinks makes an intention an intention. According to Harman, an "‘act’ of forming an intention is always a means to end" (Harman, 157). Stated another way, an intention is always a way of doing something else. This feature of intentions is what leads Harman to conclude that intentions are self-referential, in the sense that one must intend to intend. That is, one always forms an intention intentionally. An important feature of intentions that Harman derives from this observation is that intentions are a means of guaranteeing that an agent will act in a particular way.

Continuity and Change in the Willamette Valley Essay -- United States

Continuity and Change in the Willamette Valley From the 1830s until the turn of the twentieth century, the Willamette Valley in Oregon was populated by people who migrated there from throughout the United States and the world. One group that came in large numbers was the yeoman farm families of the Midwest, who migrated to the Willamette Valley during the 1830s and 1840s seeking new land and continuity in their way of life. Another group that came in large numbers were Chinese migrant workers who came to the Willamette Valley after the Civil War, who came seeking work and continuity in their way of life. As the two groups pursued their own goals, interacted with each other, and tried to preserve their ways of life, both groups were changed forever, and a new culture was formed. During the late 1830s and early 1840s, the people living in the river valleys of the midwestern United States experienced an economic depression, floods, and the spread of diseases such as influenza and malaria. At this time, newspapers, pamphlets, lectures, and sermons had begun to spread word of the rich soil and healthful climate of the Willamette Valley in western Oregon (Jeffrey 27). As "Oregon fever" spread, it was the lure of the land that drew many yeoman farm families to travel 2,000 miles for a fresh start in Oregon. These small, independent farmers desired not land for land's sake, but land as a place to establish and provide for themselves and their families for generations (May 24). Yeoman culture was family-centered and the roles of men and women were distinct and interlocking. Husbands and wives were determined to carry their culture and ideology to Oregon and to recreate the world of their parents as they established a new... ...d, and society in the American West. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994. McClellan, Robert. The Heathen Chinese: A Study of American Attitudes toward China, 1890-1905. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1971. Pan, Lynn. Sons of the Yellow Emperor: A History of the Chinese Diaspora. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1990. Scott, H. W. History of Portland Oregon. Syracuse: D. Mason and Co., 1890. Seward, George F. Chinese Immigration: Its Social and Economical Aspects. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1881. Steeves, Sarah Hunt. Book of Remembrance of Marion County, Oregon, Pioneers, 1840-1860. Portland: The Berncliff Press, 1927. Takaki, Ronald. Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1989. Whitney, James A. The Chinese and the Chinese Question. New York: Tibbals Book Company, 1888.

Metabical Case

Table Of Contents 1. 0 2. 0 3. 0 Introduction Executive Summary Situation Analysis 3. 1 Identification Of The Problem 3. 2 Market Analysis 3. 3 SWOT Analysis 3. 4 Target Market Marketing Communication Strategy 4. 1 Marketing Communication Plan/Objectives 4. 2 Marketing Budget 4. 3 Schedule for Key Marketing Communication Activities 4. 4 Promotional Strategies 4. 4. 1 Advertising Strategies 4. 4. 2 Promotion and Public Relations 4. 4. 3 Sales Force 4. 4. 4 Comprehensive Support Program 4. 5 Product Strategies 4. 6 Distribution Strategies 4. 7 Pricing Strategies 4. 7. 1 Potential Customer 4. 7. 2 Sales Forecast 4. . 3 Return on Investment (ROI) Conclusion 4. 0 5. 0 1 1. 0 INTRODUCTION Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals (CSP) was an International health care company with a focus on developing, manufacturing, and marketing products that treat metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, immune deficiencies, as well as other chronic and acute medical conditions. The company captured ove r $25 billion in sales in 2007. Barbara Printup is the senior director of marketing of CSP who is responsible for the most successful product by CSP, Zimistat. CSP had assigned Printup to be in-charged of the upcoming U.S product launch of CSP ¶s newest prescription drug, Metabical. Barbara Printup, Senior Director of marketing for Cambridge Sciences Pharmaceuticals (CSP) will be the person who is responsible in the product launch of Metabical which scheduled for January 2009. It was now February 2008, and Printup ¶s first order of business was to develop a viable positioning strategy and associated marketing communications plan for Metabical. 2. 0 Executive Summary Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals (CSP) came out with the first prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically for overweight individuals called Metabical.The majority of Metabical trials participants reached their weight-loss goals by week 12. Although pricing had not been finalized, CSP estimated the retail pri ce for the drug would be approximately $3 to $5 per day, with the average course treatment lasting 12 weeks. In this report, we will conduct an analysis for CSP ¶s product, Metabical starting from the analysis of the industry. We will then elaborate the issues regarding overweight and obesity in the United States and analyse the market survey done by the company regarding overweight issues in order for us to decide which is the best market segmentation that we should target.The second focus in this report would be the positioning strategy which we will state the point of parity and point of differences of Metabical and come out with the positioning strategy and target market. The third focus will be the the SWOT analysis of the product which we will state the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Metabical which lead us in deciding which marketing communication strategy need to be taken next. Finally, we will discuss on marketing communication strategy which best su it with the product so that CSP able to communicate well with the target consumer.To decide the best positioning strategy and marketing communication plan, CSP had spent so much time and money in R&D and on FDA trials for Metabical. Printup was well aware that in order to recoup this massive investment, the drug need not only a successful launch, but also long term, steady demand. If Metabical were not successful with initial consumers, credibility of the drug would be in question and FDA approval would mean little. Printup still needed to flesh out the optimal segmentation, targeting and positioning of the drug, Then she could move on to assessing her current marketing 2 ommunications strategy and developing a timeline for the key activities. The case study had led us in analysing and deciding who was the ideal target consumer? How should each participant in the decision-making process to be addressed? How could these participant best be reached? What was the appropriate message to convey to one of them? What was the role of the support program? What was the optimal rollout schedule for the key marketing communications activities? In this report, Printup will provide all recommendations for the successfull marketing communication strategy and to ensure the long-term steady demand for Metabical. . 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM OVERVIEW OF OVERWEIGHT ISSUES IN THE UNITED STATE Excess weight is considered a public health crisis in the U. S, with approximately 65% of the entire adult population categorized as overweight, obese, or severely obese. Being overweight is related to a number of serious health complications, and according to the American Obesity Association in 2005, ? the second leading cause of preventable death in U. S. In addition to health risks, overweight individuals endure a significant social stigma as well as outright discrimination.Laziness and self indulgence are common stereotypes associated with this group. Many overweight people feel lik e social outcasts. The professional life of an overweight individual could also be negatively affected, as excess weight has been found to adversely influence, hiring decisions, wages, and promotions. Researchers and health care professionals measure excess weight using the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. The BMI scale, which calculates the relationship between weight and height associated with body fat and health risk, is appropriate for both men and women.It has three BMI categories of excess weight for adults:overweight (25 to 30); obese (30 to 40); and severely, or morbidly obese (over 40). According to CDC National Centre for Health Statistics in 2002, 65% adults age 20-74 are overweight. Overweight can give negative impact to the people ¶s life such as coronary heart disease, endometrial, breast and colon cancer, gynecological problem, stroke, liver disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, hyper tension and many other diseases. People are getting fatter almost everywhere in the world. In 2005, 1. 6 billion adults in the world are overweight while 400 million are obese.The World Health Organization predicts there will be 2. 3 billion overweight adults in the world by 2015 and more than 700 million of them will be obese. MARKET ANALYSIS Marketing survey An extensive market survey had been conducted in 2007 which included 1,000 men and 1,000 women age ranging from 18 to 70 with BMIs of 25 to 29. 9 from various socioeconomics levels. The objective of the market survey is for CSP to understand the consumer ¶s behaviour and what they actually want. 3. 2 3 At first 70% of respondents surveyed were not satisfied with their current weight. 5% 0f them said were actively trying to lose weight but just 15% of them mentioned that were comfortable using drugs to help their weight-loss goals. When we described the benefits of Metabical to participants, 12 % of them immediately ask us to make an appointment with health care providers and request a prescription. I n terms of satisfaction with their current weight in each gender, 75% of women and 65% of men mentioned were dissatisfied with their current weight and appearance, whereas 50% of women and just 30% of men visited a health care provider for annual physical test.Base on survey which respondents mentioned 55% of women and 40% of men wanted to change their behavior to live a healthy lifestyle. While 60% of women and 30% of men said tried and failed to lose weight in past five years. The survey results reveal 65% and 35% of respondents were dissatisfied with current weight-loss options on the market for women and men respectively. In our data pool educational level of respondents as they mentioned was that 75% hold a college degree and 45% hold high school diploma and they were aware of the health risks associated with being moderately overweight.Based on respondents ¶ report, 65% of 18 to 35 years old respondents said that they wish to lose weight to look better and the rest (35%) of the same age group respondents said that they wish to lose weight to improve their overall health. While respondents with 35 years old and above have percentages 40% answers for good looks and 60% for better health. According to survey results 5%, 11% and 20% of respondents who have income level less than $40000, between $40,000 and more than$80,000 respectively mention that they would be willing to pay ? ut of pocket ? for a prescription weight-loss drug. Therefore according to the survey there is a need for a better weight loss drug which is proven and safe to lead a health lifestyle. Market Research Based on statistic on adult population in United States between 1976 and 2000 obviously we can see the percentage of obese and overweight steadily increasing. The percentage of overweight population who had BMI between 25 and 30 which categorized in overweight group was 34% in year 2000. while in the same year 25. % of U. S. populations categorized as obese and 4. 7% into severely obe se. Also the percentage of obesity were rise steadily with age in both gender with the highest occurrence among men age 65 to 74 and women age of 55 to 64 and with overall more prevalence in men rather than women. As we can see the percentage of obese had inversely related with education level and income level. The highest obesity percentages were in less than $25,000 with 32. 5% and level of education less than high school with 27. 4%.Through this experience and strong need to cater the moderately overweight people, health care providers saw their potential customers in them who want to lose unhealthy pounds. Health care providers went ahead to produce the drug and recommend them to use it besides getting help from diet and 4 exercise schedules. Based on reports which were obtained from health care providers one of their major concerns about weight-loss drug was that patients would get back weight when they stopped taking pills. We try to achieve psychographic segmentation of overw eight.According to research which was done on females, they have verity of aims to lose weight. In age 18 to 30 with high school education and under $40000 income have low self-esteem and unrealistic expectation to look like a movie star. And in age group between 25 to 40 with college education and income level $50,000$80,000 said willing to alter current behavior to get back to their old physic. While age 35 to 65 with college education plus and more than $80,000 income mentioned ready to make change to be healthier. In age group 45 to 65 with some college education and income $40,000 to $60,000 want to lose weight but if it is easy.In age group 40 to 65 with some college education and income $30,000-$50,000 they accepted their overweight and they don ¶t want to change the lifestyle. Printup also commissioned a study to analyse psychographic segmentation of overweight individuals. The study revealed that women demonstrated the most distinct segmentation. Out of five psychographic profiles, we feel that CSP should focus into two of it segmentation which is as follows: SEGMENT ? I want to be healthier? DESCRIPTION Want to lose weight to feel better and live longer.Knowledgeable about the importance of nutrition and exercise. Ready to make a change. Focused on gold of reclaiming former weight. Motivated and willing to alter current behaviour. TYPICAL DEMORGRAGPHIC PROFILE Age 35 to 65, college education plus, household income $80,000+ ?I want to wear my skinny jeans? Age 25 to 40, college education, household income $50,000 – $60,000 To support the above findings, in February 2008 focus group study revealed their dissatisfaction with current weight-loss options and the desire for a proven and safe way to drop excess weight.This focus group participants also expressed the desire for a prescription ±strength drug with FDA approval and clinical result to back up weight-loss claim. 5 3. 3 SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT Analysis is a Strategic Planning method that is used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a business. It involves monitoring the internal and external marketing environment. Table 1 : SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. FDA approval Safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss. Less harmful compared to other products.One pill per day Average course treatment lasting12 weeks Combination of Calosera and meditanan created dramatic effect for weight loss. Strong and Comprehensive marketing strategy Experience marketing and R&D team Allocate substantial amount of money in marketing budget i. ii. WEAKNESSES Negative side effect-gastrointestinal discomfort. Not effective for individual with BMI>30 OPPORTUNITIES i. ii. iii. iv. Comprehensive support program Health care plans to include Metabical in their prescription drug program 65% of adult population categorized as over weight, obese or severely obese.No prescription  ± drug options for overweight segment (BMI 25-30 ) available in 2008 except drug Alli approved by FDA Market research indicated of high indication of people wanting to loss weight. i. ii. iii. THREATS FDA imposed stringent regulation due to negative side-effect cases. Increasing herbal / dietary supplements Deceptive marketing claims. v. 3. 3. 1 STRENGTH CSP believed that its prescription drug, Metabical, is far more superior than any weight-loss solution on the market because Metabical would be the first prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically for overweight individuals (i. . , those with BMI of 25 to 30). The combination of calosera and meditonan produced dramatic weight loss for overweight individuals and it is find to be less harmful as compared to other weight loss drugs. It worked in a low dose formulation, thereby reducing stress on heart or liver function than other weight loss drugs tended to produce. Metabical also contained a controlled release feature that required only one pill to be taken per day with aver age course of treatment lasting 12 weeks. It also helps in changing people behavior to a healthier eating habits.CSP is an international company with a strong and experienced marketing and R&D team. CSP has developed a comprehensive marketing strategies and have allocated substantial amount of money in marketing budget. 6 3. 3. 2 WEAKNESSES Despite of its strength, Metabical has few negative side effects associated with excess fat and calories in the diet. It occurs when users consumed high level of fat and calories. These side effects were similar to the gastrointestinal discomfort caused by Alli, only less severe.Metabical ¶s formulation however is not very effective in helping individuals with BMIs of 30 or greater and was, therefore, not recommended for this group. 3. 3. 3 OPPORTUNIES Excess weight is considered a public health crisis in the U. S and approximately 65% of the entire adult population categorized as overweight, obese or severely obese. With these large population , it creates an even bigger market share for Metabical. In addition, no prescription drug option specifically for the overweight segment (BMI of 25 to 30) were available in 2008 except for drug Alli had been approved by the FDA for weight loss used.Meaning there will be no strong competitor for Metabical for the time being. From the market survey and market research conducted by CSP, it showed high indication of people actively wanting to lose weight and live a healthy life style with comprehensive support program will enable individuals to achieve better results than they would from the pill alone. In addition, the support program would teach lifestyle skills for healthy weight maintenance after the initial weight loss was achieved. 3. 3. 4 THREATThe drug industry faced several safety concerns with regard to weight-loss drugs and had been accused of deceptive marketing claims that dempened enthusiasm for the products. This deceptive marketing claim had damaged the industry credibil ity and to regain consumer ¶s confidence would be another big challenge to the drug industries. The rising in the numbers of dietary supplements and herbal products had worsened the situation due to its unregulated condition by the FDA and the products negative side effect such as sudden cardiac death and other serous health risks had reduse people confidence in weight loss drugs. . 4 TARGET MARKET In developing a viable positioning strategy in order to determine the right target market, CSP had conducted an extensive market survey of overweight individuals in the year 2007. Under the market analysis, Barbara Printup also carried out a study to analyze psychographic segmentation of the overweight individuals and they found out that women demonstrated the most distinct segmentation. Based on these findings from the market survey, market research and the psychographic segmentation, we suggest that the target market for Metabical are as the following: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 4. 0 Specifica lly for overweight individuals with BMI of 25 to 30. Women with age ranging from 25-65 Women with household income between $50,000 – $80,000 Women with college education and above Concern with health issues caused by overweight and actively trying to lose weight Willing to change current behavior and to live healthy lifestyle MARKETING COMMUNICATION STRATEGY The communication strategy of a prescription weight loss drug such as Metabical had to address all participants in the decision making process.Therefore, the communication strategy must focus on two main targets firstly, the Healthcare Providers and secondly direct to consumers who would be prescribing the medication. The marketing communication strategy should also address the concern of the healthcare providers which is  µthe patient would regain weight after they stop taking the pills ¶ and to include in the communication process by providing solution through Metabical and its continuous support program.As far the end consumers the communication process must address their concern which is  µwant to lose weight to feel better and live longer ¶. The initial Metabical launch budget is as per Table 2 below: Table 2 : Marketing Budget YEAR 1 ADVERTISING Push (Prescriber) Pull (Direct To Customer) Total Advertising $ 1,000,000 $ 12,000,000 ——————-$ 13,000,000 $ 200,000 $ 600,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 500,000 $ 200,000 ——————-$ 3,500,000 $ 3,500,000 $ 800,000 ——————-$ 4,300,000 $ 600,000 $ 1,491,000 $ 255,000 $ 23,146,000 PROMOTIONDevelopment of Support Program Lunch & Learn Seminars / Other Promo Production of Support Program Training / Promotion Materials Direct Mailing To Health Care Providers Total Promotion PUBLIC RELATIONS Medical Education Meeting and Event Press Release / Materials Total Public Relations Market Research Sales Force Allocation Product Management Allocation TOTAL BUDGET It is also very important for the marketing communication strategy to have the timeline for the key marketing activities and we proposed the optimal roll out schedule for key marketing communications activities to be as follows: 8Table 3 : Schedule of Marketing Communication Activities TIME LINE Sales Force Road show On Clinical Information by sales Pharmacies Team Advertising To Create Brand Awarenes & Knowledge Advertising Branding Image Promotion & Public Relation Product Launch Continues Support Program YEAR 1 YEAR 2 FEB 2008 JAN 2009 4. 4. 1 ADVERTISING A sum of $13. 0 million had been allocated for these push and pull advertising. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a new phenomenon in the drug industry due to the introduction of guidelines by the FDA in 1997 that opened up the flood gates to the drug advertisements.The first year, CSP should aggressively spend on the advertising activities to DTC in order to create product knowledge and brand awareness which include television, online (website), radio advertisements and press conference during the product launch in January 2009. In order to meet its objective we propose that the advertisement strategy must go with the tagline ? Losing weight is tough, You don ¶t have to do it alone. Let Metabical and your healthcare provider start you on the road to a healthy weight and better lifestyle?.The Senior Executive of CSP did not agree with the idea of celebrity endorser but we strongly believe that this celebrity spokesperson idea is a great idea and able to attract more customers to buy Metabical. As we know that celebrities have become the trend setter and very influential in terms of their style of dressing, hairstyle, cosmetic that they are wearing, their car model and even what they eat. Thus, a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey can be very influential in attracting more customers especially when she endorse Metabical in her talk show program.Metabical ¶s advertising strategy should also target the professional medical community which is the healthcare provider. For example, they could create a campaign by print ads in leading medical publications and interactive ads online related to health issues in order to raise awareness about the drug and its benefits. 9 This advertising concepts which aimed to healthcare provider must go along with the tagline ? Empower your patients to lose excess weight. Change their unhealthy eating habits and achieve long term success.Introducing Metabical short-term drug therapy and comprehensive support program for overweight patients. It gets results? 4. 4. 2 PROMOTION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS The promotion and public relations budget also included campaign aimed at both healthcare providers and the end consumers. The total budget allocated for this campaign is $4. 3 mil with $1. 3 mil was allocated for promotional campaign in the first year. Before the Metabical launch, pamphlets and reply card for sample of support program should be mai led to 100,000 health care providers as a direct mail campaign.These pamphlets contain information about Metabical. The next best campaign that the marketing communication strategy should focus heavily on is the viral marketing campaign in order to reach the market globally. This viral marketing involves internet sales, social network such as facebook, twitter and blogs in order to create buzz for Metabical. Infact, CSP should set up a team on this viral marketing campaign in order to reach customers faster and cheaper globally.The plan to launch an online contest during Metabical launching day is a good idea whereby Metabical users would have the chance to compete who could reduce their BMI ¶s by the highest percentage. Normally in the weight loss industry, people want to see results and testimonial on the drugs. ` We consider the Public Relations efforts to include pre-launch and atlaunch press release is a good more because it can act as a teaser ad and to inform the public at large that Metabical is the newly safe weight loss drug in the market.The roundtable discussion involving prominent leaders member of media and medical professional in the medical community and medical research symposium to members of media and medical professional, is an important strategy because in order for the weight loss products to be successful, an endorsement by expert is very likely to increase the confidence level of the customers. In addition, the coverage of these high profile events in the leading news organization shall enhance the marketing communication strategy of Metabical.A series of breakout sessions focusing on health issues for overweight patients shall further strengthening the communication strategy in product effectiveness and awareness. 10 4. 4. 3 SALES FORCE The Metabical sales team consisted of 32 sales representatives who service approximately 3,200 medical offices. These sales team had been instructed to give product detail of Metabical to the healthca re providers.In order for the sales team to be effective in meeting objective of creating product knowledge and its benefits, they providing clinical information and to arrange for a visit to at least four medical offices per day in order to finish up the 3,200 medical offices which are already in their data base. CSP also need to increase the number of their sales force team in order to cover the other 100,000 healthcare providers which are still untapped by them. This additional sales force team need to attend all the inquiries that they might receive after the mailing of pamphlets and sample to the said 100,000 healthcare providers. . 4. 4 COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAM The most common problem among the weight loss drug company is that people will start regaining weight once they stop taking the pill and in some cases, these people will gain even more weight then their initial weight. Realising this issue, CSP planned to create a comprehensive support program to complement the Met abical pill. Its goal is to enable individuals to achieve better results than they would from the pill alone. In addition, the support program would teach lifestyle skills for healthy weight maintenance after the initial weight loss was achieved. 200,000 will be spent on the development of the support program and the cost in Year 1 associated with producing the program is approximately $2 million. It is recommended that CSP to add this comprehensive support program in their packaging in the form of a CD in each pack so as to enhance the ability of Metabical users to reach and maintain their weight-loss goals. They can also put it in their website and to other form of social network. The sales force team also need to include this support program in their presentation in order to convey its benefits to the healthcare providers.It must also be well stated in the pamphlets and flyers which they are distributing. 4. 5 PRODUCT STRATEGY Metabical is the first prescription drug approved by FDA specifically for overweight individual with BMI of 25 to 30. Clinical trials proved Metabical to be safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss for overweight individuals. The majority of trial participants reached their weight-loss goals by week 12. Thus, CSP need to decide on the best form of packaging by considering what is the number of pills that would be included in each pack. 11Packing the whole twelve week supply in one package will cause higher pricing and it will effect the number of potential customers. Even though the twelve-week supply will enable the customers to complete the twelve-week cycle in 3 months in a row but it will limit the potential customers only to those who can afford the entire medication program with one-time pay. Therefore, it is advisable to pack Metabical with one pack for four week supply which can make it affordable for everyone. However, there is risk to this one-month packaging whereby there will be no guarantee that the consume rs will complete the entire treatment.As such, it is also suggested to have another packaging with 3 pack for 12 weeks supply and as value added, a CD contain comprehensive support program is attached to it. By attaching the comprehensive support program to the 3 pack of twelve week supply it can definitely attract more customers especially those with higher income bracket of more than $80,000. 4. 6 DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY Being a prescribed weight loss drugs definitely the distribution channels are limited to places such as Drug store, healthcare Providers, Specialty Store uch as Watson, Pharmacy such as Guardian and the latest trend is the Internet Sales. 4. 7 PRICING STRATEGY Pricing is another important factor in determining the success of Metabical. In order to determine the price for Metabical, first we compare with its closest competitor which is Alli ¶s pricing model. We have to also come up with several other assumptions such as by assuming that consumers will be ready to p ay more for a prescription drug and generally people trust prescribed drug rather than the non-prescribed drugs.So, to set higher price for Metabical would not be a problem and would be acceptable by the consumers. Therefore, we come-up with price simulation as per Table 4 below: Table 4: Pricing Simulation METABICAL ALLI Estimated Retail Price Dosage Treatment $3 to $5 Per pill 1 Pill Per Day 12 Weeks (90 Days) $120 Per Pack / $2. 40 Per Pill 1 Pill Per Day 50 Days $2 Per Pill Revenue Per Month Revenue Per Year   ESTIMATED RETAIL PRICE $3 Per Pill $4 Per Pill $5 Per Pill $6 Per Pill $60 $720 $90 $1,080 $120 $1,440 $150 $1,800 $180 $2,160 To sell at $90 per month is to low because Metabical is a prescription drug. To capture a larger group the price should not as high as $150 per month. $120 per month would be the right price for a four weeks supply. Based on Table 4 above, we set Metabical price at $120 per month which we assume would be the right price for a four week supply. 1 2 Pricing strategy is also directly ties with the demand forecast and sales forecast. Thus, based on Market Survey and Market research finding we come up with demand forecast as per Table 4 below: 4. . 1 POTENTIAL CUSTOMER Table 5 : Potential Customer POPULATION OVERWEIGHT POTENTIAL USER (Million) (25 < BMI < 30) (MILLION) 2000 209 34% 71. 06 2008 230 39% 89. 70 FROM MARKET SURVEY 12% – Respondents Immediately Make an Appointment With Their Health Care Provider and Request a Prescription YEAR 2000 YEAR 2008 71. 06 Mill X 12% = 8. 53 Mill 89. 70 Mill X 12% = 10. 76 Mill Say Only 10% Consumers Can Be Reached In The First Year 8. 53 Mill X 10% = 0. 85 Mill 10. 76 Mill X 10% = 1. 08 Mill YEARFrom the above demand forecast, we then come up with the sales forecast as per Table 6: 4. 7. 2 SALES FORECAST Table 6 : Sales Forecast ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF PACK TO BE SOLD From : 2. 55 Mill Packs (0. 85 Mill X 3 Packs) To : 3. 24 Mill Packs (1. 08 Mill X 3 Packs) Consider Price @ $120 P er Pack CSP WOULD EARN BETWEEN $306 Mill to $389 Mill 4. 7. 3 RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) Table 7 : Return on Investment (ROI) INITIAL YEAR SALES TURNOVER ($ Mill) ACUMULATIVE CASHFLOW ($ Mill) RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) ( % ) (423. 5) (423. 15) YEAR 1 347. 40 (75. 75) -19% : : : YEAR 2 383. 88 308. 13 77% YEAR 3 424. 18 732. 31 183% 515% $2,623. 65 MILL 1. 27 YEARS YEAR 4 468. 72 1,201. 03 300% YEAR 5 517. 94 1,718. 97 429% INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR) NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) PAYBACK PERIOD y ASSUMTIONS Product Price : $120 Per Pack (For 1 Month Treatment  ± 30 pills) Estimated Product Sold in Year 1 : From 2. 55 Mill  ± 3. 24 Mill (Say On Average 2. 90 Mill Packs). Turnover Increase by 10% Every Year. Investment Cost $423. 15 Mill. 13 5. 0CONCLUSION Print-up had come up with a strong and comprehensive marketing communication strategy which focus on the brand awareness and Metabical benefits to the targeted group. Based on the extensive market survey and market research as well as the focus group findings, the marketing communication strategy of Metabical will be successfully creating demand for Metabical. Furthermore, being known as the only prescription drug with FDA approval and clinical results to back up weight-loss claims will definitely attract a lot more customers and steady demand in the future. 14