Obesity and Government Control

Obesity and Government Control In today’s society there are many Americans who are either overweight or obese and have diabetes. David Zinczenko in â€Å"Don’t Blame the Eater† argues that fast food companies ate to be blamed for the obesity that is now very common in the US. Radley Balko argues in â€Å"What You Eat is Your Business† that the government is responsible for the obesity epidemic that the US is found in today. The government should have some in not all control or regulations on what the people of the country decide to eat.With no control the US is headed for a nation of overweight, obese, diabetic, and unhealthy people. Before the early 1990’s, diabetes found in children were usually because of genetic disorders and around five percent of the children were obsess or had Type Two diabetes. According to the National Institute of Health, about thirty percent of the children population has Type Two diabetes. Because of the increase in the amount of people who are being diagnosed with diabetes, the amount of money spent on health care costs is a surprising one hundred billion a year.Since 1969 that has been a dramatic increase of about ninety-seven billion. (Zinczenko) Zinczenko argues that many fast food restaurants don’t give information on the calorie count their food contains. Unlike grocery items, there aren’t many fast food companies that provide their clients with the calorie information on their food labels. By not giving out this important information, consumers aren’t aware of the unhealthy consumptions.Although this is a good point, we as humans are smart enough to know that if we walk into a fast food restaurant, the food we buy isn’t going to be the healthiest and that if we eat this type of food twice a day every day or even every other day, we will eventually put on a great amount of weight and make our body vulnerable to health risks such as diabetes. The government should m ake it a law for restaurants such a McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s put exactly how many calories each thing on their menu has.The fast food industry doesn’t only target adult but also children by selling kids meals that come with a toy from that popular movie every child wants or has watched or that popular toy company. This is how they attract kids but in return for the money, they give kids that delicious but unhealthy burger with a toy that usually ends up lost or in the garbage after a few days or even hours. Instead of giving a side of fries and soda, what they should do is give kids a daily fruit serving with he choice of either orange or apple juice. There should be a regulation on the amount of calories children can consume at these restaurants. These children are the future of the country and if they grow up having horrible eating habits, how this country going to get anywhere with people who aren’t able to do a certain job because of their health problems? The government should put very tight restrictions on how the fast food industry carries itself when it comes to selling food that isn’t healthy.According to Zinczenko, â€Å"prepared foods aren’t covered under Food and Drug Administration labeling laws. † (Zinczenko 393) This is one very important thing that the government should definitely change. People need to be informed with the amount of calorie intake that delicious Whopper has. If the person sees how many calories they are eating they may second guess about eating fast food four times a week. Changing this regulation can make a difference on someone’s life.Balko states that, â€Å"state legislatures and school boards across the country have begun banning snacks and soda from school campuses and vending machines,† (Balko 396) and that this is not the way to combat obesity. By the government banning the unhealthy foods we eat, they are taking responsibility on our health car e and wellness, instead of us worrying and taking care of ourselves. Although Balko makes a good point, right now the government had no control on our food consumption choices and we are still making horrible health choices.If the government takes control on the food we can and can’t eat, we soon will accustom ourselves to pick a fresh apple over some deep fried onion rings. Pretty soon the US will find itself in a society where the amount of people who are diabetic and obese isn’t sky rocketing. Like everything, there is always going to be those people who don’t agree with the government telling us what to eat and what not to eat. The way I see it right now, in this specific time in life, I would agree with the government helping us out.A little push won’t hurt and in the long run it can make a huge difference on our own health and for the health of those we care most, them being our children, parents, family, and friends. Works Cited Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. â€Å"Don't Blame the Eater. † They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. New York: W. W. Norton &, 2010. 391-94. Print. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. â€Å"What You Eat Is Your Business. † They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. New York: W. W. Norton &, 2010. 395-99. Print

Utilizing Leadership to Accomplish Successful Organization

Utilizing Leadership to Accomplish Successful Organizational Cultural Change The following paper will provide an in depth analysis as to the benefits associated with utilizing leadership to implement successful organizational change. The paper will outline and convey the importance behind effective leadership demonstration within the workforce environment.Along with this, the importance for instigating and culturing positive working relationships amongst employees, coupled with streamlined communication between staff and executive management is of the utmost importance. This paper will produce the direct correlations between innovative thinking and successful organizational cultural change, showing the importance of this relationship.The paper will reveal that the functional realities met by senior level leadership provide respective managers with access to information vital to the success of organizational change and therefore, are crucial to the drivers of change, seeking to influe nce middle level management and ground floor employees' willingness to accept change It is imperative that there is a thorough understanding as to what is needed to facilitate cultural change implementation, and hat leadership members convey these principles and strategic ideas accurately to their respective staff.Earning and retaining employee willingness to implement change is of the utmost importance as this will allow for more efficient change implementation, combined with a strategic organizational effort. Along with this, implementing streamlined communication amongst staff and managers provides a proactive approach in nullifying any potential impasse in the overall goal. Phalanx's article entitled, Cultural Revitalization Movements in Organization Change Management, outlines one of the most convincing case studies as it relates to what is added in implementing successful cultural change within an organization. 2005) Philae conveys a thorough understanding of why and how organ izational value systems change according to the model and furthermore outlines how management can successfully guide change in behavior. Along with this, strategic cultural change implementation is most efficient when management best understands the ultimate task at hand. Along with effective leadership demonstration, the need for building positive relationships amongst all parties when seeking cultural change is of the utmost importance.This can instigate trust and rapport between both employees ND management alike, allowing for streamlined communications. Bogart, Melville, and Wilkinson, outline the need for organizational leaders to facilitate the complexities of workforce relationships through the process of training and immersion. It is within these training principles that proper employee expectations can best be established. This then affords each employee the opportunity to fully understand their respective position within the workforce environment, which can then ultimately lead to an increase in employee sense of ownership.Positive reinforcement of applied training principles can double as a strategic catalyst for erect and coherent correlation between long-term, innovative thinking and cultural change within an organization. (Bright, Mink, & Owen, 1993) Highly efficient and successful organizations understand the need to adapt with change, and implement policies and procedures that will act as the catalyst for this change.Furthermore, proactively outlining and presenting a clear and concise program when seeking to implement cultural change proves to be advantageous in identifying the end result and then preventing any possible impasse in direction between management and employees. The principles of Total Quality Leadership, as outlined by W. Edwards Deeming, seek to identify an integrated philosophy of leadership and management that has been easily integrated amongst other organizations with a sufficient level of success.Continued education at the m anagement level can be advantageous in the construction of a new cultural philosophy within a respective organization. (Bonkers, 1992) This proves to be beneficial for all parties as it provides the organization with a leadership team that not only possess the intellectual capacity to facilitate change, UT also provides management, and in turn, their respective employees, a strategic opportunity to capture and utilize an educated skill set. There is a direct correlation between organizational leaders and human resource practices and how these components work together to implement organizational cultural change. Easterly- Smith & Salaam, 1994). Changing core values at the management level and implementing a top-down, coordinated effort by management to disperse the new value system throughout the organization can prove to be highly efficient and establishes a level of accountability for all employees. This hands on viewpoint streamlines communications between all parties within the o rganization, proactively nullifying any confusion related to change and also displays to employees that the change process is well thought out and highly organized.The functional realities floor employees' willingness to accept change. (SST-Amour, 2001). Providing leadership with sufficient information directly related to the organization's ability to successfully orchestrate cultural change within the workforce environment is crucial in formulating a change platform that can be duplicated throughout each respective vision within an organization. . In addition to the aforementioned, requiring leaders to think culturally and even employ cultural tools when seeking to implement successful cultural change within the organization provides for a broader viewpoint.Additionally, encouraging leadership to focus simultaneously on the systematic and structural changes, as well as the symbolic presence when identifying and using change triggers, can prove to produce highly efficient levels of change. (Brooks, 1997) Presenting management with planned, strategic change platforms, coupled with editorship's ability identify and cater to cognitive cultural thinking would be beneficial. Moving forward, managing cultural artifacts when seeking to implement cultural change is very important and should be done so with a direct understanding of the importance this brings.Cultural artifacts are found to be the history of the organization and can include components from social norms to strategic heroes that manage these cultural artifacts could prove to be problematic as these components are deeply rooted within the organization and could ultimately provide barriers that would stifle the change triggers. Team Based Cultural Change: A Case Study, presents 10 critical success factors resulting from a strategic, four-step, teamwork program that was designed to assist in cultural change. (Wellbeing 1992).Additionally, this provides the organization with a teamwork approach that sows tog ether the change process. This can prove to be advantageous in proactively preventing push back from employees as it relates to organizational change. Different than the aforementioned, Clausal takes a predominant approach directly related to employee empowerment within the organization and discusses how this relates with successful cultural change. (Clausal, 2004) This then demonstrates the value in using the company's respective employees to assist in instigating cultural change, seeking to utilize employee support to drive organizational values.This can behoove all parties involved as leadership can then provide additional focus towards facilitating the continued change model. In conclusion, it is imperative that there is a thorough understanding as to what is needed to facilitate cultural change implementation, and that leadership members convey these principles and strategic ideas accurately to their respective staff. Implementing streamlined communication amongst staff and man agers provides a proactive approach in nullifying any potential impasse in the overall goal.Additionally, earning and retaining employee willingness to implement change is of the utmost importance as this will allow for more efficient change implementation, combined with a strategic organizational effort. Recommendations would include implementation of streamlined communication strategies between ground floor employees, divisional leaders, and executive management. This would allow for real time problem solving and a proactive solution to strategic organizational change implementation.

Professionals in an IT Organization

The twentieth century has heightened the age of information technology (IT). Many professions were created to cater to the need to develop more technologies that will carry free exchange of information among users and consumers. Institutions and organizations also paralleled the development by organizing their own IT departments composed of IT professionals. Basically, this department takes care of the information and technological needs of the company that involves programming and computers.Some of the professions and their job descriptions are outlined below. Information Systems Managers. Because of the development of newer technologies, competitive Information Systems Manager has become more essentials in planning for the future of the organization especially that almost all of the processes now involve computer programming, Internet support and security operations. Managers are in-charge of the overall planning and development of the organizations’ needed programs, network s or softwares that should be incorporated in the systems.They also oversee all resources and systems within the organization and works with their subordinates in the implementation of the plans and designs. Typically, those graduates of master’s degree of both information and business management qualify for the job. Computer Programmers. One of the most valuable assets of IT organizations is the programmers. They have the wits to design programs and systems that will facilitate the information and data processes of the organization. After the planning, they hold the mind, the codes and access and security of the entire organization.They engineer every program and instruct computers of their functions. They are in-charge of the development, test and re-test of the programs in the companies’ systems. Computer Scientists and Database Administrators. If programmers do the actual development of programs, the computer scientists conceptualize and theorize the implications o f the programs in the companies’ systems. They take care of the researches of possible errors of the programs in the future and other developments that may occur in the business.They also develop systems that ensure computer-user efficiency. On the other hand, Database Administrators, as the title connotes, are in-charge of gathering all the data needed for a program to function. It is their duty to guarantee that communication systems like Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) are functioning for the benefit of the company. They are also in-charge of the website content of the company, if there is one, and do every necessary research it entails. Computer Software Engineers.Unlike the computer programmers, software engineers’ jobs are more specific to analyzing user needs and designing, constructing, testing, and maintaining computer applications software or systems. They are also geared toward troubleshooting technical glitches in the programs that need restoration. The above professions may already be sufficient for a company to employ; however, these people also need a team under them; that is why some companies consider employing technical assistants and database specialists.Technical assistants usually are in-charge of the hardware functions of the company. They ensure that all the hardwares being used are functioning efficiently and regularly updated according to the needs of the programs and softwares. They also assist in the installation of the programs and other technicalities like cables for LAN and WAN. Data Specialists, on the other hand, assist in the encoding of specific data needed in the completion of programs or raw data that test the functionality of softwares.

Case study of Allen Lane Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Of Allen Lane - Case Study Example Hence Allen will have problem in prospering with the company in a slowing economy. However, the death of Elson will give him a chance to create a new product line as PTI has good cash flow and cheap labor but he has no idea here to begin. For a change he attempts to find a distribution type of business and faced deal with Ace Electronics, Gardenpro, and Hydrapress. How all these deals becomes a failure and only option he has is PTI. The strategy of Allen Lane is to make use of the lesser contingent liabilities of the PTI because it was in business for 25 years and has good will in the market. According to ( Christie,2012) â€Å"Just as a good reputation is vital for the social standing of a person, goodwill is vital to the long-term success of any business†. The financial strategy of Allen is was to first value the business, and then price it. Obviously, he wanted price to be lower than the businesss value but high enough for the bid to get him to the bargaining table with the bank. Also he should also analyze whether the strategies he knew and the management skill and experience align with the PTI he has also confusion to whether maintain the old employees of the company or recruit the new one. Allen also have concerns over the profit of the business, potential partners, financial issues and other problems that can arise during the running of PTI. The company once acquired can lose the current employees and it will affect the company. He also needs to merge the two companies under which PTI is working so that is a risk he is facing otherwise he will have problem in managing the business. The company has inflated proprietary assets which can give problems to Allen in a slowing economy in future. The bidding for the company is also a risky affair as other companies will also bid for the same. The lack of knowledge of Allen in technology is a risk for him. Also he would face lot of competition

Ethics memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethics memo - Essay Example Instant messaging might be considered as a source of enhancing the productivity of Texas technologies. This is because IM allows the employees to perform multiple tasks in an effective manner. However, a major issue linked with this feature is that the security and privacy risks as well as legal issues of the employers can be made an increased subject of exposure. it should be concern that if no strict policy is not put into practice, the Texas technology would result in a lack of control over their employees and inevitably into a disastrous end for the company. A major concern is that the most of the employers are unaware of the pervasiveness of the use of instant messages within the company. This is mainly because the employees at Texas technology are set up IM accounts without the knowledge of the company. In order to put a stop to this issue within the Texas technology it is important that effective policies should be enforced and the employees should be educated on the matter. Certain guidelines for appropriate and suitable personal as well as business use must be enforced and set so as to ensure that the employees are utilizing the feature of IM in a professional manner at Texas technology. By educating the employees regarding the proper IM usage will lead to minimized employers risk. Due to the fact that the IM accounts are an easy target for hacker penetration, the technology should be in place because this is allow the identity of the person they are in communication with to be confirmed. The employers must be made aware of certain legal issues which result from using the instant messaging within the company. Closing: it can thus be summarized that the use of instant messaging certain employees consider as a type of break can result in disastrous effect for the company. This can be done by appropriate IM management. Defense against liability for the behavior of the employees on IM can be accomplished

Marketing in the United Kingdom Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Marketing in the United Kingdom - Research Paper Example In general context, U.K. has undergone a distinct demographic transition. This form of transition can be stated as a shift from the pre-industrial population with high mortality rates and birth rate, through a phase of rapid population growth and falling mortality rate, towards a stage of low mortality and birth rate. It is clearly evident that in initial phase there was low population growth rate, which again shifted to faster growth rate and finally witnessed a turmoil, which resulted in low population growth rate. In the last two decades, natural change observed in population growth rate was accompanied with net international immigration within the country. The overall population of U.K., as per 2011 census, was approximately 63,182,000. In the European Union, U.K. is considered to be the third-largest in terms of population size. On the other hand, in context of population density too, the region is regarded as the largest compared to neighbouring countries. Its population densit y can be denoted as, per square kilometre, there are approximately 259 people. The south-east of England accounts for about one-third of the total population. Majority of the population resides in either suburban or urban area. There are about 8million people who reside in the capital city of this region, London. The population of U.K. is majorly White British. This nation was located nearby to Continental Europe; hence, the different regions encompassed within U.K. have been subjected to various migrations and invasions.

Animal Human Cultures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Animal Human Cultures - Essay Example The proponent tries to elaborate this by pointing that humans could actually take advantage of whatever benefits they could substantially exploit from their pets. Keywords: pet keeping, animal companionship, pet, animals â€Å"The keeping of animal companions in the contemporary West is undoubtedly an exercise of domination. Despite this, different kinds of relations are possible† (Cudworth, 144). Discuss. Introduction The keeping of animal companion is a form of domination because humans are superior to any other life forms on earth with respect to different aspects. There is a significant gap, or indifference between humans and animals as agreed by Le Guin (1986). When it comes to intelligence, humans are capable of doing substantial number of great things compared to its other animal counterparts. Cudworth (2011) strongly emphasises this point by mentioning how humans could be capable of altering different breeds of pets. For instance, substantial breeds of pets are remarka ble at present. Based on the idea of Franklin (1999), the reason why this could be so it is because having companionship with pets would bring some substantial benefits for humans. In other words, genetic modifications which led to animals to become diversified in their breeds points to the fact that they are not humans in the first place. In other words, humans can take control over them and there could also be many things that they can possibly do with them. Cudworth emphasises that pets are loved because they are not humans in the first place. However, the definition of this love might be a bit problematic because this argument simply has remarkable implications in proving some important relationships existing between humans and animals. Furthermore, this argument proves that affection and love may not be synonymous after all as there must considerations of different contexts in this issue. However, it is obvious that there must be substantial form of relationships existing betwe en humans and animals in the issue of animal companionship. The proponent tries to elaborate this point clearly as possible by applying the arguments of Franklin and Cudworth in line with the issue of animal companionships. Background issue The domestication of animals provides many important things. In fact, this is the point in which humans can maximise everything out of domesticating or taking control over animals. For Cudworth this could involve having affection with them despite the very presence of domination. However, Franklin tries to include the point in which this specific affection addresses ontological insecurity. This ontological insecurity comes after the loss of paternal welfare due to market individualism in 1960s (Franklin, 1999). The keeping of animal companions boils down to the fact that humans could take care of their pets with them due to some elemental reasons. So it could be that the domestication itself is a way to orchestrate better interaction between huma ns and animals for the benefit of the former. It is true that the keeping of animals in the contemporary West is a form of domination but according to Cudworth (2011), there is affection involved in it. It is important to consider in great detail what this affection particularly means. As for the argument of Franklin, there could be essential relationship that exists in keeping animals as companions. However, his entire argument includes the major points about the benefits

Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes Band Assignment

Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes Band - Assignment Example The song also received a positive welcome in the commercial arena. Following the good commercial reception, the song won a Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Rock Song title. Generally, the song explores the aspects of general life. What we see in the song is like-themed with some other songs in the album such as Blue Orchid. Though the song addresses some issues which the singer feels, it raises a feeling of self-worth and even more, a call to fight for one's rights. In analyzing this song, I will basically focus on the approaches aforementioned, that is; life in general and fight for freedom. Besides that, I will also analyze the video, musical as well as the lyrical structure of the song. To start with, the video is red themed. The video starts with a unique work by the producer. It then progresses to a kaleidoscopic view with three colors which are black, red and white. At some points in the video, there are scenes of skeletons holding shields which reflects the lyrics of the song that seven armies would not hold him back. The two Whites change roles with their instruments in harmony with the beats of the song. Still, in the video, there is an elephant citing which captures an association of the song with the title of the album. Back to the musical and lyrical analysis, the song starts with what sounds like bass, however, what sounds like the ass is actually a guitar to which an octave effect has been added that makes it sound like a bass. There is then the introduction of the drums’ this mixture of instruments, where all the instruments were used in the former years of the 1950s makes the music unique in its own. The song has three main stanzas. Each stanza s eems to be a continuation of the story in the former stanza; this gives the song a smooth flow from the start to its end. Every stanza has its own major idea but all in all, they sum up to form a masterpiece of a song.

Kidney trafficking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Kidney trafficking - Essay Example In many of the wealthier nations of the world, there are increasing numbers of citizens who are succumbing to bodily disorders that are related with affluence. For example, Type II Diabetes can result from gaining excessive weight. This disease could easily weaken the normal functioning of body organs such as the kidneys. The demand for kidneys has thus increased in many Western nations. Moreover, there are few donors of these precious organs. Many Western hospitals have long waiting lists of patients who have to survive through dialysis until they benefit from an organ. Their desperation spawns the activities of international criminal organizations that deal in the trade of organ transplants. Even though the trade in human organs remains illegal in many nations, the demand for these organs, particularly by wealthy people who are ready to part with exorbitant amounts of money to acquire them keeps the trade alive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2007, approximately 15% of all the 63,000 kidney transplants that took place in various nations around the world involved financial payment between poor donors who were not related and rich patients from developed nations (Budiani-Saberi & Delmonico, 2008). This would be arranged by members of trafficking organizations who brokered the entire process. Usually, when kidney or other transplants occur, the organs will be acquired from deceased or living donors. Different nations have different laws on the waiting time for any human organ that is removed from a corpse. Moreover, most kidney patients are willing to receive a kidney from either a cadaver or a living person; and only insist on doctors ensuring that the organ is healthy. According to Budiani-Saberi & Delmonico (2008) 65,000 Americans in 2007 alone were documented in the kidney transplant waiting list. Even though there have been concerted efforts to increase the incidence s of live organ as well as cadaver donations,

How were the Germans (or at least the people described in the Essay

How were the Germans (or at least the people described in the book)seduced by the Nazis and how did they rationalize their suppo - Essay Example Instead, it became â€Å"ten Germans sufficiently different from one another†¦ and sufficiently link unto one another to have been Nazis† (Mayer). His account of the sociological influences and impacts of Nazism in pre-World War II Germany in They Thought They Were Free is divided into three parts: â€Å"Ten Men†, â€Å"The Germans†, and â€Å"Their Cause and Cure†. Although the author says numerous times that the issue is one of deep complexity, these three divisions seem to offer a way of understanding how to classify the disparate parts of the issue. Mayer’s work is largely focused on his â€Å"ten Nazi friends†, who give him a large set of insights into the rise and fall of the National Socialist party in Germany. In the first twelve chapters, Mayer offers a benevolent account of Nazism’s rise. After all, it examines the reasons why the ten Nazi Germans allowed Hitler’s influence to spread throughout their small town of Kronenberg. However, the â€Å"benevolent account† is superficial in that it does not apologize for the Nazi sympathizers, but rather provides an objective look into why they accepted the authority of a dictator, rather than living in the post-World War I Germany that previous generations had suffered through. Seeking out the benefits of centralized power, the ten lower class individuals showcased in Mayer’s narrative joined the Nazi Party in order to secure a higher self-esteem, mainly through easier access to jobs and a national pride that had long ago faded. For the most part, the individual citizens who took up the Nazi cause cared very little for the exact specifics of the program advocated by Hitler and others; however, it was the fringe benefits of the system that caught their attention. The anti-Semitic stance of the government was an acceptable compromise for many who had no personal or emotional connection to their Jewish neighbors, who were being run out of the country and financially ruined by governmental seizures. This anti-Semitic environment was something that had always dealt with, and they believed it was necessary for disposing of the parliamentary system that held back social progress. The Nazis that Mayer interviews were not hypnotized or irrationally appealed to in order to surrender their liberties to a totalitarian government. The Nazis appealed to the rational self-interests of the German citizens: making political promises to the country that addressed the kinds of deeply problematic social and economic problems that had afflicted the nation for decades. By contextualizing the rise of Nazism with the Great Depression, which afflicted Germany just as it afflicted the United States, one realizes the ease with which a party of promises could gain influence quickly among the working classes. Additionally, the popular perception of Hitler was that of a great enemy to communism: the same motivation that operated on many Ameri cans during the Cold War. By examining the rationalization for Nazi power in the years leading up to World War II, one begins to see the interest that Mayer has in social movements following inspirational leaders. By taking the Nazis, who were socialists, as the enemy of communism, the German people sought self-interest, not community. This is understandable that people would seek their self-interest in an economically downtrodden country; however, what Nazism became after it attained power went far beyond the economic

Macro Analysis about Apple Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Macro Analysis about Apple - Research Paper Example ation has always been at the forefront of innovations in the electronics industry, their biggest drawback has been inability to hold onto market share after the initial novelty wears off. This has seen Apple Inc. start to transform itself to a fully-fledged consumer electronics organization and away from being an inventive computer manufacturer. The cause for this transformation has mainly been due to external factors as the company expands globally and comes up against increased competition (Lashinsky, 2012). This paper will seek to carry out an analysis of Apple Inc.’s macro-environment using the PESTLE tool with the aim of detailing critical issues facing Apple’s marketers. Moreover, this information will be applied when making recommendations regarding marketing strategies for Apple Inc. The macro-environment of Apple Inc. will help in the determination of the organization’s current situation. To carry out this analysis, a PESTLE analysis will be applied with the objective of determining the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that will impact Apple Inc. This tool is effective in investigating the macro environment of an organization with the intention of using the information as a guide for strategic decision-making. The assumption for using a PESTLE analysis is that, if an organization carries out a current audit of its environment, while also assessing probable trends and changes, it gains a competitive advantage over its competitors in responding to these changes (Keller, 2013). This tool is useful in comprehending the larger picture with regards to, the wider environment that Apple is operating in, while also allowing the company to understand risks present in the market, as well as potential, position, and direct ion that the organization should take strategically. While using a PESTLE analysis, a company can find out where their products are positioned with regards to the external environment, which will

Chocolate Industry Essay Example for Free

Chocolate Industry Essay The Chocolate industry in the UK has been facing many challenges in recent times. The escalation of prices of the main ingrediants such as cocoa, milk and sugar has forced companies to increase prices. Customers showed resistance to higher prices which prompted brands such as Cadbury Masterfoods (Galaxy) to reduce packaging sizes. Concerns among the public regarding obesity has also led chocolate companies to bring out smaller sizes of chocolate. A big issue facing the industry are cocoa prices hitting a 33% high in 2010 due to growing demands from the chocolate industry and a disappointing crop in the Ivory Coast, an important grower of cocoa. As per Euromonitor reports the total value of the chocolate market has grown by 3% to 5. 4 million from 2009. The main players in the market in UK are Cadbury (owned by Kraft Foods), Mars Nestle. Cadbury as of 2010 accounts for 31% value share in the market. In 2010 acquired Cadbury Plc in January 2010 for ? 11. 5 billion. Cadbury Trebor Bassett (CTB) is the confectionery division of the company, which holds a large stake in the three key confectionery areas – sugar, gum and chocolate. CTB’s key brand in the chocolate market is Dairy Milk. This acquisition has helped Cadbury as well as Kraft Foods by increasing their economies of scale as well as bring out more options to customers. Cadbury Ltd operates in both the chocolate and sugar confectionery markets. It manufactures branded confectionery and beverages, including the internationally-successful Cadbury chocolate brand. The company also manufactures dark chocolate under the Bourneville name, as well as supplying Maynards, Trebor and Basset sugar confectionery. The company owns the chewing gum brand Trident and manufactures the medicated sweet, Halls Soothers. Cadbury chocolate brands in the UK include: Dairy Milk, Wispa, Twirl, Twisted, Freddo, Crunchie, Chomp, Bournville, Decker, Boost, Flake, Dream, Time Out, Star Bar, Picnic, Fudge, Snack, Brunch, Curly Wurly, Roses, Creme Egg, Variety and its standalone organic chocolate brand Green Black’s. Cadbury also produces several other items of confectionary however the focus in this project is chocolate. In this project we will look at the competitive pressures facing Cadbury and how it remains the market share leader. Cadbury Ltd registered a turnover of ? 5. 98bn in the year ending 31st December 2009, up from ? 5. 38bn in 2008. In 2009, pre-tax profit stood at ? 378m, after falling by 5. 5% from ? 400m in 2008. Below is a graph showing positions of all key market players FIVE FORCES TOOL. Michael E Porter devised ‘Porter’s Five Forces tool’ as a way for companies to ascertain market attractiveness and competition with other companies. This tool is not just used by commercial organizations but also by public organizations and not for profit companies to understand their customers and suppliers. In the chocolate industry there is heavy rivalry due to the presence of several large scale and world renowned market players such as Nestle, Cadbury and Mars. Cadbury among others produces countlines, boxed chocolates and sharing bags as well as blocks and moulded bars. RIVALRY AMONG EXISTING COMPANIES Existing rivalry among market players in an industry is an important part of judging market attractiveness and competition. Cadbury in UK faces competition mainly from Mars and Nestle. These three brands command equal market shares in UK and an extra percentage of market share creates big marketing spends, strong pricing and new launches of products within the company. In March 2008, Mars acquired the sugar confectionery company Wrigley US, while, in 2010, Kraft Foods completed its acquisition of Cadbury. As per Keynote reports Nestle is expected to buy out US Hershey brand. Nestle is left with reduced market share after acquisitions of Mars Cadbury. Periods of low market growth according to Porter (1980) particularly during maturity or decline of product cycles intensify competition. Competitors take advantage of the saturation of other products. With excess production capacity and lesser competition, several players engage in price competition to get higher sales. Cadbury goes head to head with Nestle Mars as other players have fairly smaller market shares and often struggle due to these top companies. According to Hooley et all (Marketing strategy and competitive positioning) high exit barriers for a company lead to higher competition as well. If a company is unable to exit a market due to high initial investments, high costs of redundancy (monetary and social) they work harder to compete with other companies. Several companies have egotistical as well as psychological reasons for remaining in a market and ensure they stay on top of people’s minds as exiting is not an option due to brand history and value. Brands such as Cadbury have incredible media presence covering internet, television, print, etc. Cadbury is a major player on the internet and uses this tool as an advantage over competitors. Newer avenues such as E-markets are intensifying competition and deterring exit of big companies. Competition in the chocolate industry is also increased due to the fact that product differentiation is low. The intrinsic quality and external value of a bar of chocolate is similar therefore competition for sales is increased. Switching costs in terms of price and availability for customers is low as many players have similar varieties of chocolate on offer. Customers may not face difficulty in changing from one brand to another due to such factors and this leads to Cadbury, Nestle and Mars to participate in increased competitiveness for higher market share. According to Hooley et All (Marketing strategy competitive positioning) if fixed costs are high then competitive is intensified. THE THREAT OF MARKET ENTRY The chocolate industry must be prepared for the entrance of new competition. Several factors can allow companies from entering into an industry. The chocolate industry has several companies that hold highest market share however there are also small companies as well as a lot of new entrants. New companies enter the industry if cost of entry is low. Companies with relatively less resources can break into markets if capital and investment is low. The requirement of large financial resources in order to compete with established brands can deter new entrants. In the chocolate industry deterrents include rising prices of supplies like cocoa, sugar and milk. The health awareness among the public has also led to dropping sales and this can be a problem for new entrants. Factors distribution channels being accessible for all chocolate companies gives new companies accessibility to enter the market due to heavy presence to retail outlets. Competitive retaliation according to Hooley can hinder entrance of new and fairly smaller companies. Big players such as Cadbury can pursue aggressive marketing strategies to combat new companies from taking over. If bigger companies were unable to respond to new companies with competitive retaliation then it would be far easier for companies to enter. The chocolate industry is composed of very few companies as the main players (Cadbury, Kit Kat Nestle) hold highest market shares. These companies have aggressive market strategies and customer loyalty as well. Existing companies have the funds to expand their presence in the market through acquisitions or mergers. For example, in 2003, Cadbury acquired the Natural Confectionery Company, which has since become a well-known product in the sugar confectionery market. Such extensions serve to diversify the market, while introducing more options in terms of products and brands. Product differentiation can also trigger entry of new companies. The chocolate market is flexible and many different varieties of chocolate can be found. New companies can use this to their advantage by launching specialized products to cater different tastes. In the chocolate industry there are several brands offering niche variety of chocolates whereas the top players are creating extensions similar to what the competitor is providing. Cadbury offers a wide variety of chocolates to compete with Mars Nestle as well as other brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Lindtt Thorntons. Hooley states that when there are gaps in a market new entrants can enter with ease. In highly segmented markets, new entrants can cater to specialized segments of the market as well as newer and experimental audiences. In every industry companies need to understand diversifying interests and requirements of customers or else new entrants can use this opportunity to cater to new tastes and needs of customers. In the chocolate industry more and more varieties of chocolate are available and there is a demand for different types of chocolates that many specialized and newer brands are approaching giving a tough time to established brands such as Cadbury. THE THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES: Every industry including the chocolate industry is threatened by substitutes. New companies can come in and revolutionize the market and offer better and more unique substitutes of whatever is already on offer. In the chocolate industry new companies can provide better alternatives of existing products by offering cheaper prices and better quality. Product improvements can be made and this makes newer companies gain an advantage over existing companies. Due to health concerns in UK many customers are shifting to options such as biscuits. BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS. In the chocolate industry suppliers can gain power by increasing prices, limiting quality and services. The rising prices of Cocoa are forcing many chocolate brands to increase prices or reduce packaging size of chocolates. Bargaining power of suppliers are medium as even the suppliers require these brands to buy. The cocoa industry depends on the confectionary industry. However to combat the high prices Cadbury is reduce. ng packaging of sizes. The price of cocoa is consistently rising and the market is very volatile BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS The other side of powerful suppliers are powerful buyers. Buyers today are expecting better quality and cheaper prices. Since chocolate is a standardized product buyers can choose between many brands and switching costs are low. Brands such as Cadbury and Nestle are following customer demands such as creating healthy alternatives as well as suiting their requirements in terms of flavours, types of chocolate, etc. Due to recession in the UK many people prefer to remain at home and Cadbury is creating ‘Nights in’ options such as chocolate sharing bags. Bargaining power of buyers is high as they have the option to switch to several options. GENERIC STRATEGY OPTIONS According to Porter, a company can outperform other companies in a competitive arena through: 1. Cost Leadership 2. Differentiation 3. Focus As of 2009 Cadbury UK ltd remains market leader in chocolate confectionary accounting for 31% in value sales. With new product developments and extensions Cadbury hopes to woo new customers. With the takeover by Kraft Foods Cadbury is benefitted by widespread distribution and larger economies of scale COST LEADERSHIP: Cadbury is not a cost leader in the market however follows competitive pricing along with Mars Nestle. Due to cocoa prices rising they are increasing prices or reducing package sizes yet maintaining almost similar prices so no one can gain competitive price advantage. In October 2010, The Grocer revealed that Cadbury and Nestle were to increase their recommended retail prices by up to 7% across some of their most popular lines, including Dairy Milk, Wispa and Yorkie. Rising commodity prices led to a 3 pence (p) price increase on standard Cadbury Dairy Milk bars in October — a 30% increase on 2007 — taking the retail price of the chocolate bar to 56p. DIFFERENTIATION: Cadbury provides similar products to its competitors therefore differentiation is hard to achieve. Cadbury’s Diary Milk however is their best selling chocolate and is a plain chocolate. A similar product cannot be found in competitiors. Cadbury however is known for its unique taste and therefore offers differentiation as competitors cannot imitate the same taste. FOCUS: Competitive advantage can be gained if Cadbury focuses on target groups. As per consumer research volumes of chocolate consumed are falling however the same amounts of people are eating chocolate. Several factors such as negative health effects of chocolate and the concept of ‘staying in’ due to recession are deterring consumers from consuming chocolate. Cadbury’s responded to the increasing concern over unhealthy ingredients with the acquisition of the Natural Confectionery Company, which manufactures sweets without artificial colouring or flavourings. Cadbury can capitalise on captive audiences staying in at home with chocolate sharing bags and boxes such as Buttons Roses. Nestle is known to have partnered with Empire magazine’s dvd rental service to gain advantage over this ‘stay at home’ audience. Cadbury also needs to focus on ethical sourcing as people in the UK are expecting companies to conduct business in a socially responsible manner. Cadbury is a supporter of sustainable cocoa farming and in order to appeal to global audiences they entered into Fairtrade. To summarize focus can be on health concerns, ethical sourcing and corporate responsibility as well as seasonal demand during Christmas , Easter, ETC. Cadbury among its competitors also leads in brand extensions, the revival of Wispa is an important example. Competitors feel it comes in the way of original brand sales however Cadbury found success. RESOURCE BASED VIEW: According to the resource based view companies can achieve high performance through their developed resources. This view bases success of a company on its assets and capabilities which help to create competitive advantage. As per the resource based theory competitive edge can be found if companies possess the following characteristics: value, rarity, inimitability and non-substitutability (VRIN MODEL). Resources are further classified into tangible and intangible assets. Intangible Resources for Cadbury are: 1. Brand Name: The brand name Cadbury is very renowned. Kraft’s takeover has helped Kraft more than it has for Cadbury. Cadbury is an easily recognized brand name and is the market share leader in the UK. 2. Reputation: Cadbury has a very good reputation among buyers in the UK. In 2010 Cadbury became Fairtrade and also follows ethical sourcing of cocoa which has helped enhance its image. Cadbury’s history goes beyond 150 years and is considered a top brand. 3. Country of Origin: Country of origin is also an asset and in the case of Cadbury, the COO is UK. The COO is a method of evaluation for quality. Customers except a lot more when a brand originates from certain countries. 4. Market Domination: Cadbury has an additional asset of market domination. As of 2010 as per Euromonitor reports, Cadbury leads market share in the UK accounting for 31% value share in UK. The Kraft takeover has only helped in increasing the dominance of Cadbury due to increased distribution networks and extensive economies of scale. Following the Kraft takeover in February 2010, sales of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk were up 12. 8% and Cadbury’s overall chocolate confectionery business grew by 5%. Although Kraft’s chocolate sales rose faster in percentage terms, at 7. 5% for the 52 weeks ending 30th October 2010, this was the result of increased distribution. Cadbury’s acquisition has helped Kraft Foods. Supply chain assets such as a strong distribution network and good relationship with suppliers (cocoa, milk sugar) are also a strong asset for Cadbury. Cadbury is available at all retail outlets and due to its ethical sourcing objectives and fair-trade association it shares a good relationship with suppliers despite the volatile price environment. Other strong intangible assets for Cadbury include its existing large customer base, glowing corporate culture and production expertise. Tangible assets for Cadbury are factory and equipment as well as cash/cash equivalents. Below is a table listing assets of Cadbury on a Likert scale. Rated from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Resources| Value| Rarity| Inimitability| Non Substitutability| Brand Name| 5| 5| 5| 5| Reputation| 5| 4| 3| | Country of Origin| 5| 3| 3| 3| Market Domination| 5| 3| 3| 3| Supply Chain Assets| 5| 3| 3| 3|. To gain competitive advantage, capabilities of a firm should also be taken into consideration. According to Hooley, processes that deploy assets are capabilities. Several marketing capabilities should be included such as robust advertising and promotion strategies, distribution capabilities, pricing etc. The following capabilities can apply to Cadbury: * Advertising Promotions: Effective communications can take place through advertising, public relations, direct marketing, etc. Cadbury also launched a ? 50m advertising plan in 2010 as part of its official sponsorship of the London 2012. In recent time Cadbury has received good PR for becoming a fairtrade product. On 28th February 2011, the company began its ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’, after Cadbury announced that it planned to donate 20% of total sales from its fairtrade products to charity in order to fund a program that would give Ghanaian cocoa farmers solar panels. Examples of such good PR and great advertising campaigns help in Cadbury’s aim to gain competitive advantage. * Distribution capability: Distribution capability is a capability for Cadbury as it is available in all grocery stores including large scale retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury Asda. * Product developments: Cadbury’s newest innovations and brand extensions such as Diary Milk bliss (vanilla cream centre, extension of Diary Milk) are capabilities that help Cadbury achieve competitive advantage. Cadbury has also reintroduced Wispa which has been a big seller. During seasonal and festive times Cadbury innovates and brings out products that it is renowned for. Cadbury’s seasonal range offering new product innovations, such as Caramel Bunnies and Creme eggs are a popular choice that set it apart from competitors. CADBURY’S RELATIONSHIPS: Cadbury maintains a good relationship with its customers through effective marketing and PR tools such as social marketing and their website. Cadbury also has a good relationship with its suppliers, In order to achieve corporate social responsibility they have gone fairtrade and continue to support ethical farming of supplies such as cocoa. In 2011 cadbury donated one fifth of its profits from all fair trade certified products sold during fair trade fortnight (28th feb-13th march) to fund solar power projects in Ghana’s cocoa farming communities. Today sales of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk have resulted in 2. 3 million pounds of fairtrade premium paid to Kuapa Kokoo, a fairtrade cooperative for farmers. Cadbury has pledged to invest 45 million pounds over 10 years to secure sustainable future of cocoa farming in Ghana, India, South East Asia and the Caribbean. Cadbury has also invested in farmer education and also reducing its carbon footprint. Cadbury also keeps a good relationship with its distribution channels such as retail outlets like Tesco Asda. Relationships with the media, consumers, suppliers and distributors are the most important relationships for Cadbury. RECOMMENDATION Chocolate remains by far the largest sector of the confectionery market, with sales rising by 17% over the 5 years, compared to the sugar confectionery market which grew by just 6. 3% over the same period. This was principally down to the continued popularity of chocolate products and the rising retail price of confectionery. Countering highly competitive environment through differentiating your product and providing something different from competitors. A tough marketing strategy should be created to help increase value of the product among customers. This creates higher entry barriers for new market players and despite industry growth, market share and costs of supply a brand can cement its own and undisputable position. If product cycle reaches decline then the brand should work to reinvent the product. Cadbury at present is the market leader and with the association with Kraft they can benefit from synergistic strategies. The past few years have also seen concerns regarding the ethical sourcing and production of confectionery products escalate. As a result, organic and fairtrade ingredients have become more widely used in confectionery. Cadbury has created a good name for itself by going fairtrade and must continue to produce in ethical ways. In order to maintain competitive advantage Cadbury must continue to analyse market trends such as healthy eating, staying in and sharing as well as the public’s interest in corporate responsibility. As per keynote reports the price of cocoa and sugar has increased dramatically over the 5-year review period, which is likely to have an adverse affect on the chocolate confectionery sector. Although some companies maintained a good level of ingredient stocks in 2010, the rising cost of commodities, coupled with the increase in value added tax (VAT) in January,is likely to have a more noticeable effect on the industry in 2011. In the UK, the confectionery market continues to enjoy a high level of consumer penetration, with nearly nine out of ten adults purchasing chocolate bars or similar products on a regular or semi-regular basis. However, the market’s large size, its abundance of products and the dominance of well-known brands such as Cadbury. In response to economic downturns and the escalating prices of supplies, Cadbury should respond by producing budget and value items. In a response to escalating cocoa prices Cadbury has responded by not passing price increases onto customers by reducing the size of its products. In February 2011, Cadbury reduced its 140 gram (g) bar of Dairy Milk to 120g (removing two squares), but kept the price the same. Cadbury in order to maintain competitive advantage must continue to offer the customer value through its resources, keep the prices low as well as keep innovating and providing newer products. Another strength Cadbury should concentrate is on to keep focussing on key brands such as Dairy Milk. To have an advantage over competitors Cadbury must continue to follow market trends. REFERENCING Euromonitor reports Hooley, G. , Piercy, N. F. , and Nicoulaud, B. (2008) Marketing Strategy and Competitive Positioning, 4th Ed. , Harlow: FT Prentice-Hall Keynote reports Mintel reports Porter, M. E. (1980c) Competitive Strategy, New York: Free Press Porter, M. E. (1980b) How competitive forces shape strategy, McKinsey Quarterly, Spring, No. 2, pp. 34-50 www. cadbury. co. uk.

Human Genetic Disorder

Human Genetic Disorder HUMAN GENETIC DISORDER Introduction Human Genetic Disorder is a kind of illness which is caused by chromosomes or genes abnormalities. Some disorders like cancer are in part of genetic disorders but they can also be caused by environmental factors. Many disorders are quite rare and they affect one person in a million. There are some types of recessive gene disorders which have an advantage in heterozygous states in some environments. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in development of any kind of disorder. Human genetic disorder is caused by abnormalities of individuals of genetic materials. There are four types of genetic disorders; single-gene, chromosomal, multifactorial and mitochondrial. Single gene disorder is caused by a single mutated gene. This disorder can be passed on in successive generations in various ways. This disorder is caused mainly by mutation or changes of the DNA sequence in one gene. Multifactorial is caused by a combination of mutation of multiple genes and environmental factors . Chromosomal is caused by abnormalities caused by chromosomes. Mitochondrial is a genetic disorder caused by mutation in the mitochondria nonchromosomal DNA (Driel, et.al, 57). Single-gene is caused by mutation in the DNA. Gene codes for proteins which are the molecules which carry out most of the work does most of functions in life and even make up various cellular structures. After gene mutation for its proteins product not to carry out its usual functions, this leads to disorder. There are many single-gene disorders which occur in one out of 200 births. Examples include sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Marfan syndrome, heredity hemochromatosis and Huntingtons disease. Single-gene disorders are hereditary in identifiable structures. Combination of mutation of multiple genes and environmental factors leads to multifactorial (Bennet, 896). There are various types of genes which influence vulnerability to breast cancer which has been found on different chromosomes. Due to complicated nature of chromosomes, this makes it difficult to analyze chromosomal and single-gene disorders. Most of the common chronic disorders are multifactorial. Examples of this di sorder include Alzheimers, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and cancer. Inheritance of multifactorial is associated with genetic characteristics like height, fingerprint, skin color and eye color (Watson, 44). Chromosomal disorder is associated with chromosomes. Chromosomes are distinct structures which make up protein and DNA. Chromosomes which are mainly the carriers of heritable materials like chromosome structures abnormalities as missing leads to disease. The major abnormalities of chromosomal can be detected using microscopic examination. Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome is a common disorder which occurs when one has copies of chromosome 21. Mitochondrial disorder caused by mutation in nonchromosomal mitochondria DNA. Many genes are named after the disorder they are associated with. The normal functioning of gene is encoded with protein and this is not associated with cause of illness. Diseases linked with genetics occur when genes are not in a position to work properly. The hemochromatosis gene really codes for membrane protein after mutation of the gene in a manner which prevents if from encoding a functional and normal protein products (Milunsky, 67). Human genetic disorder is mainly caused by different kind of gene known as variation or modification of gene known as mutation. There are many diseases which are associated with the aspects of genes. Some like cancer are caused by gene mutation. Mutation can occur randomly or due to exposure to the environment like smoke from cigarette. Some of genetic disorders are inherited. Mutated genes are passed down from one generation to another through a family and each child can inherit those genes which causes the disorder. Other genetic disorders are because of problems with different number of packages of genes known as chromosomes like Down syndrome. Human genetic disorders are the main cause of death, disability and human tragedy. It is rare to find in a family which is entirely free from any kind of genetic disorder. Genetic defects are mainly known to cause pregnancy loss in developed countries and several spontaneous miscarriages involve fetus with abnormal chromosomes (McKusick, 15 ). Human genetic disorder is caused by nondisjunction which is the failure of chromosomes to replicate during the Anaphase II. Genes lacking chromosomes are not able to produce an embryo which is viable. Nondisjunction is most often linked with 21st chromosome giving rise to Down syndrome which increases chances of developing Alzheimers disease. Human genetic disorder is caused by abnormal genes groups which are passed down from one generation to another. Spontaneous mutation of genes is caused by error in the replication of DNA resulting in substitution base or insertion or deletion of one or two pair base from the DNA. Other disorder like somatic genetic disease is caused by sudden appearance of abnormal type of gene in one part of the body like cancer. Others like chromosomal abnormality are caused by abnormalities in the structure of chromosomes causing Down syndrome (Green and Waterston, 1968). Human genetic disorder can be diagnosed. Genetic test can be performed to determine whether the person has or doesnt have the disease even as early as during fetus. This testing is known as antenatal testing. Chromosome test can also be performed to diagnose human genetic disorder. Diagnostic of human genetic disorder is conducted for chromosome disorders, congenital malformations, mental retardation, infertility, learning disabilities, miscarriages, metabolic and molecular disorders and paternity. There are available genetic services for all prenatal, pediatric and adult genetic disorders such as Alzheimers, cancer, heart disease and other late disease onsets. Defects of birth lead to death of infants. There are infants who are diagnosed with the main genetic disorders. Genes and DNA performs are arranged on chromosomes. There are no genes which really cause disease. Mutations in the genes caused serious genetic disorder. Gene mutation in chromosomes caused disorder. Not all mutatio ns of genes lead to genetic disorder because some are unexpressed without any noticeable effect to the organism (Baird, et.al, 678). Conclusion Human genetic disorder occurs due to abnormalities of individuals of genetic materials. Human genetic disorders are of different types depending on the causes. There are four types of genetic disorders; single-gene, chromosomal, multifactorial and mitochondrial. Genetic disorders are mainly caused by mutation of genes and DNA. Each type of disorder has different cause. For example chromosomal disorder is caused by mutation of chromosomes. Swap of DNA by chromosomes to form variety of the gene pool can result to disorder leading to exchange of regions. Through abnormalities of genes and chromosomes human genetic disorder occurs. Some disease like cancer is as a result of genetic disorder but they can occur because of environmental factors. Most human genetic disorders are rare and they affect one person in a million. Some recessive gene disorders give advantage to the heterozygous states in some environments. Works Cited Baird Anderson, et.al, â€Å"Genetic Disorders in Children and Young Adults: a Population Study,† American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol. 42, pp. 677-693, 2000 Insert Surname here 6 Bennet Robin, â€Å"Genetic Disorder and the Fetus: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment,† The American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol. 77, No. 5, 2005, pp. 896-897 Driel Marc, et.al, â€Å"A New Web-based Data Mining Tool for Identification of Candidate Genes for Human Genetic Disorder,† European Journal of Human Genetic, Vol. 11, 2003, pp.57-63 Green Ernest and Waterston Roy, â€Å"The Human Genome Project: Prospects and Implications for Clinical Medicine,† Journal of American Medical Association, Vol. 266, 1999, pp. 1966- 1975 McKusick Charles, History of Medical Genetics, in Emery and Rimoins Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics, Churchill Livingstone, Inc.: New York, 1996, p. 1-30 Milunsky Aubrey, Genetic Disorders and the Fetus: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment, (5th Ed), JHU Press, 2005 Watson Jean, â€Å"The Human Genome Project: Past, Present, and Future,† Science, Vol. 248, 1990, pp. 44-49

Information system strategy assignment

Information system strategy assignment Introduction Information systems could be defined as systems for processing and managing information, generally computer-based. IS, as it could be called, is also a serviceable group within an organisation that manages the operations and development of the businesss information and possible transactions. So information system strategy (ISS) could be explained as a method that brings into line information technology priorities with business strategies and defines the approach to take to achieve those business objectives. Since the mid 80s, researchers and business specialists have carried out many studies and produced number of theories in feeding the world of business and may be the field of strategic studies in particular. Nowadays, those theories are counted as the support and basics of any business strategy to be adopted by any organisation. Experts in the field of strategic management, such as Michael Porter and also Michael Earl, are both considered to be among the most influential experts in that area. Through a series of writings, Porter influenced a shift in the focus of the literature on strategies from strategic planning to strategic management. Earls publications also resulted in establishing a range of concepts and frameworks that were created to assist strategic planners in coming up with plans to build and sustain competitive advantage. Michael Porter developed the original theories of the famous strategic approaches that include â€Å"The 5 forces†, â€Å"The 3 generic strategies for competitiveness† and â€Å"The value chain model†. On the other hand, Michael Earl established the â€Å"Multiple methodology†. The Digital Era Digital era has been used as a term since the late 1980s. It carried the shift of transfer from a traditional industry to an industry based on the transactions of information and data through technological methods. Many old aged views of strategy are getting thrown out the window in the digital era, however, some solid views are still being found as the base of strategic thinking in the world of business. In a survey it was found that fast pace of developing e-business application only few businesses did take their time in developing their strategy properly or plan new initiatives (Wilder, 1999). We are experiencing a world that is continuously changing, where companies are being re-established and may be deregulated. New systems and ecommerce functions are providing management with a one off opportunity to rearrange the business rules and change the ways of business forever (Corcoran, 1999). In the world of todays nature of e-business transactions, strategy is being considered to be vital than ever. Yet, many organisations are still not properly cooping with the environment of todays business. These companies look as if they are frightened rabbits caught in the headlights of an oncoming car (Chattel, 1998). It is considered to be important for businesses in the digital era to familiarise themselves with factors that will put them on steady steps throughout competition and run successfully. Businesses should realise that it is possible and easier nowadays to target customers and to customise products to the requirements (needs and wants) of the customer. Also comprehend the fact of being first is seen as more important than producing it well. Businesses should also realise that communication methods have opened up new opportunities for transaction and increased access to customers. For example, television adverts, radio stations, mobile SMS, emails and internet blogs. Todays electronic applications are providing 24hours a day, 7 days a week access to businesses in anytime and from anywhere in the world. These factors have been the short term methods for new business opportunities, but in the long term, there will be a little chance of success without a clearly defined business and IT st rategy. The traditional approaches in ISS Porters five forces model studies the forces that take part in an organisation and illustrates how IS can construct barriers and give competitive frame. Porter defines the competition of the organisation in the relation to the industry where high level of rivalry guides to low level of profits. The threats from new entrants are considered as the heights of the barriers in place to obstruct them and outline the profitability of the industry. Whereas threats from substitutes is the threat by others in copying the product so the margin for the definite profit decreases and consumers are more settled to change. The bargaining power of buyers counts on the price of the product and the influence or the pressure the customer possesses. Likewise the power of the suppliers is resolute by the price the consumer wants the product and how much they are willing to pay or able to spend. Another ISS traditional approach is Porters 3 generic strategies. Porters generic strategies outline methods of achieving above standard performance. To create competitive advantage for an organisation Porter identified three generic strategies: focus and niche, cost leadership and differentiation. The suitable generic strategy will result in positioning the business to empower its strengths and guard against the unfavourable effects of the five forces. The focus or niche strategy was to find a gap in the market where a select product would fit in and do well. For example, the customised cars market, which makes the cars unique and leads in creating a niche for high class and therefore attracting big spending customers. Cost leadership involves having low level profit margins and selling big number of units of a product. Where differentiation, as its called, is when a business produces or provides something totally different from any other businesses in the industry. Michael Porter also discussed that the actions that are available to be taken can be recognised by the adoption of the Value Chain Model. This model, or approach, concentrates internally within an organisation and was expanded as a systematic ground for analysing all the performance that a company carry out and how they cooperate. The value chain approach outlines that products go through several roles in an organisation, where maximising the value adding activities while minimising those that do not add value should be the objective. A different traditional approach from a different scholar, Michael Earl, believes IS Methodology helps businesses meet their objectives fully for the reason that IS methodology is not on internal but external or outward looking. Earl established a multiple methodology with three approaches for business strategy: bottom up, top down and inside out. A bottom up approach takes into consideration the current system, afterwards investigates it for possible gaps, which can be achieved by adopting SWOT analysis. This approach outlines the current condition of the company and what does it want to achieve in the upcoming. The top down considers the organisation from a structural point of view bring into line IS with the business strategy of the organisation through studying the Critical Success Factors (CSF). CSFs are explained through interviews, debates and current policies. And finally, the inside out approach studies different methods to carry research and business through new technologi es that is done by observing the organisation in order to gain competitive advantage. The Traditional approaches in ISS Vs The Digital Era Strategy configuration is considered to be even more challenging in the digital era, not only because of the involvement of the developing objective, but also because of the disadvantages of practising a cleared and defined strategy in a digital industry. Under the influence of the developing era during the last decade, traditional approaches in strategies have became more and more subject of critique. The appearing of the Internet, for example, and other electronic applications has noticeably affected almost all industries. Considering that Porters theories were based on the economic situation in the late eighties. This phase was characterised by cyclical developments, strong competition and stable market structure. Porters approaches looks at the analysis of the current situation related to suppliers, customers and competitors. Strengthening the position itself within the five forces model has developed competitive advantage. Therefore, models in that era are unable to analyse or explain the dynamic changes in the digital era, which do have the power to change all industries. However, the analysis of industrial structures when employing Porters five forces model can serve as an analytical framework for outlining the distribution of resources and choice of business. This model can be adopted in the digital era and also provide a framework for employing new technologies as the internet, also as opportunities to businesses related in the direction of creating value for customers and gaining competitive advantage. Tackling the validity of Porters Five Forces could be analysed as each force by its own. The power of rivalry is assessed when knowing that the characteristics of developed technology, such as the internet, is the access to large numbers of customers, lower costs in operational or functional fields, simplicity of entry into the market, the prospective for adding value to customers, therefore gain competitive advantage. It is vital to outline that progressing competitiveness could be done by offering customers unique values and products, where it is not easy to keep the advantage gained because of the simulation of business forms, processes and technologies. Within regards to the second force, the threat of new entrants that may appear in an industry, digital methods and means has reduced barriers to entry of new businesses in the market because of the cut in numbers of employees and lower costs for required physical property. Companies that run on the internet through economies of s cale can usually prevent new entry of other firms. When a company reaches critical mass and realises the influence of network externalities, can then powerfully compete with companies that have only entered the market, due to the already built relationships with clients or customers and their loyalty. The threat of substitute goods or services is vast for ease of the entry process into the digital market. Customers can simply get on hold of information about other similar products and compare the different specifications of each product and get to a decision if the original product can be substituted at reasonable means with other alternatives and also can be done easily. Internet empowers the bargaining power of customers. They now do not face any obstacles when seeking any information on quality, price or even detailed specifications. In addition, the existence of the web sites that offers price comparison of products and services, so that the procedure of obtaining information in the digital era has become much easier. The fifth and last force within the five forces model is the bargaining power of suppliers. Where internet enjoys both negative and positive factors on the fifth force of the model, which is the bargaining power of suppliers. It is considered that the bargaining power of suppliers tend to provide easiness to customers to approach essential information related to prices, products and markets which limited bargaining power of suppliers. Another negative factor around involving the internet that affected the bargaining power of suppliers is the ease of entry into virtual markets that leads to an increase in competition. Suppliers are able to increase their power by applying a special procedure for supply and be well-known in or working on increasing the quality of their goods or services. The positive factor is that suppliers through technology methods and especially the internet can easily access a large number of customer and other businesses as well. And again, the internet gets rid of any possible intermediaries, which means that if suppliers were serving in the industrial sectors, the ability of intermediaries in influencing customers are reduced to a minimum. Within regards to the Value chain model, the American guru has clearly outlined in one of his publications â€Å"Strategy and the Internet† that information technology has a penetrative effect on the value chain. The outstanding advantage of the internet is the ability to link an activity with others and making data widely available with both, the company and suppliers, customers and channels. Many of the most important applications of the internet in the value chain involve moving physical activities online, while others involve making physical activities more cost effective. To notice how these technological developments will eventually affect the value chain, some historical view is enlightening. The influence of the internet in the value chain should be kept in perspective. While internet purposes have an essential impact on the quality of activities and on the cost, they are not the main influences. Traditional factors such as the skills of personnel, process technology and investments in physical assets also play important roles. The internet is a turning point is some terms, but many traditional sources of competitive advantage remain secure (Porter, 2001). The co-author of â€Å"Unleashing the Killer App: Digital Strategies for Market Dominance† highlights that those traditional approaches are not valid anymore. Larry Downes originated three new forces that require a new strategic framework: deregulation, globalisation and digitalisation. Deregulation happens when governments influence decreases several industries like communications and banking, which are fed by the new opportunities of information technology, firms in these industries were forced to restructure their businesses and to seek for other alternatives. Where globalisation is related to the developments of distribution and communications that have allowed almost all businesses to sell and buy globally. It could be added here, that networked and global markets need new requirements on organisations strategies. And so positioning themselves as quality leaders or price leaders, like Porter suggests in his Generic Strategies model, is not enough any more. Finally, digit alisation is explained as the influence of information technology develops, all stakeholders within a market will have access to even more information. Downes arguments are considered to be convincing. Where deregulation, globalisation and digitalisation have become powerful forces during the past years, but Porters models hardly ever took them into consideration. Todays markets are strongly affected by technological developments especially in information technology. Therefore, it is not beneficial to develop a strategy exclusively on the basis of Porters models. Downes concludes that the job of information technology is the main difference between the traditional strategy approaches and the digital era, which is the new world of the new forces. Where the traditional economy used information technology as an instrument for applying change, today information technology had become the vital factor for change. Conclusion Critique of Porter, by Downes, implies that Porters models concentrates too much on the economic conditions of their era of origin. Therefore, their practicality is restricted under change and developed conditions. It should be added too that Downes new forces are created from the economic conditions of their own era as well. Possibly within the next decades, they will tend to loose their importance due to other developments that took place in that future. In summary, Michael Porters approaches do not have the impact they used to have any more. Nevertheless, that doesnt mean that Porters theories became invalid. What has to be done is to apply them with the knowledge of their limitations in mind and to use them as a part of a larger framework of theories and techniques. This approach, however, is advisable for the application of every business model, brand new or old, from Porter or from somebody else, and in every economy.

The Portrayal of Women in Homers Odyssey Essay -- The Odyssey by Home

Does Homer exhibit gender bias in the Odyssey?   Is the nature of woman as depicted in the Odyssey in any way revealing? Upon examining the text of the Odyssey for differential treatment on men and women, it becomes necessary to distinguish between three possible conclusions.   One, differences in treatment reflect the underlying Homeric thesis that   women are "different but equal in nature,"   Two, different treatment   of men and women in the text reflect a thesis that women are "different and unequal in nature" -- arguments about misogyny fall in here but a host of other interpretive possibilities are possible too. Three, the different treatment reflects simple ignorance. How much do we attribute what we discover to male authorship -- or female authorship? In beginning, we might look to the gods for a clue. The adultery between Ares and Aphrodite for example is evenly represented -- both parties are to blame -- both are shamed -- both are banished. Although there is some "locker room talk" between two of the male gods that they would willingly lie in chains several layers thick to be beside Aphrodite.   Sexuality among mortals is another key to this poem and this question. Women and men are represented differentially in this regard -- The herdsman Eumaios -- Odysseus brother by "adoption" recounts how he came to Ithaka a captive of a slave woman Phoinikia -- a woman who had been seduced by a roving seafarer w... .... 17-27. Griffin, Jasper. Homer on Life and Death, 1980, Clarendon Press. Richard Brilliant, "Kirke's Men: Swine and Sweethearts," pp. 165-73. Helene Foley, "Penelope as Moral Agent," in Beth Cohen, ed., The Distaff Side (Oxford 1995), pp. 93-115. Jennifer Neils, "Les Femmes Fatales: Skylla and the Sirens in Greek Art," pp. 175-84. Lillian Doherty, Siren Songs: Gender, Audiences, and Narrators in the Odyssey (Ann Arbor 1995), esp. chapter 1. Mary Lefkowitz, "Seduction and Rape in Greek Myth," 17-37. Marilyn Arthur Katz, Penelope's Renown: Meaning and Indeterminacy in the Odyssey (Princeton 1991). Nancy Felson-Rubin, Regarding Penelope: From Courtship to Poetics (Princeton 1994).

Spiritual Shallowness in The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

Spiritual Shallowness in The Great Gatsby The American Dream was based on the assumption that each person, no matter what his origins, could succeed in life on the sole basis of his or her own skill and effort. The dream was embodied in the ideal of the self-made man. The Great Gatsby is a novel about what happened to the American dream in the 1920s, a period when the old values that gave substance to the dream had been corrupted by the vulgar pursuit of wealth. Spiritual shallowness is portrayed in The Great Gatsby through the characters' pursuit of power and pleasure, the character groupings and images and the forgotten past. The characters of The Great Gatsby are Midwesterners who have come east in pursuit of this new dream of money, fame, success, glamour, and excitement. Tom and Daisy must have a huge house, a stable of polo ponies, and friends in Europe. Gatsby must have his enormous mansion before he can feel confident enough to try to win Daisy. The energy that might have gone into the pursuit of noble goals has been channeled into the pursuit of power and pleasure, and a very showy, but fundamentally empty form of success. Fitzgerald employs clearly defined character groupings and various images and symbols in developing the theme. Character groups include Nick, the observer and commentator, who sees what has gone wrong, Gatsby, who lives the dream purely, and Tom, Daisy, and Jordan, the "foul dust" who are the prime examples of the corruption of the dream. The primary images and symbols used are, the green light, the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the image of the East and Midwest, Owl Eyes, Dan Cody's yacht; and religious terms such as grail and incarnation. Both the character groupings and the images and symbols suggest a second major theme that may be referred to as "sight and insight." The novel contains many images of blindness, perhaps because hardly anyone seems to "see" what is really going on. The characters have little self-knowledge and even less knowledge of each other. Especially Gatsby- he lacks the insight to understand what is happening. He never truly sees either Daisy or himself, so blinded is he by his dream. The only characters who see, in the sense of "understand," are Nick and Owl Eyes. Spiritual Shallowness in The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays Spiritual Shallowness in The Great Gatsby The American Dream was based on the assumption that each person, no matter what his origins, could succeed in life on the sole basis of his or her own skill and effort. The dream was embodied in the ideal of the self-made man. The Great Gatsby is a novel about what happened to the American dream in the 1920s, a period when the old values that gave substance to the dream had been corrupted by the vulgar pursuit of wealth. Spiritual shallowness is portrayed in The Great Gatsby through the characters' pursuit of power and pleasure, the character groupings and images and the forgotten past. The characters of The Great Gatsby are Midwesterners who have come east in pursuit of this new dream of money, fame, success, glamour, and excitement. Tom and Daisy must have a huge house, a stable of polo ponies, and friends in Europe. Gatsby must have his enormous mansion before he can feel confident enough to try to win Daisy. The energy that might have gone into the pursuit of noble goals has been channeled into the pursuit of power and pleasure, and a very showy, but fundamentally empty form of success. Fitzgerald employs clearly defined character groupings and various images and symbols in developing the theme. Character groups include Nick, the observer and commentator, who sees what has gone wrong, Gatsby, who lives the dream purely, and Tom, Daisy, and Jordan, the "foul dust" who are the prime examples of the corruption of the dream. The primary images and symbols used are, the green light, the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the image of the East and Midwest, Owl Eyes, Dan Cody's yacht; and religious terms such as grail and incarnation. Both the character groupings and the images and symbols suggest a second major theme that may be referred to as "sight and insight." The novel contains many images of blindness, perhaps because hardly anyone seems to "see" what is really going on. The characters have little self-knowledge and even less knowledge of each other. Especially Gatsby- he lacks the insight to understand what is happening. He never truly sees either Daisy or himself, so blinded is he by his dream. The only characters who see, in the sense of "understand," are Nick and Owl Eyes.

American Express Case Study

What are the key components of the architecture American Express has created? The key components of the architecture American Express has created were the ability to more effectively do business utilizing new payment methods and mobile devices. This was done through technology road map, reference architecture road map and utility/capacity road map.The enterprise architecture team created road maps to understand the leadership, organizational structure and directions and processes to make sure American Express's Information Technology correlates with this changes in demand placed upon the use of new payment methods and mobile devices and their alignment with the organization's mission, goals, and objectives. This is the architecture governance. In addition, it is important to understand the strategic intent of the company so that the business architecture helps to guide and direct the processes correctly.The technology architecture ensures that the processes and templates provided wor k in compliance with the needs of the organization. Discuss two advantages and three disadvantages of standard enterprise architecture for American Express? An advantage of standard enterprise architecture for American Express includes the ability to provide more consistent user experience. In addition, standard enterprise architecture use can deduce risk and exposure and reduce operating costs. Optimally it will allow product and services to be brought to market more quickly.Disadvantages of standard enterprise architecture include the concept that architecture must guide rather than dictate. The architecture process must seen as a â€Å"fit† for the employees and customers of American Express. It should be value to projects and be accepted on its own merits. It must also serve a mission: in this case American Express has a strategic need for enterprise architecture that addressed the specific need of shorter time to market products and services and new delivery changes like mobile devices.Another disadvantage is that increased costs can be incurred if the system is not properly managed. How might they address the disadvantages? Since architecture must guide rather than dictate an organization it is key that the company's strategy actually drives the architecture (which, as our text points out, drives infrastructure). IT must carefully manage the architecture to ensure that it is being managed in this manner, rather than having the company be limited by the architecture or guided by the architecture based on its perimeters, rather than careful planning of the needs of the organization.Since â€Å"enterprise architecture is the broad design that includes both the information system, architecture and the interrelationships in the enterprise† (Pearlson & Saunders, 2013), it is key that each aspect works together to support strategy and more efficiently help the organization. Costs of managing standard enterprise architecture must be managed. Standa rdization should lead to reduced operating costs and greater consistency within the organization. However, in order to do so, IT must carefully manage the system and look forward as new technologies emerge, ensuring that the system can adapt and flex to adjust for projected needs. American Express Case Study What are the key components of the architecture American Express has created? The key components of the architecture American Express has created were the ability to more effectively do business utilizing new payment methods and mobile devices. This was done through technology road map, reference architecture road map and utility/capacity road map.The enterprise architecture team created road maps to understand the leadership, organizational structure and directions and processes to make sure American Express's Information Technology correlates with this changes in demand placed upon the use of new payment methods and mobile devices and their alignment with the organization's mission, goals, and objectives. This is the architecture governance. In addition, it is important to understand the strategic intent of the company so that the business architecture helps to guide and direct the processes correctly.The technology architecture ensures that the processes and templates provided wor k in compliance with the needs of the organization. Discuss two advantages and three disadvantages of standard enterprise architecture for American Express? An advantage of standard enterprise architecture for American Express includes the ability to provide more consistent user experience. In addition, standard enterprise architecture use can deduce risk and exposure and reduce operating costs. Optimally it will allow product and services to be brought to market more quickly.Disadvantages of standard enterprise architecture include the concept that architecture must guide rather than dictate. The architecture process must seen as a â€Å"fit† for the employees and customers of American Express. It should be value to projects and be accepted on its own merits. It must also serve a mission: in this case American Express has a strategic need for enterprise architecture that addressed the specific need of shorter time to market products and services and new delivery changes like mobile devices.Another disadvantage is that increased costs can be incurred if the system is not properly managed. How might they address the disadvantages? Since architecture must guide rather than dictate an organization it is key that the company's strategy actually drives the architecture (which, as our text points out, drives infrastructure). IT must carefully manage the architecture to ensure that it is being managed in this manner, rather than having the company be limited by the architecture or guided by the architecture based on its perimeters, rather than careful planning of the needs of the organization.Since â€Å"enterprise architecture is the broad design that includes both the information system, architecture and the interrelationships in the enterprise† (Pearlson & Saunders, 2013), it is key that each aspect works together to support strategy and more efficiently help the organization. Costs of managing standard enterprise architecture must be managed. Standa rdization should lead to reduced operating costs and greater consistency within the organization. However, in order to do so, IT must carefully manage the system and look forward as new technologies emerge, ensuring that the system can adapt and flex to adjust for projected needs.

Americans win the War of Independence Essay

Before the first shots were fired in the American War of Independence, very few people gave the Americans (also known as the ‘colonists’ or ‘patriots’) a chance. Britain had a population of 11 million compared to the patriots 2.5 million of whom 20% were slaves. Furthermore Britain had the most powerful navy in the world, an experienced and well-armed standing army of 48,000 men and the support of tens of thousands of loyalists and Indian tribes. Britain also held the economic advantage as they could rely on the profits from the South Atlantic system and the industrial revolution. So at the beginning of the war, an American victory seemed distinctly unlikely for American forces weak and British military and naval power enormous by comparison.[i] Foreign aid obtained by the colonists was extremely important in their victory. In 1776 France extended a secret loan to the colonies and supplied them with gunpowder. These loans of gunpowder were extremely important in enabling the patriots to defeat Britain in the Battle of Saratoga. In February 1778 France and America signed The Treaty of Alliance that stated once France entered the war against Britain, there would be no more treaties before the colonists gained liberty, sovereignty and independence.[ii] The treaty also opened both nations ports to the others commerce and guaranteed French possessions in the New World. Therefore this alliance was very important as it brought optimism and boosted the morale of the patriots. As one soldier from Pennsylvania said, â€Å"There has been a great change in this state since the news from France†. France gave money, supplies and in the last phase of the war, military force. France supplied most of the muskets, bayonets and canons used by the colonists and without French aid it is debatable if they could have won the war. For example at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, 20 French war ships prevented Cornwallis’ escape and led to the surrender of the British force and the end of the war. Furthermore France’s participation in the war and Vergennes’ (French foreign  minister) influence was a big factor in persuading other countries to join the American war effort. In 1779 and 1780, both Spain and Holland respectively entered against Great Britain and soon after Catherine of Russia organised the League of Armed Neutrality which when threatened by Britain in the early 1780’s, responded by deterring British trade. So foreign aid was a very important factor in America’s victory as it is probable that they did not have the power to defeat the British on their own. The logistics of the war was a second major reason for the American’s victory. Britain encountered many logistical problems in the war which all contributed in some way to its defeat. Howe thought that driving the American army from the battlefield in any area would return that area to loyalty to the crown or at least neutrality. However this was not the case. Britain was only able to control areas that the military occupied so therefore when the army moved it had to abandon the area it previously occupied. As a result when a British force was defeated its only hope was to retreat to a fortified port and so if the navy was not there with its usual overwhelming power, the army would be in serious trouble, as exemplified with the Battle of Yorktown. Another logistical problem was that the British army could not expect supplies from any area it did not occupy and also the areas Britain did occupy were too small to provision the British army.[iii] Therefore they had to be dependent on supplies from Britain but even this was often a major problem as the obtaining of these supplies was held up administratively. The British Treasury and Admiralty did not co-operate with each other to make provisioning efficient or effective. For example in 1776 Admiralty agents insisted that army suppliers be licensed and applications accompanied by exact cargo manifests. Therefore, as ships were loaded at Cork and applications made in London, voyages could be delayed for weeks and sometimes months and as a result hampered the British war effort. Britain also suffered a number of transport problems that further complicated proceedings. In October and November 1775, 36 supply ships loaded with  hundreds of tons of food and supplies left Britain to make sure the 11,000 soldiers, sailors and marines in Boston would have a comfortable winter. However the ships witnessed some of the worst storms of the century and many sunk, were captured or fled towards the West Indies. In the end only 13 supply ships reached Boston by which time most of the food had gone bad.[iv] So therefore transport problems are another logistical problem that contributed to Britain’s defeat. Food that did reach America created another problem for the British, as there were no good means to store or distribute the food. Therefore the food often sat on the ships holding them up when they could have been used for battle or getting more supplies. Logistical problems also hit the British army directly as they could only operate freely as long as the supplies they could carry lasted. Therefore they had to move as soon as they ran out of supplies, even if it was not militarily expedient. So as the army was always moving it could not force an American army to battle, which created a big advantage for the colonists as they could decide when to fight.[v] So overall Britain had to deal with many distribution and communication problems and despite having more supplies than the enemy, because of the above problems this proved to be no advantage. A third major reason for the patriot’s victory revolved around the military strategy of both sides. On three notable occasions Britain made terrible mistakes in battle that contributed massively to their overall defeat. At the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, Britain went against all accepted military practice by attacking American forces on Breeds Hill, having to go up a steep and grassy hill in the open carrying sixty pound packs whilst the colonists were under cover. Of three British attacks, the colonists won two and Britain suffered a 50% loss of soldiers and didn’t make another offensive for fourteen months. On top of this, the battle seriously strengthened American morale and gave Washington over a year to build an army and prepare for the next battle. [vi] At the Battle of Long Island in 1776 Britain made a massive strategic error of not exploiting their success. The British army had marched unexpected straight into the rear of the colonists and quickly forced a retreat. Britain had thousands of fresh troops available and had the momentum but allowed the colonists to escape from Brooklyn to Manhattan by boat. Therefore Britain lost their best chance of destroying the Continental army, capturing Washington and winning the war.[vii] The final major military mistake by Britain was in 1777 when General Howe’s plan to attack Philadelphia instead of going to Albany to help Burgoyne backfired when the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia. Therefore Burgoyne had to send further supplies and troops to support Howe instead of using them on his way to Albany. Howe underestimated the colonist’s ability to evade the British and made a massive mistake because Burgoyne needed those troops, supplies and Howe’s help at the Battle of Saratoga. In complete contrast, the colonists displayed some excellent tactics and strategies at vital times that proved extremely important in their victory in the war. During the collective battles known as the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, at Fort Stanwix Britain were at first in control. However the patriots sent Hon Yost Schuyler to the fort and he promoted a superstition that caused the Indians to desert the fort and as a result caused the British to retreat to Oswego and abandon their siege. Therefore the great tactics at Fort Stanwix proved vital as the British were previously in a great position in the battle. At Bennington, the patriots played another great trick sending men disguised as loyalists to mingle with British troops. They went to the rear of the British army and when the patriots attacked they turned against the British. So again the great tactics shown by the Americans provided a massive victory and the British suffered huge casualties and loss of supplies that proved significant in the war. A final example of the great tactics used by the patriots was at Freemans  Farm, when American riflemen forced a retreat in the first British assault after shooting from the tops of trees and then in the second assault caused huge losses to Burgoynes army after being situated on a low hill.[viii] This battle carried extra significance as the victory brought an American alliance with France, which as explained before was crucial in the outcome of the war. However, whilst discussing military strategy it is also important to acknowledge the role played by the terrain as a factor for America’s victory. Britain found it difficult to cope with the many rivers and poor roads that they encountered and there were no large open fields where the cavalry could manoeuvre. It was rare to see Britain using whole regiments and disciplined fire across open ground. The territory thus prevented Britain from moving rapidly to surround rebels and from making the most of their superior discipline in formal lines of battle. So therefore Americans benefited from their own familiar terrain. As they did not have the fire discipline or military expertise and skills to fight formal battles, it was suited to their guerrilla warfare type battle techniques. Washington was also crucial to the shape and outcome of the war. By 1777 Washington had fought Howe five times and lost every one, however Washington never lost his army.[ix] He was a big stabilising force and from his militia experience, was excellent at managing an army and keeping it together. As a Southerner, Washington was also vital in bringing southern support into a war that originally was being fought mainly by New Englanders. However most importantly Washington’s tactics on two notable occasions were massive factors in the outcome of the war. First in 1776 at the Battle of Long Island, whilst in serious trouble, Washington enabled an escape for the colonists from Brooklyn to Manhattan by boat. In doing this, Washington prevented Britain’s best chance of winning the war. Secondly in Virginia in October 1781, Washington was influential in leading five thousand French and two thousand American troops across Pennsylvania into Virginia. Washington moved them so fast that Britain didn’t even know  of the Yorktown attack until it was too late. This piece of military mastermind by Washington soon led to a British surrender and subsequently signalled the end of the war. The fourth and possibly final major reason for the American’s victory revolved around the contrasting motivation and passion of the two sides. The patriots were always willing to continue fighting because they had a strong desire to win their independence and loved their homeland. On the other hand British soldiers were not fighting for a cause that directly affected them as they were in a country almost three thousand miles from home. Therefore as the war continued patriot fervour increased whereas British morale went down. In the colonies, the desire to fight the British was never in question. Before the outbreak of war Thomas Paine’s pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ was able to sway public sentiment in favour of complete independence and against King George’s tyranny. During the revolution Paine continued to stir up enthusiasm and patriotism in America with ‘The Crisis’ with comments such as, â€Å"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph†.[x] Therefore ‘The Crisis’ affected soldiers and civilians in all levels of society, increasing morale, confidence and belief. Paine marched with troops, understood them and kept them fighting under horrible circumstances. Thus, Paine played an important role in the patriot’s victory. Propaganda also played a big role in influencing public opinion. Anti-British cartoons were popular throughout the colonies and influenced the public. The inhumane treatment of American prisoners was a main topic of propaganda and there were many newspapers detailing atrocities by the British; for example, the fact that more prisoners of war died than were killed in action. Therefore the use of propaganda was very influential and turned many loyalists against the British. So overall in conclusion, I have identified four major reasons why the Americans won the War of Independence. Foreign aid from France was vital through their money, supplies and military force. France also helped bring Spain and Holland into the war and without them the colonists would have found it difficult to win. Secondly, Britain suffered many logistical problems including the obtaining and distributing of supplies and also communication problems. With regards to military strategy, Britain made a number of strategic errors and struggled to come to terms with the difficult terrain, whereas the colonists under the influential command of Washington made some excellent tactical decisions in battle. Finally the Americans displayed great motivation and passion to secure victory and independence and never lost their desire to fight. In contrast British soldiers were not directly affected whatever the result of war and this proved crucial. ——————————————————————————– [i] Bonwick, Colin. The American Revolution (Macmillan, 1991) 86 [ii] Henretta, James. America: A Concise History (St. Martin’s, 1999) 147 [iii] Bowler, Arthur. Logistics and the Failure of the British Army in America: 1775-1783 (Princeton, 1975) 239 [iv] Perret, Geoffrey. A Country Made by War (Vintage Books, 1990) 20 [v] Heller, Charles. America’s First Battles: 1776-1965 (Lawrence, 1986) 24 [vi] Perret, 15 [vii] Heller, 31 [viii] Perret, 42 [ix] Leckie, Robert. The Wars of America (Harper & Row, 1981) 179 [x] Perret, 34 Bibliography Bailyn, Bernard. The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Harvard College, 1967 Bonwick, Colin. The American Revolution. Macmillan, 1991 Bowler, Arthur. Logistics and the Failure of the British Army in America: 1775-1783. Princeton, 1975 Conway, Stephen. The War of American Independence 1775-1783. Arnold, 1995 Heller, Charles. America’s First Battles 1776-1965. Lawrence, 1986 Henretta, James. America: A Concise History. St. Martin’s, 1999 Leckie, Robert. The Wars of America. Harper & Row, 1981 Perret, Geoffrey. A Country Made by War. Vintage Books, 1990