Congenital Adrenal Hyper Plasia Health And Social Care Essay

To, find the clinical presentation of inborn adrenal hyperplasia and to detect the short term response to intervention. Design: Case series survey.Topographic point AND DURATION OF STUDY:The survey extended over a period of one twelvemonth from July 2007 To July 2008 in Paediatric section Chandka Medical College Larkana.MATERIAL AND METHODS:All kids showing with purging desiccation, daze, failure to boom and equivocal genital organs were examined and investigated exhaustively. The chief stay of the diagnosing was raised degree of serum 17OHP in kid with implicative clinical characteristic.Consequence:A sum of 30 kids were found to hold CAH during the survey period. The major clinical characteristics a presentation were purging 8 ( 26.7 % ) , equivocal genital organs 7 ( 23.3 % ) emesis and failure to boom 1 ( 3.3 % ) . All the patients were followed up after induction of intervention and response was observed.Decision:The survey highlights the importance of common clinical symptoms like, purging being the presenting characteristics of CAH and the effectivity of the replacing therapy in bettering life endangering exigencies due to this status.Cardinal WORDS:Congenitaladrenalhyperphase ( CAH ) ,17 hydroxyprogesterone ( 17 OHP ) , cytochrome P 450 protein ( CYP ) . correspondence to: Dr. Shanti Lal, Assistant Professor Pediatricss *Dr. Abdul Ghani Shaikh Assistant Professor Surgery ** Dr. Amanullah Abassi Assistant Professor Urology Chandka Medical College, Larkana dr.shantilal @ yahoo.comIntroductionCAH is a familial upset characterized by a lack in the endocrine hydrocortisone and aldosterone and an over production of the endocrine androgen, which is present at birth and affects sexual development. The upset is inherited as an autosomal recessive defect in congenital enzyme synthesis. As such there is history of early neonatal decease in the household. The clinical manifestations of the disease relate to the grade of hydrocortisone lack, aldosterone lack, or lack of both and, in some instances, to the accretion of precursor adrenocortical endocrines. These precursors cause abnormalcies such as masculinization or high blood pressure when nowadays in supraphysiologic concentration many of the enzymes involved in hydrocortisone and aldosterone syntheses are cytochrome p450 proteins designated CYP. CYP21 refers to 21-hydroxylase, CYP11B1 refers to 11-beta-hydroxylase, and CYP17 refers to 17-alpha-hydroxylase. Excess adrenal androgen production be gins in early foetal life in authoritative CAH-21 affected babies, and causes unnatural growing of misss ‘ button and masculinisation of the genital-urinary constructions. Badly affected misss may be mistaken for male childs at birth. Affected male childs have no venereal deformities at birth, but continued androgen extra causes remarkably fast organic structure growing. Inappropriately early pubescence leads to premature completion of growing and short concluding grownup height [ 1- 3 ] . Severe signifiers of inborn adrenal hyperplasia are potentially fatal if unrecognised and untreated because of the terrible hydrocortisone and aldosterone lacks that result in salt cachexia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, desiccation, and hypotension [ 1,6,7 ] . Females with some signifiers of adrenal hyperplasia ( i.e. , CYP21 lack, CYP11B1, partial 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase lack ) have equivocal genital organs at birth ( authoritative masculinizing adrenal hyperplasia ) or later become virilized in childhood ( simple masculinizing adrenal hyperplasia ) or in adolescence and maturity ( nonclassic masculinizing adrenal hyperplasia ) . Males with CYP21 lack are non by and large identified in the neonatal period because their genital organs are normal. If the defect is terrible, ensuing in salt cachexia, these male babies are seen at 1-4 hebdomads of age because of failure to boom, recurrent emesis, desiccation, and daze. Some babies are ab initio misdiagnosed with stomach flu o r pyloric stricture [ 1,2,6 ] . Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia should raise the possibility of adrenal inadequacy. Two signifiers of adrenal hyperplasia ( i.e. , CYP11B1 lack, CYP17 lack ) consequence in high blood pressure [ 1,2,6,7 ] Congenital adrenal hyperplasia occur among people of all races. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia because all signifiers of inborn adrenal hyperplasia are autosomal recessionary upsets, both sexes are affected with equal frequence [ 1 ] . All kids including neonate who have purging and/or desiccating are diagnosed as acute stomach flu. This consequences in certain congenital mistakes of metamorphosis particularly CAH being overlooked, unsuitably treated and consequences in increasing preventable mortality earlier in life. The intent of survey is to depict our experience of placing CAH in footings of their presentation and short term intervention.Patients AND METHODSThis crossectional survey was carried out in paediatric section of Chandka Medical College Larkana from July 2007 to July 20 08. The chief purpose of the survey was to happen out the chief manners of presentation of CAH and to see the response of intervention on short term footing. A successful response to replacement therapy observed within a period of two to four was surcease of emesis, need for endovenous fluid therapy and failure to boom. All patients suspected to hold CAH i.e. with clinical characteristics and raised serum degrees of 170HP were included in the survey. A elaborate history ( purging, failure to boom, sibling decease ) followed by thorough physical scrutiny ( blood force per unit area, hydration, misss for equivocal genital organs and male childs for precocious pubescence ) was carried out. Probes done included complete blood count, blood sugar, serum carbamide and electrolytes ( Na 130 – 150 mmol/l ; potassium 3.5 – 4.0 mmol/l ) , karyotyping and serum17OHP degrees ( Normal & A ; lt ; 100 ng/dl ) . Classical salt blowing assortment have 17 OHP degrees & A ; gt ; 2000 mg/dl ; Classical virilizing & A ; gt ; 1000 ng/dl and nonclassical = 100 – 200 ng/dl. Karyotyping was done in patients with equivocal genital organs to set up the diagnosing of CAH in our survey. Classically they had to be female karyotype who was virilized [ 4 ] . Patients that had other grounds for equivocal genital organs and failure to boom like nephritic cannular defects etc were excluded from the survey. All probes were carried out in Patholo gy Department Chandka Medical College Larkana except 17 OHP and Karyotyping from Agha Khan University Laboratory. All patients were treated with replacing therapy including cortisol 50 mg/M2 stat followed by 1000 milligram / M2/ twenty-four hours 6 hourly, tapered to 20 milligrams / M2 /day. In salt losing assortment ab initio normal saline 20 milliliter / kilogram was repeated if necessary followed by florinated steroid ( fludrocortisone – 0.15 milligram / M2 ) was given. The response to the criterion paediatric pattern was studied.ConsequenceSum of 30 patients were diagnosed to hold CAH. The age scope of kids was from 4 to 180 yearss with a average age at the clip of presentation was 39.67 yearss. ( table-1 -fig-1 ) the sex distribution was about equal ( table-2-fig-2 ) . The chief clinical characteristics included emesis, equivocal genital organ, desiccation and failure to boom ( table-3 ) . Probes of all the patients showed raised degrees of 17OHP. Karyotyping was done in patients with equivocal genital organs. All instances diagnosed to hold CAH were put on replacing therapy. Short term response was observed after a period of 4 hebdomads. All instances showed positive response shortly after the induction of therapy. The patients who presented with failure to boom started deriving weight. As emesis was the major symptom at presentation, it responded good to intervention. Children showing with equivocal genital organs were put on replacing therapy and subsequently referred for surgical intervention i.e. clitoroplasty.DiscussionCAH is chiefly disease of early babyhood as the average age of presentation in our survey is 39 yearss. It is widely present all over the universe with equal male to female ratio [ 1,2 ] . The present survey besides shows the same consequence with average age of presentation being 39.67 yearss. However there is little male preponderance in our survey ( 56.7 % ) . Clinical characteristics observed in this survey are in conformance with other surveies.The frequent manners of presentation include purging, equivocal genital organ ( Fig-1 ) , daze and failure to boom [ 1,2 ] . Some patients presented merely one symptom and other with two or three marks and symptoms togetherTable- 1: Outstanding characteristics of the 30 instances studied.Average age of presentation ( yearss ) 39.67 Male: female ratio 1.5:1 Major symptom/sign ( purging n equivocal genital organs 10 ( 33.3 % ) Positive Family history/Neonatal decease 10 ( 33 % )Figure: 1Equivocal Genitalia Ambiguous GenitaliaTable-2: Gender distribution.No of PatientsPercentagesFemale 13 43.3 % Male 17 56.7 %Table-3: Presenting characteristics of the instances.No of PatientsPercentagesVomiting 8 26.7 % Equivocal genital organs 7 2.3 % Vomiting and equivocal genital organs 10 33.3 % Failure to boom 1 3.3 % Daze 4 13.3 %Figure: 2Equivocal Genitalia Ambiguous GenitaliaTable-4: Treatment.No of PatientsPercentagesHydrocortisone 7 23.3 % Hydrocortisone and fluodrocortisone 23 76.7 % Most of the kids in our survey presented with relentless purging since birth. This was ab initio thought of, because of enteric obstructor like pyloric stricture or simple regurgitation of milk, which is much more common in immature babies. Vomiting, as the lone presenting characteristic makes the diagnosing small hard but it is frequently associated with equivocal genital organs particularly in females i.e. clitoromegaly. Females are recognized because of equivocal genital organs, but males have normal genital organs and are non diagnosed until subsequently, frequently with a salt losing crisis [ 8 ] . Another of import clinical mark was failure to boom. It was present along with emesis and besides as the lone presenting characteristic. Salt also-rans besides presented in a province of daze. The criterion for diagnosing was raised degrees of 17OHP [ 4,5 ] . As the diagnostic installations are easy available, diagnosing at an early age with induction of intervention is possible. 21 h ydroxylase lacks ( CYP 21 ) is the most common signifier. Approximately 50 % of patients with authoritative inborn adrenal hyperplasia from CYP 21 lack have salt blowing due to inadequate aldosterone synthesis. One tierce of patients in our survey presented with grounds of salt blowing [ 8 ] . Bing an autosomal recessionary upset, there is 25 % opportunity that the status will be found in the siblings of the patient. In our survey there was an increased incidence ( 33 % of the patients ) of upset in siblings of patients in our survey. Incidence in all the patients could non be found as some of the patients were the first issues of the parents. Even in those, in whom the upset was suspected, merely clinical diagnosing was thought of on the footing of early neonatal decease. However attempts should be made in set uping antenatal diagnosing possible as intrauterine Decadron during the first trimester helps in cut downing opportunities of equivocal genital organ. This is done via chorio nic villus trying in first trimester at 8 hebdomads gestation [ 1-3 ] . Amniocentesis at 12 hebdomads can besides be done. As a antenatal direction step, Dexamethasone ( 10 – 20 ug /kg / twenty-four hours ) at diagnosing of gestation is started. Stop the intervention in male childs and unaffected misss. Affected misss in whom Decadron should be continued, maternal urinary estriol ( mark & A ; lt ; 375 ng/ deciliter ) are followed up [ 8,9 ] .DecisionFollowing points are drawn from our survey:  · CAH is fundamentally a disease of early babyhood  · The usual presenting ailments are really common like purging, desiccation and failure to boom.  · Prompt intervention with replacing therapy can efficaciously abort a life endangering province.

Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion Essay

Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offered differing perspectives on the role of religion. Choose the theorist whose insights you prefer and outline how they perceived religion operating socially. Discuss why you chose your preferred theorists views over the others. Marx, Durkheim and Weber each had different sociological views of the role and function of Religion. My preferred theorists view’s on Religion is Karl Marx’s as I feel his ideas are more relevant to what Religion actually is. And I have chosen Marx’s theory on Religion as I feel that it is the most similar to my own views on the subject. His views are more interesting to me as I don’t practise any Religion and his views expand on some of my own thoughts that I have had about Religion. It also has more relevance in society today as people are now struggling due to the economic down turn which is completely testing people’s faith. There is a bigger decline in this century as most of the population of the world have more resources and freedom of speech, to decide how they really feel about Religion and aren’t blind-sighted by the church anymore. Even if people are not aware of Marx’s ideas about Religion I feel that the majority of people would have similar views based on these ideas as times have gotten harder thus making people question their own beliefs. I will also briefly outline each of the theorist’s workings on Religion and then discuss why I chose Karl Marx’s theories. Karl Marx’s outlook on Religion was that it was a deception of sorts, as it was to give people false hope of something better waiting for them as they were being exploited and oppressed by these religious ideals. Marx thought it was a result of a class society because not only was its aim to ease the pain of oppression it also acted as a tool of that oppression. (McDonald, 2009) Emile Durkheim thought that Religion brought communities together and strengthened them. That all religions acted as a ‘socialising agent’ and that they shared a ‘coherent system of beliefs and practices serving universal human needs and purposes.’ He also conducted a study on the Australian Aborigines and concluded that ‘Religion was the source of all harmonious social life.’ (McDonald, 2009) He felt that religion varies between different societies and can influence people’s day to day lives. In 1912 he wrote the ‘Elementary forms of the religious life’ which showed that all religions have certain features in common. Max Weber had a view that  wasn’t too far off of Marx’s theory on Religion as he felt that it just was used to strengthened people’s work ethic and that success through hard work would lead to people’s salvation. He felt that the various religious policies didn’t fit with the development of Capitalism. Religion is defined as ‘The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or Gods.’ But when reading Karl Marx’s thoughts on the subject it becomes clearer that not only do you need a strong belief to endure what God’s plan is for you but that it can take away your sense of individuality and force people into a socially regulated group by practicing the church’s ‘norms’. One of his famous analyses of Religion was that it ‘Is the opium of the people.’(Goldstein, / McKinnon 2009) It’s amusing that Marx used opium in comparison with religion seeing as it was used to help people for a while in the 1800’s but with more medicines becoming available, that the use of opium eventually became frowned upon. Ironic then, that this is how many people would perceive the church in Ireland today. In Marx, Critical Theory and Religion Marx, McKinnon writes that ‘For most twenty-first century readers, opium means something quite simple and obvious, and the comparison between the two terms seems perfectly literal. Opium is a drug that kills the pain, distorts reality, and an artificial source of solace to which some poor souls can become addicted; so also religion.’ This metaphor for me shows that of the three theorists Marx was the most realistic and could see through the organised industry that Religion was and is ever more so today. Durkheim’s theories make sense and are for me a nice and fluffy way of looking at Religion, but I have a feeling that if he were to see the route Religion has gone down in modern society would he still feel the same about the majority of Religions, for example the scandal’s in the Catholic church over the past forty years that are only really surfacing now. And Weber’s thoughts were more rational as that what was expected of people was to keep their heads down and they would eventually be rewarded with Heaven. Even if in today’s society more numbers are in decline of practicing religion, Marx’s views on the subject are definitely the most valid. There expectations of people may not be as extreme as they were back in the 1800’s of their followers as they are now, but of the three, Marx’s views are the most realistic of what Religion truly is. His ability to see what religion was actually doing to people’s lives back then is remarkable and for his  words to still have such relevance now in modern society shows that he was extremely perceptive of society. Marxism also assumes that Religion will eventually disappear and for someone to envisage that from over one hundred years ago is clearly someone who knew what they were talking about. And that is why I chose Marx.

Comparison of ratios over a two-year period Research Paper

Comparison of ratios over a two-year period - Research Paper Example Besides, financial ratio analysis can also be used to assess the performance of different departments and managers and how their overall performance may have an impact on the performance of the whole firm. Sparklin Automotive Company is in business since 1990 and is supplying different automotive related parts across the whole country. In order to better assess its performance for the year 2005 and 2006, a comprehensive ratio analysis is important. This will provide a critical insight into areas such as liquidity management, overall asset management, the nature and extent of firm’s debt as well as assessing the profitability during these two years. Ratio Analysis Explanation Ratio analysis is the process of calculation and comparing the ratios which have been extracted from the different financial statements. By forming the historical trends, ratio analysis can actually provide an insight into the performance as well as charm in the company to perform in the long run based on the historical data. Ratio analysis is also important from the perspective of assessing the performance of the managers and understanding as to how the organization is performing. By computing financial ratios, a firm not only compares its performance with the competitors but also get an insight into its own historical performance. Ratio analysis therefore can be used for two different purposes or in two different manners i.e. making comparisons through trend analysis and comparing the ratios with the competitors. When financial ratio analysis is used for the purpose of trend analysis, a firm or a manager can actually get an insight into how the trends in different ratios are pointing towards the performance of the firm. For example, if a manager wants to assess as to how the overall inventory has been managed through out the year, she can compute the inventory turnover ratio and days in inventory to get an insight into how the inventory of the firm has been maintained and how sales have been generated. Ratio analysis therefore provides an ability to perform objective analysis of the performance of the firm. (Bull, 2007) Ratio analysis can either be used by the firm for its own evaluation purposes so that managers can assess what is required to be done in order to improve different areas lacking in achieving the targets. Secondly, ratio analysis can also be used by the investors to not only assess the historical performance of the firm but based on this assessment make forecasts as to how the firm may perform in future. Ratio Calculation Ratio Formula 2005 2006 Current Ratio Current Assets /Current Liabilities 1.475:1 1.403:1 Debt to Equity Ratio Total Liabilities / Total Equity 0.449:0.551 0.440 : 0.56 Inventory Turnover Sales / Inventory 6.11 times 4.620 Times Receivables Turnover Sales / Receivables 18.24 times 18.16 times Gross Margin Gross Profit / Sales 49.19% 40.70% Evaluation of the Ratios Current Ratio Current ratio is one of the basic indicators for assessing the liquidity position of the firm and indicates as to whether the firm has the required liquid assets to pay off its immediate liabilities. A current ratio of higher than 1 is considered as acceptable because for ever $1 of current liabilities firm has more than $1 of current assets to settle these

High-tech tools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

High-tech tools - Essay Example The uses of high tech tools have changed such situations. On the other hand, these high technology tools have created various presentations that have negative impacts on teens. For a long time, the use of high technology tools have created a controversy since many people believe that high tech tools are beneficial to human beings; while other people believe that they have several negative impacts. Therefore, this paper shall seek to explain some of the negative impacts brought about by high technology tools. It will also explore how these negative effects can be minimized. Naturally there are some people who not believe that high technology tools have negative impacts on teens. This is attributed to the fact that high technological tools have made life easier, as well as improved the lives of human beings. For instance, it has improved the manner in which people communicate with one another. From mobile phones to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have improved the inter action and communication between people. Additionally, an individual can book for accommodation in a hotel without necessarily going there. All these are ascribed to high technology tools. ... While discussing the negative effects of high technology tools on the teens, we will begin with issues that are related to the use of mobile phones. The rate at which young people have adopted the use of mobile phones in various parts of the world is extremely impressive. However, the uses of mobile phones have been realized to cause certain issues of concern. For instance, some people hide behind this technology to save themselves from emotionally stressing actions such as ending relationships (Campbell 2). Sociologists have argued that teens prefer to send text messages, instead of making calls when talking about awkward or emotionally stressing situations that can impact on their capacity to interact amongst themselves. Bullying is one of the negative impacts of using mobile phones, especially cyber bullying. The teens create these phenomena by texting when they cannot express the same sentiments face-to-face (Campbell 4). These will in the end lead to increased anxiety, depressio n, psychosomatic symptoms, worst still even suicide. The consequence of this issue is yet to be investigated but it is said that cyber bullying has a great impact compared to face-to-face bullying. When the abuse is done verbally, the victim might not be in a position to remember the exact words used, but when text messages are sent to the victim; they have a collection of the abuses and can read them several times. These could turn to be more concrete and seem real compared to the spoken words. Mobile phone use has also been found to be problematic in schools. One main trouble caused by use of mobile phones in schools revolves around the way students use them to rely on their parents when solving

The C.I.A Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The C.I.A - Research Paper Example so coincided with the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, causing many people to believe that the creation of the agency also had to deal with the probability of extra terrestrial visitors. The main task of the Central Intelligence Agency is to gather, process and analyze situations or people, both inside and outside of the United States, that can be threatening or harmful to the United States. If the agency comes upon any information that suggests that someone is doing something harmful at the expense of the United States, they take the proper actions to ensure that nothing comes of these actions and that the person is dealt with accordingly. The agency also looks for threats that may come to an interest that the United States has in the world. In essence, the Central Intelligence Agency seeks out threats and dangers to the United States and the world and does what need to be done to prevent both negative actions and the leaking of the threat to the general public. The CIA also monitors activities that have the potential of turning dangerous, such as a foreign country creating a new nuclear power plant to produce electricity. The CIA would monitor the progress of this plant to ensure that it really is being created for the intended purpose and not for something that can prove to be harmful. The Central Intelligence Agency, in their mission of protecting the United States and the places of interest throughout the world, also helps in making the important decisions surrounding national security. The agency does not make the policies, they simply provide foreign intelligence information for the agencies and groups that do make the policies based on the information provided (Weiner, 2008). At times the agency is allowed to suggest possible policies or changes to current policies as starting points for the groups actually able to make the changes. Their sole job is gathering the information needed to make the decisions that can help keep the United States and

Photosynthesis Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Photosynthesis - Lab Report Example Leaf discs used in this experiment have chloroplasts and contain the green coloring matter, chlorophyll; therefore photosynthesis takes place in the given leaves under favorable conditions. In this experiment, effects of different colors of light on the rate of photosynthesis will be investigated. The experiment will determine the effects of blue and green light on the rate of photosynthesis in leaf discs of English ivy (Hedera Helix). Energy levels recorded in different colors (wavelengths) of light and absorption of light by a leaf are correlated to the rate of photosynthesis. Blue light has been identified to have a higher absorbance by pigments of photosynthesis in plants and it also has a higher energy wavelength compared to green light. Therefore, leaf disks of English ivy placed in blue light will be expected to have a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to leaf disks of English ivy placed in green light. In the first experiment, we measured the rate of photosynthesis under blue and green lights. For each sample, the rate of photosynthesis was monitored to demonstrate that each color had an effect on the rate with which the discs of English ivy will photosynthesize. Discs under the green light photosynthesized faster than leaf discs under the blue light in this first experiment. Results obtained were believed not to be correct since photosynthesis is supposed to be faster under the blue light. A possible explanation for these results could be that the foils that were used to cover the beakers could have reflected some light therefore making leaf discs under green light to photosynthesize faster compared to those under blue light. A second experiment was conducted since data obtained from the first experiment was not accurate according to hypothesis. Only two beakers were used, one for green light and the other for blue light. The beakers were covered by green and blue circular filters.

How World Wide Web and Internet Affected Globalization Essay

How World Wide Web and Internet Affected Globalization - Essay Example Social networking has also made the world small and accessible to most individuals, regardless of their location, age, and economic status. The cost of internet connections has become cheap, allowing most individuals, regardless of economic status, to use the internet. In effect, the internet has made it easy for social, economic, and political interactions to be carried out among people from most parts of the globe. In other words, the internet has expanded the extent of globalization. This paper will discuss and critically evaluate the extent to which the World Wide Web and the internet have affected globalisation. This discussion shall start with an overview of globalization and the internet use. A critical discussion on the impact of the internet on globalisation shall follow. Finally, concluding remarks shall end and summarise the discussion. Globalisation and the Internet Overview Globalisation refers to the process of making a phenomenon, activity, or product worldwide in scop e or utilization (Milward, 2003, p. 14). Generally, globalisation is also considered the process of incorporating the world closely with each other in terms of its economics, politics, and culture. The World Wide Web and the internet, on the other hand, basically refer to the interconnected global networks of computers where documents, images, messages, and similar information are transmitted electronically to each other (Bidgoli, 2004, p. 264). The internet is in many ways a tool for globalisation, expediting the process of globalisation and allowing it to reach a bigger population at a faster and more efficient pace. In effect, the internet has significantly impacted on globalisation, allowing for a more comprehensive process of globalisation to be implemented in most parts of the globe. Critical Evaluation Computers and the internet support globalization by providing major changes in the processes of communication, making geographical considerations superfluous elements in establ ishing collaborations and business interactions with other countries and other nationalities (Adam, et.al., 1997, p. 115). Globalized computer technology has also allowed new technologies and social organizations which impact on the effectiveness of businesses and the improvement of lives of ordinary individuals. The impact of globalization, however, is based on people’s understanding of globalization, including its social and economic aspects. Globalization can be seen at the international and national level; infrastructure is also usually established nationally as people often use their telecommunication structures within their countries (Adam, et.al., 1997, p. 116). These structures are crucial to the internationalization processes of globalization and other elements and issues which refer to the international operations of globalized infrastructures. Globalization is made possible by various commercial processes and incentives in the improvement of efficiency; it is also driven by the need to improve the quality of lives of individuals. The internet is a major element of current globalization practices because the internet allows for a wide and open marketplace for information, goods, and services (Adam, et.al., 1997, p. 117). With the advantages of the internet, the globalized marketplace has now made possible the establishment of electronic analogues in financial practices. The internet combines researches and related technologies from various fields and

Case Study analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study analysis - Essay Example Therefore, the process selection as identified by the team’s recommendations; will assist the organisation in prioritizing solutions to the pre-existing problems. For example, the review team’s assessment of the Information Technology (IT) department shows that it’s current IT solution, GovSource; has many undesired implications which lengthen the recruitment process (Stake, 2006). The team also identifies the inefficient modes of communication which cause delayed feedback from the interviewee’s referees and to the applicants. The use of process selection will, therefore, help the organisation to prioritize between these problems allowing them to come up with a SMART plan to ensure their successful resolution. Meaning, the plan ought to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Process selection, therefore, proves to be advantageous to an organisation in the realizing of their set targets (Yin, 2009). 1.1.2 Process identification Proce ss identification entails the definition of the scope of business processes, for example, an analysis of the scope of Talent Seek’s recruitment process. ... These meetings prove helpful because they help relay the clients’ requirements to Talent Seek’s personnel. The preparation of application forms and advertising of the vacancy positions are an integral part of this phase. The scope of the second phase (actual recruitment and selection) covers the evaluation processes used to sort through the applicants. The applicants’ evaluations happen through a similar criterion during the evaluation phase. The scope of the second phase also covers the selection process, whereby, qualified candidates get selected to be offered Talent Seek’s clients’ requirements (Kane, 2008). The scope of the final phase (appointment) covers the final consultations between Talent Seek’s personnel and their clients, where introduction of the selected candidates occurs to the clients. It is in this stage that further negotiations between the recruits and their employers ensue, and, presentation of a formal employment offer ha ppens. In conclusion, process identification plays a key role in shaping the perspective of organisations. This is because it outlines the scope of the processes within the organisation. This allows personnel to understand their roles (Ashly, 2003). References Ashly Downey. (2003). Recruitment Process Improvement. New Jersey: Lee Moffitt . Kane, J. (2008, April 17 ,saturday). Recruitment Intelligence. Retrieved from Steps of the Recruitment Process and How to Identify Failure Points : http://www.ere.net/2010/05/10/the-steps-of-the-recruiting-process-%E2%80%A6-and-how-to-identify-failure-points/ Mikel J. Harry, R. S. (2006). Six Sigma: The Breakthrough Management Strategy Revolutionizing The World's Top Corporations. New York: Currency.

Biology Module Study Guide Essay Example for Free

Biology Module Study Guide Essay Biology Study Guide Uses of Sponges-possess no symmetry and take on a variety of shapes. Theyve got 2 layers of cells that are separated by a thin, Jellylike substance. Outer layer-epidermis, and Jellylike substance-mesenchyme. Morphology of Molluscs-they have a soft body they are more fragile. They also have more difficulty to support their bodies in terrestrial environments or to fixate to substrates in aquatic habitats. Many species solve these problems by secreting a calcareous carapace, or shell, an exoskeleton to upport and protect them and to prevent dehydration. Platy Hemises- commonly called flatworm. have no body cavity other than the gut, same pharyngeal opening both takes in food and expels waste. Lack of a cavity also constrains flatworms to be flat. Earthworm-segmented worm. they inhabit every bit of moist soil in the world. they possess bilateral symmetry and are made up of segments that look like little rings stacked next to each other. Earthworm Reproduction-simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning worms have both male and female reproductive organs. Planaria Reproduction-hermaphroditic-possess both male and female sex glands. planarian cannot fertilize its own eggs; eggs must be fertilized by sperm of another planarian. In another method of reproduction, a planarian constricts behind the pharynx and separates itself into two pieces ; then, both pieces grow back their missing parts and become two new planarians. Vocab: 1) Budding-form of sexual reproduction. Its when a yeast buds, the nucleus of the cell reproduces inside a single cell. A section of the cell wall and plasma membrane then well to form a pouch into which the nucleus and some cytoplasm flow. 5) Gizzard- the hind part of the stomach, especially modified for grinding food. (mostly on birds) 6) Nephridia-small organs. they function like your kidneys, are in every segment of the earthworms body except the 1st 3 and the very last one. 8) Pharynx-it ingests soil through it mouth by using it as a vacuum to suck. Diagrams: The Life Cycle of a Jellyfish Basic Anatomy of a Common Earthworm Structure of a Sponge Biology Module 2: Study Guide By morgannf95

Introduction for a Chemistry Essay Example for Free

Introduction for a Chemistry Essay The average University student has many tasks to accomplish and much studying to do while combating the onslaught of sleep. Students at the University of the West Indies Mona are no different and recommended amongst themselves a highly rated and popular health supplement â€Å"Yeast-Vite† [8]. Yeast-Vite is a health supplement pill which helps people fight fatigue and improve alertness. The active ingredients in Yeast-Vite are caffeine, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3. The other ingredients are: dried yeast, lactose, powdered cloves, colouring E124, E104, E132, colloidal anhydrous silica, maize starch, and microcrystalline cellulose. [1] Yeast-Vite is a good energy supplier when taken according to the directions. The Manufacturer recommends taking 12 pills in a day [1] to eliminate fatigue and improve concentration. The â€Å"alert† effect can be attributed to Caffeine, a major compound that has been proven to stimulate the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and blood pressure control centres [2]. Each pill contains 50mg of Caffeine according to the label created by the manufacturer. The following structure represents that of caffeine. Though effective, research has shown that the intake of more than 300mg of Caffeine on a daily basis is harmful to the body. Symptoms such as caffeinism, insomnia, irritability, palpitations, Nervous symptoms, upset stomach etc. are experienced and consuming more than 500mg may cause death.[3] Theoretically, the recommended dosage of Yeast-Vite tablets daily can create such harm, since the suggested daily dosage of up to 12 tablets[1] adds up to 600mg –if caffeine content of 50mg per tablet holds true. A problem exists. The recommended daily dosage of Yeast-Vite contained too much caffeine for the human body. It was hypothesized that the caffeine concentration in Yeast-Vite pills could cause negative health effects and that the manufacturer’s idea of the caffeine content may be inaccurate. Three analytical chemistry students decided to test the hypothesis, and over a four week period, conducted the determination of the caffeine content of Yeast-Vite pills using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The researchers expected the actual caffeine content of pills to be 10mg more/less than 50mg of caffeine and also that Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 could cause significant interference. The analysis was conducted entirely as a group by dissolving pills in water, preparing calibration standards, and determining the concentration of caffeine in the pills via external calibration and standard addition (single spike). High performance liquid chromatography was chosen as the analytical method because caffeine did not fit the criteria for analysis by Gas Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy i.e. caffeine’s volatility was negligible and it had no metal ions.

The use of innovative marketing and product concepts

The use of innovative marketing and product concepts Innovative marketing and product concepts made OSIM International Ltd a leader in the industry of Home Health-care products. Franchise agreements among most of the cross border operations are implemented to ensure capitalization of local marketing expertise and practices of the franchisees. OSIM International Ltd are now employing expressive marketing and distribution system which enables the management to analyze customer needs and preferences both on the regional and local market bases and customize product designs to exceed customer expectations and also in order to address the company weakness. Despite of this effort of the company, the current financial situation of the company is quite unusual, thus a need for financial situational analysis is a must. For most businesses today, the progress and development they created are recorded as basis of their success. These records also serve as essential thing in making decision in business and of course as a benchmark for measuring the firms performance for the period under scrutiny (Ali, A 1993 and Pike, R Neale, B 1999). A financial situation analysis is one such gauge that documents current and future financial situation in an attempt to determine a financial strategy to help achieve organisational goals. Objectives The objective of this paper of evaluates and analyses the business performance of OSIM by reviewing the financial information for the past 3 years. Actually, it attempts to examine the financial statements of the company by using tools such as Ratio Analysis and also to see what might be the other factors that can influence the companys growth and its decision making and than to see the limitations of the financial analysis. These performance indicators are better known as ratios and constitute the main tools of conventional financial analysis. This serves as a proof that more and more organisations are realising the importance the analysis of their financial situation in order to keep up with the demands of the business world. Basically, this paper will be discussing the financial status of OSIM holdings Ltd. in accordance to their financial ratios in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Corporate Profile of OSIM OSIM International Ltd was believed a global leader in healthy lifestyle products. The company was originally founded by Ron Sim in Singapore in 1980. During that time OSIM was under the name of R Sim Trading, an electrical and household appliance company. Using their small start-up capital, the company engages with the promotion of household products such as knife sharpeners, knife and mobile clothes drying rods. Apparently, in 1989, the company listed with the name Health Check and Care, and later on shifted their main focus to healthy lifestyle products. The time following this created great development for the company, and it manages to produce outlets in Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1993, the company officially introduced the OSIM brand name and its distribution network grown up to 60 point-of-sale outlets in Asia. By the year 2002, OSIM formed its global business headquarters in Singapore at 65 Ubi Avenue 1. The Business Headquarters Status (BHQ) was awarded to OSIM by The Economic Development Board. In 1993, the company opened its first concept shop in Shanghai, in the Peoples Republic of China. Currently, OSIM operates about 1,100 outlets in more 30 countries worldwide. Current/Future Trends Figure 1. 2007 to 2009 Business Performance of OSIM Source: www.ft.com As seen in figure 1, the performance of OSIM is at its peak in the 2nd quarter of 2007. But suffers from continues decline in year 2008 up to the 1st quarter of 2009 due the global recession experienced not only by OSIM but of most businesses around the globe. Despite of the recession, OSIM still devices some strategy that will enhance their business performance. As seen in the presentation, there is also a slight revival of business performance in 2009 and it seems that this trend will continue up to the end of 2010. As recorded in ft.com, OSIM International Ltd (O23:SES) set a new 52-week high during todays trading session when it reached 0.615. Over this period, the share price is up 692.04%. Over the last week OSIM International Ltd (O23:SES) outperformed the Straits Times index.. Competitors As indicated in the company report of OSIM, their primary markets are located in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan and currently no company poses a significant threat to them as a major competitor (Osim International Ltd. 2009). The company believed that they have the have a competitive edge over their competitors in their primary markets as their extensive distribution network of outlets is dedicated to home health-care products. As part of the business development of the company, they currently exercise the full control over their point-of-sales network and dictate to their distribution chain how to sell and not only what to sell (Osim International Ltd. 2009). Furthermore, OSIM also control their supply chain, from the design of the products up to the distribution and marketing of the products. In general, the company considers Sanyo and Omron as their competitors. Actually, Sanyo is a major electronics company and member of the Fortune 500 whose headquarters is located in Moriguchi, Osaka prefecture, Japan. Sanyo targets the middle of the market and has over 324 offices and plants worldwide. On the other hand, Omron is an old company which was established in 1933 and incorporated in 1948 by Kazuma Tateishi. Similar to Sanyo, Omrons core expertise is the manufacture and sale of automation components, equipment and systems, but it is generally known for medical equipment such as digital thermometers, blood pressure monitors and nebulizers. As seen, these competitors are not directly targeting the market of OSIM which are mostly home health-care products. However, in response to the competitors and in order to handle competitive pressures from manufacturers of low-priced products in the PRC market, the company have developed NORO as a secondary brand to sell lower-priced massage chairs and kneading massagers to the segment of the consumer market which are more sensitive to pricing (Osim International Ltd. 2009). While the barriers to entry into the home health-care products industry are not exorbitant, new entrants may possibly face high start-up costs and needed to compete against established brands. New entrants may also be short of the knowledge of how to sell and where to sell. Thus, the company is convinced that in this industry, strategic marketing and branding are crucial. Furthermore, new entrants might find it more complicated to set up a distribution network. For example, owners of strategic departmental stores and suburban shopping malls usually prefer the more well-established names. In addition, the comparison of financial values can will be discussed in the next secrtion. Ratio Analysis Characteristically, financial measures as well as the affiliations employed in performance depth are designed to stress outcomes with least or no consideration of the decision processes of the manager. The usual or conventional way of performance was based on episodic profitability gauges without the concern to particular variables that drive these measures (Daroca Nourayi, 2002). Performance in the past is mainly based on conventional accounting and measures based on market performance. In particular, these measures include the evaluation on net income, return on equity/capital employed, earnings per share as well as share-price return. Some financial outrages have put corporate governance in the business spotlight. Basically, the issues and interest in the subject corporate finance can be traced back at least to the eighteenth century and economists such as Adam Smith. Certainly, there is probably little new in the existing debate involving to financial negligence, except for the range of the financial and economic consequences which replicate the greater importance of finance in the current economy. As stated previously, the aim of this presentation is to scrutinize the economic and financial context of corporate governance of a home health-care products company i.e. OSIM. It attempts to evaluate the past, current and future situation of this business in terms of the financial reports. Basically, corporate governance has significant impact for the performance of the financial sector and, by addition, the economy as whole. Well-organised resource allocation is supported by strapping shareholder control rights, which assists investment in fresh development actions and confines the scope for corporate over-investment. Actually, investment decisions are further correlated to corporate governance insofar as investors prefer to invest in suitably supervised businesses and be fitting to avoid investing in uncertain environments. In this manner, the investor assertion created by sound corporate governance stipulations and the security of marginal shareholders encourages the financial market progress by encouraging share ownership and capable capital allocation across firms. Transparent financial reporting is necessary to sending efficient corporate governance. For the last several years, the home health-care products industries in Singapore have seen the rapid growth of the number of firms offering financial situation analysis services. This serves as a proof that more and more organisations are realising the importance the analysis of their financial situation in order to keep up with the demands of the business world. Analysis of Information Profitability Ratios As seen in figure 1, the Osim International Ltds 2009 revenues grew revenues 4.40% from 456.66m to 476.77m. This along with an increase in selling, general and administrative costs has contributed to a reduction in net income from a gain of 99.44m to a gain of 23.33m. From the record for 2009, the company actually suffers from profit decline due to the effect of global recession. As seen, their 2007 performance is expressive compared in 2008 or even in 2009. From these results, we can deviate that OSIM was not performing well in 2009 and 2008 as compared to their expressive 2007. Despite of some downturns in 2008 and 2009 due to the global business crisis, the year 2010 shows interesting trend. From the gathered information, it is expected that in 2010 both the revenue and net income of OSIM will be constantly moving upward. Figure 2. Summary of Profitability Ratios (Prices are in SGD) OSIM Sanyo Omron Source: http://www.ft.com From the given situation and results of revenue and net income of OSIM, the company not only needs to evaluate their business strategies but also the political, economic, and cultural factors of their host country i.e. Singapore. It is not whether the business is in a market oriented status or not. The business norms in Singapore have been changing and are becoming more compatible with international codes and norms after a series of economic reforms (Barton, D., Newell, R. Wilson. G. 2002). Given the nature of the Singapore economy and the large potential of the market, doing business with Singapore requires a continuous process of learning, caution for instability, and flexibility to catch opportunities. In terms of gross margin, OSIM surpasses both Sanyo and Omron. Despite of the large market of Sanyo and Omron, OSIM was still performing expressively. Liquidity and Debt Ratios In financial analysis, the balance sheets of company reports conform to the financial ratios (see Appendix for the complete details of balance sheets of OSIM). The purpose of ratios is to find out how profitable the company is, we can calculate if company has enough liquid resources to pay its creditors, employees and finance charges. It is a useful to shareholders to find out their value of shares. Ratios are most powerful and simplest tool to evaluate companys performance and its validity (Riahi-Belkaoui, A 1998). Atril Mclaney (2004) stated that by calculating a relatively small number of ratios, it is often possible to build up a reasonably good picture of the position and performance of a business. Ratios help to highlight the financial strengths and weaknesses of a business, but they can not, by themselves, explain why certain strengths or weaknesses exist, or why certain changes occurred. Just by details investigation will find the reasons. Ratios can be grouped into certain categories; each of them identifies a particular aspect of financial performance or, position. In this part of the paper, well be considering the liquidity ratios and debt ratio of OSIM. Liquidity ratios show how quickly the company can meet its short-term obligations using its current assets (Riahi-Belkaoui, A 1998). The following ratios are needed to determine the status of liquidity of the firm under analysis: Current Ratio; and Quick Ratio Each of them are calculated for OSIM as follows: The current ratio shows the ability of the company to pay its liabilities, i.e. debts and payables during the period (Pike, R Neale, B 1999). It is expressed as: As an alternative to the use of the current ratio, which may include financial statement items that are not easily liquidated and have uncertain liquidation values, the quick ratio does not include inventory in the computation of liquidity (Pike, R Neale, B 1999). In formula: Figure 3. Summary of Liquidity and Debt Ratios OSIM Sanyo Omron Source: http://www.ft.com It is evident in the computations that OSIM was always in good position to meet its short-term debt for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 compared to 2005 despite of the global crisis. This means that OSIM is always bale to meet their current liabilities using their current assets (cash, inventory, receivables) as compared to both Sanyo and Omron. The figures are not high so as to make the shareholders fear that the assets of the company are not working to grow the business, and not low so as to drive creditors away with respect to the level of risk present. Since quick ratios are perceived as a sign of the companys financial strength or weakness, the figures in the previous table shows the relative stability of the financial strength of OSIM. A higher number would indicate stronger financial performance, and a lower one means weaker performance. Apparently, the high financial leverage ratios of OSIM provide an implication that the organisation is solvent in the long-term. With this regard, the debt ratio shows the OSIMs position to meet its long-term obligation or liabilities. Debt ratios are dependent of the companys classification of long-term leases and other items as long-term debt (Pike, R Neale, B 1999). Pike, R Neale, B 1999, stated that this is the gauge with which the financial strength of a company is a sign of the ratio of capital that has been funded by liability, counting preference shares. A higher debt ratio (which means the company has low equity ratio) does not give the firms creditors the security they require from an organisation (Pike, R Neale, B 1999). The firm would, as a result, find difficulty in raising supplementary financial support coming from outside sources if the firm wishes to take such action. Therefore it reveals that the higher the debt ratio, the harder it is for the company to raise funds from the outside. Market Share For the recorded 2007-2009 business performance of OSIM Holdings Limited, the company generated a worldwide group turnover of around SGD 477 million. This is an expressive market share in global home health-care products business. In Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan which is OSIMs largest markets, their combined domestic sales accounted for 85.6 per cent. of their Groups revenues. In Singapore, IPS Brothers Enterprise Pte Ltd and Goh Joo Hin Pte Ltd market akin home health-care products under the brands of Oto and Lifestyle respectively (Osim International Ltd. 2009). In Hong Kong, National and Omron are OSIMs competitors. In Taiwan, there are many retailers in the home health-care products industry and OSIM do not consider any company as a major competitor to them (Osim International Ltd. 2009). Actually, the claim of OSIM is valid since there are no published statistics or official sources of information on companies engaged in the retail and distribution of home health-care products in their primary markets, thus, the company are unable to determine their market share. However, the company assumed that they are one of the leaders in Asia in this business based on 2 market surveys in 1999 which they had commissioned international survey firms, The Gallup Organisation and ACNielsen (China) Ltd (ACNielsen), to undertake to determine their market positions in Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. The Gallup Organisations survey revealed that in Singapore, OSIM is the number 1 brand for electronic home health-care products when compared to other brands like National, Omron, Oto and Lifestyle, in terms of the following (Osim International Ltd. 2009): brand awareness market share perceived image in terms of quality, trustworthiness, brand preference, technology, designs and features, range of products, customer service and value for money. On the other hand, the ACNielsens survey revealed that in Hong Kong, OSIM was also number 1 in terms of overall brand preference for massage chairs, foot reflexology rollers, pulse massagers and pulse monitors (Osim International Ltd. 2009). Actually, in the ACNielsens survey, OSIM was compared with brands like National, Oto, Sharp and Philips. SWOT Analysis With respect to the given information in the company website, the following presentation will show the SWOT analysis of OSIM. Actually, SWOT analysis can provide a framework for identifying and analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threat. This can also provide an impetus to analyze a situation and develop suitable strategies and tactics, a basis for assessing core capabilities and competences. Moreover, this can provide the evidence for, and cultural key to change and a stimulus to participation in a group experience. Strengths Wide experience in apparels market as they have been in the business for almost 42 years now, their directors can consider their experience in operating venture as strength. Reasonable price offerings of products and services- since they able to keep their overheads low, this allows them to have better control of their prices. This is considered strength because naturally, people would look for a reasonably-priced place to stay in that equally do not sacrifice service and product quality. Already has developed a good reputation for value for money since they have been operating for great number of years, they already have built a name for themselves, attracting a number of loyal customers along the way. Good industry skills the directors of different divisions of OSIM are natural for the business that they ventured into, both being outgoing and friendly, the most important public relation skills that clients look for. Weaknesses Although, the company has seen much strength, OSIM also encompasses some weaknesses. One of its weaknesses is the declining confidence of some of its shareholders. Even though the group was successful, some of the shareholders are not confident due to the current crisis. The company should create ways to address this weakness. Another weakness of OSIM is their inability to have a system that will enhance their marketing and distribution processes. The advancement of technology nowadays is one of the weaknesses of OSIM. Although the company are now adopting different advance technologies, the room for improvement are still open. Thus, it is suggested for the group to have focus in their research and development department. Actually, the group was expressively dominating in the market of Singapore but with regards to the current global financial crisis, OSIM are dragged by the current condition of the country as seen in their financial ratios. Thus, another form of their weakness is their mutual bond to the economy of Singapore. However, if economic growth grows at a rate greater than inflation, then the total of business earnings should be dragged along as well. Opportunities To increase profitability in the face of increased demand for their business offerings this opportunity came from the social areas in the rise in the number of population and changes to consumer preferences. To better improve business performance due to the presence of more competitors, they have the opportunity to develop the business core competencies so that they can still get ahead of the game. To expand business coverage through excellent management and marketing activities, the OSIM could enlarge the business, not only increase the size of the physical facilities and improve offered amenities, but also to expand market scope, possibly to other countries. Threats Continued increase in the number of competitors. Increase in competition would mean tougher business development. Inability to cope up with modern developments this serves as a serious threat, as the competitors have shown that they have the capacity to include modern technology in their services and products offerings. Aggressive competitors as seen in the current environment of Singapore, there are numerous businesses that offer services and products similar to OSIM. This is, off the bat, the most aggressive competitor that the business has to face for the time being, aggressive with respect to the quality of product and services offerings. Porters Five Forces A Five-Force model (see Figure 4) was conducted in the context of the global cosmetic industry. Despite being a market leader, OSIM is not yet resting on its laurels of success, but instead, continuously innovating and developing their company in order to maintain what it has managed to achieve up to this time. Thus, they have constantly formulated competitive strategies in order to attain this. Forces outside the industry are significant primarily in a relative sense; since outside forces usually affect all firms in the industry, the key is found in the differing abilities of firms to deal with them. The most dominant strategic management paradigm in recent years is known as the strategies model (Fredrickson 1991). The state of competition in an industry, in this case the apparel industry, depends on five basic competitive forces, which will be here. The strength of the competitive forces in an industry determines the degree to which the inflow of investment occurs and drives the return to the free market level, and thus the ability of firms to sustain above-average returns. The underlying structure of an industry, reflected in the strength of the forces, should be distinguishable from the many short-run factors that can affect competition and profitability in a transient way (Porter 1998:3). For instance, variations in the economic environment over the business cycle manipulate the short-run productivity of the retailing industry, as can material deficiencies, strikes, and the like. Even though such factors may have strategic implications, the focal point of the analysis of industry structure is on categorising the basic, fundamental features of the industry rooted in its economics and technology that shape the arena in which competitive strategy must be set (Porter 1998). The five competitive forces suppliers, buyers, competitive rivalry among firms currently in the industry, product substitutes and potential entrants to the industry reveal the fact that the competition in the home health-care goes well further than the already existing business (Davies Lam 2001). Customers, suppliers, substitutes, and potential entrants are all competitors to firms in the industry and may be more or less prominent depending on the particular circumstances (Porter 1998). All five competitive forces mutually establish the amount of industry rivalry and productivity, and the most influential forces are prevailing and becoming decisive in terms of strategy formulation. In OSIMs case, even them who have a very well-built market leadership in the home health-care products industry where entrants have little or no threat will receive small returns on their profits if it has to face a superior quality and lower-cost alternative. Figure 4. Porters Five Forces Model Industry Competitors. In the global business industry, regulatory and technological changes are the main catalysts, making entrenched competitive structures obsolete and mandating the development of new products, new processes, new strategies, and new public policies toward the industry under analysis. Financial centres, in vigorous competition with each other, have undergone further regulatory change in their efforts to capture a greater share of international trade in financial services, even as common efforts at the regional and global level have tried to support safety and soundness and a reasonably level competitive playing field. Basically, there are numerous cosmetic players in the industry, included in the list is OSIM, who strive for market leadership in all their business aspects. As such, the level of industry competition is very stiff and very aggressive. Potential Entrants. Natural barriers to entry in the global apparel industry include the need for capital investment, human resources, and technology and the importance of economies of scale. It also includes the role of contracting costs avoided by a close relationship between the vendor and its client, which in turn is related to the avoidance of opportunistic behaviour by either party. The competitive structure of the industry therefore depends on the degree of potential competition. This represents an application of the contestable markets concept, which suggests that the existence of potential entrants causes existing players to act as if those entrants were already active in the market. Consequently, pricing margins, product quality, and the degree of innovation in this industry exhibits characteristics of intense competition even though the degree of market concentration is in fact quite high. Buyers. Home health-care products have a long historya history rich in product diversity, international scope, and, above all, continuous change and adaptation. These competitive changes have forced adaptations, and in general have improved the level and efficiency offer to clients, thereby increasing transactional volume. Coupled with these, the customers have become informed concerning clothing products that OSIM-like companies offer. They have required that service providers meet their very specific individual needs, therefore showing that clients to this industry have shaped what it is right now. This means, on an overall note, that buyers have a high influence on the workings of the global industry pertaining to home health-care products, as they have the ability to affect it. Suppliers. The suppliers to this industry are mainly the providers of technology and materials in home health-care firms use in the conduct of their businesses. There is an enormous variety of new hard and soft technologies at work within the said industry. Hard technologies include advances in telecommunications, computers, analytics, software tools, and video communications, which are enabling participants to have better information at lower cost; to integrate this information with thinking, communication, and analysis; and, finally, to use the resulting knowledge along with other technologies to distribute services to clients more efficiently, effectively, and economically. Soft technologies, or financial innovation things like, say, the use of derivative instruments such as interest rate and currency swaps often use these hard technologies to rethink the delivery of services. Out of these hard and soft technologies have come the securitisation and globalisation movements so oft en talked about in the press. From the above enumeration, it could be said that suppliers significantly affect the cosmetic industry through their tools of trade. Substitutes. There is a high level of substitutes for the healthy and lifestyle products industry, evidenced by the numerous numbers of major players in the global market. The cost to transfer to another beauty firm is also relatively low, so the substitution rate is pretty high. Conclusion The results of the analysis carried out on performance, financial and marketing indicated very significant effects on business sustainability, even amidst the threats of unrest. Therefore, we could conclude that the business strategies such financial and marketing could still be expected to improve business sustainability faster than average. The review of financial capabilities and resources towards business sustainability revealed very little inconsistencies regarding its strategies. This is coherent with its traditional inside-out approach. However, the need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in approaches becomes imperative now for marketing. Moreover, it can be said that OSIM is a company whose financial situation is stable and highly likely to improve in the years to follow. To sustain their development, the company should regularly assess the value of their portfolio of its business. They have to be positioned on fast-growing opportunities, whether geographically or by market segment through choosing to invest in businesses with long-term tail-wind profiles. If the current financial situation carries on consistently, OSIM would well achieve their vision of becoming the leader in their industry and a major player in each of their market segments and key geographical markets. The comparison of the past and present performance helped in bringing out pertinent bits of information which led to the conclusion that the Singapore offices adds value and contributes significantly to the progress of the firm as a whole. References: Atrill, P. McLaney, E. (2004). Financial Accounting for Decision Makers, 4th edn., Prentice-Hall, New Jersey. Ali, A. (1993). Decision-Making Style, Individualism and Attitudes toward Risk of Arab Executives, International Studies of Management Organisation, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 53+. Barton, D., Newell, R. Wilson. G. (2002). When Is a Good Time to Make Strategic Advances? during a Crisis, of Course. The McKinley Quarterly, pp. 77+ Daroca, F.P. Nourayi, M.M. (1996). Performance Evaluation and Measurement Issues, Journal of Managerial Issues, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 206+. Pike, R. Neale, B. (1999). Corporate Finance and Investment Decision and Strategies, 3rd edn., Pearson Education Limited, England. Riahi-Belkaoui, A. (1998). Financial Analysis and the Predictability of Important Economic Events, Quorum Books, Westport, Connecticut. Osim International Ltd. (2009) Company Report. Accessed January 12, 2010 from OSIM Ltd. (2010). About Us. Accessed January 12, 2010 from http://corporate.osim.com

Internet2 Essay example -- Internet Computers Technology Essays

Internet2 Internet2 was formed in 1006 with an original 34 institutions participating. With Internet2, the Clinton Administration was trying to advance technologies for many people. Their first step was to connect 100 institutions at 100 times the speed of the current internet. The applications generated by this research have already had a positive affect on fields such as health care, national security, distance learning, energy research, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing. Internet2 is an extremely interesting subject. One very important fact to keep in mind throughout learning about Internet2 and its different goals and purposes is that Internet2 is not meant to replace the present day form of the Internet, but rather to improve tomarrow's form of the Internet. Internet2, today, has grown into a consortium, or agreement that is being carried out by a group of 206 universities all across the United States. These various universities are working as partners along with industry as well as the government in hopes to develop and eventually deploy more advanced network applications and technology. This newly created network applications, along with the technology, will help to better the forms of Internet that will be available in the future. What Internet2 is really doing is completely recreating the partnership between education, industry and the government, which is what brought the Internet to its current state. There are three primary goals that Internet2 is aiming to accomplish. The first goal is to create a leading edge network capability for the national research community. The second goal is to enable revolutionary Internet applications. The thrid goal of Internet2 is to ensure the ... ...ng that he or she has absolutely no past knowledge of. I not only learned what Internet2 is, but I learned a lot about the current Internet and how it actually functions. To me, the Internet has always just been out there. I log on, and then I have immediate access to pretty much anything I desire. Now that I know and understand what gives me that access and how I get it, I will never look at the Internet or World Wide Web the same way. Just as e-mail and the World Wide Web are legacies of earlier investments in academic, industry and federal research networks, the legacy of Internet2 will be to expand the possibilities of the broader Internet. I believe that within the next four to five years, the world will see and have access to the use of an entirely different and advanced Internet due to the developments made by Internet2 and its actively working members.

The Writings of Zora Neale Hurston Examine the Relationships Between th

The Writings of Zora Neale Hurston Examine the Relationships Between the Sexes African-American literature is the voice of a race and a people who have a very passionate existence. They have existed in harsh conditions in this country for many, many generations. Their stories told orally, and those that were eventually written down, describe life as members of African tribes forced to adapt their cultural beliefs to a new way of life, slaves with almost no rights or respect, finally free men and women, and as American citizens who are also black. In their writings the reader comes to understand the African-American history and community. By far, one of the most wonderful, fascinating aspects of the African-American community is the emphasis on the relationships between the sexes. Authors such as Alice Walker, Lorraine Hansberry, Toni Morrison and many other wonderful female writers give their readers an understanding of the beauty, pain, ecstasy, and confusion that exist in the relationships of African American men and women. All of the authors mentioned are female because à ¬their literature is about black women; it takes the trouble to record the thoughts, words, feelings, and deeds of black women, experiences that make the realities of being black in America look very different from what men have writtenà ®(Washington 35). Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most famous and passionate black writers of the twentieth century, wrote many stories about women and their relationships. à ¬The Guilded Six-bits,à ® and à ¬Magnolia Flowerà ® are two examples by Hurston in which the female characters play a large role in the dynamics of the story and the relationship. In these stories, the men and women find their roles as lovers, her... ...lack, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 307-317. Hurston, Zora Neale. The Complete Stories of Zora Neale Hurston. New York: Harper, 1995. Lionnet, Francoise. à ¬Autoethnography: The An-Archic Style of Dust Tracks on a Road.à ® Reading Black, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 382-394. Saidi, Pouria. à ¬Individualism and the Issue of Race in the Works of Zora Neale Hurston.à ® Brighton High School, English Department Webpage. (1997): Online. Available: http://www.bcsd.org/BHS/english/mag97/papers/hurston.htm Washington, Mary Helen. à ¬The Darkened Eye Restored: Notes Toward a Literary History of Black Women.à ® Reading Black, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 30-43.

Compare Contrast Perfect Compettiton Essay

A market is any place where the sellers of a particular good or service can meet with the buyers of that goods and service where there is a potential for a transaction to take place. The buyers must have something they can offer in exchange for there to be a potential transaction. Market structure: Market structure refers to the factors, such as size of the market, technological, cost and demand conditions and the barriers to entry and exit, that would affect the effectiveness of managerial decisions. We can also consider the market structure as describing the state of the market with respect to competition. Market structures Monopoly Perfect competition Imperfect competition Monopolistic competition c Oligopoly Overview: Perfect competition is a theoretical market structure. It is primarily used as a benchmark against which other market structures are  compared. The industry  that best reflects perfect competition in real life is the agricultural industry. For example , As there are millions of farmers who would produce rice & there are millions of consumers who would consume rice. In this case not a single buyer or seller could influence the price of rice. Perfect competition is a competitive market. Economist uses the term† competitive market â€Å"to describe a market in which there are so many buyers & so many sellers that each has a negligible impact on the market price. Characteristics of perfectly competitive market- 1. Large number of buyers & sellers: In perfect competition, there must be large number of buyers and sellers. Each buyer buys a small quantity of the total amount. Each seller is so large that no single buyer or seller can influence the price and affect the market. According to Scitovsky buyers and sellers are price takers in the purely competitive market. Each seller (or firm) sells its products at the price determined by the market. Similarly, each buyer buys the commodity at the price determined by the market. 2. Homogeneous product: Under perfect competition, the product offered for sale by all sellers must be identical in every respect. The goods offered for sale are perfect substitutes of one another. Buyers have no special preference for the product of a particular seller. No seller can raise the price above the prevailing price or lower the price below the prevailing price. 3. Free entry and exit: Under perfect competition, there will be no restriction on the entry and exit of both buyers and sellers. If the existing sellers start making abnormal profits, new sellers should be able to enter the market freely. This will bring down the abnormal profits to the normal level. Similarly, when losses will occur existing sellers may leave the market. However, such free entry or free exit is possible only in the long run, but not in the short-run. 4. Perfect knowledge: Perfect competition implies perfect knowledge on the part of buyers and sellers regarding the market conditions. As results, no buyer will be prepared to pay a price higher than the prevailing price. Sellers will not charge a price higher or lower than the prevailing price. In this market, advertisement has no scope. 5. Perfect mobility of factors of production: The second perfection mobility of factors of production from one use to another use. This feature ensures that all sellers or firms get equal advantages so far as services of factors of production are concerned. This is essential to enable the firms and industry to achieve equilibrium 6. Absence of transport cost: Under perfect competition transport, cost does not exist. Since commodities have, the same price it logically follows that there will be no transport cost. In the event of the presence of cost of transport, there will be no single price in the market. Transport cost occurs when there is no perfect knowledge of the market conditions on the part of buyers and sellers. . No attachment: There is no attachment between the buyers and sellers under perfect competition. Since products of all sellers are identical and their prices are the same a buyer is free to buy the commodity from any seller he likes. He has no special inclination for the product of any seller as in case of monopolistic competition or oligopoly. Theoretically, perfect competition is irrelevant. In reality, it does not exist. So it is a myth Profit maximization for a competitive firm: The goal of any competitive firm is to make profit. Three general rules for profit maximization under perfect competition are stated as follows: -If the marginal revenue is greater then marginal cost the firm should increase the output -If marginal cost is greater then greater then marginal cost the firm should decrease output -At profit maximizing level of output, marginal revenue & marginal cost are exactly same Example: Profit maximization for a perfectly competitive market.

Decision Making: Espoused Versus Enacted Values

Decision Making: Espoused versus Enacted Values No matter what type of organization it is there are always tough decisions to make. These decisions are based off of the companies preferred norms and values or the employees. In any case, a decision has to be made. Sometimes there is a battle to stick with an organizations preferred values and norms or go with the values and norms exhibited by the employees (p. 39). We will look at the movie 2012 and take a look at concepts that have been described in regards to espoused values versus enacted values from Kreitner and Kinicki text Organizational Behavior (eighth edition).The movie 2012 begins in India where a geophysical team learns that the earth’s core is heating up at a rapid pace. Dr. Adrian Henley makes the decision to warn the President of the United States that the crust of the earth is becoming very unstable. This instability can lead to a major catastrophe and the entire race will be doomed. Dr. Hemley assumed the Presid ent would alert the nation immediately. He was acting on his personal values and felt that everyone should be warned. Dr. Hemley felt as though everyone should have an opportunity to prepare for the worst.This is an example of an enacted value based off of emotions and what was ethically right. The government had their own agenda that was already established. . They only alerted the rich who were able to purchase a spot on arcs that were built for this type of disaster. This is an example of an espoused value within the organization. The government saw this as a way of meeting â€Å"humanity’s needs without harming future generations† (p. 39). They believed by saving the wealthy families they would have money to invest in rebuilding civilization. Again, Dr.Henley just could not sit right with the fact that the wealthy were only being warned. It was a constant battle inside him and he had to at least alert those closest to him. Dr. Henley gave his father a call and he w arned the geologist in India that first figured out the earth’s crust was heating up at a very rapid pace. This is another example of making a decision based off of an enacted value, emotions, and what was right ethically. Besides Dr. Henley and the government, another character in the movie was dealing with the same type of decision.Writer Jackson Curtis was working as a driver for a wealthy business man. Curtis was instructed to pick up the children of his boss and bring them to the plane where they would leave for the arc. In the midst of completing his assignment he stumbles upon the same information regarding the disaster that was about to occur. Curtis had children of his own and of course he wanted to save them as well. So he used the company car to pick up his kids, rent a plane, and get them to safety. Curtis still followed his boss’ instructions while following his heart.Hence, the struggle between espoused values versus enacted values is present in a smaller business as well. Organizations and their managers hope that their espoused values will directly influence the behavior and decisions of employees (p. 39) values from Kreitner and Kinicki text Organizational Behavior (eighth edition). However, employees are human and can form their own opinions based on their own observations. Employees are human and emotions can affect their behavior and decisions. Organizations can have a strong desire to deliver results and not be oo flexible in getting those results. But with outside influences of the employees, a struggle between those espoused values and enacted values can present themselves. References 2012 (film). (n. d. ). Retrieved Sept. 21, 2012 from the OLPC Wiki http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/2012_(film) Central Michigan University. (2009). Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior (2nd ed. ). McGraw-Hill. Kinicki, A. & Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational behavior: Key concepts, skills, and best practices (4th ed. ). Boston, MA: McGra w-Hill. . Decision Making: Espoused Versus Enacted Values Decision Making: Espoused versus Enacted Values No matter what type of organization it is there are always tough decisions to make. These decisions are based off of the companies preferred norms and values or the employees. In any case, a decision has to be made. Sometimes there is a battle to stick with an organizations preferred values and norms or go with the values and norms exhibited by the employees (p. 39). We will look at the movie 2012 and take a look at concepts that have been described in regards to espoused values versus enacted values from Kreitner and Kinicki text Organizational Behavior (eighth edition).The movie 2012 begins in India where a geophysical team learns that the earth’s core is heating up at a rapid pace. Dr. Adrian Henley makes the decision to warn the President of the United States that the crust of the earth is becoming very unstable. This instability can lead to a major catastrophe and the entire race will be doomed. Dr. Hemley assumed the Presid ent would alert the nation immediately. He was acting on his personal values and felt that everyone should be warned. Dr. Hemley felt as though everyone should have an opportunity to prepare for the worst.This is an example of an enacted value based off of emotions and what was ethically right. The government had their own agenda that was already established. . They only alerted the rich who were able to purchase a spot on arcs that were built for this type of disaster. This is an example of an espoused value within the organization. The government saw this as a way of meeting â€Å"humanity’s needs without harming future generations† (p. 39). They believed by saving the wealthy families they would have money to invest in rebuilding civilization. Again, Dr.Henley just could not sit right with the fact that the wealthy were only being warned. It was a constant battle inside him and he had to at least alert those closest to him. Dr. Henley gave his father a call and he w arned the geologist in India that first figured out the earth’s crust was heating up at a very rapid pace. This is another example of making a decision based off of an enacted value, emotions, and what was right ethically. Besides Dr. Henley and the government, another character in the movie was dealing with the same type of decision.Writer Jackson Curtis was working as a driver for a wealthy business man. Curtis was instructed to pick up the children of his boss and bring them to the plane where they would leave for the arc. In the midst of completing his assignment he stumbles upon the same information regarding the disaster that was about to occur. Curtis had children of his own and of course he wanted to save them as well. So he used the company car to pick up his kids, rent a plane, and get them to safety. Curtis still followed his boss’ instructions while following his heart.Hence, the struggle between espoused values versus enacted values is present in a smaller business as well. Organizations and their managers hope that their espoused values will directly influence the behavior and decisions of employees (p. 39) values from Kreitner and Kinicki text Organizational Behavior (eighth edition). However, employees are human and can form their own opinions based on their own observations. Employees are human and emotions can affect their behavior and decisions. Organizations can have a strong desire to deliver results and not be oo flexible in getting those results. But with outside influences of the employees, a struggle between those espoused values and enacted values can present themselves. References 2012 (film). (n. d. ). Retrieved Sept. 21, 2012 from the OLPC Wiki http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/2012_(film) Central Michigan University. (2009). Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior (2nd ed. ). McGraw-Hill. Kinicki, A. & Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational behavior: Key concepts, skills, and best practices (4th ed. ). Boston, MA: McGra w-Hill. .

Anomie Theory

Right off the bat when reading the article it states that it's the most widely read article in sociology. The author Robert K. Merton opens his paper by first challenging certain offenses that were popular in 1938. Most of the theories that Merton has analyzed mentioned â€Å"biological drives†. Some of the theorists view crime as â€Å"biological drives† in which our society comes to terms with restraining it. What I found interesting, Merton doesn't agree with other theorists, he, on the other hand, argues that a person or persons drive for crime is frequently shown to be stemmed from society itself. This is when his theory or argument splits into two parts. The article refers to his â€Å"anomie theory†. This hypothesis of his is looked to be explained why certain parts of societies have increased rates of criminal activity than let's say, the other half of the societies in which they appear to have decreased rates of criminal activity. Merton focuses on the relative emphasis placed on this set cultural goals society has placed as well as the institutionalized norms for achieving these goals of society. It is come to know some certain places in society have a high comparative prominence which is called cultural goals. Also, to have a low corresponding value of the norms or as well some gain the achievement of goals, which increases the rate of crimes. Merton characterizes these societies by using the terms anomie or normlessness, whereas it is explained from â€Å"the goal-seeking behavior†, Merton mentions. An individual is exposed to little commands or in other words law. This turns into a repercussion for persons employing the most beneficial values including that of criminal acts in order to achieve their once again prize. The â€Å"strain† theory Merton discusses in this half of the article argues that some person and persons within a society are being exposed to â€Å"special† pressures that of criminal actions. Merton mentions that while it is urged as well as expected that people strive for financial riches, people of the lower class are prevented from achieving this goal. This leads to individuals to have pressure, but even then they can adapt to the strain or so-called pressures of values. Continuing of Merton briefly discusses why some types of individuals are more likely to respond to strain with crime than others. Merton's strain theory has been the subject of extensive commentary and researches the evidence for his strain theory which is mixed. Certain recent tests of this theory seem to be at it's accurate as well as the anomie theory. The anomie theory proposes that criminal activity is most seen in those who place much emphasis on cultural goals and little on the norms for achieving the goals, meaning to be successful. Before going into the article I made a note that has caught my attention about the author itself. Albert K. Cohen was a student of Robert K. Merton. I just found this to be very intriguing because some of his points or theories have been taken into account in Cohen's articles. Cohen has a particular interest and focus of criminal societies. To narrow it down, Cohen focuses more on the lower-working-class urban gangs of 1950, during that time they were the subject of attention. Cohen in the article poses a question of: â€Å"How can we explain the origin and content of delinquent subcultures?† Since he was a student of Merton as I said before he draws some of Merton's theory to provide his own, collective answer to the question which is often outlined throughout the article. In the first part of his theory, that is being stated in the first section of the article. Cohen provides a well-explained origin of deviant social groups. The second section applies that the theory to explain the origin and contents of man it has to be specified by gender. Cohen focuses on working-class males and urban gangs. While I was reading the parts of the article, I have noted and made some comparisons and contrasts with Merton's strain theory. Similar to Merton, Cohen argues that â€Å"goal blockade† is what causes delinquency. Now Cohen, on the other hand, argues that lower and working class males don't concern themselves with the goal of cultural goals. Other than the obvious of not concerning themselves with achieving this success, they would rather concern themselves with the fulfillment of making it to the higher societal class. The achievement of broader goals referred to the respect from the higher-ups in the financial success aspect of cultural goals. This was noted by Cohen to be crucial because of the difference in goals. It is said in the article that an individual can obtain financial riches through illegal activities such as theft, this is one of Merton's adaptations of innovation. An individual can't steal the status of a higher class, which makes perfect sense since it could lead to a huge consequence, which Cohen discusses throughout the article. The consequence is that the lower and working class often have to evolve to the goal blockade by making an alternative plan. This is how someone, an individual would gain their true success. This is also noted to be very much alike to Merton's adaptations of criminal behavior, in which was explained that these new goals and methods are basically being replaced for the previous goals instead of the new. From reading onward I made the connection that both the lower and working class share hostility towards the middle-class persons. The hostility leads them to set up a status quo that values everything that the apparent middle class doesn't concern itself with. Based on these very theories it is explained that the middle class values private property and respect for an individual. Now, this caught my attention because it made me question his theory. It's suggesting that lower and working class boys don't value such things. Also, in the theory, it gives an example of what I was questioning. The example that was given was that while gangs of some sorts value the destruction and theft of any property probably more towards private property and leading more towards aggression towards others. Cohen then goes onto the explanatory origins and contents of the criminal social group. After getting towards the end of the article it states the definite features of his hypothesis. Theorists have come to the main claim that the goals of criminal persons are not disagreeable to an idea of standard goals as Cohen has explained throughout his theory. Even though there has been a criticism the data shows and tends to often prove and support this argument. All of this information that was given by this theorist Cohen brings a fundamental contribution to criminal law. Anomie Theory Anomie theory is important for explaining whether crime is a normal or abnormal (pathological) social phenomenon (Cartwright, 2011). It describes a lack of social norms, lawlessness and normlessness (Cartwright, 2013). In detail, it is a breakdown of social bonds between an individual and the community. This theory was first coined by Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist in his book Suicide published in 1897 (Cartwright, 2013). Later on, Robert Merton, the President of American Sociological Association, developed the link between anomie and social structure. Unlike Durkheim, Merton used the notion from Durkheim’s anomie theory and explains that social structure could exert pressure on an individual and directly cause deviance (Cartwright, 2011). This theory is better known as the Anomie-Strain Theory. Furthermore, in 1994, Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld, like Merton, brought more attention to social organization and social institutions instead of focusing on individuals when analysing crimes (Cartwright, 2011), so the Institutional-Anomie Theory was developed. In order to understand the anomie theory better, the developments of this theory from Emile Durkheim to Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld should all be considered. For Emile Durkheim, his main concern about anomie was social solidarity (Cartwright, 2011). Based on this concern, he divided solidarity into two categories: mechanical solidarity, which maintains low adaptation skills; and to the contrary, organic solidarity whose inertia sensitively needs changes (Cartwright, 2013). Durkheim observed that these two groups would co-exist. The reason is that anomie is impossible when solidarity is organic. Their sensitivity to change leads to evolution among this form of labour. Later in 1897, Durkheim pointed out that the suicide rates were due to the dramatic economic changes, such as economic depression and the sudden growth of the economy (Cartwright, 2011). â€Å"According to Durkheim, these periods of anomie –times of normlessness, lawlessness, and unregulated choice – made individuals more susceptible to committing suicide or engaging in deviant behaviour† (Cartwright, 2011, p. ). In this study, Durkheim associated anomie with the influence of a lack of the norms. In Durkheim’s study of anomie theory, two notions should not be neglected. Firstly, Emile Durkheim referred to society much like a functioning organism (Cartwright, 2011), evidence for the theory can be easily found in his referring to the society as â€Å"the social organism† or â€Å"the functions of the central or gan† (Cartwright, 2011, p. 6). In order to maintain the continuation of the organism, each of the integrated parts has to be working well. Secondly, Durkheim discussed crime as an â€Å"abnormal† activity, which indicates that a certain proportion of crimes are normal and happens in most societies, (Cartwright, 2011). f in the steps of Durkheim’s study, Robert Merton described more about the relationship between social structure and anomie theory, later known as the anomie-strain theory. The definition of the word â€Å"strain† in the verb form means to subject to tension or stress. This meaning is very similar to the strain theory. The theory indicates that the social structure of a society may pressure or force the citizens to commit crimes, due to the failure to provide many individuals’ with â€Å"the conventional means necessary to realize those culture goals†, which also means that the individual lacks access to cultural goals, such as money, job, or education (Merton, 1938). In Merton’s publication Social Structure and Anomie, he provides a good example that explains his theory. For example, in the USA, the society’s general goal is wealth; therefore, in order to achieve this certain goal, the institutionalized manner is to be hard-working or obtaining education (Merton, 1938). Based on this theory, Merton identifies five modes of adaptation, including conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion (as cited in Cartwright, 2011, p. 21). According to Merton, innovators are most likely to engage in criminal behaviour, since they may accept the recognition of certain cultural goals but reject achieving the goals in a legitimate way (Merton, 1938). This illegitimacy adjustment as the major concern involves two features (Merton, 1938). Firstly, such antisocial behavior â€Å"by certain conventional values of the culture and by the class structure involving differential access to the approved opportunities for legitimate, prestige-bearing pursuit of the culture goal† (Merton, 1938, p. 27). Secondly, it is the consideration of equal significance. Because of the limitation of legitimate effort, for those individuals with formal education and few economic resources, success is hard to get (Merton, 1938). In addition, Merton declared that the theory he studied was incomplete, since various structural elements were neglected; for example, â€Å"the relevance of cultural conflict for an analysis of culture-goal and institutional-means malintegration† has not yet been examined, and â€Å"the social function performed by illicit responses† has also been omitted (Merton, 1938, p. 30). As for Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld (1995), their study, known as the institutional-anomie theory, focused more on how criminal behavior is affected institutionally, such as by schools, churchs or companies. Messner and Rosenfeld declared that criminology has overly focused on analyzing the behavior of individuals, such as mental illness, but paid less attention on how social organization and institutions influence the behaviour (Rosenfeld & Messner, 1995). Based on the comparison chart that Messner and Rosenfeld established in Crime and the American Dream: an Institutional Analysis, the statistic shows that the United States of America has the highest rates of robbery or homicide among a number of countries (Messner & Rosenfeld, 1995). The reason is due to â€Å"the crime causing nature of American-style capitalism and its unique cultural goals or aspiration† (Cartwright, 2011, p. 52). Messner and Rosenfield are also concerned about the normal functions of social institutions. The definition of â€Å"institutions† means â€Å"relatively stable sets of norms and values, statuses and roles, and groups and organizations† (Messner & Rosenfeld, 1995, p, 60). At this point, Messner and Rosenfeld introduced four major social institutions: political system or polity, economy, institution of family and institution of education (Messner & Rosenfeld, 1995). Even though these four institutions may not seem directly relevant to crime; however, according to Messner and Rosenfeld, in order to analyse the crime in the United States, the interconnection between these four institutions are central (Messner & Rosenfeld, 1995). In this study, Messner and Rosenfeld (1995) also talked about the institutional balance of power. Due to the monetary need of every cooperation and institution, the economy â€Å"has come to dominate the other three institutions† (Cartwright, 2011, p52). The devaluation of the economy has overcome the other three major institutions. At last, the dominance of the economy has developed to a very extreme level, and the monetary goals bring out the term â€Å"the ends justify the means† (Cartwright, 2011, p, 52). As the development of anomie theory, from Emile Durkheim to Robert Merton to Messner and Rosenfeld, is discussed, the elements that tie these together is that they all try to figure out the reasons that cause criminal behavior and examines as to why crime happens. This also counts as a similarity between the three anomie theories. In the article â€Å"Cheap Capitalism† written by Hongming Cheng, he characterized cheap capitalism by â€Å"low prices, inferior quality and unsafe condition of goods or services to maximize profits† (Cheng, 2012, p, 254). Cheng also pointed out that the cheap capitalism is â€Å"facilitated by cheap labour and raw materials and, more importantly, associated with degraded morality in the business world† (Cheng, 2012, p, 254). In my opinion, the article provides a good example of and explanation for crime in the non-capitalist countries, such as China. Cheng gives an example about food crime, which involves rampant institutions using cheap and dangerous industrial chemicals in foods (Cheng, 2012). One explanation will be that the food industries provides low-quality food to cheap labourers, since the poor working class cannot afford buying expensive but healthy food (Cheng, 2012). The case is related to the institutional-anomie theory studied by Messner and Rosenfeld (1995). One way to cause crime could be due to the social structure and social institutions. In the article, Cheng also provides a table of scales from 1 (not very important) to 4 (very important) that describes the factors that may lead to and influence the food crime. It turns out that social culture, moral and values got rated 3. 8 out of 4, followed by â€Å"lack of adequate enforcement† that got 3. 6 (Cheng, 2012). From this table, it shows that â€Å"moral anomie is a major factor that associated with food crime† (Cheng, 2012, p, 265). From my perspective, the institutional-anomie theory is connected to this case the most. In conclusion, the development of anomie theory, from Emile Durkheim to Messner and Rosenfeld, provides brilliant ideas and thoughts that explain crime thoroughly. The evidence that supports their theory is solid and valid. Based on this, it makes the theory complete and reasonable.