Social Reintegration of Recovering Drug Dependents an Example of the Topic Health Essays by

Social Reintegration of Recovering Drug Dependents by Expert BrilliantEssays | 04 Nov 2016 Reintegration of Drug Dependents The issue of social reintegration of recovering drug dependents is widely debated and remains unresolved in most societies worldwide. The issue of drug dependence itself is very sensitive because it largely affects the most basic structure of society: the family. It is most unfortunate that drug dependency victimizes a large number of citizens all over the world, a large majority of who are talented, skilled persons. At turning points in certain drug dependents lives, each turns their backs on their vices and opt for a new life. Need essay sample on "Social Reintegration of Recovering Drug Dependents" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed However, there is a strong stigma attached to drug dependents, because of the very nature of their existence under the influence of drugs. Generally, their lives could be described as bankrupt: financial, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bankruptcy. Such is the financial bankruptcy of a drug dependent that in most cases, one succumbs to a life of crime. At some points in their lives, a percentage of drug dependents want to turn over a new leaf, but society does not welcome them. Because of these, almost all of them relapse and slink back to a depraved existence of chemical abuse. There is a vast difference between recovering drug dependents from active drug dependents. Given the chance -- and certain social programs made available to them -- it is indeed possible for recovering drug dependents from being productive members of society once again. Based on social programs in the European Union, I will show how it is possible to reintegrate recovering drug dependents into society, by the use of rehabilitation and social programs. The question on social reintegration is part of the third strategy target of an EU Action Plan 2000 - 2004 (Verster and Solberg 2). The target of the third EU game plan is to considerably increase the population of successfully treated drug dependents, and ensure that adequate attention is given to social and proficient rehabilitation plus reintegration of ex-addicts (Verster and Solberg 2). In some cases in the EU, social reintegration is the final stage of the treatment or recovery process of the drug dependents (Verster and Solberg 3). Nevertheless, social reintegration must be considered as an independent means of intervention, with its own goals and methods of achieving it (Verster and Solberg 3). Most of the interventions are not specifically for recovering drug dependents but are general programs available to others. In some instances, the interventions themselves are part of preventive programs for the onset of chemical dependency (Verster and Solberg 5). The use of self-help organizations like Narcotics Anonymous is one strategy in social reintegration. The primary target of Narcotics Anonymous is to avert the future use of drugs, foster contact with companions and provide the recovering drug dependent with a support group which can help in keeping the focus on recovery (Verster and Solberg 59). Another valuable strategy is the training, education and building up of skills of recovering drug dependents (Verster and Solberg 59). Popular nowadays are therapeutic communities that utilize halfway houses and outpatient treatment facilities (Verster and Solberg 8). Social programs (governmental or non-governmental) may use skilled instructors or social workers with backgrounds in psychology and counseling to teach skills in fields like home economics and vocational training, carpentry, engineering, electronics, information technology, and the like. Integrated into these training are medical programs to ensure that the quality of life of the ex-addicts is being taken cared of with the use of medical and psychological treatment. For ex-addicts that have been institutionalized (imprisoned) for long stretches of time, the training and development could be more intensified through sheltered accommodation (Verster and Solberg 10). Thus, with these supplemental treatments, the former add icts health risks are dramatically lessened by teaching them behaviors that would keep them healthy. It would also promote the social functioning of the former dependent, to the point that he/she is motivated to maintain these basic changes in their lives. Certain government agencies and non-government agencies overlooking the ex-addicts social reintegration will have formed tie-ups with socially-aware organizations that would readily hire on trained recovering former dependents. Some departments and organizations offer several assistances for the drug dependents, including finding accommodation, skills in job-hunting and even in preparing resumes. Therefore, another vital strategy for social integration is procuring employment for the recovering addict. The last strategy could be housing programs which aim at stabilizing the recovering drug dependents lives after training and employment (Verster and Solberg 58). Persons who are still needing support may be provided with accompanied housing (Verster and Solberg 19). The goals of accompanied housing include abstinence from drugs, identification of personal problems, enhanced self-potential and the motivation for a continued drug-free lifestyle. The recovering dependent may also be given administrative counseling in solving debt problems, stabilizing abstinence and an appreciating the potentials of a better life (Verster and Solberg 10). All these forms of social reintegration would need follow-up work from the organizations, for a period of up to 18 months after housing is provided. Counseling, too, should be given as supplemental after-care. There is only one counter argument to the social reintegration of recovering drug dependents. It is a general perception that once an addict, always an addict. The general population is reluctant to accept that a fruitful life is indeed possible for former drug addicts. We all have a responsibility to our fellow men, and that is keeping an open mind and giving people who have stumbled in life, a chance to get up from where they had fallen. Most of these recovering drug users feel a deep remorse for the loss opportunity and heartache that their addiction has caused them and their loved ones. If we cannot actively help them by getting involved in organizations with social reintegration programs, we can at least minimize the stigma attached to these recovering drug dependents. How? By reaching out and communicating to them that life is full of hope, that there is a beautiful future waiting for each and every one of us. All we have to do is work hard for it. Let us keep an open mind and welcome our brothers and sisters back into society. They were created to have equal opportunities as each and everyone else. Work Cited Verster, Annette, and Ulrik Solberg. Social reintegration in the European Union and Norway 11 March 2003. 29 April 2008

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Free Online Research Papers The poem, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, consists of four stanzas. In the first stanza, the speaker describes his position. He has been out walking the woods and comes to two roads, and he stands looking as far down each one as he can see. He would like to try out both, but doubts he could to that, so therefore he continues to look down the roads for a long time trying to make his decision about which road to take. He had looked down the first one â€Å"to where it bent in the undergrowth,† and in the second stanza, he reports that he decided to take the other path, because it seemed to have less wear than the first. But then he goes on to say that they actually were very similarly worn. The second one that he took seems less traveled, but as he thinks about it, he realizes that they were â€Å"really about the same.† The third stanza continues with the cogitation about the possible differences between the two roads. He had noticed that the leaves were both fresh fallen on them both and had not been walked on, but then again claims that maybe he would come back and also walk the first one sometime, but he doubted he would be able to, because in life one thing leads to another and time is short. The fourth stanza says this: I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. There is nothing in the poem that suggests that this difference signals a positive outcome. The speaker could not offer such information, because he has not lived the â€Å"difference† yet. The other word that leads non-discerning readers astray is the word â€Å"sigh.† By taking â€Å"difference† to mean a positive difference, they think that the sigh is one of nostalgic relief; however, a sigh can also mean regret. If it is the relief sigh, then the difference means the speaker is glad he took the road he did; if it is the regret sigh, then the difference would not be good, and the speaker would be sighing in regret. But the plain fact is we do not know what that sigh is. Again, the speaker of the poem does not even know the nature of that sigh, because that sigh and his evaluation of the difference his choice will make are still in the future. It is a truism that any choice we make is going to make â€Å"all the difference† in how our future turns out. Research Papers on "The Road Not Taken" by Robert FrostMind TravelUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresLifes What IfsResearch Process Part OneAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenThe Hockey GameQuebec and CanadaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaGenetic Engineering The road not taken by robert frost Free Online Research Papers There are many choices in life, and their will be many thrown right at you and at one point they will be easy, hard, and really tough choices. But you must always remember that every single decision as little as it maybe it will make a big difference in life, based on the poem, The Road not Taken by: Robert Frost. It tells us about how the speaker in the poem is in the woods and is in front of two roads that diverged. Road A. leads one way and probably also leading to another, and has been taken many times since in the poem the speaker says it was all stomped on. And there was Road B. that leads to a whole different way also leading from one way to another. But according to the speaker this road had grass and wanted wear. Obviously this was the road not taken. The speaker is trying to find the differences and similarities between the two roads in the poem and since he knew that Road A. had been all stomped on. And Road B. wasn’t, he/she decided to take Road B. also known as the road not taken. And of course the speaker chose to take this one because this was the road the speaker felt he/she should take and wanted to take, and make his/her own decision. And as the speaker has taken the road the speaker says and yet knowing way leads on way to way I doubt if I should ever come back and sa ys that hence two roads diverged in a yellow woods and I-I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. In other words metaphorically saying the speaker had two different choices to make, and they were both very different from each other and he didn’t want to choose one he didn’t like just because it was the most popular one. Because when you make a choice or a decision you got to make sure it’s the right on because sometimes when you make a decision or a choice you cant always go back and undo it. So in this case the speaker had to make a choice that was a bit difficult having to choose what was the right thing knowing it would affect him in life one way or another. And well he let us know that the choice he made was the correct choice when he said â€Å"and that has made all the difference† meaning he probably made a positive and good choice , for example I have too make choices in life myself like, will I go to college or be a d rop-out. Will I work in the family business or will I get my own job. See, these are some of the many choices I will have in life they will be difficult but I know these will make me who ever I become, a rich a wealthy, healthy or poor, all I can really do now is do my thing and do my home work go to school and see where life takes me. Research Papers on The road not taken by robert frostMind TravelPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyResearch Process Part OneAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Capital PunishmentHip-Hop is ArtEffects of Television Violence on Children19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraThe Hockey GameGenetic Engineering

Beowulf Vs. Gilgamesh

Beowulf Vs. Gilgamesh Essay Beowulf Vs. GilgameshThe two cultures I chose to compare heroic values for are the ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Anglo-Saxon cultures. The texts I used in the comparison are Gilgamesh for Mesopotamia and Beowulf for Anglo-Saxon. Although they posses many similar heroic characteristics they also differ greatly. Beowulf is the earliest surviving epic poem written in a modern European language. It was written in Old English sometime before the tenth century A.D. The poem describes the adventures of Beowulf, a Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. Beowulf is described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and vanquishes evil with his extraordinary abilities to bring peace and justice. Three of Beowulfs traits that support this are his amazing physical strength, his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength and courage. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious in all but his last. Beowulf was powerful enough to kill the monster Grendel, who had been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands. When the two squared off Beowulf grabbed Grendals arm and ripped it off at the shoulder. Beowulf then fought Grendels mother, an even deadlier monster who was seeking revenge against Beowulf for her sons death. Beowulf was able to slay her by slashing her neck with a Giants sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chopped off her head, he carried it from the ocean with ease, but it took four men to lift the monsters head and carry it back to Herot. This strength is a key trait of Beowulfs heroism. Another heroic value Beowulf possessed was his tendancy to put the welfare of others before his own. Beowulf was asked by the Danes to help rid them of an evil monster that was terrorizing their city. Beowulf obliged and traveled far to face an awesome force that he did not know he could defeat. He realized the dangers of his battles but feared nothing for his own life. Beowulf risked his own life to save the Danes from Grendal then once again when Grendals mother came for revenge. Fifty years after slaying Grendals mother a fierce dragon began terrorizing Beowulfs people. Beowulf was old and tired but he still set out to fight the dragon to protect his people. As an old man Beowulf soon realized he was no match for the dragon, but he didnt run. With the help of one of his followers Beowulf fought hard and finally killed th e dragon, losing his own life in the process. Even in death he wished for the safety of his people. The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he was not afraid to die. He always explained his death wishes before going into battle and requested to have all his wealth and belongings distributed between his people. Beowulf was not afraid to die because he lived a heroic life and he felt it was his duty as a hero to defeat any evil or die trying. When we crossed the sea, my comrades and I, I already knew that all my purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendels fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death! (22) Beowulf knew that by battling evil monsters such as Grendal he would achieve immortality. The stories of his unconquerable courage would be retold again and again, forever. In life or in death a hero is glorified for their actions. READ: Essay about Cyber Security as an International Security Threat Essay. His strength, his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own, and the fact that he does not fear death makes him revered by all, especially those of his time. These are prime examples that support the idea that Beowulf was an epic hero that served as an example to those of his time. The second text I will be using for this comparison is The Epic of Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh was one of the first pieces of literature known to man. The epic was found among ruins in Ninevah in the form of twelve large tablets, dating to 2,000 B.C. The epic is believed to be based on the Archaic Sumerian king Gilgamesh who ruled the city of Uruk around 2700 B.C. The main character in The Epic of Gilgamesh is a very powerful man who is two-thirds immortal and one-third man. He too is thought to be a hero and possesses many of Beowulfs heroic values, but he also possesses many differences. Like Beowulf, Gilgamesh possessed great physical strength unmatched by any man. He also had insurmountable courage. Gilgamesh fought numerous battles that were considered impossible to win. Gilgamesh first destroys an evil monster known as Humbaba. Humbaba is feared by all who enter his cedar forest. Gilgamesh arrives and kills Humbaba with a sword given to him by the god Shamash. After killin g Humbaba the goddess Ishtar sends The Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh. After the bull killed many of the townspeople Gilgamesh grabbed it by its tail and stabbed it in the back of its head. On his final quest for everlasting life Gilgamesh is attacked by a pack of lions. He takes an axe in one hand and a sword in the other and kills many of the lions, sending the rest fleeing in fear. Gilgameshs strength and courage is much like that of Beowulf. Gilgamesh did not put his people before him. He was an evil king. Gilgamesh sounds of tocsin for his amusement, his arrogance has no bounds by day or night. No son is left with his father, for Gilgamesh takes them all, even the children; yet the king should be a Shepard to his people. His lust leaves no virgin to her lover, neither the warriors daughter nor the wife of the noble In this way Gilgamesh did not display the same heroic values as Beowulf. Even when Gilgamesh set out on his first adventure to kill Humbaba his people and councilors pleaded with Gilgamesh not to go. But Gilgamesh was obsessed with becoming a hero. He set out to destroy Humbaba, his only ambition being to leave an enduring name. The one thing Gilgamesh feared was death. After his friend and companion, Enkidu, died Gigamesh became obsessed with death. He wept for seven days and seven nights before starting a great journey to find everlasting life. He searchers for a man named Utnapishtim, who was given eternal life by the gods, to find out how he escaped death. In both cultures the heros possessed god-like strength and defeated many evil beings. Both were courageous and feared no man or creature. Anglo-saxon heros stick to a stricter code of ethics.Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero, and he embodies the conduct that the Anglo-Saxons of that time admired and also used as a model of perfection

The challanges of adopting a multi-channel retail approach Essay

The challanges of adopting a multi-channel retail approach - Essay Example It is evident that the digital era fuelled novel business opportunities and the continuous evolution of online business channels have made multi-channel retailing a reality, with the customer now placed at the forefront of retail strategy (Jain, 2008). In turn, this has reshaped business distribution and marketing models. To this end, it is submitted as a central proposition in this paper that consumers increasingly dictate retail strategy and therefore CRM is vital as part of an integrated retail strategy to ensure that an organization keeps pace with the multi-channel retail model. Moreover, the central consideration should be given to the movement away from the conventional economics based approach to consider the benefit of integrating effective CRM into retail strategy. For example, Weinberg at al’s 2007 report into changing consumer behaviour highlights that approximately 65-70% of consumers fall within the category of â€Å"multichannel shoppers† and they increas ingly have the highest purchasing power. (Weinberg et al, 2007). As a result, Weinberg et al posit that it is â€Å"critical that organisations effectively employ a multichannel marketing approach, as consumers in B2C contexts now expect it† (Weinberg et al, 2007, p.385). The impact of multi-channel retailing has continued to grow and Retail Solutions Online highlight that industry research indicates that approximately 40% of sales will be attributable to the multi-channel model by 2012 (2009). Additionally, the Retail Solutions’ Online research indicates that the proliferation of the multi-channel retail model will continue to grow and as a result, retail business have to embrace the model as part of integrated retail strategy to compete in the marketplace (2009). Moreover, Vollmer and Precourt argue that the underlying basis for marketing is rooted in economic principles of exchanging goods for value (2008). It is precisely this concept of â€Å"value† that ha s been at the heart of marketing strategy in persuading consumers to exchange value for goods in conventional business strategy. However, as the business models continue to evolve in line with changing consumer habits and retail channels, Vargo and Lusch point to the fact that economical basis for traditional marketing strategy has been forced to adapt to remain relevant (2004). Additionally, Vargo and Lusch further refer to the arguments of Achrol and Kotler that the: â€Å"very nature of network organisation†¦..and the potential impact on the organisation of consumption all suggest that a paradigm shift for marketing may not be far over the horizon†

Speaking skill in teaching English as second language Essay

Speaking skill in teaching English as second language - Essay Example ational process focuses more on evaluation framework which is unlike Western process of education, and this instills fear of committing errors in Japanese EFL learners. Therefore, EFL teachers should focus on creating informal ambiance within the classroom and establishing positive relationship among students from different cultural backgrounds so that Japanese learners can shed their language anxiety in front of others. Today, English has become a common language to be taught in schools all over the world. For this purpose, schools are making broad use of technology in combination with second language theories. The idea is to adapt the best available practice that can enhance learning of English as second language. Any process that has been proved by previous research to yield best results is regarded as the best practice. It essentially includes â€Å"commitment of a teacher who is willing to use the knowledge and techniques at his or her disposal to ensure student success† (Li, 2013, p.218). Foreign language anxiety is increasingly becoming a common phenomenon among learners, and it is rapidly gaining attention among researchers for its significant impact on a learner’s ability to learn and retain a new language. This paper focuses on Japanese EFL learners’ fear of speaking English. Recommendations have been provided on how to overcome such fear. Although English has become a compulsory subject in most secondary and tertiary institutions in Japan, it is still an extremely common phenomenon that Japanese people exhibit poor English communication skills. Every year, millions of dollars are spent for making Japanese people proficient in English with the help of native or non-native English speaking teachers. Many Japanese students even travel to Western countries to learn English. There are many accepted theories that tend to explain poor English speaking skills among the Japanese. One such theory blames the geographical location of the country that isolates

Organizational Culture in Libraries Essay Example for Free

Organizational Culture in Libraries Essay Assignment Topic: One of the main ways in which the ‘veil of incorporation’ can be lifted is when directors breach their duties. This essay question is set around the duty to prevent insolvent trading. You will need to have read the chapter in your prescribed text that deals with this duty and have then researched more widely by looking at other textbooks, the relevant CCH online library, articles from the internet and journal articles. You must answer both parts of this topic. Please make sure you have REFERENCED in the body of your work ACCURATELY,. Remember, referencing shows you have researched and thought about what material will be relevant to assist you in answering the questions. Read the following scenario and answer BOTH parts (questions) at the end. OHS Solutions Pty. Ltd. is a company formed by three friends (Des, Satish and Emma) who bring different skills and abilities to the business. Emma is an accounting graduate, Des has expertise in occupational health and safety (OHS) and Satish has an IT degree. They decided to start up a business which would provide a portal through which the public and businesses could access (for free) information on all aspects of OHS. OHS Solutions would finance its business, and make profits, by charging businesses to advertise via their website. The directors of OHS Solutions are: Managing Director – Des Finance Director – Emma (non executive) Director – Satish (executive – employed also to run the technological side of the business) Director – Ying (non executive) – a friend of Des’ and director of Support Pty. Ltd. (Support Pty. Ltd. has gone guarantor for a $50,000 loan from the Business Bank Ltd. to OHS Solutions) The Shareholders of OHS Solutions (holding equal amounts of ordinary shares) are Des, Emma, Satish and Support Pty. Ltd. As at January 2007 OHS Solutions had been operating for six months. It had  some initial IT problems which prevented some of the advertisers’ material from being accessed. In order to try to help overcome these technical problems Satish engaged Trouble Shooters Pty. Ltd. At the February Board meeting, Satish reported that two businesses who had paid to advertise on the website were dissatisfied with what was happening and were threatening to sue for breach of contract. Emma was unable to table any financial information as the employee who had been doing the accounts had been sick and when Emma looked at the records she found that they seemed to be in a bit of a mess. She did find a large account from Trouble Shooters that was over due. Des reported that he was disturbed by this news. He had been told by Satish that the IT problems had been fixed since Trouble Shooters had been engaged, and he had just signed a $10,000 advertising contract with Promotions Plus Pty. Ltd. to advertise the website and signed up to go to a trade show to be held in conjunction with a forthcoming OHS conference. He said this was needed because a number of high profile advertisers were threatening to discontinue their association with OHS Solutions unless the portal became better known. Ying just listens in disbelief at the March Board meeting. It seemed to her that OHS Solutions is being poorly managed and is failing to make the most of a potentially profitable business opportunity. This could present an opportunity for Support Pty. Ltd. to make an offer to buy OHS Solutions at a good price. On the other hand Support Pty. Ltd. is exposed as a guarantor. Assume she consults you, an accountant, for your preliminary view about the predicament of OHS Solutions and what she should do. Assume also that the first thing that comes to your mind is whether Ying herself may be vulnerable as a director of OHS Solutions for failing to prevent OHS Solutions from trading when it is insolvent.

The Evening News Versus Reality †My Internship at the White House :: Admissions Essay

The Evening News Versus Reality – My Internship at the White House I press the button to playback my voicemail. â€Å"So, Sharon, what war did you plan in Washington?† I groan, and anticipate that the next seven messages are more of the same. I head downstairs, where a roommate had already monopolized the TV and am greeted with â€Å"Hey, Sharon, your boy’s in trouble!† On every channel is the same picture, marines in body bags in a far away land. I had a very different White House internship from Monica Lewinsky’s. Mine came and went without too much national coverage. But I do understand Lewinsky’s awe of power. Though I was most impressed by all the people who worked so hard in D.C., I too was dazzled by the famous personages populating the city. It was hard not to be. Your neighbor might head negotiations for peace in the Middle East. Colin Powell might hold open a door for you. The people filling the town were more than celebrities, they were influencing our future and the fate of nations. On the day of the Vice President’s birthday, his staff threw him a party. All staff were invited, including lowly interns like me. I had not yet met the Vice President, and there was a rumor the President might show up. Finally I would have a chance to meet the man in command. Walking into the Indian Treaty Room, where the party was to be held, I scoped out the best spot to stand for a presidential encounter. I squeezed next to the birthday cake, figuring the Vice President had to stand there at some point, and I waited. I tried to appear outwardly calm, as if I go to these things all the time. I didn’t want to seem too excited to the neurotic Secret Service, or remind a hard-hearted staffer of work needing to be done. But inside, my heart was pumping. Suddenly, the doors swung open and the Vice President casually strode in, smiling. The doors opened again, and President Bush came in, followed by the First Lady. Despite my efforts at nonchalance, my smile was jumping into my ears. Mrs. Bush presented a birthday greeting, then walked over to the Vice President and dumped a bowl of popcorn on his head.

Dell: Porter’s 5 Forces Essay

Question 1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers Although there were many suppliers for computer components, â€Å"microprocessors were supplied by only a handful of companies.† Pg.3. Microsoft and Intel monopolized the suppliers market as, â€Å"between 85% and 90% of computers sold conformed to Microsoft/ Intel Standards.†pg.3. With such a high percentage of computers being sold using Microsoft and Intel it would make it very difficult for any new suppliers to take the lead in this market, making the supplier power high. Threat of Substitutes Computers were a hot item in the U.S, being that â€Å"45.5% of household’s owner a computer in 1998, and the figure was expected to rise to 49.5% by 2000.†pg3. A computer was something new into the market, and no other product nearly compared to its capabilities and complexity. Given that the computer was one of its own kind in this time the threat of other substitutes was very low. Bargaining Power of Buyers Dell created a strong and reliable relationship with its customers. â€Å"Over a thousand outside sales reps spent their time in the field, understanding customer needs, courting customer personnel, helping customers configure their information systems, and promoting Dell’s products and services.† Pg6. Although Dell had put a great effort into their customer service, the prices of the product were a key factor in the success of Dell. â€Å"Customers at retail don’t know what they’re looking for, other than price.† Pg.7. As price appears to be the major deciding factor in product choice, the buyer will be most likely to purchase their product based on price rather than quality of the actual product. Threat of New Entrants Within the market of computers, there is not a great amount of product differentiation, with the exception of Dell directly serving its customers. Without much differentiation new entrants could very easily present a new and different business strategy which could surpass leading market shareholders. The threat of new entrants would be high due to the lacking differentiation, but is also considered medium because of the great amount of existing entrants in the market. With IBM, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, Dell, and Apple all entering the computer market within a short period of time, we can conclude that it was relatively easy to enter the market. Although it was easy to enter, it was nearly impossible to differentiate, and produce a business plan to succeed in gaining a competitive advantage to already existing competitors. Competitive Rivalry Competition was very high within the computer market, as all the competitors were finding ways to stay competitive by reducing costs and improving sales efforts. â€Å"HP hoped that the program would allow it to reduce price protection to two weeks, cut down defects, and shave 5%-15% off of its prices.†pg.12 In conclusion, the personal computer industry was a very attractive industry to do business in, as the threat of substitutes was very low, and new entrants is medium/high. This means that it would be easy to enter the market, and there were not any other products that compared to the computer. This makes for a very attractive market to do business in. Question 2 Dell was the first and only competitor in the computer market to deal directly with its customers, giving them strong differentiation therefore making them unique. â€Å"You can’t ignore what Dell has done†¦ I could give you a list of names of really large customers who have said to HP, ‘Either do business with us directly or you are not going to do business with us.’†pg.12 Dell used specific tactics through its use of the Dell’s Direct Model in order to ensure the PC industry was an attractive one that it could compete in. Dell realized in order to be successful in this market they needed to set themselves apart from related companies by possessing a variety of differences from like companies appealing to consumers. Dell took advantage of the gap evident in the computer industry by eliminating the use of middlemen such as retailers and distributors. By eliminating the middleman Dell developed an inventory free system, resulting in saving costs and allowing them to be more competitive in the market. â€Å"[The current production system] requires that the whole organization be integrated. You’ve eliminated buffers. When you have no buffers and you have no inventory, the whole organization has to work together. There is no way to let things pile up, because you have no piles.†

Restaurant Business Plan Essay

Entrepreneurs who start new restaurants may overestimate the size of the market in their area and not take into account the tough competition they will face from established restaurants with loyal clientele. Doing a feasibility study prior to investing the time and money to open a restaurant can help an entrepreneur make a more informed decision about the venture’s chances of success. Starting or running a restaurant? These practical tools can help.www.virtualrestaurant.com Obtain Market Statistics Studying demographic characteristics such as age and income will help you estimate the size of your potential market. If you are planning a mid-price, family-style restaurant for example, you need to know how many families reside in your area. A heavy population of singles or college students will probably not support your restaurant. The U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau website is a good place to begin your research. Evaluate Potential Locations A high-traffic location is preferable, one close to major streets with lots  of visibility to vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Make sure parking is ample and easy for customers to access. Look for businesses in the area that could create demand for your restaurant — large office complexes, hotels or retail centers for example. Be sure to consider the tradeoff between a location’s suitability and the lease cost. Saddling a new restaurant with a lease payment that is too high can make it extremely difficult for the venture to reach positive cash flow. Related Reading: Business Plan Vs. Feasibility Study Review the Competition Look not only at the total number of restaurants in your immediate area but also at the styles of restaurants that are prevalent. Consider whether your area is already saturated with restaurants similar to the concept you will be offering — similar cuisine, price point and target markets. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each major competitor and determine whether your proposed restaurant will stand apart from competitors and be memorable to customers. Study the Industry Join your state or local restaurant and hospitality organizations. Attend their meetings, talk with other restaurant owners and review any statistical information they publish about the growth and health of the industry. The National Restaurant Association also publishes studies and statistics about industry trends and growth. Decide whether given the current economic environment it is advisable to launch a new restaurant. Find out if any restaurants in the area have closed in the last two years and why. Look at Your Cost Structure Once you have a good idea what type of food you want to offer, break down the cost of each menu item. Determine who your major suppliers will be and ask them for pricing. Software programs are available to help you accurately calculate projected food cost. You may consider reducing the number of items on your menu to keep food cost down. You may also find that given the food cost projections, the prices you will have to charge are higher than your  local market will support. Evaluate Management Capability An entrepreneur contemplating opening a restaurant should take a hard look at whether he has the skill set and experience to make the venture a success. He should ask himself whether he has the eye for detail to maintain high customer satisfaction. He needs to be able to train and motivate staff members who may have limited experience or education. He needs to understand how to make the kitchen operation run smoothly. He may determine that it is not feasible for him to be the general manager of the restaurant’s operations and elect to hire a manager who already has a track record of success in the industry.

How to Winterize Your Dormant Trees

How to Winterize Your Dormant Trees Trees in fall are in a state of serious change and reorganization. The tree is becoming dormant. A tree heading toward winter will sense the changing temperature and light and obey the dormancy controls built into the leaf. The mechanisms, called senescence, is what tells a tree to close down for coming winter. Tree Activity in Winter Trees may look inactive going into winter but the fact is they continue to regulate their metabolism and only slow down some physiological activities. This decrease in photosynthesis and transpiration begins a trees dormant phase. Trees still continue to slowly grow roots, respire and take in water and nutrients. Winter is a difficult time for a tree. A dormant tree still needs to be protected (winterized) to remain healthy and free from diseases and insects. The bad news is  winter weather encourages destructive pests to snuggle in and wait for spring to revive their destructive lifecycles. Small investments in properly caring for your trees can pay off big come spring. Pruning Prune dead, diseased and overlapping branches in late fall. This will form and strengthen the tree, encourages new strong growth in the spring, minimizes future storm damage and protects against overwintering disease and insects. Remember that dormant pruning has another benefit - it is easier to do during winter dormancy than in spring. Correct structurally weak branches and limbs. Remove all deadwood that is clearly visible. Properly prune branches that can touch the ground when loaded with rain and snow. Foliage and branches that are in contact with soil invite undesirable pests and other problems. Remove damaged and declining twigs, branches, and bark or any new sprouts that have grown at the tree base, or along stems and branches. Mulch and Aerate Young trees are especially vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature and moisture and need mulching protection. Mulch is good insurance that both conditions will be evenly managed during cold and drought. Mulching is a good practice for both dormant and full-growing, vegetative trees. Spread a thin layer of composted organic mulch to cover the soil several inches deep. Cover an area at least as large as the branch spread. In addition to protecting feeder roots, mulch also recycles nutrients directly to these roots. Aerate soils and compacted mulch if they are waterlogged or poorly drained. Saturated and dense soil can suffocate roots. It is critical not to damage tree roots in the soil as you do this, so work only on those few inches at the surface crust. so work only on those few inches at the surface crust. Fertilize and Water Fertilize by top dressing over the mulch with a balanced fertilizer if the essential elements are in short supply within the soil. Be sure to use nitrogen lightly, especially under large, mature trees and around newly planted trees. You do not want a vegetative flush of growth during late fall periods of warming. Large applications of nitrogen cause this growth. Dry spells in winter or hot daytime temperatures will desiccate a tree very quickly. Watering may be needed where soils are cool but not frozen, and there has been little precipitation. Winter droughts need treatment with water the same as summer droughts, except it is much easier to over-water in winter. Dormant Spray A dormant spray may be a good idea for deciduous trees, ornamentals, fruit trees, and shrubs. But remember not to spray until after you prune. Obviously, you will lose much of your effort and expense if you cut off treated limbs. Choice of chemicals is important. Dormant sprays include lime, copper and sulfur combinations to kill overwintering microorganisms. Dormant oil controls insects and their eggs. You just may need several types of sprays and oils to be effective. Avoid spraying any of this material in the hot sun as it can damage dormant buds. Get specific chemical recommendations from your local county extension agent.

Starbuck's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Starbuck's - Essay Example The tables below show the ratio analysis for the fiscal years 2006 and 2007. The current ratio shows a company’s abilities to pay for its current obligations. The formula used to calculate the current ratio is current assets divided by current liabilities. The current ratio of Starbucks for both 2006 and 2007 was 0.79. In theory the desirable current ratio is to have a 1.0 current ratio or above. The metric result shows the company is able to pay for its current liabilities. The fact that the current ratio stayed at the same level is good sign, bad would be if the current ratio of the company decreased. Starbuck’s debt to equity ratio in 2006 was 0.99 implying that the company had as much debt as equity. In 2007 the company’s ratio rose 35% meaning Starbucks long term debt increased. At first glance it is never a good sign to look at year to year financial statement and to see more debt in the books. More debt sometimes means trouble, but necessarily. A higher amount of debt could mean a company borrowed money in order to finance some investments that will increase its profitability. To learn more about what Starbucks has done with its new money we have to analyze the firm’s profitability’s ratios. Return on equity is a profitability ratio. In 2006 Starbucks return on equity was 25.32%, by 2007 the firm had risen this ratio to 29.44%. The total increase in return on equity at Starbucks was 4.12% which represents a percentage increase of 16.27% in comparison with the previous year. The increase in return on equity at Starbucks is a good indicator. It prov es so far that the company has invested its added debt total smartly and that the company is more profitable. The financial ratio analyzes performed on Starbucks shows the company heading in a good direction. The firm added a lot of long term debt but the money apparently spend wisely in capital projects that raised the level of income of the company. The company’s ability to pay its

Paintings by Peter Paul Ruben and Nicolas Poussin Essay

Paintings by Peter Paul Ruben and Nicolas Poussin - Essay Example The essay "Paintings by Peter Paul Ruben and Nicolas Poussin" analyzes two painting by Peter Paul Ruben and Nicolas Poussin.Both of the women in Ruben’s picture are also of a higher social class, which is evident by their well-kempt hairstyles and the flowing, silky fabrics which lie at feet of one of the daughters. From the painted image, both young women look to be somewhat naive as if they were taken by surprise by their raping captors during what might have been a leisurely picnic or stroll through the countryside. Clearly, by the expression on both of the young women’s faces, they are not delighted by being chosen for this activity and likely have no previous experience with being the objects of desire by men who are not of their higher social class. The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus also seems to illustrate that Rubens sees women as a lesser being than men, in terms of physical strength and in the expression of personal desires. It seems that Rubens, perhaps based on the social culture of the time, views women as merely objects of desire who have no rights to defend themselves and should be recognized as extremely inferior to the yearnings of warrior men. This is evident by the look of crazed passion on the faces of the women’s captors and the expressions of dissatisfaction on the faces of the daughters. Clearly, in this picture, the sexual power hierarchy favors the male persona and the rapists hold all of the power over their lesser female victims. It is also evident.