Strategic Planning Essays (969 words) - Strategic Management

Strategic Planning Strategic Planning: A Dynamic Duty Tiqila Bryson-Finney Organization Theory And Design August 7, 2000 Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola are household names. Together they control soft drink market. Their success can be attributed to their overall strategy to produce and promote their products. They both decided to build global brands to bottlers throughout the world. And a portion of the proceeds goes toward advertising to build and maintain brand awareness. The bottlers are responsible for producing and distributing to vending machines, supermarkets, restaurants, and other retail outlets. However, the advertising is left up to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In addition, the bottlers must sign an agreement that prohibits them from distributing competing cola brands. Their strategy is simple, yet dynamic. It forces bottlers to enter into exclusive agreements, which creates a high barrier to entry into the industry. Any potential competitor must create their distribution network rather than use the existing one. And the large amounts of money spent on advertising helps to develop a global brand name and differentiate their products. Furthermore, brand loyalty allows both companies to charge high prices. Accordingly, managers must study the way other organizations behave and identify their strategies. In an uncertain or unstable competitive environment, managers must hold fast in thorough planning to find a strategy that allows them to compete effectively. Strategic planning involves three major steps: determining an organizations mission and major goals, choosing strategies to realize the mission and goals, and implementation of the strategies. Determining the organizations mission and goals is the first step of the planning process. To define the mission managers must ask themselves Who are our customers, are their needs being satisfied, and how are we satisfying them? These questions allow the manager to identify the needs for the present and future. They also help the managers to plan and establish appropriate goals and disregard inappropriate goals. Developing goals give an organization a sense of direction. Coca-Colas mission to maximize shareowner value over time is backed by six key beliefs: 1) Consumer demand drives everything we do. 2) Brand Coca-Cola is the core of our business. 3) We will serve customers a broad selection of the nonalcoholic ready to drink beverages they want to drink throughout the day. 4) We will be the best marketers in the world. 5) We will think and act locally. 6) We will lead as a model corporate citizen (Cola, 2000). These objectives are their strategy to increase sales to improve profit. Their goals are ambitious and require that managers continually improve performance capabilities. Once the mission and goals are agreed upon and formally stated in a corporate plan, the next step is to formulate a strategy. Strategy formulation involves managers analyzing an organizations current situation and then developing strategies to accomplish its mission and achieve its goals. It begins with analyzing the factors within the organization and outside, in the environment, that may affect its ability to meet its goals now and in the future. SWOT analysis is a technique used by managers to analyze these factors. Its planning exercise identifies organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on SWOT analysis managers are capable of implementing the best strategies to achieve its organizations mission and goals. It is assumed Coca-Cola has a well-developed strategy, brand name reputation, good marketing skills and differentiation advantage as strengths. One of their opportunities was expanding into foreign markets. One of their weaknesses would be their recent conflict and politics. And a potential threat would be an increase in industry rivalry (Pepsi). With the SWOT analysis completed, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified managers can determine strategies to achieve the organizations mission and goals. These strategies should enable the organization to attain its goals by taking advantage of opportunities, attacking threats, building strengths, and correcting weaknesses. After identifying the strategies needed to achieve an organizations mission and goals, managers must confront the challenge of putting those strategies to action. Strategy implementation requires managers to allocate responsibilities to appropriate individuals or groups, draft detailed action plans that specify how a strategy is to be implemented, establish a timetable for implementation that includes precise, measurable goals linked to the attainment of the action plan, allocate appropriate resources to the responsible individuals or groups,

Without Faith, There Can be no True Virtue

Without Faith, There Can be no True Virtue Introduction Religion is a concept that has been frequently used to denote the spiritual dominance and practices of Christians. It sets itself apart from the portrayal of worldly perceptions and knowledge. In fact, it is doubted whether those who do not embrace and worship ghost, divinity, or other spirits, and those who have the essential and natural vision on humanity should search for divine knowledge.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Without Faith, There Can be no True Virtue? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is always difficult to understand Christian teachings because understanding how God exists is also not easy. Based on biblical teachings, there are supernatural and natural beings. Understanding these characters is essential for spiritual nurturing. According to White and Cessario (2001), good religious studies and personal convictions are thus very necessary in nurturing spiritual faith. Considering these two concepts in our everyday undertakings is important in advancing the faith of an individual and groups. It is not possible to please the Almighty where there is no faith and gracious actions. In the bible, Enoch justified the act of faith and delighted God. Faith imparts life to the spirit of individuals and any spiritual task that is accomplished without faith generates transgression. Therefore, the Lord considers those who lack the faith to be lifeless in everything they do. In the bible, any faithless individual is compared to the adorned picture that is dull but depicts that object. Conversely, the spiritual believes that lack affection appears to be wonderful and is not absurd before man. Although the faithless responsibilities might be sparkling before human sights, they hardly pervade the everlasting life according to God. Such responsibilities are perceptive and obscure because they are of good quality and spirited effects, but are not predetermined according to biblical teachings. It is, therefore, imperative to base our knowledge on St Augustine’s teachings that there can be no virtue without faith. Being Righteous, Sinless and Gracious Faith is hardly acknowledged where there are no righteous virtues since it may not be instilled without gracious acts. Faith and grace are normally linked up to create real virtue. For one to be righteous, it is important to embrace and live a sinless life because this will lead to faith nourishment. In fact, gracious acts facilitate the faith we possess in Christ and help us to be accepted by God.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, in the bible, a robber who endured pain alongside Jesus had strong faith in Christ and believed in God. The gracious God later forgave the thug and cleansed him of his sins because he had faith (White and Cessario, 2001). Hence, the Bible teaches that spiritual nourishment cannot lack life, but life can be without the nourishment of self-righteousness. Nobody who sins before God and fails to repent is righteous. As the Bible asserts, the Almighty may not be gracious or have mercy on such a sinful person. Being Virtuous and Having Faith in God According to the biblical teachings, man is obligated to have faith to nurture the good virtue in him. It is true that people who excel by executing their desired virtues have no everlasting life. Like the biblical burglar, he had no desirable qualities but repented before God and was granted time to live. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God will not hear excuses and objections from any man who sins and waits to be forgiven after the time for repenting have elapsed. The Bible affirms that it is the only faith that will save everyone from the bondage of sin (Zschokke, 1830). However, salvation is going astray when we fail to acknowledge faith and dispense our lives to the virtues relatin g to bad qualities. The Bible claims that no good feature in man can be available to an endless life that lacks faith. Thus, our work cannot justify our actions, but rather our faith may help us to acquire the desired and prospective virtues. The tendencies that are present in the course of good personal acts are human virtue. Faith represents the devotion itself, therefore we have fashioned and indistinct faith. A fashioned faith entails two things namely perfecting it and believing it. All these are the proceeds from intelligence confirmed by the authority of our will. However, indistinct faith is not a virtue and does not necessitate precision on the part of man’s willpower. Besides, the Bible teaches that temperament would not be a virtue if cautions were not there to coherently control and determine the power of man. Hence, all practices that possess values of excellent human accomplishments are virtues.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Without F aith, There Can be no True Virtue? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implies that any spiritual object pertaining to faith is beyond human explanations (Zschokke, 1830). God reveals these spiritual objects since they are outside the deliberation of God’s creatures. Not unless, you have sturdy faith to envy good virtues then God can reveal them to humanity. It is clear that God inculcates convention in people whose achievements are higher than their temperaments (St Thomas Aquinas, 2000). St Augustine Teachings on Faith According to St Augustine, there can be no good care held where faith is not present. One must not imagine that a man will possibly do some finer action without faith. Thus, we ought not to lay down the first-class mechanism before affection. Although men take these occupations as admirable honor, to God they are of no value and not acceptable. A faithless person is like a horse competing out of the system way and u ndergoing an enormous work without any intention (St Thomas Aquinas, 2007). Consequently, if one had faith in God, he safeguards the virtue he has as an individual. It is for this reason that where there is no faith there is no excellent livelihood. Augustine saw that faith must control the intention of a man to have good qualities. Jesus Christ said that his entire body was darkness if his eyes were nothing. Here, the eyeball signified the intention as specified by Augustine. In fact, there is no smile if a man does something with godly intention. Such actions leave one without good grace in that there is a lack of affection when we are working in love. Measuring good virtues should not be by the facts themselves, but by the aim of the results for doing so (Aquinas, 2009). One may think he or she is implementing a proper virtue, yet it is an activity directly relating to a vice. It is not just before God for one to feed the hungry and dress the naked without having faith, respect, and love for Him. Otherwise, this pleasing quality is unproductive, worthless, and dead in the face of the Lord. St Augustine demands that whether one fades or not, a faithless grace is nothing. The allegation is true in that faith does speak well about the work of God. Whereas we can fell to good virtues in building strong relations, we are hopeless without faith in Christ. Faith works well with charity. Therefore, it is important for an individual to have faith to set a stable foundation in God (St Thomas Aquinas, 2007). It is in faith where we pass all other virtues like righteousness, self-control, knowledge, and influence as Augustine reveals. Without faith, we only have the shadows and name of these good virtues, but not the commitment itself. Moreover, in the livelihood of those missing true faith, there is sin and waste. It relates to the author of integrity and the dishonest virtue that occurs where there is no faith in God even if the qualities of an individual are the bes t.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In St Augustine’s statement, the pagans, Jews, and the heretics fed and dressed the poor. However, their work of good care was hopeless because they did it without faith. He compared them to a turtle who had found a nest for keeping her young birds so that they could not be lost. It was clear that if one had faith in God, he could protect the virtue he has individually. Similarly, the nest signifies the faith that protects the birds (Aquinas, 2009). Thus, we can also safeguard our loyalty through faith so that our rewards remain unbroken. Justification of Augustine’s Disputes by Other Saints The spirit of having good virtues where faith is absent was in dispute by St Augustine. St Ambrose justified that by explaining the ordinary strength of the character that survives the vices. One would beautify up the time of faithless life and achieve the impossible virtues. He challenged that without faith no respect to the true God. As a result, any person is inevitable to confu se a virtue for a vice (Saint Thomas Aquinas, n.d). St Chrysostom John wrote that many of the descendants lacking faith in them are not in the group of Christ. They may prosper in good works of kindness, have fairness, and always come out in care and sympathy, yet their work yield no fruit because they lack faith. He linked this to the story where the Jews asked Jesus concerning what they should do to be righteous. All he did was to call for faith in the work of the Lord. One should believe, and immediate faith becomes complete in him. Through this, he shall thrive in good virtues in that not anything is excellent without faith. St Chrysostom in the same way insisted that one is lifeless when he excels and shines in good works without God’s faith (St Thomas Aquinas, 2007). It further shows having the valuable and godly burial place whilst attaining nothing from them. Conclusion In general, one should have a strong faith to have the pleasing virtues. The moral standards result ing from good features are linked with one another. Moreover, it is not normal for the open principles like grace, love, and faith to come to mind without charity. Compassionate faith cannot keep on living without moral virtues. The inquiry about charity, hopefulness, and sincerity direct us to the conclusion that there can be no charity without hope and faith. If one has faith in God, he preserves the good virtue he has in character. Therefore, without faith, we only have the shades and names of these good virtues, but not the commitment. It is the only faith that will save everyone from the oppression of sin. Salvation is going lost when we take no notice of faith and give out our lives to the virtues relating to bad qualities. Thus, faith is essential for true virtue in all spiritual aspects. Reference List Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica: Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. Alabama: Mobile Reference Press, 2009. St. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica Complet e. Cairo: Library of Alexandria, n.d. St. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica: Second Section. New York: Cosimo, Inc., 2007. St. Thomas Aquinas. The Summa Theologica. Raleigh: Hayes Barton Press, 2000. White, Kevin, and Romanus Cessario. On the Virtues. Washington: CUA Press, 2001. Zschokke, Johann. Hours of Devotion for the Promotion of True Christianity and Family Worship. London: Oxford University, 1830.

Christmas Card Quotes

Christmas Card Quotes This Christmas, add a special touch to your Christmas cards with these wonderful Christmas card quotes. Write the most appropriate quote on it, and your greeting card will stand out in a pile of other Christmas cards. Secular Quotes for Christmas Cards Charles Schulz  Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. Helen Steiner Rice Peace on earth will come to stay,When we live Christmas every day.Thomas TusserAt Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.Winston ChurchillWe make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Garrison KeillorA lovely thing about Christmas is that its compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.Bess Streeter Aldrich Christmas Eve  was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever.John Greenleaf WhittierA little smile, a word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near, A little gift from one held dear, Best wishes for the coming year†¦ These make a  Merry Christmas! Charles DickensI will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. John Greenleaf WhittierSomehow, not only for ChristmasBut all the long year through,The joy that you give to othersIs the joy that comes back to you. Bob HopeMy idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that? Norman Vincent PealeChristmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.Religious Quotes for Christmas Cards George Mathew AdamsLet us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years. Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.Grace Noll CrowellWhatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.Helen Steiner RiceBless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind. Eva K. LogueA Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small. Charles DickensFor it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. Luke, 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Job Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Job Application - Essay Example Since the job does not entail decision making, the resume instead exude enthusiasm in addition to education and skills that the job could provide practical experience to what I learn in school. The application for a Sales and Marketing Manager is different. The approach is more centered on my experience on how I exceeded my career objectives in addition to my initiative to think of ways that could contribute more to the employer’s bottom line. My educational background is deferred last because this is already given in this kind of position. What is highlighted instead is my capacity to produce result because this is what is important to employers. The language of the two resume also differs. In the application for a Sales and Marketing Manager, the tone is more self-assured to inspire confidence in the prospective employer that indeed I can meet marketing objectives. The application for Administrative Assistant is more enthusiastic and exudes willingness to learn for the prospective employer to have an impression that I am a good employee. This is to my express intention to apply for the post of an Administrative Staff of which you advertised Last Sunday in the newspaper. After going through the qualifications indicated in your advertisement, I believe I am more than qualified to assume the post. I have two years of college at Acme University taking up Business Administration. I have taken up subjects in Accounting and Human Resource making me familiar with costing and dealing employee relations. I am also proficient in preparing reports and is literate in Microsoft productivity tools such as MS Office, Excel, Powerpoint and MS Project. Should you find interest to discuss the details of my qualifications, I would be more than happy to come for an interview at your convenient time. My telephone number is 124-567-8900 and I can be reached between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This is to express

Southern Foodways--Introduce a Southern Food Essay

Southern Foodways--Introduce a Southern Food - Essay Example Astoundingly, black-eyed peas do not fall under the category of peas at all. Instead, they fall under an array of beans such as the cowpea and regarded as legumes, that is they comprise edible seeds and pods. The earliest records at the Library of Congress reveal the cultivation of black-eyed peas in China and India that date back to pre-historic times. Furthermore, evidence points out that ancient Greeks and Romans also used to consume them. Similarly, the chronicles of history reveal black-eyed peas to symbolise fortune and luck even during the time of Pharaohs. They advanced that those who consumed black-eyed peas, a cheap and modest meal, demonstrated their humbleness and protected themselves against the wrath of hell, which they viewed to be a consequence of vanity. In addition, records from medieval times suggest the initial domestication of black-eyed peas to have occurred in West Africa. This is supported by evidence of the transportation of black-eyed peas from West Africa t o West Indies by slaves. Later down the road, with the inception of slave trade in America, black-eyed beans reached the low-country areas including Carolinas and Georgia (Kittler, Sucher and Nelms 200). Soon after that, these were planted in Florida and Carolinas, and Texas. However, it was after the American Revolution that the crop took firmer hold in crop plantations. To this day, black-eyed pea ranks amongst the most consumed and popular ingredient in Southern cuisines. In particular, George Washington promoted cultivation of black-eyed peas, because being a legume meant that it offered nitrogen to the soil besides being high in nutrition. Nevertheless, black-eyed peas can only be planted in warm soil, as it is heat-loving crop. Moreover, seeds planted too early decay before germination. Due to their drought resistant nature, they should not be excessively watered. On the bright side, this crop is not much susceptible to pests or diseases. However, black-eyed pea crops should b e regularly rotated or else they become prone to root-knot nematodes. Being an antirogen fixing crop, it has the capacity to thrive for three weeks without nitrogen-based fertilizers after germination. The blossom results in the production of a plethora of nectar and extensive plantations serve as a vital source of honey. Nonetheless, the bloom is a prime attraction for an array of pollinators; thus, insecticides must be applied cautiously to the crop. The chronicles of history are filled with illustrations of countless taboos, superstitions, practices associated with New Year’s Day. The vast majority of cultures believed there to be an affiliation between person’s doings on New Year’s Day and their luck in the subsequent year. Such a tradition of good luck by eating black-eyed peas at Rosh Hashana, which marks the beginning of Jewish New Year, has been found in Talmud, complied during the Babylonian times. It records that Horayot and Abaye instructed Jews to in culcate a habit to see ‘rubiya’ or black-eyed peas on every New Year in hope of good luck. Another corresponding text is dated back to Kritot that advocated the consumption of symbols of good fortune. This Jewish law from the sixteenth century is still adhered to by the Sephardi and Israeli Jews. The arrival of

Diagnosis and Assessment: Patient Presenting Knee Pain

Diagnosis and Assessment: Patient Presenting Knee Pain Stephen Chiang Presenting Complaint Mr X is a 72 year old man who presented to the GP clinic with worsening right knee pain for the past 3 weeks. History of Presenting Complaint Pain has worsened over the past 3 weeks. Pain is around the patella with no radiation of pain. Described as a constant dull ache that worsens at the end of the day after activities. Not relieved by any pain medication. Previous trial on NSAIDs and panadolosteo. Pain and movement does not improve during the day. Denies any morning stiffness. Complains of knee being swollen and restricting the range of movement. Denies any locking or catching of the knees. Pain has restricted his movement causing him to lose balance. No history of falls. Denies any recent injury or trauma to the knee. Past Medical History Abdominal aortic aneurysm2014 Pulmonary Fibrosis2014 COPD infective exacerbation2012 GORD Medications Metoprolol 50mg Panadol Osteo SR665mg Vytorin10mg/20mg Rabeprazole10mg Prednisolone25mg Allergies/ Adverse Reactions Penicillins skin rash Immunisation -VAXIGRIP provided Family History nil known Social History Lives alone in Collie. No support services required. Non-smoker. 1 standard drink several times a week. Limited physical activities No history of substance abuse Examination Pleasant looking elderly man. Not in any obvious distress. Alert and oriented to time, place and person. Good mobility Vitals BP 155/88 mmHg, HR 78bpm and regular, RR 17, afebrile Cardiovascular Heart sound dual, nil added. JVP not elevated, all peripheral pulses are palpable Respiratory symmetrical rise and fall of chest with respiration, bibasal crepitations heard, no wheeze. Not in respiratory distress Abdomen – no scars noted, abdomen soft, non tender, bowel sound present Knee – no deformities, swelling or muscle wasting noted. No obvious signs of effusion. Bulge test and patellar tap negative. No erythema and not warm. Crepitations heard with movement of knee. Not tender on palpation. Full range of movement with active and passive movement with pain. (extension, flexion, rotation). Ligament stability test NAD Investigations Ordered Bilateral Knee X-ray Murtagh’s Diagnostic Model Factors in initial history / examination supporting diagnosis Factors in initial history / examination NOT supporting diagnosis Factors in subsequent history / examination / investigation influencing diagnosis PROBABLE diagnosis Osteoarthritis Swelling of the knee Age, Chronic Pain, Asymmetrical, Weight bearing joint, Worse with movement, Crepitus on movement Ligament strains No previous injuries or trauma Asymmetrical knee pain Serious disorders not to miss Neoplasia primary in bone metastases No night sweats, no weight loss, no indication of previous X-ray constant ache day and night Severe infections septic arthritis No fever, no redness, warmth or swelling of joint. No hx of trauma Vascular disorders deep venous thrombosis superficial thrombophlebitis No long periods of immobilisation No previous hx of clots Nil tenderness around muscle unilateral pain Pitfalls Gout/ pseudogout No previous hx of gout Referred pain back or hip Denies any pain of the back and hip Masquerades Diabetes No polyuria, polydipsia, Normal Fasting BSL Spinal dysfunction Another agenda? Depression Lives on his own, poor supportive relationship, Management Plan (Whole person) 1. Knee pain RICE therapy, Weight loss knee X-ray Adequate pain management Referral to orthopaedic surgeons for review Referral to physiotherapist – strengthen quadriceps 2. Pulmonary Fibrosis/ COPD Prevent infective exacerbations Continue follow up with respiratory physicians in Perth Yearly influenza vaccination/ 5 yearly pneumovax Referral to chest physiotherapist 3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Yearly monitoring of AAA Continue follow up with vascular surgeon in Perth Preventative Health Activities 1. Nutrition – patient education on maintaining healthy diet. Referral to dietician 2. Weight – review 6 monthly to ensure BMI 2 3. Physical activity – education on appropriate exercise routine. Referral to physiotherapist 4. Alcohol intake – reduction of alcohol intake 5. General – monitor BP 6 monthly, yearly monitoring of FBC UEC Lipid profile 6. Cancer screening – colorectal every 2 years 7. Vision, hearing and fall risk assessment Unable to follow up with patient as patient returned to GP in Collie while I was based in Bunbury. No access to patient’s result from Bunbury. Clinical Evidence Base In patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), is intra-articular steroid injection more effective compared to other pharmacological treatment such as NSAIDs and glucosamine in terms of efficacy and managing pain? Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease affecting adults older than 65 years old. In Australia alone, osteoarthritis affects more than 1.3million adults.1 Osteoarthritis can significantly impact the quality of life because of the restriction in mobility caused by the pain. In osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK), the main form of treatment remains partial or total knee replacement.4 However, there are still a large number of patients who are unable to undergo such intervention. In such patients, treatments are limited to safer alternatives such as NSAIDs, opioids, glucosamine supplements and intra-articular steroid injection. The OneSearch UWA library database was searched and keywords used were â€Å"osteoarthritis†, â€Å"knee†, â€Å"pharmacological†, â€Å"NSAIDs†, â€Å"steroid†. Other related terms were included in the search. One study was identified, â€Å"short term efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic interventions in osteoarthritis knee pain by Jan Magnus Bjordal, Atle Klovning, Anne Elisabeth Ljunggren and Lars Slordal.2 The study is a meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials with a sample study size of 14,060 patients in 63 trials measuring pain intensity within 4 weeks of treatment and at 8-12 weeks follow up using the visual analogue scale (VAS).2 Results Within 4 weeks oral NSAIDs, pain relief measured 10.2mm on the VAS (95% CI8.8-11.6). Steroid injection showed 14.5mm (95% CI9.7-19.2), paracetamol 3.0mm (95% CI1.4-4.7), glucosamine 4.7mm (95% CI 0.3-9.1), chondroitin sulphate 3.7mm (95% CI0.3-7.0).2 8-12 weeks follow up – oral NSAIDs and steroid injection showed decline in efficacy 9.8mm. Paracetamol did not show change in efficacy. Glucosamine showed 3.8mm efficacy and chondroitin sulphate showed an increase in efficacy of 10.6mm.2 Strength and Weaknesses of this study: 1. Level 1 evidence based on NHMRC 2. Outcome and methods of measure was clearly explained and defined. 3. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were clear. 1. Measuring of pain intensity with the visual analogue scale (VAS) is very subjective. 2. Bias in terms of NSAIDs users selection in certain trials. 3. Comparing different treatment options by assessing separate meta-analyses for each treatment may have different baseline data and prognostic factors. 4. All steroid injection trials were performed in a fixed setting limiting their application into primary care context. Duration of trial of 4 weeks may be too short to analyse efficacy of some treatments. Findings showed that there is better short term pain relieve when using steroid injection compared to the other treatment options. However, steroid and oral NSAIDs have the same efficacy in long term. Chondroitin sulphate also showed a minimal pain relieve in the long term. Application – This study was done in Norway and it showed that there is minimal pain relieve by using current treatment options such as steroid injections, oral NSAIDs and supplements. Further studies should be performed to compare patients in Australia. Patients should be educated about the efficacy of such pharmacological treatment to lower their expectations. We should start reconsidering the role of these treatments in future pain management of osteoarthritis. This patient was started on many treatments that did not offer any pain relieve that corresponds to the results of the study stated above. Hence, he was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for further review and management plan. References 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. A Picture of Osteoarthritis.Department of Health and AgeingOctober 2007; Arthritis Series Number 5 2. Jan Magnus Bjordal a,*, Atle Klovning a , Anne Elisabeth Ljunggren a , Lars Slà ¸rdal b. Short-term efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain: A meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.European Journal of Pain8 May 2006; 11, 125-138 3. Carlos J Lozada, MD Director of Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine.Osteoarthritis. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/330487-overview (accessed 17/06/2015) 4. S.P. Krishnana, , J.A. Skinnerb. Novel treatments for early osteoarthritis of the knee.Current OrthopaedicsDecember 2005; Volume 19(Issue 6), Pages 407-414

Kfc in China Essay

Is Tony Wang correct in assuming that China is an ideal market for KFC? Should KFC be pursuing the Chinese market at the present time? Considering China as a strategic location was based from a SWOT analysis. Availability of Supply (Strength) There is ready access of quality poultry in the major metropolitan areas such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. Poultry industry is one of the top priority categories in China’s agriculture modernization and it is highly encourage by the government. Thus, the company can ensure a reliable supply of high quality chicken. Low Competitive Pressure (Strength) Potential competitors such as MacDonald’s face major barriers to enter the China market due to poor beef supply while KFC, aside from availability of high quality chicken supply, has the clear advantage since its main product-chicken- is eaten almost everywhere in the world. Furthermore, chicken is already familiar in China and even much cheaper. Company’s Control Measures (Strength) KFC s control mechanisms are designed to ensure standard levels of quality, service and cleanliness (QSC) at all of the restaurant’s chain stores. This fits the positive image in Asia of American fast food restaurants as famous, air-conditioned, and hygienic. Product Consumption (Strength) Chicken has long been regarded as a kind of nutritious food, which is especially good for the patients, the elders and children. An increase in health conscious consumers also raises the consumption of chicken. Moreover, chicken is a more popular meal than hamburgers in most Asian countries and KFC has the opportunity to offer an American style experience that is different from most other food establishments. Drawing Area (Opportunity) In late 1978, China began implementing economic reforms to modernize its economy by lessening the government’s control of the economy. This reform referred as a socialist market economy boosted the national wealth and the consequent increase in individual’s income has led to steady changes in Chinese consumer patterns prevalent in pre-Mao era. As the world’s most populous nation with over 1 billion inhabitants, the potential size and growth for KFC makes the Chinese market very attractive. Not to mention, the possibility of establishing the first Western style fast-food operation in China as a historic opportunity for the company. Scarce Human Resources (Weakness) Managerial resources are precious because of the scarcity of Chinese-speaking KFC managers. There are also possible conflicts between KFC-appointed managers and local employees. Lack of Local connections (Weakness) Pioneering in the fast-food field would find KFC very difficult to form local and personal networks between businesses and government agencies, which are crucial in providing access to the local market and domestic suppliers and eventually, to the company’s success. Entering into a relatively unknown market, KFC, as a new entrant will have to get in touch with the local business customs and laws as well as with knowledge of culture and language. Quality of Government (Threat) A communist government with strict foreign investment laws rules China. Setting up here requires heavy investment expenses and high levels of resource commitment. The risk of domestication measures may be imposed by the host government, often leading to major financial losses for the foreign investor. Overcoming Threats and Weaknesses KFC has three options of entering the China market thru, namely: Franchising, Wholly owned subsidiary and Joint venture. The traditional franchising strategy, in markets where political risk and cultural unfamiliarity exists, certainly would reduce financial risks. However, KFC had already encountered problems in the past with the aligning of corporate planning with the franchisee’s short-term focus on profitability. In addition, KFC will be pioneering in the fast-food service and thus needs to be highly sensitive to cultural demands. In such case, franchising is not feasible. On the other hand, a wholly owned subsidiary would rely upon total control over competitive advantages and ensures complete operational and strategic control. It also involves high financial risk and little country-level flexibility and responsiveness. This option is not recommended. Entering into a joint venture is highly recommended. Such an international business strategy will attempt to solve many logistics problems such as access to good quality chicken and other supplies, ease the access to Chinese market, share risk with a local entity, utilize ways to cut bureaucratic red-tape and finally, serve as a sign of commitment to the host government increasing goodwill. In addition, due to the complexity of many barriers to entry into China, a potential partner with sufficient contacts or networks with the government officials may smoothen the process of setting-up operations in the country. The potential joint-venture partner should be large, well established, provide excellent distribution channels and have personal network access to government officials. It is recommended that a partner be found by backward integration- that is, a good domestic supplier of poultry. In order to ensure total commitment, the set-up of the joint venture should be with KFC as the dominant partner. This way, cost, quality and strategic control measures are maintained. By building on each partner’s core competencies, knowledge, and efficiencies, a mutually beneficial synergy effect could be achieved as a result of joint venture activities. For instance, the local partner can learn from KFC how to produce a better product at a lower cost and further expand on its new competitive positioning. KFC, on the other hand, can maintain quality supply, which is critical to its success. RECOMMENDATION: The Chinese market represents a great opportunity for KFC where Tony Wang is correct in his assumptions. By finding an appropriate domestic business partner via backward integration, it is possible to further build on opportunities and significantly reduce risk throughout financial sharing, cultural sensitivity and favorable treatment from the host government. KFC should start pursuing this strategy at the present time and develop a coherent international strategy linking the China operations with the other markets. Which of the three cities being investigated should the company choose if it decides to enter China? The capital city, Beijing, is recommended as the preferred location for KFC’s entry into the Chinese market. Beijing is the center for most political activities and provides the necessary access to government agencies and business regulatory bodies. Also, it has a large population of nearly 9 million inhabitants. The numerous universities located in the city contributes to more affluent and educated people that may make them more open to foreign ideas including Western fast-food. More importantly, plenty of Western tourists are attracted to Beijing’s many tourist attractions, increasing the potential for generating foreign currency sales. Furthermore, supplies of poultry are readily available. Beijing can serve as the initial platform of KFC’s operations and later expand into other potential areas such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. One or two initial outlets should be set-up to get an insight of how KFC will be perceived in the Chinese capital. Both dine-in and take-out facilities much in line with most KFC’s international operations ought to be offered in large, clean and well-serviced outlets to cater for the customers with above-average disposable incomes. In order to serve large numbers of customers due to the sheer size of the population, the right cultural fit of the business restaurants must be highly functional and effective. Special menu-substitutions may also have to be facilitated to cater to consumers taste for traditional Chinese meals. Lessons Learned Capitalizing on Strengths and Opportunities In the initial period of KFC’s entry into China market, few of Chinese onsumers were really impressed with the food itself since the country is known to have the best culinary culture in the world. Instead, they were more fascinated with the eating experience: the encounter with friendly employees, quick service, spotless floors climate-controlled and brightly-lit dining areas, and smiling Colonel Sanders standing in front of the main gate. Having experienced the initial surprises brought by a never-seen western lifestyle, Chinese consumers have gradually calmed down and their consumption attitudes towards foreign products are getting more reasonable. Since Chinese people are more concerned with the nutrition and tastes of the fast food, KFC taken advantage of McDonald’s. By offering poultry food that is more acceptable to Chinese people compared with beef, have taken consumers needs and competition with other brands into account. Knowing the market The most prominent success of KFC in China is not only the outcome of KFC’s persistent tenets â€Å"quality, service and cleanliness† but also the achievements of its keen perception of cross-cultural marketing and its understanding of Chinese culture. Based on its scrutiny and adoption of Chinese traditional culinary arts, KFC has developed a series of products that are specially designed for the tastes of Chinese consumers. Moreover, in purpose of maintaining its image of a U. S. brand and keeping consistent with its globalization strategy, most of KFC s Chinese side dishes are defined as short-term products and would be replaced by new products. KFC’s product strategies are categorized into two aspects: 1)To meet consumers desire for novelty by introducing western style products like Mexican Chicken Warp and New Orleans Barbeque Wings. This means can satisfy young consumers who are more open and acceptable to the foreign flavors. 2)To cater to consumers taste for traditional Chinese meal by offering Chinese style fast food from time to time, say, Old Beijing Chicken Roll, a wrap modeled after the way Peking duck is served, but with fried chicken inside and accompanied with green onions and hoi sin sauce, and Sichuan Spicy Chicken which absorbs the spicy flavor of Sichuan dish. This measure can attract older consumers who are fond of Chinese food and in need of the convenience of fast food service as well.