Financial Decision Making for Managers Assignment...

Unit 6.8 Financial Decision Making for Managers London Churchill College Programme: Unit Number and Title: Unit Level: Module Tutor: Email: Date Set: ATHE- Level 6- Diploma in Management 6.8 Financial Decision Making for Managers 6 Chisomje Ezeaku c.ezeaku@londonchurchillcollege.co.uk 23/09/2013 Learner’s name and statement of authenticity Learner’s Name: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Learner’s ID: Date handed-in: I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. Where the work of others has been used to support my work then credit has been acknowledged. Signature: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Date: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Key dates Distribution date: Submission date: Return date: 23/09/2013 (TBC) 15th week of the term 4 weeks from†¦show more content†¦At the end of November, the business has agreed to pay  £135 000 back to the bank to reduce a bank loan. This was before they realised they would need a new delivery van and was based on higher sales predictions for the last three months, which have had to be revised due to national recession. 3 Unit 6.8 Financial Decision Making for Managers London Churchill College Task 3 a) Assess the given projects using accounting rate of return, payback period, Net present values and internal rate of return. (3.2) b) Make recommendations based on calculations and explain reasons for recommended choice. (3.3) Hanley Manufacturing Limited has two potential projects. They can only invest in one project. The following information is available on the projects. Cost (immediate outlay) Expected annual operating profit (loss): Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Estimated residual value of machinery Project 1  £Ã¢â‚¬â„¢000 200 Project 2  £Ã¢â‚¬â„¢000 100 58 (2) 4 7 36 (4) 8 12 The business has an estimated cost of capital of 10% and uses the straight line method of depreciation for non-current assets. The business has sufficient funding to meet capital expenditure requirements for either project. Achievement of a pass grade A pass grade is achieved by meeting all the requirements defined in the assessment criteria for each individual unit. Plagiarism and Collusion Any act of plagiarism and collusion will be seriously dealt withShow MoreRelatedEssay on Case Study; Starbucks1470 Words   |  6 Pages2; Case Study - â€Å"Starbucks Structure† March 19, 2012 Week 2; Case Study - â€Å"Starbucks Structure† For this assignment we were required to review the case study titled â€Å"Starbucks’ Structure† found in Chapter 3 of our The five functions of effective management text. We are required to write a paper that answers the four case questions of 1. Complete a job description and job specification for a Starbucks employee. 2. What form of departmentalization should Starbucks use? 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Power, Authority and The State Essay - 1131 Words

Waking up on the typical Monday morning, I feel groggy and confused. What day is today? I think it over and realize it is the dreaded Monday. Wishing it was still Sunday, I slowly get up and, like a snail, complete my morning routine. On my way to Hunter, everything is the usual–waiting for the suddenly delayed train, rushing through the massive horde of people trying to transfer trains, and finally arriving at school along with hundreds of others. I notice that the train station has set up a table lined with police officers checking passengers’ â€Å"suspicious† bags. The person in front of me gets called over by the police and she complies, by allowing the police officer to look through her bag. I keep walking as this is nothing out of the†¦show more content†¦The first type of authority is legal, or rational authority. Weber writes, â€Å"It is concerned with how a political order is regarded as legal in the eyes of the population†¦and the legit imacy is maintained by reference to a legal code† (13). Individuals or groups with legal rational authority are functional superiors or bureaucratic officials. This type of authority rules through the law, the government, and established norms. The reason their authority is accepted is that people generally believe rules and regulations are necessary in order to maintain a functioning society. Examples of legal authority figures are members of Congress, the President, the Queen of England, and average police officers. These authority figures are able to maintain their dominance because it has been accepted as a norm and necessity to follow the law. The second type of authority is traditional authority. Weber states, â€Å"this type of authority is: resting on an established belief in the sanctity of immemorial traditions and legitimacy of those exercising authority under rule† (12). Those with traditional authority inherit their position from long established traditions and customs. Examples of traditional authority figures are the Pope, doctors, and teachers. This tradition of obedience has been passed on from generation to generation and it is seen as customary to obey those in charge of your faith, health, and education. We’ve been taught by society and by our parents toShow MoreRelatedPower, Authority And Power And The Views Of The State1388 Words   |  6 Pagesthe state that were very different. The essay will look to cover their theories as well as definitions, strengths and weaknesses on democracy, authority and power and the views of JS Mill and Plato, giving their thoughts, ideas and styles. 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Yet, the United States government’s aggressive efforts to control information, thwart accountability reporting, maintain national security secrets, and the persecution of government whistleblowers, is not new, nor is it unique to the Obama administration. The practice of attempting to expand and concentrate power in the executive branch of government is historically consistent with past administrations. In my opinion

Search for Truth in Edgar Lee Masters Free Essays

Oftentimes, the poems that are related â€Å"speak† to one another and give the reader efferent perspectives on the same issue. By doing this, the poetic elements of the related poems act to change and contribute to the themes of each other. â€Å"Benjamin Panties† and â€Å"Mrs. We will write a custom essay sample on Search for Truth in Edgar Lee Masters or any similar topic only for you Order Now . Benjamin Panties† are two poems In the anthology that, when read individually, seem to have separate themes, but when read together speak to each other in an â€Å"argument and response† manner. Through an explication of the two poems, it can be seen that Benjamin Panther and Mrs.. Benjamin Panther both feel betrayed, but their differing perspectives change the reader’s Initial Impression of sympathy for both characters to one of questioning for truth. The form of the two poems Is free verse In that there Is no strict rhyme or meter. This style Is very beneficial In getting the themes of the two poems across In a very effective way. Free verse works well In getting these themes across because the poet Is not as â€Å"trapped† In a specific form. This develops the themes of the two poems In a much more relatable manner since both poems deal with problems that most people can relate to such as friendship, betrayal, marriage, and loneliness. Adding to this discussion of Masters’ style of writing, Emilio Tolerated states that â€Å"halls lines stir up a very human otter, made up of conciseness, hardness, and classic rhythms; he Is clear-sighted, sometimes satirical, always brilliant and direct† (Talented 46). This Is a very Insightful critique, especially In his assertion that Masters’ delivery Is very human and direct because this allows the average reader to get Into the mind of the characters and genuinely relate to their themes. In â€Å"Benjamin Panther† the theme Is that companionship Is necessary to live a happy life, even If It Is with a dog, especially when you have a miserable relationship with your wife and there Is no one else to turn to. On the other hand, the theme of â€Å"Mrs.. Benjamin Panther† Is that you cannot always trust people based on what they say and how people perceive them, and It Is wrong to Judge because sometimes seemingly Irrational decisions have a listened explanation. Free verse â€Å"Benjamin Panties† helps to develop the sincerity to his relationship with his dog, Nigh, and shows how he has become indifferent to the world. The free verse acts almost like a letter to the reader trying to express the struggles he faced at the end of his life. This is not to imply that there are not some intentional stresses in the poems. For example, Benjamin Panties says â€Å"our story is lost in silence. Go by, mad world! † (â€Å"B. P. † 12). There is definitely a stress on this last phrase which is important to his argument because it makes his assertion much more resonant and memorable. â€Å"Mrs.. Benjamin Panties† is also written in free verse in what appears to be an outright reply to Benjamin poem. She is very candidly expressing the problems she has with her husband, problems that she notes many people do not see from the surface. This helps to bring up a connected theme among the two poems which is that marriage is more complicated than it seems on the surface and requires insight into the situation of the husband and wife to understand the true nature of a relationship. While the order of these two poems, in the anthology, may not seem that important, it can be very helpful in discerning how the themes speak to each other, and how they are shaped in the reader’s mind. It is no coincidence that â€Å"Benjamin Panties† is the first poem because it introduces this character as being someone completely without a human friend and who has given up on life. The line â€Å"our story is lost in silence. Go by, mad world! † (â€Å"B. P. † 12) is very important in showing that Benjamin did not feel that people understood his desperation and that his story is often lost. This leads directly into â€Å"Mrs.. Benjamin Panties† where she contradicts most everything her husband has asserted in the previous poem and says â€Å"all the men loved him/and most of the women pitied him! † (â€Å"M. B. P. † 3-4). Mrs.. Panties is very effectively calling Benjamin argument into question by saying that these concerns for him are false and unjustified. Initially, Benjamin poem seems very sad and the reader takes pity with him until reading the next poem. What Masters has done so well is in setting up the second poem while the previous one is still in the reader’s mind. This acts to alter Benjamin theme room one of solitude that is uncontrolled to one of solitude that is brought on by himself as a result of not appreciating his wife. The occurrence of a very similar idea found in both poems, but with different implications, prove to cause conflict among their individual themes. In both poems there is a brief mention of alcohol, but the context in which both are used are completely different. Benjamin Panties says â€Å"†¦ L was alone/with Nigh for partner, bed- fellow, comrade in drink† (â€Å"B. P. † 4-5), which implies that the only friend he had to drink with was his dog, and, once again, makes the reader feel sorry for him. On the other hand, Mrs.. Benjamin Panties points out that she â€Å"loathe(s) the smell of whiskey and onions† (â€Å"M. B. P. † 6), which shows that she saw the alcohol as one of the problems that pulled her and her husband apart. While this may not seem important to the connection of the two poems, it is very significant because it shows that Benjamin fall from glory into solitude could be of his own making. On the other hand, the issue of alcohol in Benjamin poem could alter Mrs.. Pannier’s theme because the argument could be made that Mrs.. Panties drove her husband to alcohol because of her failure o be a good wife and constant companion. So, in a very interesting way this mention of alcohol creates a sense of ambiguity in both poems and gets the reader to question to r an Mrs.. Pannier’s argument, while contributing to the reader’s interpretation of both of the themes. In these two poems, Masters uses devices of sound and poetic diction very effectively to set the tone and advance the arguments of the poems. In â€Å"Benjamin Panties† there is both alliteration and a hyperbole in the line â€Å"then she, who survives me, snared my soul with a snare which bled me to death† (â€Å"B. P. † 7-8). A line very similar to this is found in â€Å"Mrs.. Benjamin Panties† as she is Justifying her reasons for being a seemingly bad wife. This constant repetition of the hard â€Å"s† sound turns the alliteration into onomatopoeia that sounds almost like a snake hissing when the poem is read aloud. This sets the very somber tone of the poem which is reflected by Benjamin solitude and â€Å"loss of soul† which he blames on his wife. In addition to setting this tone, the fact that Benjamin uses these negative words in direct reference to his wife strengthens his argument in the eyes of the reader because they now associate this snakelike sound and deathly scene with the fife’s cold attitude towards her husband. An example of how poetic diction helps set tone can be seen in the word â€Å"dingy’ used in both poems to express the room Benjamin was forced to live in by his wife. The word implies a very unclean and nasty environment and is used near the end of both poems to leave the reader with a sense of the unclean nature of their relationship. It is significant that the same adjective is used to describe the room in both poems because it implies for Benjamin how bad his life has become, and for Mrs.. Panties how disgusted she was with him to force him to live in such a place. There is a very unique example of irony found in the two poems, which is brought out when they are directly compared. Both Mr.. And Mrs.. Panties make mention of the law in their poems, but in very different ways. Benjamin Panties mentions at the very beginning of his poem that he is an attorney at law. This shows that Mr.. Panties has a good education and a clear understanding of the law. Mrs.. Panties also directly mentions the law but in reference to their marriage by stating â€Å"the only man with whom the law and morality/permit you to have the marital relation/is the very man that fills you with disgust† (â€Å"M. B. P. † 13-15). What comes across as ironic in this cross- reference is that Mrs.. Panties names both law and morality as the reasons why she cannot escape the unhappy marriage. Since Mr.. Panties is a lawyer, he can be seen as a man who upholds the law and has to maintain a certain level of moral integrity in his profession. Mrs.. Pannier’s assertion against the law and morality could, in fact, be another way of associating blame to her husband for her being trapped in a bad marriage. Masters’ background had a lot to do with the types of poems and themes he dealt with in Spoon River Anthology. Literary critic Stephen Cushman says that Masters â€Å"was cursed with the need to search all his life for the love his mother failed to give him and doomed not to recognize genuine love, since he had been deprived of it in the most fundamental stages of his existence, and we can concur in his Judgment that such a fate would ultimately play itself out in a life involving many women and many wanderings until, his physical energies exhausted, he would end old and alone. (Cushman 162). This description of Masters helps a great deal in giving a deeper meaning as to why he wrote so many poems about unhappy marriages that ended in loneliness. Since he did not experience much love early in his life, these themes to loneliness and blame taunt in the Panniers could be a way tort him to express how he felt. It is very important to see that there are other sets of poems in Spo on River Anthology that speak to each other about unhappy marriages through differing perspectives. In the poems â€Å"Lie McGee† and â€Å"Fletcher McGee,† this husband and wife both tell of how one made the other’s life miserable. Lie claims that Fletcher took her youth and beauty in life, while Fletcher claims that Lie drained the life out of him during her life and continued to haunt him after her death. Another pair of poems that display this theme of an unhappy marriage and leave the reader to question who is telling the truth is â€Å"Rose Parallel† and â€Å"Mrs.. Parallel. † Rose wants out of his marriage and attempts to get out if by disappearing for a year, but Mrs.. Parakeet refuses to get a divorce. Both sets of poems are very similar to the Panniers in the sense that nobody in these marriages can escape their unhappiness in life, and all of them ultimately die very upset with their spouses. The unhappy marriage of the Panniers does not stand alone in the small town of Spoon River in vying the reader different perspectives on unsuccessful marriages. While Spoon River Anthology contains many pairs of poems that â€Å"speak† to each other, â€Å"Benjamin Panties† and â€Å"Mrs.. Benjamin Panties† are two that significantly change the meaning of each other’s themes. Standing alone, each poem invokes sympathy in the reader because Benjamin has no human friends and his wife feels trapped in a miserable marriage. Analyzing these two poems together brings out a connected theme among the poems that both Mr.. And Mrs.. Panties feel betrayed, but their differing perspectives change the reader’s initial impression and force them to either choose one character’s argument or find some middle ground in their quest for the truth. How to cite Search for Truth in Edgar Lee Masters, Papers

Application Of The Different Financial Tools Like Ratio Analysis

Question: Discuss About The Different Financial Tools Like Ratio Analysis? Answer: Introduction: Year of Establishment: On 9th April, 1914, Mr GJ COLES opened the first store in Collingwood Victoria. Till then the company is successfully serving the Australian households by delivering grocery items and readymade foods to them for a period of over 100 years(Invest SMART, 2017). Currently the company is operating as Coles supermarkets in Australia and is one of the largest companies of Australia (Coles.com.au, 2017). The online operation of the company stared in the year of 1999.Coles group is listed in ASX (Australian stock exchange) with code CGJ Major operations of the company: Main operation of the business is to meet the grocery needs of the Australian households through online stores [named as Coles online] and offline supermarket platforms and retail outlets. The business is also involved in the operations of offering lucrative loyalty programs [flybuy] to their existing buyers by making partnership with other retailers. Under this flybuy loyalty program, whenever a customer buys products or services from a retail partner of Coles, then points are automatically added to the economics of a customer which he has opened with Coles. These flybuy points offer lot of discounts and advantages during future shopping either with Coles or their partners. The company offers credit cards and digital wallet service to the customers to offer easy payment option to the customers(Financialservices.coles.com.au, 2017). Products of the company: Wide range of Grocery products Variety of Liquor products[Liquor products are available under the barands of Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, 1st Choice Liquor Superstore] (liquorland.com.au, 2017) Financial Insurance service with respect to home, car land Specialist tyre and car repair service provided under the Kmart Tyre Auto Service Mix apparel range Company Name: Woolworths Limited: Year of Establishment: The Company Woolworths Limited was established in September 1924, originally under the name "Wallworths Bazaar Ltd. The company became a highly attractive grocery chain to the Australian consumers after 1924, when the company took the initiative to open several retail grocery stores across Australia. The products sold by the company became very attractive to the consumers as the company offers quality product at the cheapest price with money back guarantee in case a bad quality product is sold to a consumer. Currently the business appears as a trusted partner to thousand of local farmers and manufacturers. The business serves over 29 million Australians via more than 3000 retail outlets. Current stock price of the company is around AUD $ 25.21 and the outstanding shares of the company in the market is around 1294 million. The company is listed in the ASX as WOW.AX(U.S., 2017). Major operations of the company: Under the Food group or food business the company in regulating the super markets and offers loyalty program to the existing customers of the company. Besides, the business also regulates the petrol outlets under the brand CALTEX WOOLWORTHS along with the partnership of Caltex Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd The business offers the financial services under the brand Woolworths Money for better management of individual finances. The company offers credit cards, reloadable master cards under this service The business is also involved in selling the widest range of liquor though retail outlets and also through home delivery options and also hold auction of the fine wines. The business is also involved in merchandise selling (Brand-Big-w) and hotel services under the ALH group. Products of the company: Woolworth Food group: Under this brand the company offers fresh food and grocery products to the Australian households through their super market outlets Financial Services: The company provides the financial services in the name of Woolworth money and the service help the customers to manage their money. Endeavour Drinks: Under this brand the company offers variety of drinks liquor outlets Portfolio Businesses: Under this brand the business offers a variety of general merchandise and hotel services to the Australian customers One of the best business achievements of Coles is that the Australian super market chain has achieved the first Green Star rating for a supermarket; with Coles Hallam in south east Melbourne. The Coles Hallam super market store was being awarded by a 4 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) (gbca.org.au, 2017). A key achievement of the company is that the total group sustainability measurement score of the company has reached to 86% by 2016. Identification Evaluation of the sources of finance: The financial sources of the company are the interest bearing debts, credit from the customers and the share holders equity. Credit risk of the company along with financial loans and advances are managed by the company through established policies and procedures. Woolworths Limited: In 2015 the maximum approved credit exposure of the country was around 51.7% and in 2016 it has become 54.4%.This indicates high degree of exposure of the company towards loans and credit which is for than 50%.Therefore the company is a highly levered company. Rest of the capital is expected to collect from the share holders Equity. The current stock price of the company is AUD $15.25 and the company is currently holding 1200 million shares in the market. Current market capitalization value of the company is around AUD $18305 million. The basic two sources of finance of the company are debt or loan and equity. The study of debt to equity ratio of the company reveals that the debt to equity ratio in 2017 is stable around 30.60.This indicates that the debt of the company is 30.60 times more than the equity of the company(Macroaxis.com, 2017). The value of the ratio delivers the insight that as the value of debt of the company is more than the value of asset, therefore the creditors are having more stakes in the company rather than the stock holders of the company. Loan or borrowing of the company was around AUD$ m 3079 in 2015 AUD$ m 3870 in 2016 The equity capital of the company was around AUD$ m 5065 and that of AUD$ m 5347 in 2015 2016 respectively. Financial Ratios of the company: Year 2014 2015 2016 Revenue(AUD $ million) 37391 38201 39242 EBIT(Earning before interest tax, or operating income) (AUD $ million) 1672 1783 1860 Ratios Net operating margin(NOM) 4% 5% 5% Return on capital employed(ROCE) 10.30% 11% 11.20% Net Operating Margin (NOM): The ratio measures the proportion of revenue earned is left after paying for the variable cost that is associated with production. This ratio describes the pricing strategy and efficiency of the company (Wesfarmers.com.au, 2017). As Coles pricing strategy is based on providing quality grocery products with minimum profit margin that is why the company has only managed to attain a growth of 1% with respect to NOM from 2014-2016. Return on capital employed (ROCE): Measures the return achieved by the company with respect to the total capital employed by the company in terms of both debt and equity. Coles can be described as a financially sound company as the ROCE of the company is more or less stable and demonstrating a steady rising trend over years. That is the company is the return generating capacity of the company over the total capital employed is increasing over years in a stable pace Year 2014 2015 2016 Revenue(AUD $ million) 60773 60679 60186 EBIT(Earning before interest tax, or operating income)(AUD $ million) 3775 3973 2564 Ratios Net operating margin(NOM) 6% 7% 4% Return on capital employed(ROCE) 27% 26% 22.20% The net operating margin of the company is declining over years. In 2015 though it increased by 1% over that of 2014(6%), but again in 2016 the ratio has become 4%.This indicates weak efficiency in managing the operating expense of the company(Wow2016ar.qreports.com.au, 2017). As a result of which the company is losing larger share of the revenue earned while managing the operating expenses over years(Woolworthsgroup.com.au, 2017). The declining ROCE over years indicates that the return generating efficiency of the company is declining over years. This indicates the management inefficiency of the company (Higgins, 2012). Analysis comparison of the companies From the above discussion it can be observed that the capital structure of both the companies is more or less same. Both the companies are heavily relying over the debt financing. In case of Woolworth limited the overall debt-to-equity ratio is 30.60.Therefore as the debt volume of the company is 30.60 times of the equity volume of the company, therefore the creditors of the company is at high risk. On the other hand the Coles limited rely more on credit purchase rather than direct exposure to the debt capital. Thus Coles limited may have to bear a lower volume of interest burden but the volume of credit payable of both the companies is quiet high. So Coles limited is also under huge amount of credit burden Another noticeable similarity is that, both the companies belong to the same industries of grocery retailing, liquor business and the financial services. But a stinking dissimilarity is observed in terms of the financial reporting format of the companies. The underlying reason behind this dissimilarity is that the Coles limited operate as a group company under the Wesfarmers group of companies. As a result the financial statements as well as key financial figures of the company are only available in a very brief format under the Wesfarmers groups financial report. Mostly the financial figures related to Coles limited are presented under the consolidated financial statements of Wesfarmers group. On the other hand the Woolworths Limited functions as an individual standalone company and sales products and services in different business segment. That is why the financial data and financial statements of this company is readily available in the annual financial reports of the companies. Summary of interesting findings and recommendation If we look at the financial performance of the companies then it can be observed that revenue earning per year of the Woolworth limited is much higher than that of Coles limited. Therefore Woolworth limited has a much better revenue earning capacity compared to Coles limited as the operational activities of Woolworth limited is much wider than the Coles limited. But the declining net operating margin ratio return-on capital employed ratio of Woolworth limited indicates the sheer operational inefficiency and weak pricing strategy of the company. But the same ratios for Coles limited indicates presence of operational excellence in the company Recommendations: Coles limited should expand their business to enhance the revenue earning capacity of the Company Woolworth limited should take measures to enhance the operational efficiency of the company. Because enhancement of operational efficiency will help the business to retain greater share of revenue earnings after making the possible expenses of the company Conclusion: This financial report describes the facts and figures that are to be collected and discussed for understanding the financial performance of a particular company. For instance in case of Woolworths Limited Coles limited data has been collected regarding the debt equity ratio, net operating margin and on return on capital employed to understand the financial performance of each of the two chosen companies and how the two chosen companies that are chosen from the same industry are performing with respect to each other(Armstrong et al.,2010). The study of the financial health of the companies reveals that Woolworths Limited has a stronger revenue earning capacity than Coles limited, but the operational efficiency of Coles limited is much higher with respect to Woolworths Limited. Reference: Armstrong, C.S., Guay, W.R. and Weber, J.P., 2010. The role of information and financial reporting in corporate governance and debt contracting.Journal of Accounting and Economics,50(2), pp.179-234. Armstrong, C.S., Guay, W.R. and Weber, J.P., 2010. The role of information and financial reporting in corporate governance and debt contracting.Journal of Accounting and Economics,50(2), pp.179-234. Biddle, G.C., Hilary, G. and Verdi, R.S., 2009. How does financial reporting quality relate to investment efficiency?.Journal of accounting and economics,48(2), pp.112-131. Biddle, G.C., Hilary, G. and Verdi, R.S., 2009. How does financial reporting quality relate to investment efficiency?.Journal of accounting and economics,48(2), pp.112-131. Coles.com.au. (2017).Coles Supermarkets. [online] Available at: https://www.coles.com.au/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Financialservices.coles.com.au. (2017).Coles Mastercard - Coles Credit Cards. [online] Available at: https://financialservices.coles.com.au/credit-cards [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. gbca.org.au. (2017).Coles gains certification for first sustainable supermarket. [online] Available at: https://www.gbca.org.au/news/gbca-media-releases/coles-gains-certification-for-first-sustainable-supermarket/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Group, C. (2017).Org Chart Coles Group. [online] The Official Board. Available at: https://www.theofficialboard.com/org-chart/coles-group [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Higgins, R.C., 2012.Analysis for financial management. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Macroaxis.com. (2017).Woolworths Limited Debt to Equity | WOW.AX Australian - Macroaxis. [online] Available at: https://www.macroaxis.com/invest/ratio/WOW.AX--Debt-to-Equity [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. U.S. (2017).${Instrument_CompanyName} ${Instrument_Ric} Quote| Reuters.com. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/overview/WOW.AX [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Wesfarmers.com.au. (2017).Annual Report,2016 Wesfarmer. [online] Available at: https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/docs/default-source/reports/2016-annual-report.pdf?sfvrsn=4 [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Woolworthsgroup.com.au. (2017).Annual Reports - Woolworths Group. [online] Available at: https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/investors/our-performance/reports/Reports/Annual_Reports [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. Wow2016ar.qreports.com.au. (2017).Home - Woolworths Annual Report 2016. [online] Available at: https://wow2016ar.qreports.com.au/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017]. www.wowlink.com.au. (2017).WOOLWORTHS FOOD GROUP ORGANISATION STRUCTURE. [online] Available at: https://www.wowlink.com.au/ [Accessed 12 Sep. 2017].

Assessment †Pilgrimage Essay Example Essay Example

Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Example Paper Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Introduction 1. Pilgrimage is a journey taken by somebody for sentimental and personal reasons, though not always for religious ones; it could even be the journey that is life. For Christians, it is – the journey from birth to Heaven – as well as being the way to grow closer to God. 2 Nazareth. This is one of the more obvious places of Christian pilgrimage, as Jesus was born and raised here all those years ago when he walked the Earth. The Son of God Himself preached, performed miracles, lived and breathed there, so naturally it’s a special place with a strong link with Biblical history. Pilgrims will go there to experience that connection – one of the closest connections to /imprints of Jesus on Earth. Lourdes. This place is popular for Christian pilgrimage because Saint Bernadette was acclaimed to have had 14 whole apparitions of Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God. Pilgrims flock here to feel history under their feet. Mary’s an important figure to the Church â€⠀œ especially the Catholic one – and she told Bernadette about the healing holy waters which people still can collect and sprinkle themselves with to this day. Also, Mary told her to ask the local priest to build a chapel at the location of the visitations. Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Body Paragraphs 3 Christians might wish to do a variety of different things in a place of pilgrimage, such as: Visit historical places, where important and miraculous events occurred. In Lourdes, for instance, the ideal place would be the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. Seek forgiveness for sins and seek spiritual healing from God [and his mercy], through prayer and reflection. They might use a pilgrimage as a chance to properly have a â€Å"sit down† with God as it were and come clean. Go to Mass/receive the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ; he died on the cross to save us from our sins. Pilgrims would want to go, because the Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper – Jesus’ last meal with all his disciples – and it’s very special. It’s like you’re with God, in his sanctuary. 4 There are a various number of different effects of pilgrimage and why it’s important. For instance, it’s i mportant to get away from the rush of real life and put it all aside – to slow down and take time to think about everything [and talk to/reflect on God]. Also, pilgrimage can be used as a chance to re-communicate with God in a way and connect with Him again if you feel you haven’t been close to Him lately. Through pilgrimage, you can ask for forgiveness and be forgiven through God’s love and kindness; it can be a form of reconciliation. Pilgrimage is a very sharing experience, with fellow pilgrims. Both spiritual and physical can additionally be gained through pilgrimage, whether it be through prayer or holy water (etc). It’s all important because pilgrimage is all about getting closer to God spiritually, and pilgrimage allows that to happen as your mind is focused and motivated. You leave anxieties and troubles from reality aside to spend time with God in a particular place of pilgrimage. It’s elite. By focusing solely on God, you can develop a cl oser relationship with Him but only if you want to. It’s all part of our Christian pilgrimage through life; it may not be a sacrament but it’s near enough as important. 5 When Christians describe life as a pilgrimage, it’s meant that it’s a long journey from birth to Heaven. Heaven is the one true destination and life is part of the process to reaching it. Everything that happens in life is included in this pilgrimage – all the bad times, the good times, the ups and downs. You’ll always get over the hardships as they’ll only be brief, temporary, and there’s always God to help you overcome these things. He’s always at your side and if you trust in Him, you can get through anything – it’s just up to us as Christians to reach out to Him through prayer, going to mass, etc. No problem is too big for God. The pilgrimage of life is all about finding God spiritually and forming/building a relationship with Him thro ugh life – with the aid of the sacraments. The sacraments will strengthen us, as they help us understand more of our faith and help us practise what Jesus did/went through while he was on Earth. In a sense, each sacrament brings us closer. 6 The sacraments might be important to Christians in their pilgrimage through life in many ways. All 7 sacraments are important, because they’re like spiritual blessings in your life. Baptism, for example, is important as it’s when we’re forgiven for our original sins and clothed in Christ. It’s a new beginning. The Eucharist/communion is important because it’s when we commemorate Jesus’ actions all those years ago at the Last Supper. The bread and wine represent – and change to – Jesus’ body and blood, which he gave us in memory of him when he died to save us from out sins. Thus, when we eat the bread and drink the wine, we get closer to God; we have a part of him inside of us, always. Confirmation is when we get fully accepted into the church as adults and we take full responsibility for our actions at that point on, confirming our faith in Christ. We renew the promises made at baptism ourselves this time and choose to. This helps strengthen our faith as full people of God. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience God’s love as we’re freed and forgiven from/for the sins we’ve committed through the priest. God’s mercy allows us to become even closer. The sacrament of the sick – in which the suck are anointed with a healing oil – enables us to know that God’s always going to be there for us, even when we’re ill and/or dying. We share a better understanding with him. With marriage, a man and woman are bonded through Christ for life. It’s a big twist in both peoples’ lives as they’ll now have to commit to a life together where they’ll have to share everything an d suffer through everything together. All in all, the sacraments are essential as they’re rituals in which Christians learn to commit to something – which can be pretty difficult at times. They’re symbols of moving on through life and building a relationship with God as you go along. They help us appreciate life and understand more, helping us open our hearts to God. However, it’s more of a spiritual/philosophical journey rather than a physical one. 7 Some people believe you can go on a pilgrimage without ever visiting a holy place, simply because it is believed that life itself is a pilgrimage. Though you may not visit historical places and such, you can still experience the grace and spirit of God working in your life. You can still go to mass, seek forgiveness, get spiritual/physical healing, find guidance. – all particularly through prayer. The destination is Heaven and the different things you experience to get there are the sacraments  œ predominantly for Catholics. It’s a long pilgrimage, full of many obstacles that may detract you from the right path of God. Things might want to throw you off track and block the way; but through God you can be given a new beginning and/or get over your troubles. Praying to God regularly is more than enough to make up part of the pilgrimage and grow closer to God – â€Å"ask and you shall receive†. Miracles in your life don’t have to be big things, so you don’t have to go to a holy place where miracles happen – they can just be the little prayers that God have answered. Also, you can still seek forgiveness through Reconciliation at a church. You can taste the body and blood of Christ at mass, as well. Also, you can build a bond with God simply by doing things such as reading the Bible and following it in everyday life (loving everyone, sharing, being kind, loving your enemy, setting a good example, etc). You can get away from everyday lif e by giving yourself a day off from everything to reflect on God, perhaps on a bank holiday. You can relieve yourself from stress and cast your worries aside. Every step of your life is a pilgrimage. 8 I think Christians can learn a variety of things from the pilgrimage experiences of other faiths, such as their different practices and how they differ to Christian pilgrimage. We can learn how they practise their own faith in [their] God. Through this, we can compare and contrast. Take a Muslim’s pilgrimage to mecca, for example – it’s a Muslim’s duty to take the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Well, any Muslim who is fit and capable to do so (good financial capacity, for example) is expected to take the pilgrimage. When they’re there, they all have to wear white and speak Arabic as they’re reading from the Qu’ran in the Masjid al-Haram. They all worship in unison. They have to walk around a giant cube – the Kaba – seven times, praying to Allah. Muslims have to pray five times a day – well, at least the truly devout Muslims do – on a mat facing towards Mecca, their holy land. Mecca is an incredibly important place to Muslims. They also have to go about their faith according to the Five Pillars, which are Shahadah (declaring faith); Salat (praying five times a day) ; Zakat (giving money to the poor and needy, the amount depending on the wealth of the person); Sawn (fasting on the ninth month in the Muslim Calendar that’s alternately known as ‘Ramadan’); Hajj (making the pilgrimage to Mekka). Those are the five pillars – in that order – holding up the Islamic faith. Furthermore, we can learn about how they fast for their faith (for a month at Ramadan) – it shows that have a lot of determination and dedication to be able to do this. Christians can learn about how relaxed the Christian faith is compared to the Muslim faith in te rms of pilgrimage. There’s no strict law or list of duties you have to do while on pilgrimage – it’s up to you, and completely your choice. It informs us, also, of how we can learn from the things that other faiths do so we can reflect on it and perhaps take in so Christian pilgrimage can be taken more seriously. Muslims pray five times a day, yet there are some Christians who pray maybe once a month. It just shows how maybe we can sort-of learn from them. We will write a custom essay sample on Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Assessment – Pilgrimage Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Development of Inâ€Vitro Fertilization technology Essays

Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essays Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay Development of In–Vitro Fertilization technology Essay 1. Introduction The pioneering work of Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe in the development of In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF ) engineering led to the first IVF birth of Louise Brown in 1978 [ I ] ( Johnson 2007 ) . It is considered one of the landmark parts to human medical specialty and wellness in the 20th century. In the last 20 old ages, there has been important advancement and scientific developments in the field of aided reproduction. The success rate of assisted generative engineering ( ART ) is continually increasing due to the debut of fresh engineerings, enhanced IVF techniques and improved embryo civilization systems [ two. The rapid gait of development in ART is besides straight linked to progresss in the clinical field of human reproduction and improved diagnosing of the causes of sterility. The field of ART will doubtless go on to turn in the following 20 old ages as there is a immense planetary demand for its medical and scientific advancement. More clinicians and scientists choose to come in this field every twelvemonth which is a testament to the success and turning importance of ART in medical specialty. 2. Sterility Infertility is defined as the lessened capacity to gestate or bear a kid ( Johnson 2007 ) . A twosome is considered sterile if they are unable to gestate after 2 old ages of unprotected and frequent sexual intercourse. The prevalence of sterility in the developed universe is estimated to be in the scope of 10s of female diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Tubal obstruction Endometriosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Male factor sterility histories for approximately 30 % of the incidence of sterility. Examples of male diseases and upsets doing sterility include: Varicoceles Retrograde interjection Obstruction of vessel deferens or epididymis 30 % of incidence of sterility is due both male and female spouse have abnormalcies doing their sterility. The staying 20 % of infertile twosomes have no clinically identifiable cause for sterility and this group is termed unexplained sterility . The clinical work-up for sterility probe for any twosome includes documenting their medical history and a standard set of diagnostic trials to be performed on the male and female spouse ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) for illustration: hormonal checks, hysterosalpingography, semen analysis. Establishing the cause of sterility allows clinicians to find which type of IVF intervention is the best to assist the twosome with gestating a kid. 3. Progresss in Infertility Treatment in the past 20 old ages The progresss in sterility intervention in the last 20 old ages are legion but I am merely discoursing the 1s which were of the most significance in my sentiment as follows. a. In- Vitro Fertilisation ( IVF ) The rule of the IVF technique is both simple and standard and can be summarised as follows [ four ] ( Strauss A ; Barbieri 2009 ) : Collection of mature oocytes from the ovaries Processing of seeds sample to better sperm count and motility Fertilization of sperm and oocyte in cell civilization dish in the research lab Transportation of embryo with best morphology into the uterine pit B. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation The female spouse undergoes a protocol of controlled ovarian stimulation. The pick of protocol is dependent on the age of the female spouse and the clinical diagnosing of sterility [ V ] ( Fauser et al 1999 ) . One of Steptoe and Edwards major job in their 1976 IVF process was the deficit of oocytes [ six ] ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Surveies have shown that usage of ovarian stimulation protocols maximizes the figure and quality of mature follicles that can be retrieved [ seven ] ( Sluijmer 1994 ) [ viii ] ( Macklon et al 2008 ) which will necessarily better opportunities of IVF intervention success. In 1986, the add-on of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ( GnRH ) agonist intervention to ovarian stimulation protocols became widespread [ nine ] ( Hedon et al 1990 ) . In the early 1990 s, ovarian stimulation protocols were refined with some fluctuations introduced in order to maximise the figure of eggs to be retrieved. The protocols used can be either: V Long OR Desensitization protocol: Starts with Pituitary receptor downregulation utilizing GnRH agonists e.g Lupron, Triptorelin, Burserelin Ovarian stimulation with GnRH injections of recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone ( FSH ) e.g Puregon Or Gonal F Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ( HCG ) to command and clip oocyte ripening V Short OR Micro-Flare Protocol: GnRH antagonists e.g Cetrorelix Or Ganirelix are used to straight barricade the GnRH receptor. The undermentioned stairss are similar to Steps 2 A ; 3 of Long Protocol. Ovarian follicular growing is monitored by ultrasound imagination and measuring of blood degrees of oestradiol [ xi ] . The usage of GnRH adversaries has revolutionized ovarian stimulation for ART [ xii ] ( Ludwig et al 2001 ) . The Short Protocol was introduced in 1990 by [ xiii ] ( Bouchard et al. ) The advantages of the usage of GnRH adversaries in ART include: A more rapid IVF intervention rhythm Reduce the hazard of Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome ( OHSS ) More effectual protocol for usage with older adult females and hapless respondents Avoids formation of ovarian cysts Cost effectual and more convenient for clinics and patients The usage of controlled ovarian stimulation is a major progress in IVF intervention and has contributed towards maximising success rates of clinical gestations and unrecorded births. There is no uncertainty that in the hereafter such protocols will be optimized and refined further for better clinical results. c. Oocyte retrieval In the 1st clinically successful IVF intervention, Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe retrieved the oocytes by laparoscopic surgery from the unstimulated ovaries of Louise s female parent during the natural catamenial rhythm [ xiv ] . The early 1980 s saw the development of high frequence vaginal investigation ultrasound transducers for usage in obstetric echography [ xv ] ( Lenz et al 1981 ) . In 1990, [ xvi ] ( Tan et al ) a survey outlined the advantages of utilizing vaginal ultrasounds for the process of oocyte retrieval. The process was termed Transvaginal Ultrasound Directed Oocyte Retrieval ( TUDOR ) and rapidly became the method of pick for usage in IVF clinics. The advantages of usage of TUDOR to laproscopic oocyte retrieval is that the latter is dearly-won and clip consuming. TUDOR can be done with local anesthesia and sedation which made it safer for patients and more convenient for IVF clinics ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . Laproscopic oocyte retrieval is performed presents merely in instances where female diseases such as adenomyosis or infective adhesions make the ovaries inaccessible through the transvaginal path. d. Testicular Sperm Extraction Male spouses with a clinical diagnosing of primary testicular failure will hold seeds analysis consequences bespeaking Low or No sperm count A ; motility. The development of testicular sperm extraction processs has provided such male patients with the possibility of recovering sperm for usage in IVF. The purpose of these processs is to assist the male patient to beget his ain familial kid. In 1995, Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( PESA ) was a new process developed [ xvii ] ( Craft et al 1995 ) . It is a simpler and a more efficient process when compared to its predecessor Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( MESA ) which was developed in 1985 [ xviii ] . PESA is performed by infixing a suction needle into the caput of the epididymis and analyzing the aspirate for the presence of sperm [ xix ] In 1995, Testicular Sperm Extraction ( TESE ) was besides performed successfully in combination with IVF [ xx ] ( Devroey et al 1995 ) . The process involves taking a big fragment of testicular tissue through a cross scratch of the adventitia albuginea in the testicle [ xxi ] . Micro surgical TESE ( Micro-TESE ) is a polish to the TESE process. Numerous micro-retrievals of testicular tissue are performed across the testicle [ xxii ] ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Micro-TESE has been associated with higher rates of sperm retrieval when compared to TESE ( Colpi et al 2009 ) . Aspirates incorporating sperm that are retrieved from the above stated processs can all be cryopreserved for subsequently usage in IVF. e. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) The micro-injection of a individual sperm into the cytol of the egg has revolutionized IVF intervention for twosomes with terrible male factor sterility [ xxiii ] ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . The technique is known as Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI ) . Palermo et al reported the first successful ICSI gestation in 1992. Merely a little figure of sperms are equal for fertilisation utilizing ICSI which makes it an ideal process for male spouses with terrible male factor sterility following testicular sperm extraction processs. ICSI has enabled azoospermic male patients to beget their ain biological kids which was impossible in the past [ twenty-four ] ( Nijs A ; Elst 2000 ) . ICSI has become a mainstream process in ART. The chief stairss in ICSI technique can be summarised as follows: The oocyte is prepared by steadfastly attaching it to by suction to a keeping pipette with the polar organic structure at 6 oclock. A individual morphologically normal motile sperm is selected and immobilised. The injection acerate leaf is inserted into the oocyte at 3 oclock with careful deposition of the sperm into the cytol [ xxv ] ( Bromage et al 2007 ) . After 16 18 hours, fertilisation is confirmed by the presence of two pro-nuclei. ICSI is a technique that bypasses sperm oocyte adhering measure in the fertilization procedure and can therefore utilize sperm with lacking kinetic belongingss or anomalousnesss of the acrosome ( Palermo et al 1992 ) . Pregnancies and births have been reported after ICSI utilizing nonmotile sperm from ejaculate [ xxvi ] . ICSI still remains a controversial technique despite its world-wide clinical success in ART. The major concerns remain in the possible inauspicious results in kids born from this technique due to its invasive nature [ xxvii ] . The possible hazards of ICSI can attest in 3 general countries: Obstetric results: Low birth weight appears to be the most consistent hazard for ICSI kids [ twenty-eight ] ( Shieve et al 2002 ) Chromosomal Abnormalities: ICSI kids do transport an increased hazard of familial chromosomal aberrances. These are largely due to paternal Y chromosome microdeletions but can be due to maternal familial factors every bit good [ xxix ] ( Rubio et al 2001 ) . There is an increased hazard of forming upsets [ thirty ] ( Cox et al 2002 ) e.g Angelman Syndrome. These surveies emphasize the importance of familial guidance to IVF twosomes prior to ICSI. Developmental Abnormalities: No major developmental abnormalcies are observed nevertheless some surveies have reported lower mental development rate in ICSI kids when compared to IVF and natural construct rhythms [ thirty-one ] ( Bowen et al 1998 ) The mechanical harm done to the oocyte and its meiotic spindle during ICSI technique and the possible transportation of sperm mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic acid into the oocyte are besides major countries of concern with ICSI. Sperm choice during ICSI is non natural and relies on opinion of the clinical embryologist. The PICSI sperm choice device was developed in 2006 to better the effectivity and cut down hazards of unreal sperm choice during ICSI. Sperm are placed in PICSI dish which contains samples of hyaluronan hydrogel which mimics the natural hyaluronan bed environing the oocyte [ xxxii ] ( ESHRE 2006 ) . Merely those that bind to the hyaluronan microdots mimic natural sperm choice procedure and are selected for ICSI. A survey completed in 2009 to measure the efficaciousness of PICSI + ICSI versus ICSI entirely, found that the clinical gestation rate in the PICSI group was greater by 6 % when compared to the ICSI entirely group [ xxxiii ] ( Worrilow et al 2009 ) f. Assisted Embryo Hatching Hatch of the human embryo from its environing Zona Pellucida is a cardinal demand for its successful nidation in the receptive endometrium ( Johnson 2007 ) . Failure of embryo hatching can restrict the nidation rate which will impact IVF intervention success. Zona Pellucida hardening can be induced by the in vitro civilization conditions and increased maternal age [ xxxiv ] ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . Assisted Hatching ( AH ) of embryos was started in the early 90 s when surveies showed betterment in nidation rates ( Cohen et al 1990 ) . AH is by and large performed on twenty-four hours 3 post-fertilization. It is a micromanipulation technique performed automatically by boring an gap in the Zona or by chemically thinning it by utilizing an acidified solution [ xxxv ] ( Chao et al 1997 ) . From the twelvemonth 2000 onwards, surveies have reported on the efficaciousness of Laser assisted hatching ( LAH ) [ thirty-six ] ( Hseih et al 2002 ) . The impact of LAH remains controversial due to fear of its mutagenic consequence on the embryo, but several surveies conclude that better clinical results are achieved with LAH when compared to the mechanical techniques, in adult females of advanced age ( gt ; 37 old ages ) and with insistent IVF failure [ xxxvii ] ( Makrakis et al 2006 ) [ xxxviii ] ( Ali et al 2002 ) . However, there is still non adequate grounds to reason which AH method is superior to the others. The major hazards associated with AH technique include: Increased hazard of monozygotic twins Damage to the embryo and its single blastomeres Introduction of micro-organisms into the embryo through the zone hole. g. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis ( PGD ) is a specialised process that was developed for twosomes who are at hazard of conveying a known familial disease to their kids. The alternate intervention options available for these twosomes include: expiration of gestation if antenatal diagnosing confirms an affected foetus, gamete contribution through IVF or acceptance [ xli ] . In 1990, [ xlii ] Handyside et Al reported the first human gestation following usage of PGD in two twosomes at hazard of conveying adrenoleukodystrophy and X-linked mental deceleration. PGD involves three phases: Use of IVF: to make embryos Embryo biopsy: There are 3 methods presently being used: Polar Body Biopsy: remotion of 1st and 2nd polar organic structure Blastocyst Biopsy: remotion of some trophectoderm cells Cleavage Phase Biopsy: Is the most common method used and involves remotion of 1 2 blastomeres from 6 8 cell embryo [ xliii ] ( Harper 2009 ) . Single Cell Diagnosis: Cells extracted after biopsy are tested by: Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR ) : for diagnosing of individual cistron defects ( e.g Cystic Fibrosis ) , X Linked Diseases ( e.g Haemophilia ) and Triplet Repeat Disorders ( e.g Myotonic Dystrophy ) Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ( FISH ) : for analysis of chromosomal abnormalcies [ xliv ] Even though PGD is an invasive and expensive process it offers twosomes a curative birthrate intervention that prevents the transmittal of their familial disease. Recently the applications of PGD have been extended to name for familial malignant neoplastic disease sensitivities [ forty-five ] ( Spits et al 2007 ) and for human leucocyte antigen ( HLA ) matched offspring to bring forth a healthy kid that is indistinguishable to his / her affected sibling [ xlvi ] ( Verlinsky et al 2001 ) besides known as saviour sibling . Sexual activity choice for societal grounds can besides be performed by PGD nevertheless this remains a extremely controversial application [ xlvii ] ( Shenfield et al 2003 ) . The field of PGD is quickly germinating and this has led to moral A ; ethical concerns over its practical application for non-medical grounds. h. Cryopreservation of Embryos Embryo cryopreservation is an of import concluding measure in IVF intervention. Cryopreservation of trim embryos involves puting them in cryoprotectant solution and hive awaying them in liquid N. Embryo cryopreservation reduces the demand for multiple embryo transportations during an IVF rhythm as trim healthy embryos can be stored successfully ( Serhal A ; Overton 2004 ) . This finally helps cut down the multiple gestation hazard associated with IVF intervention. Slow freeze has been the primary method for cryopreservation in the 80 s and the first human gestation from frozen embryo was in 1983 [ xlviii ] ( Trounson A ; Mohr 1983 ) . However, slow freeze is associated with ice crystal formation, cell lysis and blastomere flight peculiarly in PGD biopsied embryos [ xlix ] ( Magli et al 1999 ) . In 2000, a new alternate method termed for cryopreservation of human embryos was introduced with a rapid freeze protocol [ cubic decimeter ] ( Saito et al 2000 ) . Vitrfication is a procedure by which liquid turns into solid without the formation of ice crystals [ fifty-one ] ( Luyet A ; Hodapp 1938 ) . The vitrification protocol quickly revolutionized both embryo and gamete ( peculiarly oocyte ) cryopreservation. It is a low-priced and efficient method that can be performed at cleavage, morula A ; blastocyst phase [ lii ] ( Kuwayama et al 2005 ) . It consequences in decreased ice crystal formation and lower DNA harm to blastomeres following zonary h atching [ liii ] ( Kader et al 2007 ) . Vitrification significantly improved station melt endurance rates, embryo development and gestation rates [ fifty-four ] ( Kolibianakis et al 2009 ) . One issue of concern raised with vitrification protocol is the direct contact between embryos and liquid N [ lv ] ( Huang et al 2007 ) . This raises concern of possible bacterial A ; viral cross-contamination peculiarly in biopsied embryos [ lvi ] ( Bielanski et al 2000 ) nevertheless a possible solution would be to hive away the embryos in vapour stage of liquid N [ lvii ] ( Cobo et al 2007 ) . There is no uncertainty that farther alterations and betterments to current vitrification protocol will be introduced in the hereafter to farther optimise embryo cryopreservation processs. 3. What will the following 20 old ages bring for sterility intervention? The legion developments and success rates of IVF intervention has so far likely exceeded the outlooks of Edward and Steptoe themselves. The hereafter will convey betterments to the current techniques mentioned in old subdivision as optimisation of protocols is linked to progresss in engineering and scientific research. The following 20 old ages will perchance keep another exciting chapter in ART. a. Artificial Gametes Patients who wish to undergo IVF intervention but have absent or non feasible gametes are presently non being offered ART with the chance of bring forthing their biological progeny. The alternate intervention to such twosomes would be gamete contribution coupled with conventional IVF. The figure of twosomes seeking gamete contribution is increasing and this is partially due to detain kid bearing age in modern society. This presents a challenge to the hereafter of sterility intervention. Recent surveies have shown that mouse embryologic root cells ( ESC ) can distinguish into sperm [ lviii ] ( Geijsen et al. 2004 ) and oocytes [ lix ] ( Hubner et al.2003 ) . Another survey concluded that human ESCs can besides distinguish into germ cells in civilization [ sixty ] ( Clark et al. 2004 ) . The creative activity of unreal gametes involves bodily cell atomic transportation ( SCNT ) of a diploid karyon into the cytol of an enucleated oocyte with the purpose of bring forthing a cloned embryo [ lxi ] ( Nagy A ; Chang 2008 ) . ESCs derived from the cloned embryo can be differentiated in vitro into monoploid sperm and oocytes [ lxii ] ( Zubin 2006 ) . Customized gametes of the opposite sex can besides be created utilizing SCNT from a male karyon as it possesses both X and Y chromosomes nevertheless this is more hard for a female karyon as it can non distinguish into sperm as it does nt possess Y-chromosome cistrons. Further research is required to measure the possible hazards of ESC gamete creative activity in ART and its medical A ; ethical deductions. Surveies have shown that micromanipulation of cells during SCNT can bring on forming and epigenetic mutants [ sixty-three ] ( Humphreys et al 2002 ) every bit good as neglecting to trip cardinal embryologic cistrons [ sixty-four ] ( Bortvin et al 2003 ) . This is both an expensive and labour intensive procedure and farther research is required to do it an efficient A ; safe procedure for its hereafter usage in sterility intervention. Scientific research in this field is assuring A ; will doubtless come on further in the following 20 old ages. Artificial gametes can be used by twosomes who have spiritual expostulations to utilizing donor gametes or who wish to hold genetically indistinguishable kids. Customized gametes can besides be used by same sex twosomes and this offers them picks in ART. B. Designer Babies The rapid progresss in the field human genetic sciences and completion of the human genome undertaking has improved familial alteration engineering and its application in medical specialty. Scientific research is continuously set uping familial links with common diseases. Future progresss in IVF intervention can increase the easiness and efficiency of the PGD procedure. This will take to farther mainstream usage of ART for non medical grounds. PGD offers the engineering for increased familial generative pick to parents. In the following 20 old ages IVF coupled with PGD can be used to: transportation gender selected embryos transportation embryos absent of cistrons for less life threatening diseases e.g diabetes, high blood pressure, adenomyosis transportation embryos with selected non medical traits e.g height, hair A ; oculus coloring material and intelligence. The term Designer Babies is tricky but is deceptive because multi-factorial familial traits are influenced by environmental factors and besides PGD choice is limited to the cistron pool of the parents [ sixty-five ] ( Toukhy A ; Braude 2008 ) . The hereafter of PGD remains controversial and applications of the technique will be capable to more legal and ethical argument. The following 20 old ages may besides present familial sweetening of embryos by changing their familial makeup as chosen by parents. This is non executable with current engineering but future scientific developments may do it possible for usage in ART. c. Embryo Screening The progresss in IVF intervention have still non been able to extinguish its major hazard. Almost a 3rd of IVF gestations involve multiple gestations ( Coughlan A ; Ledger 2008 ) . Multiple births are associated with increased morbidity A ; mortality [ lxvi ] ( Hardy et al 2002 ) . Twin A ; three gestations are common in IVF and are a consequence of the transportation of more than one embryo in the receptive endometrium. This is done peculiarly for female patients with advanced maternal age ( gt ; 35 old ages ) and hapless forecast and this represents a big cohort of IVF patients. The following 20 old ages may convey developments to the undermentioned methods: Optimize the civilization media for human embryos: The challenge will be to alter the alimentary concentration of the civilization media to seek and mime every bit much as possible the in vivo environment of the fallopian tubing. This will better embryo development prior to reassign. Improve embryo scaling and choice: Embryo are selected harmonizing to their morphology and developmental rate. This is non the best method for choosing feasible embryos. Hopes for drawn-out embryo culturing in the hereafter may let further development of embryos, after the blastodermic vessicle phase, to better choice of healthy embryos. Aneuploidy Screening: Designation of chromosomal abnormalcies in embryos of older IVF patients is an of import showing tool to avoid nidation failure [ lxvii ] ( Fragouli et al 2006 ) . Comparative genomic Hybridisation ( CGH ) is a promising technique that allows efficient sensing of chromosomal aneuploidies in one experiment utilizing individual blastomeres or polar organic structures [ sixty-eight ] ( Wells et al 2002 ) . The following 20 old ages will convey optimisation of a rapid A ; cheap CGH protocol which will greatly progress whole genome embryo testing techniques in antenatal nosologies. Mentions: Johnson M. H. ( 2007 ) . Essential Reproduction, 6th erectile dysfunction: Wiley-Blackwell.Pg 299 Serhal P. A ; Overton C. ( 2004 ) .Good Clinical Practice in Assisted Reproduction, Cambridge University Press Heffner L. J. and Schust D. J. ( 2010 ) .The Generative System at a Glance, 3rd Ed. Wiley Blackwell Strauss J. A ; Barbieri R. ( 2009 ) Yen A ; Jaffe s Reproductive Endocrinology, 6th Ed, Elsevier. Ch 29, Pg 725-757 Fauser B.C. , Devroey P. , Yen S.S, Minimal ovarian stimulation for IVF, assessment for potency for benefits and drawbacks, Human Reproduction ( 1999 ) , Vol 14, pp. 2681-2686 Coughlan C. A ; Ledger W. , In Vitro Fertilisation. ( 2008 ) , Obstetrics, Gynaecology A ; Reproductive Medicine, Vol 18: Issue 11 Sluijmer A.V. , Effect of pituitary down-regulation on the ovary before in vitro fertilisation as measured utilizing 3-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound ( 1994 ) Birthrate and Sterility, Vol 79: Issue 5, pp 1129-1135 Macklon N. S, Van der Gaast M. H, Hamilton A, Fauser B, Giudice L, The Impact of Ovarian Stimulation With Recombinant FSH in Combination With GnRH Antagonist on the Endometrial Transcriptome in the Window of Implantation, ( 2008 ) Reproductive Sciences, Vol15: Issue 4, pp 357-365 Hedon B, Bringer J, Arnal F, Humeau C, Boulot P, Audibert F, Benos P, Neveu S, Mares P, Laffargue F, Viala J. L, The usage of GnRH agonists with hMG for initiation or stimulation of ovulation ( 1990 ) Bailli A ; egrave ; rhenium s Clinical Obstetricss and Gynaecology, Vol 4: Issue 3, pp 575-587 Tarlatzis B.C. A ; Kolibianakis E.M, GnRH Agonists VS Antagonists ( 2007 ) Best Practice A ; Research Clinical Obstetrics A ; Gynaecology, Vol 21: Issue 1, pp 57-65 Felberbaum R.E, Ludwig M, Diedrich K, Clinical application of GnRH Antagonists ( 2000 ) , Molecular Cellular Endocrinology Vol 166 pp. 9-14 Ludwig M, Katalinic A, Diedrich K, Use of GnRH adversaries in ovarian stimulation for aided generative engineerings compared to the long protocol ( 2001 ) Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Vol 265 pp 175-182 Bouchard, P. , Caraty, A. and Medalie, D. Mechanism of action and clinical utilizations of GnRH adversaries in adult females. ( 1990 ) Recent Progress on GnRH and Gonadal Peptide ; Elsevier Edwards R.G. , The bumpy route to human in vitro fertilization, ( 2001 ) , Nature Medicine Vol 7 pp. 1091-1094 Lenz. S. , Lauritsen J.G. , Kjellow, M. Collection of human oocytes for in vitro fertilisation by ultrasonically guided follicular pucture. ( 1981 ) Lancet, Vol I, pp 1163-4 Tan S.L. , Bennett S. , Parsons J. Surgical techniques of oocyte aggregation and embryo transportation ( 1990 ) British Medical Bulletin, Vol 46 pp 628 42 Trade I, Tsirigotis M, Bennett V, Taranissi M, Khalifa Y, Hogewind G, et Al. : Transdermal epididymal sperm aspiration and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the direction of sterility due to clogging azoospermia. ( 1995 ) Fertility A ; Sterility, Vol 63, pp 1038-42. Temple-Smith PD, Southwick GJ, Yates CA, Trounson AO, de Kretser DM: Human gestation by in vitro fertilisation ( IVF ) utilizing sperm aspirated from the epididymis. ( 1985 ) Journal of In Vitro Fertilization A ; Embryo Transfer, Vol 2 pp 119-22. Glina S. , Fragoso J. B, Martins F.G, Soares J.B, Galuppo A.G. PERCUTANEOUS EPIDIDYMAL SPERM ASPIRATION ( PESA ) IN MEN WITH OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIA ( 2003 ) International Brazilian Journal of Urology, Vol 29 pp 141-146. Devroey, P. , Liu, J. , Nagy Z. , Goosens, A. , Tournaye, H. , Camus, M. , Van Steirteghem, A. and Silber, S. Pregnancies after testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in non-obstructive azoospermia ( 1995 ) , Human Reproduction, Vol 10, pp 1457-1460. Colpi G.M. , Colpi E.M. , Piediferro G. , Giacchetta D. et Al, Microsurgical TESE versus conventional TESE for ICSI in non-obstructive azoospermia: a randomized controlled survey ( 2009 ) , Reproductive Bio Medicine Online, Vol 18, pp 315 319 Pantke P. , Diemer T. , Marconi M. , Bergmann M. , Steger K. , Schuppe H.C, Weidner W.Testicular Sperm Retrieval in Azoospermic Men. ( 2008 ) , European Urology Vol 7, pp 703 -14 G Palermo, H Joris, P Devroey and AC Van Steirteghem, Pregnancies after Intracytoplasmic injection of individual sperm cell into an oocyte ( 1992 ) , Lancet Vol 340 pp. 17-18 Nijs M. A ; Elst H. , Biological facets of testicular sperm extraction. ( 2000 ) , European Journal of Obstetrics A ; Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Vol 92, pp 1 6 Bromage S.J. , Falconer D.A. , Lieberman B. , Sanger V. , Payne S. , Sperm Retrieval Rates in Subgroups of Primary Azoospermic Males. ( 2007 ) , European Urology, Vol 51, pp 534-540 Barros A, Sousa M, Oliveira C, Silva J, Almeida V, Beires J. Pregnancy and birth after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with wholly nonmotile sperm recovered from the semen. ( 1997 ) Birthrate and Sterility, Vol 67: Issue 6, pp 1091-1094 Matthew G. Retzloff M.D. , Hornstein D. , Is intracytoplasmic sperm injection safe? ( 2003 ) , Fertility and Sterility, Vol 80: Issue 4, pp 851-859 Schieve L. , Meikle S. , Ferre C. , Petersen H. , Jeng G. , Wilcox L. , Low and really low birth weight in babies conceived with usage of aided generative engineering. ( 2002 ) , New England Journal of Medine Vol 346, pp. 731-737. Rubio C. , Gil-Salom M. , Simon C. , Vidal F. , Rodrigo L. , Minguez Y. et al. , Incidence of sperm chromosomal abnormalcies in a hazard population: relationship with sperm quality and ICSI result. ( 2001 ) , Human Reproduction Vol 16, pp. 2084-2092. Cox G. F. , Burger J. , Lip V. , Mau U.A. , Sperling K. , Wu B.L. et al. , Intracytoplasmic sperm injection may increase the hazard of forming defects, ( 2002 ) , American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol 71, pp. 162-164. Bowen J. R. , Gibson F.Z. , Leslie G. I. , Saunders D.M. , Medical and developmental result of 1 twelvemonth for kids conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. ( 1998 ) Lancet, Vol 351, pp. 1529-1534. ESHRE Meeting Prague, CZ. June 17, 2006 Biocoat, Inc. Announces FDA Marketing Clearance for Its New PICSIÂ ® Sperm Selection Device ; www.midatlanticdiagnostics.com Worrilow, S. Eid, J.M. Matthews, E.J. Pelts, C. Khoury and J. Liebermann. A multi-site clinical test measuring PICSIÂ ® versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( ICSI ) : positive clinical results observed in a prospective, randomised and double-blinded survey. ( 2009 ) Birthrate and Sterility, Vol 92: Issue 3, pp S36-S37 Cohen J. , Elsner C. , Kort H. , Malter H. , Massey J. , Mayer M.P et al. , Impairment of hatching procedure following IVF in the human and betterment of nidation by aided hatching utilizing micromanipulation. ( 1990 ) , Human Reproduction, Vol 5, pp. 7-13. Chao K.H. , Chen S. U. , Chen H.F. ,

Apple Case Study Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Apple Case Study - Coursework Example The paper tells that it would appear that Apple segments its business into business units on a geographic, rather than product bases, in addition to the four geographic business units, the company treats the retail business as a separate business unit. Each business unit reports sales and profitability from all product and operational categories within the region, with the exclusion of retail operations which fall under a separate SBU. In analysing Apple’s strategy, subsequent sections of the report will refer to the European SBU where appropriate. The financial performance of Apple’s European SBU would seem to be quite impressive in light of the economic events taking place during the period. Europe represents Apple’s second largest market by sales volume as the Americas division. Sale have risen from $9,233m in 2008 to $18,692 in 2010, a rate of growth of over 102%. Profit during the period has similarly increased from $3,022m in 2008 to $7,524m in 2010, an inc rease of 149% suggesting that profitability is increasing at a greater rate in proportion to sales. As such, this suggests that Apple’s European SBU has effectively kept expenses under control and is beginning to benefit from various economies of scale as sales increase . An interesting aspect of Apple’s capital structure is that the company reported to have no long term debt financing in the period 2006 to 2010. As such the company is wholly financed through equity. ... Key Ratios Ratio Apple Sony Samsung GP Margin 33.17% -2.95% 26.00% NP Margin 14.22% -1.28% 7.40% EPS 4.04 -98.95 29.98 Current Ratio 2.01 0.95 1.52 Acid Test 1.96 0.74 1.23 Debt to Equity 0.57 1.68 0.09 ROCE 14.09% -1.21% 12.28% 1.2 Marketing Analysis The following analysis of Apple’s marketing has been conducted using the standard 4p’s approach to the analysis of the marketing mix4: Price – Traditionally Apple has followed a premium pricing strategy often attempting to appeal to the early adopters in the field of interest. This has been especially true in the computer product segment. Product – While Apple has consistently brought new and innovative products to the market, the main features and benefits sold to computer is that Apple products are simple and easy to use, a marketing strategy which has helped Apple to a appeal to a wide audience. Place – Apple products are distributed through a wide range of retailers in the European SBU including hi gh street electronics retailers, major supermarkets and online sources such as Amazon. A key strategy however has also been the setting up of Apple’s own retail SBU which operates a number of stores within the European market dedicated to Apple products. Promotion – Apple makes use of a standard array of mass media advertising techniques including television advertising, targeted print media advertising as well as viral and other online advertising techniques. Overall, the marketing activities of Apple in the European SBU may be seen as aimed to create a product mix which is aimed at the mass luxury market. The product is appealing to those with higher levels of disposable income yet not so high as to be

Organized Crime Is a Threat to National Security Essay

Organized Crime Is a Threat to National Security - Essay Example There are people who collect money from shopkeepers in context of providing the required support. Prominent disciplinary structure transforms these gangs into a well-organized group. This organized group is at times referred to as a mob. To great extent, it poses threat to national security due to a wide range of illegal activities that can affect many lives. Organized crime is a conspiratorial enterprise, indulged in illicit activities so as to gain high-profit margins. The concept encompasses bribery and violence to enhance overall operational procedure. It initiates grievous retribution so as to sustain external and internal control. This form of the enterprise also contributes towards election campaigns in order to gain political support for achieving immunity. Political parties are witnessed to support such enterprises and this eventually leads to further growth of crime or terrorism in a nation. The wide range of activities undertaken by this enterprise is credit card fraud, in surance fraud, illegal gambling, kidnapping, gun running, narcotics trade, smuggling, pornography, racketeering, vehicle theft, prostitution, etc. Internet and international terrorism enabled organized crime to spread across the wider geographical area. This conspiratorial enterprise also utilizes sophisticated methods and high tech firms for transfer of weaponry and money. Monopolization can be stated as a major area of concern for cartel, triad, mafia and syndicate. To be more precise there are certain unique characteristics possessed by organized crime which differentiates it from unorganized crime. In this study, these characteristics will be further elaborated along with analyzing its impact on national security. The level of security is deteriorating across the globe with the rapid evolution of organized crime. Organized crime is a disciplinary structure of exhibiting illegal activities. The main objective of such crime is to gain high-profit margins.

Conceptual Model in Mental Health Nursing Essay

Conceptual Model in Mental Health Nursing - Essay Example For instance, the client is having a difficult time reorienting himself into his Muslim culture. Basically this client needs the service providers to establish a health model that will provide him with more information about his mental health illness and give him clear perspectives concerning the form of treatment that would be best for him. A good percentage of information and research shows that the psychodynamic model would be good for him because it would help him come to accept his situation fully and then would allow for him to be able to cope and be involved in the decision making areas of his treatment process. This would allow him to be able to fulfill his desire of continuing his education as he would be more comprehensive about what his illness entails and what to expect from the mental health care providers with regards to his treatment. Of course this does not mean that he won't require a supportive environment to help with the emotional pressures that he has to face. The utilization of the psychodynamic model can bring a better enlightenment into all of these issues, not just for this client but for the service providers as well. This client suffers from many repressed memories which have led to him developing a mental health illness that is ultimately crippling his ability to c... el is very useful in bringing about awareness within client's, concerning their past circumstances that are either adverse or even positive (Blum 2003). This is done in stages and carries with it a very humanistic appeal which in many ways shelters the client but not to the point of overshadowing their memories that are being brought forth. This model deals with the patient on a very humane and caring basis, recognizing them as human beings who need help and have needs just as anyone else (Gabbard 2004). The main reasoning behind choosing it is this client is already suffering from depression, schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations, false auditory and visual perceptions and other troubling problems as well. It is believed that the psychodynamic model will allow for the service providers to get to the root causes of the problem and thus facilitate means to assist the client in dealing with these repressed memories and current daily problems as well. The Psychodynamic Model and it's Advantages It has been unquestionably proven that the psychodynamic model is very helpful for the service providers as it helps them in acquiring a firmer understanding of all of the needs of the service user (Smith 2002). For this client in particular this is extremely important as there are a multitude of issues that are taking place which in fact are complicating his illness and treatment process. Furthermore, the psychodynamic approach is far better in assisting this client for many other reasons other than what has been stated as well. While some mental health care models only look at the medical circumstances, the psychodynamic approach looks at socioeconomic and personal causes as being probable reasons why a specific mental breakdown occurs. It also draws upon more

Globalisation Effect On Unemployment And Economy Economics Essay

Globalisation Effect On Unemployment And Economy Economics Essay The ever growing impact of Globalization highly supported by the technological innovations on the global market, created new approach and understanding in the labour market. The restructuring of economic and corporate systems resulted of dismantling the traditional institutions, organizations and social protection, paving the way to further insecurity in jobs i.e. incomes for the exerted human power, not only in poor the countries, but in the rich and developed countries as well. The global competition among the corporations, the raise of the number of world inhabitants, technological contribution on production and services, moreover; the global economic issues, led to immense pressure on employers to adopt more flexible, non-standard labour policies with more and growing unwarranted work arrangements. To sustain in these turbulent waters, is the game of adaptation to the ever evolving social and economic uncontrollable macro environment. Since the old and new theory Survival of the fittest is still the most accurate, the only way for both employers and the employees to reach a win-win situation is through finding the perfect common denominator, through which an employee will secure his life and the employer his business. The right balance between the opportunities and threats will be by captivating advantages of opportunities and trying to avoid the threats. As an employer or employee, to survive this never-ending game, the opportunities are there to be seized. Through rapid changes and adaptations, common denominators can be innovated. The emergence and the impact of Globalization Technologys contribution The 21st century is guided by a new era in enterprises ongoing quest for increasing profit through a significant competitive advantage over the rivals. For the first time in history, we can now claim to live in One World. Globalization has removed many of the gaps that have existed between and among nations. While the physical divide is still present, the impact of the Information Highway on how we communicate and live in the present day is simply staggering. Through globalization, cultural exchange is now open and dynamic. Economies have also been merged, with the economic life of an Asian country affecting other nations in other parts of the world, and vice versa. Rapid improvements in information technology have allowed us to exchange information and communicate almost everywhere, anywhere, and anytime. The nature of business and how it is done had also improved by leaps and bounds all because of globalization. MNCs as tools for globalization Since technology is the main driving force of globalization, MNCs struggled heard to monopolize it. From the invention of the machines, then the aviation industry to the invention of the internet they all served as means for dominance. Just the nature of the tool varied from the hard to the soft power. The symbols of the modern soft means i.e. IMF, WB, internet, language, International business laws and regulations, WTO etc. are the humble servants of the Economic and Financial might of MNCs. These facts led the Big Brands to be the synonym of globalization. The global markets and the labour force These breakthroughs in communication have revolutionized business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationships of millions of people. Indeed, globalization has produced a new age of connectivity in culture, society, economy, social life, technology, and politics. Globalization, as a general term, is best understood as the spread of ideas about the environment, democracy, human rights, and less complicated issues like fashion and fads. The mass marketing of computers and the wide availability of Internet services have brought many parts of the world together, as if we are all rush on a single pattern or web of daily life. Countries today do not just export raw materials or the usual projects. Global exchange is now taking place as the market of ideas, manpower recruiting through the use of technology. Because of the electronic media, vast amounts of important personal information can reach any parts of the globe in no time. Business establishments, whether big or small, are using the Internet in many ways to build or expand their companys recruitment system through their website or through mediators. With the ever improving technology, new labour markets blossom, high demand for cheap labour, and also greater competition. Making investments in information and communication technology is now a must for any business enterprise. Globalization and the Internet have created many advantages for organizations around the world. This advantage can be utilized while avoiding many business or geographical obstacles by using Internet properly. Employment and globalization For many, globalization is equated with economic interdependence. At the dawn of the 21st century, the scale and magnitude of global economic interaction appears to be unprecedented. The volume of capital flows far exceeds that of the past. The developing world, too, have increasingly become a part of global trade and capital flows. Contemporary patterns of economic globalization suggest the emergence of a new international division of labour. In short, the world has reached a stage in which one can meaningfully refer to one global economy. The question is whether globalization processes have reduced or exacerbated wealth inequalities  within developed countries and developing  ones. While markets will produce winners and losers, liberals argue that the openness accompanying globalization will benefit all. Others see the potential to produce widening disparities. The short answer is that the effect of globalization has been both positive and negative and is dependent on a range of domestic and international factors. Extensive evidence also exists to support the claim that economic interdependence is related to more peaceful relations. States, for example, that trade more with each other are less likely to go to war. The direction of the cause is less clear, however. In other words, does greater trade lead to peace or does peace lead to greater trade? The greater ties from interdependence have been argued to lead to both greater cooperation and conflict. The relationship is, in fact, most likely nonlinear. Variations of the working methods and the Human Recourses Competitive advantage and the competitors Competitive advantage can come in one or combination of the following factors where labour force has very significant role in almost every one of them: Price, Experience, service, Quality, Location, Customer service oriented. The better your business performs against one of these factors, the more likely you are to succeed. Being the low cost provider of a good or service can be a quick path to gaining more business or market share than your competitors. The more efficient firms labour force is the more are the chances to compete in this category. Certainly a firm will need a lower labour, materials or overhead cost, because an organization may find that their competitors are willing to cut prices in response. After all no one can expect that a competitor will let the rival take their customers away without a fight. So if an organization is willing to go down this path it would be better to be certain that they truly do have lower costs, supported mainly by low paid employers or specially arranged non-standard forms of employment. Service can also be serious differentiator and competitive advantage. If a firm can respond quicker, get it done quicker, or get there sooner, customers may prefer it over the competitors even though it costs them more. Yet; these maneuvers heavily rely on well experienced dynamic workforce who will create the much needed differentiation alongside the existing processes and the procedures. Quality is important in almost every industry. Customers do not like to pay good money for work that has to soon be redone or have to purchase a new unit that fails prematurely. Most products are somewhere in between the super and bad quality and the astute business person will seek to produce the highest quality within his means. This detail is also highly related to the workforce and its ability to create quality business with the least cost possible. Over the long term producing higher quality is almost always less expensive as organizations dont have to deal with as many returns, or as much scrap, or rework. Location can also be a competitive differentiator. If a firm best suitable location in town, then people will have buy from you unless they are willing to drive longer distances to get it. Getting the goods or the services to the customers by certain delivery employees is a kind of location based selling. Prices might be higher than normal but not so high that people refuse to buy. If firms distant service competitors charge for travel time, other things being equal, organizations can charge more money but not so much more that it pays the customer to use competitors products or services. Customer Service base can also be a competitive advantage. Something is highly related to the employees and their attitudes towards the customers, even if this will cost the firms the cost of training and developing such employees. So what if you are a little more costly, or even a little slower? Most people hate change. The prospect of needing to invest the time and energy to build the necessary trust with one of firms competitors can be a real deterrent. We live in a changing world. New competitors with better products or service arrive on the scene almost daily. When demand for firms product or service slacks or increases, it is highly related to the workforce. It is true that the overhead cost, product quality and the price has their significant role, yet the core of these will remain the workforce who are the most significant determines of organizations competitiveness. Standard employment and Nonstandard form of employment. Nonstandard form of employment is usually defined in negative terms in contrast to so-called standard employment. It is, a category that includes relatively varied forms of employment, and these need to be explicitly differentiated in a detailed analysis. The standard employment terms are more or less the same in different countries, moreover they are identical in most common markets like the GCC, organizations do not utilize any part time employees as per the GCC labour law, an employee can only work and operate in companies that sponsor work permitresidency. However companies extend the service of special consultants that work on projects basis. The standard employment is mainly characterized by the following features: Full-time employment with an income sufficient for survival, Permanent employment contract, Integration into the social security system (particularly health and pension plan), Work relationship and employment relationship clarified, Employees subject to direction by the employer. For the functioning of the labour market it is significant that compared with typical forms of employment, whatever their differences, increases the potential flexibility of businesses and, to some extent also of the employees concerned. Nonstandard form of employment deviates from in terms of at least one of the standard criteria: Part-time work, with regular weekly working hours less than under regular contractual level and pay reduced accordingly. Marginal employment, which represents a specific variety of part-time work defined in terms of payment below a certain level. Mini jobs, employees are paid according to hours of service theyve exerted. Limitation of weekly working hours to a maximum amount has been abolished. Fee basis/freelancers, based on experience, internships. Agency work, which is different from all other forms because of the tripartite relationship between the employee, the agency and the company hiring the worker. This peculiarity results in a differentiation between the employment relationship (between the agency and the employee) and the work relationship (between the company and the employee). Self-employment is intended to replace the traditional freelancer category (for example lawyers or doctors even merchandisers), It is not always easy to differentiate between employment and self-employment as the lines between the two can be rather fluid. The workforce and the employment market Individual features can appear in combination form thus, for example, agency workers or part-time workers can at the same time have a fixed-term employment contract. The constant and the obvious are the ever growing bargaining power of the employers due to vast amount of labour supplied and the scarcity of jobs offered. The fearful part is the gap that is steadily and constantly growing between the two. Among many reasons these points could shed the light upon the most significant: Population growth. Production industry is shrinking worldwide except for China and Germany. World economic crisis. Technology Urbanism These major macro aspects are among the most significant factors that are widening the gap among the employers and the employees resulting in high unemployment rates. Moreover; they are creating new unconventional means of employment which usually benefit the employer. Future of Non-standard forms of employment The profiles of a typical forms of employment not only generate the above problems during an individuals working life (above all in terms of income, employability and employment stability), but also creates significant long-term problems in terms of social security. The consequences go beyond the labour market and affect individuals post-work lives, with a considerable impact on social security, especially pensions. In welfare states, such systems are very much focused on working life and strictly linked to the criteria of standard employment (financed through contributions of employers and employees and based on the principle of equivalence). Analysis of the resulting social problems renders the traditionally strict demarcation between labour market and social policy obsolete. Any approach to reform requires integrated solutions. The accumulation of social risks means that, compared to people in standard employment, those in a non-standard employment are more likely to be only on low wages (due to advanced age) and are therefore more often in receipt of governmental or social organizations welfare. The analysis of macro environment as for the organization The macro environment of the organization is the uncontrollable part of external forces that might affect the vision and the strategy of any organization. The macro environmental elements which mainly consist of Political, Economic, and Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) aspects and forces might affect the organization either positively or negatively in the growth era of non-standard forms of employment. The positive effects will be considered as opportunities and the negative ones as threats. Opportunities: The non-standard form of employment will open the doors for the new blood from the same or totally new workforce market to pour in the organization; this will bring in the new knowledge, new ideas and innovations a new and dynamic approach to the conducted business. The result of flexible working hours will add efficiency to the production and the outcome since the old boring 9 to 5 system does not exist in the non-standard form of employment. The twenty-first centurys organizations are shifting from communality to diversity to increase dynamism and innovative thinking system among the employees. The high level of shifting hours where lot of employees will leave the job at certain hours and come back later on wouldnt be achieved if advanced IT systems and software didnt exist, since its almost impossible to calculate the total working hours of each employee and calculate the payments accordingly. This whole flexible workforce structure will reduce the labour cost of the organization. For example, instead of paying overtime for working during the night, replace those employees with another who can and willing to work at nightshifts. Furthermore, the organization will save vast amounts of retirement pension funds which will remove a heavy burden from the companys shoulders. The reduction of the labour cost will provide a major competitive advantage for the organization which will lead the competitors to adopt the same strategy. New Strategy, new blood, new technical and IT know how, along with talented educated dynamism from both sexes and innovations that they will add to the organization will be considered as major opportunities for any given organization, especially when theyll have an weaponless army of employees not registered in any form of labour unions etc. since they are not the conventional (standard) form of employees. Threats The non-standard form of employment will spread quickly due to the competition among the rivals; this will result to certain instability in the economy and therefore economical fluctuations. These facts will lead to inevitable inflation to the economic system resulting raise in wages (working hours honorary), therefore rise in rents and expenses so the sequence of the vicious circle will be inevitable, backfiring on the organization in itself. Laws and regulations plus the labour unions who will lobby against the non-standard form of unemployment will be considered a major threat for an organization where in most countries especially in the GCC countries the employment should be on the standard basis, since any employee will be registered under the name of a specific kafeel (Guarantor: could be the organization or the name of the business owner) and where very strict universal and local laws are imposed on the employers especially what concerns the human rights or juveniles related issues. The most threatening fact will be the employee high turnover rates within the organization which will result mainly of knowledge loss i.e. losing knowledge out of companies, moreover; increased turnover triggers diminished effectiveness in corporations. High turnovers will cost companies large amounts of money to recruit new ones (Advertising, mediating agencies, the time for hundreds CVs screenings, selecting, interviewing etc.) while retaining employees through incentives and trainings will cost much less. Such means can be used to cut attrition and increase retention numbers. Working hard at keeping employees through learning and development, retention and persistency rates, an organization not only will cut attrition, but also theyll build a priceless vault of knowledge and loyalty towards the organization. Synopsis: Opportunities Threats New workforce market Cheap labour Competitive advantage More effective production New blood, new know how Diversity Technology and IT Experience / Know how Strategic Imperative (must) High / selected competencies Flexible working hours No Labour unions / home restrictions Gender balance (if applicable) Production and incentives No retirement / pension problems No aging workforce Inflation Raise of wages Rents and inflation Social issues Political issues War Economic crisis Laws and regulation Shared knowledge and experience Less loyal employees Money based relationship Labour unions Human rights / juvenile Reputation Very high labour turnover rate The analysis of macro environment as for the individual The fact of the rise of non-standard forms of employment is considered to be at the macro environmental level of the individual where the uncontrollable several external forces are affecting the plans and life of any person. As discussed previously, the macro environmental elements which mainly consist of Political, Economic, and Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) aspects and forces might affect the individual either positively or negatively. The positive effects will be considered as opportunities and the negative ones as threats. Opportunities: The non-standard forms of employment will open new horizons as for the individual where he or she might find a chance of being hired to a certain job or position that wasnt handy before, the odds are bigger since the constant change in the workforce at any given organization will increase the probability of job vacancies. Mostly in the underdeveloped countries and due to high levels of unemployment, chances of being hired are scarce and where nepotism and interventions are the only recruiting factors, individuals find fairness and equal chances for being hired through non-standard forms of employment. Usually when hired by non-standard forms of employment higher (per hour compensation) than fixed wages are expected even if the paid amount is considered cheap labour (effective) as for the hiring organization. The real challenge will be extending as much as possible the hours of being hired. Flexible hours will create the chance and the opportunity for the employee to be able to pursue another interest during or after the traditional 9 to 5 working hours. An employee could continue his / her education at the university, or pursue even higher education if possible. Time flexibility will allow the employees to spend more hours with their families or look after a hobby they like. Technology is considered an opportunity for many employees where the job could be accomplished without or by minimum physical presence at the office. Thanks to the technology virtual offices can easily be setup among employees hundreds of kilometers apart. Even traveling to host/home countries for short period of time is possible due to active, dynamic and low cost communication means. Any task could be accomplished within two days for example and the employee could return to his office and continue the job after a while. This would have never accomplished if there wasnt this technological breakthrough. One of the most annoying aspects for the new recruits especially for the fresh graduates is obtaining experience, mainly where there are high unemployment rates and starting a career is a hard task to be achieved. With non-standard forms of employment, chances will be granted for the fresh graduates to acquire working experience even for short period of time. This will allow them to look for the next vacancy empowered with a certain experience theyve acquired, levering their chanced to be reemployed. It is obvious that being involved and living with active job demands will increase the standard of living for any individual and his/her family. The higher the income generated will be resulted in higher spending due the high potential of the disposable income. Furthermore with the help of non-standard form of employment the employee might have the chance of being promoted and he/she might be invited on the same basis to operate on the other outlets due to the expending strategies that their organization might adopt, or be invited to help a franchisee to inaugurate certain tasks. Non-standard form of employment offers variety of experiences to the employees due to the fact that they will experience several types of carriers during their productive life span. The versatility acquired by the employees will increase the chances of being rehired since the adaptive attitude that theyll foster will be considered added value to the new recruiting organization. Threats The most dominant threat as for the non-standard form of employment will be the retirement where the dynamism of youth will diminish gradually and the chances of being employed will decease. This will add immense pressure on the individual therefore the society will be effected and eventually the state. The constant fear of the absence of safe and steady income will push the employee to a certain austerity measures on his/her spending, therefore consumers spending index will decrease resulting a standstill or slowing the markets normal cycle, which in itself will create a hassle in the marketplace resulting in more job cuts. Furthermore countries economical system is balanced upon the spending power of the population backed by the banking system through micro or medium loans. These loans are hypothecary i.e. based on certain guarantee to the bank, which in most of the cases are, the fixed salaries presented to the banks through certain documents which are approved by their organization. Technology and new machinery are spreading like the fire in the woods; this will affect the job market resulting raise in the unemployment figures, especially for low competency based positions. Uncertainty, lack of income and unconventional working hours will surly affects the lifestyle of any individual especially on those who have a family. On the long run such occurrences will have its devastating consequences on the social structure of that country, which in itself will backfire of the whole economy. Any kind of riots or wars will result a total standstill of the income in case of non-standard form of employment due to the fact that is based on the hours spent in job. The greed of employers could lead to exploitation of the employees by several means. One of the most famous among them is the so called trial period, where the employee agrees to be testes on job for an unpaid certain period of time. The result could be the extension of this period or the employer keeps testing employers for two moths then another employee for another two months and so on. This whole non-standard system will definitely alter the unemployment rates where lots of people will be considered as employed, which in fact they are not. The frequent change of the employees due to the fact that they can be easily substituted will result in total change in organizations values and personnel attitudes where the factor of loyalty will be considered an obsolete theory. Synopsis: Opportunities Threats New Job opportunities Equal and fairness Higher per hour / wages More flexibility / freedom Technology/ Communication means Transport and low cost airlines Learning curve and experience Constant demand of new recruits Career path in various organizations Raise the standard of living Franchising, expansion Versatile employee Retirement and pension No more safe and continues Income Technology new machinery Cultural identity Family issues War and riots Exploitation / misuse Unemployment real figures Values and attitudes Easily substituted Conclusion The global turbulent economy affected widely by the globalization factors and theories, sharpened the competition reducing the profit margins. Moreover, because of the greater employment risk and/or the short periods of employment involved, when they lose their jobs. The differences between agency workers and those in standard employment are particularly striking, with the exception of those on marginal wages. After getting job-less approximately one agency worker in two receives the lower Type 2 unemployment benefit, whereas the figure is only one in seven in the reference group. The main reason for this drastic difference is the fact that the previous period of employment subject to compulsory social insurance was not of sufficient duration. In addition, any claim to Type 2 unemployment benefit presupposes that savings above a certain threshold are first used for the purpose of subsistence. In these circumstances the greater degree of individual responsibility for old age provisions demanded of employees becomes unfeasible. What is relevant in the long term in both individual and collective terms is the insufficient integration of such individuals into the pension insurance system. The low levels of contributions made as a result of long periods of part-time work or an entire working career spent on mini-jobs but also unemployment after the expiration of fixed-term jobs results in individuals only having a claim to pension benefits that are inadequate for subsistence purposes. The changes that have occurred in types of employment increase the risk of poverty in old age for the individuals concerned. For years, this issue was regarded as having been solved in Germany, but it could re-emerge in the future unless appropriate measures are taken. And from a collective point of view, the necessary top-up transfer payments represent a considerable drain on public budgets and bring with them the risk of gradual erosion of the basis for contributions.