Patient Interview Essay Example for Free

Patient Interview Essay Enable to conduct a study that could represent the population of hypertensive people, the researchers decided to divide themselves into two. This is for the purpose of having participants from two different locations. The first group was designated to obtain three patients from the clinic whereas the second group was assigned to attain at least 2 more patients from the university. The former was able to able to approach ten people hence only a ratio of 1:3 agreed to participate. The latter, on the other hand, manage to found two participants out of the eight people they have approached. Both groups of researchers followed the same approach in inviting their potential participants. Most of the participants were either patients in the clinic or employees of the university. The researchers explain the purpose and format of the interview, the terms of confidentiality, and how long will the intended interviews lasts. After the patient interviewee agreed to participate, they had lead to a less noisy environment within the vicinity of both the clinic and the university. The Patients Patient number 1 is a 63-years old man. His ethnicity falls under the African-American category. He has completed his graduate school and was now a successful businessman. He has been diagnosed to have Diabetes Mellitus two years ago and a known hypertensive at the early age of 36. He is insured under the Health Maintenance Organization or what commonly known as HMO. Patient number 2 is a 47-years old female. She originates from Canada. She’s a high school graduate and was now working as a cashier. She claims she doesn’t have any disease at all. This patient has no insurance of any kind. Patient Number 3 is a 58-years old Chinese Professor. He has recently been diagnosed to have renal problem, which could eventually lead to end-stage renal disease if not properly addressed. He has also mentioned that he has some fluctuating blood pressure readings over the past three years. As for his insurance, he was under Medicare. Patient Number 4 is a 37 years old factory worker from Sweden. He claimed he was a known hypertensive since the age of 30 because of his fondness to eat fatty foods. He doesn’t have any insurance at all. Patient Number 5 is a 70-year old retired engineer, who originates from Australia. Although old, he claimed that he was still in the pink of health except for his arthritis. This patient is insured under HMO, that he says he’s not worried if ever he would have illness in the future. These five patients came from different walks of life. But their knowledge and belief about their condition varies slightly. The study showed that the most prevalent issues among the participants were how they conceive the seriousness of having elevated blood pressure. Most of the participants were unaware of its complications. How can these patients be cured if they haven’t felt the danger it can bring to their lives? The first step to healing any disease state no matter how tough it is; is the knowledge of disease, identifying cause, risk factors of worsening the disease and barriers preventing the cure of the disease (Alexander, 2003). When these patients got to know their real health state, awareness follows. By doing so they can be able to grasp the notion of their actual condition Another issue that surfaced among the participants is the misconceptions they have about the origin and cause of hypertension. Many patients often perceive their illness as a burden they will carry out all their lives and that no matter what they do, they won’t achieve a normal state. This perception affects patients negatively because it impacts on their compliance; these perceptions and feelings make patients lose hope of curing (Ross, 2004). This is not true however, patients with hypertension might have the disease all throughout their lives but it can be kept under controlled. In addition, poor control was due to other lifestyles that patients were practicing (Egan, 2003). So with the right lifestyle, management and compliance, hypertension can stay at bay side for the rest of their lives. For any medical intervention to be effective, trust and communication between the healthcare provider and patients is a vital aspect. The interventions discussed would be very much beneficial to combat the increasing incidence of hypertension among the productive and elderly population. By distributing pamphlets that contained details regarding how to take medicines and obtain blood pressure through the use of blood pressure apparatus, we are escalating their awareness for self-care and evaluation as well. Moreover, thru this dissemination of information we can constitute reinforcement on patient’s education on how to be conscious of their health state. But one aspect should be included in that method. People should be taught regarding the normal blood pressure range and how an increase or decrease of this range can affect their whole being. The most significant contribution of this method is that, not only will it be beneficial to people with hypertension but it can also helps to identify those people who is unaware that they might already be suffering from elevated blood pressure. It is important to note here that educating patients about general knowledge and awareness is not enough to effectively treat or control hypertension. Patients should be thought to recognize and adhere to the importance of following their blood pressure readings daily to well control their state and prevent any worsening that could take place. Focusing on educating patients will for sure prevent the progression to strokes and heart diseases (Oliveria, 2004). As for the implementation of mandatory course, it will also be imperative to have this method of intervention because it can obliterate misconceptions. Many people think that having hypertension is not a serious state. By obligating them to attend courses they can be made aware that hypertension can lead to a more life threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks. It is true indeed that when patient understands their condition, compliance is better as compared to those who do not have any idea of their real health status. But there is a drawback here; the course should be as simplified as possible. Because illiteracy is increasing worldwide, subsequently many patients won’t be able to understand complicated and technical words. Low literate patients will not be able to fully manage or comprehend medical devices to track of disease progression and prevent worsening of status (Williams, 1998). Keeping a diary of everyday’s intake and activity can lead to a more personal and specialized management. Thus it can lead in identifying what activity or food can be minimized to obtain the necessary result. In general, education brings awareness and can then lead to better compliance.

Alternative marketing strategies to increase market share

Alternative marketing strategies to increase market share The aim and objective of this report is to provide recommendations on ways for Natural Way Products to increase the brands market share. Based on NWPs current market share status the most effective strategies to implement incorporate a mix of market penetration and market development strategies. It is recommended that NWP maintain their current reputation in their current market as its a vital part and one of the businesses main strengths to their ongoing business. Recommendations for implementing the market penetration and market development strategies involve focusing on customer relationship management, looking for potential alliances with businesses already in the national market, using alternative media channels and look at product promotion via their current online distribution channels while tailoring the marketing campaigns to each target segment. NWP is a small, independently owned New Zealand company currently holding an estimated 10% market share in New Zealand aiming to achieve a 15% share within the next five years, and expand sales to the South Island and Australian market. The purpose and objectives of this report is to identify different market growth strategies and advise Jacqui Thompson of Natural Way Products (NWP) recommendations in order to achieve a greater market share in the New Zealand natural skincare market. This report outlines the recommended solutions for Jacqui to implement in order to achieve the companies objectives. These recommendations focus on how NWP can strive to achieve the desired growth in market share specifically using the market penetration and market development strategies using geographic expansion methods and product promotion. It is assumed that NWP have available funds to allocate to the marketing strategies recommended. With restricted access to current customer market feedback it is assumed that the points of difference stated by Jacqui are correct and therefore hold the advantage over competitors offerings. It is also assumed that the market share estimate is correct and current and that the brand Zaras is a reputable brand. 2. DISCUSSION Natural Way Products situation analysis: 2.1 Strengths: Successful established and reputable brand name and product line Current 10% market share Current experience, knowledge and resources already in place Quality and reliable products Uses some locally grown and entirely natural herbal ingredients Offers different channels of distribution through online sales and retail outlets. 2.2 Weaknesses: Currently limited to small market segment offering slower growth potential Products made in small batches risk with the more produced the less attention given as demand increases. 2.3 Opportunities: Create additional services to competitors by enhancing current features of online system Influential media awareness focus on natural-based products Look for low cost opportunities and ones that leverage current capabilities Product variants provide opportunity of selling more to the same market Opportunity for growth in new locations and underrepresented geographic markets Marketing costs are less in this digital age and easier to implement Partnerships or alliances with other businesses 2.4 Threats: Risk of retaliation from larger competitors Impact of global economy and environment on local business Little scope for using existing expertise if trying to sell completely different products or services to different customers Effect of increased market share on actual and perceived quality Alternative strategies for growth in market share: 2.5 Market Penetration NWP could gain additional market share with its current products and current markets by encouraging customers to purchase more. They would be able to utilise current experience, knowledge and resources making growth in existing product markets more cost effective and less of a risk. NWP could further advertise their products leaning on their points of difference from competitors offerings in order to encourage more customers in their existing market to use their product, or current customers to use more of it. NWP could do this by launching special promotions and offerings (Boaz, 2006, p.212); increase sales representatives; expand to department stores; and introduce a loyalty scheme to entice customers into the market. With the forever increasing use of online marketing NWP could use customised marketing through their current client database and focus on expanding the services provided through their online ordering tools. With extra features and additional offers that create a competitive advantage such as same day delivery, free gift wrapping service or free delivery; or discounted online offers. It has been argued by Gorton (2007, p.37) that maintaining the client database using customer relationship management is also important and could be used by NWP to create custom reminder responses based on previous buying patterns and as reminders on special occasions. NWPs current reputation is one of the most important assets they have. Market penetration will be a useful strategy for NWP, while maintaining expertise and experience in a market already well known to the company they are at less risk and losing reputation and upsetting product quality and service delivery. The downside to using this strategy is that this limits market share growth to current markets offering slower growth potential as opposed to developing products in new markets. 2.6 Market Development NWP should consider domestic geographic expansion as a way to improve sales volume and share position. Changing from a regional operation to a national operation (Walker, Orville C. Jr Mullins, John W. , c2011, p.251) could be best implemented by NWP through an alliance with a business already in the market and also assist in stronger buying power from suppliers. This move does create a risk of retaliation from larger national competition as well as from current regional competitors. NWP could look at targeting non-users who would be interested in using the products through advertising and media channels or offering free samples to first time users. By marketing to potential customers and making them aware of the products NWP could invest in television, internet and magazine advertising, for example in womens health magazines, or during prime television slots in which the target market are known to be viewers. Focusing on media advertising as shown by Boaz (2006, p.209) does run the risk of being costly and ineffective if not advertised correctly. NWP already offer two channels of distribution but could look at further promotion through online sales and expanding the reach of current retail stores in which their products are sold. NWP should look to open up alternative distribution channels such as direct marketing using a sales team; introducing products into department stores under another brand name, and expanding the number of retail outlets. NWP could also target different age groups of women by tailoring the advertising campaign and packaging to appeal more to each market segment. The same expertise currently used in the company can be applied with ease to the new segment therefore reducing cost and risk. Expanding products into further market segments will be an effective strategy for NWP, using geographic expansion, their current distribution channels, and further advertising. It is also recommended (Snyder, Tom Burns, Brian, 2010, p.173) that a potential alliance with major customers or with other national like-minded businesses is likely to be successful in achieving growth in market share. 2.7 Product development With 15 years of business and products already proving to be successful NWP could introduce more products to the market under their recognised brand name Zaras. Ideally NWP would need to offer a new product not currently offered by competitors and could make this offering more attractive than competitors by providing initial discount offers for first time users and then continuing at full price once theyve obtained repeat business. NWP would benefit from using their existing customer database to find out their preferences and to gain feedback for potential new products. If using this strategy NWP would benefit from integrating current users into the innovation process by asking for new product ideas from them and pursuing the most popular of those ideas. NWP could also look at packaging existing products in new ways to appeal more to the current target market. Or try promoting the current product in department or retail stores under an alternative brand name. Unless risk management is closely monitored this could be an ineffective strategy for NWP (Leithhead, 2011, para.3). Managing the risk involved in product development could put pressure on NWP as resources would need to be reallocated to the development of the new product. Product development could be costly and unrewarding for NWP. If resources are stretched to develop new products the quality of their existing offerings could suffer. Identifying critical resource limitations, recognises Gorton (2007, p.27), is essential to avoid a negative impact on the quality of current product lines. 2.8 Diversification Diversifying the current product range could help reduce NWPs overall business risk through offering products in different customer categories. NWP already have an established brand name under the name Zaras giving an advantage should the new product or target markets be unsuccessful NWPs other product lines are unlikely to be affected. Zaras would help in leveraging new products belonging to the same brand and help the company to spread their customer base while also helping the company develop its product portfolio through introduction of complimenting products in the market (Keller, Philip Kotler, Kevin Lane, 2009, p.28). NWP could introduce a diverse pricing strategy with lower quality, cheaper to produce products; however this would be going against the core values of the company which is not advisable. The huge risk with this strategy for NWP is there is often little scope for using existing expertise as it involves selling completely different products to a completely different market. This would make NWP vulnerable to a major reaction from competitors as they attempt to enter into other markets with products that could affect competition. Diversification strategy is similar to starting an entirely new business (Holden, Philip R., Wilde, Nick, 2007, p.75) also involving high risk and is not recommended for NWPs growth strategy at this time. 3. CONCLUSIONS Attempting to increase usage among current customers is less threatening to a competitor which avoids bigger competitor responses. The downside to using market penetration is that it limits market share growth to current markets offering slower growth potential as opposed to developing products in new markets. Using market development in similar segments the company can apply current expertise with ease to the new segment therefore reducing cost and risk. Domestic geographic expansion is an effective way to improve market share. Increasing use of online marketing makes a focus on expanding the services provided through current online ordering tools a useful avenue for growth in market share. An effective way of targeting non-users is through further advertising and media channels or offering samples of the products for first time users. NWP should consider the effect of increased market share on actual and perceived quality before pursuing increased market share too many customers can strain the firms resources, hurting product value and service delivery. Unless risk management is closely monitored product development and diversification could be ineffective strategies for NWP. Introduction of a diversified pricing strategy with lower quality, cheaper to produce products is an option for different markets and potential market growth; however this would be going against the core values of the company which is not advisable. Managing the risk involved in product development could put pressure on the companys resources. 4. RECOMMENDATIONS Inform current and valued clients of continuous delivery quality and services provided to build further customer satisfaction and maintain customer loyalty. Focus on developing products in new markets. Create/amend marketing budget to determine affordability of marketing techniques for tailored campaign targeting a younger/older generation specific to appeal to each target segment. Contact potential partners and retail outlets in the South Island and Australian markets for geographic market expansion. Create/amend marketing budget to determine affordability of marketing techniques for enhancements on NWP online ordering system with extra features and additional offers. Contact media channels such as womens health magazines and other media and advertising channels. Advertise offering samples of products either in-store or by online ordering in order to target non-users within the target market. Ensure NWPs increase in product sales will not impact firms resources through reallocation and reviewing of quality product and service delivery. Employ management to maintain specific target markets. Employ risk management specialist management and implement risk management plan to monitor changes in market and customer satisfaction. Focus existing expertise on market development and market penetration strategies.

Sita as the Hidden Hero of Ramayana Essay -- Ramayana Essays

Sita as the Hidden Hero of Ramayana    Valmiki's Ramayana was written around 300 B.C.E. (Carrier 207). Typically, the character of Rama is seen as the hero and the character of Sita is seen as the hero's wife.   In this essay, I will compare Sita's journey of capture and inner growth with the "save the kingdom" journey of Rama, show how the two correlate, and eventually connect in the influential chastity scene. I will also prove that Sita is the "hidden hero" of this epic even though she is seen as taking a secondary role to Rama and show how this reflects women's secondary roles in society today. To begin our comparisons, we must first look at each character and recognize their separate journeys. Through summarization of the characters and their story, we will begin to see Rama's role and Sita's role. By this process, I will demonstrate how they correlate, differ and combine to form the Ramayana. Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, is a god known as Vishnu who has been reincarnated and sent to earth in mortal form. Rama must take an archetypal journey known as the "quest." During the quest, a hero must conquer obstacles to save the kingdom (Guerin et.al.154). Rama's obstacle is Ravana, an evil monster who is slowly taking over heaven and earth. Because Ravana never asked for protection from a human being, he can only be destroyed by a human being and this makes Rama's need for success especially important (Narayan 5). a the beginning of the narrative, Rama is forced into exile from his kingdom into the forest for 14 years. This exile begins his quest. Sita, Rama's wife, is reincarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's spouse in heaven. Sita accompanies Rama into the forest on his "quest" and is captured by Ravana. Th... ...of society. If women want to take control of their own lives and are tired of "proving"themsleves to others, they must first find a voice and then act upon their convictions, otherwise these gender roles will never change. Works Cited Carrier, Warren, ed. Guide to World Literature. Illinois: National Council of Teachers of English, 1980. Guerin, Wilfred L., et.al. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992. O'Flaherty, Wendy Doniger. Hindu Myths. London: Penguin Books, 1975. Singh, Khushwant. India: an Introduction. New Delhi: Vision Books, 1990. Valmiki. The Ramayana. Trans. Aubrey Menen. New York: Charles Scriber's Sons, 1954. ---. The Ramayana. Trans. R.K. Narayan. New York: Penguin Books, 1972. ---. The Ramayana. Trans. Elizabeth Seeger. New York: William R. Scott, Inc., 1969.

Songs can be Considered A Form of Modern Day Poetry Essay -- essays re

Can Songs be Considered A Form of Modern Day Poetry? Yes. The youth of today are more likely to have a favourite song rather than a favourite poem. Although the feelings and hidden meanings expressed in songs are often unacknowledged by the listener, they often have qualities that resemble those of a typical poem. These qualities include word choice, mood, hidden meanings and imagery. Using the songs â€Å"Luka† by Suzanne Vega, and â€Å"April Come She Will† by Simon and Garfunkle, I am going to prove that songs can be considered a form of modern day poetry. To indulge the reader, poets can use contradictory language and specific word choice to contrast the themes of the poem thus creating a particular mood. Suzanne Vega demonstrates this in the song â€Å"Luka†: Verse 1 My name is Luka I live on the second floor I live upstairs from you Yes I think you’ve seen me before The impression created in verse 1 is that of a typical â€Å"boy meets girl† theme. This is motivated by the pleasant, happy music and the lyrics indicating a girl meeting a boy. As the song continues, verse 2 indicates that their initial impression was incorrect: Verse 2 If you hear something late at night Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight Just don’t ask me what it was Just don’t ask me what it was Just don’t ask me what it was The music continues to be pleasant, which contrasts to the bad vibe given off by the lyrics in verse 2. The songwriter is using contrasting themes which is a technique often used in poems. The repetition of â€Å"Just don’t ask me what it was† encourages familiarity for the listener as, because it is repeated, it is what the listener remembers about the song. Furthermore, it adds more emphasis to the indication that ... ... been related to months and seasons maybe because the hidden message of the song is that love is a never-ending cycle (like the seasons). This would indicate that love will inevitably die, but be reborn again, perhaps in the form of someone else or with the same person. This then could lead to the theory that this song was written to be compatible with everything that is loved i.e. a new job, new friend etc and that it often deteriorates through familiarity. Such depth in a song compares to the depth of a poem in terms of the hidden meanings and imagery. I believe that songs can be considered a form of modern day poetry as they often effectively use poetic techniques such as repetition, imagery, contrasting themes, effective word choice and climaxes. The two songs that I have discussed clearly possess and demonstrate these qualities and how effective they are.

Best Man Speech - Assassination of the Grooms Character :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Best Man Speech - Assassination of the Groom's Character Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. I am going to keep this speech fairly short because of my throat; the bride said that if I made fun of the groom too much she would cut it. Firstly, on behalf of the bridesmaids, I would like to thank the groom for those kind words and gifts. As I'm sure you will all agree, they all look absolutely beautiful and have carried out their role splendidly, so I think a round of applause for the bridesmaids is definitely in order. Just before I start the groom's character assassination, the bride was telling me earlier in the day that her pharmacy was broken into last week. The thief apparently stole ten boxes of condoms and ten boxes of viagra. The police are now looking for a hardened criminal. Next day a woman walks into the shop and asks her for some bottom deodorant, puzzled she replies, "I'm sorry we don't sell such a thing, "I beg your pardon" says the woman. â€Å"I buy it from here all the time.† "Do you have the empty container from the last time." enquires the bride. "Yes I do†, says the woman and she walks out to her car, then comes back in with an empty deodorant stick. "This isn't a bottom deodorant madam, it’s just a normal deodorant stick." The woman snatches it out of her hands and reads aloud. "To apply take off lid and push up bottom.† The groom was born in 1975, a year when the Khmer Rouge invaded Cambodia and Saigon surrendered to the North Vietnamese. So it’s true what they say, these things always happen in threes. He went to St. Serfs school were he was a rather quiet pupil, until of course, as anyone who knows him, he stepped onto the soccer pitch. He shunned the roll of forward for the more unorthodox "bare knuckle boxer† and "chief shin kicker† role, it was novelty for him to be on the pitch a whole ninety minutes, never mind score goals. He then went on to play for Prestonfield Boys Club and then Napier University football team. Sadly this was to be the end of his sporting career, as this was when he discovered alcohol and women. After school the groom worked in a Saturday job at Homebase. I spoke to an old work colleague who was only too happy to tell me of his time there.

Ethics and CSR in British American Tobacco Essay

Ethics and CSR in British American Tobacco Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encourages the view that â€Å"company should endeavor to build a profit, abide by the law, and be a good corporate citizen, be ethical†.   Tobacco firm, yet, are not like other group. Tobacco is simply the consumer product that murder one half of its customers when taken as directed. The idea that tobacco firm can be ethical while upholding a disease-producing produce is fundamentally opposing (Carroll 1999). Tobacco firms claim that they employ CSR because they are apprehensive corporate society. However, tobacco business internal credentials reveal the exact goals of industry supported programs, which are to increase profits and drive firm’s interests.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tobacco firms want to give the notion that they are presently like any other large company: responsible and concerned about the happiness of their stakeholders and customers (Collin, 2002). CSR serve to counter negative press and form positive public opinion of the tobacco manufacturing and tobacco matters, without changing real company performance (Yach et al., 2001). The growing focus from the community on the tobacco manufacturing and the health risks connected with its goods, give rise to ethical enquiry on as to why Tobacco firm, carry out CSR. In this context, the World Health Organisation (WHO), one of BATs key stakeholders, is getting out towards BAT for a further open debate on their CSR and for a more distinct communication towards other main stakeholders. In addition, they question the ethical concern of tobacco firms and their CSR occupation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With BAT organism examination as a business with a rather divisive product, specifically cigarettes, one might enquire whether it is ethical to honour and accept BAT with rewards on their CSR and acknowledge their initiative towards appropriate a worldwide accepted corporate inhabitant. Hence, World Health Organisation questions the legality of BAT as a CSR firm? Therefore, it is exciting to examine the ethical of the field of CSR. Additionally, the moral fibre of BAT’s product present questions on BAT effort to be analysed as a CSR firm. Additionally, the effort of BAT to make WHO open up an appealing position of the cooperation between stakeholders and companies could lead to a more clear CSR work, and consequently create a better opportunity of enhancing business production.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stakeholder theory will be function in order to recognize the key stakeholder, whom the  BAT fear, in order to examine the relationship linking BAT and BAT stakeholder and how this influence BAT’s CSR. World Health Organisation as one that is capable of influencing BAT both indirectly and directly. World Health Organisation directly subject BAT’s work and declare that their programmes do not contain the intended outcome on the teenage. Furthermore, BAT is indirectly exaggerated by WHO’s governmental occupation .The framework has been implemented, by several governments and it is a pace backwards for BAT and possibly its dealing because it encourage bans on smoking in open places and anti-smoking campaigns. In addition it place standards for the promotion efforts of the tobacco manufacturing, and consequently BAT. This speech provides a thoughtful of the dispute which BAT face in its sustainability way. Additionally, the statement emphasizes the fact that stakeholders of BAT do not desire to engage with them seeing the business they conduct. Hence, an implied reference may be practical to the ethical distress which several of BAT’s stakeholders have concerning BAT’s tobacco stuff. Laufer (2003) argues that present ethical programs are supposed as most successful when there is previously a dominant credible ethical leadership style and/or ethical culture within the business. Thus, Laufer supports the concept that for companies who hope to engage in CSR, there should be existent a rational culture that encourage ethical company. Subsequently, it seems sensible to question the ethical standpoint of BAT’s appointment in CSR. BAT’s products are conclusively of an unethical moral fibre. BAT produces the just lethal customer product which is sold lawfully to the customers. although it is not accepted by all customers, more than 70.000 piece have been available on tobacco use it is now identified fact that nicotine is physiologically addictive and grouping of tobacco nicotine addictiveness and consumption is a major hazard to the community health. Likewise, the fact that tobacco firms cannot adhere to rules of CSR, primum non nocere, detonating, first do no injury (Palazzo & Richter, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, one of the main influences on the active negativity of tobacco business is connected to their previous activities as an industry, with an exacting focus on the past administration of the tobacco business. Furthermore, Palazzo and Richter have established that the tobacco production for decades rejected the harmful effects of passive smoking, plus smoking, and BAT extensive efforts to decline scientific claims through political lobbying and misleading campaigns. The grounds being, they were aimed at to protecting themselves from lawsuits brought presented by affected customers simply because they accepted that such proclamation could lead to a key crisis within the tobacco business. Interestingly, the business joined effort to depower World Health Organisation and the tobacco business purposely destabilised World Health Organisation’s position, in order to stop their tobacco control labour (Palazzo & Richter, 2005). This is crucial information, and it clarified the reason why BAT, nowadays, are having troubles in getting caught up with their most key stakeholders e.g. WHO. Though, it also offers an understanding of why it is lawful to question the tobacco company’s ethical activities (Palazzo & Richter, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Taking the challenging ethical question of the tobacco business into consideration, how is BAT subsequently trying to change that negative view around? The response may appear straightforward but it is set by BAT as they distinguish their dark ages. BAT is trying to centre on the current and future by ways of CSR that reach out to BAT stakeholders. By accomplishing so, BAT is requesting its stakeholders to evaluator them on their present act within the field of CSR as an alternative of focusing on the preceding rhetorical tactic. Additionally, BAT employs the CSR perception as a way of validating and approving the growth of new products.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The BAT 2008 statement has been endorsed with two awards and established into a business society for its performance. The report has been approved UK Business in the Community’s 2007 Corporate Responsibility Index, by Sustainable Asset Management’s Sustainability Yearbook 2009 (SAM by Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI)) and in the these honour are particularly exceptional to BAT as the DJSI present BAT as the single tobacco firm in its index. Additionally, the SAM recognizes BAT as both a sector mover and sector leader, while, the Business in the Community puts BAT’s statement in the gold sector.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The proposal of certifying a sustainability statement stems from the assurance of financial accounting statement which is endorsed by third parties, frequently in large accounting company. Blanco and Souto established that, â€Å"The dynamic scheme for financial accounting and its related financial audit can be repetitive for CSR situation.† (Blanco & Souto, 2009, p.156). Therefore, we must analyse these assurance audits and programs as mere suggestion and not certain standards. Still, there are several proofs as to why BAT must use these assurance programs. Moreover, â€Å"These exercise help to develop chances and manage social, environmental and economic risks. Many shareholders consider this a crucial significance for success† (Lopez et al., 2007). When BAT is credited by the DJSI, it is marking of the business and its performance that point in an accurate direction. Thus, the encouragement for BAT to publicize these assu rance and acknowledgements programs is legitimised by the consequences it has towards a few stakeholders of the firm. Mainly, shareholders are concerned in such accreditations, as it guarantees them that their capital invested in BAT is put into good, as sustained by Lopez et al. that, â€Å"†¦stakeholders consider accredited exercise in CSR direct to excellent economic-financial act for a specific business.† (Lopez et al., 2007, p.286).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, there is good explanation to question the applied assurance programs. The degrees, to which these programs are utilized, rely on the beneficiary BAT, want to be evaluated. Blanco and Souto established, â€Å"The general selected alternative is limited intensity of assurance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Blanco & Souto, 2009, p.166) which is also the one BAT uses,If a business chooses a limited strength of assurance, it is no possible for the stakeholders to view this as a transparent and credible assurance level? The clear answer to this problem is that the international business community recognizes the Accountability Standards (AA1000AS) as an assurance standard. Entertainingly enough, BAT is a Global initiate Sponsor of AA1000AS. Therefore, it is logical to question the objectivity and validity of such a reassess, especially when the company being reviewed subsidise the assurance standards. Additional significantly, it authenticates lack of ethics in CSR. Nevertheless, the AA1000AS is implied as an assurance standard in some sustainability information in various different firms, therefore, it is still accepted as an assurance standard, but it is logical to question the validity and ethics of these standards of BAT. Blanco & Souto conclude, â€Å"For along period, financial auditing and financial accounting have accepted a long progress process to accomplish a generally acknowledged conceptual structure. Supporter of CSR must learn from this procedure.† (Blanco & Souto, 2009, p.167). Though, the idea of standards in exclusive of a clear classification poses ethical questions of lack of transparency and legitimacy. Thus, a resolution to the assurance program is in a clear explanation (Blanco & Souto, 2009).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Therefore, identifying this it is not amazing that WHO as a key stakeholder of BAT, questions its participation with a health care centre in Bangladesh or that WHO issue its youth anti-smoking movement. Even though, it seems reasonable when explained, it is yet a truth that the tobacco business is engaged in operations that clash with its industry. Consequently, there is a sound motive to discuss and disagree for a progress of the future CSR plan which BAT must engage in.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Corporate generosity is the efforts of giving back to people e.g. giving money to university programs as BAT give when they donated to University of Nottingham (UK) research centre for CSR. Though, this caused the main clamour in the university and the nearby public (Palazzo & Richter, 2005). Thus, we must appreciate that the aim of BAT may be fine but the stakeholders and general public are likely to object and protest to such programs as they clash with the ethical responsibility which is accepted from a university. Yach et al. suggest that, â€Å"financial support which gives constructive publicity to a tobacco business or which is probable to show the tobacco corporation in a positive light should be cast off.† (Yach et al., 2001). This as a result limits the steps taken of corporate charity for the tobacco business. The stakeholder association which is considered as key in the operation of CSR; still, using the illustration of the university funding to illustrate the difference that may a mount between BAT and stakeholder is useful. If charity done by a tobacco industry causes a public objection, the accepted reaction would be a negative match of the university as a BAT as the company and stakeholder. Thus, relationship between the University and BAT could replicate negatively on the University and influence its reputation as an ethical and political correct institution (Palazzo & Richter, 2005) supports this argument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, WHO seems to disprove a direct alliance with BAT but they do not overlook the tobacco industry’s effort to help at any cost. There are facts that WHO, being an essential stakeholder, still has a concern in a dispute with BAT and its CSR performance. Therefore, recognising the tobacco business’s effort to take on with critical stakeholders, if done successfully, could lead to beneficiaries but in the long run, is cast off by WHO. Thus, the efficiency of stakeholder association is a point of evaluation for the tobacco business. The CSR subject can be criticised on the genuineness that social responsible invest in the tobacco production is facing a divestment as the to the tobacco firms efforts to emerges as socially responsible through its CSR occupation. Thus, the social and ethical responsibility, which investment companies are showing in their isolation of Tobacco Corporation in their portfolios, sustains the suggestion that, it is a bad thought for BAT to carry out CSR. References Aras, Gà ¼ler and Crowther, David, 2009, Corporate Sustainability Reporting: A Study in Disingenuity?, In Journal of Business Ethics, 87 pp.279-288. British American Tobacco, http://www.bat.com last viewed: 02-05-2010 Blanco, Silvia Ruiz and Souto, Belà ©n Fernà ¡ndez-Feijà ³o, 2009, Sustainability reporting and assurance: current situation and future trends, In Taikomoji Ekonomika/ Sisteminiai Tyrimai, 3/2 pp.155-172. Carroll AB. 1999 Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business & Society. 1999;38(3):268-95. Collin JaG, A. 2002; Corporate (Anti)Social (Ir)Responsibility: Transnational Tobacco Companies and the Attempted Subversion of Global Health Policy. Global Social Policy. 2(3). Kallio, Tomi J., 2007, Taboos in Corporate Social Responsibility Discourse, In Journal of Business Ethics, 74 pp.165-175. Laufer, William S., 2003, Social Accountability and Corporate Greenwashing, In Journal of Business Ethics, 43 pp.253-261. Lopez et. al., 2007, Sustainable Development and Corporate Performance: A Study Based on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, In Journal of Business Ethics, 75 pp.285-300 Palazzo, Guido and Richter, Ulf, 2005, CSR Business as Usual? The Case of the Tobacco Industry, In Journal of Business Ethics, 61, pp.387-401. Pomering, Alan & Dolnicar, Sara, 2009, Assessing The Prerequisites of Successful CSR Implementation: Are Consumers Aware of CSR Initiatives?, In Journal of Business Ethics, 85, pp.285-301. Tench, Ralph & Yeomans, Liz, 2006, Exploring Public Relations, Pearson Education Limited, England Wadham, Helen, 2009, Talking across Boundaries: Business and NGO perspectives on CSR, Sustainble Development and Partnership, In Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 34 Summer, pp.57-68. World Health Organisation – Western Pacific Region, Seeing Beneath the Surface: The Truth About the Tobacco Industry’s Youthm Smoking Prevention Programmes, http://www.wpro.who.int/health_topics/tobacco/publications.htm Yach, Derek et al., 2001, Healthy Investments and Investing in Health, In Journal of Business Ethics, 33 pp.191-198. Source document

Effects of Global Warming on Coral Reefs Essay

The global warming is perhaps one of the very serious environmental problems that the world is facing right now. As many studies made by experts have illustrated, the problem of global warming affects every aspect of human and Earth life. It is not only the humans that are directly affected by the global warming. Other aspects of the ecology and natural ecosystem suffer as well because of the occurrence of global warming. The coral reefs, an important part of the ecosystem because of its role in sustaining several animal life particularly those of fishes which depend on coral reefs for their protection, reproduction and sustenance, is under attack by the effects of global warming. This paper is focused on writing about the effects of global warming on the coral reefs so that the extent of the damage that global warming caused to the coral reefs, as well as to other life forms and other aspects of the ecosystem, can be ascertained. Effects of Global Warming on Coral Reefs There are many different ways in which the global warming problem of the planet can affect the coral reefs found in sea and ocean beds in different parts of the planet. One of the effects of global warming to the coral reefs found in the seas and oceans around the world is coral bleaching. The rate of bleaching of the coral reefs continue to increase – as the Earth’s temperature continue to rise, the coral reefs reaction to it is primarily bleaching (Fujita 75). There were already cases of documented mass coral reef bleaching in the past, but experts believe that the entry of the global warming problem would cause the extension and continuation of the bleaching of the coral reefs because this is how the coral reefs react to the warming temperature in the planet. â€Å"Global warming would then continue to increase sea temperatures and induce mass coral bleaching (Fujita 75). † Warning from Concerned Groups Because of the available technology that mankind can use, combined with the level of science and technology being used and practiced by many scientists today, it was not impossible that the ill effects of the global warming that was present and illustrative in the changes happening to the coral reefs was something that was already predicted by some scientists. It is something that environmental groups were also talking about even before global warming made its presence truly felt, before the first signs of serious damage to coral reefs was seen and documented. Rodney Fujita, who authored books about the environment particularly of the ocean, talked about how he and some other scientists forewarned the government and the people about the impact of global warming to the coral reefs during the time when the government had enough time and opportunity to make the impact of global warming less devastating as it is today. â€Å"Tom Goreau, Jr. , a scrappy and (as it turns out) prescient coral reel ecologist, and I were among the first to warn that coral bleaching was likely to increase if global warming was allowed to proceed. Environmental Defense, Greenpeace and other environmental groups soon joined the chorus of cautionary voices (Fujita 75). † Looking at the situation now, the assessment can be either the government did nothing or what they did was insufficient. Looking at the situation now, there is no doubt that there are many proofs that will testify to the damaging effects of global warming to the coral reefs in the ocean. The sad part of the problem is that during the time when the bleaching effect was just a theory from a group of scientists, no one took it seriously. â€Å"Our theory that global warming would result in more extensive coral bleaching was met with disdain by many in the coral reef scientific community (Fujita 75). † Today, with the increased problem in bleaching in the coral reefs and the growing problem of global warming, the planet is edging closer and closer to the edge of the dangerous precipice that can ultimately force the state of environment health and stability to plummet towards total disaster. Other Effects to the Coral Reefs by Global Warming Other scientists and experts believe that aside from the bleaching of coral reefs, there are also other ways in which global warming can impact on the coral reefs, and the prospects are no better than the bleaching effects. Some experts believe that there are global warming effects to which the coral reefs are direct or indirect targets (Oliver 306). Take for example, the characteristic of global warming that influences the drastic change in weather patterns. Because of global warming, typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones can be stronger and more common than the usual. When this happens, coral reefs are affected because these natural catastrophes also destroy coral reefs. â€Å"Global warming also leads to other changes in the climate system that can affect reefs. Cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons) can destroy coral reefs (Oliver 306). † Another impact of global warming is the rise of sea level. This can have potentially dangerous effects on coral reefs. There are coral reefs situated near shores. When the sea level rises, the water can drag inside the sea/ocean minerals and other chemical found on land that can be dangerous to the coral reefs especially those situated near the shore where the source would come from. â€Å"The relatively small rise could affect reefs near land if flooding of the coastal zone releases nutrients and sediments that degrade water quality (Oliver 306). † The coral reefs are also in danger of being exposed to high rate of sedimentation. Because global warming brings about heavy rains, the rain would take earth and other particles from deforested areas and lead it towards seas and the resulting sedimentation is believed to result to something which is not in the best interest of the nearby coral reefs. â€Å"Increased precipitation on land can lead to greater sedimentation on many reefs, particularly those near deforested areas (Oliver 306). † The acidity of the ocean because of global warming also has an effect on coral reefs, its calcium content which in the long run can make the coral reefs weaker and more fragile than usual. What is important to stress here is that the effect of global warming on coral reefs can also impact humans. â€Å"It is likely, however, to result in changes to reefs which will adversely affect local communities dependent on reefs for their livelihood (Dipper 421). † Because of this, it is important to put importance on the coral reefs and how to save it from the effects of global warming. Works Cited Dipper, Frances. Elements of Marine Ecology. Elsevier Science and Technology Books, 1998. Fujita, Rodney. Heal the Ocean: Solutions for Saving Our Seas. New Society Publishers, 2003. Oliver, John E. The Encyclopedia of World Climatology. Springer-Verlag New York, LLC, 2005.