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More valleys Than Hills: Commodity Prices are Close to the bottom of the cycle

The article More valleys Than Hills: Commodity Prices are Close to the bottom of the cycle criticizes the perception that many international management experts have about the growth of China, the world second largest economy, and America’s highest exporter of products and services (The Economist 1). China is famous as the world’s destination of large exports of metals such as iron ore, copper, and many other metals. Moreover, the country attracts huge amounts of corn and oil. However, many experts are blaming the slow economic growth rate of the country on the low prices of many metals that account for the country’s largest imports. This is noticeable in the decline experienced in the prices of metals especially iron ore in the international market (The Economist 1). The volatile prices of these commodities has decelerated the country’s ability to super cycle commodities, which according to international management experts has led to decreased rate of production and gross domestic product.

However, this argument may be premature, as China has emerged to become an influential player in the management of international exchange of commodities, labor, and resources. Even though the world population is slowing, China’s population increases each year, and this has sustained economic growth in light of falling international metal prices. It is estimated that China’s economy will be 65% bigger in 2014 than six years ago (The Economist 1). Even though the demand of metals such as steel will fall from 3.3% to 3.1% between 2012 and 2018, it is estimated that the amount of steel demanded in 2014 will increase from 45 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes (The Economist 1). However, the prices of metals such as copper, alluminium, zinc, lead, and tin are set to increase in 2014 as many countries in the international market such as America and other emerging Asian economies will increase the demand for metal as they seek to produce commodities for the international market.

The article is related to the discussions made in class about the scope of international management. The article discusses the ongoing debate about the various challenges that face international market players when exchanging commodities, labor, and resources in the global market that have been covered in previous lectures. Many international management experts explain the sluggish growth of many countries such as China on the falling prices of metals such as iron ore, copper, and alluminium as China is the largest importer of the world’s iron ore. However, the article also argues there are various factors whose interplay influences the growth rate of economies. This is because every country exploits its comparative advantage in the global market. Chinas increasing population has sustained its economic growth due to low costs of production, which has balanced the low returns experienced from commodities exchanged in the global market.

In my opinion, China’s large labor supply, which is the country’s comparative advantage over other international players in the global market, has made its economy surmount challenges posed by the global market environment and emerge larger and stronger. The low cost of production due to high labor supply has led to increased production of products and services in the Chinese economy. Many countries that exploit the large labor supply in China provid employment for the country’s large pool of labor, and the declining prices of metals does not affect the country’s rate of production.

Work Cited

S.W. More Valleys than Hill: Prices are close to bottom of the cycle. The Economist, Daily

Chart. January 09 2014. Accessed from

<http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2014/01/daily-chart-4>

Morality and Religion

Author’s name

Institutional Affiliation

Table of Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u Morality and Religion PAGEREF _Toc322867786 h 3Introduction PAGEREF _Toc322867787 h 3Morality and Religion PAGEREF _Toc322867788 h 3Moral Arguments PAGEREF _Toc322867789 h 5What Is Ethics devoid of God? PAGEREF _Toc322867790 h 6Is Morality related To Religion? PAGEREF _Toc322867791 h 7Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc322867792 h 9References PAGEREF _Toc322867793 h 10

Morality and ReligionIntroductionCan humanity be morally upright without inclination on a dogma or God? Can humanity be moral devoid of religion? The response to these queries is an undeniable Yes. Humanity indeed does not require to believe in God a deity or to profess to any religion so as to be morally upright or to perform good deeds. However, believing in a religious entity or God can play a significant role in a person’s moral values, but it is not obligatory. This paper will begin with breaking down what it means to be moral with the description of moral, which is relating to values of wrong and right in conduct, or conformity to a standard of appropriate behavior. In that perspective, a human being can be ethical devoid of belief in God, since it depends on the individual to decide to be moral. Humanity does not of necessity to belong to some religion, so as to have a sense of moral wrong or right. Moral righteousness is innate, and not predicated on mystical faith, since morality is a creation of social, but not religious interaction. Unfortunately, the erroneous idea that humanity cannot be moral devoid of professing belief in God or without professing to a religion is dominant in the majority of societies across humanity. This erroneous idea is largely accountable for lack of advancement in those areas of human existence where religions apply moral authority (Craig & Sinnott, 2004).

Morality and ReligionIs there any interrelation between religion and morality? Ethical obligations are often considered as commands with power behind them. Nevertheless, what is the foundation of that authority? Is it appropriate to declare that the single grounds for them being ethical obligations are that they have been instructed by God? The character of the relationship between morality and religion, whether there is one in any way, is a fundamental concern for religious advocates. According to Alston (2006), be religious and to declare religious allegations is to be devoted to a set of moral principles.

Much religious lingo is the expression of morality and consequently religious advocates have devoted themselves to behavioral norms. This includes abstaining from a number of actions in addition to fulfilling others. However, is the interrelation between morality and religion and morality and God the same thing? Is it conceivable that religious morality is perhaps unrelated the moral instructions of God, or is it feasible to be submissive to the instructions of God devoid of being devoted to a religious moral society? Religious believers might argue that, even if a human being gets away with outrageous transgressions on earth, chastisement would follow him in the eternal life. On the other hand, those who have defied the persuasion to do wrong will be recompensed, and, therefore, even if it is likely to evade earthly punishment it is not in the religious believers’ eschatological interests to do so (Wainwright, 2005). There is a close relationship between eschatology and the issue of religious morality, because hell is customarily associated with chastisement for wrongdoing, whereas heaven with recompense for goodness. This is despite the fact that the majority of most Christians may argue that admittance into heaven is not attained merely by performing good works (Street, 2010).

In contrast, an existentialist viewpoint maintains that, in the event that there is no God to maintain the command of the moral law, subsequently there is no risk of chastisement or promise of recompense, and, therefore, morality is pointless. Effectively devoid of God, everything is permissible, since God assumes the role of the custodian of morality, saving humanity from declining into moral pandemonium. According Dostoevsky, God is the lynchpin of morality and order in society, whereby in the absence of God, all hierarchy crumples, and everything can be permissible. Dostoevsky was troubled by afflictions but unable to discard belief in God since God is essential for morality (Pruss, 2009). Maybe God does not require to essentially being present for Him to be the center of morality, as well as the means of controlling moral conduct, this would mean that the notion of God is sufficient to maintain moral order.

Moral ArgumentsMoral arguments in support of theism include efforts to ascertain the God’s existence from a number of alleged facts concerning morality. Several people are of the opinion that objective moral principles are necessary in order to make sense of some features of human life, for example, and that God is the single possible foundation of such principles. The meta-ethical moral case challenges the existence of objective moral doctrine either necessitates God’s existence or at any rate is best explicated by theism. One version of these arguments alleges that:

If there exist objective moral principles, in that case God exists. 

There exist objective moral principles. 

Consequently, God exists.

The first argument fails since the first hypothesis is baseless. The underlying principle for thinking that objective moral principles require God is the hypothesis that only God can ground the objectivity of morals But, in fact, there seems to be no way that God’s existence can ground moral facts, anymore than it can ground scientific or mathematical facts. The typical objection to the godly command conjecture of ethics demonstrates that the objectivity of morals cannot be grounded in deity (Craig & Sinnott, 2004).

An interrelated epistemological, moral case argues that, conception of the existence of objective moral principles necessitates the existence of God. Other moral viewpoints include the prudential, moral viewpoint. This viewpoint alleges that, humanity should believe in God as well as the afterlife, in order that apprehension of judgment following death will dissuade people from committing acts of immorality (Street, 2010).

What Is Ethics devoid of God?There have been numerous philosophers throughout history who have endeavored to demonstrate that it is feasible to have universal morality devoid of God. Numerous arguments have been presented to sustain this position, and in conjecture, they might be right, although it would depend on what one connotes by the phrase universal. Those in support would declare that, all a person requires to have is an agreement on what is deemed right or wrong behavior. Their position would be; in the event that God is essential for morality, in that case whatever God considers moral is therefore, moral. Consequently, why eulogize God for what His deeds if He could have with equal ease done the contrary and that too would have been considered as equally moral. Secondly, if goodness is a central attribute of God, in that case, God cannot be applied in defining goodness. This would result into circular reasoning in that, if goodness is used in defining God then, God must not be used in defining goodness. Thirdly, if one does not believe in God, then complying with God’s commands will not assist one to resolve any moral problems (Pruss, 2009).

A number of philosophers conclude that the suggestion that a moral law necessitates a divine lawgiver is unsustainable. Other philosophers allege that for God to characterize what is right or wrong is subjective. On the contrary, God is not subjective since He is the foundation of all life and consequently the foundation of all truth. Humanity therefore, has no basis to even comprehend the idea of being arbitrary apart from in reference to an eternal God. Secondly, these arguments fail to distinguish the nature of humanity. If man was not degraded by sin, then humanity would have immeasurable potential to generate from within itself a universal moral system. On the contrary, humanity is corrupted and, therefore, incompetent of fully perceiving what is just. Humanity is incapable of doing what it understands being good. Therefore, the issue of right or wrong has all to do with the foundation of faith, but not merely its substance. No matter how genuinely an individual believes they are right in relation to some moral judgment, the right test is in the foundation of that faith. Therefore, it would be fitting to assert that, God is the single universal, as well as, absolute foundation to all morality (Alston, 2006).

Is Morality related To Religion?Several people believe that religion and morality are fundamentally related, whereby, they may consider this as an argument for the existence of God. One basis why some theists suppose that morality presupposes the existence of God is that their viewpoint appears to grant their lives obvious purpose. According to Christianity, man was created by God in His likeness, in order to fulfill the purpose that He intended for mankind. Christianity developed this fundamental idea into the conception of natural law in order that humanity can see how it should conduct its affairs through working out what its purpose is. The Pope’s disapproval of homosexuality is an illustration of the working of this theory. This approach to morality is controversial since it may be perceived as a poor imitation of morals (Street, 2010).

A different rationalization of the purported relationship between morality and God is the notion that humanity has an obligation to comply with God’s commands, since He is the omnipotent maker, to whom humanity owes its existence. The divine command hypothesis bears an apparent semblance to the natural law approach, but it entails a focus on the commands of God. The most universal opposition to such an approach is that, this approach makes morality appear rather arbitrary. This is insofar as the commands of God would be at best conditionally related to the needs of humanity. Obviously, such a perception is what lies inspires the allegations of numerous persons who allege that atheists cannot y any means be moral. The assumption is that if an individual does not believe that they will be chastised for transgressions, then, there are no grounds to obey morality’s dictates. In this case, then atheists would not have any motive not to steal when they would not suffer any sanction for stealing, whereas the theists would at all times fear the sanctions of an Omni-present God. This entire line of thought is founded on an overly thin understanding of the grounds an individual might have for conducting themselves morally. It supposes that these grounds would require being prudential. This is grounded on the belief that conducting oneself morally is in an individual’s self-interest (Alston, 2006).

Nevertheless people occasionally act morally when they figure out that this would not be in their best interests. Morality is not entirely about self-interest, but also entails sacrificing a person’s self-interest for the sake of the greater good of other persons. Several thinkers have posited that the very reality of a sense of conscience is substantiation for God. Strictly speaking the independence of religion and morality is reasonably compatible with the God existence. It becomes a mater of concern when persons allege that the existence of conscience rationally presupposes a deity to whom humanity owes responsibility. If this is permissible, then God might appear as the sole candidate. Some philosophers such as Newman supported this school of thought, inquiring why individuals would feel culpable if they do not believe they were being monitored (Pruss, 2009).

In particular, the allegation that if humanity developed through evolution, it would not have had a conscience is untrue. It is erroneous to presume that a conscience is an absolute curse from the perspective of evolution. It is also extremely probable that a matured conscience, in its entire characteristics, is not a precise adaptation, but a consequence of humanity’s advantageous cognitive capabilities. What of the allegation that a conscience would make no sense except there is a deity for humanity to be answerable to? There would be two ways to resolve it, whereby firstly to grant for the benefit of the argument that humanity’s sense of conscience assumes that it is answerable to somebody. Secondly is to point out that, there lacks any sound reason to grant that humanity’s sense of conscience presupposes that humanity is accountable to somebody. Once this view is rejected, moral obligations would be based in individual self-interest, or comparable to legal responsibilities (Craig & Sinnott, 2004).

ConclusionMany people in the contemporary world believe that God is unnecessary, and an overbearing task master. They allege that they do not require God to live morally upright, and they have the ability to set their individual rules for living. This means that the contemporary world is obsessed with individual values, whereby what individuals do depends on their individual values. The very conception of basing morality upon individual values means that humanity has bought into the conception of a structure of relativistic ethics. Individual values have substituted the significance of virtue as the pedestal for ethical thought. The world today continues to build an ethical structure based on enlightenment and tolerance with the exception of God. Humanity has tried many approaches to teach this godless variety of morality. However, this paper has demonstrated that there is something erroneous with delinking morality from religion. Morality is better served through religious foundation, rather than an explicitly neutral, atheistic/materialist foundation. It is fitting to mention that morality cannot subscribe to natural law in the sense that the adherence to the natural laws of nature may designate the moral path and what would be regarded as an infringement of the natural law.

ReferencesAlston, W. (2006). What Euthyphro Must Have Said. New Brunswick NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Craig, W., & Sinnott, A. (2004). God? A Discussion between an Atheist and a Christian. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Pruss, A. (2009). An Additional Step in Divine Authority Dialectics. Philosophy and Faith 26 (4) 26-32.

Street, S. (2010). A Darwinian Impasse for Realist Theories on Moral Value. Journal of Philosophical Studies, 127(8) 66-75.

Wainwright, W. J. (2005). Religion & Morality. London: Ashgate.

Case Study: Transforming Data into Information

Institution

Name

Date

Case Study: Transforming Data into Information

This case study focused on producing a report to demonstrate the ability to analyze data both graphically and numerically. The case study was based on the data obtained from the Regional Call Center’s Washington, DC. Regional is a company that provides contract call center services to various companies in the US, including major retail organizations, and banks, among others. As the company’s supervisor and having worked with the company for seven years, I was required to prepare a report describing the calls that the company handled for one of the Regional’s clients. Thus, I was provided with a data file consisting of 57 calls and with the following variables: account number, past due amount, current account balance, and nature of the call.

Therefore, to produce the report, the data were analyzed both graphically and numerically using Excel. For instance, to investigate whether there was a difference in the mean and median current account balance, a bar chart was produced (Figure 1). The results showed that the average current account balance was greater than the median current account balance. Since the mean was greater than the median, then the distribution of the current account balance was positively skewed (Stephanie, 2022). This implies most of the current account balances were equal to or greater than the mean.

Figure 1. Bar chart of the mean and median current balance

In addition, to understand the relationship between current account balance and past due amount, a scatter plot was used (Figure 2). A scatter plot helps a researcher to understand the direction and strength of the linear relationship between variables (“What is a scatter plot and when to use one,” 2020). The scatter plot showed a weak positive linear relationship between current balance and past due. This implies that when the current account balance increases, the past due amount also increases. Conversely, when the current account balances decrease, the past due amount also decreases.

Figure 2. Scatter plot of current balance vs. past due

Moreover, descriptive statistics were computed to further describe the current account balance and past due amount (Table 1). Descriptive statistics are useful in research because they help in describing the fundamental characteristics of the data (Trochim, n.d.). In addition, when combined with simple graphics, they help in gaining insights into the data. Based on the results, the highest current amount due was 323.78. On the other hand, the lowest current amount due was -129.67. The average current amount due was 62.70, while the median was 57.54. Since the mean was slightly greater than the median, then the current amount due data was skewed to the right (positive skewness). The standard deviation was 75.58, which is very large. This implies that there was high variability in the data. This high variance is a good factor that can attract aggressive investors, who are less risk averse. However, the high variance could discourage conservative investors who have less risk tolerance (“Is variance good or bad for stock investors?” 2015). In fact, the coefficient of variation was 1.21, which further supports that the variance was extremely high to attract investors.

For the past due amount, descriptive results showed that the minimum was zero, while the maximum was 386.77. This indicates the highest amount required to make the bank account current again. The results also revealed that the average past due amount was 23.95 and a median value of zero. This implies that the past due amount of data was skewed to the right (positive skewness). The standard deviation was 61.67, which was very high. This high variability could discourage conservative investors with less risk tolerance.

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics (Current Amount Due and Past Due Amount)

Current Amount Due   Past Due Amount  

Mean 62.6982456 Mean 23.9464912

Standard Error 10.010904 Standard Error 8.16830585

Median 57.54 Median 0

Mode 0 Mode 0

Standard Deviation 75.5806676 Standard Deviation 61.6693568

Sample Variance 5712.43732 Sample Variance 3803.10957

Kurtosis 1.99588201 Kurtosis 22.0569587

Skewness 0.56451104 Skewness 4.29303586

Range 453.45 Range 386.77

Minimum -129.67 Minimum 0

Maximum 323.78 Maximum 386.77

Sum 3573.8 Sum 1364.95

Count 57 Count 57

The descriptive statistics for the past due balances were also computed (Table 2). The variable was derived as the difference between the current account amount and the past due amount. The descriptive statistics showed that the maximum past-due balance was 323.78. The maximum value indicates that the past due balance was 323.78 above the current due balance. On the other hand, the minimum past-due balance was -386.77. The minimum value indicates that the worst account was 386.77 below the current balance. The average past-due balance was 38.75. This implies that on average, the bank was above the current balance by 38.75. However, the standard deviation was 86.86, which was very high. This implies that the past-due balance was very unreliable for investors.

Table 2: Descriptive Statistics (Past Due Balance)

 Past due balance

Mean 38.7517544

Standard Error 11.504976

Median 50.79

Mode 0

Standard Deviation 86.8606639

Sample Variance 7544.77493

Kurtosis 11.3810395

Skewness -1.6611254

Range 710.55

Minimum -386.77

Maximum 323.78

Sum 2208.85

Count 57

In conclusion, the results revealed that the average current account amount was higher than the median. This implies most of the bank’s accounts had a current amount equal to or above the mean. However, descriptive statistics indicated that the current amount due had high variance, indicating that there was high variability in the current amount balance for the 57 calls. Regarding the past due amount, the results revealed that the amount was 386.77 above the current amount due. In addition, the mean was higher than the median, indicating that the distribution of past due amounts was positively skewed. This further implies that, on average, the past due amount for most of the calls was greater or equal to the mean. However, the standard deviation in past due amounts indicates that the company was unreliable for investment, especially those that are less risk tolerant. This case study also analyzed the past due balance using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the worst account was 386.77 below the current balance. In addition, there was high variability in the past due balance indicating that the 57 calls were generally unreliable for less-risk tolerance investors.

Moreover, this study investigated the relationship between the past amount due and the current amount due. The results showed a weak and positive linear relationship between the variables. This implies that when the current amount due increases, the past due amount also increases. Conversely, when the current amount due decreases, the past due amount also decreases. Thus, for the company to reduce the past due amount, it should encourage investors to increase the current amount due. In addition, the company should focus on investors who are aggressive investors, who are less risk averse.

References

Stephanie. (2022, January 13). Pearson mode skewness. Retrieved from https://www.statisticshowto.com/pearson-mode-skewness/What is a scatter plot and when to use one. (2020, July 10). Retrieved from https://visme.co/blog/scatter-plot/Trochim, W. M. (n.d.). Descriptive statistics. Retrieved from https://conjointly.com/kb/descriptive-statistics/

Is variance good or bad for stock investors? (2015, April 14). Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/041415/variance-good-or-bad-stock-investors.asp

MRC Rubber Company

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165900” SWOT Analysis PAGEREF _Toc378165900 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165901” Strengths PAGEREF _Toc378165901 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165902” Weaknesses PAGEREF _Toc378165902 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165903” Opportunities PAGEREF _Toc378165903 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165904” Threats PAGEREF _Toc378165904 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165905” PESTLE Analysis PAGEREF _Toc378165905 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165906” Political Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165906 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165907” Economic Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165907 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165908” Social Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165908 h 4

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165909” Technological Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165909 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165910” Legal Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165910 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165911” Environmental Factors PAGEREF _Toc378165911 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165912” Strategy and Implementation Summary PAGEREF _Toc378165912 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165913” Marketing PAGEREF _Toc378165913 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165914” Marketing Communications PAGEREF _Toc378165914 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165915” Sales Strategy PAGEREF _Toc378165915 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378165916” Distribution PAGEREF _Toc378165916 h 9

SWOT AnalysisMyanmar is a growing rubber industry player with expectations of production hitting over 95,000 metric tons, which reflects various operations features. With low rubber prices in the country, setting up MRC as a rubber company in the country would gain the benefits of value addition hence increased production (Khaing, 2012). In this SWOT analysis, the prevailing market attributes likely to support and affect productivity for the new production plant are highlighted.

StrengthsThe rubber industry in Burma is currently projected to enjoy an estimated annual growth of 10,000 metric tons, a reflection of 11.8 per cent. A strong production capacity is important in determination of the source of raw materials, which cuts down on the costs of operation as well as assurance of constant production around the year. Locating the business in the Mon State will facilitate production due to its massive interest in the crop. Alternatively, the position of the country as a typical developing nation leaves Burma having a readily available labor market at a low cost than in western countries, which implies that the production cost apportionable to labor is generally lower than in many other parts of the world.

Additionally, Burma has a ready market in the emerging Asian economies like china and India, with Japan also providing sufficient cushion against absorption issues. Equally, political transformation taking place in the country indicates emergence of a stable economy country ready to support business and investment than it did before.

WeaknessesComplete political reforms are not guaranteed as episodes of violence reported in the country hinder meaningful investment improvement. Political difficulties that led to trade sanctions against the country may not yet pave the way for the new order, despite support from China. Low prices for the crop means that, farmers may opt to venture in other types of production such as food crops for higher returns. Additionally, chronic poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of credit may discourage farmers to participate in meaningful production.

OpportunitiesGrowth in production in the recent years would need to be sustained by tapping on the current output to maximize production. Strong but slow recovery indications paint the country in good faith among trade partners, making international trade more promising. International community recognition of Burma’s efforts towards reconstruction presents a lucrative chance for the growth of business at the international level. The majority of the Burmese population is composed of an emerging middle class that holds promise to economic development and consumption.

ThreatsThe main threat of the industry is perhaps declining Chinese economic growth leading to reduced consumption of rubber products in its main market. However, other regional trade partners may step in place of china for instance Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Thailand (Khaing, 2012). The threat of climate change places Burma in a risky agricultural setting, which may influence interests in food and cash crops (Boot, 2012). In addition, unstable economic performance poses a threat to production costs. Despite the relaxing of US and EU sanctions, the economy of Burma remains volatile for investor confidence (Roughneen, 2012).

PESTLE AnalysisPolitical FactorsThe country is experiencing dramatic changes in the political organization and processes, with recent democratic milestone of peaceful elections paving the way for a bright future. Increasing confidence from the international community has led to the easing of trade sanctions slapped on the country on grounds of government abuse of civilian rights. In terms of economic freedoms in the country, investors can for once in a decade and a half find assurances of a civilian regime eventually taking over from authoritarian extremists (Hoag, 2012). Despite the huge difference from a standard global business environment, Burma is making impressive steps towards public-private cooperation balance in development of the economy. Setting up MRC in the country will be based on the current trend of investment flow into the country, with some experts tipping Burma as a competitor to more seasoned business hubs in the region, including Indonesia and Thailand. Assurances of political and business cooperation for instance with the US implies that the Burmese administration will have to continually improve its involvement in development to attract such cooperation. Numerous changes in Burma civil rights have been registered in a very short time, including rise of parliament, freedom of expression and public participation (Shoemaker, 2012).

Economic Factors

As an observation by Shoemaker (2012) on Burma illustrates, the country has an impressive chance for improvement from the downtrodden economic infrastructure. Falling risk levels such as interest rates and inflation show that the country is destined for a brighter future ahead. Incentives currently advanced to investors in the country add investor confidence, which underscores the need for the MRC rubber production to set shop in Burma (DPS, 2006). International community assurances of assistance for the rebuilding of the country show the guaranteed growth setting. As an illustration, Japan wrote off a debt of 3.7 billion US dollars, enabling participation of Japanese infrastructure construction companies accessing opportunities to reconstruct the country. Telecommunication investment opportunity in the country is on an upward trend and the interest from investors in this sector shows the openness that technology flow in the country will support industrial processes. Availability of important resources for the growth of the economy such as oil and gas has attracted investment support steps towards industrialization. These and other impressive economic strides happening in Burma provide assurances of an upward trend in future growth, making it advisable for the rubber MRC project to take the opportunity while these impressive indicators prevail.

Social FactorsAs mentioned above, Myanmar’s features of a developing nation underscores the rising status into a middle level economy, with impressive population demographics supporting business in the country. An active labor market of about 18 million people with an interesting mix of skilled and semi-skilled labor markets available at relatively lower than in the regional economies create an opportunity for setting up MRC production plant. Population growth factors support the development trends in availability of market and labor in the country with current population estimates of about 57.5 million supporting annual growth rates of about 4 per cent (GPS, 2006; Myanmar, n.d.). Increase in government interest in social services such as social security, education and healthcare further support stability of the economy as an investment destination.

Technological Factors

The state of the technological advancement has not been supportive of business until the dramatic turnaround of the socioeconomic and political development began several months ago. Low automation and technological research in the economy has hampered meaningful investment in the country when compared to the other nations in the region. However, a deliberate move by the authorities to accommodate internal innovation and welcome external technology indicate an upward growth in development in the country. At the current information and communication technology rates in the global economy. Burma is poised to benefit from massive inflow of technology at a relatively lower cost than other nations achieved when the technologies were newly introduced in the market. With technology giants such as Japan, South Korea and the US having a keen interest in the country and region, Burma’s rise into technology productivity setting will not take as much time. Investment in the country in industrial projects will therefore find it easier by the day to set up operations that it was a few years back.

Legal FactorsIn terms of preparedness by the country to accommodate business interests witnessed over the last several months, Burma is actively involved in restructuring its legal framework. Several legislations have passed in the country’s parliament that is making tremendous contributions in the socioeconomic and political advancement in the country. As an illustration, the Foreign Direct Investment law was passed in September, paving way for synchronization of the country’s foreign investment policies with globalization setting (Mizzima News, 2012). Business registration bureaucracies in the country prove to hold back operations by businesses with international market interests and the indications sent by such laws sends the appropriate signals to investors since willingness to remove bottlenecks is high in parliament. Challenges to drastic changes in the business legal framework are expected, however, but an increased political participation will eventually settle out differences (Gweri, 2012).

Environmental FactorsThe integrity of the environment in Burma was severely damaged by the military regime, with virtually no legal framework taking care of environmental issues in the country. Few steps were made to control the environmental pollution activities since the British laws in force in 1962 were repealed by the junta (Gutter, 2001). The current difficulty in management of environmental mess created during the military rule could have been avoided if the appropriate legal framework was forthcoming (Rispoli and Strizzi, 2001). Since the political restructuring started in the country, several environmental consciousness enhancement laws and policies have taken place in the country. Natural location and resources that the country enjoys such as vegetation act as sinks for a significant quantity of pollutants, which shield it from extremes of climate change facing the global community (Myanmar, n.d.). Steps towards a responsible environmental regime indicate the appropriateness of the country for a rubber producing plant.

Strategy and Implementation SummaryMarketingAs an amorphous environment without definite competition strategy with regional rubber players, operations in Burma by MRC will need specialized marketing for success to be recorded. The initial step for the marketing functionality of the new rubber business will be characterization of the regional and global markets in order to approach marketing from an informed perspective. Rubber consumption is increasing in Japan, China and India, with supply competition arising from Thai and Indonesian companies. In order to penetrate through the market established by these players, the MRC project will venture in production of diversified products and concentrate on the segment with a high demand for marketing compatibility. To market tires, rubber gloves, rubber moldings and motor vehicle brake parts will require expansive marketing for each product line (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005).

Marketing of tires, brake and other rubber motor vehicle spare parts, in the growing motor vehicle markets in India, China, South America and in Africa will require physical marketing and distribution as well as online marketing. Rubber gloves marketing in all construction works in the country will require marketing functionality with the authorities to facilitate consumption of locally produced products. Rubber moldings will have an online marketing functionality due to the diversified market locally and on the international market. The opportunity of the social media as an emerging marketing platform will be exploited to access regional and international markets using an aggressive marketing campaign. Other online marketing options such as use of mailing lists will also form part of the marketing strategy to consider. A marketing outsourcing concept with rubber market experts such as HJ Ventures will be weighed to cut down on costs of marketing (HJ Ventures, 2012). Such a joint venture may facilitate in studying the market and providing marketing and production diversification insights.

Marketing CommunicationsBurma as an emerging market in next several months in the rubber industry will require MRC’s efficiency in relaying of products information for maximum productivity. In order to facilitate an effective marketing functionality, the 4Ps model will be employed in the MRC marketing strategy (NGFL, n.d.). Communication trends in the market imply that the relaying of marketing information will be internet intensive, by use of electronic messages on television, mobile applications, SMS, blogs and microblogs backed by the social media. Search engine optimization in the marketing communication strategy will be enhanced to ensure that the MRC products find the right market entry. An efficient data collection and monitoring of responses in order to inform marketing decisions will be a central theme in the communication strategy adopted. The integrated system will require harmonization of all relayed messages as well as reconciling it with the customer responses, which can be direct or indirect.

Integration of the relayed messages as well as customer cues in informing marketing and production patterns will be geared towards accuracy and efficiency in the operations of MRC, considering that the market has bigger players offering competition in the market. Marketing communication with respect to different rubber product will facilitate marketing segmentation of the respective performance with an aim of reducing mismatch in operations. MRC will give marketing the attention that it deserves by making sufficient investment in electronic and other marketing media. An efficient system will monitor advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, personal selling and social media blogging (MSG, 2012a).

Sales Strategy

MRC will formulate a sales strategy that defines the market in accurate estimations, taking five considerations. Firstly, target markets for the different products identified in the products portfolio will be identified to complement marketing outlook. Newer markets will also form part of the deliberations since the Blue Ocean strategy also encourages creative sales packaging (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005). Secondly, the most readily available and best outreach that the MRC will afford to create sales outcomes will be specified and enriched. In addition, sales operations will require a very professional team with solutions to queries raised by the customers to facilitate establishment of customer loyalty and confidence. Alternatively, orders and inquiries will be effected immediately to avoid losing acquired ground. This implies that the sales and delivery teams will need to perform highly coordinated operations to take care of sales achieved. Finally, constant reviews and monitoring of the sales experience will be facilitated to ensure that the correct results are maintained throughout the sales processes (MSG, 2012b).

In terms of the appropriate review procedures, sales targets set and results achieved will keenly be followed to ensure growth in operations. Management of the details of sales experience will formulate important strategic approach by MRC, including initial cue decoding, creation of contact, information exchange and follow-ups, need identification, scheduled meetings, prospecting for sales, negotiations, sealing deals as well as after sales follow-up (Helbig, 2011). These details will ensure that the initial sales establishment support long-term objectives of the MRC.

DistributionAs mentioned above, the sales and marketing functionalities of the MRC will need close coordination with the delivery system in order to ensure that revenue from orders is not lost. Across the expansive regional and global market space, MRC will have definite supply system that corresponds with current capacity of logistics and network of supply and demand. In order for the company to convert demand into supply outcomes needed for growth, wholesale and retail considerations will be considered (Gaebler Ventures, 2012). Due to the new entry status in Burma, it may not be immediately possible for the company to make an efficient presence on its own.

Wholesale and retail functionalities may be possible at the plant outlet to be constructed and implemented immediately. Supply across country and across the region as well as the global market will require partnerships and joint ventures as mentioned above. Various joint venture opportunities will be effected immediately, supported by agreements on delivery. International orders will be coordinated through shipping companies such as DHL. Online ordering and shopping portal will be integrated with the joint venture with shipping partner of choice. The initial supply targets will first cover the local and regional markets before the larger global market.

References

Boot, W. (2012). “Environmental Crises Threaten Burma’s Economy.” Retrieved from http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/12024

DPS. (2006). “Guide to Invest in Myanmar.” Retrieved from http://www.myanmar.ca/business/request_form.htm

Gaebler Ventures. (2012). “Selling a Rubber Products Wholesale and Manufacturers Business.” Retrieved from http://www.gaebler.com/Selling-a-Rubber-Products-Wholesale-and-Manufacturers-Business-7660.htm

Gutter, P. (2001). “Environment and Law in Burma.” Legal Issues on Burma Journal, 9:1-28

Gweri, R. (2012). “Myanmar: Planned Foreign Investment Law Delayed by Local Business Opposition.” Retrieved from http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/08/28/myanmar-planned-foreign-investment-law-delayed-by-local-business-opposition/#axzz2AkdfuWpL

Helbig, D. (2011). “5 Keys to Successful Sales Strategies.” Retrieved from http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/11/5-keys-successful-sales-strategies.html

HJ Ventures (2012). “Starting a Rubber Product Manufacturing Business.” Retrieved from http://www.hjventures.com/writing/Rubber-Business-Plan.html

Hoag, F. (2012). “Responsible Investment in Burma (Myanmar): An Experiment that Cannot Afford to Fail.” Retrieved from http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/responsible-investment-in-burma-myanmar-53891/

Khaing, A. K. (2012). “Burma’s Rubber Prices Low.” Retrieved from http://www.mizzima.com/business/7664-burmas-rubber-prices-low.html

Kim, W. C. & Mauborgne, R. (2005). Blue ocean strategy: How to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant, Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing

Mizzima News. (2012). “Burma’s Foreign Investment Law Approved by Parliament.” Retrieved from http://www.mizzima.com/business/7967-burmas-foreign-investment-law-approved-by-parliament.html

MSG (2012a). “Integrated Marketing Communications.” Retrieved from http://www.managementstudyguide.com/integrated-marketing-communications.htm

MSG (2012b). “Sales Management- An Overview.” Retrieved from http://www.managementstudyguide.com/sales-management.htm

Myanmar (n.d.) “Climate Change Management in Myanmar.” Retrieved from http://www.gwpsea.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=54&Itemid=135

NGFL, (n.d.) “The 4Ps of Marketing- The Marketing Mix.” Retrieved from http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/bus_studies/gcse_m_smidman/unit3/4ps.htm

Rispoli, L. & Strizzi, N. (2001). “Asia’s Foreign Debt: an Evaluation and Strategic Overview.” Ivey Journal on Global Business, (May/June 2001)

Roughneen, S. (2012). “”Commodity Prices, Cronyism Threaten Burma’s Economy.” Retrieved from http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/3928

Shoemaker, R. (2012). “”Burma: Open for Business?” Retrieved from http://thediplomat.com/2012/07/26/burma-open-for-buisness/

Case Study on Leadership: Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Author

Institution

Course

Instructor

Date

Part 1: Leadership Styles of the Two Primary Characters: Mr. Walt Disney & Mrs. Travers

Walt Disney’s leadership style blends the key features of the democratic and authoritative styles. He is a visionary leader who maps the way for his followers and sets expectations, while energizing and engaging them in the process of management. He is also democratic because he shares information with his team of employees about all issues that affect work responsibilities, seeking their opinion and approval before major decisions. He runs his company with a lot of love, evident friendship, and the notable involvement of every employee. For example, in Saving Mr. Banks (Hancock, 2013: 21:03), he insists on being called Walt, and is in first name basis with all of his employees. According to Iqbal, Anwar, & Haider (2015), such leaders inspire confidence in their employees, make them feel valued, and instill a sense of commitment and value in their abilities. The employees understand what Walt Disney desires not just from them but also for the company, in terms of direction, commitment, and how to go about every step of their role and responsibilities. Blanchard, Hodges, & Hendry (2016). The benefits to Disney’s participative and visionary leadership style is realized throughout the battle to win over Mrs. Travers. His ability to engender trust and help in the promotion of cooperation and tea spirit from every employee are beneficial to the company. It is clear from Saving Mr. Banks (Hancock, 2013: 1:05:21) that Disney’s democratic and authoritative styles have allowed the employees to be creative and has led to their growth and development. Walt Disney rarely tells his employees what to do, he leads through sharing his vision, and enabling the employees to be innovative through ideas and implementation of the same. His leadership style gets the employees to do as he wishes but in ways that feel more as if they want to do it. Combined with his authoritative style, he leads his team out of any uncertainty by allowing people latitude and choice on the best ways to achieve company and individual goals.

In Saving Mr. Banks, the character of Mrs. Travers portrays autocratic leadership. According to Iqbal, Anwar, & Haider (2015), autocratic leadership is exhibited in a leader whose style shows individual control relating to all decisions without much input from other members of the team or group. Mrs. Travers shows how autocratic leaders base their choices on their own judgments, interpretation, and ideas without necessarily factoring in the opinion of others, even when the others are experts on a matter that the autocratic leader is not. For example, at the start of the movie, Mrs. Travers, without consultations or taking into consideration the opinion of her lawyer, cancels an important contract and insists on having everything her way (Hancock, 2013: 4:50). She is very detail-oriented and asserts control over every matter, even dictating how she should be addressed by her own lawyer. She is obsessed with being right all the time, lacks empathy and does not seem to read social cues properly. Her leadership style is exerting, assertive, controlling, and she always wants to be in charge of every decision. Her leadership style comes out as a bit delusional, for example when she demands that the proposed film features no red, despite the setting being in London, England where everything from buses to mailboxes are characteristically red. She threatens to cancel the cooperation with Walt Disney if all of her demands are not fully met. She leaves no room for a bargain, even though some of her demands are not very realistic. Overall, Mrs. Travers uses her own beliefs to decide on everything and exercise authoritarian control over others and all situations, a characteristic of the authoritarian or autocratic leader.

Part 2: Leadership Styles of the Supporting Characters

Ralph is an exceptional character in the way he remains bubbly despite Mrs. Travers overwhelming and constantly gloomy nature. He is a ray of sunshine in a very dark day, when his happy and lively persona is pitted against Mrs. Travers uptight and ever-agitated personality. Their differences emerge in a conversation where Mrs. Travers prefers the rain as it is more responsible since it brings life, but Ralph counters this by expressing how happy he is for the sun because it also brings life (Hancock, 2013: 11:31). As a supporting character, Ralph’s servant leadership style allows him to take the weight of Mrs. Travers stubbornness. He helps Walt to soften Mrs. Travers heart, by driving her around without losing his temper, bringing her tea, and joining her in her moment of breaking down on the grass and so on. Although Walt gets to work on softening Mrs. Travers’ position too in one or two instances, Ralph gets the bulk of this task, dong it with so much grace because of how he is as a servant leader, a role that he executes with utmost perfection.

Ralph is a servant leader in more ways than one: he put the needs of others first, shows empathy, listens, is aware of the surrounding, is persuasive, and displays stewardship. Two of his strongest leadership qualities include empathy and fostering healing through spiritual and emotional well-being. Servant leadership allows Ralph to not only recognize but also understand the emotions and feelings that Mrs. Travers is going through. For example, in the film (Hancock, 2013: 32:13), Ralph is able to recognize and understand that Mrs. Travers is not in a pleasant mood. He constantly checks his rare view mirror to check on the emotional condition of Mrs. Travers. He seems to know just what to say to trigger a conversation that takes his passenger away from her own thoughts. He deeply experiences emotions to match those of Mrs. Travers as evidenced by his constant sighs and facial expressions. Because Ralph understand Mrs. Travers so well, despite only knowing her for a short while, his actions are all motivated by a real desire to help her navigate a new country and understand how to cope with the overwhelming demands of making a film. He succeeds as a servant leader by making a friend out of a very unlikely partnership, evidenced in the concluding scene in the film (Hancock, 2013: 1:51:28) where Mrs. Travers lovingly embraces him.

Ralph’s listening skills and awareness allow him to foster a sense of healing. Burch, Swails, & Mills (2015) mention that servant leaders are very good with other people, connecting emotionally and being able to see the world from their point of view. In Saving Mr. Banks, Mrs. Travers is broken, as seen through her constantly complaining and disapproval of almost everything around her. She seems utterly unmoved even in situations where everyone else awes pleasure. Ralph recognizes this and takes on the challenge of being there for Mrs. Travers. He connects to her on an emotional level, insists on calling her Mrs., against her will, and takes on the role of a friend, knowing very well that this may not be reciprocated. By taking on this role actively, Ralph is able to inspire a markedly exceptional level of faith and trust from Mrs. Travers. In the end (Hancock, 2013: 1:51:28), they are happy to see each other, Mrs. Travers smiles and embraces her friend, Ralph, who through servant leadership was able to connect to her, understand her, and even insisted on calling her friend.

Ralph faces a mountain of a challenge in managing to establish a relationship with Mrs. Travers, without showing signs of frustration or anger. Clearly, Mrs. Travers is both condescending, rude, and very opinionated. It is very easy for Ralph to decide to only perform his role as a driver ferrying her from one point to the next. In their first encounter, Ralph’s servant leadership allows him to recognize that Mrs. Travers would not be his conventional client. She slams the partition window shut to keep out Ralph’s bubbly interaction and chooses to remain in her somber mood. This is especially a challenge for Ralph who is keen on establishing a relationship. He uses the foresight of a servant leader to break through the barrier by predicting how Mrs. Travers would act or respond. He relentlessly tries to get her to communicate and is very persuasive. Ultimately, he overcomes the challenge and is able to connect to her on a personal level. It is clear that Ralph is committed to see others grow, and is therefore actively involved in their journey towards the same.

Part 3: Forgiveness and Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is all about forgiveness, not just for the shortcomings of others but also for oneself in a process of healing and being able to overcome emotional and spiritual challenges. In Saving Mr. Banks, the concept of forgiveness is paramount to the entire story. Mrs. Travers is very uptight and prefers to see disappointment in everyone else as a way of coping. She does not understand the concept of forgiveness and is yet to forgive her father who put his own family in a lot of problems from his drinking and poor decision-making. Ralph, on the other hand, is a servant leader who easily forgives. For example, he forgets about the poor treatment from Mrs. Travers and moves on quickly to try and forge a relationship. He is happy to connect to her emotionally even when sometimes it backfires on his face. He chooses forgiveness over resentment, a quality that is uniquely characteristic of servant leadership. In another example, Walt Disney displays qualities of a servant leader where he overlooks al of the misery that making the film Mary Poppins has brought to his company and staff members. He is not bitter against Mrs. Travers but also attempts to understand why she is so difficult, obsessive, compulsive, and controlling. In these instances, I learnt that forgiveness and servant leadership go together. Forgiveness improves every relationship in the film Saving Mr. Banks. Forgiveness allows the Ralph and Walt Disney to tolerate Mrs. Travers, and bring out the best in her in the long run. I learnt that the servant leader desire to honor every relationship that they are a part of, even when the relationship is strictly professional. For example, Ralph does not look at Mrs. Travers as a client but as a friend in need of emotional help. I have appreciated how the film combines the role of servant leadership and forgiveness to bring out the qualities that matter in every relationship.

Ultimately, forgiveness is an important quality in a servant leader because it improves a relationship and fosters a way forward for everyone involved. It allows one to shed off their pride and embrace a spirit of forgiveness, overlooking the shortcomings to focus on the positive. Walt Disney is able to forgive Mrs. Travers, so does Ralph, and others involved in the film. Most importantly, Mrs. Travers forgives herself and her father, a situation that allows her to start enjoying the world.

References

Blanchard, K., Hodges, P., & Hendry, P. (2016). Lead like Jesus revisited: Lessons from the

greatest leadership role model of all time. Thomas Nelson.

Burch, M. J., Swails, P., & Mills, R. (2015). Perceptions of administrators’ servant leadership

qualities at a Christian university: A descriptive study. Education, 135(4), 399-404.

Hancock, J. Lee, Thompson, E., Hanks, T., Giamatti, P., & Newman, T. (2013). Saving Mr.

Banks. Widescreen. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvLywdHpuFY&t=350s” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvLywdHpuFY&t=350s

Iqbal, N., Anwar, S., & Haider, N. (2015). Effect of leadership style on employee

performance. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 5(5), 1-6.

Addictions

Name:

Institutional Affiliation:

Millions of people across the world are addicted to drugs and other substances such as alcohol. While persons of legal age can purchase and consume alcohol freely, drugs are prohibited under the law, and anyone caught in possession of even the smallest amounts of drugs is likely to spend some time in jail. In the United States, the majority of drug addicts and drug-associated offenders belong to minority groups, and this has led to oppression of drug addicts without a real solution in sight. Drug addicts are sent to prison and punished in other ways that have led to an exacerbation of the problem rather than a practical solution. The United States has millions of people incarcerated in its prisons and jails across the country, and the majority of these are due to drug-related charges. The criminal justice system and the legislature have been slow to address the drug addiction pandemic, and they would rather maintain the status quo. This paper will examine the statistics on drug addiction in the United States, the factors contributing to the growing pandemic, the oppression of drug addicts and how this has affected their lives.

Statistics

The American Addiction Centers website provides an analysis of valuable statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) on drugs and substance addiction. In the year 2017, 19.7 million Americans 12 years and older struggled with substance abuse. Substance abuse has a high correlation with alcohol abuse, as 74% of those battling substance abuse also struggles with alcohol use disorder. One in every eight Americans battled both alcohol and substance abuse disorders in the year 2017. These numbers are a cause for concern because it is a widespread problem affecting people of all ages and other demographics. The NSDUH also reported that alcohol and substance abuse is highly related to mental health disorders, as 8.5 million Americans experienced the two issues concurrently in 2017 (Thomas 2020).

The United States pursues a prohibitionist stance when it comes to drugs, meaning that persons caught selling or in possession of drugs face criminal charges. By the year 2015, arrests for drug charges averaged 1.3 million annually. 20% of all persons incarcerated in the country’s prions are serving time for drug-related charges, and an additional 1.15 million are on parole and probation for drug-related offences (Thomas 2020). Drug addicts have been the biggest casualties in the war against drugs, which the country has lost on all fronts. In discussing drug addiction, race plays a crucial role, especially when it comes to minority groups, specifically African-Americans. The African-American population accounts for 12.5 percent of substances users in the country, yet they make up thirty percent of all arrests related to drug charges. These high levels have had no effect on substance abuse and addiction numbers which have been on the rise over the years. Black Americans are on average six times more likely to be jailed for drug-related charges as compared to their white counterparts, even with similar charges levelled against them. On average, sixty percent of those serving time for drug-related offences in state prisons are people of colour. This number is even higher in federal prisons, where 80% of persons jailed for drug offenders are either black or Latino. These numbers shed light on the disproportionate effects of the war on drugs on minority groups in the United States.

The systematic oppression of minority groups such as Latinos and African-Americans concerning the issue of drug and substance addiction is due in most part to the criminal justice system, the law-making organs, and law enforcement bodies in the country. Officers have systematically pursued persons of colour in their fight against drugs, and the law supports this. Law enforcement officers are permitted under the law to stop and search any vehicle for drugs, and officers apply this law mainly on persons of colour. Additionally, the criminal justice system has contributed to the oppression of people of colour in drug addiction by handing them disproportionate jail terms. For example, a black defendant in the federal system convicted of a minor drug offence will likely serve the same amount of time (58.7 months) as a white individual convicted of violent crime (61.7 months). Prosecutors also fight for mandatory minimum sentences for black defendants more than white ones, and this has resulted in people of colour accounting for 70% of all mandatory minimum sentences (Thomas 2020). Policymakers at different levels of government have consistently applied harsher laws, especially for low-level drug offences, and this has oppressed many drug addicts.

Theory

The systems theory is the best theory that can be used to explain how the issue of drug and substance addiction is created and maintained. The systems theory asserts that a person’s behaviour is significantly influenced by various factors that work as a system. When it comes to addicts, these factors include family, community, schools, economic class and the government. A majority of addicts develop their problems due to social environments such as peers and family. For example, a child born to addict parents or one who spends a lot of time with addict peers is more likely to become addicts themselves. Addicts could also turn to drugs and other substances to deal with problems in their lives such as poverty, violence, family problems, among others. This translates into an endless cycle of addiction. Addicts are often shunned by their family and community because they are seen as criminals and irresponsible individuals. This sends them deeper and deeper into addiction, and they may turn to criminal activities such as dealing drugs. They will then be arrested by law enforcement officers and sent to the criminal justice system, which puts them in prison. Their addiction is never cause for concern at any point within the system; instead they are vilified and shunned by all parties.

Historical Background

The historical problem that led to the oppression of addicts is the growing use of drugs that prompted President Nixon to declare war on drugs in 1971. different arms of government worked together to fight against the drug menace fast growing across the country, seeing prohibition as the best way to eliminate the consumption and production of drugs in the country. Drugs then became a law enforcement issue rather than the public health issue. Addiction has been a significant problem over the past few decades for various reasons. One of these reasons is that it has encouraged the illicit trade of drugs which has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry globally. Drug and substance addiction has ruined the lives of millions, leading to loss of employment, imprisonment, addiction, physical and mental health problems, and even death (Fellner 2009). Unfortunately, the war on drugs has disproportionately affected minority groups in the country. Although drug addiction affects all parts of the US population, minority groups make up the majority of those incarcerated for drug-related offences.

Life for drug addicts before the oppression was better than it is. For example, laws against minor drug offences such as possession of little amounts of marijuana were less strict. As the years have gone by, the laws have become stricter, and even minor offences get significant jail times. However, President Nixon implemented several draconian laws on drugs that proved oppressive. One of these was the mandatory sentencing laws that require any person arrested on drug offences be given some mandatory minimum sentence. Federal drug agencies control and presence was also drastically increased to improve surveillance and arrest of drug offenders. Since the oppression began, the number of drug-related arrests per year has been growing exponentially, tripling since the 1980s (Provine 2011). The number of arrests from drug possession is six times those from drug sales. The oppression of drug addicts has only grown since the introduction of oppressive drug policies in the 1970s and 1980s. For example, more people have been sentenced to longer jail terms, and the majority of those incarcerated for drug-related charges are from minority groups (Wyatt-Nichol & Seabrook 2016). The macro-component of oppression has also widened its oppressive efforts. Those imprisoned for non-violent drug charges now serve longer prison sentences as public prosecutors fight for mandatory minimum sentences, and judges rule in their favour. The Center for America Progress reports on the unfairness of the justice system to minorities in the war against drugs. For example, African-Americans are four times more likely to be arrested and serve longer jail terms for marijuana possession, than their white peers under similar charges.

Analysis

The macro-components keeping the oppressed population in their current system is law enforcement, the justice system, and drugs policymakers. Law enforcement has been consistent in their unfair bias against communities of colour in the fights against drugs (Fellner 2009). Officers arrest such persons even on the most minor charges, rather than implementing other interventions such as diverting drug users to social services . The justice system is similarly discriminatory to minority groups in the war on drugs. Drug addiction affects all demographics in the country, but users from minority groups have been the largest group of victims in the effort to fight drugs and drug abuse. They are often sentenced to longer terms for similar offences as others. Policymakers on the issues of drugs have also contributed to oppression because they continue to such prohibitionist policies that unfairly target addicts and users from minority groups (Wyatt-Nichol & Seabrook 2016). There are specific factors that encourage these macro-components to maintain status quo in the oppression of drug addicts, specifically those from minority groups. For law enforcement, the primary motivation for oppression is financial. Officers who make more arrests get more overtime pay and this coupled with their historical bias against persons of colour leads to the arrest of more addicts. The judiciary also has similar biases against offenders from minority groups, fanned by pressure from the prosecution and other public bodies.

These macro-component practices affect drug addicts, their families and communities. Addicts sent to jail suffer from even more problems while incarcerated and later when released. They do not get the medical help they need to tackle their addiction, and when they get out of prions, they simply go back to their old ways. After prions, they find it hard to get employment and face discrimination in other social fronts. Their families suffer when their breadwinner goes to jail, and they are left without an income (Coyne, & Hall 2017). This loss of wages could drive such a family into poverty. Additionally, such families face stigma from their society for having addict members. Communities also suffer when addicts get arrested or go to jail because they lose some productive members, and the root causes of addiction also fail to be addressed, which would benefit more members of the community.

The macro-component is quite effective at oppressing addicts from minority groups as the system is biased against such addicts, right from officers carrying out arrests and providing evidence, prosecutors seeking longer and harsher sentences, to judges who eventually sentence the offenders. The macro-component is funded through government mechanisms that allocate billions of dollars to the fight against drugs each year. There is significant social awareness surrounding the oppressive capacity of these macro-components in the war on drugs, spread by statistics from organizations such as the Drug Policy Alliance and documentaries such as ‘The House I Live In’, ‘The War on Drugs’ and others focusing on the failed war on drugs (Gray 2010).

Addiction should be addressed at different micro and macro levels such as family, community and institutional levels. At the family level, an effective social work strategy is to encourage family members, especially parents and guardians, to be on the look-out for early signs of substance abuse and addiction. Most of them are clueless about the problem until it gets out of hand. Social workers should educate families on some things to look out for such as truancy, change in behaviour, and lack of concentration, irritability and withdrawal, especially in young people. Families should also be educated on the resources available to addicts and those struggling with substance abuse (Rolles 2010). These social work strategies at the family level also apply at the community level such as schools, churches and neighbourhoods so that people can look out for their neighbours and others in the community. At the institutional level, some social work strategies include engaging with leadership such as college administration to increase awareness on dangers of drug and substance abuse, offering counselling services and spreading information on services available to those struggling with such problems. When it comes to the macro component of oppression, these should be policy changes and anti-bias training for the relevant bodies. For example, law enforcement officers should be given anti-bias training to address issues of bias against minority groups, as well as alternative ways of dealing with petty, non-violent offenders. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program is an effective solution where officers refer minor offenders to treatment and social programs rather than arresting them (Fellner 2009).

Reducing oppression and increasing cultural diversity contribute to social equality. Most of the victims in the war on drugs are minorities affected by poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. Doing away with oppressive policies against them will promote social equality as they get fair and equal treatment, as well as the help they need for addiction. Addressing the actions of the macro components in promoting oppression will promote the rights and entitlements of the oppressed. All sick people have the right to get treatment, and this applies to addicts. Doing away with Oppressive policies such as harsh and long sentences promote the rights of the addicts. When such people get the help they need, they can lead productive lives, get employed and earn an income and improve their social status in the community. Such events also give addicts, and their families improved quality of life as they get the treatment they need, allowing them to lead normal lives. Addicts and other low-level drug offenders will have a more positive interaction with the community once the oppressive mechanisms are eliminated. They no longer have to be treated like criminals but as people who need medical and social intervention, and this improves interactions with their community. These goals align with principles of social work such as acceptance, access to resources, and non-judgmental attitude.

In conclusion, addiction is a major problem in society today. Millions of people are addicted to drugs, alcohol and other substances. One of the major problems in tackling the issue of addiction is the oppressive policies and laws targeting drug users and other drug offenders. The oppressive organs in the system include the justice system, law enforcement and policymakers. People of colour make up the majority of those convicted for drug-related charges, and consistently receive disproportionately harsher sentences for their crimes compared to other demographics. The country should abandon its prohibitionist policies in favour of decriminalization and addressing the drugs pandemic as a public health issue. The war on drugs has failed on all fronts, punishing addicts for a health condition.

References

Coyne, C. J., & Hall, A. (2017). Four decades and counting: The continued failure of the war on drugs. Cato Institute Policy Analysis, (811).

Fellner, J. (2009). Race, drugs, and law enforcement in the United States. Stan. L. & Pol’y Rev., 20, 257.

Gray, J. (2010). Why our drug laws have failed: a judicial indictment of war on drugs. Temple University Press.

Provine, D. M. (2011). Race and inequality in the war on drugs. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 7, 41-60.

Rolles, S. (2010). An alternative to the war on drugs. Bmj, 341, c3360.

Thomas, S. (2020) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statisticsWyatt-Nichol, H., & Seabrook, R. (2016). The ugly side of America: Institutional oppression and race.

Case Study: Pet Food Companies Prosper from Pet Humanization

Rongyu Lin

ENGW 3304 Sec 13

February 20, 2020

Executive Summary

The pet food industry acts as one of the most lucrative businesses in the US with the leading pet food company (Mars Petcare Inc.) earning a revenue of over $18 trillion per annum. The pet food industry thrives due to the rising demand for pets as alternative companions for humans. Besides, the humanization of pets, the practice of treating dogs like humans, tends to take the top stage as more people develop an interest in ensuring good health for their pets. Accordingly, this report examines Blue Buffalo as an exemplary pet food company that seeks to generate high-quality pet foods by utilizing fine quality natural ingredients and raw materials. The company specializes in the manufacture of food for dogs and cats to ensure that its clients realize their desired products. Luckily, there is a large and expanding market share for pet food in the US. Thus, this study provides critical information regarding the impacts of humanization of pets in the pet food industry.

Pet Food Companies Prosper From Pet Humanization

Introduction

The pet food industry serves as one of the most lucrative businesses in the current world due to the rising demand for pets as alternative companions for humans. Consequently, pet food companies realize huge revenues. For instance, the world’s leading pet food firm (Mars Petcare Inc.) earns revenue of over $18 trillion per annum (Petfoodindustry.com, n.d.). The company, Blue Buffalo, specializes in the manufacture of food for dogs and cats to ensure that its clients acquire their desired products. A rising global concern on the health and hygiene of pets facilitates the manufacture and sale of pet food of high nutritional value. Since many people find pets as suitable companions, they strive to ensure that they (pets) feed well and stay healthy. This case study examines Blue Buffalo pet food company to determine how humanization of pets affects its operations and eventual revenues.

Company Background

Blue Buffalo is a pet food company with its headquarters in Connecticut, USA. The company attains efficiency and better performance by specializing in the manufacture of food products for dogs and cats only (Brutschy et al., 2012). A family that was caring for their dog called Blue started the firm. The family used natural and quality ingredients to develop healthy and quality food for Blue when it was struggling with cancer (Bluebuffalo.com, 2020). Since its establishment in August 2003, Blue Buffalo has enjoyed significant growth and development by focusing on the generation of high-quality pet products through the use of natural ingredients. Accordingly, Blue Buffalo realized approximately US$1.43 billion in the financial year 2019 (petfoodindustry.com).

Besides, Blue Buffalo concentrates mainly on the American market. Accordingly, Blue Buffalo faces stiff competition from large international firms, including Mars Petcare Inc. and Nestle Purina Petcare and other small companies. As such, Blue Buffalo gains its competitive advantage by embracing a suitable approach to generating exceptionally quality pet foods made from high-quality ingredients, fruits, and whole meats to increase customer loyalty. Moreover, Blue Buffalo relies on the following five production lines to generate its products:

Blue Natural Veterinary Diet where dedicated veterinarians provide therapeutic diets for pets

Blue Freedom that deals with grain-free products

Blue Basics that focuses on the manufacture of foods for pets that are sensitive to some ingredients

Blue Wilderness that deals with grain-free, high-protein, and high-meat products

Blue Life Protection Formula that serves as the main product line, which handles a wide array of breed-specific and functional products and flavors (Duarte, 2019).

Overall, Blue Buffalo relies on a Blue Masterbrand to enhance recognition of its brands by the target market (Duarte, 2019). Accordingly, the company enjoys significant market for its new brands.

Blue Buffalo’s Operating Strategies

Blue Buffalo Manufactures and Sells High-Quality Products at High Prices

Blue Buffalo offers the best quality pet food to gain client loyalty and attract the highest number of customers whose aim is to ensure that their pets remain healthy. The firm sells some of its products at $4 per pound (Martin, 2011). The firm attains its goal and objectives by working under the slogan “Love them like family. Feed them like family.” Specifically, Blue Buffalo is inspired to provide pet foods of high nutritional value and quality to ensure that its clients attain ideal products for their pets. Moreover, Blue Buffalo offers several varieties and brands of pet food to suit the demands and needs of dogs and cats of varied dietary requirements, ages, and breeds. For instance, Crunch the wild, Blue Sizzlers, and Blue Divine Delights are among the company’s latest brands (Petsmart.com, 2020). Also, Blue Buffalo relies on some of the finest natural ingredients and raw materials to manufacture quality pet food. Besides, the organization depends on minerals and vitamins to enhance the quality and value of their products. Luckily, many clients are less sensitive to the price of pet foods because they are more concerned with quality of the products (pet foods) following the rising humanization of pets.

Blue Buffalo Focuses on Functional Pet Foods

Functional foods are fortified products containing lots of valuable components other than the essential nutrients like minerals and vitamins that encourage the wellbeing when consumed regularly (Hasler, 2002). Accordingly, Blue Buffalo incorporates probiotic microorganisms in their products to facilitate useful physiological processes that entail digestion and absorption of nutrients (Boileau, Stojanovic & Sunvold, 2006). Besides, functional pet foods help in reducing the risk of diseases and improving brain functions, thus ensuring that pets remain reliable companions to humans (Di Cerbo et al., 2017). Subsequently, many clients have opted to purchase functional foods for their pets as opposed to conventional foods because they want their pets to remain healthy.

Impact on Company Performance

Similarly, Blue Buffalo is enjoying huge revenues that have been increasing at double digits due to its strategic positioning in the marketplace (Duarte, 2019). The table below presents projected US pet food market size and Blue Buffalo’s revenues. A top-down approach is used to forecast Blue Buffalo’s revenues by focusing on its US market share and the overall projected pet food market in the US (Duarte, 2019).

2017 2018E 2019E 2020E 2021E 2022E 2023E 2024E

US Pet Food Market ($M) 31,084 32,448 33,902 35,379 36,897 38,476 40,087 41,819

Blue Buffalo Revenues ($M) 1,275 1,431 1,594 1,371 1,856 1,985 2,084 2,151

YOY Growth 10.9% 12.3% 11.4% 8.6% 7.2% 7.0% 5.0% 3.2%

(Duarte, 2019).

As a lucrative industry, the pet food business attracts massive revenues as illustrated in the table below. The World’s Top 10 Pet Food Companies

Company Country Annual Revenue

Mars Petcare, Inc.United States $18,085,000,000

Nestlé Purina PetCareUnited States $13,200,000,000

J.M. SmuckerUnited States $2,900,000,000

Hill’s Pet NutritionUnited States $2,318,000,000

Diamond Pet FoodsUnited States $1,500,000,000

General Mills (Blue Buffalo)United States $1,300,000,000

Spectrum Brands / United Pet GroupUnited States $820,500,000

Unicharm Corp.Japan $752,650,000

DeuererGermany $721,100,000

Heristo AG Germany $700,000,000

(Petfoodindustry.com, n.d.)

Conclusion

The pet food industry serves as one of the most lucrative industries in the world. The leading pet food firm in the world enjoys over $18 trillion revenue yearly. The growing humanization of pets encourages generation of high-quality products that promote wellbeing of pets. Accordingly, pet food firms like Blue Buffalo thrive by specializing in the manufacture of quality pet foods for specific types of pets. Blue Buffalo uses quality raw materials and natural ingredients to manufacture high-quality pet foods that promote good health and wellbeing of pets. Besides, Blue Buffalo generates functional foods that are highly valued because they attract lots of benefits that include the Prevention of diseases, and better absorption of nutrients by pets. Luckily, many customers are ready and willing to invest heavily in purchasing pet foods of the best quality because they value their pets that serve as appropriate companions in the current era. Fortunately, Blue Buffalo and other pet food companies have a promising future because the large US pet food market continues to grow. Humanization of pets has significant influence on operations of pet food companies and promotes attainment of huge revenues.

References

Bluebuffalo.com. (2020). The Blue Story – It’s all about family. Retrieved 12 February 2020, from https://bluebuffalo.com/why-choose-blue/blue-story/Boileau, T., Stojanovic, M., & Sunvold, G. (2006). U.S. Patent Application No. 11/366,234.

Brutschy, A., Tran, N. L., Baiboun, N., Frison, M., Pini, G., Roli, A., … & Birattari, M. (2012). Costs and benefits of behavioral specialization. Robotics and autonomous systems, 60(11), 1408-1420.

Di Cerbo, A., Morales-Medina, J. C., Palmieri, B., Pezzuto, F., Cocco, R., Flores, G., & Iannitti, T. (2017). Functional foods in pet nutrition: Focus on dogs and cats. Research in veterinary science, 112, 161-166.

Duarte, R. (2019). Blue buffalo-organic pet food (Doctoral dissertation).

Hasler, C. M. (2002). Functional foods: benefits, concerns and challenges—a position paper from the American Council on Science and Health. The Journal of nutrition, 132(12), 3772-3781.

Martin, A. (2011). ‘For the Dogs’ Has a Whole New Meaning. Retrieved 12 February 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/business/05pets.html

Petfoodindustry.com. (n.d.) Top Pet Food Companies Current Data. Retrieved from

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/directories/211-top-pet-food-companies-current-data)

Petsmart.com. (2020). Blue Buffalo. Retrieved 12 February 2020, from https://www.petsmart.com/featured-brands/blue-buffalo/dog-and-cat/#

Dear Rongyu,

I enjoyed reading your case study. I liked how you frame the story, it flows very nicely. In your introduction you effectively describe to the reader what the company does, and the market characteristics. This is very important because it allows the reader to understand the context. You also display the data in a reader-friendly way to the audience.

Your argument is well supported. However, while reading your case, I could only perceive one positive side of the story. You effectively describe how the humanization of pets increases a company’s profits. However, it would be good for the reader to also find a negative result of this, or to show also how new industries (beyond pet food) are emerging from this new trend. In regards to the data, I think that it needs some description after showing (a point in time in which the data is more meaningful, or a finding), rather than just placing it.

I look forward to reading your final draft, good luck!

Best,

Andrea Portilla

Dear Rongyu,

Overall, I think you pick a topic that I would really like to know more about. The data you collected is really good, and it helps bring out your points about the success of Blue Buffalo. I like the flow of your case, and because you are focusing on the success of mostly one company I would consider re-evaluating your research question and mention Blue Buffalo and how this company is making great profits from more people getting pets for companionship vs other companies.

My main suggestion would be looking at your analysis, I like the style you have going with the sub-headings; however, I think you could go more into depth about Blue Buffalo company and its background. If I were you, I would talk a little about the history of this company and how throughout the years their revenues have increased due to more people having pets. On the other hand, I think it would be interesting to focus a sub heading on the company marketing strategy and what have they done to become the number one choice of pet owners.

I think you have a good paper so far, I would just focus on organizing your findings and giving your paper a little more focus on the strategy behind Blue Buffalo to make profits from the growing pet ownership. If you like, I think it would be fantastic if you also look into the psychology of why more people are getting pets even though it is an extra cost for everyone.

Good luck with your final draft,

Andrea Arana

ADD

Have you ever had a conversation with a person and you can see that their interest seems to be drifting to somewhere else? There are many young people as well was adults who are members of a group whom suffer from this problem of wondering. They suffer from what is called ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Along with ADHD, is the disorder of ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder? Both are similar and can have an enormous impact on a child’s life.

According to Encyclopedia.com, ADHD and ADD is a “chronic, neurologically based syndrome characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsively. Unlike similar behaviors caused by emotional problems or anxiety, ADHD does not fluctuate with emotional states. Often diagnosed when a child begins school, ADHD is usually accompanied by learning difficulties and social inappropriateness. Treatment may include medication such as methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), which corrects neurochemical imbalances in the brain; sugar intake is no longer considered to be a factor. Also behavioral modifications therapy a way of teaching people the organizational techniques and coping strategies, which is one of the most effective ways to curb symptoms. Symptoms may decrease after adolescence, although adults can also have ADHD and ADD as well.” The most recent news about medications is that the first Lady and U.S Senate candidate Hillary C!

linton responded to recent studies that show a doubling or possible tripling of the number of children under age four taking Ritalin, a drug that is believed to increase a child’s alertness by stimulating the central nervous system. Clinton has called for a plan that would create

new government warning labels for such drugs, a national study of their use and a fall conference on children’s mental health.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a learning disorder in which psychiatrists have been looking into since the 1940’s. Serious studies were not started until the 1980’s and then “within the past several years, medical researchers have begun to clarify its symptoms and causes and have found that it may have a genetic underpinning. Today’s view of the basis of the condition is strikingly different from that of just a few years ago. We are finding that ADHD and ADD is not a disorder of

attention, as had long been assumed, rather it arises as a developmental failure in the brain circuitry that underlies inhibition and self-control. This loss of self-control in turn impairs other important brain functions crucial for maintaining attention, including the ability to defer immediate rewards for later, greater gain.” (Barkley).Young children are most often diagnosed with ADHD in there early years of development. Russell A. Barkley is a doctor who diagnosed his young patient Keith with ADHD. Here is how Keith was acting before Russell Barkley saw him. “As I watched five-year-old Keith in the waiting room of my office, I could see why his parents said he was having such a tough time in kindergarten. He hopped from chair to chair, swinging his arms and legs restlessly, and then began to fiddle with the light switches, turning the lights on and off again to everyone’s annoyance-all the while talking nonstop. When his mother encouraged him to join a group of other children busy in the playroom, Keith butted into a game that was already in progress and took over, causing the other children to complain

of his bossiness and drift away to other activities. Even when Keith had the toys to himself, he fidgeted aimlessly with them and seemed unable to entertain himself quietly.

Once I examined him more fully, my initial suspicions were confirmed: Keith had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” There are no known cures for ADHD. There are ways to help control it to a confinable disorder. CHADD is an organization that tries to help those children and adults with ADHD. It is a national non-profit organization that was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned parents. CHADD works to improve the lives of the people who live with a person suffering with ADHD and ADD through education, advocacy and support.

“Today, children and adults with ADHD and ADD have CHADD, the national organization with over 32,000 members and more than 500 chapters nationwide, to provide that support and information. Thanks in large part to the efforts of CHADD, AD/HD is now recognized as a treatable, yet potentially serious disorder, that affects up to 2.6 million school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 18, and an estimated 2-5 million adults. Today, children with ADHD can receive special education services or accommodations within the regular classroom when needed, and adults with ADHD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guidelines issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1997.” (CHADD.com). “CHADD is a success story, inspired by the desire of countless parents to see their children with ADHD succeed. From one parent support group in

Florida, the organization grew dramatically from year to year to its present status as the leading non-profit national organization for children and adults with ADD. CHADD’s first annual conference in 1989 attracted 300 attendees. The fourth annual conference, held in Chicago in 1992, drew over 2,500 people. Despite the growth in size and

reputation, CHADD has not lost the passion and commitment of its founders. The organization still relies heavily on dedicated volunteers around the country who offer their support and encouragement to all those living with or affected by ADD.” (CHADD.com.).

Even though there is no cure for ADD and ADHD there are ways in coping with

the destructive disorder. I had the privilege to go see a speaker by the name Michael

Asher, an East Brunswick psychologist at The Middlesex County Educational Service

Commission on March twenty-eighth. This seminar was so informative he disguised

behavioral management for students with ADD and ADHD, how to properly diagnosis,

and important facts. He said there are four ways to detect ADD and ADHD. First,

extensive history has to be taken because there are serious genetic connections.

Secondly, questionnaires are sent to people who are involved in that child’s life. Thirdly,

you must observe that child in a classroom environment. Finally, a CPT test, which is

continuous performance test to measure audio and visual difficulties. Important decisions in that child’s life such as college and the background of the disorder was also touched on. Recently they discover that a disorder is a defect in the brain but it also is caused by the lack of glucose, which causes the abnormalities in the structure and function of an

ADD or ADHD brain. He also stressed that there is no cure, but studies do show that the disorder decrease as the child approaches adolescences. When deciding to send them to college wait until age twenty, they are more mature then. We have to remember a child of nine with ADD or ADHD will behave like a six year old socially and emotionally. A child might be fine cognitively but not emotionally. He was so right when he talked about teacher having to help with children with this disorder because they need extra time and attention. He also said not to single out these children but to make them feel like everyone else. He suggested sending ADD and ADHD to camps such as W.I.S.E. and Stepping Stone Day Camp. These are camps to help them socially and to help them to focus on developing social-emotional skills through group training, individual attention, recreational activities, and academic instruction. This past summer, I had the opportunity to be around children with ADHD !and ADD. I was a counselor at a day camp. I was with some of these kids from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. To watch the behavior of some of these children with ADHD and ADD was remarkable. They, at the most, could sit down at one activity for 10-15 minutes, before they where bored. Whether they were boys or girls they were always on the go. I could see how they were affected by the disorder most when it was time to sit and listen to someone. Children with ADHD and ADD cannot sit still for a long time. When it came time for the camp talent show these children where usually standing the back of the group fighting with one another. In a camp setting like the one I was in over, the summer it was very common to have more then one child in a group with ADHD or ADD. One of the members of the staff I worked

with, my friend Josh, had a group of 3rd grade boys of which half the group was hyperactive. This was the group that was always in trouble usually for their behavior. They were uncontrollable and not even the director talking to them helped. When this

group walked around camp, they were never in any order and you always knew they were approaching without even seeing them. Now Josh and his co-counselor Andrew tried everything in their power they could think of to get these boys in line, but nothing worked. The boys always played the game, monkey see monkey do. If they saw one of the boys in the group acting up then they all started to act up. This type of behavior

happened not only in Josh and Andrew’s group, but also in many other groups throughout the camp. Camp is a social setting where they do things for enjoyment, I cannot imagine working with them on an academic lever.

My mom, on the other hand, has to teach these children everyday. Many of them take medication before they leave the house for a first dose, and then have to go to the medical center to get another one or two times during the course of the day to take another dosage. As the medication wears off the student becomes agitated, disruptive, antsy, and can no longer focus on what is being taught. Often they become the class clowns for attention and to steer focus off of the academic setting. For the next twenty- thirty minutes after the child goes for his medicine he becomes completely lethargic. You would not know it was the same child. Thus during an academic setting of eight

hours, they are really only attentive about half the time. That is why most of those students take untimed tests. According to Adam Rogers of Newsweek, “Even in a

classroom of 30 preteens, it’s not hard to spot the one with problems. He’s staring out the window instead of listening, or tearing around the room instead of finishing that art project.”

After reading, going to seminars, gathering information, and speaking with actual teachers I can fully understand the disorder. I had no idea how serious and complicated it all really is. It is a whole different lifestyle because people lose jobs because of the disorder, they are impulsive and impatient, they have frequent mood swings and short tempers and relationship are restrained. It doesn’t just affect their academic life it affects relationship with others, their career, and other everyday life experiences. It’s not something that will just go away, there is no cure. One thing is certain: ADD and ADHD, if left untreated, can block people from leading healthy and productive lives by sabotaging their self-confidence and blocking their willingness to succeed. I think that there are several issues and arguments to be made with ADD and ADHD. Doctors are prescribing Ritalin at the drop of a hat. It is a very serious drug and should be carefully looked into before pres!

cribing a drug like Ritalin. Two million out of the five million living with the disorder were diagnosed as a child. No one really knows how serious this disorder really is. It causes great depression, social difficulties and character problems. It’s not just a learning disability it is a serious disorder. After seeing what it is like for

these children through camps, and interacting with these children it is very hard on them. After watching an ADD child sit on the side as everyone else plays is very disturbing.

And why does he sit on the side, one of the other boys called him a “freak.” Not only is it hard for me to understand trying to explain that to a seven-year-old kid, who just wants to be like the other children. The toughest part for ADD and ADHD children is being singled out from the other kids. They have to sit right next to the teacher’s desk because they don’t pay attention or they won’t stop walking around the room. Learning more about the disorder had helped me understand more about the disorder and has helped me understand how to deal with it and to make an environment more comfortable for kids who have the disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder are something that everyone comes in contact with at some point in his or her life. It is a disorder everyone should feel comfortable with incase they come in contact with it. Fortunately, as more and more children are being diagnosed with it, there is a larger turnout from society to help them. No one wants to see a child struggle through school and life because of a disorder they cannot control.

Bibliography:

Barbosa, Brenda. Homes News Tribune: “No cure for ADHD but coping with the

Destructive disorder is a must.” April 3, 2000. pg 3.

Green, Ross. Explosive Child. Chicago Publisher Company, 1999.

World Wide Web. Website: www.http:/ Chadd.org. 1999.

World Wide Web. Website: www.http:/ HHS.gov.1998.

World Wide Web. Website: www.http:/ NIMH.NIH.GOV.1999.

Mr. Boulal Fear of Pearl Business Today

Name

Affiliation

The dangers that Mr.Boulal is afraid of this days is the value that comes with the pearl business. The business is very risk this days since it come with various concerns not only to the environmental issues but also the scarcity of the pearls has resulted in less supply and higher demands of the products.

Based on the security concerns, it is worth to note that the Mr. boulal as well as those were in business previous know that due to the low supply of the pearls, it has increased in demand hence the value and the price of the same. Individual are killing each as a result of this hence why the diver fears the business today.

The other issue that the diver considers a great danger is environmental protection. The government through its agencies are protecting the pearl business to control exhaustion of the same. The penalty to such is high hence the cause of alarm and fear to the diver.

This can be consider that Mr. Boulal is one of the divers that not only value the pearl business even today, but he also value protection of the same.

Name

Professor

Course

Date

Morale in the Organization

Recent research carried out by experts in management of health care personnel’s shows, that today more than ever, the sector is facing a growing number of challenges that can potentially limit its ability to curb the growing demand in the industry. The major challenges in the healthcare sector include: financial inadequacy, growing competition in the industry, shortage of skilled and experienced staff, staff and patient safety concerns and by extension an increased rate of consumption of healthcare related services. (Rowland pg400 2012).

For a healthcare organization to overcome these challenges, those responsible for management of healthcare facilities ought to learn creative ways and strategies to improve and maintain high performance of staff. With that in mind it is clear that maintaining and improving staff morale is a key factor in ensuring organization success.

Healthcare environment is often characterized with a lot of activities and stress, the leaders are therefore expected to be focused in maintaining high levels of healthcare in their institutions and their staff should remain motivated and enriched by what they do within the organization. To accomplish all these concepts can be challenging to the healthcare managers. In doing these team spirit must be cultivated among the staff members.

In order to keep up an effective team work, the team leader should be in a position to understand the needs and preference of each staff so as to come up with an average team work plan. It has also been noticed that there are numerous reason why it is important to maintain a positive work environment; majorly it makes employees feel free with each other and most importantly feel valued in the work place (Rowland pg45 2012). Finally employees should be in a position to recognize the importance of their work in order get the objectives of morale boosting services offered in the healthcare institutions (Rowland pg458 2012).

References

Rowland, H. S., & Rowland, B. L. (2012). Nursing administration handbook. Gaithersburg, Md: Aspen Publishers.