LM Company Strategic Plan

LM Company Strategic Plan Abstract The market, which any organization serves, is dynamic in nature. This is mainly attributed to changes in the environment in which the organization is existent. The various environments which affect organizations include: Political, Economic, Social, Technological and Environmental.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on LM Company Strategic Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Constant monitoring and evaluation of these environments should therefore be carried out to track any changes that may occur and undertake appropriate measures. These issues should be addressed with immediate effect as failure to do so may cause dire consequences for the organization. This paper will therefore focus on these issues in one fruit producing company, LM as well as a functional strategic plan that will steer the organization in the right direction. Introduction LM is a fruit producing company that has been in business for th e last ­ 20 years. Overtime, the company has reported robust growth over the last few decades which has mainly been attributed to the rapidly changing consumer lifestyle trends. The current health campaign witnessed all over the country has increased demand in fresh fruit and vegetable products. LM has gone out of its way to make sure it meets these needs in a bid to satisfy the customer. As a result of this intervention, the organization has been catapulted to higher levels leading to increased profit margins. The industry has also witnessed entry of new businesses aiming to cut a niche in the rapidly growing market. This has prompted the company to review and adjust its plan in order to position it in such a manner that it will continue surviving and thriving in the market. As a result of the new developments, the organization’s strategic plan will ensure that it addresses these challenges appropriately as well as provide a roadmap for the organization for the next five y ears. Organizational profile The combined produce industry is one that has seen tremendous growth over the last decades as a result of a shift in lifestyle trends with most consumers advocating for fresh fruits and vegetables. LM is one of the companies that identified this market gap and as a result decided to exploit this opportunity. The next 55 years is nothing but a tells of these products include fruits such as apples and cherries and vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and the like. Customer support LM emphasizes on providing customer support and this is evidenced in the 24 Care centre that offers assistance to customers, addressing their queries. This is also proven by providing full support in the supply chain as it deals with the entire process, starting from farming, packing, logistics and finally to sales. The LM family LM treats every employee, customers and suppliers as family. This helps foster a sense of belonging and association hence nurtures l oyalty. It has a diverse network of growers situated in different states and even countries all having good values and work ethic. Although they may differ in age, language or gender, all are united by one fact, their passion for farming. They are all recognized as part of the LM family. This network ensures that supply of products is constant and subdues any demand eventualities hence guaranteeing fresh quality produce to our customers. Leadership LM success would not have been possible without the dedicated workforce that has made LM be what it is now. The leadership and vision of the management team, starting from the founder and chairman, Joe McGee and President and CEO, John Oxford, down to the employee in the apple orchids, the growth of the company would not have been experienced. They their vast knowledge in the produce market have provided guidance and helped steer the organization in the right direction.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on LM Com pany Strategic Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Strategic plan According to May, a strategic plan is a firm’s roadmap that details direction that â€Å"guides an organization to achieve its set objectives† (25). Strategic planning, according to Steiner, is an â€Å"organization’s process of defining its strategy or direction and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue this strategy† (16). It seeks to answer the following questions: What do we do? How do we excel? Where do we see ourselves in the future from now? New entrants in the produce market have prompted the need to develop a strategic plan that would steer the organization in the right direction. This will help ensure the organization remains relevant and successful in a competitive environment. The LM strategic plan will therefore provide focus for the organization and also ensure proper utilization of available resources, embracing new t echnologies that would increase production, and embrace relevant technologies that would improve the quality of produce and most importantly, provide alternatives for the development and growth of supplier alliances, retaining the current suppliers as well as attracting new and able suppliers for the constant supply of fresh produce. This will take LM to a new level to even compete in the global platform. IM 2013-2017 strategic plan The strategic plan is detailed to ensure that the organization adopt relevant strategies that will guide the organization in the right direction. It details the challenges that are currently being experienced by the company, provides strategic objectives that will guide the organization in the specified time and strategic goals that aim at achieving the identified objectives. LM external environment The external environment is comprised of the Political, Economic, Social, Technological and Environmental (PESTEL) aspects. However, the external environment is one that is beyond an organization’s control and therefore, the PESTEL analysis is a preventive measure. In the view of evaluating these environments in order to identify their relevance to the organization, a PESTEL analysis should be carried out. The variables that affect the company strategy as per the analysis are detailed below: Political aspect- Following efforts made by the government and other law makers in the industry following their endorsement of encouraging healthy eating habits, this has translated to improved business for the organization. Economic aspect- Throughout the years, rapid diversification of the market has been experienced. This has contributed to increase in food production. It has therefore led to development of strong competitive pressure in the industry that has not particularly favored the organization.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This, coupled with increasing prices of farm inputs that have led to increase in supplier prices as well as high inflation experienced in the market has compromised the strategic position of the organization in the market. This has prompted the need to come up with measures that will deal with these issues as provided by the 2013-2017 Strategic plan. Social aspect- Changing lifestyle trends, with most people opting for healthy food has seen the adoption of fresh produce as opposed to pre-packaged produce. Recent demographic surveys have also revealed increase in population growth rate hence increased demand for food products. This makes business better for the organization. Technological aspect- Technology is ever changing, aiming to simplify work done by human beings. The organization is on the receiving end with this one as it has not adopted advanced technology fully in its processes hence lead to lost or expensive business. Legal aspect- LM has a large aspect of external growers who are guided by contracts offered by the organization. There is need for stricter contract enforcement to ensure that produce are delivered well in their time schedules. Apart from the PESTEL analysis, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is also applicable, particularly in the Opportunities and Threats aspects. This analysis focuses on analyzing the opportunities that are available for the organization as well as the threats facing the organization in the market such as ready local and regional markets. The above variables will affect the organization in one way or another and contrary to this will place the business on the losing end. Proper undertaking of this analysis will provide guidance to the organization in ways of improving its undertakings. LM’s internal environment This environment is one that is within the organization’s control since it deals with internal aspects of the organization, therefore, a SWOT analysis is carried out. In accordance with the organization, the following strengths and weaknesses are exhibited. Strengths Dedicated workforce- The organization is fortunate to have hardworking and resilient employees as well as suppliers who enable the smooth running of the organization’s day to day operations. Diverse supplier networks- The organization has a diverse networking ranging from growers from different states to different countries. This ensures the constant supply of produce hence guaranteeing supply of products to customers. Stakeholder participation- Participation from government, customers, suppliers and creditors help establish the organization and ground it firmly amidst increasing competition pressure. Weaknesses Low adaptability of advanced technology- Advanced technology benefits organizations in the sense that it lowers production cost hence translating to lower wholesale and retail costs. It also positions the organization in the competitive market. Unfortunately, LM h as not been able to fully adopt new technology hence causing lost business opportunities. Increased competition- LM over the years has faced stiff competition from existing and new competitors. This has resulted to the loss of business for the organization. Therefore, in a bid to address this issue, the organization should adopt the competitive strategies for survival (Michael 233). LM resources LM most prized resource is human resource. This is because it manifests itself in the growers, who supply fresh produce to the organization, as well as employees who run the day-to-day operations of the organization. Other important resources are LM farms which help supplement the organization’s produce, as well as equipment which are used throughout the process. Capabilities The organization has the potential to grow beyond the current level. This is because once it adopts new technology, output will surely increase. It can also improve the sales levels by diversifying the product ba se by adopting products with established markets as well as those in high demand. Core competencies Close supplier relationship- The organization strives at maintaining close links with suppliers. This helps foster stable relationships that have present or future advantages. All operations therefore are carried out in good faith. A good working relationship with suppliers provides a base for good business on behalf of the organization. Employee loyalty- LM considers every employee as family. The feeling of belonging is important as makes individuals to feel wanted and valued hence do their best in their duties. Therefore, this means improved and efficient service. Strategic goals The objectives as detailed indicated below will provide guidance to the organization in the period specified, 2013-2017: Enhance competitiveness of the organization Embrace technology for improved productivity Improve effectiveness of the supply chain Expand product base Strategic Goal 1: Enhance competit iveness of the organization Due to the increased competition in the market, seeing the rise of new entrants and efforts made by the existing competitors, they have posed a threat to the organization. Therefore, in order to deal with this, the organization should incorporate Information and Technology systems in their processes. This will improve customer service hence improve their loyal relationship with the organization. Another way of achieving this goal is by undertaking proper market research. This will help establish gaps in the market that provide the organization with opportunity for improved business and improved product delivery that will satisfy changing customer needs. Researches will also assist the organization determine appropriate fruit products with wide profit margins and in high demand, that the organization can opt at producing for improved business (Philip 348). LM should also embrace value addition. According to Belkaoui, this is the process of improving the or iginal state of a product by â€Å"modifying it for its end use by the consumer† (40). The organization should invest in the appropriate technology to make this possible. This will improve the position of the organization in the market hence steer clear from competitors. Strategic Goal 2: Embrace technology for improved productivity Technology will go a long way in improving productivity. Recent systems that can be applicable for LM include the Enterprise Resource Systems, (ERP). According to Harwood, ERP is a set of integrated systems â€Å"operating in a business that control business functions more effectively and efficiently† (11). This will assist different departments within the organization to communicate, such as the finance department and the operations departments. Another technology that can be adopted is one that interconnects supplier networks sites to the organizations’ own. Therefore, in case there is a decrease in the levels of certain products i n the organization’s inventory, the supplier is promptly notified and therefore fills up the deficiency. This translates to improved business as there is constant supply of products. Strategic Goal 3: Improve effectiveness of the supply chain Proper monitoring of the Supply chain will seek to identify ways and means of reducing costs in the process. This will enable the organization save up and divert the money to other processes that really need it. The organization could also improve the participation of customers by involving them in the process. For instance, LM could adopt an online ordering system that will allow them place their orders electronically. The website should therefore be updated and made user friendly for easy navigation. Strategic Goal 4: Expand product base LM should look into other products in order to diversify their product line. This will translate to improved business. The organization should invest in research in a bid to identify suitable products it could adopt based on market demand and projected sales revenues. Conclusion Therefore, the organization should keep abreast of changing trends in the market and supplement them in the Strategic Plan. This plan should not be static but flexible in order to provide room for change based on the prevailing market trends or aspects affecting the organization. The organization during the planning process should take into consideration its financial position, it should also ensure it implements change effectively in areas where it is required for reception by employees. The organization should finally provide updated financial reports to assess whether it is in the right financial position to implement change. This will make the organization implement the strategic plan effectively. Belkaoui, Ahmed. Value added reporting: Lessons for the United States. Washington: McGraw-Hill Publishers, 1999. Print. Harwood, Samuel. ERP. New York: Sage Publishers, 2003. Print. May, Gary. Strategic pla nning: Fundamentals for small businesses. New York: Sage Publishers, 2010. Print. Philip, Sadler. Strategic management. London: Kogan Page Publishers, 2003. Print. Michael, Porter. On competition. New York: Joessey Publishers, 2008. Print. Steiner, George. Strategic planning. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers, 2010. Print

Starting A Copywriting Business

Starting A Copywriting Business Starting A Copywriting Business Starting A Copywriting Business By Ali Hale This is a guest article by Andy MacDonald. Today companies are realizing that cleverly written copy can seriously affect the responsiveness to their ads and marketing collateral. Online and offline content has to be designed in a cleverly written manner to induce the reader to purchase the business’s products or services, or otherwise do what the advertiser wants them to do. If you have excellent writing skills and have copywriting experience, this could be the ideal business venture for you. To start this type of business, you would need excellent writing skills and past experience with writing creative advertising copy. So let’s take a look at a few key areas involved in starting your own copywriting business. Since you are providing a service that has no inventory, your initial costs will be minimal. You will have to pay for the design, development, and hosting of your Web site. You will have to invest in an appropriate computer, software and a printer. Other costs that you will incur are associated with promoting your copywriting service online and offline. The cost to start this type of business will generally range from $4,000 to $10,000. (Note from the editor: I believe you could start operating with even less, perhaps $100. Setup a domain name with a free and clean WordPress theme and you are ready to go.) If you were starting this venture a home-based business you could run the business single handedly for as long as is necessary; however if you wanted to start this as a full-time business all you would need to get going is one full time employee. If your business requests exceed what you’re capable of handling, you might consider hiring an additional employee as and when required. This business has strong international potential, and with the presence of the Internet, its the kind of business which can be run from anywhere in the world. If you were fluent in other languages you could even advertise for copywriting jobs in other countries. This of course depends on your level of knowledge with the foreign languages and cultures. It is important to remember that if you are writing copy for a company from another culture, you should understand the culture for which you are writing the copy. In many instances advertising firms have designed and implemented a marketing campaign before understanding what the culture was all about. This has resulted in offending millions of individuals with advertisements that offend the home country’s culture. If you decide to take on any international projects, make sure you do your research first before you write your advertising copy. One bad experience could seriously hinder the future of your copywriting business. With the internet playing an ever-increasingly role in everyday life, there are now many ways you can advertise and promote your new business on and offline. Here are a few tips on where you should be promoting this type of business. Participate in newsgroups and discussion forums related to marketing and advertising with a cleverly designed signature file. Participating in advertising and marketing-related mailing lists would enable you to display your expertise while directing traffic to your Web site. Develop links from as many advertising, marketing, and business-service-related Web sites, meta-indexes, and directories as possible. Use caution with your link trading strategies though! Participate in marketing related e-zines through contribution of appropriate articles that feature your expertise and knowledge of your craft. And finally, a few tips on where you could earn additional income with this type of business; you might want to consider offering graphic design services to your clients. Since this would complement your copywriting service, you would be able to develop extensive promotional pieces for your clients. Another option is to offer ghost-writing services, press release services, advertising copy, marketing copy and any number of other related topics. Copywriting is now big business both on and off the internet. Advertisers are increasingly looking to skilled copywriters to craft their promotional copy, trying to gain every edge over their competitor. A highly skilled copywriter can earn thousands of dollars per month if he has the time and skills to dedicate to such a venture. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:20 Words with More Than One SpellingDriver License vs. Driver’s LicenseDouble Possessive

Communication, Conflict and Decision-Making Essay

Communication, Conflict and Decision-Making - Essay Example At this juncture, we will acknowledge that communication meets some barriers, which hinders effective delivery of information to the intended parties. Unsuccessful communication results in conflict of opinions or ideas among the involved parties. In communication, conflict results when there is a dissonance or incompatibility of ideologies and beliefs held by the parties involved. Although conflict may results in both negative and positive consequences, this social dissonance may enhance maturity of social skills among the involved individuals. Conflict management entails employment of mechanisms that facilitate development of positive consequences from a social disagreement. Effective conflict management exercises enhance learning among members of a society on how to handle incompatible opinions in future. Conflict management incorporates the aspect of decision making in solving an underlying problem. A conflict ends after one or both parties involved select the best course of actio n from the available alternative courses of action (James, 2009). From a theoretical perspective, conflicts form an inherent element in social relationship. Within any given social setting, people subscribe to different beliefs and values in life. Therefore, conflicts arise in any society comprising of members with varied philosophical patterns (Erich, 2011). Courtesy of cultural norms, individuals possess natural mechanisms meant to facilitate conflict resolution processes whenever a conflict arises. Effective communication forms the basis of conflict resolution mechanisms. It is through a health conveyance of information between two parties that a conflict reaches a positive end (Stacks & Michael, 2008). I applied some theoretical elements of conflict resolution in past social experiences unknowingly. As a student, I usually fall into conflict situations with friends and

PESTLE Analysis Ford Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PESTLE Analysis Ford - Lab Report Example The major product segment of the company includes cars, trucks and utility vehicles (Ford, 2013b). Ford cars are perceived as affordable as well as luxury cars in the market. The large product portfolio, including products such as Sedans, Hatchbacks and SUVs, cater to large group of customers. The company has differentiated itself from other automobile companies though its vision and understanding of the impact of culture on the automobile industry in future. In the present report, the current strategies and tactics implemented by the company are discussed and analyzed. A macro environmental analysis has been done to find out the present socio-cultural and environmental factors affecting United Kingdom and how the organization needs to make strategies in order to cope up with these situations. Methods and Reasons The company embraces all the traditional objectives which were given by its founder. However, looking at the current environment and continuously changing business and polit ical culture, the brand has also established many strategies to compliment with the change. Ford is the current leader in innovative cars (Ford, 2013c). Features concerned with safety, advanced technology and effort for energy and efficacy are important factors which influence the strategies of the company. Employees in the organization work together as a team and as a global and lean enterprise for leadership in automobile (Mistry, 2005). The company operates by aggressively structuring with the objective of profitable operations. The current demand for automotives is very volatile and the mix of models has to be constantly changed to meet the demands of the customers. The organization focuses on accelerating developments of those products and services which are valued by their customers. To remain profitable and well as growing, the company always makes sure that financial planning is appropriate and the balance sheet is continuously improving. The brand operates on the goals of p roviding profitable growth. The brand has its presence in over 30 countries and the company has taken all measures in providing exact requirements of the different market. Looking at the different market preferences, the company has specialized in providing personalized designs and models suiting the geographic and demographic profiles of the markets where the organization is operating. PESTLE Analysis Political Continuous growth in campaigning and elections has widened the political environment in the United Kingdom. Presence of small clusters of specialty groups makes it extremely difficult for a large organization to concentrate on one political group. Factors such as exchange rates, oil prices and free trade flows have a direct impact on the functioning of automobile sector. In the present political scenario, volatility in oil prices due to various political unrest in Arab as well as major oil producing countries, have resulted in revamping of the strategies and budgeting by maj or automobile companies. Foreign regulations and laws and foreign ownership regulations may also impact the overall revenue generation of the company in the countries where it is operating. Economic Like the rest of the automobile companies, Ford motor has also suffered huge losses due to the current recession and volatile economic and business environment. The recession that occurred in 2008 was followed by downfall of the banking industry. However, Ford has been able to stay afloat and keep a profitable business during

What Are the Key Factors Which Lead to the Downfall of the Romanov Dynasty Essay Example for Free

What Are the Key Factors Which Lead to the Downfall of the Romanov Dynasty Essay 1917 saw the conclusion of the reign of the Romanov Dynasty, as well as the demise of Russia’s last monarch, Tsar Nicholas II. It is evident that the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty was directly linked to key factors such as the autocratic style of the Romanov dynasty and the nature of the social structure, as well as the evolving nation of Russia, as a result of industrialisation. The Romanov family was viewed by the people of Russia as leaders ‘sent from God’. However as the 20th century neared, this mystical admiration the public possessed for the royal family receded and was replaced by intellect. A growing sense of political and social awareness of the lower classes, as well as the introduction of democratic ideas from the West had sparked a change. The twentieth century saw the birth of new ideologies such as Leninism, Marxism, Liberalism and Socialism. These ideologies proposed new models of government techniques and questions the ruling of the Romanov Dynasty. Tsar Alexander II sensed the rising threat of terrorism threatening the Imperial family and more importantly the Dynasty’s autocratic rule. The responsibility of Russia was bestowed upon Nicholas II, son of Alexander II, based on the dynasty’s ritualistic practice of passing the throne to the Tsar’s eldest son or closest senior male relative. Nicholas II was reluctant to accept the responsibility of Russia, as well as its 126 subjects; however he acknowledged the burden of the crown as a spiritual experience destined by God. By the beginning of the 20th century, Russia had established itself as a vast empire, however in comparison to other countries; Russia was a ‘backward society’ with mostly undeveloped resources. At this time, Russia had established rigid class distinctions, with 88% of the population farming the countryside as serfs, whilst land and high government positions were owned by 5% of Russia’s population. In 1816, serfdom was abolished and peasants were free, however were required to pay compensation for land that they believed they already owned. Although agriculture remained the principle means of maintaining a livelihood for the lower class, peasants often struggled to live above starvation level, as they used inefficient farming techniques and had little land available to them. Those who struggled with agrarian lifestyles flocked to the cities, consequently causing a major increase in the urban population. As a result factory working conditions also suffered. Factory workers received low wages, at times only 25-30% of British workers, as well as long working hours, sometimes extending to 15 hour shifts. Workers were forced to endure these conditions, with little hope of assistance, as the Russian government had provided no means by which workers could express their grievances or dissatisfaction with their present conditions. The Tsar’s power was unlimited with no political party or constitution to inspect the Tsar’s ruling, as well as a secret police, known as the Ohkrana, which terrorised those threatening public order. ‘I shall uphold the principle of Autocracy as firmly and as undeviating as did my late father’ (Nicholas II, first proclamation, 29th January, 1895 source:Punch,9 February 1895 ) This proclamation illustrates Tsar Nicholas’s incentives to intimate his father Alexender II, by means of resisting modernisation and change, in the nation of Russia. Despite these obvious signs of corruption within the Tsar, the public, largely due to the coercive influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, continued to hold a mystical admiration for the Tsar and the royal family. However, while the myth of Tsar Nicholas or the public’s ‘little father’ retained some currency, the events of the years 1904 to 1905 disrupted this myth dramatically. In 1904, the government’s decision to go to war against Japan highlighted its weakness. The two countries had been competing for years over territory and influence in the Korean peninsula of Manchuria. Nicholas, along with most Russian’s believed that a brief encounter with Russia’s vast navy and army would be the solutions to their present conflicts with Japan. Nicholas was wrong. The war ended with the humiliation of Russian defeat, in August 1905. Confirmation of the Russian government and military weakness heightened discontent and fueled many reform movements. Meanwhile other incidences, such as the massacre or ‘Bloody Sunday’ on the 9th of January 1905, sparked political unrest in the capital of Russia. On this day a large crowd of people marched towards the Winter Palace, in St Petersburg, presenting a petition to the Tsar. The petition demanded a series of measures that would improve the position of those being exploited by their factory owners. â€Å"Don’t refuse to help your people, lead them out of the grave of disfranchisement, poverty and ignorance Tear down the wall between you and your people, and let them rule the country with you Look without anger at our requests, they are not intended for an evil but for a good cause, for both of us† (Petition of the Workers and Residents of St Petersburg for Submission to Nicholas II) This extract displays the continuing confidence in the Tsar and assurance that he will overcome his evil advisors and attend to the struggling lower classes. However this confidence in the Tsar was completely destroyed by the following event. Under command, troops, who were guarding the palace, opened fire on the crowd, killing 100 protestors and wounding almost 300. Although it is still unknown who directed the final orders, Nicholas’s absence from the protest, eroded the iconic image of the Tsar and the myth upon which the Tsarist system was sustained. Hostility towards the blood bath was generated from the lower proletarian classes and reverberated upwards throughout the empire. As a result nine months of strikes, peasant revolts and mutinies among the army and navy, followed. Workers began to form councils, known as soviets, where worker’s representatives would voice their grievances and political protest campaigns were fashioned. Under immense pressure from these disturbances, the Tsar was forced to make compromises to the demands of the people in order to preserve the support of the public. On the 17th of October, the Tsar introduced the October Manifesto. This granted the people of Russia the freedom of conscience, speech, meeting and association. The manifesto also promised the introduction of a Duma, or parliament, elected by universal suffrage. The design of the Duma was to provide the people of Russia with the power to create and approve laws. The intentional exclusion of the word ‘constitution’ ensured that the Tsar autocratic power remained unscathed. The Duma was the Tsar’s puppet; he could dismiss and announce the duma, personally choose and dismiss ministers and declare new laws unaided, at any time. The first two Duma’s lasted only a few months before they were later dissolved, by the Tsar. The third Duma survived as a result of an alteration in the electing process of representatives. Subsequently the Duma became dominated by land-owners and businessmen who were more conservative and ‘trustworthy’ elements to the Tsar. This alteration destroyed the sole purpose of Duma as it hindered all classes from expressing their opinions. Although evidence of reform in the government was present, the manifesto did not address current problems affecting the lower classes such as poverty, low wages and poor working and living conditions. The grievances of the lower classes remained unheard and the gap between the Tsar and his subjects widened. For these reasons recently legalised parties such as the Social Democrats and Socialists revolutionaries had a willing audience. By the end of July 1914, the revolutionary discontent echoed the events of 1905 revolution. When World War II commenced early August 1914, Russia was in no state for battle. Although intensified emotions of patriotism temporarily calmed civil disputes, the hardships of the war brutally hit the home front. Russia’s undeveloped economy struggled to sustain the war efforts and keep up with increased demands. By late 1914, dreams of a short successful battle were doubtful. In addition to previous hardships, concerns of high causality rates, inadequate medical care and shortages of resources, such as food, weaponry and ammunition were affecting the Russian front. In Mid 1915, Nicholas II, with the aim of improving Russia’s current stance in the war, accepted the position as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian forces. Nicholas II had few military skills and was surrounded by ministers who had been chosen by himself, therefore were also sufficiently inexperienced. Meanwhile, German-born Tsarina Alexandra was temporarily responsible for the home front whilst her husband was away. The Tsarina was greatly influenced by Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic who was praised by Alexandra for his fanatical abilities to help her haemophilic son, Alexi, the heir to the throne. Tsarina had little political ability and looked towards Rasputin for advice. Due to the nepotism within the royal family, Rasputin was able to quickly posses doctrinal powers and become a influential member of the Russian court. The influence Rasputin had on the royal family as well as the scandalous relationship assumed to be between Alexandra and Rasputin discredited the Tsarist government. These scandals affected the way the public viewed the royal family and supported the idea that the royal family was easily dominated by religious mystics. By late 1916, discontent within Russia had reached crisis point. The duma and the majority of Russia’s upper class no longer supported the Tsar. The Tsar had lost his authority in the eyes of the public. By 25th of January 1917, St Petersburg, the capital of Russia, was at a standstill. Numerous factories were shut, shops closed, public transport ceased to run and radical political leadership seemed to be using all possible means of protest. Unlike 1905, troops did not restrain the strikes; some even rebelled and joined the workers. Tsarist authority had vanished. On the 2nd of March 1917, Nicholas II abdicated and within a few hours, the Grand Duke, Nicholas II’s brother, refused the responsibility of the throne. This was the definitive end to the Romanov Dynasty. In conclusion, although the Tsar’s character had great effect on the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty, it was ultimately the fault of Romanov dynasty’s ineffective style of government. As Russia became more industrialised, larger, and far more complicated, the inadequacies of autocratic Tsarist rule became increasingly apparent. Ritualistic beliefs such as the nepotistic process by which successive monarchs were selected, was unsuitable in an ever evolving world desperate for change and development. The Romanov Dynasty’s Autocratic approach to leadership had been successful for the previous three centuries, however as the twentieth century approached, the need for social and political reform advanced with it. For this reason, Nicholas II, was a victim of a time warp, where despite his best efforts to maintain authority of the autocratic crown, was forced to abandon inherited methods of leadership. He was trapped in a modernising world with outdated beliefs and traditions. Nevertheless, to a minor extent Tsar Nicholas was responsible for his own demise as he was aware of the changes occurring within the nation, however he didn’t not administer the needs and wants of his subjects.

Bipolar Disorder Essay examples -- Causes of Bipolar Disorder

In life we all go through experiences that cause our moods to change for better or for worse. There are times that we experience degrees of great joy and happiness just as other times we experience great sadness and despair. These polar emotional opposites can be brought about by a cornucopia of circumstances such as the joy and excitement of getting married or the birth of a child to the deep sadness and grief over the loss of a loved one or one’s employment. Feelings of joy and feelings of sadness are normal parts of human life. Some however are unfortunate enough to be force to cope with these emotions to the extreme and on a regular basis. Some individuals must further cope with an ever present emotion rollercoaster, switching from one emotional extreme to the next with regularity. This personality disorder is known as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is the condition in which one’s mood switches from periods of extreme highs known as manias to periods of extreme lows known as depression. The name bipolar comes from the root words bi (meaning two) and polar (meaning opposite) (Peacock, 2000). Though often bipolar disorder is developed in a person’s late teens to early adulthood; bipolar disorder’s early symptoms can sometimes be found in young children or may develop later on in life (National Institutes of, 2008). Bipolar disorder has been found to affect both men and women equally. Currently the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not yet known, however it has been found to occur most often in the relatives of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder (National Center for, 2010). Individuals with bipolar disorder typically experience unusual extremes of happy and sad emotions compared to those without bipolar disor... ...otechnology Information. (2015). Bipolar disorder, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Web. 21 July 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001924 †¢ NIH, National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2015). Cyclothymic Disorder, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Web. 22 July 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002517 †¢ Russ Federman Ph.D., (Feb 13, 2014). "Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder". psychologytoday.com Web. 15 July 2015. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/bipolar-you/201402/misdiagnosis-bipolar-disorder †¢ Abraham, R.A. (2015, February 25). â€Å"Causes of bipolar disorder†. webmd.com Web. 28 June 2015. http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-causes †¢ Frans, E.M. (2008). Advancing Paternal Age and Bipolar Disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 65(9), Web. 19 July 2015. http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210144

Dansk Minox Case Study Essay

Introduction My name is Kevin Chen and I am a senior consultant of the Boston Consulting firm. Per the request of the A/S Dansk Minox, a food products manufacturer, I am preparing this analysis to identify the existing problems within the business of A/S Dansk Minox and provide possible recommendations. As a consultant, I will present the analysis without bias and for the best benefits of A/S Dansk Minox. In the following analysis, I am going to answer the following question: Should A/S Dansk Minox bring the new product, complete meal, to the market?Company backgroundThis case is set in Denmark in 1967 when the â€Å"boom† in consumer food products was just beginning more working mothers, more disposable income, more choices in convenience food products. A/S Dansk Minox, a company in Denmark, specializes in manufacturing a variety of vacuum-packed meat and other products. DM has about 30 products and has a great position and brand in the market. A/S Dansk Minox provides the vacuum packed products and consumers combine the vacuum packed packages along with the homemade salad for their meal. Through consumer research, A/S Dansk Minox recently identifies that there is a huge market potential for vacuum packed complete meals. The meal contains a standard â€Å"sliced pork in gravy†, the product that A/S Dansk Minox is making, with 550 grams of red cabbage salad. Vacuum PackingVacuum Packing is a storage method that preserves variety of food. For example, pork, beef or vegetables. If properly refrigerated or frozen, vacuum packaging works well in keeping the food fresh for longer periods. The plastic bags are usually used to vacuum packaged. The air is removed creating a vacuum in the bag and the food is left in the bag. In order to maintain vacuum, the bag is sealed. By the researches from Fante’s Kitchen Wares Shop, there are a lot of benefits for vacuum packing:1. Longer storage life of foods. According to researches, foods maintain their freshness and flavor 3-5 times longer than with conventional storage methods, because they don’t come in contact with oxygen. Due to the elimination of air to absorb the moisture from the food, vacuum packing prevents dry out of moist foods,Because bacteria mold and yeast cannot grow in a environment without oxygen, foods maintain their original appearance. Insect infestation is eliminated because there’s no oxygen coming in the bag. The production process of vacuum-packed products can be illustrated by the flow chart 1) attached in appendix. Business environment:The current business environment that A/S Dansk Minox operates in can be analyzed as follows. Threat of New Entrants and Barriers to EntryAs the customer research done by A/S Dansk Minox revealed, there is still market opportunity for the vacuum packed products. In order to produce vacuum packed products, for example pork, vegetables, it is necessary for companies to purchase the production equipments for the procedure of vacuum packing, meat cutting, sorting and packaging. It is crucial to purchase the machines that reduce production time and cost, increase efficiency. Therefore, in order to enter into this market, the initial capital investment in purchasing equipment could be substantial and it creates barriers to entry. However, the equipments are relatively easy to operate, so the training cost and time to the workers could be minimal. Moreover, the food product manufacturing industry is not technology intensive and the equipment could be purchased in many distributors, this factor in turn makes the new entry easier. Also, once the initial machines purchased, it is relatively easy to introduce new product lines. Intensity of Rivalry Among CompetitorsThere are a number of vacuum-packed cooked products manufacturers also in the business. Certain competitors of A/S Dansk Minox are expanding aggressively and had already introduce the red  cabbage salad in vaccum-packed, canned or frozen form. There is low differentiation among competitors and price is the key factor in this particular industry. Due to the high initial investment, the potential exit barriers could be high in this diverse competitive industry. Product SubstitutesFor this particular product of vacuum-packed red cabbage salad, the Danish housewives very often make it on their own. Therefore, the family could choose make the salad or buy it from A/S Dansk Minox. The switching costs are fairly low and the family could have a choice of buying the products from other manufacturers if the price and quality match their standard. In term of food storing methods, the red cabbage salad could be in the canned or frozen form as well. They are the substitutes depend on the family’s preference and evaluation of price and quality. SuppliersThe suppliers of A/S Dansk Minox are the vendors that provide raw material of pork, cabbage and other possible material for the process of packaging. Since pork and cabbage are consumption goods, the price is affected by the demand and supply of the material. Luckily for A/S Dansk Minox, the suppliers will not have huge bargaining power since the material of pork and cabbage is wildly available in the market and the supply chain is considered to be relatively stable. BuyersSince the pork and salad are very popular food in Denmark, so the potential buyers of the product could be anyone in the country. Since people now have more disposable income to spend on food products, also the vacuum-packed products like pork and cabbage are wildly considered as more convenient products,More specifically, the women in the work force, working mothers, represent the increasing portion of the buyers. Since this salad is quite time-consuming to prepare at home, the working mother prefer to purchase pre-prepared vacuum-packed products. The complete meal products are the perfect products for them. Company Strategy:The strategy of the A/S Dansk Minox is Cost leader. A/S  Dansk Minox is operating in a large market and the potential customers could be any family in the country. The demand of vacuum packed product by is highly elastic, which means the demand of the products are highly influenced by the price. In order to maintain a competitive price and compete with the competitors, A/S Dansk Minox produces the products massively. Strength:Biggest strength of the organization is the brand loyalty that already exists. Having 30 products in the market, A/S Dansk Minox is wildly recognized by the consumers and is a trusted name. Once the new products introduced, it could enjoy the benefits of being a line of the company. Opportunity:By conducting a consumer research, A/S Dansk Minox recently identifies that there is a huge opportunity for vacuum packed complete meals, even the competitors already introduce the ready-made red cabbage salad to the market. The opportunity came from the facts that the disposable income of people increases, resulting in more spending on food products. More and more people prefer convenient food to making it by themselves. In addition, the ready-made combo of â€Å"complete meal† is especially to working mothers, who want to reduce their time on the time-consuming salad dish. The percentage of working mother in the work force is expecting to increase in the future, reflecting the great opportunity of introducing the new complete set product. The major problem that A/S Dansk Minox facing now is: Should A/S Dansk Minox bring the new product, complete meal, to the market? If yes, then how much the unit price should be?The price is uncertain due to the cost allocation problem raise by the new product, leading to long discussions between the marketing and finance departments. Company identifies the cost driver as ‘per kilogram’ of material and the new product price at D.Cr 8.20 is proposed by finance department. Marketing department suggests that the cost driver ignores the price of cabbage is way cheaper than pork, however allocating a similar overhead cost. Hence they proposed a price of D.Cr 6.85 for the combo pack. In order to find the solution for the problem above, I will examine the  following three alternatives:Summary of alternativesABCStatus Quo: Not introduce the â€Å"complete meal product†; abandon the new projectIntroduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85Introduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.20Alternative A: Status QuoAlternative A is to abandon the new project of New Pack – not to introduce the â€Å"complete meal product†. As the new product will not be introduced, it will generate no additional profit to the company, i.e. the profit in 1966 will be the net profit without the introduction of the new product. Consequently, the pricing arguments between the marketing and finance departments of the Danish company will no longer exist. In addition, since the new product is not introduced into the market, the customers of the standard pack will stay with the products. Accordingly, th e sales of the old product will continue to rise in response to the increase in the market demand. Alternative A: Not introduce the â€Å"complete meal product† New PackSales:0Total variable costs0Allocated fixed costs0Profit0Alternative B: Introduce at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85Since there was spare capacity available for the production of the new â€Å"complete meal† product, the total amount of the fixed costs will not change due to the proposed production of the new product. Also because these fixed expenses are costs that have already been incurred and that cannot be recovered, they are considered as sunk costs. In business decision-making such as the decision to add or drop a product or service, only incremental costs (variable costs) are relevant to a decision. Therefore, the full costing method (the standard cost accounting) – the attempt to allocate the company’s fixed costs to the different products produced during a certain period of time, is not appropriate for this type of management decision making. The proper approach to support decision making to improve a company’s profitability is a contribution analysis:Revenue – Variable Costs = Contribution Margin per unit(Contribution Margin per unit x total units produced) – Total Fixed Costs = Incremental Profit/LossAs a result, the company’s profit in 1966 will be increased by $99,450 (See Table 1 for detail) if the new product is introduced at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85. Compared to Alternative A, A/S Dansk Minox is better off by the increase of $99,450 in profit. In the event that the company is not capable to produce 85 tons of new products, the profit increased above will not be achieved. From the table shown below, in order to achieve the profit by selling 30 tons new products at D. Cr 8.20, we need to at least sell 52 tons of new product at D. Cr 6.85. Contribution Margin for a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85 x Minimum sales volume= incremental profit for introducing the product at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.201.17X = 60,900 *X = 52,051* see alternative C for detailLong term decisionHowever, the contribution analysis is primarily useful for short-term decision-making. For the long-term purpose, the company still needs the full costing analysis to calculate the profit of each product. Within company’s capacity, the production Fixed Expense for the new â€Å"complete meal† will be the same as existing products as D.Cr. 0.54 per kilo. All other overhead will be the same as the existing product as well. In the event of exceed capacity, need to allocate additional Production Fixed Expenses. in order to get the correct number of profitability, A/S Dansk Minox needs to find an appropriate cost driver to allocate the production fixed expenses. As indicated by the marketing department, the total sales quantity (expressed in kilograms) may not be a proper way to allocate the fixed costs. A/S Dansk Minox could consider using the selling price of product as the allocation basis, since the consumer price is more relevant to the fixed overhead and better matching expense with profit. Therefore, from the following table, we proportional apply the Production Fixed Expense:new packStd.Pack6.854.85X0.54X=0.76Therefore, in the long run, 0.76 production fixed expense should be allocated to 1 Kg of â€Å"complete meal†. Please note that we assume selling price at D.Cr. 6.85. In the case of retail selling price as D.Cr. 6.85 and with an allocation of D.Cr. 1.20 for production fixed expenses, the total unit cost will be D.Cr. 5.22. Alternative C: Introduce at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.20In spite of the marketing department’s arguments, company could decide to set the price at D.Cr. 8.20 so that the full fixed expense could be covered. In this case, the uncertainty of allocating fixed overhead is eliminated and the company ensure that the new product is making profit. However, the selling price is too high for the customer in turn decreases the competitiveness of the product. Therefore, the product could be sold at a lower volume than it is budgeted. In the following, we reasonably assume that the sales volume drop to 30 tons when the price is at D.Cr. 8.20. Please see table 2 at appendix for detail. The profit in 1966 will be increased by $60,900. Compared to Alternative A, A/S Dansk Minox is better off by the increase of $60,900 in profit. ConclusionsIn order to better evaluate and compare all the qualitative and quantitative alternatives we analyzed above, we need to take into consideration of certain key decision-making criteria:1.Improve profitability (measured by contribution analysis, short-term decision making)Increase profitability and improve shareholder equity is the primary goal of a company. By improving profit, the company’s cash flow is possibly increased, so that company’s ability of meeting liability is enhanced. In the event of possible investing opportunity arises, the company will be financially flexible enough to take it. 2.Consistent with the corporate strategyThe alternative we take should be consistent with the strategy of the company, so that the action will be towards the company goal and will be sustainable. 3.Lost of customers by the Standard PackTo better evaluate the alternatives, some important qualitative factors should be considered, potential lost of customer by standard pack resulting from the introduction of the new product is one of them. 4.Within capabilityAre the alternatives attainable? Or they are out of the capacity of the company and will not be able to achieve?The following table shows how we compare the different alternatives by applying these criteria:ABCStatus Quo: Not introduce the â€Å"complete meal product†; abandon  the new projectIntroduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85Introduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.20Improve profitability using contribution analysis (short-term decision making) NoAssuming 85 tons of new products are sold at price of D.Cr 6.85, so the profibility will be improved by D.Cr. 99,450Assuming 30 tons of new products are sold at price of D.Cr 8.20, so the profibility will be improved by D.Cr. 60,900. Consistent with strategyN/AThe company’s strategy is cost leader, the price of D.Cr.6.85 is consistent with the company’s strategy and increase the competitiveness of the company.The company’s strategy is cost leader. the price of D.Cr.8.20 might be too high for certain customer, resulting in losing the competitiveness of the company. Lost of customers by the Standard PackNoIt is confirmed that there is still a great untapped potential for the new product so the customer will continue to buy both new and old products. Sales of standard pack will not be affected.Since there is still a great untapped potential for the new product so the customer will continue to buy both new and old products. Sales of standard pack will not be affected. Within capabilityN/AThere are spare capacity available for the company and the production will not exceed at this moment. If the new product keep increasing in the future, there is possibility of exceeding budgeted capacityThere are spare capacity available for the company and the production will not increase too much due to the high selling priceIn conclusion, by comparing the alternatives against the key decision-making criteria, alternative B, which introduces the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85 is the best option for A/S Dansk Minox. Since the main goal for A/S Dansk Minox is generating higher cash flow, improving profitability should be the primary criteria that we should consider in decision making. Alternative C improves profibility by D.Cr. 99,450, which is D.Cr 38,550 higher than alternative B and D.Cr 99,450 higher than alternative A. Moreover, alternative B is consistent with the company strategy. From the content that we demonstrated previously, the business strategy of the company is cost leader. A/S Dansk Minox produces the products massively in order to keep a low selling price and match with the competitors. Therefore, introducing the new product price at D.Cr. 6.85 does a better job in fitting in company’s strategy than the other alternatives. In addition, alternative B will not have huge impact to the existing products and it works within the capability of the company, comparing to other options. Recommendations A/S Dansk Minox is facing an exciting opportunity of introducing a new product line that could possibly increase the profit hugely. We highly recommend the company introduce the new â€Å"complete meal† at price of D.Cr. 6.85, also taking the following steps:1.Introduce the â€Å"complete meal† to the whole company and the public as soon as possible in order to let more people know about the new product. 2.Inform the production department and add the new product into production plan. Evaluate the difficulty of implementing the new product line. 3.Inform the marketing department. Ask for possible promotion theme and plan that could make the biggest sales impact. 4.Call retailers at each level of selling channel regarding the introduction of the new product. 5.after few months, conduct customer research in order to evaluate the success of the new product or possible commandsNot only alternative C is a solution that relatively easy to be implemented, it is also expected to generate highest cash flow to meet the company’s operating goal. By setting the price of new product at as low as D.Cr. 6.85, the demand of the product remains high and the company strategy of cost leader will be maintained. Introducing the new â€Å"complete meal† increase the competitiveness to utilize  the company’s strength and help company to survive in this highly competitive market. Appendices:Flow chart 1)Table 1Alternative B: introduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85New PackConsumer Price6.85Turnover Tax(0.76)Consumer Price Before Tax6.09Retailer’s Margin (1.31)Price to Retailer4.78Variable Costs:Material: Pork 1.67Labor: Pork 0.25Material: Cabbage 0.5Labor: Cabbage 0.25Packaging 0.26Transportation, Storage0.2Margins and Discounts to Wholesalers 0.38Sundry Variable Costs 0.1Total Variable Costs(3.61)Contribution Margin1.17Sales volume @ 85 tons 1x 85,000 kgIncremental Profit99,4501 Assume the actual sales volume of the â€Å"complete meal product† is the same as the sales budget when the â€Å"complete meal product† is introduced at a consumer price of D.Cr. 6.85. Table 2Alternative C: introduce the â€Å"complete meal product† at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.20New PackConsumer Price8.20Turnover Tax(0.91)Consumer Price Before Tax7.29Retailer’s Margin (1.57)Price to Retailer5.72Variable Costs:Material: Pork 1.67Labor: Pork 0.25Material: Cabbage 0.5Labor: Cabbage 0.25Packaging 0.26Transportation, Storage0.2Margins and Discounts to Wholesalers 0.46Sundry Variable Costs 0.1Total Variable Costs(3.69)Contribution Margin2.03Sales volume @ 30 tons 1x 30,000 kgIncremental Profit60,9001 The actual sales volume of the â€Å"complete meal product† is 30 tons when the â€Å"complete meal product† is introduced at a consumer price of D.Cr. 8.20bibliographiesA/S Dansk Minox Gordon Shillinglaw, Columbia University ISBN 0-538-88967-5 to Accounting

Treatments Of Frozen Shoulder Health And Social Care Essay

The term â€Å" Frozen Shoulder † was ab initio coined by Codman in the twelvemonth 1934. Before that Duplay in 1872, termed it as â€Å" Peri Arthritis † and the most recent Naviesar in 1945 labelled it as â€Å" Adhesive Capsulitis † ( Riyadh and Marwan 2007 ; Dias et Al. 2005 ) . It is defined as a upset in which the shoulder capsule and the connective tissue environing the glenohumeral articulation of the shoulder become inflamed and stiff. It grows together with unnatural sets of tissue called adhesions, greatly curtailing gesture and doing chronic hurting. Incidences of frozen shoulder are seen more in diabetic patients. Every twelvemonth 2 % instances of frozen shoulders are reported in US while 11 % happenings are found in single with diabetes every twelvemonth. About 40 % of patients developed frozen shoulder who were enduring from type – 1 diabetes ( Roy and Dahan 2009 ) . Most frequently there are no allied hurts or discernable cause. There are few patients who develop a frozen shoulder following a traumatic hurt to the shoulder but this is non the typical cause. Frozen shoulder is more common in people who are enduring from diabetes, thyroid jobs, bosom disease, shot, shoulder injury or surgery, station immobilisation etc. Frozen shoulder is rare under the age of 40 ; it typically strikes in the 5th and 6th decennary of life. The status occurs more normally in adult females than work forces F: M=1.4:1 ( Dias et al. 2005 ) . It may impact both shoulders either as at the same time or consecutive in every bit many as 16 % of patients ( Roy and Dahan 2009 ) . Harmonizing to Codman the three trademarks of frozen shoulder are insidious shoulder stiffness, terrible nocturnal hurting and near complete loss of inactive and active external rotary motion of the shoulder.The hurting is normally dull and hurting type. There are normally three phases of clinical presentation.Painful/Freezing phaseIt is badly painful phase in which the patient feels a perennial oncoming of chiefly nocturnal hurting. Patients do non comprehend any hurting during normal twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours activities but it may arouse with overhead activity or motion in utmost scope. This painful period stopping points for 2-9 months ( Walmsley et al 2009 ) .Frozen/Adhesive phasePatients feel same hurting as in stage 1 but it reduces a spot compare to stop deading phase. There is a celebrated capsular form progressive restriction in scope of gesture. Normal everyday activities are more badly affected. This phase lasts for 3 to 9 months ( Fitsialos et al. 1995 ) .Tha wing/Resolution phasePain in this phase bit by bit subsides, but restriction in scope of gesture increasingly increases over 1-2 old ages. Although around 40 % of patients have slight, unrelenting restriction in scope, merely 10 % may hold clinically singular long term functional restrictions ( Binder et al. 1984 ) . There are figure of intervention regimens established get downing from traditional interventions i.e. exercising therapy, galvanism, mobilisation to local infiltration of corticoids to surgical releases of the capsule, but the optimal direction of this status has been the topic of great argument, peculiarly because the status tends to decide spontaneously over months to old ages ( Carette et al. 2003 ; Dacre et Al. 1989 ) . So the focal point of this essay is on intervention modes of frozen shoulder i.e. either physical therapy or corticoids. Both are now widely used and besides researches related to its effectivity have been carried out in literature. So in the undermentioned subdivisions will be emphasizing on some of the plants done by research workers on the grade of effectivity of the two intercessions in handling frozen shoulder, along with the glance on future researches on the same. Before this will hold a brief mentality on the mechanism on which this therapy works.Mechanism of action – Corticosteroids and Exercise:Corticosteroids:From last 50 old ages steroids injections have been used for the intervention of a figure of musculoskeletal conditions. It has been proved that it is one of the cost effectual intervention besides ( Dacre et al. 1989 ) . Care should be taken while exposing persons for the steroids injection as the inauspicious effects is still an unsolved issue. Corticosteroids are fundamentally man-made parallels of the endocrine hydrocortisone. Cortisol in its physiological doses has a regulative consequence on glucose and protein metamorphosis and besides an anti-inflammatory consequence via action on polymorph and macrophage migration along with lymphocyte suppression. They prove to be an effectual anti- inflammatory drug by moving on cell atomic receptors in the control of mRNA synthesis on the production of proteins. This in bend has an consequence on the production of cytokines and other go-betweens of redness ( Saunders WB, 20 02 ) . It has been proposed that frozen shoulder or shoulder stiffness begins with an inflammatory stage, which is so followed by formation of cicatrix tissue. So the theoretical benefit of intra-articular steroid injection is that it inhibits this inflammatory stage and hence a pronounced lessening in the hurting ( Speed CA, 2003 ) . For this intent by and large in our pattern triamicinolone acetonide is used and it comes under class of medium authority drug, which carries a higher anti- inflammatory consequence along with a low degree of minerocorticoid consequence. Thus it helps in diminishing the hurting in the initial phases of frozen shoulder where hurting is the chief ailment and hence prevents farther stiffness from developing ( Saunders WB, 2002 ) . Its effectivity is mentioned and worked upon in literature. A survey conducted by Widiastuti and Sianturi ( 2004 ) compared the effectivity of unwritten vs. intra-articular triamicinolone injection and came to a decision that the subsequently provided faster betterment than the former path. Besides effectivity of steroids has been combined with exercising to accomplish a profound consequence on frozen shoulder and many other such conditions. Carette et Al. ( 2003 ) found that intra articular steroids injection in combination with exercising led to statistically notable betterment in compared to exert entirely. Ryans et Al. ( 2005 ) demonstrated in their survey that an intra-articular steroid injection was an effectual tool in bettering the shoulder related disablement which in combination with exercising plan led to an betterment in shoulder ranges 6 hebdomads following the intervention. These surveies will be discussed in item subsequently in this essay. So during the early stage of frozen shoulder where hurting is the chief concern and digesting physical therapy at this phase is about following to impossible, an intra- articular steroid injection might supply adequate alleviation for the patient to get down with an exercising plan.Exercises:Now, coming on to the effects of exercising so, physical therapy is by default the chief line of intervention for shoulder stiffness. As we know articulations require motion to remain healthy. A drawn-out period of inaction forces the joint to go stiffen and the next tissues to turn weaker. So an exercising plan that includes aerobic exercises, scope of gesture exercisings, power and strength preparation has benefits for the patients. Many patients who start an exercising plan, study less functional disablement and associated hurting ( Carette et al. 2003 ) A patient of frozen shoulder normally commences an exercising plan that includes chiefly active aided scope of gesture and soft inactive stretching exercisings ( Michlovitz et al. 2004 ) . There are a scope of combinations of exercising regimen used along with different signifiers of galvanism and massage techniques. Heat modes are by and large applied to the affected shoulder prior to the exercising and ice at the terminal of exercising. This regimen AIDSs in alleviating the uncomfortableness to an extent and hence improves the conformity with exercising. Prior to stretching it improves the musculotendinous tissue flexibleness ( Ruiz JO, 2009 ) . Now the reduced physical activity and shoulder immobilisation are of import factors of shoulder musculus wasting, reduced strength and endurance. The scope of gesture exercisings increases the sum of motion in a joint and musculus, beef uping exercisings helps in constructing the musculuss strength, while aerobic exercises helps in stabiliz ing and back uping the articulations ( Michlovitz et al. 2004, Ruiz JO, 2009 ) . Hakkinen et Al. ( 1998 ) in their survey proposed that betterment in shoulder musculus map might chiefly ensue from the nervous version taking topographic point due to the exercising preparation. It has besides been speculated that betterment in the intramuscular and intermuscular co-ordination, decreased shoulder hurting and shoulder musculus wasting along with an increased shoulder articulation mobility are all factors for betterment in shoulder musculus map in frozen shoulder patient after rehabilitation ( Jurgle et al. 2005 ) . It has besides been proved in a survey by Kibler et Al. ( 1998 ) that after an exercising plan, the shoulder muscles tends to go more free and elastic permitting chief motions in the shoulder girdle. Though it has been proved in certain surveies that rehabilitation entirely is non so effectual and in some instances it can really worsen the symptoms but physical therapy combined with other intervention regimens like steroids is decidedly a much better pick ( Jurgle et al. 2005 ; Carette et Al. 2003 )Effectiveness of Corticosteroid injections Vs. Physiotherapy intervention:Here will be foregrounding three surveies related to the above subject. Study one ( Van der Windt et Al. 1998 ) .The aim of this survey was to compare the efficaciousness of corticosteroid injection with physical therapy for the intervention of painful stiff shoulder. It was a randomised test carried out in a primary attention puting. They described painful stiff shoulder or capsular syndrome as a status that is characterized by a painful limitation of inactive scope of gesture, preponderantly of sidelong rotary motion and abduction. Based on the inclusion and exclusion standards there were 109 patients taking portion in the survey. Patients were indiscriminately allocated to 6 hebdomads of intervention. 53 took corticoid group while the remainder 56 were in the physical therapy group. Now intra-articular injections of 40mg Triamicinolone acetonide were given to the steroids group by trained general practicians utilizing the posterior path, three injections were given during the 6 hebdomads. Physiotherapy group received 12 Sessionss exercising of 30 proceedingss during which all patients received inactive joint mobilisation and exercising intervention. Besides ice, hot battalions and galvanism was used to pare down the hurting. The consequences were assessed at 3 and 7 hebdomads, with an extra follow up at 13, 26 and 52 hebdomads. The appraisal done at 13 and 52 hebdomads were by postal questionnaire and enclosed all primary result steps. Some of the appraisals were besides carried out by an perceiver blind to intervention allotment. The result steps were assessed in the signifier of Primary result steps where patients were asked to hit their advancement on a six point Likert graduated table, the hurting associated with their chief ailment and the badness of their hurting during twenty-four hours and dark on a 100mm ocular parallel graduated table and the functional disablement was evaluated with the shoulder disablement questionnaire, that consisted of 16 points on common state of affairs that may do shoulder hurting. The secondary result measured the limitation of mobility during inactive sidelong rotary motion and glenohumeral abduction with the aid of a digital inclinometer. The blind perceiver was aske d after each scrutiny to theorize which intercession the patient had been assigned to. The consequences were as follows, at the terminal of 7 hebdomads 40 ( 77 % ) out of 52patients exposed to injections were considered to be treated successfully as compared with 26 ( 46 % ) out of 56 treated with physical therapy ( difference between the groups were 31 % , 95 % assurance interval 14 % to 48 % ) . At appraisal at 26 and 52 hebdomads at that place was relatively little differentiation between the groups. So this randomized control test showed that corticoids injection were better compared to physiotherapy in footings of the success intervention, betterment in the scope of sidelong rotary motion, betterment in clinical badness and in alleviation of the major ailment, hurting and disablement. They proposed that the differences in the intercession group were chiefly due to the relatively faster alleviation of symptoms go oning in patients treated with injections. So injections may be preferred to physiotherapy in the initial intervention of painful stiff shoulder, but the physicians and patients should be cognizant of the mild but sometimes troubleshooting inauspicious reactions to corticoids that may happen. Similar to the above survey, Carette et Al. 2003 studied with an aim to mensurate the effectivity of a physical therapy intervention, intra-articular injection of corticoid, both the intervention combined and one group had merely placebo intervention of frozen shoulder. It was a placebo-controlled test. They recruited 93 patients and were randomized to one of the undermentioned 4 intervention groups: group-1 was applied steroid injection of Aristocort hexacetonide 40mg after 12 Sessionss of 1 hr supervised physical therapy which was performed under fluoroscopic counsel, given over a 4 hebdomad period ( combination group ) , group-2 had been given steroid injection entirely ( steroid group ) , group-3 had been given saline injection followed by supervised physical therapy ( physiotherapy group ) and group-4 had been used ( placebo group ) saline injection merely. All topics were asked to follow a simple place exercising plan. Two different Physiotherapy schemes were used for ague and chronic capsulitis. TENS, mobilisation, active ROM exercisings and ice application was used for the acute status while ultrasound, mobilisation, active and car assisted ROM exercisings, isometric strengthening exercisings and ice was used for the chronic 1. The patients were followed up at an interval of 6 hebdomads, 3 months, 6 months and 1 twelvemonth after randomisation. The primary result step was done by Shoulder Pain and Disability Index ( SPADI ) mark. The Short Form 36 ( SF-36 ) was used for general wellness measuring and the cosmopolitan goniometer was used to mensurate the active and inactive ROM. The response to intervention were: 6 hebdomads after the intervention the SPADI tonss had improved by ( average A ± SD ) 46.5 A ±- 5.0 in the combination group and 36.7 A ± 5.1 in the steroid group, which were significantly higher than the betterments of 22.2 A ± 4.8 observed in physical therapy group and 18.9 A ± 5.1 in the placebo group. In all the groups, scope of active and inactive gesture improved. There was a important risen in betterment of group-1 comparison to group-3. Group 1 and 2 had uninterrupted appreciably betterment in tonss of SPADI comparison to group 4 at 3 months. Group-3 and group-4 had non shown any i mportant difference at any of the follow up appraisal but it was found that at 3 months, gropu-3 had great sum of betterment in shoulder flexure scope of gesture. At 6 months following the intervention, there was no longer any important difference in SPADI tonss between the 4 groups. Active ROM was higher in steroid group than the placebo group. While at 12 months, the 4 group did non differ extensively in regard to any of the result steps. The consequences of this survey suggests that merely physical therapy intervention has limited consequence on joint scope of gesture and betterment is slow while combination of the steroid injection and physical therapy intervention improves shoulder scope of gesture at faster rate in frozen shoulder. The quality of this survey is good. The positive points of this survey are that it used valid inclusion and exclusion standards, injection disposal techniques, physical therapy intercessions all based on best grounds available. The restriction of this survey was that it had to be concluded early due to the troubles in enrolling patients who fitted the entry standards. Rest the concluding result perfectly mirrored the first survey with steroids holding a good consequence in the short term while physical therapy had limited consequence. Similar to the above survey, a recent survey was done by Ryans et Al. ( 2005 ) . They grouped the same patients as in above survey and gave triamicinolone ( 20mg ) and gave 8 Sessionss of standardised physical therapy and reviewed them at 6 and 16 hebdomads. Their outcome steps were based on Shoulder Disability Questionnaire ( SDQ ) mark, VAS for hurting appraisal, planetary disablement utilizing VAS and scope of inactive external rotary motion. They came up with the consequences that corticosteroid injection is effectual in bettering shoulder related disablement, and physical therapy is effectual in bettering the scope of motion in external rotary motion 6 hebdomads after intervention, but at the terminal of 16 hebdomads, the betterment was similar in every group with regard to all attendant steps. Though this survey used a really rigorous choice standards had used a placebo group and applied strict blinding, still they were merely able to track positive differences between interventions at 6 hebdomads compared to the old surveies. There were many losing informations in this survey by 16 hebdomads due to the deficiency of follow up of patients beyond 6 hebdomads. Besides there was no interaction noted between the two signifiers of intervention in any of the result step as was seen in the earlier surveies. So this survey is less likely a failure as compared to other surveies, it merely reinforced the grounds that corticosteroid injection is effectual for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in the short period of clip.Other Treatment Modalities:To handle the frozen shoulder many other progress intervention are used presents. Apart from physical therapy and intra-articular steroids the other proposed interventions are listed as follows: Traditionally unwritten and topical non-steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are used, where necessary they are supplemented with different anodynes combination. This is chiefly prescribed in the painful freeze phases where hurting alleviation is the chief concern. However no randomised experiments that label the efficaciousness of NSAIDs in frozen shoulder are yet reported ( Dias et al. 2005 ) . Oral steroids is one of the proposed intervention for frozen shoulder in the initial phases, but as there were more inauspicious side effects, they should non be considered as everyday pattern for this status ( Buchbinder et al. 2004 ) . Suprascapular nervus blocks may turn out to be a powerful hurting stand-in, but non in motion Restoration and repeated joint dilatation may be so helpful in bettering the motion of the joint ( Dahan et al. 2000 ) . A different set of intervention is used in the adhesive stage, as the purpose here is non to alleviate merely hurting but stiffness is of more concern. Manipulation under anaesthesia is a intervention option in patients who are non able to bear the hurting and disablement connected with the status. This intervention is indicated merely if the functional disablement persists despite of proper conservative intervention for six months ( Hamdan and Al-Essa 2003 ) . Manipulation under anaesthesia helps to recover the scope of gesture and shoulder map within a period of 3 months. An arthroscopic release of the capsule is besides an advocated intervention. The plus point here in this intervention is it avoids the complication like break of the humerus as is common in use ( Dias et al. 2005 ) .Decision:In regard to the usage of this intervention option i.e. Physiotherapy and Corticosteroids farther high quality research is required, as there are still certain uncertainties which remains unreciprocated, like ; What dose precisely should be given ( 20 or 40mg ) for an effectual result? In which phase of frozen shoulder what intervention is best suited? How many injections should be administered for an optimal consequence? The path of administrating the injection, as in some surveies anterior path while in other buttocks or sidelong path has been preferred. How many hebdomads should the intervention be for an consequence to be prolonged? Therefore, a certain sum of information on these facets is still required. There is a literature on an on-going research by McDaid C ( 2010 ) , that is aimed at taking a broader position as compared to the old surveies that have focused on individual intervention and now they are happening out an overall effectual intervention regimen of the status. The undertaking will besides look into what intervention options are most cost-efficient. They will include all the patients of frozen shoulder undergoing steroid injection, physical therapies, arthrographic dilatation, use under anaesthesia and capsular release. The attack of alert waiting will besides be included and so they will seek to plot the patient attention tracts. So, to reason frozen shoulder is a most common musculoskeletal status, but no intervention has proved to be unequivocal. Though literature supports many signifiers of intervention, both operative and non operative, but this huge sum of information and conflicting nature of the grounds leads to confusion. All these interventions have possible advantages and disadvantages and as a wellness professional it becomes hard to follow grounds based thorough attack in the intervention of frozen shoulder. In the hereafter discoveries are anticipated that can take to the development of new intervention schemes and finally an improved result.

Free Essays on Comparing The Two Stories ‘The Adventures Of The Speckled Band’ And ‘The Lamb To The Slaughter’

Comparing the two stories ‘The Adventures of the Speckled Band’ and ‘The Lamb to the Slaughter’ Within this essay I will be comparing and contrasting the two detective stories ‘The Adventures of the Speckled Band’ and ‘The Lamb to the Slaughter’, referring to the structure, language and characterisation. ‘The speckled band’ was written in 1892 by Sir Arthur Doyle, he was qualified as a doctor which gave him a medical perspective for all his stories. ‘The lamb to the slaughter’ was written in 1952 by Roald Dahl most famous for writing children’s stories although he did write adult material such as the book ‘The lamb to the slaughter featured in ‘The tales of the unexpected’. Detective stories mainly base themselves around solving murder cases; the reader is taken on a journey to find who is guilty and their motive which is normally along the lines of greed, loneliness and hatred. ‘The speckled band’ is written in 1st person and the story is narrated by Dr Watson, Sherlock’s partner and dear friend. The story begins with Dr Watson looking over his old notes and introducing us to his views and feelings on Sherlock Holmes and his amazing talent for solving murder mysteries. We are taken back eight years to a case they solved. They were visited by a lady called Helen Stoner who explained her story from the moment her mother died to the most recent events. From there the story is slowly built up until the climax at the end when the case is solved. Conan Doyle is able to engage the reader by the affect of drama and atmosphere using short staccato sentences to convey excitement, movement and speed. Dynamic verbs such as ‘rush’ and ‘groping’ emphasises this. He is able to make the reader want to carry on by uncovering each clue one by one putting together the puzzle. The further you read the more clues you will get until you have the full picture. The story ends with the uncovering of the who... Free Essays on Comparing The Two Stories ‘The Adventures Of The Speckled Band’ And ‘The Lamb To The Slaughter’ Free Essays on Comparing The Two Stories ‘The Adventures Of The Speckled Band’ And ‘The Lamb To The Slaughter’ Comparing the two stories ‘The Adventures of the Speckled Band’ and ‘The Lamb to the Slaughter’ Within this essay I will be comparing and contrasting the two detective stories ‘The Adventures of the Speckled Band’ and ‘The Lamb to the Slaughter’, referring to the structure, language and characterisation. ‘The speckled band’ was written in 1892 by Sir Arthur Doyle, he was qualified as a doctor which gave him a medical perspective for all his stories. ‘The lamb to the slaughter’ was written in 1952 by Roald Dahl most famous for writing children’s stories although he did write adult material such as the book ‘The lamb to the slaughter featured in ‘The tales of the unexpected’. Detective stories mainly base themselves around solving murder cases; the reader is taken on a journey to find who is guilty and their motive which is normally along the lines of greed, loneliness and hatred. ‘The speckled band’ is written in 1st person and the story is narrated by Dr Watson, Sherlock’s partner and dear friend. The story begins with Dr Watson looking over his old notes and introducing us to his views and feelings on Sherlock Holmes and his amazing talent for solving murder mysteries. We are taken back eight years to a case they solved. They were visited by a lady called Helen Stoner who explained her story from the moment her mother died to the most recent events. From there the story is slowly built up until the climax at the end when the case is solved. Conan Doyle is able to engage the reader by the affect of drama and atmosphere using short staccato sentences to convey excitement, movement and speed. Dynamic verbs such as ‘rush’ and ‘groping’ emphasises this. He is able to make the reader want to carry on by uncovering each clue one by one putting together the puzzle. The further you read the more clues you will get until you have the full picture. The story ends with the uncovering of the who...

Zimmermann Telegram

Zimmermann Telegram The Zimmermann Telegram was a coded message sent from Germany to Mexico in January 1917. Once the Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted and decoded by the British, the contents were leaked to the U.S. and helped change the tide of American public opinion and brought the U.S. into World War I. The Story of the Zimmermann Telegram The Zimmermann Telegram was secretly sent from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Germanys ambassador in Mexico, Heinrich von Eckhardt. The British managed to intercept this coded message and their cryptologists were able to decipher it. Within this secret message, Zimmermann revealed Germanys plan to restart unrestricted submarine warfare as well as offered Mexico territory from the United States if Mexico were to declare war on the United States. On February 24, 1917, the British shared the contents of the Zimmermann Telegram with U.S President Woodrow Wilson, who had been elected to a second term on the slogan He kept us out of the war. The contents of the Zimmermann Telegram then appeared in newspapers five days later, on March 1. Upon reading the news, the American public was outraged. For three years, Americans had prided themselves on safely keeping out of World War I, a war they believed to be contained to Europe, which seemed far away. The American public now felt the war was being brought to their own land. The Zimmermann Telegram helped change public opinion in the United States away from isolationism and toward joining World War I with the Allies. Just a month after the contents of the Zimmermann Telegram were published in U.S. papers, the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. The Full Text of the Zimmermann Telegram (Since the coded Zimmermann Telegram was originally written in German, the text below is a translation of the German message.) We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the Presidents attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace.

Forgiveness, Justice, Revenge Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forgiveness, Justice, Revenge - Research Paper Example Body Statement III: The biblical story 'Parable of the Prodigal Son’ reinstates 'forgiveness' as the act of remission of sins, which can bring back a repenting person to the path of righteousness, and by doing so, he is saved from being lost again. Body Statement IV: â€Å"The Sunflower† shows the struggle between the inner demon craving for revenge, and the righteousness in an individual by hating the crimes done by himself, as well as the whole Jewish community. Body Statement V: The movie ‘TSOTSI,’ brings to focus the hope forgiveness and social acceptance of Tsotsi. Body Statement VI: In the movie ‘UNFORGIVEN’ the ancient notions of justice are projected, where only the act of vengeance can bring peace to the gratification of mind. Conclusion: Forgiveness, Justice, Revenge 'Forgiveness', 'Justice' and 'Revenge' are the three significant concepts that have allured the writers of all ages. The perspectives about these concepts vary according to the workings of individual mind, and the extremity of victimization. These notions have different meanings attached to them, yet they are closely related to each other. This paper provides a definition to the concept of forgiveness with reference to the concepts of justice and revenge. The thesis statement of this study is that, the concept of forgiveness can be defined as the pardoning of sins, so that we can let go the feeling of hurt from our heart, freeing ourselves from anger, malice and contempt. Barb Toews in her work "Restorative Justice for People in Prison," (What is Restorative Justice?) states that a crime has the power to hurt its victims, offenders, as well as the community. In this book, Toews suggests that the victims and their families, community members and offenders and their families require a variety of lawful needs such as companionship and security, strengthening one’s status, expression of inner thoughts, right to know, development, and transparency . Since each of the lawful needs experienced by the individuals vary from each other, these needs can be met with the help of a community, committed to restorative justice. The needs of those victims struggling with the aftermath of crime, if met in time, can reduce crime the crime rates in future. The victims of today have the potential to become the offenders of tomorrow, as they surrender themselves to the cold-heartedness and self-imprisonment of vengeance. The victims of crime should be served with justice, or else they will be inclined to take law in their own hands, rather than fighting to make the law work. By serving ‘justice,’ the victim is served right, and by forgiving he can let go the hurt caused by the crime. The term ‘forgiveness’ is entangled with the terms: ‘justice’ and ‘revenge’. To define ‘forgiveness’, it is essential to distinguish between ‘justice’ and ‘revenge’. Reveng e is an insane and brutal notion in which a man seeks 'an eye for an eye’. In revenge, an individual cultivates anger and hatred in his soul so much, that his consciousness is overcome by the inner demon. In revenge, a man seeks to outdo injustice with another form of injustice. In other words, it is an act or thought of settling justice in a

Should Christopher Columbus be celebrated for Western Civilization or Essay

Should Christopher Columbus be celebrated for Western Civilization or not - Essay Example Elsewhere in the Americas, living standards are high and are improving. Nevertheless, these successes, which can be traced directly from Columbus' first voyage, were also dearly bought. Millions of native lives were lost, through disease and intentional mistreatment. Several civilizations were effectively destroyed so that a new civilization based on settlers' stock could grow. As such, Columbus clearly has a mixed reputation. These two views of Christopher Columbus are both espoused by different historical schools. The argument in a sense boils down to one of politics. Those who are more inclined to be anti-establishment and romantic would suggest that Columbus' legacy is one of bloodshed and misery. Those who are more realist suggest that civilizations with better technology and organization will always supersede those who lack these qualities. In a sense it was the destiny of the advanced European nations to take over the Americas and build their own colonies there. The other civi lizations such as the Aztecs and the various tribes of North America were simply unable to compete. There are two main historians who support each of these views. The former view is espoused by Kirkpatrick Sale; the latter by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto. The latter view is more sensible. Kirkpatrick Sale makes a powerful argument about Columbus, but it is all too political and too based on hyperbole. Motives are ascribed to Columbus which he simply never held. The years of colonization were years of â€Å"subjugation and violence† according to Sale (Sale, 152). Nothing good ever came of them. The Spanish were rapacious and built nothing and simply destroyed the environment. This is too simplistic a view of the world. According to Sale, the natives were vastly superior to the Europeans who came to the Americas. He describes how their technology was much better, but sounds quite foolish doing so: â€Å"'Indian societies had a variety of technologies, some quite sophisticated and many well beyond anything comparable in Europe at the time . . . and certainly could have developed others if they felt any need to do so, particularly in regard to food supply. If they did not, there was likely to be a good reason: if they did not anywhere use the plow, for instance, that may have been because their methods of breaking the soil with a planting stick worked just as well with a tenth of the effort, or because they had learned that opening up and turning over whole fields would only decrease nutrients and increase erosion, or because their thought-world would not have allowed such disregardful violence† (Sale, 322). This is an incredibly idealized view and one that is not unlike those who believe in the noble savage. A critic of the book rightly points out that â€Å"Mr. Sale treats the varied ways of life that actually prevailed in the Americas as if all Indians were the same, and confuses time as well by quoting late-20th-century Indian spokesmen as though th eir words applied universally to every tribe and people† (McNeil). Fernandez-Armesto's perspective is more sensible. He looks to historical context. He also sees contemporary political correctness for what it is: In the opinion of one self-styled Native American spokesman, 'he makes Hitler look like a juvenile delinquent'. This sort of hype is doubly unhelpful: demonstrably false, it makes the horrors of the holocaust seem precedented and gives comfort to Nazi apologists by making