Monday, January 20, 2020

The Affordable Care Acts Long Road to Political Reality Essay

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the first health-care reform to pass Congress that will attempt to provide health insurance to all American citizens. It is not the first time that a health-care reform of this magnitude has been attempted. Previous attempts at health-care reform were not successful. The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was certain only at the 11th hour after much discussion and compromise between different factions within the government and private sector. President Clinton had argued during his 1992 presidential campaign that health-care reform was needed. At the time, 37 million Americans were without health insurance. He also pointed to the fact that the United States was the only modernized democracy that did not provide universal health-care coverage for its citizens. On September 22, 1993, President Clinton gave his kick-off speech to Congress on his proposed health-care reform. The reform included a mandate for employers to provide health insurance to all employees. These insurance plans would be offered through a regulated marketplace. The proposed reform was considered a great success by Democrats in Congress and in public opinion polls. However, by spring 1994 the proposed reform has been labeled as â€Å"too large, too complex, too costly, and too much government (Pfiffner).† Public opinion, which was fundamental to this legislation, had begun to shift. Although there was public consensus that the United States health-care system needed to be overhauled, there was no consensus on what needed to be done to fix it. The reform, ultimately, did not pass in Congress. Several factors were pointed to as causes for its failure. Along with the complexity... ... References One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of America. (n.d.). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Retrieved 9 12, 2013, from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111hr3590enr/pdf/BILLS-111hr3590enr.pdf Pfiffner, J. P. (n.d.). President Clinton's Health Care Reform Proposals of 1994. Retrieved from http://www.thepresidency.org/storage/documents/President_Clintons_Health_Care_Reform_Proposals.pdf United States Department of Labor. (n.d.). Affordable Care Act. Retrieved 9 12, 2013, from United States Department of Labor: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform/ US Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Key Features of the Affordable Care Act By Year. Retrieved 9 12, 2013, from HHS.gov/HealthCare: hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/timeline-text.html Washington Post. (2010). LandMark. New York: PublicAffairs.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Form for Summarizing and Evaluating Research Articles Essay

In terms of the social functioning of drug users, Kandel referred to numerous studies that have examined the effect of drug use on social functioning in adolescents and young adults. The author was interested in further examining this topic as it pertains to these individuals’ transitioning into adulthood. Previous studies cited by the author have addressed this topic from the standpoint of how marijuana use affects the age of marriage, but no previous study has looked at child-bearing practices. The author hypothesized that the delinquent behavior found in adolescent drug-users will similarly be found in drug-using parents. In terms of parenting style, Kandel cited studies on three widely-recognized parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) and studies that examine child-bearing practices of drug users with data collected from clinical settings. The author questioned whether this data will be replicated by studies with general population samples. Evaluation: The literature review of the social functioning of drug users is thorough, and the research questions and hypotheses (both of which are clearly stated) are clearly justified by the literature review. Additionally, the section of literature review devoted to studies of parenting style and drug use is valuable as it cites studies that are more closely related to my own research interests. I question the author’s use of a three-tiered description of parenting style as a four-tiered model (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful) is more commonly used. Methods: Kandel collected the data from 1,277 people (ages 28-29) she has been following since 1971 (and thus she has amassed considerable information on the history of their drug use). Data was obtained from two-hour long personal interviews with the subjects. Questions were asked about parenting style in relation to the oldest child in their care and about the history of use of 12 different drug classes. Questions about children’s behavior and parenting issues were taken from previously issued questionnaires and not designed specifically for this study. Many of the questions about drug use were also taken from previously issued studies. Evaluation: The large sample size and the large body of information about the subjects’ drug use lend credibility to the study. The results of the study, however, might be skewed as the only people interviewed were the parents. As the parents have a history of drug use, and abuse, I would not implicitly trust all of their responses about parenting style and the behavior of their children. It would have been helpful if, for instance, teachers were interviewed about the behavior of the children implicated in the study. It would also have been appreciated if the author had discussed why the pre-existing questionnaires were chosen. Were these particular questionnaires ones with a proven track-record of statistically reliable results? Are they the most-widely used in the field? Are there any shortcomings of these questionnaires? Results: The study found that the strongest associations between childrearing patterns and child behavior are between parent discipline and child aggression and between parental closeness and child attachment to the parent. The data is broken down by gender of parent, and different results were found for maternal and paternal parenting styles for many of the child behavior patterns. Then, Kandel looked at the data to see patterns between drug involvement and marital/parenting status. Drug users (both current and former) are more likely to be single with no children. Next, she examined the relationship between drug involvement and parenting style and found â€Å"very few statistically significant relationships† (p. 189). Finally, she looked for associations between drug use and the children’s behavior, finding that maternal drug use is strongly associated with problems controlling children. Evaluation: Though the tables displaying the statistical analysis of the results provide the number of respondents who fall into the categories being discussed, the text itself contains none of these numbers. For instance, nowhere in the text does the author give the number of drug using mothers. From one of the tables, I found this number to be 166 (a very small sample given the number of participants in the study). Discussion and Conclusions: Kandel was quick to note the limitations of this study and the need for further research to fill these limitations. She also positioned this study and its findings within the framework of previous studies and remarked on the larger implications of her study. Evaluation: The implications of this study can be tied directly to my own research project. Kandel notes that â€Å"conduct problems in childhood and early adolescence are among the most important precursors of adolescent drug involvement† (p. 192). Overall Assessment of Quality: This is, in general, an average article. The conclusions came directly from the results, the methodology met the demands of the research question, and the research question grew out of the literature review. However, I have some concerns about the discussion of parenting style (only three types of parenting are considered), the unquestioned use of pre-existing questionnaires, and the lack of acknowledgment of ethical issues. Complete Reference: Adalbjarnardottir, S. & Hafsteinsson, L. G. (2001). Adolescents’ Perceived Parenting Styles and their Substance Use: Concurrent and Longitudinal Analyses. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11 (4), 401-423. Abstract: The concise abstract provides details on the study, the participants, the questions that were asked, the variables, and the findings. This abstract indicates that this article is essential to my research. Evaluation: The abstract is absolutely extraordinary in the amount of detail that is provided in so few words. Introduction: This study developed from previous research in which it was suggested, but not proven, that interpersonal processes (such as parental and peer factors) are effective predictors of substance use. Evaluation: The introduction’s assertion for the necessity of this research is convincing. Literature Review: The authors presented a detailed review of the literature on the following topics: family socialization and tobacco and alcohol consumption, parenting style, and the discrimination of licit and illicit drugs in studies of this nature. They noted an important oversight in previous research: most studies of adolescent substance abuse have focused on single dimensions of parenting style (some studies focus on support, some on control, etc. ). In order to correct this lapse, the authors used Lamborn’s four-fold typology of parenting style. The distinction between licit and illicit drugs is germane to this study as cultural perceptions of licit and illicit drug use are omnipresent in Icelandic culture. The three hypotheses of this study are very clearly expressed: â€Å"adolescents from authoritative families would report lower levels of licit drug use,† â€Å"adolescents from neglectful families would report higher levels of licit drug use,† and â€Å"adolescents from neglectful families would report higher use of illicit drugs† (pp. 405-406). Evaluation: The authors clearly point out areas in which previous research is valuable and areas in which it can be improved upon. Their analyses of prior studies provide clear justification for their own study. The clear development of the research questions and hypotheses from the literature review is reflected in the organization of the article: the introduction and literature review are combined into one section. Methods: An initial sample of 1,293 14-year old students (all native Icelanders, all Lutheran, and all speaking Icelandic as a first language) participated in the study at base-line. 928 of these students participated in a follow-up session three years later. Of these students, 347 could be classified into one of the four family types. These 347 students form the nucleus of the study. The authors chose these 347 students in order to compare the results of the concurrent and longitudinal analyses. Because the authors wanted to ensure that neglectful families were represented in their study, they used passive consent procedures (as opposed to active consent). The students filled in the self-report questionnaire during school hours. The questions asked about cigarette smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, parental and peer substance use, socioeconomic status, and parenting styles. The authors used logistic regression analyses to determine whether parenting style (as perceived at age 14) presented a significant risk factor for substance use at the time of the baseline screening as well as three years later. The following variables were considered: gender, socioeconomic status (later considered insignificant), smoking at age 14, drinking at age 14, smoking of parents, drinking of parents, smoking of peers, drinking of peers, parenting style, daily smoking at 17, heavy drinking at 17, and illicit substance abuse. Evaluation: The discussion of methodology is thorough, and the study is well-designed to answer the research questions. The authors gave examples of the types of questions that were asked as well as the choices of answers. The variables are clearly described and defined, and the description of the measurement processes is clear. The authors were quick to answer any potential ethical questions that might arise: they noted that the students were not paid for the study, and they provided a rationale for their use of passive consent procedures. One concern I have is that the authors only considered hashish and amphetamines in their questions about illicit drug use; they did not consider other types of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription medications. Results: The authors used both descriptive data analysis as well as inferential data analysis. In their attrition analysis, the authors found that students who perceived their parents as neglectful were more likely to drop out of the study. The authors cautioned that this might have somewhat skewed the results of their study. The authors found that parenting styles, gender, and peer smoking were indicators of smoking at age 14. Smoking at 14 and parental smoking were the sole indicators of daily smoking at 17. Parenting style and peer drinking were predictive of drinking at 14. Parenting style, peer drinking, and drinking at 14 were associated with heavy drinking at 17. Parenting style, smoking at 14/17, drinking at 14/17, and gender were associated with illicit drug use. Evaluation: The descriptive analysis clearly summarizes the participants and variables. The statistical analyses are appropriate to the research questions and hypotheses. However, as the authors noted, there is a lack of data about 17-year old students with neglectful parents. Discussion and Conclusions: The authors detected a general relation, as expected, between parenting styles and adolescent substance use. Their results support previous research which had suggested that adolescents with authoritative parents were less likely to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. In some respects, the results of this study differ from previous European and American studies, a fact which led the authors to question the extent to which cultural differences affect adolescent drug use. The authors were careful to note and discuss three limitations of their study: the self-report measures, the method used to assess parenting style, and the attrition rate. Evaluation: One weakness of the discussion section is that the authors do not identify many ways in which this study opens the door to future research. Overall Assessment of Quality: This is a high-quality article that directly bears on the subject of my own research project. The primary strength of this article lies in how well-organized the study was, from the original research questions to the conclusions. The authors noted the limitations, and potential weaknesses, of the study, but their accounting for these factors is satisfactory. My primary concern with the study is that the authors did not draw enough distinction between the types of illicit drug use. This is an area that I will consider in my own study.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Project Management Being A Project Manager - 2403 Words

Veteran s Day Event Project Being a project manager (PM) is complicated and requires a unique set of skills to be able to effectively deliver a project on time and within budget. According to Harrin (2015) some of the needed skills include negotiation, scheduling, cost control, communication, project recovery, coaching, and a sense of humor. The project manager must be able to juggle multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities in order to achieve project success. One tool that can assist the project manager in this objective is the use of Microsoft Project (MSP). With this tool, the project manager can view the status of the project in regards to deliverables, resources, and budget as it progresses its way to completion. The following will describe the steps needed to organize and deliver a successful Veteran s Day event (VDE) at a local business site. It is important to note that the project manager is ultimately responsible for the project s outcome but is dependent upon other resources to assist in achieving the overall objective without this assistance; the project is likely to fail. In order to be an effective project manager, one has to be able to clearly define the project scope, know the schedule, budget, milestones, deliverables, quality of work, as well manage resources, staffing needs, and take appropriate action when necessary to deal the effects of change and risk. Project Scope One of the most critical pieces of successful project management isShow MoreRelatedProject Management : Being A Project Manager1297 Words   |  6 PagesBeing a project manager requires having important skills such as communication, organization, and planning. Project managers can be located in different organizations because their skills and expertise are what employers look for. When they assume the roles and responsibilities of a project, they adapt to the needs of the stakeholders to ensure that all objectives of the project are completed in a timely manner. Project managers communicate the goals of the project to their team members to ensureRead MoreProject Managers And The Conflicts That Limit Their Success On Projects1353 Words   |  6 PagesConflicts For Project Managers To Be Successful Mick A. Hansen Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University â€Æ' Abstract This paper focuses on project managers and the conflicts that limit their success on projects. Even though we are in the twentieth century there are still many problems for project managers. In business there are many re-occurring problems all the time as project managers. The issues that arise at times are structured in a way because there are more than one project manager involvedRead MoreA Career in Project Management1577 Words   |  7 PagesProposal This proposal on pursuing a career as a Project Manager is designed to provide research and criteria concerning elements for entering into the field of Project Management. The research will provide the essential skills and a job description of a Project manager. As background information, I have provided researched information based on the interest of being a Project Manager. The Survey results provide an insight to how some individuals pursued their careers andRead MoreResponsibilities And Responsibilities Of A Project Manager1357 Words   |  6 PagesA project manager has many responsibilities and roles in a project. For a project manager to be successful, they must first guarantee that in the project all the responsibilities are clearly set and understood by all team members. By guaranteeing that the responsibilities and roles are assigned within the project team, this will help to ensure that the project will run smooth, with everyone knowing their roles and responsibilities. By having a successful project manager it will then offer the procurementRead MoreItm533 It Project, Logistics, and Contract Management1215 Words   |  5 PagesITM533 IT Project, Logistics, and Contract Management Summer 07 Module 1 Case Assignment Dr. Kathleen Hargiss Project management is definitely more art than science. Project teams consist of people and no two people, personalities, or skill sets are the same. This is the project manager’s blessing and curse. Given the 14 Key Principles for Project Management Success (Greer 1999), no two project managers will interpret these principles the same, nor will they execute their duties with equalRead MoreFinding The Right Project Managers1407 Words   |  6 Pagesexplains that â€Å"finding the right project managers begins with the organization’s definition of the role, and its project management processes. Most often companies look for project experience when evaluating new project managers, followed by communication skills. The generally described project manager competencies, such as project-specific expertise, problem-solving competence, leadership and social competence have to be complemented with entrepreneurial and project management competence.† In addition,Read M oreThe Importance Of Project Management For The Business World1380 Words   |  6 Pagesbecoming a project manager, the information pertained throughout this course served as a great guide to being an effective project manager. Being effective is the best route in ensuring a successful project. It is critical that the project is managed effective from the beginning of the business project. While the success of a project is never guaranteed, project managers have better chances with implementing the tools discussed from this course. I will first discuss the importance of project managementRead MoreCommunication Plan For The Performance Management System Project1327 Words   |  6 PagesIn a project, it is very important to make sure you’re planning stages are complete and concise. Planning the project and all the steps involved can be cumbersome and seem tedious, however, when it comes to making sure the project is seen through to completion, the Project Manager has to m ake sure there are steps followed in order to make it to that point. One of the steps involved in making it to the end is to create the Communication plan and the Risk Analysis. The communication plan will outlineRead MoreResearch On It Project Management Assessment942 Words   |  4 Pageson IT Project Management Assessment Introduction: Project Management is a way to manage, maintain and to monitor the progress of a project. Project Manager is responsible for appropriate management; it is their duty to organize, plan, implement and deliver necessities with in time. Project Management deals with the rules, regulations, procedures and disciplines with respect to a particular project. In the world of today, several organizations are using the applications of project management becauseRead MoreProject Management Project Manager My Job1667 Words   |  7 PagesTask 1 Project Manager: Mr. Bibek Shrestha Organization: MultiSys Private Limited, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal 1) As a Project Manager my job is to see that a project under me runs smoothly without any hindrances. Initially, we as a team of stakeholders of the project have to prepare a project plan according to the budget and resources available and make schedule on how and when the tasks are going to be executed. Then, we have to manage the team members according to plan and budget. I have to see

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Theme Of Myrrha And Cinyras - 1007 Words

In Sophocles, â€Å"Oedipus The King† and Ovid’s Metamorphoses: â€Å"Myrrha Cinyras†, both main characters were struck by tragedy. The characters of Oedipus (Oedipus The King) and Myrrha (Metamorphoses: â€Å"Myrrha Cinyras†) each were faced with terrible outcomes at the end of the two pieces of literature. Both Myrrha and Oedipus suffered tragic fates. However, Myrrha’s desire led to her downfall, while Oedipus had no control and was destined for a tragic life before birth. Myrrha’s character in â€Å"Myrrha and Cinyras† dealt with an emotional battle with her desire of Cinyras, her father, throughout the story, resulted in her tragic death. She was faced with an immoral dilemma of wanting her father as her lover. She goes back and forth in her†¦show more content†¦When the priest says, â€Å"You came to Thebes, you freed us from the tax we paid with our lives to that rasping Singer...we need now the great power men e verywhere know you possess. Find some way to protect us†(41-50), it exhibits how great of a leader and hero he was to the city. The deeper he searched for the man to end this plague, however, the more horrid it got. The more information he received, he began to connect the pieces from his past. Not only did he figure out the man he killed on the path was king Laios, but it was his biological father. His fear of the prophecy that the oracle told him was becoming true. play gets even more tragic as he realizes that the queen he had four children with was his mother, who kill herself before he finds the truth. Oedipus gauged his eyes outs after seeing her dead body. Oedipus was blinded from the truth his entire life. When he finally learned the truth about himself, it blinds him. Myrrha’s tragic fate was due to her desires. Her passion and lust for her father led to her death. While she did show signs of regret and was hesitant to get into the bed with her drunk father after the nurse’s manipulation worked, the lines from 564-566 prove otherwise. The lines state, â€Å"Filled with the seed of her father, she left his bedchamber having already conceived, in a crime against nature, which she repeated the following night and thereafter†(564-566), demonstrates that she did not regret herShow MoreRelated Ovids Devaluation of Sympathy in Metamorphoses Essay1777 Words   |  8 PagesMetamorphoses  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Ovid reveals two similar tales of incest in the Metamorphoses. First, he describes the non-sisterly love Byblis acquires for her twin brother Caunus. Later, he revisits the incestuous love theme with the story of Myrrha who develops a non-filial love for her father, Cinyras. The two accounts hold many similarities and elicit varying reactions. Ovid constantly tugs at our emotions and draws forth alternating feelings of pity and disgust for the matters at hand. Repetition with a

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

How Women Are Treated in India - 576 Words

In many parts of the world females still have very little rights. Indeed, equality between men and women have been accepted by the majority of the developed countries, but developing countries still struggle to see women as equals to men, and India is one of the worst. Currently, the Indian National Congress Party is only 10% female, limiting the say women get. In India, women are definitely not seen as equals to men are being treated like second rate citizens. It also really says something about the inequality in a country when its women are so used to being treated badly most of them do not even recognize that they have rights. In India, men were always valued more than women, which is why an estimated ten million female foetuses are aborted every year. The lack of females in areas leads to crimes like human trafficking for sexual reasons like giving birth to more children. Old traditions and beliefs are the main reasons to why millions of female foetuses are aborted every year, bu t it is also the reason behind bride burning, another serious issue in India. Bride burning, also known as dowry death occurs quite frequently in India. It is when the husband or the in-laws decide that the dowry the bride offers is not enough and demands more. If the bride refuses or is financially not able to increase her dowry, she is tortured until she either agrees or dies; otherwise she is murdered by her â€Å"family†. The husbands and the in-laws usually disguise the deaths as accidents orShow MoreRelatedIndian Culture : India s Economy And Cultural Change1704 Words   |  7 Pages In India approximately ninety-five percent of the marriages are prearranged by the wives family (Kulman). Once the Indian woman s parents pick her husband, then his house is now hers. Women are not allowed to make their own decisions, but they are known to be an essential part of the family unit. This contrast is due to India s economy and the cultural change in their societal traditions. Women are shown to be highly â€Å"idealized† throughout Indian culture (Leonard). This statement exemplifiesRead MoreAncient China vs. Ancient India753 Words   |  4 PagesAmber Richey October 15, 2012 World History Ancient India and Ancient China Different but the Same Ancient India and Ancient China have as many similarities as they do differences. Over many decades of being so close they have had very little run-ins with one another. They have thrived living by the basic principles of a peaceful co-existence society. They have accepted each other’s differences and come to realize just how many similarities they have. Today it is almost impossible the seeRead MoreDomestic Violence Against Women : Statistical Analysis1595 Words   |  7 Pagesarticle, Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India, and Hunter and Graham-Bermann s 2013 article, Intimate Partner Violence and Child Adjustment: Moderation by Father Contact?. Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India The hypotheses for â€Å"Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India† article was developed by reviewing obtainable writings on wife-beating in India and the efforts to conceptualizeRead MoreDomestic Violence Against Women : Statistical Analysis1595 Words   |  7 Pagesarticle, Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India, and Hunter and Graham-Bermann s 2013 article, Intimate Partner Violence and Child Adjustment: Moderation by Father Contact?. Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India The hypotheses for â€Å"Domestic Violence Against Women: Statistical Analysis of Crimes Across India† article was developed by reviewing obtainable writings on wife-beating in India and the efforts to conceptualizeRead MoreWomen Are Not Born But Made1415 Words   |  6 PagesWomen are not born but made. Nowadays we celebrate women’s day but there are many situations we had come through to this position and space Punjabi women occupy nowadays, and comparing it to the times 60 years ago. The age of my grandmother. When the country had just got independence. When the women are participating in nationalist movements were being pushed into the domestic household works. There have been innumerable debates about gender in (Banerjee 2012) Punjab over last 60 years. MostRead MoreGood Girls Essay1079 Words   |  5 Pagessuperior to women. In India, after marriage, men assume that women are likely to stay at home to take care of their families and cook while the men go to work. When I was young in India, I had two maids who raised me. After they were married, they could not work for us anymore because they were treated unequally.. As a child, I never understood that gender bias was a harsh way to tell women what to do and, when I came to The United States, I saw the same problem that I faced in India. However, â€Å"TheRead MoreThe Status of Women in India in the Past, Present and Future Essays1157 Words   |  5 Pagesserious ethical issues in India today. Gender inequality in India is described as a preferential treatment arising out of prejudice based on the gender. The aim of this research is to discuss the status of women in India in the past , present and future and discuss any political movements which took place in the society in order for Women to be regarded as equal. BODY India has always been one of the ancient civilizations to treat women with respect. Women in ancient India were held in high esteemRead MoreEssay on Sexual Exploitation of Women in India823 Words   |  4 Pagesliberal outlook and not to conquer those voices of freedom and liberty. The situation in India is alarming. Economic independence has exposed women to sexual exploitation in offices and other working places. They have become a saleable commodity in advertisements. The job of an air hostess is only that of a waitress or servant. There is lack of education for women as the elderly people are of the thinking that women have to marry and go one day and according to most of the people in the society evenRead MoreThe Impact of the British Empire in India Essay1659 Words   |  7 PagesFor better or for worse, Britain has had a lasting effect on India. India became a part of the British Empire in the 1876 but gained its independence in 1947. The East India Trading Company first managed India. After the failure of the first voyage to India by William Hawkins, it appeared that business could not be conducted there. However, things improved and the East India Trading Company expanded into India. Over the years, many achievements were made and records were set, and there were manyRead MoreThe Role of Women throughout History1282 Words   |  5 Pagesby other women giving birth. Women are the most important amongst any in the world, without women, life would simply not exist. However, people in some countries seem to not realize that and do not appreciate their existence. India’s ratio is approximately nine hundred and twenty nine females for every one thousand males. Australia’s ratio of male and female is 1.055, which means there are nine hundred and forty eight females for every one thousand males (CIA World Factbook, 2011). India and Australia

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Project Management Research Impact of Construction Material

Question: Discuss about the Project Management Research Impact of Construction Material. Answer: An investigation into the impact of construction material price fluctuations on the construction industry in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between the year 2004 and 2016 Price fluctuations refer to changes in the prices of a commodity over a period of time. These changes can either be an increase or decrease in prices of a given commodity. Changes in commodity prices can have a very huge impact on an industry in general. The construction industry has also been affected by the unexpected changes in the prices of materials required for construction purposes. According to the Association General Contractors (AGC) of America, between the year 2004 and 2008, the world experienced a succession of steep increase in prices of various materials. The recession of 2009 also saw many construction projects put on hold or canceled. This was as a result of increased competition which brought about global decrease in the prices of construction costs (Schmidt, 2009). Prices for some construction materials change regularly in the short term while for other products they may not change for over a period of one year. For example according to data from the Dubai chamber of commerce, the year 2012 saw changes in prices of various commodities. An example is the price of diesel fuel which had increased by 3.4% in the month of September. However, between September 2011 and September 2012, it increased by 39.4%. Another example is the price of copper and brass. The prices of copper had decrease by a margin of 0.7% between the month of August and September 2011. However, on average, the prices of copper and brass mills had increased by 14.9% over the year between September 2010 and September 2011. In Dubai during the second quarter of the year 2013, the prices of bricks increased by a margin of 11.3%. This was after prices declining continuously over the previous four months. In the United Arab Emirates and specifically Dubai, the effect of these changes i s also being experienced. According to the economic research journal published in April 2016, the prices of steal in Dubai increased by 6.6% in the first quarter of the year. From the statistics discussed above, its quite clear that the changes in the prices of materials used in construction affect the construction industry in general. This study will therefore seek to determine the impact that this changes have had on the construction industry in Dubai between the years 2004 and 2016. The fluctuations in prices of construction commodities are caused by very many factors. The changes in prices may be due to changes in costs of production of commodities, increase in taxation. Another factor that could affect the prices of commodities is legislation. Laws governing and controlling production of commodities by the government may drive the price of construction commodities up or down. For example the government may set very high regulations on quality of iron metal used in construction. These high standards by government institutions and industry regulators lead to decline in supply of that material. This decline in supply will in turn lead to increase in the price of that particular construction material. The changes in labor costs also have an impact on the construction industry ( Skolnik, Brooks Oman,2013). Labor cost is one of the most significant aspects of direct costs incurred by construction companies. This is because the construction industry is labor intensive in addition to wages being high in this industry. Inflation or economic recession of an economy is another significant factor that affects the prices of construction materials. Inflation is the continuous rapid increase in prices of a commodity over time. Economic recession occurs when the prices of commodities decrease rapidly over a period of time. This is caused by a combination of various economic factors (Levy, 2008). The research topic on the impact of fluctuations in prices of construction commodities on the construction industry is important to a project manager in many various ways. One of the ways in which this research will help project managers is in determining whether changes in prices of construction materials causes delay or termination of construction project. Delay and termination of many construction projects is a very common scenario in the construction industry globally. This delay in the construction projects affects the project managers and the owners in different ways. Delay or stalling of construction projects results into loss of income that the owners of the projects would have accrued in case the project was completed in time. Through this research therefore, the mangers of projects will be capable of determining whether changes in prices of construction materials will affect the rate of completion of the project. After determining this, the project manager will be able to put appropriate measures in place which could prevent this scenario from taking place. One of the measures that project managers can take is to sign contracts that have a cl ause that caters for price changes in construction materials during the course of the construction project. Another importance of this research project to construction project managers is that construction project managers will be able to estimate the costs that the company may incur during the time the construction project will be going on. Some construction projects are short term while others may be long term. This will depend on the size of the project being undertaken by the project manager. The changes in the prices of commodities in the construction industry will affect both the long term and short term projects but the effect is greater in projects that continue for a long time. Therefore, when construction project managers are able to identify the effect that the changes in prices of construction materials have on their projects, they are able to forecast the costs that they will incur over the course of the project and the possible changes that may occur to this costs. This will therefore assists project managers in drawing up their construction projects (Bastianelli, Ness West, 2008). Thirdly, investigation of impact of price fluctuations of construction projects on the construction industry in Dubai will assist project managers in making decisions on procurement. Once the project managers determine the effects that changes in prices of construction materials have on the construction industry, the project managers will be able determine on whether to buy the construction materials locally or import the materials. This will important because it will affect the overall costs of the projects. Since the fluctuations of prices of construction materials may lead to contractors resulting to buying cheaper low quality materials, construction project managers will be able to make decisions on where to buy the materials and the specifications and standards required. This will ensure that the construction project managers do not compromise on the quality and standards of materials they use in construction due to changes in prices. Project managers will therefore be able to m aintain and ensure standards while at the same time minimizing costs (Kelleher Abernathy, 2010). References Bastianelli, A. L., Ness, A. D., West, J. D. (2008). Federal government construction contracts. Chicago, Ill, Forum on the Construction Industry, American Bar Association. Ferraro, J. (2012). Project management for non-project managers. New York, NY, Amacom. https://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=881959 Kogon, K., BlakemorE, S., Wood, J. (2015). Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager: A FranklinCovey Title. Dallas, Texas, BenBella Books, Inc. https://public.eblib.com/choice/PublicFullRecord.aspx?p=1922361. Levy, S. M. (2008). Construction superintendent's operations manual. New York, McGraw-Hill. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truescope=sitedb=nlebkdb=nlabkAN=219518. Project Management Institute. (2008). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide). Newtown Square, Pa, Project Management Institute. Schmidt, T. (2009). Strategic project management made simple: practical tools for leaders and teams. Hoboken, N.J., John Wiley Sons. https://www.123library.org/book_details/?id=9115 Skolnik, J., Brooks, M., Oman, J. (2013). Fuel usage factors in highway and bridge construction.

Monday, December 2, 2019

The Analysis Of Pepsico Vision Statement Essay Example For Students

The Analysis Of Pepsico Vision Statement Essay In this study, I used the vision statement matrix and defects to reexamine the vision statement of PepsiCo. The vision statement matrix I had used is seven constituents to analysis the PepsiCo statement. The constituent is including directional, in writing, focal point, flexible, executable, desirable, and easy to understand. And I was provides recommendation to get the better of the two defects is appear in PepsiCo that incomplete and non typical. For the mission statement, I was use rating matrix to analysis the mission statement and heighten some losing constituent in mission statement of PepsiCo. Outline1 Introduction2 Analysis of PepsiCo Vision Statement3 Analysis of Vision Statements- Shortcomings4 Recommendation5 Evaluation of mission statement6 Decision Introduction PepsiCo is a company which is most successful well-known trade names in the universe. Pepsi Company is nationally and globally to runing in non-alcoholic drink industry, soft drink industry, and savory bite industry. Besides that, PepsiCo offers the universe ‘s largest portfolio of nutrient and drink trade names included 22 different merchandise lines. And the biggest competition from rival is Coca-Cola in soft drink industry. Analysis of PepsiCo Vision Statement We will write a custom essay on The Analysis Of Pepsico Vision Statement specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Harmonizing to vision statement of PepsiCo, I had used seven constituents to analysis the vision such as directional, in writing, focal point, flexible, executable, desirable, and easy to understand. First of wholly, the directional constituent of PepsiCo is mark to go a truly sustainable company by utilizing focal point on environmental stewardship, activities to profit society, and a committedness to construct stockholder value. From the instance, PepsiCo has extended statements on sustainability, the environment, wellness and health, and diverseness. Pepsi Company is nationally and globally to runing in non-alcoholic drink industry, soft drink industry, and savory bite industry. PepsiCo is able to enlargement market to function new market section by provides wellness and safety merchandise to do consumer more assurance to buy and go a sustainable company. Besides that, the in writing constituent of PepsiCo is non looking in the current vision statement. From the current vision, it has no reference about company direction is create and the market place the company is endeavoring to interest out. Furthermore, the focal point constituent of PepsiCo is focus on environmental stewardship, activities to profit society, and a committedness to construct stockholder value. Harmonizing to the PepsiCo instance which said that PepsiCo are concentrating in undertakings to increase to utilize of recycled stuffs and cut down stuff used in packaging. It will assist PepsiCo construct a good trade name image, environment friendly and good repute. When trade name image is created, it will increase trade name consciousness of Pepsi and easy to establish new merchandise to function new market section and accomplish the committedness of stockholder value. However, one time the committedness with stockholder is broken it will convey negative consequence to the company such as hapless repute and lessening figure of invertors. In add-on, the flexible constituent of PepsiCo is making a better tomorrow than today. From the statement, PepsiCo is wanted to better all facets of the universe to make a better hereafter. So, it may assist increase more possible profitableness due to better than old twelvemonth. And, it besides assists PepsiCo a measure frontward to be genuinely sustainable company. Yet, it besides some facet is unmanageable such as new rival and economic downswing. Furthermore, the executable constituent is about the sensible expect to accomplish in due clip. From the instance, PepsiCo is anticipating continually to better all the facets of the universe. PepsiCo is able to accomplish this vision due to strong fiscal and besides broad scope of distribution web. It besides has chances capture more market portion around the universe. However, it needs resources and times to accomplish the end. Additionally, the desirable constituent is about long term involvement of stakeholders. In the vision of PepsiCo, it is commitment to construct stockholder value. PepsiCo has long history of bringing strong fiscal growing for stockholders with the powerful trade name and committedness to sustainability and top planetary endowment. Conversely, it besides face job when stockholders may differ with PepsiCo determination devising and may happen struggle belong PepsiCo and stockholder. Last, the easy to understand constituent is about easiness to pass on and understand of the vision statement. From the PepsiCo ‘s vision statement, it is utilizing a clear linguistic communication and simple to do client easy to understand their vision. .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .postImageUrl , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:hover , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:visited , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:active { border:0!important; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:active , .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90 .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u347d6e8c9b277f6763e11c4d1f692a90:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Correlation EssayAnalysis of Vision Statements- Shortcomings For the defect of vision statement, I had used five constituents to analysis the defect such as vague and incomplete, non frontward looking, bland, excessively wide or non typical, and rely on superlatives. First of wholly, the vague and uncomplete constituent is about short on specific or does non supply much indicant and how the PepsiCo intend to change the current merchandise, market, client, and engineering focal point. PepsiCo is merely reference about better all facets of the universe in which they operate for their economic, societal and environment. But it is losing out to advert about Pepsi merchandise portfolio and how they treat their employees in vision statement. Besides that, the non forward looking is about the company is non concern about the hereafter. From the vision of PepsiCo, it has concern about the hereafter by the sentences making a better tomorrow than today by utilizing bettering the facets of the universe in which they are operated. Furthermore, the bland constituent is about the company missing in motivational power. From the vision statement of PepsiCo, it has commitment to accomplish stockholder value, so from the committedness will actuate the stockholders to back up the company. Next, the constituent is excessively wide and non typical is about the vision could use to most any company. The vision statement of PepsiCo is excessively common and corporate societal duty can use to most any company. Last, the constituent rely on superlatives is about the vision excessively reliant on such superlatives as best, most successful and market leader. From the PepsiCo vision is does non advert is most successful and first pick of clients. Recommendation From the analysis of defects in the vision statement of PepsiCo, I would wish to give few recommendations to better the current vision statement of PepsiCo. First of all, I would wish to urge about the uncomplete vision statement of PepsiCo. The vision of PepsiCo should include their company merchandise, market, client, engineering focal point, and their employees. So, employee and client can easy to understand what sort of concern PepsiCo is running and what intent of PepsiCo is targeted. The 2nd defects vision statement is non typical. From my sentiment, the company vision should be different with other company ‘s vision. PepsiCo ‘s vision statement is excessively wide and it is easy same vision with others company. Therefore, PepsiCo should be more specific its vision statement and do the vision statement more memorable for people. From my sentiment, the current vision statement of PepsiCo is good but I would wish to get the better of the defects appear in PepsiCo vision statement. So, new vision statement will be as below: â€Å" PepsiCo ‘s is underscoringA committedness a true desire for merchandise quality and safety from stuffs, drink commixture to bottling, and receive first-class services from our employee. Plus, duty is to continually better all facets of the universe in which we operate and making a better tomorrow than today. † Our mission is maximal our stockholders wealth and focus on environmental stewardship and activities to profit society by doing PepsiCo a genuinely sustainable company. Evaluation of mission statement A mission statement is the current concern activities or proposes â€Å" what we are and what we do † . From the mission statement of PepsiCo, I would wish to utilize rating matrix to analysis and provides a new description to the PepsiCo. The constituents use to analysis include clients, products/services, markets, concern for endurance, growing and profitableness, engineering, doctrine, self-concept, concern for public image and concern for employees. The client constituent is about the mark client of the company. From the current description of PepsiCo is does non advert about the client. So, I suggest a new description that PepsiCo should concern, maintain trueness and listen to client in the mission statement. Merchandise and services constituent is about the house ‘s major merchandise and services provides to client. From the mission statement, PepsiCo is offer convenient nutrients and drinks to the client. For illustration merchandise of PepsiCo offer is Quaker Oats, Cap’N Crunch cereal, Aunt Jemima sirup, and Tropicana juice. Although there is description in the current mission statement, but I would wish to give my recommendation to do PepsiCo mission statement become better by develop a new merchandise line. For illustration, PepsiCo can develop a new merchandise line Pepsi Green mix with herb and place PepsiCo is an environment friendly company. .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .postImageUrl , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:hover , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:visited , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:active { border:0!important; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:active , .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505 .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u28d04456054291d36b4786af58559505:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Bear EssayMarket constituent is about geographically and the topographic points the house compete. From the current description of PepsiCo is wanted to be the universe ‘s prime consumer Merchandises Company and serve in globally. For the new description, I would propose PepsiCo increase more vending machine at coach station, train station, or film to do client able to buy at anyplace and anytime. Concern for endurance, growing, profitableness constituent is approximately is the house committed to growing and fiscal soundness. From the current description of PepsiCo is produce fiscal wagess to investors as we provide chances for growing. For new description, PepsiCo is need for cognition, bring forthing and administering valuable information in a manner that benefits the client and employee to function the planetary market. Technology constituent is about the house technologically current. From the current description of PepsiCo is does non advert about the engineering. Therefore, for the new description PepsiCo should pass money to make more research and development and utilizing machines to cut down the production cost and clip. Philosophy constituent is about the basic beliefs, values, aspirations, and ethical precedences of the house. From the current description of PepsiCo is endeavoring for honestness, equity and unity. For the new description, PepsiCo can portion and lovingness where the people give their clip, cognition, and experience. Besides that, it besides empowered people which mean that holding a freedom to believe in ways and acquire the occupation done, while following to treat that guarantee direction and being mindful of company demands. Self-concept constituent is about the house ‘s typical competency or major competitory advantages. From the current description of PepsiCo is does non advert about the self-concept. However, I would wish to urge PepsiCo to make a competitory advantage strategic. For illustration, Pepsi can utilize marketing mix such as merchandise, monetary value, packaging, and distribution to distinguish itself with other company merchandise. And besides can excellent client services to the client such as bringing merchandise on clip. Concern for public image constituent is about the house responsive to societal, community, and environmental concerns. From the current description of PepsiCo is non looking in the mission statement. Therefore, the new description for PepsiCo should lend to the economic strength of society and duty of CSR. For illustration, PepsiCo is to the full committed to protecting the Earth ‘s natural resources through invention and the efficient usage of land, H2O, energy and packaging in the operations. Concern for employee constituent is about the employee is valuable plus of the house. From the current description of PepsiCo is enrichment to the employees, but I would wish to heighten it to go better by provides wages and preparation to the employee. Once the wages system is set up, the employee is put more consequence to making their occupation and direct employee to developing it provides an chances for growing of concern. Following new description, I would wish to alterations to the current mission statement to be a new mission statement as below: â€Å" Our mission is to be the universe ‘s prime consumer Merchandises Company and selling convenient nutrients and drinks in anytime and anyplace. We serve with high invention engineering to bring forth new nutrient harmonizing client demands and directing staffs to developing for provides high quality of services to prolong client trueness. Besides, we are duties in CSR, empowered people, and chances for growing to maximise stockholder wealth. Decision As a concern analyst of PepsiCo, I had analysed the vision statement and mission statement of PepsiCo by different constituent and measure matrix. Hence, I had recommended alterations and sweetening to the current vision statement and mission statement. With the new vision statement and new mission statement that has been enchanted will easier to understand and memorable by people. Last, by develop a new vision and mission statement, PepsiCo can make a better hereafter and one more measure frontward be a truly sustainable company.