Obesity Amongst Mexican Children Essay

Abstract: The prevalence of overweight children in the United States of Mexican descent is higher for second generation than their first generation counterparts. First generation immigrants tend to keep a healthier lifestyle by consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, walking longer distances and smoking less than the more acculturated Mexican-Americans. Acculturation is a major contributing factor for the alarming rates of obesity within Mexican children. When children of Mexican immigrants are exposed to American society, they develop unhealthy habits such as eating pizza and hot dogs during school lunch hours, access to vending machines, and media exposure where they are constantly bombarded with food related commercials of unhealthy nature. A lower socio-economic status, such as the recently immigrated parents, is also a contributing factor for obesity within Mexican children. High calorie and high fat content foods tend to be less expensive than fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, leading to poorer, unhealthier choices. Fast food chains are prohibitory expensive in Mexico, whereas in the US they are not. As young Mexican children develop their sense of identity while they separate from their parents or caregivers and seek acceptance from their American peers, they integrate themselves into the fast food culture leading to obesity amongst Mexican-American children of second generation in the US. The incidence of obesity in Mexican adults has increased markedly over the years. Data from the 1993 National Survey of Chronic Diseases (Encuesta Nacional de Enfermedades Cronicas) showed an obesity prevalence of 21. 5%. The 2000 National Health Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Salud) indicated that 24% of adults suffered obesity. Data from the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2006) revealed that 30% of adults of both sexes were obese. (Rojas,R, Aguilar-Salinas, C. , Jimenez, A. , Gomez, F. , Barquera, S. , 2012, p. 8) In the last two decades, the prevalence of childhood obesity, defined as at or above the 95th percentile of body mass index (BMI) for age and gender (Center for Disease Control, 2009), has more than doubled among children aged 6–11 years and tripled among adolescents aged 12–19 years, and here is no evidence that this trend is coming to an end (Ogden, 2002). This is a serious public health concern because obese children and adolescents are at an increased risk for various physical, mental, and emotional health problems, including impaired glucose tolerance , insulin resistance, atherosclerosis , coronary heart disease in adulthood , development of eating disorders, and low self-esteem (Seo, D. & Sa, J. , 2009). The obesity epidemic disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority children, who are defined as American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Native Hawaiian, or OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 3 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? other Pacific Islander (CDC, 2009). According to estimates based on the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), among children aged 6–19 years, 22. 2% of Mexican American children and 20. 5% of non-Hispanic Blacks were obese as compared with only 13. 6% of non-Hispanic whites. Other studies performed by Ogden and colleagues (2002) also affirm a larger prevalence of obesity among Mexican American and Black children compared with white children. These rates of obesity are far from the 2010 national health objective of Healthy People 2010. The higher incidence of obesity among minority children is alarming because these racial/ethnic groups have a lower insulin sensitivity than white children (Seo, D, & Sa, J. 2009). Obesity is an epidemic facing millions of people across the globe, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths in the United States alone (Dishman, 2004). Historically, the majority of people affected by obesity were adults. However, in the last decade this epidemic has spread to our youth. Excess weight in U. S. children has increased in prevalence and has become a serious public health concern. Currently, about 33% of children ages 2–5 in the U. S. are overweight (BMI in the 85th percentile or above), and 12% are considered obese (BMI in the 95th percentile or above) (CDC, 2009). Overweight children have a 70–80% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, which may lead to an increase in obesity related disease among adults (United States Department of Human Health and Services, 2007). Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for disease and fatal health conditions, such as hypertension, type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers (CDC, 2009). Not only is obesity linked to clinical conditions, but it may also lead to mental health problems such as self-blame and low self-esteem ( Haboush, A., Phebus, T. , Tanata Ashby, D. , Zaikina-Montgomery, H. , & Kindig, K. , 2011). This paper will focus on the contributing factors for the alarming obesity rates amongst Mexican children. Are second generation Mexican children more prone to obesity than their first generation counterparts? Mexican immigrant parents usually don’t view obesity as a threatening health issue. In fact, some research reports that Mexican mothers see childhood obesity as a sign of good heath (Rosas et al. ) and thinness as a sigh of illness (Sosa, 2012). Acculturation, or the process of adjusting to a new culture, describes social, psychological, and behavioral changes that an individual undergoes as result of immigration (Buttenheim, A. , Pebley, A. , Hsih, K. , Chung, C. , Goldman, N. , 2012). The drastic changes in lifestyle and social interactions that immigrants encounter upon arriving to the United States often put them at risk for negative health consequences (Ogden et al. , 2009). Of the negative health outcomes associated with OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 4 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS?acculturation in Mexican children, obesity is significant because it has implications for development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and Type II Diabetes (CDC, 2009). Mexican children are at increased risk for obesity upon immigration to the United States and are predisposed to development of chronic diseases,(Buscemi, J. , Beech, B. , & Relyea, G. , 2011). Mexican American mothers’ views on obesity, 40% of mothers with overweight children did not identify overweight as a health issue (Ariza et al. , 2004). When weight was used as an indicator of health, parents were more concerned with the health of skinny children than overweight children. Mexican American mothers were concerned with having thin children because a thin child could become sick and die (Small, L. , Melnyk, B. , Anderson-Gifford, D. , & Hampl, J. 2009). A second and less studied mechanism linking nativity of US immigrants to obesity risk is the interconnectedness of the food environment and migration dynamics in the sending country (Buttenheim et al. , 2012). This is particularly relevant in the case of obesity risk for Mexican-origin children in the US, given the large, circular migration flows between the two countries and the well-documented nutrition transition underway in Mexico (Popkin & Udry, 1998). This transition is characterized by a shift from unprocessed and low energy density diets to highly processed, energy dense foods. The transition is due in part to new food marketing strategies and a simultaneous decrease in physical activity that has accompanied urbanization and economic development in Mexico (Popkin &Udry, 1998). Mexico’s nutrition transition has been notably rapid: Mexico now has the second highest rates of adult obesity among OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries (after the US) (Rosas, 2011). A potential explanation for the increased obesity rates within the Mexican immigrants in the US is acculturative stress (Van Hook et al. , 2011). Mexican-origin immigrants, are often faced with discrimination based on race/ethnicity and immigrant status. This discrimination, in turn, leads to chronic stress and psycho-physiological stress responses, which are known to affect health over the long run . Thus, the process of integration into a society that views Mexican-origin immigrants as being of lower status than other social and racial/ethnic groups may itself result in chronic health problems, even if health behaviors remain constant over time and across immigrant generation. Why would duration of time in the US and immigrant generation affect obesity? The acculturation literature has emphasized the importance of dietary changes by duration in the US and across generation: increased acculturation is hypothesized to lead to decreased consumption of healthy foods and increased consumption of processed high OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 5 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? fat/sugar foods. Gordon-Larsen et al. (2003) reported that first generation Mexican immigrant adolescents eat more rice, beans, fruit, and vegetables and less cheese and fast food than second generation Mexican-origin immigrants. Kaiser and colleagues (2007) say that acculturation seems to be a contributing factor for obesity amongst Mexican children. Acculturation can be defined as the process by which immigrants adopt the attitudes, values, customs, beliefs, and behaviors of a new culture. Two studies reported their findings on acculturation and potential implications on the nutritional status of Mexican American children. Kaiser and colleagues (2007) concluded that less acculturated mothers were more likely to provide alternate food choices when a child would not eat and use child-feeding strategies that may contribute to childhood overweight, such as bribes, threats, and punishment. Ariza, Chen, Binns, and Christoffel (2004) conducted a study to test their hypothesis that overweight was more prevalent in highly acculturated Mexican American children aged 5 to 6 years; however, the results did not substantiate an association between overweight and acculturation in this population. Duerksen and colleagues (2007) reported that increased levels of acculturation may lead to higher rates of overweight among Mexican American families if they were eating more meals at fast-food and buffet-style restaurants rather than selecting traditional, authentic Mexican restaurants. Studies indicated that less acculturated Mexican Americans consumed less fat, and more fiber, protein, vitamins A, C, E and B6, folate, calcium, potassium, and magnesium than their more acculturated counterparts (Rosas et al. 2011). Most research conducted across age groups and outcomes indicates that newly-arrived and less acculturated immigrants are healthier and live longer than natives. Unfortunately, this health advantage dissipates with duration of U. S. residence and does not extend to the next generation. In addition to the influence of parents’ acculturation on children’s behaviors, children can accelerate the acculturation process for their families as well because children are more likely to have a consistent exposure to typical American foods at school and likely to affect purchasing decisions of their parents. One of the biggest changes in children’s diets after moving to the United States has been suggested to be with the foods children consume at school. It has been reported that although Mexican American children liked the traditional ethnic foods they received at home, they preferred the American foods they were served at school (e.g. , pizza, hamburgers) (Rosas et al. 2011). Furthermore, there seemed to be a lack of awareness among children about the healthfulness of traditional Mexican foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and beans) or potential health risks of the typical American diet, which was perceived as pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, and French fries. As children develop their own self and ethnic identities, they may seek separation from their parents and acceptance from their peers, and they may identify fast food and other less healthful food options with the United States culture. This can eventually lead to less healthful dietary patterns both for children and their families because children are likely to affect food-purchasing OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 6 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? decisions in their households (Rosas et al. 2011). When looking into the influence of acculturation on food intake behaviors among children and youths, another important element of the social environment must be addressed: media exposure. Media exposure can have detrimental influences at both ends of the spectrum in terms of eating behaviors: children may adopt an unrealistically thin body image through exposure to popular culture, and unhealthy dieting practices or eating disorders may follow. Alternatively, they may increase their consumption of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods that they are exposed to through advertisements, and this type of behavior may eventually lead to overweight status. There have been some initiatives to limit food marketing aiming at children, but nutritionally poor and energy dense foods (e.g. , high sugar cereals, candy, soft drinks, chips) still constitute the majority of the foods advertised on television (Kunkel et al. 2009). Several reports indicate that children choose advertised foods at significantly higher rates and attempt to influence their parents to purchase these foods. Unfortunately, advertisement of the nutritionally inferior food choices is not limited to television only; it is widespread through a variety of channels such as schools (vending machines, corporate sponsorship of school events and materials, etc. ), and online applications(e.g. , interactive games, sweepstakes, computer screensavers). Media exposure among children has been increasing over the past 10 years, and according to the 2009 estimates (Kunkel et al. 2009). American children spend about 7. 4 hours per day using or watching media such as television, computers, video games or movies. These estimates seem to be even higher among minorities) and individuals with lower socio economical status( SES) (Sussner et al. 2009). Hispanic youths were reported to spend about 5. 5 hours per day watching television while this estimate was 3. 5 hours per day for non-Hispanic whites in 2009. Moreover, screen time seems to increase with greater acculturation (Gordon-Larsen et al. 2003). The data from the 2003–04 National Survey of Children’s Health indicated that, in comparison to U. S. -born non-Hispanic white children with U. S. -born parents, foreign-born Hispanic children with immigrant parents were 31 percent more likely and U. S. -born Hispanic children with U. S. -born parents were 51 percent more likely to watch television. Although foreign-born Hispanics seem to be less likely to consume less healthful foods (Osypuk et al.2009), a reverse trend can be seen if these foods are more expensive in the country of origin but cheaper in the United States. For example, qualitative studies indicated that lower cost and increased availability were among the reasons for Mexican Americans to consume snacks, sweets, and fast food more in the United States . An earlier report pointed out that some foods, such as mayonnaise, margarine, and salad dressing were considered high-status items by many low-income families in Latin America (Romero-Gwynn et al. 1993). Similarly, Mexican adults living in Florida reported that in addition to fast food not being as readily available in their native country, it was more expensive than in the United States and therefore, they tended to eat fast food only for special occasions in their native OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 7 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? country. Once these types of foods become more readily available and affordable for the immigrants in the United States, an increase in the consumption levels would be expected. Lower costs, widespread availability, and the convenience of fast food in the United States appear to be an enticing solution especially for time-strapped immigrant families with children (Lindsay et al. 2009). Qualitative studies among immigrants suggest a more relaxed lifestyle in Mexico versus a very busy lifestyle in the United States that leaves less time to cook or prepare foods. This type of lifestyle makes convenience foods very appealing, and it is likely to result in an increase in fast food consumption (Gray et al. 2005). In addition to the economic conditions related to the food environment, limited socioeconomic abilities of individuals also put immigrants at greater risk for unhealthy food intake patterns and entailing health issues. Higher rates of food insecurity and low SES among minorities and immigrants are likely to force individuals to purchase relatively cheaper and filling, but often nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods (Drewnowski and Darmon 2005). A binational study that was conducted in the United States and Mexico provided support for these eating patterns, and it also pointed out the country- or culture-specific variations in these associations. In the United States sample of this study, children with food insecurity were more likely to consume fat, saturated fat, sweets, and fried snacks compared to their food secure counterparts. In Mexico, however, food insecure (versus food secure) children displayed a different food intake pattern that was characterized by higher intakes of carbohydrates, dairy, and vitamin B6 (Rosas et al. 2009). One of the least studied aspects of the relationship between socioeconomic factors and food intake is the residential context and demographic makeup of the neighborhoods. One of the few studies that examined this context in a mostly Hispanic (but mixed ethnic) sample suggested that greater density of immigrants in residential areas was positively related to fruit and vegetable intake after controlling for individual factors such as age, race/ethnicity, language, country of birth, and education (Dubowitz et al. 2008). Another study also reported that high-fat/processed food intake (fats, oils, processed meats, fried potatoes, salty snacks, desserts) was lower in immigrant-dense neighborhoods even after controlling for SES, demographic factors, and acculturation (Rosas et al.2011). These results indicate beneficial dietary intake patterns for all residents (immigrant or not) residing in that area. Some of the potential factors underlying these results could be resulting from socioeconomic advantages through greater social capital, availability of stores with healthier ethnic food options, and higher consumption of healthier food intake habits, social norms, and values in the ethnically dense neighborhoods (Dubowitz et al. 2008). OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 8 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? Highly acculturated Hispanic adults were more likely to have higher BMIs than their less acculturated counterparts. Similarly, second or third generation Hispanic youths were reported to be more likely overweight than their first generation counterparts (Popkin and Udry 1998). For adults, the difference in the overweight status by acculturation seems to be seen usually in a range of 10 to 21 years of residence in the United States, but interestingly, BMI differences were detectable by age two among less acculturated mothers’ children in a mostly Hispanic sample (Sussner et al. 2009). Some of the mechanisms underlying these findings could be the existence of cultural beliefs that associate overweight status among children with perception of good health (Sussner et al. 2009), failing to recognize overweight status, or acceptance of a larger body size as a desirable body image among Hispanics. Taken together, these cultural preferences can lead to obesity over time with the additional contribution of the typical environment in the United States that stimulates consumption of energy-dense foods and discourages physical activities. Certain food intake patterns (e. g., energy-dense foods) can lead to overweight or obese status as people acculturate. Although a factor analysis of nationally representative data from the NHANES 2001–02 did not indicate a specific dietary intake pattern in relationship to BMI or waist circumference (as measures of overall or central adiposity) among Mexican Americans (Carrera et al. 2007), it is possible that dietary intake might be related to obesity indirectly, or collectively with other lifestyle factors (e. g. , physical activity). It is also possible that the effects might be most pronounced at specific time periods during acculturation. Supporting this potential mechanism is the results from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health indicating that increased probability of overweight, which was related to changes in lifestyle factors (i. e. , screen time, diet), was detectable among first generation Mexican adolescents but not among second (or more) generation participants (Gordon-Larsen et al. 2003). Although social economic status (SES) is also linked to obesity, this association seems to vary depending on the SES measures used and also by race or ethnicity. For example, in a nationally representative sample of children, both education and income were negatively related to BMI among non-Hispanic whites, but only income was positively related to BMI among Hispanics (Balistreri and Van Hook 2009). As suggested by the authors, increasing education level may be a reflection of changes in knowledge, learning abilities, social class, and personal skills while higher income among immigrants might be an indicator of greater purchasing capacity, which can result in less healthful eating patterns in the absence of adequate nutrition knowledge, skills, and a healthful food environment. SES also seems to have gender-specific and long-term consequences. Data from a nationally representative longitudinal survey among adolescents indicated that there was a strong positive association between long-term (persistent) low SES and obesity among females. Among males, however, obesity rates were highest among those who had a socioeconomically disadvantaged beginning but gained autonomy, for example, home ownership later on. Most importantly, the report pointed out that the effect of SES on OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 9 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS?obesity was probably initiated before adolescence (Scharoun-Lee et al. 2009). Conclusion: The research has shown that second generation Mexican children are in fact more prone to obesity than their first generation counterparts. Causative factors such as media exposure, school lunch programs, socio-economic factors, and the influence of parents’ own acculturation into American society are all factors that can be addressed through various means with legislative, policy changes, and education. Then we can begin to affect positively the rising trend of obesity in second generation Mexican children in the United States. OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 10 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? References: Abraido-Lanza, A. , White, K. , Vasques, E. (2004)Immigrant populations and health. In: Anderson N, editor. Encyclopedia of health and behavior. Newbury Park, CA: Sage; 2004. p. 533–537. Ariza, A. J. , Chen, E. H. , Binns, H. J. , & Christoffel, K. K. (2004). Risk factors for overweight in 5 – to 6-year old Hispanic American children: A pilot study. Journal of Urban Heath, 81 (1), 150-161. Balistreri, K. , & Van Hook, J. (2007). Maternal employment and overweight among Hispanic children of immigrants and children of natives. Journal Of Immigrant & Minority Health, 11(3), 158-167. doi:10. 1007/s10903-007-9096-0 Buscemi, J. , Beech, B. , & Relyea, G. (2011). Predictors of obesity in Latino children: acculturation as a moderator of the relationship between food insecurity and body mass index percentile. Journal Of Immigrant & Minority Health, 13(1), 149-154. Buttenheim, A. , Pebley, A. , Hsih, K. , Chung, C. , Goldman, N. (n. d. ) ( 2012) The shape of things to come? Obesity prevalence among foreign-born vs. US-born Mexican youth in California. Social Science & Medicine, doi:10. 1016/j. socscimed. 2012. 10. 023 Carrera, P. , Gao, X. , & Tucker, K. (2007). A study of dietary patterns in the mexican-american population and their association with obesity. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association, 107(10), 1735-1742. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Weight. About BMI for Children and Teens: What is a BMI percentile? Available at: http://www. cdc. gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi. html. Accessed May 19, 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). Defining overweight and obesity. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www. cdc. gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/ childhood/defining. htm. Accessed April 1, 2009. Dishman, R. K. , Washburn, R. A. , & Heath, G. (2004). Physical activity epidemiology (p. 30). United States: Human Kinetics Publishers. OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 11 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? Duerksen, S. , Elder, J. , Arredondo, E. , Ayala, G. , Slymen, D. , Campbell, N. , & B. , Baquero(n. d). Research: Family Restaurant Choices Are Associated with Child and Adult Overweight Status in Mexican-American Families. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association, 107849-853. doi:10. 1016/j. jada. 2007. 02. 012 Drewnowski, A. & Darmon, N. (2005). Food Choices and Diet Costs: an Economic Analysis. The Journal of Nutrition. . April 1, 2005 vol. 135 (4) 900-904. Dubowitz, T. , Heron, M. , Bird, C. , Lurie, N. , Finch, B. , Basurto-Davila, R. , & †¦ Escarce, J. (2008). Neighborhood socioeconomic status and fruit and vegetable intake among whites, blacks, and Mexican Americans in the United States. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 87(6), 1883-1891. Encuesta Nacional de Enfermedades Cronicas. Mexico, DF:Secretaria de Salud, 1993. Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2000. La Salud de los Adultos. Mexico:Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, 2003. Gordon-Larsen, P. , Harris, K. , Ward, D. , Popkin, B. (2003) Exploring increasing overweight and its determinants among Hispanic and Asian immigrants to the US: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Social Science & Medicine 57:2023-34. Gray, V. B. , Cossman, J. S. , Dodson, W. L. , & Byrd, S. H. (2005). Dietary acculturation of Hispanic immigrants in Mississippi. Salud Publica De Mexico, 47(5), 351-360. Haboush, A. , Phebus, T. , Tanata Ashby, D. , Zaikina-Montgomery, H., & Kindig, K. (2011). Still unhealthy 2009: building community research to identify risk factors and health outcomes in childhood obesity. Journal Of Community Health, 36(1), 111-120. doi:10. 1007/s10900-010-9288-8. Healthy People 2010: Understanding and Improving Health (2nd edition), US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC (2000) Available at http://www. healthypeople. gov/document/html/objectives/19-03. htm Accessed May 19, 2009 Kaiser, L. , Melgar-Quinonez, R. , Lamp, C. , Johns, M. , Harwood, J. (2001)Acculturation of Mexican-American Mothers Influences Child Feeding Strategies. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2001;101(5):542–47. OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 12 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? Kunkel, D. , McKinley, C. , and Wright, P. (2009) The Impact of Industry Self-Regulation on the Nutritional Quality of Foods Advertised on Television to Children. Ogden C, Flegal K, Carroll M, and Johnson C. 2002. Prevalence and trends in overweight among US children and adolescents, 1999-2000. Journal of American Medical Association 288 (14):1728. Osypuk, Theresa L. , Ana V. Diez Roux, Craig Hadley, and Namratha R.Kandula. 2009. Are immigrant enclaves healthy places to live? The Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Social Science & Medicine 69:110-120. Popkin, B. M. , & Udry, J. (1998). Adolescent obesity increases significantly in second and third generation U. S. immigrants: The Journal Of Nutrition, 128(4), 701. Rojas-Martinez, R. , Aguilar-Salinas, C. , Jimenez-Corona, A. , Gomez-Perez, F. , Barquera, S. , & Lazcano-Ponce, E. (2012). Prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome components in Mexican adults without type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Salud Publica De Mexico, 54(1), 7-12. Romero-Gwynn, E. , D. Gwynn, L.Grivetti, McDonald, G. Stanford, B. Turner, E. West, and E. Williamson (1993). Dietary acculturation among Latinos of Mexican descent. Nutrition Today July/August: 6-12. Rosas, L. , Guendelman, S. , Harley, K. , Fernald, L. , Neufeld, L. , Mejia, F. , & Eskenazi, B. (2011). Factors associated with overweight and obesity among children of Mexican descent: results of a binational study. Journal Of Immigrant & Minority Health, 13(1), 169-180. Small, L. , Melnyk, B. , Anderson-Gifford, D. , & Hampl, J. 2009). Exploring the meaning of excess child weight and health: shared viewpoints of Mexican parents of preschool children. Pediatric Nursing, 35(6), 357-366. Thorpe, L. , List, G Childhood obesity in New York City elementary school students American Journal of Public Health, 94 (2004), pp. 1496–1500 US Department of Health and Human Services 19–3: Reduce the proportion of children who are overweight or obese United States Department of Health and Human Services (2007). OBESITY AMONGST MEXICAN CHILDREN: ARE FIRST GENERATION MEXICAN CHILDREN 13 MORE PRONE TO OBESITY THAN THEIR SECOND GENERATION COUNTERPARTS? The surgeon general’s call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity. Web site. http://www.surgeongeneral. gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_adolescents. htm. Accessed January 15. Van Hook, J. , H. , Baker, E. , Altman, C. , Frisco, M. Canaries in a coalmine: Immigration and overweight among Mexican-origin children in the US and Mexico. Social Science & Medicine, 74125-134. doi:10. 1016/j. socscimed. 2011. 10. 007. Scharoun-Lee, M. , Kaufman, J. , Popkin, B. , & Gordon-Larsen, P. (2009). Obesity, race/ethnicity and life course socioeconomic status across the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Journal Of Epidemiology & Community Health, 63(2), 133-139. doi:10.1136/jech. 2008. 075721 Seo, D. , & Sa, J. (2010). A Meta-Analysis of Obesity Interventions Among U. S. Minority Children. doi:10. 1016/j. jadohealth. 2009. 11. 202 Sosa, E. T. (2012). Mexican American Mothers’ Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: A Theory-Guided Systematic Literature Review. Health Education & Behavior, 39(4), 396. doi:10. 1177/1090198111398129 Sussner, K. , Lindsay, A. , Peterson, K. (2009) Research: The Influence of Maternal Acculturation on Child Body Mass Index at Age 24 Months. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association, 109218-225. doi:10. 1016/j. jada. 2009. 10. 056.

Administrative Theories in Public Administration Essay

I have never thought that administrative theories in Public Administration has been established back in 1800 with theorist who have discovered or developed and now has been part of the system of the Philippine government. The earliest contributors to our understanding of management theory included practicing managers as well as social scientist. More recent theorist has tended to be academic or management consultants. The early theorist can be divided into 2 main groups – the practicing managers such, as Taylors and Fayol and the social scientists, such as Mayo and Mc Gregor. Meet the Mr. Taylor, the theorist of Scientific Management. Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915), one of the early practical manager-theorist, born in Boston, Massachusetts, spent the greater part of his life working on the problems of achieving greater efficiency on the shop-floor where he manages. The solution he came up with was based directly on his own experience at work, initially as a shop floor worker and later as a manager. He pioneers scientific management which includes: The systematic study of the relationships between and tasks to redesign the work for higher efficiency. Taylor sought to reduce the time a worker spent on each task by optimizing the way the task was done. Scientific Management Theory Organizations were seeking ways to better satisfy customer needs Machinery was changing the way goods were produced Managers had to increase the efficiency of the worker-task mix According to him, there are 4 Principles to increase efficiency that are: a. Study the way the job is performed now and determine new ways to do it. Gather detailed, time and motion information; try different methods to see which is best b. Codify the method into rules – Teach to all workers c. Select workers whose skills match the rules set in step2 d. Establish a fair level of performance and pay for higher performance – Workers should benefit from higher output But, Taylor recognizes that the measures he was proposing would appear to be more than just a new method – they would be revolutionary. He stated that the outset that â€Å"scientific management† would require a complete mental revolution on the part of management and workers. Henry Fayol (1841-1924) – father of modern management theory He divided industrial into 6 groups: technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting & managerial And formulated the 14 Principles of management which we are using it every day in our daily activities, allow me to enumerate them and somehow expand a little. Division of Labor – allows for job specialization, Authority and responsibility – Fayol noted firms can have too much specialization leading to poor quality and worker involvement. Unity of command – employees should have one boss. Line of authority – a clear chain from top to bottom of the firm. Centralization – the degree to which authority rests at the very top. Unity of direction – one plan of action to guide the organization. Equity – treat all employees fairly in justice and respect. Order – each employee is put where they have the most value. Initiative – encourages innovation. Discipline – obedient, applied, respectful employees needed. Remuneration of Personnel – The payment system contributes to the success. Stability of nature – long term employment is important. General interest over personal interest – the organization takes precedence over the individual. Esprit de corps – share enthusiasm or devotion to the organization. I have added here some of the theorist I researched which I consider to be worth sharing. Mary Parker – an influential leader in early managerial theory. a. Suggested workers help in analyzing their jobs for improvements b. The worker knows the best way to improve the job c. If workers have the knowledge of the task, then they should control the task. The Hawthorne Studies It appears that the workers enjoyed the attention they received as part of the study and were more productive. Contingency Theory – Assumes there is no one best way to manage The environment impact the organization and managers must be flexible to react to environmental changes The way the organization is designed, control systems selected, depend on the environment Conclusion As management theories evolved in centuries, the principles and ideas were never changed yet it has been a guiding value to those who are in public nor private service and to those who are employed and business people. It’s amazing how they have passed on to many generations of people who wanted to learn and use the theories. The theories have been explicit in explanations and user-friendly, though there are theorists who have presented different thoughts on the earlier theorist but if we examine deeply, it’s all the same, only presented in different design. Before I end, I would just like to emphasize the last part of the theories because it speaks about our relationship with the environment and how we will relate environmental, Technological environments change rapidly so must managers.

Australia and China Tade Essay

China is a country located in East Asia. It is the world’s most populous country, with a population of over 1.35 billion. China is the fourth largest country in the world behind Russia, Canada, and the United States. Australia is a continent and a country in the Southern Hemisphere, lying to the south of Southeast Asia, which divides the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. The population of Australia is 23 million. In 2009 China surpassed Japan to become Australia’s largest export market, the Australian and Chinese economies are strongly complementary. As a result, our trade and investment relationship is substantial and has developed well beyond its modest beginnings in the 1970s. According to Australian statistics, two-way merchandise trade has grown from $113 million in 1973, just after the establishment of diplomatic relations, to $78.2 billion in 2009. China is Australia’s largest trading partner, with total trade (goods and services) in 2009 valued at $85.1 billion, an increase of 15.1 per cent over the previous year. Government and/or NGO Roles: The Australian Government established the Australia-China Council (ACC) in 1978 to promote mutual understanding and foster people-to-people relations between Australia and China. The Chairperson is appointed by the Executive Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who also appoints the Board members. The function of the Council is to make recommendations to the Australian Government through the Minister for Foreign Affairs on strengthening the Australia-China relationship in ways that support Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests. The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) is a membership-based, non-profit, non-governmental organisation comprising of a National Office, six Branches, and more than 1500 representatives from over 700 Australian companies who do business with China. Founded in 1973, ACBC actively promotes two-way trade and investment, and economic cooperation and understanding, between the business communities of Australia and China. ACBC plays an influential role as an advisor to the Australian Government on commercial relations with China. They are a strong supporter of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and China to foster more competitive business in both nations. Founded in Beijing in 1996, The China-Australia Chamber of Commerce’s (AustCham Beijing) overriding goal is to advance Australian Business in China. It functions to provide members with the information, resources and contacts they need to succeed in China. The Chamber maintains a good working relationship with the Australian Embassy and with the various Australian government departments in China. AustCham is a non-profit organization, which operates independently from government. It is funded entirely by their membership and Chamber activities. Together with their sister AustChams in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, they work to promote strong trade and investment links between Australia and China. Treaties and Agreements- formal and/or informal: On the 18th of April 2005, Australia and China agreed to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) following consideration of a joint FTA Feasibility Study. The study was completed in March 2005, and concluded that there would be significant economic benefits for both Australia and China through the negotiation of an FTA. From April 2013, WESTPAC and ANZ banks will now be the first to directly trade Australian dollars into Chinese Yuan. Due to this fact, deepening of relationships between China and Australia, it signals deepening of trade connections and great opportunities for future growth.† Advantages and Disadvantages to Australia of this link: Advantages: Employment will increase in exporting industries and workers will be displaced as import competing industries fold (close down) in the competitive environment. With free trade many jobs have been created in Australia, especially in manufacturing and service industries Consumers benefit in the domestic economy as they can now obtain a greater variety of goods and services. The increased competitions ensure goods and services, are supplied at the lowest prices. Disadvantages: This can impact upon large numbers of workers, their families and local economies. Often it can be difficult for workers to find employment in growth industries and government assistance is necessary. This means that businesses, employees and consumers are more vulnerable to downturns in the economies of our trading partners. Future Direction of link: Australia and China share a strong and rapidly growing trade and economic relationship. Further strengthening and deepening this relationship is a major priority for both countries, with both governments committed to sustaining the impressive trade and investment performance achieved in the past two decades. In that time, China has become Australia’s largest two-way trading partner and vital to Australia’s future economic prosperity.

Christian Medical Ethics Case Analysis Coursework

Christian Medical Ethics Case Analysis - Coursework Example M and the application of Christian ethics on the case. In this case study, Mrs. M was 54 years old and had suffered a heart attack as well as having multiple secondary diagnoses. Mrs. M had experienced a history of depression and anxiety, which had resulted in an attempt at suicide ten years prior. She had also discussed end-of-life situations with her husband, and did not wish to remain alive if her quality of life was below a certain point. Her treatment options led to her requesting to be withdrawn from ventilator support, a decision that had full support of her daughter and husband. Despite this, four days after she had entered the hospital, the doctor began to question her decision-making ability and/or competence. Mrs. M’s case is complicated by the fact that there are multiple secondary diagnoses in addition to her primary diagnosis. This makes the prediction of outcomes difficult. Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the kidneys, which is able t o be reversed. The survival chance for this diagnosis is high (Carroll et al. 1513), and Mrs. M has previously recovered from this problem. In the case, Mrs. M was suffering from severe pain as a result of the inflammation. Diagnosis involves the use of a range of clinical markers, which are increased when acute pancreatitis is occurring. ... Other treatments that can be used include nutritional management, aggressive volume repletion and the use of antibiotics (Carroll et al. 1516). This suggests that the recommendations for treatment for Mrs. M were not necessarily extensive, and there may have been alternative options that could have increased Mrs. M’s quality of life. Another issue is that although the treatment options given to Mrs. M do not appear to be complete, no second opinion was sought or given. The provision of a second opinion is important because research has indicated that medical decision making is influenced by a range of factors that are outside of the medical field. This includes aspects such as the personality of the physician, the organizational setting and the age of either the physician or the patient (Feldman et al. 343). This means that a patient such as Mrs. M might not be given all of the treatment options or alternative diagnoses available. This is a particularly important part of the c ase, because Mrs. M and her family are making decisions that will influence her future, and it is critical that they have all the information possible when they are doing this. At the time of the case study, Mrs. M was in a position where her quality of life was considerably compromised and did not want to spend the rest of her life in this state. However, there are several factors that suggest that her condition may improve over time, and lead to an increase in quality of life. The first of these indications is physician’s perception that Mrs. M had the ability to rally medically, which indicates that over time her quality of life would improve. The second aspect is that the pancreatic surgery, if successful, would

Reflection paper of being diabetic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflection paper of being diabetic - Essay Example I knew I would not be able to remember all the information I was reading, but I would get an idea about the food items having more carbs and what I should avoid, if possible. The most difficult part of this assignment was that I had to monitor my intake of carbohydrates, fat and fiber. All these interacted and influenced blood sugar levels. I read the labels of all the food items that I was going to consume. In the absence of labels, such as fresh foods, I had a carbohydrate chart. I monitored my blood glucose levels at least twice a day and kept a record of such readings. Also, I had a tough time about checking my blood sugar and keeping it in proper range. Partly because I was embarrassed and I did not wish the people to judge or think that I was a real diabetic when they saw me doing it. The most difficult part was following a diabetic meal plan because it was related to self-management skills that I had to learn, live and stay with. Knowing what I should eat did not mean that I would eat that way. For example on some days I did not take the correct type of diet. I craved French fries often. I succumbed to that craving on rare occasions. I made sure that I counted it in my eating plan but it was hard for me. This experience has made me understand the difficult life of the diabetic people. I have really come to appreciate this assignment as it has enlightened me how lucky I am to be healthy and do not have diabetes. Also, this assignment has provided to me the details about this life-threatening condition by giving me stimulus for self-improvement and for obtaining perfect health. I hope that I can change my food habits for the sake of my health. There are resources available to educate one. Now I believe that if someone has symptoms of diabetes, he has to undergo tests right away and if found diabetic, take steps to control it and remain well-informed on this illness. They need not wait until they get too sick

(criminology)managing crime part 2 community safety Assignment

(criminology)managing crime part 2 community safety - Assignment Example Under the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act, there are strategies are implemented for this purpose. Work is achieved with partnerships with several agencies, and other representatives of the business and voluntary communities and local groups. A crime audit is an essential part of this process (What is community safety? 2013). The primary objective of the Act is to â€Å"make provision for preventing crime and disorder† (Crime and Disorder Act 1998 1998). This includes the preventing crimes against children or aggressive offences taking place in the society and also bringing in changes in the criminal justice system. With this Act various amendments have been made in the system along with abolition of the death penalty for criminals (Crime and Disorder Act 1998 1998). While partnership working has benefitted different regions to deal with crime, mostly after the occurrence of the offence (Berry et al 2009); failure occurred as the concept of community safety was considered too broad ly. Hence it involved so many issues, such as education, housing, social work and others, along with the issue of crime that eventually it failed to bring advanced changes in the system as it planned to do (Helms 2012). The Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 â€Å"served to completely restructure the youth justice system in England and Wales by establishing a new national and local infrastructure† (Goldson and Muncie 2006). Youth Offending Team was an agency developed that reflected the shift from the conventional justice system (Goldson and Muncie 2006). Yet, the Act failed to mainstream community safety as several issues had started cropping in regard to the crime audits and in enhancing the sense of community. Crime audits were a lot dependent on data obtained from police that was narrowly focused on crimes. Enhancement of community safety could not be achieved as the projects largely depended upon groups and organizations that were existent in the society and hence failed to address groups that were sidelined. Thus â€Å"community safety projects† under the Act â€Å"could divide communities rather than unite them† (Joyce 2013). Thus it could be concluded from this section that the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 failed to mainstream community safety successfully primarily due to the broad conception of community safety, along with the ineffectiveness of the Act to enhance the sense of community. The groups and the causes behind crimes could not be successfully addressed by the community safety projects thereby not allowing the Act to mainstream community safety and crimes could still occur in the society that were dealt with after the occurrence of the crimes. Section 2: The â€Å"ultimate goal of crime prevention is to reduce the risk of being a victim† (What is Crime Prevention? 2006). In order to achieve this, it is essential that opportunities to criminal minded people are not provided to commit illegal activities (What is Crime Prevention? 2006). This section of the study discusses about the strengths and weaknesses of crime prevention measures in reducing crime and disorder, considering theories associated with crime prevention. Over the years, the police departments have evolved in their ways to handle crime and their methods of prevention. The strengths of the system lie with the measures that are considered by the police departments effectively such as â€Å"

Supply Chain Management as a Major Source of Competitive Advantage Essay

Supply Chain Management as a Major Source of Competitive Advantage - Essay Example This paper illustrates that a firm takes inputs from the external environment, processes them and sells it to consumers. The process of transferring the inputs into the firm and getting the outputs to consumers outside the firm is at the center of supply chain management. Supply chain encompasses all organizations and activities associated with the flow and transmission of goods from raw materials through to the end users as well as associated information and monetary flow. Another definition states that the supply chain is â€Å"a set of three or more companies directly linked by one or more of the upstream or downstream flows of products, services, finances and information from a source to a customer†. This implies that supply chain management has to do with how the connections and linkages between a firm, its suppliers and consumers is conducted, arranged and utilised. Ross views supply chain management as a set of tasks that are carried out by an organization in order to a ttain results. He states that the supply chain is a set of collective tasks centered around the optimization of transportation/logistic, processing and distribution channels that a firm employs and utilizes. It involves functions like warehousing, transportation and other objectives associated with the markets. It utilizes time and involves the transfer of possessions. The concept of supply chain management is presented by Horch as the process of procurement, materials logistics, and distribution. This involves the institutionalization of aspects of logistics and the distribution of these logistics through processes related to upstream and downstream flows of the supply chain.

Electromagnetic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Electromagnetic - Research Paper Example It is sometimes used to bar radio frequency electro magnetic rays as well. This method is known as RF Shielding. Depending on the material and its physical properties such as size, shape, thickness, and the frequency of electromagnetic fields and even the orientation of the material vis-Ã  -vis magnetic field, the effects of magnetic shielding can be reduced or increased. We must note that magnetic fields are only redirected using these materials and not created or destroyed. This is because magnetic field lines are attracted into the material and kept from spreading out as they take the path offering the least resistance (Appleman and Dailey, 1974). The reason for this stems from Maxwell’s equation; Using one magnet, each of the three materials was brought closer to it. The idea was to see which ones are attracted and which ones are not. The former being classified as magnetic and the latter as non magnetic. Firstly, one of the neodymium magnets was brought closer to the other which was attached to the thread. The magnet visibly moved towards the other magnet and thus it was established that a magnetic field exists. Then the only non-magnetic conductor here i.e. Aluminium was placed between the two and then the neodymium magnet was brought towards the other. It was interesting to note that although the magnet on the thread did not come comparatively closer to the aluminium, it does exhibited an interesting phenomenon; as the magnet on the other side of aluminium was moved, so did the magnet on the thread. This means that although aluminum is non-magnetic, it does interact with magnets in other ways. Procedure and observations:The magnet was brought closer to the copper pipe. No force was experienced and both the magnet and copper offered no attraction. Thus, copper is deemed as non-magnetic. However, it cannot be used for magnetic shielding since the effects of magnet were seen on the other side of the copper as

Role of Education in Career Success Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Role of Education in Career Success - Essay Example Education and successful careers are often seen as unrelated. People often quote examples of figures that have made it to the top without a degree. However, as this paper shows, education provides a stable ground for a healthy, stable career. Researches show that education instills and hones certain set of skills, which come in handy in professional lives, and gives an edge to those who take the long road than those who prefer short cuts and drop out. Although, there are examples of those who attained great heights without a degree, the paper shows that education did play a part in their success as well. With the economic recession and financial turmoil surrounding economies around the world, the importance of education is neglected and traded off for quick income. However, with the economic crises increases the risk of financial crashing. In such times, a degree is more stable a resource than work experience. It is a human tendency to look for short cuts. In every sphere of life, one easily finds examples of people making it through short cuts and taking a non-conventional path to their destination. Rag to riches stories of high school and college dropouts, like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, who made it to the top and used to their inner innovation and abilities to the maximum potential, are cases, which make a strong point against the orthodox path of education. As appealing as it all sounds, role of education in career success is vital and significant. Statistics from Lansing Community College reveal that elementary teachers work less than most other professionals i.e. 10 months per year with best and the most experienced ones earning up to 85,000 dollars per year. The point to mention this is to emphasize on the government investment on schooling. Secondly, teaching is one of those professions where one is supposed to carry a college degree. Thus, it is an example of how higher education gives way to successful high-paid jobs. Education is a complex term. With stages of schooling including elementary, middle, high, and college, one usually perplexes himself with its utility at every stage. Therefore, parents rarely object to send their kids to elementary or middle school, even high school. However, things are more complicated at the level of college since individuals now have to make their own decisions and parents grow tired of supporting their children for so long. Despite of these issues, education is very significant in main of a successful career. This paper will attempt to highlight some of the ways in which a good education is a necessary factor to an ideal, successful career. Literature Review The field of education is full of studies on role of education on successful careers. Researchers are interested in finding out, how exactly education plays a role in determining successful career paths. To review the literature, one must be clear about the terms used in the search. The keywords of this paper are education and career. Education It is defined as a process of acquiring knowledge and skills set which enables an individual to process information and make wise decisions. The concept of education has grown expansive in the past couple of decades. Earlier, education was perceived limited to getting a degree whereby with the growth in competition in all fields of sciences, the concept of education is expanded to more continuous and encompassing form of education which does not restrict itself to the walls of a classroom. Career It is defined as the occupation a person takes up for most part of his life and progresses within its scope. Career is, to say the least, the most important part of a person’s life. People select their careers usually quite early but many people make shifts across different careers, depending on various factors. Many studies (Paik, 2004) highly correlate

The Present and Future Price of Money Essay Example for Free

The Present and Future Price of Money Essay One of the most important concepts about saving and investing is the time value of money. It can be used to compare investment alternatives and to solve problems involving loans, mortgages, leases, savings, and annuities. This means money paid out or received in the future is not equivalent to money paid out or received today because inflation erodes money’s buying power. Basically, the power of time is on a person’s side and the premise that cash in hand today is more valuable than the same amount in the future due to its capability of earning interest. There are three factors affecting how much an investment will grow: time, money, and interest rate. Time Value of Money is a concept that is very important in financial management. It affects business, personal, and government finance (Harvey, 2012) Within this paper we will discuss the definition of Time Value of Money and identifies the importance of financial managers understanding the concept. Time, Money and Interest Rates Time has an important impact on the future value of money. Time is referred to as â€Å"N†, or â€Å"number,† and signifies the number of times something happens to your money. The earlier an individual invests, the more time their investment has to compound interest and increase in value. The effects of time on the value of money need to be taken into account when assessing investments. Investments (Money) with interest rates compounding frequently will yield higher returns. The higher the interest rate, the more money an individual will earn. However, and individual must understand an investment with a higher interest rate generally has a greater risk. Risk is the uncertainty the yield on an investment will deviate from what is expected. Generally, having a savings or investment plan with a fixed interest rate guarantees a specific return but can provide a moderate  risk. The last item to take into consideration with interest rates is ensuring the interest rate is h igher than the rate of inflation. Inflation is the steady rise in the general level of prices of a market basket of goods. If the average interest rates rise, the amount a person earns from this type of investment will not increase. Another consideration with interest rates is ensuring the interest rate is higher than the rate of inflation. Need for Financial Managers Anyone who manages finances in a company setting , deals with consumer finance or running their own business is a financial manager and needs to understand the concept of Time Value of Money. A financial manager’s job it to compare the cost and benefits of alternatives that occur at different times. This is done by restating money values through time in Time Value of Money calculations. These calculations estimate what effect time will have on money. For these professionals to make decisions that will assist a client in taking advantages of low interest rates or investing wisely a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Time Value of Money is needed. Understanding this concept allows them to make better decisions. If they don’t understand the concept then they could make an unfavorable decision resulting in loss of money for the client or their business (Time Value of Money, 2013) Future Value and Present Value As an investor, you cannot control the rate of return on an investment. The actual yield is determined by the market as a whole, in the form of people buying and selling the investments at a price that, coupled with the investment’s payouts, determines the yield. There are two fundamental formulas used to calculate the time value of money; the â€Å"future value† and the â€Å"present value† formulas. They’re basically the same formulas, but rearranged to solve for different values. The future value formula can answer the question, ‘how much money will I have if I invest a certain amount now, at a given rate of return†? The formula is FV=PV*(1+R)N, where FV is the future value (how much you’ll have later), PV is the present value (how much you’ll have now), R is the periodic rate of return or the  percentage that your money will grow in each unit period of time. N is the number of unit periods of time in the overall time span. T he following are examples of the calculation of future values: a) Solve for FV $150,537.19 invested for seven years at an interest rate of 5% will yield a future value of $211,820.94. FV = 150,537.19 (1+ .05)7 = 150,537.19 (1.05) 7 = 150,537.19 (1.40710042265625) = $211,820.94 b) Solve for FV $237,891.22 invested for eight years at an interest rate of 3% will yield a future value of $301.353.48. FV = 237,891.22 (1 + .03) 8 = 237,891.22 (1.03) 8 = 237,891.22 (1.266770081387616) = $301,353.48 c) Solve for FV $320,891.12 invested for 10 years at an interest rate of 11% will yield a future value of $911,144.98. FV = 320,891.12 (1 + .11) 10 = 320,891.12(1.11) 10 = 320,891.12 (2.839420986069016) = $911,144.98 d) Solve for FV $520,520.22 invested for 13 years at an interest rate of 13% will yield a future value of $2,549,513.82. FV = 520,520.22 (1 + .13) 13 =  520,520.22(1.13) 13 = 520,520.22(4.898011103216606) = $2,549,513.82 The present value formula is based on the same fundamental formula, but it’s â€Å"solved† for the PV term and assumes you will know the FV amount. The present value formula can answer the question, ‘how much money would I have to invest now in order to have X dollars at a specific future date?’. That formula is PV = FV/(1 + R) n where all the terms mean the same thing, except that R in this formula is typically referred to as the â€Å"discounted rate†, because its purpose is to lower a future amount of money to show what it is worth to you now (McCracken, 2014). The following are examples of the calculation of present value: a) If you receive a dividend of $562,126.17 in 7 years at an interest rate of 5%. You initial investment w ould have been $399,492.57. PV = 562,126.17/(1 + .05) 7 = 562,126.17 / (1.05) 7 = 562,126.17/1.40710042265625 = $299,492.57 b) If you receive a dividend of $225,003.21 in 6 years at an interest rate of 6%. Your initial investment would have been $158,618.38. PV = 225,003.21/(1 + .06) 6 = 225,003.21/(1.06) 6 = 225,003.21/1.418519112256 = $158,618.38 c) If you receive a dividend of $321,567.35 in 5 years at an interest rate of 18%. Your initial investment would have been $140,560.05. PV = 321,567.35/(1 + .18) 5 = $140,560.05/(1.18) 5 = 321,567.35/2.2877577568 = $140,560.05 d) If your receive a dividend of $63,000.05 in 12 years at an interest rate of 5%. Your initial investment would have been $35,080.75. PV = 63,000.05/(1 + .05) 12 = 63,000.05/ (1.05) 12 = 63,000.05/1.795856326022129 = $35,080.79 Annuity An annuity is a series of identical payments occurring at equal time intervals. When the payments appear at the end of each time period, the annuity is said to be an ordinary annuity or an annuity in arrears. Present value calculations allow us to determine the amount of the recurring payments in an ordinary annuity if we know the other components: present value, interest rate, and the length of the annuity. Present value calculations involve the compounding of interest. This means that any interest earned is invested and will earn interest at the same rate as the principal. So, you earn interest on your interest. The compounding of interest can be very significant when the interest rate and the number of years are sizable. The present value of an annuity, represented by a series of equal payments, receipts or rents involve five components: (1) Present Value (2) Amount of each identical cash payments (3) Time between the identical cash payments (4) Number of periods that the payments will occur, length of the annuity and, (5) Interest rate or target rate used for discounting the series of payments. If you have any 4 of the 5 components, you have the information you need to calculate the unknown component. Calculations of Annuity Suppose you are to receive a stream of annual payments of $325,891.12 every year for 12 years starting at the end of this year. The interest rate is 6%. What is the present value of these 12 payments. PVA =PMT [( 1- (1 /(1 + r) n )) /r ] = 325,891.22[(1- (1/(1 + .06) 12))/.06] = 325,891.22[(1- (1/(1 .06) 12))/.06] = 325,891.22[(1 – (1/20121964718355))/.06] = 325,891.22[(1-.496969363577001)/.06] = 325,891.22[.503030636422999/.06] = 325,891.22 x 8.383843940383317 = $2,732,221.13 is the present value of the 12 payments. Suppose you are to receive a payment of $437,891.24 at the end of each year for five years. You are depositing these payments in a bank account that pays 15% interest. Given these five payments and this interest rate, how much will be in your bank account in five years? FVA =PMT [((1 + r) n – 1) /r] = 437,891.24 [((1 + .15) 5 – 1)/.15] = 437,891.24 [((1.15) 5 – 1)/.15] = 437,891.24 [(2.0113571875 -1) /.15] = 437,891.24 [1.0113571875/.15] = 437,897.24 x 6.74238125 = $2,952,429.69 will be in your bank account at the end of 5 years. Conclusion Present Value and Future calculations seem to be a simple way to compare money at different periods of time. Utilizing the future value calculation a person is able to determine the estimated future value of investments based on periodic, constant payments and constant interest rate. It ca also be used to calculate the future of loans payments. Time Value Money is a basic tool in finance that is used every day. Utilizing this concept can help individuals and companies weight all the options so the best decision can be made to prosper in the future. Understanding and having the knowledge about saving and investing is very important to our generation, especially with the very bleak look of social security. References Biger, N. (2008). Explanation of present values and net present values. Harvey, C. R. (2012). Time Value of Money. Retrieved January 16, 2013, from The Free Dictionary: http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Time+value+of+money McCracken, M., (n.d.) The time value of money. Retrieved January 2014 from http://www.teachmefinance.com/timevalueofmoney.html Time Value of Money Overview. (n.d.) Retrieved January 17, 2013, from University of West Florida: http://uwf.edu/rconstand/fin4424web/T2-TimeValue/T2-TimeValuePO1.htm

Case Study Of Psychosomatic Pain Nasrin Nursing Essay

Case Study Of Psychosomatic Pain Nasrin Nursing Essay It is a case of psychosomatic pain disorder in which a twenty seven year old lady named Nasrin is suffering from lower abdomen pain. Recently she had hysterectomy due to heavy periods and regular severe uterine pain. But after six months of her surgery she still feeling pain in her lower abdomen and she have no improvement in pain after six months of her surgery. Her gynecologist confident her that everything was normal but she was not satisfied with this statement. She visits many specialists but found no relief. She felt sharp pain everyday from few minutes to hours. In recent times she felt chest pain and thought she is having heart attack. But after her checkup in emergency the physician recommended that it might be anxiety. She felt insulted .Her GP influenced her to go to psychologist. GP clarified her that at times even emotions causes difficulties in medical problems Clients problems and Diagnosis: Nasrin went to consultant and told her problems. She explained that she has severe low backache and her pain is presently radiating both legs. Pain is very sharp and brought herself to tears. Pain occurs every day at different time intervals. She has lack of motivation and interest. She didnt sleep properly in night. She felt insulted when GP told her that these are only the signs of anxiety and tell her to see a psychologist. She avoids to meet anyone and seen herself failure and weak. By studying the whole case the case is diagnosed with the help of DSM IV checklist and it is diagnosed as a case of pain disorder associated with psychological factors. The client has following features: Her main problem was significant pain from long time. There are many psychological factors which play main role in the beginning, severity, exacerbation or preservation of pain. As pain felt everyday at different times and intervals. Pain is very sharp that brings Nasrin to tears. The symptoms are not purposely produced by the patient. Background: Patient Nasrin is the youngest one in her family. Since puberty she has not good health. She was having severe recurrent headaches but those headaches were not diagnosed as the attacks of migraine. When she was twelve years old her grandmother died. She was suffered with the symptoms of after stroke for four years before her death. After the death of her grandmother her mom showed sympathy towards her and whenever she felt those headaches she told her lie down. Her mother gave cold compression to her head. Mostly she felt chest pain during the stress period of exams. She got married at the age of twenty one and she left her study because of her severe headaches. She always tried to become an ideal companion. Her husband Alfred was also caring but due to her continuous appointments with doctors and their expenses he started criticizing her. Her husband left her after two years of her marriage. She was heartbroken at that time then she started work for supporting herself but soon she l ost her job due to her health problems. Because of her continuous visits to doctors she was absent from work many times and this was the reason for her job lost. After that she joined her parents and moved to their house. Case formulation: For formulating the case, first of all the consultant assesses and socializes into cognitive therapy. CBT is the therapy of choice in various mental health problems. CBT promote patient to talk about himself in a way that how the patient think about himself, the surrounding world and the other persons surrounding him. What are the things affects patients thoughts and feelings. By knowing all these things CBT helps in patients thinking (Cognitive) and what he do (behaviour) and this can help patient to feel better regarding his life. After that assessed the detailed description of the problem of client and in this case it is recurrent lower abdominal pain. Assess the predisposing factors and in Nasrin case these are recurrent headache and chest pain during stress like in exams etc. The precipitating factors were her grandmothers death and separation from her husband soon after her marriage and the maintaining factor is long term complaint of lower abdomen pain. Then ABC analysis of pr oblem was done by the consultant. Diagnose historical context of the problem, its assumptions and core beliefs. After that constructed a treatment and management plan .Afterwards socializing the client towards the self task. When client came to consultant initially in first session he/she should tell the client about the confidentially of their conversation for gaining faith of client, tells the cognitive therapy and regarding the estimated time of the therapy. CBT sessions are depends upon the patients problems and objectives. Generally with CBT results are better realized when sessions are between 6-20 and varies from 40 minutes to one hour each session. Every session is generally has a gap of one week or fifteen days. CBT cannot remove the patients problems but it can help to handle them in an optimistic way. Therapist helps patient to find ways by changing your thoughts and behaviour so that the patient cope with the problems in better way. (Sheldon, 2011). Consultant assesses the details of the problem as in this case Nasrin has a problem of severe lower abdomen pain. She suffers from this pain from a long time. She has heavy menstrual bleeding and severe lower abdominal pain. Her gynecologist was n ot agreeing to do surgery for this pain but Nasrins frequent visits and continuous pain problem agreed her to do surgery. Because of this continuous and sharp pain she influenced her surgeon and had hysterectomy in her young age. After six months of her surgery she felt no improvement in her pain. She visited to many specialists for finding the cause of her pain problem. But nothing was found by any specialist. Recently she felt chest pain and thought that she was having heart attack. But physician told her she is normal and this all was because of anxiety. She felt insulted with this comment. At last her GP influenced her to consult a clinical psychologist and clarify her that at times emotions made worse to medical problems. GP explained her that psychological assessments will better treat her condition. ABC analysis of Nasrin case: In this case A- activating events are the hysterectomy of client which was done at young age. Nasrin is separated from her husband and stay with her parents. B-Her rational thoughts and beliefs are that she is having severe pain in her lower abdomen. She also felt chest pain. She thoughts that she is pathetic for being like this .C- Consequences regarding the emotions she is nervous, irritated, shame and hurt also. In her behaviour she is always sad, there were crying episodes as sometimes the pain bring her to tears and she feels isolated also. After assessing Nasrin problem consultant gave her a questionnaire to do at her home .It is a questionnaire based on Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A). The main reason for giving this questionnaire to know the severity of symptoms of anxiety in patient. This scale contains 14 items and each of these items distinct by a number of symptoms. This scale calculates both psychic and somatic anxiety. Each item is scaled on 0-4 in which 0 means not present and 4 means severe. Total score range is 0-56 and if a person scores less than 17 it shows less severity and 18-24 means mild to moderate severity 25-30 means moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety ( Guy,1976,Hamilton, 1959). In her next visit Nasrin has to bring that filled questionnaire and consultant assessed those answers. In the next session consultant go through that filled questionnaire and identifies and clarified Nasrin problems by DSM IV checklist. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the usual classification regarding mental disorders and is used by mental health professionals in America. This has five axis in which Axis I covers clinical disorders, Axis II includes personality disorders and mental retardation. Axis III includes general medical conditions, Axis IV psychosocial and environmental conditions and Axis IV global assessment of functioning scale (American psychiatric association, 2000). Consultant assesses and found that she has a problem of pain disorder associated with psychological factors. Consultant took a detailed historical background in this visit. When consultant asked Nasrin about her background she told him that she was the youngest in her brother sisters. She has poor health since teenage. She has recurrent headaches from puberty but those head aches were not fit into migraine attacks and her grandmother died when she was 12 and her mother shows sympathy towards her after her grandmothers death. She has chest pain during stress. She was married when she was only 21 years old and left her university study because of her severe headache problem. Her husband left her after two years of her marriage. The reason for her separation was the high expenses due to frequent visits to doctors for her complaint of lower abdomen pain. After her separation she started work as personal assistant for supporting her. She lost her job soon because of continuous absent from her job due to her health problems. After that she shifted to her parents place and stay with them. Consultant listen all the background and gave Nasrin a homework task to maintain a daily pain dairy. In which she has to write at what time she has the pain as the pain starts in morning, afternoon or evening. Where is the pain in the scale of 0-10, in which 0 means no pain, 5 means moderate pain and 10 means worst possible pain. She has to write in dairy that what she was doing when the pain started. Did she take any medicine and what was the dose of that medicine? What were the other treatments she used? After one hour what the pain rate was in the rating scale like is it relived or gone worse. What are the other problems she faces? She has to maintain this daily pain dairy (AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, 2006) for one week till her next visit and bring it with her in her next visit. In her next visit the consultant gone through her daily pain dairy and identify her problem. Consultant done a counseling session about her hobbies and her likes and dislikes with her and in that conversation she told that she was previously used to write a personal dairy daily. But due to her health problems she didnt do this now. By knowing this entire, consultant asked her that why not she again start writing a book on her life and choose this as a smart goal for her. But she said that she is not able to do all this because of her health problems then consultant told her to just give this a try. In smart goal it is specific for Nasrin to write a book on her life story. This is measureable as the book will have 150 pages and her progress would be measured monthly. It will be an attainable goal as if she complete twelve and half pages in a month then she would have 150 pages by the deadline. This smart goal is realistic also as at times it will be difficult for Nasrin to get her tho ughts on paper, so she give herself enough time to complete her book. For time she has to finish this book in twelve months that means twelve and half pages in a month and150 pages in a year. So consultant advised her to work on this smart goal and she agreed on that. Generating Solution: For Nasrin consultant planned cognitive behaviour therapy for 6-12 weeks in which she has to continue her pharmacotherapy that means she has to continue her drugs prescribed by physician. She is advised for relaxation therapy and supportive psychotherapy for her anxiety problem. For relaxation therapy she has to do some relaxation techniques which helps in reducing tension of muscles and improving patients in general feeling of wellness and minimizes anxiety. Deep relaxation for 20-30 minutes reduces general anxiety, reduces the incidence and harshness of panic attacks. These techniques also good for sleeplessness and fatigue. It also increases self confidence and reduces the symptom of self blame (Bourne, 1995). In supportive psychotherapy, patient has to be supported for coping with stressors by many actions like carefully paying attention and cheering expressions regarding thoughts and feelings. Supporting the patient to understand the situation and its alternatives and trying to give a hope to patient (Douglas, 2008). Â   She has advised for some physiotherapy to support and tone up her lower abdominal muscles and keeps her body fit. Consultant advised Nasrin some preferred solutions for her problem. She has advised to do early morning yoga for half an hour. Then after her breakfast she is advised to visit local library for reading books on biographies. And coming back to home relax for some time and do some household works and after lunch go out for shopping and start socialising with friends and neighbours. In the evening watch tele with her parents. After dinner chat for some time with parents. Before going to bed while listening music try to write her biography. She has to follow the same till her next visit. After all these visits Nasrin is quiet satisfied and relaxed. Her episodes of pain are reducing day by day.

Can Sikhism continue to exist without the Guru Granth Sahib? Essay exam

Can Sikhism continue to exist without the Guru Granth Sahib? The Guru Granth Sahib is the active living Guru of the Sikhs: a long text with 1430 pages, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708. A collection of 5,894 hymns and 1430 pages, the Guru Granth Sahib describes the qualities of God and why you should meditate on God’s name. The hymns are arranged into 31 ragas, which are musical groupings. Every copy of the Guru Granth Sahib has an identical layout of pages. The Guru Granth Sahib was declared as Guru Gobind Singh’s (1666-1708) successor, by himself. It is the holy scripture of the Sikhs and is regarded as the teachings of the ten Gurus, as well as treated like as a sovereign living Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib has a pivotal role in Sikh worship, as a source or guide of prayer; and it in many ways defines Sikhism: outlining all of the laws, rules and ideas of it. It is written in the GurmukhÄ « script, in various dialects – including Lehndi Punjabi, Braj Bhasha, Khariboli, Sanskrit an d Persian – often merged under the broad title of Sant Bhasha. There are approximately 20 million followers worldwide of Sikhism, most of whom live in the Punjab province of India: a state in the northwest of India. The 2001 census recorded 336,000 Sikhs living in the UK. In this essay I am going to examine information surrounding the Guru, and I am going to analyse whether Sikhism could exist without it, and come to a conclusion that it could not. Firstly, I am going to look at the history of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the Guruship of Guru Nanak (1469-1539) collections of his hymns were compiled and sent to Sikh communities for use in worship. Guru Nanak wrote 974 published hymns. His successor, Guru Anga... ... a guide or leader, it is Sikhism. It embodies every aspect of it and contains the teachings of those who created Sikhism and lead it. So, in a nutshell, the Guru Granth Sahib is the gateway to Sikhism and the religion could not exist or function without it. Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Granth_Sahib http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/god/sikhrevelationrev3.shtml http://www.sikhs.org/art11.htm http://esikhs.com/ http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/1162_sikhs/sikhism/sikhism.htm http://sikhism.about.com/od/gurugranthsahib/p/Guru_Granth.htm http://www.time4truth.com/sikhism.htm http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/sikh/blfaq_sikh_india.htm http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/sikhism-articles/sikhism-and-contemporary-problems-of-religious-philosophy http://www.alislam.org/egazette/updates/sri-guru-granth-sahib-a-brief-history/

Ambiguity, Inconsistency and Uncertainty in Othello Essay -- Othello e

Ambiguity, Inconsistency and Uncertainty in Othello  Ã‚   The Bard of Avon has in his tragedy Othello a true masterpiece, but not one without flaws. It contains blemishes, imperfections, and minor negative features which detract in lesser ways from the overall evaluation of the play. H. S. Wilson in his book of literary criticism, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, addresses the arbitrariness and inconsistency in the play: Though the action moves in a single line, with none of the intricate interweaving of parallels displayed in Hamlet, the emotional pattern has, as it were, two poles of concentration: mounting horror at the insatiable malice of Iago, pity for the suffering helplessness of his victims. These effects are securely attained at the expense of a good deal of arbitrariness in the manipulation of the plat and even inconsistency of character [. . .] . (54) Let’s consider some of the â€Å"coincidences† or â€Å"accidents† in Othello which cause us to question its motivation and unity. For example, when in Scene 2 Cassio’s contingent arrives from the duke just moments before the rowdy mob led by Brabantio and Roderigo. Indeed there is more conflict and more interested generated by this coincidence – but is it realistic? Or seemingly arbitrary on the part of the playwright? Another coincidence that is more vital to the drama is the dropping of the decorated handkerchief at just the right moment in the plot for it to be crucial to the plot: DESDEMONA. Let me but bind it hard, within this hour It will be well. OTHELLO. Your napkin is too little; [He pushes the handkerchief from him, and it falls unnoticed] Let it alone. Come, I’ll go in with you. (3.3) For the most key piece of evidence to b... ...ast to illuminate some of the parts and at most to contribute to the understanding of the sum of the parts. If Othello is not the most complex of the tragedies, the problem of its over-all form is still a large one, and he who aspires to a full account of the creative relationship of all the parts must be content if he seems generally to be moving in the right direction. (329) WORKS CITED Heilman, Robert B. â€Å"Wit and Witchcraft: an Approach to Othello.† Shakespeare: Modern Essays in Criticism. Ed. Leonard F. Dean. Rev. Ed. Rpt. from The Sewanee Review, LXIV, 1 (Winter 1956), 1-4, 8-10; and Arizona Quarterly (Spring 1956), pp.5-16. Mack, Maynard. Everybody’s Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. Wilson, H. S. On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy. Canada: University of Toronto Press, 1957.

My Spiritual Journey Essay -- Personal Experience Essay

My life is continually unfolding into a more global understanding of faith, religion and culture where I once thought all was wrong and evil if not strictly Roman Catholic. One of the ways I cultivate my outlook is to analyze the different ways people honor the dead. I can remember as far back as age four, getting my hair done and the whole family rushing out the door to get to Mass on Sunday mornings. My family who owned and/or rented five different homes on a typical Puerto Rican near-north side Chicago block, would all meet out in front at the van. I say van because my aunt/Godmother who has muscular dystrophy, had the largest vehicle due to her handicap. We all packed in and headed for either St Sylvester or St. Francis Church, depending on who made the decision that day. My great grandmother had the matriarchal front passenger seat. An uncle was driving, a few more adults behind that including aunts, uncles and my grandmother with all of us kids, nearly eight of us all to the rear. It was so hot with no open windows or air conditioning. Sometimes I thought we were on our way to hell. When we got there, we would have to sit quietly, stand, kneel, and repetitive combinations thereof, shake hands, a few songs then the final guita r-played song was the finale. The second part of the words, â€Å"La misa e terminado, dà ©nos gracias a Dios (The mass has ended, thanks be to God)† was spoken by us kids over and over while we giggled. It was then time to go eat. They were fun times where ‘El Dia de los Reyes(Three Kings Day)’ on January 6th was celebrated with many families singing in ‘paranda’ style groups throughout the Christmas season, going from home to home with traditional instruments. My parent... ...try, but I have been privileged to honor those from less traditional backgrounds such as Masons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim. Inside, I do feel sad when there is no spiritual or religious service prior to military honors. So, overall, my spiritual journey has been a winding and enlightening one to date. I am now more open minded and ready for progress in understanding and appreciating all religions alike, especially after this class. I want to visit India, Thailand and other places now. If they are fundamentally good, then they are not immoral, misguided or evil as I was once taught. After my confusing past, I am still seeking and searching for that one possibly perfect spiritual fit. Through deep soul searching, more education and continually giving back I will find it some day.

Principles and Practises for International Management Essay

To achieve the new worldwide revenue objectives I will have to convince the senior management to increase the workforce in my department to share my responsibilities, as they are not one person’s cup of tea. I will have to ensure that this workforce consists of serious individuals who are capable of working towards the achievement of a single goal with common mindset. I will have to make sure that local people are hired in the country’s international units, as they would prove to be helpful in making the company adapt to the culture of the foreign countries. Along with them and the few employees in the company who were not born in this country, I will try to identify with the countries in which our company has spread its operations. This can be done by in depth analysis of the countries’ political, sociological, demographic and geographic features. I will also have to be well prepared to communicate effectively across different cultural barriers and languages. I would urge the senior management to master skills to effectively manage cultural diversity in workforce. It has been rightly pointed by Rue and Byars that â€Å"Achieving success in international business demands that a firm’s human resource practices be adapted to country norms. † (1992, p. 130) The company would also have to thoroughly study the international market and design its marketing strategy accordingly. In no way should the company disrespect the local culture in which it is operating. Instead, it should try to blend the local culture with its corporate identity and be always consistent in this. Guidelines for the company staff should be designed in such a way that there is no scope of inconsistency or confusion across borders. The employees should be trained, keeping in mind the trends set by the flourishing multinational companies. They should be encouraged to perform their best. The international business units should be given similar autonomy as the local units, both in crisis situation and at decision-making times. In the words of Leandri â€Å"†¦hold local operations accountable to the corporate office yet give them enough autonomy to make necessary decisions. † (2000, para. 9) By making the company adapt to the demands of international expansion and by developing my own communication skills and potential of working in diverse work environments, it will not be hard to gain the payoffs that international business offers.

Stretegic Analysis of Pepsi

Strategic Analysis of PepsiCo | | Introduction Pepsi co is a carbonated beverage that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo. It is sold in stores restaurants and from vending machines. The drink was first made in the 1890s by a pharmacist Caleb Bradham in New Bern, North Carolina. The brand was trademarked on June 16 1903. The has been many Pepsi variants over the years since 1903 to name a few they have Diet Pepsi, Crystal Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi blue, Pepsi raw, Pepsi one etc. PepsiCo is situated in a soft drink industry that is dominated by Coca Cola. By the time it got into the market Coca cola had already made its mark among the public and the newcomer Pepsi found it hard to find a consumer base. Their first effective marketing strategy, they put their sodas in beer bottles and sold them cheaper than Coke. There was more drink for less money. They started selling, and Pepsi was seen as the poor man’s cola. Although this strategy worked, Pepsi recognized that if their image remained as that of the Poor Man’s Soda, their customer base would never widen. In order to improve its image, Pepsi devised a new marketing strategy by employing celebrities for its advertisements. One of their first celebrity endorser was Barney Oldfield, the pioneer for automobile racing. Afterwards, PepsiCo dipped its marketing hands into acquiring even more business. They bought Taco Bell and Pizza Hut and exerted effort into developing overseas restaurant ventures. One of the most successful advertising and promotion campaigns in history. SWOT Analysis Strength †¢ Pepsi has a broader product line and outstanding reputation. †¢ Merger of Quaker Oats produced synergy across the board. †¢ Record revenues and increasing market share. †¢ Lack of capital constraints (availability of large free cash flow). †¢ Great brands, strong distribution, innovative capabilities †¢ Number one maker of snacks, such as corn chips and potato chips Weakness †¢ Pepsi hard to inspire vision and direction for large global company. Not all PepsiCo products bear the company name †¢ PepsiCo is far away from leader Coca-cola in the international market – demand is highly elastic. Opportunity †¢ Pepsi should expand into markets that they are not currently in. †¢ Food division should expand internationally †¢ Noncarbonated drinks are the fastest-growing part of the industry †¢ Pepsi should position itself on t he cutting edge of the healthy food trend in the market place by increasing trend toward †¢ Changing customer tastes e. g. variants of drinks †¢ Focus on most important customer trend – â€Å"Convenience†. Threats †¢ Pepsi is blamed for pesticide residues in their products in one of their most promising emerging market e. g. in India †¢ Over 50 percent of the company's sales come from Frito-Lay; this is a threat if the market takes a downturn †¢ PepsiCo now competes with Cadbury Schweppes, Coca-Cola, and Kraft foods (because of broader product line) which are well-run and financially sound competitors. †¢ Size of company will demand a varied marketing program; Social, cultural, economic, political and governmental constrains. External Analysis PEST Analysis: Political influences: – The production distribution and use of many of PepsiCo product are subject to various federal laws, such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act. – The businesses are also subject to state, local and foreign laws. – The international businesses are subject to the Government stability in the countries where PepsiCo is trying get into (underdeveloped markets). Businesses are also subject to de taxation policy in each country they are operating. They also have to comply with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. Economic influences: – Pepsi is subject to the harvest of the raw material that they use in their snack foods, soft drink and juice, like corn, oranges, grapefruit, vegetables, potatoes, etc. Because of they rely on trucks to move and distribute many of their products, fuel is also an important subject, so they are subject to the fuel price fluctuation, and to possible fuel crisis. Operating in International Markets involves exposure to volatile movements in foreign exchange rates. The economic impact of foreign exchange rates movements on them is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. PepsiCo is also subject to other economical factors like money supply, energy availability and cost, business cycles, etc. Social influences: – Pepsi is subject to the lifestyle changes, because of it bases its advertising campaigns in a concrete kind of people with a special lifestyle, it is for that PepsiCo has to pay a special attention on the lifestyle changes. Around the world Pepsi drinkers are defined, there is a kind of people who drinks Pepsi another kind who drinks Coca-Cola; it is for that they have to pay attention to the social mobility for not losing a possible market. – Taking into account that PepsiCo is trying to introduce itself in underdeveloped markets, they have to be careful with the possible problems with the governments of this countries, and with the problems could rise from PepsiCo act with the people of this countries. Technological influences: – PepsiCo is subject to new techniques of manufacturing, for their three business sectors, snack food, juices and soft drinks. It has to pay attention to the new distribution techniques. – And they have to fix their attention in the competence developed, to know about the new products. Porter’s Diamond: The Porter’s Diamond Analysis tries to explain the Competitive Advantage of Nations. There are four attributes of a nation comprise Porterâ₠¬â„¢s Diamond of national advantage, they are: Factor Conditions: The basic factor conditions are natural resources, climate, location, the more advanced factor conditions are skilled labour, infrastructure and technology. There are some of these factors that can be obtained by any company (like unskilled labour and raw materials) and, hence, do not generate sustained competitive advantage. Below is a market share structure, Pepsi has around the world as of 2007. Pepsi has a long standing commitment to protecting consumer whose trust and confidence in its products. In order to ensure that consumers stay inform about the quality of all Pepsi products sold in the world. Summary of the Pepsi Strategy Conclusion Assessing Pepsi’s marketing strategies; shows that Pepsi has made several right choices. With the existence of Coke, Pepsi can never lay claim to true originality. It is not that unique. So, before it entered the international market, it first familiarized its customers with its product thoroughly in its home base and lowering their prices. By the time Pepsi was ready to enter the international market, it had a good grasp of what its target audience really is. In conclusion, Pepsi’s marketing strategies, from past to present includes: enhancing their distribution system, knowing the environment of the foreign market and finding the things their target buyers had in common, adding new innovations and products while improving the old products, imaginative advertising, use of advanced technology, assertive promotions, trendy, socially-aware campaigns, alliances with major corporations and expansion into other industries such as restaurants. Al in a one Pepsi-Cola  concentrates on markets where it could prosper alongside  Coca-Cola,  rather than trying to defeat it and its still progressing well. The King III Report and its implications in IT Introduction King III states that – In contrast to the King I and II codes, King III applies to all entities regardless of the manner and form of incorporation or establishment applies to all entities regardless of the manner and form of incorporation or establishment. Unlike previous reports, King III deals with IT governance in detail. According to the introduction of the Report: information systems were used as an enabler to business, but have now become pervasive in the sense that they are built into the strategy of the business and the risks involved in information technology (IT) governance have become significant. The King Report III provides a list of best practice principles which have become an indispensable guide on Corporate Governance to directors, executives and regulators alike. King III provides guidance to all corporate entities on various governance related aspects, including: Ethical leadership and corporate citizenship, Boards and directors, Audit committees, The governance of risk , The governance of information technology (IT), Compliance with laws, rules, codes and standards, Internal audit, Governing stakeholder relationships, Integrated reporting and disclosure. IT governance Unlike previous reports, King III deals with IT governance in detail for the first time. In exercising their duty of care, directors should ensure that prudent and reasonable steps have been taken in regard to IT Governance. IT governance should focus on four key areas: †¢ Strategic alignment with the business and collaborative solutions, including the focus on sustainability and the implementation of ‘green IT’ principles; †¢ Value delivery: concentrating on optimizing expenditure and proving the value of IT; †¢ Risk management: addressing the safeguarding of IT assets, disaster recovery and continuity of operations; †¢ Resource management: optimizing knowledge and IT infrastructure. KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE KING III REPORT The Report places great emphasis on: †¢ Leadership; †¢ Sustainability; and †¢ Corporate Citizenship. The importance of the concepts of integrated sustainability and social Transformation is highlighted. This leads to a lasting concentration on the effects of business on society and the environment. The concept of sustainability is linked with the evaluation of ethics and the improvement of ethical standards in business and in the community. The Minister of Environmental Affairs has pointed out that, unless measures are adopted, greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa will quadruple by 2050. This would result in South Africa becoming a pariah nation. Sustainability reporting is also emphasized in the need to utilize suppliers from amongst previously disadvantaged people. The success of companies in the 21st century is likely to involve: †¢ The natural environment; †¢ The social environment; †¢ The political system; and †¢ The global economy. The King III Report has placed great emphasis on an integrated report, which will evaluate the company’s impact on the economic life of the community in which it operates, as well as many other matters. Conclusion The release of King III is welcomed and represents a significant advance in good corporate governance that looks to the future. Companies will also find King III more user-friendly, in particular the new format of the Code which briefly sets out the recommended best practices against the applicable principles, should constitute a handy quick reference guide. In addition, the Practice Notes, when released, will greatly assist with implementation and going forward, the Institute of Directors will also be developing tools to assist different types of entities identify how to apply relevant principles and recommendations. All in one I would say the release of King III is welcomed and represents a significant advance in good corporate governance that looks to the future. Companies will also find King III more user-friendly, in particular the new format of the Code which briefly sets out the recommended best practices against the applicable principles, should constitute a handy quick reference guide. In addition, the Practice Notes, when released, will greatly assist with implementation and going forward, the Institute of Directors will also be developing tools to assist different types of entities identify how to apply relevant principles and recommendations. Reference http://www. sirpepsi. com/pepsi11. htm â€Å"compiled by 2002† http://www. radessays. com http://www. bookrags. com http://www. allbusiness. com. http://www. peerpapers. com http://www. michalsons. com/king-3-published-for-comment/1463 http://www. pwc. com/en_ZA/za/assets/pdf/pwc-draft-kingiii-presentation-09. pdf