Is Mind Indepent of Body Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Is Mind Indepent of Body - Essay Example Thus, the mind or brain may interact with the body in a way that it needs it to remain alive and to direct other parts of the body that would make it a coherent body. It is independent however in a way that it is capable of thought and consciousness that other parts of the body does not have. 2. If you consider the mind to be strictly physical (material), then how do thoughts arise out of simple matter? (Or instead: What special "something" do we have that allows for consciousness that other things like chairs do not have?)Â   The brain is not strictly an organic body part that is placed inside the human being’s head whose mere function is limited to physical activity. It is the repository of consciousness that makes us human beings that is separate from the rest of the animals. It is capable of thought, imagination and thinking. Consciousness just resides in the organic life form which is the brain because it is the body that is capable of thought similar to consciousness. Consciousness or electro-magnetic activity in the brain has already been recorded by technology afforded by modern science. Science has already determined that consciousness is made up of energy and energy do not die unlike organic beings such as human body. Thus, when the body dies and along with it is the repository of the consciousness which is the brain, it does not necessarily mean that the consciousness will also perish or cease the consciousness. It will just instead leave the body. This departure of energy from the body when a person dies has already been captured by modern imaging technology. So as to where the consciousness or energy goes after death, is the subject of many religions in the world depending on what religion a person is affiliated or believes with. Others will say that such energy will just be reborn depending on one’s karma while others will say that it will be reunited with its creator in Heaven or Paradise. But what is

Using Bicycles as an Alternative to Automobiles Essay Example for Free

Using Bicycles as an Alternative to Automobiles Essay Abstract: This paper basically shows the reasons to use the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation. It will points out the benefits of the use of a bicycle. It will also show what is being done to get rid of the negative aspects of using a bicycle for transportation. Bicycling is one of the fastest growing forms of recreation. People are drawn to it for many reasons, being out in the fresh air, the thrill of speed, the physical challenge, along with many other things. But there can be many more uses for the bicycle. The use that this paper will focus on is transportation. The use of bicycles can greatly improve the economy of a nation. A comparison between the efficiency of the transportation systems of the United Stated and Japan points this out. In 1990 Americans spent 17. 9 percent of the GNP on transportation, whereas the Japanese spent only 10. 79 percent on transportation. This difference of nearly 7 percent, gives the Japanese economy much more money for investing in their future. Our Economy is not the only thing we should worry about, and it is also not the only thing that can be improved by the use of bicycles. There are several major problems that could be drastically reduced by the increased use of bicycles. Traffic would be a lot lighter due to the extremely small size of bicycles. It would also greatly reduce the wear and tear on our roads and highways, and therefore reduce government expenditure. But one of the most serious problems it would reduce is that of pollution and smog in out larger cities. There are more benefits to biking, though. There are benefits that come at a more personal level. Biking greatly improves ones health. It can be a way to exercise without taking much times out of ones schedule. The time one would spend biking to work serves two important purposes. One, getting to work, but also as a great form of exercise. Improved mobility in crowded situations. In downtown areas, biking to work may actually save time. Cars crawl through congested traffic, while bicyclists ride around it. The time it takes to park a car could also be factored in. Finding a parking space takes time and may be far away, while bikes are easy to lock and can be locked close to any destination. Personal economics are also important. Cars are expensive to own and operate. On top of the high prices for new cars, one must also pay for insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Not only is the price of a new bicycle much lower, they cost almost nothing to operate. Still with all of these benefits, many people choose not to consider a bicycle as a viable form for transportation. People feel that it is to time consuming, to inconvenient, and to dangerous. But there are things that can be done to change these facts. How a city is designed will play a large part in whether or not people choose to use bicycle as a form of transportation. Many of Americas large cities are not very friendly to the bicycle commuter. City streets should be wide enough to have room for a safe sized bike path that is separate from automobiles and pedestrians. This would improve the safety of bicycling. Another method that can be used is traffic calming. Traffic calming is a term that has emerged in Europe to describe a full range of methods to slow cars, but not necessarily ban them, as they move through commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. Traffic calming exists in certain downtown areas as a natural outcome of design initiatives to accommodate sizable special populations. Some the best examples of traffic calming are not in the United States. Traffic calming was originally introduced in the Netherlands and Germany, but is now being put to use in Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In 1981, Germany set up six traffic-calming demonstration projects in various places with varying density. The initial reports showed that there was a reduction of speed from 23 mph to 12. The traffic volume remained constant, but there was a 60 percent decrease in injuries, and a 43 to 53 percent reduction in fatalities. In a recent survey, most people showed that if conditions where improved, more people use bicycles to commute. Things are being done to make things better. Private organizations are offering incentives and promotions, and our government is also making legislation to improve things. The need for bicycle and pedestrian provisions to be fully integrated into state and local plans and transportation policy documents has assumed even greater significance due to the ISTEA and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. States were not required to have long-range transportation plans until ISTEA was passed, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations have had little or no control over project selection until now. Because of this fact, in the past, State highway agencies have dominated the spending of highway and transportation dollars. Plans developed at the city level would often contain many worthy transit and non-motorized projects. ISTEA makes a number of important changes. Both levels of government are now required to produce annual transportation improvement programs and long range transportation plans. These plans shall provide for the development of transportation facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) which will function as an intermodal transportation system. (Section 1024 (a) and 1025 (a)) State long-range plans are required to have consider strategies for incorporating bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways in projects where appropriate throughout the state. (Section 1025 (c)(3)) State long-range plans are also required to have a long-range plan for bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways for appropriate areas of the State, which shall be incorporated into the long-range transportation plan. People need to realize what the over use of automobiles is doing to our country. Our nations wealth is probably the greatest contributor to this problem. Americans generally feel that a car is a necessity and not a luxury. We are also spoiled with some of the lowest gasoline prices in the world. Some suggest an increase in gasoline taxes to drive people towards the use of alternative modes of transportation. Surveys shows that it would influence more people to not drive as frequently. But economists feel when the government imposes an intentional price floor on a common product, it can only hurt the economy. All of these things will help influence people to use alternative modes of transportation. But when it comes down to it, everyone must make a personal choice. Bicycles will probably never be as convenient as automobiles, and in this writers opinion, they shouldnt be. Commuting on a bike is a sacrifice in some ways, but we need to set our priorities straight. No legislation will do that for us. Boulder is probably one of the best place to get into the habit of frequently using a bicycle. In this community bikes are generally a lot more convenient than cars, in pretty much every aspect. Probably more than half of the time, I can get to wherever I want to in less time on a bike than in a car. Not to mention the time saved by not having to find a parking spot. This is accomplished by the use of good bike routes, underpasses, and having the right of way over cars. I use my bike almost daily, whereas I would probably use a car about once a week. It is also a lot more economical to ride a bike than to drive a car, especially on campus. As I already mentioned cars require several expenses, whereas bikes require almost none. Also on campus, if you have a car, you must pay for a parking permit. I plan to use a bicycle whenever and where ever possible. I think that everyone should own a bicycle and a least use it occasionally. I would like to inform other people of how easy it is to use a bicycle for transportation. References 1. United States, Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Considerations Into State and Local Transportation Planning (Washington: The Administration, 1994). 2. United States, Transportation Research Record, Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning With Safety Considerations (Washington: Transportation Research Board, 1987) 3. United States, Actions Needed To Increase Bicycle/Moped Use In The Federal Community (Washington: U. S. General Accounting Office, 1981) 4. Mike Hudson, Bicycle Planning (The Architectural Press: London, 1982) 5. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Pedestrian Behavior and Bicycle Traffic (Washington: National Academy of Sciences, 1980) 6. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Nonmotorized Transportation Around The World (Washington: National Academy Press, 1994) 7. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Nonmotorized Transportation Research, Issues, and Use (Washington: National Academy Press, 1995) 8. John T. Doolittle, Integration of Bicycles and Transit (Washington: National Academy Press, 1994) 9. http://www. tnrcc. state. tx. us/air/ms/vexercis. htm 10. http://www. nd. edu/~ktrembat/www-bike/BCY/TryBikeCommute. html.

Including children with autism in early childhood settings

Including children with autism in early childhood settings There is no denial that children with autism can be challenging for early childhood educators. Educators might feel perplexed, frustrated or even hurt in spite of their concerted efforts. This essay sets out to discuss the prevalence of autism in New Zealand/Aotearoa, its manifestation and identification, and some basic strategies for educators to successfully include children with autism in the early childhood settings. What is autism? Autism is short for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism New Zealand Inc. (2005) gives the following definition: An Autism Spectrum Disorders is a life-long developmental disability affecting social and communication skills. It is defined by New Mexico Public Education Department [NMPED] (2004) as a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by onset prior to age 3. Characteristics include severe differences in interaction with other people, communication deficits, as well as restricted and stereotyped patterns of interest and behaviours. (p.8). Due to the different severity and manifestation, autism is used to describe all the diagnosis sharing the common characteristics of autism, including Asperger syndrome (difficulty in understanding non-verbal signal but might with normal language development and cognitive development) (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). In Aotearoa, 1 person in 100 has autism, including Asperger syndrome. That is an estimation population of 40,000 people. Boys are more likely to have autism 4 times than girls (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). Large-scale survey conducted in United States and England suggests autism affect 4.5 out of 1,000 children. Recent estimation even goes up to as high as  ¼% to  ½% of the population. According to epidemiological survey, the latest figure for people with autism worldwide is 1 in every 150 children and 1 in every 83 boys (Autism-world, 2007). Despite the prevalence of autism, its cause remains much unknown. Current research worldwide has identified biological or neurological differences in the brain for the cause of autism, but has not found the explanation for such differences yet (NMPED, 2004). In some cases, the various conditions affecting the brains such as maternal rubella, tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis cause the autism (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). However, it is 100 % certain that autism is not caused by bad parenting, mental illness, or poorly behaved children (NMPED, 2004, p.8), nor family income, lifestyle and educational levels (Massachusetts Department of Education [MDoE], 1998). More and more researches have attested to the effectiveness of intensive early intervention for the children with autism (Dawson Osterling, 1997, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003). It is indicated by researches worldwide that intervention provided in the first three years are most effective (Harris Handleman, 2000, cited in Woods Weatherby, 2003). As more and more children are attending early childhood services, it is imperative for early childhood educators to identify the early signs for autism in children and refer them to special services for thorough and comprehensive diagnosis (NWPED, 2004). Most children with autism have significant social communication/ language delays (NWPED, 2004). Early childhood educators are to be aware of the following early warning signs in the communication areas: no babbling, pointing or gesturing by 12 months; no single words by 16 months; no 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months; no response to name; ANY loss of language or social skills at any age (NWPED, 2004; Woods Wetherby, 2003). It is strongly suggested by a multidisciplinary consensus panel endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society and nine professional organisations (Filipek et al., 1999, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003) that educators resort to immediate further evaluation if they notice any of the mentioned signs in children. Wetherby et al. (2000, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003)) suggest that parents and professionals need to be conscious especially when children seem to show deficits in joint attention and symbolic communication. Deficits in joint attention means children have difficulties in coordinating attention between people and objects. Signs to look for are identified as below: children have problem in responding to a social partner; children cant shift gaze between people and objects; there is no sharing of affect or emotions with other people; children fail to follow others gaze, point or draw others attention to share experiences. Deficits in symbolic use are characterised by problems in (a) using conventional gestures, (b) understanding and using conventional meanings for words, and (c) using objects functionally and in symbolic play (Woods Wetherby, 2003, p. 181). Children with autism dont use much of conventional gestures, such as waving, showing or pointing as discussed in the deficits of joint attention, nor symbolic gestures like head nodding or miming actions. Instead, idiosyncratic, unconventional or inappropriate behaviours might be detected in them, such as they might be aggressive and throwing tantrums all the time or they might hurt themselves. Children with autism are found to use significantly more syllables with atypical phonation, such as squeals, growls, and yells (Sheinkopf, Mundy, Oller, Steffens, 2000, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003). For those children with autism who does learn to talk, echolalia that is imitating others speech is often found. Children with autism also show noticeable deficits in make-believe and functional play (Woods Wetherby, 2003). It should be noted children with autism are characterised by a constellation of the above mentioned symptoms: impairments in social and communication skills, limited or lack of joint attention and symbol use. Due to the different developmental ability of each child, the symptoms or diagnostic features might be different from one another. Most importantly, these signs are only significant indicators rather than the decisive factor for the diagnosis (Woods Wetherby, 2003; NWPED, 2004). By now, there is no medical test to diagnose autism, but referral should be made to a paediatrician, a child development service, or specialised early intervention service provider (Ministries of Health and Education, 2008) by the concerned educators after gaining parental consent (New Zealand Tertiary College, 2010). To successfully engage children with autism in early childhood settings, it is pivotal for educators to acknowledge their rights to be included in a supportive environment where they can grow and learn side by side with their peers (Vakil, Welton, OConnor, Kline, 2009, p.322). On the legislation and policy level, Education Act 1989 and Human Rights Act 1993 mandate equal rights for all children with diverse needs, and make it unlawful to discriminate or treat unfairly the children with diverse needs because of their varied needs. In the early childhood sector, it is clearly expressed and stressed in the curriculum framework Te WhÄ riki (Ministry of Education [MoE], 1996) and Quality in Action: Implementing the Revised Statement of Desirable Objectives and Practices (MoE, 1998) that there should be equal learning opportunities for all children irrespective of their ability. In 2000, New Zealand government developed Special Education 2000 to advocate inclusion of children with diverse needs and increasing opportunities for them in the early childhood and school sector (NZTC, 2010). On the personal level, it is the educators responsibility to meet different childrens varied needs when choosing to work with children. To successfully include children with autism begins with educators commitments to inclusion. Children with autism deserve and have the same right as every other child to be included in the early childhood settings. When acknowledging children with autisms rights to be included in the early childhood settings, it is also essential to recognise the challenges and difficulties faced by the educators. Some basic strategies are suggested here to help educators to successfully engage children with autism in their centres. First and foremost, it is crucial for educators to learn about autism and how it affects the childrens thinking, behaviour and learning (Mells, 2002). Children with autism think differently from most of other children. Due to limited comprehension skills, they might find it hard to adjust to changes of environment or activity as they cant predict what might happen next. To enable children with autism to cope with change, educators can devise a set of rules about how things happen focusing on a piece of detail information rather than focusing on the bigger picture (Mells, 2002). Children with autism have greater skills in visual processing than auditory (Friend, 2008, cited in Vakil et al., 2009). Educators can better inform and support them with visual cues (Ganz Flores, 2010). Different children with autism have different intolerable things, or even different intolerable levels to the same thing. Some of them might be highly sensitive to the scrap sound of the chair or the smell of lunch box. It is pivotal for educators to follow childrens leads, get to know them in person and tune in to their individual needs. Educators can find out more about the children with autism referring to the books, relevant guidelines, and websites. It is also wise practice to talk to family and carer who already know a great deal about the individual childs preferences (Mells, 2002; NMPED, 2004). Working in teams and parental involvement are fundamental to the success of the inclusion. Educators need to work in teams with anyone who contribute to the childs programme, such as family/whanau, specialist teachers, specialist service providers (e.g. MoE/GSE staff, special needs specialists), speech-language therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and the teacher aide to share each others expertise and apply consistent strategies for the childs best benefit. The Individual Educational Plan meeting is a great resource for educators. During the meetings, educators can have access to the other specialists information about the individual child and helpful strategies to interact with him/her successfully. Educators can also express his/her concerns and get them sorted out within the team. Meanwhile, educators can share how the child is doing in the early childhood setting to facilitate decision-making within the team (Moltzen, 2005). Another essential element in the success ful inclusion is to work in collaboration with parents/ caregivers, and whanau. It is highly stressed by Mells (2002), Fraser (2005) and Vakil et al., (2009) the importance of parental involvement for the best outcomes of the child. To work in collaboration with parents and family/whanau, educators are to understand and respect their feelings, and to value their voices and choices. Parents go through a range of emotions when they learn about the childs special needs: shock, denial, anger, sadness, detachment, reorganisation and adaptation (Fraser, 2005, p.134). It is important to acknowledge and show understandings to their feelings. Collaboration with parents enables mutual exchange of support and information about the child between educators and parents (Fraser, 2005). Vakil et al., (2009) indicate that educators need to apply family-centred practices: familys concerns, preferences should be valued and attended to; familys involvement should be secured and actively seek to. When interacting with children with autism, it is advocated that educators apply evidence- based practices and developmentally appropriate practices (Vakil et. al., 2009). Evidence-based practices are practices that have been attested by research and can better inform educators what to do to achieve desired outcomes, such as Universal Design for Learning, informal and formal assessments relating to learning, differentiated instruction, and direct explicit instruction (Dunst, Trivett, Cutspec, 2002, cited in Vakil et al., 2009). To successfully engage children with autism, educators need to provide accommodation and modifications, merging special education and general practices to adjust to their needs. It is also vital to apply developmental appropriate practices to make the children feel accepted, cared for, and supported. Children with autism are characterised by triad of impairment in ability to communicate, socialise and think or imagine (Mells, 2002). Irrespective of their ability, children with autism deserve the same right to be included in the early childhood setting with the educators support. Educators need to be aware of the early signs and symptoms, and refer them to relevant services for a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis after discussing the concern with parents. To successfully include children with autism, educators need to commit to inclusive teaching, work in collaboration with other professionals, parents and whanau. Most importantly, educators need to learn about the child in person, and to proactively learn more about effective practice to include the child referring to relevant helpful resources on the ongoing basis.

The Death of Indian Culture Exposed in The Jewel In the Crown Essay

The Death of Indian Culture Exposed in The Jewel In the Crown      Ã‚   The Jewel in the Crown, by Paul Scott, is a postcolonial novel about the realism of the interracial love affair between Daphne Manners and Hari Kumar, the subsequent rape of Daphne Manners, and the after effects on British and Indian relations. At a time when British and Indian affairs were strained, at best, the rape of Miss Manners is significantly metaphoric of the British rape of Indian land and culture. British colonial sentiment became a primary influence in India, when the revolt of 1857 led to the reorganization of British influence. The British felt that India could not rule itself, that they (the British) would govern India as its benefactor, bringing modernization to an inferior culture. The Indian economy was transformed into a colonial economy, whose nature and structure was determined primarily by the needs of the British economy. Britain's policies, in effect, ruined India's urban and rural industries, which caused a great pressure on the land, as the developm ent of India's industry could not keep up with British needs.    The Jewel in the Crown focuses on how British colonialism affected the relations between native Indians and the British English, and the affects on Indian culture seen through the tragedy of the unique triangle formed by Hari Kumar and Ronald Merrick, at two opposing points (English vs. India), and Daphne Manners (the catalyst) connecting them both. The story is significant in understanding the historical aspects of British colonial rule, and the subsequent destruction and transformation of Indian culture. Through the eyes of the characters, we get several very distinct and personal stories about the values and custo... ...e history unfolds itself, as the personal lives intertwine with social and historical attitudes of British India and its ideology of benevolent governance. In a metaphorical sense, the personal tragedies of Hari Kumar and Daphne Manners represent the inability of two clashing distinctly different cultures to mix in creating an atmosphere of modern unity. The fact that Daphne Manners dies in childbirth, a birth that would have represented such a unity between these two cultures, idealizes the very nature of the problems associated with the rights and wrongs of colonialism, and represents perhaps the very death of native Indian ideology and culture.    Works Cited Agatucci, Cora. "Jewel in the Crown Study Guide Timeline" English 103, Spring 2001. Scott, Paul. The Jewel in the Crown: The Raj Quartet:1. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. C. 1998.

Pfizer Strageic Plan

OUTLINE FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN Please bullet your responses. Staple the completed assignment; do not spend any money binding the assignment. Make sure to respond to every item. I. GETTING STARTED A. Steps in Strategic Management Process Step 1 |Identify the organization’s mission, vision, and value statement | |Step 2 |Determine the firms main business and organizational objectives | |Step 3 |Conduct a SWOT analysis identifying the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats | |Step 4 |Construct a Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) | |Step 5 |Construct an External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix | |Step 6 |Construct and Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix | |Step 7 |Construct a Value Chain Analysis | |Step 8 |Prepare a SPACE, BCG, TOWS Analysis, and QSPM Matrix | |Step 9 |Use the data above to weigh alternative strategies, make strategic recommendations, develop a plan of action | | |(implementation), and convey the ROI | |Step 10 |Construct Conting ency Plan | B. Information and/or materials used to complete assignment †¢ Resources used in completing the assignment are as follows: Strategic Management Concepts and Cases’ 12th edition textbook, S&P 500 website, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg. com, Pfizer. com, Google Finance, Reuters. om, and Google search engine including the web pages cited on the Works Cited page. C. Time Frame †¢ My goal is to actively work on a portion of the outline everyday and have it completed to its entirety by the time it is due; therefore I will not have to rush to get it done last minute. D. Resources Needed – all resource your team used to complete this assignment †¢ FAMU database, online articles, company website. II. MANDATES (â€Å"MUSTS†) -CLARIFYING/UNDERSTANDING A. History/Evolution of the Organization †¢ Pfizer was founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart in Brooklyn, New York and has remained dedicated to improving the health and well being o f individuals around the world.The demand for Pfizer’s products soared throughout the Civil War as the demand for painkillers, disinfectants and preservatives increased. In 2000, Pfizer and Warner-Lambert merge to form the new Pfizer, which created the world’s fastest growing Pharmaceutical company. In 2008, Jeff Kindler, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, announces the next step in the company's evolution and outlines the company's plan to establish smaller operating units designed to enhance innovation and accountability, while drawing upon the advantages of Pfizer's scale and resources. On October 15, 2009, Pfizer acquires Wyeth, creating a company with a broad range of products and therapies that touch the lives of patients and consumers every day and at every stage of life.In 2010, Pfizer announces a diversified R platform named Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, supporting excellence in small molecules, large molecules and vaccine research and development. As ap art of the acquisition of Wyeth in 2009, Pfizer initially implemented a two-division structure for research and development (BioTherapeutics and PharmaTherapeutics) to ensure the progress and steady integration of both legacy organizations. Due to the speed and effectiveness of that integration, Pfizer progresses to this new model while maintaining the same breadth and research programs. On December 1 and 2 2011 Pfizer completed the acquisitions of Excaliard Pharmaceuticals and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business, respectively. B.Identify formal aspects of the organization †¢ Corporate Governance Include: Board of Directors, Board Committees, Code of Ethics, CEO/CFO Certifications, Executive Officers, Policy and Procedures for Accounting and Legal Complaints †¢ Pfizer has created two distinct research organizations. The PharmaTherapeutics Research & Development Group focuses on the discovery of small molecules and related modalities; and The BioTherapeutics Research & Development Group focuses on large-molecule research, including vaccines. The goal with Pfizer doing this is to maximize opportunities within the Biomedical research sector. †¢ Pfizer has also developed an enhanced commercial operating structure.Pfizer has nine diverse health care businesses: Primary Care, Specialty Care, Oncology, Emerging Markets, Established Products, Consumer Healthcare, Nutrition, Animal Health and Capsugel. Each of these businesses is led by an executive with clear accountability for results – from product development following proof of concept to providing access to patients and through to the end of the product's life cycle. B. Identify informal aspects & culture of the organization †¢ Pfizer is sustained on innovation, which seeks a nourishing environment in which ideas and perspectives can flourish. It is an array of unique characteristics, perspectives, and life experiences. Pfizer Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) are organized by coll eagues who join together to provide a positive forum for professional development. By embracing diversity of thought and experience, our CRGs help drive innovation and build on our success. †¢ David Simmons, the president and general manager of the Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer. Simmons has been highly successful at building a new, non-traditional culture within Pfizer for his business unit. One example of this was that Simmons was able to product high quality drugs at affordable costs, and he did this as high grossing patents were near expiration III. VISION STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT & VALUES STATEMENT ANALYSES A. Vision StatementAt Pfizer, we're inspired by a single goal: your health. That's why we're dedicated to developing new, safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. We believe that from progress comes hope and the promise of a healthier world. B. Vision S tatement Analysis – Does it answer the question â€Å"What to do we want to become? † If not, revise it. If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ Yes, I believe that it answers the question as to what they want to become. Its states that they are dedicated to developing new ways to prevent and treat diseases. C. Values Statement Pfizer does not have a value statement. D. Value Statement Analysis – Does it represent the organization’s guiding principles? If not, revise it. If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ Pfizer will work to provide the best quality drugs that will cater to the most people. We will ensure that as a company we will work to do what is best for our patients, physicians and consumers. B. Mission Statement †¢ We will become the world's most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live. D. Mission Statement Analysis – Do es it have the 9 components? If not, revise it to include all 9 components.If organization does not have one, create one. †¢ No, the mission statement does not include all the nine components. After revising the mission statement, it should be read: o We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business partners, and the communities where we work and live. We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. We will work hard to ensure that we keep up with the needs and problems of our consumers and provide what is best. We will continue to promote the well-being of our consumers as well as the well-being of our shareholders and employees as well as promote diversity.We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers are met at all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. We will forever be dedicated to developing new , safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. |List each of the 9 components |Excerpts from Mission Statement addressing the component | |1. Customers |We will work hard to ensure that we keep up with the needs and problems of our consumers and provide what is| | |best. | |2.Products or Services |We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. | |3. Markets |We will ensure that we provide products of the best quality at affordable prices to all. | |4. Technology |We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers are met at | | |all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. | |5. Concern for survival, growth, and profitability|We will keep abreast of the ever-changing technology to ensure that they needs of our consumers re met at | | |all times and also that we will not become obsolete to our customers. | |6. Philosophy |We will forever be dedicated to developing new, safe medicines to prevent and treat the world's most serious| | |diseases. And why we are making them available to the people who need them most. | |7. Self- Concept |We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business | | |partners, and the communities where we work and live. | |8.Concern for public image |We will continue to promote the well-being of our consumers as well as the well-being of our shareholders | | |and employees as well as promote diversity. | |9. Concern for employees |We will become the world’s most valued company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business | | |partners, and the communities where we work and live. | IV. ASSESSING EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT A. Identify Opportunities / Threats – Analyze trends in the following areas: political, legal, competitive, economic, social, cultural, demo graphic, technological, environmental, and governmental. Provide at least 1 opportunity & 1 threat for each of the 10 areas. Provide responses in bullet format. Political | |Opportunity |Threat | |Measures taken to close the Coverage gap also known as the donut hole may |New Health care Reform Bill was put in place 2010. This law requires drug | |result in people using more brand name drugs rather than buying generic. 9 |producers to make rebates to state Medicaid agencies based on their costs to | | |provide prescription drugs to Medicaid beneficiaries. | | |Constant pressure to lower prescription drug prices from the government2 | |Legal | |Opportunity |Threat | |Acquisitions and in-licensing /co-development opportunities such as recent |Expiration of Patents for drugs, face a loss of up to billions of dollars due | |acquisitions of Excaliard and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business in December |to generics taking market share.For example, Lipitor, which grossed 11 bil lion| |2011 may help Pfizer meet unmet needs of their customers. 23 |in revenues last year expired November 28, 2011. This means that other | | |companies are allowed to produce the generic version of the drug. 2 | | |Number of New Molecular Entities approved by the FDA has declined. In 2009, | | |NMEs approved were 26 and 2010 were 21. 2 | | |Beginning of 2011 was a series of new fees in the form of excise taxes payable | | |to the federal government. 12 | |Competitive | |Opportunity |Threat | |Barriers for additional companies to enter the market are high. 4 |French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis’ $20 billion acquisition of Genzyme Corp. | | |completed in April 2011 | | |Fierce competition among Pharmaceutical companies such as Proctor & Gamble and | | |Johnson & Johnson. | | |Japanese drug sales are also expected to expand with current sales of 60 | | |billion, 11% of the world market share. | |Economic | |Opportunity |Threat | |Demands for certain drugs are relatively in elastic. 4 |Based on the projected losses due to loss of market share, Pfizer has shed | | |53,000 and 61, 000 jobs in 2010 and 2009 respectively | | |The decline in spending in the US in the last few years | | |Revenue may be hurt by ongoing negative effects from U. S. ealth care reform | | |and austerity pricing in Europe | | |Inflation will cause an increase in cost and raise drug prices | | |Competition from newer, better drugs may be a threat to sales. For example, | | |Vivus is a new ED drug that may be able to compete with Viagra. 3 | |Social | |Opportunity |Threat | |450 million Americans are over the age of 65 and healthcare spending is the |Number of NMEs approved by the FDA has declined12 | |highest among these individuals2 | | |Humana and Pfizer Form Research Partnership to Improve Health Care Delivery for| | |Seniors in 2011. | | |Cultural | |Opportunity |Threat | |Like GlaxoSmithKline and Abbott Labs in particular — Pfizer has its sights on |Number of legis lative proposals seeking to allow importation of medicines into | |developing countries for a revenue bump. 13 |the U. S. and revenues could be affected | |Demographic | |Opportunity |Threat | |Asian drug sales are also expected to expand.For example, Takeda |77 million people by 2031 will be enrolled in Medicare and Health care and | |Pharmaceutical Company, Asia's biggest drug maker, reported an 18 percent jump |Medicare will not be able to finance this many people2 | |in first-quarter profit, helped by the sale of new medicines in the beginning | | |of 2011. 9 | | |Technological | |Opportunity |Threat | |Pfizer has plenty of drugs in its pipeline with blockbuster potential. 3 | | |Environmental | |Opportunity |Threat | |Adoption of new environmental strategies to be more socially responsible |Adverse effect on drug prices due to threat of imported drugs and threat of | | |counterfeited drugs due to importing and exporting. | B. Monitor Major Stakeholders/Stakeholder Analys is – Customers, Competitors (list at least 3 of the organizations major competitors, Individuals in the community, Employees, Stockholders, etc. 1. Identify Stakeholders |Identify Internal Stakeholders |Identify External Stakeholders | |Ian C.Reed- President, CEO, Director |Johnson & Johnson | |Frank A. D’Amelio- CFO, EVP of Business Ops. |JP Morgan Chase & Co | |Mikael Dolsten- Pfizer Worldwide R&D |Northern Trust | |Freda- Lewis Hall- EVP, Chief Medical Officer |Proctor & Gamble | 2. Stakeholder Matrix – classify the internal & external stakeholders identified above into the appropriate boxes. High Interest/Importance, High Influence |High Interest/Importance, Low Influence | |Ian Reed |Proctor & Gamble | |Frank D’Amelio |Johnson & Johnson | |JP Morgan Chase & Co |Dow Chemical | |State Street Corporation |Merck and Co Inc. | | |Customers | | Employees | |Low Interest/Importance, High Influence |Low Interest/Importance, Low Influence | |Governme nt |Lenders | |Insurance Companies |Suppliers | | | | | | | | | | 3. Stakeholder Analysis |Stakeholder |Responsibility of |What does organization |Stakeholder’s potential |Stakeholders’ perceived |Stakeholder Management | | |Stakeholder to the |expect the stakeholder to |impact on the organization |attitudes and/or risks to |Strategy (SMS) | | |organization |provide? (high, medium, or low) |the organization | | | | | | | |N/A | |Investors |Fund the organization |Provide funding and |High |High Risk; Conservative | | | | |liquidity to the | |Attitude | | | | |organization | | | | | |Strategic plans and |Provide expertise, | |High Risk; Positive |Bottom-Up | |Employees |operations.Supports the|knowledge and value |High |Attitude | | | |functionality and | | | | | | |operational processes | | | | | | |Make critical decisions |Provide conceptual |High |High risk; Conservative |Top-down | |Shareholders | |knowledge and top-down flow| |Attitude | | | | |of decision maki ng | | | | | |Meet market demands |Provide products and | |Medium Risk; Positive |N/A | |Suppliers | |services |Medium |Attitude | | External Factor Evaluation |Opportunities | | | | | |Weight |Rating (1-4) |Weighted Score | |1. Measures taken to close the donut hole may result in people using more brand |. 07 |3 |. 1 | |name drugs rather than buying generic | | | | |2. Acquisitions and in-licensing /co-development opportunities |. 06 |4 |. 24 | |3. 450 million Americans are over the age of 65 and healthcare spending is the |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |highest among these individuals | | | | |4. Expansion of the biologic pharmacy market. |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |5. Bought King pharmaceutical for $3. 6 billion which would open up more |. 06 |4 |. 4 | |manufacture and sales adding to the capital of the company (Carrie, 2009). | | | | |6. Barriers for additional companies to enter into market are high |. 05 |4 |. 20 | |7. Demands for certain drugs are relatively inelastic. |. 07 |4 |. 28 | |Threats | | | | |8. Japanese drug sales are also expected to expand with current sales of 60 |. 08 |2 |. 6 | |billion, 11% of the world market share. | | | | |9. In 2009, Pfizer got assessed a 2. 3 billion fine for which they employed illegal|. 08 |1 |. 08 | |marketing strategies. | | | | |10. Large manufacture and low research for new inductions in the market could |. 07 |2 |. 14 | |decline the profitability. | | | | |11. Constant pressure to lower prescription drug prices from the government |. 5 |2 |. 1 | |12. Number of NMEs approved by the FDA has declined |. 04 |2 |. 08 | |13. The decline in spending in the US in the last few years |. 07 |1 |. 07 | |14. Inflation will cause an increase in cost and raise drug prices |. 06 |1 |. 06 | |15. Number of legislative proposals seeking to allow importation of medicines into|. 05 |2 |. 1 | |the U. S. nd revenues could be affected | | | | |16. 77 million people by 2031 will be enrolled in Medicare and Health care and |. 06 |2 |. 12 | |Medicare will not be able to finance this many people | | | | | | |Total |2. 64 | Pfizer seems to be taking advantage of the opportunities presented as well as avoiding threats but there is still room for improvement.For example, Pfizer seems to be taking advantage of some of the acquisitions that they have had over the last two years. They are seizing the opportunities of the expanding biological pharmacy market. Starting with the acquisition of Wyeth in 2009 and then the acquisitions of Excaliard and Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business. Pfizer saw that they were not meeting the needs of some of their customers but their competitors were. Excaliard is a privately owned biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drugs for the treatment of skin fibrosis, more commonly referred to as skin scarring. Ferrosan Consumer Health’s Business focuses on dietary supplements and lifestyle products.In addition to this, although New Molecular Entities approved by the FDA have declined, Pfizer has managed to get 3 drugs approved by the FDA in 2011 alone. Lastly, Pfizer has responded relatively well to the governmental pressure of lowering their prices as well as the Lipitor patent expiring at the end of November. Pfizer has implemented multiple rebate and discount programs to help assist their consumers. For example, Pfizer has recently partnered with Wal-Mart to offer a $4 prescription program allowing consumers to obtain their prescriptions at that low price. This helps to mitigate the complete loss of revenue and market share if consumers were to go to generic all together.I believe that the reason Pfizer did not receive a score of higher than a 3 was because a lot of these new policies have been recent (2010, 2011) and Pfizer seems to be trying to figure out how to remain profitable as well as cater to their consumers and these acquisitions are all relatively new and Pfizer seems to be just getting adjusted. Competitive Profile Matrix | |Pfizer |Johnson & Joh nson |Eli Lilly | |Critical Success Factors |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score |Rating |Weighted |Rating |Weighted Score | | | | | | |Score | | | |Organizational Structure |. 05 |2 |. 10 |4 |. 20 |1 |. 5 | |Price Competitiveness |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 | |Advertising |. 04 |1 |. 04 |1 |. 04 |4 |. 16 | |Product Quality |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 | |Sales Distribution |. 10 |4 |. 40 |3 |. 30 |2 |. 0 | |Customer Loyalty |. 03 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 | |Global Expansion |. 11 |4 |. 44 |3 |. 33 |2 |. 22 | |Market Share |. 11 |4 |. 44 |4 |. 44 |3 |. 33 | |Demographics |. 03 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 09 |3 |. 9 | |Financial Position |. 15 |4 |. 60 |3 |. 45 |2 |. 30 | |Research and Development |. 13 |4 |. 52 |4 |. 52 |3 |. 39 | |Innovation |. 10 |3 |. 30 |3 |. 30 |2 |. 20 | |Total |1. 00 | |3. 52 | |3. 16 | |2. 58 |From constructing the Competitive Profile Matrix, it is apparent that Pfizer is the strongest among the three competitors compared. V. ASSESSING INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT A. Stren gths/Weaknesses |Management | |Strength |Weakness | |In June 2011, Pfizer announced strategic partnerships with ICON plc and PAREXEL|Sometimes Pfizer may have to discontinue the production of drugs; therefore the| |International Corporation, both of which will serve as strategic providers of |demand for that drug increases. |clinical trial implementation services over a five-year period beginning in | | |June 2011 | | |Adoption of new environmental strategies to be more socially responsible | | |Working with numerous companies to do collaborative work in research and | | |development. | | |Pfizer is continually developing new strategies such as plant restructuring and| | |energy master plan. | |Pfizer is divided into multiple sectors so that most leaders have a specific | | |rather than general role. | | |Pfizer expects to increase its market share from 4% to 6% by reinforcing its | | |leadership, expanding developments in high growth markets, building leadership | | |in oncology and taking advantage of R&D in Asia and other countries. | |Marketing | |Strength |Weakness | |Renewed emphasis in the faster growing fields of specialty pharmaceuticals, |Co marketing with other pharmaceutical companies may slow down its global | |biologics, vaccines, and, in some cases, even generics. |growth. | |Its number one pharmaceutical from sales point of view and its marketing |Decreased amount of advertising | |infrastructure is well established throughout the world. | | |Pfizer as six markets, which include Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and| | |India. | |For the ninth consecutive year, the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Sales Force was voted| | |as first overall in Verispan's â€Å"Pharmaceutical Sales Force Structures. | | |Human Resources | |Strength |Weakness | |Global working network with 95,000 workers |According the glassdoor. om, the company morale is at an all time low | |Accounting/Financials | |Strength |Weakness | |7. 5% ranking corporation market share | Prices, according to the federal government, are too high and are currently | |Sales have increased from 16. 02% in 2008 to 22. 89% in 2010. |trying to get Pfizer to cut their prices. | |High budget pharmaceutical industries having the revenue of $50 billion |Lowest Earnings per Share among competitors. For example, Pfizer has an EPS of | | |$. 48 and Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly have an EPS of $1. 5 and $1. 11, | | |respectively. | | |The integration of large acquisitions including a pair by Pfizer — hasn’t | | |resulted in s great return on equity. | | |Each new drug can cost as much as $1 billion to develop, with no guarantee of | | |success. |Internal Technology | |Strength |Weakness | |Due to the expectation of the drugs expiring and the decline and market share, |Delays caused by regulations and the unsuccessful completion of clinical trials| |Pfizer has focused most of the R&D on Biotech based treatments |reduce the potential recovery and returns of investme nts such as R&D. | |Their research and development sector is highly established and in good | | |strength. | | |Renewed emphasis in the faster growing fields of specialty pharmaceuticals, | | |biologics, vaccines, and, in some cases, even generics. | | |Pfizer Announces Licensing Agreement With Puma Biotechnology, Inc.For The | | |Development And Commercialization Of Neratinib, An Investigational Pan-HER | | |Inhibitor | | |U. S. Food And Drug Administration Approves Pfizer’s XALKORI ® (crizotinib) As | | |First And Only Therapy Specifically For Patients With Locally Advanced Or | | |Metastatic ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. | | | | |Other | |Strength |Weakness | |Chance to acquire new patents for new technological products |Currently only serving American, European and Asian markets. They are not | |Pfizer has been public in its efforts to address climate change. Our Energy and|serving African or Australian markets. | |Climate Change Program seeks to minimize the cost and operational restrictions | | |arising from a carbon-constrained environment, reduce Pfizer's contribution to | | |GHG emissions, and assess the risk presented to Pfizer's operations from the | | |potential physical changes resulting from a warming global climate. | |Pfizer has committed to ensure that their quality is top notch and no | | |counterfeit products have been purchased by their consumers. | | |Pfizer is committed to its outsourcing. The key considerations for outsourcing | | |decisions include the ability to supply and capacity flexibility, regulatory | | |compliance and safe practices, technology and cost competiveness. | | |Pfizer has a structure for quality.Some components include creating, | | |implementing, and upholding standard operating procedures for trial execution, | | |a quality scientific and medical design of the protocol, clinical investigator | | |and site pre-assessment and selection, regulatory agency and ethics committee | | |approval, dev eloping and providing appropriate informed consent, adequate | | |recording and reporting of data, periodic monitoring and audits. | | B. Value Chain Analysis – Graphically depict the organization’s value chain |Infrastructure: | |-Pfizer's Executive Leadership Team is the company's senior-most leadership and decision-making management body. It brings together our top leaders to focus on major | |financial, strategic and operational decisions for the company. | |-The Governance structure of Pfizer consists of an Executive Board (CEO, CFO, President), Board of Directors (Dennis Ausiello, Michael S.Brown), Shareholders (JPMorgan,| |Northern Trust, Ian Reed, State Street Corporation). | |-Pfizer has made several initiatives to ensure a diverse company culture. They also have recognized their responsibility towards their customers. Certain policies | |include: Business conduct, Lobbying and Political contributions, Sales and Marketing, Research and clinical trials, workpl ace standards, and laboratory animal care. 10 | |Human Resource Management: | |Pfizer has agreements with different universities and recruit from different areas of study. This serves to create a diverse environment and fosters a challenging and | |open culture.Some of their values with regards to their employees are: sustain focus on performance, create an inclusive environment, exchange open discussion and | |debate, manage change, develop people, and align across Pfizer. 2 | |Research and Development: | |Pfizer is prioritizing its research and development efforts in areas with the greatest scientific and commercial promise: immunology and inflammation, oncology, | |cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neuroscience and pain, and vaccines.Through major research efforts across multiple modalities including small molecules, | |biologics and vaccines. | |Pfizer has set up the phases of clinical development from making the drug to administering the drug through clinical trials and then manufacturing and selling the drugs. | |2 | |Procurement: | |Pfizer is expected to increase outsourced manufacturing of products from approximately 17 percent to 30 percent over the next three years. Key considerations for | |outsourcing decisions include the ability to supply, capacity flexibility, cost competitiveness,and technology. | |Inbound Logistics: |Operations: |Outbound Logistics: |Marketing and Sales: |Service: | |Pfizer procurement professionals |-Pfizer has nine diverse health|-Pfizer has trained over 95 |-Channels of marketing include:|-Pfizer is committed to providing a | |regularly |care businesses: Primary Care, |percent of colleagues worldwide|Television, print ad and online|quality drug to their customers. | |engage with suppliers to reinforce |Specialty Care, Oncology, |in basic problem solving, which|ads. Pfizer has created programs such as | |Pfizer’s expectations in all |Emerging Markets, Established |has resulted in over 8,000 |-Pharmaceutical sa les |the $4 Wal-Mart prescription program| |operational business areas. This |Products, Consumer Healthcare, |improvement |representatives are among the |to provide their drugs at a fraction| |collaboration leads |Nutrition, Animal Health and |projects across the world in |top in the nation. They receive|of the cost. | |to improvement projects with |Capsugel†. 8 |the last five |extensive training so they are |- | |significant performance benefits, | |years. Significant improvements|knowledgeable of the drugs. | |such as reduced | |to Pfizer’s |They have knowledge of Pfizer | | |packaging and transportation costs, | |key products have delivered a |products as well as their | | |and elimination of undesirable | |40 percent reduction in both |competitors. 2 | | |chemicals through process | |the time to make and ship the | | | |improvements†. 8 | |product as well as allowing a | | | | | |reduction in inventory†. 8 | | | Primary Activities Financial Ratios: Finan cial Ratios |Pfizer Inc |Industry |S&P 500 |How Pfizer is doing in | | | | | |comparison to the industry? | |Growth Rate % | | | | | |Sales (Qtr vs. year ago Qtr) |7. 5 |5. 90 |14. 40 |Better | |Net Income (YTD vs. YTD) NA |NA |NA | | |Net Income (Qtr vs. year ago Qtr) |185. 10 |66. 00 |46. 30 |Better | |Sales (5 Year Annual Avg) |7. 42 |7. 59 |8. 28 |Worse | |Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg) |1. 68 |2. 38 |8. 48 |Worse | |Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg) |-1. 08 |9. 81 |5. 9 |Worse | | | | | | | |Financial Condition | | | | | |Debt/Equity Ratio |. 46 |1. 14 |1. 05 |Better | |Current Ratio |2. 3 |1. 7 |1. 4 |Better | |Quick Ratio |1. 9 |1. 4 |1. 0 |Better | |Interest Coverage |9. 6 |23. 5 |316. |Worse | | | | | | | |Investment Returns % | | | | | |Return on Equity |11. 4 |30. 0 |26. 3 |Worse | |Return on Assets |5. 2 |8. 8 |8. 9 |Worse | |Return on Capital |6. 1 |11. 7 |11. 9 |Worse | | | | | | |Management Efficiency | | | | | |Income/Employee |91,763 |84,518 |130,228 |Better | |Re venue/Employee |616,998 |539,073 |1 Mil |Better | |Receivable Turnover |4. 5 |5. 5 |15. 9 |Worse | |Assets Turnover |0. 4 |0. 6 |0. |Better | |Inventory Turnover |1. 8 |2. 7 |12. 5 |Worse | * http://moneycentral. msn. com/investor/invsub/results/compare. asp? symbol=pfe* C. Assess all Functional areas using the internal checklists Management Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1. Does the organization use strategic management concepts? |Yes, Pfizer is continually developing new strategies such as plant restructuring and | | |energy master plan.For example, In June 2011, Pfizer announced strategic partnerships | | |with ICON plc and PAREXEL International Corporation, both of which will serve as strategic| | |providers of clinical trial implementation services over a five-year period beginning in | | |June 2011 | |2. Are organization objectives and goals measurable and well |Yes, some of Pfizer’s goals include maximizing opportunities in Biomedical res earch, | |communicated? |forging relationships with ey customers, etc. | |3. Do managers at all hierarchical levels plan effectively? |Yes, Pfizer is divided into multiple sectors so that most leaders have a specific rather | | |than general role. Pfizer is divided into 2 sectors, the PharmaTherapeutics Research & | | |Development Group and the BioTherapeutics Research & Development Group. Each sector has | | |its own managers; therefore it becomes easier to be able to plan effectively. | |4.Is the organization’s structure appropriate? |Yes, their leadership brings together top leaders to focus on major financial, operational| | |and strategic decisions. They have managers for every sector who work specifically to | | |foster the success of that sector. This creates an atmosphere for managers and employees | | |to focus on their specific sector rather than divide their attention. | |5. Are job descriptions and job specifications clear? Yes, Pfizer provides a detailed descript ion of the top managers and what they do as well | | |as what they expect from all their employees. | |6. Is employee morale high? |No, according to glassdoor. com, the employee morale is at an all time low. | |7. Is employee turnover and absenteeism low? |Yes, Pfizer currently has over 110,000 employees and they have managed to maintain their | | |staff turnover at a rate lower than 10% per year for the past 10 years, despite the | | |industry's average rate of 15%. | |8.Are organizational reward and control mechanisms effective? |Yes, Pfizer has recently raised its salary for its employees from the 50th to the 75th | | |percentile of markets rates. | Marketing Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1. Are markets segmented effectively? |Yes, Pfizer as six markets which include Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and India | |2. Is the organization positioned well among competitors? |Yes, Pfizer ranks #2 right behind Proctor and Gamble | |3. Has the organiza tion’s market share been increasing? Yes, Pfizer expects to increase its market share from 4% to 6% by reinforcing its | | |leadership, expanding developments in high growth markets, building leadership in oncology| | |and taking advantage of R&D in Asia and other countries. | |4. Are present channels of distribution reliable and |No, according to Pfizer. com, globalization has made channels of distribution easy targets | |cost-effective? |for counterfeiting products. Drug Importation also poses a difficult task of closely | | |monitoring these drugs to prevent counterfeiting and damaged goods. | |5. Does the organization have an effective sales organization? Yes, For the ninth consecutive year, the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Sales Force was voted as | | |first overall in Verispan's â€Å"Pharmaceutical Sales Force Structures. | |6. Does the organization conduct market research? |Yes, this is the basis for their business. They have to research the causes and effects | | |for the drugs that they manufacture and produce. | |7. Are the organization’s products and services priced |No, the federal government has been trying to get Pfizer to decrease its prices to be more| |appropriately? |affordable for customers. | |8.Does the organization have an effective promotion, advertising,|Yes, Pfizer products have become a household name for most. Pfizer has a marketing | |and publicity strategy? |strength in major geographical and therapeutic areas. | |9. Is marketing planning and budgeting effective? |Yes, one of Pfizer’s plans is to cut the budget of R by 12 million dollars by the end of| | |2012. | |10. Do the organization’s marketing managers have adequate |Yes, from inspection of the top marketing managers, they all have experience prior to | |experience and training? |Pfizer. | |11.Are product quality and customer service good? |Yes, Pfizer has committed to ensure that their quality is top notch and no counterfeit | | |products have been pur chased by their consumers. They have implemented numerous plans in | | |order to assure top quality. This stems from their procurement strategies such as making | | |sure that their suppliers only produce the utmost quality of products. | Finance Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1.Where is the organization financially strong & weak as |Yes, the company has a high gross profit margin at 81. 5%, which indicates a strong | |indicated by financial ratio analyses? |position in the market. | |2. Can the organization raise needed short-term capital? |Yes, their operating activity ratios for the most part have improved. For example, their | | |inventory turnover decreased in 2009 to 4. 03 but then increased in 2010 to 8. 07. | |3. Can the organization raise needed long-term capital through |Yes, most of the company’s ratios seemed to have decreased in 2009, but most recuperated | |debt and/or equity? |in 2010. For xample, total asset turnover decreased in 2 009 to 0. 23 but then increased in| | |2010 to 0. 35. | |4. Does the organization have sufficient working capital? |Yes, the company’s working capital increased since 2009. In 2010, the working capital was | | |$18,991 million. | |5. Are capital budgeting procedures effective? |Yes, the company has decided to cut back in R costs in order to save capital | |6. Are dividend payout policies reasonable? |No, the payout for dividends is currently $. 20 per share which is $. 3 less than its | | |number one competitor, Proctor & Gamble | |7. Does the organization have good relations with its investors |Yes, all the financials are reported online and there is a sense of transparency with the | |and stockholders? |investors and the company. | |8. Are the organization’s financial managers experienced and well |Yes, all managers have experience prior to working at Pfizer | |trained? | | R Audit Checklist – Give an example for each response |1.Does the organization have R facilities? Are they adequate? |Yes, Pfizer has the world’s largest research. Pfizer has six main research locations, | | |which include: New York, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, UK and Missouri. | |2. If outside R organizations are used, are they cost-effective? |N/A, Pfizer does not use outside R organizations. | |3. Are the organization’s R personnel well qualified? |Yes, Pfizer has a rigorous screening process for their scientists that work in R. This | | |is done to ensure a quality product. | |4. Are management information and computer systems adequate? Yes, Pfizer engaged PA Consulting Group to create and implement a rapid, insightful | | |information management solution that would help the company manage and derive value from | | |the wealth of project and agreement information. 14 | |5. Is communication between R and other organizational units |Yes, communication has to be effective when it comes to R and the other sectors. This | |effective? |has to be done to ensure safe, effective products. | |6. Are present products technologically competitive? |Yes, Pfizer has some of the leading medications in areas such as Internal Medicine.The | | |drug Lipitor is the leading drug for the reduction of cholesterol in the industry as of | |

Life In past essays

Life In past essays Sojourner Truth was born under the name Isabella Van Wagener. This was not even her last name but her masters last name because slaves went by their master's last name. She had at least five children with another slave that her master married her to named Thomas. For a while she lived in slavery until a day in 1826 when Isaac Van Wagener set her free. In irony less then a year later slavery was banned in New York. Right after slavery had been made illegal she went to court and recovered her smallest son who had been sold away. In 1829 she went to New York City and supported herself with domestic employment. While in New York City she met Elijah Pierson, a religious missionary. She joined his retrenchment society and eventually his household. In 1843 she left New York City and changed her name to Sojourner Truth, which she used from then on. Obeying a voice she said she heard from god travel up and down the land she went to churches all over the place and got people to accept the Bible and God. In 1850 she wrote a book which she named "The Narrative of Sojourner Truth". One other thing that Sojourner Truth was famous for was her "Ain't I A Women" speech in 1851 at the Women's Rights Convention. No formal record of it exists, but Frances Gage who was the president of the convention, recounted Truth's words. She said that the words Ain't I A Women were very strong and uplifting. Also they have become common words women use today to show their rights. In the 1850s she settled in Battle Creek, Michigan. While here she gathered supplies for black volunteer regiments and in 1864 went to Washington D.C., where she helped integrate street cars and was received at the White House by Abraham Lincoln. For the rest of her life she helped fight for freedom of slaves all around the U.S. then in 1875 she returned to Battle Creek, where she stayed until her death. ...

Free Essays on One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest

Biographical Data Ken Kesey was born on September 17, 1935 in La Junta, Colorado. Ken Kesey is world renowned for his best-selling novel, "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest". At an early age, Kesey had a love for Christian fables as well as the Christian ethical system. Although he had a love for these fables, Kesey never wrote anything or published anything till well after his high school career. In High School he was a champion wrestler setting long-standing state records in Oregon. Unlike most "normal" authors, Kesey always had a love for the "wild" side. He would always be doing crazy things and going to parties. While at Stanford, he was in an experience involving chemicals at the psychology department to earn extra money. Among these chemicals were psilocybin, mescaline, and â€Å"LSD† which is found in the drug, acid. This experience altered Kesey personally and professionally causing him to not be what he used to be, but instead a crazy and weird sort of individual. He became friends wi th a group of people that would later call themselves, the Merry Pranksters. Among these pranksters there were famous people like Jack Kerouac, and Neal Cassady. They bought a bus and all went on a trip to the World's Fair in New York. They recorded most of the trip and showed these clips to drugged up audiences at their parties. Kesey and the Merry Pranksters became known for their Acid tests as well as their extensive use of LSD and other drugs. Thomas Wolfe wrote a book about the merry pranksters called The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Kesey and the Merry Pranksters fled to Mexico after their favorite drug, LSD, was made illegal. When they returned to the United States for a final performance of their band, "Warlocks", or "Grateful Dead", Kesey was arrested on a marijuana charge. After serving his time in Jail, Kesey decided to move to a farm in Pleasant Hill, Oregon to raise his family and try to forget his crazy past. Kesey, being a big par... Free Essays on One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest Free Essays on One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest Biographical Data Ken Kesey was born on September 17, 1935 in La Junta, Colorado. Ken Kesey is world renowned for his best-selling novel, "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest". At an early age, Kesey had a love for Christian fables as well as the Christian ethical system. Although he had a love for these fables, Kesey never wrote anything or published anything till well after his high school career. In High School he was a champion wrestler setting long-standing state records in Oregon. Unlike most "normal" authors, Kesey always had a love for the "wild" side. He would always be doing crazy things and going to parties. While at Stanford, he was in an experience involving chemicals at the psychology department to earn extra money. Among these chemicals were psilocybin, mescaline, and â€Å"LSD† which is found in the drug, acid. This experience altered Kesey personally and professionally causing him to not be what he used to be, but instead a crazy and weird sort of individual. He became friends wi th a group of people that would later call themselves, the Merry Pranksters. Among these pranksters there were famous people like Jack Kerouac, and Neal Cassady. They bought a bus and all went on a trip to the World's Fair in New York. They recorded most of the trip and showed these clips to drugged up audiences at their parties. Kesey and the Merry Pranksters became known for their Acid tests as well as their extensive use of LSD and other drugs. Thomas Wolfe wrote a book about the merry pranksters called The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Kesey and the Merry Pranksters fled to Mexico after their favorite drug, LSD, was made illegal. When they returned to the United States for a final performance of their band, "Warlocks", or "Grateful Dead", Kesey was arrested on a marijuana charge. After serving his time in Jail, Kesey decided to move to a farm in Pleasant Hill, Oregon to raise his family and try to forget his crazy past. Kesey, being a big par...

Health Benefits of Organic Food Essay Example

Health Benefits of Organic Food Essay Example Health Benefits of Organic Food Paper Health Benefits of Organic Food Paper Health benefits of organic food provided by various literatures may be categorized into benefits that prevent people from incurring certain health risks and benefits that improve the health and well-being of individuals. Sources on the preventive benefits of organic food focus on the lack of pesticides in organically grown food products while studies covering the health improvement benefits of organic food look into the various nutrient levels or components in organic food that contribute to the health of consumers. Baker et al. (2002) conducted a study on the pesticide residue of three classifications of fresh agricultural produce, particularly vegetables and fruits categorized into organically grown, conventionally grown, and integrated pest management grown. To determine pesticide residue levels, three measures used by three groups the Department of Agriculture, Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the independent Consumers Union. Aggregate results using the three tests showed that organically grown produce showed lower pesticide residue by as low as one-third of the residues in conventional produce and one half of the residues found in produced grown through integrated pest management. This means that organic food carries the lowest level of pesticide residue when compared to the other categories and conventional produce holds the greatest concentration of pesticide residues. Although, the study showed that organic food is not entirely free of pesticide residue, the results showed that organically grown fresh produce holds the least concentration of pesticide residue. By exposing consumers to negligible levels of pesticide residue, people enjoy the health benefit of not being exposed to the potential health risks of accumulating higher levels of pesticide residue in their bodies. Not being at risk constitutes a health benefit in itself. Hood (2003) provides that one health benefit of organic food is minimal exposure of children to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. Based on a study of schoolchildren consuming organic and conventional food, children who consumed organic food had lower OP pesticide in their bodies relative to the children consuming conventional food. Lower OP pesticide exposure is due to the non-utilization of pesticides in organic food to prevent the actualization of health risks from pesticide exposure. By minimizing the level of OP pesticide exposure, organic food shifts the risk of pesticide exposure from uncertain to negligible. The OP pesticide exposure level of schoolchildren eating organic food was found to be below the chronic reference dose set out by the Environmental Protection Agency for various OP pesticides in the case of children. This means that consumption of organic food in the case of children significantly lowers the probability of exposing children to chronic levels of OP pesticides. Chronic levels of OP pesticide exposure, especially in the case of children, lower the probability of children developing health risks such as possible adverse effects on neurological development and functioning as well as growth. Avery (2006) propounds that children’s consumption of organic food reduces the probability of actualizing the potential risks of exposure to high levels of OP pesticide. The author cautions researchers to be careful about their language use in presenting the health benefits of organic food consumption, in response to a number of studies that point out that organic food decreases accrual of neurological and growth related health condition in children. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the consumption of organic food contributes potential health benefits to children subject to further research to derive peer-reviewed results.

The Procrastination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Procrastination - Essay Example I pulled myself together, stopped crying, and asked my counselor what it was that I could do. She told me that this late in the school year, it was almost impossible to do anything to earn that extra credit and that I must come during the summer and do an elective of some sort. Upon hearing this, I felt a couple of things simultaneously; anger, I was angry at my counselor for giving me this news so late in the school year, I mean, I had already bought my graduation dress. Furthermore, I felt frustrated and helpless that I would be spending the summer in school while my friends traveled and visited their universities and had final parties and farewells, this thought depressed me immensely. Just as I was about to get up and leave, I remembered my second cousin who had a similar dilemma before her graduation, 3 years ago. I immediately talked it out with my counselor and we decided that I would stay after school for some History classes and teach my peers who needed help. I happily taug ht my friends Ashley and Chelsea for the next 4 weeks and redeemed my counselor’s confidence and that one stubborn credit. Right now, when I look back at that time, I realize that it has made me who I am today. It influenced me in ways I did not understand them. Today, as the owner of a successful company, I still carry that lesson with me to this day. In addition, every time I get complacent or am tempted to procrastinate some work, I remind myself that this same procrastination almost cost me my education and career.

Information strategy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Information strategy - Coursework Example They may be reluctant to the concept and benefits of consultation and communication. In contrast/consultation and information is likely to be effective in workplaces where the customs is based on an open administration style. Employment relationship behaviours history in the organization can also act as an enabler or an inhibitor to effective consultation and information. Organizations with a history with adversarial relations and those where there has been no tradition of employee participation experience the greatest barriers to shifting to a culture of employee participation. Where there are established relationships through trade unions and partnership working employees may be more open to the opportunities accessible by the directive to review consultation planning. Creating a mixed constituency committees, for example, combining trade union and non union employee’s legislative body may pose serious challenges in the information sharing practices. Practical challenges may come arise from an imbalance of legal rights, expertise, and support between the two groups. Detailed factors must be taken into deliberation when introducing planning tailored to geographically dispersed organizations and those in small organizations. The consultation and information needs to be the same in these organizations whether in large or single site organization. The challenges in a smaller organization revolve around the need to achieve the accurate balance among formality and informality in communication. Question 2 Successful enterprises are built on change; businesses operate in a dynamic environment where the response to changing markets may of benefit to evaluate in hours and days instead of months and years. So responsiveness and adaptability will be of great success. Agent based process administration systems combine the latest distributed computing technology with agent based techniques by providing an intelligent conservatory and alternative to workflow administ ration systems. The advantages associated with agent based process management include, intelligent decision making where management strategy and policy can be represented with a variety of perspectives. Explicit resource management represents the limitation and the value of resources to manage and support the business activities. Anticipation in this process plans the task and schedule available resource anticipation in the business management. APMS react to changing circumstances and have the capacity to generate alternative execution pathways in reacting to specific exceptions. APMS can distribute over multiple platforms across the organization activities using the latest computing technology which is full of open across the machines and operating systems. APMS presents an alternative technology to working flow systems. The major one they offer an alternative vision of how organizations can be planned and managed. The method takes the service oriented view of business procedure ma nagement, where coordinating and resourcing of actions to support an edge to edge business process by relating consultation and collaboration between customers and source agents. Question 3 Workflow management systems have centralized workflow engine unlike APMS which consist of independent systems that represents the respective concerns of various organization units involved the

Management of Information Systems and Decision Making Assignment Essay

Management of Information Systems and Decision Making Assignment - Essay Example Knowledge is embedded in procedures, software and equipment, various documents, databases, and online repositories. Knowledge is of two types: explicit and tacit. According to Wilson (2002), knowledge involves mental processes of comprehension that go on in the mind and only in the mind. This is also referred to as the tacit knowledge and it is transferred via inter personal or social relationships (Zack, 1999). Knowledge exists explicitly as codified in form of documents, databases, maps, and blueprints or is available tacitly as routines and experiences resident in the human resources. Knowledge creation is context dependent in terms of who participates and how they participate. Knowledge is one of the most important assets of an organization. According to Wilson (2002), the knowing mind assimilates, understands, comprehends, and incorporates information into knowledge structures of the mind. These structures are unique and biologically determined (Shutz, 1967 cited at Wilson, 2002). The primary focus of knowledge management initiatives is to develop new applications of information technology. The explicit knowledge is tapped, retrieved, stored, shared and documented either manually or digitally. Knowledge has the power to change the organization itself (Zack, 1999). Knowledge created and used within the company can be called tacit knowledge (Zack, 1999). Knowledge management emerged as a separate discipline only in the 1990s. The first generation knowledge management sought to improve information sharing within an organization and second generation knowledge management strategies focus more on organizational processes (Hovland, 2003). Knowledge management, much like knowledge itself, is devoid of a single universally accepted definition. It has been defined as the process of organizing, transferring, and using the expertise available within an organization. Knowledge management can also be

Operating system memory management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Operating system memory management - Essay Example It takes place in the following steps: The mapping from one address space to another is termed as binding. For a program to execute it must be copied into main memory at a particular location. Many instructions use "fixed" addresses these must be bound to "fixed" locations in the memory. This binding of instructions and data to memory addresses Dynamic loading involves loading routines into memory only when required. This is done during execution. Dynamic loading reduces the memory requirements of large programs. This is especially the case if there is a large set of infrequently used routines. Dynamic linking is often used for libraries. Only a "stub" of the library is kept in the programs image. When a program calls one of these routines, the routine is loaded and linked into memory. All programs share the one copy of the same library routine. Dynamic linking requires the operating systems intervention as sharing between processes is required. Implementation is done through memory tables to keep track of both main memory i.e. real memory as well as virtual memory. Also there is a unit MMU(Memory management unit) that performs the following tasks: Sometimes there may be a shortage of main memory due to the size of various applications and also in some cases several active processes may need to share memory at the same time. In such cases partitioning of memory is done. Partitioning refers to systematic division of memory into blocks so that a process may be allocated to a block. This is of various types: 1. Fixed partition memory management: This is the simplest memory management scheme for multiprogrammed system. Here the memory is divided into fixed partitions. This is done when the system is initialized and won't be changed during the system operation. This again of two types: Single partition allocation: Here the user is provided with a bare machine and has full control of entire memory space. It's advantages are: Maximum

Critical Thinking & Application Paper - Case Study Essay

Critical Thinking & Application Paper - Case Study - Essay Example Is it ethical to do the wrong thing if it will please the majority and ensure harmony? Does dismissing Darrell through a criterion that is ethically and professionally unacceptable, constitute an ethical decision if the committee members are doing the wrong in order to please the mass of student whose interests they are supposed to primarily serve? Is it ethical to sacrifice Darrell as some committee members opt to do for the sake of harmony within the school and to ensure that the previous situation whereby the lecturer was unpopular with the students was not witnessed again? Is it ethical to dispense the laid down hiring procedures and criteria of dismissal as some members opt to? Is it ethical to make a moral choice if it is likely to bring conflict in future? The main reason why the issue of hiring or failing to hire Darrell raises the case’ main ethical issue is because the article revolves around Darrell’s plight due to his physical appearance and how fair each de cision made either to hire him or otherwise will be to him and to the students. This is because such a choice will most probably be guided by his looks and not his professional qualifications and capabilities as the ideal case should be. II. Research. (find at least three articles) Only complete articles should be chosen, not just abstracts of articles Article citation- Richards, J. &Lucas, J. R. (1985) Discrimination, Proceedings of the Aristotelian society. Supplementary volume 86, p.53-82 The case study is about unfair or discriminatory treatment on account of a condition that is not as a result of one’s personal choice. The article explores in depth the ills brought about by discrimination on various grounds. The article further looks into the issue of inevitable discrimination like when one is psychologically coerced to choose between a close relative and another qualified candidate in job recruitment or a person whom they share ideals like religious affiliation and anot her who they differ in the same. Blood being thicker than water, the decision maker is compelled to give the job to his relative. The author observes that even the society would expect him to act as such. In this case therefore, the other candidate is disqualified not on the basis of merit, for the fact that he is not related to the person in- charge of the recruitment. The article relates to the case study in that it provides an insight in discrimination in the recruitment process. Article citation- Agerstrom, J. & Rooth, D. (2011). The role of stereotypes in Real Hiring Discrimination. Journal of Applied Psychology ,volume 96, p.790-805 This article is a study that looks into the discrimination that obese people in the hiring process. It further evaluates measures they take to counter such discrimination such as photo manipulation. The article further considers previous studies into discrimination and concludes that body weight is in fact a big source of prejudice against job- see kers. The article gives statistical facts on people disqualified for jobs in many fields for being obese. It relates directly with our case study as the case study gives one example where a person’s obesity is used as an index to judge whether he is qualified for the job or not. Article citation- Park, L. & Harwin, M. (2010) Visible versus non-visible rejection: Consequences of appearance-based rejection sensitivity.

DOES CONDUCTIING ACADEMIC RESEARCH DIFFER FROM GENERAL RESEARCH HOW Essay

DOES CONDUCTIING ACADEMIC RESEARCH DIFFER FROM GENERAL RESEARCH HOW PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE - Essay Example It uses established scientific fundamentals, which are organized and articulated with scientific research methods to generate new set of truth or information. Results of academic research are published in journals, magazines books and other learning media (National Institute of Public Administration 63-66). On the other hand, general research refers to research that aims to establish facts not necessarily scientific. Although establishment of underlying facts through literature review is essential for general research, it is not as robust as in academic research. For instance, a research aimed investigating the impact of new communication strategies to information utilization in a given organizational set up qualifies as a general research. However, a clinical research aimed at determining the best quantity of drug to administer for a given treatment qualifies as academic research. Although the two types of research may not be clearly distinct, academic research is more scientific based and mostly demands use of scientific research methodologies. General research is less scientific

Operating system memory management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Operating system memory management - Essay Example It takes place in the following steps: The mapping from one address space to another is termed as binding. For a program to execute it must be copied into main memory at a particular location. Many instructions use "fixed" addresses these must be bound to "fixed" locations in the memory. This binding of instructions and data to memory addresses Dynamic loading involves loading routines into memory only when required. This is done during execution. Dynamic loading reduces the memory requirements of large programs. This is especially the case if there is a large set of infrequently used routines. Dynamic linking is often used for libraries. Only a "stub" of the library is kept in the programs image. When a program calls one of these routines, the routine is loaded and linked into memory. All programs share the one copy of the same library routine. Dynamic linking requires the operating systems intervention as sharing between processes is required. Implementation is done through memory tables to keep track of both main memory i.e. real memory as well as virtual memory. Also there is a unit MMU(Memory management unit) that performs the following tasks: Sometimes there may be a shortage of main memory due to the size of various applications and also in some cases several active processes may need to share memory at the same time. In such cases partitioning of memory is done. Partitioning refers to systematic division of memory into blocks so that a process may be allocated to a block. This is of various types: 1. Fixed partition memory management: This is the simplest memory management scheme for multiprogrammed system. Here the memory is divided into fixed partitions. This is done when the system is initialized and won't be changed during the system operation. This again of two types: Single partition allocation: Here the user is provided with a bare machine and has full control of entire memory space. It's advantages are: Maximum

DOES CONDUCTIING ACADEMIC RESEARCH DIFFER FROM GENERAL RESEARCH HOW Essay

DOES CONDUCTIING ACADEMIC RESEARCH DIFFER FROM GENERAL RESEARCH HOW PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE - Essay Example It uses established scientific fundamentals, which are organized and articulated with scientific research methods to generate new set of truth or information. Results of academic research are published in journals, magazines books and other learning media (National Institute of Public Administration 63-66). On the other hand, general research refers to research that aims to establish facts not necessarily scientific. Although establishment of underlying facts through literature review is essential for general research, it is not as robust as in academic research. For instance, a research aimed investigating the impact of new communication strategies to information utilization in a given organizational set up qualifies as a general research. However, a clinical research aimed at determining the best quantity of drug to administer for a given treatment qualifies as academic research. Although the two types of research may not be clearly distinct, academic research is more scientific based and mostly demands use of scientific research methodologies. General research is less scientific

Definition of Humanities Essay Example for Free

Definition of Humanities Essay The dictionary definition of humanities is the languages and literatures of ancient Greece and Rome; the classics. A second definition I retrieved was those branches of knowledge, such as philosophy, literature, and art, that are concerned with human thought and culture; the liberal arts. So basically its a combination of art, literature and history. To me humanities are the study of culture and myths. It explains how different cultures communicated through story telling and old hymns. I believe humanities can be used to understand how the past effects the way the world operates in the present day. The culture which we have was shaped by the past. Facts, findings, and literature of even thousands of years ago have changed our world today. Its important to know your past can allow people to understand our present. The study of the humanities can also be used to realize different views of life and history. Studying facts of the past helps to understand literature of the past. Poetry was another form of expression 4 those who didnt want 2 sing or tell stories. There were different types of poetry there were some poems that rhymed from line to line and others that were just written out as a thought. According to the Humanities in the Modern World, humanities attempts to navigate what we value or we despise, what we to do or what limitations hold us back. To me humanities will elaborate on how different cultures passed down traditions from generation to generation. From those traditions different family values and expectations were set for parents, children and every body to live by. Without these specific traditions people cannot decipher what is wrong and what is right and have no idea how to adjust to change in the present and future. Humanities seem to be interesting and hopefully Ill get a better view from this class.

Regulations for Carbon Pollution

Regulations for Carbon Pollution Executive Summary In June 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft rule to regulate carbon pollution from existing power plants, as part of an action plan to address climate change. The rule is limited to existing power plants and does not address other sources of carbon pollution such as cars or industrial facilities. It is often referred to in short hand as the â€Å"111d rule,† because the agency used the authority found in Section 111d of the Clean Air Act to issue the regulation. The EPA gave each state a target of carbon reduction to reach at power plants by 2030, based on its assessment of each state’s unique characteristics. The average carbon reduction nationwide is 30% by 2030. Montana’s proposed target is a carbon emission rate reduction of 21%. The draft rule gives the states significant amounts of flexibility in how to meet the newly proposed standards for clean air. If the final rule by EPA provides the flexibility promised in the draft, Montana will have significant latitude to implement measures that are rooted in the states unique economic characteristics. This DEQ paper presents hypothetical scenarios that could emerge depending on how the state decides to respond to the rule the EPA eventually releases. This document only seeks to illustrate some of the measures that the state could undertake as part of its plan to meet the proposed reduction targets in the draft rule. There are, of course, a number of other pathways to meeting the proposed standard, but we hope to start a discussion through this paper that will lead to even more innovations. In addition, this paper does not address the options or challenges that other states may have in meeting their respective proposed reductions, which could have impacts on Montana. As can be seen in the discussion that follows, each scenario has its potential benefits, costs, and uncertainties. Importantly, none of the scenarios call for plant closures. All five scenarios evaluated in this paper not only keep the jobs that we currently have and meet the reduction target in the proposed rule, but strongly suggest that it would be possible to create new jobs and additional tax revenue, and to further strengthen the economy through the development of new renewable electricity generating capacity and increased investment in cost-effective energy efficiency. Background Context On June 2, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued draft emission guidelines for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions – specifically carbon dioxide (CO2) – from existing electric generating units (referred to as power plants in this paper), relying on its regulatory authority under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. For all pollutants regulated under section 111, EPA is required to identify a â€Å"best system of emission reduction† and set targets for carbon reduction based on that system of controls. In the draft rule, EPA used four â€Å"building blocks† to determine the best system of emission reduction. They are based on the most likely sources of carbon pollution reductions. Section 111(d) provides significant flexibility to states to decide how to meet the established standards of performance. Consequently, the EPA’s building blocks would not require states to follow them in order to comply with the rule. The four building blocks the EPA used are: 1) Efficiency improvements at all coal-fired power plants; 2) A shift in total electricity generation from coal-fired power plants to existing natural gas combined cycle power plants; 3) Increased generation from low- and no-carbon renewable and nuclear energy options; and 4) Increased investment in energy efficiency. EPA applied this system of controls to each state to determine proposed targets for each state. Montana’s target is expressed in pounds of carbon emitted per megawatt hour (a rate-based standard) 1,771 lbs CO2/MWh by 2030, a reduction of approximately 21% from the 2012 emissions level of 2,246 lbs CO2/MWh. To meet the standards for clean air created by the new rule, the state has the option to convert the rate-based standard into a mass-based standard, which is an overall reduction of tons of carbon emitted annually. EPA uses the following specific data inputs for each building block to arrive at Montana’s target. In Building Block 1, EPA assumes a 6% efficiency improvement at all nine affected coal- fired units. EPA assumes Montana’s potential under Building Block 2 to be zero because Montana does not currently have any natural gas combined cycle power plants. In Building Block 3, EPA assumes that Montana will be able to increase renewable energy generation from its current 5% of total state generation to approximately 10% by 2030. In Building Block 4, EPA assumes that Montana will be able to increase the electricity energy savings from demand-side management programs beginning in 2017, ultimately more FOR DISCUSSIONS PURPOSES ONLY 4 than doubling current energy efficiency in the state. The net result would be a reduction of the state’s retail sales of electricity by 11.3% cumulatively by 2030, compared to what Montana would consume without energy efficiency programs. Although EPA used the above-described building blocks to set targets, section 111(d) and the draft emission guidelines afford states the opportunity to use any mix of controls, including methods not considered by EPA, to meet those targets. That is, Montana does not have to use the building blocks EPA used if it can find a different path to meeting the overall proposed carbon reduction target. After the final rule is released in June 2016, Montana must develop a state plan (individual or multi- state) in accordance with section 111(d) to implement and comply with the rule.1 Although the methods in the plan may differ from those described above, Montana’s plan must meet or exceed the final carbon reduction target calculated by EPA. Purpose of this Analysis This paper analyzes five scenarios that, if implemented, would meet the EPA’s proposed target reduction in carbon emission intensity. These scenarios are similar in that they all achieve EPA’s proposed target, but differ in the extent to which they rely on each of EPA’s proposed building blocks to meet or surpass the target. The scenarios are presented here to demonstrate the relative interplay and effectiveness of some of the options available to Montana for complying with the proposed emission guidelines. The following five scenarios are discussed in more detail throughout this paper: Scenario 1 – Existing Energy Generation plus Heavy Energy Efficiency Scenario 2 – Existing Energy Generation plus Lewis Clark Plant Co-Fire Scenario 3 – Existing Energy Generation plus Moderate Energy Efficiency and Heat Rate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Improvement Scenario 4 – Existing Energy Generation plus Heavy Renewable Energy Scenario 5 – Existing Energy Generation plus CO2 Sequestration Summary of Scenario Inputs and Results The five scenarios were modeled using a tool developed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Each scenario results in compliance with EPA’s proposed rate-based emission target as well as Montana’s estimated mass-based target. The following table shows the extent to which each building block contributes to each of the five scenarios. This paper only considers opportunities and challenges for reducing carbon emissions through actions taken within the state’s boundaries and does not consider a multi-state or regional approach.