Casual Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Casual Analysis - Essay Example The problem of obesity especially in American South highly relates to the daily lifestyles of people both socially and economically. Hence, the study will focus on the causative analysis on the increase percentage of obesity problem among the American South. Poverty is one of the causative factors of obesity among people living in the American South states. Poverty has a great relationship with the likelihood of a person becoming obese. This is because the poor people mainly focus on eating cheap affordable food despite the food being of low nutritional value and high fat content (Trust for American Health Web). Moreover, most food spots in American South states sell high fat and processed foods. Since such types of food are cheaper as to healthy food budget, most poor families in the South prefer buying fatty foods. Notably, the daily unhealthy consumption of fatty foods increase the fat deposit in the body that may lead to obesity, Lack of exercise significantly contributes to the level of obesity among children and adults in the American South. Remarkably, the low economic standards, most families lead working extra time to meet the daily requirements in the family hence giving the breadwinner almost no time to spend in physical exercises. Moreover, the limited space and playground for children in some of the American South state may also be a contributing factor to lack of exercise among children and adult. Additionally, children from poor families are likely not to participate in organized sports because of lack of funds to cater for transport and expenses incurred during the sporting period. Thus, the unattractiveness of a playground, lack of space and strained budget may lead to lack of exercise among American South people contributing to obesity. Bad eating habits also contribute to the trend of obesity problems experienced in America. Today, people prefer consume sugar-sweetened beverages, food with high calorie density, and processed and fried foods t o healthy food (Trust for American Health Web). This is because most healthy foods are more expensive and less accessible in most food stalls. Therefore, studies indicate that most of American consumes twice the amount of calories daily than the body require. Thus, this poses a threat to getting health related diseases like obesity. Moreover, overeating is an eating disorder that may lead to obesity. For instance, eating too much of carbohydrates and fatty food pose a risk to a person developing obesity complications faster than a person who takes a balanced diet. Therefore, eating disorders may be a contributing factor to obesity trend in most American South states. Genetics is another causative factor that may lead to high rate of obesity problem in American South people. Research has indicated that obesity could be inherent in family because of the functionality of gene deposition. American Association for the Advancement of Science postulates that when two parents are obese, the child is six times likely to become obese and if one parent is obese, there is a double chance for the child to be obese (22). Moreover, most babies born with weight above ten pounds are twice likely to become overweight when growing up. Thus, such statistics could explain on the increased trend of highest obesity conditions in American South states. Since research indicated that more than 50% of the American S

Robert Browning and his poetry Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Robert Browning and his poetry - Research Paper Example It would appear that Browning was greatly influenced by this review because after Mill’s criticism, he rarely wrote about his own emotions or used a subjective tone in his poetry. As a teenager, Browning was greatly influenced by the poet Percy Shelley. His earliest poetry efforts reflected Shelley’s views and style. Shelley’s writings inspired Browning to be an atheist for a short amount of time. Later he would say that his short-lived atheism was just a phase that he passed through in his life. His first published poem, entitled â€Å"Pauline: A Fragment of Confession† was thought to be inspired by a religious music composer named Eliza Flower. (Liukkonen). In 1969, he wrote what is known as his greatest poem, â€Å"The Ring and the Book,† which was a tribute to his wife Elizabeth who had passed away eight years before. Browning’s first critical praise came after he published â€Å"Paracelsus† in 1835. William Wordsworth and other di stinguished writers praised the poem and thought him a very promising young poet. For the next 30 years, however, a majority of his works were harshly criticized until the late 1860s when he wrote the much praised â€Å"The Ring and the Book.† Later, in 1873, he wrote â€Å"Red Cotton Night – Cap Country.† The Examiner called the work â€Å"the most useful of all the good poems that he has written† (Johnson). Browning’s Work as a Whole Overall, Browning’s poetry could accurately be described as narrative and dramatic. More specifically, his major works are best described as dramatic monologues. A dramatic monologue features a single character narration. The monologue style allows for the audience to judge the narrator’s worth and the value of what he is saying. Also, the narrator is not generally speaking to the audience in this type of poem but merely musing to themselves. In general, Browning’s poetry is difficult to read and understand and, as Encyclopedia Brittanica states, â€Å"certain [Browning] poems require a considerable acquaintance with their subjects in order to be understood† (Brittanica). As mentioned earlier, Browning departed from the self-conscious tone of his first poem and adopted the narrative structure. He is often known for giving the poem’s audience an unanticipated point of view. He also frequently uses irony in his poems and is able to shift the focus of his poems as well. Many Christian themes and sentiments can also be observed in Browning’s work. His poetry also reflects his changing religious views throughout his life. He frequently deals with the topics of love, faith, and death. Also, his works occasionally reveal his uncertainty and skepticism about religion (Johnson). However, by today’s standards they are viewed as quite optimistic as well as spiritual. The rhythm of Browning’s poetry is mostly irregular. He employed a wide variety of m etrical forms in his writing. He was able to create very interesting rhythms and melodies by using these varied metrical forms and rhythms. A good illustration of this technique can be observed by reading the following extract from Browning’s poem Abt Vogler: And one would bury his brow with a blind plunge down to hell, Burrow awhile and build, broad on the roots of things, Then up again swim into sight, having based me my palace well, Founded it, fearless of flame, flat on the nether springs. Browning also wrote

Heart Disease In Women Health And Social Care Essay

Heart Disease In Women Health And Social Care Essay Heart disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in women across the world Rollini. In the United States, cardiovascular disease Carey, specifically coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death among both men and women [nih coronary heart disease, Rollini]. Death from a cardiac-related event is more common than death from all forms of cancer combined. However, even though more women than men die from coronary heart disease [Carey], heart disease itself is still commonly considered to be a male disease. Historically, medicine has utilized the man as the standard, even when treating women [xhyheri]. Therefore, there is the likelihood that it is under-diagnosed in women. This is because women suffer symptoms and respond to diagnostic testing differently than do men. Women also experience outcomes that are different than those men experience following intervention. Heart disease is a term that is frequently used interchangeably with the term cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease commonly refers to those conditions that involve blocked or narrowed blood vessels that can subsequently lead to heart attack, stroke, or angina. There are other heart conditions that can affect the hearts muscle, beating rhythm, or valves, such as infections, that are also thought of as heart disease [mayoclinic]. Much of heart disease can be treated or prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, and watching how much one drinks. As of present, few studies specifically examine heart disease in women. Women in fact represent less that 30% of study population in the majority of clinical trials [Rollini]. The research that has been conducted has indicated that women are less likely to be diagnosed or treated as well as men [xhyheri]. Additionally, studies have indicated that women react differently to drugs typically prescribed to cardiovascular disease. Additional research involving women, along with gender-specific analysis is needed. This would include the incorporation of more women into cardiac trials as well as into observiational studies, and the usage of statistical techniques that enable testing for certain sex interactions and provide information about differences in response to treatment that are sex-specific. Heart disease in women Heart disease is the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality in women. However it is often under-recognized by both patients and providers, as women believe that the major killer and therefore the disease they need to be on the lookout for is cancer. Additionally, heart disease is still in large part considered a male disease, and the main emphasis in heart disease research and clinical practice has gnereally focused on men (Stranges). However, a major shift has occurred recently, with greater recognition of the clinical significance of cardiovascular disease in women [1,5 in Stranges]. The realization of the importance of cardiovascular disease in women has also been accompanied by a growing awareness of differences in risk factors, treatment, preventative strategies, and prognosis of the disease [1, 5, 12-15 in Stranges] between the genders. Some cardio-metabolic risk factors are either unique or more prominent in women than they are in men [5]. For instance, preeclampsia is lined to an increased risk of various cardiovascular outcomes later on in life [17]. Additionally such conditions as autoimmune diseases and depression can contribute in a disproportionate way to cardiovascular risk in women [5, stranges]. The prevalence of a number of traditional risk factors are also different for women than they are for men. For example, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is greater among women in the U.S., primarily as a result of a decrease of level of physical activity as well as a difference in longevity between the genders [2, 5,18 in Stranges]. In fact, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are recognized as very strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women [19]. Additionally, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance may increase the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events following the first acute myocardial infarction, particularly in women [20 stranges]. Hypertension also tends to be higher in older women, which contributes to the greater morbidity and mortality in women from stroke than in men [2, 21 Stranges]. Additionally, atrial fibrillation is a primary risk factor for ischemic stroke in women [5, 21], which has led to the development of management guidelines designed to prevent stroke in women [22]. Epidemiology Heart disease is one of the leading causes of mortality across the world. In the United States, a woman dies from a heart related episode every minute [Rollini], and despite declining trends seen in many countries over the past 40 years in both men and women, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of mortality in both men and women [1-3 stranges]. Cardiovascular disease in fact is the cause of a greater number of deaths than all other chronic conditions combined, including cancer, neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases, and accidents [2]. Approximately 1 in every 3 women (34.9%) in the U.S. has some kind of cardiovascular disease. The percentage for men is slightly higher at 37.6% [zhang]. Approximately 1 in every 2.7 women will die of a cardiovascular disease; this is compared with approximately 1 out of every 4.6 women who will die of cancer [1 in zhang] Although age-adjusted mortality rates of cardiovascular disease are higher in men than in women, the total number of cardiovascular disease related deaths has been consistently higher in women than in men for the past two decades, primarily due to a longer life expectancy as well as a larger proportion of elderly women [1,2 stranges]. Additionally, in the United States more hospitalizations occur for heart failure and stroke in women as compared to men [2] Recent evidence indicates an increasing trend in coronary heart disease mortality in younger women. In U.S. women ages 35 44 years of age, coronary heart disease mortality rates have increased an average of 1.3% each year since 1997 [4]. These trends are most likely driven in part by the obesity and diabetes problem in the U.S., but other contributors include a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the prevalence of hypertension [4]. The escalation in prevalence of large scale cardiovascular disease risk factors in younger adults, primarily hypertension and obesity, as well as the leveling off or possible reversal of cardiovascular mortality trends is happening in the U.S. as well as in areas around the world, including the Mediterranean and Asia. These regions are classically associated with healthier dietary choices and lifestyles (6 -11 stranges] Specific to the disease burden and the specific aspects of cardiobascvular disease in women, the American Heart Association developed evidence-based guidelines specifically for women [12 15 stranges]. The most recent update of these guidelines was published in 2011 [12] and represented a major contribution to the field of cardiovascular disease management. The focus of the guideline shifted from evidence based to effectiveness based, and considered both harms/costs and benefits of preventive intervention [12]. This shift indicates a major evolution from the guidelines revised in 2007, which were based mainly on the clinical benefits of intervention for cardiovascular disease prevention in women [15]. Additionally, the 2011 guidelines introduced ideal cardiovascular health as the lowest risk category, meaning that the presence of ideal levels of cardiovascular risk factors and adoption of a healthy lifestyle is most likely to be associated with favorable outcomes and a nicer quality of life, as well as increased longevity [50]. However, only a very small percentage of U.S. women will be classified as being at ideal cardiovascular health [51]. Differences in short term prognosis and clinical presentation between men and women are evident with cardiovascular disease. Especially in younger women, higher fatality rates have been seen during the 30 days first following an acute cardiovascular event, as compared with younger men [31, 32 stranges]. There has also been an ongoing debate on the reasons cardiovascular disease is managed differently in men and women [33-35], although there has been an improvement in the quality of care and in outcomes for women in recent years who have been hospitalized for cardiovascular disease [36 stranges]. There is some belief that gender disparities are the result of lower awareness of cardiobascular disease risk in women, as well as a delay in emergency services access. However, the gender gap has been reduced over time [37 stranges]. There is still work to be done, though, since very few clinical trials publish results that are sorted by sex. Additionally, researchers frequently utilize historical data in comparing clinical characteristics and treatment in both men and women, and many early trials had an upper cutoff age of 65 years, which excluded many women, since women develop cardiovascular disease on average ten years later than do men. Also of concern is that the demographics of the U.S. and in fact the world are changing, which will mean that practitioners must consider a greater diversity of patients. Added to the well-known classifications of race and geographic origin as well as ethnic origin, there are other facets of diversity that must be considered. These include age, language, literacy, disability, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, occupational status, and culture. Not only do these factors affect how cardiovascular disease presents and progresses, they also often affect the level of care the individual receives. A report done by the Institute of medicine states that differences in treatment in women do exist even when controlling for such factors as comorbidities and insurance status [52 from mosca]. Pervasive disparities in the treatment of cardiovascular problems are a serious public health issue in the U.S. in spite of the marked declines in mortality that have been observed on a national scale over hthe past several decades. These disparities in particular have an adverse impact on the clinical outcomes and quality of life for African American and Hispanic women, a fact which must be recognized by practitioners. Care that is sensitive to cultural difference includes the revision of healcare delivery to meet the specific needs of a patient population that is incredibly diverse. Tehrefore diversity in this context of healthcare means that all individuals must receive equitable care, regardless of any barriers that may exist [57=59 mosca]. The main cause of these barriers to equitable care includes lack of understanding about patients health beliefs, cultural values, and frequently the inability to communicate symptoms accurately in what to many of these women is a foreign language [53-55 mosca] General guidelines for diagnosis and treatment apply across all groups of women; however, it is important to note that risk factors such as hypertension are more prevalent in African American women. Also, diabetes mellitus is more prevalent in Hispanic women [6 from Mosca]. Most notably, the most coronary heart death rates and the greatest overall cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality occur in Aftrican American women. This means that mortality from cardiovascular events in these women is more similar to those seen in men than those seen in other groupings of women. This simply underscores tat need for greater preventative efforts in some groupings of women as well as a different approach taken to diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, an approach more tailored to each specific grouping. Deaths from cardiovascular disease have decreased in all groupings of women. However, Hispanics have the lowest percentage of deaths from cardiovascular events (21.7%) as comared with non-Hispanics (26.3%) [62 mosca]. Hispanics also have a longer life expectancy at 83.1 years compared with the 80.4 year life expectancy for non-Hispanic white women and the 76.2 years for non-Hispanic black women [63 mosca]. This means that cardiovascular complications due to age are a greater consideration for Hispanic women. Age is not only a consideration for Hispanic women, however. The life continuum of women frequently reflects different events that are approached with different levels of stress both physical and mental than those that affect men. These events include such conditions as pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to consider all facets of diversity when practitioners care for women with cardiovascular disease, to avoid a disparity in care [64-66 mosca]. Etiology Cardiovascular disease is largely caused by risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices. Many of the causes for most forms of cardiovascular disease can be treated or prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes. These causes include: Pathophysiology of heart disease It is of utmost importance for the practitioner to recognize that womens hearts are different from mens hearts. Whiel this area of study is somewhat new, it is known that women have smaller herats as well as smaller arteries than men. Researchers from Columbia University and NY Presbyterian also believe that women have a different internal rhythmicity to the pace of their hearts, which in general causes the heart of a woman to beat faster than the heart of a man. The researchers also belive that a womans heart may take longer to relax following each beat. Additinoally, some surgeons have hypothesized that the reason that women have a 50% higher chance of dying during heart surgery as compared to men may be related to a fundamental difference in the way a womans heart works. These differences may also be linked to the fact that women are more likely than are men to die after their first myocardial infarction [Ricciotti]. Approximately 25% of men die in the first year following their f irst myocardial infarctino, compared with 38% of women [Krupa online]. Women are also approsimately twice as likely to experience a second myocardial infarction within 6 years of the first. Additionally, women are approximately twice as likely to die following bypass surgery. From Ricciotti online Heart disease itself therefore affects the hearts of women in different ways than it does men. Following a heart attack, a womans heart is more likely to sustain its systolic function effectively. C. Noel Bairey Merz, the Director of the Womens Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart institute, has suggested that this reflects that cardiovascular disease affects the microvasculature in women, while in men it affects the microvasculature [Krupa]. Conventional research has indicated that the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, where plaques narrow or block the major arteries of the heart, which in turn cuts off the supply of oxygen to the heart. The duration and severity of the impairment determines the severity of the acute event unstable angina or myocardial infarction can result. This ultimately affecst the hearts ability to pump blood correctly. However, Bairey Merz found that womens hearts were much less likely than were mens to lose the ability to pump blood following a myocardial infarction. Additionally, women were much less likely to present with coronary artery disease that was obstructive. This led Bairey Merz to conclude that in women the oxygen deprivation to the heart and the ensuing damage is more likely to happen when the small blood vessels become dysfunctional, as opposed to the major arteries [Krupa-online]. Bairey Merz further believes this is a major reason why women are misdiagnosed or suffer adverse heart events, beause practitioners typically look for the patterns of cardiovascular disease progression that are present in men as opposed to searching for patterns that are present in women. The Womens Ischemic Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) study concurred and has indicated that women may experience chest pain and abnormal stress testing even when there is no critical, flow limiting lesion (>50% luminal stenosis in a coronary artery) present in one of the major arteries. In this study, 60% of women who underwent coronary angiography did not have a lesion present. Even without experiencing critical blood flow problems, women in the study without lesions experienced persistent symptoms. The persistence of the symptoms, combined with abnormal stress testing results was therefore attributed to endothelial dysfunction and disease affecting the microvasculature. A number of factors may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and disease affecting the microvasculature. Hypertension, LDL cholesterol, diabetes, the chemicals in tobacco, circulating vasoactive amines, and infections can all contribute. Women are not beyond danger regarding plaque and disruption of forward blood flow in the arteries, however. This is primarily because women have smaller coronary arteries than do men, even after correcting for total body surface area [7 Kusnoor]. Therefore, anything that affects flow may prove to be critical. Additionally, women are two times more likely than men to have plaque erosion with subsequent blood clot formation [8 kusnoor]. From Kusnoor online bookmarked Risk Factors From Schenk-Gustaffsen Risk factors for heart disease are roughly the same for both sexes; however, gender specific differences are present (Rollini). There are some unique risk factors that exist for women; older age at presentation is a major risk factor, as women are more likely to suffer from comorbities, including diabetes and hypertension. Given the fact that 6 out of every 10 deaths [schenk] from cardiovascular disease in women can be prevented, it is extremely important to understand the risk factors associated with the disease in women. According to the InterHeart study [2 schenck] there are nine factors that are responsible for 90% of all cardiovascular disease cases. These factors are: Smoking Stress Dyslipidemia Diabetes Hypertension Obesity Poor diet, particularly one that does not include sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables Physical inactivity Consumption of alcohol in excess The same cardiovascular risk factors have been used in risk calculations for the past 40 years, despire increasing knowledge regarding gender differences and the disease. Ridker et al [schenck, find ref] suggested in 2007 to use the Reynolds scoring system for women. This suggestion is based on a 10 year study of data from the Womens Health Study for cardiovascular events in 25,558 women, all over 45 years of age. The conclusion was that this scoring system predicted cardiovascular disease risk in women better than classical scoring systems. Modifiable Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important risk factors, and coronary heart disease mortality is 3 5 times higher in those women who are diabetic as compared to those who are not diabetic. In contrast, the risk is only 2 3 times higher in men who are diabetic. Women also have a 3 5 times higher chance than men of developing cardiovascular disease to begin with [30 schenck]. Higher glucose levels as well as insulin resistance serve to counter the protective effects of estrogen, which places women at this higher risk [Johnson]. Cardiovascular events are the primary cause of death, particularly in type II diabetes. The Nurses Health Study indicated that coronary heart disease mortality in women who have diabetes was 8.7 times higher than non-diabetics [31 schenck]. An additional danger is that women who are diabetic develop cardiovascular disease earlier, at approximately the same age men do. Why this is the case is currently unknown [33]. Diabetes is largely preventable or well- controlled through making healthy dietary and fitness decisions, sometimes in tandem with medication. Cigarette smoking is a very significant risk factors for coronary heart disease in women. Smoking in women prompts more negative cardiovascular and lung consequences than does smoking in men. One potential reason for this may be that the dimensions of the coronary arteries and the lungs are smaller in women than in men; therefore, a woman smoking the same amount as a man would do more damage to her body. Women who are less than 55 years of age have 7 times increase in risk attributable to smoking than do men, and the increase in risk depends on dose. It is undisputable that smoking predisposes the individual to atherosclerosis [24, 25 schenck]. The Nurses Health Study, which examined more than 120,000 haelthy nurses, indicated that only 4 5 cigarettes a day nearly doubled the risk, and 20 cigarettes a day compounded the risk 6 times [26 schenck]. Smoking has declined a bit in men; however smoking in women has not declined at the same rate, particularly in younger women. This can lea d to significant vascular problems later on in life. Further, individuals who are routinely exposed to second hand smoke see a 25% increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is not simply direct smoking that causes the problem. Additionally, smoking combined with other factors such as use of contraceptives containing estrogen multiplies risk for cardiovascular events and for clot formation [ROllini]. Hormonal contraception is in fact contraindicated for women over 35 years of age who smoke as a result of the multiplied risk. Refraining from smoking lessens the risk of developing heart disease and helps reduce potential cardiovascular risk factors. Alcohol consumption poses a risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. A moderate intake may be protective to the heart, but too much alcohol is harmful [45, 46 schenck]. The type of alcohol consumed is not as crucial as are the drinking patterns. Low to moderate daily intake may be protective, whereas conversely binge drinking can be harmful to the heart. If a patient has already experienced a first myocardial infarction, it is not necessarily a bad thing to continue drinking moderately. However, it is also not necessarily recommended that patients start drinking in search of the protective benefits of alcohol consumption following a first myocardial infarction [schenck]. Light to moderate drinking is defined as defined as one standard drink for women per day and two per day for men. The difference exists because men and women metabolize alcohol differently; specifically women metabolize slower than do men. A standard drink is defined as 12 grams of alcohol; this is equival ent to 15 cl of wine. It is well established that there is an association between LDL cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Individuals who reduce their LDL cholesterol also reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. Further, this reduction in combination with raising their HDL cholesterol serves to further reduce risk. A study conducted by the Lipid Research Clinic indicated that low HDL cholesterol in women was the most significant predictor of death from ischemic heart disease [12 schenck]. It has been shown that having low HDL levels affects women more than it does men [16 schenck], so it is important that practitioners encourage the reversal of low HDL. Hypertension is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis that included data from more than 1 million adults ages 40 69 indicated that an increase of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic in an individuals normal blood pressure doubles the mortality from coronary heart disease [22 schenck]. There is a 3 times increase in coronary heart disease as well as stroke in women with >185 mmHg systolic when compared to women who are less than 135 mmHg systolic [23 schenck]. The way hypertension is treated is currently the same in both emn and women. Most of the time, pharmacotherapy and lifestyle changes is the preferred treatment. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity pose a significant risk as well. Obesity is more common in women (35.5% ) than in men (32.2%), and 27% of women are obese [1 schenck]. People who are active and regularly exercise their heart muscle are at a much lower risk of developing heart disease. In particular, obese women are more likely to also have metabolic conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or Syndrome X than are lean women, which multiplies risk [Johnson]. Exercise and physical fitness play a big role, and lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. One study found that less fit individuals experiences a 4.7 times increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction, independent of other risk factors [37 schenck]. The beneficial effects of exercise are not as great in women as they are in men; women experience smaller increases in HDL resulting from similar exercises as men [38 schenck]. The Nurses Health Study has indicated though, that two aspects are particularly beneficial to women, namely that brisk walking delivered the same benefits as did vigorous exercise, and women who had previously been sedentary experienced benefits that were similar to those who had exercised earlier in life. This means that it is better to exercise late than to never do so. The recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes of exercise daily. Diet. A poor diet is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on alleviating cardiovascular disease risk. The diet has a high proportion of fruits and vegetables, and has a positive impact on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and myocardial infarction [47 schenck]. One study of 600 men and women who were randomized into either a group using the Mediterranean diet or a control group indicated that after 27 months a marked difference was found in mortality and morbidity for cardiovascular disease as well as total mortality in favor of the Mediterranean diet [48 schenck]. The mechanisms behind this are multiple, with the recommendation that diet always be combined with other changes to lifestyle, such as exercise or medication. The effects are likely the same in women as in men, but there has not been much gender specific research into why the Mediterranean diet proves beneficial [49, 50 schenck] Depression serves as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, particularly if the patient is also taking antidepressant medication. Mood in general is a risk factor, particularly if the individual experiences a high level of stress on a consistent basis. As compared to other risk factors, psychosocial variables are much more difficult to define or to measure objectively. Nonetheless, there are several different aspects within the broad definition of psychosocial factors that are currently associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction. These aspects include work and family stress, lack of control, low socioeconomic status, negative life events, and a poor social support system. These aspects, along with depression, affect the risk of ischemic heart disease as well as the prognosis. There are several studies that show a clear correlation between stress and cardiovascular disease. One study indicated that family stress including marital stress increases t he risk of ischemic heart disease [41 schenck]. Another study indicated that work stresses as well as home stresses were more common in those patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction, and that stress represented 30% of the individuals total risk [42 schenck]. Where depression is involved, it has been found that both women and men tend to get more depressed following myocardial infarction [43, 44 schenck]. This increases the risk of a second myocardial infarction. It is important to note regarding depression that more women experience depression than men, and it is therefore a more important risk factor in women. Recent evidence indicates that sleep deprivation and disturbances may be associated with cardiovascular disease, particularly in women [23 stranges]. Three independent studies have indicated an association between increased hypertension and sleep deprivation. This phenomenom occurred only in women [24 26 stranges]. These findings are particularly significant because sleep disturbances and deprivation are more common in women than in men in both developed as well as developing countries [27, 28 stranges] Non-modifiable Genetics. Congenital heart disease is something the individual is born with. However, an individual may also have a genetic predisposition to develop certain cardiovascular problems, as seen through examining family history of heart disease. In the latter, a predisposition does not mean the individual is guaranteed to develop the specific cardiovascular problem they are predisposed to; healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well, not using alcohol to excess, not smoking, and exercising regularly can go a long way toward fighting genetic predisposition. It is interesting to note that simply having a family history of the disease can lead to stress and disruption in mood for some individuals, both risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In one study that examined data collected from 60 women and 31 men who averaged 21.4 years of age it was found that a family history impacts stress responsivity, which can contribute to future heightened cardiovascular disease risk [wright]. Menopause poses a risk for coronary heart disease in women because the reduced production of estrogen leads to worsening of coagulation, vasculature, and the lipid profile. Early menopause in particular is a known risk factor; results of a study utilizing the Womens Ischemic Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) indicate that estrogen deficiency poses a very strong risk factor for coronary heart disease [8, from Rollini] Endothelial dysfunction frequently occurs post-menopause. Its detection can precede more overt diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. One study indicated [13 Rollini] of women without hypertension development of endothelial dysfunction was linked with hypertension. Over the next four years. Another study indicated [14 Rollini] and examining a cohort ofeuglycemic women who were not obese, marked endothelial dysfunction at the baseline was linked with development of diabetes. Also over the next four years. Further, in postmenopausal women with hypertension changes in endothelial function that occur as a result of antihypertensives may be used to identify women who have a better prognosis [15 Rollini]. Metabolic syndrome is a complicated condition that involves hypertension, low HDL levels, elevated LDL levels, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and elevated triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome has a marked roll in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in menopausal women. Further, there is a strong link between metabolic syndrome and depression. Depression is a commonly known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Age. As women advance in age, they are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and in particular it is more likely that women will have one or more comorbidity associated with cardiovascular disease risk, such as diabetes or obesity. Kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in women more than men. Resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for patients who have known cardiovascular disease as well as for those with acute myocardial infarction [133-135, 136-140]. Women possess a lower resting sympathetic output than do men, but after an uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction, women have greater sympathe

Henrik Isbens A Dolls House Essay -- A Dolls House Essays

A Closer look at Ibsens A Dolls House "Everything is relative" or so the flippant motto of the post-modern generation would say. Interestingly enough, this aphorism is brilliantly applied by Henrik Ibsen to enhance his characters in the acclaimed drama, A Doll’s House. Often, we see things relative to their surroundings, and as the contrast between objects heighten, each becomes more visible. Within the first act of A Doll’s House, we encounter Christine Linde, a childhood friend of the main character, Nora, and Dr. Rank, a friend of the family. Ibsen paints distinctive pictures of both Christine and Rank as individuals, and, having established them with the audience uses them as contrasts, or foils, for Nora and Torvald. Ibsen develops both Christine and Dr. Rank as individual characters and significant elements of the plot. Christine, left destitute by an unloving marriage, reflects a sense of endurance. She is enduring, wizened, and searching for a new beginning. Whereas Nora is girlish and petty, Christine is wise and observant. Commenting on Krogstad: "Still I think it is the sick who need taking care of" (p. 17) she shows her heartfelt concern for others. Christine is discerning, intelligent, and kind. Her amour-propre is based entirely on interactions with other people. Her livelihood is derived from being useful to others. Dr. Rank is jovial, but insightful, kind, but tainted. While at first glance he is a family friend, he is also in love with N...

Deterioration of the environment Essay

The world hunger problem is characterized by an imbalance or inadequate distribution of people and food, and has both immediate and long-run features that threaten the welfare of millions. Instances of hunger and malnutrition occur when people are unable to obtain an adequate share of the world’s supply of food. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) estimates that as many as 500 million people suffer from hunger and the effects of malnutrition. The Overseas Development Council (ODC) estimates that in 1980, as many as 400 million people in developing nations lived in absolute poverty. The Hunger Project estimates that 13 to 18 million people die each year from hunger. For the most part, these conditions are chronic. They are a daily fact of life. All African countries in are considered as third world countries and that is very true that they encounter all the above problems that environmental degradation, political representation and poverty which to a larger extent are interrelated hence rendering the fact that one’s cause leads to another’s effect. Before we go further into this discussion it always important to know deeply the meanings of the key words being discussed. In a day man’s language environmental degradation is to disgrace or debase or reduce the value of the environment (in this case). It can be reducing its value for instance through soil erosion, air pollution by chemicals from industries, water pollution by direct sewerage linked to a nearby river and many more. For sure this happens in most third world countries not only in Africa. Literature review Poverty Poverty simply means a state of want or lacking means or inadequacy especially in terms of the basic needs. It is the inability of people to meet their basic needs in life. In developing countries people encounter both Primary poverty and secondary poverty. Primary poverty in this case is where families’ total incomes are insufficient to enable them purchase or maintain the minimum necessities of life. Secondary poverty is whereby individuals or families can earn adequate income but spend it on useless items and as a result lack the basic necessities of life for example by alcohol, poor budgeting. People in these three named countries mostly live under poverty line. Poverty line means the minimum level of income or standard of living in a society depending on the cost of availability of basic necessities. United Nations has defined poverty as â€Å"is a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. It means not having enough to feed and cloth a family, not having a school or clinic to go to, not having the land on which to grow one’s food or a job to earn one’s living, not having access to credit. It means insecurity, powerlessness and exclusion of individuals, households and communities. It means susceptibility to violence, and it often implies living on marginal or fragile environments, without access to clean water or sanitation† (UNICEF, 2005) Periodically, conditions worsen dramatically and people in famine-affected regions are thrown into a food crisis that subjects them to starvation and the increased threat of immediate death. These short-run crises are usually precipitated by political unrest, drought, or floods that create even greater disequilibrium between food supplies and people. Food crises are part of the anatomy of the world hunger problem, but while they are most often the outgrowth of chronic conditions made worse, they are not the essence of the long-term problem that confronts the less fortunate people of the world. That problem is typified by the insidious advance of malnutrition and hunger into the lives of millions of people, subjecting them to rampant disease, excessive infant mortality, limited life expectancy, and a truly substandard quality of life. Food shortages, inadequate food distribution, and other conditions that are often dramatized to focus on the world hunger problem are merely symptomatic expressions of more fundamental causes of world hunger, the principal one of which is poverty. People are chronically hungry and malnourished because they are poor. In Less Developed Countries, poverty first limits the ability of people to purchase food. (Poor people have little, if any, money to spend on food. ) At the same time, people in LDCs also lack the money and energy to invest in learning and applying production-increasing technology to produce food for their families. The hunger problem is thus a poverty-induced dilemma with two horns: too little money-backed demand (people need food but cannot buy enough) and too little supply. Combine aggregate poverty with unprogressive agriculture; soaring population growth; poor income distribution; and inadequate social, political, and economic systems and policies, and the result is a dilemma of staggering complexity. At its apex, however, is the inability of people to purchase and produce adequate amounts of food.

Global Marketing

Introduction and Company Background Tesco PLC is the largest British retailer in terms of both global sales and domestic market share with profits that exceed ? 3 billion. Currently, the company is the third largest after Wal-Mart and Carrefour in terms of revenue but only second to Wal-Mart in terms of profits. The company has diversified its market target into clothing, food, financial services, drink, home, car insurance, telecoms and health. Jack Cohen founded Tesco PLC in 1919 in East London and the company has grown over the years and now has a 30.9% market share in the United Kingdom which makes it the largest retailer in the UK (Applegate & Johnsen, 2007, p. 128). The core business of the company is large format food stores and other convenience items. It operates under four banners namely, Extra, Superstore, Metro and Express. This report analyses the critical marketing issues that is facing Tesco PLC. It will explore the global marketing strategies being pursued by the company and attempt to draw comparisons between its approach and appropriate theoretical concepts and models. The study will also evaluate whether the model being used by the company is still relevant in the current marketing practice or not. The study will rely on the following methodology in the analysis.External environmental analysisTesco Plc operates in an industry that is dominated by two other companies in the global business environment. Its main competitors are Wal-Mart and Carrefour who have a huge base of loyal customers. The external environment will be analysed using the STEEPLED model in order to assess the ethics and demographic factors in the analysis.Political FactorsTesco Plc now operates in Europe, Asia and North America and as such its performance is a function of legislative and political conditions of all the countries it operates in including the European Union. The company is affected by employment legislations as most governments encourage retailers to provide mixed job opportunities from low pay ing unskilled to the well paying high skilled jobs (McLoughlin & Aaker 2010, p. 53). The operations of the company are therefore highly sensitive to the political environment. For instance in Malaysia the government passed legislations that limit the number of stores the company can operate in the country. Tesco Plc employs the local people especially at the lower and middle management levels, pays taxes and complies with the local laws to ensure that its operations are not hindered by such factors.Economic FactorsThe economic factors affect the costs, demand, prices and profits of Tesco Plc. High unemployment levels and difficult economic times reduces the ability of households to purchase products and as such affects the demand required for the company to produce such goods (Pradhan 2009, p. 88). The company cannot control such external factors but they have profound impacts on its performance and the marketing mix. It is still highly depended on its core business in the United Ki ngdom and as such any economic slowdowns in the country can grossly affect it because it is exposed to the risks of market concentration. It is for this reason that the company is focused on growing its presence in the international market in order to raise its revenue base.Socio-Cultural FactorsThe British customers have increasingly developed more preference for one stop bulk shopping because of a variety of social changes. Tesco Plc has therefore increased the amount of non-food items in its stores so as to be able to take advantage of the opportunity. The company also offers a wide range of products that cater for the different diverse needs of people of the customers. Attitudes, beliefs and social conditioning often determine the type of goods and services demanded by the consumers (Richter 2012, p. 61). Additionally, the consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their health issues which change their attitudes towards food. Tesco Plc has had to adopt its marketing mix in or der to accommodate the increased demand for organic products. It was also the first to allow customers to make payments using cheques and cash at the checkout.DemographicsThe demographic changes in the UK population like aging population and more female workers mean that there is a decline in home meal preparation in the country. The company has increased food supply in its stores in order to satisfy the needs of such customers. The same approach is replicated in its international stores as it provides the local foods like whale meat in Japan and other foods in Malaysia and South Korea (Cunningham & Harney 2012, p. 90).Technological FactorsMany products of the company have of the company have been influenced by technology. Technology is therefore a major macro environmental factor that benefits both the company and the customers (Baines et al 2013, p. 77). The customers are satisfied through more personalised and convenient shopping while the company benefits through the development of an efficient supply chain.Environmental FactorsCompanies are currently facing increased pressure to acknowledge their responsibility to the society. The companies are required to operate in a way that benefits the society (Bradley 2005, p. 33). Tesco has been accused of selling genetically modified foods to children. The focus of the corporate social responsibility of the company is to comply with regulations and its corporate governance policy.Legal FactorsTesco Plc is required to comply with the different policies and legislations of the countries in which it has operations. For example in Malaysia it faced restrictions that limit its expansion in the country. The company has lowered the prices of some goods to comply with the pricing policies of different countries in which it has business operations. Internal Environmental AnalysisAlthough Tesco PLC has operations in different countries across the world, its core operations are in the United Kingdom which accounts for over 6 0% of its sales. This study will use different theoretical models in analysing the external environment of the company. The company continuously upgrades its ordering system, in- store processes and vendor list to improve the efficiency of its operations. It uses information technology to maintain its low priced leadership approach to supply chain management. The EPRG framework will be used to analyse Tesco PLC foreign marketing involvement. The company has to re-orient itself and align its operations to fit into the different levels of operational activities that a particular market segment requires. The EPRG framework assesses four types of orientation of a firm towards foreign marketing. It is very useful in helping companies asses and determine their operational strategies as it relates closely to the marketing mix. The strategies chosen by the company for each variable determines its overall operational strategy. The table below shows the EPRG analysis and marketing mix of Tes co PLC.ProductThe products of Tesco PLC are a mix of ethnocentric and regiocentric. The products that the company sells do not fit into all its market segments. Instead it sells products that are suitable for the respective regions in order to maximise sales (Thoenig & Waldman 2007, p. 111). The international expansion of the company takes into account the different tastes of the respective market segments. For instance it devoted a very big attention to the needs of the customers while venturing into the central European market as is reflected in the product line (Glowik & Smyczek 2011, p. 117). In the Czech Republic the company concentrated on providing the Czech products through retail shops. The same goes to China where the local consumers prefer buying live fish and turtles and other instant noodles unlike in the European market. Tesco PLC had to provide these products to the Chinese market in order to attract the Chinese customers. The other example is in Thailand where the co mpany had to adapt to the shopping habits of the Thai customers by introducing the fresh market hall to serve the interests of these customers who spent a huge proportion of their income on fresh foods. These new adjustments were introduced by the company to help it penetrate the new markets because some of these provisions are not available in its operations in the United Kingdom. The website of the company is also translated into the languages of the specific market segments to ensure that the prospective and existent customers get the latest information on the products on sale and offers if any. The other aspects of the company like online marketing and sales are consistently available in all the market segments.PromotionTesco PLC uses a mixture of both ethnocentric and polycentric promotional strategy. Although most of its promotional activities are those used in the United Kingdom, it also utilises the needs and characteristics of the particular market in formulating its promot ional strategies (Humby et al 2008, p.68). For example Tesco PLC implemented a strong plan for addressing parts of its offer to the customers in Thailand. The measures included remerchandising of its clubpack range of bulk products. It particularly targeted the small traders who shop regularly with the company. Another example is Poland where the company is launching a turnaround plan to improve its presentation of fresh food and is even introducing new concepts like bistro dining in order to differentiate itself from competition (Gunn 2009, p. 139). These plans are in some ways similar to the build better Tesco strategy being used in the United Kingdom but are a little adjusted to best serve the interests of the local market.PriceTesco PLC pursues a predominantly polycentric pricing approach in its international markets. The company attempts to organise its marketing activities based on the specific countries of operation (Humby et al 2008, p. 198). It treats each country different ly and formulates strategies that suit the specific local needs of the consumers. As such the prices of its products vary across different market segments depending on demand, income levels and demographics. For instance having had a difficult time in Ireland, the company launched pricing initiatives aimed at combating discounters and counter the lower prices offered by its competitors. The company reduced the prices in the stores particularly those close to the Irish border and has plans of extending the same to the rest of its stores in the country in the long run. The same low pricing strategy was also used by the company in Malaysia in order to attract more customers. In the other markets like England and Poland the prices are a little higher because they are sustainable for those market segments. In essence, Tesco PLC tries to ensure that the products and their prices fit into the demands of that particular market segment in question.PeopleThe management orientation of Tesco P LC has elements of both geocentric and polycentric influence. The global expansion of the company has been accompanied by teams that focus on both global and local markets. Its international expansion strategy has mainly been through joint ventures with the local partner firms in order to be sensitive to the needs of the local markets (Maynard 2013, p. 33). The company retains the employees of the partnering firms and continues with the approach of employing the local people because they are well placed to serve the needs of the local consumers. These local personnel are maintained by the company especially in the middle and low management positions because they are better placed to serve the needs of the local market than the foreign expatriates.Place and ProcessThe process of Tesco PLC is a mix of polycentric and geocentric. The company has adopted a global approach in some of its operations as it has designed its value chain in a manner that ensures that it minimises its operati onal costs. For instance when it came apparent that it was critical to reduce the prices of products in its stores in Ireland, Tesco PLC decided to drop its suppliers in the country in preference for favourable ones elsewhere. The management of the company has established its distribution channels to facilitate the movement of its products across the different regional and national markets (Zentes et al 2011, p.173). The process of the company also has some elements of polycentric approach because it uses some strategies based on particular countries. For instance in Asia it treats all the countries differently based their product demands are different making it impossible for the company to use the geocentric approach.As such it acquires the products from the local suppliers and uses local marketing channels for serving the needs of that particular market segment. The polycentric approach has helped the company penetrate into difficult markets like Malaysia, China and South Korea as these countries have significant political, economic and cultural differences with the United Kingdom (Zentes et al 2011, p. 45). The products of the company are sold in its stores which it rents in the major malls and shopping centres whenever it finds space or builds its own stores in cases where that is the best option for the market segment. The place can be said to be polycentric because the products are mostly in the big cities where there are many consumers with the ability to buy its products. The polycentric approach enables the company to strategically position itself in the markets in order to reach as many customers as possible.Proactive Market ResearchThe uses a polycentric approach in research and new product development because the needs of its customers in the different market segments are very diverse. In addition to this, some market segments like the American market have big industrial players like Wal-Mart who have a large base of loyal customers making it di fficult to venture into such markets with an ethnocentric approach.Proliferation of the BrandThe products of the company are standardised around the world to ensure that they are distinct and meet the required company standards.TOWS ANALYSIS of Tesco PlcThe TOWS analysis will be used to analyse both the internal and external factors in order to provide a holistic view of the position and direction of the company. The figure below shows a combination of the TOWS analysis that combines the DEEPLETERS analysis with the competitive advantages and EPRG model. INTERNAL STRENGTHS O Strong global brand and high brand exposure O Strong core UK market O Strong and stable growth in Asia O Financially sound O Variety of products to appeal to different consumersINTERNAL WEAKNESES OEthnocentric reliance on the UK market OStagnant or negative sales in some developed countries OHigh price elasticity due to competition and low costs of customers switching to other brands and loyalty OResistance to large firms in some countries EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES SO OContinue entering appropriate markets across the globe OContinue building on cost efficient pricing to attract more customers OGo into new markets and buy local retailers to gain market shareWO OExplore ways of reducing their operational costs in order to reduce prices for the consumers OIncrease the efficiency of its business process and supply chain OCapitalise on the opportunities present in the developing world by opening more stores there EXTERNAL THREATS OIncreased competition from other well established brands OPolitical and legal opposition against expansion in some economies OContracting consumer expenditures in Europe that reduce the demand for the non-basic goods OEconomic reforms may threaten multinationals like the finances and operations of Tesco Plc ST ORemain ahead of its competitors in terms of research and innovation in order to give the customers what they want OContribute to the society in which it operates to limit the political and legal barriers that inhibit its growthWT OIncrease the awareness of the brand through advertisement OWithdraw from the markets that are not performing well and use the funds to support other operations of the company The above analysis reveals that the company is on the right path as it has enacted mechanisms that will help it capitalise on its strengths and address its weaknesses. For instance the company has closed some of its international businesses that are not performing well like in the United States to reduce on loses. The company has also increased its operations in China and is focused in strengthening its presence in the emerging economies in Asia. Additionally, it is employing more local people and complying with the local regulations to reduce opposition against its operations in some economies.Opportunity IdentificationAnalysis of opportunity identification will be done using the BCG Matrix. The Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG) is important in analysing how companies allocate resources (Maynard 2013, p.81). The matrix splits the products of the company into four categories that determine how much money the company should invest in them. The categories are as follows: Cash cows should be used by the company for profits as much as possible Stars should receive investments so that they become the next cash cows Dogs have low share of market growth and should be sold as they depress the performance of the company Question marks have low share of high growth market and have the potential of becoming stars or dogs. The high street shops of the company are the cash cows. Tesco Plc has approximately 30% of market share in this division although the growth of the division has been very slow. The online operations of the company are the stars. The company is the largest online grocer in the United Kingdom. Tesco Plc should make more investments in this sector to improve its online offering because e-commerce is growing rapidly. The question marks of the company include video on demand service and blinkbox which face high competition from the big industrial players. The company should decide on the appropriate level of investments needed for turning this division into star. The Fresh and Easy operation in the United States was a dog and that is why the company decided to pull out of the country.Positioning/ targetingThe targeting strategy of Tesco Plc includes people of all ages and it offers a wide range of products to meet the demands of the customers. The company focuses on the specifications of products that are close to those of the rival companies in order to try and win customers from such companies. For instance it offers fresh and unreserved goods because people spend more money buying fresh products. In addition to product specifications, the company also prices its products fairly to attract more customers because households are very sensitive to price. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that the strategies being pursued by Tesco Plc in its international expansion are in line with strategic models. The company identifies the opportunities present in the business environment and then devises the strategies for exploiting them. It has also adopted entry strategies like joint ventures and acquisitions for expanding into the international market. Such approach has helped the company expand its distribution network and win over the local markets by giving the customers a local approach. The company has also closed down the international businesses that are not doing well in the United States and Japan to reduce on loses and help it focus on other profitable markets. The company must continue to exploit the potential emerging markets and also looks for mechanisms of outdoing its major competitors. References Applegate, E., & Johnsen, A. (2007). Cases in advertising and marketing management: Real situations for tomorrow’s managers. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Baines, P., Fill, C., & Page, K. (2013). Essentials of marketing. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bradley, F. (2005). International marketing strategy. New York: FT/Prentice Hall. Cunningham, J., & Harney, B. (2012). Strategy & strategists. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Glowik, M., & Smyczek, S. (2011). International marketing management: Strategies, concepts and cases in Europe. Mu?nchen: Oldenbourg. Gunn, M. (2009). Trading regime analysis: The probability of volatility. Chichester, England: Wiley. Humby, C., Hunt, T., & Phillips, T. (2008). Scoring Points: How Tesco Continues to Win Customer Loyalty. London: Kogan Page. Maynard, J. (2013). Financial accounting, reporting, and analysis. Oxford: Oxford university press McLoughlin, D., & Aaker, D. A. (2010). Strategic market management: Global perspectives. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Pradhan, S. (2009). Retailing management: Text and cases. New Delhi, India: Tata Mcgraw-Hill Education Pvt. Ltd. Richter, T. (2012). International marketing mix management: Theoretical framework, contingency factors and empirical findings from world-markets. Berlin: Logos. Thoenig, J.-C., & Waldman, C. (2007). The marking enterprise: Business success and societal embedding. Basingstoke [England: Palgrave Macmillan. Zentes, J., Morschett, D., & Schramm-Klein, H. (2011). Strategic retail management: Text and international cases. Wiesbaden: Gabler. Appendix Ethnocentric Polycentric Regiocentric Geocentric EthnocentricProliferation of the Brand Promotionproduct Polycentric Price / place/ Proactive Market Research Regiocentric Geocentric People / process Global Marketing Fairmont Hotels and Resorts (Fairmont) is operating and competing in the hospitality industry, which has been affected vastly by the impact of global financial crisis, terrorist attacks, globalisation of the hospitality and tourism industry, the uncertainty surrounding the sovereign dept of some countries in EU, development of emerging markets, the rapid dissemination of global lifestyles and other economic and political uncertainties in the past few years.Fairmont is also affected by technological innovation as well as other broad macro environmental trends. This essay will examine the most recent trends of global macro environmental factors that are likely to have the most significant impact on the hospitality industry and more precisely on Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. First a brief overview of the Fairmont and its position in a current international hospitality market will be given. After this the nature and impact of global macro environmental variables will be explored. Company history Fairmont Hotels and Resorts (Fairmont) is the largest of the brands in the Fairmont Raffles Hotels International group and by combing three distinct brands: the Raffles, Swissotel and Fairmont portfolios and has become a truly global hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide. More than 65 hotels of Fairmont in Canada, United States, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Mexio, Carribean and Bermuda, sit between the upper scale and luxury travel market. They also have one of the largest collections of storied properties in the world with well known addresses in the portfolio including The Savoy in London, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and New York’s The Plaza. The average age of the guest is 47, down about 8 years in the last decade. Fairmont hotels target diverse market segments, for example Fairmont’s clientele has been split almost evenly between group (above 45%) and transient business (around 55%), and almost evenly between leisure and usiness travellers. However, their core customer is the luxury mid-aged traveller. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travellers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. What are global macro environmental variables? As Doole and Lowe (2008) state: â€Å"The environments in which international companies must operate is typically characterised by uncertainty and change – factors which, taken together, increase the element of risk for international marketing managers†. As many authors argue the global macro environmental factors are something beyond the companies influence, and must be treated as non-controllable variables. The five major global macro environmental factors, as denoted by Lancaster et al. (2002), Kotler et al. 2005) and Reid and Bojanic (2010) among the other authors, marketing managers often examine and which affect all organisation are: demographic, economic, political/legal, socio-cultural and technological factors. However, Lancaster et al. (2002) suggest if businesses are able to identify and react to these factors quickly enough they would be able to be part of changes occurring and take market leading position instead of being forced into market followers position or worst case being unable to prosper and survive as an international business in the global competition. Yet the macro environmental variables as suggested by mainstream theorists (Lancaster et al. 2002, Kotler et al. 2005, Doole and Lowe 2008, Kotabe and Helsen 2008, Palmer 2008, Reid and Bojanic 2010) needs to be managed through marketing planning process; threats must be minimised and opportunities maximised. For Fairmont, as an international hotel the issue to keep in mind is that hospitality industry is in a â€Å"fast moving environment† as well as their product they sell is perishable when considering changes in marketing strategy or tactics. Thus they face more complex and changing environments where they operate and compete than other industries. In order to survive and prosper, the essential is to take account of, and adapt to, fast changing environmental conditions. To see and take advantage of marketing opportunities while at the same time anticipating any threats to their business. By indentifying environmental trends soon enough, management should be able, at least in part, to anticipate where such trends are leading and what future conditions are likely to result from such changes. (Lancaster et al. 2002, Palmer 2008). Explain how changes in the socio-cultural environment affect marketing decisions The UK population will rebalance by 2015 – families will be the most prevalent group, and the retired will have increased in number fastest. One-person households are set to increase fastest into 2015, following the trend witnessed into 2010. Emerging markets where social exposure and status are important along with the rising income and relatively wealthy middle class. Mainly affect young people who have an above average need for social acceptance, and international travellers, who are exposed to multicultural values. Fairmont target market age group younger than used to be †¦. Embracing social media is a key way to reach customers. â€Å"We could never have predicted the explosion of social media,† Laboy said. And yes, â€Å"you can have meaningful customer engagement via Twitter. † Hoteliers need to consider mobile tagging as a way to offer promotions to customers, he said. †¢Ethical challenges and the Green movement On one hand provides opportunities to connect to customers and employees. On the other hand Western consumers choosing brands look for reassurance that the product has been produced in what they see as a socially responsible manner. On the basis of ensuring products and ingredients came from authentic source of supply which did not leave to the destruction of the environment and that they are free from child slavery and that the people that make them are able to earn a proper living wage. Consumers globally are becoming better informed through better education and faster and more effective communication. Now firms are increasingly expected to ensure that their behavior is ethical and in the interests of the global community which makes up their market. However, international marketing executives operating across cultures will find themselves facing moral and ethical dilemmas on a daily basis on a wide range of issues. Some of those currently receiving particular attention are bribery and corruption, counterfeiting and piracy. Explain how changes in the economic environments affect marketing decisions The international hotel industry has shown signs of recovery in the first half of 2010 according to the bi-annual hotel survey conducted by Hogg Robinson Group (HRG). HRG’s interim survey is based on a combination of industry intelligence, actual room nights booked and rates paid by its UK clients during January to June 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. Globally, the hotel industry has shown signs of recovery in the first half of 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Although the survey reveals a fragmented global picture, the hotel market in Europe and the US appears to be stabilising, as rates are either flat or only marginally down. The emerging market economies of India and China have shown strong upturns in growth over the last six months. Year-on-year economic growth in Q2 2010 was 7. 9% and 10. 3% in India and China respectively and the resurgence in economic activity has helped to prop up room rates. Growth in both economies will begin to ease over the next year as central banks begin to raise interest rates to address inflationary pressures. In contrast though, the Middle East region recorded the highest rate decrease, with double digit falls in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Many western economies are coming to terms with the budget cuts necessary to reduce sovereign debt levels which will inevitably soften room rate growth. Dynamic emerging economies have less need to take fiscal austerity measures in the current climate and we expect growth to be higher as a result. However, the survey shows that emerging economies have not, as of yet, fully recovered from the effects of the global economic downturn. In the UK, growth prospects are buoyed by a weak sterling which continues to support tourism and leisure travel. In addition, the ongoing recovery of the banking and finance sector will contribute to corporate demand for rooms. There are, however, significant downside risks to growth in the market emerging from future cuts in public spending Belfast and Beijing both suffer from an oversupply of hotels, the latter having experienced massive investment in recent years from major players keen to build a presence in this emerging market. Bangalore, a city reliant on business travel associated with the IT industry and call centres, is a classic example of a market ‘popping’ as it has seen rates fall as a result of a drop in demand due to the global recession coupled with significant new hotel openings which have led to a current oversupply of rooms. Services apartments have grown in popularity and some of the IT industry has relocated to other areas in India. The 5 star market achieved a marginal increase of 1%. Whilst there has undoubtedly been a trend for corporates to turn to the 4 and even 3 star sectors in the current climate, hoteliers in this sector have held out for rates at the expense of lower occupancy levels, conscious that any significant rate reduction has an adverse effect on service levels as costs are brought in line, resulting in damage to a hotel’s reputation for quality and standards. Reflecting the need for cost reduction, clients are downgrading between the star ratings as well as continually reviewing their programmes and renegotiating rates where possible. In the 3 and 4 star markets average rates have decreased as suppliers strive to maintain their share of the corporate market. We continue to believe that budget options are not always the cheapest option when the add-on costs are taken into account. Mintel The UK officially exited recession in the fourth quarter of 2009. GDP rose 0. 4%, subsequently increasing 0. % in the first quarter of 2010 then 1. 1% in the second quarter. While fears of a ‘double dip’ recession have eased somewhat, consumer confidence has remained weak as Britain has entered an ‘age of austerity’. Economic growth in Europe remains weak relative to other regions; Euro zone GDP grew year/on/year by 0. 6% in Q1 2010, compared to growth on 1. 2% in Japan and 2. 7% in the US over the same period (Hogg Robinson Group 2010). Global hotel sales are expected to increase 30-40% in 2011, according to hotel investment services company Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. 009 was characterised by frozen liquidity, stalled transactions and drops in hotel performance and values globally, this year signalled a dramatic improvement, with more opportunities for buyers. The number of hotel sales is forecast to continue to rise substantially in 2011, reaching a value of $28 billion (? 18 billion) to $30 billion (? 19. 3 billion). ASPAC has seen strong growth this year. However, overbuilding in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are dragging down levels in the Middle East and Africa. Every region except ASPAC saw a rise in September, but a dip in October. ASPAC remained strong in October. ASPAC is one of White’s bright spots. She sees that market growing by 10-12% in 2011. Other areas showing strong growth this year are Sao Paulo, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro. She sees occupancy will increase by 3-5 %, ADR by 4-5% and overall RevPAR by 6-9%. Looking at specific RevPARs, ASPAC will increase 10-14%; Europe, 7-9%; the Americas, 6-9%; and the Middle East and Asia, 3-6%. VAT Emerging markets Fairmont regional growth is driven by Middle East markets such as the UAE, Egypt and increasingly Saudi Arabia, as well as growing numbers of Gulf travelers that stay at its properties in the United States, Europe and Asia. The Middle East, despite being impacted by the global downturn, still shows resilience over the past year with revenue dropping less than other regions, industry figures showed. Saudi Arabia has a large critical mass, huge influx of travelers, the built in demand drivers, and it helps us support our partnerships with our shareholders. It is the world’s top oil exporter, is developing its tourism sector to lower dependence on oil and hosts an estimated 10 million Muslim pilgrims every year. The 14 planned hotels will be all under the Fairmont brand. Fairmont is likely to also add hotels in Qatar, the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas, whose economy is booming and hosting World Cup in 12 years time†¦(Walid 2010) Explain how changes in the political/legal environments affect marketing decisions Identify the major trends in the firm’s technological environments Broadband penetration continues to increase, even amongst the groups already most likely to have access. 200 mph train from London to Frankfurt arriving in 2013 + opening new markets bringing closer international trade†¦ In a world moving more and more towards globalization, hotel organizations ill need to communicate more quickly, operate more productively, offer their employees greater opportunity and deliver their customers enhanced benefits. Those companies that address these issues today will be better prepared for the global marketplace of tomorrow. Conclusion Fairmont competes in the strongly competitive hotel and lodging industry, focusing on the first class and luxury segments of the markets. Fairmont is impacted by change in the overall travel, tourism and hospitality industries as well as broader macro-environmental trends.Bibliography http://www.amadeus.com/amadeus/goldrush2020.html http://www.arabianbusiness.com/ fairmont-sees-14-more-hotels-in-mideast-by-2014-184514.html

Profile of Logical Mathematical Intelligence

Profile of Logical Mathematical Intelligence Logical-mathematical intelligence, one of Howard Gardners nine multiple intelligences, involves the ability to analyze problems and issues logically, excel at mathematical operations and carry out scientific investigations. This can include the ability to use formal and informal reasoning skills such as deductive reasoning and to detect patterns. Scientists, mathematicians, computer programmers, and inventors are among those that Gardner sees as having high logical-mathematical intelligence. Background Barbara McClintock, a noted microbiologist and the 1983 Nobel Prize winner in medicine or physiology, is Gardners example of a person with high logical-mathematical intelligence. When McLintock was a researcher at Cornell in the 1920s,  she was faced one day with a problem involving sterility rates in corn, a major issue in the agriculture industry, Gardner, a professor at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Education, explains  in his 2006 book,  Multiple  Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. Researchers were finding that corn plants were sterile only about half as often as scientific theory predicted, and no one could figure out why. McClintock left the cornfield, where the research was being conducted,  went back to her office and just sat and thought for a while. She did not write anything on paper. Suddenly I jumped up and ran back to the (corn) field. ... I shouted Eureka, I have it! McClintock recalled. The other researchers asked McClintock to prove it. She did. McClintock sat down in the middle of that cornfield with a pencil and paper and quickly showed how she had solved a mathematical problem that had been vexing researchers for months. Now, why did I know without having done it on paper? Why was I so sure? Gardner knows: He says McClintocks brilliance was logical-mathematical intelligence. Famous People With Logical-Mathematical Intelligence There are plenty of other examples of well-known scientists, inventors, and mathematicians who have displayed logical-mathematical intelligence: Thomas Edison: Americas greatest inventor, the Wizard of Menlo Park is credited with inventing the light bulb, phonograph and motion the picture camera.Albert Einstein: Arguably historys greatest scientist, Einstein created the theory of relativity, a major step in explaining how the universe works.Bill Gates: A Harvard University dropout, Gates founded Microsoft, a company that brought to the market an operating system that powers 90 percent of the worlds personal computers.Warren Buffet: The Wizard of Omaha became a multibillionaire  through his shrewd ability to invest in the stock market.Stephen Hawking: Considered the worlds greatest  cosmologist, Hawking explained the workings of the universe to millions, through such books as A Brief History of Time, despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak due to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  Ã‚   Enhancing Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Those with high logical-mathematical intelligence like to work on math problems, excel at strategy games, look for rational explanations and like to categorize. As a teacher, you can help students enhance and strengthen their logical-mathematical intelligence by having them: Organize a collectionFigure out different ways to answer a math problemLook for patterns in poetryCome up with a hypothesis and then prove itWork out logic puzzlesCount to 100 or 1,000 by 2s, 3s, 4s, etc. Any opportunity you can give students to answer math and logic problems, look for patterns, organize items and solve even simple science problems can help them boost their logical-mathematical intelligence.

Tennessee Williamss Life Story Essays - English-language Films

Tennessee Williams's Life Story Essays - English-language Films Tennessee Williams's Life Story Tennessee Williams's Life Story Tennessee Williams' play, The Glass Menagerie, originated in the memory of Williams. Williams' family embodied his father, Cornelius Williams, his mother, Edwina Dakin Williams, his sister, Rose Williams, and his younger brother, Dakin Williams. Cornelius was an alcoholic, always away from home; Tennessee and Cornelius did not have a strong relationship, By the late 1920s, mother and father were in open warfare, and both were good combatants. He came home drunk and picked up a bill-perhaps for Tom's clothing or schoolbooks-and he'd fly into rage.(Spoto, 18). Edwina, on the other hand, revered refinement and the good manners of Southern gentry. (Barron's Book Notes, 2). Tennessee adored Rose immensely and were close as they could be. The Glass Menagerie is based on a mother and her two children who live in a dream world away from society. Williams' play is drawn heavily upon his family life and experiences; they are very much parallel to the events that occur in Williams' life. Tom is modeled after Tennessee, an ardent poet who works in a shoe factory; Williams was passionate about writing, He[Cornelius] saw that Tom devoted to his writing as unnatural for a boy his age worse, Tom did not have companions among boys of his own age, not did he participate in sports.(Leverich, 82). Tom tries to support his mother and sister by working in a shoe factory even though he dreams to become a poet. His mother disapproved of him writing as well as his father, Despite Tom's being published, Cornelius persisted in his belief that his son was wasting his time and should be thinking of a more practical way of making a living.(Leverich, 82). Tennesse felt so doleful and devastatingly miserable that he did not know another way of escaping reality but to write, At the typewriter he transformed the confusion, the bitterness, the longings into poems, and for a time he cracked out a diary in which he recorded little anecdotes about St. Louis street life.(Spoto, 20). Williams's character, in like manner, felt that same emptiness, He[Tom] is a poet by nature and feels that his environment is destroying his creative abilities.(Cliff Notes, 9). Amanda Wingfield mirror images Williams's mother, Edwina Dakin Williams. Both of these women live in the past; Amanda and Edwina were both southern belles who still dream of their gentlemen callers from the past. (Cliff Notes). Also, Amanda Wingfield is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution just like Williams' mother was, In 1905, Edwina was invited to join the Columbus Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and to her at the time, as it would be all her life, this was a singular honor.(Leverich, 25). Amanda realizes that Laura does not have any interaction with the public and needs to procure some sort of skill so that she will be able to support herself in the future, so she enrolls Laura in a business school just as Edwina did for Rose, Her mother, soon after, enrolled her at the Rubicam Business College, hoping she would learn to be a stenographer, but that did not turn out well either, but she could sustain neither the pressure nor the group contact.(Spoto, 20). But even with the persisting mothers, both Laura and Rose drop out of the class because they are shy, and all the dates you were absent until they decided that you had dropped out of school.(Williams, 40). Williams also portrayed Laura as being quiet and shy just like Rose. Rose lived in her own world, just like Laura. Rose became a model for Laura when Williams was writing this play. Laura would rather have collected tiny glass animals rather than correlating with other people. Rose and Laura are similar that their gentlemen caller has the same name, Jim O'Connor. Laura is so shy that when she finds out who the gentlemen caller is she repudiates to join dinner, There was a Jim O'Connor we both knew in high schoolif that is the one that Tom is bringing to dinner-you'll have to excuse me, I won't come to the table.(Williams, 89). When Jim does come to eat dinner at the Wingfield's house, he is the

The Odyssey Summary

'The Odyssey' Summary The Odyssey, Homers epic poem, is comprised of two distinct narratives. One narrative takes place in Ithaca, an island whose ruler, Odysseus, has been absent for twenty years. The other narrative is Odysseus’ own journey back home, which consists both of present-day narrations and recollections of his past adventures in lands inhabited by monsters and natural wonders. Books 1-4: Telemacheia The Odyssey begins with an introduction that presents the theme and the protagonist of the work, Odysseus, emphasizing the wrath of Poseidon towards him. The Gods decide that it’s time for Odysseus, who is being held captive by the nymph Calypso on the island of Ogygia, to come home. The Gods send Athena to Ithaca in disguise to speak with Odysseus son, Telemachus. Ithacas palace is occupied by 108 suitors all seeking to marry Penelope, who is Odysseus wife and Telemachus mother. The suitors constantly taunt and belittle Telemachus. The disguised Athena comforts a distressed Telemachus and tells him to go to Pylos and Sparta to learn of his father’s whereabouts from the kings Nestor and Menelaus. Aided by Athena, Telemachus leaves in secret, without telling his mother. This time, Athena is disguised as Mentor, Odysseus’ old friend. Once Telemachus reaches Pylos, he meets the king Nestor, who explains that he and Odysseus parted ways shortly after the end of the war. Telemachus learns about the disastrous homecoming of Agamemnon, who, upon his return from Troy, was killed by his wife and her lover. In Sparta, Telemachus learns from Menelaus’ wife Helen that Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, managed to get into Troy’s stronghold before it capitulated. Meanwhile in Ithaca, the suitors find out that Telemachus departed and decide to ambush him.   Books 5-8: At the Phaeacians’ Court Zeus sends his winged messenger Hermes to the island of Calypso to convince her to release her captive Odysseus, whom she wanted to make immortal. Calypso consents and provides assistance by helping Odysseus build a raft and telling him the way. Yet, as Odysseus approaches Scheria, the island of the Phaeacians, Poseidon catches a glimpse of him and destroys his raft with a storm. After swimming for three days, Odysseus makes it onto dry land, where he falls asleep under an oleander tree. He is found by Nausicaa (the princess of the Phaeacians), who invites him over to the palace and instructs him to ask her mother, queen Arete, for mercy. Odysseus arrives to the palace alone and behaves as he is told, without revealing his name. He is granted a ship to leave for Ithaca and is invited to join the Phaeacian’s feast as an equal. Odysseus stay culminates with the appearance of the bard Demodocus, who recounts two episodes of the Trojan War, interposed by the retelling of the love affair between Ares and Aphrodite. (Though not made explicit, Demodocus storytelling ostensibly moves Odysseus to recount his own journey, as Odysseus first-person narration begins in Book 9.) Books 9-12: Odysseus’ Wanderings Odysseus explains that his goal is to return home and begins to recount his previous voyages. He tells the following story: After a disastrous first venture in the land of the Cycones (the only population in The Odyssey that is also mentioned in historical sources), Odysseus and his companions found themselves in the land of the Lotus-eaters, who attemped to give them food that would have made them lose the will to get home. Next came the land of the Cyclops, where nature was bountiful and food was plenty. Odysseus and his men became trapped the cave of the cyclops Polyphemus. Odysseus escaped by using his cleverness to trick Polyphemus, then blinding him. With this act, Odysseus inspired Poseidons wrath, as Polyphemus was a son of Poseidon. Next, Odysseus and his fellow seafarers met Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. Aeolus gave Odysseus a goatskin containing all the winds except Zephyr, which would blow them towards Ithaca. Some of Odysseus companions believed the goatskin contained riches, so they opened it, which caused them to drift in the sea yet again. They reached the land of the cannibal-like Laestrygonians, where they lost some of their fleet when the Laestrygonians destroyed it with rocks. Next, they met the witch Circe on the island Aeaea. Circe turned all the men but Odysseus into pigs and took Odysseus as a lover for a year. She also told them to sail west to communicate with the dead, so Odysseus spoke with the prophet Tiresias, who told him not to let his companions eat the Sun’s cattle. Upon his return to Aeaea, Circe warned Odysseus against the sirens, who lure sailors with their deadly songs, and Scylla and Charybdis, a sea monster and a whirlpool. Tiresias’ warning went unheeded due to famine, and the sailors ended up eating the Sun’s cattle. As a consequence, Zeus brewed up a storm that caused all men but Odysseus to die. That’s when Odysseus arrived on the island of Ogygia, where Calypso kept him as a lover for seven years.   Books 13-19: Back to Ithaca After finishing his account, Odysseus receives even more gifts and riches from the Phaeacians. He is then transported back to Ithaca on a Phaeacian ship overnight. This enrages Poseidon, who turns the ship to stone once it’s almost back to Scheria, which in turn makes Alcinous swear that they will never help any other foreigner again. On the shore of Ithaca, Odysseus finds the goddess Athena, who is disguised as a young shepherd. Odysseus pretends to be a merchant from Crete. Soon, though, both Athena and Odysseus drop their disguises, and together they hide the riches given to Odysseus by the Phaeacians while plotting Odysseus’ revenge. Athena turns Odysseus into a beggar and then goes to Sparta to assist Telemachus in his return. Odysseus, in the beggar disguise, pays a visit to Eumaeus, his loyal swineherd who shows kindness and dignity to this apparent stranger. Odysseus tells Eumaeus and the other farmers that he is a former warrior and seafarer from Crete. Meanwhile, aided by Athena, Telemachus reaches Ithaca and pays his own visit to Eumaeus. Athena encourages Odysseus to reveal himself to his son. What follows is a tearful reunion and the plotting of the suitors’ downfall. Telemachus leaves for the palace, and soon Eumaeus and Odysseus-as-a-beggar follow suit. Once they arrive, suitor Antinous and goatherd Melanthius ridicule him. Odysseus-as-a-beggar tells Penelope that he met Odysseus during his previous travels. Tasked with washing the beggar’s feet, housekeeper Eurycleia recognizes him as Odysseus by detecting an old scar from his youth. Eurycleia tries to tell Penelope, but Athena prevents it. Books 18-24: The Slaying of the Suitors The following day, advised by Athena, Penelope announces an archery competition, cunningly promising that she will wed whoever wins. The weapon of choice is Odysseus’ bow, which means that he alone is strong enough to string it and shoot it through the dozen axe-heads. Predictably,  Odysseus wins the competition. Aided by Telemachus, Eumaeus, the cowherd Philoetius, and Athena, Odysseus kills the suitors. He and Telemachus also hang the twelve maids that Eurycleia identifies as having betrayed Penelope by engaging in sexual relations with the suitors. Then, finally, Odysseus reveals himself to Penelope, which she thinks is a ruse until he reveals that he knows that their marital bed is carved out of a live-in olive tree. The following day, he also reveals himself to his elderly father Laertes, who has been living in seclusion due to grief. Odysseus wins Laertes trust by describing an orchard that Laertes had previously given him.   The locals of Ithaca plan to avenge the killing of the suitors and the deaths of all of Odysseus’ sailors, and so follow Odysseus down the road. Once again, Athena comes to his aid, and justice is re-established in Ithaca.

Compression Tests on Surrogate Bone Materials Essay

Compression Tests on Surrogate Bone Materials - Essay Example The core objectives of undertaking this experiment is to compare both high and low densities of bone water when subjected to strain rate of 5, 10, 50, and 100 percent. Through the use of wet or dry bone materials, this experiment will attempt to determine the quantitative differences between elastic modulus of both the wet and dry forms at the different rates of strain. The experiment will also compare experimental and statistical analyses. Finally, the experiment will aim at creating a spring dashpot model for the simulation of the experiment. The test will show that higher elastic modulus will result provided that higher density bone wet foam and dry foams are used. Additionally the experiment will show that strain rate increase results correspondingly increase stiffness while at the same time the material shows viscoelastic tendencies. During the test preparation stage of the experiment in which the creation of mathematical model, formulate the compressed block-equilibrium with the application of FBD. The dimensions of each block were measured, rate of strain calculated, soaking samples in water for the wet form, and calculation of displacement measures. The testing protocol applied in the collection of data included the placement of each sample on the MTS. Time-based intervals were taken into account in applying various rates of strain to each sample. Finally, each sample was subjected to varying rates of strain per second. Among the applied rates included 5, 10, 50, and 100 percent. According to the output table of the experiment, dimensions were taken into consideration that differed from one material to another. However, despite the almost identical dimensions for height, width, and length, it is shown that the dimensional differences are reflected on the results. For the strain rates applied, the results in displacement show that under 100% rate, the displacement was equal to the block height in all cases.