Communication Studies Reflection

Communication Studies Reflection â€Å"It Shouldn’t Hurt To Be A Child† The scene takes place in a doctor’s office. David and Sarah Thompson have brought in their 10-year-old son Michael because of an ankle sprain. As the doctor enters the room, Michael is sitting on the examination table in shorts and a T-shirt with a bare right foot and ankle. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are sitting in chairs close to him. Doctor: So, you are Michael. I am Dr. Gupta. Nice to meet you Michael. [shakes Michael’s hand] How are you doing today? Michael: Okay. Doctor: [turning to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson] And are you Michael’s parents, Mr. and Mrs.Thompson? Nice to meet you. [extends hand to shake] Mrs. Thompson: Nice to meet you also. [shakes hands with doctor] Mr. Thompson: Charmed I’m sure [shakes hands with doctor] Doctor: Ok.. [turning back to Michael] So what brings you in today, Michael? Michael: I hurt my ankle. Doctor: How did this happen? Michael: I was skatebo arding and, I don’t know [pauses and looks over to his parents] I guess I just slipped or something? Doctor: When did this hap†¦.? [Mrs. Thompson intrudes] Mrs. Thompson: He did it about three days ago but last night I noticed he was still limping and I thought I ought to bring him in.I don’t think it’s broken, do you? Doctor: Well, let me take a look first. [begins to examine ankle] I’m just going to take a look at your foot. Is that sore? Michael: Ouch! Yes it hurts! Mr. Thompson: Stop being ah fool an leh de docta check yuh foot fuh meh please! Mrs. Thompson: [at Mr. Thompson] Oh gosh.. yuh doh hadda talk to him so.. [Mr. Thompson eyebrows frown together] Mr. Thompson: I ask yuh anything! [Mrs. Thompson remains quiet] Doctor: That’s okay. Let me just do one more thing. I’m going to raise your foot. [raises ankle] Michael: Owwww! Mr. Thompson: MICHAEL! Behave yuh self boy! pinches Michael on the arm] How much times I hadda talk tuh yu h. [Michael begins to cry] Doctor: [looks at Mr. Thompson in disgust] It’s okay, Michael.. [notices bruise in proximal fibular area] What happened here? Michael: I don’t know [pauses] I guess I fell another time. Mr. Thompson: He’s a really clumsy kid. I keep telling him to stay off that skateboard, but he just doesn’t listen. Doctor: [scanning both of Michael’s legs, stopping over left femur] And here? Another fall? Michael: Yeah, sure†¦ Mr. Thompson: I told you, he’s clumsy, but could you please get back to his ankle?Doctor: [continuing to examine Michael’s arms] Michael, can you take your shirt off for me please? Mr. Thompson: [getting a bit edgy] Doctor, we came in for his ankle. Could you please get back to his ankle? Michael takes off his shirt at the Doctor’s insistence. Doctor: [examines Michael, pausing over several spots on arms and back] Michael, you have a lot of bruises. Some are older than others. Whatâ€℠¢s been going on? Mr. Thompson: [getting more agitated] Steups, Doctor I rel eh understand wah is de purpose of dis non-sense. I payin my money fuh you to check he foot we could get back to his ankle please. Doctor: I have some concerns.Michael has a lot of injuries and some of them seem to have occurred at different times. When we see that in a child we worry that perhaps the injuries were not all accidental. Mr. Thompson: [rolls eyes] So wah yuh gettin at? Doctor: I’m not getting at anything. I am just saying that for Michael’s safety, we need to check a few things beyond his ankle. For this reason, I am going to have one of our social workers come and talk to you, your husband and Michael. Mr. Thompson: [getting more upset] I rel nuh in de mood fuh dis, yu eh have de right tuh do dat. Doctor: Actually, I do have the right. It’s the law.The main reason I’m doing it is to be sure that Michael is safe at home and I’m sure that is what you want, too . Raising kids can be very tough, sometimes we can all use a little help. Mr. Thompson: look! docta wah nonsense yu tellin mi bout help and how tuh raise mi son, I look like I need any help? If he harden I go beat some manners in tuh he. I is ah big man nobodi gwine tell mi wah and wah nuh tuh do, suck salt eh! I gwine from here! Mr. Thompson storms out the office Doctor: [shouts] Mr. Thompson where are you going? [Looks at Mrs. Thompson as she bursts into tears] Mrs. Thompson: [crying] Doctor please help me! Scene fades

Proof That God Exists…

I will focus on the intention of proving that God exists. Some people believe that God is real and that He was the one who â€Å"created† the world and who put Christianity together. I personally believe that people who aren’t religious or do not believe in Jesus Christ or God aren’t really up to standards with how the world was created and who the Miracle Worker of it all is truly. I will express my own opinion of how God and Jesus exist and how the Big Bang theory is just made up by scientists. I will prove this in my conclusion. Main Part of My Essay Some people feel that there is definite proof for God’s existence due to: Personal Experience: For me, my personal experience is that, and this is true what I’m about to tell you, my dear mother passed on and that God and her are watching me and I feel like crying because I know that she is in my soul forever. This is personally directing towards my own life. Personal Miracles: For me, my personal miracle, I find quite funny. When I was little, when my mother was alive, I couldn’t zip up my coat. So I asked my mum if she could help me. She tried and she failed. I asked her, † Mummy, pray to God, he will help me zip up this coat,† and she said†OK. Please God; help Alice to zip up her little coat. † My mum tried again and it worked. My zip worked. I don’t know if it was the power of God that did it for me or that my mum is a really strong person. But this is my personal miracle and I believed it was God. Religious Miracles: A miracle is an event that appears to be unexplainable by the laws of nature. So it is held to be as a supernatural or ghostly feeling as an act of God. There are several views on religious miracles: 1. Many religious people see miracles as signs of Jesus Christ or God and those who experience miracles to be divine and are a favour of God. . Others believe that there’s a supernatural world and miracles happen through that. 3. Many others believe that a supernatural world and religious miracles are impossible and can’t be physically done through and think that miracles are just lies through the Big Bang Theory. Religious views on Conscience: Religious views of conscience usually see it as links to a moral in all humans, to divinity. The diverse features of religion may not necessarily be with experiential, emotive, spiritual or considerations about the origin and operation of the conscience and its religious views about it.

Monsters Ball Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Monsters Ball - Term Paper Example The strong point of the movie is its powerful and well crafted story. The basic attributes of the narrative of this film are miserable patriarch approach accompanied with racism, a strong hatred for women, violence, depression, frustration, victim, and the loneliness of each character. It is a dark movie in which the negative shades of human personality are prevalent. The story happens in a rural area of United States. The events of the story take place in rural Louisiana, far away from the cosmopolitan urban life. Being far away from urban and cosmopolitan culture, the people are shown as rigid. The story divides into two families. First is the family of male protagonist that is Hank and the second part is the family of Leticia. Hank’s family is a distressed family, where three men of three different generations are living together under one single roof with blood relations, but there is a vacuum of these generations. The father of Hank has a completely negative shade. He is extremely malicious towards black people. The extreme hatred is shown in the scene where he is so happy to read the article from a local newspaper about the execution of Lawrence Musgrove. He basically is pleased with the thought that one more man of colour is killed. He has passed on this same hatred to his son Hank. Hank’s son Sonny on the other hand is very sensible and sympathetic kind of person. He is lonely and somewhere searching for motherly love and care which has lost in his life. His father hates him and he is not accepted in his family. Somewhere he is in need of that lost love, affection and sense of acceptance. He was urging for his father’s love and affection. Sonny asks his father, â€Å"You hate me, don’t you?† his father coldly admitted that he doesn’t love him. Sonny before shooting himself says, â€Å"Well, I always love you,† and he kills himself in front of his father Hank. Hanks wife and his mother had committed suicid e in a same manner. The second parallel family is Leticia’s family. She is living as a single mother. She is living with her son, Tyrell. She is an African American woman whose husband Lawrence Musgrove is executed after a long waiting of 11 years. Her needs are both financial and emotional. She and her son are struggling and undergoing through financial crisis. She is in need of economic stability as well as mental stability. Her urge for her need is shown through her action of drinking. The audience are shocked when they see the suicide of Sonny. Why did Sonny become a sudden victim of frenzy? He was in need of his father’s affection at that moment. If his father had shown that affection, he probably would not have taken such a drastic step of killing himself. Same thing is with Leticia when she is shown smoking cigarette. Actually she is restless and at that moment she wants someone to give her solace, to take her out of her frustration. She wants to come out of her loneliness. It is her stupid attempt to find peace from smoking. When her son has an accident and she is shouting for help on the road hysterically, she is in need of someone who would help her and her son physically. This momentary need of course was fulfilled by Hank, who takes them to the hospital. The momentary need further develops a very close relationship between her and Hank. The complete transformation of the protagonist is also one of the major attributes of the narrative. The contradictory behaviour of Hank creates an

Sex in Contemporary China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sex in Contemporary China - Essay Example Exposure has led to the emergence of certain practices in the world that never existed in the ancient world. The Chinese people are revered for their rich store of culture. Rich cultural histories have made it possible to analyze and make comparisons between cultures in different ages, and their perceptions on sexuality. On the subject of sex and desire, the Chinese culture adopted a range of views that shaped their beliefs. The topic of sexuality was viewed differently in the ancient times than in the modern times. The various changes in Chinese sexual culture, in modern China, were influenced by reforms that begun in the early 1980s. These reforms introduced a different perception of sexuality. With the reforms, the Chinese government continuously lost its grip on the restrictions that it had imposed on the people, which limited sexual practices. However, the government also allowed for the continuation of certain sexual practices that have continued to the modern world, and had profound influences on the people’s sexual culture. The modern Chinese culture is rife with sexual practices that have their roots to the ancient cultures allowed during the Mao Zedong era. However, the practices changed during the reign of the Qing dynasty more than three thousand years ago. China has been characterized by changes in the patterns of sexual desire. The modern china is characterized by the prevalence of same-sex sexual desire. The same sex desire has taken the path of lesbianism and homosexuality. Lesbianism has had a long but hidden history. This practice existed in ancient times, when parents allowed their daughters to engage in latent lesbian activities to avoid public embarrassment of the family in case they got pregnant. Modernity has paved way for the increase in this practice because several arguments have been advanced to support the practice. Firstly, lesbianism in china is seen as more spiritual and less sexual. The prevalence of lesbianism can be traced back to the ancient times when the ancient leaders prom oted homosexuality. This led to neglect of women in pursuance of sexual pleasure that resulted to women looking for other sources of sexual pleasure. The only resort was to unite with other females who shared the circumstances in a bid to satisfy their sexual desires. This practice was carried on to the modern world and has become more prevalent in china (Vosburg, 130). Secondly, the increase in number of same-sex relations has been followed by constant activism and lobbied for recognition. Coupled with the free world as a result of technological advancements, the Chinese culture has been under a lot of pleasure allowing for formal recognition of such practices. Although the Chinese laws prohibit Lesbianism, this sexual preference has been allowed a lot of freedom in China. The major cities in China are flooded with lesbian bars, cafes that give evidence for the prevalence of this practice. Thirdly, lesbianism has also been rampant in modern China because of independence among women . Access to education has made women attract well paying jobs, which has led to financial independence, a crucial role that was played by men in society (Vosburg, 133). Non dependence on men for the provision of basic needs has given women the freedom and will to choose their own path in life, including their sexual preference. The pressures of work give women limited time for interaction with their men. This has killed the desire

How to Adapt to Change in the Workplace Research Paper

How to Adapt to Change in the Workplace - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that change comes about with a lot of denial on the part of the employees who are simply not ready to accept it within their stride. They believe that change shall mean a great amount of negativity for their work processes, and that they would have to undergo stress and tension at the hands of the employers who want to persist with change. They are of the view that change shall bring in a great amount of work pressure for them, which would eventually mean that they would have to exponentially increase their work yet would be given the same amount of money for what they do best within the workplace regimes. These are some of the negative aspects which are related with the denial phase when change becomes an apparent entity in the workplace. The employees opine that they would have to be looked after by their own selves and that their work manifestations would not be taken care of by the people who should have mattered the most. The denial phas e is all the more important to understand because the employees reject the idea of changing their work routines and course, and that they start believing in the fact that if they change, it would mean that there is less job security for their own selves, and that they would have to face more pressurizing times in the future. Anger is another stage within the aegis of change which shall be regarded as a very violent and aggressive one. It is one step ahead of how denial is portrayed by the employees within the workplace settings. Anger is actually the basis of some employees showing their resentment through written resignations whereby they tend to give up the idea of working any further while others believe that they would stick on and see whether they could work along the lines of the organization’s new procedures and codes. The changing attitudes are visible through their expressions, their work performance levels, and so on and so forth. This is also apparent through their comprehension of tasks and how well they want to complete their tasks in order to satisfy the needs of the organization that they basically work for. Anger makes the employees look very different in their demeanor. They start to see things very distinctively and essentially exert their influence in more ways than one. Anger is something that shall make the best of the employees stand up and make their point get across, which is not good for the basis of the organization in essence. Dejection is the third stage of change which means that since the organization has understood that change has to happen over time, it will make the employees (the ones who are against the idea of change) shall face dejected and let down by the attitude of the organization. They would believe that change will not be a good form of communication that has happened between the organization and its employees and that there must have been a different perspective which could be adopted for the betterment of all and sundry. This is an important element of change and shall be understood within the relevant domains nonetheless. Dejection is something that shall make the people feel very frustrated as they would believe that the organization does not pay respect to what they think and basically does things which are unbecoming of their stature and the manner in which their respective work domains got done in the past or even in the coming times.

IT management Practices in Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

IT management Practices in Organisations - Essay Example The underdeveloped system saps the managers’ ability to make informed decisions while planning for the IT, and the plans most turn out to be impracticable. â€Å"Deficiency in executing the plan formulated has led to a disjoint mode of implementation of technology† (Misra, 2006, p. 49). The system and organizational culture in SMEs is in the nascent stage and is not strong enough to address the loopholes in the organization and integration of IT in the work setup. Organizations take time to develop. In the start, one individual may represent one whole department because of human resource constraints imposed to minimize the expenditures and make the business profitable. Strategies entrepreneurs commonly adopt to limit the expenditure include but are not limited to increased manual work to save the expenditure of purchasing machines, overloading of work on the employees, more working hours, and reduced benefits for the organizational personnel. SMEs that do invest in mach ines do not have an efficient repair and maintenance system in place to ensure that the machines are fully functional all the time. A small dysfunction may take days to be fixed, which not only distorts the process of communication and drawing of information using technology, but also serves as a disincentive for the organizational personnel to rely on the use of technology to accomplish their daily tasks. As a result, there occurs a shift from machine work to the manual work, that in effect lowers the efficiency of the system as well as increases the work-load upon the employees further. Like all employees down the line, leaders are no less affected by the lack of planning and organization. Although leaders are primarily responsible for decision making as well as the planning and organization of IT, yet they are not able to achieve their optimal potential in leadership because of the resource constraints imposed by the owners of SMEs. Involvement of the CEO and the external IT expe rtise has a major influence on the success of IT management in SMEs (Thong et al., 1997). Unfortunately, most of the entrepreneurs/owners of SMEs are just rich enough to establish a new firm, and may not necessarily be qualified enough to lead the companies themselves. Like all other areas of IT management, controlling of IT is no less complicated in SMEs because of the aforementioned reasons. However, it is not appropriate to conclude that IT management in SMEs is absolutely inexistent. Although management of IT in SMEs is not comparable to that in large enterprises, yet various studies have concluded that there has occurred immense improvement in management of human resources as well as IT over the years (Suraweera, Cragg, & Mills, 2010, p. 1). Q. 2: Answer Before identifying the important practices in each of the four areas of IT management, it is customary to briefly discuss the concept of IT management as it helps in understanding the role of different departments in addition t o the IT department in the IT management. IT management is a very broad topic that covers activities that include but are not limited to the management of IT resource as a weapon of attaining competitive advantage, management of the resources of IT like the technical infrastructure and the organizational personnel, and establishment and accurate functioning of the information systems (Luftman, 2004). In the

The Importance of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Importance of Education - Essay Example So second thing to look for is the fee structure and the scholarship facilities, not every student can pay high fees that mostly good universities ask for so they apply for scholarships which are mostly need based or on high academic records of the students. So a mediocre student who is not financially stable and does not have a sound academic record can not avail the facility of studying at high reputed universities (Runciman, 2009). Then what is left is the infrastructure of a university if that is well formed and is feasible for a student to adapt. So a university should then be evaluated on the basis of the facilities it is providing to the students such as transport, building and communication system among the management and the students. Location of a university also matters a lot while deciding because mostly students prefer the universities in their home town or nearby location to avoid the cultural shock, cost of living, daily life facilities such as nearby shopping stores, bank and the accommodation issues which can be a great nuisance for students (McChesney, 1999). Some students also opt for the universities abroad again they have to go through all the above process of evaluation for selection one of the thousands of universities (Kaplan, 2003). Advertisements of these universities play a vital role as they create awareness among the students in other countries of their existence and the facilities they provide so that students do not have much problem researching about these universities, their repute, fee structure, infra structure and scholarship facilities (Johnson, 1978). After evaluating all the factors mentioned above a student may choose the university that is highest on the feasibility... As the paper declares  mostly students from their very early student life choose a field of interest and from there the process of university selection starts and when it is about time they have sorted out which university is best for them but still there are students who have a pool of choices around them and it is really hard for them to pick just one. So they start evaluating among the pool of universities on the basis of their infra structure, popularity, fee structure, scholarship facilities, location and advertisement.This essay stresses that availability of accommodation and the employability of an institute remain to be the most important factors which help students in decision making. All of the students study hard to reach Master’s programme level and they definitely want to get a surety about future employment and that is why this information plays a vital role in decision making. In reply to the third question that if the students know that Nottingham Trent Unive rsity (NTU) offers scholarships or not, the respondents have said that majority of them know about the scholarship offered by NTU before entering the university. 23 out of 30 claimed that they knew about the scholarship offering by NTU. 7 participants said they did not know about it.  When the 30 participants were asked about the ranking of universities, a clear majority of them agreed that they would like to go to better ranked universities.

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Business law - Essay Example Referring to general principles of recognized by civilized states as a source of international law, it protects South African government in its bid to establish its own health care policy. The decision of South Africa was driven by the fact that most of the affected HIV/AIDS victims come from developing countries where access to cheap medical facilities and medicines were inadequate faced by a total population of 4.7 million people affected y the pandemics, the South African government had no alternative except to manufacture cheap drugs accessible to all people. Therefore South African had the right to implement the legislation both before and after Doha declaration. Before Doha declaration, the South African Government was acting under the general principle of law recognized by civilized states which a recognized source of international law.This source helps international law to adapt itself in accordance with the changing times and circumstances.As pointed out by G. Von Glahn, ren owned author of international law, two views are prevalent about this source of law. According to one view the phase includes such general principles which can be applied in domestic jurisprudence and can be applied to international legal issues. For instance the question of hand in which, the South African government and the pharmaceuticals companies from U.S are seeking international redress to the issue of the SA government manufacturing cheap drugs. The point of contention at hand is the issue of patents rights where pharmaceutical companies want patent rights be protected while the government is concerned about providing cheap and affordable drugs to the people infected by HIV/AIDS; the pharmaceutical companies are sensing a decline of their products in the market due to the preference of cheap drugs. Owing to the gaps in international law, it was felt that the competence of the court could not be confirmed to making judgments according to positive international law i.e. according to customer and conventions but it won rather designed to give free reign to the law making activity of the court and the court had to content itself with applying principles of law which could be established as common to the municipal law of all civilized nations and were therefore positive law, though not positive international law (Tostem Gohl, the legal characters and sources of international law Stockholm (1957). In the Lotus case, (P.C.I) ser, A No. 10) the permanent court of international justice observed on the court considers that the words principles of international law as ordinary used can only mean international law as is applied between nations belonging to the community of states. A principle of law recognized by any domestic law does not become on international law by the virtue that it has been accepted by other nations, it becomes a principle of international of law when it has been accepted by the world court. Judge Lauterpact has therefore rightly remarked that the main function of the general principles of law has been that of safety-value to be kept in reserve rather than a source of frequent application of this source only when in a case before it, there is neither international convention nor a custom in respect of the dispute involved. Thus articles 38, paragraph 1 (c) of the statute of the international court of Justice places on record are of the main sources of the rules of public international law. The general principles of laws are those rules or standards which, are repeated in much the same form in the development systems of law, either because they have a common origin or because they express a necessary response to certain basic needs of human association reference to the South African case, the Doha declaration on the TRIPS AND PUBLIC HEALTH. The Doha declaration

Literary paper discussing the writing style, and influince on american Essay

Literary paper discussing the writing style, and influince on american literature of Ernest Hemingway - Essay Example Additionally, the level of focus will be provided with regards to the reinterpretation of Hemingway’s flawed hero and the profound impacts that this type of three imagination and rediscovery of the main character not only influenced upon Hemingway’s work but also has helped to redefine the way in which many other forms of American culture are expressed in exhibited to the audience. As a function of this level of analysis, it is the hope of this author that the contributions of Ernest Hemingway will be more thoroughly understood and the legacy which he has bequeathed to American literature and culture can be more fully appreciated. Firstly, in order to understand minimalism, one must look to the way in which Hemingway so oftentimes sought to represent complex human emotions or occurrences within their most basic understandings. Whereas many other renowned authors had for years attempted to express their thoughts and beliefs to the reader in terms of flowery and overly ve rbose prose, Hemingway instead opted for a basic/simplistic approach that sought to integrate the key idea with the reader in as few words as possible. This level of literary person this was not merely a simple literary technique; rather, it helped to express a profound level of emotional tenseness and also underscored the importance of level to which his prolific use of imagery and symbolism were able to convey additional meanings beyond that which the actual definitions of the words employed could. Said one scholar with regards to Hemingway’s minimalism, â€Å"Hemingway said prose is architecture and the Baroque age is over. Flaubert said close to the same thing, that words are like stones with which one builds a wall. One should be mindful of careless writers whose words have no moorings and are too slippery† (Liu 597). This lack of reliance upon a level of word complexity forced the reader to draw a further level of inference based upon the nuances of the character s that were represented and pay close and special attention to what ever aspects of imagery may represent further understood and in within the story. In such a way, rather than seeking to utilize complex language in tandem with imagery and scenery to affect a stated goal, Hemingway provided a new paradigm in which the use of warning language was reduced to the extent and obvious point in which the reader realized that the minimalism belied a more important complexity of surrounding elements that must be paid attention to. Although it cannot be argued that Ernest Hemingway somehow defined the tragic hero, it must be understood how he reanimated a uniquely American/post World War I interpretation of this hero. In nearly every single one of Hemingway’s works, the hero is something of an existential one. Drawing upon the inspiration of the philosophy and impacts of the time, Hemingway invariably represented these individuals within his stories invariably as deeply scarred individ uals that exhibit psychological ones of posts romance and past experience with relation to violence (Brogan 122). This representation of the hero was undoubtedly affected due to the fact

Animal Imagery of Moral Reversal Essay Example for Free

Animal Imagery of Moral Reversal Essay In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the theme of moral corruption is portrayed through the moral reversal of animals through out the play. Shakespeare utilizes this strategy to help establish the theme to his audience. This type of reversal is usually connected with Macbeth himself and the more he grows self corrupt, the more abundant the animal imagery. Toward the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed off as a lion in comparison to a rabbit, an eagle in comparison into a sparrow, showing Macbeth’s courageousness and bravery; â€Å"†¦Yes’ as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. If I say sooth, they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks† (Act I: Scene II: Line 35). This image only helps establish further the moral reversal and corruption throughout the play because, as a reader, Macbeth is here seen as a brave courageous man, a hero if you must. But as the play goes on, we drastically see a change in Macbeth as he grows more corrupt and following along with it, we see the change in animal imagery associated with Macbeth. Not only does Shakespeare use animal imagery to portray Macbeth and his own corruption, but he also uses it to evoke it by depicting moral disorder amongst the animals themselves, showing how Macbeth’s actions not only affect him, but the balance of nature as well. â€Å"On Tuesday last A falcon tow’ring in her pride of place, Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed. And Duncan’s horses – a thing most strange and certain †¦Turned wild in nature†¦ ‘Tis said they ate each other.† This scene was depicted after Duncan’s death by the murderous hand of Macbeth. This not only shows how Macbeth’s negative actions upset the balance of nature, but it shows the destroying of balance with in Macbeth himself. This comparison to Macbeth earlier being portrayed as a lion, an eagle, as this courageous man, shows his shift in character. It’s a great depiction of his corruption progressing within contrast to earlier depictions. â€Å"We have scorched the snake, not killed it. She’ll be close and be herself, whilst our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth.† In Act III Scene II, Macbeth thinks of Banquo in this way because of the witches saying he will make kings, but not be one himself. Macbeth refers to Banquo like this because he has identified Banquo as a threat that could, as a snake can, lurk in the underbrush and strike him when he least expects it. It is an ironic use of the image, since it is Macbeth who really is the snake. Macbeth falls deeper in his corruption, only causing him to seek out to â€Å"get rid of† others who he sees as a â€Å"threat†. The animal imagery here helps portray this image and this detail. Macbeth says â€Å"o, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!† Meaning his mind is full of evils and dark thoughts. This shows his realization of his corruption, and here we can see more that Macbeth has fallen deeper into his own corruption in contrast to early portrayals of his corruption. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare uses animal imagery not only as metaphorical imagery, but to portray the fall of Macbeth and his inner corruption.

Analyzing The Journeys End Of Regeneration English Literature Essay

Analyzing The Journeys End Of Regeneration English Literature Essay In the two works that I will be analysing, Journeys End and Regeneration, class refers to the social values that distinguish between the lower, middle and upper class men. The theme of class is central to both of the works and is personified in two predominant characters, Trotter in Journeys End as well as Prior in Regeneration, they will both be fundamental subjects in my essay; in which I will discuss how Sheriff and Barker explore this theme of class, concerning similarities and differences in the various methods employed. Three palpable contrasts between the works should at the outset be mentioned. Firstly Journeys End was written by a man, Sheriff who had firsthand experience of the war, himself being a captain in the East Surrey Regiment. Therefore, we can assume that some events in Journeys End and characters used are most likely influenced by genuine soldiers. Thus themes of class and the harshness of war are even more authentic and realistic; How awfully nice if the brigadiers pleased is a typical, if not sarcastic, response from a proverbial soldier; Stanhope, concerning Osbornes death, showing little respect for those in higher command and also his repression of emotion. Sheriff explores the theme of class through the effects on the characters; how differing people handle the constant stress of war, for Stanhope, it is to drink like a fish, in contrast to Trotters circle drawing, perhaps showing a lack of imagination. On the other hand the writer of Regeneration, Barker is a woman and more im portantly a lot younger than Sheriff with no direct experience of the war. Regeneration seems to focus more on the aftermath, which allows a broader sense of themes such as roles of women and the altered mental states of the class men. You seem to have a very powerful anti-war neurosis, is Rivers reply to Sassoon, who asks if he is mad, it shows the effect of the war, that it can make an educated and brave man question his own sanity. It also explores the theme of class; Rivers and Sassoon immediately create a bond with one another, coming from similar backgrounds and viewpoints, as opposed to the perpetual antagonism between Prior and Rivers. Secondly Journeys End is a play, as opposed to a novel, and Sheriff employs staging. This coupled with the need for a play to be entertaining, does not give Sheriff the luxury of including pages full of background conversation which allow subtle character progression. Barkers work in general could be seen as symbolically internal with the characters thoughts and deep emotions shown through introspection, and thought oh God, its going to be another one of this, this allows the audience to understand the characters in greater detail, to relate to them based on our personal experience, perspective and class. Whereas Sheriffs is driven by actions, and what other characters say. (He puts the box on its side and sits on it. It is too low for the table, and he puts it on its end. It is then too high), When Trotter is first introduced the stage actions show him to be a comical character, at odds with the more serious Stanhope or the hard as nails Osborne, however Trotter is a much more deep individual below the surface, which is shown by the end of the play with his promotion to second in command; Similarly Prior in Regeneration is first introduced as a mute, with a case of dumbness, differing to the other characters, but throughout the novel he conveys himself to be highly intelligent and profound. Another difference between the works is the length, Regeneration is the first part of a trilogy and this represents the more prolonged and indefinite ending, in contrast Journeys End is much shorter and has a very sudden and obvious finish, as implied by its title. This may, in some sense epitomise the theme of class and stereotypes. In Regeneration, events outside of warfare, the battle for an end to bias based on discrimination is long standing and more apparent. In Journeys End it is more ambiguous, and perhaps due to close proximity, extreme events and the over shadowing doom, is triumphed through unity, the war eliminated class divides. There are, however, important similarities between the works. They are both realistic, which is contrasted with Sheriffs use of Raleigh who represents the romantic, idealistic viewpoint; his boyish voice and hesitant speech show him to be nervous and impressionable. Raleigh is a young and inexperienced officer. This leads on to his conversation with Osborne, pages 9-17. The language that the two men use and their topic of conversation rugger and cricket remind the audience of their public school background. Sheriff explorers the theme of class through similarities and differences with characters. Lower class men tend to be employed as comic relief, which is evidenced by the character Mason and his mixed tinned fruit story. Osbornes mock shock at this story, Good Heavens! It must have given you a turn, helps to lighten the waiting game of trench life. These working class individuals, such as Trotter and Prior, deter the audience away from the constant melancholy of warfare. However they are more than simplistic tools for humour, Mason for example, serves as a reminder of the constant passing of time; with his regular meals, and also that normal activities still have to continue despite the war, forcing the audience to not base opinion on the surface, but too look deeper-to sympathise. They are also both from a British perspective, and the events mostly take place in one setting, Criaglockhart in Regeneration and a dug out in Journeys End. Sheriff uses sound and lighting throughout to create a realistic and theatrically effective image of war. The warren-like nature of dugouts with their entrances and exits lend themselves to the stage. Perhaps more importantly the dugout allows Sheriff to present an authentic image of life in the trenches, what he calls a nostalgic journey into the past (No Leading Lady). This relates to class, in the sense that the dire conditions stripped discrimination, it just a simple reminder of the horrible wreckage of their young lives and the futility of their deaths. This cannot be said for Regeneration, in which class, be it rank or treatment, is ever present. The works were also written after the war; which is significant in relation to Journeys End which was written by Sheriff in the post-war era. During the war, people had gone to theatres to forget their troubles and to be amused, but in the 1920s there was a lot of change in the way theatres managed and, in 1926, talking cinema, i.e. films with audible dialogue, started. The class system was also undergoing massive changes and people who in the past would never have been to the theatres started going. This may have resulted in the inclusion of Trotter a character from a lower class who appealed to the new audience. Therefore the theme of class in Journeys End symbolically represents contemporary feelings, a time in which social classes and barriers were being broken down and previous stereotypical upper class values were being appreciated by the masses. Trotter is shown to be more than a stereotype, this is evidenced by his conversation with Osborne about gardening, Oh, I used to do a bit of an evening. Iad a decent little grass plot in front, with flower borders geraniums, lobelia, and calceolaria, Sheriff uses a characters interaction to show that class barriers should be non-existent as the lower class can have similar interests and thought processes to the upper, everyone is not so different. Likewise, Barker makes use of the plot to show that Prior is not so different to the other characters, in fact he is vastly sharp and has knowledge of Freudian theories, I see. A negative transference, Rivers automatic assumption that a man from his background would be ignorant of such things shows how misguided discrimination due to class was, times were changing and a man shouldnt be judged by his birth place. It is ironic that this recurring theme of prejudice is focalized through such an accepting individual, portraying how deep the ro ots of discrimination were entrenched in this lost generation. Sheriff and Barker tackle the problem of class discrimination in similar ways. In Journeys End the unbiased character of Osborne allows the audience to understand Trotter more deeply, much like Rivers in Regeneration. Osborne in some senses is the audiences voice, and the very fact that Osborne can consider Trotter an equal signifies that class barriers are unnecessary, and people should judge in a more meritocratic way, by actions. In Regeneration the discrimination by class is dealt with through intellect. Barker stresses priors intelligence throughout the narrative. Unlike Sassoon, he possesses insight, which is symbolically indicated by his association with the image of the eye. When he finally recalls the traumatic event that triggered his breakdown picking up an eyeball and seeing it resting in the palm of his hand Prior not only regains his memory, but also becomes associated with the concept of vision in general. The recurring image of the eye in the palm of his hand repres ents not only his recovered hindsight, but also his ability to move between varieties of different viewpoints and see both sides. Due to his difference from the other characters, with regards to class background, his opinions and his sexuality, Priors perspective on the war is distinctive, and the source of his unique ability to subject even his own doctor to rigorous and relentless interrogation. In the same way, Trotter also has a different perspective, I reckon e only wanted to keep cheerful, as opposed to Stanhope, Doesnt his repulsive little mind make you sick? Trotter is benevolent, consistent and the voice of reason. He is less emotional and doesnt jump to conclusions, in many ways the other mens faults, such as Hibberts misogyny; help promote a less of a class run society as a lower class mans actions are superior to that of many upper class mens. (Insert relevant quote rivers covers his eyes (motif) refusing to see what he knows war is not worth it) Trotter is the only officer who has obviously not been to public school. He is middle aged and homely looking. He is described as having red

Neurotheology: Which came first, God or the brain? :: Chemistry Neurotheology Papers

Neurotheology: Which came first, God or the brain? à ¬It feels like a loss of boundaryÃâ€"Ità ­s as if the film of your life broke and you were seeing the light that allowed the film to be projectedÃâ€"à ®: Michael Baime describes the sensations he experiences during Zen meditation. Michael is a subject of the brain imaging study performed by scientists Newburg and Dà ­Aquili to track neural activity during Zen meditation. Newburg and Dà ­Aquili wanted to find out which brain sections were most active during the meditative states achieved by Michael and his fellow subjects. (2). Which regions of the brain are most active during spiritual or mystical experiences? Can an understanding of the neuroscience of spirituality prove the existence of God? It can be difficult to unobtrusively track the neuronal activity of those in intense states of meditation or prayer without jolting them back into everyday perception. However, using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, or SPECT, scientists Newburg and Dà ­Aquili were able to track neuronal activity in skilled meditators without disturbing them. With an intravenous tube in their arm, each meditator focused intently on a single, usually religious image until they achieved their familiar meditative sense of à ¬onenessà ®. When each meditator felt this sense, they tugged on a string to alert the researchers, who then injected a radioactive tracer into the intravenous line. The tracer bound to the brain regions where blood flow was highest. A scanner then made a snapshot showing the regions with the most blood flow, which indicates neuronal activity. (3). Since the meditators were focusing intently, the Prefrontal Cortex, associated with attention, lit up. But more strikingly, the parietal lobes showed very little activity. Part of the cerebrum, the parietal lobes are associated with the orientation of the body in space and processing information about time and space. More specifically, the left superior parietal lobe creates the perception of the physical bodyà ­s boundaries. The right superior parietal lobe creates the perception of the physical space outside of the body. (3). Blocked off from neuronal activity, the parietal lobe cannot create a sensation of boundary between the physical body and the outside world, which may explain the meditatorsà ­ sense of à «onenessà ­ with the Universe. Since the parietal lobes were also unable to perform their usual task of creating our linear perception of time, meditators achieved a sensation of infinity and timelessness.

Personal Narrative: Reflections on 7th grade English Class Essay

Looking back to the beginning of 7th grade English class I now realized of all the great things I have accomplished this year for English class. I am proud of how hard I worked this year and how my English has gotten better. I am proud to have been part of Ms D's English class and she is a phenomenal teacher. I think that one day I will be able to work as a English teacher like Ms D or I will become a journalist. Although I must say that when I first entered English class I had so many different thoughts. The first thought was about the teacher. I didn?t know if I would have been able to get along with Ms. D because she had looked like a professional person in which doesn?t play around. I was nervous but I knew I would have to try my best to get along with her. When class began I saw how Ms D loved to make her students write essays and that is what I knew I was good at. I saw how she was organized and she wasn?t strict nor she wasn?t mean. Ms. D was actually pretty great and funny. When class had first began I felt strong about my reading because my father used to make me read the newspaper about the age of 5 years old and at home I would have to speak loudly and clearly in front of her or else the things in which I wanted wouldn?t be granted in front of me. I knew that I wasn?t perfect but I knew that I would have to work on my vocabulary because in my country we usually didn?t speak proper English and I knew that the way that you talk is the way you would normally read and it?s the way you would write. I knew that I would have to throw away my bad English and learned English the right way. I feel excellent about reading now and I am more confident than before. I fee... ...proud of. Two things in which I learned this year and I think will be important is to not repeat myself when writing and if your introduction paragraph is not engaging to any readers no one would want to read your essay and it introduces the part of your writing. I also learned that quotes go around something in which a person says and that when there is a new paragraph with quotes around it means that a new speaker is talking. S Symbolism is an object that stands for something or someone. Looking back to the beginning of the year I can see that I was a natural writer and reader. I am confident to move onto 8th grade. There were so many techniques that Ms D introduced us to and it can definitely help us to be a better reader and writer. I will definitely miss Ms. D next year. My reflections are shown in this essay. Personal Narrative: Reflections on 7th grade English Class Essay Looking back to the beginning of 7th grade English class I now realized of all the great things I have accomplished this year for English class. I am proud of how hard I worked this year and how my English has gotten better. I am proud to have been part of Ms D's English class and she is a phenomenal teacher. I think that one day I will be able to work as a English teacher like Ms D or I will become a journalist. Although I must say that when I first entered English class I had so many different thoughts. The first thought was about the teacher. I didn?t know if I would have been able to get along with Ms. D because she had looked like a professional person in which doesn?t play around. I was nervous but I knew I would have to try my best to get along with her. When class began I saw how Ms D loved to make her students write essays and that is what I knew I was good at. I saw how she was organized and she wasn?t strict nor she wasn?t mean. Ms. D was actually pretty great and funny. When class had first began I felt strong about my reading because my father used to make me read the newspaper about the age of 5 years old and at home I would have to speak loudly and clearly in front of her or else the things in which I wanted wouldn?t be granted in front of me. I knew that I wasn?t perfect but I knew that I would have to work on my vocabulary because in my country we usually didn?t speak proper English and I knew that the way that you talk is the way you would normally read and it?s the way you would write. I knew that I would have to throw away my bad English and learned English the right way. I feel excellent about reading now and I am more confident than before. I fee... ...proud of. Two things in which I learned this year and I think will be important is to not repeat myself when writing and if your introduction paragraph is not engaging to any readers no one would want to read your essay and it introduces the part of your writing. I also learned that quotes go around something in which a person says and that when there is a new paragraph with quotes around it means that a new speaker is talking. S Symbolism is an object that stands for something or someone. Looking back to the beginning of the year I can see that I was a natural writer and reader. I am confident to move onto 8th grade. There were so many techniques that Ms D introduced us to and it can definitely help us to be a better reader and writer. I will definitely miss Ms. D next year. My reflections are shown in this essay.

Delay Planning Essay

Assignment 1 Part 1 1.Outline four areas within the above clause that could be identified as being unbalanced and give reasons why. I.The contractor gives the Superintendent, within 5 business days of when the Contractor should reasonably have become aware of that causation occurring, a written claim for an EOT evidencing the facts of causation and of the delay to WUC and any (Milestones). The reason for this being unbalanced is that 5 business days is too short of a time frame for the contractor to both collate all the relevant documents from certain people or organisations and then to write a formal claim also takes time especially if legal parties are involved. II.A comparison of the planned and as-executed critical path at the time when the delay occurred It is too difficult and unrealistic for the contractor to impact a delay into the construction programme without knowing the extent of the delay for example if a long lead item is delayed the contractor will have no idea on when the procurement item is due to arrive, the extent of the duration could affect the critical path in different ways III.If the contractor fails to give such a notice within the period required by this clause, the contractor shall have no claim arising out or in connection with any other delay. This is very extreme and is a link to the time frame of 5 days being a short term to provide evidence sometimes it is very hard and time consuming for the contactor to provide evidence even if the delays is actually present. IV.Or Subsequent delays from the original delay which should have been so notified. Each delay should be assessed on its own merit against the programme. 2.Rewrite the clause or those areas that you believe are unbalanced or unfair so that clause could be seen as evenly balanced towards all parties. Please refer to the relevant clause number above. I.The contractor gives the Superintendent, within 28 business days of when the Contractor should reasonably have become aware of that causation occurring, a written claim for an EOT evidencing the facts of causation and of the delay to WUC and any (Milestones). II.A comparison of the planned and as-executed critical path at the time when the delay seizes III.If the contractor fails to give notice within the period required by this clause, the contractor shall not be entitled to any claim until such information is provided. IV.Any subsequent delay from the original delay shall also require evidence prior to any EOT granted. Part 2 Provide a written explanation identifying how you as the contractor can ensure that they do not default on the contract addressing each point from A to E. Provide no more than half a page on each point.

Democracy Essay

Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. The key role of citizens in a democracy is to participate in public life. Democracy is also a system of rule by laws, not by individuals. Democracy is not a government. It is a way of thinking and a responsibility. In a democracy there is no corruption in power because it is a transparent system; the governing doctrine states that citizens have the right to access the documents and proceedings of the government, which allows for effective public oversight. Like a sculptor, democracy grows with its work and appreciates its art Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders and representatives use their powers, and to express their own opinions and interest. Voting in election is another important civic duty of all citizens. But to vote wisely, each citizen should listen to the views of the different parties and candidates, and then, make his or her own decision on whom to support. It is important that women participate fully both in politics and in civil society. In a democracy, every citizen has certain basic rights that the state cannot take away from them You have the right to have your own beliefs, and to say and write what u think. No one can tell u what u must think, believe, and say or not say. There is freedom of religion. Everyone is free to choose their own religion and to worship and practice their religion as they see fit. Every individual has the right to enjoy their own culture, along with other members of their group, even if their group is minority. Democracy Essay 2 In a democracy, the rule of law protects the rights of citizens, maintains order, and limits the power of government. In life there is no greater pursuit than that of equal voice. Every day people are fighting for the right to be heard. Democracy is that right on a grand scale. Democracy is not only being heard, but being listened to. Democracy is when u is given an equal vote on decisions that directly affect you. And when given this tremendous responsibility, people will surprise you. They rise to the occasion and educate themselves on the issues at hand. They also work hard to ensure that the next generation is knowledgeable. All citizens are equal under the law. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of their race religion, ethnic group, or gender. No one may be arrested, imprisoned, or exiled arbitrarily. No one is above the law, not even a king or an elected president In a democracy, the youth are educated. From birth they are taught that their voice matters and their vote counts. These are rights they must fight to maintain and will prosper from. No, democracies are not free of flaws. Some say that there is no way that something as simple as a popular vote could null the evils of unlawful power or social inequality. These woes are valid, but democracy can work. There are still consequences to right wrongs, and laws to help keep peace and balance. There is a difference between freedom and chaos. Without democracy, society suffers. In dictatorships there is no celebration of thought or creativity. A country cannot thrive if others; opinions are not appreciated. With only one opinion adhered to, the country will be at a standstill. As patience begins to wither, anger begins to rise like mercury in a thermometer. Each decision made with no consideration for those affected, every failed law, every time the system overlooks another citizen, every personal right Democracy Essay 3 is stolen, adds a degree to that temperature. Finally it becomes so hot that the citizens, like an overheated thermometer explode in anger; the people will revolt. This has happened many times in history. Our own country was built from this frustration and the fight for freedom. Without democracy, we lack progress in thought, technology, and polices; society is halted. The U. S. has thrived from our ability to create and then take said creations and improve them. Is this not the age of today? We do, want to, and communicate everything now. Without the right to improve, we would never have developed the technological world we live in. Without the voice to express innovative ideas, without the freedom to explore, we would never have achieved what we have. Stuck in the past we would stay. What would we do without progress? Democracy, like a car, gives you what you put into it. If u built it to be unhealthy, then it will pollute the air with poison. If you do not maintain its engine, it will fail you. The power of education fuels it forward, and most importantly people decide its fate.

Maya Angelou `The Graduation` Essay

P1- Summarize the essay and identify the author and title; Maya Angelou is the walking encyclopedia. She has astounding achievements to her credit. She is a great social thinker; her contribution in all the wings of literature is extraordinary! Welfare of women is very dear to her heart and therefore she is known as the Renaissance woman. Her inner world is very strong; when she speaks she mesmerizes the audience with the facts and figures and her oratorical skills. She has clearly crossed the mind barrier, she radiates peace, demolishes the structure of race-prejudice. The pages of human history daubed in bloodshed and coated with racial and ethnic prejudices, ask the crying question. How to make this Planet Earth heaven- like? The answer is simple and direct. Eyes full of understanding, heart full of love and the life that refuses conflicts-these alone are enough!—ask Maya Angelou—she is the living example of all these ideals and seen the practical application of them. She is born on April 4, 1928, St. Louis, Missouri. She is the second poet in U. S. History to be given the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration in January 1993. She has written autobiographies, personal essays, children books, poetry, plays, screenplays, acting in films and plays, radio broadcasting, recordings, spoken word albums, article contribution to many important magazines and newspapers,   a linguist with fluency in seven   languages, honorary degrees of   many universities/colleges, and what not! She has lived through the crucial period of the American history when bitter race prejudices prevailed. â€Å"The Graduation,† essay shows the path of her growth during the trying time in her life. The white power structure in the South treated the black badly, rather inhumanly. The black people suffered blows to every part of their psyche, everyday in every walk of life. How local politicians used the non-political event like Graduation Ceremony to promote their own self-interests is highlighted in the essay. P2- Explain the primary aim that you see in this essay. What is the author’s main purpose? What is he or she trying to accomplish in writing this essay? The primary aim of the essay is recollection of her past, as a women belonging to the Negro race. Her writing, apart from the literary merits, seems to be simple and sweet, but behind that simplicity runs an undercurrent of steel-will, that sets a program and sees it through. Her toughened smile indicates the harsh realities she had experienced in her life. The greatest beauty of her writing is that she is free from malice. She advises you to live life in its hard trials, tribulations, duty and beauty. She makes her points by giving due weight to the pair of opposites and the need to understand and transcend them. Spirituality and love for humanity radiates throughout the essay. She says, without actually saying it verbatim, that unless the thought process of the Whites change, their action process will never change and the black race will continue to suffer. Only when the thoughts are changed, the mind is changed; when the mind is changed, the man is changed; when the man is changed, the society is changed. The laws are there, the constitutional rights are there for the black race, but their actual implementation being biased, the ground realities are not as they should be! P3- Explain the primary mode you see in this essay? What is the method of organization (mode) used by the author? It is an autobiographical essay. This essay is the product of her experiences in the College of Self-education (real-life situations) where her mind was her Principal. Her initiatives, her Professors! Her hard work her Tutors! She was an individual who would decide on a project; she would start, and she would finish! She is one of the rare souls whom God deputes on Planet Earth, to transform a weak, subjugated race into a powerful body of responsible citizens. Essays like Graduation are not the products of intellect alone; they arrive straight from the heart. One’s experience is precious and any author can not avoid the deep impact and influence of one’s own experiences in life. Maya Angelou is not exception to this rule. â€Å"She applies three rhetorical strategies-an expressive voice, illustrative comparison and contrast, and flowing sentences bursting with vivid simile and delightful imagery to examine the personal growth of humans caught in the adversity of racial discrimination.†(Maya†¦..) The Graduation Day was the historic event in the life of small black community-they were anticipating a great recognition, the second-birth in their life. She describes that emotion, how they were trembling within, happy with the sense of anticipation of something very big that would happen soon engulf their lives, their innocence and tension, the uncertainty within the certainty etc. She did not write the essay with her pen but by her heart. It has the graceful movements of the traditional classical dance. The language is colorful like the feathers of a peacock. The moods and emotions change from paragraph to paragraph, sometimes from sentence to sentence. She creates hopes, soars high like an ace pilot and then dashes to the ground. When you are readying to laugh, you realize that your eyes are moist. You wonder how a human being can be that cruel to a fellow human being. The Graduation was a community event for the blacks. A life-time achievement award! But silent internal mourning was in store for them. With that grim experience, they all became cynical. During the Graduation ceremony a white boy, is afforded an opportunity to speak, in preference to a blacks. Maya muses, â€Å"The white kids were going to have a chance to become Galileo’s and Madame Curie’s and Edison’s and Gauguin’s, and our boys (the girls weren’t even in on it) would try to be Jesse Owensen’s and Joe Louise’s† (pg.6). But she regains her hope when her classmate Henry Reed sings the Negro National Anthem. Now Maya thinks, â€Å"We were on top again. As always, again! We survived. (pg.8). She compares the hard times of the present with the harder times of the past. The hallmark of the essay is the power of the language. It is extraordinary     like a brilliant painting in motion. Here are some of the examples:   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The children were excited and ran around in the dark. †¦ having neither lawn nor hedges, not tennis court, nor climbing ivy. Its two buildings (main classrooms, the grade school and home economics) were set on a dirt hill with no fence†¦ Rusty hoops and swaying poles represented the permanent recreational equipment† (Article: 2) â€Å"My class was wearing butter-yellow pique dresses, and momma launched out on mine. She smocked the yoke into tiny crisscrossing puckers, the shirred the rest of the bodice. Her dark fingers ducked in and out of the lemony cloth as she embroidered raised daisies around the hem.†(Article: 2)   Ã¢â‚¬Å"A group of small children were to be presented in a play about buttercups and daisies and bunny rabbits. They could be heard throughout the building practicing their hops and their little songs that sounded like silver bells. The older girls (non-graduates, of course) were assigned the task of making refreshments for the night’s festivities. A tangy scent of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate wafted around the home economics building†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Article: 2) When the Graduation ceremony ends, they return home, without joy. Like the ones back from a mourning event! P4- Explain the main point of the essay. Was the author successful in accomplishing his/her point? The main point of the essay is to highlight the social conditions that prevailed fifty-five years ago in the South in the field of education between the white and the black students. The fanciful facilities and luxuries the white children enjoyed in their schools– even the level headed Maya Angelou is driven to the wall to make the statement, it â€Å"was awful to be a Negro and have no control over my life.† She is happy that the black children and youth have made a mark in their life now. The black community has succeeded to a great extent in beating back discrimination. Their wings are strong now and they no more have to live the life of the bird in a cage. But, even on getting access to education, the job prospectuses for the black children were limited then. The South trained them in vocational studies, like carpenters, masons, maids, cooks, baby sitters etc. The White participated symbolically in the Graduation ceremonies and lectured on God, Southern way of life etc. She makes the poignant comment that the anticipated Negro National Anthem fails to play and what a disappointment it is for the black students!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ==============   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   References Cited Article-2: Maya Angelou. members.aol.com/sunny2345/angelou.html – 4k – Retrieved on November 27,2007. Article: Maya Angelou. www.mayaangelou.com/ShortBio.html – 5k -Retrieved on November 25, 2007.

Mba Spring2011 Merck Sample Group Project

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (MBA – Spring 2011) Strategic Management Case Study Executive Summary:3 Current Vision4 Current Mission4 Values5 Current Strategies:6 Developed Vision7 Developed Mission7 Reason for new mission8 SWOT Analysis9 External opportunities:9 External Threats:10 Financial and Operating Performance Analysis11 Close Competitors11 Ratio Analysis11 Key Industry Ratios14 Operating Profit margin14 Net Profit margin14 Current Ratio14 Return on Assets15 Debt/Equity Ratio15 Inventory Turnover Ratio15 Revenue Growth16 Market Share16 Internal Strengths16Internal Weakness20 External Factor Evaluation Matrix21 Competitive Profile Matrix23 Internal Factor Evaluation24 Space Matrix27 SWOT Matrix29 Grand Strategy Matrix31 Recommended Strategies31 Recommended strategy No. 1:31 Recommended strategy No. 2:32 Projected Financial Statements33 Projected Ratios34 Company worth Analysis34 Annual Objectives:35 Strategic Review and Evaluation Procedures:35 Bibliography:36 Executive Su mmary: Merck & Co. is a research driven pharmaceutical company involved in manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and drugs.Merck's products are not limited to preventive and therapeutic vaccines. Merck merged with Schering-Plough in November of 2009 for $41billion. Merck is based in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and has more than 110000 employees. The company has a annual revenue of $45billion during the year ending December 2010. The increase in revenues was mainly due to the incremental sales resulting from the inclusion of the post-merger results of Schering-Plough products. The operating profit of the company was $1,653. 0 million during FY2010, a decrease of 90% over 2009.The net profit was $859 million in FY2010, an increase of 93% over 2009. Merck’s products include preventive and therapeutic vaccines sold by prescription to treat human disorders and to also treat animal health. The company manages many products in different segments. Human health pharmaceutical produc ts consist of prescription therapeutic and preventive agents for the treatment of human disorders. Merck distributes its human health pharmaceutical products to retailers, government, drug companies, health and wellness organizations, and others.Merck's vaccine products are primarily managed and administered at physician offices. These products include preventive vaccines. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines for Children program is a major customer for some of these vaccines. Merck also manages a clinical pipeline that has products in many different disease domains not limited to diabetes, heart strokes, hyper-tension, inflammatory problems, neurology related diseases, osteoporosis, respiratory, female health and many other prominent and new domains.This pipeline is managed in phases followed by a few ready for registration. Majority of these are subject to FDA approval before commercial manufacturing commences. Merck also manages vaccines for animal health an d this is a growing segment where there is more need for research for prevention of many diseases in animals. In addition to the above many different segments, Merck also manages a portfolio of regular consumer healthcare and manufactures many OTC products, foot and sun care products not just in the USA but also in Canada. Current VisionWe make a difference in the lives of people globally through our innovative medicines, vaccines, and consumer health and animal products. We aspire to be the best healthcare company in the world and are dedicated to providing leading innovations and solutions for tomorrow. (1) Current Mission To provide innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives and satisfy customer needs, to be recognized as a great place to work, and to provide investors with a superior rate of return. (1) | Mission Component| Accomplished? | 1| Customers| No| | Products or Services| Yes| 3| Markets| No| 4| Technology| No| 5| Concern for survival, gro wth and profitability| No| 6| Philosophy| No| 7| Self-Concept| No| 8| Concern for public image| Yes| 9| Concern for employees| Yes| Values Our business is preserving and improving human life. We also work to improve animal health. All of our actions must be measured by our success in achieving these goals. We value, above all, our ability to serve everyone who can benefit from the appropriate use of our products and services, thereby providing lasting consumer satisfaction.We are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We are responsible to our customers, to Merck employees and their families, to the environments we inhabit, and to the societies we serve worldwide. In discharging our responsibilities, we do not take professional or ethical shortcuts. We are dedicated to the highest level of scientific excellence and commit our research to improving human and animal health and the quality of life. We strive to identify the most critical needs of consumers and cust omers, and we devote our resources to meeting those needs.We expect profits, but only from work that satisfies customer needs and benefits humanity. This depends on maintaining a financial position that invites investment in leading-edge research and that makes it possible to effectively deliver the results of that research. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of our employees. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. We also strive to reward commitment and performance and be responsive to the needs of our employees and their families. 1) Current Strategies: * The Access Strategy aims at increasing access to medicines, vaccines, and healthcare in the emerging and developed countries. * To ensure safety and quality of products, Merck introduced a ‘Anti-counterfeiting’ strategy to prevent counterfeits across the world. Merck has setup an advanced laborato ry to implement this strategy.* To restore confidence as a quality producer of global vaccines, Merck continues to implement vaccine supply manufacturing strategy. * Merck continues to implement its global diversity strategy. * Merck’s research strategy is designed to mprove productivity and the probability of success and this is monitored by a Research Strategy Review Committee. * The most popular MRL strategy i. e. Merck Research Laboratory strategy is designed to manage the pipeline that uses the expertise to treat many unsolved diseases and health issues. MRL scientists are passionate about resolving and meeting unmet medical needs. * Merck established External Basic Research (EBR) and an EBR strategy are formulated to expand the scope and size of Merck’s early pipeline through partnerships with external partners. * Merck follows a responsible pricing policy thru its worldwide tiered pricing strategy. To foster health literacy in Switzerland, Merck follows the Swis s e-health strategy and as part of this strategy, they work with universities around the world. * Merck formed a Global Labor Relations Strategy to include global labor guidelines and principles and monitoring tools worldwide.* Merck energy management strategy serves as a useful framework in measuring current performance resulting in Merck receiving the Energy Star sustained excellence award. * Merck’s corporate strategy is â€Å"Plan to win†. * Merck has a supply strategy that combines the skills of internal and external manufacturers. (1) Developed Vision Our vision is to be an outstanding and most trusted company in the world’s healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. † Developed Mission We are passionately committed to providing creative, comprehensive and effective health solutions (2) that will improve the health, wellness and quality of life of our customers (1), consumers and partners around the globe for today, tomorrow and forever thru our continu ed superior performance, intelligent and creative employees (9), innovative and qualitative safe products, sustainable and profitable partnerships and by building increased shareholder returns thru this process.We will focus on increasing healthcare access (6) in the local and emerging markets (3) and will strive to use modern environment friendly technology(4) for our scientific innovation to improve productivity and to reduce costs to make our products more affordable. We will serve the society and the eligible people (8) with programs that will provide free and cost effective health solutions. We will collaborate with global research companies to lead and contribute to the resolution of global health issues (7) and we will position ourselves as the best in the industry with sustainable prosperity(5). Mission Component| Accomplished ? | 1| Customers| Yes| 2| Products or Services| Yes| 3| Markets| Yes| 4| Technology| Yes| 5| Concern for survival, growth and profitability| Yes| 6| P hilosophy| Yes| 7| Self-Concept| Yes| 8| Concern for public image| Yes| 9| Concern for employees| Yes| Reason for new mission The current mission is not exciting and does not emphasize on all the key components of an effective mission. The new mission emphasizes on health solutions as a whole versus products and services only. The new mission is targeted towards the wellbeing of the end consumer and not just to save the life.The focus is specifically mentioned to be in all markets including the emerging markets. Modern environment friendly technology will be used to develop safe products that are not counterproductive to the wellbeing of the end consumer. The needy people will be served with effective solutions and the new mission passionately suggests sustainable prosperity while engaging creative and intelligent people building profitable shareholder returns thru the whole process. SWOT Analysis External opportunities: O1 – The recent agreement with Schering-Plough opens mo re avenues for potential growth in the fields of respiratory and infectious disease herapeutic segments. (1) O2 – Possible Cost savings of $3. 5 Billon from internal restructuring efforts beyond 2011. (1) O3 – There is a lot of potential for growth in the Diabetes and Oncology markets and Merck has made its entry into this market thru the product Januvia. O4 – Merck can add core strength to its portfolio by expanding research and innovation in the biological markets thru partners, acquisitions and joint ventures. O5 – Rapidly expanding market share in emerging markets proves to be a high potential opportunity for Merck.Emerging Markets in the Pharma Industry will take 50% Growth Credit by 2013. (2) O6- Increased opportunity for new Generic Drug products. Healthcare reform suggests cost savings and insurance industries emphasize usage of generic drugs and the expiring patents on a lot of drugs opens up opportunity for Merck to pioneer the generic drug mark et leveraging its world-class research capabilities. The total market share of the patents that will expire over 2010-2015 is 17% with a market share of $142billion. (17) O7- Pfizer’s animal health business returned a profit of $2. billion which is second to Merck and with the cancelled joint venture of Merck and Sanofi-Aventis, Merck should further pursue their concept with Novartis who are No. 5 in animal health business. This will strengthen their No. 1 position in the light of Pfizer's growing sales and the merger between J;amp;J and Eli Lilly Co in this segment. (3) External Threats: T1 – At least five of the patents are expiring in the next two years and competition is ready to introduce generic products backed by healthcare reform and this can pose a serious threat to Merck’s products and profitability.T2 – The consumer is not the one that usually makes the choice of using a particular drug. Mostly, drugs are prescribed by physicians, who sometimes lack the necessary information about relative prices. (4) T3 – The recent housing market problem, the oil prices problem and the global recession has a cascading effect on the job market and many people are unemployed losing their health insurance and forced to not being able to use medical or pharmaceutical products.If there is no sales in the pharmaceutical products, Merck can suffer financial losses and reduced returns to shareholders. T4 – The HealthCare Reform enacted in 2010 caused unanticipated losses for Merck and the effects of this Act will continue into future. These new provisions will decrease revenue and increase costs. (5) * 2010 – Costs incurred due to increased Medicaid rebates. With respect to the effect of the law on the pharmaceutical industry, the law increased the mandated Medicaid rebate from 15. 1% to 23. 1%. 2011 – An annual health care reform fee on all branded prescription drug manufacturers and importers and the requirement th at drug manufacturers pay a 50% discount on Medicare Part D utilization incurred by beneficiaries when they are in the Medicare Part D coverage also known as the ‘Donut hole’.T5 – Although not included in the health care reform law, Congress has also considered, and may consider again, proposals to increase the government’s role in pharmaceutical pricing in the Medicare program. (5) T6 –    Congress may again consider proposals to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of medicines from other countries. 5) T7 – Merck is experiencing delay in manufacturing some of its vaccines and this delay can cause a competitor to launch a product that can be manufactured quickly. Financial and Operating Performance Analysis Close Competitors Pfizer Inc. Eli Lilly and Company Ratio Analysis | 2006| 2007| 2008| 2009| 2010| Margins (% of Sales)| | | | | | Revenue| 100. 00%| 100. 00%| 100. 00%| 100. 00%| 100. 00%| COGS| 26. 50%| 25. 40%| 23. 40%| 3 2. 90%| 40. 00%| Gross Margin| 73. 50%| 74. 60%| 76. 60%| 67. 10%| 60. 00%| SG;amp;A| 36. 10%| 31. 20%| 30. 90%| 31. 10%| 28. 80%| R;amp;D| 21. 10%| 20. 20%| 20. 10%| 21. 30%| 23. 90%|Other| 0. 60%| 1. 40%| 4. 30%| 6. 00%| 2. 10%| Operating Margin| 15. 70%| 21. 90%| 21. 20%| 8. 70%| 5. 20%| Net Int Inc ;amp; Other| 12. 40%| -7. 40%| 20. 50%| 47. 00%| -1. 60%| EBT Margin| 27. 50%| 13. 90%| 41. 10%| 55. 80%| 3. 60%| Profitability| | | | | | Tax Rate| 28. 70%| 2. 80%| 20. 40%| 14. 80%| 40. 60%| Net Margin| 19. 59%| 13. 54%| 32. 74%| 47. 03%| 1. 87%| Asset Turnover| 0. 51| 0. 52| 0. 5| 0. 34| 0. 42| (Average)| | | | | | Return on Assets| 9. 92%| 7. 05%| 16. 34%| 16. 20%| 0. 79%| Financial Leverage (Average)| 2. 54| 2. 66| 2. 52| 1. 9| 1. 95| Return on Equity| 25. 00%| 18. 33%| 42. 27%| 33. 15%| 1. 1%| Growth| | | | | | Revenue Growth| | | | | | Year over Year| 2. 80%| 6. 90%| -1. 40%| 15. 00%| 67. 70%| 3-Year Average| 0. 20%| 1. 80%| 2. 70%| 6. 60%| 23. 90%| 5-Year Average| -13. 90%| -1 4. 10%| 1. 20%| 3. 60%| 15. 90%| 10-Year Average| 1. 30%| 0. 20%| -1. 20%| -1. 80%| 1. 30%| Operating Income| | | | | | Year over Year| -36. 00%| 49. 30%| -4. 50%| -52. 80%| -0. 70%| 3-Year Average| -24. 90%| -7. 20%| -3. 00%| -12. 30%| -23. 50%| 5-Year Average| -18. 30%| -11. 40%| -9. 60%| -18. 50%| -15. 60%| 10-Year Average| -3. 40%| -0. 70%| -2. 30%| -10. 90%| -12. 60%| EPS| | | | | | Year over Year| -3. 30%| -26. 60%| 144. 0%| 55. 20%| -95. 00%| 3-Year Average| -11. 40%| -17. 00%| 20. 10%| 40. 70%| -42. 70%| 5-Year Average| -8. 40%| -13. 90%| 4. 50%| 16. 70%| -33. 20%| 10-Year Average| 2. 60%| -2. 30%| 5. 40%| 8. 70%| -20. 90%| Cash Flow Ratios| | | | | | Operating Cash Flow Growth-YOY| -11. 10%| 3. 50%| -6. 10%| -48. 40%| 219. 00%| Free Cash Flow Growth-YOY| -6. 80%| 3. 50%| -11. 90%| -63. 40%| 373. 40%| Cap Ex as a % of Sales| 4. 30%| 4. 20%| 5. 40%| 5. 30%| 3. 60%| Free Cash Flow/Sales| 25. 56%| 24. 75%| 22. 11%| 7. 04%| 19. 88%| Free Cash Flow/Net Income| 1. 3| 1. 83| 0. 68| 0. 15| 10. 64| Liquidity/Financial Health| | | | | |Current Ratio| 1. 2| 1. 23| 1. 35| 1. 8| 1. 86| Quick Ratio| 0. 95| 0. 97| 0. 65| 1. 03| 1. 25| Financial Leverage| 2. 54| 2. 66| 2. 52| 1. 9| 1. 95| Debt/Equity| 0. 32| 0. 22| 0. 21| 0. 27| 0. 28| Efficiency| | | | | | Days Sales Outstanding| 50. 3| 52. 4| 56. 7| 69. 1| 55. 4| Days Inventory| 104. 2| 108. 5| 136. 1| 209. 2| 138. 1| Payables Period| 29. 4| 33. 3| 40. 6| 57. 8| 45. 1| Cash Conversion Cycle| 125. 1| 127. 6| 152. 3| 220. 5| 148. 4| Receivables Turnover| 7. 3| 7| 6. 4| 5. 3| 6. 6| Inventory Turnover| 3. 5| 3. 4| 2. 7| 1. 7| 2. 6| Fixed Asset Turnover| 1. 6| 1. 9| 2| 1. 8| 2. 6| Asset Turnover| 0. 5| 0. 5| 0. | 0. 3| 0. 4| Reference – (6) Key Industry Ratios Operating Profit margin 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Operating Profit margin| 5. 2| 20. 3| 28. 3| Merck had Operating Profit margin of 5. 2 OPM%. Merck Operating profit margin is low when compared to competitors; this indicates that there is scope for improving the cost structure. Net Profit margin 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Net Profit margin| 1. 87| 12. 18| 21. 97| Merck had a Net Profit margin i. e. , 1. 87 NPM%. Merck NPM is lower than its competitors. A net profit margin indicates that there is scope for improving the capital structure.Huge percentage drop when compared to 2009 (47%). Current Ratio 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Current Ratio| 1. 86| 2. 11| 2. 09| Current Ratio: Merck has Current Ratio of 1. 8, which shows that Merck may meet short-term obligations. Current Ratio 2. 0 is considered good to meet short-term financial obligations. Return on Assets 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Return on Assets| 0. 79| 4. 05| 17. 34| Return on Assets (ROA): Merck has ROA of 0. 79%, which indicates its assets are NOT at optimum their utilization. Debt/Equity Ratio 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company |Debt/Equity Ratio| 0. 28| 0. 44| 0. 55| Debt/equity ratio (D/E ratio ): Merck had D/E ratio of . 27, which is good. Inventory Turnover Ratio 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Inventory Turnover Ratio| 2. 6| 1. 6| 1. 6| Inventory Turnover Ratio: Merck has a 2. 6 times turnover ratio, which is good when compare to competitors. It also suggests that loss of sales as it will not have sufficient stock in hand. Revenue Growth 2010| MERCK| PFIZER| Eli Lilly and Company | Revenue Growth| 67. 7| 35. 6| 5. 7| Revenue growth: Merck Sales growth rate is 67%, Revenue growth is very good when compared to competitors.New products Isentress and Januvia  sales boosted revenue. Market Share Market share: – Total Pharmacy industry share is $836 billion and Merck has $46 billion, stands one of the largest company in 2010 – 5. 5 % of Global Market. Internal Strengths S1 – Merck maintains strong financial health despite the $8. 5 billion debt needed for the acquisition. Analysts are predicting that the combined company will generate a $12 billion cash flow in 2011 which should help repay the debt quickly. (7) S2 – Majority of the blockbuster products introduced recently showed very strong sales.Especially, Januvia (diabetes), Isentress (HIV), and Gardasil. (7) S3 – Merck has strong earnings when compared to the industry. | Stock| Industry| S;amp;P 500 | Stock's 5Yr Average*| Price/Earnings| 122. 0| 17. 7| 16. 6| 40. 7| Price/Book| 1. 9| 2. 6| 2. 2| 4. 0| Price/Sales| 2. 3| 2. 6| 1. 4| 3. 5| Price/Cash Flow| 9. 8| 10. 1| 8. 5| 19. 9| Dividend Yield %| 4. 5| 3. 4| 1. 7| —| S4 – Merck’s latest acquisition of Schering results in a $6 billion pipeline of drugs with the potential of multiple blockbusters and very few patent losses are expected over the next couple of years.It is predicted that the combination of the two entities should generate $3 billion plus in annual cost savings before 2011. (8) S5 – Global market presence along with production facilities. Merck operates in 120 countries with 31 factories worldwide. (9) Merck follows a unique strategy of integrated markets as below. (10) S6 – Merck is well positioned in some Emerging Markets and is showing robust growth in China and is actively searching for a partner in India. Merck has developed a separate strategy for positioning itself as numero uno in emerging markets. 11) & (12) S7- A vast diversified product portfolio in Medicines, Vaccines, Biologics, Consumer Care and Animal Health. (12) S8 – It has various  patient assistance programs  in U. S. to help the people who are unable to afford the medical treatment in terms of medicine if household income is less than 400% of Federal Poverty Level. (13) S9 – The firm has robust in-house research capabilities that also make it a leader in designing new medical products. Internal Weakness W1 – EPS dropped from $0. 28 from $5. 7 mainly due which reflect a net unfavorable impact resulting from the amortization of purcha se accounting adjustments, in-process research and development (â€Å"IPR&D†) impairment charges, including a charge related to the vorapaxar clinical development program, restructuring and merger-related costs, as well as a legal reserve relating to Vioxx (the â€Å"Vioxx Liability Reserve†) discussed below, partially offset by the gain recognized on AstraZeneca’s exercise of its option to acquire certain assets. (5) W2 – Singulair is Merck’s largest volume selling pharmacy product with a annual sales of $3. billion as of 2010 and this is expiring in Aug 2012. (5) On top of this, FDA announced that a potential link exists between this product and suicidal behavior. (14) W3 – Few of Merck’s late-stage pipeline products did not get approved by FDA. Following drugs did not get FDA approvals anacetrapib for atherosclerosis, cholesterol drug Tredaptive, Rolofylline for heart disease and Telcagepant for migraines. W4 – The firm faced lawsuits on Vioxx product on increased chances of heart attack and Merck Agreement Provides for $4. 85 Billion Vioxx Settlement Payment. 15) W5 – Merck settled a lawsuit with J&J for $500 million over a dispute on two anti-inflammatory records. Merck also looses marketing rights in some areas. (16) W6 – Merck’s Current ratio is 1. 8, has a limited liquidity position as compared to its competitors. W7 – Merck has minimal presence in the Generic Drug Market. External Factor Evaluation Matrix | External Factor Evaluation Matrix (EFE)|   |   |   |   | Opportunities| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| 1. | O1 – The recent agreement with Schering-Plough opens more avenues for potential growth in the fields of respiratory and infectious disease therapeutic segments | 0. 8| 4| 0. 32| 2. | O2 – Possible Cost savings of $3. 5 Billon from internal restructuring efforts beyond 2011. | 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 3. | O3 – There is a lot of po tential for growth in the Diabetes and Oncology markets and Merck has made its entry into this market thru the product Januvia | 0. 05| 3| 0. 15| 4. | O4 – Merck can add core strength to its portfolio by expanding research and innovation in the biological markets thru partners, acquisitions and joint ventures| 0. 05| 1| 0. 05| 5. | O5 – Rapidly expanding market share in emerging markets proves to be a high potential opportunity for Merck.Emerging Markets in Pharma Industry to take 50% Growth Credit by 2013 | 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 6. | O6- Increased opportunity for new Generic Drug products through more focus on quality R&D. Healthcare reform suggests cost savings and insurance industries emphasize usage of generic drugs and the expiring patents on a lot of drugs opens up opportunity for Merck to pioneer the generic drug market leveraging its world-class research capabilities. The total market share of the patents that will expire over 2010-2015 is 17% with a market shar e of $142billion. | 0. 15| 2| 0. 30| 7. | O7- Pfizer’s animal health business returned a profit of $2. billion which is second to Merck and with the cancelled joint venture of Merck and Sanofi-Aventis, Merck should further pursue their concept with Novartis who are No. 5 in animal health business. This will strengthen their No. 1 position in the light of Pfizer's growing sales and the merger between J;amp;J and Eli Lilly Co in this segment| 0. 02| 3| 0. 06| | | | | | | Threats| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| 1. | T1 – At least five of the patents are expiring in the next two years and competition is ready to introduce generic products backed by healthcare reform and this can pose a serious threat to Merck’s products and profitability| 0. 5| 2| 0. 30| 2. | T2 – The consumer is not the one that usually makes the choice of using a particular drug. Mostly, drugs are prescribed by physicians, who sometimes lack the necessary information about relative prices. | 0. 05| 3| 0. 15| 3. | T3 – The recent housing market problem, the oil prices problem and the global recession has a cascading effect on the job market and many people are unemployed losing their health insurance and forced to not being able to use medical or pharmaceutical products. If there is no sales in the pharmaceutical products, Merck can suffer financial losses and reduced returns to shareholders. 0. 08| 3| 0. 24| 4. | T4 – The HealthCare Reform enacted in 2010 caused unanticipated losses for Merck and the effects of this Act will continue into future. These new provisions will decrease revenue and increase costs. | 0. 08| 2| 0. 16| 5. | T5 – Although not included in the health care reform law, Congress has also considered, and may consider again, proposals to increase the government’s role in pharmaceutical pricing in the Medicare program. | 0. 03| 3| 0. 09| 6. | T6 – Congress may again consider proposals to allow, under certain conditio ns, the importation of medicines from other countries. 0. 03| 3| 0. 09| 7. | T7 – Merck is experiencing delay in manufacturing some of its vaccines and this delay can cause a competitor to launch a product that can be manufactured quickly. | 0. 03| 2| 0. 06|   | TOTALS| 1. 00|   | 2. 57| Competitive Profile Matrix Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM)| | Merck| Pfizer| Eli Lilly and Company | Critical Success Factors| Weight | Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Rating| Score| Global Expansion| 0. 10| 3| 0. 30| 3| 0. 30| 4| 0. 40| Market Penetration| 0. 06| 4| 0. 24| 4| 0. 24| 2| 0. 12| Pipeline| 0. 15| 3| 0. 45| 4| 0. 60| 2| 0. 30| Patents| 0. 8| 4| 0. 72| 3| 0. 54| 2| 0. 36| R;amp;D| 0. 17| 3| 0. 51| 4| 0. 68| 2| 0. 34| Financial Profit| 0. 05| 2| 0. 10| 3| 0. 15| 4| 0. 20| Customer Loyalty| 0. 00| 3| 0. 00| 3| 0. 00| 2| 0. 00| Market Share| 0. 08| 4| 0. 32| 4| 0. 32| 3| 0. 24| Product Quality| 0. 06| 1| 0. 06| 2| 0. 12| 2| 0. 12| Generic Drugs| 0. 15| 2| 0. 30| 3| 0. 45| 2| 0. 30 | Totals| 1. 00|   | 3. 00|   | 3. 40|   | 2. 38| * Global Expansion: Merck is in 121 countries Pfizer is in 150 countries Eli Lily is in 143 countries. * Pipeline: 94 in Pipeline for Pfizer, Lilly has 15 and 57 in Merck Pipeline excluding registration. Patents: Pfizer has 11 basic patent products and Lily has 8 basic patent products and Merck has 29 basic patent products. * Financial Profit : EPS – Lilly has EPS 4. 58 Merck has 0. 28 Pfizer has 1. 02. * Market Share : Merck has $45 billion and Pfizer has $67 and Lilly has $23 billion. * Product quality : Merck has two major lawsuits whereas Pfizer has one and Lilly has one. * Generic Drugs : Pfizer has 59 generic drugs which is more than what Merck has and what Lilly has Merck is still entering into different JVS with SUN and other pharma companies. Internal Factor Evaluation Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix (IFE)|   |   |   |   | Strengths| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| 1. | S1 – Merck maintains stro ng financial health despite the $8. 5 billion debt needed for the acquisition. Analysts are predicting that the combined company will generate a $12billion cash flow in 2011 which should help repay the debt quickly. | 0. 05| 4| 0. 20| 2. | S2 – Majority of the blockbuster products introduced recently showed very strong sales. Especially, Januvia(diabetes), Isentress(HIV), and Gardasil. | 0. 08| 4| 0. 32| 3. | S3 – Merck has strong earnings when compared to the industry. | 0. 04| 3| 0. 12| 4. S4 Merck’s latest acquisition of Schering results in a $6 billion pipeline of drugs with the potential of multiple blockbusters and very few patent losses are expected over the next couple of years. It is predicted that the combination of the two entities should generate $3 billion plus in annual cost savings before 2011. | 0. 15| 4| 0. 60| 5. | S5 Global market presence along with production facilities. Merck operates in 120 countries with 31 factories worldwide. | 0. 06| 3 | 0. 18| 6. | S6 Merck is well positioned in some Emerging Markets and is showing robust growth in China and is actively searching for a partner in India.Merck has developed a separate strategy for positioning itself as numero uno in emerging markets. | 0. 15| 3| 0. 45| 7. | S7 A vast diversified product portfolio in Medicines, Vaccines, Biologics, Consumer Care and Animal Health. | 0. 05| 3| 0. 15| | | | | | | Weaknesses| Weight| Rating| Weighted Score| 1. | W1 EPS dropped from $0. 28 from $5. 67 mainly due which reflect a net unfavorable impact resulting from the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments| 0. 04| 2| 0. 08| 2. | W2 Singulair is Merck’s largest volume selling pharma product with a annual sales of $3. 2 billion as of 2010 and this is expiring in Aug 2012. 0. 10| 1| 0. 10| 3. | W3 Few of Merck’s late-stage pipeline products did not get approved by FDA. Following drugs did not get FDA approvals anacetrapib for atherosclerosis, cholesterol drug Tredap tive ,Rolofylline for heart disease ,Telcagepant for migraines| 0. 10| 1| 0. 10| 4. | W4 The firm faced lawsuits on Vioxx product on increased chances of heart attack and Merck Agreement Provides for $4. 85 Billion Vioxx Settlement Payment. | 0. 04| 2| 0. 08| 5. | W5 Merck settled a lawsuit with J;amp;J for $500 million over a dispute on two anti-inflammatory records. Merck also looses marketing rights in some areas. 0. 04| 2| 0. 08| 6. | W6 Merck Current ratio is 1. 8, has a limited liquidity position as compared to its competitors. | 0. 05| 2| 0. 10| 7. | W7 Merck has minimal presence in Generic Drug Market. | 0. 05| 1| 0. 05|   | TOTALS| 1. 00|   | 2. 61| Space Matrix Financial Position: * Return on Investment is Average when compare to Industry. * Leverage: Compared to the industry standard, leverage or debt equity ratio of Merck is more industry is whereas Merck is 0. 27. * Liquidity: Current Ratio is around 1. 8. Above 2. 0 is preferred to meeting Short-term obligations. * Working Capital: Working Capital is low. Cash Flow: Cash Flows for 2010 is very good which is around $9 billion. Industrial Position: * Growth Potential: Revenues are up by 67% and successful new product launches. And successful merger with Schering Plough * Financial Stability: After M;amp;A, company financially is in difficult position, but in long-term it will do better. * Ease of Entry into Market: As Merck already exists in multiple markets and different pharma domains, ease of entry into market is considered high for Merck * Resource Utilization: Merck has ROA of 0. 79%, which indicates its assets are NOT at optimum their utilization. Profit Potential: As free cash flows are high, profit potential is more. Competitive Position: * Market Share: Second in global position * Product Quality: Two products have litigations. * Customer Loyalty: Due to Voixx and other products side effects, customer loyalty became average. * Technological know-how: Getting new biotechnology and bio-p harma industry. * Control over Suppliers and Distributors: Merck has control on Suppliers and Distributors. Sustainability Position: * Rate of Inflation: Same as like other products * Technological Changes: Minimal * Price Elasticity of Demand: As more are patent products, the effect will be less. Competitive Pressure: Yes, there is lot of competition with pharma and other generic drug products. * Barriers to Entry into Market: Minimum Barriers. SWOT Matrix SO Strategies: * S5O5O6: Healthcare reform emphasizes a paradigm shift to generic drugs from branded drugs and 17% of the patented drugs are going to expire by 2015 and this is an opportunity of $142 billion and there are not a lot of market players in this segment yet. Merck can take advantage of this upcoming situation and start working on generic drugs in the pipeline to be released in the established and emerging markets.We believe Merck should be able to tap into at least $50billion by this strategy. * S4O4O1: Merck’s merger with Schering results in a $6billion of pipeline of drugs and not many patents are expiring in this set. This strategy will result in $3billion of savings before 2011. Merck should further expand their research and innovation thru joint ventures and innovations in the current, biogenetics and other potential domains and follow a market penetration strategy in current and emerging markets.Merck should further expand their research and innovation thru joint ventures and innovations in the current, biogenerics and other potential domains and follow a market penetration strategy in current and emerging markets. ST Strategies: * S6T4T1: Healthcare reform can cause major losses in the domestic market and many laws of healthcare are not yet in implementation and the result of this will continue thru 2014 and so, Merck should start expanding globally beyond its current footprint and should focus on generic drugs as a majority of the emerging markets prefer inexpensive drugs compared to branded expensive drugs.The savings here are double-edged as we minimize the effect of healthcare reform oriented costs and we expand globally and earn more before competition takes over. The potential savings by this strategy is estimated to be a minimum of $4billion in the next one year considering we have a good presence in many established and emerging markets. * S7T2: Merck should start implementing a pharmacy management program by working closely with physicians and customers to deliver a one-of-a-kind integrated specialty pharmacy in every national segment that is part of Merck's client advisory board.This pharmacy management program specifically targets specialty medications for a number of chronic conditions and helps them better understand their condition, medication side effects, and the importance of adherence. WO Strategies: * W2O6O5W7: Singuliar is a branded product of Merck the patent of which is going to expire in 2012 and Merck should equip itself by penetrating into the generic drugs market that will substitute Singuliar and Merck should rapidly expand in emerging markets and focus on improving in existing markets to position itself better for the post patent expiration loss of sale. W3O4: FDA's denial of products in research and development can setback the product development lifecycle timeline during which competition can catch up and release their own branded or generic drug and so Merck should expand its research and innovation to adopt latest technologies for quicker innovation and also use joint ventures or partners or possible acquisitions to quickly supplement its lacunae in the research areas and thereby position itself for success. WT Strategies: * T1W2: More than six of Merck's patents are expiring in the near term.The additional capacity realized upon the cessation of Singuliar manufacturing should be used for high potential drugs which will face limited competition. The high potential drugs in the pipeline approved by FDA sho uld be made ready for use for the additional capacity. * W3T3: The current recession caused by multiple problems can hit Merck's profitability and the failure of FDA approvals can cause further sunk losses in the research and development area. Merck should look into outsourcing research and development to places where it is inexpensive for research.Grand Strategy Matrix The extensive analysis of Merck suggests the first quadrant of the Grand Strategy Matrix. Merck is in a good long term strategy and should continue to pursue its strategic plans and the recommended strategies. Recommended Strategies Recommended strategy No. 1: Healthcare reform emphasizes a paradigm shift to generic drugs from branded drugs in an effort to save money for the consumers and to eliminate undue profits for the healthcare or pharma industries. 7% of the patented drugs are going to expire by 2015 and this is an opportunity of $142 billion and there are not a lot of market players in this segment yet. Merck can take advantage of this upcoming situation and start working on generic drugs in the pipeline to be released in the established and emerging markets. We believe Merck should be able to tap into at least $50billion by this strategy over the next five years with an immediate return of $15billion in the upcoming fiscal year.More research and development can be leveraged by outsourcing research and development into areas where it’s more productive for the investment. A more detailed vision of this strategy in monetary terms is presented in the next section to give the audience a perspective of how this strategy is beneficial in making Merck the number one in the industry with sustainable prosperity laying the foundation to diversify into pharmacy management program in light of the healthcare reform. Recommended strategy No. 2:Merck should start implementing a pharmacy management program by working closely with physicians and customers to deliver a one-of-a-kind integrated spe cialty pharmacy in every national segment that is part of Merck's client advisory board. This pharmacy management program specifically targets specialty medications for a number of chronic conditions and helps them better understand their condition, medication side effects, and the importance of adherence. More research and development is suggested in areas that Merck can improve upon and the excess capacity that will be obtained after Singular should be used for pipeline products.This will position Merck as a differentiator in not just health but the health and wellness industry and will form a close nexus with physicians and customers while pursuing research in the most needed areas to improve life and wellbeing as visualized in the revised mission. Projected Financial Statements Projected Income Statement| | | | | 2010| 2011| | Revenue| 45,987. 00| 62832| Around $17 bln increase due to new strategies| COGS| 18,396. 00| 21991. 2| 35% of revenue| Gross Profit| 27,591. 00| 40840. 8| | | | | | Operating Expenses $Mil| | | | SG&A| 13,245. 00| 15708| 25% of sales | R&D| 10,991. 0| 13991| allocated $3 billion more| Other| 985| 985| | Pharmacy Management| | 200| | New Market Development expense| | 300| | Operating Income| 2,370. 00| 9656. 8| | Other Income and Expense $Mil| | | | Net Int Inc & Other| -717| -717| | Earnings Before Taxes| 1,653. 00| 8939. 8| | Income Taxes| 671| 3575. 92| 40% tax| Earnings After Taxes| 982| 5543. 88| | Acctg Changes| —| | | Disc Operations| —| | | Ext Items| -123| -123| | Net Income| 859| 5420. 88| | Diluted EPS, Cont Ops$| 0. 28| 0. 37| | Diluted EPS$| 0. 28| 0. 37| | Shares| 3,120. 00| 3208| | | | | | Project Balance Statement| | | |Assets $Mil| | | | | 2010| 2011| | Cash and Equiv| 10,900. 00| 11500| | Short-Term Investments| 1,301. 00| 1320| | Accts Rec| 7,344. 00| 11016| 50% increase| Inventory| 5,868. 00| 7335| 25% increase| Other Current Assets| 3,651. 00| 4250| | Total Current Assets| 29,064. 00| 354 21| | Net PP&E| 17,082. 00| 19555| | Intangibles| 51,834. 00| 52544| | Other Long-Term Assets| 7,801. 00| 8022| | Total Assets| 105,781. 00| 150963| | | | | | Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $Mil| | | | | 2010| 2011| | Accts Payable| 2,308. 00| 2828| | Short-Term Debt| 2,400. 00| 2605| | Taxes Payable| 1,243. 0| 1300| | Accrued Liabilities| 8,514. 00| 8914| | Other Short-Term Liabilities| 1,176. 00| 1220| | Total Current Liabilities| 15,641. 00| 16867| | Long-Term Debt| 15,482. 00| 18282| | Other Long-Term Liabilities| 20,282. 00| 30455| | Total Liabilities| 51,405. 00| 55604| | Total Equity| 54,376. 00| 85359| | Total Liabilities ;amp; Equity| 105,781. 00| 150963| | Projected Ratios | 2010| 2011| Debt/Equity Ratio| 0. 28| 0. 65| Return on Assets| 0. 79| 3. 59| Net Profit margin| 1. 87| 8. 6| EPS| . 28| 1. 49| Company worth Analysis Net Worth Analysis |   | |   | Stockholders Equity| $66,754,000,000 |Net Income x 5| $4,295,000,000 | (Share Price/EPS) x Net Income| $104, 429,857,143 | Number of Shares Outstanding x Share Price| $104,948,066,926 | Method Average| $70,106,731,017 | Annual Objectives: * A projected increase in sales of $18bn is to be expected for 2011 and reduction of Singuliar sales will be $3bn resulting in $15bn. * An additional expense of $3bn for research and development is assumed for 2011 as part of recommendation 2. * A new category of expenses called â€Å"Pharmacy management expenses† will appear in statement for the amortization expenses of the start up of pharmacy management. A spike in interest of $200mn should be planned for due to the loan required for pharmacy management. * The pharmacy management program is expected to yield $2bn in profits in the first year. * New market development expenses should be planned for $300mn. * Merck should plan on generating equity to the tune of $30bn in the year 2011 to meet the expenses related to increased sales. Strategic Review and Evaluation Procedures: * At the end of the y ear, Merck should compare the stated objectives with the actual data.A re-evaluation of IFE and EFE should be implemented and should be checked for variance against the current IFE and EFE. * If no major variance is observed, the same strategies can be continued thru the following year. At the same time, if the result of these strategies position Merck in a better place, few more aggressive quadrant strategies should be evaluated and considered at that moment. * In the case of a situation where a wide variance is observed from the planned strategies, corrective actions are recommended after careful evaluation of factors from all relevant dimensions to check the main cause/s of the variance.A revised vision, mission and objectives may be needed at that moment in light of the new changes in external and internal factors. * We would also like to recommend usage of a balanced scorecard to evaluate the firm from multiple dimensions and ensure the overall progress of the firm follows the trajectory. * Key performance indicators should be evaluated from time to time internally against the plans or annual objectives and with industry standards for averages to identify any needed changes to the strategy.