Continental Airlines Case Study

04 – 18 – 2012 Ariel Kramer Summary Frank Lorenzo, in 1986, owned one of the largest airline networks in the world. From a small investment in Texas International Airlines, after restructuring it and bringing the company to profitability, Texas Air bought Continental for $154 million. In order to reorganize the corporation as a more viable enterprise, Lorenzo took Continental into bankruptcy. This process caused a walkout by many union workers, so Lorenzo replaced strikers with nonunion workers at much lower wages. Low-cost operator and cut-rate prices was Lorenzo's way to manage the company.After the corporation emerged out of bankruptcy, Lorenzo bought Eastern Airlines. In an environment of heavy losses, he instituted a severe downsizing program. At first Lorenzo's move appeared to be successfully, but he was wrong and Eastern went out of business. In 1993, Continental tumbled again into bankruptcy. The court approved a reorganization plan for Continental to emerge fr om bankruptcy. In the early 90's, a sick airline industry caused heavy losses not just for Continental but for all the companies. In 1994, Gordon Bethune became chief executive officer of Continental Airlines.He made dramatic changes. Since Continental was by far the worst among the nation's 10 biggest according to the Department of Transportation, Bethune renewed focus on on-time flights, lost luggage, and customer complaints. Customers began returning and Bethune transformed the workforce in a happy one by giving them benefits through achieved goals. The new company's manager apologized to their customers and asked them how we could be better being serving you. Instead of the company's old focus on cost savings, efforts were directed to putting out a better product.By giving employees bonuses for meeting certain standards, the incentive was created. Competing just on price basis leaves any firm vulnerable because it can easily be matched by competitors. Q: If you ran the airline, would you employ theory X or theory Y? Why? Theory X and Theory Y were identified by Douglas McGregor. There is a group of people who think, feel and therefore act according to the assumptions of what he called Theory X, and another group moves according to the assumptions of Theory Y. The theories suggest the possibility of managing human productivity in business organizations, as well as view human behavior within them.According to Theory X, humans do not generally like to work, or want to work as little as possible, as such, most workers have to be monitored and threatened with punishment to achieve the objectives of the company. Employees avoid responsibilities, prefer formal orders whenever possible, show little ambition and put safety above all other factors associated with work. On the Other hand, Theory Y highlights the fact that when a favorable environment, the work can be a natural thing that gives pleasure. In this environment, an employee, when enticed with a reward, en gages more in carrying out his task.In time, the employee ceases to be just under orders and responsibilities and begins looking for some responsibilities (do not confuse this theory with too much freedom or lack of control; it is just a different way of managing human resources within the organizational environment). X and Y theories are interesting, but we must consider the culture of each company and the context that a team is to generate a higher profit. Today, many organizations that succeed show strong traits influenced by the theory Y.Theory Y management style develops an open, dynamic and democratic, through which run becomes a process of creating opportunity, releasing potential, removing obstacles, encouraging individual growth and provide guidance on the objectives. His management style is democratic, creating opportunities and providing guidance on the objectives to the employee. It is up to administrators to provide conditions for development and recognition of characte ristics such as motivation, responsibility and potential for development to employees of the company.In this method of administration, workers can improve their work through their attitudes and their relationship with other workers giving the firm a better place to meet its goals. We can say that on the Theory X, it is an inhumane theory that discards the fact that workers are human beings, normal people, and treat them as machines, as objects, or rather, as the property of the company. An employee who should do no more and no less than the work assigned to him, without making any complaints, criticisms or suggestions.A company that adopts the concepts of theory X, employees presents themselves unmotivated and lazy attitudes and behaviors, on the other hand, if one choose to Theory Y, people will interact and present motivational characteristics. Managing is not enough. Recognize the needs and capabilities of your employees are essential to good business development and administrati on. Q: Evaluate the causes and the consequences of frequent top executive changes such as Continental experienced in the days of Lorenzo? Any company needs a plan.Lorenzo was an administrator who did not have a way of following up with a plan. He often changed his strategy at the first sign of failure and did not give time to his top managers try to reverse the situation. Over a period of 10 years, nine presidents had left Continental. This caused a big problem for the company since every time he changed his plan, time and money were spent to organize another strategy. Planning and focus are important aspects for a company to acquire the desired success. Each manager thinks differently. New ideas are brought after each change in administration.With several points that can be improved in the company, the focus of each manager will face a different problem. Giving time and working conditions to a staff member to develop his projects is essential to achieve results and profits for the company. Lorenzo gave no time for his top managers and each exchange, a new mentality was deployed in the company. One needs time to put his plans into practice and show results. Usually without time there are no results and consequently, no profit. Inconsistent strategies are vulnerable. A manager should always follow a plan to maintain the confidence of investors.The lack of planning is not good for the reputation of the company also with relation to customers. Sometimes a strategy needs to be revised and modified to achieve new goals; however, frequent and drastic changes can make a big burnout among employees. The exchange of managers in the company may have been one of the causes of the low profitability in which Continental had suffered in the middle 80’s. Q: It is 1994 and Bethune has just taken over. As his staff adviser he has asked you to prepare a report on improving customer service as quickly as possible.He has also asked you to design a program to inform both bu siness and nonbusiness potential passengers of this new commitment. Be as specific as possible in your recommendations. First, the company should let everyone know that there have been changes in the administration. By sending email to our customers could be a good way to do it. After a period in which the company had bad times, letting customers and investors know about the changes can bring their confidence back and consequently many customers would start flying with us.Second, we could create a program (perhaps a phone number) where customers can make complaints and propose new ideas. Confidence is everything. We get to get our customers confidence back. Emailing people cost nothing. That is a cheap and easy way to get customers to know about the change. Emailing people does not take so much time either, and, therefore, we got a combination of non-cost and few time spent on this new advertisement. By letting customers know about this new commitment, the company can expect an incr ease on sales because of the return of many unhappy customers who are going to be waiting for a better service.In order to get the expected better service, we get to listen to our customers’ complaints and suggestions. A phone number where people could leave messages or talk to a representative would be a great way to get it done. It is another cheap program that would get the confidence of our customers back. These two ideas will bring the company more customers since they would be excited with the new manager’s ideas. This will also cause a higher profit for Continental Airlines in a short period of time without spending a lot of money.

A Comparison between Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing

Comparisons are great between many of Shakespeare’s works. Many comparisons can be made in lies, fights, and conflict between Romeo and Juliet, which is a tragedy, and Much Ado About Nothing, which is a comedy. After comparing them both they show these in all elements. First, characters in both plays include villains, lovers, and friends. In both pieces the topic of lies comes up many times. Many characters display this. The first act of dishonesty happened when Romeo and Benvolio tried to deceive the Capulet’s by attending their feast, uninvited. As a result, Romeo met Juliet, and instantly fell in love, which was the beginning of the play. When he met Juliet, Romeo said, â€Å"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night† (1. 5. 52-53). Romeo is already in love, when he has only just met this woman. This is the main cause of the entire tragedy. The most destructive act of lying was in â€Å"Much Ado about Nothing† when Borachio and Don John framed young Hero. â€Å"But you are more intemperate in your blood/Than Venus, or those pamper’d animals† (4. 1. 53-54). Claudio has just accused Hero of being unworthy due to a framed situation.. This entirely ruined their wedding. Consequences are also shown throughout both to prove the trouble of love. In both plays love is the bond that holds them together, in spite of many fights the two face. For instance, the entire tale of â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† is based upon a feud. The Montague’s and Capulet’s despise one another. The fight continues to dwell on; the families refuse to forgive and forget. â€Å"From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,?where civil blood makes civil hands unclean† (1. 1. 3). This stubborn mindset prevents young Juliet and Romeo from public love. In Much Ado About Nothing, the main plot also contains an angry perspective. Beatrice and Benedick are constantly bickering throughout the story. Both characters are witty and quick to start an argument. Your foolish reaction can often be expressed as Signor Mountanto† (2. 2. 4-5). This is just an example of Beatrice’s rude attitude, which is often displayed by Benedick as well. As there fighting continues, a love begins to grow. Possibly, the internal feelings they both had caused the continual disagreements. Lastly, the conflict of both plays proved the problems love may cause. Because of the rivalry the Montague’s and Capulet’s maintained, Romeo and Juliet were prohibited from being seen in public as a couple. This; however did not prevent the two from being together. â€Å"With love’s light wings did I o'erperch these walls/For stony limits cannot hold love out,† (2. 2. 66-67). Romeo says his feelings, and says it is impossible to keep him away from her. The secrecy between the two began and soon ended in problem. In William Shakespeare’s other work, â€Å"Much Ado about Nothing† there are also many secrets. The characters work together to show Benedick and Beatrice they have feelings for one another. â€Å"Dote on Signor Benedick, whom she hath in all outward behaviors seemed ever to abhor† (2. 3. 81-82). Both people were fooled into discovering love with each other. In conclusion we can say they are both the same piece of literature, however with dramatic diversities. As you read you begin to realize this even more so. Each characters and there feelings relate to another, and allows for a rather complicated, interesting plot.

Forecasting financial statements Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forecasting financial statements - Essay Example The third step is the area of activity to be covered in the activity (Danielsson, 2011). In order to improve the accuracy of forecast, the forecasted financial statements should only cover a small period such as only a month. This is because forecasted financial statements that cover a long period are prone to distortion or inaccuracies arising from external factors that were unforeseen and therefore, not considered during the forecasting process. Markham (2006) stated that in 2005, the American Insurance Group engaged in an improper corporate valuation scheme whereby they told their traders to inflate their stock prices, which in turn lead to an inflated valuation of the company. In order to avoid such a scandal that occurred at AIG it is necessary to create rules that govern how corporate decisions should be made and they should be written in the corporation’s article of association. Secondly, the corporation’s decisions should based on a simple majority vote and incase a director of the corporation has a conflict of interest on the matter being addressed then the director should not be allowed to

Community studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Community studies - Essay Example The first method that can be used is the formation of controlled social institutions. This involves formation of centralized and controlled development initiatives such as training centers, Polytechnics among others. These are controlled by the relative government authorities in order to provide education aimed at avoiding overexploitation of resources. Through these institutions, individuals can get to learn different skills as well as how to manage the different scarce resources that is available. The second method that can be employed is encouraging environmental sustainability in the community. This can be done by educating people the importance of practicing sound environmental processes aimed at preservation. For example, conservation of water and water catchment areas and forests, and managing the utilization of natural resources like wood. Wider goals involve global environmental protection through campaigns that educate people on the importance of cutting down carbon emissio n that has contributed to global warming (Wulfhorst & Haugestad, 2006). Economic Sustainability is the other method that can be employed. It involves effective management of capital including human-capital, natural- capital and knowledge- capital. Irreversible resource depletion should be avoided or controlled, for instance mining and oil exploration. Other measures include implementing affordable tax structure, as well as proper fiscal and monetary policies. Finally, the use of social sustainability can be applied. This involves effective management of social relations within a community including how the members of the society relate with each other. This can be achieved through allowing various social freedoms such as freedom of religion, congregation or association. Implementation of social initiatives such as community projects bring people together and enhance social relationships (Wulfhorst & Haugestad, 2006). All these practices

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 38

Marketing - Essay Example In this regard, the questions that need answers for successful marketing educational products include: The market is diverse and dynamic, and so would be the products offered in that market (Pride & Ferrell, 2012). Product customization might highly be necessary, owing to the various modes and programs of teaching and learning employed by different teachers, learners and schools. For a start, competitors may be lacking, but with successful business establishment, they are likely to emerge. The market is also subject to changing variables due to reforms and improvements undertaken in the education sector from time to time. Marketing products to married couples who have no children would have to account for individual couple’s tastes and preferences. The situation is different when it comes to couples with children, or even empty-nester couples. For a married couple with no children, likely products to be marketed to them include family life products, gifts and kids’ products in the anticipation of children. This couple’s buying decisions are guided by future expectations and plans for a bigger family. For this couple, it is likely that expenditure exacerbates as savings decline. On the other hand, the empty-nester couple’s buying decisions are less influenced by family size, but are guided by savings rather than

Pharmacy Technician Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pharmacy Technician Experience - Essay Example This experience proved that the field of Pharmacy is multifaceted that a mere experience would not suffice to satisfy the professional demand of pharmacy. I have decided to pursue a doctorate degree in Pharmacy to competently respond to the demands of the profession both in the practical as well as scientific aspect of the job. For the short term, I am interested to further my knowledge in the practical aspect of pharmacy by engaging in the retail and hospital environments with the long term objective of becoming a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy will not only provide me with the competence in the field of research but will also provide the rare privilege of being a trusted member in my profession as well as community. This knowledge, experience and trust however must be earned especially in the demanding field of pharmacy particularly if one is to pursue a doctorate

Smartphone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Smartphone - Essay Example The author also addresses future prospects in mobile device technology. The article brings into perspective an important opportunity in the field of education and pedagogy in general. Initially, the use of mobile phones was restricted to communication. However, the author outlines that communication can also involve the sharing of information between teachers and students and thereby acting as an educational tool. Furthermore, the ease in accessibility and portability of mobile devices compounded with advancements in technology has made the adoption of mobile phones in education unavoidable. With the realization of the potential in mobile devices with regard to education, technological advancements can and should concentrate on inventions that will promote the use of mobile devices in education. Furthermore, educational strategies should be adopted to ensure that users have the relevant knowledge and experience with regard to using mobile devices for educational purposes. The article brings into perspective an important step in using technology to promote education. The author provides a history account of mobile learning and the some of the reasons why the use of mobile devices for learning unlike the use of computers has not been exploited effectively. The author defines mobile learning as the use of mobile devices such as PDA and Smart phones in education. Some of the issues the author outlines that have been responsible for the lack of effective exploitation of mobile phones as educational devices, are the perceptions adopted by both manufacturers and end users. The author provides an example of the Sony Ericsson mobile manufacturer where the company confessed that education was not one of its priorities when it came to adopting newer technologies in mobile devices. Furthermore, the author explains that end users have not also been able to relate education with mobile devices that are mostly seen as entertainment devices. The

Duke Ellington Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Duke Ellington - Essay Example â€Å"gotta hurry home†.  These records did not  hit  as they expected, and it was until 1926 when Irving mills became their  manager  that they had their massive hit.  They  later  recorded â€Å"black and tan fantasy† a song that associated with Ellington throughout his career. Later he  was  put  at the  top  by his  acceptance  to be a  house  band for cotton club. This made him well known in America and contributed to financial security that his  band  needed. It left cotton club in 1931 to  tour  the world; they managed to change with time. In 1930s swing music  hit, New York and Ellington managed to change from  hot  jazz of 1920s to this genre. The  record  Ã¢â‚¬Å"doesn't mean a thing if it  ain't  got that swing† created that  era. In 1940s, the  band  strength  increased even more, and  new  soloist joined them (Pinkney & Pinkney). They recorded various records including â€Å"per didoà ¢â‚¬ , and â€Å"jump for joy†. In 1943, Ellington gave his first  hall  concert debuting â€Å"black, brown and  beige†. In late 1940s, his music continued to be of high quality, and his  band’s turnover increased. Many influential bands broke up during this time due to the rise of bebop. In spite of, Ellington’s  band  never broke up. In 1950s, he had his worst moment of his career, but it was not a problem with his art. The band struggled for a while, but in 1955, they realized "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" which brought him back to  fame. Duke brought various innovations to the music industry back then; making it acceptable for a black person to succeed in music. He was among the earliest jazz singers to make a  record  that took more than three minutes. His songs were more untraditional and had  different  modulations from what people  were used  to back then. The melodies of... The biggest contribution of Duke was his effect on the black community; he was able to show the world that blacks too had talent. His discipline was also notable; this is has been explained his ability to keep the band together until his death. His contribution, however, went beyond music; he contributed a lot to his culture as a black person. He fought for racial equality and even became part of civil rights movements. Duke contributed an immense deal in making blacks feel worthy, and he was quoted saying that his race was his inspiration. He was able to influence many musicians including Thelonious Monk whose piano style was influenced by Ellington. Monk is a modern jazz musician, as well as a pianist. His unique arranging concepts influenced a number of modern day composers. Even if, Duke's main forte was jazz, he also composed for ballets, films, operas and church services. He was kind hearted and would regularly display his musicians; enabling them to make a strong impact on the ir own jazz styles. Ellington received various Grammy awards all the way through his career and many other awards. He continued to perform until his demise after suffering from cancer. His band continued with his legacy headed by his son Mercer. Ellington's legacy was to remain the greatest jazz musician of all time, and he has done that considering his name is, as vital, as it was then. His influence to musicians has remained strong and relevant. Until today musicians revisit his work for inspiration and as a bedrock to their own careers.

(Choose one question) which you are interesting and I get good marks Essay

(Choose one question) which you are interesting and I get good marks. 1.How might the type of good exported affect the growth - Essay Example A country may be in a better position to export a certain product or services for various reasons. A country can export products and services if it is the single supplier of a certain product, particularly when it has access to natural resources that other are not endowed with. Some countries are also in a better position to make a certain product at a fairly lower cost than other countries .The reason is that a country may have the absolute advantage in producing a certain product over others. Absolute advantage in international trade implies that a country can produce a product at a cheaper price than others. The concept of balance of trade results from the import export business. Balance of trade is the difference between the quantity of exports and the quantity of imports. When exports exceed imports, trade surplus results while a trade deficit results when the quantity of imports exceeds that of exports. There exist two types of final products for export. Traditional products, w hich are produced using labour intensive skills, and high-tech products which are made using differentiated intermediate goods (Andersen & Babula, 2008, p. 10). When a country engages in international trade, it registers economic growth especially when its products are in high demand. Factors determining export led growth include demand, competitiveness and the rate of exchange. Growth is initiated by an increase in demand for exports. If the spread effects are potent as the export sector grows so the domestic sectors will too. Spread effects refer to prosperity flowing from exporting products and services in international trade. The competitiveness of a country’s product increases the demand for exports. This implies that the demand for what a country sells increases. Depreciation in the rate of exchange makes exports more competitive, thereby increasing demand. Depreciation of the exchange depends on the elasticity of demand for exports (Felipe, 2010, p. 260). The depreciat ion of a country’s currency in international trade depends with the changes in demand of a country’s exports. Opening up trade can improve the allocation of resources, eventually changing the production function upwards and increasing the per capita income level. Production function relates the output of a country to the amount of inputs. Input in this case refers to capital and labor as factors of production. Production function also refers to the relationship in which output increases as more units of input are employed in production. There is a relationship between international competitiveness if a country’s export and economic growth. Keynesian perspective explains this kind of growth as being demand-driven and that exports make up the exogenous component of collective demand that propels income growth. Exogenous component in this context refers to external/foreign/international components that drive internal growth of a company. Additionally, a fast growth of exports and output tends to set up a virtuous circle of growth through the connection between output growth and production growth. From a neoclassical endogenous growth point of view, a connection between exports and growth may be vindicated since the opening up of trade may be an incentive to a higher rate of endogenous technological change. A study conducted by Maizels in 1963 established a noteworthy relationship between the relative growth of the prime industrial nations and their share of the global export market in manufactures (Meliciani, 2001, p.

Critical reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical reflection paper - Essay Example It is imperative to note that thoughts are also subject to past experiences; for instance, educators may be against the learning of a new reading approach that is promoted by the government because they have the belief that the approach is not effective based in successful experiences they have working with a different approach. I believe that emotional intelligence of the educator has a profound influence on motivation and self-concepts of students, regardless of the fact that teaching is associated with a lot of emotion. The willingness of a school to change is affected by the psychological state of the teachers and if they disregard the psychological and inter-personal processes, they might end up behaving in a defensive manner in order to safeguard themselves from innovations that will reveal their shortfalls (Strike, 2010). On the other hand, if teachers value individuals as people, while at the same time valuing what they contribute, their self-esteem will increase and trust will be fostered. I believe the starting point for learning is motivation, and for an overworked and busy educator to be devoted in terms of effort towards change and new learning approaches, there should be adequate reasons for change or something that will make the teacher understand that what they are doing is not working. Additionally, when faced with newer approaches to teaching, the teachers should have an awareness of whether it is useful and practical, which implies relevance in the classroom to the students(Parker, 2010). Further, I believe if a teacher is not confident on the possibility of achieving success, then motivation will not be enough and there are cases where teachers do not believe that all students can be successful. Some teachers deeply believe that regardless of what they do, they cannot make a lot of difference as a result of the disadvantaged social situations of the students as

Current Strategic Objectives And Aims Of Tesco Commerce Essay

Current Strategic Objectives And Aims Of Tesco Commerce Essay To provide all our customer with excellent value and choose- Benefit of e-purchasing is let the customers can shift through a great amount of produces information very quickly, and evaluate between different offers before they make the choice. Particularly on Tesco website, the produces with detail explanation plus picture, and almost all the produces can buy on the internet as in store. That can give as much as information out before customers makes the selection. And, because of less costs on e-selling, the customers can get improved price of the produce. winning at selling non-food products (books, DVDs, CDs) Book and music are perfect for home shopping, because customers can read a little reassess, see the cover, the price then make a option. Tesco also try to e-selling the download music. And about the Tesco services, like insurances and broadband, there is improvement to have a website which can show the state of the services and can register online. This will gain more customers and lead successful selling of books ,DVDs ,cds etc. Non-food producers and services. Consumers standard of living change, meet their need by supply new product and services nowadays, living styles have changed, e-shopping attracting a part of our lives. Many consumers like better to do e-shopping at home rather than really go shopping. To respond this big change, Tesco have own website to doing e-selling. Also Tesco have selling new merchandise and services to join selling. For example Tesco have broadband services and they sell computer and internet goods on line or in store. http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Tescos-Aims Objective /173539?topic 1.2 evaluation of the component parts of a strategic plan of Tesco The main components parts of a strategic plan can be described as Mission Objectives Situation analysis Strategy making Implementation Control http://www.netmba.com/strategy/process/ Mission Mission statement shows the companys main priorities. Tescos mission statement Is to retain loyal customers, this depicts the world that Tesco hope to make sure that the clients they have come back to them and dont go to their competitors. The reason that Tesco has a mission statement is so that their shareholders and clients know where the Business is going. (Spulber, 2007) For Tesco to gain this they must set themselves Objectives. Tesco objectives are to keep their customers happy this is because if they do this then this Will mean that the customers of Tesco will be happy at Tesco so will stay with them and not go to the competitors of Tesco therefore Tesco is retaining loyalty from its customers. For Tesco to achieve its aims it must set itself small objectives. (Simms, 2007) Objective Tesco aim is to retain loyal customers to do this Tesco has to set themselves objectives these are small targets that help Tesco to achieve their big aim. Tescos objectives are to keep clients happy, to gain big profit margins, to motivate employees, expand abroad, and sustain financial issues to be friendly towards the environment http://coursework-writing.co.uk/data/6.en/39/business_coursework_1.pdf Situation analysis Once an organisation determined its objectives it begins its strategic plan to achieve those objectives and so do Tesco which is very clear in its objectives and take an extra care to make these objectives achievable and for this purpose the main thing is the environmental scan of the organization whether it is internal or external and Tesco is very well awarded .there are two aspects of the external environment one is the macro and the second is micro anaylysis.macro analysis is the pest analysis of the company which tell us what is going on externally outside through the organisation which includes politically,economically,technologically and socially while in micro analysis we have frame work of porters five forces which tell us internal position of the organisation such as key staff, company culture, operational capcity,brand capacity ,financial resources, exclusive contracts etc.by doing situational analysis we gather information is not very helpful most of the times to make str ategy plan but we categorise it as into two factors one is the internal which we take as the Tesco strength and weakness and the other is the external which we take as threats and weakness and hence we have able to manage the information to formulate it into strategy and such analysis is often referred as the swot analysis of the organisation. (http://www.netmba.com/strategy/process/ ) Strategy making of Tesco Tesco have continued to make strong progress with all four parts of their strategy a strong UK core business, non-food, retailing services and worldwide by keeping our centre on trying to recover what we do for customers the four main and important parts of Tesco strategy making are mentioned below. make their shopping journey as easy as possible continuously looking for to reduce our prices to help them spend less contributing the expediency of either big or small stores introducing simplicity and value to complex markets http://www.bized.co.uk/educators/16-19/business/strategy/activity/strategic1.htm Implementation process of strategy of Tesco To make any strategy into effectiveness and to be more fruitful implementation is a vital ingredient and without effective implementation process no strategy could be successful and fruitful. So Tesco know this fact and keep it mind whenever its time to implement or introduce new strategy and the four key points to keep in mind during the implementation process are described below advertising of products Procurement manufacture Human resource Information technology The whole process of implementation requires resources and putting all things into important organisational change. Control Tesco Accepting that danger is an intrinsic part of doing business, our risk management systems are planned both to support entrepreneurial spirit and also provide guarantee that risk is fully understood and managed. The Board has overall liability for risk management and internal control within the situation of achieving the Groups objectives. Executive management is accountable for implementing and maintaining the essential control systems. The job of Internal Audit is to check the overall internal control systems and report on their usefulness to Executive management, as well as to the Audit Committee, in order to ease its review of the systems. (http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/corpgorv/riskmanagement/ ) 1.3 The factors affecting the strategic plan of Tesco There are lot of factors which effect the strategic planning and they can be internal or external but their influence is so great which cannot be ignored such as competitors, social or economic ,or some internal factors etc. I would like to discuss few in order to give general idea to demonstrate how the influence the strategies of Tesco. Competitors To use this structure on Tesco shows that the corporation in order to be flourishing has to support its business plan on these capabilities. Capabilities result from Tescos capacity to unite and use these resources in exclusively diverse ways. In the external surroundings, the strength of rivalry is not completely under the retailers control, however, to compete efficiently Tesco have to recognize its hub competences and use them for organisation benefit. Social and economic elements Prevailing patterns show that British clients have stirred towards one-stop and mass shopping, which is due to a diversity of communal changes. Tesco have, therefore, amplified the amount of non-food items obtainable for sale. The type of merchandise and services demand by clients is a role of their social training and their resulting attitudes and philosophy. clients are becoming more and more awake of health issues, and their attitudes towards food are continuously changing. One example of Tesco adapting its creation mix is to hold an improved require for organic products. The corporation was also the first to allow clients to pay in cheques and cash at the checkout. Technological Technology is a main macro-environmental changeable which has impacted the growth of many of the Tesco goods. The new technologies profit both clients and the corporation: client contentment rise because commodities are readily available, services can become more personalised and shopping more suitable. The start of the competent Consumer Response (ECR) idea provided the shift that is now evident in the management of food supply chains (Datamonitor Report, 2003. (Desjardins D. (2005) Tesco strategies turn up competitive heat in UK, DSN Retailing Today, 2/28/2005, Vol. 44 Issue 4, pp.4-6;) These above are few elements which can influence the policy making plan and we could discuss more under pestle analysis of Tesco and through other strategies to ellaborate further. 2.1 Tesco strategic analysis tools to audit progress towards strategic aims and objectives To identify the various tools to audit towards the strategic aims and objectives of Tesco i would like to do swot analysis of Tesco to make it understand it more in depth. in the Great Britan this year. Tesco has progressed its non-food department to the level that its Revenues now total 23% of total group profit. Tescos global business section is increasing more and more, and is speculated to contribute almost quarter of group income over the next five years. If geological enlargement continues to grow, this will make sure Tescos continues local strength.Insurance In fiscal 2003 Tesco Personal Finance mounted the milestone of one million vehicle insurance policies, making it the most rising motor insurance supplier ever. The groups instant travel insurance allows Club card holders to buy their holiday insurance expediently at the checkout. Pet insurance now has over 330,000 cats and dogs covered, while the life insurance policy followed on from the achievement of last year, when it was selected The Most spirited Life Insurance Provider in the Money Facts Awards 2003. Swot analysis The main elements of swot analysis of Tesco are given below which can be further discussed in details but i would like to just highlight them for understanding. Strengths Weaknesses growing market share Insurance Tesco online Brand value UK market leadership reinforced Reliance upon the UK market Debt reduction Signs point to serial acquisitions Opportunities Threats Non-food retail Health and beauty Further international growth UK structural change could spark a price war Overseas returns could fall Wal-Mart/Asda challenge International expansion Tescos global business section is rising progressively, and is predicted to add nearly a quarter of group income over the next five years. If ecological spread continues to grow, this will ensure Tescos continued local strength. Assurance. http://people.exeter.ac.uk/wl203/BEAM011/Materials/Lecture%204/TESCO%20Company%20Profile 2.2 The expectations of major stakeholders and their influence upon the organisational strategy of Tesco We are dedicated to having a constructive conversation with stakeholders to make sure we understand what is significant to them and let ourselves the opportunity to show our position. Appointment helps us recognize new hazards and opportunities to make sure that our long-term policy is sustainable. In some cases we find that working with stakeholders in joint venture can help bring shared objectives. We might not be able to convince all stakeholder apprehensions all the time but through assurance we can do our best to poise hostile demands. We know that customers require to be able to belief our trade and they will only hope us if they consider that we are connecting on a appropriate foundation with our stakeholders. Our programme of contribution with stakeholders including customers, staff, supplier, investors, administration, regulator, non-governmental organisations and others. An investor Relations report is formed for the Board frequently. This report summarises reaction from shareholders mostly in terms of our management and policy, and ensures the Board has a impartial perspective on the views of our major shareholders. It is normal that institutional shareholders may be in more standard contact with the Group than previous shareholders, but care is exercised to guarantee that any price-sensitive information is free to all shareholders, institutional and private, at the same time in accord with suitable official and authoritarian requirements. All main presentations to institutional shareholders are made available to private shareholders through this website. (http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/corpgorv/relations/ ) 2.3 structured evaluation of Tesco strategic position To understand the structured evaluation of Tesco strategic position we have to do pestle analysis of Tesco. Pestle analysis of Tesco PESTLE mean for Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and ecological elements.   example of each are: Political tax policies, employment boundaries, tariffs Economic financial growth, interest rates, price increases Sociological society, physical condition awareness, age distribution Technological environmental aspects, investigate and development, rate of technical change Legal physical condition and safety laws, customer laws and rules  Ã‚   Environmental recycling policies, contamination Whilst one of TESCOs competitive advantages at current relates to their irresistible physical attendance, there are concern about TESCO pouring out the huge effort from other seller.   There are policies as well as laws and system leading monopolies and rivalry which would be recognized though a PESTLE study.   This is potentially one of the major issues that TESCOs are faced with.   defending customers and guarantee that entrepreneurs have the vision to resist in the market financial system are important within customer law.   Due to the present state of the financial system, many little businesses are weakening and many incompetent to enter the market.   A PESTLE investigation helps to measure where place prudent there is a need for growth.   The circumstances is in no way being assisted by the ever growing TESCOs chains of store.   Under EU law, there is hypothesis that an establishment with a large market share is chief.   The concerns with this are that dominance of supplies and services will slip and there is a risk of paying higher prices.   TESCO to date has not been assessed as posturing a risk of growth but should bear this in mind.   This is the reason why regular or incessant scans making use of the PESTLE examination will lead to continual assessments which can guarantee that TESCOs supremacy is not in any way scheming. In totalling, planning consent is an issue that TESCO critically need to be aware of due to their continued growth.   Planning acquiescence is heavily synchronized in the UK.   A systematic PESTLE analysis would help to recognize the appropriate laws on planning agreement and whether any confrontation to planning was on lawful basis or purely local peoples disagree.   The PESTLE study would therefore originally measure the potential achievement of a store in a new area. With the financial system being as it is at current, TESCO are providential that they have not been as badly pretentious as some retailer by the slump.   TESCO have labelled themselves as selling to everyone and therefore offer a range of goods and services from Value to premium prices thus tempting to all segments of the marketplace. The Sociological feature of the PESTLE analysis involves consideration such as the boost in migration of Eastern Europeans or raise in young professionals.   obviously there is therefore a demand for new goods for example; the career minded expert who is a single person.   This has seen a mount in the meals for one or fast microwaveable meals to make cooking rapid and easy for those always on the go. Technological factors which have possibly had the most contact on TESCO has been the expansion in the use of the internet.   They have capitalised on the use of online shopping and afford a delivery service through their website at www.tesco.com. A PESTLE analysis is therefore very important to the expansion and the achievement of TESCOs in adding to the day to day running of each store in line with strategic decisions.   Without knowing what external factors weight the organisation, it is hard to administer the business in an efficient way. http://www.modelanswer.co.uk/business/help/pestle/tescos.php 3.1 alternative strategic options to meet strategic aims and objectives of Tesco The strategic aims and objectives of Tesco we should consider: Provision of service how do they aim to provide client fulfilment? Is it to do with quality guarantee? Provision at or above cost? The provision of goods/services? Breaking-even. turnover maximisation how does each retail business try to accomplish this? Do they aim to cut costs, use reserved profits, maximise prices etc? expansion do they aim to increase their marketplace share? Enter new markets? expand? Increase the size of the business by expansion or through joining or takeover? Business ethics there are a number of examples where businesses have been accused of miss using their workers at home and/or abroad. For example, Primark, Tesco and Asda received some bad publicity with regard to those working in the fabric industry in suppliers nations in 2006; Dell Computers faced similar blames in Brazil. Think about the morals in relation to suppliers do they use Fair Trade suppliers, for example? You might consider health and safety and the security of employees and clients. industry ethics might also relate to the dependability of products and services, the protection of premises and any legal duties. http://www.bized.co.uk/educators/16-19/business/strategy/activity/principles1.htm 3.2 The strategic option that meets the revised strategic position of Tesco The Tesco plan up to this time was encapsulated by the title of Cohens autobiography, Pile it high and sell it cheap, but the rising wealth of clients and the changing requirements meant that Tesco changed its approach and moved into opening out of town stores with more striking interiors. Such renovation was also carried out in the active stores and with the start of selling petrol at some of its stores it broke the  £1 billion revenue level in 1979. The 1980s saw a continuation in the enlargement of new stores and also the development of new initiatives. In 1985, Tesco announced its Healthy Eating options with nutritional information and advice on some of its own labelled foods. By the 1990s, the move to go past the other major supermarkets was well under way. The stress was on finding new ways of pleasing shopper needs and building customer loyalty. A variety of new services and amenities were introduced, including Tesco Metro, a store idea aimed at the high street buyer but offering the benefits of a large supermarket. In some respects, this was Tesco returning to the high street after selling off many stores in the 1960s and 70s in the move to join the out-of-town shopping trend. Conclusion In this assignment i have tried to discuss tesco direction as an organisation in strategy making and what tools and strategies it uses to make its plans and how are the plans being implemented and who are the responsible people behind those plans to make them successful and fruitful for the organisation and it also give me understanding how to set the organisation direction and what are the key factors to keep in mind to make successful strategies for the organisation.

Four Phases of the Business Cycle

Four Phases of the Business Cycle ECONOMICS Q 1 Define the term Business Cycle and also explain the phases of business or trade cycle in brief? Ans: The business cycle is the periodic but irregular up-and-down movements in economic activity, measured by fluctuations in real GDP and other macroeconomic variables.Diagram of Business Cycle (or Trade Cycle) :- The business cycle starts from a trough (lower point) and passes through a recovery phase followed by a period of expansion (upper turning point) and prosperity. After the peak point is reached there is a declining phase of recession followed by a depression. Again the business cycle continues similarly with ups and downs. Explanation of Four Phases of Business Cycle 1. Prosperity Phase : Expansion or Boom or Upswing of economy.When there is an expansion of output, income, employment, prices and profits, there is also a rise in the standard of living. This period is termed as Prosperity phase.The features of prosperity are :- High level of output and trade, High level of effective demand, High level of income and employment, Rising interest rates, Inflation, Large expansion of bank credit, Overall business optimism. 2. Recession Phase: from prosperity to recession (upper turning point). The turning point from prosperity to depression is termed as Recession Phase. During a recession period, the economic activities slow down. When demand starts falling, the overproduction and future investment plans are also given up. There is a steady decline in the output, income, employment, prices and profits. The businessmen lose confidence and become pessimistic (Negative). It reduces investment. The banks and the people try to get greater liquidity, so credit also contracts. Expansion of business stops, stock market falls. Orders are cancelled and people start losing their jobs. The increase in unemployment causes a sharp decline in income and aggregate demand. Generally, recession lasts for a short period. 3. Depression Phase : Contraction or Downswing of economy.When there is a continuous decrease of output, income, employment, prices and profits, there is a fall in the standard of living and depression sets in. The features of depression are :- Fall in volume of output and trade, Fall in income and rise in unemployment,Decline in consumption and demand, Fall in interest rate, Deflation, Contraction of bank credit, Overall business pessimism.In depression, there is under-utilization of resources and fall in GNP (Gross National Product). The aggregate economic activity is at the lowest, causing a decline in prices and profits until the economy reaches its Trough (low point). 4. Recovery Phase : from depression to prosperity (lower turning Point). The turning point from depression to expansion is termed as Recovery or Revival Phase.During the period of revival or recovery, there are expansions and rise in economic activities. When demand starts rising, production increases and this causes an increase in investment. There is a steady rise in output, income, employment, prices and profits. The businessmen gain confidence and become optimistic (Positive). This increases investments. The stimulation of investment brings about the revival or recovery of the economy.Thus we see that, during the expansionary or prosperity phase, there is inflation and during the contraction or depression phase, there is a deflation. Q2. Monopoly is the situation there exists a single control over the market producing a commodity having no substitutes with no possibilities for anyone to enter the industry to compete. In that situation, they will not charge a uniform price for all the customers in the market and also the pricing policy followed in that situation? Ans: A market structure characterized by a single seller, selling a unique product in the market. In a monopoly market, the seller faces no competition, as he is the sole seller of goods with no close substitute.In a monopoly market, factors like government license, ownership of resources, copyright and patent and high starting cost make an entity a single seller of goods. All these factors restrict the entry of other sellers in the market. Monopolies also possess some information that is not known to other sellers. Characteristics of monopoly: Only one single seller in the market, There is no competition, There are many buyers in the market, The firm enjoys abnormal profits, The seller controls the prices in that particular product or service and is the price maker, Consumers don’t have perfect information, There are barriers to entry. These barriers many be natural or artificial, The product does not have close substitutes. Advantages of monopoly Monopoly avoids duplication and hence wastage of resources. Due to the fact that monopolies make lot of profits, it can be used for research and development and to maintain their status as a monopoly. Monopolies may use price discrimination which benefits the economically weaker sections of the society. Monopolies can afford to invest in latest technology and machinery in order to be efficient and to avoid competition. Disadvantages of monopoly Poor level of service, No consumer sovereignty, Consumers may be charged high prices for low quality of goods and services, Lack of competition may lead to low quality and out dated goods and services. Price Discrimination : It is the ability to charge different prices to different individual. Need for price discrimination: increase output and profit. Buying pattern of individuals will be different. Increase the economic welfare. Eg: Air tickets, movie tickets , discount coupons etc. multiple types of price discrimination: First-degree price discrimination is an attempt by the seller to leave the price unannounced in advance and charge each customer the highest price they would be willing to pay for the purchase. A business may benefit by offering different prices to those who purchase in larger volumes because either they can increase their profit with the increased volume sales or their costs per unit decrease when items are purchased in volume. Businesses can create alternative pricing methods that distinguish high-volume buyers from low-volume buyers. This is second-degree price discrimination. Third-degree price discrimination is differential pricing to different groups of customers. One justification for this practice is that producing goods and services for sale to one identifiable group of customers is less than the cost of sales to another group of customers. For example, a publisher of music or books may be able to sell a music album or a book in electronic form for less cost than a physical form like a compact disc or printed text. Q3 Fiscal policy is a package of economic measures of the government regarding public expenditure, public revenue, public debt or borrowings. It is very important since it refers to the budgetary policy of the government. Explain the fiscal policy and its instruments in detail? Ans: Fiscal policy is the means by which a government adjusts its spending levels and tax rates to monitor and influence a nations economy. It is the sister strategy to monetary policy through which a central bank influences a nations money supply. instruments of Fiscal Policy are Automatic Stabilizer and Discretionary Fiscal Policy: Automatic Stabilizer: The tax structure and expenditure are programmed in such a way that there is increase in expenditure and decrease in tax in recession and decrease in expenditure and increase in tax revenue in the period of inflation. It refers to built-in response to the economic condition without any deliberate action on the part of government. It is called built- in- stabilizer to correct and thus restore economic stability. It works in the following manner, Tax revenue: Tax revenue increases when the income increases; as those who were not paying tax go into the higher income tax bracket. When there is depression, the income decreases and many people fall in the no-income-tax bracket and the tax revenue decreases. ii) Discretionary Fiscal Policy: Under this, to stabilize the economy, deliberate attempts are made by the government in taxation and expenditure. It entails definite and conscious actions. Instruments of Fiscal Policy: Some important instruments of fiscal policy are: 1.TAXATION: Taxation is always a very important source of revenue for both developed and developing countries. Tax comes under two headingu2013Tax on individual(direct tax) and tax on commodity (indirect tax or commodity tax). a) Direct tax includes income tax, corporate tax, taxes on property and wealth. Indirect tax is tax on the consumptions. It includes sales tax, excise duty and custom duties. Direct tax structure can be divided into three bases- Progressive tax: Progressive tax says that higher the level of income, greater the volume of tax burden you have to bear. This means as income increases, the tax contribution should also increase. Low income group people pay low tax, whereas the high income group people pay higher tax. 2 Regressive tax: It is theoretically possible, though no government implements such tax structure, because that leads to unequal distribution of income. As your income increases the contribution through tax decreases. Low income people will pay more and high income people will pay less. Proportional tax: When the tax imposed is irrespective of the income you earn, every income group, high or low pay the same amount of tax. b) Indirect Tax Or consumpyion tax: tax which is iimposed on every unit of product . Q4 Explain the various methods of forecasting demand? Ans : Economic forecasting is the process of making predictions about the economy. Forecasts can be carried out at a high level of aggregation—for example for GDP, inflation, unemployment or the fiscal deficit—or at a more disaggregated level, for specific sectors of the economy or even specific firms. Methods of forecasting demand: Assumptions For many goods, the length of the product cycle is shrinking. Not only does this make it more difficult to build a historical database, it accentuates the need to forecast correctly. Computer technology makes it possible to adjust pricing instantly and to modify sales promotions on the run. Without accurate historical information to measure the impact of price changes, the business owner may be forced to experiment. Sales performance of other goods with similar product attributes may serve as proxies for a current product with no track record. Trend Analysis If you have historical data or if you can create it from related products trend analysis is the first step in demand forecasting. Plotting sales over time will reveal the presence of a sales trend if one exists. If there are aberrations â€Å"hiccups† in the trend you can look for explanations, which could include price, weather or demographic changes. If you are proficient with spreadsheet programs, you can chart data points and insert a trend line over the data. A more sophisticated approach is using least squares regression analysis which can also be done with standard spreadsheet software. Qualitative Forecasting A more subjective approach uses expert opinions to predict demand. Especially useful when there is a lack of historical data, relying on the collective opinion of experts makes sense. Begin with an analysis of the marketplace, reviewing the economic conditions. Obtain as much information about competitors’ performance as you can. Then gather opinions from a variety of sources within your business. Include the owner, sales manager, accountant, attorney and any others whose opinion you value. If you wish, you can get outside opinions as well. Qualitative forecasting is based on the consensus view of your panel as you digest and aggregate their opinions. Forecasting with Economic Indicators Depending on the products you sell and the customers who buy them, basing your demand forecast on one or more economic indicators may be an effective method. This style of demand forecasting works better with industrial buyers rather than retail. First, find the indicators that relate to your business. For example, small businesses in construction-related work can look to housing starts, building permits, loan applications and interest rates for solid indicators of the future. Businesses in agriculture can find clues to the future from farm income, interest rates and weather forecasts. The Departments of Commerce and Agriculture release statistics on an ongoing basis. Agricultural Extension Services and other state agencies provide complementary data Q5 Define monopolistic competition and explain its characteristics? Ans: Monopolistic Competition: A market structure in which several or many sellers each produce similar, but slightly differentiated products. Each producer can set its price and quantity without affecting the market place as a whole. Monopolistically competitive markets exhibit the following characteristics: Each firm makes independent decisions about price and output, based on its product, its market, and its costs of production. Knowledge is widely spread between participants, but it is unlikely to be perfect. For example, diners can review all the menus available from restaurants in a town, before they make their choice. Once inside the restaurant, they can view the menu again, before ordering. However, they cannot fully appreciate the restaurant or the meal until after they have dined. The entrepreneur has a more significant role than in firms that are perfectly competitive because of the increased risks associated with decision making. There is freedom to enter or leave the market, as there are no major barriers to entry or exit. A central feature of monopolistic competition is that products are differentiated. There are four main types of differentiation: Physical product differentiation, where firms use size, design, colour, shape, performance, and features to make their products different. For example, consumer electronics can easily be physically differentiated. Marketing differentiation, where firms try to differentiate their product by distinctive packaging and other promotional techniques. For example, breakfast cereals can easily be differentiated through packaging. Human capital differentiation, where the firm creates differences through the skill of its employees, the level of training received, distinctive uniforms, and so on. Differentiation through distribution, including distribution via mail order or through internet shopping, such as Amazon.com, which differentiates itself from traditional bookstores by selling online. Firms are price makers and are faced with a downward sloping demand curve. Because each firm makes a unique product, it can charge a higher or lower price than its rivals. The firm can set its own price and does not have to ‘take it from the industry as a whole, though the industry price may be a guideline, or becomes a constraint. This also means that the demand curve will slope downwards. Firms operating under monopolistic competition usually have to engage in advertising. Firms are often in fierce competition with other (local) firms offering a similar product or service, and may need to advertise on a local basis, to let customers know their differences. Common methods of advertising for these firms are through local press and radio, local cinema, posters, leaflets and special promotions. Monopolistically competitive firms are assumed to beprofit maximisers because firms tend to be small with entrepreneurs actively involved in managing the business. There are usually a large numbers of independent firms competing in the market. Q6 When should a firm in perfectly competitive market shut down its operation? Ans Definition of Perfect Competition A market structure in which the following five criteria are met: 1) All firms sell an identical product; 2) All firms are price takers they cannot control the market price of their product; 3) All firms have a relatively small market share; 4) Buyers have complete information about the product being sold and the prices charged by each firm; and 5) The industry is characterized by freedom of entry and exit. Perfect competition is sometimes referred to as pure competition. The reason for firm shut down in perfect competition A perfectly competitive firm is presumed to shutdown production and produce no output in the short run, if price is less than average variable cost. This is one of three short-run production alternatives facing a firm. The other two are profit maximization (if price exceeds average total cost) and loss minimization (if price is greater than average variable cost but less than average total cost). A perfectly competitive firm guided by the pursuit of profit is inclined to produce no output if the quantity that equates marginal revenue and marginal cost in the short run incurs an economic loss greater than total fixed cost. The key to this loss minimization production decision is a comparison of the loss incurred from producing with the loss incurred from not producing. If price is less than average variable cost, then the firm incurs a smaller loss by not producing that by producing. One of Three Alternatives: Shutting down is one of three short-run production alternatives facing a perfectly competitive firm. All three are displayed in the table to the right. The other two are profit maximization and loss minimization. With profit maximization, price exceeds average total cost at the quantity that equates marginal revenue and marginal cost. In this case, the firm generates an economic profit. With loss minimization, price is greater than average variable cost but is less than average total cost at the quantity that equates marginal revenue and marginal cost. In this case, the firm incurs a smaller loss by producing some output than by not producing any output.

Automobiles as a Symbol of Prosperity in 1920’s America Essay -- Ameri

Automobiles as a Symbol of Prosperity in 1920’s America The automobile was one of the biggest and most important features of the 1920’s. Automobiles not only were a symbol of social status, but also had become so popular that nearly every family owned a car. Automobile production and sales fueled the economy and created an item that remains the centerpiece of daily life. Just as computers are now a part of daily life, the automobile did the same thing in the 1920’s. As men returned from war, the new and hot item to own was a car. Ford and GM’s Chevy became the biggest automobile manufacturers. In fact, by 1923, Ford Model T’s accounted for just under 52% of automobiles in the market while Ford held over 62% of the market. The production of Ford automobiles had reached nearly 2 million. In 1924, you could buy a Model T for $290 dollars. Nowadays, that is probably a monthly payment. Yet some cars were very expensive, with a Rolls Royce costing 15-17,000. Yet, automobiles were not the rage throughout the world. The automobile was just another sign of American youth, vibrancy, and prosperity. In 1920, US automobile production was nearly 2.3 million. The next largest producer was France, making 400,000 units. The total automobile production was just under 2.4 million. Obviously, Americans were really the only people buying cars. Automobile production was not the only major element of the automobile revolution. In fact, the automobile led to many other things. For the first time, most automobiles were bought on credit. By 1926, two thirds of purchased cars were bought on installment plans. This led the way for credit purchases of other major appliances. Automobiles also e... ...eline of automobile facts for the 1920’s. Includes information about statistics and formation of companies. INTERESTING FACTS  · The Model T was the first car produced on an assembly line  · The Big Three automobiles producers were Ford, GM and Chrysler.  · Ford was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford  · GM was founded in 1897 by Ransom Olds  · Reorganization of Maxwell Motors created Chrysler Corporation  · In 1926 GM introduced Pontiac  · In 1928 Chrysler introduced Plymouth  · The Model T was Ford’s big seller  · You could buy a Model T for $290  · Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922  · Americans preferred closed cars over touring cars (open tops)  · GM earned over 80 million in profits in 1923  · Americans drove 198 billion miles in 1929  · Gatsby owned a Rolls Royce

Scientific Developments During the Renaissance Essays -- European Hist

Scientific Developments During the Renaissance Historians often refer to the renaissance as a Scientific Revolution. It was during this period that Nicolas Copernicus first suggested the revolution of the Earth around the Sun. This was groundbreaking, as previous to this it was generally thought that the Earth was stationary, and all the planets, including the Sun, orbited the Earth. It was also Copernicus' theory that directly led to the discoveries of Kepler, Galileo and Newton. It could therefore be argued that Copernicus' discovery was the most important of the Renaissance. However, the huge advances in the field of astronomy often overshadow many of the developments in other scientific fields, where the scientists Vesalius, Harvey and Boyle also made an impact. Copernicus' theory, outlined in De Revolutionibus orbium coelestium (`On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies,' 1543) is often cited as the greatest discovery of the renaissance. However, at the time of its publication, in the year of Copernicus' death, the theory was widely disregarded. The historian Arthur Koestler comments that `it does not seem to have generated heated discussion.' Moreover, the theory wasn't wholly invented by Copernicus; it was merely revived from ancient texts, and the publication was postponed until the year of Copernicus' death, for fear of public reaction. The astronomer Galileo comments on this: Our teacher Copernicus, who though he will be of immortal fame to some, is yet by an infinite number (for such is the multitude of fools) laughed at and rejected. This evidence throws a somewhat uncertainty onto whether Copernican theory is as important as previously suggested. It would appear that the hypothesis made little or ... ... universe today. Kepler used mathematics to support and strengthen Copernican theory as well as hypothesising the laws of planetary motion. Galileo became well known, due to his findings with his telescope, whereas Copernicus' and Kepler's ideas were largely ignored. Galileo again proved Copernican theory by discovering sunspots and the infinity of the universe. I therefore suggest, in response to the question, that there was not one discovery in the renaissance that was more significant than the others, but that the work of these three scientists was equally significant, in that they provided evidence for an astronomical theory, that is still believed today. The discoveries in other fields such as medicine and chemistry were undoubtedly important, but I feel that the discoveries made by Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo were the most significant of the renaissance.

Critical Pedagogy Essay -- Teaching Education Philosophy

Critical Pedagogy The acclaimed lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once wrote, "You have to be carefully taught." Most will agree that properly educating children is essential for the good of a society. However, the best method of educating students is a much more debatable topic. What is the best way to educate a student? Is it through memorization? Discussion? Exploration? Experimentation? Through the ages many scholars, teachers, and other accredited individuals have offered their opinions on the science of teaching, or pedagogy. One such man is Henry Giroux, the author of Modernism, Postmodernism, and Feminism. In his introductory chapter to this novel, Giroux sets his principles for critical pedagogy. Among these principles is one belief that reads, "Critical pedagogy needs to create new forms of knowledge through its emphasis on breaking down disciplinary boundaries and creating new spaces where knowledge can be produced." What does this belief mean to me? In order to understand my interpretation of the principle as a whole, it is necessary to understand my interpretations of the various words and phrases that make up the rule. Take the first phrase, "†¦ to create new forms of knowledge†¦" I interpret "new forms of knowledge" as knowledge expressed in forms other than the traditional. For example, "old" forms of knowledge may be names, dates, numbers, and concrete facts that are memorized without being fully understood. On the other hand, "new" forms of knowledge may refer to abstract ideas, concepts, and theory, without definite answers. The next phrase of the principle speaks of, "†¦breaking down disciplinary boundaries†¦" I would define "disciplinary boundaries" as any boundaries or limits that prevent learning from taking pla... ...-hand. For example, no one should have to figure out on their own body that hair is flammable, or that a wet tongue will stick to a metal flagpole on a cold day. So, does critical pedagogy really need to create new forms of knowledge through its emphasis on breaking down disciplinary boundaries and creating new places where knowledge can be developed? Learning in this manner can be beneficial because the information is better understood, more fully realized, and more easily applied by the student. However, this manner of learning can also be counter-productive because the information is obtained much more slowly, and little effort is made to learn from previous research and mistakes. What is the most effective way to teach? While the best method of teaching will be under constant scrutiny, all will agree on one point. You have to be carefully taught.

Discuss the Notions of Ideology and/or False Consciousnes

â€Å"The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas, i. e. the class which is the ruling material force of society, is at the same time its ruling intellectual force. † (K. Marx and F. Engels. (1998) â€Å"Ruling Class and Ruling Ideas†. In J. Storey. (ed. ). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader Harlow, Essex: Pearson, 191. ) Discuss the notions of ideology and/or false consciousness. Ideology is something that has and will be always in everyone’s life. This is a part of human life.In my essay about ideology I am going to write about Karl Marx ideas about ideology and also Louise Althusser interpretations about ideology. In my opinion they are the two that explain ideology and false consciousness in the best and most understandable way. I am going to start with Karl Marx and write about his thoughts on ideology, false consciousness and how does it fit in to everyday life. Afterwards how Althusser complicated Marx’s ideas and ex plained how ideology works in people’s lives in his own way.The Expression â€Å"Ideology† was created by Cabanis, Destutt de Tracy and their friends, and they defined it as an object the theory of ideas. Afterwards it was picked up by Karl Marx (1818-1883) and few years latter Louis Althusser (1918-1990) started expanding Marx ides on ideology. Main ideas on ideology by Karl Marx appeared in â€Å"The German Ideology†, that he wrote with Frederick Engels. Althusser wrote about Marx’s ides that (2001) â€Å"Ideology itself represents the â€Å"production of ideas, of conceptions, of consciousness,† all that â€Å"men say, imagine, conceive,† and include such things as â€Å"politics, laws, morality, religion, metaphysics, etc. Ideology functions as the superstructure of a civilization: the conventions and culture that make up the dominant ideas of a society. † Ideology is basically ideas of social groups. People think that something has some kind of purpose to serve them, but really it has a different purpose. For example police, everyone thinks that they are here to protect us, but actually their purpose is to keep us under control. The ideology is based on the ruling class and their ideas. Ruling class tries to keep everything running properly and keep people under control.It is said by Althusser â€Å"Since one goal of ideology is to legitimize those forces in a position of hegemony, it tends to obfuscate the violence and exploitation that often keep a disempowered group in its place. † For masses ideology is as a system of illusory beliefs – False Consciousness. False consciousness is a misrepresentation of different social relations between privet and public. Daniel Little (no date) wrote â€Å"â€Å"False consciousness† is a concept derived from Marxist theory of social class. The concept refers to the systematic misrepresentation of dominant social relations in the consciousness of subordinate classes.Marx himself did not use the phrase â€Å"false consciousness,† but he paid extensive attention to the related concepts of ideology and commodity fetishism. † Marx never said in his work that ideology is false consciousness, but ideology in his work can be interpreted as false consciousness in some ways. Ideology is seen as illusionary beliefs, people see things in one way, helping them, their living conditions and different organisations working for people, for example schools, clothing factories, etc. But in reality all this organisations work for ruling classes to keep masses under ruling classes power.Schools educate people to make them able to work for the ruling class in the future and keep the economy going. Clothing factories create clothes for people, and everybody thinks that their made for them to feel better, so they could go out and buy new clothes and feel happy. In reality clothes are produced to lure people to buy them and spend money , give hardly earned money back to the ruling class and most of the clothes are produced to last for a short time, so people would keep coming back and buying more.Looking through people’s point of view, ideology can be interpreted as false consciousness. Andrew Butler (2009) said in our lecture â€Å"Ideology – people doing what they’re doing without knowing what they’re doing or why. † If people are doing what they are doing without knowing, it can be translated as false consciousness. They think that they know what they are doing and why they are doing it, but actually not. Ideology is false beliefs and ideas, false understanding how world works. Louis Althusser, expanded Karl Marx ideas on ideology.Marx separated everything, he thought that superstructure has a relative autonomy with relation to the base, that superstructure is not influenced by base and other way around as well. But Althusser did not reject these ideas but complicates them, he sees superstructure and base working together, he does not separate them from each other. It was said in our lecture by Andrew Butler (2009) â€Å"Whereas classic Marxism sees the economic base as determining the superstructure Althusser sees them as having a Double function. By double function he meant that there is not a separation between public and private, everything is linked together. A good example was brought in our lecture notes by Andrew Butler (2009) â€Å"Imagine a kind of network where everything impacts on everything else. the feminist slogan the personal is political would be a good way of thinking about this. So the family – something that might seem personal or more specifically say breastfeeding might seem private is in fact linked to the economic base and influenced by the superstructure.Breastfeeding could be part of a medical fad or you might do it because of education but doing it or not impacts on when you go back to work or whether you buy formula milks so it is an economic and political decision as well as a private one. † In Althusser’s opinion ideology treats people as subjects, because ideology has a material existence. Ideology always reveals through human actions and participations. For example art, art is produced for people to buy, to give money back to the country, but art is produced through another person, through hard labour and he also gets paid for it, this is a job for him.David Hawkes (1996, p. 122) said â€Å"an ideology always exists in an apparatus, and its practice, or practices. This existence is material† Ideology is an ideal idea of perfect state; it has a material existence that treats humans as subjects. In our lecture notes by Andrew Butler (2009) Althusser asked â€Å"why subjects are obedient, why people follow the laws and why isn't there a revolt/revolution against capitalism IF IT IS NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE LOWER CLASSES† and he explained this through complicating Marx’s ideas by bringing in Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses.Repressive State Apparatuses can control people by force so everybody would behave in the way as the ruling class wants; it includes organizations like the police, prisons, security, etc. Ideological State Apparatuses include institutions that create ideologies on what people can act and believe, for example schools, churches, legal systems, radio, press, television, etc. ISAs acts through ideology, they tell people how to think and influence people mentally, not like RSA, which acts through violence. In conclusion I would say that Ideology is a set of ideas of social groups.People think that something has some kind of purpose to serve them, but really it has a different purpose – false consciousness. For masses ideology is as a system of illusory beliefs – False Consciousness. Though Marx never said in his work that ideology is false consciousness, but ideology in his wor k can be interpreted as false consciousness in some ways. Louis Althusser was another ideology theorist and he expanded Karl Marx ideas on ideology. Where Marxism saw the economic base as determining the superstructure Althusser saw them as having a Double function.That they work together, superstructure determines economic base and economic base determines superstructure. He explained this by expanding Marx’s ideas by bringing in Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses. That people are seen as subject and state has different associations to keep people under control by force, violence and also by giving people ideas how everything works and it is all meant to be for people, to make their lives better and more organised. Ideology is meant to keep people under ruling class power and order.In my opinion the ideology is working just fine, it keeps the world organised and together. Only it does it through false consciousness, lies. †¢ Hawkes, D. (1996) Ideology. reprint edition. Routledge †¢ Althusser, L. (2001) Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays. Trans. Ben Brewster. New York: Monthly Review P. Available at: http://www. cla. purdue. edu/English/theory/marxism/modules/marxideology. html (Accessed: 21 April 2009) †¢ Althusser, L. (2001) Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays. Trans. Ben Brewster. New York: Monthly Review P.Available at: http://www. cla. purdue. edu/English/theory/marxism/modules/marxideology. html (Accessed: 21 April 2009) †¢ Althusser, L. (2001) Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays. Trans. Ben Brewster. New York: Monthly Review P. Available at: http://www. cla. purdue. edu/English/theory/marxism/modules/marxideology. html (Accessed: 21 April 2009) †¢ Little, D. (no date) False Consciousness, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Available at: http://www-personal. umd. umich. edu/~delittle/iess%20false%20consciousness%20V2. htm (Accessed: 21 April 2009)

An Analysis of the Urban Issue of Tuberculosisin the Bourough of Newham

1.Introduction Tuberculosis is a very serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, causing cough and breathing difficulties. The infection also causes systemic effects including fever, night sweats and weight loss (Ellner, 2011). In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the lungs and affect the bone/joints, lymph nodes, abdomen and blood stream (Ormerod, 2003). The disease is caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis (WHO, 2014), which is spread through respiratory droplets. These droplets are passed when an infected individual coughs or sneezes and the droplets become inhaled by another person (NHS, 2014). Despite this easy method of transmission, tuberculosis is not readily transmitted, and therefore is most likely to affect those in close contact such as family or household members (Castillo-Chavez & Feng). Tuberculosis represents a significant risk of morbidity and mortality and represents a significant cost to society to treat and manage. Tuberculosis has particul arly shown to be a problem in cities, whereby the rates of increase are greater than those of rural areas (Anderson et al. 2006). This essay will address the reasons as to why tuberculosis affects urban areas (the sick city hypothesis), and look in to why tuberculosis contributes to this urban health penalty. As an exemplar of an urban environment suffering from the burden of tuberculosis, this essay will focus on the London borough of Newham. Newham has a tuberculosis rate 8 times higher than the national average and 3 times that of London. This essay aims to investigate the aetiology behind the incidence, and to find ways of reducing the rates of tuberculosis among individuals in the London borough of Newham. The paper will include the intervention strategies and how they should be implemented in order to reduce the rates of new infections and encourage men to get tested and get early treatment before the spread of infection. 2.Tuberculosis in an Urban Environment Tuberculosis tends to be regarded as a problem of the past, and was responsible for 20-30% of all mortality in 17th-19th century Europe (Dye & Williams, 2010). The incidence of tuberculosis declined throughout the 20th century (Watson & Maguire, 1997), however, the disease has been slowly returning to London since the 1980’s (Great Britain 2008, p. 19). The problem seems to be worsening in urban areas. This is illustrated by the example of London, where 3,302 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in 2010 (Fullman & Strachan 2013, p. 25), a figure that has more than doubled since 1992 (Anderson et al 2006). In 2006, the incidence of tuberculosis in London was 41.5 people in 100,000, a figure that represented the highest number of new cases in any major city in Western Europe (Anderson et al, 2006). Dyer (2010, p. 34) claims that the London borough of Newham is the most affected with some people already referring to it as the TB capital of the affluent western world. In f act, the rates of tuberculosis in Newham are currently higher than that in some impoverished countries. Vassall (2009, p. 48) suggest that Newham has 108 cases per 100,000 and Anderson et al suggest a 2001 figure of 116/100,000, figures that are more than half that in India (174 cases per 100,000) (Public Health England, 2012). Newham has a population of 308,000 with a population density of 85.1 per hectare as compared to 31 in central London (UK Census, 2012). These figures suggest that even in the populated city of London, Newham is an area of urbanisation, with a large number of people concentrated into a relatively small area. The increase of tuberculosis has been described as a ‘penalty for high density urban living’ (Dye 2010, p.859), likely due to the increased potential for transmission in overcrowding, and the increased rates of immigration to inner-city areas. Bhunu and Mushavabasa (2012) propose that tuberculosis thrives in conditions of overcrowding and poverty, issues that are common in urban areas. The high rates of tuberculosis in cities such as London, and areas of urbanization such as Newham, suggest that the incidence of tuberculosis is indeed an urban issue. Newham fulfills the criteria of high immigration rates and being an area of deprivation.. Newham has a diverse ethnic population, with 61% of the people being non-white (Farrar & Manson 2013, p. 54). The population of ethnic minorities continues to grow along with the increasing numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in greater London. Another aspect of urbanisation illustrated in the borough of Newham is that of deprivation and overcrowding. Farrar & Manson (2013, p. 16) claim that Newham ranks as the third most deprived borough in inner London. Most of the people here live in tower housing and overcrowded conditions that are the perfect condition for the spread of tuberculosis. There is a positive correlation between poor housing and poverty and the prevalence of tuberculosis, which is very clear in Newham as evidenced by the findings of 108 and 116 cases per 100,000 people (Vassal, 2009; Anderson et al., 2001). The aetiology of the issue of tuberculosis is highlighted when considering the distribution of the disease across Newham. The occurrence of disease is not evenly spread across the borough, with 70% of cases coming from Manor Park, Green Street and East Ham. These boroughs represent areas of population increase, overcrowding and higher levels of those living in poverty. Manor Park and Green Street also sho w differing dynamics of tuberculosis incidence, representing an overall increase of 40% since 2006 whilst all other areas of Newham either remained static or showed slight decrease (Malone et al 2009, p. 23). It can be seen that tuberculosis presents a significant urban issue, especially when comparing incidence in an urban area such as Newham to those less urbanised areas. Bromley has a population of 309,000 and a population density of 20 per hectare, in comparison to Newham’s population density of 80 per hectare (UK Census, 2012). Tuberculosis incidence in Bromley is between 0-19 per 100,000 compared to that of Newham, which is five times greater at 80-100 per 100,000 (Anderson et al., 2006). It is for this reason that necessary intervention strategies need to be formulated and implemented to help reduce the rates of tuberculosis among individuals living in Newham. 3. The Influence of Urbanisation on Tuberculosis Incidence While the global rates of tuberculosis are declining, the disease is showing steady increase in the United Kingdom. In 2012, 8751 new cases of the disease were identified in the country with 39% coming from London (Fullman and Strachan 2013, p. 43). Indeed London has the highest rates of the disease in Western Europe with Newham borough having the highest rates in the UK. Jindal (2011, p. 55) claims that the rate of tuberculosis in some London boroughs is more than twice higher than the threshold used by the world health organisation to define high rates. These higher incidences support the notion of a sick city hypothesis where there are greater levels of ill health than in rural areas, and may be due to the presence of factors in an urban environment that contribute to ill health (an urban health penalty). One factor that may contribute to the urban health penalty is that of immigration. Cities are easier to access than rural areas, provide areas of congregation and provide more fa cilities for immigrating families and individuals. The majority of individuals suffering from tuberculosis are people born outside the United Kingdom, with 75% of cases in 2003 being born abroad (Anderson et al., 2006). A reason for the high incidence in those born abroad but now living in the UK is exacerbated by the nature of tuberculosis. On initial infection, tuberculosis is confined by the immune system with only around 5% of cases experiencing symptoms within the first two years of infection (Narasimhan et al., 2013). The remainder of cases harbour a latent infection which may reactivate later in life, with about 10-15% of those infected going on to develop an active disease (Narasimhan et al., 2013). This insidious nature combined with the later activation of the disease explains why many people do not get the disease until later in life. It is likely that it is contracted in their country of birth, however then manifests much later once they have moved to the UK. Statistics indicate that over 90% of the residents in Newham diagnosed with the disease in 2011 were born outside the United Kingdom (Fullman and Strachan, 2013, p. 33). Among these, 50% arrived in the country in the last five years. In the same year tuberculosis diagnosis increased by 25% compared to 2010 (Fullman and Strachan, 2013), possibly as a reflection of the increased immigration. Additionally to a high immigrant population bringing significant disease burden from their countries of birth, London and Newham both represent many of the other issues of urbanisation and urban health penalty that can contribute to the high incidence of tuberculosis. Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (Campbell and Spector, 2012; Chan, 1999). This is an important association in urban populations, as the living and working conditions foster less access to sunlight (the major source of vitamin D). Additionally, Asian immigrants present a problem of low vitamin D due to vegetarian diets, and a tendency to cover up their skin, not allowing to take advantage of the small amount of sunlight available (Chan, 1999). As previously mentioned, Newham is an area of both high urbanisation and with a large immigrant population, and 38.6% of the population being of Asian descent (London Borough of Newham, 2010). The immigrant population of urban areas such as Newham also present a non-vaccinated proportion of society. Whilst the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis was introduced in the UK in the 1950s and was shown to provide a reduction in risk of contracting tuberculosis (Colditz et al., 1994), those immigrating were less likely to receive this vaccination on moving to the UK. London also represents cases of tuberculosis that are socially and medically complex. As a hugely populated area, London includes those with HIV infection and presents other risk factors such as onward transmission and poor treatment. HIV is one of the m ost powerful risk factors for tuberculosis, with a incidence rate of 20 times higher in those that are HIV positive (Dye and Williams, 2010). People’s attitudes towards and access to healthcare also present a complex mix of factors which contribute to an increased incidence of many health problems, including that of tuberculosis. Those in impoverished areas have reduced access to healthcare, which may stem from many reasons such as complex needs, chaotic lifestyles, location of services, user ignorance, and language and literacy barriers (Szczepura, 2005). These can affect the disease process of tuberculosis from prevention, treatment of active disease, adherence to treatment and prevention of the health consequences. Especially problematic are misconceptions and a lack of understanding of the disease, leading to late presentation and delayed access to treatment (Figuera-Munoz and Ramon-Pardo, 2008) With the close living quarters in areas such as Newham, the spread of tubercu losis is facilitated. With poverty, poor housing and overcrowding, these areas concentrate several risk factors and lead to a greater spread of tuberculosis (Bates et al., 2004). These determinants therefore suggest that the incidence of tuberculosis in urban areas is a complex issue. Controlling and preventing tuberculosis in London requires effective social and economic tools that must be incorporated in the development of policies of control in treatment initiation. 4. Consequences and implications of tuberculosis on the general population Tuberculosis ranks with HIV/ AIDS and Malaria as one of the three main health challenges currently facing the world. The Commonwealth Health Ministers Update 2009 (2009, p. 41) indicates that 8 million new cases are reported globally each year. As previously mentioned, when combined with HIV, tuberculosis can prove lethal as the two diseases enhance the progress of each other. It is for this reason that tuberculosis is the major cause of death among HIV patients with the rate standing at 11% globally. The World Health Organization (2009, p. 27) indicates that tuberculosis is responsible for more deaths today than ever before, with approximately 2 million lives claimed by the disease annually. As well as the significant mortality contributed by tuberculosis, the morbidity of the disease can be extremely detrimental both socially and economically. Those with the active disease that are not receiving treatment have been shown to go on to infect 10-15 others every year (WHO, 1998). Those who do receive treatment face a long (up to six months) and complex treatment regime involving several medication side effects. This can affect adherence to the treatment regime, and lead to the disease developing a resistance to the treatment, with this drug resistant tuberculosis contributing to greater mortality and increased expense to treat (Ahlburg, 2000). As well as the significant morbidity and mortality, it is important to consider the economic impact of tuberculosis. The World Health Organisation estimated the cost to treat tuberculosis in 2000 as $250,000 US dollars (?150,000) in developed countries (Ahlburg, 2000). This presents a significant burden to the UK NHS, not to mention the time lost through not working which can dent the economy. London is a global world trade centre whose economy is shaped by global forces, particularly in terms of trade, labour and capital. As a gateway to both the UK and other parts of Europe and the rest of the world, London records a very large number of tourists and immigrant populations. This high number of people accelerates the spread of the disease as people carry it to the country from other parts of the world is indicated by the new infection patterns and is highlighted by the prevalence in immigrant populations. 5. Strategies and intervention for addressing tuberculosis Current UK guidelines for tuberculosis intervention were made by NICE in 2006 (updated 2011). The recommendations propose strategies for identifying those with latent (non-active) tuberculosis to prevent spread or reactivation and also specify criteria for treatment (NICE, 2011). Those recommended for screening for latent tuberculosis include close contacts of infected individuals, immigrants from high incidence countries, immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare workers. Whilst this strategy targets prevention of the spread of tuberculosis, they are only targeting specific groups, and it is likely in high incidence areas such as Newham, people will slip through the net. These guidelines have only changed minimally since 2006, and since then tuberculosis incidence has been on the increase in areas such as Newham, suggesting that changes may need to be made. High incidence areas of the UK such as Newham could learn from New York experience and copy the strategy it used in dealing with the disease. With the implementation of broadened initial treatment regimes, direct observed therapy, and improved guidelines for hospital control and disease prevention, the city managed to halt the progression of an epidemic (Frieden et al., 1995). As mentioned in the previous chapter, adherence to the lengthy treatment regime as well as a lack of understanding may contribute to the spread of tuberculosis. Directly observed therapy (DOT) involves observing the patient take each dose of their medication, with outreach workers travelling to their homes. Evidence from New York showed that through DOT, only 3% of patients in therapy were infectious, compared to a proposed 20% if not receiving DOT (Frieden et al., 1995). Current UK guidelines (NICE, 2006) do not recommend DOT, although they do state that it may be used in cases of patients with previous issues with adherence or at high risk. Although an expensive and time consuming process, if DOT can reduce infectious cases, thi s would also work as a preventative measure. There could be one allocated outreach nurse for the borough of Newham and other high-risk areas. Another method implemented in New York was the downsizing of large shelters for the homeless. These were breeding grounds for tuberculosis, and the subsequent reduction in overcrowding led to a decrease in transmission of the disease (Frieden et al., 1995). Whilst it is not possible to split people up from living with their families in crowded homes in terms of Newham, education about keeping those with tuberculosis from interacting with too many others in crowded conditions may be of benefit. The model should also borrow from those used by other cities like Paris and the rest of Europe in controlling tuberculosis with intervention at the level of the agent, individual and community levels. In Paris, Rieder (2002) suggested that prophylactic treatment could be used to prevent the disease occurring in those at risk, for example those in the hou sehold of an identified case of tuberculosis. Additionally, Rieder (2002) proposed that early or neonate vaccination be used especially in those in areas where tuberculosis is frequent, rarely diagnosed, and adequate contact examinations rarely feasible. It may be possible that in cases where lots of people are vaccinated that they may infer herd immunity and thus protect unvaccinated individuals from the disease. Once the populations have been protected and the incidence (number of new cases) of tuberculosis has been reduced, this allows for a reduction in the prevalence of tuberculosis (number of ongoing cases at any one point in time) with preventative chemotherapy that can treat sub-clinical, latent tuberculosis in the population. This preventative chemotherapy is likely to be extremely relevant to Newham due to the large immigrant population likely harbouring latent tuberculosis. On a country- or city-wide scale, these recommendations from New York and Paris provide excellent m odels for preventing the increase of tuberculosis any further. It is also important, however, to consider the individual communities in Newham, and to promote health awareness and an attitude towards taking responsibility for their health. Their needs to be an encouragement at the level of primary care where immigrant populations feel that they can approach healthcare, and education to encourage tuberculosis prevention and adherence to treatment. The strategy should be all-inclusive in order to encourage people to not only go for testing but also start and finish the treatment process. 6. Recommendations and conclusion Tuberculosis presents an important urban issue in the area of Newham. Incidence is greater than other areas of the UK, and is over half that of India. There are several factors contributing to this including a large immigrant population, crowding and overpopulation, access to healthcare and comorbid health problems such as vitamin D deficiency and HIV. The disease has considerable effect on morbidity and is responsible for high levels of mortality. Further consequences of the disease manifest as economic problems such as cost of treatment and loss of work. London and the UK already have policies and structures for controlling tuberculosis in place; however the implementation process is patchy across the city, and often dependent upon budget. In high-risk areas such as Newham, there is poor access of healthcare due to inaccurate beliefs on the disease, language and cultural barriers, and complex needs of the population. In the case of tuberculosis, these contribute to poor disease pre vention, delayed diagnosis and poor treatment adherence. All of which lead to an increase in transmission and health consequences. The area of Newham would benefit greatly from further education into tuberculosis, how to look for signs and how to get treatment. Encouraging good relationship with healthcare professionals and promoting access to healthcare through outreach programmes and targeting pharmacies may be helpful. Additionally, Newham should look to employ techniques used in New York and Paris, including DOT, prophylactic treatment and neonate vaccination to reduce both the prevalence and incidence of tuberculosis. References Ahlburg (2000). The economic impact of TB: ministerial conference Amsterdam, WHO Bates, I., Fenton, C., Gruber, J., Lalloo, D., Lara, A. M., Squire, S. B., †¦ and Tolhurst, R. (2004). ‘Vulnerability to malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS infection and disease. Part II: determinants operating at environmental and institutional level’. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, vol. 4(6), pp. 368-375. Bhunu, C. P., and Mushayabasa, S. 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