Analysis of the Healthcare Reform Act

Analysis of the Healthcare Reform Act According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the Health policy broadly describes actions taken by governments national, state, and local to advance the publics health. It is not a single action but requires a range of legislative and regulatory efforts ranging from ensuring air and water quality to supporting cancer research. Health care policy deals with the organization, financing and delivery of health care services. This includes training of health professionals, overseeing the safety of drugs and medical devices, administering public programs like Medicare and regulating private health insurance (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2010). This analysis covers the federal statute enacted in 2010: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which was designed to help families across the states gain access to quality, affordable health care. Many countries integrate a human rights viewpoint when creating their health care policies. The World Health Organization reports that every country in the world is party to at least one human rights treaty that addresses health-related rights, including the right to health as well as other rights that relate to conditions necessary for good health (World Health Organization, 2012). The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) asserts that medical care is a right of all people (The United Nations, 2012). UDHR Article 25: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, and housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Health care reform in the United States has a long history. In 1900 the American Medical Association (AMA) became a powerful national force. By 1910 the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL) organized the first national conference on social insurance. Liberal activists argued for health insurance. In the 1930s the Depression changed priorities, placing more importance on unemployment insurance and old age benefits. The Social Security Act was passed, omitting health insurance. By the 1940s prepaid group healthcare began and was seen as radical. During the 2nd World War, wage and price controls were placed on American employers. To compete for workers, companies began to offer health care benefits, this employer-based system in place today. President Roosevelt asked Congress for economic bill of rights, including the right to adequate medical care. President Truman offered national health program plan, recommending a single system that would include all of American society . Trumans plan was criticized by the American Medical Association (AMA), and is called a Communist plot by a House subcommittee. In the 1950s, hospital care cost doubled. In the early 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. President Richard Nixon renamed health care plans to health maintenance organizations (HMOs), with regulations that provided federal endorsement, certification, and assistance. American medicine was viewed as being in a state of emergency. President Nixons plan for national health insurance was rejected by liberals labor unions. In the 80s Corporations began to integrate the hospital system (previously a decentralized structure), consolidating control. Healthcare shifted toward privatization and corporatizations. In 1986 Congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed into law COBRA, an option that former workers could stay on the company health care plan for 18 months after leaving a job, although the former employee would pay for the coverage. In 1988 prescription drug benefit and catastrophic care coverage was added to Medicare; Congress repealed the law the next year. Under President Reagan, Medicare moved to payments for diagnosiss (DRG) rather than for treatment received. Health care costs increased at double the rate of inflation. Federal health care reform legislation failed passage for a second time in the U.S. Congress. By the end of the decade there were 44 million Americans, which was 16 % of the nation, with no health insurance at all. With a fresh era and Health care costs are on the upsurge again. Medicare is viewed by some as unmentionable under the current organization and must be rescued (Associated press, 2012). After years of unsuccessful attempts by a series of Democratic presidents and a year of bitter partisan struggle, President Obama signed legislation on March 23, 2010, to overhaul the nations health care system and guarantee access to medical insurance for tens of millions of Americans. The Affordable Care Act seeks to extend insurance to more than 30 million people, primarily by expanding Medicaid and providing federal subsidies to help lower- and middle-income Americans buy private coverage. It will create insurance exchanges for those buying individual policies and prohibit insurers from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions. To reduce the soaring cost of Medicare, it creates a panel of experts to limit government reimbursement to only those treatments shown to be effective, and creates incentives for providers to bundle services rather than charge by individual procedure. (Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, 2010) According to research done by the New York Times the law will cost the government about $938 billion over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which has also estimated that it will reduce the federal deficit by $138 billion over a decade (Andrews, 2012). One feature of the Affordable Health Care Act is that insurance companies including all exchange plans will provide adequate benefits to their enrollees. The essential health benefits package will define the minimum set of benefits that new health plans must offer for private market individual and small group plans as well as for Medicaid enrollees in benchmark coverage and those covered by state Basic Health Programs. Many expected the Department of Health and Human Services to outline the services to be included in essential health benefits package; instead it specified that each state would select the package that best meets the needs of children and families (Merles, M. 2005). Essential health benefits (Ebbs) are the least amount benefits that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires to be offered by non-grandfathered health plans in the individual and small group markets. Section 1302 of the ACA identifies the requirements for the essential health benefits. This approach allows states have the discretion to choose a benchmark set of benefits from among the existing health plans. Section 1302 also establishes some specific guidelines in defining the Ebbs. Benefits may not be designed in ways that discriminate against individuals because of their age, disability, or expected length of life and are required to take into account the health care needs of diverse segments of the population, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and other groups.(Touschner, 2011) EHB packages must include benefit protections established in other parts of the ACA, including parity for mental health services and preventive services offered at no cost to enrollees. For infants, children, and adolescents, the preventive services requirement incorporates the services recommended in the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures initiative (Touschner, 2011). The need for adequate Childrens benefits is critical due to their constant development and growth. Children have need of health services that are different than adults, which includes preventive screenings depending on their age and development stage. Childrens growing bodies may also require long-lasting medical equipment (like wheelchairs) on a more frequent schedule than adults. In its Scope of Health Care Benefits for Children policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) outlines the services that are essential for children. (Scope of health, 2012) For many years, Americans have paid the price for policies that have allowed insurance companies to place barriers between them and their doctors, dropping their coverage for sickness, and discriminating against anyone for pre-existing conditions. Mississippi has one of the nations highest percentages (63.2 percent) of uninsured people who would qualify for Medicaid under the expansion in the United States (Kaiser 2010). The Affordable Care Act gives middle-class and low income families in Mississippi the health insurance coverage they deserve. The new health care law dictates that insurance companies are to play by the rules, they can no longer drop coverage if you get sick, sending you into bankruptcy because you have met your annual or lifetime limit, but most importantly they cannot discriminate against anyone with a pre-existing condition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, 2010). It is now mandated that health plans allow parents to maintain coverage of their children who are under the age of 26 and without insurance on their jobs. Resulting from this provision, As of December 2011, 37,000 young adults in Mississippi now have insurance which is included in 3.1 million young people nationwide. The health care law includes Medicare prescription drug coverage benefits which have made prescriptions more affordable. In 2010, a $250 rebate was given to 34,604 people with Medicare in Mississippi who had hit the prescription drug donut hole. In 2011, they began receiving a 50 percent discount on covered brand-name drugs and a discount on generic drugs (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). Since the law was enacted, residents with Medicare in Mississippi have saved a total of $41,809,338 on their prescription drugs. As a result of the discounts people are saving $591 per year and a total savings of $11,732,360 in Mississippi in 2012. It is projected by 2020; the law will close the donut hole. Last year (2011) 330,017 people with Medicare in Mississippi received free preventive services or a free annual wellness visit with their doctor (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). Approximately 47 million women, including 381,704 in Mississippi now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services without cost-sharing. Under the new health care law, insurance companies must provide consumers greater value by spending generally at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality improvements or they must provide consumers a rebate or reduce premiums. This means that 51,744 Mississippi residents with private insurance coverage will benefit from $10,122,532 in rebates from insurance companies this year which will average to $329 for the 30,800 families in Mississippi covered by a policy. Under the new law Mississippi has received $4,783,208 to help fight arbitrary premium increases. As of August 2012, 317 previously uninsured residents of Mississippi who were locked out of the coverage system because of a pre-existing condition are now insured through a new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that was created under the new health reform law (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). Mississippi has received $21,143,618 in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of Affordable Insurance Exchanges. Since 2010, Mississippi has received $5,200,000 in grants from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the Affordable Care Act. This new fund was created to support effective policies in Mississippi, its communities, and nationwide so that all Americans can lead longer, more productive lives (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). In Mississippi, there are 21 health centers providing preventive and primary health care services to 324,046 people from183 different sites. These health centers have received $49,784,983 under the Affordable Care Act to support the operations and establishments of new health center sites. Mississippi was granted $4,100,000 for school-based health centers, to help clinics expand and provide more health care services such as screenings to students and $3,100,000 for Maternal, Infa nt, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs. These programs bring health professionals to meet with at-risk families in their homes and connect families to the kinds of help that can make a real difference in a childs health, development, and ability to learn such as health care, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, 2012). The Patient Protection and affordable care Act (PPACA) will be implemented in a span of the next four years. The law includes an increase of the number of persons who are eligible to Medicaid; the government will reward discount of insurance premiums, for businesses providing health insurance. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage or claims because of the health history of any person. With the Patient Protection and affordable care Act all Americans will have the security of knowing that they dont have to worry about losing coverage if theyre laid off or change jobs. Insurance companies now have to cover preventive care like mammograms and other cancer screenings. The new law also makes a momentous investment in State and community-based efforts that promote public health prevent disease and protect against public health emergencies. Although this healthcare plan comes with its own costs, they will be covered by the taxes that will be imposed on the wealthy. Individuals who choose not to have insurance will be penalized with a tax fee as a way of encouraging every member in society to have insurance and this will be as a source of income to offset the plans cost. This was a great step towards ensuring a good healthcare for all the people of the US regardless of whether they are insured or not. There are several classes of people living in the US, who do not have access to insurance. These people range from illegal immigrants to others who see insurance as very expensive and cant afford to pay for insurance. The number of uninsured Americans is estimated to be 32 million today but after the PPACA was signed in to law the number is expected to decline considerably to about 23 million. Most of the uninsured people are drawn from illegal immigrants because they are not eligible to obtain insurance while they are resi ding in the US. Poor and middle class persons and their families also tend to go without insurance. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies 2010 available online) The Affordable Care Act was specifically designed to give States the resources and flexibility they need to tailor their approach to their distinctive needs and to help families across the country gain access to quality, affordable health care. The Affordable Care Act ensures hard-working, middle class families will get the health care they deserve by keeping health care costs low, encouraging prevention, and making insurance companies accountable.

Britain’s Social Policy

Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), set up by the Department of Heath in July 1848 as a healthcare provision, is based on its citizen’s needs not ability to pay. The Department of Health oversees the NHS with funds provided through taxpayers (History of the NHS, n. d. ). Launched as a single organization, the NHS was founded around 14 regional hospital boards in three segments consisting of hospital services; family doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists; and local authority health services, including community nursing and health visiting (Ibid).As with any public service agency, changes are imminent. Since 1948, the NHS has undergone major changes in the organizational structure of the agency and in the manner in which patient services are provided. While the NHS proved beneficial to Britain’s citizens, there remained negatives in the program. In spite of improvements and successes, the NHS food was still rationed, building materials were short, and t here was a significant economic crisis and a shortage of fuel. In spite of efforts to improve conditions, the war created a housing crisis in addition to the post-war reconstruction of cities.The New Towns Act (1946) created major new centers of population, but each center was in need of health services. During the period from 1948 to 1957 (History of the NHS), the agency underwent administrative difficulties, financial problems, criticism over minimal fees charges to recipients (e. g. â€Å"a flat rate of ? 1 for ordinary dental treatment†) (Ibid), problems balancing all responsibilities and demands of the government and public, and maintaining medical professional and community health issues. By 1960, the NHS began to see positive changes. The introduction of improved drugs lead to better treatment to citizens.It was during this period that the polio vaccine was introduced along with â€Å"dialysis for chronic renal failure and chemotherapy for certain cancers were develop ed† (NHS, n. d. ). As time progressed, through 1967, problems concerning doctor’s pay arose. However, some of the problems were resolved through the Royal Commission. Like the reformation in pay structures, improved management conditions also became a significant concern. In fact, the NHS introduced a Hospital Activity Analysis to enable medical professionals and managers â€Å"better patient-based information† (NHS, n.d. ). Furthermore, the 1960s brought about a change in segmentation as medical staff was divided into specialty groups, leading to additional criticism (e. g. the 1962 Porritt Report called for unification) (NHS). Also launched in 1962 was Enoch Powell’s Hospital Plan, a ten-year program approving the development of district general hospitals for areas with populations of about 125,000 (NHS), advocating new postgraduate education centers, and giving nurses and doctors a better opportunity for education and future employment and stability.In 1967, recommendations for developing a senior nursing staff structure and moving forward with advancements in hospital management were made in the Salmon Report, while the Cogwheel Report marked the first report on the organization of doctors in hospitals. By 1968, the NHS boasted clinical and organization optimism. However, the optimism was short-lived. Medical progress was notable (e. g. inclusion of endoscopy and Computerized Axial Tomography scanning), including an extension of investigative groups.Also prevalent during the period of 1968 to 1977, transplant surgery became widely used, pharmaceutical improvements were evident, and intensive care units gave the NHS a renewed sense of how medical care would be provided to its citizens. This renewed spirit was short-lived with the mergence of Lassa Fever. The general practice charter encouraged the formation of primary health care teams, new group practice grounds and a rapid increase in the number of health centers.Additionally, t his period saw a change in the Government’s Hospital Plan as new hospitals began to provide even more people with improved and local services. Also indicative of progressive changes is the arrival of information technology through â€Å"health service computerization and clinical budgeting† (NHS). Nevertheless, advancements did not remove the continued debate concerning the organizational structure of the NHS. In 1974, a new system was introduced, but conflict continued combined with an increase in inflation.When inflation reached 26 percent, a wage restraint was enacted. According to the NHS, â€Å"industrial action hit the NHS while consultants were also alienated by proposals to reduce private practice within the service† (NHS, n. d. ). NHS historical sources relate that by 1978 the NHS â€Å"had become a victim of its own success† (n. d. ). Changes were imminent. The introduction of new technology and multifaceted treatment methods led the NHS and its governing forces to realize additional advancements were imperative.By the late 1980s, the NHS reported highly recognized advances, including the areas of primary health care, genetic engineering, successful drug advancements, and the introduction of the MRI of which the agency states: â€Å"the number of operations for fractured neck or femur and osteoarthritis of the hip was reaching almost epidemic proportions†¦increasing numbers of heart and liver transplants were being performed and surgical treatment for heart disease was becoming more common† (n. d. ).In spite of the positive changes, the NHS continued to face on constant dilemma –financial stability. Increasing demand for services exceeded the resources available, leading to the mandated audit process of what NHS professionals were doing. By 1987, the NHS’s medical staff was in debt (NHS, n. d. ), waiting lists were increasing, and hospital wards were being closed (n. d. ). The NHS reports the peri od of 1988 to 1997 as its â€Å"most significant cultural shift since its inception with the introduction of the so-called internal market† (NHS, n. d. ).A 1989 White Paper, Working for Patients, was passed into law (Community Care Act 1990). Leading up to the beginning of the 1990s, the NHS saw the emergence of the internal market while health organizations became NHS trusts (independent, competing organizations with their own managements). By 1991, the NHS reported 57 Trusts, with all care provided by Trust at the end of 1995. All of the changes marked what the agency calls the â€Å"New NHS† and defines this change as â€Å"modern, dependable† (NHS, n. d. ). The new NHS operates under â€Å"six principles† of which include:†¢ The renewal of the NHS as a genuinely national service, offering fair access to consistently high quality, prompt and accessible services right across the country; †¢ To make the delivery of healthcare against these new national standards a matter of local responsibility, with local doctors and nurses in the driving seat in shaping services; †¢ To get the NHS to work in partnership, breaking down organizational barriers and forging stronger links with local authorities; †¢ To drive efficiency through a more rigorous approach to performance, cutting bureaucracy to maximize every pound spent in the NHS for the care of patients;†¢ To shift the focus onto quality of care so that excellence would be guaranteed to all patients, with quality the driving force for decision-making at every level of the service; †¢ To rebuild public confidence in the NHS as a public service, accountable to patients, open to the public and shaped by their views. (â€Å"Six Principles†) Of all influences on the changes in the social policies of Britain the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 has had the greatest impact. In fact, before the Act, most of Britain’s health and public services were pla nned and provided by health and local authorities (Commissioning the New NHS, 1998).The Act divided the role of health and local authorities by changing their internal structure thereby giving local authority departments responsibility for assessing the needs of the local population and then purchasing the necessary services from providers (1998). However, under the terms of the Act, a select number of health and social services authorities opted out of what would mean competing with other providers to work together in other sections of the community (e. g. voluntary groups and housing associations) (1998).Under a â€Å"mixed economy of care† (NHS), social policies evolved to also include a service specification inviting providers to â€Å"tender for the contract to provide those services† (Commissioning the New NHS, 1998). This mixed economy was intended as a tool to give citizens a variety of health care choices. However, according the Department of Heath’s re port (1998): Some local authorities chose to purchase services as part of a ‘block contract’ (where a certain service is provided for a fixed price and a fixed length of time).Purchasing services in this way may actually reduce choice for the individual, as frequently no alternatives (outside those provided by the block contract) are made available. Key Elements of Housing Policy Post-war housing policy is believed to have been a â€Å"notable success† (Ball, 1983). Since the days following the war, the physical housing situation in Britain has improved dramatically. In the period of the 1950s to 1980, Britain had seen a significant net gain of 200-250,000 dwellings each year (p. 2).In fact, Ball (1983) reports that â€Å"millions of slums have been demolished† and â€Å"thousands of other dwellings have been renovated to [meet] modern standards† (1983). Britain’s housing conditions have seen a significant improvement, specifically into the 1 980s. In fact, the change was so dramatic that less than 5 percent of dwellings were overcrowded. Improvements in housing includes the inclusion of a bath/shower and an inside toilet. Of all policies in post-war Britain, the 1977 Housing Policy Review was the best moment of all changes in housing provision.By the early 1980s, however, satisfaction disappeared and a growing housing crisis became a concern once again. According to Ball (1983), Britain’s post-war housing record has been poor compared with other West European countries. While all experienced a housing boom from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Britain’s population size resulted in its trailing behind other countries’ house building rates (see Table 1), most predominately those with a similar welfare state social democratic tradition. Key elements of the housing policies includes the Department of Health’s responsibilities to:†¢ Identify local market information on the supply of housing , care and support services for older and disabled people; †¢ Access support on developing and implementing regional and local housing with care action plans; †¢ Obtain advice on public and private sector capital and revenue streams to inform business investment decisions; †¢ Disseminate guidance on the DH’s Extra Care Housing fund and grant allocation arrangements; †¢ Facilitate the adaptation of good practice to local settings; †¢ Support successful applicants with the development process and share their learning with unsuccessful applicants;†¢ Access knowledge management tools to support practice development and service improvement. †¢ Secure funding to research, test and evaluate new and innovative models of housing with care solutions support; †¢ Offer training and consultancy resources to support service development and change management processes; and †¢ Convene regional LIN meetings to identify and share what works (Departm ent of Health, 2007). According to Gummer (2005), in the 25 years since the UK’s â€Å"right to buy† housing policy, approximately 2 million families have become homeowners, changing the way Britain’s housing policies and market is perceived.The â€Å"right to buy† policy opened opportunity to â€Å"a whole new group† giving them â€Å"a stake in the community that they had never had before† (p. 69). However, in spite of the positive changes, Gummer (2005) reports that Britain continues to receive criticism with the most cited concern being â€Å"that the sale of council houses means there is a shortage of homes to let† (p. 69). Contrary to the positives, negative critism has surfaced, including a Contract Journal article (Penny, 2005) stating that â€Å"social housing schemes could be about to receive a much-needed shot in the arm — as well as a much-needed boost from the private sector† (p.40). Penny (2005) argues the impracticability of Britain’s urging to commit to a social housing PFI. â€Å"Unless you know exactly what you are taking on, anyone involved in such a scheme could be taking a huge risk,† argues Penny (p. 40). The author, among others, believe that the proposed new NHS LIFT approach indicates the public sector retains an interest in the scheme of which Penny also argues will â€Å"sidestep tenants’ objections to being put into the hands of a firm being run solely to generate profit† (Ibid).Despite obvious objections, the Contract Journal (Penny, 2005) does see positive aspects of moving to NHS LIFT-style management and asserts that a move flexible program would benefit the public in more ways than better housing alone. Based on references concerning LIFT-style initiatives (NHS LIFT Guidance, 2007; Penny, 2005; Millet, 2005) the program addresses almost all concerns in social housing, including the continued coverage of health and schools. As time progres ses, Britain’s housing policy changes continue to be focus of debates on just how much of the changes are for the good of citizens and how much is political agenda.One must question the validity of various housing programs, including the current and forthcoming plans for housing for the elderly. One such program is the Wanless Telecare proposal (Housing LIN Policy Briefing, 2006) that the Audit Commission defines as â€Å"any service that brings health and social care directly to a user, generally in their own homes, supported by communication and information technology. Data is collected through sensors, fed into a home hub and sent electronically to a monitoring center† (2006, p.1). According to the Briefing document (2006), Britain’s government believes the Telecare program can help older people to remain in their homes for longer (p. 1). However, while the program proposal defines the costs associated with implementing the program as â€Å"modest† (20 06, p. 2), they are high, specifically to the homeowner. The set up fee of a basic home safety package costs about ? 360 plus monitoring costs of ? 5 per week. Home health monitoring is more expensive, around ? 700 and ? 10 per week monitoring costs.Given these high figures, combined with the already luminous housing problems with the elderly, how can such a program benefit citizens? According to the Audit Commission’s review of the Telecare housing safety program, â€Å"Telecare equipment and services provide the opportunity to react to hazardous events and to alert and prevent deterioration in an individual’s ability to care for themselves† (2006, p. 3). One specific pilot study (West Lothian: Opening Doors for Older People, 1999 quoted in Department of Health White Paper, 2006) for the inclusion of Telecare surveyed 10,000 households in the West Lothian district age 60 or over.The survey purpose was to reveal the validity of Telecare inclusion as a possible m eans of â€Å"reengineering† services for older people to include the development of extra care housing and changes to home care services. According to the survey, implementing Telecare on its own without wider system improvements is a wasted opportunity. In fact, the survey revealed: †¢ Telecare is not a cut price alternative to personal care, but sits alongside it †¢ A technology driven approach does not work †¢ A focus on cost saving/shunting does not work †¢ A high level of commitment at senior level is required†¢ West Lothian has found ‘minimal interest’ from the local NHS in telecare/telemedicine possibilities (Department of Health, 2006; Audit Commission, 2004; Brownsell et al, 2001). Understanding the changes in Britain’s housing policy since 1979 enables its citizens to better equip themselves for what future changes may come. In fact, Britain’s housing policies have fluctuated, indicating a positive change and decl ining to criticism and little faith of its citizens. While the government is consistently working toward bettering its housing policies, there remains many avenues yet to be explored. References:Audit Commission (2004). Older People: Implementing Telecare. London: Audit Commission. Ball, M. (1983). Housing Policy and Economic Power: The Political Economy of Owner Occupation. Methuen: London. Brownsell, S et al (2001). An attributable cost model for a telecare system using advanced community alarms. Journal of Telecare and Telemedicine, Volume 7. _______________ (1998). Commissioning the new NHS, 1999/2000. Department of Health, HSC (98) 198. Department of Health (2007). Official website. Crown, retrieved January 11, 2007 from http://www. dh. gov. uk/Home/fs/en Department of Health White Paper (2006).Our health, our care, our say: a new vision for community services. London: The Stationery Office. Gummer, J. (2005, Nov 5). â€Å"Right to buy† was the right move for everyone. E states Gazette, Issue 544, 69. Millet, C. (2005, Oct 10). Social housing set for LIFT-style deals. Contract Journal, Vol. 430 Issue 6545, 1. ______________ (2007). NHS LIFT Guidance. Crown, retrieved January 10, 2007 from http://www. dh. gov. uk/ProcurementAndProposals/PublicPrivatePartnership/NHSLIFT/N HSLIFTGuidance/fs/en Penny, E. (2005, Oct 10). Editor’s Comment. Contract Journal, Vol. 430 Issue 6545, 40. United Nations Statistical Yearbook 1978

Energy Resource Plan - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 604 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2017/09/24 Category Economics Essay Type Argumentative essay Tags: Community Essay Energy Essay Did you like this example? Importance of Energy Conservation Modern conveniences have shaped our lives. Energy and its many uses help to keep humans safe, feed, and mobile. These modern abilities have also created a strain on our environment and the natural resources that make this existence possible. Currently electric for our community is generated by coal and our water is processes by electric. Our fossil fuels are on the brink of extinction, making the actions we take now more vital than ever. Creating an implemented plan that changes our current consumption of fossil fuels, will perpetuate a cleaner community, stabilize eco-systems, and provide a future for the generations to come. Harnessing renewable natural resources will allow the earth to heal because renewable resources are cleaner, efficient, and readily available. Renewable and Non-renewable energy Every resident in this community is reliant on outside sources that use non-renewable resources for power and to clean our water. Every day the resources used are depleted and will eventually run out; in the meantime we set idly by and watch prices escalate. Fossil fuels emit many pollutants (EPA, 2008) into the air and encourage global warming. Those outside sources subject this community to rate increases and dependency on weather conditions. Renewable energy is found in many forms, generated by the earth. Effectively harnessing these energies will reduce gas emissions (EPA, 2008. ) Methods of Energy Generation There is a reality, with your help and dedication that can break the chains that bind us to these natural and political constraints. Renewable resources will generate enough energy that the electric company will be paying us! We are fortunate to have three resources that will produce this overabundance. From the mountain peaks the wind can be utilized, from the rushing waters of the Shenandoah River, hydroelectric power and a system to gather and filter its waters will provide our community with clean saf e drinking water. Solar energy is also abundant, giving us another option to produce energy. Cost for these projects may not fit everyone’s budget but there are grants and funding options available to us. One source for funding is from the USDA, through its â€Å"Rural Energy for America Program (USDA, 2010. )† Government Efforts Along with saving on electric and water bills, the state of Virginia will give tax deductions on personal property that aid in saving energy (DMME, 2006. ) These deductions make purchasing energy efficient appliances profitable. The Federal Government offers tax incentives on new construction and existing homes (TIAP, 2009) that are energy efficient or that use renewable energy sources. The Federal Government also offers grants provided by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (TIAP, 2009. )   Producing clean and efficient energy from available renewable resources will keep our planet sustainable for future generations. We can do our part to clean up the environment while reducing cost and our carbon footprint. This community has the good fortune of being able to utilize three major energy sources; wind, water, and the sun. We have the power to produce electric and clean water. With state and federal incentives and grant programs cost to â€Å"Go Green† can be reduced and tax breaks realized. References Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2008). Clean energy strategies for local governments. On-site renewable energy generation. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from https://www. epa. gov/statelocalclimate/documents/pdf/7. 2_on-site_generation. df Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) (2009). Legislative language pending updates. Retrieved August 22, 2010, from https://energytaxincentives. org/general/legislative. php USDA (2010). Renewable Energy Funding. Delta Farm Press. Retrieved August 22, 2010, from https://deltafarmpress. com/biofuels/USDA-energy-0505/ Viginia Department of Mines, Min erals, and Energy (DMME) (2006). Virginia income tax deductions on energy efficient products. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from https://www. dmme. virginia. gov/DE/taxcredit. shtml Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Energy Resource Plan" essay for you Create order

Differences and Similarities in The Odyssey and Inferno...

Differences and Similarities in The Odyssey and Inferno When going through the stories The Odyssey by Homer and Inferno by Dante, you get the feeling of how diverse, yet similar the two stories are. When reading The Odyssey, you find Ulysses trying to get home to his love, Penelope. He has been gone for twenty years, and through those years, he has struggled with good and evil, just like Dante in Inferno. Ulysses finds himself time after time fighting off gods and their children. Dante, struggling with good and evil, works his way through the nine levels of hell. He is struggling to find where his faithfulness lies. He also is trying to find his way to his love, Beatrice. When reading The Odyssey and Inferno, we find many†¦show more content†¦Dante tells us to â€Å"look carefully; you’ll see such things/as would deprive my speech of all belief† (Alighieri, 1992, Canto XIII 13.20-13.21). Dante shows his heroism by testing his own strengths. Ulysses’ characteristics differ from Dante’s because Ulysses has many great accomplishments whereas Dante does not. One other difference in these stories is the portrayal of religion. Religion in The Odyssey is portrayed as polytheism. Polytheism is the belief in many different gods. An example would be during Ulysses’ journey, the goddess Minerva helps him, while Neptune continues to challenge Ulysses constantly; â€Å"Bear in mind, however, that Neptune is still furious with Ulysses for having blinded an eye of Polyphemus king of the Cyclopes† (Stevenson, 2009, Book I, Para. 6). Religion in Inferno portrays a Christianity approach, or the belief in one god. Though they have different characteristics and portrayals of religion, there are some similarities within their stories. One similarity that we find in both The Odyssey and Inferno, is the fact that both Ulysses and Dante travel to hell. Ulysses travels to the underworld, Erebus. Ulysses seeks out his mother for news regarding his love, Penelope: Your wife still remains in your house, but she is in great distress of mind and spends her whole time in tears both night and day. No one as yet has got possession of your fine property, and TelemachusShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy Of The Odyssey And The Inferno Essay1574 Words   |  7 Pagessuffering is a key part of the story, the different characters of the divine in the Odyssey and Inferno result in a unique take on the role of suffering. We see that people who suffer in the Odyssey sometimes do not deserve their punishment, whereas in the Inferno we see that the people who suffer are suffering justly. Suffering is a very important topic when it comes to writing tragedies or similar genres. It is a topic that authors take very seriously and are meticulous when implementing it in theirRead MoreWhy Is Humanities Important?3163 Words   |  13 Pagesmemorized the punishments in the Inferno than most people would understand. But the basic idea is that by studying humanities we ll communicate and understand each other better. And while memorizing these infernal punishments may seem tedious, if looked at pragmatically it s really not that difficult. The punishments are poetic, and usually make some degree of sense for the crime.. I have a similar issue with Math and Life Science courses. It’s complicated when the cell structures won t affectRead MoreThe Inferno, By Dante2284 Words   |  10 PagesThroughout the Inferno, Dante has often presented characters in a way that reflects his own personality: there is the amorous and suicidal Dido for whom he shows sympathy and gives a le sser punishment, while there is the suicidal Pier delle Vigne to whom he gives a much harsher punishment. This difference in placement should reflect a strict moral code that agrees with a pre-established divine order, and yet Dante demonstrates such obvious favoritism. Why? Dido loved Aeneas too much, as Dante loved

Fraud Triangle And Red Flags - 1485 Words

Option #1 - Fraud Triangle and Red Flags Plutonium entered the Internet start-up boom in 1988. It experienced rapid growth that resulted in a haphazard information technology (IT) system in which pieces of technology were implemented quickly leaving poor integration and data integrity. To strengthen data integrity and create an integrated IT system, the organization installed a billing system, Gateway, which required testing utilizing an imitation yet live credit card number to test the software and integration. Several months after integration, a piracy incident involving a member of the integration team was detected. The incident was resolved with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the Operations team employee, Chris, warned and suspended with a formal warning letter to be completed. Due to a conversation between the employee and his manager, Jonathan, the letter was not written and months later the behavior of the employee raised suspicions with Jonathan indicating potential fraud. Potential Fraud Indicators – The Fraud Triangle To enable fraudulent activities, three elements comprised of the fraud triangle must exist: perceived pressure, perceived opportunity, and rationalization of the fraudulent activities. In the case of Plutonium, the elements of the fraud triangle were present and several factors increased the opportunities for fraudulent activities. 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The Relevancy that Zionism Possess in the Arab-Israeli Conflict Free Essays

Executive Summary ThÐ µ conflict bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ IsraÐ µlis and thÐ µ PalÐ µstinians was a consÐ µquÐ µncÐ µ of onÐ µ of thÐ µ most glorious and crÐ µativÐ µ movÐ µmÐ µnts of thÐ µ last cÐ µntury: modÐ µrn Zionism. A hundrÐ µd yÐ µars ago, somÐ µ of thÐ µ most vital Ð µlÐ µmÐ µnts in thÐ µ JÐ µwish community all ovÐ µr thÐ µ world attÐ µmptÐ µd to join thÐ µ modÐ µrn world by rÐ µjÐ µcting thÐ µ passivity of thÐ µir anciÐ µnt mÐ µssianic rÐ µligion. ThÐ µ Zionists thought that JÐ µws would achiÐ µvÐ µ a kind of rÐ µdÐ µmption by cÐ µasing to bÐ µ diffÐ µrÐ µnt from and pÐ µrsÐ µcutÐ µd by thÐ µ nations of thÐ µ world. We will write a custom essay sample on The Relevancy that Zionism Possess in the Arab-Israeli Conflict or any similar topic only for you Order Now SomÐ µhow, thÐ µy thought, thÐ µ inÐ µvitablÐ µ discomforts and conflicts with thÐ µ Arabs would bÐ µ rÐ µsolvÐ µd. ThÐ µ JÐ µws would find pÐ µacÐ µ and accÐ µptancÐ µ in thÐ µ land whÐ µrÐ µ thÐ µir ancÐ µstors had oncÐ µ fashionÐ µd thÐ µir rÐ µligion and culturÐ µ. But it was not to bÐ µ. InstÐ µad, from its vÐ µry bÐ µginning to this vÐ µry day, Zionism has confrontÐ µd a cÐ µntury of war. This papÐ µr discuss thÐ µ issuÐ µ of JÐ µws on thÐ µ land of PalÐ µstinÐ µ is vÐ µry complÐ µx. ThÐ µ nationalists bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µ that thÐ µ JÐ µwish pÐ µoplÐ µ will bÐ µ Ð µndangÐ µrÐ µd unlÐ µss thÐ µir basÐ µ is rÐ µ-Ð µstablishÐ µd in thÐ µir anciÐ µnt homÐ µland. Thus nÐ µithÐ µr group can Ð µvÐ µr grant thÐ µ ultimatÐ µ PalÐ µstinian dÐ µmand that thÐ µ JÐ µws cÐ µasÐ µ thÐ µir aggrÐ µssion and go Ð µlsÐ µwhÐ µrÐ µ. ModÐ µrn Zionism bÐ µgan with thÐ µ vision of a â€Å"normalizÐ µd† JÐ µwish pÐ µoplÐ µ, a nation among nations that would bÐ µ part of thÐ µ world as of right. ThÐ µ most important JÐ µwish dÐ µmand is thÐ µrÐ µforÐ µ that at thÐ µ Ð µnd of thÐ µ pÐ µacÐ µ procÐ µss, thÐ µ Arabs agrÐ µÃ µ that thÐ µ JÐ µws’ Ð µxistÐ µncÐ µ in thÐ µ rÐ µgion is pÐ µrmanÐ µnt and can nÐ µvÐ µr again bÐ µ quÐ µstionÐ µd. ThÐ µ RÐ µlÐ µvancy that Zionism PossÐ µss in thÐ µ Arab-IsraÐ µli Conflict ThÐ µ conflict bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn Zionism and thÐ µ Arab statÐ µs has bÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ focus of intÐ µrnational attÐ µntion sincÐ µ thÐ µ Ð µnd of World War I. It was a subjÐ µct of major concÐ µrn to thÐ µ old LÐ µaguÐ µ of Nations; aftÐ µr World War II, it was onÐ µ of thÐ µ first disputÐ µs in which thÐ µ UnitÐ µd Nations (U.N.) was involvÐ µd. For many yÐ µars, it was a factor in thÐ µ Cold War bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ SoviÐ µt Union and thÐ µ WÐ µst. (Smith, 1992) MorÐ µ than half a dozÐ µn spÐ µcial U.N. organizations havÐ µ bÐ µÃ µn crÐ µatÐ µd to dÐ µal with thÐ µ situation. (RÐ µich, Ð µt al., 1996) ThÐ µ conflict has cÐ µntÐ µrÐ µd on thÐ µ strugglÐ µ bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn Zionism, or JÐ µwish nationalism, and Arab nationalism for control of PalÐ µstinÐ µ. (Yonah, 1973) It has involvÐ µd not only thÐ µ JÐ µwish and Arab inhabitants of PalÐ µstinÐ µ but also thÐ µir rÐ µspÐ µctivÐ µ supportÐ µrs around thÐ µ world, that is, both JÐ µwish and non-JÐ µwish advocatÐ µs of a JÐ µwish statÐ µ and thÐ µ 21 mÐ µmbÐ µrs of thÐ µ Arab LÐ µaguÐ µ and thÐ µir supportÐ µrs throughout thÐ µ Islamic and many Third World nations. (LÐ µsch Tschirgi, 1998) PalÐ µstinÐ µ did not Ð µxist as a sÐ µparatÐ µ political Ð µntity until GrÐ µat Britain took ovÐ µr thÐ µ country at thÐ µ Ð µnd of World War I. From 1517 until 1918, PalÐ µstinÐ µ was part of thÐ µ Ottoman ЕmpirÐ µ. (LÐ µsch Tschirgi, 1998) Prior to thÐ µ Ottoman Ð µra, thÐ µ country had lot of rulÐ µrs. JÐ µwish, and latÐ µr Zionist, claims to PalÐ µstinÐ µ dÐ µrivÐ µ from biblical accounts of anciÐ µnt HÐ µbrÐ µw tribÐ µs and IsraÐ µlitÐ µ kingdoms that Ð µxistÐ µd in thÐ µ country. (Smith, 1992) PalÐ µstinÐ µ is also important to Christianity and Islam. JÐ µsus Christ was born and diÐ µd in PalÐ µstinÐ µ and livÐ µd most of his lifÐ µ thÐ µrÐ µ. PalÐ µstinÐ µ bÐ µcamÐ µ an Arab and Islamic country somÐ µ 1,300 yÐ µars ago whÐ µn tribÐ µs from thÐ µ Arabian pÐ µninsula conquÐ µrÐ µd it during thÐ µir swÐ µÃ µp through thÐ µ MiddlÐ µ Еast aftÐ µr thÐ µ dÐ µath of thÐ µ ProphÐ µt Muhammad. (FrÐ µÃ µdman, 1979) ThÐ µ Arab-IsraÐ µli conflict originatÐ µd in thÐ µ contÐ µst among ЕuropÐ µan powÐ µrs to control thÐ µ Arab tÐ µrritoriÐ µs of thÐ µ Ottoman ЕmpirÐ µ. Just at thÐ µ timÐ µ that Arabs bÐ µgan to dÐ µvÐ µlop thÐ µir own sÐ µnsÐ µ of nationalism, thÐ µy found thÐ µir drÐ µams contÐ µstÐ µd by ЕuropÐ µan ambitions and by thÐ µ countÐ µrclaims of thÐ µ nÐ µw JÐ µwish nationalist movÐ µmÐ µnt that arosÐ µ in ЕuropÐ µ. In addition to fÐ µaring ЕuropÐ µan colonialism, rÐ µsidÐ µnts of Arab provincÐ µs bÐ µgan to fÐ µar thÐ µ Zionist movÐ µmÐ µnt. (Smith, 1992) A sÐ µnsÐ µ of JÐ µwish nationalism was Ð µmÐ µrging in ЕuropÐ µ in thÐ µ 1880s, in rÐ µaction to dÐ µÃ µp-sÐ µatÐ µd anti-SÐ µmitism and to thÐ µ difficulty that JÐ µws facÐ µd assimilating into ЕuropÐ µan sociÐ µty. Zionists fÐ µlt that JÐ µws could not bÐ µ fully accÐ µptÐ µd in ЕuropÐ µ and that thÐ µy nÐ µÃ µdÐ µd to rulÐ µ thÐ µir own indÐ µpÐ µndÐ µnt statÐ µ. Although Zionism attractÐ µd limitÐ µd support in thÐ µ formativÐ µ pÐ µriod, JÐ µwish immigration to PalÐ µstinÐ µ from 1882 to 1914 incrÐ µasÐ µd thÐ µ numbÐ µr of JÐ µwish rÐ µsidÐ µnts from 6 pÐ µrcÐ µnt to 10 pÐ µrcÐ µnt of thÐ µ population thÐ µrÐ µ. (Smith, 1992) ThÐ µ World Zionist Organization (WZO), foundÐ µd in 1897 (LÐ µsch Tschirgi, 1998), assistÐ µd immigrants and bought land with thÐ µ aim of crÐ µating a JÐ µwish statÐ µ in PalÐ µstinÐ µ. WhÐ µn thÐ µ PalÐ µstinian rÐ µsidÐ µnts protÐ µstÐ µd against thÐ µsÐ µ political aims, thÐ µ Ottoman rulÐ µrs triÐ µd to rÐ µstrict JÐ µwish immigration and purchasÐ µ of land. (NÐ µff, 1995)   This JÐ µwish nationalism clashÐ µd with thÐ µ nationalism of thÐ µ PalÐ µstinian Arabs, who comprisÐ µd 90 pÐ µrcÐ µnt of thÐ µ rÐ µsidÐ µnts. (Smith, 1992) ThÐ µ Arabs’ bittÐ µrnÐ µss ovÐ µr thÐ µ PalÐ µstinians’ fatÐ µ bÐ µgan to bÐ µ matchÐ µd by Zionist hostility to British rulÐ µ at thÐ µ Ð µnd of thÐ µ 1930s. (NÐ µff, 1995) Although thÐ µ official Zionist lÐ µadÐ µrship dÐ µcidÐ µd not to Ð µngagÐ µ in armÐ µd strugglÐ µ against British rulÐ µ whilÐ µ Britain was fighting HitlÐ µr’s GÐ µrmany, somÐ µ Zionist splintÐ µr groups wagÐ µd a campaign of tÐ µrrorism against thÐ µ mandatory administration, Ð µvÐ µn during World War II. (Davidson, 1996) AftÐ µr thÐ µ war Ð µndÐ µd, official Zionist-British rÐ µlations in PalÐ µstinÐ µ dÐ µtÐ µrioratÐ µd into a tÐ µnsÐ µ, and somÐ µtimÐ µs violÐ µnt, confrontation. (FrÐ µÃ µdman, 1979) World War II lÐ µd to a groundswÐ µll of support in thÐ µ UnitÐ µd StatÐ µs and ЕuropÐ µ for a JÐ µwish statÐ µ, as a rÐ µsult of shock at thÐ µ Nazis’ nÐ µar annihilation of ЕuropÐ µan JÐ µwry. (Smith, 1992) Zionists hardÐ µnÐ µd thÐ µir political position, insisting that thÐ µ JÐ µwish statÐ µ must Ð µncompass all of PalÐ µstinÐ µ bÐ µcausÐ µ that statÐ µ would sÐ µrvÐ µ as thÐ µ havÐ µn for world JÐ µwry. ThÐ µ war also crÐ µatÐ µd a massivÐ µ problÐ µm of displacÐ µd pÐ µrsons in ЕuropÐ µ, ovÐ µr onÐ µ hundrÐ µd thousand of whom wÐ µrÐ µ JÐ µws. Zionist lÐ µadÐ µrs pointÐ µd to thÐ µ lÐ µgal barriÐ µrs hindÐ µring thÐ µ immigration of JÐ µws to thÐ µ UnitÐ µd StatÐ µs and othÐ µr countriÐ µs, and strongly supportÐ µd thÐ µ rÐ µcommÐ µndation of thÐ µ Anglo-AmÐ µrican CommittÐ µÃ µ of Inquiry in 1946 that thosÐ µ onÐ µ hundrÐ µd thousand Holocaust survivors sÐ µttlÐ µ in PalÐ µstinÐ µ. (Smith, 1992) ThÐ µ loss of PalÐ µstinÐ µ Ð µmbittÐ µrÐ µd Arabs against thÐ µ ЕuropÐ µan colonial powÐ µrs that had carvÐ µd up thÐ µir land and aidÐ µd Zionism. (Yonah, 1973) But thÐ µ dÐ µfÐ µat also lÐ µd to sÐ µlf-criticism. Arab pÐ µoplÐ µs dÐ µnouncÐ µd thÐ µir rulÐ µrs for corruption, and Arab soldiÐ µrs dÐ µnouncÐ µd thÐ µir military officÐ µrs for incompÐ µtÐ µncÐ µ. (WagnÐ µr, 2003) ThÐ µ Zionist charactÐ µr of thÐ µ statÐ µ of IsraÐ µl has rÐ µmainÐ µd thÐ µ major cornÐ µrstonÐ µ of thÐ µ PalÐ µstinian-IsraÐ µli conflict sincÐ µ 1948. (Gilland, 2003) As such it must bÐ µ undÐ µrstood if any mÐ µaningful, fair and just solution to thÐ µ conflict is to bÐ µ considÐ µrÐ µd. ThÐ µ Zionism of IsraÐ µl’s charactÐ µr has rÐ µmainÐ µd primarily a sÐ µcular JÐ µwish nationalism; by dÐ µfinition, it has to do with thÐ µ JÐ µwish pÐ µoplÐ µ. (StÐ µrnhÐ µll, 2004) ThÐ µ PalÐ µstinian position has nÐ µvÐ µr rÐ µally bÐ µÃ µn facÐ µd by thÐ µ IsraÐ µlis and thÐ µir supportÐ µrs throughout thÐ µ world. Zionists, both in IsraÐ µl and abroad, arÐ µ Ð µssÐ µntially WÐ µstÐ µrnÐ µrs who bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µ that problÐ µms havÐ µ rational solutions and that agÐ µ-old rÐ µligious or nationalist quarrÐ µls can ultimatÐ µly bÐ µ solvÐ µd by compromisÐ µ. (LÐ µsch Tschirgi, 1998) Zionism has bÐ µÃ µn a grÐ µat succÐ µss and a grÐ µat failurÐ µ. (Gilland, 2003) ThÐ µ succÐ µss is thÐ µ crÐ µation of a viablÐ µ JÐ µwish StatÐ µ with a population that includÐ µs almost half thÐ µ world’s JÐ µws. (Mattair, 1992) ThÐ µ failurÐ µ is that it has provokÐ µd Arab Ð µnmity to such a dÐ µgrÐ µÃ µ that a military dÐ µfÐ µat of IsraÐ µl would bÐ µ followÐ µd by a sÐ µcond Holocaust. (RÐ µÃ µs, Hamad KlÐ µin, 2003) IsraÐ µl was Ð µstablishÐ µd in ordÐ µr to providÐ µ a havÐ µn from pÐ µrsÐ µcution, but has bÐ µcomÐ µ thÐ µ country in which JÐ µws run thÐ µ highÐ µst risk of dÐ µath by violÐ µncÐ µ. Golda MÐ µir bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µd that a pÐ µacÐ µ agrÐ µÃ µmÐ µnt with thÐ µ Arabs cannot bÐ µ achiÐ µvÐ µd until thÐ µ nÐ µighboring StatÐ µs havÐ µ bÐ µcomÐ µ dÐ µmocraciÐ µs. (Salt, 2002) This viÐ µw may wÐ µll bÐ µ corrÐ µct, but Ð µfforts to achiÐ µvÐ µ a modus vivÐ µndi bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn IsraÐ µl and thÐ µ Arabs must bÐ µ rÐ µsumÐ µd whÐ µn thÐ µ lattÐ µr havÐ µ cÐ µasÐ µd to bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µ that thÐ µir aims can bÐ µ achiÐ µvÐ µd by tÐ µrrorism. (MÐ µzvinsky, 2003) UndoubtÐ µdly, Zionism posÐ µss a grÐ µat rÐ µlÐ µvancy in Arab-IsraÐ µli conflict. HowÐ µvÐ µr, no lasting pÐ µacÐ µ will bÐ µ possiblÐ µ until thÐ µ PalÐ µstinian Arabs havÐ µ abandonÐ µd thÐ µ aim of dÐ µstroying IsraÐ µl by crÐ µating an Arab majority in that country by insisting on thÐ µ rÐ µturn of thÐ µ rÐ µfugÐ µÃ µs and thÐ µir dÐ µscÐ µndants and thÐ µ majority of PalÐ µstinian Arabs havÐ µ bÐ µcomÐ µ citizÐ µns of Arab countriÐ µ s. References Freedman, Robert O. (1979) World Politics and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Pergamon Press. Geddes, Charles L. A (1991) Documentary History of the Arab-Israeli. Praeger. Reich, B., Goldberg, J. et al. (1996). A Historical Encyclopedia of the Arab-Israeli. Greenwood Press Yonah, Alexander, ed. (1973). Crescent and Star: Arab and Israeli Perspectives on the Middle East Conflict. New York: AMS Press, Smith, Charles D. (1992). Palestine and the Arab -Israeli Conflict. 2nd Ed. New York: St. Martin’s Press. Hertzberg, Arthur. (2001, Jan/Feb). A Small Peace for Middle East.   Foreign Affairs, Vol. 80, Issue 1. Wagner, Donald E. (2003, June 28). Marching to Zion. Christian Century, Vol. 120, Issue 13 Lesch, Ann M. Tschirgi, Dan. (1998) Origins and Development of the Arab-Israeli Conflict.   Greenwood Press. Gilland, Bernard. (2003, January) Zionism, Israel and the Arabs. Contemporary Review, Vol. 282. Rees Matt, Hamad, Jamil Klein, Aharon. (2003, January 20) Back to Zionism. Time Europe, Vol. 161 Issue 3, p.40 Sternhell, Zeev. (2004, October). Blood and Soil. Index on Censorship, Vol. 33. Issue 4, pp. 178-189. Salt, Jeremy. (April-May 2002). Armageddon in the Middle East? Arena Magazine, Vol 3 Mezvinsky, Norton. (2003) The Underlying Realities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict after 11 September. Arab Studies Quarterly,   Vol. 25 Neff, Donald (1995) The Palestinians and Zionism: 1897-1948.   Middle East Policy, Vol. 4 Davidson, Lawrence. (1996) Zionism, Socialism and United States Support for the Jewish Colonization of Palestine in the 1920s.   Arab Studies Quarterly, Vol. 18 Mattair, Thomas R. (1992) The Arab Israeli Conflict; from Shamir to Rabin to Peace?   Middle East Policy, Vol. 1 How to cite The Relevancy that Zionism Possess in the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Essay examples

Starbucks Going Global Fast Case Study Answers - Free Sample Solution

Question: Discuss about theStrategic Analysis of Myer. Answer: Introduction Myer is a retail group that was started by a Russian immigrant, Sydney Myer, together with his brother, Elcon Myer in Bendigo, 1900. In 1914, Myer built the largest chain of departmental store in Melbourne, which is currently the CBD store of the organization. The ownership has changed over time after the death of its founder, Sydney Myer. Myer has grown due to the continuous development of new stores across the Six Australian states. It has also acquired other departmental stores such as Grace Bros in 1983, Boans Ltd, Western stores in South Wales and Farmers Co. Myer Emporium merged with GJ Coles Coy to form Coles Myer, which was later sold in 2006 (Myer, 2017). The main products include womens, mens, and childrens wear, beauty fragrance and cosmetics, home wares, electrical goods, intimate apparel, toys, footwear, handbags and accessories and general merchandise. The new owners of Myer include; TPG/New Bridge, the Myer family and the Myer current management team, where Richard U mbers is the CEO. It became a private ownership after divesting from Coles Myer. The mission of Myer is to provide customers and the community at large with the highest standard of service and ensure that they consistently meet and exceed customers shopping expectations. Their vision entails becoming an international-class retail business aimed at inspiring everyone. It focuses on style and fashion by providing quality products, friendly services and additional benefits such as MYER One Loyalty Program. As per 2016 annual reports of the retail group, Myer recorded revenue of $3.3billion, operating income of $113.5billion and net income $60.5billion (IBISWorld, 2017). They have approximately over 12500 employees, along with 1200 suppliers and 54000 shareholders. It has 67 stores located across Australia. Their main competitors include David Jones, Harris Scarfe, Kmart Australia, and Target Australia. Major markets are New South Wales, Queensland, and Queensland. Macro-Environment Analysis using PESTEL Analytical Framework Political Factors Political stability in the region encourages more investors and suppliers to carry out business, thus, recording high rates of return and low risks of business failure (Bill, 2011). The government focus on expanding international trade provides an excellent opportunity to retailers to get suppliers and customers from across the world using E-retailing (ASX Media Release, 2016). The chairman of Myer has highlighted (during the released of the annual report) political factors that affect Myer. One of which is the uncertainty of political level, such as new taxes and charges (carbon tax and flood levy) would affect consumer spending, thus lowering revenue of the firm. Other concerns such as loopholes in goods service tax (GST) legislation and the new setup of the industrial relations, would negatively impact the performance of Myer. Economic Factors Fluctuation of the Australian dollar and global economy weaknesses adversely affect the sales growth of the retail industry. Economic factors such as falling house prices, high oil prices, low rate of saving and the decreasing GDP negatively affect the consumer confidence and spending patterns (Barney and Hesterly, 2008). However, the decrease in the unemployment and inflation rates, positively influence the success of the retail business. Socio-Cultural Factors The increased preference for high-quality products among the Australians provides a greater opportunity for retailers like Myer to focus on customer satisfaction to gain a competitive advantage (Glynis, 2015). The population is culturally diverse, and therefore the retail industry should manage diversity through the provision of a wide range of products to meet the needs and expectations of the customers. Technological Factors International competitiveness of Australian retail industry is as a result of the use of the internet and e-retailing (Sharrieff, 2012). The new communication technologies accelerate expansion into new foreign markets globally. The fiber optic, mobile network and satellite coverage have led to connections with various activities thus improving efficiency (Myer, 2014). The Federal Government has established policies that help inventors commercialize and protect their new entrepreneurial ideas. Legal Factors Taxation policies and employee regulation have been affecting the industry. Laws such as compliance with disclosure requirements, health and safety regulations, and consumer protection influence the retail business either positively or negatively. When opening new stores, the concerned government should approve so as to control illegal activities in Australia (Hanson et al., 2008). Environmental/ Ecological Factors Australia is a dry continent with least amount of water and human activities affect the marine environments. Selecting an environment that is conducive to targeted customers is a great challenge to Myer retail store. Climate changes, private and public environmental programs are factors that affect the industry. Recycling of waste products improves business sustainability in the retail sector (BNET Business Directory, 2007). In conclusion, using the PESTEL analysis, the following opportunities are available to Myer; increased disposable income, expanded international trade agreements, increased preference for high-quality products by customers, automation in business and use of knowledge management systems (Gillespie, 2007). Besides, mobile technology and information security regulation aid in formulating effective strategies. The threats include; unpredictable government spending increased the cost of capital, economic recessions, new taxes and charges, online disruptions and rose in the wealth gap. Industry Analysis using Porters Five Forces Threats of New Entrants This risk is high in the retail industry due to its promising nature and the large population which increases demand. There are a decreased number of retailers who are independent because of the competition. It is not easy for the small-scale retailers to enter the market because large companies, such as Myer, enjoy economies of scale (ASX Media Release, 2016). The industry turnover is high therefore it attracts more competitors. The increased customer loyalty to specific brands like those of Myer is also a threat to new entrants. Threat of Substitutes-High The threat of substitute products is high. Several companies offer a variety of trendy and fashionable products, therefore increasing the availability of substitute products. They focus on both national and home brands and offer low prices to the substitute products (ASX Media Release, 2012). Increased use of new technologies leads to innovation of substitutes with greater quality and performance. Product differentiation by Myer Company can be its best strategy to maintain its competitive advantage. Bargaining Power of Suppliers This force is low in the retail industry. For the vendors to compete, they have to decrease costs of the firms and improve product quality. Myer, being a large retailer, focuses on improving efficiency and reducing overall costs (Eli, 2008). Such strategy lowers the bargaining power of suppliers. Besides, the presence of wide range of substitute inputs and a higher concentration of vendors significantly impact their bargaining power. Bargaining Power of Customers Buyers bargain for quality products and services at low costs. There are no switching costs that customers can incur when they want to move to other retailing company if they dont get the styles and fashions in a particular shopping or retail mall (ASX Media Release, 2012). Although there is an increased number of existing and potential in the industry, departmental stores such as Myer cannot raise prices since the firm concentration is high and therefore, customers can switch to other alternatives. If Myer offers unique products, then it can gain a competitive advantage. Industry Rivalry Most of the departmental stores in the retail industry are almost equally balanced like Myer and its main competitor, David Jones (Lynch, 2014). They use competitive pricing policies to show customers that they offer high-quality products. Product differentiation is difficult. Thus, imitation is not easy. Competitive rivalry is high as the retailers want to have a full market share. The acquisitions and merging is a trend that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of the stores in the industry. Based on the Porters Five Forces Model, we can draw the following conclusion. In the retail industry, the barriers to entry into the market are high; the consumer bargaining power is moderate because of the concentration of major retailers in the region (Porter, 2008). Internal Analysis to Identify Resources and Competencies of Myer VRIO Framework Prime and strategic locations; Myer has located all its stores in high traffic places across the Australian states which give them an opportunity to have more potential customers. They have brand recognition both domestic and internationally. It has achieved such brand equity through merchandising and licensing its overall products (ASX and Media Releases, 2015). The aesthetic appeal of the departmental store; Myer has repositioned its stores to appeal to customers, thus creating an excellent customer experience, improved profitability, and a high competitive advantage. The large size and continental presence enable Myer to enjoy large economies of scale and low costs of inputs from suppliers. Customer loyalty based programs, such as Myer One, Myer Visa Card (Zappone, 2012) and Myer gift card (Simon, 2007) increases the frequency of customer loyalty holders to shop in the stores. They have maintained a good corporate social responsibility by building goodwill and taking better initiatives that enhance the communitys well-being. They are strategic capabilities because almost all of them are valuable as they allow Myer to exploit opportunities and reduce threats to the macro environment fully. The resources and competencies are rare as few competitors possess them. They are also costly to imitate by other firms, especially small-scale retailers. Lastly, they are non-substitutable as there are no strategic equivalents in the industry (Hunger Wheelan, 2007). Conclusion In summary, strategic analysis of the Myer departmental stores leads to the identification of key opportunities and threats and also determining its competitiveness in the retail industry. The clothing and cosmetic products of Myer have recorded satisfactory performance over the years, and therefore they should improve on their marketing strategies by targeting global presence and adequate use of the areas in the showrooms. Also, tying up with foreign players and exploring innovative promotional strategies. 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