Specific Terminology Found in the Health Care Environment Essay

Specific Terminology Found in the Health Care Environment - Essay Example The following terms are directly applicable to the health care system today and in fact play an influential role in maintaining a proper medical environment because they are used to describe various needs of medical professionals, societal issues, and also lean towards what is needed with regard to costs and supplies in the medical environment. For instance, when we think of economics we normally concentrate on business or issues such as home design, and other social areas that are separate from the health environment.   However, economics actually is applied to the medical world by the social interactions that are involved.   For example, economics becomes a part of the nursing environment in particular when they are trying to increase disease awareness in the community.   By focusing on a social aspect of healthcare such as what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle then the medical intent becomes one of an economic means that affects the whole of a society.   This is wh at economics of healthcare can mean but it isn’t the only area that can be affected by the term.   Cost of healthcare can become economic as well if there is a balance of cost versus health care to the public being adjusted in the management area of health care.   So the term is actually multifaceted to reach many areas of the healthcare field but basically, has a strong focus in the area of needed resources.   Now, macroeconomics while similar to the basic economics of healthcare is still indeed different.  ... Cost of health care can become economic as well if there is a balance of cost versus health care to the public being adjusted in the management area of health care. So the term is actually multifaceted to reach many areas of the healthcare field but basically has a strong focus in the area of needed resources. Now, macroeconomics while similar to the basic economics of healthcare is still indeed different. When a person hears the term "macroeconomics" crop up in discussions concerning areas of healthcare the assumption about it is initially different than what it actually is implied to mean. Macroeconomics comes into play when medical professionals are trying to work on plans to decrease problematic areas in health care and make areas become more efficient to the generalized public. It in fact is a term that is often communicated when the cost of healthcare is being discussed as well as when an immediate need for an increased efficiency of care becomes a necessity within certain heal th care sectors. Microeconomics is even more similar to macroeconomics than the regular terminology of economics itself is though they all interlace with one another. Although microeconomics within itself will not be of assistance to doctors in reaching specific diagnosis's, the terminology does play a crucial role when trying to acquire a more fluid understanding of this principle as well as ones relative to it. This is due to the fact that a better understanding of various economic principles can help medical professionals search for more logical methods to improve quality health care in a timely and cost efficient manner to the public. It can also help to find ways of managing resources that are needed more comprehensively. So it is easily

Discussing the character of Charles Darke Essay Example for Free

Discussing the character of Charles Darke Essay Charles Darke is a character of huge importance in the novel because he embodies so many of the novels themes and is key to Stephens recovery after his loss of Kate and future journey. Events involving Charles Darke are not only significant to the plot but also teach the reader a lot about the movement of time and the confusion and issues surrounding childhood. The readers introduction to Darke shows him as a successful man in his publishing firm who has managed to acquire respect and power (New York and Frankfurt were on the line) however as the introduction continues the reader begins to see that under the surface he has a more childish side to him as he relishes receiving attention: making expansive remarks to a young writer was one of the more desirable perquisites to his profession. Even before his breakdown his youthful nature is evident for example choosing his political career is described as a parlour game. Darke is one of the characters that McEwan uses to present the major theme of childhood and adulthood, there is a constant conflict present within Darke of being a child and of being an adult. His successful political career shows that he must have debating skill and great intellect however at the same time his juvenile personality also breaks through. Having acted as a parental figure after the loss of Kate it is tragic that he should regress so rapidly away from reality. It is not only Darkes contrasting personality which warns the reader of what may occur later, he is obviously unsettled as shown by his rapid career moves and house move from Eaton Square to the countryside. Thelma also describes to Stephen how he lost his mother and had a cold upbringing with his father suggesting that Darke did not experience childhood at all. Charles Darke also jumped straight into being a successful and married businessman therefore missing out on important lessons that many adults learn through their mistakes. Just before the reader is introduced to Darke there is even a subtle echo of what will happen later as Stephen describes a picture: a grim-faced crow with a stethoscope round its neck taking the pulse of a pale young boy who appeared to have fallen out of a tree. Darke shows the reader a disquieting reaction to time because instead of moving forwards he moves backwards, the reader sees personal and sometimes eerie moments involving Darke, these help McEwan to show the reader what a precious state childhood is and how time cannot be manipulated. Darke also embodies the theme of politics. Not only does he move the political plot forward by getting Stephen onto the committee but he is also the reason that Stephen meets the Prime Minister. The novel was written during the Thatcherite era of the 80s and this is clearly reflected in the tone of the book and McEwans opposition to this right-wing rule. Stephen Lewis is cynical about the Conservative views that Darke has decided to take on and the short, abrupt syntax that McEwan uses emphasizes his suspicions of the government in power. It is a cruel irony that, like the Beggar Girl, Charles eventual death is a result of his political career and the harsh culture surrounding him. Different opinions can be taken on what Darkes specific role is within the novel. He clearly is important for McEwan to carve in the political aspect of the novel and McEwans own political views however his regression back into childhood carries a much more complicated message. The title of the book The Child in Time at first may seem to describe simply Stephens loss of Kate however one can go much deeper and find that perhaps what McEwan is trying to show the reader is Stephen and Darkes search for their own child in time. While Stephen searches constantly for the physical Kate he also looks for her in time through memories and visions of her growing up. Darkes search for the child in time is different, he has had no childhood of his own so he searches for it and eventually finds it by regressing into boyhood. On the surface McEwan presents this as a natural step but it is actually quite disturbing and this is shown by the smile on his face at death. The conflicts within Darke show the reader the bitter sweet nature of childhood, while Darke is happy and carefree he also believes himself invincible and this eventually causes his death. Charles Darke is also important for the readers understanding of Stephen Lewis. It is because of Darke that Stephen meets Thelma who is important as she looks after both of the characters and gives the reader another way to look at time. The reason that Thelma chooses Stephen as the one person who she allows to see Charles after his breakdown is because she knows that he will not judge or condemn and it is important for the reader to know this feature of his character. Stephen has experienced loss and thought endlessly about childhood and is therefore understanding about Darkes regression. The reader also learns about Stephen through the contrast of the characters. Darke becomes part of the right wing government while Stephen is saddened by the two tribes in the Supermarket. Stephen sees Charles Darkes death first hand and this may help him reach an understanding about his loss of Kate because he has to come face to face with the reality that she too maybe dead. The fact that Darke dies with a smile on his face may remind Stephen that if Kate is dead then she has at least died in a happy part of her life and has not yet lost her innocence. Darkes relationship with Thelma can also be contrasted with Stephens relationship with Julie. As the novel progresses Thelma becomes more and more of a mother figure to Darke and her older age implies that it has never been a marriage of passion and deep love but one of a mutual understanding, acceptance and care. In contrast to Darkes seemingly sexless marriage Julie and Stephen have a much more real and natural relationship where there high points and low points are kept private and by the end their genuine love for one another is clear. Darke offers McEwan the means to show the reader his themes of time, childhood and politics but he also has deeper significance. Darke shows the reader how childhood, or the lack of it, effects ones whole life and how reaching adulthood is a continuous process that may never end. The search for The Child in Time by Darke is an emotional and metaphorical journey that eventually liberates him from the stresses and pressures of his hectic work life even if it does ultimately cause his death.

Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Bank Structures

Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Bank Structures Section 1: Conventional Bank ROA Ratio has been decrease from 2007 to 2009 because the bank has decrease on net profit. After that the ratio has been increase from 2009 to 2011. In ROA it means each $1 invested in assets get $0.0184 profit. ROE ratio has decrease from 2008 to 2010 by 2.73% because the bank has decrease on net profit. After that the bank’s return on equity increases from 2010 to 2011 by1.04%. ROE ratio means each $1 invested in equity can get profit $0.1621. PER Ratio has been decrease from 2007 to 2011 by 0.092. This is because the banks in Bahrain has decreased in profit and increasing on operating expense. Section 2: Islamic Bank ROA has been decrease from 2007 to 2008 by 0.2% and changing to (0.625%) because Ithmour has Net Loss in 2009 after that ROA increse from 2010 to 2011 by 0.19%. That is effect from financial crises. ROE has been decrease from 2007 to 2008 by 4.68% after that changing to (2.36%) in 2009 and (0.91%) in 2010 because ithmaar bank has Net Loss which coming from Financial Crisis. PER has been decrease from 2007 to 2011 by 0.82 because some of Islamic Bank has Net Loss and other has increse in operating expence. This study is aimed to investigate the impact of the changes in internal bank-specific variables and external macroeconomics variables towards Islamic banks’ financial performance in Bahrain during and after the global financial crisis. Comparatively, conventional bank and Islamic bank’s ratio is not equal. In order to investigate the impact of financial crisis towards the banking performance, it is very important to understand the determinants of banking financial performance. Literatures reveal that banking financial performance is influenced by internal and external determinants. ROA and ROE are very important indicators of banking financial performance (profitability) and normally used as the dependent variablesConventional bank’s return on assets, return on equity and profit expense ratios are higher than Islamic bank. Islamic bank given best financial perfomance from 2007 and 2008 than Conventional banking. Due to financial crisis, Islamic banks could not m ange accurately financial performance. From 2007 to 2011, Conventional bank provides best reults of ROA, ROE and PER for periodically. the performance of Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) during the recent global crisis by looking at the impact of the crisis on profitability, credit and asset growth, and external ratings in a group of countries where the two types of banks have significant market share. Section 1: Conventional Bank (LDR) ratio has been decrease from 2007 to 2011 by 21.01%. It means all banks in Bahrain try to decrease loans and accepted deposits from customers. LDR ratio has been increase from 2007 to 2009 by 22.91% it means Islamic Bank increase Loans to customer after the LDR Ratio decreasing from 2010 to 2011 by 6.19% that is effects from financial crises because the Islamic bank decreased Loans to customer. (CPIDR) has been decrease from 2007 to 2009 by 11.67%. It means banks reduce the cash liquidity because the banks give loans to the customer. But CPIDR increases from 2009 to 2011. (LAR) has been increase from 2007 to 2008 by 15.34%. It means that banks try to gives the customer loans to get interest income. But the ratio has decreases from 2009 to 2011 by 5.39%. Section 2: Islamic Bank (LDR) ratio has been decrease from 2007 to 2011 by 21.01%. It means all banks in Bahrain try to decrease loans and accepted deposits from customers. CPIDR Ratio has been increasing from 2007 to 2009 by 9.52% it means the Islamic Bank keep Liquidity Cash to Cover Deposits Requirements after that decreased by 12.4%. LAR has been decreasing from 2007 to 2011 by 5.67% that means in 2007 the bank gave loans to customer by 40.46% from Assets but after financial crises decreased the Loans to customer. Conventional bank and Islamic bank provides better financial performance. Conventional bank results from 2007 to 2011, LDR results increased to decreased periodic year and almost similar financial position of CPIDR and LAR. In this analysis, financial performance of both banks are better and the same time some ratio results are differ from both banks. Managing liquidity is more challenging in IBs,given the limited capacity of many IBs to attract PSIAs since the return on these accounts is uncertain and the infrastructure and tools for liquidity risk management by IBs is still in its infancy in many jurisdictions. Similarly, the dependence on bank deposits is limited due to a less active market and the absence of an interbank rate, except under the limited reverse Murabahah. While IBs usually maintain higher liquidity buffers to address this risk, limited tools (e.g. sovereign sukuks) for making use of this liquidity prevent IBs from operating at a level playing field with CBs. In add ition, the liquidity support in the form of government deposits is easier to be directed to CBs given the easiness of auctioning government deposits to CBs. This could be due to large liquidity support that was extended to the banking system during the crisis, which limited the impact of this factor. The importance of liquidity risk, making the strengthening of liquidity management a key part of the global reform agenda. Section 1: Conventional Bank (DER) has been increase from 2007 to 2008 after that the ratio decreases from 2008 to 2010 by 1.75% after than increase by 0.82% from 2010 to 2011. (DTAR) has been increase from 2007 to 2011 by 0.01. It means the banks take deposit from customer equal 0.905 from Assets in 2011. (EM) Ratio has been increase 1% from 2007 to 2011. It means in 2011 each $1 invested in Assets financial from equity by $0.11. Section 2: Islamic Bank DER has been increasing from 2007 to 2011 by 1.88 because the Islamic Bank depends on deposits from customer and other banks. But that Ratio it is very risky to banks because liability equal 5 times of equality. DTAR has been decreasing from 2007 to 2011 by 0.04 but the Ratio it very high and risky because Liability equal over 50% of Assets. EM Ratio has incresing from 2007 to 2011 by 3.28 it means the Islamic Bank depond on Liability instead of equity that is very risky for the banks. Compare the performance of Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) during the recent global crisis by looking at the impact of the crisis on profitability, credit and asset growth, and external ratings in a group of countries where the two types of banks have significant market share. The study suggests that IBs have been affected differently than CBs. Factors related to IBs ‘business model helped limit the adverse impact on profitability in 2008, while weaknesses in risk management practices in some IBs led to a larger decline in profitability in 2009 compared to CBs. IBs credit and asset growth performed better than did that of CBs in 2008–09, contributing to financial and economic stability. External rating agencies re-assessment of Islamic Banks risk was generally more favorable. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This study is aimed to investigate the impact of the changes in internal bank-specific variables and external macroeconomics variables towards Islamic banks’ financial performance in Bahrain during and after the global financial crisis. This shows that Islamic banking industry is not totally crisis proof. Financial crisis does give an impact upon the Islamic banking performance, particularly in Bahrain, but the effect comes after the crisis period. As one of the fastest growing segments in global financial services, Islamic finance has become systematically important in many markets and too big to ignore in others. While conventional intermediation is largely debt-based and allows for risk transfer, Islamic intermediation, in contrast, is asset based and centers on risk sharing. In addition to providing IBs (Islamic Banks) with additional buffers, these features make their activities more closely related to the real economy and tend to reduce their contribution to excesses and bubbles. Our analysis is suggests that International Banks (IBs) fared differently than did Conventional Banks (CBs) during the global financial crisis. Factors related to IBs business model helpoed contain the adverse impact on profitability in 2008, while weakness in risk management practices in some IBs led to larger decline in profitability compared to CBs in 2009. In particular, adherence to Shariah principles precluded IBs from financing or investing in the kind of instruments that have adversely affected their conventional competitors and triggered the global financial crisis. The weak performance in some countries was associated with name concentration and in some cases, was facilitated by exemptions from concentration limits, highlighting the importance of a neutral regulatory framework for IBs and CBs and strengthening risk management in some banks. IBs credit and asset growth were at least twice higher than that of CBs during the crisis, suggesting a growing market share going forward and larger supervisory responsibility. External rating agencies re-assessment of IBs risk was generally more favorable or similar to that of CBs. Higher solvency has facilitated meeting the relatively more robust demand for Islamic banking finance and maintaining stable external ratings. Lending to the less affected consumer sector has helped support strong credit and asset growth. While the global crisis gave IBs an opportunity to prove their resilience, it also highlighted the need to address important challenges. The crisis has led to greater recognition of the importance of liquidity risks, and the need for efficient bank resolution framework. Hence, building a well-functioning liquidity management infrastructure is a key priority. Moreover, regulators and standard setters for IBs should ensure that the supervisory and legal infrastructure, including for bank resolution, remain relevant to the rapidly changing Islamic financial landscape and global developments. Reform efforts in this regard should interface with the global reform agenda. Greater convergence and harmonization of regulations and products is needed to facilitate an efficient and sustainable growth of the industry. Addressing the above challenges will require that Islamic Banks and supervisors work together to develop the needed human capital.

A Sociological Analysis of Ron Howards Apollo 13 Essay -- essays resea

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ron Howard’s re-creation of the happenings aboard NASA’s Apollo 13 flight combined some of the biggest talent in Hollywood to produce a masterful film. Apollo 13 takes us back in time, to the late 1960’s and early 70’s, when America’s NASA space program was thriving and the world stood aside to see who would reach the moon first. The impacts of space program are still evident to this day. It is even said that by beating the Russians to the moon, we established ourselves are the top power in the world and propelled ourselves to the status we hold today. While today our space program flounders in the public eye, this movie illustrates a time when NASA’s successes and failures held a huge sociological impact on American and even international life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In many different aspects, the American space program and more specifically the rescue of the Apollo 13 crew really showed traits similar to those found in any three of the major sociological perspectives: functionalist, symbolic interactionism, and conflict. On one hand, it can be seen that NASA is a large structure formed of many smaller structures that keep is going. The government funds NASA, NASA hires crew to build and fly the ships and the different crews do their separate parts to come together as a whole and make it all work out (much as the crew on the ground did during the rescue mission of the Apollo 13 crew). Now on the other hand, the symbolic interactionism really shows itself in not just the rescue mission or space program itself, but involving everyone throughout the entire film. Symbolic interactionism determines how we place importance on things in life and how we form our opinions and priorities. Walking on the moon was the most important thing to Jim Lovell early in the film. However as events unfolded, Jim realized the real importance was life itself and his family and crew. Again, without symbols, Jim’s family wouldn’t have meant as much to him and he may have disregarded them altogether. The final of the three sociological perspectives is the conflict perspective. While this perspective becomes scarcely evident in the film, it doesn’t play nearly as important a role as do the other two. The only time that any form of power struggle appeared was early in the flight when Jim and Fred didn’t appreciate Jack being on their ship, probabl... ...xploited shortcomings and downfalls have brought public criticism and governmental funding cutbacks. Its successes are no longer praised in the American eye and have been put aside as a national priority ever since its glory days in the late 60’s and early 70’s. No longer does the space program serve as a uniting force, but as a program many think is unneeded when placed beside other national issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, Ron Howard’s Apollo 13 was a riveting re-creation of the real events that took place more than a quarter-century ago. This movie serves as a model of American society and its sociological aspects. It illustrates various lessons in understanding society and social interaction not just among the three crew members aboard Apollo 13, but the entire NASA crew and all of America and the world that watched the events unfold. Although the space program’s influence on American lifestyle is not as significant as it was in the 1960’s and 70’s, its importance to the survival of mankind is vastly underestimated. Instead, much of American attention in this new century is directed towards warfare, terrorism and growing internal issues with the government.

Is College an Activity or a Lifestyle? :: Personal Narrative School Essays

Is College an Activity or a Lifestyle? Nikaurys and I became fast friends in the kindergarten Sunday school class at our Mennonite church. We used to beg our parents to let us spend Sunday afternoons together so we could play all the games we dreamed up. Our Sunday friendship continued throughout junior high and high school. Today I am sitting in a dorm room in northern Indiana, looking at walls covered with pictures of Nikaurys and I playing house under the coconut palms in her yard, the two of us at church camp, and our fifteenth birthdays. I have not seen Nikaurys since I went home for Christmas break last year. As time goes by, I feel like I am becoming more distanced from her because now that we are both in college, our experiences are very different. Yet I know that when I see her again, we will be able to talk about the common aspects of our college experiences, regardless of culture. My college experience in the United States is very different than Nikaurys'. When I go to dinner, the food service attendant greets me by saying "good evening, Elisabeth," as she reads my name off the I.D. card that she is scanning the value of another meal from. I smile, and politely ignore the fact that no one calls me Elisabeth. The Marriott cafeteria is busy with the 5:30 p.m. rush, so I wait in line behind at least twenty other people. Dinner tonight is a choice of soup and sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, or a salad. I load my antiseptic-looking plastic tray with chili and a grilled cheese sandwich and casually scan the crowd at the tables while I fill my glass with root beer. When I spot my roommate and a few of my friends talking animatedly at a table by the window, I carry my tray over to join them. The table is already full, but people stack their trays together so I can fit in. As I bite into my sandwich, the topic of conversation turns to whether we have set a record for the number of people around a table at the Marriott or not. Someone claims that the record number is thirteen, but after several minutes of loud arguments, we decide that it would be impossible to fit that many people in. At her home in Santo Domingo, my friend Nikaurys' dinner is much quieter affair.

The Pan American Airlines

Pan Am was an American icon for more than sixty years. The company skyrocketed into success and set the industry standards for others to follow. With Trippe at the helm, it seemed the company could do no wrong and that the world was truly within its grasp. However, changes in competitiveness in the marketplace, thanks to the Transpacific Route Case and deregulation, coupled with decline in air travel and soaring fuel prices caused the company's ultimate demise. Juan Trippe: The Man Behind Pan American: Juan Trippe, founder of Pan American World Airlines, graduated from Yale in 1921. He became bored with working on Wall Street, and after receiving and inheritance, started to work with New York Airways, a commuter service that served the wealthy and powerful. Eventually, with the aid of some of his wealthy friends, Trippe invested in an airline named Colonial Air Transport (â€Å"Juan Trippe†, 2005). Trippe's interests lie in servicing the Caribbean, though. As such, he created the Aviation Corporation of America, based in Florida. It was this company that Trippe would use to take over fledgling Pan American Airways. Pan Am's first flight from Key West to Havana took off on October 28th, 1927, and signaled the beginning of an era of evolution for the aviation industry. Besides Pan Am, Trippe established China National Aviation Corporation, providing domestic service within the Republic of China. He also became a partner in Panagra, the Pan American-Grace Airways, holding a quasi-monopoly for air travel in many parts of South America (â€Å"Pan American-Grace Airways†, 2005). But, it would be Trippe's Pan Am and his famous Clipper planes that would indelibly etch his aviation efforts in the minds of millions of people. Trippe was known, in the aviation industry, for his innovation. He believed Pan Am was the standard setter, and that air travel should be just for the wealthy, but for the general public as well. He is often credited as the father of the ‘tourist class' and saw great potential for expanding his customer base with the development of jet aircraft. Introducing 707s and DC-8s into his fleet, Trippe was able to lower fares and increase passenger numbers (â€Å"Juan Trippe†, 2005). It was Trippe's desire to service even more passengers that led to his request of friend Bill Allen of Boeing to produce an even larger aircraft. The end result was the Boeing 747. Yet, despite his best efforts, the oil crisis of the 1970s and airline deregulation, would see Trippe's Pan Am eventually crumble apart (â€Å"Juan Trippe†, 2005). History of Pan American World Airlines: Pan American World Airlines, commonly known as Pan Am, was the primary international air service provider in the United States for approximately sixty years. Pan Am was a cultural icon of the 20th century, and the unofficial flag air carrier of the United States (Shaw, 1997, p. 12 – 13). It was their dedication to customer service and innovations, such as the use of jumbo jets and computerized reservation systems, that would help shape the industry. Major Henry â€Å"Hap† Arnold and a few partners founded Pan American Airways Incorporated in 1927. They had obtained a U.S. mail delivery contract to Cuba, yet did not have the physical assets available to actually do the job. A few short months later, Trippe had formed Aviation Corporation of America, with backing from William Rockefeller and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, along with others. With Whitney at the helm as President, Aviation Corporation had obtained the landing rights for Havana, by acquiring a small seaplane service between Key West and Havana. During the same time, the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean Airways Company was established, by New York investment banker, Richard Hoyt (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). It would be these three companies that would merge in a holding company called the Aviation Corporation of the Americas, in June of 1928. Hoyt was named Chairman, Whitney was made President, and Trippe and his partners held forty percent of the equity. Pan American Airways Incorporated was created as the primary operating subsidiary of Aviation Corporation of the Americas, with Trippe positioned as the operational head of the new company (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). The United States government approved the transfer of the original mail delivery contract to Pan Am, without hesitation. The government had feared that the German-owned Colombian carrier SCADTA would have no competition in routes between the US and Latin America. The government further assisted Pan Am by insulating it from American competitors, choosing Pan Am as their ‘chosen instrument' for American foreign air routes (Bilstein, 2001, p. 79). This monopoly on foreign airmail contracts allowed Pan Am to expand quite rapidly. Plans were made to expand Pan Am's service through all of Central and South America. The next decade saw Pan Am purchasing multiple failing airlines in their target territory, as well as the negotiation with postal officials to win airmail contracts in their regions. Trippe toured Latin America, with Charles Lindbergh, to negotiate landing rights. Within a few short months, Trippe had opened up service down the west coast of South America, all the way to Peru. With the purchase of New York, Rio and Buenos Aires Line, Pan Am opened up a seaplane route along the eastern coast of the continent, including Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). Pan Am's stock soared, with the development of their South American network. Negotiations with Britain and France, to start a seaplane service between the United States and Europe began in earnest. The British state carrier, Imperial Airways, was eager to partner with Pan Am, however France's Aeropostale was on of Pan Am's competitors in South America, was less eager to help. Eventually, Pan Am was able to negotiate a contract offering services from Norfolk, Virginia, to Europe by way of Bermuda and the Azores. In addition, they obtained another airmail contract, this time servicing Boston to Halifax (â€Å"Pan American†). Pan Am's next plan of action was to begin land plane service, over Alaska, to China and Japan. Lindbergh's services were once again called upon, as he was sent to survey the area, in 1930. Yet, due to the political turmoil in the Soviet Union and Japan, it was determined that that route was not viable. Instead, Trippe focused on developing service from San Francisco to Honolulu, with continuing flights on to Hong Kong and Auckland. By 1934, Pan Am had secured rights to land at Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam, and Subic Bay. By 1935, the company had been awarded the airmail contract between San Francisco and Canton, China (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). Pan Am's ‘Clippers' were the only aircraft capable of transcontinental travel, at the time. The airline prided itself on service, and their flight crews formal naval-style uniforms and procession when boarding harkened to this fact (Gandt, 1995, p. 19). As World War II set in, most of Pan Am's fleet was called into military service. This allowed Pan Am to open new routes in central Africa and Iran. By early 1942, Pan Am was the first airline to operate a route that circumnavigated the globe (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). Following World War II, Pan Am's fleet was rejuvenated with faster planes made up of Boeing 377s, Douglas DC-6s and Lockheed Constellations. Competition from began to impact the previously untouched Pan Am. TWA began service to Europe, Braniff to South America and Northwest Orient began service to East Asia (Bilstein, 2001, p. 169). Hoping to reposition itself as America's chosen international carrier, in 1950, Pan Am changed its name to Pan American World Airways, introduced ‘economy class' service, and began to offer around-the-world flights. Significant Accomplishments of Pan Am: Trippe had positioned Pan Am as a leader in the aviation industry through a variety of tactics. Airmail contracts had launched the company and expanding passenger service had firmed its hold on the industry. However, competition had intensified during the company's first two decades of service. To remain competitive, Trippe began investing in new aircraft. Jets and wide-bodied airplanes, such as the DC-8 and 707, were used to increase the number of passengers they could service, while reducing costs. The company was the first to operate 747 service, in 1970, and was one of the first three airlines to take out options on the Concorde, however, did not exercise this option. Diversification was another competitive option for Pan Am. Trippe bought into the InterContinental Hotel chain, as well as a business jet, the Falcon, as complimentary businesses. In addition, Pan Am was involved in developing a missile-tracking range in the South Atlantic and also in operating a nuclear engine-testing lab, in Nevada (Ray, 1999, p. 184). It was in 1962 that Pan Am would introduce the next industry innovation. The organization contracted IBM to build PANAMAC, a computerized airline and hotel booking system. Occupying the fourth floor of the Pan Am Building, PANAMAC not only managed Pan Am's flight and hotel reservations, but also was a database of knowledge on geographic areas, airports, aircraft, other hotels, and even restaurants (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). In 1971, Pan Am expanded Terminal 3 of John F. Kennedy International Airport, dubbing it ‘Pan Am Worldport'. The largest airline terminal for several years, Worldport was most noted for its flying saucer shaped roof that was suspended far from the outside columns of the terminal, allowing airplanes to pull their noses under the roof, preventing passengers from getting wet as they got on or off the planes (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). Intercontinental routes flourishing, in 1964, Pan Am began providing helicopter service between New York's major airports and Manhattan. Their fleet had grown from 707s, 747s and DC-8s, to include: 720s, 727s, 737s, 747SPs, Lockheed L-1011s, and eventually Airbus A300s (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). This diversified fleet allowed Pan Am to meet a variety of needs for the varied routes they serviced all over the globe. Pan Am was not only a great leader in the aviation industry, but also a leader in humanitarian flights. The company flew approximately 650 flights a week between West Germany and West Berlin. And, in 1966, Pan Am flew Rest and Relaxation (R&R) flights during the Vietnam War, carrying American service men and women to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and a variety of other Asian cities for well-deserved R&R (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). In 1973, the energy crisis dealt a staggering blow to Pan Am. High fuel prices and low demand for air travel were only Pan Am's beginning worries. The Transpacific Route Case was one of the most damaging policies for the company. Prior to the Transpacific Route Case, the only airlines allowed to fly civilian transpacific routes were Pan Am and Northwest Orient. President Dwight Eisenhower opened the case, in 1959, to investigate opening the transpacific market up to more competition. Although Eisenhower closed the case, Kennedy reopened it in 1961. By 1969, the Civil Aeronautics Board had awarded additional transpacific routes to airlines including: American Airlines – Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Samoa Continental Airlines – Guam, Hawaii, and Saipan Northwest Airlines – Hawaii to Asia flights Trans World Airlines – Hawaii, Japan, and Taiwan Western Airlines – Hawaii (â€Å"Transpacific†, 2005). This additional competition drastically reduced Pan Am's international passenger service as well as profit margins. The large fleet of 747s the company had invested in, while expecting a continued increase in travel demand, would now weigh down the company and eat away at their profit margin. In response to this new competition overseas, Pan Am worked on further developing their domestic market. Road blocked at winning approval for new domestic routes, it was airline deregulation, in 1979, that would allow Pan Am to expand its service in the United States. However, the gift of deregulation would also be the company's greatest bane. Trippe had failed to create a strong domestic presence for his airline. He now found himself competing with established carriers in the domestic market, for the routes he wished to enter, plus had to compete with them on international routes as well. In response, Pan Am absorbed National Airlines, in 1980, yet a bidding war caused the company to sell for a much higher price than its worth (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). The two companies were at odds with one another from the beginning. The two disparate fleets caused the company to run inefficiently and ineffectively. Their route networks were incompatible as were the two companies' corporate cultures. Insurmountable debt began to be accumulated. In an effort to recover, the Pan Am Building was sold off to MetLife, in 1981, and in 1985, Pan Am's entire Pacific route was sold to United Airlines. The money from the sales was used to invest in new aircraft, and despite the beginning of shuttle service between Boston, New York and Washington D.C., the financial losses and declining customer service plagued the company (â€Å"Pan American†, 2005). The final straw came with lax security on board Pan Am flights. Despite the development of the Alert Management Systems, in 1986, in order to reduce cost and avoid inconveniencing customers, Pan Am kept security at a minimum. The Lockerbie bombing caused Pan Am to be associated with terrorism and brought a $300 million lawsuit, filed by more than 100 families. By March 1991, the company began to sell off it's most profitable routes, and on December 4th, 1991, the airline's last flight from Bridgetown, Barbados to Miami was completed. In the end, Pan Am was an American icon for more than sixty years. The company skyrocketed into success and set the industry standards for others to follow. With Trippe at the helm, it seemed the company could do no wrong and that the world was truly within its grasp. However, changes in competitiveness in the marketplace, thanks to the Transpacific Route Case and deregulation, coupled with decline in air travel and soaring fuel prices caused the company's ultimate demise.

Fast Food Industry

I Source: Food and Agro Business Monitor, October 2001; Company websites; News articles One testament to the windows of opportunity and growth in the industry is the rise of Mango ‘nasal, the country's fastest growing barbecue fast food chain, which after only eight years, is already 390 stores strong as of July 2011. Despite the presence of industry giants and having been established first in the Visas, Mango ‘nasal has shown that there is enough room for new players given the right product at the right price. As in the past, Jollied sensed an opportunity and acquired a controlling share of Mango ‘nasal.On the other hand, Jollied sold its Deliverance business unit and stopped operations of its carrier-inspired food chain Mango Epee stores, which will eventually be converted to its other brands. Owing to the popularity of coffee hops and the Filipinos growing penchant for drinking coffee, Jollied also entered the coffee shop business through a Korean-based restauran t brand, Cafe It-ammo. It was launched in 2010 and has already three branches offering Goleta and coffee in a business as a strategy to gain market share and offer a less expensive but quality coffee experience.Most of the other major players in the industry have also expanded led by Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Shakes. Some Jollied mandolin's stores in Metro Manila are undergoing renovation to improve store appearance/image and better serve its customers. Chicken many KEF slowed down partially due to the effects of the Asian financial crisis to the Armco Group but it has since recovered. In 2008, Armco acquired Tokyo Tokyo, the country's leading Japanese fast food chain. Armco also owns the master franchise of Mister Donuts in the country which has over a thousand shops nationwide.Products, Variety, and Value-addition The major traditional types of fast food chains are still the hamburger chains, chicken houses, pizza/pasta parlors and Chinese food chains. However, other fast food ch ains are catching up like the donuts chains, coffee shops, barbecue houses, bakeshops and Filipino food chains. While the food offerings in fast food stores are essentially within the type for which the chain was established, the available products are already a mix of food items wherein the banner product may not be the most popular. Jolliness's Chicken]oh, for instance, may be as popular if not more popular than its Hamburger.It also has Filipino dishes like beef tap (smoked beef),longhairs (local pork sausage), and crispy Bangui (militias). Chocking, a Chinese fast food, has also Filipino food like benevolentness, kangaroo (water spinach), longhairs, beef tap and halo-halo. McDonald's, a burger chain, also has longhairs in its menu. Roasted chicken chain Kenny Rogers, for its part, offers other food items for the health conscious like roast chicken, healthy plate, high protein meal, high fiber meal, low calorie meal, grilled chicken/sausage/fish meals, and vegetable salads.KEF, P izza Hut,Shakes, and Wend's also have vegetable salads in their menu. Wend's was first to offer a salad bar and the first fast food to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health in support of its Healthy Lifestyle Campaign. There is also continuous new product development eke Cuff's Double Down (all-meat, no-bun sandwich), Wend's shrimp sandwich and abstractor, Showing's Chinese-style fried chicken, and Jolliness's crunchy chicken burger, sweet and sour meatballs and chicken nugget crunchers.Part of product development is seasonal offerings especially during Lent, when people try to fast and abstain from meat. Some products that come out at this time are tuna pie and fish twister. Other than the product mix and variety, fast food chains also offer affordable alternatives for the budget-conscious. The price of the budget items can range from a low of POP. O for a Burger McCoy or apple pie, POP. O for Jolliness's beef with mushrooms and rice to a high of POP. O for Cuff's Wow Slit Meal of I-piece chicken, rice, and regular drink (Table 3). Table 3.Value for Money Food Items, July 2011 | Company I Budget Food Items I Price (PH) I Jollied I Rice Meal errs, Value Meals | 39. 00 – 55. 001 Chocking I Value Kings, combo Kings 1 29. 00-87. 001 Mango ‘nasal I Slit Meals, Built Meals | 49. 00 | McDonald's I Value Meals, Massacre Meals, Everyday Massacres | 25. 00 – 55. 00 | KEF I wow Burger, wow slit Meals 1 30. 00-89. 001 Wend's I super value Menu | 37. 0 – 62. 001 Source: Company websites; internet search Over the years, fast food chains have also added a new value to their relationship with loyal customers with the use of patronage cards.Some of these cards include Shakes Pizzicato Supercargo, Pizza Hut's Palm card, Angel Pizza's Privilege card, mandolin's Midnight card. For the pizza chains, the card allows the customer to buy one box of pizza and take one box for free. On the other hand, the Midnight card allows cus tomers to get free items on orders from 12:01 am to 3:59 am. The promotions are valid only within a prescribed period. A Still Growing Industry A number of factors and strategies, both external and internal to the fast food industry, are contributing to its continuing growth.Boos The growth of the business process outsourcing (BOO) industry has enhanced the eating out habits in the country as Episcopalian have a 2417 work schedule. Major fast food chains have adapted to this changing lifestyle with a 2417 restaurant business hours in strategic locations close to the Boos. McDonald's and Wend's were one of the pioneers in the 2417 delivery service. Given the company websites, there is also the facility of ordering on line and allowing fast foods in Backbone and Twitter.Locations expansion of malls and supermarkets around the country is another plus factor for the fast food industry. The on-going and planned Allay, Purebred, Robinsons, Shoppers and SMS establishments will be providing the space and foot traffic for the fast food chains' expansion. Pricing Value pricing or value meals will continue to be a strategy for fast food chains, as surveys still indicate low prices as a reason for choosing a fast food restaurant. Another price proposition is the unlimited rice promotion of some stores like Mango nasal, Tokyo Tokyo, and recently, Tropical Hut.Movie tie-ins Another strategy to stimulate frequent store visits is the fast food tie-in promotion of hit movies with the offering of limited edition gadgets, collectibles, and food items like Captain America in Jollied and Dunking' Donuts and Transformers in KEF. McDonald's is also offering Coca Cola can glass collectibles. Branding Fast foods also use a sort of â€Å"multiple-branding† to draw more customers by offering a large number of items whereby several fast food chains are located side by side. This is the case of Jollied beside Chocking, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon.Chains like the Armco group have also started co-branding where a Mister Donuts kiosk is in a KEF store. Bank tie-ups As a meaner to increase patronage of credit cards, companies like the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banc De ROR, and Metronome have tied-up with some fast food stores where customers can redeem promotional freebies based on amount charged to their credit card. The fast food stores include Jollied, Chocking, Mango ‘nasal, Backlog ‘nasal, Goldbricks, Greenwich, and Pizza Hut. This win-win scheme is expected to enhance repeat usage for credit card companies as well as increased sat food store visits.Value propositions some fast food stores provide newspapers and free Wi-If internet connection. Many chains are also remodeling their facilities; expanding their selection of desserts, beverages, snacks and breakfast items; adding grilled items; reducing fat and sodium; and catering to customers with diabetes or gluten intolerance. Some chains, particularly in developed countries, are also caterin g to a broader range of customers with hall-only or kosher food in their menu. Major companies have also set up foundations which implement their corporate social responsibility initiatives.Prospects There is a lot of optimism and positive outlook as expressed by major players. Jollied Foods Corporation has revised its target upwards in 2011, and plans to open 160 stores in the country across all its brands. The company is looking at a 12-15 percent growth for the year with expected brisk sales and lower raw materials cost, and provided there will be no major spikes in inflation and petroleum prices. Mango ‘nasal for its part is targeting to hit 500 stores by 2012. McDonald's is planning to build 20-30 stores every year in the next five years.For instance, artificial strawberry flavor food The regular consumption of Junk food is the leading factor in obesity and excess weight. Obesity is second only to smoking as a cause of death in America. 46 percent of Canadian adults are e ither overweight or obese, with obesity in children increasing threefold over the past two decades. Consumption of soft drinks containing sugar has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk for development of Type 2 diabetes. Studies have revealed that obese people have wick the rate of chronic health problems as people of normal weight.This includes 100-percent greater chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, 50-percent increased likelihood of developing heart disease. Obese men are nearly 90 percent more likely to get colon cancer. Junk food diet is a major cause of heart diseases. High cholesterol resulting from Junk food puts undue strain on the liver, causing long-term damage to this essential organ. Research has suggested that diets high in fat may also impair essential brain functions, like concentration and memory. The nun food facts about soft drinks alone are alarming. Fast Food Industry Sharp makes use of illustration in â€Å"Berger Queen† in several body paragraphs.   Her overall thesis is that McDonald’s really isn’t that bad of a job and she’s actually enjoyed it, so when she went from a pre-med major to an English major, her life did not get any worse.   In paragraph two, she again uses narration, as in paragraph three.   In paragraph four is where Sharp begins to utilize Illustration to back up her points.   The topic sentence, â€Å"†¦respect for the workers of the fast food industry is lost among most adults†¦Ã¢â‚¬  is supported by several examples, one being, â€Å"†¦grown men driving Lincoln Town cars have bickered with me for five minutes over a measly ten cent increase in the price of an egg mcmuffin.†Paragraph five goes into further illustration of the point made in paragraph four.   Paragraph six also uses illustration.   The topic sentence, â€Å"A small portion of our patrons are so con fused that there is really nothing to do but wait for them to leave† is supported by, â€Å"my most prominent example†¦is the infamous snack attack lady, who ordered hotcakes and sausage during our 90-second- guaranteed-service hour and then ate her breakfast right outside the drive-thru window.†Ã‚   Paragraph seven also incorporates illustration.   The topic sentence, â€Å"there are some great customers out there† is supported by the explanation of those great customers and what they do, â€Å"If I missed a day of work, I would return to inquiries about my health and concern that all was well.†Ã‚  The first paragraph is a narrative and uses dialog to express her point and to draw the reader into the story