Essay about Martha Stewart Ethics - 1436 Words

Martha Stewart: Lemons into Lemonade Before one can make an informed decision as to whether Martha Stewarts handled the incident responsibly or whether or not her actions were moral or immoral, one must first understand the basics of ethics and understand whose rights are involved and how they were affected. Then one must also examine who will be helped and who will be hurt by her actions and then make a decision based on the information and personal values as they relate to the issue. Martha Stewart was charged in 2001 with making false statements, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice during her sale of ImClone the day before the FDA announced its refusal to review a new cancer drug. This sale was scrutinized by authorities†¦show more content†¦Step two asks were basic human rights violated. One must decide whose rights are to be respected. On both sides of the issue one will observe rights correlating to duties. One must clearly understand who has a duty, and to whom. Are the rights positive or negative? One must decide which are most important to them. The last step in making a moral decision is simply making the decision. How one arranges the issues and arrives at this decision depends on ones particular set of values and cultural perspectives, but regardless the values and cultural perspectives of the decision maker, the rights and duties remain the same for any situation. One must learn to look for and identify the appropriate deontological factors. Once these factors are identified, one may use his/her own values in order to determine which factors are the most important. By applying these unique values, one is able to develop the final decision. Now that we have a basic understanding of ethics and the moral decision making process, we can explore whether or not Martha Stewarts actions were immoral or not. Using a utilitarian approach for step one, it is important to look at the how the greater good was effected by her actio ns. Mrs. Stewart statements provided the greatest good to the majority of her customers and shareholders. She made a public statement on her web site that stated, Dear Friends: I am obviously distressed by theShow MoreRelatedEssay on Martha Stewart: Organization Ethics of Insider Trading2451 Words   |  10 Pagesby individuals close to the upper level management of an organization. This type of unethical behavior undermines the stability of the organization. In the ImClone scandal where Martha Stewart was indicted for her involement, the stability of her company suffered and the companies and people associated with Ms. Stewart suffered as a result of her decision. In this essay I will examine the parties that were privileged to knowing ImClone’s stock was going to drop and those who did not know. 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The E ! Entertainment Channel - 908 Words

In the Fall of 2007 television season, the year Keeping Up with the Kardashians began, reality programming held 77.3 percent of viewership during the primetime block (Nielsen Research, 2011). The E! Entertainment channel is home to Keeping Up with the Kardashians and is purveyor of twenty-two reality television shows, with fourteen centering on women. In its first season the program snagged the number one spot for capturing the viewership of women between the ages of 18 and 34 (Kinon, 2007). The viewership of the Kardashians is causing significant rippling impressions in how women—and by extension all of society—are conceptualizing femininity. Clearly, audiences are investing time in watching the program considering that at the end of last year the program ranked number five on E! Online’s â€Å"Top 10 Reality Series of 2012† list (Mullins, 2012). 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Costa Coffee Strategy Free Essays

string(50) " clearly shows the consumers concern for quality\." MMS assignment: Costa Coffee STRATEGY: 1. Identify, analyse and discuss Strategic issues in Costa Coffee. â€Å"Costa has flourished in a recession which has claimed many victims in the industry,† says Whitebread company. We will write a custom essay sample on Costa Coffee Strategy or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1The reason for this success is its strategy. Using the PESTEL framework will help identify, analyse and discuss Costa’s strategy. Despite the importance of political, environmental, technological and law factors, for the purpose of this essay we will focus on the economic and social factors affecting Costa Coffee. We will first see how economic factors such as the recent raise of coffee beans price influence Costa’s prices. We will then use social factors such as consumer trends to identify the different trends today and explain how Costa is reacting to them. Through this essay we will have then explained how â€Å"Costa has flourished in a recession which has claimed many victims in the industry,†2 The main economic factor affecting the coffee market today is the raise of coffee beans price. Due to heavy rains brought on by Caribbean storms in the coffee producing 1 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread Says Costa Coffee ‘Flourished’ During Recession. [online] 2010 FOX News Network, LLC. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] 2 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread Says Costa Coffee ‘Flourished’ During Recession. [online] 2010 FOX News Network, LLC. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] countries from Central America, coffee prices have increased3. Coffee futures have gone up 35% since June 2010 to reach the highest price for a pound since December 1997: $1. 848. 4 This is a significant problem because coffee beans are raw materials for coffee shops. Hence if shops do not have coffee beans or not enough, their sales will plummet. As John Wolthers, a trader at coffee exporter Comexim in Santos reports: â€Å"It’s a great time to be a producer, and a difficult time to be a roaster. 5 Because these prices are due to natural disasters, it is possible that they will not change until at least end of 2010 or 2011. A normal consequence would therefore be to raise prices in order to retain money. However, Whitbread PLC, owner of Costa Coffee, announced November 10th 2010 that â€Å"it has no plans to increase beverage retail prices, even as it remains concerned over escalating wholesale costs. † 6One of the reasons for this action is because Costa had already bought many coffee beans before the storm hence has enough to provide the outlets with enough beans during this period of increased prices. This shows that Costa â€Å"plans† its purchases well because as we 3 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread’s Costa Coffee Plans No Retail Price Rises. [online] 2010 The Connors Group, Inc. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] 4 Danby, T. and Sellen, T. 2010. No Relief in Sight for the Coffee Market. [online] 2010 Dow Jones Company, Inc. Available at : [Accessed on 23 December 2010] 5 Danby, T. and Sellen, T. 2010. No Relief in Sight for the Coffee Market. [online] 2010 Dow Jones Company, Inc. Available at : [Accessed on 23 December 2010] 6 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread’s Costa Coffee Plans No Retail Price Rises. [online] 2010 The Connors Group, Inc. Available at: ; http://www. tradingmarkets. com/news/stockalert/sbux_wtbrf_-update-whitbread-s-costa-coffee-plans-no-retail-price-rises-1297481. html; [Accessed 23 December 2010] 7 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread’s Costa Coffee Plans No Retail Price Rises. [online] 2010 The Connors Group, Inc. Available at: http://www. tradingmarkets. com/news/stock- can see, thanks to its bulk-buying in coffee beans, it is now unaffected, unlike the other coffee shops, by the coffee bean market. However this could be a risk because one can never know exactly how many beans are consumed per day and Costa does not know for certain how long these prices will remain high. Another reason Costa would not want to raise prices could be because in a period of recession, where consumers are being more and more careful with the way they spend their money8 they will not want to buy a drink at Costa if it is too expensive. Moreover if it is therefore cheaper at Starbucks or Caffe Nero for example why would they want to pay more for the same drink? Hence a third reason for Costa’s decision is due to the competitiveness with the all the other coffee stores. The final reason is â€Å"With total sales growing at 33% year on year, and like for like sales up 9%†9, and with over 1,100 outlets in the UK and 130 new shops to open within this year in the UK10 perhaps Costa is not too affected by the increase of coffee beans price. Hence, with the increase of coffee beans, Costas strategy is not to increase prices for different reasons which demonstrate Costas strength in the coffee industry which therefore explains why it has flourished during the recession: Costa stops at nothing. lert/sbux_wtbrf_-update-whitbread-s-costa-coffee-plans-no-retail-price-rises-1297481. html [Accessed 23 December 2010] 8 Rodenberg, J. , n. d. Costa Coffee vs Starbucks. [online] Templates Wise. Available at: [Accessed 16 December 2010] 9 Hospitability And Catering News. , 2010. Costa Coffee has wins „Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain?. [onli ne] Available at: [Accessed on 23 December 2010] 10 Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread Says Costa Coffee ‘Flourished’ During Recession. [online] 2010 FOX News Network, LLC. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] Moreover, social factors such as consumer trends enable us to see how Costas strategy is brilliant. According to CJ Bobrowski, Head of Costa Systems, â€Å"With greater insight into trends we can adapt more quickly to any changes in consumer needs, helping us to stay ahead of competition in a crowded marketplace. â€Å"11 Hence identifying and explaining the trends and how Costa adapts to them explains its success. For this essay, we will focus on three trends. With prices that cannot increase due to competitively another way in which companies can now compete is through quality. As more and more coffee shops open in the UK, demonstrating high quality is an important aspect for consumers today. With each one providing the same type of product, they need to know which one is the best quality-wise. One of Costa’s advertisements promotes its cappuccino by saying: â€Å"Sorry Starbucks, the people have voted. †12 This advert clearly shows the consumers concern for quality. You read "Costa Coffee Strategy" in category "Papers" Through this advert Costa shows it has clearly adapted to consumers new trend. The thirst for an experience is another trend. It has become so important that a word for consumers searching for an experience was invented: â€Å"Transumers†13. Consumers no longer look for simple coffee but for an experience. Costa provides this by training its baristas at official training academies opened by Costa. In fact in 2009they invested in a third Training Academy. Therefore, each of their barista have been professionally trained to provide each 11 Bobrowski, CJ,. [online] Torex Retail Holdings Limited. Available at: [Accessed 17 December 2010] 12 Rodenberg, J. , n. d. Costa Coffee vs Starbucks. [online] Templates Wise. Available at: [Accessed 16 December 2010] 13 Trend watching. , 2006. Transumers. [online] Trendwatching. om. Available at: http://trendwatching. com/trends/transumers. htm [Accessed 23 December 2010] customer with the best coffee. 14 This is important for no other coffee shop has invested in training academies which makes Costas drinks even more of an experience for consumers. The â€Å"Nintendo Wii Fitness† is increasingly bought which shows consumers’ concern for health. They are especially more tro ubled about the amount of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar in their food. 15 Hence health has become a trend. In order to respond to this, Costa has different techniques. The first is to provide consumers with different types of milk: soya or skimmed for no extra cost. 16However, Costa does not advertise enough this aspect hence many customers are not aware of these options. They need to increase the marketing for this aspect in order to be fully responding to this trend. The second technique is working with the Food Standards Agency to reduce salt and saturated fat and indicate their quantities. 17This way, the products stay the same with less fat and consumers know how many calories they absorb. This is very risky for Costa. Many consumers are not aware of how many calories there are in their beverages and could be 14 The Food and Drink Innovation Network,. 2009. Costa Opens third training academy in Newburry. [online] Food Drink Innovation Network. Available at: http://www. fdin. org. uk/2009/06/costa-opens-third-training-academy-in-newbury/ [Accessed 17 December 2010] 15 Foods Standard Agency, 2008. Consumer confidence rises around many food issues. [online] Crown copyright. Available at: [Accessed on 16 December 2010] 16 Morgan, J. , 2008. Fast food menu is recipe for obesity. [online] Cambridge Newspaper Ltd. Available at: [Accessed on 15 December 2010] 17 Food Standards Agency, 2010. Healthy catering commitments. [online] Crown Copyright. Available at: [Accessed on 14 December 2010] shocked like Rebecca: â€Å"It’s lethal! I don’t want it now [†¦] I know there’s a lot of fat in them too. â€Å"18 By observing the trends and adapting to them despite possible negative consequences, Costa proves that â€Å"[great] insight into trends [helps costa] to stay ahead of competition in a crowded marketplace. 19 Costa has been able to â€Å"make it through† the â€Å"rough patches† despite the increase of coffee beans price and its ability to identify and adapt to consumer’s trends. However will they have to increase their prices soon? With such sales growing 33% year on year20 will this firm be able to be at the top of the coffee shop list? 18 Sky News HD, 2009. Cancer Fear Of Calorie-Laden Iced Coffees. [online] BskyB. Available at: [Accessed on 14 December 2010] 19 Bobrowski, CJ,. [online] Torex Retail Holdings Limited. Available at: [Accessed 17 December 2010] 20 Hospitability And Catering News. , 2010. Costa Coffee has wins „Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain?. [online] Available at: [Accessed on 23 December 2010] MARKETING: 2. Analyse Costa’s Marketing; and then reflect on how it compares to the marketing of Starbucks. Deborah Dougherty, professor of Management and Global Business at Rutgers Business School, and Cynthia Hardy, professor of Management and Marketing at the University of Melbourne, agree that it is difficult for old organisations with a big history to innovate due to the challenges of new technology and global competitors. 1 Costa Coffee being a new organisation hence should not have many problems innovating its products and processes. Being part of the young rising coffee shop industry, Costa Coffee’s number one competitor is Starbucks. Dr. Robert G. Cooper, expert in the field of innovation, published The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation in which he establishes â€Å"Eight Actionable Critical Success Factors† for innovation. 22 In this essay we will only use certain factors to explain how Costa’s service and product innovations are better than Starbucks but how, despite this; Costa is still a little behind for the future. In order to be competitive in today’s UK coffee shop industry, service innovation is vital. Costa and Starbucks have therefore launched a new loyalty card because as Jeffery Young, managing director of Allegra Strategies notices: â€Å"Electronic loyalty cards provide an 21 Dougherty, D and Hardy C,. 1996. Sustained Product Innovation in large, mature Organisations: overcoming innovation-to-organization problems. Academy of Management Journal, 39(9, pp. 1120. 22 Cooper, R,. n. d. From Experience: The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation. [online] Product Development Institute Inc. Available at: [Accessed on 17 December 2010] opportunity to engage in rich dialogue with customers and track their behavior. †23 Hence this card will not only improve the dialogue between customers and firm but also will enable the companies to innovate their manufacturing process or services in order to adapt to the changing behavior. 24 Although the service is the same, are the reasons behind this innovation the same? One of Cooper’s critical innovation success factors is the justification of the project. 25 For Costa, this new card is a positive sign; its use is to replace the successful old card. According to a year-long trial in Scotland, one in three transactions was using the old card26. Hence in order to thank the customer’s loyalty, Costa wanted to add â€Å"rewards† and innovate the card so that one no longer had to top-up money on the card in order to purchase but would simply pay with money and then receive points that would transform into rewards. 27 The justification for Starbucks’s loyalty card is not for the same positive reasons. For them, with â€Å"sales decline and customers brew at home or visit competitors†, this new loyalty card is a 23 Thomas, J,. 2010. Costa Coffee rolls out customer loyalty card. online] Haymarket Business Media. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] 24 Thomas, J,. 2010. Costa Coffee rolls out customer loyalty card. [online] Haymarket Business Media. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] 25 Cooper, R,. n. d. From Experience: The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation. [online] Product Development Institute Inc. Available at: [Accessed on 17 December 2010] 26 EatOut,. 2010. Costa Launches New Coffee Club. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2010] 27 EatOut,. 2010. Costa Launches New Coffee Club. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2010] echnique to hopefully rebound profits by attracting customers back to the store for its benefits with the card. 28 Therefore, this innovation shows that although both companies propose the same service through their loyalty cards, the reasons behind this same service differs which shows that Costa is raising compared to Starbucks who is struggling against its competitors. Another example that shows that Costa’s innovation is better than Starbucks’s is the launch of a new drink: The Flat White. Although Starbucks is the first to have inaugurated this drink, Costa is the one who has the biggest impact in the UK29. Costa Coffe is the only one to have followed Cooper’s fifth critical innovation success factor : â€Å"A well-planned, adequately-resourced and proficiently-executed launch. †30 Indeed, Starbucks only launched the drink in London whereas Costa, several weeks after, launched it nationally. By launching nationally, Costa was able to sell its new product everywhere whereas Starbucks, only in London31. Hence out-of-London people could believe Costa is the â€Å"founder† of the Flat White, which could therefore lead them to a competitive advantage. Starbucks is the perfect example for Cooper’s statement: â€Å"In some businesses, it’s almost as though the launch is an 28 Startz, S,. 2009. Starbucks Boosts â€Å"Rewards† With Revamped Loyalty Program. [online] 2001-2010 brandchannel. Available at : [Accessed 14 December 2010] 29 Westfield London. n. d. Costa Coffee. [online] 2008 Westfield Group. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] 30 Cooper, R,. n. d. From Experience: The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation. [online] Product Development Institute Inc. Available at: [Accessed on 17 December 2010] 31 Boughton, I,. 2010. Costa Coffee launches the „flat white? ationwide. [online] Reed Business Information. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] after-thought – something to worry about after the product is fully developed. †32Moreover, Costa says to have invested â€Å"more than twelve months’ research, involving the training of 6,000 baristas, at a cost of ov er one million pounds. †33This also shows they followed Cooper’s fifth factor. However, Starbucks says that their baristas had trained themselves due to customers’ requests and that the â€Å"education in the making of the drink was anyway already readily available from a number of barista trainers†. 4 Perhaps Starbucks is right, but according to an independent survey by Tangible Branding Limited consumers prefer Costa’s Flat White to Starbucks’s. 35 This could be explained by the twelve months research and training of 6,000 baristas with a cost of one million pounds. Furthermore, both companies follow Cooper’s second innovation success factor: â€Å"the voice of the customer†. According to Costa’s core skills trainer Tim Douglas the Flat White â€Å"will attract some of our latte drinkers who are looking for a milky drink with a broad strength of flavour, and cappuccino drinkers who want a milkier drink with a much rich er coffee 2 Cooper, R,. n. d. From Experience: The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation. [online] Product Development Institute Inc. Available at: [Accessed on 17 December 2010] 33 Boughton, I,. 2010. Costa Coffee launches the „flat white? nationwide. [online] Reed Business Information. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] 34 Boughton, I,. 2010. Costa Coffee launches the „flat white? nationwide. [online] Reed Business Information. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] 35 Westfield London. n. d. Costa Coffee. [online] 2008 Westfield Group. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] flavor. 36 Hence this drink will be able to satisfy the gap between lattes and cappuccinos. Costa is purely reacting to the customers’ need for this â€Å"gap-filling-space†. On the other hand, Starbucks is innovating this drink due to their very negative â€Å"customer’s voice†. Their consumers find their coffees â€Å"too bland and milkyâ₠¬ 37 which is why, the Flat White is the perfect drink to launch because it is â€Å"Stronger, smaller and less milky† than most of their drinks. 38 Therefore, although Costa and Starbucks are using the same product innovation, they have different reasons which show that Costa is becoming more competitive than Starbucks. Although this essay has proved that presently, Costa is innovating for more positive reasons than Starbucks, this state might change in the near future. During a period of recession it is important that firms react to this economical problem. Starbucks, as opposed to Costa, has seemed to understand this and has innovated in â€Å"at-home† machines. The Starbucks Barista Espresso Machine39 or the Barsita Aroma Grande coffee machine enable consumers who do not necessarily want to go out to have a Starbucks coffee to stay at home 36 Williams, A,. 2010. Great White Hope. online] William Reed Business Media Ltd 2010. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] 37 Wallop, H,. 2009. Starbucks to sell ‘flat white’ for those fed up with milky coffee. [online] Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2010. Available at : [Accessed 17 December 2010] 38 Wallop, H,. 2009. Starbucks to sell ‘flat white’ for those fed up with milky coffee. [online] Copyright of Tele graph Media Group Limited 2010. Available at : [Accessed 17 December 2010] 39 Justin,. n. d. Starbucks Barista Espresso Marchine. [online] Coffee-Mker-Review. net. Available at: [Accessed 17 December 2010] and make one. Costa should look into this innovation for the future, especially with this economic crisis that continues to worsen. However, Costa may not want to produce these machines because consumers drink their coffees not only for the beverage itself but also for the environment Costa provides, for the â€Å"experience† and unique touch each Barista has when they make one. Hence, perhaps selling these machines would not be of great utility for them. Starbucks is a great competitor for new and rising coffee shops such as Costa. But through this essay we have seen that Costa Coffee is becoming the â€Å"number one† competitor with Starbucks due to its respect to Cooper’s â€Å"Eight Actionable critical success factors†. However, Costa must not forget that Starbucks may be a little weak in the UK but is very strong internationally and that Costa’s next step to compete with Starbucks could perhaps be to have a bigger and stronger position internationally. Referencing List: Bobrowski, CJ,. [online] Torex Retail Holdings Limited. Available at: [Accessed 17 December 2010] Bottonwood,. 2010. Productivity and Coffee Shops. [online] The Economist Newspaper Limited 2010. Available at: [Accessed 13 December 2010] Boughton, I,. 2010. Costa Coffee launches the „flat white? nationwide. [online] Reed Business Information. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] Bowers, S. , 2008. John Derkach: Singular vision fuelled by double macchiato. [online] Guardian News and Media Limited 2010. Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2010] Cooper, R,. n. d. From Experience: The Invisible Success Factors in Product Innovation. [online] Product Development Institute Inc. Available at: [Accessed on 17 December 2010] Danby, T. and Sellen, T. 2010. No Relief in Sight for the Coffee Market. [online] 2010 Dow Jones Company, Inc. Available at : [Accessed on 23 December 2010] Dougherty, D and Hardy C,. 1996. Sustained Product Innovation in large, mature Organisations: overcoming innovation-to-organization problems. Academy of Management Journal, 39(9, pp. 1120. EatOut,. 2010. Costa Launches New Coffee Club. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2010] Foods Standard Agency, 2008. Consumer confidence rises around many food issues. online] Crown copyright. Available at: [Accessed on 16 December 2010] Food Standards Agency, 2010. Healthy catering commitments. [online] Crown Copyright. Available at: [Accessed on 14 December 2010] Hospitability And Catering News. , 2010. Costa Coffee has wins „Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain?. [online] Available at: [Accessed on 23 December 2010] Justin,. n. d. Starbucks Barista Espresso Marchine. [online] Coffee-Mke r-Review. net. Available at: [Accessed 17 December 2010] Morgan, J. , 2008. Fast food menu is recipe for obesity. [online] Cambridge Newspaper Ltd. Available at: [Accessed on 15 December 2010] Ndzamela, P. , 2008. Credit crunch putting the bite on cafe culture. [online] Thomson Reuters. Available at: http://www. reuters. com/article/idUSTRE4AC7YE20081113 [Accessed 15 December 2010] Prynn, J. , 2008. Coffee shop boom time as chains defy crunch. [online] Evening Standard. Available at: [Accessed 16 December 2010] Rodenberg, J. , n. d. Costa Coffee vs Starbucks. [online] Templates Wise. Available at: [Accessed 16 December 2010] Sky News HD, 2009. Cancer Fear Of Calorie-Laden Iced Coffees. [online] BskyB. Available at: [Accessed on 14 December 2010] Smith, A. , 2009. Coffee Price Too Steep? Blame the Weather. [online] Time Inc. Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2010] Startz, S,. 2009. Starbucks Boosts â€Å"Rewards† With Revamped Loyalty Program. [online] 2001-2010 brandchannel. Available at : [Accessed 14 December 2010] The Food and Drink Innovation Network,. 2009. Costa Opens third training academy in Newburry. [online] Food Drink Innovation Network. Available at: http://www. fdin. org. uk/2009/06/costa-opens-third-training-academy-in-newbury/ [Accessed 17 December 2010] Thomas, J,. 2010. Costa Coffee rolls out customer loyalty card. [online] Haymarket Business Media. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] Trend watching. , 2006. Transumers. [online] Trendwatching. com. Available at: http://trendwatching. com/trends/transumers. htm [Accessed 23 December 2010] Wallop, H,. 2009. Starbucks to sell ‘flat white’ for those fed up with milky coffee. [online] Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2010. Available at : [Accessed 17 December 2010] Westfield London. n. d. Costa Coffee. [online] 2008 Westfield Group. Available at : [Accessed on 15 December 2010] Williams, A,. 010. Great White Hope. [online] William Reed Business Media Ltd 2010. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread Says Costa Coffee ‘Flourished’ During Recession. [online] 2010 FOX News Network, LLC. Available at: [Accessed 23 December 2010] Zekaria, S. , 2010. Whitbread’s Costa Coffee Plans No Retail Price Rises. [online] 2010 The Conn ors Group, Inc. Available at: ; http://www. tradingmarkets. com/news/stockalert/sbux_wtbrf_-update-whitbread-s-costa-coffee-plans-no-retail-price-rises-1297481. html [Accessed 23 December 2010] How to cite Costa Coffee Strategy, Papers

Calgary Oil Shale Technologies Inc

Question: Write a report about the "Calgary Oil Shale Technologies Inc". Answer: Introduction This is a report which is based on some of the skills that are necessary to run a business smoothly. The smooth functioning of a firm not only requires a robust and stable workforce but also it requires something more. A firm should have a strong management team who can guide the workers and can generate a smooth workflow in the business. The report highlights some of the most important management qualities that Mr. Carlos Debrito has that helps to resolve some of the issues among the employees. Calgary Oil Shale Technologies Inc (COST) is an oil refinery firm. Martin Bouchard was appointed as the president and CEO of the company. The firm was facing issues with the productivity. There were issues of dispute among the employees of the company. As the president and CEO of the company, Martin wished to resolve all these disputes and to increase the productivity of the firm. The company faced problems in its operation site at Alberta. The firm COST specializes in data management activities, and it supplies technologies to be used for refining and optimizing oil from the oil shales in Alberta. The technologies that the firm COST uses are capable of distinguishing rocks that bear oil. In this way, the firm helps companies working with energy sources to gain high productivity and profit from the production of oil shale. The company COST has a workforce that is blessed with high-skilled professionals such as engineers, geophysicist, and geologists who are capable of handling sophis ticated technology. The company uses semiskilled and skilled laborers to run the operations on the field. These two groups of workers, the technical group and the field operators, regularly opposed each other on some issue or the other (Northouse 2015). Debritos leadership techniques To resolve the conflicts between the two groups of workers of the firm, COST hired Ms. Algoma Howard, who was supposed to develop a program to foster teamwork and hence increase productivity. In the Alberta location, an experienced employee named Carlos Debrito was present to assist Howard to accomplish her task. Having worked in different departments in COST for over a span of twenty-six years, Debrito had a clear knowledge of the problems and conflicts that the workers at different levels were facing. Hence, Debrito agreed to guide Howard to accomplish her task. The three groups of workers that worked in the Alberta oil field included the workers who maintained and operated the logging operations, the group consisting of geophysicists, geologists and engineers and a group of workers who maintained the drilling equipment. To bring these groups of workers together Howard and Debrito planned to arrange a meeting of the workers on the fireside. The main objective to organize such meetings was to improve the interpersonal relationships among the workers. In these meetings the organizers probed the workers to open up to each other in a tension free environment. The organizers arranged for free food for the people who turned up in the meeting (Dubrin 2015). The next step which Howard and Debrito adopted was forming the "problem busting teams". These teams were temporary, and it consists of members from different hierarchical levels and of the different operations team. The managers wanted the leaders of these teams to address the issues which the workers were facing that were discussed in the fireplace meeting. They wanted the problem busting team to resolve these issues raised in the meeting. The fireside team evolved at the initial stage of team development, whereas the problem busting team evolved at the final team development stage. Techniques to be followed by Howard in Colorado The author would like to advice Howard to closely follow the steps of Carlos Debrito. Debrito played a very important role as a team leader to resolve conflicts among the workers of the company and to increase the productivity of the firm. His role would inspire Howard to work in a similar manner in the oilfields of Colorado to solve the issues. The formation of the teams that gathered in the fireside chat and also the problem busting teams helped to improve the interpersonal relationships among the workers in the Alberta site. Hence, the workers openly talked to each other about their problems, and this helped to increase the productivity of the company. Following a similar method would prove to be useful in the Colorado site.In his leadership, Debrito adopted the conflict resolving approach. Debrito has a better understanding of the problems of the workers following this approach. Secondly, the cohesion between the groups of the workers increased under the leadership of Debrito. Th e role of Debrito reflected the contingency quality of his leadership. Howard is of the view that if she got the guidance of Debrito in the Colorado project, the project would have succeeded. The author also feels the same as Howard. The leadership qualities which Debrito has in his character prove to be very fruitful in drawing the laborers to work. Though Howard implemented the same techniques as developed in the sites of Alberta, it did not work well in the sites of Colorado. Debrito had a better understanding of the psychology of the workers. Hence, he had a better knowledge of the techniques that would generate the result from the workers (Avolio and Yammarino 2013). The author would like to advise Algoma Howard that she should closely follow the steps shown by Debrito to manage the whole process. The Colorado site also faced similar problems as that faced in the Alberta site. Hence, employing the similar techniques with a better understanding of the situation would generate fruitful results. Howard can improve the involvement of her workers among each other by talking to them in a friendly manner and gathering them in some meeting in an informal environment. The management can reduce the cost of production if there exist a smooth workflow in the process. The management can only achieve this by improving the environment of work in the site. If the workers do their job in a peaceful manner maintaining a steady pace of workflow the company can easily meet the goals which are set regarding production (Mendenhall and Osland 2012). Conclusion The article depicts the work environment of the Calgary Oil Shale Technologies Inc. It describes the efficiency of Debrito in handling the issues which the workers at different levels of the company are facing. The efficient leadership and team management qualities of Debrito had lead to the resolve of all the conflicts among the workers and fostered a smooth flow of work in the company. This resulted in increased productivity and lowered the cost of production of oils by the firm. Research work The title of the journal that describes the leadership qualities required to maintain peace is "Embedding the peace process: the role of leadership, change and government in implementing key reforms in policing and local government in Northern Ireland". The Journal says that ethical leadership can give rise to many outcomes in the society that brings positive results (Rozand Joanne 2016) . Another journal that describes the leadership traits required in business is titled as leadership theory and research in the new millennium: current theoretical trends and changing perspective. The article talks about the rise in the research done by scientists regarding new theories of leadership in business. The article says that there are a vast number of theories on leadership that are evolving in the new millennium which needs to be taken care of, as leadership quality is one of the most important traits in making a mark in the world of business (Jessica et al. 2016). Another journal talking about leadership qualities is "advances in leader and leadership development: a review of 25 years of research and theory". The Journal says that almost all business organizations focus on the development of efficient leaders and effective leadership behaviour (David 2016). Another article on educational leadership titled Educational leadership and leadership development in Africa: Building the knowledge base talks about early childhood leadership qualities. It says that a person should have sound problem solving skills since childhood to become a good leader when the person grows up (Tony 2016). Reference: Avolio, B.J. and Yammarino, F.J. eds., 2013.Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead. Dubrin, A., 2015.Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills. Nelson Education. Jessica E. Dinha, Robert G. Lordb. William L. Mendenhall, M.E. and Osland, J., 2012.Global leadership: Research, practice, and development. Routledge. Northouse, P.G., 2015.Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.

The social cultural impacts of the Montserrat Volcanic Crisis placing the experience in a wider Caribbean context Essay Example

The social cultural impacts of the Montserrat Volcanic Crisis placing the experience in a wider Caribbean context Essay Montserrat is a small Caribbean island of approximately 102km2 in size and is situated to the South of its closest neighbour, Antigua. Both islands form part of the Leeward Islands chain as shown below: The island itself is a British overseas territory of volcanic origin, and until recently remained dormant. However, since 1995, the island has been severely affected by eruptions of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and the subsequent pyroclastic flows and mudslides associated with the volcanic activity. Such events have destroyed Plymouth, the Islands capital, the Airport situated on the East coast and much of the Southern third of the island. We will write a custom essay sample on The social cultural impacts of the Montserrat Volcanic Crisis placing the experience in a wider Caribbean context specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The social cultural impacts of the Montserrat Volcanic Crisis placing the experience in a wider Caribbean context specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The social cultural impacts of the Montserrat Volcanic Crisis placing the experience in a wider Caribbean context specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This has resulted in considerable social implications as a consequence of de-territorialization defined by Rozdilsky (2002) as the process of losing the natural relationship between culture and social territory, including the old new forms of symbolic production. The island once had a population of over 11000 people, which decreased considerably by approximately 2/3 to just 4500 in 2000 and is now home to only 80% of the original population figure approximately 8 000 people. In response to the eruption, approximately 2500 people relocated to other Caribbean islands and 3300-3700 had relocated before 1998 (DFID, 1999). Currently, the population is concentrated into the Northern third of the Island following the introduction of an Exclusion Zone encapsulating the most dangerous areas surrounding the Soufriere hills as shown below: The evacuation of people from dangerous areas of the island caused localized unrest and placed enormous pressures on the islanders. As Shotte describes the effect of these movements: Life for Montserratians has never been the same since July 1995. Three phases of internal displacement within the first nine months of the volcanic crisis, proved to be a frustrating and emotionally draining experience. Thus began the roller-coaster existence of a people whose lives were forcefully propelled on to unexpected and challenging roadways. The considerable reduction in land available for housing created serious social impacts; Those who chose not to leave the island following evacuation from the South where faced by two possibilities share with friends/family or be placed in temporary accommodation such as the Montserratian Defence Force barracks at Geralds. Eventually 1 in 7 people were housed temporarily in shelters. For many, a sense of order and stability in life is represented by land and home. For many Montserratians, this has been removed, producing disassociation and a confusion as to the sense of belonging. The people of Montserrat pre-1995 had a particular emotional attachment to their land. Plymouth and other areas around the island not only symbolised their identity and sense of being but also their ancestors struggle against colonialism and slavery. The land was previously seen as a type of security that can be handed down (Skelton. 2000. p70). Evacuation from the South has placed a strain on the areas of Davy Hill and Geralds where a large proportion of relocation has taken place. Geralds in particular has and is facing major changes through the construction of the new Airport to replace Bramble Airport, which was lost under pyroclastic flows on the East Coast. Despite offering 35 new jobs when completed and many during construction, at a cost of $EC42.6 million, the airport will dramatically change a large area of cultivated and inhabited land in the North of the Island meaning yet more relocation for those unlucky enough to be living where the airport is being built. Angela Greenaway (2002) comments that: for sustainable development to be achieved, there must be planning which caters for the local community but also has a healthy respect for the environment. This statement supports the need for sustainable development incorporating the airport but will come as little relief for the residents of Geralds who could well be relentlessly affected. The airport is however, very important to the development and safety (in terms of evacuation) of the island as more passengers will be catered for in light aircraft than the heliport could ever support. The questionable closure of the port (Osbourne, 2003) however, and removal of a twice-daily ferry service capable of carrying over 300 passengers is likely to hinder the development process until larger aeroplanes are able to service the island. For this to be the case, the runway must be extended which, according to the head of construction for the airport, is impossible given the shape of the land. Montserrat is characterised by a unique social and economic structure following the recent volcanic activity. Once self-sufficient and striving for independence, Montserrat is now more dependent than ever on Britain. The island once boasted low levels of unemployment and one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and up until the 1995 eruptions, had not received budgetary aid from the UK since 1981 (Skelton, 2000). The extent of Montserrats substantial borrowings (Cassell-Sealy, 2002) following 1995 was highlighted by the Chief Minister John Osbourne, who when interviewed, estimated that 80% of development funding post-volcanic event was received from the UK and EU. A return to self-sufficiency by 2007 is a target set out by the Montserratian government despite the admittance that independence is now impossible for the foreseeable future (Osbourne, 2003). As a direct result of the volcanic activity and threat of future such occurrences highlighted by the introduction of the exclusion zone in October 1996, much of the aforementioned population reduction was through migration to other Caribbean islands (predominantly the neighbouring Antigua to the North and Guadeloupe to the South), North America and most importantly the United Kingdom (Mainly due to colonial links). The decrease in population generated several negative effects such as the dramatic reduction in revenue from taxes and a productivity base loss of 95% (resulting from the dramatic reduction of both males and females in the main productivity age group of 15 64 years old) (DFID, 1999). Similarly, the island is experiencing the brain/skill drain, which symbolises the loss of talent and intellect to other countries from the same age group. Attracting Montserratians back to the island is proving a difficult task mainly due to the rates of pay, which are low in comparison to other countries such as the UK. Services such as education suffer considerably as a result with the lack of teachers hindering future development of the education system. This is a problem which the government hopes to ease with the use of subsidies from the UK, should they become available. Pre-1995 the economy was primarily service-based with a significantly large female workforce acting as both producers and reproducers (Skelton, 1989). Since the volcanic activity began, the depletion of the service industry has meant the majority of job vacancies now exist in the construction industry, an industry dominated by male intake. This male preference is causing a detrimental psychosocial fallout (Barnes, 2001) which has lowered self-perception and worth for women. According to Lee (1996), Montserratians are experiencing the pull of the UK and other locations away from the threat of volcanic activity as well as the push of poverty. In an attempt to achieve sustainable re-development of the island, three major government-backed agencies have been introduced. Firstly, the Montserrat Volcanic Observatory (MVO) provides the siland with detailed analysis of the volcanic activity, mainly through Radio Montserrat. As Jill Morten, director of the MVO (2003) states: The level of trust the people hold for the observatory is evident and the government and emergency department rely heavily on data from the observatory when changing the exclusion zone area or in case of an evacuation. Secondly, the Emergency Planning Department (EPD) was introduced to ensure the minimal impact of any natural disaster possible is experienced. As Horatio Tuitt (2003) from the EPD explained: The department have plans for every conceivable eventuality including Operation Exodus the plan to evacuate the entire island should it be necessary. Finally, the Physical Planning Department (PPD) ensures the most effective use and management of land on the island. Modern techniques are used to develop the island as Angela Greenaway (2003) states: Using base maps, surveying techniques and aerial photography, the department is working towards having the entire island plotted using GIS (Geographical Information Systems). It is hoped that with the successful management of the natural hazards which affect the island, the Tourist Industry will be able to re-develop itself and the national economy. The Government is targeting tourism as the main source of income as it was pre-1995 through re-development and since 1998, figures have steadily increased: * 1999 saw a 37% increase on the figures for 1998 * 2001 saw a further 9% increase on the figures for 2000 (West, 2003) Achieving sustainable development is key to the re-development of the island if it is to build for the future, this is possible in many ways including using the remnants of the eruption for tourism (such as Plymouth in its inundated state) and using the unique culture and habitat that characterises the island as a whole. The second method is perhaps one of the most important. As those who visit the island soon realise, Montserrat features a unique culture which welcomes visitors and when combined with the natural beauty of the island, creates an alternative to many other holiday destinations. Key to the re-development of the Montserratian tourist industry is for the UK to assist in the promotion of the island as a safe tourist destination and to curb the negative media attention surrounding the volcanic eruptions of recent years. Similarly, the promotion of the island needs to be enhanced with help from the UK (where many tourists are likely to come from) and a reduction in the reliance upon word-of-mouth and repeat visitors as mediums. The problems faced by the tourist industry in Montserrat are highlighted by Roselyn Cassell-Sealy of the National Development Fund (2002): Our incapacity to control the quantity and quality of the context of international news releases continues to handicap our attempts to market ourselves as an alternative small island tourist destination as well as a very real potential investment option. Currently, the Caribbean economy as a whole is a very complicated system originating from its colonial history (Boxhill, 1999). Most of the islands are still influenced or governed by their previous colonisers. More recently, the Caribbean countries are in the process of developing the idea of a Caribbean Single Market and Economy. Key features of which include the introduction of a single Caribbean currency, which would be utilised by all the full members of CARICOM (Caribbean Community Common Market) in an attempt to prevent marginalization and the influence of Trans-national Corporations. (Boxhill, 1999) Although Montserrat is a British Territory and is likely to be so for the foreseeable future, it is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), using the Eastern Caribbean Dollar ($EC) as its main currency. Despite its reliance upon the UK and EU for funding, Montserrat maintains full independent status within the OECS (Skelton, 2000). However, the Chief Minister has highlighted the islands intentions to join the Single Caribbean Currency should the plan come to fruition. Montserrat purveyed one of the stronger Caribbean economies prior to the volcanic crisis (Skelton, 2000). Despite the activity since 1995, the standard of living on the island is still of a reasonable quality and is much higher than on other Caribbean islands areas of Africa and South America. Processes such as Globalization (featuring increased communication and transport links), have attracted migrants from such areas. Montserrat is keen however not to allow the introduction of possible detrimental activities to the island such as drug and gun cultures which could spoil the image and portrayal the island is striving to achieve as part of its sustainable development. The Governor, Chief Minister and Press officer Keith Greaves highlighted such matters as well as the already evident cultural changes which are a feature of the modern global community and are brought to the island by tourists and migrants alike. Such actions do however introduce the possibility of a sense of confusion as to the national identity which Montserratians are attempting to ascertain. As Fergus (1994) comments; Montserrations are still not certain what they are. One part of the Monserratian culture which is evident, and indeed prominent, is the importance of religion to the people. Walking or driving through villages on a Sunday morning immediately presents the level of importance the church holds to the people. There is very little activity, except for those going to or from church. Communities appear to be based around religious activities and groups with most activities being held in the local church hall. It is difficult if not impossible to determine what the future holds for Montserrat and its people. The volcanic activity since 1995 has had several socio and cultural impacts on the Island. The people have been relocated, sometimes on several occasions and are uncertain where their future lies perhaps this is why so many have moved to security and a certain future associated with an alternative sense of being. Many of those who took advantage of the UK governments 2-year exceptional leave to enter granted in April 1996 allowing free entry to the UK for Montserratians. It is also important to point out that those who chose to remain or moved to the island are now located in one third of the original size of the island. Islanders are now therefore living more on top of each other and the scope for future conflicts greater than those already experienced through activity such as relocation is increased. If the island is to achieve sustainable development, the reliance upon the UK and EU will continue for some considerable period and it is difficult to see how Montserratians will be able to achieve a real sense of nationalism and complete identity until the island re-develops considerably. It is not of course a foregone conclusion that volcanic activity will cease in the short term. This raises the question as to whether the Southern area of the island will ever be safe to use again in light of recent events. Either way, the socio-cultural impacts on Montserratians lives are likely to continue until the island achieves a stable economy and structure similar to that which existed pre-volcanic activity. The question remains as to when and indeed if this will happen.

Executive summaries - Emphasis

Executive summaries Executive summaries No matter how well structured and well written your report is, some clients will feel they only have time to read the executive summary and this is particularly true for senior management. So it is absolutely essential that you put a lot of thought into its structure and content: * Make sure the summary can stand alone and that it contains real information, including hard facts and figures. * If your report includes recommendations, make it clear what these are and include their implications, values and costs (if applicable). * Stick to a maximum of two pages. * Use headings and bullets (but not too many), and perhaps a carefully selected graph or pie chart, to get your main message across.

DEAF REFLECTION #2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DEAF REFLECTION #2 - Coursework Example The writer tries to envision if the whole world was a bilingual community where everybody was taught sign language in the same manner they were taught how to speak using their tongues This is an important notion as people were be able to communicate easily with their and extended family of the Vineyard society. This means that there was no language barrier, and by proxy, no social barrier in this society. The writer acknowledges that there were no difficulties that the deaf children suffered on the Vineyard as the society acted as an extended family for them. From childhood, one could obtain families where one or two children in the family were deaf so this would not be a major concern in another child was born deaf. The deaf children stood a better of continuing with their education than students who could be able to hear. This is evident when the writer claims that â€Å"the recommended period of instruction in Hartford was five years but education for the deaf was available up to ten years†. On social aspects, the deaf on Martha’s Vineyard married freely. Though the number of children that were born deaf was quite high and in an alarming rate. The deaf were also able to be independent as they were able to make a living of the talents and skills they had for example a carpenter. With respect to families, the fertility was higher and there was much comparison between the children who are born when hearing and those who were deaf. The Vineyard was a safe heaven for the deaf. However s time went by things started to change, to them deafness was treated like a stigma ans something to be ashamed of. In schools, other student made fun of the deaf students as the student who could hear made fun of them and nobody wanted to learn sign language anymore. This forced the society to open schools for the deaf and lead to a total split-up of those who could hear and the deaf in the society. A perception that the society tends to uphold up to

Entamoeba histolytica Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Entamoeba histolytica - Essay Example The Entamoeba histolytica is the protozoan responsible for a disease called amoebiasis1. It mainly occurs in the large intestines and causes inflammation as its name suggests. The number of infections worldwide as a result of the parasite can be approximated at 35-50 million people, majority of whom are in developing countries where there is a problem of poor sanitation2. Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogenic parasite that occurs within the intestines and is the sole causative agent of amoebiasis, lack of proper hygiene can be ascribed as be one of the foremost causes of infection by the pathogen. The Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic protozoan that causes an infection in the digestive system of mainly humans and other primates2. It is estimated that the parasite has infected approximately 50 million people in the world over and it has had a major role in the morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. In addition, animals close to the home such as dogs and cats may also be infected regularly but are not believed to contribute to the transmission of the pathogen3. However, though there are numerous species of protozoa in the genus Entamoeba, not all of them are disease causing organisms. The Entamoeba histolytica is known to cause what is commonly referred to as amebiasis in humans which can either cause internal infections in the intestines or external ones2, 3. Even though some members of the Entamoeba genus are not associated with disease, they are important since they often may be confused with Entamoeba histolytica in diagnostics. Though it has a rather well distribution of incidence worldwide, there is higher incidence of amebiasis in developing countries. Medically speaking, in order for one to get infected by the protozoa, they ought to have ingested mature cysts that may be present in

Select one article from our text book, or one document from the Assignment

Select one article from our text book, or one document from the Internet, and evaluate what you feel are it's strengths and weaknesses - Assignment Example Most organizations face this issue. As there is a change of reality, they do not address moves in their competitive environment and thus find it hard to sustain their competitive advantage. According to the article, the main issues of theory of businesses revolve around connecting the three key parts together. These parts are reality, organizational competency and business focus. The following points are to be kept in mind to keep the theory of business relevant presently and in future. One is that reality is defined by the market place and moves to where it wants. For an organization to be successful, it has to study the changes taking place in the market and know that the key to success is their capacity to determine what the customer is willing to pay for at the moment and in the future. Another factor is that an organization attains focus when it aligns itself with reality. Thus, if it wishes to be successful, it concentrates on the moves in the market place and adjusts its business programs to cater for those needs. After an organization is aware of the changes needed, it has to identify and develop skills and competencies needed to prosper in the long term. The author recommends that organizations ought to review their theory of business continually as there is no business that is static. There are also times that organizations ought to be cautions like in the startup stage, times of fast transformation, unforeseen failures or success and when the organization is about to attain its present goals and objectives. The objective of the article is to address business theory. It is to address where organizations go wrong so that they do not achieve success and the solutions that they ought to embrace and apply. The author of the article accomplishes this objective by addressing where the problem comes in. At the end of the article, solutions are offered. The author states that,

Dissolution Profile of Paracetamol Generics

Dissolution Profile of Paracetamol Generics 1 Introduction The pharmaceutical industry had an estimated turnover of $773 billion in 2008,1 however not all of this revenue was taken as profit; a significant cost goes into research and industry guideline compliance. With regards to new generic medications, proving bioequivalence is crucial to success, however necessary in vivo testing can be costly.2 Drugs which meet certain Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) criteria may be exempt from these expensive tests and can be permitted a biowaiver.3 This allows in vitro dissolution testing in place of in vivo plasma analysis. Paracetamol is one such drug that has qualities which place it at the borderline of biowaiver suitability.3 It is the worlds most commonly used analgesic4 and the question arises as to whether all preparations are as effective as each other? More specifically we ask, is there is any significant difference between the dissolution profile of paracetamol generics? This literature review is in preparation of experimental t ests designed to ascertain if there is any difference in dissolution profile of eight bioequivalent preparations listed on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and whether this difference may correlate to a clinical significance in such a common place drug. 2 Search Strategy All data was sourced through internet databases, i.e. Medline, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Library. The search engines Google Scholar and UWA library were also utilized. Keywords included. KEY WORDS Paracetamol, acetaminophen, bioequivalent (therapeutic equivalency), Delayed-action Preparations, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Tablets, Drug Compounding, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Observer Variation, Dissolution, Metabolism, in vitro, in vivo, IVIVC, Drug Content, Bioavailability and Correlation. Boolean searching was utilised to broaden or narrow search results and once appropriate articles were sourced, citing and cited articles were also evaluated. 3 Paracetamol 3.1 History Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the worlds most popular drugs for the treatment of pain and fever.4 It was first synthesized in 1878 by Morse, and was used clinically for the first time in 1887 by von Merring.4, 5 Paracetamol fell into obscurity shortly thereafter in favour of other chemically related drugs such as phenacetin.5 However, phenacetin was later found to be nephrotoxic, and the search for a substitute arose.5 In 1950, a study from Brodie and Axelrod rediscovered paracetamols suitable analgesic properties.4 Although, this drug did not experience widespread acceptance until the 1970s due to unfounded concerns about safety; but from then on, it became the most commonly used medication for pain.4 In many countries, such as the United Kingdom, paracetamol sales have exceeded those of aspirin since 1980.4 3.2 Physicochemical properties Paracetamol or N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide, is a white crystalline powder with a melting point of 168-172C (Martindale). It is sparingly soluble in water, ie. one part of paracetamol is soluble in 70 parts of water at room temperature.3 It is also freely soluble in alcohol. (Martindale) Paracetamol shows maximal UV absorption at a wavelength of 249nm and is reported to have a pKa of 9.5 at 25C.3 3.3 Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics 3.3.1 Pharmacodynamics Mechanism of Action The exact mechanism of action of paracetamol has remained largely unknown for some time.6-9 For years it has been thought to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in a similar manner to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however definitive proof of analgesia and antipyresis being dependent on COX inhibition is still lacking.4 Recently, two independent groups have produced experimental data that has demonstrated that analgesia involves the potentiation of the cannabinoid vanilloid tone in the brain and in the dorsal root ganglia.4 Blockade of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in rats has eliminated any analgesic properties of paracetamol and suggests that paracetamol is in fact a cannabinomimetic.4 3.3.2 Pharmacokinetics 3.3.2.1 Absorption Bioavailability: Paracetamol has been reported to have a bioavailability of 62%-89% in those of a fasted state,3, 8 this divergence from absolute bioavailability is attributed to first pass hepatic metabolism. Peak plasma concentrations are reached between 0.17-2.0 hours post-dosing.10 As expected, food has been shown to reduce absorption by increasing tmax and decreasing Cmax values. Food has not been shown to affect the amount of acetaminophen reaching the blood.3 3.3.2.2 Distribution: Paracetamol has a reported volume of distribution of 0.69-1.36L/Kg.11 Around 20%-25% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins at therapeutic dosages; however this value has been shown to increase to 20%-50% in over dosage. Paracetamol has also been shown to cross the placenta, and has a 1.24 milk/plasma ratio in breast milk.3 Paracetamol is an ADEC category A drug, i.e. it is safe to use in pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding.9 3.3.2.3 Metabolism Excretion: Around 85%-90% of paracetamol is metabolized within the liver via the process of glucuronidation and sulfation.3 These inactive metabolites are then eliminated by the kidney in the urine. Approximately 5% of paracetamol is passed out unchanged in the urine, the remaining drug is conjugated with cysteine and mercapturic acid.3, 8 The half-life of paracetamol has been reported as 1.9 4.3 hours3, 8, 10 but longer in those with renal impairment. 3.4 Indication Paracetamol is indicated in the symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate pain as well as fever3, 9 and has also been described to have mild anti-inflammatory properties.3 3.5 Dose Dosage Forms For adults, the optimal single dose of paracetamol is 1g,3, 9 with a maximum dose of 4g daily.9 Hepatocellular necrosis can occur from doses of 10-15g, and death may result in doses in excess of 20-25g.3 Paracetamol is available in many dosage forms, as a single active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), or in combination with other analgesics such as codeine (Panadeine), dextropropoxyphene (Di-Gesic), metoclopramide (Metomax), as well as in combination with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine in cold-and-flu preparations.9 This drug is available as immediate release (IR) tablets, sustained release (SR) tablets, chewable, elixirs, IV injections and suppositories.9 4 Biopharmaceutics Classification System The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) is a method of grouping active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) based on their solubility and intestinal permeability.12-16 The system allows for easy identification of those drugs whose in vivo absorption can be easily anticipated based on their in vitro dissolution.12, 15, 16 This implies that two different products containing the same drug will have the same rate and extent of absorption if, over time, they both have the same concentration profile at the intestinal membrane.12 Since it is the dissolution profile of a drug which determines its concentration profile in the intestinal lumen, comparability of this parameter in vitro should produce comparable absorption results in vivo.12 In reality however, only those drugs with high permeability which are formulated into IR preparations can be easily and reliably applied to this logic.12, 15, 16 4.1 BCS Drug Classes There are four classes within the BCS to which a drug can be assigned (as outlined in figure 1). Class I is comprised of those drugs with high permeability and solubility, these drugs are expected to be well absorbed and, providing dissolution is slower than gastric emptying, show a good correlation between in vitro dissolution rate and the rate and extent of in vivo absorption (IVIVC).12, 15, 16 Class II drugs also have high permeability but their solubility is low which ensures in vivo dissolution is the rate limiting step in drug absorption and thus IVIVC is expected.12 Class III drugs have a low permeability with high solubility, traditionally these drugs were believed to have little or no IVIVC,12 however recent studies have shown that if a class III drug is very rapidly dissolving then a correlation may exist.18, 19 Finally Class IV drugs have both low permeability and solubility these drugs are not expected to show any IVIVC.12 For each of the four BCS classes a drug substance is considered highly soluble when the highest [IR] dose strength is soluble in 250mL or less of aqueous media over the pH range of 1-7.5.16 The permeability of a drug is considered high if greater than 90% of a dose is absorbed across the intestinal membrane.16, 20 Using these definitions, paracetamol is classified as a BCS class III drug but it is also described as borderline class I because it is only just on the cusp of low permeability.3 4.2 Utility of the BCS The genius of the BCS is that it allows easy identification of drug candidates for which relatively cheap and fast in vitro dissolution testing can replace the more expensive, time consuming and invasive in vivo absorption testing.2 The system does away with complex bioavailability modeling that must account for fasted and fed states as well as cyclical changes in motility and gastric emptying.12, 14 The impact of the BCS on the pharmaceutical industry was so great that in 2006, creator Dr. Gordon Amidon was awarded the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Distinguished Scientist Award.21 5 Correlation between in vitro dissolution and bioavailability Following the introduction of the BCS a great deal of research was conducted exploring the power of IVIVC. It became a main focus not just of the pharmaceutical industry but also of academia and regulatory authorities.2 IVIVC became popular because it can be used as a substitute for resource intensive bioavailability testing; the concept has essentially improved the speed and cost of drug development as well as quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.2 5.1 Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Bioavailability is an important concept because it determines the efficacy, safety and reproducibility of the therapeutic effect of drugs and the many formulations in which they come.22 For the purpose of drugs that produce a systemic therapeutic effect, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)22 defines bioavailability as the extent and the rate at which a substance or its active moiety is delivered from a pharmaceutical form and becomes available in the general circulation. Bioavailability is therefore inherently linked to drug absorption and may also be predicted using IVIVC as defined by the BCS. If two pharmaceutically equivalent (same active ingredient and content in the same formulation) products have the same bioavailability they are considered bioequivalent and will essentially have the same efficacy and safety. Bioequivalence is important because it is the basis for which innovator medicines can be substituted with generics. 5.2 Strength of in vitro in vivo correlations The BCS is a predictive tool for determining which drugs will have an IVIVC. Table 1 demonstrates that under the BCS only class II along with some class I drugs are expected to have IVIVCs.12 Research subsequent to Dr. Amidons first BCS publication has generally upheld his initial findings however exceptions to the rule have been found. 5.2.1 Drugs with IVIVC The BCS suggests that if the bioavailability of a drug is dissolution rate limited then a good IVIVC should be possible. This notion has been demonstrated for flutamide a very poorly soluble high dose compound which is not expected to have IVIVC but has dissolution rate limited absorption.23 A paper published by Posti, Katila Kostiainen23 concluded that there is a strong IVIVC for flutamide and this was identified on four separate occasions where bioavailability was studied. All four studies were of single dose, cross over design and each subsequent study increased the number of subjects tested (study I: n = 6, Study IV: n = 24). The strength of the papers methodology provides good support for its conclusions however this was undermined by a lack of documented statistical analysis. Much more compelling evidence comes from a study by Sakuma et. al.24 which was able to show an IVIVC for two BCS class I drugs after they received an enteric coating, thus eliminating the possibility that gastric emptying was the rate limiting step. The results were statistically significant, however the tablets were tested in rat models rather than human subjects and the dissolution test may not have adequately reflected the in vivo environment that enteric coated tablets are subject to.24 Further studies in human subjects demonstrating the difference in IVIVC between enteric and non-enteric coated tablets could not be identified in the literature. There are hundreds of other drugs which have an IVIVC and these are neither limited to BCS class II drugs or drugs with dissolution rate limited absorption. Theophylline is a BCS class IV drug and yet in a complete cross over study of four different theophylline tablets the in vitro dissolution was able to significantly predict several in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC Cmax) which dictate bioavailability.25 The study was small (n = 6) and not all pharmacokinetic parameters could be correlated. Other common drug examples with IVIVC include digoxin,26 rifampicin,27 diclofenac28 and lamotrigine29 and these are by no means exhaustive. 5.2.2 Drugs without IVIVC Not all drugs have an IVIVC and this can also include some BCS class II drugs. A research paper by Frick, Moller Wirbitzki 199830 demonstrated that the in vitro dissolution of glimepiride (BCS class II) is not comparable to dissolution in vivo. The study employed a single dose cross-over design with 12 subjects, Latin-Square statistical analysis was employed and the results were assumed to be significant however not all the data was accompanied by supporting confidence values. No correlation was possible because the solubility of glimepiride is low and strongly pH dependent.30 Unlike glimepiride, ciprofloxacin a quinolone antibiotic, is classified as a BCS class III drug and as a consequence would not be predicted to have an IVIVC. Correspondingly, when tested for this possibility none could be found between dissolution and any of the parameters for bioavailability (Tmax, Cmax, AUC Ka).31 5.2.3 Strength of BCS in predicting IVIVC There is a wide variance between IVIVCs that are anticipated according to the BCS and those that are actually demonstrated after experimental testing. Examples have been provided where both expected and unexpected correlations occur and this suggests that the BCS system while helpful should only be taken as a guide. Laboratory testing is still the only reliable method for determining if a correlation is occurs. Paracetamol is a BCS class III medication and as such is not expected to demonstrate strong IVIVC. Given the fact that paracetamol has a wide therapeutic index and the BCS can only be used as a guide, a safe and useable IVIVC may still exist. 5.2.4 IVIVC of paracetamol The prodigious use, vast quantities manufactured and the presence of many generic products in the marketplace makes paracetamol a prime candidate for IVIVC testing. In 1996 Retaco et. al.32 conducted a small crossover study using five subjects to assess whether an IVIVC for paracetamol may exist. The study stated that the absorption data from saliva partially correlated with those found in vitro,32 this however is not a valid conclusion. One of the subjects studied produced in vivo data that opposed a correlation and this anomaly was further confounded by the fact that statistical analysis was not performed on the IVIVC but rather covered the in vitro and in vivo data separately. This pilot study was later contradicted by Babalola et. al.33 who found limited IVIVCs and suggested that paracetamol absorption may not be limited by its dissolution rate. Similarly, a thorough, well designed, complete crossover (44) study that balanced for first order residual effects, suggested that it wa s dangerous to use dissolution as the sole test for paracetamol bioequivalence.34 Interestingly, all of these studies demonstrated bioequivalence between the various products of paracetamol even if they showed no IVIVC. 6 Biowaiver for bioequivalence testing In vivo bioequivalence studies are required to ascertain the potential differences in bioavailability between innovator and generic products which, may lead to therapeutic inequivalence. A biowaiver provides the authority and grounds for fiscally intensive bioequivalence testing to be replaced by more tolerable in vitro testing. For the most part, IVIVC must first be established in order for a drug to be considered for a biowaiver. The BCS has outlined properties of solid preparations which require evaluation in biowaivers, i.e. solubility, permeability, and dissolution rate.35 In addition to this, the non-critical therapeutic range of a drug should also be considered35 and this is the basis for which paracetamol has gained biowaiver status.3 It should be noted that products produced by the same manufacturer at the same site are exempt from bioequivalence studies.36 6.1 Paracetamol Biowaiver Several characteristics must be considered when a drug presents as a candidate for a biowaiver through dissolution testing. Paracetamol is not a classic biowaiver candidate because it is classified as a BCS Class III drug, it does however possess properties borderline to Class I3 and these enable it to fulfill the requirements of a biowaiver. 6.2 Biowaiver requirements 6.2.1 Characteristics relevant to the active ingredient 6.2.1.1 Risk of therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions i.e. the need for critical plasma concentrations. When considering a biowaiver for a drug substance, its therapeutic use and therapeutic index also needs to be taken into account.16 In the case of paracetamol, the therapeutic indications are not critical, and there is a wide difference between the usual therapeutic dose and toxic doses. Given that an optimal therapeutic dose for an adult is 1g, and that hepatocellular necrosis can result from ingestion of 10-15g, it can be assumed that paracetamol is not a narrow therapeutic index drug.3 6.2.1.2 Risk of bioinequivalence: Previous evidence of bioavailability problems for an active substance can complicate the justification of in vitro dissolution bioequivalence correlation.35 For paracetamol, the absolute bioavailability has not been shown to vary between therapeutic dose ranges of 5-20mg/kg.3 Other studies have also demonstrated that bioequivalence in different IR paracetamol preparations is achievable.11, 32, 37 6.2.1.3 Solubility: If a drug is highly water soluble it generally lends to exemption of bioequivalence testing, however polymorphism and particle size are major determinants of dissolution and must be considered.35 A drug is considered highly soluble if the amount contained in a preparation of maximal strength dissolves in 250mL of three buffered solutions ranging between a pH of 1-8 at 37C.35 Paracetamol has a pKa of 9.5 and is therefore not substantially ionized at a pH less than 9. As a result, it can be said that its solubility does not vary with pH.3 The highest strength IR preparation of paracetamol is 500mg. Experimentally, this has been shown to dissolve in 21mL,3 which is significantly less than the 250mL that is required by the BCS guidance to prove solubility.16, 35 6.2.1.4 Pharmacokinetic properties: High permeability which is typically indicated by a linear absorption pattern, reduces the potential influence of an IR preparation on bioavailability.35 For paracetamol, the permeability is slightly below the cut-off value of 90%, i.e. one study by Stewart et al.38 found permeability to be 80% once absorbed. This formally excludes paracetamol from being considered for a biowaiver, although extensions to BCS Class III drugs have recently been given more attention.20, 39 6.2.2 Characteristics relevant to the medicinal product 6.2.2.1 Rapid dissolution: Dissolution profiles can be regarded as equal when more than 85% of the active ingredient is dissolved within 15 minutes.35 This comparison must occur between test and reference product in three buffers which with a pH range between 1-8, at 37C.35 Paracetamol tablets have been shown to dissolve within 30 minutes,32 however this rate does not satisfy BCS exemption standards. 6.2.2.2 Excipients: Those included are to be well established and not in atypically large quantities. Kalantzi et al.3 details a table of acceptable excipients which can be used within paracetamol IR tablet formulations which are considered for in vitro dissolution biowaiver. 6.2.2.3 Manufacture: Critical parameters such as particle size and polymorphism should be addressed and documentation should be provided in the dossier that is submitted to TGA.35 Paracetamol has three metastable forms, the only commercially available from is the monoclinic acetaminophen as it is the most thermodynamically stable polymorph.3 From review of the literature, it can be concluded that in vivo bioequivalence testing of solid, oral IR paracetamol dosage forms may not be necessary. This can be justified given that a paracetamol formulation can be shown to:3 Rapidly dissolve under USP guidelines Contain only the acceptable excipients, in usual quantities Demonstrates dissolution profile similar to reference product under conditions stated in USP guidelines 7 Statement of Purpose 7.1 Aim hypothesis The purpose of the proposed study is to compare the dissolution profiles of bioequivalent IR paracetamol preparations listed on the PBS. In particular, comparisons between every preparation will be made, rather than a single comparison against a referent. We hypothesize that there will be no significant difference between the dissolution profile of IR paracetamol tablets when dissolved according to USP specifications. 7.2 Methodology We propose to analyse the dissolution profiles of eight PBS listed bioequivalent paracetamol preparations, namely; APO-paracetamol, Chemmart Paracetamol, Dymadon P, Febridol, Panamax, Paracetamol Sandoz, Paralgin, and Terry White Chemists Paracetamol. Sixteen tablets of each preparation will be dissolved in compliance with USP dissolution test for tablets and capsules, using apparatus II. As mandated, tablets are to be dissolved in 900mL phosphate buffer at a pH of 5.8 with a paddle set to 50rpm. Samples will be taken at intervals of 2,5,10,15,30,45,60 minutes in concordance with practice by Dominguez et al.34 these aliquots will be examined for paracetamol by UV spectrophotometry at 289nm. These data will be statistically analysed by ANOVA. 7.3 Timeline Date Tasks to be performed Work Deadlines Week 11 (15.03 21.03) Create paracetamol standard curves, Test expected dissolution time, Order materials, Source test tablets, Visit school of statistics for advice. Literature Review Due Monday 15th March 12pm Week 12 (22.03 28.03) Testing of tablets 1 2: Dissolution UV vis Week 13 (29.03 04.04) Testing of tablets 3 4: Dissolution UV vis Week 14 (05.04 11.04) Testing of tablets 5 6: Dissolution UV vis Week 15 (12.04 18.04) Testing of tablets 7 8: Dissolution UV vis Week 16 (19.04 25.04) Week in lieu to finish experiments in case of unforeseen circumstances Week 17 (26.04 02.05) Data collation statistical analysis Briefing on the writing of the final report Wed 28.04 2pm Week 18 (03.05 09.05) Writing draft report Week 19 (10.05-16.05) Editing final draft report Week 20 (17.05 23.05) Powerpoint presentation format 1st Draft Research Project Due Friday 21st May Week 21 (24.05 30.05) Correcting draft report Week 22 (31.05 06.06) Amending powerpoint presentation Final report due Mon 31.05 12pm Week 23 (07.06 13.06) Amending final report Week 24 (14.06 20.06) Presentation rehearsal Seminars, submission of amended report to pharmacy office

Japan Caught Between US and China :: essays research papers

Japan caught up in U.S.-China spat Japan came under criticism in the fallout of a heated exchange between the United States and China over Taiwan at the Asia Security Conference here. In fact, some participants said Japan-not China-is the country creating the most fears in Asia. The three-day conference, hosted by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, ended Sunday. A key topic of debate was a Japan-U.S. agreement reached in February on common strategic objectives-including how to deal with Taiwan. The joint statement said the objective was to "encourage the peaceful resolution of issues concerning the Taiwan Strait through dialogue." In his speech in Singapore on Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld questioned the validity of China's increased military spending when the country faced no threats, as well as its heightened deployment of ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan. Cui Tiankai, director-general of the Asian Affairs Department at China's Foreign Ministry, retorted by asking Rumsfeld if the United States felt threatened by the stronger presence of China. Rumsfeld had to diplomatically admit there was no such threat. However, in a subsequent question-and-answer session, both Rumsfeld and Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono were asked about the common strategic objective pertaining to Taiwan. Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum, which is affiliated with the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, asked Rumsfeld for his interpretation of reports in many Asian nations that the common strategic objective meant Japan and the United States would act together to defend Taiwan. Rumsfeld only said that the contents of the joint statement were in the public domain. Cossa then asked Ono about the growing perception in Asia that Japan and the United States would contain China as a means of defending Taiwan. Ono simply responded that the joint statement should be read carefully. In response to questions from The Asahi Shimbun, one of the sponsors of the conference, Cossa said many nations in East Asia were concerned about Japan's defense policy. "With the issue of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine also coming into the picture, the view is emerging among Asian countries that the nation truly to be afraid of is not China, but Japan," said a Singapore-based researcher. The latest Asia Security Conference saw the first participation of a delegation of Chinese government officials.

Advertisement In Media Right or Wrong ?

We all are living in the era of commercialism, modernization and sophistication. Where we don’t care of even ourselves in ethical means or as a human being. In our daily life we come across with a lot of events and incidents which put an important impact in our daily life. Here advertisement of different things plays a key role in our life. When talking about advertisement in media, it has both Positive impact as well as stigmatic effects on our lives, which means that up to some extent Advertisement in media is acceptable for our minds; otherwise it is not less than a curse. Lets have a glance in our life in previous times. Yes we were passing through a very simple but pure and meaningful life which was free from advertisements and commercialism. When talking about our society, people were living a balanced life. Our ancestors had given time to each other to establish a mature society. While we talk about the negative impacts of advertisement in news papers, TV or magazines we generally face these type of effects in our Quality of life, like demoralization of our Social as well as ethical values. We have often heard that it is an international rule that every advertisement in media, TV, or magazine must have to pass the Code of Conduct before publishing. In code of conduct there includes various prohibitions, for example use of kids as a a target audience in advertisement is strictly restricted but the situation is reverse in every cultural society apart from Pakistan. Similarly abuse material should not be advertised e. g. Cigarettes advertisement etc We have talked about the demoralization of Social values in our society by advertisement; like for example when we travel through the metropolitan streets we see a lot of Billboards having the display of different products of different types. In these billboards most of companies, advertising their products have displayed ladies to attract the people toward them. Just think as a Muslim, whether it is good or bad? Because Islam has given very respectful status to women. But instead of advocating that status is it right to hang the picture of a lady on billboards? Obviously not . So continue to talk about the negative impacts of advertisement in our society. Now a days advertisement in either media or in Newspaper, and magazines have become more glamour oriented. These glamour oriented advertisements. It is there fore said that Advertisement in an exaggerated way has created a destructive effect in our attitudes, habits and mindsets. For example in our society like Pakistan here more than 7o% people run after his bread and butter of life. Glamour in advertisement or exaggeration in advertisement creates greediness among people. Because one thing is very simple and clear that ‘’EVERY ONE FIGHTS FOR THE THING, HE DOES NOT HAVE’’ Said by Hitler. Most of the time the products that are advertised on sign boards or TV, media and magazines are costly. That’s why people want to get those things by hook or by crook. As we see that glamour in advertisement of different products attracts people of society. In other words it creates feelings of Self deprivation among people which consequently boost up the crime rate in our society so we can say that glamour in advertising create a negative role in our lower middle class and in lower Class people. Similarly we live in Pakistan where like every cultural society in the world , a layman is unable to get the basic necessities of life, so when we see the different companies advertising their products in a quite aggressive fashion, these companies spend lot of money on it. But the simple thing is that if these companies spend money on advertising in a moderate way, then they people can save a lot of money and can improve the quality of life of poor people . We should not ignore the positive effects of advertising as well. While talking about the positive impacts of advertising. We can say advertising is a gateway of information of new things, products, services and awareness. In the recent technological era there is introduction of various new things including electronics, household appliances, pharmaceutical products and etc. So awareness regarding these things are very much needed at public level. In this regard Advertisement has played a vital role to upgrade the life of human beings in our society. Advertisement in TV. Newspaper and in Magazines etc has improved the taste of slice of life of people in a positive way as well. When we talk about the health segment of society we shall come to know that by spreading awareness about different topics or diseases, our people have improved their way of living as well as their health. In this regard we if focus diabetes, we will conclude that a decade ago diabetes in our society considered to be a deadly disease but know of course advertisement in media an at public level has totally change the old concept of diabetes. Similar is the case with other awareness programs of health as well. Advertisement is a very ready and sophisticated source to spread the information. I think that if advertisement is in moderate way and if it is not like that of today, the automatically we can balance our society and regain the loosed rapport among ourselves and each other.