Hamlet: The Controversy of Ophelia Essay

During the Elizabethan period women were not known to have important roles in society. They followed men and devoted their lives to their men . Women didn’t have much say or play significant roles in society. It was mandatory for them to obey a â€Å"dominant code of ethics that prescribed chaste, silent, and obedient Renaissance women† (Pebworth 76). This stereotype stayed consistent for hundreds of years to come and has carried on through different generations, reaching the point where it has become traditional. In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, his character Ophelia is a victim to this stereotype. Many feminist reading this play would disagree with or dislike the actions of Ophelia, stating that she is much weaker than the real character of a female. (Ophelia; a beautiful young woman who is regularly involved in conflicts but doesn’t know how to solve them or stand up for herself. ) She continuously turns to men for advice who basically control her life and alter her decisions. Shakespeare makes Ophelia consist of only one strong trait, her beauty. She lacks authority and self-respect because her male influences instruct her life and ultimately drive her insane which eventually leads to her suicide. â€Å"Throughout the play, Ophelia has her opinions and statements recast for her by other characters – namely, Laertes, Hamlet, and Polonius – who wish her to behave in a manner they deem appropriate. To mention just one example, upon hearing from Ophelia that Hamlet has been courting her, Polonius recasts Ophelia’s view of the relationship as one in which Hamlet ruthlessly exploits her naivete so that he may conquer her sexually,†(Peterson 24.) Strangely enough, her brother and father advise her about her relationship and without any consideration about her own feelings or opinion she follows their advice which is more so instruction. Laertes says, â€Å"Perhaps he loves you now and now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch the virtue of his will: but you must fear, his greatness weighed, his will is not his own†¦. ,† (I,III 14-17. ) Laertes harshly tells Ophelia to not have high expectations for Hamlet because his love will not last since he is at such a high position as Prince. Ophelia listens and obeys her brother. After Laertes leaves, Polonius talks to Ophelia about Prince Hamlet. â€Å"Set your entreatments at a higher rate than command to parle; for Lord Hamlet believe so much in him that he is young, and with a larger tether may he walk than may be given you: in few Ophelia, do not believe his vows, for they are brokers†¦ â€Å"(I,IV 123-127. ) Polonius also tells Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet, she replies; â€Å"I shall obey, my lord,†(I,IV 135. ) Her brother and father seem to form a dictatorship to control Ophelia’s life. She helplessly follows their commands. Hamlet is quite frustrated at the fact that Ophelia obeys her father. He makes the comparison of Gertrude marrying her dead husband’s brother and Ophelia choosing her father’s side instead of going with her instinct. He makes the conclusion that all women are defenseless and worthless. Later in the play, Ophelia suffers from Hamlet’s act of â€Å"antic disposition. † Hamlet verbally abuses her and severely hurts her emotionally. According to literary critic, Amanda Mabillard, Ophelia â€Å"is incapable of defending herself, but through her timid responses we clearly see her intense suffering. † Hamlet rudely claims that he never loved Ophelia. Hamlet: I did love you once. /Ophelia: Indeed, my, lord, you made me believe so. / Hamlet: You should not have believed me†¦ I loved you not. /Ophelia: I was the more deceived, (III, 1, 115-120. ) Not only does this hurt Ophelia emotionally but Hamlet’s act of insanity drastically confuses Ophelia. Polonius believes Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia but Hamlet admits that he never loved her at all. â€Å"Another example concerns Hamlet’s false madness. Through it, he gives unrestrained vent to inward pain regarding moral corruption, regardless of the shattering effect of his words on his auditors. Indeed, Ophelia becomes the primary victim of such onslaught,† (Levy 53. ) Hamlet’s act of insanity contradicts the idea of him being in love with Ophelia. Now that Polonius’s assumption has been proven wrong, Ophelia has no one to turn to for advice. Since she was so accustomed from receiving advice from her brother and father she is lost and nearly clueless about what to do. Ophelia is driven to more confusion as her conversation with Hamlet proceeds; â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery, † why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest†¦ ,†(III, 1, 122-123.) After Hamlet tells Ophelia he never loved her and wants nothing to with her, he then tells her to go to a nunnery. In further meaning, he doesn’t want to be with her but he doesn’t want anybody else to have her. This indicates Hamlet’s true feelings for Ophelia which he is hiding through this act of insanity to side track the people who were told by Claudius to investigate this act. Such as Polonius, Claudius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. This leaves Ophelia hurt and puzzled about the situation. At this point Ophelia doesn’t know what she wants nor what Hamlet wants. She has no idea why Hamlet’s behavior has changed so abruptly. Everything that was in her favor has reversed, causing a state of depression. Later in the play, Hamlet accidently kills Polonius mistaking him for King Claudius. Ophelia’s depression drastically increases, she is heartbroken, terrified, and distraught. The man she loves killed the man who was the main structure of her life. She is completely lost. The tension of these events begin to take a toll on Ophelia. Hamlet’s act of insanity actually creates a sense of insanity within Ophelia. It is clear to see that Hamlet had the most affect on Ophelia. Later she is enclosed in a padded room, she sings songs, rhymes, and riddles about death; â€Å"he is dead and gone lady, he is dead and gone, at his head a grass-green turf, at his heels stone. † (IV, 4, 37. ) Ophelia sings and shows signs of joyfulness as a way of mourning her father’s death, instead of being sad. Her madness is very apparent, she is very much insane, she can no longer cope with the rest of society. With no structure and a broken heart, her life goes through a drastic change. She goes from a normal lifestyle to a confused and emotionally damaged life. She then reaches the point of severe depression and insanity which causes her to enter a different state of mind. The character Ophelia never gains a true identity, she is influenced by the men in her life. The choices she makes reflect their desires. By them making her decisions and criticizing her actions she never actually gets the chance to live her life. She lives accordingly to the men. Later, Ophelia is found dead in a brook. Many will say that this proves her weakness of dealing with adversity. However, her suicide was ultimately caused by the males who she interacts with throughout the play. Their commands and actions cause stress and emotional pain which breaks down who Ophelia is as a person. Frankly she can no longer deal with these circumstances. She is not driven insane because of a weakness in females, Hamlet, Laertes, and Polonius destroy her life, slowly but surely. Works Cited Text: Roberts V. Edgar, and Jacobs V. Henry. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. , 2007 Electronic: â€Å"Hamlet: Ophelia’s Death. † Scribd. 11 March  http://www.scribd.com/doc/33947/Hamlet-Ophelias-Death

The Heart of Darkness: the Ultimate Choice of Man

The Heart of Darkness: The Ultimate Choice of Man A single word holds the potential to have multiple connotations. Stringing these subjective words into a novel may have a catastrophic effect on the readers. However, a story’s ability to comprise of several different interpretations provides deeper insight and depth. In Joseph Conrad’s novel, The Heart of Darkness, there are various viewpoints one may take throughout the main character Marlow’s journey.But Conrad’s artful use of dualistic symbolism is arguably the most crucial because it highlights the underlying theme, which stresses the dual nature of man and his choice to control his actions. During the entirety of the book, dualism is constantly utilized to contrast separate entities, such as wilderness and civilization. Some may argue the two are merely classifications of environments but in actuality, they represent the effect that order or lack of can have on people. Civilizations consist of laws an d rules to uphold man’s morals to ensure a working and efficient society.But as mentioned in the novel, Marlow says, â€Å"And [London] also†¦has been one of the dark place of the earth†¦I was thinking of very old times, when the Romans first came here†¦Oh yes – [they] did it. Did it very well, too, no doubt and without thinking much about it either, except afterwards to brag of what he had gone through in his time, perhaps. They were men enough to face the darkness†(67-69). London, a symbol of enlightenment, is also once a â€Å"dark place of the earth† until Romans force civilization upon the land. The city is an example stressing how civilization is a learned habit and is not an innate characteristic of humanity.To maintain a stable and harmonious community, it appears necessary to establish a code of ethics to enforce stability on its people. But if defined in this sense, imperialism is clearly a hypocritical attempt to justify exploita tions of the indigenous and primitive states of man and nature alike. The Company in The Heart of Darkness insists it will colonize the people, but this reasoning is extremely ironic because the damage that the jungle has on the white man’s soul exceeds the physical pain of the black men’s toil.Near the beginning of the trip, Marlow distinguishes the feeling of the jungle and says, â€Å"In some inland post feel the savagery, the utter savagery, had close round him – all that mysterious life of the wilderness that stirs in the forest, in the jungles, in the hearts of wild men†¦ He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible, which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him†(69). Even if the wilderness is constantly described as dark and savage, it holds a fascination upon civilized men.This is partly due to the incomprehensibility of the wilderness that imposes itself as an ominous, omnipotent force testing one ’s ability to hold onto sanity. Once people enter the wild, their primitive impulses are revealed since they are free to do as they desire without fear of consequence. The jungle is referred to as â€Å"the heart of darkness† not because it unleashes the evil of civilized men, but because it mirrors the darkness already apparent in every being. As Marlow progresses deeper into the jungle, he says, â€Å"The earth seemed unearthly.We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there – there you could look at a thing monstrous and free. It was unearthly, and the men were – No, they were not inhuman†¦but if you were man enough you would admit to yourself that there was in you just the faintest trace of a response to the terrible frankness†¦ Principles won’t do. Acquisitions, clothes, pretty rags – rages that would fly off at the first good shake. No; you want a deliberate belief†(108-109). Society may restrain savage tendencies, yet it cannot eliminate them.Primeval tendencies are always lurking, and the superficial morals of civilization are much more unstable than it seems at first glance. The acquisitions and material possessions mentioned are considered to be valuable requirements to live an accomplished and successful life. Greed fuels the expedition and it is what overcame Kurtz, who represents what man can become if left solely to his inner desires. On the other hand, Marlow is a civilized soul who is left mostly unscathed by the darkness. In the lawlessness of the wilderness, it is up to the individual to either abide to his morals or sacrifice his soul to the darkness.When men are confronted with the boundless opportunities for sin in the wilderness, they can choose to restrain their internal greed or to accede to their temptations. Conrad uses these two intangible contrasts to stress that man does indeed have a choice in his actions. Even the â€Å"savage† me n who are natives of the jungle are primary examples of restraint in the novel. During the expedition, Marlow characterizes the natives and says, â€Å"Yes; I looked at [the natives] as you would on any human being with a curiosity of their impulses, motives, capacities, weaknesses, when brought to the test of an inexorable physical necessity.Restraint! What possible restraint? â€Å"(116). Desires and impulses of humanity can often fuel their ambitions. At the same time, desires can bring ruin to a man because they may compel him to commit treacherous and evil deeds. However, they cannot be an excuse for man to brush aside his wrongdoings for they do not force him to make any actions. A person’s actions must be judged accordingly, regardless of his or her intended motives or societal status. One’s lack of restraint is exemplified when Marlow says, â€Å"[The helmsman] had no restraint, no restraint-just like Kurtz-a tree swayed by the wind†(129).Before, the h elmsman is a native of the Congo, but he becomes accustomed to the white man’s ways after accompanying the sailors on their journey. The native men of the Congo are both physically and mentally stronger because they are not enticed by material temptations. Association with proud civilized men causes the helmsman to be careless, leading to his untimely death. Instead of upholding his original ideals, the man’s absence of self-control indicates his newfound weakness.Kurtz, a man of great power and wealth, is ironically the ultimate representation of a man blinded by temptation, which deteriorates his willpower and produces a weak and unstable mentality. In his final moments, Kurtz cries out, â€Å"The horror! The horror†(154). These final words are Kurtz’s recognition of the â€Å"horrors† he has committed by allowing temptation to overtake him. In Kurtz’s situation, temptation triumphs and concludes in his death, basically suggesting that suc cumbing to one’s temptations results in the ultimate punishment.Restraint and temptation are dualities implying that everyone possesses a good and evil nature, but the choice to uncover the restraint required to preserve humanity is ultimately left to the discretion of each person. Both wilderness and civilization along with temptation and restraint comparisons symbolize the good and bad within human nature, which is exemplified the most generally by portrayal of light and dark. Conrad twists the usual denotation of light and its common interpretations because light often portrays ignorance and narrow-mindedness in the novel.The dark is ever present in the jungle; hence the title The Heart of Darkness, but it is also strongly characterized by Kurtz. One of the descriptions of Kurtz says, â€Å"The point in his being a gifted creature, and that all his gifts the one that stood out pre-eminently, that carried with it a sense of real presence, was his ability to talk, his words –the gift of expression, the bewildering, the illuminating, the most exalted and the most contemptible, the pulsating stream of light, or the deceitful flow from the heart of an impenetrable darkness†(124).During this specific moment, light is symbolized as a force used to enlighten, while darkness represents the â€Å"impenetrable† evil. Again, it is ironic that the two are juxtaposed together because Conrad clearly states the light cannot pierce the dark, yet Kurtz is evidently a man who wields the power to speak truth and wisdom. Although Kurtz is a man who embodies the darkness of the jungle, he affirms the understanding that all humans have good and evil coexisting within them. Conrad’s abandonment of the traditional connotation of light is noted when Marlow says, â€Å"I know that the sunlight can be made to lie too†¦ â€Å"(151).Surprisingly, the light which is previously portrayed as truth has evolved into the complete opposite. Since his co ntradiction blurs the line between good and evil, Marlow loses the confidence in his previous ability to judge between the two. As a result, both Marlow and the readers realize that nothing and no one can be totally good or evil, and there are no restrictions to which the concept applies to. Perhaps the most controversial statement about light and dark is when Marlow notices a work of art and says, â€Å"Then I noticed a small sketch in oils, on a panel, representing a woman, draped and blind-folded, carrying a lighted torch.The background was somber–almost black. The movement of the woman was stately, and the effect of the torchlight on the face was sinister†(94). The painting can have a multitude of meanings, ranging from the hypocrisy of imperialism, to the unwillingness of any individual to admit his or her wrongs. Many are quick to endorse the wrongs and flaws of others but refuse to defer to their own, as portrayed by the blindfold of the woman.This is the reason why a majority of people live in a false reality of a black and a white perspective on the world, in which there are only two outcomes to a situation. If everyone could concede to an understanding that all entities have a balance between one another, light and dark would be totally different concepts than what they are today. The three major dualities all contribute to highlight Conrad’s fundamental theme, which asserts that all men are composed of both good and evil and have the choice to maintain an optimal balance.Marlow and Kurtz are not as different as they once appeared in the beginning of the book. Each character struggles with the temptation of the darkness, but only Kurtz is totally consumed. The two characters embody two common choices that occur in reality; to either find a balance between good and evil or to be pushed into the extremity of one side. However, it is important to acknowledge that one entity cannot exist without the other, and in the end, only the in dividual can control his or her fate.

Creating a Culture of Professionalism among Students, Faculty and Research Paper

Creating a Culture of Professionalism among Students, Faculty and Staff - Research Paper Example It is mainly known as a historically black university comprising of a unique culture and ethnicity. It also comprise of a Carnegie Classification of Institutions for Higher Educational requirements like: research activity (Howard University, n. d.). It is such a type of institution comprising of experienced and dynamic faculties presenting quality education since 1867 to its students so as to retain its image worldwide. Along with this, they also desire to maintain a professional relationship within its students and faculties so that a professional bounding can be maintained. Moreover, the aim of the university is to connect the life of the students with their minds, the heart of a tradition, and the soul of a students and staffs (Howard University, n. d.). Key objective of this study is to highlight the positive impacts of professionalism culture among students, faculties and staffs so as to improve organizational performance and image. Apart from this, it also tries to highlight th e effectiveness of finance and operational decisions regarding the enhancement of the University in long run (Howard University, n. d.). Road Map of the plan of implementing computer training program in Howard University Source: (Kasar &Clark, 2000). ... Not only this, it might also help to create such a friendly type of environment that may be best for the students of all castes and creeds (Kasar &Clark, 2000). Stakeholder Analysis The stakeholders that might get engaged in such a planning program of developing a professional environment within all the staffs, faculties and students of the Howard University are foundation members, board of trustees, staffs, teachers, parents and students. Such type of a planning might become successful only with proper coordination and communication among them in order to fulfill the objectives. For example: Orientation program in the university for the introduction of computer trainings for the students performing researches to improve their technical knowledge and skills on the relevant topics. However, it might be possible only if the relevant teachers offer high level of guidance to these students. With the help of such coordinated efforts, the culture of professionalism may be visualized within all the members and faculties (Kasar &Clark, 2000). Project Requirements In order to implement the computer training program for the research associates, varied types of hardware and new software are essential. Apart from this, an efficient teacher is also essential to guide the students in the proper way. So that it might lead to successful result in the long run. For example: If the students comprising of laptops bring them, at the time of coaching classes, then it might prove effective in reducing the purchase of computers for the university. Then it might be extremely helpful in reducing the financial cost of the organization thereby enhancing its image among other rival colleges. However, this may be possible only if the students and faculties of the university of

Civil war and reconstruction Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Civil war and reconstruction - Term Paper Example Therefore, the paper will focus on explaining the reason why the system failed and the reason behind the North winning the war, and it will explain the extent of the war and the reconstruction that followed in order to resolve the issues that created the breakdown. After the elections in 1860 to the presidency of Republican Abraham Lincoln, there was a succession in the southern states from Federal Union in 1861, though it focused on establishing the independent Confederacy of state for protecting the slavery. On the other hand, the Northern Unionists focused on unconstitutional secession, whereby they were willing to apply the military force to keep the South in the Union. However, the Southerners who had no slaves were against the threatened Federal coercion. This resulted to a costly and bloody civil war and numerous American were killed in the Civil War, since the nations, wars were combined (Dew, 5). Southern region became overwhelmed by war and this resulted to a burden by debt due to misgovernment and demoralization by a long period of racial warfare. There were harsh penalties imposed on Southern white leaders, and they humiliated the discrimination against blacks. This led to the â€Å"Jim Crow,† which was experienced during the nineteenth century, whereby the Southern states had isolated public facilities that abolished black accessibility to numerous public amenities such as restaurants, hotels and parks. Reconstruction is judged insensitively by comparing it to the moral transparency related to the Civil War, due to the dark moments of political divergence, dishonesty and deterioration. During the period of reconstruction, slaves were granted their freedom, but not equality, whereby the North failed to address the economic needs of the freedmen, and this effort indicated the inadequacy to the desperate needs of the former slave for institutions. This relates to institutions that offer political and economic opportunity or

The case therefore presents a challenge for students of Multi National Essay

The case therefore presents a challenge for students of Multi National Strategy - Essay Example This way a substantial amount of time taken in the drug development process can be saved. (Gonzalez-Benito, 30) The issue that occurs here is that testing drugs in poor countries gives rise to ethical concerns. Then dealing with the pharmaceutical critics becomes both a managerial concern and issue. These critics come up with claims that companies have failed to develop cures and only test drugs in the developing world intended for wealthy nations. (Lou Ann Di Nallo, 2008) In recent years the rising affluence in developing nations has created new incentives for drug makers to produce treatments over here. Also the huge population in developing countries makes a large market for the drug makers. However, according to advocates of social responsibility, the main responsibility for drug makers in the developing countries is to provide to their citizens an access to health care at affordable prices and to fight the neglected diseases prevalent over there. Which means these large companie s need to come up with programs that would at any time put the need for meeting public health care ahead of their profits. These kinds of programs will then eventually lead to improved relations with the host countries and will also promote the growth of market there. Therefore, addressing to the needs of developing counties has become an important part of pharmaceutical companies’ agenda. (Nott, 1996) In developing countries, the issue of getting intellectual property rights for the development of new drugs by pharmaceutical companies becomes an issue. This is because property rights or patents can be a disadvantage for developing countries in two ways. Firstly, these will increase the knowledge gap and secondly the producers of knowledge will have more bargaining power as a result. And most of these producers of knowledge themselves live in developed countries. Giving out patents will put the developing nations in a weak bargaining position when negotiating prices from the monopoly suppliers of drugs. Also, is believed that by awarding such rights to multinational companies, the introduction of new products by the local industries will be delayed and new medicines will become more expensive for a common man in these poor countries to afford. The resulting impression will be that of denying the people an access to the new drugs. (Charles Y.J. Cheah, 2004) Therefore the defense of the intellectual property rights is one of the major managerial issues of pharmaceuticals in developing countries just like the case of Novartis in India These companies argue that these rights would promote innovation and technological development which will eventually lead to social welfare and economic growth in developing countries. Patents provide an incentive to producers for investing in research and development, hence innovation. (Shah, 2010) Therefore, choosing a strategy that gives the company a reputation of being responsible while at the same time lowers the innova tion cost needs to be established. Companies expect reasonable rate of return for their investments on new drugs developed which would at times also mean charging a price that is much higher than what the market can afford to or is willing to pay. This lack of opportunity to make profits can be demotivating and lead to some

Identify and discuss the relative importance of the major influences Essay

Identify and discuss the relative importance of the major influences on a tourist's purchasing decision - Essay Example Again, the paper on Japanese tourism demand for U.K outlines the visiting capability of both adult and children. Several factors affect the tourism of Japanese tourism to the U.K and further, it is pertinent to note that young children do frequent the U.K. the following is the summary of the book demand in tourism for the U.K. The book impact of demand in tourism for Japanese in the U.K argues that experts have concentrated on the study of tourism behaviors among Japanese forgetting the relationship of travel and motivational culture to Japan. Further, the difference between older and the younger is discussed. Therefore the article on Japanese tourism to the UK does not only analyze but also reveals the push and constraints as well as the cultural demand of Japanese’s choice on holiday outbound. Due to economic growth and increased expenditure in the Japanese nation, it is pertinent to note that the market on international tourism has gradually grown. Despite of the recent rec ession in economy, the outbound tours for Japanese has not been affected negatively; this is evident with the wide popularized overseas travel. It follows that the UK language, culture and novelty are the core values that act as pull factors to its tourism industry. Japan government has actively participated in the overseas visit since 1964, the Tokyo Olympic year. The article insinuates that the years after Olympic Games the government had to intervene in order to increase the Japanese overseas travelers to almost 10 million in the year 1991. According to the Japanese governmental report, it is acceptable that Japan did face economical recession although it did not hinder the Japanese from traveling outbound. The government concluded the above after analysis of the number of people who choose to enjoy leisure abroad, which was increasing despite of the recession in Japans’ economy. After several researches by experts, it is evident that both groups the older and younger pref er to take a yearly holiday. The frequency of travel varies for instance the younger tent to travel twice a year contrary to older age that travels less. Amusingly, the overseas travel is regarded as more luxurious and that is why, young Japanese are very much attracted to the UK touring. The book evaluates three factors that is the pull, push and constraints. It follows that the above brings out the understanding of the Japanese travel propensities to the UK. Constraints are factors that hinder or rather oppose the overseas travel by the Japanese. Thus, the book illustrates several categories of constraints as below. First, it is wise to analyze the constraint part. According to the research, it is evident that Japanese believe time is one of the constraints for the abroad travel on holiday. Even though it contradicts the study by JTB, who concluded that only 14 percent of the japans feel that time is a hindrance. This clash can be because of cultural differences. Since the japans are workaholics, they tent to feel it unfair to take off when others are working. In addition, the above further bears its evidence from the scholar by the name Bayton who made assumptions on the need of classification. It is argued that in the struggle to satisfy the ego-defensive and affection needs the Japanese do avoid holidays on regular basis. Another constraint to a

Childhood Obesity in America Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Childhood Obesity in America - Research Proposal Example The number of cases in past three decades have raised to three times. It is unfortunate that the rate of incidence obesity is reported to be exceptionally high for the minor population i.e. the population belonging to the age group between 2 to 18 years. It is also reported that 25% of Black and Hispanic kids are flabby (Child Obesity In America). The tern emerged for these exceptionally fat children as super-obesity and it has take a toll with a rise of 100% in past 20 years. It is evident that when these kids will grow they are going to be obese adults (Child Obesity In America). Such overweight kids start reporting with the problems of high blood lipids, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and other troubles. The jeopardy of an high blood cholesterol concentration is maximum amongst children with body loads more than 90th percentile (Child Obesity In America). Reports illustrate that around 7 million American children and teenagers are supposed to have elevated cholestero l concentrations. If LDL concentration rises at young age and when these kids grow as adults they are bound to have prominent LDL cholesterol intensities (Child Obesity In America). ... Besides these critical issues the obese child also witness physical health issues and social troubles (Child Obesity In America). Morbidly obese children also suffer from emotional distress and this results in their profuse eating habits. It is observed that obese children relish a lot if they get all the eatable they wish for. They develop a tendency to eat constantly and do not feel satisfied even after eating a large full meal. It is reported that eating behavior of children have considerably altered over the past twenty years or so. Children are achieving a greater percentage of their calories from junk foods and snacks, these food items have high proportion of fat, salt and sugar (Child Obesity In America). The most favorite food items for kids in today's scenario are ice creams, soda pop, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizza, French fries made of potatoes that is full of starch, shakes that are sugar syrups, chips, and candy bars. These food items are devoid of fibers and are rich in fats and cholesterol. Children do not like to eat raw fruits and salads. They like to opt for juice with sugar from these juices fibers are being strained out. They do not like salads and vegetables, if they eat fruits and vegetables they eat with toppings of cream and sugar or with ice-cream (Child Obesity In America). Additionally, Children have developed a tendency to eat more and they are not satisfied with the little amount of food they consume. Estimates reveal that the average size of the food items have been enhanced three times i.e. from 50 to 135 calories, apart from food items augmentation in beverage serving has also enhanced from 8 to 20 ounces. With the increase in diet the body is also increasing in girth making the children to develop

Ectopic pregnancy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ectopic pregnancy - Essay Example Ectopic pregnancy is an important gynecological disorder which has many underlying causes and it is a condition that can be diagnosed by different techniques. This pathology can be treated and therefore early diagnosis is important to prevent the fatalities that result due to this condition. Etiology: Ectopic pregnancy is led to by many causes. Invasion of the pelvis by infective microorganisms which include Chlamydia results in infection of the pelvis and this Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is classified as an underlying cause of ectopic pregnancy in approximately 40 percent of the cases. A pregnant woman who has a history of ectopic pregnancies has a higher risk of developing the same disorder again. Appendicitis, leiomyomas as well as endometriosis may result in the sticking together of the fallopian tubes. This also increases the susceptibility of ectopic pregnancy. Intrauterine devices that are used for contraception also result in a raised chance of developing ectopic pregnancies. An important characteristic that has been identified is that ectopic pregnancy may develop in a female who does not present with any prior history of risk factors and has normal tubal structures (Robbins et al 2005; Monga et al 2005). It has also been seen that women who resort to in vitro fertilization techniques for conceiving also have an increased risk of developing ectopic pregnancies. The improper development of the fallopian tubes by birth is also associated with ectopic pregnancy as it obstructs the movement of the fertilized ovum towards the uterine lining (Sher et al 2005). Site of Ectopic Pregnancy: The normal site for the attachment of the embryo is the endometrium of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy ensues due to deviation of the embryo from its normal place of attachment and the attachment occurs in abnormal locations. These locations include the fallopian tubes where 95 percent of the ectopic pregnancies occur. Seventy four percent of the tubal pregnancies are found in the ampulla. Three percent of the ectopic pregnancies may occur in the ovary whereas one percent may be present in the cavity of the peritoneum. The remaining one percent may be seen in the cervix or on the scar tissue that may have formed following a caesarean section (Monga et al 2011; Smeltzer et al 2009). Signs and Symptoms: The patient may present with alteration in the normal menstrual cycle and complain of the postponement of the period from the normal date by approximately 2 weeks. She may complain of the passage of a small amount of blood after the time period of these two weeks. These symptoms explain of the presence of ectopic pregnancy. The patient may experience pain in the abdomen relative to the sight of implantation. The pain may be mild initially but may progress to become severe with time. This may be accompanied by abnormal bleeding which varies from the normal menstrual cycle. The patient may be lethargic and complain of fainting episodes. The patient may also complain of blood discharge from the vagina which would be dark red in color suggestive of the fact that the blood is not fresh. The patient may present with pain in the iliac fossa. In patients who may have presence of

Living with PTSD Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Living with PTSD - Assignment Example The paper has to conclude with the recognition of the current treatment trends and see the implications of the above mentioned points to the future researches in fighting against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Traumatic events seem to surround people everywhere: accidents on the streets, violence in the neighborhood and even at home, sexual, mental or emotional abuses, natural disasters every now and then, and wars and terrorism – name it, the world seems to be its natural source. One of the most intriguing movements that have shaped and influenced the treatment of PTSD today was the war in Vietnam. Many of the soldiers who were able to come back from the war have been identified to have developed the disorder. This essay makes a conclusion that the particular population in the United States who has developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is indeed comparatively small as it only accounts almost only 4% of the total adult population. On the other hand, it is still considered significant for the people – especially those who have influences in the treatment or dealing with PTSD sufferers – to have dependable knowledge of the causes, effects and treatment of PTSD. Moreover, more researches on evidence-based practice and how to be in charge of the controllable sources of trauma can lead to the lessening of the prevalence of PTSD if total eradication is impossible since this disorder most often than not can hinder one from living one’s life normally and without fear and anxiety.

Gender Stereotypes and Discrimination in the Workplace Essay

Gender Stereotypes and Discrimination in the Workplace - Essay Example 3-6). People of either gender have come under common discrimination factor in areas of not only jobs but also trainings and wages or salaries are also the universal aspects of discrimination, regardless of their capabilities, competence, or skills. This practice is not only limited to underdeveloped countries but urbanized nations also practice the same to great extent (Cleveland, Stockdale and  Murphy, 2000, pp. 3-6). Until the twenty first century, the subject matter of gender discrimination with reference to diversity management has not come under limelight by the researches and very little information came under provision. In fact, the diversity management only came under reference to elucidate how the employees would come under administration and management to the organizational culture on an international and local basis. However, as time passed by, this matter came into numerous discussions and studies (Klarsfeld, 2010, pp. 101-102). Diversity Management" is one of the tacti cs and approaches that can promote and uphold the opinions, acceptance, and execution of diversity or multiplicity within organisations. Diversity is a method that emerge the creativity and innovation amongst people as every individual belongs to different social, national, and ethnic background with different skills. Indeed, diversity management has come under perception as a primary source of development and growth in the today's competitive world (Wrench, 2007, pp. 18-19). The following theses paper would include how diversity management pertaining to gender discrimination help to make the workplace a better environment for all, a wide range of theories defining the gender discrimination at workplace. In addition, the report would also state how men and woman are different in the workplace, the characteristics of gender, and types of sexism in the workplace. Based on the empirical studies, recommendations for HR managers and employees would also take account into the report. Lite rature Review Discrimination is one of leading unfair conduct that demoralizes the person to great extent that might even devastate his or her personality. However, it has come under observation that females are the majority coming under the adverse impacts of discrimination in every facet of life. This might be because the men have always come under reflection as the breadwinners of the families and women only comes under supposition to take care of all the matters related to household like cooking, taking care of children and many other. Gender discrimination at workplace can have several forms, which includes sexual harassment, wages, or salaries inequality, unfairness based on job descriptions, and a plentiful of others (Gregory, 2003, pp. 1-5). On a general perception, employers look for people who can best match with the job descriptions, for instance, a male person comes as a first choice when technical, manual or production work is the primary requirement, however, employers seek for female staff for the job of public relations or

International Marketing Essay Example for Free

International Marketing Essay Introduction The last two decades, probably after World War II the economic growth have speeded up by multinational enterprise. In the 1990s foreign direct investment made by these firms grew as faster arte than both international trade and GDP (Cieslik Ryan, 2011). The foreign direct investment already created lots of fortune for world economy; however, it is not luck to each international firm. Some of them also faced huge risk, even failure. Throughout history, it seems like it is not easy for companies to entry foreign markets. Some of firms were very successful in the their home countries; however, they were failed in foreign markets. Those corporations adopted the same marketing strategies that they used in their home countries because they thought using the same methods would bring much profit in the foreign countries. However, the results were not they expected before. Why? The main reason is that the foreign market environment is not the same with their home countries. There are many different conditions in foreign, and those differences would make international companies rearrange strategies for new markets. Such as, culture, geography, religion, politics, etc. Among those differences, the most important is culture difference. Culture is a system of values and norms that are shared among a group of people and that when taken together constitute a design for livingwhere values are abstract ideas about what a group believes is good, right, and desirable, and norms are the social rules and guidelines that prescribe appropriate behavior in particular situations. Therefore, international firms cannot use the same marketing strategies that they used before to apply different foreign markets. In addition to strategy difference, in the past, standard products were popular by international enterprises since they can operate multinational supply chains by standard operations. However, recently, more firms design their product more localization, it is because international firms want to fit in deeply foreign markets. Sometime, the companies even need to adjust their products for foreign customers, like Starbucks and Coca-Cola adjusted their recipes for local markets. Facing the different markets, the corporations should use different strategies to fit in the different markets, and customized product for local customers. International enterprises need to restart to think many details about their customers, product, service, supply chains, etc. In addition, there are different modes for foreign firms to entry the different countries, such as exporting, contractual agreements, strategic alliances, and direct foreign investment. Each mode has its risk, and international companies should find out the best mode to for itself. Choice of entering foreign mode is always a good argument for literature. The primary option is foreign direct investment. It can bring lucrative benefit, but it has biggest risk. The direct selling and setting the branches are costly, and business organizations would face bigger risks by this directly foreign selling mode. Well know examples of such organization are using this mode to set up their value chain in foreign countries, such as Banyan Tree, UTC, and Volkswagen (Jonsson Foss, 2011). Other is separating ownership and control, likes contractual agreement. Although this mode could not bring the benefit directly, it is long-term investment and has low investment risk (Brown, Dev, Zhou, 2003). Other is strategic international alliance, it is based on some specific conditions that are controlling cost and arranging schedule, to generate this mode, such as, the air industry (Brown, Dev, Zhou, 2003). Whichever mode do the companies decide, and they still need to review their strategies for foreign markets. It is because the company would face changing quickly environment, the shopping behavior, units of employee, and political issues. Companies can predict some considerations and take the reactions, but firms should take the risk for some of issues that they do not have reaction (Raff, Ryan, Stahler). In this paper we would learn form it internationalization experience and strategies, and multinational corporations’ organization. Also, we would see conversions from the standardly operation to localize management and production. Then, we would discuss about other modes to entry foreign market (Chen Chang, 2010). Literature Review According to the survey of IMF, the foreign market entry has been a popular topic in international business research during the last couple of decades. Firms need new market to increase sales, to avoid competitor, and to cost down. Manufacturing industries become the initially parts of main interest in entry the foreign market studies because they want to acquire the advantage of resource efficiency, such as labor force, natural resources, policy of foreign investment, to make more profit. However, with the fast movement of technology and the growing of many potential markets like China, India, and Brazil, entering a foreign market becomes the critical issue for a company to reach more customers and earn more profit. To expanding the business to global market, the manufacture industries now have to put effort on both manufacturing and service. Today, there are more different ways for companies to enter foreign markets. Thanks for the Internet, it speeds up the globalization and connects the global information quicly. Not only business organizations can sell their product in different modes, but also they can gather more information than before. With the help of IT techonology, a corporation can track customers action and consuming habit. Although the Internet provides many variety ways for companies with diversity methods to sell a merchaindise, the risk of entering foreign markets are still very high. Before companies entering foreign market, they should do more research about new markets to avoid the risks that they can predict. There are some reasons that demostrate why research is so important. First, the capital is limited. Even though the big company as Walmart and eBay, they still cannot suffer huge amount of loss in a market. That is why they stayed back to the Asia market. In addition, doing local research can help companies know their customer better, so they can adjust their marketing st rategies efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, by researching the information of the competitors, the companies can decide which ways to enter foreign markets, to go with an agent or do with a joint venture, and what strategy can make the companies stand out in the market and segment with the competitor. Therefore, utilizing information is significant to knock out today’s multinational business. When it comes to brick-and-motor, targeting at developing countries with high disposable income seems to be easier to success (Polly Chan, 2009), because both of domestic demand and personal income are growing. Once a corporation focus on a high potential market, they should learn how to localization. Firms should not get locked into their glory in the original market and shoul make strategy flexible as they internationalize. They face different culture, government laws, consumer behavior, and business model of local partner, so the strategy should be localized. Moreover, the corporation must be sure that the brand image and core concept deliver precisely to the customers, then educating them to find the value in the business merchandise and service; therefore, it can outshining in the blue sea as what Apple did. Innovation also plays an important role of success as well; especially when innovation combined with brand value tightly, so do not be afraid of being different. Last, using resourse wisely and keeping good relationship with other corporation might be a competitive advantage in the future. However, cost down is not the only mesure to increase profit or secure a business. To pursue futher development, firm must avoid stocking with a particular mode due to they feel comfortable with it. In conclusion, gathering enough and critical information, the right and in-time decisions from management, market choosing, evaluating the local economy and culture are significant factors to success in foreign market entry, rather than the firm size or how many financial asset it has. To support our finding and theory, we are providing the case of three international businesses, UTC in technology industry, Banyan Tree in tourism industry, and Volkswagen in manufacture industry. Banyan Tree Introduction The first Banyan Tree resort opened in 1994, transforming an ecological wasteland into an environmentally sensitive resort – Banyan Tree Phuket (Banyan Tree, 2012). Banyan Tree’s philosophy is based on providing a place for renew of the body, mind and soul. Each Banyan Tree property is designed to fit into natural surroundings, using indigenous materials and reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination. Banyan Tree group currently consists of 30 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas 80 retail galleries, and aggressive expansion plans for the future (Banyan Tree, 2012). Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts has grown into one of Asias most successful hospitality brands with numerous international awards and accolades from publications like the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler and others. Even during the SARS outbreak in Asia in 2003, the company still emerged profitable by achieving average occupancy rates of 65-67% (Roll, 2006). In 2011, the revenue is 270 million US do llars (Exhibit 1). Banyan SWOT Analysis Strengthens Eco-friendly Accommodation. Accommodation of Banyan Tree group emphasizes rejuvenation, eco-friendly, romance, and luxury. The corporation reminds customers that while you are enjoying the vacation, you can still do something for environmental protection. Therefore giving the customers an important message that Banyan Tree is not only a profit-oriented company, it still cares about of the global environment and commit itself in sustainable management. Fast Business Expansion. Banyan Tree expands the business global in a rapid speed. Both Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts are taking an ambitious movement in entering new traveling location, such as China, Greek, and India. With two brands on the way, the expansion rate is much faster than other competitors; hence, Banyan Tree group can acquire market share more rapidly in the new holiday paradise and enjoy the first mover advantage in those areas. Brand Extension. Angsana is a more affordable resort brand that helps Banyan Tree to attract lower level of customers. This differentiation not only helps Banyan Tree to gain more business but also creates a more vivid atmosphere to give customers a brand-new experience. Despite Angsana’s price is cheaper, it does not mean the service or the landscape are less impressive. Angsana still offers a high quality value as Banyan Tree does. SPA Specialty. Spa training school, which set in Phucket, might cost amount of fee; however, both the quality and service are be guaranteed. Moreover, the therapist has to go practical training as well. This is also why Banyan Tree and Angsana Spa won amount of awards in travel industry. Community Development. Banyan Tree group also delicates in community development, a part of profits is used to build school and childcare center, and help the local artist to develop their career. This is the kind of social responsibility that everyone eagers to s ee. The more profit one company earned, the more it should feedback to the resident and society. Weakness Politic Issue. Government law is different from one country to another; thus before entering a new market, Banyan Tree should exam the law carefully and has to think what the worse situation could happen. In some countries, Banyan Tree should go with joint venture, while in others countries they might welcome direct investment. Tax also plays a critical role in the profit. The instable political situation can greatly affect the business and profitability in a period. Taken Thailand as the example, in 2009, the protesters of red-shirt caused fears and panic in tourists, in the end, causing the slum in the whole hospitality industry. No matter what method, the company must prepare for the rainy days. Human Resource. Human force is another weakness of Banyan Tree business. As the expansion of the resorts, Banyan Tree must find more labor force that can communicate in English fluently. But, in nowadays, English might not be enough because of the rising of Chinese market. Furthermore, not every customer speaks neither in English nor Chinese, so looking for multi-language employees would be an urgent issue. Natural Disaster. Many Banyan Tree Resorts locate in the tropical area around by beautiful sea. Natural hazards, such as typhoon and earthquake, influence the rate of occupancy tremendously. For example, in 2004, the tsunami damaged the travel industry in Phuket and Maldives. The only thing Banyan Tree could do is to repair the resorts and to wait for tourism back. Opportunities Chinese Market. As Chinese economy continues growing, the amounts of wealthy Chinese people pay more attention to vacation and family activities, thus booming the international and national tourism market. Moreover, more and more people show interest in going to Asia and experiencing the culture of Asia. Because Banyan Tree started in Asia and is very active in establishing business in China, Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts would have a great advantage in the segment of luxury hotel. Besides China, there are still many new hot spot that Banyan Tree could enter, such as Europe, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. Member of Luxury Hotel Group. The Banyan Tree Resorts and Angsana Resorts are the members of The Leading Hotels Of The World (LHTW) (The Leading Hotels of the World, 2012) and Okura Hotels and Resorts (OHR) (Banyan Tree, 2012). Marketing alliance with LHTW and OHR also ensure the quality of the Banyan Tree. To be the member of LHTW, five stars is the basic requirement. A hotel must have additional conditions, such as delicate design, high-class service, amazing food, and breath-taking landscape. The marketing alliance is a magnificent method to increase Banyan Tree’s exposure and to enhance its business. Cooperate with Agent. Cooperate with agencies is another great opportunity to let people notice the brand and attract more customers. Many wealthy people do not do researches or plan a vacation by themselves; instead, they prefer to book a package tour or flight plus ticket plan when they plan a vacation. This type of people will recommend the hotels and the agency if they are satisfied with the trip. After all, by word-of-mouth marketing strategy is very powerful tool to increase the fame. Threaten Luxury Hotel Competitors. Maintaining a niche position as market matured was an ongoing issue for the company. New luxury hotels are building, such as Aman Resort in the vacation paradise and Marriot in the city. In order to be sustainable in the global market place, Banyan Tree can no longer just rely on competing with costs from manufacturing efficiencies or low cost production. Banyan Tree needs to reinforce on unique culture experience and convey the brand value to customers. Economic Recession. Many 5 stars hotels, maybe not as luxury as Banyan Tree, have begun the price war in recent years when the global economy went down. In economy recession, customer chose a cheaper hotel to stay and deducted the entertainment fee. From aviation industry to hotel industry, they all faced the decrease in revenues. This factor might cause Banyan Tree’s revenue dropped dramatically in 2009. UTC Introduction United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is the ranked number 150 on the Fortune 500 of 2011, and it is the ranked number 48 of the United States companies. Its revenue is 58,190.0 million and profit is 4,979.0 million in 2012 (Fortune Magazine, 2011). UTC is a diversified company that provides†¨a broad range of high-technology products, services to the global aerospace and building systems industries. The diversified manufacturer which owns Carrier air conditioning and heating company, Otis elevator company, and Sikorsky, a builder of commercial and military helicopters. In addition, UTC has a strategically balanced product portfolio that enables the company to tap diverse set off (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). In 2011, UTC announced a reorganization of our commercial and aerospace businesses. UTC commercial businesses are Otis elevators and escalators and the new UTC climate, controls security, which includes Carrier and UTC Fire security. UTC’s aerospace busin esses are Sikorsky aircraft and the†¨new UTC propulsion aerospace systems, which includes Pratt Whitney aircraft engines and Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace and industrial products (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). UTC SWOT Analysis Strength Strategically Balanced portfolio of Products and Revenue streams. UTC has diversified product. The company operates thought business segments to military area. Also, the company has a diversified revenue streams. Revenues from company’s subsidiaries were well balanced. The balanced products and revenue streams allow UTC to address a wide base that reduces the business ricks and enables the company catch opportunities in new existing markets (Datamonitor, 2011). Strong emphasis on Research and Development. UTC has a strong emphasis in research and development. The company conducts its research and development activities by United Technologies Research Center (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). The center is focused on developing new technologies and upgrading existing technics in UTC’s product areas. In addition to United States, UTC operates research in many countries, China, Cork, and Ireland. Besides, UTC invests lot of budget in the technology development and research. For example, during FY2011, UTC’s research and development expenditure was $2.1 billion or 3.5% of total sales (Marketline , 2012). Such focus on research and development helps UTC incorporating newer features to its existing range of products and also in bring out latest technologies in the varied areas. Thus, the company strong emphasis on research and development allows it to uphold the technological leadership in most of its product segments (Marketl ine , 2012). Industry Recognition. UTC has a strong recognition in the industry. Otis, is one of the world’s largest elevator and escalator systems, and Carrier, is the world’s largest manufacturer of heating, ventilating air conditioning and refrigeration systems (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). In addition to UTC, Pratt Whitney is also one of the world’s leading suppliers of aircraft engines for commercial and military. Moreover, Hamilton Sundstrand is one of the leading suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and indusial product and aftermarket services for diversified industries worldwide. Also, Sikorsky, is a strong suppliers of helicopter (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Strong recognition across varied categories ensures its status as one of the strongest players in industry, which further enhance the brand image of the company and gives it a competitive advantage (Marketline , 2012). Weakness Legal Proceedings. UTC has several pending lawsuits. For example, the company was sued by the Department of Justice(DOJ) in 1999 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, claiming that Pratt Whitney violated the civil False Claims Act and common law. In relation to this lawsuit, the trial court judge fund that Pratt Whitney violate the False Claims Act and is liable for a fine of up of $624 million. Moreover, there are others lawsuit and the fines are not cheap (Datamonitor, 2010). Although UTC maintains reserves to cover the costs for claims and lawsuits, those litigations would impact the company’s brand image and reputation. Significant Debt. UTC has outstanding debt and other financial obligations and significant unused borrowing capacity. In FY2011, the company had total significant debt of $10,260 million (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). The debt could force the company to allocate a considerable portion of cash flows from operations to debt service payments; limit the company’s ability to obtain additional financing; and lose advantage against its competitors who may have less debt. In other words, much debt would impact significantly companies’ performance (Marketline , 2012). Opportunities Surge in defense spending in China and India. UTC provides a wide range of technology products and services to global defense industry, including the fastest growing markets, China and India. The increasing global defense spending would provide the topline growth for the company in the short to medium term (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Strategic acquisitions. UTC made significant acquisition in 2010 and 2011 from the company’s Fire Security segment. This acquisition will allow the company to expand its offerings of high quality gas and flame detection products (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). UTC uses to take the acquisition from other segment to develop other segments that UTC planned. Such strategic acquisitions would provide the company an opportunity to increase its global presence and revenue base (Datamonitor, 2011). Positive outlook for HVAC equipment market. The global HVAC equipment market has witnessed a strong growth since last few years. The global HVAC equipment market is forecasted to grow at a rate of approximately 6% annually, which is expected to drive the market to $93.2 billion by the end of 2014 (Marketline , 2012). UTC through its Carrier business segment provides products including residential, commercial and industrial heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems and equipment. The company is well positioned to capitalize on the growing HVAC equipment market (Datamonitor, 2011). Threats Intense Competition in Aerospace Business. The aerospace, global defense, space and aerospace industries businesses are subject to substantial competition from domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers and companies that obtain regulatory agency approval to manufacture spare parts. Customer selections of engines and components can also have a significant impact on later sales of parts and services. In addition, the US government’s and other government’s polices of purchasing part from suppliers other than the original equipment manufacturer affect military spare parts sales (Marketline , 2012). Government Contracting Risks. The US government contracts are subjected to termination by the government, either for the convenience of the government or for default as a result of UTC’s failure to perform under the applicable contract. Those U.S government contracts are not easy to make profit, but UTC has many kinds of this contracts with the U.S governments (Datamonitor, 2011). Foreign Currency Fluctuations. UTC conducts its business on a global basis. The company derived approximately 60% of its total FY2010 segment sales from international operations. Therefore, the currency risk is an extremely important factor for UTC’s earnings. Any changes in demand and refinancing conditions, fluctuations, in exchange rates have a significant impact on the company’s earnings (Marketline , 2012). Volkswagen Introduction Volkswagen has been the largest carmaker in Europe since the 1970s. It also has the largest assembly plant (Wolfsburg) and best-selling car (Golf) in Europe.   Being a German company, Volkswagen group positions its brands at the premium part of the market Audi is mass premium, Volkswagen is semi-premium while Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti are prestige marques. Only the Spanish SEAT and Czech Skoda target at the lower end of the market, but they still share the high quality and engineering standard of the group because of extensive platform and component sharing.As the worlds leading car manufacturers, Volkswagen group is the typical transnational business template, Volkswagen historical analysis, it is clear to get a development model targeted analysis. Volkswagen SWOT Analysis Until the early 21st century, the worlds leading international automobile manufacturers have found that this â€Å"fertile land† which have not been fully reclaimed. However, in more than a decade of dominance, Volkswagen brand cannot shake the brand influence. Until today, VW brand identity is the identification of the most well-known automobile. Strength Brand Awareness. From Volkswagens own point of view, the most important point is that the layout of the product. Since Volkswagen was into China early, and thus its product line pulled very long, the vast Chinese market is a large hierarchy of needs and different techniques have competitive products on the price level, to ensure that the public give full play to their own advantages. Volkswagen’s popular products always have been durable, reliable performance and good reputation. Products Targeted. Finally, there is the introduction of the new Skoda, Volkswagens product family has been more fully into the Chinese from Audi, the high-end flagship Volkswagen in different market segments, each with good results and competitiveness. Room to grow. Volkswagen is now one-step ahead of the introduction of the latest addition to the vehicle platforms, engines and other key technology production, in order to ensure that they can have enough growth space. In addition, the development of new products based on the specific situation of the Chinese market in support of SAIC and FAW, Volkswagen began to actively exploring. Localization makes Volkswagen to be strengthened competitiveness in the Chinese automobile market, the future Volkswagen will become important weapon to compete in Chinas automobile market. Weakness Inappropriate Choice of Market Strategy. Volkswagen seems to have deviated from the direction of the public, and fully intends to make a difference in the luxury segment. Decline in market share. The data show that the Chinese auto market hotspots Global the major Automotive Group competition, the Volkswagen Groups market share in China hold the first place, but the share declined. To keep the advantage, Volkswagen has announced an additional investment of 1.6 billion euros for the construction of two new factories and other projects in China. Models look rich enough, a single product line. Conservative single shape is Volkswagens standard. Now everyone pursuit of individuality society shape is a good way to Volkswagen, however, how you can easily imagine the serious and cautious changes of German companys philosophy. Opportunity Growth of the private car market in China. With the rapid development of Chinas social productive forces, the sound and rapid development of economic construction has made each grade highway construction great achievements, people travel more convenient than before. The private car market gradually matured. The purchasing power for the entire auto market is improved. Development of new energy technologies. Volkswagen is now for electric vehicles to develop a clear product release schedule. Electric drive car with internal combustion engine-driven vehicles will coexist. Technologies in this field will be further strengthening. In order to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions significantly, these measures will allow Volkswagen to a leading position in the zero-emission car market. Improve public relations effect. In modern society, manufacturers and distributors, the service is an important means of marketing. Consumer satisfaction is their survival of the lifeline. By having a closer look on the sales figures, Volkswagen is very successful in selling their cars in China. It is also an effective way to explore and establish a good relationship with government, so that Volkswagen will once again return to the core area of ​​the Chinese people and market. Threat Japanese car competition. Strong competition from competitors, especially the Japanese auto strong competition for the Volkswagen from Germany is a big impact. As the oil belongs to the non-renewable resources, along with the gradual expansion of the use of inevitably less and less, plus the worlds largest oil-producing region of the Middle East political instability, oil prices fluctuated, the overall trend is gradually Shanghai Volkswagens fuel economy is relatively certain deficiencies. Shanghai Volkswagen has brought certain threat. Return risk. Volkswagen is committed to clean energy and energy-saving vehicles developed new energy is also the world in the development of R D, the threat is that the publics investment in can be rewarded. Developed a higher energy consumption of resources, and that Volkswagen will go to recover the huge investment. In addition, the Japanese small car in the energy and environmental protection more highlight the advantages of a smaller investment in environmental protection in transition. The public why the assurance that their input is value for money a significant threat to public investment cannot maintain a leading level will be for their own development. Service Competition. In order to progress automotive competition, Shanghai Volkswagen had make in the current situation. Must be able to advance with the times, and the development and use of its own suited to the development of the marketing strategy, market demand, and solve problems for customers, and strive to make customer satisfaction. Improve the pre. Sale, service, and strive to improve the scientific and technological content of products and services. Volkswagen is currently lagging behind in this regard in the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers. Analysis Doing business in home country is quite different in other country. In the class, we already know some essential conditions for multination corporations. Moreover, we will discuss that these multination enterprises have some similar characters to success in today’s environment. Also, we can understand what foreign challenges they are facing when they are entering global markets. Similarity Brand awareness. It is very critical for a company to keep leadership or earn profit in an industry. How to let customer embrace the idea of company is a significant issue for marketing strategy. Volkswagen is a wild-known Germany car brand with high quality and brand recognition. â€Å"Volkswagen – Das Auto†, the slogan of Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand combines the three core values: â€Å"innovative†, â€Å"providing enduring value† and â€Å"responsible† (Volkswagen, 2008). It launched many successful car models such as Volkswagen Golf and Beetle. Next, Banyan Tree Hotel Resort, the Asia based luxury hotels group, also has a strong brand awareness. A Sanctuary for the Senses is the philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul (Banyan Tree, 2012), thus giving the customers the greatest experience and building its name. Otis, the brand belongs to UTC, is one of the world’s largest elevator and escalator systems, and Carrier, and is also the world’s largest manufacturer of heating, ventilating air conditioning and refrigeration systems (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). From this three brand, we saw that they are dedicating in creating brand awareness, because it is the key to expend to the future business. Expending market in China. China is the biggest market in the world. With high economic growth rate, in China more and more people have disposable income to enjoy the material life, and more and more enterprises are thriving, too; therefore, a huge amount of commodities are needed. From the manufacture industry (Volkswagen and UTC) to tourism industry (Banyan Tree), they are heading and accelerating their business in China. Not only the national market that enterprises focus, but also target at the international customers that come to do the business or travel in China. In the next three years, the Banyan Tree group, including Angsana, plans to open 20 resorts in China (Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts, 2012). UTC will try to have business relationship with Chinese government on the global defense spending in the short to medium term. Face on fierce competition. Even though each brand, Volkswagen, UTC, and Banyan Tree, is one of brand leader in its own industry; however, they still face tremendous competition. In the luxury high-end car model, Volkswagen faces the competition of Ferrari, Mercedes, and BMW. In the cheaper models, it has to compete with Japanese car such as Nissan and Toyota. In hotel industry, Banyan Tree group has encountered many luxury hotel groups in their business location, such as Four Season hotels in Macau and Bali, One and Only resorts in Maldives, and Aman resorts in Phuket. UTC also struggle with the competition in global defense, space, and aerospace industries businesses. Because these fields are subject to substantial competition from domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers and companies that obtain regulatory agency approval to manufacture spare parts. In addition, the US government’s and other government’s polices of purchasing part from suppliers other than the original equipment manufacturer affect military spare parts sales (Marketline , 2012). To stand out in the blue sea, these three companies have to build a strong marketing strategy to convey and create the value for their customers. Politic restriction. It is not the unusual issue for the foreign and global company. Every country has its own regulation. That is to say, the marketing strategy must to adjust country by country. Moreover, the politic is not so stable in some area, hence increasing the risk of investment, decreasing in sales and profits, or both. Doing deeper researches becomes more critical for a company before planning and implementing its market strategy in a country. Difference Product position. Since having different product positions in marketing, it makes them also have different marketing relationships, marketing strategies, and management systems. For example, Banyan Tree and serve and product are targeted at traveling and tourism, and it was classified into business to customer (B2C), as well as Volkswagen. Therefore, people are easy to see their advertisements. Moreover, Banyan Tree not only includes hotel industry but also traveling services. Thus, it is critical for Banyan to guarantee its services quality since it would has deep relationship with their traveling industry (Banyan Tree, 2012). In addition, Volkswagen focuses its product most. Every year, Volkswagen need to investigate new markets and focus different levels of customers before it publishes new car (Volkswagen, 2008). Although the serve is also important to Volkswagen, the new cars’ attraction is vital for Volkswagen expanding markets. UTC’s marketing relationship is business to business (B2B), it is different from other two cases. It would focus on its product technique and quality (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). Since UTC’s products are various, it includes many of business requirements, it is benefit fro UTC to maintain long-term relationship with their customers. Marketing impact. Nowadays, each company’s market is not always stable. The factors from marketing impact are also various. Some factors come from external, such as environment, economic recession, etc.; and some are belonged to corporation internal. For example, first, the frequent marketing impacts to Banyan Tree are natural disaster, such as typhoon and earthquake (Banyan Tree, 2012). The only thing Banyan Tree could do is to repair the resorts and to wait for tourism back. Second, UTC has significant debt, and it would limit the UTC’s ability to obtain additional financing; and lose advantage against its competitors who may have less debt. In other words, much debt would impact significantly UTC’s marketing performance (Datamonitor, 2010). Last, the decline in Volkswagen’s marketing share is a serious problem, especially in China market. Since more and more competitors share car marketing, Volkswagen has to find another way to increase its marketing share (Volkswagen, 2008). Marketing Strategy. Corporations should have new strategies for increasing market share since more and more competitors are also in unstable-fast markets. According to case reports, these three corporations also have new marketing strategy to attract new customer and maintain its original customers. For example, Banyan adopts marketing alliance, and it is a magnificent method to increase Banyan Tree’s exposure and to enhance its business. It would ensure the quality of Banyan Tree, such as delicate design, high-class service, amazing food, and breath-taking landscape (Banyan Tree, 2012). Second, UTC re-organized its company for utilizing its resource efficiently and creating new markets. UTC uses to take the acquisition from other segment to develop other segments that UTC planned. Such strategic acquisitions would provide the company an opportunity to increase its global presence and revenue base (Marketline , 2012). Also, Volkswagen tries to attract it new customers by developing new energy technique. Volkswagen believes this technique, that reduces the fuel consumption and emissions significantly, will allow Volkswagen to a leading position in the zero-emission car market (Volkswagen, 2008). Risk considerations. Having business in abroad should not only consider the market, but also economic risk and government risk. For example, Banyan would have a serious impact in economy recession since customer chose a cheaper hotel to stay and deducted the entertainment fee. From aviation industry to hotel industry, they all faced the decrease in revenues, such as in 2009 (Banyan Tree, 2012). UTC’s would have a significant impact on the company’s earnings, if there are any fluctuation in exchange rates. It is because UTC derived approximately 60% of its total FY2010 segment in abroad (United Technologies Corporation, 2012). However, according to Volkswagen case, the major risk of Volkswagen is competitors. Volkswagen should find other way to distinguish its competitors (Volkswagen, 2008). Conclusion These three cases all have good reputations in global industry, and their product and services are also predominant in their area. Banyan Tree provides good quality service and hotel in tourism industry, UTC has high technique in aero industry, transport area, and weather control system, and Volkswagen has large market share in car industry. In addition, they are not new multinational companies, and they have long history in their home markets and global markets. According to the report, we know that international business share some strength factors and also face same challenges. Although their product and service are different, they still have some similar conditions, such as owning brand recognition, having politic issue, jointing Chinese markets, and facing global competitors. In addition, we believe that those enterprises are capable to deal with different global challenges, including marketing their product into different countries, predicting any risk from external, and creating new marketing. Under turbulently changing environments, enterprises survive through dynamic reactions. Those reactions should not only depend on experience but also create new marketing strategies. Also, having sensitive recognition to global market and creating marketing method are vital to nowadays environment. It is not difficult to identify that Banyan Tree, UTC, and Volkswagen already own these characters. Because of their experience and creating marketing thinking, they can have outstanding performance distinguish from their competitors. Through this report, we understand that being multinational corporations would have similar successful characters to overcome foreign challenges. In this quick-changing era, it does not matter what product or service is, fixable and executable international marketing strategies are vital to global companies to conquer the global market. Reference Banyan Tree. (2012). Home Page. Retrieved from Banyan Tree Hotels Resorts: http://www.banyantree.com/en/ Roll, M. (2009). Banyan Tree Branded Paradise from Asia. Retrieved from Official Weblog for the book Asian Brand Strategy: http://www.asianbrandstrategy.com/2009/06/banyan-tree-branded-paradise-from-asia.asp United Technologies Corporation. (2012, February 24). United Technologies Corporations annual report. Retrieved November 2, 2012, from United Techonlogies: http://www.utc.com/About+UTC/Company+Reports United Technologies Corporation. (2012, May 1). About Us. Retrieved November 4, 2012, from United Technologies Corporation: http://www.utc.com/About+UTC Brown, J., Dev, C., Zhou, Z. (2003, May 8). Broadening the foreign makret entry mode decision: spearating ownership and control. Journal of International Business Studies . Cieslik, A., Ryan, M. (2011, April 28). Productivity differences and foreign Market Entry in an oligopolistitc Industry. Springer Science Business Media . Chen, M.-Y., Chang, J.-Y. (2010, Aug 11). The choice of foreign market entry mode: An analysis of the dynamic probit model . Economic Modelling . Datamonitor. (2010). Company Profile -United Technologies Corporation . New York: Datamonitor. Datamonitor. (2011). Company Profile -United Technologies Corporation . New York: Datamonitor. Fortune Magazine. (2011, July 25). Fortune500 Companies of 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2011, from Cnn Money: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/snapshots/421.html

Malungay Powder Essay Example for Free

Malungay Powder Essay Malunggay Powder, A Solution for Nutritional Diffeciencies I. Background of the study Health awareness is the prime investment, ingenuity is the investor’s joining effort, and wellness is the net gain. Most people think that adapting a healthy and well conditioned life is expensive and difficult to achieve. The significance is just how one resourcefully utilizes the cheap, the natural abundance of nature, and the untiring quest to alternatives and remedies. Malunggay is a kind of vegetables that is enrich with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are needed for optimum health. The importance of this vegetable particularly its leaves serve as a food supplement, Malunggay touted as â€Å"All- around miracle tree or Nature’s medicine cabinet† contains a wide variety of nutrients in high amounts. This powderized form vegetable add nutrition to our deficient diet due to modern food preparation, lack of family food budget, and busy lifestyles that make it hard to prepare a healthy and balanced diet food. It acts as an inexpensive insurance against nutritional deficiencies. II. Significance of the Study This study will promote awareness on the relevance of serving vegetable meals, soup, bread, dessert, shakes, juices and mixes with Malunggay powder. It encourages households to plant Malunggay in their backyards for personal consumption. Furthermore, it supports the Department of Agriculture on their program of propagating vegetable garden e. g. Malunggay and other nutritional vegetables as a revenue-generating industry? under its biotechnology program where it currently enjoys wide array of Malunggay and other vegetable based products manufactured in the Philippines and being sold in local and international markets. Finally, it inspires people to study and research all the benefits of vegetables and other agricultural products. II. Scope and Limitations of the Study The study focused on the specifications of how to procure the major quality ingredients, the Malunggay leaves and conscientiously observe the proper preparation and storage of the produce product. It took a month to got the final result of the research work using the method of experimentation. As Malunggay leaves is readily cultivated in the backyard and easily harvested. The study undergo three (3) repeated experimentations to come up with the reliable and factual results. Firstly, the outcome of the Malunggay leaves harvested at noontime when the sun is intense. Secondly, the primary ingredient, malunggay leaves will be hang outside with moderate exposure to sunlight. And lastly, the recommended procedure wherein the malunggay leaves is harvested in early morning was followed closely to yield the desired result. III. Methodology In acquiring the study of Malunggay powder, constant research was done. Facts were gain from books and computer resources. The abundance of the said vegetables which most of the time left out wilted encouraged our curious mind, thus this investigatory and research was done. The accessibility and availability of this Malunggay vegetable inspired us, the Biology Group 1 of II- Zatti where an actual and continuous propagation was made to ensure freshness of harvest during the several process of experimentation. The materials used in this study were (1. ) 3 Bundle of Malunggay leaves (approximately 1 kilo) (2. ) clothes pin (3. ) mortar and pestle or blender (grinder) (4. ) Brown paper bag or empty box with wide opening (5. ) sealed container or ziplock The preparation or procedures of Malunggay powder were as follows

Literature Review on Preconception Counseling and Education

Literature Review on Preconception Counseling and Education Review of literature is an essential step in the development of a research project. It helps the researcher to design the proposed study in a scientific manner. So as to achieved the desired result. In this chapter the researcher will present the review of literature in the following heading. Section-I: Studies related to Importance of preconception counseling and health education. Section-II: Studies related to Knowledge and attitude regarding preconception care. Section-III: Studies related to Use of vitamin supplements prior to pregnancy. Section-IV: Studies related to Health awareness and promotion on preconception care Section-V: Studies related to Betty Neumanns system model SECTION-I: STUDIES RELATED TO PRECONCEPTION COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION Bastani, Hashemi, Bastani, Haghani., (2010) conducted a study, among the women attending premarital clinics in Iran which was aimed to assess the impact of a health education workshop on their health locus of control and self-efficacy in physical activity. Randomized controlled trial was used as the design for the study. A questionnaire was used before and after the intervention. There were significant increases in scores of internal health locus of control and self-efficacy in the experimental group that is among the 109 samples in the post-intervention. Compared to the control group that is among 101 samples. Short-term health education can empower the women to adapt to the healthy lifestyles. Berghella,Buchanan, Pereira, Baxter., (2010) conducted study on the available literature, on preconception care. They have searched in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PUBMED from 1966 until January 2009. The target audience was Obstetricians Gynecologists, Family Physicians and adolescence. When they completed the educational programme, the participant was having knowledge to assess the potential benefits for women and their baby that which results from the preconception care. Jong-Potjer LC de, Elsinga, et.al., (2006) conducted a study on Preconception counselling can reduce negative pregnancy problems by finding the risk factors before pregnancy in Netherlands. Randomized trial of women aged 18-40years were used as sample in the study. The anxiety level was assessed among the women. After the Preconception care there was found an average decrease of 3.6 points in anxiety-levels (95% CI, 2.4 4.8). Mean scores of the STAI-3 were 38.5 (95% CI 37.7 39.3) in the control group (n = 1090) and 38.7 (95% CI 37.9 39.5) in the intervention group (n = 1186). Study proved that anxiety reduced after participation due to the effect of counselling. Therefore the offer of Preconception counselling to the general population is effective to reduce anxiety. SECTION-II: STUDIES RELATED TO KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THE PRECONCEPTION CARE Coonrod, Bruce, Malcolm, Drachman, Frey., (2009) conducted a study to find out the knowledge and attitudes regarding preconception care in a low-income Mexican American population. A cross-sectional survey was used and the sample size was 305. 89% agreed that improving preconception health benefits pregnancy. 77% expressed some interest in preconception health care. Areas of high knowledge included were the folic acid use in pregnancy; use of alcohol; and verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. The samples showed interest in the preconception education and agreed that preconception health will have positive effect on pregnancy outcomes. Maria , Morgan Debra Hawks, et.al., (2006) conducted a study to describe obstetrician-gynecologists opinions regarding preconception care. The Questionnaire was mailed to 1105 ACOG members. 60% was the response rate. 87% of the gynecologists think that preconception counselling is important and 94% think that it should be always recommend to the women planning for pregnancy. Around 34% thought their patients do not plan for their pregnancies and 49% said very few pregnant patients came for preconception counselling. Of those who obtain preconception counselling, 83% were believed to assure a healthy pregnancy because of an elevated risk for birth defects (20%). Janis Biermann, Anne Lang Dunlop, et.al., (2006) conducted two program focusing the urban African-American women which has included the interconception care also. Project was aimed to reduce the key risks in the women of childbearing age. 7 out of 21 women in the IPC were identified as having a previous chronic disease. 21 out of 21 women have developed a reproductive plan for themselves, and they didnt become pregnant within 9 months. The success rate of the project was greater than 70% among the participants. Preconception care appeared to be effective when specific risk factors were identified and interventions were given appropriately. SECTION-III: STUDIES RELATED TO USE OF VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS PRIOR TO THE PREGNANCY Carl J, Hill, DA., (2009) did a study that womens diet should be supplemented with 400 mcg folic acid every day which helps in reducing neural tube defects in their babies up to 72%. Blood glucose should be controlled prior to conception helps in reducing the birth defects and pregnancy loss. Reducing the caffeine consumption can reduce the risk of miscarriage. Counselling was given for women in these areas and found to be effective. Morgan LM, Major JL, Meyer RE, Mullenix A., (2009) proved that use of 400 mcg of folic acid among non-pregnant females of childbearing age in the Western North Carolina reduced the risk of neural tube defects by 50%-80. To the non-pregnant women free bottle of multivitamins was given to increase the consumption. The daily use multivitamin was increased after receiving a free three month supply. Weerd de, Sabina Thomas, Chris, Cikot, Rolf, Steegers, Eric., (2002) conducted a study to assess whether counselling the women who plans for pregnancy to start or to continue the folic acid supplementation can improves folate status. Women and their partners who have reported folic acid supplement intake were categorized as users or nonusers of supplements. The use of folic acid intake was addressed at a subsequent preconceptional consultation. Differences between reported supplement users and nonusers before counselling as well as between assumed users and nonusers of folic acid were analyzed. A total of 111 eligible women participated. Preconceptional folic acid use can improves the folate status among women planning to conceive. SECTION-IV: STUDIES RELATED TO HEALTH AWARENESS AND PROMOTION OF PRECONCEPTION CARE Vause, Jones, Evans, Wilkie, Leader., (2009) conducted a study whether counselling before conception is important. After completing the knowledge survey the woman was sent for initial assessment. 400 surveys were used for the data analysis. Patients were informed about the health optimization, consumption of folic acid, exposure to infectious disease, use of medication and use of recreational drug. Nulliparous women were found less knowledgeable. The more educated women had more knowledge. It was suggested that the women need their physicians to educate about pre-pregnancy lifestyle. Delvoye, Guillaume, Collard, Nardella, Hannecart, Mauroy., (2009) conducted a study regarding preconception health promotion. The study results showed that preconception care was not able to provide when pregnancy was unplanned. The study proposes flour fortification with folic acid; timely immunization, continuous training of health care providers in the provision of preconception cares. Delgado CE., (2008) done a study to assess undergraduate student awareness regarding preconception health. In the study 241 students were included as the sample. A questionnaire was designed to assess awareness related to preconception health and pregnancy. By answering 64% the students showed a mild to moderate level of awareness regarding preconception care. Individual student scores varied a great deal, ranging from 33% to 89% correct. Students who had previous such course containing information on pregnancy and/or child development correctly answered a greater percentage of items than those who had not taken such a course. Females had statistically significantly, higher awareness scores than males. Students demonstrated a high level of awareness for use of substance, a moderate level of awareness for sexually transmitted diseases and preconception care, and lower levels of awareness for folic acid, prenatal development, health, and pregnancy spacing. SECTION-V: STUDIES RELATED TO BETTY NEUMANNS SYSTEM MODEL Deepa Thomas, (1998) conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of instructional module on knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in selected schools in Trivandrum. In her study she used Betty Newmans System model (1989) for creating awareness regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. Stressors in her study were hormonal, physical and psychosocial changes and the existing superstitions and lack of knowledge of adolescent girls and the reaction was poor menstrual hygiene and maladjustment. She used two interventions in her study. The primary prevention was done by using the instructional module for providing education to the adolescent girls regarding menarche, development of secondary sexual characteristics and menstrual hygiene. In her study the secondary prevention was detection of unhygienic practices and education to correct the practices. The reconstitution in her study was the better adjustment and better hygiene. Alpha.G., (2008) conducted a study to find the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge and attitude regarding changes related to puberty and menstrual hygiene among prepubertal girls in selected schools, at Salem. In her study she used Betty Newmans System model (1989) for creating awareness regarding menstrual hygiene among prepubertal girls. Stressors in her study were the physical and psychosocial changes related to puberty. She used one intervention in her study. The primary prevention was done through structured teaching programme on changes related to puberty and menstrual hygiene. The reconstitution in her study was the better knowledge and attitude towards pubertal changes and menstrual hygiene.

Professor Vivian Bearing vs John Donne in the Play Wit by Margaret Edso

Is it possible to misunderstand something, yet still be guided toward its claims? Is it possible for something that ultimately has the greatest impact on your life to be unnoticed until the last possible moment? In most cases, a true revelation does not present itself until later in a person’s life. In the play Wit, by Margaret Edson, the character of Professor Vivian Bearing reaches a profound realization concerning one of the great impacts in her own life. Vivian, self-proclaimed intellectual and widely-feared professor, essentially devotes her life to the works of John Donne, a renowned metaphysical poet. She tirelessly prides herself on her exceptional skills and experience with analyzing Donne’s works, even in the midst of being diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer. During her stay in the hospital, Vivian unwillingly sees that her lifetime analysis in Donne’s writings has only scratched the surface in comparison to the truth that she discovers in the last hours of her life. For the first time, she is able to personally relate to the speaker in the sonnets that she was supposedly so familiar with. In poetic terms, â€Å"wit† means the development of a metaphysical conceit. It is an insightful use of analogy, metaphor or inventive joining of dissimilar images to make a point in a poem. In these regards, this play has been appropriately titled. John Donne, whose Holy Sonnets make numerous appearances in the play, uses his metaphysical poetry to spark unrest, debate, and controversy. He himself wrestles with questions about faith, God’s mercy and judgment, human mortality, sin, damnation, absolution, and salvation. The Holy Sonnets are the product of doubter, one who has not yet found inner peace. This realization i... ...s a moment when she starts to see the true meaning but doesn’t want to accept it at first, which is evident from the groaning and â€Å"hiding.† However, at the end of the play and the end of her life, Vivian is ready to accept this truth that she herself is living out the same life as the speakers in Donne’s poems and begins â€Å"reaching for the light –â€Å" (Edson 66). Works Cited Donne, John. â€Å"Holy Sonnet 5, Holy Sonnet 6, Holy Sonnet 10.† John Donne’s Poetry: A Norton Critical Edition.†¨Ed. Donald R. Dickson. W.W. Norton & Company. New York, London. 2004. (Handout) Donne, John. â€Å"Hymn to God, my God, in My Sickness.† Poems of John Donne. vol I. E. K. Chambers, ed. London: Lawrence & Bullen, 1896. 211-212. Edson, Margaret. Wit. MCC Theater: New York City, NY, 1999 Gardner, Helen, ed. The Metaphysical Poets. London: Penguin, 1985.