Problem solving Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Problem solving - Essay Example Smoking is badly affecting the society and steps need to be taken to solve this problem. Before the harmful effects of smoking were understood, the stigma attached to this issue did not exist. With awareness and knowledge it was understood that smoking posed health hazards for the smokers and the non smokers. Passive smoking is destroying the normal functions of the bodies of the non smokers and this is unjust. Smoking in public places can cause non smokers to passively smoke and some asthmatic patients can have a triggered asthmatic attack because of it (National Health Survey 1994). Similarly patients who are already suffering from fatal diseases would be triggered by this tobacco smoke if they are exposed to it highly as reported by the CDC (Washington Post 2004). Every human life in this world is precious and they have the right that they should not be exposed to carcinogens which would affect their health and if this ban on smoking does not take place then these individuals woul d be exposed to the carcinogens of cigarette (U.S Department of Health and Human Services). Smoking is a global issue that needs to be dealt with. In developing countries where literacy rate is low, people are more addicted to smoking and hence their behavior towards their relatives, education, society and future changes.

China and Western Religious Beliefs Essay Example for Free

China and Western Religious Beliefs Essay In the early human social, Religious includes world explanation, judicial, moral cultivation and mental comfort, and other functions. In modern society, science and judicial have separated from some religious, but the moral training and mental comfort function will continue to exist. Religion’s belief systems and social groups are an important part of human thought culture and social form. 1.1 The History of Christianity The History of Christianity is the study of the religion started by a Jewish prophet from Nazareth named Jesus. Christianity would grow into one of the worlds major religions, impacting all other religions and changing the course of human history. Christian history mainly concerns the Christian religion and Church, up to contemporary times and denominations. Christianity differs most significantly from the other Abrahamic religions in its claim that Jesus Christ is God the Son. The vast majority of Christians believe in a triune God consisting of three unified and distinct persons: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Throughout its history, the religion has weathered schisms and theological disputes that have resulted in many distinct churches. The largest branches of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Protestant Churches. Christianity began spreading initially from Jerusalem, and then throughout the Near East, ultimately becoming the state religion of Armenia in 301 , of Ethiopia in 325,of Georgia in 337, and then the State church of the Roman Empire in 380. Becoming common to all of Europe in the Middle Ages, it expanded throughout the world during Europes Age of Exploration. Christianity has thus become the worlds largest religion. 1.2 The History of china religious Confucianism, also known as Confucianism, the Confucian doctrine, otherwise known as Confucianism, but does not refer to religion. Confucius as the master of Confucianism, so there is called Confucianis. Confucian classics formed in times of Confucius, but in different age the interpretation of Confucian classics are very different, so it is difficult get a comprehensive define to the Confucian. Essence of Confucianism can be said of social ethics and social management, ethics, or religious interpretation, but not the religion. Ming and Qing dynasties look the Neo-Confucianism that formed in Song Dynasty as official theory so the Neo-Confucianism has spread as mainstream of Confucianism. Comparison between Chinese and English religious beliefs 2.1 The Similarities They have the same background, the Christian was created When the Jews were ruled by The Roman Empire, Jews look forward to a person just like the farseer said who can take them moving towards freedom. While China, Confucianism and Taoism are created when the people were suffering in pain during the Warring States period, 2.2 The Differences 1. Separation of Man and God in Western religions and unity of that in China original sin is the foundation of Christian theory and practice . Because human ancestors, Adam and eva had sinned, corrupt moral invaded their body, and Transmitted to their descendants, the result is men are guilty, all mankind have sin. because of this people are bound to die, and will were punished in all their life. We can see from the original sin all things of Christianity are classified into two worlds: the human world and God’s world. Person’s world is a world separated from God, and human’s world depends on God’s world, so everything is the communication between the two worlds and its results. Obviously, Christianity preached that man and God, the separation of man and nature. While Chinese religion would emphasize that the harmony between man and nature, issues of life within a confined themselves, to solve problems with people- oriented. 2. Monotheism of western religions and pluralism of China religions Christianity is a strictly monotheistic, think that there only have one master of the universe that is God. According to predetermined level of order and purpose God arrange things of the universe. God as God, but also the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Starting this belief, the Christian establish a complete doctrine including Doctrine of God, creationism, human nature, original sin of Christ on, Salvation. Understanding the knowledge and stories of Bible is a very important part of the western cultural training. Therefore after the formation of Christianity it gradually established a fixed, unified values ​​and outlook on life. Those are met with the religious teaching, whether the regulation or the modern thoughts can not be divorced from the relationship with this religious. In practice, Christianity also starting from system to establish unified church organization such as church in urban and rural areas for christians to pray. Chinas religious has given people great freedom, so that people can hold religious sentiment in their hearts. Therefore, the God most Chinese people worship is not uniform. Most Chinese people do not belong to a religious organization, however, are more or less exist a unified spirit from Confucianism Buddhism and Taoism. The religious traditions in China, Confucianism has constituted the soul of Chinese culture in the long course of historical development. Many thinkers and politicians in China are based on the Confucian sense of responsibility to pursue truth, to maintain the orthodox and the implementation of reforms. On the other hand, in addition to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, the Chinese folk religion and worship of God is also very much prosperity and universal, various gods are the object that believers worship incense. the strong contrast between the conceptual life and practical life resulted in the loss of religious values ​​and alienation in China, and also led to the emergence and spread of a variety of primitive superstitious beliefs and event. It caused abnormal development of the spiritual life, so that a heavy burden put on the reality of Chinese culture, many people have a spiritual emptiness

The Merchant Of Venice Anti Semitic Essay

The Merchant Of Venice Anti Semitic Essay Many texts are classed as racist purely because they contain some element of racism, whether or not this is intended to be taken literally. Specifically, The Merchant of Venice is often viewed as anti-Semitic, and thus regarded in a worse light than other, less contentious, Shakespeare plays. However, it is questionable as to the extent to which the play can be considered entirely anti-semitic, or whether it is merely a social commentary, still relevant today. The primary criticism regarding Anti-Semitism within The Merchant of Venice is the presentation of Shylock. His portrayal as the stereotypical Elizabethan Jew has caused much controversy, gaining further poignancy after the plays use as Nazi propaganda. However, the bardolatry evident in modern society has limited our ability to see the play as racist, preferring to blame the anti-semitic stance on alternative influences, and flawed interpretation. However, there are certain instances within The Merchant of Venice that are surely anti-semitic, such as Lancelots statement the Jew my master is a kind of devil  [1]  . There is no effort to disguise the hatred for Shylock, despite the fact that being Lancelots master, he should rightly command some degree of respect, yet he is ridiculed for his inability to control, perhaps the reason why he asks for such a barbarous forfeit. Consequently, Shylock is viewed as comical; an almost pantomimic villain. Yet there are few more disquieting speeches in Shakespeare than Shylocks to Solanio and Salerio (III.i.49-68). For whilst his initial statements are eloquent and justifiable: I am a Jew. Hath a Jew not eyes?, forcing sympathy from the audience, his words hide a darker sentiment. He must remind the Venetians that he too has hands, organs, dimensions and senses  [2]  , and thus feels the same emotions and pains that they themselves do, proving himself an theoretical equal. Yet this is not a speech of exaltation for shared experience, nor an exercise to force acknowledgement of his humanity. On the contrary, Shylocks monologue is anguished, highlighting a deep-rooted desire for vengeance, as seen when he states if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?  [3]  . The use of first person adds a sense of imminency, making it more personal, forcing the audience to evaluate their own stance. Furthermore, the use of rhetoric adds to sense of internal conflict, demanding a sympathetic response, yet that he goes on to state the villainy you teach me, I will execute  [4]  , shows a lack of culpability for his revengeful actions, but that he blames his need for violence and revenge on his maltreatment, and thus Christians. Despite the empathy we are forced to feel, the ending reaction to this speech is more one of pity; whilst Shylocks motivation is understandable, the perpetuation of malevolence and racism is not, turning us against the Jew, and Judaism as a whole. It could be argued, however, that anti-semitism is perpetuated by the characters within the play, and the audiences interpretations, as opposed to the play being anti-semitic as a whole. For example, whilst many characters have reason to despise Shylock, due to his lack of mercy, the fact he is rarely referred to by his actual name, and simply as Jew, implies that his malevolence is an embodiment of his Judaism. Furthermore, this derogatory referral (with parallels evidently drawn between the alternatively named Jew of Venice and Marlowes clearly anti-semitic The Jew of Malta), gains significance as it is repeated; it becomes a term with connotations that infuse it with additional meaning. As such, it is not necessarily the act of the disparaging use of Jew that can be construed as anti-semitic, but the repetition of the insult. This is comparable to the use of the phrase the moor, in Othello (interestingly, the phrase the moor  [5]  was also used offhandedly in The Merchant of V enice, highlighting the candid fashion in which racism was used in Elizabethan society). Whilst the expression is clearly racist, it is the recurrence of the term, such as at the climax of Othello, when Othello is at his weakest (the Moor may unfold me to him  [6]  ), that creates the overall disparaging effect. It could be argued, however, that rather than an anti-semitic play, The Merchant of Venice could be classed in modern terms as Brechtian, in the sense that societal flaws concerning racism as a whole are highlighted, causing the audiences reflective detachment from the performance. For example, the Prince of Morocco, an evidently respected individual, states mislike me not for my complexion  [7]  , showing his ability to objectively observe the racism that was commonplace at the time, forcing the other characters into recognition of their discrimination. The use of the personal pronoun, as opposed to Shylocks earlier use of the collective we is interesting, as it highlights the sense of personal victimisation the Prince feels, and is demonstrative of a more personal vendetta. However, it is questionable as to whether this statement is aimed at the other characters, or at the audience, with the racism of the characters embodying the views of the public at the time of writing: Lanc elots image of the Jew as the devil incarnate conforms to a common medieval notion  [8]  . This questions whether the play was created as a vessel through which societys failings could be highlighted, or as genuinely anti-semitic, which at the time of writing would have been wholly acceptable, and thus the plays moral stance would have been less poignant. That is not to say that because racism, and in particular anti-semitism, was socially acceptable that it was morally correct. On the contrary, Shakespeare frequently refers to equality between religions. For example, when Antonio states The devil can cite scripture for his purpose, and evil soul producing holy witness, he adds weight to the dichotomy of the play, demonstrating how Jews and Christians will both argue that their interpretation of scripture is correct, purely because they naively assume the other point of view is that of the devil. Shakespeare highlights that scripture is in fact subjective, and open to various interpretation, a profound ambiguity that is also true of The Merchant of Venice. Furthermore, there is equal hatred from both sides, with Shylock proclaiming he hates our sacred nation  [9]  , mixing his own personal feelings with anti-semitism, but also Ill go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian  [10]  . Here, he accepts a dinner invitation purely to fuel the mutual religious hatred. That there is so much previous animosity between the two parties proves that the invitation cannot be taken as a real gesture, but merely as a cloying flattery, and thus he responds with hatred. This further emphasises the contextual view of race overriding intention and personality, a sentiment perfectly summed when Lancelot leaves a rich Jews service to become the follower of so poor a gentleman. Evidently, Lancelot has chosen religion over wealth, preferring a poor Gentleman over Jew. Interestingly, although Shylock has admittedly treated him badly, Lancelot criticises the religion, rather than the individual. However what is most significant in this assertion is the comparison between the referral to a Christian as a poor gentleman versus simply Jew. This implies the impossibility of direct contrast, denoting an inequality between the two. It could be argued that there is no need to specify a gentleman as Christian as Christianity would have been the norm at the time, perhaps everyone was assumed a Christian, yet either way, to be Jewish is portrayed as abhorrent. Consequently, Shylocks forced conversion to Christianity is one of the most disturbing scenes in literary history. Although it could be construed as a way for Shylock to access heaven, and thus an act of compassion and acceptance, the fact that it is foreshadowed when Antonio states the Hebrew will turn Christian, he turns kind  [11]  , creates a sense of inevitability, and thus a feeling of resolution when it occurs. That Antonio also states he will turn kind is a further insult, the implication being that personality is based upon race and religion, and thus Shylock cannot be considered kind or equal until he relinquishes his faith. Yet there are flickers of moral justice within the play, particularly visible in the character of Jessica, insinuating that the play is a device to highlight societys moral injustices. For example, she states I shall end this strife, become a Christian and a loving wife showing how she prises love and family above race, and can accept the racist Venetian ideals in order to find love. That Shakespeare also satirises the stereotypes of many nations, creates a link with the audience, and whilst also gaining popularity, adds a sense of clarity and societal significance outside the plays boundaries. Ultimately, The Merchant of Venice is a play not centralised around the glorification, or acceptance of anti-semitism, but about highlighting racism as a whole. Whilst, in recent times, Shakespeare has been overly revered, the play is undeniably captivating and thought provoking. Whilst it may not be an anti-semitic play, or even a play wholly about anti-semitism, The Merchant of Venice is an accurate social commentary on human nature, still relevant today.

The Kings Character in a Cinematic Production of Shakespeares Henry V

Although labeled as a history, the strength of Shakespeare's Henry V lies not in the events that occur in the play, but in the delicate portrayal of the characters involved. Shakespeare's audience would have already known the story of Henry V's campaign on France and thus would have had no reason to watch a play that simply re-enacted past events. Therefore, the appeal of such a play, as well as the themes and the content, would have been dependent largely on the characters themselves. It is obvious that the most prominent character is the man whose name the play carries - Henry V. The entire story centers on his deeds. He serves as the catalyst for the action, the driving force behind all that takes place. Without him there is no play. Therefore, in any film production of Henry V, the character of the king must be carefully considered and thoroughly developed. How should he be portrayed? What kind of man is he? What are his motivations? Certainly, no personality can be conveyed through the cinema as it would appear in reality in all its complex glory. There are simply too many details involved. So the character must be streamlined, given a purpose in relation to the production of the play. To do this, one must decide on the direction that such a production should take. The crux of the storyline lies in King Henry's decision to invade France and lay claim to the French throne. This then shall be the starting point from which to determine the direction to move in. Is this a patriotic endeavour? Is it a foolish decision by the king? Or is it a political move of Machiavellian proportions? Each represents a differing viewpoint on how the play should be treated; a task made more difficult by what William P. Shaw explains as the... ...wer. One can see Henry as a king and Henry as a man, along with his ability to at once inspire and manipulate his followers for his purposes. In combination with an acting performance that fluctuates and does not give clear definition as to the sort of man that the King is, a character can be constructed that would personify the moral ambiguities of Henry V. He would be passionately impressive at times and at others, chillingly capable. It would be a character that, hopefully, poses a challenge to any viewer that encounters him. Works Cited Deats, Sara Munson. "Rabbits and Ducks." Literature Film Quarterly 20.4 (1992): 284- 294 Rabkin, Norman. Shakespeare and the Problem of Meaning. Chicago: University of Chicago (Press), 1981 Shaw, William P. "Textual Ambiguities and Cinematic Certainties in Henry V" Literature Film Quarterly 22.2 (1994): 117-123 The King's Character in a Cinematic Production of Shakespeare's Henry V Although labeled as a history, the strength of Shakespeare's Henry V lies not in the events that occur in the play, but in the delicate portrayal of the characters involved. Shakespeare's audience would have already known the story of Henry V's campaign on France and thus would have had no reason to watch a play that simply re-enacted past events. Therefore, the appeal of such a play, as well as the themes and the content, would have been dependent largely on the characters themselves. It is obvious that the most prominent character is the man whose name the play carries - Henry V. The entire story centers on his deeds. He serves as the catalyst for the action, the driving force behind all that takes place. Without him there is no play. Therefore, in any film production of Henry V, the character of the king must be carefully considered and thoroughly developed. How should he be portrayed? What kind of man is he? What are his motivations? Certainly, no personality can be conveyed through the cinema as it would appear in reality in all its complex glory. There are simply too many details involved. So the character must be streamlined, given a purpose in relation to the production of the play. To do this, one must decide on the direction that such a production should take. The crux of the storyline lies in King Henry's decision to invade France and lay claim to the French throne. This then shall be the starting point from which to determine the direction to move in. Is this a patriotic endeavour? Is it a foolish decision by the king? Or is it a political move of Machiavellian proportions? Each represents a differing viewpoint on how the play should be treated; a task made more difficult by what William P. Shaw explains as the... ...wer. One can see Henry as a king and Henry as a man, along with his ability to at once inspire and manipulate his followers for his purposes. In combination with an acting performance that fluctuates and does not give clear definition as to the sort of man that the King is, a character can be constructed that would personify the moral ambiguities of Henry V. He would be passionately impressive at times and at others, chillingly capable. It would be a character that, hopefully, poses a challenge to any viewer that encounters him. Works Cited Deats, Sara Munson. "Rabbits and Ducks." Literature Film Quarterly 20.4 (1992): 284- 294 Rabkin, Norman. Shakespeare and the Problem of Meaning. Chicago: University of Chicago (Press), 1981 Shaw, William P. "Textual Ambiguities and Cinematic Certainties in Henry V" Literature Film Quarterly 22.2 (1994): 117-123

Explanations for Inequality Essay

There are many sociological explanations for female inequality in society. Inequality is where something/ someone is seen as not equal compared to something else. For example men have more opportunities than women in life, suggesting females suffer huge inequality in many factors of life. Firstly, Anne Oakley speaks about how women suffer inequalities in the work place. Oakley notes that after the industrial revolution in Britain acts were passed to limit women working; in 1851 one in four married women worked whereas in 1911 one in ten worked. During the Victorian era the ideology that a woman’s place was in the home became truly established and industrialisation led to the separation of men from the daily routine of domestic life. Now it is claimed that women suffer from four main inequalities in the workplace. Firstly, there is the much debated pay gap in which, even though legislation to stop unequal pay was introduced in the 1970’s, the although narrowing pay gap is still visible between men and women. Secondly half of all females in employment are in part time employment; this form of employment is often less secure with fewer benefits. Thirdly, women suffer from vertical segregation; this is sometimes referred to as â€Å"the glass ceiling effect†. Women are seemingly unable to achieve the higher ranking positions and are stopped from achieving managerial positions by an invisible barrier. Lastly, women are said to suffer from horizontal segregation which is the idea of gendered jobs. Liberal feminist Oakley blames the dominant housewife mother role, suggesting that a wifes role is primarily domestic, thus inequality is inevitable. There are criticisms for this study however, suggesting that it see’s inequality as simply just a matter of time. As well as biological factors, and time Victoria Beechey, from a marxist perspective has deleveloped a study which see’s women as a reserve army of labour. She uses this in order to explain the position of women in the labour market. Marx argued that capitalism required a reserve army of labour, that is a spare pool of potential recruits to the labour force. Beechey identifies a number of ways in which women in modern Britain are particularly suited to form part of this reserve army. She suggests that women’s jobs are least likely to be covered by redundancy legislation, so it’s cheaper to make them redundant rather than men, suggesting huge inequality as it shows women are superior to men. Furthermore she suggests that unemployed married women may not be elegible to receive state benefits if their husbands are working, and for this reason they might not appear in unemployment statistics. Beechey says that ‘women’ who are made redundant are able to disappear virtually without a trace back into the family. She also suggests that women are more likely to accept part time work due to their domestic role, women tend to be happy in accepting less wages than their husbands as they can rely on their man. This makes you realise that still in society, women who don’t work, even though they want to is still frowned upon, and it would be easier for men to get jobs than women, showing inequality between women and men. Bruegel challenges this theory, she questions the assumption that the interests of capital must be served if women are to be used as a reserve army of labour. She points out that women can also benefit capitalism by producing domestic labour in the home, as this reduces the amount that needs to be paid to male workers. Linda Mcdowell like Beechey also talks about part time work, and why women are more likely to accept it. She applies post-Fordist theory to female employment. Post-Fordism suggests that there has been a move away from mass production to more flexible production of specialist products. Businesses keep a core of highly skilled workers, but most other workers are temporary, or part time, or work is contracted out to other firms. Women tend to be concentrated in the more flexible jobs, particularly part time work. This suggests that even today it is still hard to for women to have a good career like men, as due to other ‘priorities’ part time work may be the only suitable explanation. Lovering found evidence to support this theory suggesting that post Fordism trends affect only some women. Furthermore, post-Feminists argue that the feminism of the 1970s and 80s is out dated because it sees all women as sharing the same interests and ignores the diverse interests of different groups of women. Natasha Walter believes that there is still much that feminists need to change. She believes that the post-feminist emphasis on political correctness and language neglects the continuing problems of inequality which affect all women. Women still tend to suffer from problems such a low pay, lack of childcare, the dual burden of paid employment and domestic labour, poverty and domestic sexual violence. Following up on this Germaine Greer suggests that women cannot be themselves as they still have to act in the ways men want them to be. This suggests that women suffer in the hands of men, due to them being more powerful etc. Women thus are brainwashed into being how men want them to be, for example, clothing and make up. Radical feminists also believe that men’s power and control over men is the main reason for inequality. They believe that patriarchy is the most important concept when explaining gender inequalities. They tend to focus on the power relationships that are experienced in private, in particular the significance of sexuality and the use of violence. Kate Millet believes that oppressive and unequal relationships between men and women originate not in wider society, but in the intimacy of personal relationships, in sexual partnerships and in families and households or various kinds. She believes personal relationships are also political in that they are based on different and unequal amounts of power which are determined by sex and which are reinforced in every aspect of wider society. Culture, government, tradition, religion, law, education and the media all reflect patriarchal leadership and power. Critics of this theory suggest that this theory is ultimately biologically deterministic, since the biological facts of reproduction are at the heart of the position. Not all sociologists believe that inequality is still a major factor in society. Catherine Hakim (economist) suggests a ‘Rational choice theory’. She is critical of all feminist positions. She argues that feminist theories are both inaccurate and misleading, and that women are not victims of unfair employment practices. She identifies five myths; women’s employment had not in fact been rising, women were less committed to work than men, that their childcare responsibilities were not the main reason for them working part time, that part time jobs were not necessarily worse and finally that women were less likely to be in stable employment. This goes against all feminist explanations and suggests that inequality is not as we see it, and a lot has changed. However, Crompton argues that Hakim underplays the structures within which women make choices. In particular she cites the development of the male bread winner. Other sociologist like Hakim who neglect mainstream feminist values are the black feminists. They are critical of mainstream feminism suggesting that they neglect the particular problems that black women face. Bourne argues that white feminists are luke-warm about tackling racism because they enjoy social, economic and political privileges which make them part of the system which oppresses black women. Further more Yuval-Davis develops this theme claiming that ‘non-black’ minority ethnics such as Iranian, Cypriot, and Chinese women not only face racism, they also face cultural patriarchy which is particular to their communities. This is suggesting women are not really all in the same position and it affects people differently. White feminists tend to reject black feminists and ignore them from most of the studies and theories.

OSIM Company Essay

OSIM the well establish Asia healthy life style brand, originated from Singapore. OSIM was founded by Dr Ron Sim Chye Hock in November 1980. Initially derive from R Sim Trading which deal mainly with household appliance. Dr Ron Sim Chye Hock later founded OSIM and eventually changes his focus to creating healthy life style products since he felt a great market potential in home care products in Asia. Dr Ron Sim Chye Hock brought together different equipment manufacturers and introduces OSIM which then receives significant growth to the extent of establishing multiple outlets Asia (straitstime). Having the motto â€Å"Inspiring Life† OSIM company has a significant numbers of outlets all over the world (osim) Situational Analysis on Micro and Macro Factors In the IT and Health conscious era, companies are trying to find opportunities to stay ahead of other rival companies. Companies have to examine and evaluate their environmental forces and take necessary  approaches in order to stay competitive. Micro Factors Microenvironments are factors closely related to company operations and directly impact the customer experience. OSIM has several factors that affect her greatly. A way to show case these factors are by Michael Porter Five Force Model which is: Competitor, Threat of New Entry, Supplier Power, Threat of substitutes and Customers. Competitors Direct: Direct competitors are competitors who have similar products, technology and same target audience. The major direct competitors of OSIM are Ogawa and OTO. Both have a decent market share in the health related appliances. Technologies in their products enable them to remain competitive against OSIM. Their products are much cheaper compared to OSIM, therefore a number of people purchase their products. However by having great marketing senses, consistently earning prestigious award and manufacturing quality products. OSIM is the leading brand of health care appliances. (P) Indirect: OSIM also face indirect competitors such Holistic, Chiropractic, self treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine and western practices. Indirect competitors offer not just the external but also internal treatments like pills and supplements. However these treatments require an appointment, evaluations and importantly time from your busy schedule which you cannot commit to. OSIM products are made portable and simple enough as not to abrupt our daily lifestyle. Threat of New Entry: The threat of new entry is at a minimal since the market is mainly dominated by OSIM, OGAWA and OTO. For a new brand to enter this market they will have to have significant capital, the tenacity to face reputable brand that have a foot holding in Singapore and technologies that surpasses OSIM. Supplier Power – OSIM has several suppliers that are located main in Asia. They are mainly situated in India, China and Vietnam. The Supplier power here has a moderate control on OSIM as they have been supplying O SIM with her products for the past few years. However by being situated in these developing countries, OSIM is able  to reduce cost on labor works on building and manufacturing of their products while still maintaining their high standard of quality products Threat of substitutes – Technological advancement and new discoveries may pose a threat to OSIM. Since the other two major substitutes are OGAWA and OTO, consumer tends to purchase products that are cheaper with a reputable brand name. However, with OSIM high product quality, achievements and awards the threat of substitute is moderately low as consumers are well aware of what OSIM are known for. OSIM can reduce the threat of substitute by improving her customer loyalty. (osim, http://blog.osim.com/) Customers – OSIM originated from Singapore, a first world country strategically place in South-East Asia, OSIM can use it to their advantage. From word of mouth by someone we know. We are reminded that OSIM offers quality products that had helped people. Having its headquarters in Singapore, OSIM uses this opportunity to exploit Singapore high standards of living and also its world class airport. These customers are the most important resources that significantly affect any company. The issue OSIM is facing is that not every individual need to purchase OSIM products as it can be shared. Most of OSIM massaging chairs are purchased and shared within a household. This causes OSIM some problems as these limits the sales of OSIM products. Macro Factors Political Factors – The political factor that will benefits OSIM is the government intention to increase Singapore population to 6.9 million by 2030 will widen the market and adversely increase OSIM sales (straitstimes). Economic Factors – A growing inflation or recession can all affect the way consumer thinks and hence affect OSIM ability to get a stable profit. Economic factors are usually unforeseen since forecasts and analyses are affected by global changes and natural disasters. Unemployment levels, money value exchange rates, and the state of the global economy can all help or hurt OSIM. (tradingeconomics) Social Factors -As the population is getting more educated, we are more aware of our health and well being of ourselves and those of our family members. Singapore is known for its materialistic culture and Singaporeans push themselves in pursuit wealth and happiness (Janus corp). To do so, we tend  to work long hours and disregarding our own health to achieve wealth. OSIM may benefit from the health issues that arise from this as the appliances will not hinder the hectic and busy work life of Singaporeans. Technological Factors – Can influence how OSIM maintain and improve her business. A new type of machinery or product created can help OSIM stay ahead of the competitions. Other technological trends may include online transaction, ability to give feedback/complaint, purchase online and monitor the shipment. Demographic Factors – Singapore has an ageing population with low birth rate but more elderly. This target audience, the elderlys benefited most from OSIM product s as they often requires health care. The standard of living and health care advances contribute to demographic factors too. (sgplan) Legal Factors – Singapore have a new policy of Levies and quotas for hiring Foreign Workers. These changes may have an effect on OSIM since Singapore is a multicultural country with a big diversity of foreigners working here. The new policy requires a company to pay a certain amount of cash to have the work pass holder to work for them (mom.gov.sg). Lemon law was implemented to Singapore, the idea of lemon law is to protects customers for not up to standards or defectives goods. However it does not affects OSIM products much as OSIM produces high quality products. (Rikvin) SWOT Analysis After gathering the internal and external factors that can affect OSIM greatly, the next step is to do a SWOT analysis. It provides helpful information to make changes in marketing and strategic planning to avoid issues OSIM may face and to exploit the opportunities that may arise. The best way to do so is by reducing the threats and weakness but increasing the strengths and opportunities. OSIM an extremely strong and recognize brand name. Reputable brand compared to competitors, customers has a strong trust and confidence in OSIM OSIM has a good history originating from Singapore, has four outlets in Singapore to reach the target audience efficiently. Regular marketing strategy and involvement with the public and community has strengthen the bonds and trust to OSIM STRENGTHS OSIM products are costly compare to her competitors. Target audience, may shared OSIM products with one another hence lesser sales for OSIM Competitors may come up with products and marketing strategies that could change the customers brand selection. A letdown from OSIM may cause customer have enormous discredit ability of OSIM due to her high reputation and achievements. WEAKNESS OPPORTUNITIES People are getting more health conscious about themselves could be a opportunity for OSIM to increase her profits. Better technology may entice customer to purchase OSIM products online for its mode of convenience. Due to the aging population the target audience for OSIM will be wider as this target audience tends to be in need of health appliance. Government intention of having a population of 6.9 million by 2030, currently Singapore population is at 5.3million. Will significantly broaden target audience. THREATS New changes in the policy and regulations may affects OSIM sales. The rising inflation will limit the spending power of the customers; they will in avertedly reduce OSIM sales of products hence less income for OSIM. New technologies and discoveries can cause OSIM products and machineries to be obsolete Shifts in customers selection away from the OSIM’s products Issue Analysis The issue that I would like to point out is that competitors may come up with products and marketing strategies that could change the brand selection away from OSIM. This can lead to a bad long run effect to OSIM. If the competitors can do so and improves their reputation, OSIM will lose their high market share, target audiences and profitability. Recommendations My recommendations to avoid the issue at hand is by aggressively and regularly market themselves to the public and dominate the advertisement of home health care appliances. OSIM can also promote health related events like marathons to support and ensure the public their commitment of health care of the consumers. By doing so, they will retain their market share and status; eventually with the increase populations in the years come OSIM will have much better sales due to strong solid foot holding in Singapore. OSIM can also achieve this by constantly receiving and retaining their awards this will ensure the public that the quality standards of OSIM are higher tier compared to their competitors. Conclusion I personally consider OSIM to have been a very successful company in establishing themselves in the healthy life style industry. However there are many factors that could positively or negatively affect OSIM, technology in the hand of OSIM may be advantages whereas in the hand of competitor is disadvantages to OSIM. Even so there are certain approaches and ways to ensure OSIM to be ahead of her competitors. Receiving and achieving multiples awards, milestone and expending globally has proven my theory of OSIM being a successful company. Referencing 1. Janus Corporation, Quality of Life in Singapore. http://www.guidemesingapore.com/relocation/introduction/quality-of-life-in-singapore 2. Melissa Tan, Straits Times, 2013 May, OSIM International’s Q1 net profit jumps 13% to $25.1 million. http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/money/story/osim-internationals-q1-net-profit-jumps-13-251-million-20130507 3. Michael E. Porter (1998) Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors 4. Ministry of Manpower, foreign manpower, Levies & quotas for hiring Foreign Workers. http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/foreign-worker-levies/Pages/levies-quotas-for-hiring-foreign-workers.aspx 5. Rikvin Pte Ltd, Singapore (PRWEB) March 13, 2012. http://www.prweb.com/releases/singapore/lemon-law-news/prweb9273922.htm 6. Sudhan P Osim Records Record Profits. http://www.fool.sg/2013/07/31/osim-records-record-profits/ 7. UK Essays, http://www.ukessays.com/dissertations/business/about-osim.php

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician If you’ve ever waited in line at a pharmacy for a prescription, you likely know that pharmacy technicians are the ones who help to keep everything moving. Meeting the prescription and over-the-counter healthcare needs of the community is a huge task, and the pharmacy tech plays an essential part. The Day-to-DayPharmacy technicians (also known as pharm techs) are healthcare professionals who assist licensed pharmacists. Their duties may include:Dispensing drugs and medical devices to patientsEducating patients on potential side effectsEducating patients on the use of medical devicesReviewing prescriptions from doctors’ officesReviewing insurance coverage and working with the insurance companiesEnsuring that patients get the correct prescriptionHandling payment and insurance transactionsOther administrative duties related to the pharmacy as neededMost pharm techs work in community, retail, or hospital pharmacies, but there are also opportunities in nursing homes, private companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, government, or academic settings. The majority work full-time, in a standard work week, though some pharmacy techs work part-time.For more on what it’s like to be a pharmacy technician, check out these videos:How to Be a Pharmacy TechnicianPharmacy Technician Career OverviewCareer Profile: Pharmacy TechnicianThe RequirementsBecoming a pharmacy technician is a process that can take less than a year, or up to 2 years. To get started, you should have at least a high school diploma. Most pharmacy techs opt to take a 1-to-2 year program at a community college or vocational school, where the coursework may provide technical training and certification. Each state has its own rules that can vary widely (from required schooling, certification, and exams to no official certification necessary), so be sure to check your own state’s requirements before you get started.The SkillsAccuracy is an absolute necessity for pharmacy techs. Inaccurat e prescriptions, or the wrong medicine going to the wrong person, can be extremely dangerous. Pharm techs are often the first and last line of defense, making sure that everyone is getting the medication they’re supposed to be getting. Attention to detail is perhaps the most important skills for a tech to have, but others are crucial as well. These skills are typically learned through certification programs or on-the-job training:Pharmacy and medical termsBasic knowledge of medicationsBasic pharmacy operationsMedication dosage measurement and best practicesLaw and ethics for pharmacy practiceThe PayThe median salary for pharmacy technicians is $29,810 per year, or $14.33 per hour, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And according to a PayScale.com survey, pharm techs are â€Å"highly satisfied† with their career choice.The OutlookAs pharmacies change with the times and drugs are shipped in bulk, pharmacy techs will be more in demand than ever so that they ca n dispense medicine accurately and effectively, freeing up pharmacists to provide clinical services. The BLS expects the field to grow by at least 9% by 2024.Interested? APPLY HERE