Literature Review on the Health Care Workforce

Literature Review on the Health Care Workforce Briana Seguine   Amorim Lopes. S.-L. (24 May 2015). Handling health care workforce planning with care: where do we stand. According to Amorim Lopes, arranging the health-care workforce required to meet the health needs of the populace, while giving management levels that expand the result and limit the monetary expenses, is a complicated undertaking. The issue can depict as evaluating the correct number of individuals with the right abilities in the perfect place at the opportune time, to give the proper managements to the ideal people. The writing accessible regarding the matter is unfathomable however meager, with no accord set up on a clear strategy and procedure, making it troublesome for the investigator or arrangement producer to receive the current advancements or for the academic specialist to enhance such a primary field. We returned to over 60 years of archived research to better comprehend the ordered and verifiable progress of the zone and the philosophies that have stood the trial of time. The writing audit was directed in electronic production databases and spotlights on general procedures as opposed to strategies. Four diverse and utilized methodologies found inside the extent of supply and three inside request. We expounded a guide systematizing focal points, constraints and suppositions. Also, we give a rundown of the information prerequisites essential to actualize each of the procedures. We had additionally distinguished past and current patterns in the field and explained a proposition on the most proficient method to incorporate the unique philosophies. Philosophies flourish, however, there is still no clear way to deal with address HHR arranging. Late writing recommends that a coordinated approach is the best approach to take care of such a mind-boggling issue, as it consolidates components both from free market activity, and more exertion ought to be placed in enhancing that proposition (Mà ¡rio Amorim Lopes, 24 May 2015). James Buchan, M. (Dec 17, 2008). Solving nursing shortages: a common priority. According to James Buchan, gives a setting to this different version. It highlights the size of the test of nursing deficiencies, additionally, makes the point that there is a strategy motivation that gives working arrangements. An outline of nurse: population proportions in various nations and areas of the world, highlighting important varieties, with Africa and South East Asia having the most reduced average proportions. The paper contends that the deficiency of nurses is not a lack of people with nursing capabilities, it is a deficiency of attendants willing to work in the current conditions. The reasons for deficiencies are multi-faceted, and there is no single worldwide measure of their degree and nature, there is developing confirmation of the effect of generally low staffing levels on healthcare conveyance and results. What now confronts arrangement creators in Japan, Europe, and other created nations is an approach plan with a center of essential topics. To begin with, subjec ts identified with tending to supply side issues: getting, keeping and staying in contact with generally rare nurses. Second, problems identified with managing request side difficulties. The paper reasons that the fundamental test for strategy creators is to build up a coordinated bundle of policies that give a long haul and practical arrangement (James Buchan, Dec 17, 2008). Stephen M. Petterson, R. L. (2013). Projecting US Primary Care Physician Workforce Needs: 2010-2025. According to Stephen M. Petterson, we looked to extend the quantity of essential care doctors required to meet US human services use needs through 2025 after a section of the Affordable Care Act. In this projection of workforce needs, we utilized the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to figure the utilization of office-based necessary care in 2008. We used US Census Bureau projections to represent statistic changes and the American Medical Associations Master File to ascertain the quantity of primary care doctors and decide the quantity of visits per doctor. The fundamental results were the anticipated number of essential care visits through 2025 and the quantity of critical care doctors expected to lead those visits. Driven by populace development and maturing, the aggregate number of office visits to important care doctors is anticipated to increment from 462 million in 2008 to 565 million in 2025. After fusing protection development, the United States will require almost 52,000 oth er essential care doctors by 2025. Populace development will be the biggest driver, representing 33,000 extra doctors, while 10,000 other doctors will be expected to suit populace maturing. Protection extension will require more than 8,000 other doctors, a 3% expansion in the ebb and flow workforce. Population development will be the best driver of expected increments in essential care use. Maturing and protection extension will likewise add to use, yet to a littler degree (Stephen M. Petterson, 2013). Work cited James Buchan, M. (Dec 17, 2008). Solving nursing shortages: a common priority. Mà ¡rio Amorim Lopes. S.-L. (24 May 2015). Handling healthcare workforce planning with care: where do we stand. Stephen M. Petterson, R. L. (2013). Projecting US Primary Care Physician Workforce Needs: 2010-2025.

Analysis of Pepsi Co in India

Analysis of Pepsi Co in India PepsiCo is the largest snack and non alcoholic beverage manufacturing company in the world. Its product range includes grain based snacks, carbonated and non- carbonated beverages and foods. It operates through four operating segments: Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), PepsiCo International (PI) and Quaker Foods North America (QFNA).It sells its products in 200 countries with major operations in the US, Canada, Mexico and the UK. It distributes its branded products through multi channels such as direct stores, broker warehouses, food service centers and vending machines. PepsiCo in India PepsiCo entered India in 1988 and concentrated on three focus areas soft drink, snack foods and food processing. PepsiCo got permit to import cola conecnterate and to sell soft drink under Pepsi label in Indian market and in return to export juice concenterate from Punjab. Main objective put forward was To promote the development and export of Indian made and agro based products and to foster the introduction and development of PepsiCo products in India. Pepsico entered in India in the form of joint venture with PAIC holding 36.11%, voltas 24%, PepsiCo holding 36.89%. ISSUES: PepsiCo was coupled with the punjab card. They made certain commitments to Indian cental government.PepsiCo specifically supported national priorities in area like export and agriculture. Some of the commitments are as follows: 1) the project will create employment for 50000 peope nationally, including 25000 jobs in Punjab alone. 2) 74% of total investment will be in food and agro processing. 25% will be in manufacturing of soft drinks. 3) PepsiCo will bring advanced technology in food processing and provide thrust by marketing Indian products abroad and giving them global market. 4) 50% of total production will be exported. 5) an agro research center will be established by PepsiCo with ICAR and PAU. 6) no foreign brand name will e used for domestic sales. 7)export import ratio will be 5:1. FAILED COMMITMENTS: Within few years pepsi was recorded as one of non compliance companies that did not fulfill the commitments it made to Indian government. The company nowhere met its obligations. On September 4,1991 george fernandes said that Pepsi co has failed to meet its commitments and the company became a challenge to the government. The failed commitments are as follows: 1)EMPLOYMENT COMMITMENT: Employment generated by PepsiCo 1990-91 1991-92 direct indirect direct Food processing 169 9903 170 Administration 117 432 179 Bottling 497 15115 560 Total 783 25450 909 Source: data taken from balance sheets of pepsi foods ltd. Pepsico by 1996 increased the employment figure to 2400 which was just 3% of the commitment made. Branch name commitment Pepsi committed not to use its brand name pepsi in india. During first year pepsi used Indian brand name Lehar pepsi bt with the introduction of new policy in 1991 pepsi immediately changed its drink name from lehar pepsi to pepsi. Export commitment: Pepsi commited that 50% total product will be exported but instead of exporting its own products it exported basmati rice, tea, leather products Agro research center: No agro research center was established. PepsiCo, Inc., SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Strong Growth Prospects Efficient Use of Resources Expanding Operating Margin Declining Market Share in Sector Overdependence on Few Customers Geographical Concentration Opportunities Threats Huge Potential in the Emerging Markets Increasing Bottled Water Market Growing Organic Foods Market Highly Competitive Market Private Label Brands Gaining Momentum Global Economic Conditions PepsiCo, Inc. PepsiCo, Inc.- Financial and Strategic Analysis Review Reference Code: GDCPG35119FSA Page 2 PepsiCo, Inc. SWOT Analysis SWOT Analysis Overview PepsiCo, Inc. (PepsiCo) is one of the leading snack and beverage companies in the world. Dominant market position and diversified brand portfolio are its strengths. Further, the rising demand for bottled water and strategic acquisitions could ensure a strong future. However, poor profitability and overdependence on a few customers are areas of concern to the company. Highly competitive market and growing demand for private label products coupled with global economic slowdown could also impede the companys growth. PepsiCo, Inc. Strengths Strength Strong Growth Prospects The company was trading at a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.16 at the end of fiscal year 2009. This was above the SP 500 companies average* of 9.2. A higher than SP 500 companies average P/E may indicate that the company may have high growth prospects which is reflected in its stocks premium pricing. Investors may be expecting higher earnings growth in the future compared to other companies in the SP 500 index. Strength Efficient Use of Resources The companys return on equity (ROE) was 35.4% for fiscal year 2009. This was above the SP 500 companies average* of 12.9%. A higher than SP 500 companies average* ROE may indicate that the company is efficiently using the shareholders money and that it is generating high returns for its shareholders compared to other companies in the SP 500 index. Strength Expanding Operating Margin The companys operating margin was 18.61% for the fiscal year 2009. This was above the SP 500 companies average* of 14.7%. A higher than SP 500 companies average* operating margin may indicate efficient cost management or a strong pricing strategy by the company. The companys operating profit was USD 8,044.00 million during the fiscal year 2009, an increase of 15.59% over 2008 while the net profit was USD 5,946.00 million, an increase of 15.64% over 2008. The operating margin has increased 252 basis points (bps) over 2008, which may indicate managements high focus on improving profitability. Strength Strong RD Activities PepsiCo has a strong RD arm that focuses on various activities, which could help the company in cost reduction and process improvement, quality assurance, process control, and system development. The company also places emphasis on developing new manufacturing methods, improving on the existing manufacturing processes, new product developing and improving the existing products. For the fiscal year 2008, the company spent USD 388 million on its RD initiatives, against USD 364 million in 2007. Thus, such a strong focus on RD activities provides the company with an edge over its competitors in generating higher operational performances. New product and technology innovations also strengthen the companys innovating capabilities and provide a source of future revenues for the company. Strength Diversified Brand Portfolio PepsiCo boasts of a broad brand portfolio in the beverages and snacks categories, which helps it cater to the diverse needs of its customer base. The top 18 brands of the company generate USD 1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. Some of the major brands offered by the company include Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Gatorade, Tropicana Pure Premium, Aquafina water, Sierra Mist, Mug, Tropicana juice drinks, Propel, SoBe, Slice, Dole, Tropicana Twister and Tropicana Seasons Best. This diversified brand portfolio of the company provides it with the economic stability and an edge in attracting and retaining a diverse customer base. It also helps the company to mitigate the risks associated with overdependence on a particular brand or product category. Strength Dominant Market Position PepsiCo enjoys a leading market position that helps it attract and serve a diverse customer base. The company is one of the leading snack and beverage companies in the world. It is engaged in manufacturing, marketing and sale of a variety of salty, convenient, sweet and grain-based snacks, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and foods. The company sells its products in more than 200 countries. It is the market leader in the US savory snacks market with a market share of about 39%. It is also the leader in the US liquid refreshment beverage category with a market share of 25%. Furthermore, the company occupied 52nd position in the Fortune 500 rankings in 2009. The Frito-Lay brand is the worlds leading manufacturer of snacks. This dominant market position helps the company diversify its risks associated with the cyclical nature of most of these markets and puts the company at an advantage over its rivals while expanding its product lines. PepsiCo, Inc. PepsiCo, Inc.- Financial and Strategic Analysis Review Reference Code: GDCPG35119FSA Page 3 PepsiCo, Inc. Weaknesses Weakness Declining Market Share in Sector The companys compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for revenue was 7.34% during 2005-2009. This was below the SP 500 companies average* of 11.1%. Further, the company reported revenue of USD 43,232.00 million during the fiscal year ended December 2009, a decrease of 0.04% from 2008. A lower than SP 500 companies average* revenue CAGR may indicate that the company has underperformed the average SP 500 companies growth and lost market share over the last four years. The companys underperformance could be attributed to a weak competitive position or inferior products and services offering or lack of innovative products and services. Weakness Overdependence on Few Customers Overdependence on a few customers has been a major area of concern to the company. A significant portion of the companys revenues are generated from few customers. For instance, in 2008, sales to Wal-Mart and Sams West, Inc. represented 12% of the companys net revenue. The top five retail customers represented about 32% of its 2008 North American net revenue, of which Wal-Mart (including Sams) accounted for about 18%. The loss of one or more of the top customers in any of these segments could have a material adverse effect on the results of these segments. Due to overdependence on a few customers, the company may not be able to find suitable alternatives to sell its products in time if any of these customers is unable to buy the products on terms favorable to the company. Weakness Geographical Concentration PepsiCos overdependence on the US market for its revenues exposes the company to various risks associated with geographical concentration. Though PepsiCo has operations in various geographic regions, a majority of its revenues still comes from the US. During the fiscal year 2008, the company generated 52% of its total revenue from the US region. Further, during the fiscal year 2009, PepsiCo generated over 71% of its revenues from North America. This dependence on the US could impact its operational and financial performance in the event of any economic, political or climatic change. It also could restrict its market share and growth opportunities. PepsiCo, Inc. Opportunities Opportunity Huge Potential in the Emerging Markets The company could benefit from the growing markets in the Asia Pacific region. According to the World Bank, the GDP growth rate of high income countries came down from 2.6% in 2007 to 0.4% in 2008. The economies of these countries are expected to have contracted by 3.3% in 2009. Despite the global economic slowdown, the emerging and developing economies recorded a GDP growth rate of 8.1%, 5.6% and 1.2% during 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Growth in the East Asia and Pacific region (especially China) as well as in South Asia (especially India) has been resilient. This was mainly due to the massive fiscal stimulus package in China and Indias skillful macroeconomic management. Chinas GDP grew at 9% in 2008 and 8.4% in 2009, while Indias grew at 6.1% and 6% respectively, during the period. The growing economy in these countries has generated new employment opportunities for the residents and has provided a boost to their earnings. Rise in disposable income has changed their buying behavior. Now more and more people are buying luxury and lifestyle goods unlike in the past when they used to confine their spending to basic necessities. Customers in the emerging countries are becoming more brand conscious and prefer to buy branded goods. With competition at its peak and markets getting saturated, the company can look out for new growth avenues in these regions. Opportunity Increasing Bottled Water Market The strong growth in the bottled water market is emerging as a major boon for the company. The global bottled water industry has been witnessing strong growth over the past few years, especially in the US. Bottled water is sold mostly in the industrialized countries where it costs between USD 500 and USD 1,000 per cubic meter, compared to USD 0.50 for municipal water in states such as California, US. With the strong profitability offered by the segment, many players have started foraying into the bottled water business. The demand for bottled water has also been on the rise in emerging countries. PepsiCos established presence in the bottled water segment, along with its strong brand image puts the company at a competitive edge over its rivals in attracting and retaining a loyal customer base. The strong distribution network also helps the company to cater to a geographically diverse customer base. Opportunity Growing Organic Foods Market The company has a significant opportunity to grow as the demand for organic food is set to rise by an average of 18% in the US by 2010, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Rising Health consciousness in the US has made the organic foods segment one of the fastest growing segments in the food retailing industry. Though, the organic food segment represented a mere 2.8% of the US food and beverage market, the organic food market in the region generated USD 21.2 billion in 2007. According to a recent report from the OTA, the global demand for organic products has been growing at USD 5 billion a year. PepsiCo offers its all natural and organic product line under the Tropicana and Quaker brands in the US. The company can thus capitalize on its distribution network and organic food offerings to increase its market share and revenues. PepsiCo, Inc. PepsiCo, Inc.- Financial and Strategic Analysis Review Reference Code: GDCPG35119FSA Page 4 Opportunity Strategic Acquisitions Strategic acquisitions offer a strong growth opportunity for the company, especially while foraying into new markets or launching new products or services. The company has grown over the years by acquiring or merging with some of the major brands like Frito Lays, Quaker Oats, Gamesa and Sabritas. Further, in October 2009, the companys Pepsi Bottling Ventures, LLC signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the assets of Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Conway-Myrtle Beach, Inc., the Pepsi-Cola franchise bottler based in Conway, South Carolina. Earlier, in August 2009, PepsiCo Inc. entered into definitive merger agreements with its two largest bottlers, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS). Under the agreement, PepsiCo will acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of these two bottlers. Currently, the company owns 33% and 43% of the outstanding shares of PBG and PAS respectively. During the same period, the company also announced an agreement to acquire Brazils largest coconut water company, Amacoco Nordeste Ltda. and Amacoco Sudeste Ltda. (Amacoco). Earlier, in April 2008, PepsiCo acquired the UK based vitamin water brand, V Water. These mergers and acquisitions offer a steady revenue source, apart from geographical expansion for the company. PepsiCo, Inc. Threats Threat Highly Competitive Market Growing competition could impact the business operations of the company. The company faces stiff competition from the various companies that are in the business of beverages, snack and food products. Key competitors include General Mills, Inc., Groupe Danone, Hershey Foods Corporation, Nestle S.A., Coca-Cola Company, The Procter Gamble Company, The Kraft Foods, Inc., National Beverage Corp., Jones Soda Co. and Kellogg Company. Apart from the established players in the developed countries, the players from emerging countries too are competing hard to garner maximum market share in their respective regions. If the company fails to maintain product quality and consumer loyalty, this intense competition could reduce the sales volume of the company, thereby hampering its market position. Threat Private Label Brands Gaining Momentum The growing demand for private label products has been a major area of concern to the company. According to a report by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU (CIAA), there is a shift in the consumer spending towards private label products. Also, it is observed that the private label products have reached as high as 48% in traditional retailers and 94% in discounters. In the UK, almost all the top 30 retailers witnessed an increase in the private label share in 2008. Private labels may become even more popular due to the current economic slowdown. Apart from low prices, the increasing quality of private label products has been driving away the sales of branded products. Thus PepsiCo faces a major challenge from these private label manufacturers in sustaining its growth. Threat Global Economic Conditions The company faces a major challenge in sustaining its revenue growth due to the slowdown in the global economy, especially the US. The banks have tightened their credit lending process thereby affecting the consumers shopping ability. Even the market volatility concerns have made them shop only for basic and essential goods, thereby creating a major challenge to the goods manufacturers whose sales have been on the decline. According to The World Bank, overall global GDP contracted by 2.2% in 2009, with 1.2% growth rate in the developing economies well below the 5.6% growth rate in 2008. In 2009, the GDP growth in the US weakened to -2.4% while in the Eurozone, GDP contracted more sharply by 3.9% from 0.5% in 2008. Further, the global output is expected to expand by 2.7% in 2010, and 3.2% in 2011 still below the 5% generated in 2007. Thus, adverse economic conditions could adversely affect the demand for the companys products, which poses a major challenge to the company in sustaining its revenue growth. Growth strategies Transforming its beverage portfolio PepsiCo sought to transform its beverage portfolio by increasing the health and wellness quotient of its products through RD. It has strengthened. its carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) segment, comprised of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Mountain Dew. In 2007, it launched Diet Pepsi Max in the US. It is a zero calorie energy drink and targets young men. It also introduced the high caffeine Mountain Dew Game Fuel in 2008, aimed at video gamers. PepsiCo has also introduced new carbonated juice drinks such as Izze, which is free of caffeine, refined sugars and artificial ingredients and is naturally sweetened with fruit juice. Izze fruit juices primarily targets carbonates customers who want alternatives to artificially sweetened soft drinks. Growth through partnerships PepsiCo concentrates on partnerships and joint ventures to expand its operations. In 2007, it extended the scope of its partnerships with Starbucks and Unilever on RTD beverages, and is expanding into other categories through acquisitions. In January 2008, it announced plans to acquire Penelopa nuts and seeds in Bulgaria, and in 2006, it purchased Duyvis nuts business. Also In 2006, the company entered the salted snacks business in New Zealand with the acquisition of Bluebird Foods, and expanded its snacks business in Brazil with the purchase of Lucky snacks.

Graduation Speech: Make Your Own Rules :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Good evening my name is Ben Rood I would like to share with you something that Michael Konda once said: "The fastest way to succeed is to look as if you're playing by somebody else's rules, while quietly playing by your own." I couldn't agree more. I am standing here today because for the last four years I have unknowingly followed this advice. It started my freshman year when I was in the right place at the right time. Due to the overcrowding here at AHS the Microsoft Windows NT class was changed to an after-school class. This normally full class now had empty seats. As a freshman I did not meet the prerequisites for the NT class so I quietly slipped into one of the empty seats as a pass/fail student. As the year progressed I slowly moved away from the rules and took the class for a grade and as you can see it paid off with "A's". By the end of the year I was able to pass the Microsoft Certified Professional exam at age 14 and land a job at Microsoft. I would not have been able to do all of this and more during my freshman year had I "played by somebody else's rules." I continued to bend and break the rules both silently and blatantly. Through Microsoft I was able to participate in and manage conferences for any where from a hundred and fifty to 10,000 attendees. Interns are not generally invited to help with conferences, but I was fortunate enough to start with a manager who "(looked) as if (he were) playing by somebody else's rules, while quietly playing by (his) own." In school I broke away from the crowd a little more obviously. After individual debates in English class our teacher invited us to debate the different topics as a class. One of these topics was where our "new" school should be located. I was the only one in my class who didn't agree with the bond being presented to the public. While I listened to the points made by my peers and the teacher I still maintained my points and did not jump on the bandwagon. As many of you know I spend much of my time at a computer. Some would say that's because I'm a computer geek. Well I may be a computer geek because I spend lots of time at the computer, but I spend it there because it is much easier to bend the rules of the computer than it is to bend the laws of physics.

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla: Bram Stoker’s Inspiration for Dracu

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla: Bram Stoker’s Inspiration for Dracula â€Å"3 May. Bistritz. Left Munich at 8:35 p.m.† Abraham Stoker in this unassuming way begins his Gothic masterpiece, Dracula (The Annotated Dracula 1). Dracula has been called ‘imaginative’ and ‘original.’ , and Harry Ludlam calls it â€Å"the product of his own vivid imagination and imaginative research† (Senf 41). However, the originality of Stoker's Dracula is in doubt. By a similarity in the setting, characters and plot, in Bram Stoker’s Gothic work Dracula and the posthumously published short story â€Å"Dracula’s Guest,† Stoker is shown to have used Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s classic, Gothic, short story, â€Å"Carmilla†, as the basis and inspiration for Bram Stoker’s vampiric masterpiece, Dracula. In 1897, Abraham Stoker published Dracula, a classic Gothic novel which continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers after nearly a century. The novel is written as a collection of journals, which are kept in a wide array of methods, letters and newspaper clippings. Dracula opens in Eastern Europe with a young solisitor named Jonathan Harker traveling to Transylvanian castle. The castle’s owner, Count Dracula, is cruel in the manner of great evil, and uses Harker to have himself safely ferried to England and its fertile hunting ground of London. Dracula soon becomes embroiled in the lives of a small group of friends who see him for the fiend that he is. These young people, aided by the aging Dr. Van Helsing vow to see Dracula destroyed, and they succeed in driving him out of England and back to his homeland. They follow hard upon and catch him just before he reaches the safety of his castle. Within sight of safety, Jonathan Harker and Quency Morris behea... ...cula: The Vampire and the Critics. Ed. Margaret L. Carter. Studies in Speculative Fiction 19. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1988. 231-45. Leatherdale, Clive. Dracula: The Novel and The Legend. Wellingborough: Aquarian, 1985. Le Fanu, James Sheridan. â€Å"Carmilla.† Vampires: Two Centuries of Great Vampire Stories. Ed. Alan Ryan. Garden City: Doubleday, 1987. Melton, J. Gordon. The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead. Detroit: Visible Ink, 1994. Senf, Carol A. Introduction. The Critical Response to Bram Stoker. Ed. Carol A. Senf. Westport: Greenwood, 1993. 1-41. Stoker, Bram. The Annotated Dracula. Ed. Leonard Wolf. New York: Ballantine, 1975. ---. â€Å"Dracula’s Guest.† Vampires: Two Centuries of Great Vampire Stories. Ed. Alan Ryan. Garden City: Doubleday, 1987. Roth, Phyllis A. Bram Stoker. Twayne’s English Authors Series 343. Boston: Twayne, 1982.

The Impact of the Automobile on the United States Essay -- Automobiles

The Impact of the Automobile on the United States The automobile has had a profound impact on the United States. It has brought us superhighways, paved bridges, motels, vacations, suburbia, and the economic growth which accompanied them. Today, the automotive industry and nearly one million related industries employ about twenty percent of all American workers. The US produces more automobiles than every other nation combined. This product has become a symbol of the American way of life. The US is sometimes referred to as â€Å"a nation on wheels.† Considering these facts, one must wonder what the United States was like before the revolutionary innovation of the automobile. The first automobile was invented by a French artillery officer, Nicholas Joseph Cugnot. His self-propelled vehicle was powered by steam. Other models of steam-powered automobiles were created by different innovators, but these models were eventually made obsolete by the internal-combustion powered car invented by Jean Joseph Etienne Lenior. This technology reached the United States when Charles and Frank Duryea made the first successful American gasoline automobile. Ransom Eli Olds had the earliest assembly line for automobiles and began mass production. Later, Henry Ford’s Model T dominated the car industry and remained the most popular automobile for nearly twenty years. In the early days of the automobile, there was not a real automotive industry. Only a few hundred cars were made in the early years of automobile manufacturing. They were very seldom seen and only could be afforded by the wealthy. The car was such an unfamiliar spectacle, it was sometimes featured in circuses. Eventually, the car began to increase in popularity. During the 1920s, the US economy was on the rise and one of the main reasons was the automobile. Assembly lines were becoming more efficient, thus, admitting cars to be made more cheaply and allowing prices of cars to drop. From 1909 to 1925, the price of a Ford Model T dropped from $950 to $290. This allowed more people to be able to afford them. Millions were sold. The automobile, once a rare luxury, was becoming a part of American life. It had a ripple effect on US industries. With the increase in automobiles, came an increase in related products. Large quantities of glass, rubber and steel were needed t... ...nvolved with the safety of Americans. Many actions by the government such as the seatbelt requirement and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have made the automobile safer for the general public. The automobile has had many different effects on the United States, both good and bad. In the future it will continue to shape our culture, commerce and surroundings. Works Cited 1Thomas DiBacco, Lorna Mason, Christian Appy, History of the United States, vol. 2 (Evanston: McDougal Littell Inc.), p. 324. 2John Rae, The American Automobile Industry, (Boston: G.K. Hall & Company), p. 89-92. 3John Rae, The American Automobile Industry, (Boston: G.K. Hall & Company), p. 96. 4John Rae, The American Automobile Industry, (Boston: G.K. Hall & Company), p. 188. 5John Rae, The American Automobile Industry, (Boston: G.K. Hall & Company), p. 89-90. 6American Lung Association of California, , 13 April 2001. 7National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, , 14 April 2001.

Agriculture Industry Overview

Industry Overview From the birth of the nation, farming has played a crucial role in the U. S. economy. Initially European agricultural practices were adopted while settlers from the area began to populate the Americas. Agriculture in Colonial America was important to society because it was the primary livelihood for 90% of the population, and most of the farms were specifically used to create food for family use. As settlers moved west, they took advantage of the cooler climate to grow wheat, leading to the â€Å"wheat frontier. † In the south, cotton and tobacco served as the regions cash crop.Industrialization and urbanization soon changed the agricultural industry into a lucrative market. The lucrative agricultural market has attracted over twenty two million American workers to produce, process, sell and trade the nation's food and fiber. Currently there are only 4. 6 million people who actually live on a farm. These farmers earn a fourth of the food profit, while the rem aining profit is used for costs beyond the farm gate: wages and materials for production, processing, marketing, transportation and distribution.Forty-two percent of America’s total land area is still actively used as farmland, which mainly yields soybeans, wheat, and corn. Livestock is also raised on the land and primarily includes dairy/beef cattle, swine, poultry, and sheep. Customer preferences regarding agriculture have also affected the industry. Today’s customers are more health conscious. Consumers now prefer the limited use of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals. Family farms are able to produce the preferred organic products, but for an increased price.Although consumers prefer the family farm because it fits their vision for good food, the corporate farms must exist in order to provide for the growing population. Even though corporate farms are allowed to use chemicals, they must use the crop protectants effectively and safely, in amounts that are no m ore than what is necessary to combat pests and diseases. Governance of the agricultural industry is both and federal and local responsibility. The U. S. Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government.United States Department of Agriculture reviews the comprehensive omnibus bill almost every five years and then passes necessary amendments through congress. The laws and government support are very different for the agricultural industry compared to other industries. For example, the U. S. provides aid for agriculture including research into crop types and regional suitability as well as many kinds of subsidies, some price supports and loan programs. Also farmers are not subject to production quotas.Lastly workplace laws regarding child labor and immigrant labor are exceedingly lax in the agricultural industry. Exemptions are made for children working on their family farm, and immigrants can more easily acquire agricultural work permits. Economic c onditions for the past several years have been poor. Even though other industries are suffering, the agricultural industry is thriving. The dollar depreciation actually allowed for cheaper prices for foreign countries, and therefore caused exports to increase.The growing population and limited land in Asia has also caused an increased number of exports from the U. S. agricultural industry. Russia recently experienced unusually high temperatures that caused a drought and killed a majority of the crops. The U. S. will be able to use this event to their advantage to once again increase exports. In order to take advantage of opportunities within the industry, farms can expect to increase the agricultural output in order to make a larger profit.

Financial Management Essay

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 defines what is fair value as understood in terms of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and it also increases disclosure requirement about fair value measurements. This latest Statement, effective this 2007 is being made applicable to other accounting pronouncements made earlier where there is a requirement or allowance for use fair value measurements of an accounting entities’ assets, liabilities and equity accounts. (Bernstein, 1993; Brigham and Houston, 2002). SFAS 157 therefore does not require any new fair value measurements on the basis of the Financial Accounting Standards Board having earlier determined that that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute (FASB, n. d. ). As to why the FASB needed to issue this SFAS, it may be recalled that before this Statement, the Accounting profession has already been exposed to different definitions of fair value but only had limited guidance for applying those definitions in GAAP (Meigs and Meigs, 1995). This is not to mention the fact that that guidance to accountants was found in many accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements, thereby generating differences that strong enough to create possible inconsistencies of these guidelines hence may be held contrary into the FASB objective of applying GAA less complex. Increased consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and for expanded disclosures about fair value measurements appears to be the clear objective of FASB in enacting this SFAS 157 (FASB, n. d. ). As to how this differs from other fair value pronouncements, the argued may be framed on the following points: First, since the changes to current practice resulting from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements, the differences should only be expected to arise on said points. Specifically, the present definition of fair value under SFAS 157 preserves the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value. SFAS 157 however now makes the clarification that â€Å"the exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability in the market in which the reporting entity would transact for the asset or liability, that is, the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. † (FASB, 2007, n. d. ). The new statement treats the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability as a hypothetical transaction at the measurement date, considered from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. It is therefore clear to see focus of the definition made on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability (FASB, 2007, n. d. ). Such definition of price is of course different and should be distinguished on the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability. It needs to be emphasized also that SFAS treats fair value as a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, hence measurement is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (FASB, 2007, n. d. ). 3. Select one public company in the last 3 years that has had asset impairments and have a one page explanation of what the impairment was about and under what standard it was calculated. The company is selected is Standard Register. Using its 2006 Annual Report, the company (Standard Register 2007b) has indeed asset impairment Net Assets Held for Sale based on its notes to FS which provides: â€Å"In conjunction with the closing of the Terre Haute plant, in 2006 the Company recorded $1,474 of asset impairments, primarily related to equipment. The carrying value of the Terre Haute building and equipment was adjusted to its fair value less costs to sell, considering recent sales of similar properties and real estate valuations† This paper submits that the impairment may have been calculated under SFAS No. 154, made effective on January 2, 2006, on Accounting Changes and Error Corrections which is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 3. (Standard Register 2007a) 4. Submit the title page of SFAS 157 from the FASB or FARS site. See Next Page. 5. Submit a copy of the page of the company 10-K that indicates the impairment Bernstein, Financial Statement Analysis, IRWIN, Sydney, Australia, (1993) Brigham and Houston, Fundamentals of Financial Management, Thomson South-Western, US, 2002 FASB, Summary of Statement No. 157 Fair Value Measurements, (n. d. ) http://www. fasb. org/st/summary/stsum157. shtml, {www document} URL, Accessed October 7, 2007 Meigs and Meigs, Financial Accounting, McGraw-Hill, New York, USA, 1995 Standard Register, 2006 Annual Report, Form 10 – K, (2007a) {www document} URL http://media. corporate-ir. net/media_files/irol/95/95849/2006annualreport2. pdf, Accessed October 7, 2007 Standard Register, Company Website, (2007b) {www document} URL, http://www. standardregister. com/, Accessed October 7, 2007