20th Century Philosophy Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

twentieth Century Philosophy Paper - Essay Example This work was stretched out by Russel who determined the entire of arithmetic from rationale. The activities of both Frege, and Russel bombed however offered ascend what exactly is known as systematic way of thinking today. There is no away from of expository way of thinking. This way of thinking â€Å"emphasizes clearness, thoroughness, contention, hypothesis, truth. [†¦] This sort of reasoning is more similar to science than religion, more like arithmetic than verse †however it is neither science nor mathematics† (Collin, 2002). The historical backdrop of investigative way of thinking can be isolated into five stages. The main stage from 1900 to 1910 is portrayed by the semi non-romantic type of authenticity, which was verbalized in the figure of speech of ‘propositions’ and ‘meanings’. Afterward, Moore proposed the way of thinking of good judgment, while Russel created intelligent atomism with Ludwig Wittgenstein. This subsequent stage proceeded till 1930. 1930s saw the advancement of sensible positivism by A.J. Ayer. The fourth stage structure 1945-1965 saw tendency towards customary language investigation created by John Wisdom, Gilbert Ryle, and Paul Gric e. Analysis in 1960s drove the scientific way of thinking to dump its phonetic structure. This proceeded till the finish of the twentieth century and shows pluralism. Just characterized, innovation is the social point of view, coherent conduct, and character in right now. This development extended from 1890 to 1920 and saw the virtuoso of Joyce, Eliot, Lewis, and Pound among others. This development affected the American and British society as far as workmanship, design, writing, religion, legislative issues, and social conduct. A portion of the remarkable highlights of innovation include: Experimentation; hesitance; independence; world class intellectualism; and hostile to authenticity. The innovation development was impacted by numerous sources. It took allusiveness in style from imagery; a urban setting from authenticity; craftsman centered view, and

Management Planning in TYCO Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The board Planning in TYCO - Case Study Example The thoroughly thought out statement of purpose characterizes the key novel reason that sets TYCO separated from different firms of its sort and characterizes where the organization needs to be in the following 5 to 10 years. TYCO works on the worldwide market set apart by savage rivalry and steady changes. Consequently, TYCO utilizes arranging as one of the principle instruments which help it to arrive at the expressed objectives and goals. The execution of methodology happens at all degrees of the association, including both corporate and individual offices (www.tyco.com). Keeping that in mind, every division and bolster unit supplement and bolster each other (Marketing Planning, n.d.). Arranging includes such significant components of the board as technique definition characterized s a continuous methodology that joins both effective acts of the past with new and inventive ways to deal with what's to come. In TYCO, the midlevel director isn't the individual who is liable for makin g corporate methodology. Or maybe, it is his obligation to make an interpretation of corporate methodology without hesitation. TYCO's center competency is to make extraordinary items and administrations in contrast with its rivals (Planning 1995). In TYCO, all supervisors end up to a more prominent or lesser degree confronted with the test of attempting to adjust routine office duties (i.e., calls, noting demands for data, and so forth.) with the need to finish authoritative objectives and venture errands. So as to effectively design, the director must be acceptable at building up needs. With that in mind, compelling directors practice great time the board abilities and put aside time to finish authoritative objectives and undertaking assignments. For example, TYCO's specialist should routinely adjust contending prerequisites in choosing advances and administration sellers. The advisor, in any case, may decide to gauge the models in an unexpected way, contingent upon the undertaking and customer prerequisites (www.tyco.com). The arranging model agenda permits the expert to connect a relegated numeric incentive for every merchant proposition across various classes that can be totaled and scored and utilized as a reason for corr elation. The arranging capacity of the board causes TYCO to sort out its exercises and execution as per outside and inward changes and market requests which impact the organization and its clients (Planning 1995). Toward the start of the 21st century, lawful issues, morals and corporate social obligation become the center of any business. Legitimate issues include industry prerequisites and item quality, item guidelines and universal guidelines. The globalization of financial action has constrained TYCO to painstakingly think about its monetary arrangements. The regular inspiration driving such administrative and monetary changes is the apparent wastefulness of focal arranging and government-secured restraining infrastructures. One of the distinctive instances of lawful issues is TYCO's consistence with the worldwide value guidelines. Working on a worldwide scale, TYCO adheres to global guidelines and rules. For TYCO it is more with regards to execution based guideline - that is, to make prizes and motivators for powerful utility administration. Value guideline has incorporated with the administrative structure an arrangement of remunerations and punishments. There are various approaches to wo rk in motivators,

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest TKG

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest One of the steps that we suggest after being deferred is to write a letter of continued interest. When you’re in limbo, it’s completely understandable to get stressed out and overwhelmed, but trust us when we say that taking steps to contact your dream school will alleviate some of your anxiety. There are no guarantees, but you do have one last chance to double down on your interest in X school. Before you start the process of writing a letter of continued interest, it’s crucial that you understand that these letters should not be sent to every single school that you got deferred from. In your letter, you should tell them that X school is still your top choice, if those words don’t ring true to you, you shouldn’t write one at all. If after reading this you’re sure that you want to reach out to the school, call them and ask who you should send the letter to and keep the contact information handy for when you’re ready to send. The Process: Read everything that you’ve already submitted to the school. What do they know about you? Did you leave anything out? If there is any information that you didn’t have space for in your original supplement, make note of that. Make a long list of reasons as to why you want to attend X school. Write down everything that comes to mind. Then, cross off at least half of the list. You should remove anything that isn’t specific to X school (weather, “I want to major in English,” sports culture, etc.) This is because you can find these things at hundreds of other schools. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, dig deeper. For example, saying that you want to major in English is not enough, but there could be upper-level classes that you want to take. Perhaps there’s a professor running a creative writing track, or a special program within a school. At this point, you’re starting to gather information for what should be included in your letter. You should have at least three highly specific bullet points tha t could be related to courses, professors, special opportunities, organizations, etc. Think about why you’re “qualified” to take advantage of those opportunities. What have you done to prepare yourself? If you want to major in Sustainability, and you’ve been working to improve the recycling program at your high school, that would be a good reason. If there’s a professor that you want to work with, you might explain that you just finished reading their most recent research proposal to prepare yourself for the potential opportunity. Let’s discuss what this information should look like, although you’ll need to add more at the end. After introducing yourself and including your reference number, you should state that you’ve been deferred and are writing to update the admissions team. This will look slightly different for everyone (we don’t know your life) but you should then pick your strongest reasons for wanting to attend, and craft a narrative around those facts. It could be classes, research, opportunities to work with professors, or all three. But as you’re writing, make sure that everything ultimately links back to your accomplishments. Yes, you go to school to learn, but the purpose of this letter is to show that in addition to growing as a person by attending X school, you also have a lot to offer to the community. After you’ve done that, you need to let them know what’s been going on in your life. You should include your first semester grades, an additional letter of recommendation, and an update on your involvement with your extracurricular activities and job, if you have one. The students who eventually get into competitive colleges after being deferred have not only continued their activities, they’ve stepped things up a notch. They don’t give up and hope for the best after they hit submit. And if you’re genuinely interested in your activities, you should have kept at it. Detail any accomplishments that you’ve had since applying, but don’t stretch it. It should all be related to your original application. When we write letters of continued interest with our clients, they are no longer than one page (single-spaced) when typed in Word or Google docs. If your letter is longer, you’re either including unnecessary information, or you haven’t edited enough. Re-read your work, and while we think all of the information above should be included, it can and should be in the order of your choosing. Before you hit send, revisit your original application one more time. The letter should read like a follow up to your original application. We find it helpful to read the original supplement and then immediately read the letter. If it paints a cohesive picture, you’re ready to send. Contact us here if you’re not sure where to start.

Critical Thinking Compare and Contrast Essay Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Both the authors are trying to promote the idea that the medical staff acted in unethical and lazy manner because even after seeing symptoms of Ebola, they allowed the patient to go home and they lack the motive to treat the patient. The authors believe that the patient could have survived if he would have been provided with proper treatment initially. One of the logical fallacies that the authors have followed is that of appeal to probability. The author states that since the patient was returning from Liberia, he might have been infected by the virus. It has not been clearly known whether African nations are the only nations that have experienced wide spread of Ebola virus. Stephenson states in a scholarly article that most of the cases of Ebola have been witnessed in African regions but the threat of cases emerging in US are even quite high (Stephenson, 2014). The evidence provided by the authors to hold the medical professionals responsible for the death of Duncan are quite effective. This is because the signs and symptoms that have been reported by Duncan on his first visit to the hospital provide a clear indication of Duncan experiencing Ebola virus. We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Thinking: Compare and Contrast Essay or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now For example: the author states that the medical staff reports that Duncan was experiencing fever of 100.1 degrees, abdominal pain as well as headache and these symptoms within a time frame of two days and all these symptoms have been reported by Jamieson and other researchers in their scholarly article (Jamieson, 2014). It is not necessary that the death of Duncan was purely the laziness of the medical staff of the hospital he visited. There may be other reasons due to which the medical staff would have failed to diagnose Duncan at an earlier stage. For example: Duncan himself might have not clearly reported the signs and symptoms and the signs and symptoms of the patient might have been inconclusive to determine whether Duncan was actually infected with the virus or not. The statistics used by the author, Sack are descriptive in nature but n descriptive statistics have been used by Philipps in his article. Sack provides descriptive statistics on the claims made by the medical staff of the hospital that was visited by Duncan initially and Sack even provides the descriptive statistics that were reported in the health records of Duncan. For example: Duncan was experiencing fever of 100.1 on his initial visit. The most significant information that the authors have not focused upon is whether Duncan had provided the medical staff with the correct information or not.

What Makes a Serial Killer - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1648 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/06/26 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Serial Killer Essay Did you like this example? For those who share a love for psychology we often might wonder what goes on within the mind of a psychopath. The question I am pursuing after is what makes a serial killer and what could done to prevent a developing psychopath?. By pursuing this question I hope to gain more information on why certain individuals think and act the way they do and what are the causes. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "What Makes a Serial Killer?" essay for you Create order This question is important to me because its something that interests me and I would like to pursue a career in forensic psychology. This question matters because learning information of such topic allows me to connect with other future psychologist. Connecting with others not only allows me to share information but also learn something new. When some individuals think of the question why do serial killers kill, the answer is usually because their crazy. I think of it as yes their crazy but what makes them that way, was it caused from child abuse, did they grow up to be that way, or is there something wrong in their head. Their might be someone who isnt as interested in topics of such sort but still might want to learn about such individuals; which makes the question even more important. For future Forensic Psychologist, i believe that learning such information enhances our ability to understand people on a higher level. It doesnt necessarily have be a psychopath it could just be a regular person, maybe a friend; the more you can relate and the better you can understand that person or friend the stronger the relationship will be. I will be doing one personal interview of a former Forensic Psychologist, and a ted bundy interview from youtube. I will be providing secondary sources which are journals that focuses on the Psychological mind. I will also be providing academic articles which explains what makes a serial killer, then i will have two research documentaries to provide extra information needed. By using these sources I will able to give a thorough answer and explanation to why do serial killers kill. One of the most common Psychological questions is whether killers are born or made. Many serial killers suffer from childhood trauma whether its physical or emotional abuse, it seems to be the number one reason they turn out the way they are. In some cases not all former killers come from abusive households for example, Ted Bundy a former commander of air force grew up in a two parent loving household. There is no evidence of trauma within his childhood but there is suspicion as to why he started killing at such a late age, his early 40s. The maine trait for a psychopath is usually the lack of conscience caused by trauma within childhood. Developing as early as a infant, that trauma suppresses their ability to have an emotional response. Growing up not knowing how to emotionally connect with others makes it difficult to have empathy. Some grow up learning the art of masking feelings thats why most serial killers can raise a family then that night can go out and kill, they have second lives. In one to six killers are females different from male serial killers, women are harder to catch. Instead of torturing the victim women tend to manipulate, its all about control to them rather than sexual arousement. Being diagnosed with Munchausen Syndrome by proxy Aileen Wuornos was a prostitute that would kill her victims. Female killers are the complete reversal of their former gender, killing the image that women are supposed to uphold nurturing roles. The most recognizable disorder is Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) which correlates with psychopathy, even though not all psychopaths turn out to be killers. Psychopaths comes with multiple traits such as manipulation, intimidation and charm causing them to be labeled as serial murders. When it comes to examining the brain psychopaths tend to show a significant amount of difference compared to the normal human being. Typically having a lower heart rate, reduced prefrontal gray matter within the brain, and amygdala abnormalities even though these findings does not mean we should always expect them when dealing with psychopaths. Other mental conditions we can consider is Borderline Personality Disorders (BPD) consisting of anxiety, paranoia, suspicion of others, and emotional instability. A psychopath who is diagnosed with BPD can become very paranoid and shows no empathy towards others, if one displays all traits at one that can result in loss of life. Suffering from a sudden tra umatic experience can cause the killings to multiply making them psychopathic serial killers meaning the killing was premeditated. Schizophrenia mixes with serial killers who will have confused thoughts and would usually have premeditated murders. Reading these two articles I learned that most serial killers are born from traumatic childhood experiences resulting in lack of empathy and showing impulsive aggression. Diagnosing them with mental disorders can sorta provide us with an explanation as to why they feel the need to kill. Serial killers, mass murderers, and spree killers all engage in extreme violence but yet they differ based on who perpetrates them. A mass murder is someone who can get fired from their job gets mad then decide to walk outside and kill innocent bystanders. Theres no thought or plan put into action when it comes to defining a mass murderer. A spree killer is sorta like a mass murdered no plan of action, acting off rage, and killing innocent bystanders. To be considered a serial killer there are certain categories you have to fall under. With a minimum of three murders there must be a time period between the murders to determine that its not just a fit of rage. Having a sense of dominance killers tend to select a victim by their vulnerability, they will not choose a victim if they do not feel the mission will be accomplished. The victim will either be someone on the street or a prostitute, which plays a part in developing patterns. Normally the victim would choose based off race and ge nder, they pick individuals with similar traits closest to their preference. They stalk their victims for a period of time until they feel the time is right to attack. Serial Killing is usually not expressed through rage, with having slight schizophrenia they have a drive to kill sorta like an uncontrollable pleasure. The majority of serial killers are organized,mostly having patterns. There are some that are nonsocial or asocial meaning they are either excluded by society or themselves. Most serial killers are intelligent caucasian males aging from their 20s to 30s. You will not be able to tell a serial killer from their appearance they appear to look the same as everyone else for example, ted bundy was described as attractive and articulate. John Wayne Gacy was a public figure within his community who would dress up as a clown at local parties. Serial killers display three behaviors within their childhood known as the Macdonald Triad: arson, bed-wetting, and animal cruelty. One of the many question i had was why do serial killers have patterns, i learned that their patterns are based off of how and what they previously experienced within their childhoods. I understand that there are female serial killers but most of the time the killer is going to be male. To know that serial killers are just like other human beings with a wife and kids is strange because before reading this wouldve thought they would be all crazy and unstable. During my first personal interview I asked question such us can psychopathic traits be inherited through genetics, does one traumatic experience alters their brain negatively, etc. I interviewed Dr Kelsey Maloney who is currently a forensic psychiatric she provided useful information in regards to my question. One of the ten questions I asked was is there any treatment provided to help those who are developing psychotic traits. Typical therapy is provided but there is caution, killers tend to manipulate other people by acting like them or masking their feelings. Instead of discussing about how did they feel or did they regret the crime they commited, therapy is usually the act on thoughts. Discussing their thoughts allows you to place yourself in their shoes developing a compassionate role showing them that you care. Since psychopaths are usually antisocial the main goal of therapy is to break down their emotional detachment making them more vulnerable. The next step is to put them i n a position to where they would be comfortable expressing their emotions this is done by using schema. Schema is the aggression and intimidation that tends to take over when their placed in an uncomfortable position. During this interview I had many questions but this one was the most important one. I learned there is treatment provide for those who are developing psychopathic traits, does it always work? No but at least there is something to help. I have watched many documentaries or just regular videos on the mind and the psychological traits of a serial killer. One of the two videos ive come across is called inside the mind of a serial killer. Serial killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne meet the criteria for psychopathy displaying sadist behavior meaning theres enjoyment in knowing their victims are suffering. Most serial killers are loners, men with multiple failed relationships they kill, hide the body, and then move to next. The reason for this is they lack knowledge of how to maintain a romantic relationship. Ted Bundy would be described as the most violent serial killer in America confessing to 36 murders. Growing up Teds mother told him his grandparents were his parents so he grew believing his mother was his sister. He grew to be handsome and very well educated studying psychology around the time a female disappeared. Teds victims were usually attractive young women with dark hair.

Accounting Standards and Their Importance - 2255 Words

Accounting Standards and Their Importance AS-1: DISCLOSURE OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following is the text of the Accounting Standard (AS) 1 issued by the Accounting Standards Board, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on Disclosure of Accounting Policies. The Standard deals with the disclosure of significant accounting policies followed in preparing and presenting financial statements. AS-2: VALUATION OF INVENTORIES A primary issue in accounting for inventories is the determination of the value at which inventories are carried in the financial statements until the related revenues are recognized. This Statement deals with the determination of such value, including the ascertainment of cost of inventories and any write-down†¦show more content†¦Financial statements disclose certain information relating to fixed assets. This statement deals with accounting for such fixed assets. AS-11: ACCOUNTING FOR EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES The following is the text of Accounting Standard 11, Accounting for the Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, issued by the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. An enterprise may have transactions in foreign currencies or it may have foreign branches. Foreign currency transactions should be expressed in the enterprises reporting currency and the financial statements of foreign branches should be translated into the enterprises reporting currency in order to include them in the financial statements of the enterprise. AS-12: ACCOUNTING FOR GOVERNMENT GRANTS The following is the text of the Accounting Standard 12 issued by the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on Accounting for Government Grants. This Statement deals with accounting for government grants. AS-13: ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENTS The following is the text of Accounting Standard 13, Accounting for Investments, issued by the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. This Statement deals with accounting for investments in the financial statements of enterprises and related disclosure requirements. AS-14: ACCOUNTING FORShow MoreRelatedImportance Of Accounting Standards For Business Standards951 Words   |  4 PagesImportance of Accounting Standards In this assignment I want to explain the importance of the Accounting standards. As the world economy is becoming integrated and globalization is becoming a universal phenomenon, more and more businesses are getting out of the nationalistic perspective. Today one company have subsidiary companies and plants in many other countries. One of the dilemmas that enterprises face is the increased complexity of financial reporting practices. The lack of comparability ofRead MoreThe Importance Of Accounting Standards For Business Affairs1049 Words   |  5 Pagesthat’s understandable globally and comparable across the international boundaries. IFRS initially was formed to harmonize accounting across European Union, but the value of harmonization was so overwhelming and attractive around the world that became a benchmark globally. Importance of Accounting Standards In this assignment I want to explain the importance of the Accounting standards. As the world economy is becoming integrated and globalization is becoming a universal phenomenon, more and more businessesRead MoreInternational Accounting Standard 27 : A Great Deal Of Importance On The Perception Of Control Within Group Accounts1547 Words   |  7 PagesInternational accounting standard 27 illustrates a great deal of importance on the perception of control within group accounts. This report focuses on evaluating how important the notion of control is in deciphering whether or not group accounts have to be initially created. Throughout this report the concept of control, within group accounting, will be evaluated and critically analysed to gain a wider understanding thus resulting in a relevant interpretation being produced. The advantages and disadvantagesRead MoreIntroduction. Keeping The Day-To-Day Business Accounting1588 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Keeping the day-to-day business accounting is not just a necessity but rather, and above all, an obligation. Financial accounting seeks to find answers to recurring questions in a business such as, how much was sold last month, how many people have used the services, and how much to produce to meet the needs of the customers. The financial accounting is a method that helps better organize and manage any business. 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Such convergence requires that the functions of the GAAP standards be added to the IFRS. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) developed the IFRS which is a less-detailed financial reporting system. This paper seeks to analyze theRead MoreCertified Public Accountants ( Cpa ) All Over The World Follow Company Policies And Regulations1279 Words   |  6 Pagesand regulations. The Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is a standard accounting system used by accounts in the United States of America. CPAs who work for international companies use the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). â€Å"The accounting standards developed, established by the Financial Accounting Foundation’s (FAF) standard-setting Boards—the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)—determine how those financialRead MoreImportance of Ethics in Accounting1065 Words   |  5 PagesRunning head: IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING Importance of Ethics in Accounting Everest University Importance of Ethics in Accounting Accounting fraud is common but is not as trivial as the common cold; a typical organization loses annual revenues of nearly 5 percent to fraud. In addition, almost one-quarter of reported fraud is exceeding $1 million dollars. The accounting industry is constantly growing and changing. Consequently, difficult decisions have to be made every day. Read MoreThe Uniformity Of The Accounting Standards Essay1535 Words   |  7 PagesThe thought of introducing a uniformity in the accounting standards has been discussed for a long time in the world of accounting. In fact, a quote from Financial Times stated â€Å"The goal of single worldwide accounting language has been a dream. Today it is fast becoming a reality- and the pace is picking up.† (Carmona and Marco 2008, p.456). There have been a lot of studies done all over the world about the differences standards implement around the world. Why is it there is still no uniformity claimedRead MoreWhat Are The Impact Of Human Capita l Accounting On ShareholdersValue Of Oil And Gas Companies?1405 Words   |  6 PagesHUMAN CAPITAL ACCOUNTING AND SHAREHOLDERS’ VALUE OF LISTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA Abstract This study evaluated the effect of human capital accounting on shareholders’ value in oil and gas companies in Nigeria. This is with a view to providing information on how costs incurred on personnel could be identified, measured and disclosed on the statement of financial position of companies as an asset which is the key factor to the successful operation in oil and gas industry. The study made

The Foundations of Social Research Meaning and Perspective in The Res

Question : Answer the following questions : (i) Explain in your own words the purpose of the research and the specific research question. (ii) What justifications have the researcher(s) provided for undertaking the research. (iii) in your own words briefly explain for one of the research articles you selected, the. (a) epistemological viewpoint. (b) theoretical perspective. (iv) Drawing on the set readings and the research articles, make a statement about your own epistemological and theoretical framework this will be assessed not on its correctness but your demonstration of how you think it through (the positioning exercise completed in Workshop 2 will assist). Answer : Purpose of the research: The purpose of Walters research is to acquire a research about the nature of social science by performing a systematic study of the society which also includes the patterns involved in it and also helps in shaping the society and the doings of the people in it. The purpose is to get the answers associated to the social life of the people and the social world. It mainly involves the finding of the science behind the social world. It is to achieve observations, interpretations and classifications about the social lives of the people. The purpose of Dunns and Nelson J.ks research is to highlight the radical forms of multiculturalism which aims at addressing the structural inequality between the ethnic groups which include the various problems of these dominant ethnic groups which have a relationship with the agencies in the states. Racism can be defined as a way of reinforcing inequality and division. There is a deeper challenge of multiculturalism in context to the key policy direction of racism (Berard, Tim J. (2005). Hence Dunn did a research of racism in Australia and showed that the burden of racism across many cultural groups is distributed very unevenly. Through the channel of media it was also shown that many ethnic minorities where either misinterpreted or under- represented in the mainstream. This showed that the minority employment in the public sectors were the over-representation of the Anglo-Australian groups. Justifications have the researcher(s) provided for undertaking the research: In Dunns research there are many justifications of racism which include social costs of it which involves the participation of the poor labour force and also its disruptive social conflicts. There is a very good establishment of the individuals on the count of racism. There is also a very strong need felt by the victims to deny the racism and challenge the deeper multiculturalism and the regular framework of the society which refers to the discourses that are attempted to prescribe what has actually been said about racism and also of the privileged people by following the method of regulation of the gender. In Walters opinion it can justified that the research is been performed by separate qualitative and quantitative methods. The major stances are that it can color and shape the present social research and can be resulted in the positive manner. It also involves in the constructionism, interpretivism, critical enquiry and also feminism. The Epistemological viewpoint: The scientific knowledge that shows only the reality that it has created before as knowledge and also defined as its object limits itself and restricts the possibility of attaining more knowledge of what can be known because it is beyond the legal ways of knowing it. Its operation consists of an institutional control in which research development reaches not only the researchers by determining their options but also their process of analysis but also by specifying what is valid to be known by this research process. So this attained knowledge is therefore the result of present convention in the world of science which is usually associated with the ontology and epistemology and it nature of positivism (Crotty, M. (1998). The theoretical perspective: The theoretical perspective consists of many areas of positivism and also different strands of interpretivism that has been among the most influential theories that exist in the research process. There are also many other stances such as the critical inquiry, feminism and postmodernism. These will be used to explain the value of adopting the theoretical perspectives that are congruent with the researchers epistemology and demonstrate the different kinds of research methodologies that come out from them. Therefore positivism states that reality contains of what is available to the senses, which includes what can be seen, smelt, touched, etc. This information is based upon scientific and therefore on empirical inquiry (Creswell, John W. (1998). Drawing on the set readings and the research articles: After analysis of data, researchers can move ahead to test the hypothesis and the various statistical tests. These test are available to find out whether the data generated through study supports the hypothesis or not (Denzin,(1994). Any number of these tests can be applied to test the hypothesis which will decide whether it can be constructed at the beginning of the study which is to be accepted or rejected. References: Berard, Tim J. (2005). Rethinking practices and structures Philosophy of the Social Sciences,35(2), 196-230. Crotty, M. (1998) The Foundation of Social Research: Meaning and Perspectives in the Research Process. London: Sage. Provides a very readable description and explanation of the major epistemological stances and how they originated. Creswell, John W. (1998).Qualitative inquiry and research design Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Denzin, Norman K. Lincoln, Yvonna S.(1994). Introduction: Entering the field of qualitative research. In Norman K. Denzin Yvonna S. Lincoln (Eds.),Handbook of qualitative research(pp.1-17). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Consumer Driven Health Care Essay Example

Consumer Driven Health Care Paper Executive Summary The issues surrounding the full adoption of consumer driven health care range from cost pressures, employer concerns and the need of effectively engaging the consumers in decision making through the provision of adequate choice and information. Until now the government has been supremely instrumental in propelling the consumer driven health care system. While the merits remain engulfed in hot debates, the fact that consumer driven health care simultaneously creates both the movement, the financial responsibility, as well as the involvement in health care choices of the consumers has created serious concerns. As the evolution moves on, all stakeholders in the health care system are going to be affected. The plans will enable the consumers to personally navigate the system and directly engage with the providers. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical sector may become educators and an intermediary consumer movement may serve to satisfy the fact that transparent information will have bec ome a necessity for health care decisions. Leveled in line with these demands, the ensuing discussion analyzes the impacts on health care in terms of costs, efficiency and effectiveness in addition to the impacts with regard to the new consumer, and the stakeholders; notably the pharmaceutical sector. We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Driven Health Care specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Driven Health Care specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Driven Health Care specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Descriptively, consumer driven health care system allows individuals to draw from their Health Savings Accounts or their Health Reimbursement Arrangements or such similar payment products to directly   meet routine health care expenses while protection from catastrophic health expenses is guaranteed by a high deductible health insurance policy. These policies cost less as the consumer meets routine medical claims from a pre-funded spending account. Should the balance in the account run out, medicals claims are paid just like in a regular deductible. Yearly unused balances increase future balances that can be invested for future medical expenses. The term â€Å"consumer driven health care† applies because routine medical claims are paid through a consumer controlled account verses a fixed insurance benefit. This scenario allows the consumers to occupy the role of a primary decision maker as regards the nature of health care they re ceive. Patients are therefore more likely to choose less expensive options and for those with chronic conditions, the system would promote compliance to treatment regimes(Goodman 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Proponents of such a health care system argue that in the long run, Americans will pay less for health care provision because of reduced monthly premiums and increases free market variability. Market variability due to the use of Health Savings Accounts fosters competition which in turn lower prices and stimulate improvements in the quality and delivery of health care services. Opponents of the system cite the fact that individuals who are less wealthy and less educated will tend to avoid the health care cost burden, when this is coupled to the inability to make informed decisions, then the result is lowered health outcomes. Additionally, since the system simply shifts the cost burden to the patients, those with chronic conditions will never be able to save anything. In the end, inequality in health care quality and delivery may reign(Gross 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Basically, consumer driven health care system is a derivative of the business model for health e-commerce ventures which were designed to enable consumers of health products and services to engage more directly with the providers in making the health care purchases. In essence, consumer driven health care is geared towards giving individuals more choice in making health care decisions and to help stabilize these costs. This system is a product of the same theories that sought to capitates payments to providers. The rejection of such a prompt gave rise to the consumer driven health care system(Kovner 2008). In the initial conceptual model, cost and quality of the relevant information was made available through the internet. The primary model relied on the creation of   Health Savings Accounts(HSAs) before the inclusion of a second model; the Health Reimbursement Arrangements(HRAs) which are funded by the employers who receive tax benefits for funding such accounts(Grudzien 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Impacts of Consumer Driven Health Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The phrasal representation â€Å"consumer driven health care† is in itself a revelation of the transformation in health care where consumers of health care services and goods are gaining more and more importance in health care industry. The consumers being the purchasers of goods and services in the health care industry suggests an existence of economic relationships between the consumers and the suppliers. The word driven implies that the supplier is going to be compelled to react according to the consumers’ demands and position as regards the provision of these goods and services. Implicitly, the complete phrase can thus be used to describe a situation where there exists a two way business interaction that is able not only to transform the health system structure but also reconfigure the health industry to engage in a competitive conduct. Such a paradigm shift in the management of health care is bound to present strong chal lenges, advantages and disadvantages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What effect will such a system of health care have on the effectiveness and efficiency of health care provision? Currently in the United States, over $ 1 trillion dollars is spent annually on health care. Critically analyzed, this is 15% of the Gross Domestic Product and is more per capita that anything spent in other developed countries. The magnitude of the expenditure itself calls for a need a novel idea such as consumer driven health care. If such a system of health care were to be adopted, then what forces will shape the new consumer of health care services? On this basis, it is prudent to discern the effects of the key players such as employers, insurers, providers, and government entities. All these forces will only support such a system if most beneficial to them. A third scale of analysis desires that we look into the ways in which the industry is going to change. This analysis borders on the certainty of a fundamental restructuri ng of the system through a set of rules governing the new competitiveness. These structural changes will most certainly be orchestrated by the new nature of buyer-supplier relationship(Ferrari 2004). The Effect of Consumer Driven Health Care on the Efficiency and Effectiveness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To understand the changes that may occur in the efficiency and effectiveness after the transition to consumer driven health care, it is prudent to establish the objective function which measures productivity. Generally, productivity is descriptive of the magnitude of outputs achieved for a given level of inputs. In the health care industry, the physical inputs like labor, capital and supplies should be able to achieve certain levels of health outcomes. In essence, this means that productivity will be used in providing improvements on the management or treatment of diseases since this is the fundamental production process of the health care system. However, the simplicity of the productivity measure can only be taken to be useful and sustainable if it is coupled to the variety of other societal entanglements as well as other complexities in health care provision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Given that the current health care system in the United States is the most expensive system in the world, a comparison with other developed countries on the basis of mortality and life expectancy attests that the system is less productive. However, on the basis of four disease states (diabetes, cholelithiasis, lung cancer and breast cancer), evidence suggested that it was more productive comparative to Germany and the United Kingdom. The high costs were attributable to the high administrative costs, higher compensation of doctors and other medical personnel. Consumer driven health care poses as the most reliable option in changing features which contribute to productivity hence health outcomes. For instance, a transformation to prospective payment from cost plus system of reimbursement for health institutions. Other reimbursement plans that supremely focus on the health outcomes rather that the activity also furthers the gains(Ferrari 2004 ). Customer driven health care has the ability to create incentives for providers to adopt more efficient technologies hence increasing productivity due to the underlying market competitiveness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since this transformation does not in any way threaten the existence of a competitive market, the cornerstone of such a market will have to be an informed buyer who has the capacity to make an accurate judgment of the value of outputs received with reference to the level of inputs injected into the system. This would usher in an era of comparative shopping among the suppliers as well as differentially reward the suppliers who provide the best goods and services at the least cost. Moreover, the system would also allow the buyer to choose a level of productivity that is desirable and affordable and trade off other savings for needs outside the health care system. Given the nature of the transformation and the rewards consequent to the paradigm shift, it is reasonable to expect an increase in productivity, improvement in health outcomes and the improvement on the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system(Forster 2007). Forces Shaping the New Consumer   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are two major forces that possess the potentiality of shaping the evolution and the pace of the novel system. The first force is the degree to which the buyers of health care goods and services become empowered to spend their own financial resources and making their own buying decisions. The second force is the quality of health care provision and the accessibility of the relevant information that pertains to the inputs and the outcomes in the health care process.   In the case of marginalized consumers with inadequate heath care information, there is going to a continuity of the turbulence as seen in the health care system today. Such a scenario slows down the transformation to consumer driven health care system. On the other hand, when marginalized consumers have the benefit of adequate information, the consumer as the main driving force in the system retains a marginalized role in the purchases but is also associated in the trade-offs(Herzlinger 2004). The end result is an unstable relationship among the players since consumers are well informed and possess the power to make their own decisions in seeking out productive suppliers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Empowered consumers with inadequate information may create a scenario where there is a rush for the establishment of a brand making consumers to almost completely rely on the value associated with a brand. It is on the basis of such information that consumers will make their buying decisions. With the help of interpreters, superior information may be passed to consumers or alternatively, the interpreters may broker the brand to the consumers(Ferrari 2004). However, the best scenario is when there are empowered consumers in possession of adequate information. This scenario aptly captures the spirit of the productive economic system. It implies that the market is awash with consumers buying on their own account. The existence of such a scenario itself may eliminate the need for intermediaries. Not that there is going to be a vacuum where these intermediaries had occupied but that such a space will be occupied with a different faction, for instance, it may be the marketing or sales front end of the provider entities(Herzlinger 2007). This would demonstrate the productivity of the providers(suppliers of health services) to the consumers. Alternatively, the space may be occupied with an aggregator of consumers which may leverage the consumers’ volume power in negotiating a unit price for making the buying decisions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the end, the trend towards informed consumers who are able to make their own health care purchasing decisions will lead to an unprecedented change in the nature and quality of services and goods offered. These changes are not only positive in nature as they will shift the burden of health care costs on the shoulders of individuals. Such a change greatly challenges the deeply rooted societal perspectives on the roles of democratically elected governments. The creation of new consumer oriented intermediaries may usher in another era of misguided government regulatory intervention. Assuming that such a scenario does not arise then a consumer driven health care system has the potential to move health care provision to anew level of productivity hence better health outcomes for the United States citizenry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the contrary, because of these sub classifications of consumers based on empowerment and availability of information, individuals who are less educated and healthy may avoid the needed health care services due to the cost burden coupled to the ability to make well informed and appropriate health decisions. Moreover, as Jonathan Oberlander; a political scientist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill reiterates, the system simply shifts the health care cost burden back to the patients. Patients suffering from chronic health sicknesses may not be able to afford such costs, since with a deductible of between $ 3000 to $ 4000, these patients will thus be unable to save anything in their accounts. Employers are specifically impressed because the system is beneficial to them. They will not adequately fund replenish the employees health care accounts even though they will save money(Gross 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The success of the consumer driven health care is dependent on the ready access to relevant information on health services, products and pricing. Due to the absence of free market variables in the health care industry, the lack of transparency will saddle consumers with additional expenses. This means that despite the theory that health insurance based on higher deductibles results in consumers shopping around for better products and services(based on quality and price), the inadequacy of such pertinent information practically goes against the attainment of benefits in a consumer driven health care model(Shearer 2007). Impacts on the Pharmaceutical Industry Currently the pharmaceutical industry has been shouldering the blame for the double digit increase in health care costs. Between the year 2001-2002, the consumer price index for health care increased by 4.4% while the industry index grew by 5.5%. A simple analysis of these percentages shows that the industry can only account for all the increase in the event that all other health care components shrunk. These statistics aside, the expenditure pent on informing consumers; $ 2.8 billion and a further $ 13.2 billion on informing doctors invariably increase the costs of health care in the long run. Therefore, unless new products are distributed for consumption without additional costs from these activities of pharmaceutical industries, the health care costs will continue to be high(Herzlinger 2004). Consumer driven health care has the potential of eliminating these costs hence advancing quality health care at lower costs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Health care markets are extremely sensitive to the presence of a market power. Medical device companies and pharmaceutical companies retain monopoly over devices and drugs for a considerably long period of time due to the patent laws. It is during this period before the expiry of the monopoly period that these companies earn monopoly rents, in effect leading to higher drug pricing. This is unlike the traditional neoclassical supply curve(Jost 2007). This trend will be reversed as consumers will be looking out for cheap but equally effective therapeutic alternatives, hence bringing the prices down in the long run.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With the death of the intermediary between the suppliers and the consumers, the pharmaceutical industry has started to align itself with the consumer of its products through direct to consumer advertising. This has only become necessary after the FDA lifted restrictions on direct to consumer advertising. This move has been viewed by many as a gap that allows the pharmaceutical companies to foist their drugs on the gullible public in the name of providing pertinent drug information. Moreover, the use of billions of dollars in advertising only increases the overall costs of the drugs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, there are those who view direct to consumer advertising as being revolutionary and instrumental in promoting consumer involvement. Such an exposure of drugs to consumers acts as an educational tool and helps the consumers to be more informed in making decisions in health care. Apart from getting information direct from the pharmaceutical companies, information technology is increasing consumer empowerment making them seek high quality but less expensive choices(Mason et al 2007). Therefore, even though the pharmaceutical companies bypassed the physicians and moved directly to the consumer in advertising and promotion, consumer empowerment means that the era in which the extra expenditures were passed onto the consumers will be long gone. Such an eventuality will stimulate a dramatic restructuring of the industry. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The potential of a consumer driven health care system to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the quality and delivery of health care are huge. However, the fact that access to health care is hinged on the ready access to relevant information remains the main obstacle in the realization of the full benefits. Health care and market forces are mutually exclusive. The existence of a competitive market; the cornerstone of which is an informed buyer increases the capacity of the buyer to make an accurate judgment of the value of outputs received with reference to the level of inputs injected into the system. So long as information is easily and cheaply accessible and transparency in the health care industry is promoted, the system may well be the answer to age old failures of the current most popular health care system. By putting insurance money under the complete control of the patients themselves, giving the employers cost relief, and eliminating the intermediary in the doctor-patient relationship, the system will undoubtedly achieve its health outcomes. References Ferrari, T. Bernard. (2004). Where Will Consumer Driven Health Care Take the Health Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   System. In Consumer-driven Health Care: Implications for Providers, Payers, and   Ã‚  Ã‚   Policymakers. Regina E. Herzlinger(Eds). John Wiley and Sons. p. 399-403 Forster, R. (2007). Market Forces and Health Care are Mutually Exclusive. Intelligently    Connecting Institutions and Expertise. Gerson Lehrman Group. Goodman, John (2006), Consumer Driven Health Care, Networks Financial Institute Policy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Brief, Indiana State University Gross, T. (2007). Fresh Air from WHYY, July 9, 2007. Diagnosing U.S. Health Care and Sicko,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Too. Terry Gross interviewing Jonathan Oberlander, associate professor, University of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Grudzien, L. (2006). Can Consumer Driven Health Care, Health Reimbursement Arrangements   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and Health Savings Accounts Save Employer Sponsored Health Care Reform From Ruin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Benefit Express. Herzlinger, Regina. (2007).   Who Killed Health Care? Americas $2 Trillion Medical Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚   and the Consumer-Driven Cure. McGraw-Hill Press. Herzlinger, Regina E. (2004). Consumer-Driven Health Care: Implications for Providers,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Payers, and Policymakers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Jost, S. T. (2007). Health care at risk: a critique of the consumer-driven movement. Duke   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   University Press. Kovner, R. A., Knickman, J., Jonas, S. (2008).   Jonas and Kovners Health Care Delivery in    the United States. Springer Publishing Company. Mason, J.D., Leavitt, K. J., Chaffee, W. M. (2007). Policy politics in nursing and health care.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elsevier Health Sciences. Shearer, G. (2007). Testimony of Gail Shearer, Director, Health Policy Analysis, Washington   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Office, Consumers Union before the Joint Economic Committee, on Impact of   Ã‚   Consumer-Driven Health Care on Consumers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/0225JECTestimonyNoSummary.pdf.

Omnico Case Study Essay Example

Omnico Case Study Essay Example Omnico Case Study Essay Omnico Case Study Essay Omnico Inc Case Study Anne Floros Keller Graduate School Table of Contents Title Page†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 Table of Contents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦2 Statement of the Problem†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 Summary of the Facts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3-5 Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 Statement of the Problem Omnico Inc is well below industry average in customer retention. Knowing that it costs more to attract new customers than it does to retain existing customers how should Omnico go about facing this challenge? Summary of the Facts Buddy Towers is an experienced member of the sales field at Omnico Inc. He has been the top salesperson 20 out of the last 35 years; therefore, he knows how to interact with the customers. He currently holds the position of sales manager and wants his employees to build relationships with their clients to strengthen their bond and retain their loyalty. However, he is very adamant that his employees are going to have to do this type of relationship selling on a golf course where not everyone feels â€Å"at ease. † A successful sales representative Laura Kilburn, who has been with the company five years backed up this sentiment by stating, (Rich, Spiro, Stanton 2008) Buddy you’re still old school. Today’s customers don’t come back to us because they’re our golfing buddy; in fact many of mine don’t even golf. Customers not re-buy from Omnico only when our products and service improve their bottom line. Follow-up is important, surebut it involves a lot more than playing stupid games with the customer. Analysis Both Towers and Kilburn have substantial arguments. However, first Towers argument of relationship selling is going to be looked at first. According to Spiro, Rich Stanton (2008) relationship selling involves trust, cooperation, commitment and information. These are very intricate concepts to get customers to â€Å"buy† into. The customer wants to believe that they’re a unique individual with their own set of wants/desires and not just someone that is going to be receiving the same sales speech as the rest of the general public. The major element in to achieving this is through open communications and building rapport with the customer. If it’s a product that’s being sold to them the salesperson has to access their needs. Why are they purchasing the product or service? Is it a situational factor? Maybe it’s someone who is selling snow plowing tools and will just need this equipment during the winter months. Maybe the customer is trying to solve a problem as in if they don’t receive â€Å"x† amount of plows by 8am Tuesday morning all city employees will have a delay in getting to work. Maybe the snow plow the company is currently using only holds 2 tons of snow, but the ones we’re selling hold 4 tons of snow. Therefore, they become more efficient and productive by having our equipment on the line. By involving that customer in the process they feel you’re specifically looking to solve their problem not just make another sale. If the customer is concerned about the cost there could be a possibility that they need to see the benefits of obtaining the service. For example, the service employee might say, â€Å"Your employees will be off the roads by 11am versus 1pm with our special plowing system enabling them to get to other tasks at hand. If you purchase them now since you’ve been a long term customer of ours I will offer you a 10% discount if paid within the first 30 days. † However, this needs to be able to have the employee empowered to make these decisions as well. In Tower’s case he wants to build the relationship by doing a round of golf. However, as Kilburn pointed out not all employees or customers are entertained with golfing. This is where it becomes imperative that employees are empowered to make this call on how/where to build this relationship with the customer. The employee could find out if there are any common interests they share and discuss business while potentially going on a morning jog, sharing a cup of coffee at a local Starbucks, getting dinner at the trendy new Thai restaurant, or just even speaking over the phone if the customer is too busy to meet in person. It is the customer that keeps the company in business so it is the employers business to keep the customer content. Finding out how much time the customer has ahead of time and preparing their presentation beforehand will lead to less objections and unnecessary follow-ups. It could be possible the customer is more business focused and doesn’t want a friend but wants to get straight into business. In this case a phone conversation might be the best bet. Recommendations It is necessary for Omnico to set an obtainable objective, for example to retain 70% or more of customers by 3rd quarter of 2012. According to Abrams (2009) these are some great examples of keeping the relationship with the customer and maintaining loyalty: * Contact top customers (list of at least 10-25) quarterly * Keep the company name out there by advertising with emails, newsletters and networking * Give current customers good deals so they don’t feel new customers are prioritized before them * Keep a database of all past and current customers to be able to contact them quickly Also, have the customers leave feedback on the website and (or) respond to surveys. This way the company could continue to build upon their strengths but also improve their weaknesses as well. Conclusion It is critical in order for Omnico to remain as a leader in the business market to implement relationship selling in their strategy. It is imperative to know the needs of the customer and ask the appropriate questions to see what their concerns/needs are and follow-up with the pertinent information necessary. If Omnico retains 70% of all current customers that only leaves 30% that they will need to attract as new customers. Abrams, R. (2009, March 25). Strategies: make customer retention priority no. 1. Retrieved from usatoday. com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2009-05-29-customer-retention_N. htm Spiro, Rich, Stanton, R. L, G. A. , W. J. (2008). Management of a sales force. New York City, NY. : McGraw Hill.

Strategic Objective of Amazon.com Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Strategic Objective of Amazon.com - Essay Example Other competitors include Tesco, Wal-Mart’s ASDA, Argos.com and HMV’s online shopping. Â  The strongest competitor, however, remains eBay and Amazon needs to extend its product mix further. Wal-Mart and Tesco are also major competitors because of the wider customer base that these stores serve owing to the physical as well as online retail outlets. Â  Although the online business model greatly facilitates as e-commerce uses the uniform standard of e-commerce and technical expertise yet, on the other hand, Amazon has to consider the different laws in the countries it operates in. Â  Further, the case study states that the increase in annual disposable income will reach to US$5,000 and 617 million households will have access to the internet retailing option, out of which 143 million will be from the Asia Pacific. Â  There has been a change in consumer lifestyles which entails that consumers now prefer convenience because of the busy lifestyles and the hassle of going to different retail outlets for different things, they prefer buying from one retail outlet. Â  Shopping online means there are fewer car fumes, fewer carbon emissions and fewer impacts of global warming and pollution hence it is widely in acceptance to the global standards of environmental protection. Â  The customer database is maintained so that customers are provided with greater interactivity in the form of recommending similar products to customers, offering reviews by other users and online sales staff. Â  

Investment Promotion ( Jordan ) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Investment Promotion ( Jordan ) - Case Study Example Multinational corporations are often motivated to invest in foreign countries because these locations have lower regulations which reduce compliance costs. Another reason to invest in a foreign country is to take advantage of lower materials costs. Often companies choose to establish a physical presence in a foreign country to take advantage of the demand for their product in the domestic marketplace. For instance if a country has a high demand for electronics, but the local producers are not satisfying the demand it makes sense for an electronics company to establish a physical presence in that country to exploit the business opportunity. Another reason companies penetrate certain international locations is due to governmental incentives and tax shelters. The presence of free trade agreements with the United States persuades many manufactures to operate in countries that offer these types of benefits. One of the most attractive features that Middle East countries provide to companies looking to invest in this region is a high availability of cheap labor. Due to the high employment rate in the region a company that establishes itself in the Middle East would not have any problem recruiting workers since thousands of people would apply for jobs. Jordan in particular offers several advantages to companies. Jordan offers preferential tax treatment to companies that invest in certain industries. If a company invests in rural or remote areas of Jordan the government offers a 75% tax exemption for a ten year period. Companies that invest in the Amman region are eligible for a 25% tax exemption for a ten year period. The Jordan government offers new investors a duty free privilege on imported equipment. Jordan is a particularly attractive location for U.S. investors. The Jordan-U.S. Free Trade Agreement eliminated tariffs on some Jordanian goods exported to the United States. In order fo r this benefit to

War in Central America Essay Example for Free

War in Central America Essay Central America is the southernmost part of the North American continent. It lies south south of Mexico and form the land connection with South America. Central America is commonly defined as including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The total land area is roughly 200,000 square miles (518, 000 km2), about three-fourths that of Texas. Central America is long and narrow, tapering to a width of barely 30 miles (48km) in parts of Panama. On the east is the Caribbean Sea, on the west, the Pacific Ocean. Both coasts are deeply indented in places, and offshore islands are numerous, especially in the Caribbean. The land is mostly mountainous, with scattered active volcanoes. Except for the coastal plains, which are narrow in most places, there is little flat land (Woodward, 1999). In the early 1900’s, there was unrest in several Central American countries. The United States intervened militarily in the region several times to restore order and protect its interests. After World War II, most Central American countries had dictatorial governments. In 1951, the Organization of Central American States was formed to promote economic and cultural cooperation among the countries. One of its achievements was the creation of the Central American Market in 1960. Cooperation began to break down, however, when national antagonists started to resurface in the late 1960’s. Many of the countries experienced violence between the left- and right- wing political factions, as well as guerrilla insurgencies, inflation, and foreign debt (Woodward, 1999). Political turmoil increased in the 1980’s. Nicaragua’s government was controlled by a leftist group called the Sandinistas, which restricted political freedom in Nicaragua and was accused of supporting a strong Communist insurgency in El Salvador. The United States began giving aids to rebels called contras, who were trying to overthrow the Sandinista regime. There were also abuses of human rights and restrictions of political freedom in other countries in the region. In 1987, the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica signed an agreement designed to end the region’s civil wars and foster democracy. The author of the agreement, Costa Rican president Oscar Arias, received the Nobel Peace Prize (Woodward, 1999). This paper discusses and compares two countries of Central America, Guatemala and Panama, focusing on the challenges for democratic consolidation and economic development. II. Background A. Guatemala Guatemala or republic of Guatemala is an independent country of Central America. Its borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador and lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala has an area of 42, 042 square miles. Maximum distances are roughly 280 miles north-south and 250 miles east-west. Narrow lowlands run along the pacific and Atlantic coasts. Between them lie the highlands, covering about half of the country. Dominant features are mountains, volcanoes, high plateaus, broad basins, and many valleys. Forests are one of Guatemala’s richest resources. The Atlantic lowland and the Peten are largely covered by tropical rain forests. Savannas predominate along the drier pacific coast. The highlands are covered by grasslands and forests that are deciduous at low elevations and coniferous higher up. B. Panama Panama or Panama City or Republic of Panama is a city and the capital of the republic. It is on the bay of Panama at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal, 38 miles southeast of Colon on the Atlantic. The city’s economy is largely supported by the canal and by tourists. Products include furniture, beer, handicrafts, and clothing. Panama is a hilly country crossed by several mountain ranges, the highest of which are in the west. Near the Costa Rican border is Volcan Baru, an extinct volcano rising 11, 401 feet above sea level. III. Discussion A. Guatemala †¢ Government Under the constitution of 1985, which went into effect in 1986, Guatemala is a republic governed by a president and one-chamber Congress, both elected for four years popular vote. A council of ministers is appointed by the president. The judiciary is headed by a nine-member into 23 administrative departments. Voting is mandatory for all literate citizens age is 18 or over (Grandin, 2000). †¢ History The Maya Indians inhabited Guatemala as early as 2400 B. C. They developed an advanced civilization and flourished there, but declined after 900 A. D. In the 16th century, the Mayas were subdued by Spaniards under Pedro de Alvarado. He governed the captaincy general of Guatemala, which included all Central America except Panama. For nearly three centuries the region was under Spanish rule (Lovell, 2002). In 1821, the five provinces making up captaincy general of Guatemala declared their independence, but the next year they became part of the New Mexico Empire under Agustin de Iturbide. When Iturbide was driven from power in 1823, the province gained independence as a confederation called the united provinces of Central America. During 1838-39, the confederation collapsed. Guatemala became an independent state in 1839 (Grandin, 2000). Rafael Carrera, leader of the conservative forces that helped to bring about dissolution of the confederation, made himself president of Guatemala in 1844 ands became the dominant political figure in Central America. In 1854, he was made president for life. He died in 1865. Vicente Cerna, one of Carrera’s generals, succeeded him as president but was overthrown in 1871. General Justo Rufino Barrios, a liberal, came to power in 1873, and the nation made economic progress under his rule. He was killed in 1885 in a war with El Salvador, while attempting to set up a union of Central American states. In 1898, Manuel Estrada Cabrera became president. In 20th century, Estrada Cabrera ruled as a despot for 22 years. He favored the wealthy classes and encouraged industrial development. He was overthrown in 1920. Relative order prevailed until 1930, when economic depression led to another uprising. In 1931, General Jorge Ubico came to power. Under his dictatorship, order was maintained and economic stability restored. In 1944 an alliance of students, liberals, and dissident members of the army forced Ubico out of office and seized control of the country. Many social and economic reforms were introduced by presidents Juan Jose Arevalo and Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. During their presidencies, Communist influence in the government began to grow. When Arbenz instituted land reforms and encouraged the growth of labor unions, his opponents claimed that he was under Communist control. The army, with covert aid from the United States, overthrew Arbenz in 1954 and outlawed the Communist party. Two corrupt and largely ineffective military dictatorships followed (Grandin, 2000). In 1963, Colonel Enrique Peralta Azurdia led a successful revolt. He governed by decree, but promised to hold elections after a new constitution was enacted. The constitution took effect in 1965 and a civilian government was elected. In attempted economic and social reforms, but its programs were blocked by resistance from conservative businessmen and wealthy landowners. Reform was also delayed by a civil war that raged for several years between Communist guerrillas and the army. Both sides used terrorism, including assassinations and kidnappings. In the 1970’s a series of conservative military governments held power and suppressed the insurgents. A presidential election was held in 1982. Soon after, the government was overthrown by the army, whose leaders promised a return to democracy. A new constitution was approved in 1985, and later that year Marco Vinicio Cerezo was elected president. †¢ Economy Guatemala’s economy is still in an early stage of development. Private enterprise prevails; government regulation is negligible. A small group controls most of the nation’s wealth, while the vast majority of the people, especially the Indians, live in extreme poverty. Guatemala is largely an agricultural country, one favored by a diverse climate and rich soils, especially the volcanic soils of the highlands. Peasant landholdings are usually small and crudely worked, but provide a livelihood, at the subsistence level, for most of the people. Corn and beans are the main crops. In contrast, commercial plantations specialize in export crops and are generally large, modern, and owned. Coffee is the leading export; cotton ranks second. Bananas, sugar, and meat are also significant exports. Livestock consists mainly of beef cattle, sheep, and pigs (Grandin, 2000). B. Panama †¢ Government Under the constitution of 1972, and later amendments, Panama is a republic. The president, assisted by a cabinet, exercises executive power. He is elected by popular vote to a five-year term and may not serve consecutive terms. The legislature consists of the National Legislative Council (the upper house). Members of both houses are popularly elected. Assembly members serve four-year terms; Council members serve for six years. The judiciary is headed by a supreme court of nine justices, appointed by the president for 10-year terms. Each of the nine provinces is headed by an appointed governor and is divided into municipal districts. Panama has a military force known as the National Defense Force (Hedrick, 2000). †¢ History The Caribbean coast of Panama was explored by a Spanish expedition under Rodrigo de Bastidas about 1500. The region was inhabited by several tribes of Indians, the Cuna being the largest. In 1502, Christopher Columbus sailed along the coast to the central part of the isthmus and claimed the area for Spain. The northern coast of Panama was the location of the first Spanish settlement on the mainland. In 1509, the Spanish government issued licenses to Alonso de Ojeda and Diego de Nicuesa to settle the regions explored by Bastidas and Columbus. The first colonies were established in 1510 at San Sebastian (on what is now the northern coast of Colombia) and Nombre de Dios. They did not flourish, however, because of disease, famine, and conflicts with the Indians. The first successful settlement, Santa Maria, was founded in 1510, when Vasco Nunez de Balboa convinced the settlers at San Sebastian to move to a new location on the west shore of the Gulf of Darien. The Indians at the new site were quickly subdued and Balboa became governor of the new colony. In 1513, balboa made his way across the isthmus and discovered the Pacific (Hedrick, 2000).

Essay --

Andrew Almeida Huck Finn Self Reliance This quote from Lauren Oliver speaks volumes on the mindset of Huck FinnÍ ¾ â€Å"I’d rather die my way than live yours.† Huck Finn is a young kid growing up in at a very chaotic time in America. Many ideas and bias are either forced upon him or he has no help but experiencing. Rather than putting up with this Huck decides he would be better off on his own as opposed to trying to adapt to everyone else's standards. Living by himself lead to many more challenges and opposing forces than a kid of only 13 should have to be faced with. This lead to Huck being more mature than other kids his age because he had to constantly rely on himself to solve his problems and come up with his own morales on what is right and wrong without the guidance from others.Along with how this changed Huck as a person for better or worse. Huck Finn is a very independent character. Being without a father figure and parents of any kind leads him to have to grow up by himself. In doing so creating a character who is able to react and make decisions to help himself get out of the mess he or his friends have gotten him into. Huck at such a young age is forced to look for jim to guidance on the river but Jim is no more educated than Huck is. This leads to Huck having to not only lead himself but also try and take a leadership role to get Jim to safety. A great example of where Huck is able to take his fate into his own hands by making an elaborate tale is when he is on shore dressed as a girl. He is caught in a lie but instead of risking the fate of Jim he thinks quick and saysÍ ¾Ã¢â‚¬  I told her my father and mother was dead, and the law had bound me out to a mean old farmer in the country thirty mile back from the river, and he treated... ...hing because he is able to do it all himself. Nobody at that time period in the south was willing to help him so he simply did what was right with no caution as to whether not people would judge him Í ¾"Well, I did. I said I wouldn't, and I'll stick to it. Honest INJUN, I will. People would call me a lowdown Abolitionist and despise me for keeping mum—but that don't make no difference. I ain't agoing to tell, and I ain't agoing back there, anyways. So, now, le's know all about it." (8.52, 8.53). This self reliance and separation from society is what allows Huck to be more accepting of new ideas and ultimately is what makes this story takes place in the first place. Without Huck’s self reliance none of this ever would have been possible and Huck would have most likely never left the small town with his drunk deadbeat father and slave owning Miss.Watson and Miss.Douglas.

Analyzing SQ3R Process

Associate Level Material Appendix H SQ3R Worksheet Selected reading: p 193 Chapter 7 SurveyDescribe the value of surveying the reading. Surveying the reading is almost like skimming the assignment. In my opinion, it is like the appetizer of the assignment, almost the teaser to the full reading that will be done in the near future. QuestionWhat questions did you ask as you were reading? †¢What are the important points? †¢What are the new vocabulary words? †¢What is the topic and how does the reading pertain to it?ReadHow did surveying and questioning help you read better? I like surveying an assignment before I start really reading it thoroughly. Surveying allows me, in a sense, to whet my appetite for the reading assignment. Plus, surveying and asking questions gives me a chance to highlight key words and passages. ReciteHow did you decide what parts of your reading you needed to recite? For me, I personally recite the words that are highlighted and the words that are in bold type.These are word that I do not know or in some cases, words I need to learn. In my process of studying, these words are the ones I write out and then type to learn them better. ReviewHow often do you plan to review? My process for reviewing occurs pretty frequently. When I was learning medical terms, I had a cd I would listen to in my car while I drove. I also review every evening with vocabulary by using index cards. I find these methods to work the best for me personally.Wrap-up questions: How successful was the SQ3R process in helping you grasp the concepts in the section you selected? Will you use SQ3R in the future as a way to master the content in academic readings? I think the SQ3R method is an excellent way for me to learn. I think it is very similar to the way I already do my studying so I would have no trouble incorporating it into my studies. Not everyone uses these methods, but I definitely find them to be simple for me.

Garage Mate For Your EV How About A Minivan

What is the ideal garage companion for your electric vehicle? If you’re an active family where one, or both, parents regularly have to drive cars in different directions and you need something big enough for the weekly soccer practice or school runs, a seven- or eight-seat minivan should be a strong consideration. The three-row crossover SUV may have usurped the minivan as today’s popular kid-schlepper choice for frazzled parents, but really, a minivan is a better choice. Here’s why. High Seating Position: Like crossovers, minvans have a higher driver’s seating position than cars that provides a good view of the road ahead. Sliding Doors: Sliding doors are simply easier to open and close than SUV doors that open out. And, combined with a lower ride height, the minvan’s sliding door means little ones can get in and out easier than a taller SUV. Car Seats: Putting child seats in an SUV can be a real pain. Minivans allow frustration-free child seat installation, and getting kids in and out is easy. Versatility: With a minivan, you can easily change seating arrangements any way you want. Cargo Space: No grocery or Costco haul is too large to get home with a minivan. Low Insurance Costs: Minivans are one of the cheapest vehicles to insure; considerably less than an SUV. Use the savings to add a few options to the van. Not A Forever Vehicle: And remember, you don’t have to keep it forever. Kids grow up, get their own cars and eventually move out. Once car seats, strollers, sports gear and little league car-pools are no longer part of the equation, you won’t need the minivan any more. Until that time arrives, here are two minivan choices to park next to your electric vehicle: the all-new-for-2015 Kia Sedona and the refreshed-for-2015 Toyota Sienna.   2015 Kia Sedona If you haven’t taken a look at a Kia Sedona minvan in awhile, the all-new 2015 edition will probably surprise you, as it did me. This is no warmed-up version of its predecessor. It’s grown in length, has a new look, is more powerful and, with new upscale trim levels, is no longer just a pedestrian minivan. What hasn’t changed is it is still a value leader. The 2015 Kia Sedona’s styling breaks from the minivan norm with an appearance that is, on purpose, more crossover SUV-like. Kia’s aggressive â€Å"Tiger† mesh grille is upright, accentuating the muscular hood that meets a deeply swept windshield. Adding to the SUV look is a cab forward design with the wheels pushed to the corners. Where Kia missed the mark is the sliding door tracks are not camouflaged, they’re an open gap. That, unfortunately, says minivan. Kia says the new Sedona has something for everyone with the addition of three new trim levels: L, SX and the premium SX Limited, which join the LX and EX trims previously offered. Prices range from $26,795 (including $895 destination charges) for the base L to, gulp, $40,595 for the SX Limited. In addition to abundant storage and cupholders, the Sedona offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, and standard Slide-n-Stow second-row seats are easy to use and create additional cargo space by sliding into a vertical position. There’s also a second row â€Å"First Class† lounge seating.   Third-row seats, like those of most minvans, fold and tumble into the floor.   Maximum cargo capacity is 142.0 cubic-feet. Continuing the SUV theme, Kia gave the Sedona a high seating position and positioned the shifter between the front seats, just like SUVs. Front seats serve up good comfort and Sedona is the only minivan outfitted with standard YES essentials stain-repelling fabrics. The leather on our SX Limited test driver felt really good — soft, smooth, almost plush. The horizontal design of the dashboard with its tidy row of straight switches is simple and pleasing to look at. Models equipped with a navigation system get an eight-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics, and Kia’s UVO infotainment system is one of the best in the auto industry. Standard features are what most buyers look for: rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a four-speaker audio system, satellite radio and a USB port. Available as expected are power-sliding rear doors and power liftgate. Also available are features not offered by rivals such as a surround-view parking camera system and adaptive cruise control. All the expected safety features are standard. Power is provided by a direct-injected 3.3-liter V-6 engine rated at 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, and is directed to the front wheels via a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 3.3 gave the Sedona plenty of scoot, even carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. There’s an abundance of torque for takeoffs from a full stop, and plenty of heavy-breathing passing power. The transmission shifted unobtrusively and held a gear on steep accents and steep descents to increase engine braking. In highway driving, the Sedona proved comfortable, stable and quiet. Even when cruising at 75 mph on grooved pavement, road and engine noise were virtually absent. The electric power steering had good on-center direction but didn’t offer much in the way of driver feedback. Throwing out the anchor at 60 mph halted the 4,700-pound minivan in quick fashion without shakes and shudders. Fuel economy depends on trim level. Lower trims are EPA rated at 20 mpg combined and 18-city/24-highway. Electric power steering on the SX yields 21 combined, but on our SX Limited with 19-inch wheels and virtually all options, the EPA estimate is 19-mpg combined (17 city/22 highway). We averaged 20.7-mpg after driving 247 miles. Until now, Kia has been a somewhat minor player in the minvan segment. The 2015 Sedona has all of the essentials of the breed as defined by the original formula invented by Chrysler more than 30 years ago — a full fledged, full featured, conventional-size minivan. Add the better-than-most-luxury-cars 10-years or 100,000-mile warranty, and the Sedona delivers a value-packed punch.   2015 Toyota Sienna For 2015 the Toyota Sienna receives a mild exterior refresh (updated grille and taillamps), a retuned suspension, a stronger body structure and a redecorated cabin with more soft-touch surfaces. It continues with a trump card to play against all other minivans — it’s the only one to offer all-wheel drive (AWD). The exterior is pleasingly handsome, maybe not beautiful, but spare and void of plastic junk. Tracks for the sliding doors are camouflaged, an esthetic plus. The lineup consists of L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited trim levels. All are front-wheel drive, with AWD optional on the LE, XLE, and Limited. Sticker prices start at $29,985 for the base L, including destination charges, while at the top end of the spectrum, a fully loaded all-wheel drive Limited model can nudge $50,000. The Toyota Sienna offers a choice between seven- and eight-passenger configurations. With seven-passenger setups,  second-row captain’s chairs slide fore or aft to increase sprawl-out comfort or cargo space. Eight-passenger Siennas come with a 40/20/40-split second-row bench, and its center section slides close to the front seats for easier access to the little one seated there. Cargo volume behind the upright third seat is 39.1 cubic feet, more than any other minivan. Drop the third row and cargo volume goes to 87.1 cubic feet. Maximum cargo space is 150 cubes and can handle 4 x 8 sheets of plywood, but it’s not easy. Second row seats have to be removed and they are heavy back breakers. Up front, comfortable bucket seats provide a commanding view of the road and excellent side and rear vision. A new dash is more attractive than the funky asymmetrical trim-swoosh separating two glove boxes that it replaces and it’s more functional. Materials quality is quite good and the dash layout features big, easy-to-use climate controls and a simple touch-screen infotainment system. The gear shifter, conveniently located in the center console, falls easily to hand. An optional rear entertainment system has a 16.4-inch screen that can display two inputs — like a movie and a game — at the same time. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row. New for 2015 are Blu-Ray capability, an HDMI input and an SDXC card reader that can play 10 different audio and video formats. Keeping an eye on youngsters in the rear seats is easy with the standard convex mirror integrated into the overhead console. Need to calm things down in back without shouting? The new optional Driver Easy Speak uses a microphone to amplify the driver’s voice through the vehicle’s audio speakers. The base model is reasonably well equipped with standard features such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a USB port, tri-zone automatic climate control and a touch-screen audio system with a 6.1-inch display. A host of available features includes leather upholstery, a power-folding third-row seat, power-sliding rear doors and power liftgate, a navigation system as well as safety gear like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 266 horsepower and 245 pounds-feet of torque powers all 2015 Sienna versions. The engine is paired with a competent-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that deftly manages that output. With our Limited test driver, pedal response was quick and quiet. There was no hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and no need to get a running start with a full load of passengers to climb some mountain hills. The Limited tracked faithfully straight down the road without jiggering the steering wheel and it was relatively agile, gripping the pavement on curves with an acceptable amount of body roll. Today’s minivans aren’t all that mini but the Sienna was nimble and maneuverable in squeezing into parking spaces. Fuel economy is on par with the minivan class with an EPA estimate of 18-mpg city/25 highway/21 combined for front-drive versions. The extra weight of all-wheel drive has a penalty of reducing the estimates to 16/23/19, but it is a winter-weather plus. After a week driving the Sienna the trip meter showed 257 miles, and we had squeezed a little more than the EPA combined rating — 22.3 mpg. If it’s time to park a minivan next to your electric vehicle, the Sienna’s two-years/25,000 miles complimentary scheduled maintenance; stellar reliability record and excellent resale value will make you think twice about buying a big crossover SUV. Give it a long, hard look.