Achieving Competitive Advantage In The Biotechnology Sector Commerce Essay

Accomplishing Competitive Advantage In The Biotechnology Sector Commerce Essay Biotechnology can be commonly characterized as the utilization of living things to make items or to do errands for individuals. Biotechnology or biotech is utilized in industry, medication and horticulture to deliver nourishments, medication, and test for infections and expel squanders. (Biotechnologyonline, n.d) As such, there are various sorts of biotech, for example, green innovation, red innovation, and white innovation and Bio energizes. In this report, we will have an understanding into every one of these parts of biotech and utilize different scientific devices to assess how information the board is assuming a job in making upper hand for organizations in the area. In this manner, we will take a gander at the Green biotech, Red biotech, White biotech and bio fuel separately. Green Biotechnology Green innovation, also called plant or farming innovation is a part of biotechnology (biotech) which â€Å"involves the presentation of outside qualities into monetarily significant sp ecies, bringing about yield improvement and the creation of novel items in plants†. (123biotech, n.d.). To all the more likely comprehend the job of information the board in bridling an upper hand in this part of biotechnology, we will take Monsanto as case model. Monsanto is the world’s driving green innovation organization in front of opponent, for example, DuPont. (SmartMoney, 2009). The organization spends significant time in rearing (improving the hereditary base through innovation of harvests in this manner increment yield and hereditary designing (by upgrading nonexclusive attributes in yields, for example, creepy crawly opposition, herbicide resistance and dry season resilience). (SmartMoney, 2009 and Monsanto, n.d.) As with its sister braches, for example, bioinformatics, white technology(industrial biotechnology), red technology(pharmaceuticals) just as biofuels, green innovation and organizations related with it like Monsanto, are not left solid by pundits. F or example, Monsanto and its counterpatrs , through its utilization of plant innovation has been censured of imperiling human, the earth and financial.( Friends of the earth, 2006). Criticalness of Green Technology However, the accompanying points of interest are beign celebrated by its supporters: Protection of Crops: for example, the AT-DBF2 quality from Arabidopsis Thaliana crop infused into plants to empower them withstands Osmotic pressure, for example, dry season, salt and stress. (PNAS, n.d.) Increase Crop yield: during the getting teeth long periods of biotechnology in term of Genetically Modified Food, there has been a broad analysis of GMO asserting that GM Crops don't expand crop yield, that on the opposite it, lessens it. (Truth about Trade and Technology, 2009). These cases were excused by the then USA president Jimmy Carter who expressed that, â€Å"responsible biotechnology isn't the adversary; starvation is.† (Biotechnology Industry Organization, n.d.)His posi tive position towards green biotechnology in view of life forms like the Bacillus Thuringiensis used to create the BT-corn. Presents in 1996, the â€Å"Bt corn can possibly streamline the board and adequately control corn borers all through the season† hence expanding its yield. (School of Agriculture, n.d.) Improved Food Quality: a case of this was the development of the Golden Rice by Prof Potrykus and Prof. Beyer of ETH-Zurich and University of Freiburg individually. The Golden rice is accepted to ease Vitamin An insufficiency in youngsters particularly in the creating scene. (Brilliant Rice, n.d.) Another model is the Maltogenic Amylase utilized for â€Å"Retardation of staling in prepared food†, for example, bread and cakes. (Food and Agriculture Organization, 1997)

Coping With Cibophobia or the Fear of Food

Coping With Cibophobia or the Fear of Food Phobias Types Print Coping With Cibophobia or the Fear of Food By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Updated on January 05, 2020 asiseeit / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Cibophobia, or fear of food, is a relatively complicated phobia that can rapidly spiral into an obsession. People with this phobia are sometimes mistakenly thought to suffer from anorexia, a dangerous eating disorder. The main difference is that those with anorexia  fear the effects of food on body image, while those with cibophobia are actually afraid of the food itself. Some people suffer from both disorders, and diagnosis should be made only by a trained clinician. Symptoms   Many signs of cibophobia are difficult to recognize, particularly in today’s health-obsessed society. If you are cibophobia, you probably avoid certain foods altogether, perceiving them to present above-average risks. Highly perishable foods, such as mayonnaise and milk, are common objects of fear. Most people with cibophobia are extremely concerned with expiration dates. You might find yourself carefully sniffing products that are approaching their expiration dates, and refuse to eat anything with a date that has passed by even a few hours. Even products with far-off expiration dates might be seen as a suspect once they have been opened. You may be quite concerned with the doneness of cooked foods, overcooking to the point of burning or drying. This may be particularly true for foods that you see as dangerous, such as chicken or pork. Many people with cibophobia develop rules for eating behaviors. These rules vary from person to person but often focus on restaurant meals, where the food’s preparation is outside of your control. You might avoid certain restaurants or individual dishes, refuse to eat seafood away from the coast or throw out leftovers after 24 hours. Complications   Untreated cibophobia often worsens, causing increasingly obsessive behaviors. Over time, you might severely restrict your diet and jeopardize your health. You may choose to go hungry rather than eat things that you deem questionable, leading to weakness, dizziness, and irritability. The social stigma of cibophobia can be devastating as well. Humans are extremely conscious of unusual behaviors, making it difficult to hide increasingly restricted eating patterns. Your friends and relatives might suspect an eating disorder. You may feel uncomfortable in social situations such as holiday gatherings, where it would be rude not to accept food. Eventually, you may become uncomfortable in restaurants, even if you are following your personal rules. Being surrounded by the object of your phobia might cause you to cry, shake or experience a wide range of physical symptoms. Treatments It is very important to seek treatment from a qualified mental health professional. The most common treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which you will learn to change both your beliefs and your behaviors regarding food. However, other treatment methods may be used as well. Medications, hypnosis, and several forms of ?talk therapy can help you create a more positive relationship with food. Becoming educated about the actual risks of different food-borne illnesses may help in the long run, but it is important to get the fear under control first. Otherwise, your reading may actually reinforce your fear. Cibophobia is a complicated phobia that can have devastating effects on your life. With proper treatment, however, there is no reason that you cannot learn to conquer your fear.

School Enrollment in Apartheid South Africa

Introduction to Purchasing-Power Parity

The idea that identical items in different countries should have the same real prices is very intuitively appealing- after all, it stands to reason that a consumer should be able to sell an item in one country, exchange the money received for the item for currency of a different country, and then buy the same item back in the other country (and not have any money left over), if for no other reason than this scenario simply puts the consumer back exactly where she started. This concept, known as purchasing-power parity (and sometimes referred to as PPP), is simply the theory that the amount of purchasing power that a consumer has doesnt depend on what currency she is making purchases with. Purchasing-power parity doesnt mean that nominal exchange rates are equal to 1, or even that nominal exchange rates are constant. A quick look at an online finance site shows, for example, that a US dollar can buy about 80 Japanese yen (at the time of writing), and this can vary pretty widely over time. Instead, the theory of purchasing-power parity implies that there is an interaction between nominal prices and nominal exchange rates so that, for example, items in the US that sell for one dollar would sell for 80 yen in Japan today, and this ratio would change in tandem with the nominal exchange rate. In other words, purchasing-power parity states that the real exchange rate is always equal to 1, i.e. that one item purchased domestically can be exchanged for one foreign item. Despite its intuitive appeal, purchasing-power parity doesnt generally hold in practice. This is because purchasing-power parity relies on the presence of arbitrage opportunities- opportunities to risklessly and costlessly buy items at a low price in one place and sell them at a higher price in another- to bring prices together in different countries. (Prices would converge because the buying activity would push prices in one country up and the selling activity would push prices in the other country down.) In reality, there are various transaction costs and barriers to trade that limit the ability to make prices converge via market forces. For example, its unclear how one would exploit arbitrage opportunities for services across different geographies, since its often difficult, if not impossible, to transport services costlessly from one place to another. Nevertheless, purchasing-power parity is an important concept to consider as a baseline theoretical scenario, and, even though purchasing-power parity might not hold perfectly in practice, the intuition behind it does, in fact, place practical limits on how much real prices can diverge across countries. (If you are interested in reading more, see here for another discussion on purchasing-power parity.)

Responsive writing “A Lesson Before Dying” Free Essays

The movie â€Å"A Lesson Before Dying,† a prize winning novel by Ernest Gaines, is a story about racial injustice against African-Americans. Set in the south, in the late 1940’s, this story is another example of how oppression against a race of people leads to psychological defects, inferiority complexes, and feelings of self degradation. Jefferson, played by Mekhi Phifer, finds himself the witness of a murderous crime between the owner of a liquor store and two black men. We will write a custom essay sample on Responsive writing: â€Å"A Lesson Before Dying† or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hearing the shots, local residents enter the store while Jefferson is stealing money from the register. He’s assumed to be the shooter and is apprehended and put on trial by a racist society of white people. His own lawyer tells the jury that Jefferson didn’t have enough sense to know better, and that executing him would be the same as killing a hog. Nevertheless, Jefferson is sentenced to be executed. Miss Emma, Jefferson’s mother, is angry by the lawyer’s comments. She contacts a African-American teacher; Grant Wiggins, to go to the jail cell and convince Jefferson that he isn’t a dumb hog, but that he’s a man. Reluctantly, Grant visits Jefferson daily, and the two men build a bond and new sense of self identity. Reverend Ambrose, played by Brent Jennings; wants Jefferson to trust in Jesus, but he’s unable to get through to him, so he asks Grant Wiggins to speak to Jefferson. Grant is already struggling with his own belief in God. Whether it’s Miss Emma, Jefferson’s aunt, or Reverend Ambrose, Grant resists everyone’s attempt to remind him of Jesus. Ultimately, Grant and Jefferson find some understanding about religion within themselves. Jefferson prepares himself to die with a new sense of dignity. One of the most heart felt scenes is when the school children take a trip to the jail to say goodbye to Jefferson. Each child gives Jefferson a gift as they say goodbye to him. With tears in his eyes, and a new sense of appreciation for the people that care about him, Jefferson says â€Å"thank you.† In addition, Lisa Arrindell Anderson; playing the part of Vivian Baptiste, delivers a magnificent performance. Lighting up the screen with her beauty, and strong conviction, she becomes the support mechanism for Grant Wiggins. Grant is in love with Vivian and intends to marry her, therefore, he confides in her about his struggles with Jefferson, as well as, the pressure everyone is putting on him. As a result, they strengthen their relationship with each other, and find new direction in their lives. In the end, this story reminds us that; despite the insurmountable odds that we face in life, we can overcome self degradation; due to the oppression of others, with self dignity, spirituality, and an appreciation for the people who love us. How to cite Responsive writing: â€Å"A Lesson Before Dying†, Papers

Anemia in Pregnancy

Question Discuss about theAnemia in Pregnancy. Answer: Introduction Erythroid hyperplasia of the bone marrow alongside a reduction in the mass of RBCs is normal during pregnancy. However, an unchecked increase in the volume of plasma results in dilution of blood (hemodilution) a condition referred to as hydremia of pregnancy (Balgir, 2015). Additionally, the percentage of red blood cells in the blood (HCT) also reduces the range of 38 and 45% in healthy women to about 34% during single pregnancies and 30% of instances of multifetal pregnancy (McClure et al., 2014). Iron deficiency is the single most common micronutrient deficiency in the world and a major cause of anemia. Anemia in pregnancy is therefore characterized by a hemoglobin count of 10g/DL and an HCT of 30%. The oxygen carrying capacity of the RBCs tends to remain normal despite hemodilution during pregnancy though (Esen, 2017). This paper presets anemia as a common health complication to most women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Most common causes are an iron deficiency and foliate d eficiency. Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy Iron deficiency anemia accounts for up to 95% of cases of anemia in pregnancy. Also known as microcytic anemia it is caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron during pregnancy (Koura et al., 2012). Malabsorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract can also result in Iron deficiency anemia. Still, gastrointestinal tract surgery can result in blood loss leading anemia since 2ml of blood contains 1mg of iron. Normal recurrent loss of blood during menstruation also results in loss of iron given the amount of iron lost roughly approximates the amount that is ingested in a month, hence reducing the buildup of iron stores in the body. The clinical presentation of iron deficiency anemia includes but is not limited to, inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), inflammation of the lips(cheilitis), sensitivity to cold, weakness and fatigue. According to Kassebaum (2016), Iron Deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in pregnant women. The world is focusing on reducing cases of anemia among women of the reproductive age by 2025 as part of its nutritional target (World Health Organization, 2014). One in four pregnancies in Europe is affected by iron deficiency anemia (McLean et al., 2009 and Scholl, 2010). The world health organization estimates that in 2011, the prevalence of anemia stood at 38% among pregnant women. According to Stevens et al.,(2013). This figure translates to roughly 32 million women worldwide. Megaloblastic Anemia Also called macrocytic anemia, it is characterized by large RBCs which are fragile and easily destroyed. It is majorly attributed to two factors essential in the synthesis of red blood cells. Obse et al., (2013) contend that insufficient dietary intake of folic acid and cobalamin is the major risk factors for megaloblastic anemia. Cobalamin deficiency can result from a failure by the gastric mucosa to secrete intrinsic factors for the absorption of cobalamin from the GIT. Gastrointestinal surgery may also lead to the loss of intrinsic factor-secreting gastric mucosal cells. In some instances, hereditary defects in cobalamins utilization are also implicated. Folic acid deficiency, on the other hand, results majorly from poor dietary intake of folic acid. It can also result from malabsorption syndromes, drugs that inhibit folic acid absorption, alcohol abuse, and hemodialysis. These factors lead to a reduction in erythropoiesis. Scholl (2015) and Pavord et al., (2012) contend that with the decline in erythropoietic activity, iron stores are depleted, reduced and eventually depleted, resulting in anemia. Deficiencies in vitamin B 12 and folate still remain the leading cause of megaloblastic anemia since the consequence of ineffective hematopoiesis is major on RBCs as much as it affects other cell lines. According to Achebe et al., (2017) universal supplements such as folate and cobalamins are vital in care of mothers with megaloblastic anemia Options of care, collaboration, and consultation with other health providers There is a need for collaborative approach by all heath care providers right from the clinician or doctor, to the laboratory personnel where the diagnosis is done to the nurses who implement the care and treatment plan. Key among these is the diagnosis. Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia Bone marrow aspirate staining is the gold standard for defining iron deficiency anemia. The bone marrow aspirate is then viewed under a microscope; the absence of staining on the field demonstrates a lack of iron for erythropoietic activity. Gale et al., (1963). This approach, however, has a disadvantage of being intrusive so it cannot be applied to routine practice. The use of different biomarkers other than this provides a better alternative for determining iron status. According to Pavord et al., (2012) serum levels of ferritin are the most reliable method. As a routine, therefore, Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by measuring the levels of iron, ferritin, and transferrin in the serum. It is usually characterized by an HCT of 30% and an MCV 79fL. Decreased levels of iron and ferritin in the serum and increased levels of transferrin in the serum is a confirmatory diagnosis Diagnosis of Megaloblastic anemia A complete blood count and a peripheral smear form the basis for diagnosis. The peripheral smear usually shows anisocytosis and poikilocytosis- characteristic of, macrocytic anemia and enlarged oval RBCs (macro-ovalocytes). Reticulocytopenia and neutrophils with hyper segmentations also indicate megaloblastic anemia. Definitive diagnosis, however, carried out by the measurement of folate in serum. A Complete Blood Count that shows anemia with indices consistent with macrocytic anemia or high red blood cells distribution width(RDW) usually indicates folate deficiency. The confirmatory diagnosis is low levels of folate in the serum. Anemia Associated Risks in Pregnancy Perinatal and maternal outcomes can potentially worsen if hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease, -thalassemia, and Hemoglobin S-C Disease are not detected and treated. Fetuses which are chronically exposed to iron deficiency anemia are likely to be born underweight (Lone et al., 2004) due to effects on fetal intrauterine growth Gaillard et al., (2014). Preexisting sickle cell anemia increases the maternal susceptibility to infections majorly pneumonia, inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis) and UTIs (Urinary tract infections). The leading cause of maternal death in the UK is maternal sepsis, affecting 5 in 10000 pregnancies. It may also predispose the mother to conditions such as pulmonary infarction heart failure and pregnancy-induced hypertension. It has also been determined to result in restriction of fetal growth and preterm delivery. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was also the most common cause of anemia-related disability in 2013 (Kassebaum, 2016) contends that the leading cause of anemia related disability in 2013 was iron deficiency anemia. (Cantwell et al., 2011) also, contends that the risk of maternal mortality secondary to hemorrhage is increased in mothers with iron deficiency anemia. The severity of most anemia cases also tends to increase with the progression of the pregnancy hence posing serious health risks to both mother and fetus. Although the risk of UTIs is increased in mothers with sickle cell trait it is not commonly implicated in severe pregnancy-related complications. Hb S-C disease may also present during pregnancy. With it comes increased the risk of pulmonary infarction due to occasional embolization of the bony spicule. Fetal effects are less common but when present may include restriction of fetal growth.-Thalassemia is not likely to cause maternal morbidity but results in fetal death if the fetus is homozygous for -Thalassemia. The fetus is not likely to make it beyond the early third semester. According to Congdon et al., (2012), cognitive development and growth can suffer long term impairments among infants that are in-utero exposed to iron deficiency anemia. Beck et al., (2010) argue that chronic fetal exposure to iron deficiency anemia could potentially increase the risk of pre-term delivery by up to double. This makes detection and treatment of iron deficiency anemia a top priority for policymakers and healthcare providers globally (World Health Organization, 2011). Intrapartum Management of Mother and Initial Care of Child Intrapartum Management of the Mother Adequate dietary intake of iron and iron supplementation through medicines is the principle prevention mechanism for iron deficiency in pregnant mothers. All pregnant mothers need to be started on aloe oral dose of about 30 mg/day of iron supplementing drugs (Masukume et al., 2015). It is also vital to integrated iron rich foods like beef and selected vegetables from the onset of pregnancy as well foods that enhance the absorption of iron. Pregnant mothers also need to be screened for iron deficiency anemia in good time if they are from populations that are at high risk of iron deficiency (Nguyen et al., 2016). In such populations, higher doses of iron supplement such as 60-100 mg per day may help achieve prophylaxis against iron deficiency anemia. If a pregnant mother is confirmed to have iron deficiency anemia by diagnosis, the treatment regimen is quite similar to iron deficiency in postpartum mothers, non-pregnant women, postmenopausal or premenopausal women (Pavord et al., 2012). The marked difference is the t they are administered with additional iron together with a combination of prenatal vitamins. Dietary counseling is also recommended. Another course that is recommended is taking a measurement of the Complete Blood Count consistently to monitor the iron levels in the hemoglobin of the pregnant mother (Onyeneho et al., 2016). According to the Center for Disease Control, screening of the mother during the first prenatal visit is essential. The IOM recommends that mothers from high-risk populations be screened at the beginning of every trimester and postpartum for one to one and a half months. While universal supplementation of iron is recommended by both the CDC and the WHO, the American Department of Defense decries th e lack of sufficient evidence to support the same (Daru et al., 2015). Studies reveal that the supplementation of iron for pregnant mothers before depletion of iron stores which has become a common practice among clinicians may also be implicated in severe fetal and maternal health outcome (Congdon et al., 2012 and Siu, 2015). Initial Care of the Newborn According to Koura et al., (2012), infant anemia correlates with maternal anemia. The potential of delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord has been found to have potential to improve the iron levels in infants born at complete term. Also, it is beneficial for improving the hematocrit levels in infants born to anemic mothers. Although this comes along with a possible increase in the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia by about 12% studies reveal that it is rarely ever as serious as to require exchange transfusion or phototherapy-making it safe to apply (Gebreamlak, Dadi, Atnafu, 2017). The study revealed that delaying cord clamping has the effect of raising the concentration of hemoglobin especially in infants born to anemic mothers at ages between 2-3 months and lowers the risk of developing anemia for the infant. This practice may be especially beneficial to countries where tea is high occurrences of fetal anemia. Follow-up Care and Considerations for Future Pregnancies It may be important for mothers to continue taking prenatal vitamins inclusive of iron supplements during breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of postpartum anemia. According to Oppenheimer (2012), postpartum screening is essential for monitoring of iron and hemoglobin status even post- delivery. According to WHO a hemoglobin level10.5g/dl and HCT32% would be an indication of anemia even postpartum. McClure et al., (2014) also denote that postpartum anemia is a leading cause of postnatal depression and depression in last trimester Yilmaz et al., (2017), which could adversely affect the emotional wellbeing of the mother and the child as well. Other adverse effects associated with postpartum anemia include fatigue and exhaustion beyond the expected normal, insufficient milk syndrome and poor quality of milk (Christides et al., 2016). Also important is to increase dietary intake of foods rich in iron after delivery. Although this may take a longer time to achieve desired iron levels as compared to taking iron supplements, iron is still better absorbed by the body from dietary sources in the GIT (Obse, Mossie, Gobena, 2013). The bioavailability of iron from supplement sources is less than that absorbed from dietary sources (Sharp, 2015). When designing a care plan for a postpartum mother who had intrapartum iron deficiency anemia, it is critical to ensure the iron levels remain up. Given the fact that delivery itself is associated with a lot of blood loss, such a mother must be screened to find out if she is in need of a blood transfusion to forestall a fall in hemoglobin. Conclusion As covered in this paper, anemia in pregnancy affects 5 in every 10000 pregnant women totaling to about 32 million women globally. For this reason, the world health organization intends to cut by half the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among women of reproductive age (which accounts for up to 98% of all cases of anemia in pregnancy) by the year 2025.Understanding the etiology and clinical presentation of iron deficiency anemia is critical for both clinicians and health policy makers alike if this target is to be achieved. There is also need for more research into the benefits and adverse effects of the use of iron supplements for mothers on maternal and fetal health if real strides are to be made towards this same goal. References Achebe, M. M., Gafter-Gvili, A. (2017). How I treat anemia in pregnancy: iron, cobalamin, and folate. Blood, 129(8), 940-949. doi:10.1182/blood-2016-08-672246 Balgir, R. S. (2015). Prevalence of hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinopathies among the pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in central India. Thalassemia Reports, 5(1), 16-20. doi:10.4081/thal.2015.464 Bayesian Statistical Modelling 2nd edition by P. CONGDON. (2007). Biometrics, 63(3), 976-977. doi:10.1111/j.1541-0420.2007.00856_12.x Christides, T., Wray, D., McBride, R., Fairweather, R., Sharp, P. (2015). Iron bioavailability from commercially available iron supplements. European Journal Of Nutrition, 54(8), 1345-1352. doi:10.1007/s00394-014-0815-8 Daru, J., Moores, R., Dodds, J., Rayment, J., Allard, S., Khan, K. S. (2015). Non-anaemic iron deficiency in pregnancy: the views of health service users and health care professionals. Transfusion Medicine, 25(1), 27-32. doi:10.1111/tme.12184 Gaillard, R., Eilers, P. C., Yassine, S., Hofman, A., Steegers, E. P., Jaddoe, V. V. (2014). Risk Factors and Consequences of Maternal Anaemia and Elevated Haemoglobin Levels during Pregnancy: a Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study. Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology, 28(3), 213-226. doi:10.1111/ppe.12112 Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (Book Review).(2000). American Libraries, 31(5), 63. Kassebaum, N. J., Lozano, R., Lim, S. S., Murray, C. J. (2017).Setting maternal mortality targets for the SDGs--reply. Lancet, 389(10070), 697-698. Masukume, G., Khashan, A. S., Kenny, L. C., Baker, P. N., Nelson, G., null, n. (2015). Risk Factors and Birth Outcomes of Anaemia in Early Pregnancy in a Nulliparous Cohort.Plos ONE, 10(4), 1-15. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122729 Nguyen, P. H., Young, M., Gonzalez-Casanova, I., Pham, H. Q., Nguyen, H., Truong, T. V., ... Ramakrishnan, U. (2016). Impact of Preconception Micronutrient Supplementation on Anemia and Iron Status during Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Vietnam. Plos ONE, 11(12), 1-16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0167416 Onyeneho, N. G., I'Aronu, N., Chukwu, N., Agbawodikeizu, U. P., Chalupowski, M., Subramanian, S. V. (2016). Factors associated with compliance to recommended micronutrients uptake for prevention of anemia during pregnancy in urban, peri-urban, and rural communities in Southeast Nigeria. Journal Of Health, Population Nutrition, 351-17. doi:10.1186/s41043-016-0068-7 Pavord, S., Myers, B., Robinson, S., Allard, S., Strong, J., Oppenheimer, C. (2012).UK guidelines on the management of iron deficiency in pregnancy. British Journal OfHaematology, 156(5), 588-600. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.09012.x Gebreamlak, B., Dadi, A. F., Atnafu, A. (2017). High Adherence to Iron/Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy Time among Antenatal and Postnatal Care Attendant Mothers in Governmental Health Centers in AkakiKality Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Hierarchical Negative Binomial Poisson Regression. Plos ONE, 12(1), 1-11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169415 McClure, E. M., Meshnick, S. R., Mungai, P., Malhotra, I., King, C. L., Goldenberg, R. L., ... Dent, A. E. (2014). The Association of Parasitic Infections in Pregnancy and Maternal and Fetal Anemia: A Cohort Study in Coastal Kenya. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 8(2), 1-8. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0002724 Obse, N., Mossie, A., Gobena, T. (2013). MAGNITUDE OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN SHALLA WOREDA, WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA. Ethiopian Journal Of Health Sciences, 23(2), 165-173. Y?lmaz, E., Y?lmaz, Z., akmak, B., Gltekin, ?. B., ekmez, Y., Mahmuto?lu, S., ... Kkzkan, T. (2017).Relationship between anemia and depressive mood in the last trimester of pregnancy. Journal Of Maternal-Fetal Neonatal Medicine, 30(8), 977-982. doi:10.1080/14767058.2016.1194389 Esen, U. I. (2017). Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: The role of parenteral iron. Journal Of Obstetrics Gynaecology, 37(1), 15-18. doi:10.1080/01443615.2016.1180505 Koura, G. K., Ouedraogo, S., Le Port, A., Watier, L., Cottrell, G., Guerra, J., ... Garcia, A. (2012). Anaemia during pregnancy: impact on birth outcome and infant haemoglobin level during the first 18 months of life. Tropical Medicine International Health, 17(3), 283-291. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02932.x

NBC Universal Essay Example

NBC Universal Essay Name: Tutor: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on NBC Universal specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on NBC Universal specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on NBC Universal specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer NBC Universal NBC Universal LLC is a global media and entertainment company headquartered in New York City, U.S.A. The company specializes in the â€Å"development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience† (NBCUniversal). Two corporate mergers, first in 2004 and then in 2011 led to the formation of NBC Universal LLC. General Electric Company formed NBC (National Broadcasting Company) company in 1926 (Ahn). After years of expanding and buying up other networks globally, NBC decided to merge with Vivendi Universal in 2003. In 2004, the completion of the merger formed NBC Universal. The completion of a second deal in 2011 gave birth to NBC Universal LLC. This new deal involved General Electric Company (known as GE) and Comcast Corporation (Ahn). NBC Universal is considered a powerhouse in the world of entertainment (NBCUniversal Media, LLC Company Profile). The conglomerate owns Universal Pictures (one of the world’s largest and most successful movie studios) and NBC TV (a successful television network). The Company has been expanding globally since the 1990s. This expansion has seen NBC Universal purchase and acquire broadcasting networks in Europe, Asia and South America (Ahn). Some of the world’s most famous and successful movies and TV shows have been produced by NBC Universal. Examples include the television sitcom Friends and the television drama ER. The successes of the company’s productions have turned NBC into a household name especially in the United States (Ahn). NBCUniversal is headed by a chief executive officer (CEO) Stephen B. Burke. The CEO oversees the company’s general operations including those carried out by the company’s subsidiaries and oversees networks (NBCUniversal). Answerable to the CEO are several executive vice presidents (EVP), presidents and chairpersons. They are in-charge the company’s various departments, networks and subsidiaries. They take instructions directly from the CEO. The EVPs are in-charge of the company’s departments such as the administrative department, the financial department and the strategic integration department. The chairpersons and presidents are in-charge of the company’s networks and subsidiaries. These include NBCUniversal News Group and Universal Studios (NBCUniversal). There are seventeen presidents in the second level of management. They are Robert Greenblatt, Matt Bond, Adam Miller, Jeff Shell, Paula Madison, Patricia Fili-Krushel, Mark Hoffman, Steve Capus, Mark Lazarus, Lauren Zalaznik, Bonnie Hammer, Ted Harbert, Page Thompson, Ron Meyer, Rick Cotton, Adam Fogelson and Lynn Calpeter (NBCUniversal). On paper, the presidents are all equal. However, some presidents do appear to be more important by virtue of controlling departments and networks within the company that are more important or successful than others. Examples include Adam Fogelson who is the president of Universal Pictures (a major subsidiary of NBCUniversal that makes movies), Ted Harbert who is in-charge of NBC Broadcasting (NBCUniversal’s marquee TV network) and Patricia Fili-Krushel chairperson of NBCUniversal News Group (NBC Universal Inc). NBCUniversal uses the matrix organizational structure in the organization of its management. The matrix structure combines the attributes of the project structure and the functional structure with the intentions of maximizing the advantages of both (Dubrin 264). In a matrix organizational structure, focus is placed on both the product and the function. Function entails all the process involved in making a product while the product is what is created because of all the functions (Marquis and Luston 274). Matrix structures enable a company to focus on both the final product and the consumer. It also enables a company to divide its work force such that different departments can work on different projects. This means that a company can have multiple projects being run simultaneously without interfering with each other (Marquis and Luston 274). NBC’s management structure has its strengths and weaknesses. First, the fact that projects are divided suits the company well. NBC is a conglomerate and therefore, has several networks and subsidiaries within it. These different parts of the company can all work on different projects simultaneously. This structure also works well for NBC because each department gets its own equipment and facilities minimizing friction between different departments. A disadvantage of this structure is that the cooperation between different departments might be poor. In addition, any joint projects require a lot of communication and this communication between departments is likely to be poor. The highest level of the organization’s management has three clearly discernible layers. The first and the highest is the level where the CEO is found. The second level responds to the CEO (NBC Universal Inc). This level was introduced after the merger between Comcast and GE was completed (James). The new layer helped breakdown the command structure. The CEO no longer has to deal with the various departments directly. This makes the work easier for the CEO as well as for the departments. The departments will find that feedback from high-level management comes faster because each department has its own president. For the CEO, the added layer makes the work easier. The third layer in top-level management has the heads of the specific networks and those of smaller departments of the company. They respond to the presidents in the second layer. This level of management deals directly with the employees and other workers (NBCUniversal). The CEO’s position at the helm makes him the most influential person in the company. The hierarchical structure of NBCUniversal means that all employees answer to the CEO through the chairpersons and the presidents. This structure suggests that the CEO has to be a hands-on manager and deal with all decisions directly. Stephen Burke’s involvement in the selection of the presidents in the second level also suggests that he carries out his functions the way he should. A statement released by Comcast revealed that he was not just involved in the selection of these presidents but created the layered management structure himself (James). This statement also implies that the CEO prefers to take part in the process of making key decisions at the management level. On paper, NBCUniversal’s structure is quite solid. It has multiple levels of management. This reduces the work that the top level of management has to deal with. This layered management structure also means that all departments, networks and subsidiaries have representation in the top management but without forcing the CEO to deal with each head directly. This means that feedback from the top management gets to the departments much faster as the CEO deals with them much faster. In theory, this structure should also enable NBCUniversal to keep growing. Each department focuses on its own projects and success for these departments translates to financial success for NBCUniversal. However, this has not been the case for NBCUniversal. Several of the networks within the company have not been doing well. This insinuates that the company’s organizational structure is not operating the way it should be. NBC Universal’s largest and most popular network is NBC (the company’s marquee television network). Over the recent past, NBC has been experiencing a decline in its shows ratings. This decline started in the early 2000s after several of the network’s key shows ended (Adalian). Stiff competition from other networks has also contributed to the network’s decline. The network seems to be unable to catch up with the competition, as its new shows are unable to match the successes of the shows from other networks (Adalian). Other networks within NBCUniversal are also going through problems. CNBC (Consumer News and Business Channel) and MSNBC (Microsoft and the National Broadcasting Company) have had trouble keeping key personnel as several news anchors have left NBC and joined rival networks (Hall). All of this suggests that all is not well within NBCUniversal. The decline of several of NBCUniversal’s key networks is showing that the management structure is not really working well. NBCUniversal is primarily an entertainment company and this means that its successes and failures are judged on how well its networks perform. The failures of CNBC, MSNBC and NBC are indicative of a decline in NBCUniversal’s standards. The lack of successful TV shows indicates that the management is not making the right decisions. It also shows a failure in the creative departments of the company’s different networks. Additionally, the decline has been occurring over a long period. It started in the early 2000s and after ten years, nothing seems to have been done to stop it. This shows that the management has been unable to adapt to the changing climate of the entertainment business. It also suggests that there may be a breakdown in communication between the management levels and the company’s low-level workers. This is because over te n years, the company does not appear to have been able to outlined the real problems dogging it and as a result of this has failed to deal with the problems Adding more layers to the management structure would not have the desired effect in the company. It would only increase the bureaucratic levels and complicate the coordination between the highest level of management and the company’s employees. It would also increase the number of people involved in the decision making process and this would be a step backwards. Summarily, the levels of management do not need to be increased. An improvement that can be made is to add an extra department to the company. This addition would be vertical and not horizontal. This role of the department would be to assist the networks in their development phase and ensure that creative content produced is top notch. This department would have its own head in the second tier of the management structure. This head would assist the executives in this second tier in making decisions concerning creative content produced by the networks. The main benefit of having this new department is that the departmen t would help stem the declining standards of NBCUniversal’s networks. The employees are the most important part of NBCUniversal. They play key roles in the conception, development, production and release of the content broadcasted by the company’s networks. NBCUniversal is an entertainment company. This means that the employees’ play a vital role in the company and are perhaps the most important part of NBCUniversal. Despite this important role, the employees do not have any direct representation in the second tier of management. The needs of these employees have to go through two levels of management before reaching the highest level of the company’s management. There should be an improvement in this area. The company should create a new department that deals specifically with all the employees from NBCUniversal. The department should have its own president representing it in the second tier of management. This new department would ensure that employees needs move faster to the higher levels of management. Works Cited Adalian, Joseph. Has NBC Passed the Point of No Return?. Vulture, 7 Feb 2013. Web. 30 April 2013. Ahn, Lisa Von. TIMELINE: NBC, Universal through the 20th century and beyond. Reuters, 4 Dec 2009. Web. 30 April 2013. DuBrin, Andrew J. Essentials of Management. Mason, OH: Thomson Business Economics, 2009. Print. Hall, Colby. The NBC News/ CNBC Exodus, Why is so Much Top Talent Leaving the Network?. Mediaite, 20 June 2011. Web. 30 April 2013. James, Meg. Comcast unveils management team for NBC Universal. Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov 2010. Web. 30 April 2013. Marquis, Bessie L, and Huston, Carol Jorgensen. Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2009. Print NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal, 2013. Web. 30 April 2013. NBC Universal Inc. Cogmap, 26 Jan 2013. Web. 30 April 2013 NBCUniversal Media, LLC Company Profile. Hoovers, 2013. Web. 30 April 2013