Monday, September 30, 2019

Mayhew

Mayhew Analysis Paper In the book, Congress: The Electoral Connection, David Mayhew addresses his opinion about the political system, and centralizes his argument on the assumption that the only intent a member of Congress has is reelection. The bulk of his argument is the behavior by the members of Congress involving advertising, credit claiming, and position taking, which we discussed in class. Mayhew believes that these actions by the incumbent congressmen illustrate that they are more worried about keeping their seat, than anything else.The first election activity mentioned in the book is advertising, which is defined by Mayhew as: â€Å"any effort to disseminate one’s name among constituents in such a fashion as to create a favorable image but having little or no issue content,† (49). By spending money on advertisement, the house incumbent has a sizeable advantage over their opponent. Mayhew’s distaste for this tactic comes from the sole purpose that most of it is done while the congressmen are in office.In my opinion, I feel that Mayhew thinks of congressional elections as more of a popularity contest based on this statement, â€Å"There are standard routines—frequent visits to the constituency, nonpolitical speeches to home audiences, the sending out of care booklets and letters of condolence and congratulation,† (50). Mayhew realizes this is an unprincipled manner to get reelected, but it will not stop and congressmen will continue to take advantage of advertising anyway possible.The second behavioral motive Mayhew discusses in the book is credit claiming. This allows the incumbent to take credit for government accomplishments and look good to the constituents. The credit claiming tactic allows for a member of Congress to stick out as an individual rather than affiliated with a particular party. In order to do so, like we discussed in class, the congressmen must provide assets to the constituents that they can take abs olute credit for.Mayhew argues that a congressman may take advantage of this due to little knowledge, â€Å"For typical voters Capitol Hill is a distant and mysterious place; few having anything like a working knowledge of its maneuverings,† (69). Therefore, constituents have no way of knowing if the credit claimed by their congressman is valid or not. This is why Mayhew argues that this tactic is flawed because it may look to the constituents that the congressmen is putting in hard work, when really it is redundant actions to that district to help them get reelected.However, like advertising, this is a very important reelection tool and the incumbent wants to appear loyal to the constituency. Mayhew discusses position taking, which is the third activity congressmen use in their pursuit for reelection. It is defined in the book as â€Å"the public enunciation of a judgmental statement on anything likely to be of interest to political actors,† (61). Mayhew argues here t hat most incumbent’s judgment involves speaking on the issue rather than acting on it. In class, we discussed what happens in a role call and the member must pick a side.Mayhew states that most congressmen will take the conservative route and take the position that got them their seat to begin with. This validates Mayhew’s argument that most congressmen are content with their position due to the prestige that comes with it and it pays well. So why would they want to leave? A congressman who has been reelected before knows what the constituents want, causing them to take familiar stance on issues like they have in the past. These three tactics by incumbents seeking reelection draw enough conclusive evidence to contradict the following statement: â€Å"The U.S. Congress is a representative institution that effectively responds to the preferences of a majority of Americans. † The words representative, institution, and effectively caught my eye. Yes, there is repres entation, but it deems insignificant in the fact that it is more on the congressmen’s mind to stay in seat for their sake, rather than really helping the constituents according to Mayhew. There is no institution, it is a group of individuals each trying to create a positive image to the constituency through advertising.In the United States Congress, congressmen do not need their party to win the nomination, â€Å"In America the underpinnings of ‘teamsmanship’ are weak or absent, making it possible for possible for politicians to triumph over parties,† (22-23). Mayhew uses the British Parliament as an example of strong party influence. The analysis and assessment of Mayhew’s argument on the reelection process allowed me to conclude that the accuracy of the statement above sounds true, but when broken down, it is not.Mayhew made very strong and valid points about the incumbent’s process in order to remain in Congress. Also, relating back to cla ss discussion, most members will vote in the direction that best suites them, which Mayhew talked about in part two of the book. It is apparent that with Mayhew’s argument that many congressmen put themselves ahead of their constituents, which is not appropriate representation. In conclusion, it is visible that the intent a member of congress has is reelection.Mayhew clearly shows with his argument that the election activities of advertising, credit claiming, and position taking are done merely for reelection purposes and not for the betterment of the constituency. These three tactics have very little to do with legislation and more so with publicity and appeasing the district by miniscule deeds and conservative voting that the incumbent has done in the past. However, these three strategies are assets to current congressmen and they will continue to take advantage of them.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Distance still matters

Religion holds a mall part In distance because each religion has Its own values and beliefs therefore It makes It hard to understand one another. Administrative dimensions have a great absence of colonial ties. Each government has different views and political power. Government polices go back to cultural and political views. For example In some Muslim Countries they abide by the Shari law and in the u. S we have democrats and republicans. There's also an absence of shared monetary or political association.Geographic dimensions relate to stance because of physical remoteness. The size of a country can have an impact on power. The lack of sea or river access/ weak transportation can make it hard for goods to go in and out therefore it makes it hard to do business. The differences in climate can affect agricultural businesses. Economic dimensions have differences such as consumer incomes. In every country there are differences in costs and quality of material and natural resources. Eco nomic demand varies with income levels and the lifestyles that people are living.For example in the U. S. California has a higher rate of expenses compared to India, and that is because the nature of demand. Globally many foreign countries fear of no insurance in businesses. For example when a store is struck by a natural disaster there is no way of recouping the value of what that store costs unlike in America. In the four main dimensions: cultural, administrative, geographical, and economic, based on the art. Please describe them. Cultural dimensions have an impact on distance first off because of the different languages.There are different ethnicities ND there is a lack of communication between the different cultures, which makes it hard to understand each other. Religion holds a main part in distance because each religion has its own values and beliefs therefore it makes it hard to understand one government has different views and political power. Government policies go back to cultural and political views. For example in some Muslim Countries they abide by the Shari law and in the U. S we have democrats and republicans. There's also an levels and the lifestyles that people are living. For example in the U. S, California has a

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Adoption Essays - Family Law, Family, Human Development, Free Essays

Adoption Adopting a child is an experience that promises to bring great joy as it changes a couple or individual?s life forever. But what happens if the mother of that child wants to endorse their child? Those are the issues that many adopting parents and birth-right mothers are facing today. Many biological mothers want their child back. There are many concerns for adopting parents to know- that there is the possibly that the birth mother may file for the child. As a birth mother or the adopting parent one must realize consequences that could lay ahead. The legal and social transfer of all parental right, responsibilities, and roles from one parent or parents, usually biological, to a nonbiological parent or parents is the definition of adoption. In such a transfer, adoptive parents accept the same rights and responsibilities as the child?s birth parents would have had, while the child becomes a member of a family that provides the social, emotional, and physical nurturing that children needs to grow up to be healthy, functioning adults. But there are some legal issues or opinions that can lead to a halting backfire in the adoption process. But, as the biological parent(s) and adopting parent(s), they must be ready for the quickly, approaching pros and cons. Throughout the adoption journey, the gardein must be prepared and know what is best for them and their child. There are many positive feedbacks to adoption. Children are in need of adoption because some birth parents are unable or unavailable to provide adequately for the needs of their child. Birth parents may feel they cannot take on the responsibility of an unplanned child because they are too young or because they are financially or emotionally unable to provide proper care. They do not feel ready or able to be good parents. Most adopting parents, although, feel confident that most birth-right mothers will not seize their child back. Chris Intagliata, a mother of two adopted children advises that ? It [is] important to ask yourself what you can handle. If you feel you can handle everything, that?s a good attitude.? Those are important notions adopting parents must do. Most of the time adopting parents can handle the task but some times it backfires when the biological mother or c ouple want the baby back. Statistics show that the vast majority of independent adoptions in California are completed without a hitch; less that 2 percent are even contested. But when an adoption is contested, the anguish felt by both the adoptive and birth parents is unimaginable. Linda Ribordy, a family specialist who represented a birth mother in a legal case says that ?if a birth mother changes her mind, it?s automatic that they get the baby back.? But the adopting parents feel furiously and emotionally different. ?We have no legal status, no legal rights, none,? says Inger Bischofberger. ?But he calls me Mama. The only thing that keeps me going is that I can?t turn my back on him, I can?t just walk away from him because all the grownups in his life have messed up.? Birth mothers shouldn?t gain their child back if they are not financially ready. Usually greed and emotions will stand in there way and they will want their child back. But many children as they grow older question, asking - ?Why me or ?Why did my mom put me up for adoption Sometimes the biological mother might fell that her child will hate her as he/she grows older and never visit her. The birth mother should really think about adoption seriously before putting the child up or before trying to regain their child back. The process is both financially and emotionally critical. The lesson learned in the issue of adoption is not to have a child. Whether it is premarital sex, age, or financial or emotional problems- one must be prepared for the consequences ahead.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Operational Planning Coursework 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Operational Planning Coursework 1 - Essay Example The situation where executive protection is needed: The situation for which security arrangement is required is the visit by one of a renowned author from the US to Peshawar in Pakistan, which has recently undergone severe security problems and has been labeled as a terrorist country. The author is a renowned dignitary and, thus, has an executive status. Therefore, he requires executive protection. â€Å"Executive protection is an approach, using common sense, awareness, personnel, procedures, systems and advanced technology to protect an individual or group of people. Executive protection is not a confrontation driven program, but rather an anticipated and projected response to an unavoidable situation. Stopping an attack, avoid confrontation and keeping the principal out of danger and harm’s way is the task of the executive protection officer† (Hunsicker, 2007, P.160). Even though Pakistan is known as a country which cherishes literature and poetry, and has a large nu mber of renowned authors and poets in the country, the recent terrorist activities require that executive protection should be provided to the author. Here, the client is a VIP as he is a well known personality. Therefore, he requires executive protection. ... The task of providing security begins from the New York Airport, from where the author begins his trip to Pakistan on March 1 2011 and last till March 5, 2011. The executive protection service needs to be maintained till the March 6, 2011 when the author is out of the New York airport at 8 am in the morning. Pakistan has the record of terrorists targeting foreign dignitaries’ and, therefore, executive protection is mandatory for the author who visits from the US. All expenses for the executive protection will be paid by the client himself and the author’s circle that he runs. Therefore, the security advisor’s role is imperative and it is very important to prepare an operational plan in order to execute the task in an organized manner. The task of providing executive protection needs careful planning and meticulous operation. This operational planning calls for an appropriate integration of manpower, equipments and carefully designed guidelines for execution. Defi nition of the Operational Plan: The operational plan is a portrayal of the mission, vision and goals of a task or an organization. In brief, the operational plan should have clear and well defined objectives of the task. The activities which are necessary to accomplish the task must be mentioned in detail. The operation plan contains the resources needed in order to complete the task like the manpower and other resources needed to complete the task. The operational plan also needs to analyze the risk involved in the successful completion of a task. Such a plan is the most important element of a business plan. It is also a strategic plan which explains to the reader in what steps, using what resources, the estimated

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Looking at Films Anew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Looking at Films Anew - Essay Example This is seen in the fight between the couple, Lucius, and Cookie over the empire. It also portrays the common female concern of having a complete family so that the woman tries to forgive her husband despite his many atrocities toward her. As a long-playing drama, the film also deals with the issue of the use of the female as a material not only in the movie but in real life situations. For instance, in trying to get back to Lucius, his son, Hakeem develops a sexual relationship with his father’s former fiancà ©e, Anika. In this scene, Lucius finds Hakeem and Anika in an intimate situation. Knowing that Lucius was there, looking at them, Anika pulls Hakeem who slowly turns his face from his father to Anika’s breasts. The scenes are shown in close-up shots, capturing the facial expressions of the characters and also letting the viewers focus on the sexual implications of the scenes. The aforementioned scenes bring Laura Mulvey’s theory of the Male Gaze to mind. T he close-up shot on Anika does keep the male viewer’s focus on her as a sexual material and not just concentrate on what was going on in the story. The series also covers the issue of sexuality through the person of Jamal. Even during these days, homosexuality is still strongly opposed by many people regardless of race. Lucius was not happy about his son’s sexuality and this affected his treatment toward his son. Because of his health issues, the older man is forced to choose the next manager of his empire from his three sons.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Why Has Essay

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Why Has Structural Adjustment implemented Proved so Controversial - Essay Example This has generated intense controversies on the effectiveness of the structural adjustment policies. This paper explores the controversies surrounding the effectiveness of the structural adjustments in the developing economies. Structural adjustments are measures formulated to facilitate and accelerate economic development in the targeted economies3. According Ahmed and Lipton structural adjustment polices are intended to rectify the structural imbalance in the foreign and public balances2. The policies could be initiated internally by the country concerned or external forces such the World Bank and the international monetary fund. The structural adjustments reforms endeavour to reduce and eliminate the various financial distortions, such as over valued exchange rate, huge monetary deficits and to restrict inefficient public services that hinder fair distribution of the resources in the economy of particular country1. 1I. Ahmed, and M. Lipton, â€Å"Impact of Structural Adjustment o n Sustainable Rural Livelihood: A Review of the Literature.† (1997), http://www.ids.ac.uk/files/Wp62.pdf Accessed 14 January 2012. 2 ibid., p25 3 F. Stewart, and A. Berry. â€Å"Globalisation, Liberalization and Inequality: Real Causes.† Challenge, February 2001, 45-86. In general, the structural adjustments are intended to minimise or eliminate the balance of payments and the public sector deficits, with an objective of stimulating high economic growth. In addition, the policies aim at achieving an appropriate structural change capable of sustaining a robust economic growth and a favourable monetary environment in a particular economy3. One of the major characteristic of the structural adjustments is promoting specialization where the targeted economy is influenced to produce commodities â€Å"tradable† in the global market and reducing factors that enhance production of commodities with no or little economic value especially in the public domain4. Enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the targeted economy to the changing global economic environment is an important objective of the structural adjustments. This reduces the effects of adverse global economic changes on the economy of a particular country 3. Structural adjustment policies comprise of measures aimed at facilitating short-term economic stability and long-term adjustments3. Short-term stabilisation measures are usually intended to the improvement of macro economic balance and overall stability. In order to attain the envisaged stability, structural adjustments enforce measures aimed at reducing the cumulative demand 3. Therefore, the major segments targeted include reduction of expenditure accrued in the public sector, increasing taxes and interests rates on loans. Usually, short-term stabilisation measures combine monetary, fiscal reforms and devaluation of currency, which deflates the actual exchange rate. These measures influence the value of commodities traded in the international market in relation to those produced and consumed in the local market 3. 3 P. Agenor, P. â€Å"Macroeconomic Adjustment and the Poor: Analytical Issues and Crosscountry Evidence â€Å"(2002). www.worldbank.org accessed 14 January 2012. 4 Ibid., p 33 Measures for ensuring short-term economic stabilisation include credit restrictions or ceilings, adjustment of exchange rate, minimising expenditures in the public sector, high tax policies and reforming the pricing of commodities3. Greenaway and Morrissey argued that the short-term nature of the stabilisation measures makes such policies to rely heavily on the managing and controlling the demand of the targeted economy. Eventually, the economy adopts a tendency of monetary absorption in the

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

English Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

English Literature - Essay Example hat is to say, throughout Act I, a careful reader traces the development of corruption mostly through the powerful character of King Claudius and the impact of corruption connected with the king on the entire kingdom of Denmark is evident to the readers. The theme of decay becomes perceptible in King Claudius’ speeches which also reveal the moral, social and political corruption existent in the entire society. In fact, Shakespeare has been realized through the critical works of several scholars as a writer with great social commitments and he has been especially effective in dealing with the issue of corruption and its effect on the society of Hamlet. In the play, the images of disease pervade the dramatic language suggesting not merely the corruption of the individual but the degeneration of an entire society. Therefore, the images of disease and corruption can be seen right from the opening scene of the play which, in the course of action, turns out to be literal references to the decay of the society. These images of disease and corruption can be traced from the opening scene of the play to the end and Marcellus comment in the third scene points to the decayed state of affairs in the country: â€Å"something is rotten in the state of Denmark.† (I IV 90: 6678) All through his play, Shakespeare makes use of the imagery of disease, poison and decay and Marcellus’ statement indicates such imagery in the play. The playwright presents widespread corruption in the state of Denmark which is comparable to infectious diseases contaminating the entire court and such setting of disease also amplifies the readers’ revulsion for the nasty events in the play. Just as disease leads one to death, the disease of the society leads the state of Denmark to a damned situation. In short, the dramatist’s use of images of disease and corruption helps the readers comprehend the emotional and moral decay and the bitter relationships of the characters as well as the anxious, chaotic

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Nursing Theory Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nursing Theory - Article Example Moreover, the key purposes nursing theories emphasized overproviding specific guideline for establishment of nursing knowledge and practice. Moreover, nursing theories serve as a tool for determining the roles and responsibilities that are associated with specific job role, such as intensive care by nurses and further outline the reasons behind performing such roles. Nursing theories serve several purposes and are attributed to a number of characteristics that makes it necessary to ensure that people engaged in nursing and healthcare profession are able to understand such theories and implemented for providing superior care to the patients. An understanding of the nursing theories is important since they are associated with providing specific path for developing the nursing practice and knowledge and further assist in fostering of successive knowledge regarding various dimensions underlying in the nursing practices. Additionally, the prime necessity behind understanding of nursing theories is that they help in developing successive understanding variables associated with health, human beings and environment (Crossan & Robb, 1998). In self-practice while performing the job role of an intensive care nurse, knowledge regarding nursing theories is regarded to be highly essential and provides a definite path to perform the nursing tasks. Moreover, substantial level of knowledge regarding nursing theories enables healthcare executives to gain deeper understanding of the job responsibilities and further helps in taking effective decision-making while practicing. Moreover, in actual scenario, nursing practices is associated with development of substantial understanding of the factors related to nursing, such as performing job roles effectively, and ensuring patient care amongst others, which are determined with the help of knowledge established through nursing theories (Sousa & Hayman, 2002). The online journal of ‘Nursing Theory Development’ published

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Role of Loyalty Scheme In Selling Directly to the Customer Research Paper

The Role of Loyalty Scheme In Selling Directly to the Customer - Research Paper Example 3. Identifying the other marketing tools that can be used as alternatives of loyalty schemes and comparing the effectiveness of them. Answers of the three major research questions are likely to meet the above mentioned objectives to a great extent. The entire research process including the search for literature and collection of primary data will be carried out keeping these three questions and objectives in mind. Literature Review Literature review will be the backbone of this research. It will be containing the theoretical aspects of the subject. The focus of this section will be on the main theories behind the emergence of loyalty programs. The literature regarding the history and background of several of such programs will be properly identified and explained in this section. The section will also include the description regarding the way in which consumer behavior is influenced by the loyalty schemes. A preliminary study shows that the loyalty schemes have been very effective du ring the last two-three years especially during the period of recession (Marketing Clout, 2010). They have helped the organizations in retaining their key customers and thereby improving the brand equity. Over the past decade retail industry in UK has become more competitive. Major players now, look for innovative strategies regarding relationship marketing for increasing their sales and maintaining the existing customer base (Stone, M. et al. 2003). Loyalty schemes are actually the result of intense competition among the retailers. This research will try to find out the theoretical aspect behind such outcomes. Furthermore, many consider loyalty schemes as the tool of direct marketing or relationship marketing. Literature... Literature review will be the backbone of this research. It will be containing the theoretical aspects of the subject. The focus of this section will be on the main theories behind the emergence of loyalty programs. The literature regarding the history and background of several of such programs will be properly identified and explained in this section. The section will also include the description regarding the way in which consumer behavior is influenced by the loyalty schemes. The author of the paper declares that the relationship between the brand image and loyalty schemes will be explained in the literature review section. The data required regarding the literature will be collected from various secondary sources like books, journal articles and research papers that are prepared in the past. Both physical and online libraries will be used for accessing these sources. Considering the nature of the data, qualitative analysis will be conducted. This research proposal is developed with the objective of providing a clear overview regarding the actual research that will be carried out very soon. Three major research questions along with the objectives are properly defined in this proposal. The literature searching process in the actual research will involve secondary research. Literatures regarding loyalty schemes and related aspects of marketing and branding will be mainly searched from various books and journals. Focus group interview will be conducted for gathering the primary data.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Social Gender Essay Example for Free

Social Gender Essay Gender is a collection of expectations and privileges that is assigned to people of a different sex. Sex is a determination made through the application of socially agreed upon biological criteria for classifying a person as male or female. Everyone can relate to social gender roles and the effect it has on the person we are today. Lorber in Night to his Day: The Construction of Gender says, everyone does gender unknowingly due to it being done so often. Without us recognizing we are shaped and forced into doing gender by others and society. Gender roles give certain people a certain around sorority and social status levels as to males being masculine strong individuals, who brings home the bacon, who are independent and able to take care of the needs of himself and his family. On the other hand females in western society have be seen as being feminine, nurturing, beautiful, loving, takes care of all house duties, and always have a meal prepared for her husband when he is finished his long day at work. Lorber says, In todays society gender roles are drastically changing for men and women. Today fathers are taking care of little children, girls and little boys are wearing unisex clothing and getting the same education, women and men are working at the same Job (336). Dating back to over 100 years ago gender roles and differences have been very strict, we see in todays society that it is drastically changing and that males and females are able to accomplish the same task. Lots of students may have misconceptions on gender in society today. Gender is not always understood due to the drastic change in the roles in society today. It is not always evident how it has an effect on our lives and how it has molded us into the persons we are today. Without knowing many students do gender unknowingly through everyday activities, such as what we wear, how we talk, and the way we act around one another. By freshman students reading Lorbers, Night to his Day: The Construction of Gender it will give them understanding on social gender and how it is changing in society today. Gender before was attached to a person by the way you look, act, and do thing different things. As seen in earlier times, men have worked outside their homes, being the main source of income for their family. As for that they held some of the most powerful positions and Jobs in society, such Lawyer, and politician. Women on the other hand, ruled the home. They were expected to stay home raise children and have an evening meal prepared for or another stereotypical female position. Now females are high ranking officials, judges and are making huge impacts on life today.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Strategic Analysis of Ge Healthcare

Strategic Analysis of Ge Healthcare GE Healthcare: Company Overview GE Healthcare is a unit of the wider General Electric Company. It has a global orientation, employing more than 46, 000 staff committed to serving healthcare professionals and patients in over 100 countries. It is headquartered in the United Kingdom (UK)-the first GE business segment outside the United States. It has a turnover of approximately $ 17 billion. The headquarters hosts GE healthcare corporate offices as well as finance, sales, global sourcing departments, X-Ray marketing, manufacturing, design and shipping. The finance and sales departments at the headquarters handle GE Healthcares high level decisions, but each modality often has its own similar departments. The global sourcing department handles all purchasing for the firm. GE Healthcare provides a variety of products services namely Technologies in medical imaging, diagnostics in medicine, systems for monitoring patients, solutions for improving performance, discovering drugs, and technologies to manufacture biopharmaceuticals. It also provides X-Ray products which include; radiography, fluoroscopy, vascular, cardiology, and the Mobile C-Arm machine. At present, GE Healthcare has six major business units; Global Diagnostic Imaging Unit: with its headquarters in the US, its business includes; digital mammography, X-ray services, Magnetic Resonance, Computed Tomography and technologies in Molecular Imaging. Integrated IT Solutions (IITS). Also headquartered in Barrington USA, IITS offers solutions in clinical and monetary information technologies, such as IT Products and service for departments, systems for picture Archiving and Communications, Information System solutions in Radiology and Cardiovascular in addition to practices and systems for managing revenue cycles. Medical Diagnostics Business Unit. This is headquartered in USA and its business includes; Researches in Medical Diagnostics, manufacturing and marketing imaging agents used in medical scanning techniques to view human body organs and tissues. Clinical Systems Unit. Also Headquartered in the US, this business offers a variety of healthcare services and technological solutions for medical officers and managers of healthcare systems. These include; Ultrasound, technologies for monitoring patients, bone densitometry, incubators, respiratory care and management of anesthesia. GE Healthcare Life Sciences Unit. This is headquartered in Sweden. It produces technologies for discovering drugs, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and cellular technologies. This division also manufactures equipment for the purifying biopharmaceuticals. GE Healthcare Surgery Business Unit. This division offers equipment and technologies for surgical care interventions, cardiac, systems and technologies for diagnostic monitoring, systems and data management technologies, to systems for mobile fluoroscopic imaging, instrumentations on 3D visual systems and navigation. Its headquarters are in Utah, USA, GE Healthcare has offices in different parts of the world. It also has primary regional operation centers in Paris, Japan, and India. (GE Healthcare Website; Retrieved December 2010) Business Strategy and Organizational Structure Analysis The world business environment is constantly changing, presenting new opportunities and challenges. This calls for competitive strategies in order to remain competitive. This section evaluates the opportunities and challenges presented by GE Healthcare organizational structure. In the Financial Year (FY) ending December 2007, the company recorded revenues of $16, 997 million; an increase of 2.7% over 2006. The operating profit was $3,056 million in 2007; drop of 2.7% from 2006. This GE business unit recorded revenues of $16,015 million, during the Financial Year (FY) ended December 2009. This reflected a decrease of 7.9% over FY 2008. The operating profit for the FY ended December 2009 was $2,240 million a decrease of 15.1% over FY 2008. Analysts attribute to both the complex internal and external environments of the company. I evaluate this argument by undertaking a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the company and integrating it to the Porters Fiv e Forces Model. Internal Analysis GE healthcare is one of the best firms in leadership development. The firms Human Resources Department is keen in developing a strong workforce that responds to changing global needs. It employs strategically employs and motivates the best qualified talents globally. It invests more than $100 million annually on educational training and staff development. The GE Healthcare Institute provides advanced training for GEHC employees and customers. It combines Technical training, Applications and Leadership trainings. More than 70 laboratories with the latest equipment provide GE and customers world class instruction in all areas of equipment maintenance and operation. The Training in Partnership curriculum provides a full range of training programs. GE managers are considered one of the firms distinctive competencies and strengths. The challenge is maintaining employee motivation through better remuneration in a time of global economic meltdown and declining profits for the firm. GE Healthcare is capable of changing and constantly re-inventing itself to deal with changing business needs. Setting new standards for management, organizational design, Research and Development has been the pillar of the firm. This is evidenced by the establishment of the six distinctive business units stated above. Exploiting the resources that the firm has, this competency can be meant un-substitutable. The firm is continually innovating to develop solutions to customer changing needs. As Jeffrey Immelt stated, the firms employees have an ability to live in the moment. This quality is rare and not easily imitated. This organizational culture ensures that employees continue with innovation and development of new ideas. The firm has a global orientation, with production facilities outside the US and UK, a wider customer base, a superior brand, sales, marketing, IT and Production departments within every modality. This ensures efficiency of service within each business unit. To ensure financial accountability in outsourcing and procurement, decisions regarding this are handled by offices at the headquarters. GE Healthcare operates within the Rubric of the well known and established General Electric; this promotes sharing of management knowledge and experiences. General Electric is a well known Brand with a global touch. This strong internal structure has been at the core of the firms success. However Organizations function as systems, they interact and respond to the surrounding environment (Barnard 1938). This calls for an external analysis of this firm. External Analysis Competitor Analysis Analysts argue that competitors can ensure that similar firms remain productive. Though this can be healthy for consumers, small competitors and substitute product can drive giants out of the market. Siemens AG competes against GE group in communications, power, transportation, medical, and lighting industries. Siemens and HE Healthcare are most competitive in the healthcare industry. Siemens Medical Solutions happens to be largest supplier of healthcare equipment globally. Siemens AG is distinctive in its innovativeness and provision of complete solutions to its customers. Siemens is actually larger, with close to 440,000 employees, 70,000 of which are located in the U.S. Despite the fact that GE Healthcare outdoes Siemens AG in healthcare ($9.4 billion) and energy ($15.3 billion) it is a competitor that cannot be ignored. Both operate at virtually global scale. Other competitors include FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc. Hitachi Medical Corporation Nihon Kohden Corporation Schiller AG TOSHIBA Medical Systems Corporation Philips Healthcare Philips Respironics, Inc. Industry Analysis General Electrics firms including the Healthcare unit have been analyzed using porters five forces model to determine which industry is more attractive. GE Healthcare industry is challenged by competitors and new market entrants. Consumers constantly demand low prices at a high quality leading to intensive bargaining. Retailers have to bargain with suppliers to fix the prices of their products. The GE retail industry also faces the threat of substitute products. For more on the competency strategy, SWOT analysis an the forces model see Appendix 1 and 2. Recommendations GE Healthcare already has a global orientation, large customer base. The success of GE Healthcare lies at how best it chooses its business focus. There is need to focus on a specific market niche. Too much diversification and provision of a wide variety of products may be a step forward but it can also become a mechanism for reversal. Much diversification can lead to lose of business focus. It is evident that new technology and the creation of a global virtual market offer an opportunity for the firm to grow its business. African and some Asian markets are still virgins to the firm. There is need to identify and exploit this business markets. Where favorable, establish production facilities. Advertising and strategic marketing remains a superior option to strengthen the firms brand identity. With increasing human rights concerns and demands for accountability, there is need for education and corporate social responsibility, as consumers are becoming more sensitive to scientific infor mation. Nevertheless challenges of environmental accountability abound and cannot be ignored. Works Cited Barnard, C.I. The Functions of the Executive, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1938. Print. Barnard, C.I. Organization and Management: Selected Papers, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 1948. Print. Brady, Diane. GE: When Execs Outperform the Stock. Business Week 17 Apr. 2006. Goel Sanjay et al .General Electric: Strategic Management. April 20, 2006 Appendix 1 GE Healthcare: SWOT Strengths Innovation Research and Development Broad Product Portfolio/business units Global Orientation/customers/market share Recognized Brand-strong reputation/image Superior Technology Ability reinvent itself to deal with changing times Strong Organizational Culture/structure Strategic Alliances and Agreements Awards and Recognition Weaknesses Fluctuating Revenues/profits Voluntary Product Recalls FIDA Warning Letters Environmental legal constrains Opportunities Growing Aged Population Market Potential Emerging Markets New Product Launches Inorganic Growth Strategy Threats Introduction of Innovative Technologies Competitive Environment FIDA Regulations Deficit Reduction Act Increased regulations regarding outsourcing