Business Plan for an Eastern European Juice Beverage (kompot) in the Research Paper

Business Plan for an Eastern European Juice Beverage (kompot) in the US - Research Paper Example American health conscious diets have been on the rise over the past twenty years. IBIS’s healthy eating index projects a 3% from about 66% in 2014 to about 69% in 2019. The healthy eating index is a â€Å"percentage of a recommended diet that an average American consumes. The percentage represents the degree that the average American adheres to the consumption guidelines set out by the US Department of Agriculture that are regularly updated every five years. The last recommended diet was released in 2010.† The current juice market is composed of 57% citrus juice, 5.1% vegetable juices, and 37.9% non-citrus juices. The rising price of citrus fruits has caused health-conscious juice consumers to explore alternative non-citrus juices. Many of these non-citrus juices, focus on decreasing the amount of sugar infused into each serving. Natural fructose is preferred by health-conscious families as opposed to corn syrup or a large quantity of cane sugar. Many of these non-citrus juices are exotic fruit based. Additionally, with the decline of the demand for carbonated drinks, the demand for juices, particularly non-citrus exotic fruit juices will rise. Therefore, if logistics, distribution, and costs are optimal, there may be room for an exotic non-citrus juice. However, the juice industry comes with many difficulties. It is positively correlated with the rise or fall of disposable income. The financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 significantly impacted the buying power of families, therefore decreased their spending on commodities, such as juice. It is unknown when the recession will take place, so it is paramount a new beverage company takes a potentially fatal macroeconomic effect into its planning. FDA regulations have also been stricter in recent years. With the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2011, the government is taking a more preventative stance than a responsive stance on importing food safe to eat. Some produce will be returned to the

Answer the questions of my exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Answer the questions of my exam - Assignment Example The initial step in this process is attaining of required information, which is the work of the brain acting as hardware to input data. To input data, brain ought to recognize it, which is the â€Å"perception† stage, aimed at ascertaining the type of information. Then the brain interprets data based on its intended purpose or goal before producing encoding signal meant to store information short or long-term memory. In the â€Å"Goal† compartment, information is already stored depending on its purpose whereby before proceeding to the â€Å"Intention Formation† stage to receive clear definition of purpose. Mainly, this stage is the initial step of information refining process supposed to ensure the required information goes to the effecting of the set task, which is at â€Å"Action specification† stage. â€Å"Execution† stage is merely humanity’s body that assumes all actions, which the brain has processed and formatted as required with the i ntention of fulfilling a certain purpose. B. How does the concept of "attention" limit our performance when interacting with systems? Attention based on one’s settings varies considerably either by limiting or contributing in augmenting our performances. However, in most cases especially when interacting with systems, attention proves to be a detrimental aspect that degrades the expected performance. This is because of numerous distractions an individual experiences characterizing varied settings one inhabits. Most distractions evidenced that interrupt one’s performance encompass radio’s on going conversation that prompts an individual to have a divided attention and fail in what he or she is doing. Since, while tackling a task and interacting with the system, an individual tends to focus on what the radio programme is trying to communicate to its listeners. Consequently, this reduces one’s attention making them fail to be actively involved in their prese nt task. C. Explain why we need to understand how Human information processing (HIP) works and how psychological models help us to do this? First, is to understand how human mental processes function with the intention of utilizing them effectively in attaining our intended goals. Since, one will be in a position to augment his or her performance by focusing on one aspect at a time compared to when he or she has numerous tasks and is multitasking. It also aids in shunning errors that may lead to poor performances caused by human behaviours, which when one has not studied them is extremely difficult to understand, for instance, skill-based behaviours (over habitual slips). D. Why is this theory different from earlier models/ theories that assume linear processing (e.g MHP)? What does current research say? The current method compares mental processes with that of computer, whereby in each section there are other extremely complex activities. Mainly, these activities or processes condi tion information in such a way to achieve the final intended goal. E. What cognitive strategies do we use that may enhance our performance when interaction with system? The include; Skill-based Rules-based Knowledge-based F. Illustrate the components of HIP systems and explain how they work using the Simplex One model? Information/Words- This represents materials or data which brain attains from the world. Perception- It is an initial step, whereby brain

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors Introduction Ford Motor Company (Ford) is the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, operating in 200 markets across six continents. The brand includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford also sells luxury sport car Aston Martin. The company primarily based in the US and Europe and employs 246,000 people as on Dec 2007. The goal of Ford is to build products that are immensely desirable so that they get profit. They also do this by increasing number of new product from around the world. On 2007 fiscal year, the company recorded $172,455 mill revenue, increase of 7.7% over 2006. But however, the net loss was $2723 mill in 2007, compared to $12,613 mill in 2006, with operating profit of $5631 mill in 2007 as comparison of $8,190 mill in 2006( datamonitor). Macro and Micro Environment Analysis Industry Analysis: Overall the industry is segmented by the type of vehicles; Motorcycles 5.8%, Passengers cars 69.5% and light truck 24.7%. The faces tough competition with Daimler, Chryster AG, Fiat, General Motor, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Suzuki. In which Ford motor company has the market share of 9.4% ( datamonitor, 2009). The industry fluctuated over 2004-2007 affected by global economic downturn and declined in 2008. However, the performance is predicted to accelerate with compound annual growth rate of 4.4% for 5 yr period of 2008-2013 to a value of $1,831 billion by end of 2013. Despite US Govt. providing billions of dollars to Fords rival GM and Chrysler, Ford is OK with the situation. Despite its loss in 2008 and dwindling cash supply, Ford is widely expressed in media as financially stable  [1]  . PEST Analysis: Political: The Company has to go with rules and regulations formulated by the government such as CO2 Tailpipe Regulation. Companies get respect from government for powered IWO wheelers. Ford has to go through the European Union vehicle approval. Economic: Depression hits the Automobile industry. Ford, GM and Chrysler face problem in this situation. Factors such as Central London congestion charge, call to become all gas guzzlers , European union reduced pollution certificate and London low emission zone affect the manufacturing of the Ford cars. Social: There has been growth in road traffic slowing. Society is concerned with more green cars to be sold. Road safety for everyone should be considered by Ford. Technology: New technologies like using bio-fuels and digital radio should be considered. Ford has invested in car safety. Similarly, Ford also invested in CO2 reducing technology. SWOT Analysis: The companys strong brand portfolio gives it a competitive advantage. Strengths: Ford has a strong brand portfolio and engineering capabilities. Ford has wide network of distributors and dealers and high employee productivity. Ford operates in an industry which has customer who highly value brands who believe strong portfolio of established brand gives competitive advantage which helps in brand equity. This helps in launching new product range and penetrating in new automobile markets. Weaknesses: Ford faces continued decline in market share in US from 20.5 % in 2003 to 15.6% in 2007 similarly in UK 19.5% (0.3% down from previous year in 2006). This was due to increased competition, industry moving away from traditionally stronger segment, reduced vehicle sales, daily rental companies, and discontinuation of companys vehicle lines. Likewise Ford got 3 complaints on leaking fuel or oil ignition. Several product recalls inadequate quality assurance and quality control system and declining operating efficiency and weak returns (datamonitor). Opportunities: Ford Company has the opportunity to expand in India and China. Company launches new models often now and then according to the choices of customers. They can produce hybrid vehicles. They face increasing demand of dual fuel vehicle. Threats: The profitability of the business relies on performance of the economy in which the company operates. If EU and US shows economic slowdown continuously the companys business will face negative impact. Similarly, sluggish light vehicle produced in the developed market also acts as a threat. The company also need to consider EU vehicle regulations. Porters Five Forces Analysis: Buyers in the automotive industry are large with significant financial power. Buyers power of dealers is affected by brand strength of top market players. An increase in raw materials costs put pressure in both market players and suppliers. Barriers of government regulations high fixed costs exit barrier puts new entrants into difficulties. Competition arises as a result of economic downturn. Buyer Power: Buyers in this industry have financial strength, if its high, they can make large purchase and put pressure to reduce prices. But Brand strength weakens buyer power. Retailers like distributor have one market player and thus buyer power is reduced. Overall the buyer power is moderate. Supplier Power: Supplier of raw material, assembled and semi assembled, energy like- steel, aluminium. The power of suppliers is strengthened further by the necessities of the automobile industry requirement of raw materials of high quality. Reliance of supplier is minimized by different companies. The power over all is moderate. New Entrants: Small firms are unlikely to enter in this industry which needs intellectual property. Entry is further made difficult by getting distribution channels. Similarly, company has to meet government requirements and invest on continuous development. The threat is moderate. Substitute: Used cars acts as substitutes. However, affordable power diminishes used cars. Awareness of environmental issues and climate change might lead people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The companies are making hybrid( petrol, electric) cars. Overall the threat is weak. Rivalry: Competition in this industry remains fierce, among the top 4 market players 38% of market value. Toyota, GM , Daimler and Ford. High fixed price exit barriers raw materials costs lead to unpredictable production costs and post pressure on market players. Most company produce diverse range of cars .The rivalry is very strong. Marketing strategy option for Ford Motors Social Responsibility and Ethical Marketing Communication: Ford emphasises on being a good corporate citizen, by focusing on the global community by understanding envirionmental issues and investing on people. Similarly, organise programmes to promote tolerance and equal opportunities and support social and environmental protection programmes. In 2006, Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to produce dedicated hydrogen fuel V-10 engines. (datamonitor). Ford introduces new vehicles which offer fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. In Britain, from April 2009, the government encourage the manufacturer to produce cleaner cars, and Ford should adopt the policy and motivate customers to opt for least polluting cats  [2]  . In short- run, they focus on clean diesel engines, hybrids, flexible fuel vehicle ethanol vehicles and turbo charged direct injection Eco Boast- Superior performance, which provide 20 % better fuel economy, 15% fewer CO2 emissions. In the long run Ford has invested in plug in hybrids, fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, advanced technology. Ford believes that these are right and responsible things which would give customers better goods. Target Markets and Segmentations: Ford has broken down its diverse markets into two manageable segments, Financial and Automotive services. Inside these more segments on geographic and organisational structure. Similarly Ford attracts younger demographic. Automotive: Ford segments its customers based on the car types- passenger cars, trucks, buses and vans, sports vehicles, accessories, after sale parts, maintenance and vehicle repair services. This business division consists of design, development, manufacture, sale and service of trucks, cars and service parts. Hence make small, medium, large and premium ranges. This segment is further divided into geographically, Ford North America, Ford South America, Ford Europe, Premier Automotive group, ford Asia Pacific and Africa Mazda. Each has their own manufacturing process, like- Ford North America- design, develop, manufacture and service vehicle ad parts. They have servicing as maintenance and light repair, collision, vehicle accessories and service warranty. Financing Service Segments: These include financing products to and through automotive dealers. Three categories- retail financing, purchase retail instalment sale contracts and retail lease contract from dealers and offering financing to commercial customers. Similarly, they offer loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory. External marketing communication: Ford develops advertising, sales promotion, sponsorship and merchandising programs  [3]  . Fords advertising policy is do best by building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks  [4]  . Ford adopted Bold Moves campaign, a form of transparent marketing( via webisodes , the assessment of past and present performances), emotional appeals (interview with employees) and product oriented work with an emphasis on drivers than steel metal. Ford has done Sync campaigns  [5]  which deals with TV and radio commercials, print and online advertisement, a promotional tone and dealership training which targets Black and Hispanic consumers. Chris Brown appeal young urban consumers. Give radio commercials Online sync with chrisbrown.com- launched Nov 12, 2007. Columbian Rocker Jaunes Multicultural marketing communications Emphasis on digital promotion. Ford adopts mantra of Change or Die which has reached the parent company of its largest advertising agencies  [6]  . The company hires best talented employees, consultants and contract workers, who are devoted to administrative, media and band experience service. Using ad agencies for delivery would promote the most stunning product. Mark Fields, Fords President of America, focus on customers needs and brands. Ford spends $757.5 million to advertising in US media on 2005. Automakers like Ford, GM are the biggest budget cutters in media and advertising. Ford cut their spending on Hispanic media more deeply in fourth quarter which feel 31.2% last year to $46 .7 million, but according to RNS it is still continuing a long tradition as the executive car sponsor for Univision blockbuster Sabado Ginate show. In April 4, in this show the Host Francisco drive the new 2010 ford Fusion to the studio and hosted Ford Fusion game to give away a new car to a winner in the studio audience  [7]  . In UK, Ford sponsors events like UEFA champions- football tournaments and charities. They sponsor various events and organisations from family fantasy, Disneyland Paris to 60 year old musical and military prowess, the Edinbrugh Tattoo. The sponsorship focus on all the target markets form children to elderly, which shows that company is building image in the community as a form of goodwill for the company itself. Recently Ford Company launched Ford Focus, the commercial is beautifully made. The Ford Focus Orchestra- in which musicians are shown playing the instrument made from the real car parts. The main aim of this advertisement is to show customers that all the car parts are important and has best quality. The journey made with this car would never make you feel long with the experience of comfort cabin with striking exterior and improved technology. Primary Survey Analysis: Customers: As research done on the customers of Ford Cars, most customers are influenced by friends and family. They are likely to buy cars which are recommended by peers. Thus company can focus on giving best service and product to all target customers and also positive word of mouth communication (message is transmitted from the sender to many receivers, Pickton and Broderik). Similarly, customers look after the style and comfort of the cars, like size- 4 wheelers, small for single individual. What they look for is the use of cars like vans, trucks and their storage, capacity, fuel, engine, warranty. So, what Ford needs to understand is the needs and wants of the customers. Likewise, customers are influenced by the advertisement in the cars and magazines. Advertisements which use celebrities are likely to influence more customers. Ford uses cars in James Bond movies, science fiction drama Fringe  [8]  . Ford can adopt celebrity endorsement, using celebrity as a spokes person for project (Pickton and Broderick). Customers are also influenced by the established brand name. They look after the brand loyalty and its strength in the market (Allan K). Sales person influence the most when customers visit showrooms, the form of direct marketing- persuading and informing customers at the spot. Therefore, Ford can invest in best customer service personnel and give training to employees. Recommendations Klara Roberts argues that even though all the promotional activities Ford have done so far, will not help sales grow  [9]  . There are more marketing communications mix (internet advertising, direct marketing and e- commerce, sales promotions, sponsorship etc.) to be adopted to communicate directly with target markets (Seminik R. J.). Managing Corporate Identity: Ford can maintain the image of being dynamic, goal- orientated, attention-getting, active and pioneering .According to the Chris Fill, 2002, Ford has many stakeholders and small corporate gap and hence can adopt incremental process in maintaining this gap. Similarly, Ford should try to be a good corporate citizen, by managing corporate identity among various stakeholders, like- employees, local community and government. All the promotional and marketing activities done by the companies are based on maintaining corporate image. Push Promotional Strategy: Ford can adopt this strategy, a form of promotional effort by the manufacturer or suppliers to encourage trade channel members to promote and sell their products (Pickton and Broderick). Sales forces, internal part of communication, can be targeted as the main form of push strategy. Pull Promotional Strategy: Ford can also adopt pull strategy, a form of promotional effort to end customers and consumers to demand more by adding benefits and other activities (Pickton and Broderick). Such as discount promotion- a process of discounting the price for the product so that customers are encouraged to buy however this involves financial aspects (Hans and Duncan) . Similarly, they can improve on their weaknesses to minimize product recall and improve product efficiency which adds benefits. Relationship Marketing: Ford can put its emphasis on relationship marketing, between various stakeholders. They can focus on delivering more to the target customers by being more specific. As researched on the consumers, they are affected by the positive word of mouth marketing. Ford should focus on customer relationship management (positive communication and long term customer relationship management, Hans and Duncan). Even though they give services like financing, service and maintenance, they can add more features like style and safety. Brand Strategy: Most customers considers brand before making purchase decision. What Ford can invest in establish long term brand image by using more of communications mix which are explained further. This will help as a source of competitive advantage and create entry barrier. Brand strategy helps in improving the product by introducing innovative technology (Semenik). Similarly, Ford can also look for brand future, by adjusting in future changes in legislation, technology consumer patterns (Pickton and Broderick). Business 2 Business Marketing: This form of marketing acts as a lead generator, brand awareness and relationship development. If Ford fails to recognize the trade customers, they looses the first line customers. The agencies should change their cultures break down barriers and generate new marketing initiatives and creative ad content. Promotional Mix/ Intergrating Marketing Communication Mix: Analysing Ford Company, we can see that they have adopted various forms of promotional mix such as advertising, sponsorship. However, they can invest more on these factors and decide on what to adopt ( Kotler and Keller). Advertising Expenditure: Ford can also expend on intermedia (options for deciding media such as cinema, TV, press posters, magazines etc). Ford can target TV commercials (Ford Orchestra) as lots of people see TV everyday during free period. Buying a car is high involvement product where more risk is involved in buying decision (Hierarchy of Effects Model). People look for the best advertisement and are influenced by the positive aspects of commercials. Thus Ford could be more focused on creative advertising procedures. Public Relations: Ford can make an effort in this field by having sound relations with employees during the time of redundancy and closure, which is happening at the current economic downturn. Similarly, Ford can invest in ethical marketing, doing best for the public, like donations, conserving environment. All these helps in dealing with the negative publicity and crisis management and develop to make the corporate image (Pickton and Broderick) and helps brand signatures( Kotler and Keller). Internet Advertising: In Sept. 2008, Google was criticised for charging companies like Ford, for their share of profit in return of internet advertising  [10]  . There are various negative consequences that are faced by company in internet advertising such as fraud and scam. However, Ford can invest in internet advertising through websites which acts as an agent for the car companies. Personal Selling and Sales Management: As a research done on the customers, they are influenced by the presentation of customer service advisors. Similarly, the role of distributor is very important as they act as the main source to deal with the sales and marketing effort (Pickton and Broderick). Future Marketing communications: The form of media is always changing. The generation of use of media depends on the innovation and technology ( Broderick and Pickton). Firstly, there was a use of newspapers, then radio, television and internet. Future is based on the electronic marketing, known as ecommerce. Ford needs to go along with the change in media adaptation by the consumer and thus invest in communication via such medium.

Essay --

Can political parties adequately perform their functions within the British political system now that their memberships are so small? Within the British political system, there are three dominant political parties, Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. These political parties have become a vital part in carrying out the main functions of government. There are several factors, which can hinder political parties from performing their functions adequately. In this essay I will be focusing on the recent decline in party membership and the effects it has had on each of the functions. I will be discussing why they don’t perform their functions as well because the decline in party membership (finish this off) The division created between Britain’s major political parties and the electorate in recent years has been enormous. An indication of this is seen at the turn out of elections. In ‘2005, only 61.5% of voters cast their votes. This was the second worst turn out since 1918.’ People don’t associate themselves with political parties as much as they used to a few years ago. It seems as though the decline in turnout is due political parties themselves. Citizens should be encouraged by parties to get involved with politics. There are other factors, which initiate people to vote such as the sociological characters; class, religion and gender. However, it should be the parties that should address these issues in the first place. If particular political parties speak of an issue, which reflects the ideology of many, people are more likely interested and are more likely to participate and vote. However, because voters look at the ideologies of parties and if parties do not represent their ideologies, they are likely not to vote. Thi... ...r peers. You have a prime minister who gets to appoint bishops of a creed he does not believe in or even respect. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, whatever conditions kept the U.K. floating no longer exist. Quite why a priest should think that declining political party memberships is a bad thing though I have no idea. I suppose being a U.K. resident, there is confusion in thinking that the state and the Church have the same ends. If anything we should be happy that people - freed from party affiliation - will be more eager to the Gospel of the Church. Sadly, however, decreased party affiliation has come with an all-encompassing state, and it's hard to see how we'll penetrate the wall of misinformation that all 3 major parties have managed to create through control of the school system, public broadcasters, and a multitude of publicly-funded lobbying groups.

Concept Analysis of Pain

Concept Analysis of Pain Kwanei Holloway Austin Peay State University Abstract Pain has always been a major factor in healthcare. This paper will describe pain as it relates to nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. All of the information gathered is analyzed in reference to how pain relates to hospital stay, rehabilitation, and prevention. I will ultimately give an overall picture of the importance of pain and how it relates to nursing as well as other disciplines. Introduction This paper is a concept analysis of what is known as the fifth vital sign PAIN.As stated by Hsiao, Wu, & Chen (2013), Nursing staff are the major group of healthcare professionals who perform crucial functions in delivering nursing care to inpatients. I will attempt to describe pain as it relates to nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. When selecting a concept, I began by thinking what is an important factor in the nursing field and could be analyzed in more detail. Pain is a factor that is thought of d ifferently by many. It is a very subjective factor and that applies to the patients, physicians, and nurses.Yes, it is the patient that feels the pain but it is the physician who writes the orders and the nurse who transcribes it. I then figured that this area of nursing practice would be a great concept to analyze. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen or chest or you may feel pain all over, such as when your muscles ache from the flu. Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem.Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Once you take care of the problem, pain usually goes away. However, sometimes pain goes on for weeks, months or even years. This is called chronic pain. Sometimes chronic pain is due to an ongoing cause, such as canc er or arthritis (â€Å"Pain†). In the nursing field as well as any other areas of healthcare, pain is a vital factor when dealing with the delivery of care. It is the responsibility of he physician to ensure relief from pain by writing the orders, it is the responsibility of the nurse to carry out the orders and give the pain medication, and in the area of physical therapy it is their responsibility to ensure that the patient is medicated to retrieve the best results while in therapy. Purpose and Method The purposes are to define what pain is considered to be in relationship to the patient, nurse, physician, and physical therapist. It is also, to find out the subjectiveness of the fifth vital sign and to explore pain as it relates to hospitalization.Walker & Avant (2005) guided this concept analysis study. Pain in Nursing Almost 35 million patients were discharged from U. S. hospitals in 2004; of these patients, 46 percent had a surgical procedure and 16 percent had one or mo re diagnostic procedures. Pain is common, and expected, after surgery. Recent data suggest 80 percent of patients experience pain postoperatively with between 11 and 20 percent experiencing severe pain, (Wells, Pasero, & Mcraffery, 2008).There are many contributing factors as pain relates to nursing. Pain is the main factor that contributes to a person deciding to seek medical attention. It is very important to include this as a part of an assessment because it can affect so many other things. It can cause a blood pressure to be elevated, it can increase a blood glucose, and can cause an overall disturbance in the patients’ hospital stay or ADL’s. In nursing our aim is to provide comfort and surrccome to the patients’ needs as a part of their overall care plan.As stated by Wells, Pasero, & Mcraffery, 2008, inadequately managed pain can lead to adverse physical and psychological patient outcomes for individual patients and their families. Continuous, unrelieved p ain activates the pituitary-adrenal axis, which can suppress the immune system and result in postsurgical infection and poor wound healing. Pain in Medicine Medical professionals have a big impact on pain as it relates to healthcare. Physicians have to generate a care plan that will ultimately be in the favor of the patient as far as relieving the pain in the most appropriate way.This is achieved by not altering consciousness, normal ADL’s, and in the correct combination with other medications. The board strongly urges physicians and surgeons to view effective pain management as a high priority in all patients, including children, the elderly, and patients who are terminally ill. Pain should be assessed and treated promptly, effectively and for as long as pain persists. The medical management of pain should be based on up-to-date knowledge about pain, pain assessment and pain treatment (â€Å"Guidelines for prescribing,† 2007).Nociception is the term used to describe t he neural processes by which a noxious substance or a tissue damaging event such as surgical incision is perceived as pain (Fig 1). This is described in four stages, transduction, transmission, perception and modulation. Nociception involves a complex interaction between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) as well as an evaluation of patients’ pre and post-operative psychological and environmental influences (Wood, 2010). Pain in Physical TherapyDue to factors such as surgery, stroke, or basic deconditioning there is a need for rehabilitation. Physical Therapist play an essential role in the patients’ road to recovery. A patient-centered rehabilitative approach that emphasizes restoration of normal movement and function incorporates physical therapy as a vital component of the collaborative approach required for effective pain management (â€Å"Physical therapy for,† 1998). Overall therapy is lessened with pain. Patients move slo wer and are less involved with therapy if pain is present.Therapy is put into place to get those muscles moving and to later decrease pain as it relates to contributing factors. These factors may include surgeries (hip or knee replacements), amputations (AKA, BKA, Metatarsal, and digital), and weakness (from CVA, CABG, and decrease movements). Patients with pain perceive an equivalent level of exertion at a significantly lower level of performance, a finding accounted for by both central (cardiorespiratory) and peripheral (muscle strength and recruitment) factors.Inactivity also deprives bones, joint cartilage, and connective tissue of the mechanical stress necessary to maintain tensile and compressive strength and elasticity. Evidence is building that motor control and proprioceptive efficiency are altered, balance is compromised, and reaction times are slower in persons who are unfit or have pain (â€Å"Physical therapy for†, 1998). Essential/Critical AttributesAccording to Cheng, Foster & Huang, (2003) the critical attributes of pain include: (a) unpleasant and distressful experiences originating from physical sensation and having both positive and negative meanings for an individual; (b) an individual human experience; (c) a state of feeling in both sensation and emotion (verbal), and behavioral components; (d) physical and psychological responses to the stimulus; (e) function of pain, including protective and warning signs; (f) pain responses are learned and influenced by personality, environment, emotions, social and culture. Model Case Mrs.K is a 37 year old female with recent diagnosis of breast cancer. She has recently undergone a mastectomy and is now in the hospital for recovery. Upon the nurses’ hourly rounds she discovered Mrs. K crying, when asked what the nurse could do to help she stated that â€Å"I am in pain and can’t believe that I only have one breast now, I’m ugly and would have never thought it would hurt thi s bad†. The nurse consoled her and brought pain meds. When returning the patient thanked the nurse for the talk and she stated that the pain had eased and she always thought she would have breast cancer due to both her mom and grandmother having it.Related Case Mrs. T is a 35 year old female with breast soreness and discharge. She was found to only have fibroid tissue and nothing metastatic in her breast, but due to family history she elected to have bilateral mastectomies. She was ordered a PCA pump due to hourly pain calls and when the nurse entered the room she was crying c/o continuous pain. She states â€Å"I can’t take this pain and I hate I did this†. The nurse took time to talk with the patient and informed the physician of her crying and got new orders.During the nurses hourly rounds she found her sitting up on the phone and she explained to the nurse that she feels better and glad that she had the surgery because she did not want to go through what her mother and grandmother went through with breast cancer. Contrary Case Mr. M is a 45 year old that had a motor vehicle accident when he was 20 and is now going from hospital to hospital to try to get IV pain medication. He complains of back pain but x-ray results does not show any back issues but due to out of control behavior he is admitted and given pain medication. He refuses all by mouth pain meds and demands IV meds.He does not show any signs of pain when assessed and all staff believes him to be addicted to pain medication. A psych consult is ordered. This patient is not in true pain but has psychiatric issues. Antecedents and Consequences For this particular concept the antecedents and consequences would be all interrelated due to the fact that in nursing, medicine, and physical therapy the same factors apply for pain. Environmental, personal and cultural values act as antecedents related to the concept of pain. The consequences of pain are related to pain reaction and the ind ividual's own interpretation of the meaning of pain.Pain reaction has a more physical and biological focus; coping with pain refers to the perception of pain and is psychologically focused (Cheng, Foster ; Huang, 2003). When thinking of environmental, personal, and cultural values you begin to think of things such as the patients comorbidities, what the patient perceives as pain, and in their culture how is pain thought of. In many cultures it may be thought of that you must tolerate pain as long as you can while in other cultures their pain threshold is low so any uncomfortable feeling renders a pain medication.Consequences ultimately come from the patient themselves, what is perceived as pain and their history of pain. For example, a patient that has had a laminectomy may think because the pain was horrific the first time that it will be the same the next time, expecting the same relief factors even if the pain is not the same. Empirical Referents Empirical Referents are stated as what it used to measure the concept. Pain is very subjective and they have yet to invent an objective test that will give you the accuracy of some ones pain. They are measured by a scaling system.Most scales make pain measurable, and can tell providers whether your pain is mild, moderate or severe. They can also set baselines and trends for your pain, making it easier to find appropriate treatments. This includes the Numerical Rating scale asking for a pain rating on a scale of 1-10, the Wong-Baker scale which will include facial expressions to emphasize pain, or the Verbal-rating scale and in this scale the patient must complete a questionnaire to describe their pain in more detail (Jacques, 2010). Implications in Nursing In nursing pain is a major factor in treating the patient as it relates to the overall hospitalization.How are we able to get the blood pressure down if the patient is in constant pain? or how can I discharge a patient when they are in a lot of pain? Implications in nursing goes for all aspects of nursing from skin integrity to normal ADL’s. A patient may not turn as they should because they are in the fetal position due to pain which could cause skin issues or pain will cause them not to take a bath as usual. Pain can even cause depression as it decreases normal functioning. This concept is very important in the nursing field and should be treated and assessed appropriately.Conclusion In conclusion I chose to analyze pain as it relates to nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. It is a major factor in that it is related to all aspects of care that is received by these disciplines. Pain is the main contributing factor that causes someone to seek medical attention. Without pain we could have serious issues being that we would not know when were sick, burned, or injured. Pain is very important in healthcare and applies to nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. References Desai, G. , ; Chaturvedi, S. (2012). Pain with no cause! urses ' perception. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 18(3), 162. Retrieved from http://www. medknow. com Hsiao, J. L. , Wu, W. C. , & Chen , R. F. (2013). Factors of accepting pain management decision support systems by nurse anesthetists. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 13, 16. Retrieved from http://www. biomedcentral. com/bmcmedinformdecismak/ (n. d. ). Pain. Med Plus Trusted Information for You, Retrieved from http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/pain. html Walker, L. & Avant, K. (2005). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (4th ed. ).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Wells, N. , Pasero, C. , & McCaffery, M. (2008). Improving the quality of care through pain assessment and management. Patient Safety and Quality: An evidence based handbook for nursing, Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/books/NBK2658/ (2007). Guidelines for prescribing controlled substances for pain. Medical Board of California, Retrieved from http://www. mbc. ca. gov/pain_guidelines. html Wood, S. (2010). Post operative pain 1: Understanding the factors affecting patients’ experiences of pain. Retrieved from http://www. nursingtimes. et/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/pain-management/post-operative-pain-1-understanding-the-factors-affecting-patients-experiences-of-pain/5021696. article (1998). Physical therapy for chronic pain. 6(3), Retrieved from www. iasp-pain. org/AM/TemplateRedirect. cfm? template=/CM/†¦ Cheng, S. , Foster, R. , & Huang, C. (2003). Concept analysis of pain. Retrieved from www. tzuchi. com. tw/file/DivIntro/nursing/content/92-3/3. Jacques, E. (2010). Using pain scales to effectively communicate pain intensity. Can you rate your pain? , Retrieved from http://pain. about. com/od/testingdiagnosis/a/pain_scales. htm

Qualities of a Friend

Everyday we meet people. Many of them become instant acquaintances and most acquaintances bloom into friendship. Often this transition period occurs gradually. Friends come into ours lives and go. Few stay a while longer and fewer still leave footprints in our hearts and the sands of time. Who is a friend and what are the qualities a friend should possess? The definition of a friend and friendship varies with each individual. For me, a good friend is someone who understands me, accepts me for what I am and at the same time inspires me to do the best. At a personal level, a true friend should not give up on me, should always forgive my mistakes and never judge me by actions as sometimes my actions may be rash and inconsiderate. We live in a very competitive world. Most of us are caught up in the rat race of paper chase, mounting work pressure and demanding family commitments take a toll on our time and energy. Consequently most of us experience mood swings due to high expectations placed upon us. It is during times like these, when we are burdened with responsibilities and life seems to be an endless uphill struggle, that we seek the comforting words of a friend; a friend who urges you to pick up the pieces and move on. A good friend is always there to lend a helping hand or to lend us a shoulder to cry on. At the same time, a friend should be trustworthy and loyal. When friends trust us with secrets, we should never betray their confidence. No one can confide in someone whom he cannot trust to keep his secrets. True friendship is demanding. It requires loyalty, trust, empathy, support and understanding. However, one should never expect such virtues in a friend unless he is willing to offer these virtues in return. In other words, one must be a friend to have a friend. It may be impossible to find all these virtues in a single friend. However, should I come across such a friend; I shall treasure our friendship for life. As I reminisce about the good times I have shared with the best of my friends, the words of William Shakespeare keeps ringing in my ears. â€Å"The friends thou has, and their adoption tired, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel. † Yes, friendship that has stood the test of time should be most revered and happy is the man who is blessed with such a friend.