International Development Sector

General Overview General description of the sector International development which is also referred to as Global development is defined as a concept that provides states with an opportunity to develop itself positively and thus achieve better quality life for its citizenry.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Development Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Generally, this is a concept that defines the process of human development which was developed during the industrialization period in the 19th century, a time during which the world poverty rate was very high resulting in many people living below the world poverty line. Global poverty continues to be a tremendous problem today even as hundreds of billions of dollars from international development assistance trickles in. International Development concept was developed as a means of alleviating poverty with the aim of improving the lifestyle of peop le living in the third world countries. It is a concept that involves provision of foreign aid for healthcare, education, infrastructure, economics, and initiating relevance to gender equality, disaster preparedness and issues dealing with human rights and other related issues. Scope of sector activities According to Scott (156) â€Å"international development projects may consist of a single, renovation projects that are used to address a specific problem or a great number of projects targeted at several facets of the society. Development involves reducing deprivation or broadening choice. Since its implementation, the sector has been used to shape up the society in terms of coming up with new changes in policy and framework for both economic and political sectors. Before, the colonial societies were the ideological bases for development commonly known as foreign policy. By early 20th century, the idea of development resurfaced and that is where the name international development was born. At that time the world was in dire need of peace and reconciliation which was driven by the efforts of the industrialized countries in the West hence, industrial development set its priorities to support those countries that were in need of assistance in their development efforts that is why the international development industry helps through fostering supportive measures to ensure that these countries will come to realize their goals. The main aim of international development is to provide long term solutions to problems concerning development in various countries. Main operating focus This industry’s main goal is to provide the essential facilities needed to provide sustainable and practical solutions concerning developmental problems. International development comes up with developmental projects that are able to be carried on indefinitely without the need of international help either financially or in any other way.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, International development mainly focuses on the one goal that seems to be a problem in the third world countries like those in Africa, this is poverty, their main duty is to ensure that the poverty eradication measures are put in place in the respective countries both at individual and societal level in order to make sure that they are on a path that gives them an opportunity for sustainable growth and development and also provide these countries with an opportunity to participate in the world’s economic and political fields. The projects that the industry is concerned with are based on the determination of the people in third world countries especially countries in Africa to free themselves and their continent from apprehension of under development and segregation by participating in a globalizing world. General economic employment impact Alleviating poverty and ensur ing that a country is attaining a positive mark in guaranteeing that there is sustainable growth in their countries, development must involve economic and social policies in many fronts which they pose as a challenge. For example, over the last decades, the Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) income growth has hardly kept pace with the growth in population. In the 1970s, the sub Sahara region was able to record a moderate increase growth per capita income which remained below 2.5% per annum both in the 1980s and 1990s.This mark on the other hand improved after the millennium but is still below 10%. Even though there are efforts to ensure speedy recovery, it has been proved that most projects are short lived and long term growth developments are below the levels required to meet poverty alleviation targets. Development impacts are also slow in SSA due to immense changes in income distribution for example, the poorest populations experience steep declines in their per capita incomes than the econ omy as a whole. Adjustment policies that include trade and financial liberalization, privatization and retrenchment of public sector have played a very significant role in increasing the middle class who have become a prominent feature of income distribution in many developing countries. The international development industry provides policies that are meant to reduce poverty leading to rapid and sustained growth and job creation opportunities (Obioma 78). It is valuable to take note that the economic growth of a country may not automatically trickle down to the poor and that’s exactly why the international development industry emphasizes on helping the developing countries in coming up with policies that make it easy for the poor to access vital support structures such as human, physical and financial assets’ to improve their earning capacity hence this is why particular attention is paid to public provision of education and health services (Scott 98).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on International Development Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Structure of the Sector (industry): Who are the major players (stakeholders?) The structure of the international development sector is defined by the specific member organizations policies. Although this is the case, the concerned governments and private sectors are encouraged to partner together to speed up development in Africa. Nevertheless, focus on International development sector as a dependent industry begun just recently. Most of the international development projects are funded by Westernized countries (developed countries) whereby these countries help to contribute in a number of ways for example, churning out a lot of plans and programmes which are used to accomplish development plans that will improve the quality of life of people. The main players in this industry are: International and regional organizations Inte rnational institutes like United Nations (UN), The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are among the organization which provide humanitarian and development assistance to the third world countries. Some of the development projects are also funded by regional banks. Unilateral assistance â€Å"Both the unilateral and multilateral assistance can be channeled to a country through a countries own foreign aid and developmental agencies. Foreign policy may be attained by having a sense of moral obligation† (McMichael, 145). Non- governmental organizations (NGOs) Several nongovernmental organizations are known to steer up developmental projects especially by providing humanitarian needs directly or even through collaborating with the U.N. agencies. Their participation in development process is seen as advantageous as compared to the international organizations participation since they are not limited to any political constraints and for this reason their diversity a nd liberty permits them to work even in very intricate places. NGOs function at all levels, grass-roots, national, regional and international levels. Many carry out high-impact, high-resource projects and work in the fields of health, refugees, environment, human rights, education, and other key aspects of international development. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant role in calling for a sustainable growth in the global arena. Campaigning groups have also been key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations, ranging from the regulation of waste materials which are hazardous to a global ban on land mines and the elimination of slavery.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Military The military’s main role is to ensure that the environments in which relief agencies are operating on are safe. There are a few instances during which the military may provide aid directly especially during those times when international organizations and the non- governmental organizations find themselves overstretched and are unable to provide adequate aid due to matters concerning security. Obioma 56) notes â€Å"the military may be capable of providing managements efforts and organize the general humanitarian response and also have the capability of dealing with demanding needs both technical and physical like reinstating communication channels and delivery routes.† The military’s aim is also able to maintain internal security and protect citizens and their property in addition to its purpose of defending the country against invasion by any foreign force. Therefore, its major task is to ensure that there is total peace among the people. In addition to their basic military roles, the armed forces also participate in a variety of civic action programs designed to support the country’s development efforts. The International Dimension How global are sector activities Globalization requires states reinforcing capacity. A state that opens up its economy is going to bring in costs and benefits. Focus on compensating losses from globalization and technological change depends on how effective a state is in terms of its economic growth (McMichael, 29). Development strategies such as reforming of public services will give states a better opportunity to benefit from globalization. Since 1980s, a number of developmental programmes were put in place in an effort to establish foundations for structural transformation and integration of African countries into the global world (Obioma 96).For instance in 1980; African leaders adopted the Lagos Plan of Action for Economic Development of Africa. The main aim of adopting the plan was so th at African states could restructure their economies basing it on the principle of self reliance and self- sustaining development. In 1990, United Nations adopted the United Nations Plan of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development (UN-PAAERD) which was adopted with the aim of establishing foundations for structural transformation, increase in productivity and improvement of African economies. International distribution of competition Competition is central in the operation of markets as it fosters innovation, productivity and growth which help in creation of wealth and reduction of poverty rates. It is however a challenge to identify where competition is weak and how to promote more efficient business rivalry that would promote trade and industry expansion and also decrease poverty. International development is a nonprofit sector that is usually associated with national societies that comprises of organizations and associations which lie between states and markets (Escoba r, 85). These are organizations that are not associated with any kinds of business or political realms therefore, this are sectors that operate outside the global economy and they help policy makers in developing countries identify these competitions. â€Å"International markets are dominated by big businesses that have close ties with governments and the more effective competition is, the more chances a government is able to reduce issues of corruption creating more room for development goals to be achieved†(Escobar,63). Related Sector Employment and Careers: Industrial development sector has very limited information as it is an industry for this reason; the employment numbers are difficult to estimate because of lack of proper definition as to which organizations are involved in the international development sector. Most of the African states have an official non-governmental sector but many of them do not focus on international development as many work relatively on issues that are domestic (McMichael 59). Distribution of occupations (entry level, mid-career, top management) To gain access to this particular industry, it needs an individual who has high level of expertise in that particular field. Since most of the positions available are attached to government donor agencies like World Bank, U.N. agencies U.S International Development agencies among others, there are tight restrictions on the qualification for each particular individual. Fields that require technical experts, project managers and researchers are the main broad categories that account for the entry level, mid level or senior level or executive positions for an individual. International development provides a person with various opportunities in various international development positions but only specific blending of certain qualities will entitle one to have an opportunity to work in this industry. Having clear understanding of each type of job and considering relevance of the contr ibutions made by the positions will significantly be a helpful factor in ones career growth in international development (Escobar 143). Key education and resource skills needed to succeed Today there are a number of universities that are providing undergraduate courses in international development. These courses provide the students with an opportunity to have common knowledge in a specific practice area hence therefore, what they learn in these institutions eventually contributes’ towards the progression of sustaining the foundations of the industry. Within the development industry, there are various specializations which emphasizes on different specific core skills since there are several positions available in this industry which includes; business development, research evaluation, project management among other administrative functions all that deal with development organizations. Basic Skills needed include computer applications, knowledge in media, statistics administra tion and management although it will depend on the position (Devex, np). Main certifications, best strategies for entry into the sector Due to the rapid changes that keep occurring in the industry, an individual who is considering working in this sector has to his/her best possess suitable skills and qualification (Devex, np). One way of achieving this is through ensuring that one is critically aware of the latest sectors that are gaining prominence, ensure that one is aware of the funding trends and is in constant check of the activities of the worlds’ leading international and non-governmental organizations. Besides the above strategies an individual is also expected to possess certificates that indicate that he/she is suitable for the position depending on what one has studied in high levels of academic institutions not excluding the period of experience. Works Cited Devex. â€Å"International Development job and consulting opportunities.† Devex. 2011. Web. Escobar , Andrew. Encountering development: the making and unmaking of the third world. Princeton university press: Princeton, 1995.Print McMichael, Philip. Development and social change: a global perspective 3rd ed. California: Pines Forge Press, 2003. Print Obioma, Iheduru. Contending issues in African development: advances, challenges, and the future. Greenwood Vlg: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001. Print Scott Straus. Africa’s stalled development: international causes and cures. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003. Print. This essay on International Development Sector was written and submitted by user C1ndy to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Kiss Anyone, Just Not the Gunners Daughter

Kiss Anyone, Just Not the Gunners Daughter Kiss Anyone, Just Not the Gunners Daughter Kiss Anyone, Just Not the Gunners Daughter By Kate Evans A kiss is just a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one. Unknown Kissing is a very ancient and widely spread means of greeting and showing affection. Kissing conjures up sweet images of romantic embraces or familial love. One imagines kissing a loved one, a child, a family member. Yet apparently, according to these often forgotten, helpful phrases, kissing a book, some dust, or even the foot of a small woodland creature can have a much deeper meaning. For example, a kiss-behind-the-garden-gate is a country name for a pansy. If you kiss the place to make it well, you are referring to the old custom of sucking the poison out of a wound. If you are kissing the dust, you are completely overwhelmed or humiliated. While kissing hands seems fairly straight forward, it harkens back to the tradition of kissing the hand of a sovereign or a saints statue. If the statue was placed too high to kiss directly, people would kiss their own hands and wave it in towards the saint. On a less romantic note, kissing the gunners daughter meant being flogged aboard a ship. Soldiers who were to be flogged were tied to the cannons breech. While there is perhaps less flogging going on these days, the phrase can still refer to a stiff punishment. And finally, if you kiss a hares foot then you are late. You have missed your appointment and the hare hopped by, leaving its footprint for you to see. While one should perhaps steer away from getting flogged, these other colloquialisms might just come in handy. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Writing a Reference Letter (With Examples)8 Proofreading Tips And Techniques20 Ways to Cry

Definition and Examples of Hasty Generalizations

Definition and Examples of Hasty Generalizations A hasty generalization is a  fallacy in which a conclusion is not logically justified by sufficient or unbiased evidence. Its also called an  insufficient sample, a converse accident, a faulty generalization, a biased generalization, jumping to a conclusion,  secundum quid, and a  neglect of qualifications. Author Robert B. Parker illustrates the concept via an excerpt from his novel Sixkill: It was a rainy day in Harvard Square, so the foot traffic through the atrium from Mass Ave to Mount Auburn Street was heavier than it might have been if the sun were out. A lot of people were carrying umbrellas, which most of them furled inside. I had always thought that Cambridge, in the vicinity of Harvard, might have had the most umbrellas per capita of any place in the world. People used them when it snowed. In my childhood, in Laramie, Wyoming, we used to think people who carried umbrellas were sissies. It was almost certainly a  hasty generalization, but I had never encountered a hard  argument  against it. (Sixkill. Putnam, 2011) A Too-Small Sample Size By definition, an  argument  based on a hasty generalization always proceeds from the particular to the general. It takes a small sample and tries to extrapolate an idea about that sample and apply it to a larger population, and it doesnt work.  T. Edward Damer explains: It is not uncommon for an arguer to draw a conclusion or generalization based on only a few instances of a phenomenon. In fact, a generalization is often drawn from a single piece of supporting data, an act that might be described as committing  the fallacy of the lonely fact....Some areas of inquiry have quite sophisticated guidelines for determining the sufficiency of a sample, such as in voter preference samples or television viewing samples. In many areas, however, there are no such guidelines to assist us in determining what would be sufficient grounds for the truth of a particular conclusion. (Attacking Faulty Reasoning, 4th ed. Wadsworth, 2001) Generalizations as a whole, hasty or not, are problematic at best, anyway, though a large sample size wont always get you off the hook. The sample that one wants to generalize needs to be representative of the population as a whole, and it should be random. For  example, the polls  prior to the 2016  presidential election missed segments of the population who would come out to vote for Donald Trump and thus underestimated his supporters and their potential impact on the election. Polls knew the race would be close, but by not having a representative sample to generalize the outcome, the polls got it wrong.   Ethical Ramifications Stereotypes come about from trying to make generalizations about people or groups of them. Doing it is at best a minefield and at worst, has ethical considerations. Julia T. Wood explains: A hasty generalization is a broad claim based on too-limited evidence. It is unethical to assert a broad claim when you have only anecdotal or isolated evidence or instances. Consider two examples of hasty generalizations based on inadequate data:- Three congressional representatives have had affairs. Therefore, members of Congress are adulterers.- An environmental group illegally blocked loggers and workers at a nuclear plant. Therefore, environmentalists are radicals who take the law into their own hands.In each case, the conclusion is based on limited evidence. In each case the conclusion is hasty and fallacious. (Communication in Our Lives, 6th ed. Wadsworth, 2012) Critical Thinking Is Key Overall, to avoid making, spreading, or believing hasty generalizations, take a step back, analyze the opinion, and consider the source. If a statement comes from a biased source, then the point of view behind it needs to highlight your understanding of the stated opinion, as it gives it context. Look for evidence, both supporting and opposing a statement, to find the truth, because, as the adage says, there are two sides to every story, and the truth often lies somewhere in the middle.

Labor market discrimination Gender and Racial based Essay

Labor market discrimination Gender and Racial based - Essay Example Discrimination refers to distinction, restriction, differential treatment or exclusion which makes a person or a group in position of disadvantage when compared to others who are in similar circumstances or situations. Discrimination is part and parcel of social life and it is impossible to find any aspect of social life without discrimination. There are several types of discrimination and these include race, religion, age, ethnicity, gender, sex, language and disability (United Nations Economic and Social Council, 2009).. Basically, discrimination manifests itself through prejudices advanced against or in favor of another person, depending on the reasons stated above. The occurrence of prejudice normally refers to rejection of a person because the person belongs to discriminated group. Discrimination is also a matter of attitude among those who either practice it or become a victim to it. Since discrimination is something that is highly dependent on one’s attitude, it ought t o be considered in terms of both the one who is discriminated against and the one who is doing the discrimination. Though different types of discrimination exist all over the world with differences in intensity and magnitude, racial and gender discriminations are more widely and universally present. Racial discrimination refers to the difference shown to individuals on the basis of real and perceived racial difference while gender discrimination is due to difference in the sex. This difference is because of the assigned gender roles, prejudices and social construction. Review of literature on prevalence, causes and effects of gender and racial discrimination in the labor market are discussed in the following sections. ... ial and gender intolerance appears to be every bit of the societies and hence, it is interesting to review the causes and effects of these discriminations on labor market based on the earlier studies. Review of literature on prevalence, causes and effects of gender and racial discrimination in the labor market are discussed in the following sections. Prevalence of Racial and Gender based Discrimination in the Labor Market Large number of studies reveals that there is intensive racial discrimination in the US labor market. This kind of discrimination is essentially occurs through allocation of disadvanges and privileges depending on the color of one’s skin, or in other words, it is called as ‘colorism’(Hersch 2008). Racial discrimination is found across the job market, both in the industries; field as well as in the domestic chores. According to Ingram (2008), racial discrimination also manifests itself in the labor market through house hold chores. He argues that the time spent for attending the household chores should be considered as labor hours. He also presents evidence to the effect that US Blacks as well as non-white couples (heterosexual) tend to be discriminated against by being given extra workload in the house. The study is the evidence of pre-labor market discrimination as the labor for household chores is more discussed in it. As with racial discrimination in the market, there are a quite a number of empirical studies which shows the existence and effects of gender based discrimination in the labor market. Gender based discrimination is predominant in the domestic labor market with women normally working overtime and extra hours (Banton, 1998). Studies have also attempted to identify forms in which discrimination occurs. Along to Banton (1998), gender

In light of the fact that tourism is one of the most important service Essay

In light of the fact that tourism is one of the most important service sectors of global economy, debate the current issues that need to be incorporated into the tourism planning process - Essay Example (WTO(a), 2001). A standout amongst the most urgent parts of universal tourism is the cross-fringe development of purchasers. (WTO(a), 2001). This grants even untalented specialists in remote territories to end up administrations exporters — for example, by offering specialty things, performing in social shows, or working in a tourism lodge. (WTO(a), 2001). Travel & Tourism is one of the heading job inventors in the world. The business utilizes more than 98 million individuals directly, speaking to in excess of 3 percent of all vocation. (Turner & Sears, 2013: 63). At the point when backhanded and impelled effects are incorporated, the business helps around one in every eleven jobs worldwide. (Turner & Sears, 2013: 63). The share of world vocation in Travel & Tourism is more than that for the vehicle assembling and chemicals producing businesses joined together, over every locale of the world. Moreover, the standpoint for the business is moderately positive: job development in Travel & Tourism is conjecture to normal 1.9 percent for every year throughout the one decade from now, contrasted and 1.2 percent yearly development conjecture for aggregate jobs in the worldwide economy. (Turner & Sears, 2013: 63). Throughout the most recent two decades, Travel & Tourism has played a more essential part in the financial advancement of numerous nations. Expanded travel over the globe has been determined by development in genuine earnings; more amazing measures of relaxation time; enhanced and very open transportation frameworks; continuous globalization of business linkages, including supply chains; very viable correspondence frameworks that encourage advertising; and countless tourism administrations. Albeit starting foundation venture is required, as more individuals travel, extra tourism framework is constructed and individuals are utilized to administration the needs of the vacationers. The more guests go to a goal, the more lodgings,

Stakeholders Analysis On Nintendo In 2006 Media Essay

Stakeholders Analysis On Nintendo In 2006 Media Essay Nintendo has implemented a strategy, which encourages people around the world to play video games regardless of their age, gender or cultural background (Nintendo, 2006) and appeal even to people who arent interested in games (Business Week, 2006) and smiles on peoples faces (Nintendo, 2008). Nintendo Co Ltd (Nintendo) and its new president Satoru Iwata believed due the complexity of games there are a lot of potential for gaming by other segments. Originally the games were built merely on action and targeted towards traditional over 18 year old male population (ESA, 2006). Nintendo decided to bring in the non-gamers and create an all-new consumer segment. Simplicity was the game and uses real live situations in the game such as Wii Fit. Nintendo designed and marketed Wii as an entertainment centre for the family. The average age of those purchasing games was 33 in 2005 compared to 38 in 2006 and 2007, 40 (ESA, 2006, 2007 and 2008). The games are devised to involve all age and gender groups including those who would like to spectators. It also seems that this had encouraged not only young people of the family asking parents to buy gaming devises, but the elders as well started to show keen interest in buying Wii. ESA (2007) indicates that 67% of American head of households play a video or computer game. Further it indicates that only 28.2% of the games are below the age of 18 and 62% of the total games are male. Wii created a competitive advantage by luring female and NPD (2009) indicated that 5% point increase in female gamers during 2009 compared to previous year and underscores the successes of Wii and other adult population who has not yet entered the gaming experience. Moreover Nintendo, also look of attracting customers above 50 years old and therefore they must create games that attract these groups. Health conscious people has also bought in gaming as they integrate into their life style and found to be beneficial. It has move from the notion that games create couch potatoes (obesity). Company Following the entrance of Sony and Microsoft into the industry, as new players there were not many success stories but rather fights over who would become the number one game. Nintendos net sales stagnated since 2004 and shot up with the introduction of Wii in November 2006. The vision of the new leadership was very crucial and was tested with launch of Nintendo DS and its other variants with the biggest change happening with Nintendo Wii in November 2006 (Joshi and Tsang, 2009). The company financial results grew tremendously with net income tripling by end of 2008 (914.9 M US$ in March 2006 to 2.393.3 M US$ by March 2008) (Joshi and Tsang, 2009)). Cash dividends of 1,260 Japanese yen in 2008, almost 3 times higher than year 2006 (390 Japanese yen) (Nintendo, 2009 and 2006). Companys stock prices rose to 64,500 Japanese Yen by end of 2008 from 17,880 Japanese Yen in year 2006 (Nintendo, 2009). Since the November launch of Wii until September 2009, company has sold over 53.97 M representing 48% of the total hardware sales by three main competitors (X Box 360, PS3 and Wii). Nintendo doesnt manufacture all of its own parts but depend on others. It usually buys parts from companies such as IBM (processors) and Panasonic (batteries) and so on. Nintendo has to keep good relations with these companies. Nintendo also focus on technology that would achieve more with less. The software designers where at the helm of the hardware development that ensure there are sufficient games and that they suit the development concepts. Competition The irony is that instead of going head to head with Microsoft and Sony Nintendo more or less created its own niche market. Sony and Microsoft have pursued that combination of computing power and graphics of its game, which Nintendo viewed it as a limiting factor to success and targeting the non-gamers. Nintendo to all our surprise used a combination of blue tooth technology, infrared, and motion sensor instead to create a user friendly and easy set up console. Moreover the simplicity reduced the cost and made it easy for its developers to design new games, which gave Nintendo a competitive advantage over its rivals. Nintendo gave a feeling of personalization by allowing users to create characters. The lack of high-end graphics such as HD could have been a competitive threat, but turned out to be an advantage since HD would take year to be established in homes. A threat to Nintendo is the ever increasing online and computer games market. During 2006 51% of the frequent game players were also seen to be gaming online as well (ESA 2006). The Low price of Nintendo has proved to be its biggest competitive advantage. There is a huge threat on the supply and demand of Wii, which could damage the market share of Nintendo through customer frustrations although Nintendo is quite comfortable with the current limited supply of the console. In the latest figures from NPD (NDP, 2010), sales of games are recovering from -20 to 5 in term of % change in dollars sales from Oct 2009 to December 2009. These present significant opportunities for Nintendo. Community From the information available there was no major regulatory restriction on the major markets areas. The market seems free to operate and to take the full advantage to capture a high market share in Europe and the US. The simplicity of the games made it easy for the programmers to design more and more games at very low cost. Nintendo has also open up Nintendo to private engineers and has now over 792 games. In terms of standards and guidelines for the industry The Commission of the European Communities announced to impose a fine of EUR149 million on October 30, 2002 referring that Nintendos past trade practices in Europe until 1998 fell upon limitation of competition within the EU common market which is prohibited by Article 81 in the EU treaty (Nintendo, 2006). The media can at times be a businesss enemy or a friend. Regardless which side it is on at any given time, the publicity the media gives helps position Nintendo and its products into the minds of consumers. Nintendo doesnt make all of its own components for the game. It buys parts from companies such as Panasonic, IBM and ATI. In addition, Nintendo may sell some of its own products online, but the majority of it sells is through other retailers (Walmart, Amazon, airport duty free shops, etc. are responsible for selling Nintendos products like the Wii. The product is a simple console with a simple wand. The wand type thing was the unique feature that was able to recognize the human body motions. It requires physical movement from players, which was good for health conscious parents especially for the kids. It is one of the reasons why this product was excellent for the family. The motion detectors would turn the hand movements into an on screen action simulating a real life experience. The product further evolved and included keeping fit as well whereby there is a combination of action on the screen together with physical exercise. The games were simpler to understand with a shallow learning curve. Price Nintendo was indeed right to understand that we do more with the little technology. Wii did not require heavy graphics and came with only a small 512MB flash drive. This enabled Nintendo to keep its console production cost low. Couple with that was a lower software cost as well. Wii was launched for USD 250 only, well below USD 399 being charged for XBOX 360 and USD 499 for a PS3 (Joshi and Tsang, 2009). Recently it is understood that they have reduce the Wii by USD 50. Nintendo due to lower cost generated profits from both hardware and software. Furthermore Nintendo was able to generate profits of up to USD 49 per console in US, Sony and Microsoft were loosing USD 300 and USD 125 per console at their respective launch prices (Joshi and Tsang, 2009). Place Wii were able to place and display the product at major super markets and shopping malls. However, after a year of its launch Nintendo failed in meeting the demand for the game. Nintendo has realized the uniqueness of the product, the willingness of consumers to wait to buy this product rather than look for alternatives. It seems the experience with Wii is unique that it is a game in a different league. Promotion Wii was designed for all age and gender and its advertisement reflected this philosophy. Nintendo used word of mouth (Joshi and Tsang, 2009) as its advertisement strategy. They made families (father to the child), hard-core gamers and modern moms as their ambassadors. They would play and share experiences with others. A number of kiosks were set up at many shopping malls show casing its features. Moreover their Commercials always showed groups of people, including generations of families, playing and interacting with each other. A classic example was the grandfather who mistook the Wii for the TV remote control and got stuck with the Wii. Nintendo has used all the classic methods of sales promotions, such as discount voucher and holidays give-ways. According to Sliwinski (2006) Nintendo expected to spend over USD 200 m in all of its promotional activity over the next year and is the largest advertising campaign in Nintendos history. About 80 percent of the budget will be spent convincing adults to purchase the system and shaking off Nintendos traditional consumer perception of being for children and teens. 4. If you were the VP of Marketing for Sony, how would you respond to the Wii. In its current state, the gaming industry is an attractive one with a total market opportunity of over $49.9 billion projected for 2001 and $85.7 billion in 2006 Joshi and Tsang, 2009) In the short term as the VP for Marketing is convince the developers to see how reduce the cost of X Box without diminishing its high quality. It might be an excellent to do like Nintendo bridge the gap between hardware and software development. New games should be introduced to attract women players. In the long-term as the VP for Marketing X-box should move in the same direction as Nintendo, the motion sensor technology and compete directly with Nintendo. This would be an additional functionality on the X-Box. We should move on the basis for doing more with X-box for less. The X-box should also be able to integrate with Windows operating system allowing interoperability between the system and become one.

Promoting Indigenous Family Health Essay

It is a known fact that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander populations don’t live as long as their western counterparts as shown by AMA Health Report Card (2011). ‘Closing the Gap’ (Calma 2008) is a campaign aimed at a national attempt to support and bring equity in health to our Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities. In order to be successful in this we must identify the key issues causing this inequity and through public awareness and government campaigns such as ‘closing the gap’, we become closer to our goal of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders reaching a full and greater life expectancy. Health reform initiatives are used to promote health care within their communities and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders to be educated about their own health. As a nurse, in order to assist in this process, an understanding of family centred health care and the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander concept of family must be utilized. With these two nursing skills, the local health initiatives and government campaign’s, we are providing the best opportunity and support for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities to take control of their health and ultimately ‘close the gap’. Key issues contributing to the ‘gap’ in health and life expectancy, as identified by AMA (2011), include; low income, limited education, low levels of employment, poor housing, affordability of health care, geographical access to health care and the acceptability of the health care practice to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities. Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (2013) is a local health reform initiative for Aboriginals and Torres straight Islanders that provides a culturally secure environment where they can access health care due to it’s geographical location, affordability and mostly acceptability. Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service (IAMS 2013) has two centers within the Illawarra making it geographically accessible. The center is entirely aimed towards the better health of Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders, ensuring all health care is affordable and providing as much assistance and support where it may be needed to help these communities improve their health. The main key issue identified by AMA (2011) that is addressed within the IAMS (2013), is the acceptability. The two medical centers are entirely based on the care given to the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities, making them specialized and aware of cultural beliefs, customs and the correct communication techniques. The Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Services also employ Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander members of the community as their staff providing a culturally secure environment and a greater concept of family centred care and the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander concept of family within their approach. The AMA (2011) states that Indigenous health workers are significant in facilitating the journey of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders to better health. This also provides opportunities to the Indigenous communities to gain employment, contributing to the resolution for issues of low income and low levels of employment, as identified in the AMA Report Card (2011). Centers such as these provide Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander families a culturally secure, accessible and affordable method to be treated for their health issues in a more comfortable surrounding. On a larger scale the Department of Health and Ageing run by the Australian Government have many programs and health reform initiates in place to assist in ‘closing the gap’ as identified by Calma (2008). Element three of the Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Annual Report (2011) have a goal of increasing the provision of maternal and child health services of Indigenous children and their mothers. To achieve this, the Child and Maternal Health Services component of their program includes $90. 3million to be used for New Directions Mothers and Babies Services (Department of Health and Ageing 2011). This initiative increases access for Indigenous mothers and their children to; antenatal and postnatal care, education and assistance with breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting, monitoring of immunization status and infections, health checks and referrals for Indigenous children before starting school and monitoring developmental milestones. This initiative provides Indigenous communities with access to health care that promotes better health in the new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Australians, designed to assist with ‘closing the gap’ by raising a new generation with fewer health issues. With this, we are able to address key issues identified by AMA (2011). The main key issue addressed by this initiative is access. Consultations are held with Aboriginal Health Forums to assist in the identification of priority areas for child and maternal health services. In their annual report, the Department of health and Ageing (2011) state that this ensures that access is given those most in need considering, geographic location, affordability and acceptance. The second key issue identified in the AMA Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Health Report Card (2011) addressed by this initiative is education. The funding provided builds a solid base for providing much needed education to mothers about their babies and already existing children. In order for a program such as this to be successful, health professionals allocated to educating Aboriginals and Torres Straight islanders must be equipped and prepared to deal with the problems faced by cultural barriers as well as being experienced in a family centred care approach (Taylor & Guerin 2010). Family centred nursing care is an important factor in the health outcome of any given patient (Bamm & Rosenbaum 2008). They also claim that there is no exact definition of family, instead, the meaning of family and their level of involvement in care provided, is determined by the patient themselves. The core concepts of successful family centred care are; respect and dignity, information sharing, participation, and collaboration (IFPCC 2013). These principles are the main constituents of effective family centred health care, and ultimately better health outcomes for the patient themselves (Mitchell, Chaboyer & Foster 2007). These concepts can be utilized, with a correct nursing approach, regardless of age, gender or cultural differences. To provide the best family centred care to Indigenous Australians, nurses must utilize the main concepts above, but also have an understanding of the Indigenous concept of family. The Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander population have strong family values, however, it differs from the usual nuclear concept of family in common ‘western’ society. Their family has an extended structure, and in order to provide adequate family centred care, this concept must be understood by health professionals on all levels, including nurses (NSW Department of Community Services 2009). This concept of extended family and their Indigenous ‘community’ as their family means that children are not only the concern of their biological parents, but the entire community. Care of the children in indigenous communities is the responsibility of everyone. Family members can be blood-related, through marriage or through their community, such as elders. It is normal for a combination of mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties, cousins, brothers, sisters or elders to be involved into the care of the individual and these figures must be treated as their direct family even if not directly blood-related (NSW Department of Community Servies 2009). In order to provide family centred care, to not only Indigenous but also all patients, a therapeutic relationship and foundation of trust should be developed (Baas 2012). The principles of family centred care should also be incorporated, especially respect of the Indigenous culture and maintaining their dignity. Respect and dignity, combined with trust and a therapeutic relationship within the Indigenous community, information sharing, participation and collaboration should follow once enough trust has been developed. To gain the trust of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander patient’s and their family, firstly an understanding of their culture should be pertained. When needed, to be aware of such customs as ‘Men’s and Women’s business’, and to respect these practices within your care (Tantiprasut and Crawford 2003). This shows the patient and their family members, you respect them and their culture. Introducing yourself in a friendly and polite manner, including all family members present and always respecting cultural values is key to receiving respect back and developing trust. Acknowledge and actively listen to the needs of the Indigenous people and also their community in a culturally appropriate manner. As described in the practice resource for working with Indigenous communities published by DOCS (2009) showing respect for their elders and community leaders and involving them in important decision making processes will also show that you respect them, their culture and that they can trust you and eventually your advice regarding health issues. In order to successfully be accepted by the community, communication techniques need to be specialized to avoid offending any members of the family or misinterpreting their language. Gaining a basic knowledge of their community will assist in understanding the dominant family groups, language groups and preferred names. This ensures you don’t step out of your boundaries and remain respectful in your approach to their care. Including or consulting with Aboriginal health care workers regarding communication and Aboriginal-English would be beneficial to adequately understand their method of communication. Understanding non-verbal methods of communication and being aware of your own non-verbal communication is highly appropriate when consulting with Indigenous communities. Always speaking with respect, clearly, and avoiding jargon will deliver the best results when building a relationship within the tribes (NSW Department of Community Services 2009). Remaining open minded when consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities in aspects of communication and family relations will avoid incorrect assumptions. It is also high important to play an active role within the community and their events. According to NSW Department of Community Services (2009) within Indigenous communities’ word of mouth is a powerful tool, once an outsider is known as someone who listens actively and can be trusted, the community will be eager to work collaboratively and participate in your health approach (NSW Department of Community Services 2009). When the principles of family centred care; trust, dignity, collaboration and participation, have all been achieved and a therapeutic relationship within the community has developed, the community will listen to your health advice. When introducing a health concept to the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander families it is important to engage them actively into your care (NSW Department of Community Services 2008). Using appropriate communication techniques to explain health issues and the reasons they need to be addressed provides them with education and knowledge regarding why interventions need to be implemented. Allowing them to discuss their options and decide as a community is also important, forcing them to uptake medical help could be seen as disrespectful. Allowing time to answer all questions and concerns from various members of the family in a manner they can understand identifies that you are actively listening and honestly concerned for their health. Demaio and Dysdale 2012 show that continuity of involvement in their community, and providing a continuous support network will only further build their trust in your advice. The ‘gap’ in health and life expectancy between Indigenous Australians and ‘westernised’ Australians is a concerning issue within the country (Calma 2008). Health reform initiatives are funded by the government and local organisations to provide accessible, affordable and culturally safe health care to our Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities. These initiatives are designed to address the key issues identified in the AMA Report Card (2011) regarding barriers to health care. Approaching Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander family communities utilizing the family health care principles and with a knowledge of their concept of community family and understanding of their culture increases positive outcomes in their health education and furthermore assisting to ‘close the gap’. 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Demaio, A, Drysdale, M 2012, ‘Appropriate health promotion for Australian Aboriginal and torres straight islander communities: crucial for closing the gap’, Global Health Promotion, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 58-62. Department of Health and Ageing 2011, Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Annual Report, viewed 28 April 2013 http://www. health. gov. au/internet/main/publishing. nsf/Content/1D00A20690DD46EFCA2579860081EEE4/$File/NewDirectionsMothersandBabiesServices-AnnualReport2010-11. pdf IPFCC 2013, Institute for patient and family centred care, viewed 28 April 2013 www. ipfcc. org. au Mitchell, M, Chaboyer, W, Foster, M 2007, ‘Positive effects of a nursing intervention on family-centred care in adult critical care’, American Journal of Critical Nursing, vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 543-552. 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