Sunday, May 24, 2020

Career Goals Essay - 954 Words

Career Goals Over the past few decades, people have drastically changed the way they choose their career. Times have changed a great deal, and people no longer feel forced into a certain profession. People are now given endless choices and possibilities, and it is up to them to decide what they want to do the rest of their lives. When facing these important decisions, it is very easy to become confused. I once was very uncertain about any career goals I may have had, but now, I am more sure of the direction my life is going. When I was young, I never really knew what I wanted to become when I got older, but I always had very high aspirations for myself. I always thought that I would become either a doctor or a†¦show more content†¦I performed in depth research to get all of the necessary information about this profession. The more I found out about it, the more persuasive it became. Being a pilot pays very well, but requires good physical health and a decent amount of money invested into the training. I have always had very poor eyesight, which would limit the career choices I would have in this field. While I still dream of flying my own airplane to this day, I have decided to wait until my other priorities and goals are accomplished. Many factors came into play when I decided to give up on becoming an architect. I have always been amazed by creative, well-built structures. I have been to many extraordinary buildings designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. After doing extensive research on this particular field, I found out that they are paid very well. However, on the other hand, one must build their name up before given the chance to build revolutionary structures. Also, many years of college are required before one can be a very well respected architect. In general, this career choice seemed like a gamble, as well as an aggravation. After going over all of the options that have been placed before me, I have finally decided to pursue a career in computers. I have been raised in the era when computers were making their first appearance in people’s homes. When I was a very small child, I started exploring theShow MoreRelatedPersonal Career Development : Career Goals1531 Words   |  7 PagesAn individual’s career choice is often influenced by a myriad of different motivations and impulses. Prior to this course, I was quite ignorant of the magnitude these characteristics and traits hold over our professional lives. Career development is very much a division or subset of an individual’s personal development. These two aspects of development seem to be inextricably connected, thus attempting to isolate either measure would seem to create a discord in an individual s job or life satisfactionRead MoreCareer Management : Career Goals1705 Words   |  7 Pages Introduction According to dictionary.com Career management is the life long, self monitored process of career planning that involves choosing and setting personal goals, and formulating strategies for achieving them. The first step in the process of career management is identifying the vision that you have for your career and what you will need to do to get there. Through the process of career management, one must began to do some soul searching to have a clear understanding of their interest, valuesRead MoreMy Goals : My Career Goals1375 Words   |  6 Pagesforever. My personal goals are to be married and have a child or children by the age of 30. Secondarily and far less pressing is to drive a full sized truck, and to comfortably afford it. My academic goals are very unclear. They directly correlate with my career goals which have not been set. But for the sake of this paper my academic goal is to first get my AA. And if I still have no set career goal, to move onto UCF to either study physic al training or business. My career goals that I have set haveRead MoreMy Future Career Goals858 Words   |  4 PagesThese career choices I have laid out as my future career goals will help to not only educate myself, but also others in society by showing them all the benefits to sustainability. Through my intended work as an ambassador for sustainability I will be accessing current situations and helping to develop plans to help make changes for the good, this will be seen across all scales with students, buildings or businesses, neighbourhoods or communities, and hopefully on the bigger scale of globally. OverRead MoreCareer Goals Hurt Academic Performance1515 Words   |  7 PagesUnclear Career Goals Hurt Academic Performance One major and frightening problem students face is not developing defined career goals. Students Who enter college right after graduating high school tend to have no idea of what exact career path that they want to pursue. A majority of these students struggle to figure out their career goals and end up taking a variety of different courses, most of which are unnecessary. Some of the classes they enroll in may not have any relevance to theRead MoreMy Career Goals, Strengths, Weaknesses, And Weaknesses1003 Words   |  5 Pages1. Introduction This portfolio has been developed for the sole purpose to explore my personal experiences in BSB124 Working in Business and particularly my interpersonal effectiveness. In order for me to achieve my career goal in Human Resource Management, understanding interpersonal aspects will have a positive affect on me within the workplace (Gregorio, 2012). Within this portfolio, I will examine my own intrapersonal strengths and weaknesses regarding these competencies likely to help me inRead MoreMy Career Path Journey Is An Excellent Goal For Any Working Adult1800 Words   |  8 Pagesthe workplace is an excellent goal for any working adult. However, it is important for the working adult to understand success is base upon the journey taken and the path chosen by someone. One must realize there will be many barriers and difficulties along the way; however, with dedication, ability to prioritize, and motivation to stay focus, I will succeed and graduate with my Master degree in Nursing in Octo ber 2017. For me to be successful in achieving this goal, there are different pathwaysRead MoreCareer And Leadership Goals : Career Goals953 Words   |  4 PagesCareer and Leadership Goals Completing my twenty-sixth year as a building administrator has been the ultimate career position that I have encountered and experienced in my educational endeavors past or present. I began teaching in 1979 at the first grade level and taught for ten years at the elementary level. I later sought to get my masters in Reading due to the fact that it was such an important subject for young children. During this time I began realizing that I would love to be an elementaryRead MoreCareer Goals For A Professional Career Goal976 Words   |  4 Pageshelp with balancing everything and getting all tasks completed. Professional Career Statement Creating a professional career goal statement can significantly impact a resume. According to (Starzee, 2012) a professional career goal statement allows the candidate an opportunity to provide the employer a synopsis of the value they intend to bring to the organization. Below is a professional goal statement for a Client Relationship Professional: Engaging Client Relations Manager adept atRead MoreCareer Goals : My Career Goal905 Words   |  4 PagesCareer Goal: My career goal is to become part of a major computer engineering corporation. Objective 1: Obviously my first objective would be to obtain experience in my computer field. One reason to do this first is to make sure I have the education I need and, in addition, the background experience. The reason I want background experience is because, most computer companies require two years of experience in the field before they will hire you. This is the case in most cases, whether you have

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Slavery Issue Of The Civil War - 1373 Words

The slavery issue is a subject that continues to be discussed today, and for most Americans, the main reason that launched the civil war. Both authors agree that slavery was morally wrong and it almost brought the Union to its knees and the destruction of it. However, both authors have very distinct thoughts and reasons for it. While Stanley Elkins’ Slavery has a more personal and opinionated account, James McPherson’s interpretation in Ordeal by Fire is based on facts. McPherson employs the use of graphics and charts to illustrate and quantify the findings about slavery and his book. James McPherson bases his writings on the economic factors that made slavery the main force for prosperity for the American South. Cotton production had become the main source of income for the US from 1815 to 1860 . The Southern States’ economy was growing but they were, for the most part, reluctant to the ideas of modernization. The slave states valued tradition and stability mo re than change and progress. They responded with distaste to the Northern States competitive views and progress and their view of how America should be in the future. Stanley Elkins views on slavery were based on a more personal view of the issue. He is more of a liberal writer and bases his opinion on his views of the problem. Elkins talks about the problem of slavery in America and the problem that continues to affect it. He claims that slavery and its aftermath pose a problem for all Americans that, if it alreadyShow MoreRelatedThe Issue Of Slavery And The Civil War1315 Words   |  6 PagesThe question of slavery and the rights of states to decide on the matter for themselves completely controlled politics in the years prior to the Civil War. Laws were passed, such as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which made it so any slaves that escaped were to be sent back to their owners. Not only would these runaway slaves be punished severely, but anybody who aided them in escape would also be subject to harsh punishment. These desperate men, women, and children had no protection in the legalRead MoreSlavery and Pre-Civil War Issues2065 Words   |   8 PagesSlavery and Pre Civil War Issues 15. Use TWO of the following categories to analyze the ways in which African Americans created a distinctive culture in slavery. Family, Music, Oral Traditions, and Religion Thesis: Despite the oppression of slavery, African Americans were able to keep their culture alive through their music and oral traditions. Topic Sentence 1: African Americans were able to create and preserve a distinctive music culture that helped to showcase their culture in a white dominatedRead MoreHave Historians over Emphasised the Slavery Issue as a Cause of the Civil War?2008 Words   |  9 PagesThe American Civil War has caused many debates amongst a wide range of historians resulting in many different views being formed on all aspects of the War. The argument whether slavery has been overemphasised is one of great debate. Some historians like Michael F. Holt concur that the slavery issue was nearly the only reason and cause of the American civil war. Others disagree, Joel H. Silbey agrees that this is a reason but not the only one other ideas to need to be looked at to the cause of theRead MoreSectional issues leading up to the Civil War, how the North South and West felt about states rights, tariffs, western land policy, mexican war, secession and how all these linked back to slavery.1364 Words   |  6 Pa gesThe Civil war was the most momentous and crucial period of time in the history of America. Not only did this war bring an end to slavery but also paved way for numerous social and political changes. The country had already been torn by the negative trend in race relations and the numerous cases of slave uprisings were taking their toll on the country s political and social structure. The country was predominately divided up into 3 sections, the North, the South, and the West. Each of these groupsRead MorePrimary Cause Of The Civil War Essay838 Words   |  4 Pages The Civil War began from the battle at Fort Sumter, where the Confederacy took Fort Sumter from the Union.The root of the Civil War is probably one of the most disputed topics in American history. Some historians argue that slavery was the primary cause of the American Civil War, whereas others argue that slavery may have been a reason, but not the primary cause of the Civil War. They argued that the main reason of th e Civil War was State’s rights were being jeopardized, which led to the State’sRead MoreThe Causes Of The Civil War1409 Words   |  6 PagesThe causes of the Civil War were complex and have been controversial since the country began. Some causes include; states’ rights, economics, and slavery. The most recognizable and popular cause is slavery. The freeing of the slaves was an important moral issue at the time and one of the greatest causes of the civil war. It was only by carefully avoiding the moral issue involved in slavery that Northerners and Southerners could meet on any common ground. (Goldston, 79). The time came in which ourRead MoreCivil War Causes1382 Words   |  6 Pages Causes of the Civil War John Brown’s Raid vs. Industrial Revolution John Brown’s Raid was a more influential cause to the civil war than the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution caused incompability between the North and the South. The North relied on wage laborers with the new machine age economy while the South relied heavily on slaves. So, the North did not need slaves for their economyRead MoreThe American Civil War981 Words   |  4 PagesThe American Civil War was one of the major events in history that helped develop America to what it is today. Many people think that the American Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery alone, but in reality it was caused by many disagreements and events between the northern free states and southern slave states that occurred prior to the war. Monetary alterations were one of the main reasons the North and South had many conflicts and differences in beliefs. The Civil War was an inevitableRead MoreAbraham Lincoln House Divided Speech Essay1148 Words   |  5 Pagesdivided the nat ion in two and began a civil war that would last until May of 1865. Although the cause of the war was later twisted into looking like states’ rights, the actual cause of the Civil War was slavery. Two years before the Civil War officially began, people were already wary of the problems that slavery could cause in the nation. In his â€Å"House Divided† Speech at the Republican Convention in 1858, Abraham Lincoln warned that slavery would cause a war, saying that the two opinions on theRead MoreSlavery Cause for Civil War1483 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ SLAVERY (THE MAIN CAUSE OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR) US History to 1877 – HIST101 American Military University, 26 April 2014 Many factors led to the occurrence of the American Civil War. The key issues were slavery, different political ideologies, right of the people, and economic reasons. However, the key reasons that lead to the Civil War was slavery. Slavery is touted as the main cause of the conflict between the states in the northern part and those in the

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Networking Concepts †Summary Free Essays

The alma of this paper Is to find the easiest and cost-effective method of connecting two separate networks. A relatively simple device called a bridge, which Is implemented through a combination of hardware and software, achieves interconnection between two networks that are the same. Interconnection between networks that are not similar, for example, a Wide Area Network and a Local Area Network can be achieved through as much more complex device called a router. We will write a custom essay sample on Networking Concepts – Summary or any similar topic only for you Order Now A router Is a device, which can accept messages that are in a certain format produced by one particular network and reinstates them to another format that is used by another network. In this particular case of Nancy, a director of network infrastructure, it is not likely that a full replacement of networking equipment Is required. Alternative A, which is about Installing a few devices In the headquarters of BOB. The advantages of this alternative are that is that It Is the easiest, the least expensive and the quickest to implement. The other advantage is that this approach will have a very small impact on the network infrastructure. The disadvantage of this approach is that there will be performance penalties due to lack of integration in the architecture of the network. The second option Is replacing the network components of Bob’s entire network for It to use the same protocols as BE and the two can communicate freely. The advantage of this approach Is that there will be a huge Improvement In performance due to integration in the network architecture. The major cons of this alternative are that there will be major impacts on the network infrastructure; there also will be ajar costs incurred and a lot of time required to implement this alternative. Their last alternative Is whereby the management of BE bank replaces all the devices of the B WAN and even probably the MANS so that each city or branch can communicate with the network of BE while the Lana in individual divisions remain unchanged. The advantage of this alternative is that there will be better performance gains than in alternative A and takes significantly little time to implement. The con of this approach is that it does not achieve full integration of the network and the stickiest to support Bobs network over time It might add problems to the My recommendation is that alternative C is the most applicable when it comes to the time taken to implement and the cost that is incurred in order to achieve a significant level of network architecture. However, when it comes to a long-term point of view, the second alternative is the best so long as BE passes through a transition stage like the first alternative in order to meet its immediate needs and take ample time to put into action the full changes of the infrastructure. How to cite Networking Concepts – Summary, Papers

Monday, May 4, 2020

My Trip To The Philippines Essay Example For Students

My Trip To The Philippines Essay My Trip To the PhilippinesIn September 1989, when I was 11 year old, I came to Philippines during my shortvacation. My father brought the whole family, also my cousin Jimmy. We spent 5days in the Philippines. During these five days, I realized that there were manydifferences between Taiwan and the Philippines. The most difference was culture. Peoples language, behavior and also they are happy go lucky. The first problem I faced was the language problem. Philippine was ruled bySpanish long time ago. Most of Filipino could speak Spanish. I could not speaktheir language and also English, so what ever they said I just acted like stupid. I still remembered when I went to Cebu, in the hotel, the waiter came in to askme something about my room. First, I was shock, then I used Chinese to answerher. The waiter was kind too. She started using Spanish, Japanese, French toanswer me, but he never used Chinese. If he used Chinese, then that will be thetime for me to reply. I run to my fathers room, crying, and telling thatsomeone is in my room and I doesnt know why he was there. After my fathersolved the problem for me. We were all laughing about it. My father said, In the Philippines, eating with hands are their culture, youwill never see this in Taiwan. In Taiwan, everybody use chopsticks to eat. Nobody will use spoon and folk to eat, because thats a kind of hard. Just likemy first time used the spoon and folk. I doesnt know either to use my left handto hold spoon or use my right hand. People have longer weekend than Taiwan. Both Sunday and Saturday are theirweekend. In Taiwan, we can only have Sunday and half Saturday. For adults, theyeven only have Sunday to rest. Thats unfair to adults. They should have longerweekend then kids, because they worked so hard. So, adults most be exhaustedafter hard work. People are happy go lucky. They wouldnt care much money they earn each day. They wanted to have better life than earning more money. Whenever they got aserious problem, like no place to overnight, they were try to find a place tostay like bus station. But if they couldnt find it, they wont worry too much. Also, when Im in downtown, they always smile at me. They wouldnt care where Icame from. They were show me their music, dance and even acrobatics. I reallyenjoyed it, though I need to pay for it sometimes. In Taiwan, it is impossibleto see those shows. All they want is money, money and money. People wanted toearn as much as they can, so that they will have better live in the future.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Walgreens Strategic Analysis Essay Example

Walgreens Strategic Analysis Paper Veronica Washington 0180175 Walgreens Pharmacy (WAG) An Industry Leader at the Inflection Point The following report is an in-depth discussion of Walgreens Pharmacy with an analysis and assessment of the company’s strategic initiatives. Each strategy yields a direct purpose of diminishing the influence of a specific force from Porter’s 5-force Model as the supporting data culminates an outlook on the company’s future. COMPANY OVERVIEW Charles Walgreen of Chicago, Illinois, pioneered the first Walgreens in 1901, with corporate headquarters now located in Deerfield, Illinois. In the company’s 100-year reign as the prescription industry leader, Walgreens changed from war bonds, soda fountains, and restaurants to 24-hour store access, nationwide locations, easy-to-use online stores, and health care clinics. 6,400 stores now operate in all 50 states including Puerto Rico, with 30% open 24 hours. By 2010, Walgreen’s aspires to operate 7,000 stores nationwide and pave the way for the organic growth of 13,000 sites. As of December 2007, Walgreens employs 226,000 associates, hiring 25,000 in 2007 (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). According to the company’s 2007 annual reports, â€Å"Walgreens has been listed on: Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Companies in America list†¦ranked 44th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U. S-based companies†¦[and] ranked the leading online drugstore. † (WAG Annual Reports, 2007) In the past 2 years especially, Walgreens embarked on several ventures that will enable them to have first-mover advantage in the healthcare industry. CURRENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION In 2007, Walgreens increased net sales by 13. 4% to $53. 7 billion and increased net income by 16. 6% to $2. 4 billion. Long-term investments, which have consistently increased by roughly $100 million dollars each year since 2004, reflect company profits (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). In the 2007 operating cash flow analysis, Walgreens yielded a yearly total over $23 million in deferred taxes that arose for tax relief in advance of tangible asset depreciated accounting expenses. While net cash flows in the operating sector dropped by $80 million in a single year production, sales, and delivery continue to expand. In the 2007 investment cash flow analysis, the company directed $6. billion toward short-term investments (auction rate securities) available for sale amounting to an accumulated $6. 8 billion (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). With a staggering $1. 8 billion spent on new additions in 2007, this perceived overextension by shareholders of the company’s business and intangible asset acquisition of $1. 1 billion doubles the amount of cash used in the invested activities of 2006 (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). Employee termination and salary cuts yielded a 50% drop in proceeds received from company life-insurance policies. The $5. million proceeds of 2007 pale in comparison to the $10. 7 million received only a year before. Walgreens spent $2. 4 billion in investing activities during 2007, more than that of 2005 and 2006 combined (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). In the 2007 financi al cash flow analysis, net proceeds were $850 million. With a $141 million debt payment, $1 billion in stock repurchases, $310 million cash dividends to shareholders, and a $214 million bank overdraft sum, Walgreen’s 2007 net cash used for financing activities rose to $626 million from 2006’s $413 million (WAG Annual Report, 2007). We will write a custom essay sample on Walgreens Strategic Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Walgreens Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Walgreens Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In summation, the initial cash and cash equivalents of 2007 declined from $920 million in January to $255 million by the end of December resulting from the company’s overextension, and may result of losing their position as the industry leader in the near future (WAG Annual Reports, 2007) POWER OF BUYERS According to Porter, a buyer who has power â€Å"can always find an equivalent product, [then] play vendor against [one] another† (Porter, 2008). Consumers reap the benefits of an industry that pays for repeat business. In 2007, Walgreen’s pharmacists took 157,000 prescription transfer calls from neighboring competitors. (WAG Annual Reports, 2007) Mark Wagner, VP of Operations, announced that after reviewing the 2007 compiled transfer logs of the company, â€Å"72% of all prescription transfers [in 2007] are competitor coupon-related issues † (WAG Annual Report, 2007) Walgreens remained static in their decision to offer any type of compensation to new customers or transferred prescriptions until October 2008. Walgreens customers receive an average of four prescriptions on monthly basis from the pharmacy (WAG Annual Reports, 2007). With 65% of the sales revenue of the company coming from the pharmacy, Walgreens declines to bargain with out-of-pocket customers over price. Regardless of a climbing prescription drug-price trend, demand remains elastic because customers demand choices of similar, less expensive medications if authorized by their doctor. The amount of reimbursement Walgreens receives from Medicare, Medicaid, and Worker’s Compensation falls drastically, as incremental revenues from those sources decreases (Stewart, 2006). According to Lueck, â€Å"Medicare and Medicaid comprise 25 percent of the federal budget, and the government cannot afford to spend at the current rate† (Lueck, 2008). In order to maintain relationships with customers, retail pharmacies resorted to buying sections of Medicare Part D insurance companies: AARP Walgreens vs. CVS Caremark (Caremark Rx Inc. , 2007). RIVALRY AMONG EXISTING COMPETITORS From Porter’s point of view, â€Å"the degree to which rivalry drives down an industry’s profit potential depends, first on the intensity with which companies compete and, second, on the basis on which they compete† (Porter, 2008). Other than retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, internet pharmacies, international pharmacies, vitamin stores, and homeopathic treatment providers attempt to maintain market share in the healthcare industry (Lueck, 2008). Walgreens largest competitor, CVS Pharmacy, fell short of Walgreen’s sales revenues by $7 billion in 2007 (WAG Annual Report, 2007). Contrary to Porter’s model of rivalry, the healthcare industry is experiencing massive growth. Growth is not a force, but only a factor; and as Porter mentions, â€Å"high growth rate will not guarantee profitability if customers are powerful†¦Ã¢â‚¬  as stated in the last section (Porter, 2008). Tom Charland, CEO of Merchant Medicine, in his prophetic wisdom forecasted an â€Å"increased scarcity of physicians and midlevel practitioners in many markets and the increased use of pharmacists. † (Berman, 2007) This justifies the idea that most baby-boomers will spend several hours a week in doctor’s offices receiving treatment for maladies that require prescriptions. Because of meager prescription profits, customers gain little when switching from one pharmacy to another. As Jeff Rein, VP of Walgreens, understands, â€Å"95% percent of our patients pay only the co-pay required by their insurance plans. † (WAG Annual Report, 2007) This removes Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription plan from the picture. POWER OF SUPPLIERS In Porter’s words, suppliers with power â€Å"can squeeze profitability out of an industry that is unable to pass on cost increases in its own prices. (Porter, 2008) To make up for excessive inventory costs for new medication Walgreen’s must decrease labor hours and work more efficiently. For corporate executives in retail pharmacies like Mark Wagner of Walgreens, â€Å"the end solution is to cut costs†¦and the biggest cost in stores is payroll. † (Merrick, 2008) With manufacturers keeping new FDA-approved substitute (generic) medications at bay by creating expensive time-released versions of the ori ginal, retailers spend more money than ever before on shelf space (Merrick, 2008). The following demonstrates a sample of what Porter means by suppliers having power when they â€Å"offer products that are differentiated† (Porter, 2008). In March 2008, analysts at Citigroup Inc. announced, â€Å"AstraZeneca will have more time to market the product†¦Seroquel XR, a once-daily version of the [original] drug†¦ slowly [converting] patients to the patent-protected drug before a generic version of Seroquel becomes available† (Merrick, 2008). Generic companies defending their rights to enter the market state brand name manufacturers received patents through inequitable conduct (Merrick, 2008). While CEO of Astra Zeneca, David Brennan remains â€Å"pleased with the courts decision to uphold [our] valid intellectual property, healthcare companies like Walgreens suffer exorbitant inventory costs at lower vendor allowances for keeping both brand and newly arriving formulations (Merrick, 2008). STRATEGIC ANALYSIS The significance of this report’s title, â€Å"An Industry Leader at the Inflection Point†, speculates that Walgreens cannot remain myopically moving forward now that competitors are strategically placing modes of â€Å"creative destruction† in the healthcare industry. For example, Walgreens is following suit to retake power from buyers, a force seen in previous paragraphs, with a revolutionary prescription problem-processing center, POWER. These 24-hour call centers will automatically fix any third-party insurance rejection errors at all 6400 store locations, leaving pharmacists and pharmacy technicians more time to devote to prescription accuracy, efficiency, and patient consultation. Alan McNally, Walgreen’s new CEO as of October 22, 2008, justifies the use of POWER so â€Å"the company’s founding base of competitive advantage will bring vital market share, stockholder optimism, and customer sentiments of timeliness and prescription safety back to Walgreens† (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). Despite Walgreens’ ability to gain back market share by utilizing POWER, this evolution of problem-solving workflow is the company’s first major step in â€Å"creative destruction. Since an estimated â€Å"25-30% of work in the pharmacy originates from processing and troubleshooting third-party claims†, Walgreens shows no sign of maintaining current hourly needs for technicians when POWER operations begin (Merrick, 2008). The excess reserves saved from this venture will allocate finances for greater stockholder dividends and ensure the company’s progressive movement into staying one-step ahead of the competition (Merrick, 2008). Acc ording to the 2008 annual reports released in November, the salary expenditures saved from cutting technician hours will help support funding for the accumulated $1. billion dollar long-term debt in 2008 (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). Formerly discussed in the section, â€Å"Power of Suppiers†, Walgreens showed vulnerability to brand-name manufacturer’s new formulations marketed to physicians as more effective and safer than their FDA-approved generics. The county’s nation-wide recession that tumbled into a worldwide pandemic has been reason enough for many consumers to forgo reinstating their prescription insurance plans in 2009 and instead shop around for bargain generics (Lueck, 2008). Porter describes the country’s turmoil perfectly by announcing America is in the â€Å"Age of Anxiety,† as he reminds readers that in the US â€Å"restructuring destroys about 30 million jobs per year† (Porter, 2008), To combat consumer demand for lower cost prescriptions, Walgreens has aggressively marketed the Walgreens Drug Program in 2008. This discount program offers consumers the option of choosing from a list of 400 price-approved and quantity-approved generic medications at a 90-day supply for $12 (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). To attract customers to less expensive and more readily available generic medications, Walgreens built the discount rogram to show how much each customer can save while receiving a therapy that is exactly or similar to what their doctor prescribed. The only cost associated with this plan is a one-time $20 fee for using the service pennies compared to the hundreds of dollars each month otherwise spent on prescription healthcare covera ge. The idea of Walgreens creating healthcare clinics where customers can go and receive treatment for common symptoms arose from competitor initiatives to capture a segment of the market not dominated by Walgreens. The purpose of this tactical approach was to lessen the force of rivalry in the industry. As of November 2008, Walgreens â€Å"operate[s] more than 600 health and wellness clinics in our stores and on employer worksites [with] plans to expand to 800 sites by the end of fiscal 2009 (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). While data on this new mode of investment has not been conclusive or forecasted in expected yearly revenue, Walgreens intends on honing company expansion in this market to counter aggressively competitor initiatives. STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT The watershed of massive change for Walgreens culminated amidst what economists are calling a worldwide recession. Like all prosperous profit seeking companies, Walgreens managed to find ways to cut hours while increase efficiency that paved the way for higher shareholder dividends in 2008. CEO Alan McNally describes Walgreens’ strategy as â€Å"a successful triumph in a frantic market† leading on with a direct correlation of the yearly highlights to â€Å"an increase of $. 11 in common share dividends for 2008† (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). Despite the company’s massive growth of long-term debt, the strategic positioning of POWER centers in high volume areas and payroll cuts began the combat against the emerging inflection point issues discussed. More than 1 million people enrolled in Walgreens discount card program in 2008. The company anticipates numbers to increase significantly at the beginning of Medicare reinstatement in January 2009 as members become more proactive in finding lower prescription costs. Constructed on gaining the business of customers upset with their current prescription coverage, the iscount care program cultivated an increase of gross market share to 17. 6% of the retail prescription market in 2008. According to the new annual reports, in August 2008 Walgreens priced a $1. 3 billion five-year bond offering to be â€Å"used in the repayment of short-term debt under its commercial paper program and general corporate purposes† (WAG Annual Reports, 2008). The bond’s primary purp ose of financing the expansion of Walgreens’ Take Care Clinics around the country will reinforce goals of insatiable growth in the United States. As the beginning stages of these clinics develop, Walgreens will have a better idea of the market’s reaction. SUMMARY OF STRATEGY These market-enhancing strategies formulated by observing frustrated consumers over the years yield a successful and progressive outlook for Walgreens. While Walgreens’ presence in communities nationwide will continue to expand, the systems and processes which customers receive service will undoubtedly change. As services become increasingly automated and salaries are cut to supply overhead costs of the latest technologies and capital investments, Walgreens’ initiatives to solidify their position as the market leader will continue to be a tantalizing puzzle for the company’s corporate executives. REFERENCES Berman, D. (2007,  January  17). CVS Raises Caremark Bid, Pressuring Express Scripts. Wall Street Journal   (Eastern Edition),   p. A. 4. Retrieved November 9, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1195592291). Caremark Rx Inc. : Advisory Firm Urges Holders To Accept Offer From CVS. (2007,  March  14). Wall Street Journal   (Eastern Edition),   p. A. 12. Retrieved October 25, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1232229641). Lueck, S. (2007,  September  19). Politics Economics: Democrats to Revisit Medicare Provisions. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition), p. A. 12. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1337919191). Merrick, A. (2008,  March  19). How Walgreen Changed Its Prescription for Growth. Wall Street Journal   (Eastern Edition),   p. B. 1. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1448083011). Merrick, A. (2008,  October  9). Walgreen Abandons Bid for Longs; Drug Chain Cites Weak Economy, Withdraws $2. 7 Billion Offer. Wall Street Journal   (Eastern Edition),   p. B. 1. Retrieved November 9, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1570234871). Stewart, J. (2006,  November  8). Common Sense: Letdown Over Deal By CVS, Caremark Offers Opportunity. Wall Street Journal   (Eastern Edition),   p. D. 2. Retrieved November 9, 2008, from Wall Street Journal  database. (Document ID:  1158307411). Porter, Michael E. (2008. Jan) â€Å"The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy. † Harvard Business Review. Porter, Michael E. (2008. Nov) â€Å"Why America Needs an Economic Strategy† Business Week Walgreens Annual Reports, The (2007, Dec 31). Questions and Answers for Shareholders. Retrieved October 10, from Walgreens Co. Website: http://files. shareholder. com/downloads/WAG/460812286x0x147120/C3FF93FD-4E51-4F5A-94FD-C0D058A9A911/Walgreen_AR_07. pdf Walgreens Annual Reports, The (2007, Dec 31). Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Retrieved October 10, from Walgreens Co. Website: http://files. shareholder. com/downloads/WAG/460812286x0x147120/C3FF93FD-4E51-4F5A-94FD-C0D058A9A911/Walgreen_AR_07. pdf

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Nauseated vs. Nauseous

Nauseated vs. Nauseous Nauseated vs. Nauseous Nauseated vs. Nauseous By Maeve Maddox A reader sent me this request: Would you please do a blast-out about the word nauseated versus nauseous? The noun â€Å"blast-out† is new to me, but I presume it means something like the following: a strongly worded admonition to English speakers to get the difference between these two words straight once and for all, blast it! The more I research usage and write about it, the less inclined I am to blast out about anything, especially word pairs like nauseous and nauseated. The supposed distinction is that people are nauseated, whereas nasty, disgusting things are nauseous. For example, women in the early stages of pregnancy often feel nauseated. A stagnant pool of foul-smelling water is nauseous. The OED gives two definitions of the adjective nauseous: 1. Of a thing, causing nausea. 2. Of a person, affected with nausea. For at least 179 years, English speakers have been using nauseous in the sense of â€Å"feeling the urge to throw up†: In speaking of the effect of bloodletting, Mr. Lizars says that ‘the patient feels nauseous and sick even to vomiting’. (OED citation dated 1836). A search on the Ngram Viewer of â€Å"feel nauseated† and â€Å"feel nauseous† shows a convergence of both terms in 2000. In popular usage, nauseous is frequently used to mean nauseated, whereas nauseating has largely replaced it to describe disgusting objects or odors: Drivers of General Motors popular Chevrolet Cruze sedan are complaining that the vehicles new car smell is a  nauseating stench. Everyone’s entitled to defend a preferred usage, even one that’s clearly headed for extinction. One of my own language peeves is to hear the word disinterested in a context that calls for uninterested. In my heart-of-hearts, I know it’s a distinction that goes unobserved more often than not, but I’ll continue to observe it in my own writing and to recommend it to others. Speakers to whom the distinction between nauseous and nauseated is important should observe it in their own speech and writing. Insisting that everyone do it is futile. Like civil public discourse, careful language has become a minority value. Those who care about it don’t need to be blasted; they need only to be informed. Related Articles What To Do About Non-standard English †Disinterested† Is Not the Same as â€Å"Uninterested† 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 Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Idioms About NumbersHomonyms, Homophones, Homographs and HeteronymsComma Before Too?

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Marketing Strategy - Essay Example The customer has become very choosy and thus he relies more on the communication messages that are put up on the web and other media forms, rather than relying on the TV and newspaper advertising which are some aspects that are a thing of the past (Palser 2007). The customer becomes active nowadays when he realizes that the Internet is a potent force and anything that is put up on it will surely make a huge difference within his life. Also there have other forms of advertising which have literally changed the face of the conventional ways of reaching to the intended target audience. These include the transit advertising forms, the street and pole signs, the road branding techniques, the balloon advertising and so on and so forth (Ha 2003). What all these advertising methods have brought forward is the fact that the customer has become very educated and that he does not need to have a TV or a newspaper to access details about the brand or service which is being highlighted, from the domains of the client in essence. The customer now knows that if he has missed TV and newspaper advertising, he can most definitely go on the web and easily access the same. He can go outdoors and see the street signs and hoardings and thus be in line with whatever is being offered to him all this while. The death of TV and newspaper advertising has happened over a period of time, and not in an overnight fashion (Stoff 2008). This has meant that the TV and newspaper owners had started to understand that their respective mediums have lost the battle as compared to the newer media outlets and methodologies which were making serious mark on the consumers’ minds. What is even more interesting is the fact that the consumers have now realized that the power of the contemporary forms of advertising within their lives has become very significant and that they would rely on