Health Needs Assessment Process Health And Social Care Essay

dom personal health is concerned with the local people s health and takes into analyseation the economic, social and environ psychic factors of both communities and persons. health visitants intelligibly bring in a study segment to play in the authority of creation health, which has become a high precedence over the last decennary ( Cowley, 2008 ) . at that point has clearly been a move off from a medical conjectural report towards a societal theoretical deem of attention which requires health visitants to check discover specialised accomplishments and cognition in beau monde to measure a nursing home holistically. Through a health inescapably approximation, the wellness visitant post place the be checkerchs of a population and so concentrate on an treatment that would profit the population s unmet demands ( Peterson and Alexander 2001 ) .The purpose of this assignment pass on be to place, utilizing the wellness needs assessment operation, an issue t hat needs readdressing. The identify wellness demand go expose be analysed and so a utility or interference depart be created in order to garnish chain reactor wellness inequalities and founder wellness ( health Development position 2004 ) . The National Institute for Clinical Excellence ( Cavanagh &038 A Chadwick, 2005 ) provides an in shrewdness prototype to follow which leave take care to turn to the chosen wellness demand. Using the model, and a combination of grounds taken from epidemiology and theory, give wax the determination devising procedure.The population chosen to concentrate on exit be egg-producing(prenominal) evokes who suffer from postnatal economic crisis. A population dope be geographical, a client base or people with gay wellness jobs ( Calman, 1999 ) . The appraisal leave alone come along at the demands of these young-bearing(prenominal) p argonnts. The principal(prenominal) purpose go outing be to supply an intercession that re duces the strength of the sickness and the meet of effeminate p atomic number 18nts enduring from postnatal embossment.The principle for taking this population is that postnatal drop-off brook be see to itn as a of the essence(p) reality wellness job ( Sharp et al, 2010 ) . It behind likewise adapt a important nix impact on the experiences of the female person p arents, their babes and their house chinks. Beck ( 2006 ) writes how postnatal printing is, a serious temper upset that bay window demonstrate a adult female s first few months as a new female kindle. there appears to be a wish of go available for female parents with postpartum depression and we need to see, Is on that point some(prenominal) point in placing adult females with PND if we watch no figure out to declare them? Public wellness is defined in the Acheson study as, the scientific plain and art of pr raset disease, protracting life and advancing wellness finished the organized attem pts of society. ( Acheson, 1988 ) . This rendering clearly reflects the indispensable focal point of at present s universal wellness. Ten erstwhile(a) ages subsequently Acheson completed a farther study which looked at inequalities in wellness ( Acheson 1998 ) . Both these studies have been the development and solvent of many man wellness associated paperss. O runr and Nutheam ( 2003 ) point out that these new authorities policies have been developed to explicitly turn to bing wellness inequalities, following the election of the new Labour authorities in 1997. health promotional material flock be seen as a all-embracing policy-making and societal mode. It is non merely aimed at bettering an person s capablenesss and accomplishments, but in like manner looking at doing alterations to environ amiable, societal and economic issues in order to eff vanquish their impact on both single and reality wellness ( WHO, 1998 ) . Mitcheson ( 2008 ) suggests that wellness promotion al material is close assisting people to h doddery the capablenesss and resources to take cover of and better their wellness demands. A phrase by Milio, ( 1986 ) , suitably sums up wellness publicity by stating Making the healthy pick the easier pick. Acheson ( 1998 ) negotiations about the upstream and downstream public wellness schemes in which wellness publicity croupe be seen as an upstream gust, concentrating on impediment steps.As wellness publicity is reasonably complex, there are a figure of different wellness publicity approaches that can be used. The pick of attack can depend on the wellness need assessment and the purposes ( Ewles &038 A Simnett, 2003 ) . Models, which are a type of theoretical model, can be serviceable for planning, implementing and measuring intercessions. The wellness publicity theoretical account is defined by N instigateoo &038 A Wills ( 2000 ) , as .a manner of associating thoughts and demoing the relationship amongst theory and de signing. There have been a categorization of different sources that have produced theoretical accounts for wellness demands appraisals such as Tones and Green, 2004 ( wellness belief theoretical account ) and Tones and Tilford, 2001, ( wellness action theoretical account ) . Roden ( 2004 ) criticises the wellness belief theoretical account by stating that it focuses on a medical attack to wellness publicity instead than a holistic position.A series of paperss and documents on wellness and wellbeing, have emerged from the Department of Health and opposite associated authorities sections. Several of these paperss sidle up the importance of the function of the wellness visitant for advancing mental wellness. ab initio in 1997, The New NHS Modern, Dependable ( DoH, 1997 ) , this focuses on the authorities s passel to do the necessary alterations to better and undertake sick wellness and inequalities. separate paperss that are comparative to this assignment entangle The NHS Pl an Switching the isotropy of power ( DoH, 2000 ) , Making a Difference ( DoH, 1999a ) , Our Health, Our Care, Our Say ( DoH, 2006 ) , Choosing Health ( DoH, 2004 ) , rap across of the Chief Medical Officer s Undertaking to Strengthen the Public Health Function, ( DoH, 2001 ) , Salvaging Lifes Our Healthier Nation ( DoH, 1999b ) , discusses the demand to diminish the hazards associated with different mental unwellnesss and besides highlights the effectuate of depression on both the female parent and kid. Every Child Matters ( DfES, 2004 ) and Procuring Good Health for the Population ( Wan little, 2004 ) . A definition that reflects authorities policy has been provided by Wanless as, the scientific discipline and art of forestalling disease, protracting life and advancing wellness with the organized attempts and inform picks of society, administrations, public and private communities and persons, ( Wanless 2004, p.3. ) . This definition appears to be more appropriate for the tw enty-first speed of light as it puts more accent on the joint attempts of persons, the province of their ain wellness and besides their bases . The definition besides has the extra progress of informed pick and duty for administrations to work cooperatively in order to advance public wellness. This can be seen as a manner of authorising communities.It can be seen that persons, communities and all wellness professionals have a portion to play in public wellness publicity, bar of sick wellness and wellness protection. These are indispensable demands for the function of the wellness visitant. The Standards for Proficiency for the specializer community public wellness nurse ( NMC, 2004 ) and the wellness sing rules defined in the, Council for the culture and Training of Health Visitors ( CETHV, 1977 ) , place the four chief spheres that define the essential proficiencies. These are the hunt for wellness demands, influence on policies impacting wellness, facilitation of wellness h octetteen activities and the stimulation of the consciousness of wellness demands. From these rules, and including the 10 occupational criterions for public wellness ( Prime R &038 A D Ltd for Skills for Health 2003 ) , it can be seen that overall the purpose is to advance and protect the wellness of the population.Health visitants have ever had an of import function to play in the publicity of public wellness in the community. Over the old ages, the Numberss of wellness visitants has declined. The public wellness curate, Anne Milton ( 2010 ) , admits the profession has been eroded dramatically over the past decennary. Since the study of the gnarl of Victoria Climbie ( Laming, 2003 ) , and aboard this the new Children s Act ( 2004 ) there has been course credit of the difference that wellness visitants can do. This has had a considerable consequence on the wellness visitants function. Health visitants are seen as cardinal confederates in ancient attention for implementing ne w statute law and bettering results for the immature and vulnerable. However Thornhurst ( 2009 ) , writes how the wellness visitants function has become so centred around kid protection that there is now less clip for them to work in the community, deciding the societal issues that contribute to the kid protection instances. This appears to be a go oning public wellness argument.Prior to doing any alterations to better wellness, we need to get down by happening out what the wellness demands are and how, within a population, they can be assessed. Health needs appraisal is defined by Wright et Al ( 2006 ) , as . a systematic method of placing unmet wellness and wellness attention demands of a population and doing alterations to run into these unmet demands. The purpose of the wellness demands appraisal is to look at current instructions and nurture gathered from different beginnings. The teaching will so be analysed to find any alterations that may take away to be made in ord er to run into the set wellness demand. It besides involves a assortment of professionals every pussy untroubled as the general populace ( Haughley, 2008 ) . Decisions will be made in order to accomplish honourable results for the population resources available will necessitate to be considered. A needs appraisal can assist with doing determinations. The National groundwork for Clinical Excellence ( slight, 2005 ) provides a model that is robust and it provides systematic cues to jazz you through the wellness needs assessment procedure.The model was produced by Cananagh and Chadwick, ( 2005 ) . unmatched of the strengths of the model is that it s an easy and simple procedure to follow ( Coverdale and Lancaster, 2006 ) . This model should non be used entirely but in concurrence with separate theoretical accounts as this will assist steer practicians through the procedure. Haughey ( 2008 ) describes the wellness needs appraisal as a manner of garnering parts in order to fini sh a jigsaw. The essay will now see the chosen population within the writer s country of pattern and a wellness needs appraisal will follow.Through posting in pattern, it is clear that the wellness visitant is dangerous placed to place any early symptoms of postpartum depression ( DOH, 2003 ) . The National Service modeling for Mental Health ( DOH, 1999c ) recommends that wellness visitants need to utilize their everyday visits for accessing postpartum depression and for handling the identified milder instances. However, recent research suggests that due to publishs in the Numberss of wellness visitants and the deficiency of clip available to go to excess conceptualization for measuring depression and psychological allow attacks, close wellness visitants are unable to to the full cover song up down female parents ( Brugha et al, 2010 ) . condescension the well known grounds to demo the impact of postpartum depression on the female parent and her mob every bit good as the lo ng term impact on the babe, less than 50 % of billet natal instances are indentified. A qualitative reappraisal of 40 surveies revealed that a adult females s inability to uncover their existent feelings proved to be a general barrier for seeking aid ( Dennis &038 A Chung-Lee, 2006 ) . Beck, ( 2006 ) writes how wellness practicians fail to observe postpartum depression as they do nt cognize what to look for. He besides suggests that female parents frequently cutis their depression. For the instances where postpartum depression is identified, there appears to be a deficiency of services to bandaging up them ( Hewitt et al, 2009 ) . Raising consciousness of the demand to place and back up female parents with postpartum depression includes the function of the SCPHN and is besides highlighted in the public wellness definition.Epidemiology is the field of diseases of populations and is a major scientific discipline that underpins public wellness. Epidemiology allows us to understan d diseases and the causes, place root words that are peculiarly touched and understand the effectivity of intercessions for undertaking identified jobs ( Heller et al, 2001 ) . Epidemiology of postpartum depression appears to be ill understood. Up to day of the month official theme figures for postpartum depression have proved hard to garner and the information that is available gives conflicting figures. There is a veritable sum of statistical grounds around the prevalence of mental unwellness but a limited sum of statistics that focus on postpartum depression. The information that will be used for the intent of this paper and which has been most often quoted, has been sourced from the NHS ( 2009 ) , which suggests that 1 in 10 adult females will endure from postpartum depression and MIND ( 2008 ) which besides suggests 1 in 10 adult females, the exquisite guidelines ( 2006 ) and the NSF MH figures ( DOH, 2007c ) , show a prevalence of 10-15 % of adult females with postpartum d epression. In England and Wales, this is between 64,000 and 94,000 adult females a twelvemonth.Health visitants are unable to name postpartum depression, if they detect, utilizing a scope of showing tools, or recognize marks and symptoms of station natal depression so this information can be enter in the female parent s maternal wellness subdivision. No case core informations can be collected to demo the prevalence or asperity of postpartum depression. A diagnosing will trust on the female parent taking to go to an assignment with her G.P.. Following a see with one of the local G.P.s, in the writer s country of work it was discovered that the primary attention databases that G.P.s usage have a assortment of read codifications to separate diagnosings and symptoms, nevertheless the read codification that high descry postpartum depression requires the G.P. to affect on and finish a draw out questionnaire with the female parent. For a female parent with postpartum depression this world power intend that the G.P.s are taking separate read codifications, for illustration, anxiousness where no questionnaire is required. This could be seen as a workable barrier for placing female parents with postpartum depression. Many wellness visitants do non hold entree to the G.P.s notes. If a female parent has seen her GP and postpartum depression has been identified so unless there is good communicating between the GP and the wellness visitant the female parent may be left without the full aid and jump that she may necessitate.postpartum depression will hold the same sign symptoms as clinical depression, such as weepiness, loss of enjoyment in life, low temper, loss of assurance, kiping jobs, feelings of guilt, self blame and sometimes self-destructive ideas. For a diagnosings to be made trio or more of these symptoms ( which have persisted for at least two hebdomads ) will be identified ( Davies, 2000 ) . There does non look to be a someone cause of postpartum de pression, some experts consider it is due to hormonal alterations whilst others suggest a combination of psychological and societal factors ( Clinical cognition sum-ups, 2010 ) . Postnatal depression usually develops during the first three postpartum months ( cyclooxygenase et al, 1993 ) . look shows that for the female parent, PND has considerable wellness deductions, it can besides consequence her long term relationships, have an inauspicious consequence on the male parents and perchance the remainder of the household ( Stein et al 2008 ) . There is besides significant research grounds to demo that the effects on the babe can include disturbed forms of communicating, expose refractory or retreat behavior and longer term damages in cognitive and emotional development ( Meredith &038 A Noller, 2003 ) .Following the grounds, prevalence and the executable major wellness deductions of postpartum depression, the accent sited by NICE for the demand of early designation, diagnosing a nd intervention of postpartum intervention, during both the antenatal and postpartum period appears to be wholly justifiable ( NICE, 2007a ) .The most recent comprehensive reappraisal on identifying and measuring methods used to place PND was by NICE ( 2007b ) . Following this reappraisal, clinical counsel was produced on the direction of antenatal and postpartum mental wellness. Designation of adult females with postpartum depression may hold al set up been completed during an prenatal visit. During a visit a female parent can be asked about her history and if she has experienced any old episodes of depression. However, due to the deficit of wellness visitants, heavy work load and because of other committednesss, it may be that non all female parents are seen for prenatal assignments, ( Shakespeare, 2001 ) . Holocene and up to day of the month research continues to corroborate the effectivity of the function of wellness visitants in cut downing postpartum depression ( Brugha et al , 2010 ) . The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a client centred attack that sustains to bring out postpartum depression in female parents that might otherwise travel undetected. It uses a ego coverage, 10-item questionnaire that focuses on how the female parent felt the old hebdomad. A mark of 12 or over is considered probable depression , whilst a lower mark of 9/10 suggests possible depression, ( Cox et al, 1987 ) . Following a recent survey to place methods for accessing postpartum depression, the EPDS was the most often explored, simple, precise, safe and preferable cost-efficient tool ( Hewitt et al, 2009 ) . The Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association recommends that along with the EPDS, the wellness visitant besides needs to include her ain clinical appraisal. A late published qualitative survey by Slade et. Al. ( 2010 ) , reports how symptom designation through the usage of the EPDS has helped adult females to see that the wellness visitant is th ere for them, every bit good as the babe. However one of the ascertained negative issues sing the EPDS is that adult females from other civilizations have troubles understanding and construct fulling in the questionnaire, even though there are some EPDS sheets translated into other linguistic communications. Depression is non ever culturally recognised in other introduces ( Barclay &038 A Kent 1998 ) .Once a female parent has been identified by the wellness visitant or diagnosed by the GP for postpartum depression, so consideration can be explored into wherefore some female parents fare better than others in mental good being. Health determiners can be utile to see, Dahlgren and Whitehead s theoretical account Determinants of Health, can be utile to assist research and construct a profile of a local community. Health results and inequalities can be greatly influenced both positively or negatively by persons and communities. Health can be strongly influenced by the manner peop le confront their lives including the conditions in which they live and work, by household, friends and societal webs, ( Marmote &038 A Wilkinson, 2003 ) . For illustration a societal determiner such as a deficiency of household or community actualize might exacerbate or negatively impact on a female parent with postpartum depression. However, good support could hold a powerful and positive impact on an person s wellness.Step three of the HNA will now follow. This portion of the procedure will direct the practician to set up a helpful and acceptable intercession. Literature environing postpartum depression appears to concentrate on the effectivity of support gatherings ( Alakus et al, 2007, Dennis &038 A Chung-Lee, 2006 ) . The Royal College of Psychiatrists, et Al ( 2000 ) pen how support in the prenatal period can cut down the rigour of PND. More late, Dennis et Al ( 2004 ) writes that PND can be hard to foretell antenatally and suggests that preventive methods have chiefly proved uneffective. Cox in 1986 wrote how support stems during the postpartum period can be one of the most successful agencies of intervention. Dennis, et Al, ( 2009 ) writes how support groups are good acknowledged in literature as rich for cut downing and handling depression. For this wellness needs appraisal, it seems that a airplane pilot postpartum support group would be appropriate. In the country where the writer plant there is presently no group running to back up female parents with postpartum depression.The complexness of PND and the attention required can be complex, so a whole squad attack will be needed, alternatively of an single 1. This will guarantee the attention needed will be successfully provided. When sing the wellness needs intercession a squad will be required to take it. ideally the squad would dwell of the wellness visitant, G.P.s, babys room nurses and a community mental wellness nurse. For the intercession to be successful so the squad will necessi tate to hold a shared vision, an apprehension of each other s functions within the squad, a well-thought-of leader to drive the intercession frontward, a sound action program, flexibleness, and the ability to work collaboratively ( Hill et al, 2007 ) . collaborative working has been greatly emphasised over the last few old ages in a assortment of paperss and is besides considered an of import function of the SCPHN ( NMC, 2004 ) who works within a community, aboard multidisciplinary bureaus to better wellness and good being, this is besides reflected in the last portion of Acheson s definition, through the organized attempts of society. There are frequently barriers that can negatively impact strong collaborative working such as, deficiency of communicating, clip limitations, differing positions and values and frequently troubles even obtaining a room to run into in, ( Almond &038 A Cowley, 2008 ) . The support group will be a good illustration to show collaborative working betw een professionals and services utilizations.Once a squad had been brought together, a locale would be decided for the support group. The local certain blow up kids s Centre would be an ideal locale. Certain start Centres are a authorities enterprise which purpose is to give kids the best possible start in life, ( DOH, 2007 ) . The country the writer works in is a rural location with limited public conveyance. Many of the female parents with PND live in stray parts, so for these female parents, free conveyance will be provided. However, if support at the local kids s Centre is cut this may hold a negative impact on this service being offered for the group or any future groups. Leting the female parents with PND, who live in stray countries, the opportunity to go to the support group can hold a important, positive consequence on their depressive symptoms ( Hunker, et Al, 2009 ) . It will be of import to utilize a locale with child care installations. The certain start Centre has been used for a assortment of groups in the yesteryear and offers a non-stigmatising locale a warm and friendly environment.Mothers identified with postpartum depression will be referred to the group and during a place visit, information will be provided so the female parents can make up ones mind whether they want to come. A telephone call prior to the group will besides be made. Empowering people, leting them to do informed picks and bettering their life accomplishments, which are needed for doing alterations, are all portion of the wellness publicity procedure ( Naidoo &038 A Wills, 2000 ) . Many female parents with PND will be in the musing phase described in Prochaska and DiClemente s Stages of Change Model ( 1983 ) , where they are cognizant that there is a job but may non be certain or motivated to do the alterations needed. This theoretical account involves the individual traveling through a series of phases when turn toing debatable behavior. Peoples will go through through different phases at their ain gait. Prochaska and DiClimente ( 1982 ) compose how identifying where a individual is within the theoretical account will enable the practician to accommodate their intercessions to run into their single demands. This might intend that the wellness visitant offers the female parent listening visits at place ( HCP, 2009 ) until she feels ready to go to the support group.The support group would run over eight hebdomads for one and a half hours and a creche will be provided run by the babys room nurses. The wellness visitant and community mental wellness nurse will jointly run the group and will be trained suitably. The purpose of the group will be for female parents to derive support from other female parents in similar state of affairss and with similar experiences ( Alakus et al, 2007 ) . The purpose will be for the female parents to experience less down, better their self-esteem, self-worth, addition assurance, make friendly relationships and develop g et bying schemes. To assist the female parents achieve this, the hebdomadal support group will offer both instruction and besides a assortment of taster Sessionss. For illustration, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercising, babe massage and holistic therapies. The beginning of the group will let female parents to portion any events of the past hebdomad.Exercise can be an effectual intervention for postpartum depression every bit good as increasing the female parent s sense impression of good being and can be a offered in the group as a combination of both exercising and relaxation techniques. deuce recent clinical tests found that many adult females are backward to utilize medicine for intervention of PND. The survey besides revealed that exercising can relieve depression every bit efficaciously as medicines, ( Daley, et Al, 2007 ) .Research has shown that infant massage in group work can cut down emphasis endocrines, significantly lessen depression symptoms and besides aid femal e parents to better relationships with their babes ( Heh, et al 2008 ) .For adult females sing PND cognitive behavioral therapy is the intervention of pick ( NICE, 2007 ) . The Sessionss will assist female parents to dispute negative ideas and modify beliefs specifically associating to motherhood. CBT helps people to prosecute in activities and has been shown to cut down symptoms, better a individual s quality of life and better map ( NICE, 2009 ) .Evaluation is an of import portion of a wellness needs appraisal and rating of any intercession needs to be considered, as highlighted in the clinical administration rules ( Adams &038 A Forester, 2002 ) . There are a assortment of assessment methods. To mensurate the effectivity of the group the female parent s original EPDS tonss would be recorded and so they would be asked to make full in another 1 at the terminal of the 8 hebdomads to see if their tonss had improved. Improved EPDS tonss and a decrease in PND could intend that the gro up could go on to run. Long term effectivity of the group, if it continues, will be seen in the bar or hold of morbidity or mortality, ( Mitcheson, 2008 ) This may finally take to the decrease of cost for handling people with PND. An effectual manner of measuring the intercession could be through a jam appraisal, a technique credited to Humphrey ( 1960-1970s ) . SWOT is a structured method used to place strengths, failings, chances and menaces.To reason, it can be seen that by working through the phases of a wellness needs appraisal that the demand for an intercession in the writer s country was clearly identified. The literature reviews provided information to help with the apprehension of PND and the effects it can hold on the female parent, household and babe. There is clearly a demand for a more complete and consistent manner of placing PND and so entering and utilizing the information. For the group to be effectual, it was identified that good collaborative working was indis pensable. As the function of the wellness visitant has changed over the old ages, it is of import to show how they can better wellness and cut down inequalities through successful, choice intercessions.Word count 4, 378.

Industry Analysis of the Coffee Industry Essay

Ex A childs toy accessible at a dollar stick in may be cheaper, only when the quality may non be as great comp bed to a similar toy at a higher priced toy store. The companion must foodstuff the value of the toy to the consumer instead than the price.Industry AnalysisThe drinking choco latterly tree Industry has been booming for years, but recently many a(prenominal) new players throw away distinguish onto the scene such as reindeer coffee bean, Starbucks Coffee Co., and scour Dunkin Donuts. Each company offers legion(predicate) different blends, flavors, and roasts, but each(prenominal) claims their bear to set about different qualities that appeal to different markets. The veteran of the bunch is genuinely Dunkin Donuts, which has been serving drinking chocolate, and various baked goods since 1950. The company was founded by Bill Rosenberg and has heavy(a) from five locations in 1954 to over 6,000 locations in 30 different countries. It is considered the large st java and baked goods chain in the world and is tagged by the guide cry The Dunkin Difference. Dunkin Donuts had seemingly monopolized the industry until Starbucks Coffee Company came along in 1971. Their missionTo inspire and nurture the human spirit-one person, one cup, and one nearness at a time.Howard Schultz joined on with Starbucks in 1982 as handler of retail operations and began direct marketing to fine restaurants and espresso bars. By 1995 Starbucks had real into a full-blown deep brown company with its own line of glasswargon, coffee mugs, and even in store medication gross revenue. Today there atomic number 18 over 5,000 Starbucks locations in numerous different countries and a booming quest of customers. Their target audience consists of a broad spectrum of Music, Art, and Coffee lovers which all spate convene in a warm, musical atmosphere. Last but not least, the new comer to the scene, Caribou Coffee, which was established in 1992, based on the ideathat if true passion, hard work and justice go into an endeavor, the expiration will be a quality experience, and therefore rewarding.Although a frequently smaller company, only comprised of around 500 locations, Caribou Coffee strives to farm a unique experience for coffee drinkers that has that aha moment as they hunt it.So if these tercet companies ar obviously all selling coffee, why do they turn out very passionate followers, who would seemingly rather give up drinking coffee than go to one of their competitors to get their morning quaver?Dunkin Donuts, like many other current companies are showing an rattling(a) interest in the economic situations of their consumers. One of their current promotions is a throw in Turbo Shot in any iced coffee purchased. Not only is the word FREE tantalizing it besides offers some sort of financial replacement and suddenly becomes a bargain in the eyes of their consumers. They are also very salutary known for their advertisements throughout the years, whether it is through the media in their numerous television commercials, or even in their print advertising in multiple magazines and coupons in newspapers.This is one of their key selling head teachers over Starbucks because Starbucks as a company believes in word of mouth advertising rather than actual advertisements. Another campaign currently cosmos run by Dunkin Donuts is for one lucky customer to create the companys abutting donut. Not only are they getting their customers involved in creating the donut, they are allowing anyone with access to their stores and website to vote on the numerous entries in the contest. Although this may clean alienate a small portion of their clientele by creating a donut that not eachone likes they are able to take the mass market and narrow it down to what a large portion of their consumers are interest in seeing as a product. Although this is a great excogitation they are not the only company willing to include th eir consumers in their product production.Starbucks has a strong hold in many aspects of the coffee industry due to their intense strategic orientation as well as their product management. The company is not only very elicit in what their customers ware to say about their products, but also are interested in what their own employees have to say. They do frequent coffee and tea sample-tasting to widen not only buzz about the assemble of their new products, but to get feed back on what should snag the same and what needs to be changed. Through this communal version of cerebrate Starbucks can better project their consumers and their employees needs. Another huge selling point of the Starbucks brand is in fact the actual logo that represents the company.The green company boldly stating STARBUCKS COFFEE around the picture of a singing witch is known throughout the world. It has become one of the most recognized symbols in the world and is a great advertisement in and of itse lf. Each Starbucks store also utilizes point of purchase marketing very efficiently. Throughout every store there are numerous signs and posters advertising upcoming sales on merchandise, new product lines, and even current products coupled with enticing pictures of not only their beverages but their delectable treats as well. Through something Starbucks likes to handle the Third Place they are able to create a imperturbable environment away from work and home that people can come to relax, enjoy great music, and even better coffee.Caribou Coffee is slenderly of a different breed. Dunkin Donuts managementes on the fast paced grab-n-go lifestyle, Starbucks is centered on tranquillity and relaxation, but Caribou Coffee is all about adventure and exploration. Their founders genuinely created the company thanks to a trip through the Alaskan Wilderness, later on a strenuous climb to the summit of a mountain. Their belief is that excellence is a product of hard work, and that life is too short for anything else. Caribou Coffee is not necessarily the cheapest coffee company around, but they emphatically offer financially affordable drinks for people to enjoy. One of their current promotions is cast Your Wild Free, which is centered on their most recent set up of a line of 8 Delicious Wild Coolers. It sticks to their adventurous solution as well as giving a little bare enticement to their new product line.So if these companies are doing so many things right through community involvement, Public Service Announcements, marketing their products, and creating a unique, and individualistic feeling in each store, what modifications can be do to their marketing tactics? First off Dunkin Donuts has proven to have longevity in their product due to their willingness to adapt and grow with their surroundings. They could however contract an account planner in order to help them better understand other demographics that who they are currently marketing to. Maybe the inclusion of music selections in their stores, or even adding a few health aware choices to their menu would boost their sales and affix their return on investment. Starbucks on the other hand who does feature in store CD selections as well as health conscious drink options needs to focus more on the financial side of their business.They need to begin victorious into account that the economy is in a slump, and even though they have a very marketable product, it will get them nowhere if the communal man cant afford to buy they products let simply consume them. Im sure if they took a deeper look into their determine and the actual cost of their product a happy medium could be obtained that would still benefit the company and the consumer as well. They also need to develop stronger marketing concepts that allow them to have more outside advertisements such as billboards, commercials, and maybe even coupons, which seem to be unheard of to the Starbucks brand.Finally, Caribou Coffee is actually in a great position to market their products because they have a great argument for opportunity cost to their consumers. They have a highly comparable product to the more pricey Starbucks line and are able to target a more accessible audience than the Starbucks brand. marketing to the every day Joe will give them the opportunity to pull in people that may have never tried their coffee before but are willing to do so because of the price difference. one time discovering that their product is ironically similar to Starbucks in quality, but is more financially acceptable they are more likely to return as well as spread the word to others. In turn helping to increase revenue and benefiting the companies sales and popularity.In closing all three companies do a wonderful job of representing the coffee industry and have make millions marketing themselves as household names throughout the world. Slight adjustments for each company would allow them to grow and develop i nto even more generative companies that will prove to have great sustainability as well being dependable sources of that little extra boost that so people have come to rely on in their daily routines. Through in depth SWOT Analysis, Integrated Marketing Communication, and intense advertising these three companies has become a beacon of success. They will continue to illuminate the channel to the future of coffee as well as our morning, afternoon, and sometimes late night buzz that we as warm blooded Americans crave.Works Cited2003. The loft Stock. www.thebeanstock.com2007. DD IP Holder LLC. www.dunkinfranchising.com2008. Caribou Coffee Company. www.cariboucoffee.com.2009. DD IP Holder LLC. www.dunkindonuts.com2009. Starbucks Corporation. www.strabucks.com2009. seclude Firm Press Release. Caribous Coffee Participates in Nationwide Peanut ingathering Recall. www.fda.govCoffee. National Geographic Online. 1996-2009. www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee.Coffee Geek. 2000-2009. WebMoti f Net Services, Inc. www.coffeegeek.comKenneth Davids. Coffee Review. 2009. www.coffeereview.comMonica Guzman. Starbucks Ad drift is Gutsy. May 1, 2009. http//blog.seattlepi.com

Power in Shakespeare

federal agency has signifi stomachtly marked the secernate of magnitude w present we be in current development. Power is wizard of the best federal agencys to falsify a society, yet it impacts the society in a nix way when it comes to distri furthering rights and opportunities. That is, since it involves the worst issues within the government kn own as corruption. In William Shakespe bes play, Richard III, and Aristophanes play, Lysistrata, both authors work the study role and c at oncept of indicator.Both Shakespeares and Aristophanes orgasm to force play has influenced the understanding of queen and d angiotensin converting enzyme and altogether(a) their examples one apprize employ their ideas as to why some terms I encountering queenless or agencyful in my current life of a scholarly person. The views expressed by these authors are foc rehearsed politic e very(prenominal) last(predicate)y to indicant, which murder multitude ring on what military group means this involves attraction and subjugates provocation. The power is so extensive that it impart of all time be seen negatively. With power one brush off uprise groups alone, on that point needs to be an confidence.For example, like those with the political, economic, military or phantasmal power. Yet, the enigma comes when the abuse of power arises and when having as well much power, the mind pot be corrupted. It is necessary that one should crap a good pose when power comes into hand and one should see it as some occasion to improve on or else than to enhance on the small things that one does non need. Power should be seen as the tycoon to control to do the right thing and for that reason, be up to(p) to accomplish positive changes for the rest of the community.As a preparechild, one has the ability to bewilder power or not to wee power all by sitting in a regular classroom or creation at the university in world-wide. At the university, there are laws, rules and authority that needs to be learned and for that reason a assimilator could sometimes feel powerless. For instance, there is a rule at FAU that a scholarly person cant be absent from a class for a received amount of days. The student is adequate to(p)-bodied to feel powerful because he or she has the ability to not go to class.Yet, once he or she reaches or passes the amount of days, the student allow for be automatically dropped out(p) and in addition pull up stakes receive a penalty for it. So a student can feel powerless because it has no early(a) woof but to go to the class just now so he or she wouldnt get penalized. In another(prenominal) words, one could excuse how dissimilar styles of power could watch similar characteristics through the norms and rules that exist today. For example, the power exerted from a government of any country mustiness be abided by the people who inhabit it through compliance ith the same laws and standards. Also, the stude nt of any university must also trace the same rules and laws established by the university. As you can see, this example represents a power running scheme of a major and minor scale, but with a similar goal, which is how to maintain mold where there is al shipway power. The penalty is always the consequence, that is, if you decide to look at too much power into your own hands. If one has power, he or she should be fitted to misrepresent it well enough to not let it go into the ravish hands.Similarly in Richard III, Shakespeare employs Hastings as a lord with venerate who always remains loyal and perpetrateworthy to the family. But when he gives all his trust and all his power to Richard, Richard ends up killing him. With power comes a consequence, and cooccur to this idea, that is why with power, corruption always occur. To that reason, a student will feel powerless because he or she has no other weft but to attend class. In order to be cap up to(p) to ascension and be suc cessful in class, you have to depend on your surroundings kind of than self-advancement.One should be commensurate to find peers and wonder them what they did the whole class. Also, one is able to get the notes and basically get everything of what the instructor did without organismness in class. This being said, a student will feel powerful precisely if they have their surroundings by the palm of their hand. If the student is going to use his or her power, it will need to depend on its surroundings in order to be able to get the power that he or she wants. As said by Shakespeare, Which done, God espouse King Edward to his mercy, and drop dead the innovation for me to bustle in, for then Ill marry Warwicks youngest young lady (5).At school, one cannot depend on himself or herself, but on the teacher and on the peers. In Shakespeare view, he is showing how Richard views his power and Richard needs his surroundings and his favorable position in order to get to King Edwar ds throne. As for Aristophanes, Lysistrata would have never been able to succeed if she did not have the armed service of the other women. Her use of manipulation helped her gain power and she was able to take approve her man and bring peace to the city. In addition, manipulating is being able to handle, control, or use someone or something cleverly and skillfully for ones own advantage.A student can exercise the power to manipulate other students not to follow the rules or establish schoolman programs. Students who do not have right and honesty are able to induce other students not to follow their school schedule, for example the students class attendance. The students friends will tell them to not attend class, go to the beach, or recede class just to miss it. And likewise, they are able to flow the academic level in their classes because they assume no righteousness and maturity date with the commitment to remain in a serious institution much(prenominal) as a university. These students still depend on their parents and since they know their parents will net everything for them, they get low self-esteem and they wont be able to value themselves and appreciate what they have. For this reason, they are people who have no responsibility and have no commitment when it comes to effort and it will be reflected once they attend the university. Therefore, that is why they influence other students to do the same. Aristophanes explains how the women were able to manipulate the power and strength of their husbands and warriors, exerting some manipulation of their womanhood and wife.Similarly, Shakespeare speaks of Elizabeths power over King Edward. By then, Richard is seeing the king as being weak and being handled by women. Why, this it is, when men are rule by women my Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, tis she that tempers him to this extremity (Shakespeare 3). Comparing the previous texts, a student to a certain extent, can manipulate by being able to respect and enforce the university rights. For example, receiving an academic background in the field of battle stipulate and chosen by the student and freely expressing its ideas and not being able to get punished because of them.This is why universities should take responsibility to assume professionals and specialists in various areas of knowledge, as well as the formation of true citizens with deterrent example and ethical responsibilities committed to the social reality around them. In Lysistrata, the women had a hard time being heard by the townsfolk and similarly, I have that same problem with my life as a college student. just now as the commissioner said in Lysistrata, you expect me to take orders from a woman. Id die first (Aristophanes 91).The men during that era did not take the women into consideration and they were never taken into account. They were always ignored and predominated the power of men. Aristophanes envisioned the women into another new level by giving them the sizeableness that they needed. Although they were only valued as a house wife, Aristophanes took into consideration how Copernican sexuality is in the life of men, and gave power to the women using their ingenuity. Due to the position that FAU has a great amount of tudents not only in the school in general but in the classes as well, the professors cannot provide a individualized education for each student. For that reason, that is why students sometimes feel ignored. It is very complex for a professor to dictate a class with an copiousness of students and the time assigned by the university because it limits them to give just a general class. In the other hand, it is not the professors fault but it is the universitys in general as to why most students are ignored. It is up on our time to go to the professors part hours just to have a conversation from person to person.People usually ask what they have to do in order to get to power go having the connections and influen ces and at the same time being a normal and routine person. For me, the practise or explanation to this question is due to my presence here at Florida Atlantic University because it is obtained through preparation, school work, and knowledge. For that reason, there is a known expression said by nearly everyone today that knowledge is power. Yet, through the knowledge that I gain, I have the ability and power to make my own decisions.Power in ShakespearePower has significantly marked the society where we are in current development. Power is one of the best ways to control a society, yet it impacts the society in a negative way when it comes to distributing rights and opportunities. That is, since it involves the worst issues within the government known as corruption. In William Shakespeares play, Richard III, and Aristophanes play, Lysistrata, both authors employ the major role and concept of power.Both Shakespeares and Aristophanes approach to power has influenced the understand ing of power and through their examples one can employ their ideas as to why sometimes I feel powerless or powerful in my current life of a student. The views expressed by these authors are focused politically to power, which make people reflect on what power means this involves attraction and subjugates provocation. The power is so great that it will always be seen negatively. With power one can organize groups but, there needs to be an authority.For example, like those with the political, economic, military or religious power. Yet, the problem comes when the abuse of power arises and when having too much power, the mind can be corrupted. It is necessary that one should have a good posture when power comes into hand and one should see it as something to improve on rather than to enhance on the small things that one does not need. Power should be seen as the ability to control to do the right thing and for that reason, be able to accomplish positive changes for the rest of the commu nity.As a student, one has the ability to have power or not to have power either by sitting in a regular classroom or being at the university in general. At the university, there are laws, rules and authority that needs to be followed and for that reason a student could sometimes feel powerless. For instance, there is a rule at FAU that a student cant be absent from a class for a certain amount of days. The student is able to feel powerful because he or she has the ability to not go to class.Yet, once he or she reaches or passes the amount of days, the student will be automatically dropped out and in addition will receive a penalty for it. So a student can feel powerless because it has no other choice but to go to the class just so he or she wouldnt get penalized. In other words, one could explain how different styles of power could have similar characteristics through the norms and rules that exist today. For example, the power exerted from a government of any country must be abide d by the people who inhabit it through compliance ith the same laws and standards. Also, the student of any university must also follow the same rules and laws established by the university. As you can see, this example represents a power running scheme of a major and minor scale, but with a similar goal, which is how to maintain order where there is always power. The penalty is always the consequence, that is, if you decide to take too much power into your own hands. If one has power, he or she should be able to manipulate it well enough to not let it go into the wrong hands.Similarly in Richard III, Shakespeare employs Hastings as a lord with honor who always remains loyal and trustworthy to the family. But when he gives all his trust and all his power to Richard, Richard ends up killing him. With power comes a consequence, and coinciding to this idea, that is why with power, corruption always occur. To that reason, a student will feel powerless because he or she has no other choi ce but to attend class. In order to be able to advance and be successful in class, you have to depend on your surroundings rather than self-advancement.One should be able to find peers and ask them what they did the whole class. Also, one is able to get the notes and basically get everything of what the teacher did without being in class. This being said, a student will feel powerful only if they have their surroundings by the palm of their hand. If the student is going to use his or her power, it will need to depend on its surroundings in order to be able to get the power that he or she wants. As said by Shakespeare, Which done, God take King Edward to his mercy, and leave the world for me to bustle in, for then Ill marry Warwicks youngest daughter (5).At school, one cannot depend on himself or herself, but on the teacher and on the peers. In Shakespeare view, he is showing how Richard views his power and Richard needs his surroundings and his superiority in order to get to King Ed wards throne. As for Aristophanes, Lysistrata would have never been able to succeed if she did not have the help of the other women. Her use of manipulation helped her gain power and she was able to take back her man and bring peace to the city. In addition, manipulating is being able to handle, control, or use someone or something cleverly and skillfully for ones own advantage.A student can exercise the power to manipulate other students not to follow the rules or establish academic programs. Students who do not have responsibility and honesty are able to induce other students not to follow their school schedule, for example the students class attendance. The students friends will tell them to not attend class, go to the beach, or miss class just to miss it. And likewise, they are able to decrease the academic level in their classes because they assume no responsibility and maturity with the commitment to remain in a serious institution such as a university.These students still dep end on their parents and since they know their parents will pay everything for them, they get low self-esteem and they wont be able to value themselves and appreciate what they have. For this reason, they are people who have no responsibility and have no commitment when it comes to effort and it will be reflected once they attend the university. Therefore, that is why they influence other students to do the same. Aristophanes explains how the women were able to manipulate the power and strength of their husbands and warriors, exerting some manipulation of their womanhood and wife.Similarly, Shakespeare speaks of Elizabeths power over King Edward. By then, Richard is seeing the king as being weak and being handled by women. Why, this it is, when men are ruled by women my Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, tis she that tempers him to this extremity (Shakespeare 3). Comparing the previous texts, a student to a certain extent, can manipulate by being able to respect and enforce the universit y rights. For example, receiving an academic background in the area specified and chosen by the student and freely expressing its ideas and not being able to get punished because of them.This is why universities should take responsibility to train professionals and specialists in various areas of knowledge, as well as the formation of authentic citizens with moral and ethical responsibilities committed to the social reality around them. In Lysistrata, the women had a hard time being heard by the town and similarly, I have that same problem with my life as a college student. Just as the commissioner said in Lysistrata, you expect me to take orders from a woman. Id die first (Aristophanes 91).The men during that era did not take the women into consideration and they were never taken into account. They were always ignored and predominated the power of men. Aristophanes portrayed the women into another new level by giving them the importance that they needed. Although they were only val ued as a house wife, Aristophanes took into consideration how important sex is in the life of men, and gave power to the women using their ingenuity. Due to the fact that FAU has a great amount of tudents not only in the school in general but in the classes as well, the professors cannot provide a personalized education for each student. For that reason, that is why students sometimes feel ignored. It is very complicated for a professor to dictate a class with an abundance of students and the time assigned by the university because it limits them to give just a general class. In the other hand, it is not the professors fault but it is the universitys in general as to why most students are ignored. It is up on our time to go to the professors office hours just to have a conversation from person to person.People usually ask what they have to do in order to get to power while having the connections and influences and at the same time being a normal and ordinary person. For me, the answ er or explanation to this question is due to my presence here at Florida Atlantic University because it is obtained through preparation, school work, and knowledge. For that reason, there is a famous phrase said by nearly everyone today that knowledge is power. Yet, through the knowledge that I gain, I have the ability and power to make my own decisions.

Managing Change in Complex Environment Essay

report and BackgroundIntroductionThe United States state of affairsal Service (USPS) is an autarkic government ecesis that generates income through transmit religious service. It is legitimately the second largest civilian employer in the United States. Its primary task is to keep open charge almost the country, at a standard price, regardless of geographical location. over the tolerate two centuries, the USPS has evolved into an streamlined cheek that financi totallyy sustains itself through its actors line operations. With a monopoly on the deli genuinely of non-urgent trip, the USPS provides rescue service of about 40 portion of the worlds station, or around 200 billion pieces of get a personal manner annually. Starting in the 1990s, the USPS faced modify magnitude contestation from rival case bringing and courier services, as salubrious as the Inter shed light on. Presently the USPS is go about a financial collapse. The USPS needs to downstairsgo an essential and arrangementatic switch over in order to maintain its significance in the 21st century.History/BackgroundOn July 26, 1775, members of the Second Continental sexual telling appointed a Postmaster General giving birth to the postal segment of the United States. The rush of the U.S. Postal Department was much the same as to daytime, ferment and deliver first mob and non-urgent stake to individuals and bank linees within the United States. sex act passed mixed laws that grant the post locating a statutory monopoly on non-urgent frontmost Class Mail and the exclusive right to put mail in private letter boxes. Although these laws grant the USPS a market advantaged they freeively restrict its baron to make do with rival package delivery and courier services, as well as the technical innovations.How it got startedThe Post Office Department has origins in the States dating back to the 17th century, when at that place was a need for mail between colonial settl ements and intercontinental exchange of education with England. In 1775, the Continental Congress named Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general and chairman of a committee empowered to make recomm destroyations for the establishment of a postal service. On September 22, 1789 the post onwardice became a new government discriminate of the United States. At this time thither were 75 post offices and approximately 2,000 miles of post roads. The USPS was critical to home(a) welfargon and pivotal in facilitating communications for military, coitionional representation and newspapers. From the very beginning, the USPS financed operations from tax income it earned and Congress gave it a monopoly to be the altogether courier service to deliver mail. primaevalstone points in evolutionThe main focus and the efforts of postal officials from the foundation of the Post Office to the present day fill been finding the best methods of transporting information and asking mail. For example, in 1791 George Washington stated that that the importance of the postal routes had enlarge because the country wanted to distri scarcee knowledge of governmental laws. Also, between 1791 and 1861, the U.S increased from 3.9 million to 31.4 million squ be miles and postal roads grew from 1,875 to 240,595 miles. The Board of Governors of the USPS sets policy, procedure, and postal rates for services rendered. Of the eleven members of the Board, nine are appointed by the President and confirmed by the US Senate.The nine appointed members accordingly select the Postmaster General, who serves as the boards tenth member, and who oversees the day to day activities of the service as Chief Executive Officer. The ten-member board indeed nominates a Deputy Postmaster General, who acts as Chief Operating Officer, to the eleventh and last stay open seat. The USPS is often mistaken as a government organization but it is legally defined as an independent establishment of the executiv e trackify of the Government of the United States.Environmental contextThe external surround elements that significantly influence the USPS are the United States political system, custody unions, ever- changing engineering science and market forces.United States Political SystemIn 1970 the U.S. Postal Department evolved into the USPS through the implementation of the Postal Reorganization act. This act undeniable the USPS to be a self-sufficient organization within the U.S. Government. It also added an additional regulatory body into its chain of command, the Postal Regulatory focusing (PRC), but did non make whatever modification to the Postal Departments Board of Directors or regulatory congressional statutes.The USPS Board of draw a bead onors is supercharged with training the USPS through the control of expenditures, reviewing practices, long line picturening and place policies and service standards. The PRC has 5 commissioners, appointed through the executive bran ch and confirmed by the Senate, who have the authority to reject, modify and approve any USPS initiated congressional recommendations. Since congress alone retains the authority to change USPS rates, service frequency and employee benefits, any market cogitate changes from the Board of directors is routed through the PRC and congress for consideration.Pressure from UnionsThere are 4 unions representing around 90% of the USPS workforce National Association of Letter Carriers, American Postal Workers, National country-bred Letters Carriers Association and National Postal Mail Handlers Union. These organizations have successfully contracted bodied bargaining agreements for its members for compensation and benefits that have come to scoop the USPS dexterity to maintain with its authorized revenues. These labor unions are very potent in weighing in on most of the decisions that affect the offbeat of the USPS labor force. Presently USPS employees hump 79% coverage of their wellne ss finagle cost the most of any federal agency.Strategic challengeOver the years the USPS has transformed its operating model and is now set up and mandated to operate like a rail line entity generating its revenue through the sale of postal products and services. The largest swerve with the current business model of the postal service is its lack of flexibility essential for a business in a projectile market. Specifically the USPS has not been able to organizationally adjust to a large decrease in the demand for first class mail service has resulted in decreasing net revenue in late(a) years.Congressional InfluenceThe USPS congressional charter came with both benefits and operating constraints. Among the constraints the USPS is oblige to provide a uniform price for its services regardless of the geographic location and dispersion of its customer base. The USPS is stimulate to deliver six old age a week to every mailing traverse regardless of its mail volume. Additionall y the USPS is required to provide free mailing service to the dodge and facilitate voting for overseas military personnel. A significant sum of the USPS operating costs comes from its requirement to pre-fund retiree health benefits (RHB) for future retirees. advert IssuesThe USPS is suffering from the combined effects of declining mail volume from new technology and increasing labor costs resulting in a loss of net revenue. These go d protests are projected to extend into the future. The addition of a significant deem of new addresses in the United States each year increases the USPS operating costs although volume is decreasing.Business Model While the USPS has enjoyed the benefits of the monopoly on first class letter mail services that congress has bestowed, it has a stagnant business model that prevents the USPS from being able to adapt in the face of technological innovation and other market forces that affect its rear line annually. The major(ip) source of revenue for th e post office is the postage it charges for first class and non-standard mail. The advance of modern information systems such as email, smartphones, online banking, and other digital communications decreased the demand for tralatitious mail services. Compounding this issue is the basic economic principle of supply and demand. New technologies offer cheaper substitutes for the services that the post office provides.StakeholdersPostal Workers The USPS employs more than 500,000 employees making it second hardly to Wal-Mart as the nations largest civilian employer. While every employee is represented by a labor union, employees are legally restricted from striking. bray Unions The USPS unions are old, influential and politically connected. Collectively, these unions continually fight for increased employee pay, spiritedness allowances and health care benefits. Postal Regulation Commission (PRC) The PRC serves as the middleman between the USPS board of governors and congress. The PRC can reject or modify requests before they reach congress for final approval.Congress Members of Congress exercise control over many aspects of the USPS operations including approving the markets for which it competes as well as representing the interests of its constituents whenever the USPS requests changes to its business model. Public Consumer One of the mandates of the post office is to provide mail service of all addresses. The number of addresses has increased by nearly 18 million nationwide in the past decennium and continues to climb as the country recovers from the past recession. A vast legal age of the consumers are congressional constituents to whom member of congress are responsible.CompetitorsThe USPS monopolizes, via congressional mandates, the delivery of first class mail, non-urgent mail and small packages. As such it faces very little direct competition from other businesses. However, the USPS has seen significant decreases in its mail volume over the years . The decreased volume of mail is directly related to the global acceptance of technology and use of digital communications which displaced traditional USPS services.Market ForcesThe USPS full time workers cost the USPS 80% of its revenue. Although they still enjoy a monopoly on first class mail, they are in direct competition with smaller, more efficient, companies who deliver large packages and urgent letters.Strategies UsedWhat it Does instantaneously The USPS has improved its efficiency and effectiveness through both technology and reorganization. The USPS make significant investments in the late 1990s in fuel efficient vehicles and new facilities as well as a $15 million advertising campaign to improve its image as a modernised and modern organization. A decade ago it took 70 employees one min to sort 35,000 letters. Today in an hour, only two employees process an resembling volume of mail. Though the number of addresses in the nation has increased by nearly 18 million in the past decade, the number of employees who hold the increased delivery load has decreased by more than 200,000 (Potter 2010a). It launched delivery confirmation service and priority mail in order to compete with competitors.The USPS now operates more than 31,000 post offices and the largest vehicle fleet in the world, with an estimated 218,684 vehicles. What They require to Do Concerned with increasing costs and decreasing revenues, the USPS petitioned for the following changes * balk Retiree Health Benefits prefunding in 2011 the prefunding amount exceeded net operating losses. * seclusion System Overpayment In 2010 Government Accountability Office disputed overpayment frost approximately $6.9 billion. * Delivery Frequency Shifting from six to five days weekly delivery would save approximately $3 billion annually.This measure is supported by 75% of USPS consumer base. * Change prices Mandates currently cap the USPS ability to adjust to market conditions high-energyally. * Restructure labor costs Current collective bargaining decision do not consider the USPS financial health yet mandate compensation and benefits to be paid at levels comparable with(predicate) with private sector organizations with the burden falling on the taxpayers. * Consolidate radix A proposal in 2009 to remainder 3,000 postal outlets to reduce excess capacity yielded only a closure of 157 following consumer complaints and congressional intervention. pause IIDiagnosisLewis (2011) states that the USPS problems are a result of a regulatory business model and its inflexibility to operate in a dynamic market place. As stated earlier, the USPS response to this problem is a direct plan to cut expenses and increase revenues to overcome their mounting deficit. Although this plan does address the USPS quick insolvency concerns, it fails to address their underlying issues. Through the use of Senges system come and the McCaskeys Organizational Design model, this paper will iden tify USPS root problems.Strategic Issues/Strategies/Goals-ObjectivesThe USPS strategic issues are a loss of revenue due to declining mail volume, extensive costs due to a bloated and overpriced unionized-workforce and the use of an outdated-legislatively constrained business plan. Their named strategy to mitigate these issues centers on acrid their expenses, consolidating infrastructure, renegotiating labor cost/employee benefits and increasing rates. In addition, the USPS intends to evolve their business plan to incorporate technological innovations. This strategy aligns with their long term goal of providing a trustworthy, dependable, reliable and secure means to communicate on a national level (Lewis, 2011), by implementing a long term sustainable business model that promotes flexibility and economic growth in a dynamic market.EnvironmentIn FY11 the USPS gibe revenues were $65 Billion dollars dapple their total expenses were $75 Billion dollars. Under congressional law the USPS is required to be a self-sufficient government agency. Under this direction the USPS is obligated to cover its costs without government assistance. The USPS does this by generating revenues from a monopoly market while operating more like a private business because a government agency. Its government backed monopoly advantage comes with extensive congressional restrictions on rates, delivery procedures and labor benefits. The USPS monopoly restricts the direct competition in the delivery of first class mail, use of specific delivery routes and personal mailboxes. It does not protect the delivery of urgent mail and large packages. FedEx and UPS are direct competitors in this market and have a competitive advantage due to their efficiencies, technological innovations and ability adapt to market needs.Key Success FactorsThe USPS key to success is their ability to meet their customers needs, generate sufficient revenue to cover their costs , maintain the flexibility to adjust in a dynamic market and optimize a scalable infrastructure that facilitates the efficient and economic delivery of their services.Task RequirementsThere are duple ways that mail is accepted into the delivery process. For the purpose of observing the USPS organizational structure, the simple method of customers placing the mail in their residential, or post office, curbside mailbox will be examined. In either case this process begins and ends with the customer sending or receiving mail at a mailbox. The mail period is received by the postal carrier, and then consolidated at the topical anesthetic post office, where it is inspected manually or automatically checked for correct postage. It is then routed to a hub for delivery to a particular region in the country. The mail is then sent to a final processing plant where it is select for the specific route for delivery. Finally the mail is sent to the distant end post office for delivery to the end customer.The mail is moved in a linear manner between each node in the process chain. Along the interdependency continuum of the USPS functional units we observed a consequent relationship. Throughout the process each entity produces an output that is a necessary remark for the next link in the chain. The USPS key to success in this linear process is the secure delivery of mail for a nominal fee. For their part, the workers essential be honest and ensure mail is properly safeguarded as it makes its way through each step in the chain. The workers only have to be good enough for their specific task in the process. This means that there is very little incentive for them to innovate or make improvements to the process from within. Any efficiencies gained, in any one link in the process, are not readily propagated throughout because of the sequential nature of the process.Because of the nature of change within the organization, and the employee compensation structure, their only incentive is to maintain the status quo. T his summary is represented in the interdependency/coordination mechanism model below. The analysis shows a misalignment between the levels of interdependence between the functional units and the coordination mechanism used. The USPS coordinates through rules and regulations. utilize the systems approach of focusing on successes or else than the failures of the organization, we compared the USPS current coordination level to its impendent successful competitor, FEDEX. As depicted FEDEX has a coordination level that aligns with it level of interdependency. The preferent and optimal approach is to align the organizations level of interdependency horizontally with the coordination mechanism.The USPS needs a higher coordination mechanism to match the current level of interdependence in order to facilitate efficiencies in the system. physical process/ SystemsSnowfall and showers may not be able to stop postal carriers from their appointed delivery routes, but their financial problems may halt at least 50% of all postal offices. The U.S. Postal Service, weakened by a public turning to digital communications, is down 22 percent in volume from just five years ago, a decline which is expected to continue, driven in part by rigid competition from carriers such as FedEx and UPS. The Postmaster General has responded with a list of cost-cutting proposals, such as eliminating Saturday delivery and closing up to 3,700 local post offices which would be replaced with change centers operating out of local businesses. The Postmaster General has also proposed laying off as many as 120,000 workers, and pulling workers out of more dear(p) federal pension plans.Pre-funding retiree benefits has cost the Postal Service $21 billion in the last three years. The underlying issue is that all those moves cannot be made without congressional approval. In order to make these immediate and dramatic changes, the Postal Service would require access to its own gold as well as the authorit y to act as its own corporation. The transition from a government ran entity to a privatized organization requires Congress to receive the USPS flexibility to take action and make changes without all the bureaucracy. The below special Senge Model (Limit to Growth) demonstrates how the USPS is constrained from making changes. In short, the USPS is limited by congress to making quick and reactive changes that focus on the problem rather than the underlying issue.Creating change and making it work are all resisted by a condition called the Status Quo and the USPS is no exception. USPS employees feel protected under the current unionized culture. They feel threatened by the prospect of losing benefits and are unwilling to pay the high personal price necessary for change. We have demonstrated that this change is necessary for the long term health of the organization. The square question is, does the current status quo fit the new change requirements? An organization in dire need to ma ke radical adjustments to become current cannot be fixed with antiquated congressional imposed constraints.PART tierceChange Management PlanThe USPS acknowledges its need to cut costs and increase revenue. It believes this will fix the problems. USPS starts to address this by taking reactionary measures, but fails to take the necessary steps to address the root issue. We argue that there is a more fundamental problem within the USPS organization which requires a systems approach to identify and solve. Senge says it is impossible to change the system from inside the system. By complicating up the USPS management structure we identify the core problem and faults in its system. Due to the short time needed to enact this change we propose a top down approach that pushes change while mitigating untrue employee resistance such an approach will generate. Our plan uses the Lewin and Kotter models to shape the USPS organizational transition. Through the Lewin model we identify a three con figuration approach to address changes that simultaneously focuses on employee and organizational issues. Throughout each phase an information plan is propagated to employees to facilitate transition to the next phase.ConclusionThe bottom line is that the USPS current costs of doing business outweigh its current methods of productivity. Without changing the strategic management model, the USPS will continue to lose revenue and be unable to react effectively to market demands. Its proposed cost cutting solutions only scratches the surface of the underlying problem of restrictions on organizational management and coordination. Our uses validate organizational change models. We justify our plan which uses the Lewin model and shows a close association to Kotters organizational change model. Our plan leads the USPS to long term success, maintains its relevance in todays market and allows it to make hold changes through periodic reevaluations.ReferencesLewis, T., Montgomery C., Shuler, J . , (2011), The US Postal Service , ocean Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.Senge, P., (1990), The Fifth Discipline, Doubleday Publishing, New York15May 2012 http//about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2011/pr11_124.htm>15 May 2012 http//www.cato.org/pubs/ diary/cj31n1/cj31n1-9.pdf 19 May 2012 http//www.referenceforbusiness.com/industries/Transportation-Communications-Utilities/United-States-Postal-Service.html

Purpose of a SWOT Analysis Essay

Every assembly cables length to include the largest ones that control their atomic number 18as of industryhas a limited supply of manpower, production capacity and capital. Evaluating the c on the wholeer-ups strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats helps it bushel how to allocate these resources in a style that result result in the highest possible potential for revenue growth and profitability. The management team examines where the conjunction can compete almost effectively.The company more times than non disc everyplaces competitive strengths that take away not been fully utilized in the sometime(prenominal) in addition to critical areas that needs to be improved in order for the business to more effectively compete. A realistic mind also prevents strategic blunders like entering a market with products that are clearly inferior to what well-entrenched competitors are bump offering. Continuous improvement in all areas of a companys operations is an important aspect of staying fore of competitors.Weaknesses and opportunities canand mustbe turned into future strengths. PURPOSE OF A rig out ANALYSIS 3 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ( swot up) analysis is a necessary, straightforward old-hat that assists in direction and serves as a foundation for the development of businesss marketing strategy. It brings somewhat this bring through assessment of the goernances strengths (what it can do) and weaknesses (what it cannot do) in addition to opportunities (potentialfavorable conditions for the company) and threats (potential unfavorable conditions for it). SWOT analysis is also an important step in the planning process but sometimes its value is often minimized in malignity of how simple it is in creating it. The role of SWOT analysis is to take the development from the environmental analysis and separate it into internal issues (strengths and weaknesses) and external issues (opportunities and threats).Once this is co mpleted, SWOT analysis determines if the information indicates some amour that will assist a business in meeting its objectives (a strength or opportunity), or if it identifies an obstacle that must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results (weakness or threat). The tendency of a SWOT analysis is to get managers into the mindset and thinking about everything that could possibly be an impact to the success and failure of a naked as a jaybird project. Failing to acknowledge an essential strength, weakness, opportunity or threat could and commonly does lead to terrible management decisions.Take for example, a software company that efficiency hold a patent for a new estimator processor failed to recognize a threat from its competitors who were also developing comparable with(predicate) products, it might overestimate conceivable sales of its new processor and sop up debt to finance the growth of its project only to notice flock the line that the companys promising prod uct will not get along enough money to make a profit or even pay off the assumed debt. A SWOT analysis could have helped this companys management avoid expensive mistakes early on and alerted them to which products were more likely to succeed.PURPOSE OF A SWOT ANALYSIS 4 With SWOTs origins dating back to the 1960s with Albert Humphrey, it is as reusable now as it was back then. Businesses utilize the process in cardinal different ways-as an easy icebreaker assisting individuals come together to kick off strategy development or as a more sedate strategy tool. A great SWOT analysis case call for is Starbucks Coffee. By 2010, the company was losing money and had a major muster out in its communication channel worth. Its stock wrong had dropped to around $10 in 2009 from its high of $35 a few years earlier.The economic crisis passim 2008 and 2009 really hit Starbucks stock worth hard (SBUX Basic map Starbucks Corporation Stock Yahoo Finance, 2011). Even though Starbucks st ock price took a huge hit, its net revenues did not. Starbucks profits went from $7. 8 billion in 2006, to $10. 4 billion in 2008, down to $9. 8 billion in 2009, and back up to $10. 7 billion in 2011 (Starbucks Corporation, 2010). The amazing thing here is that the company endured an economic crisis and still come out strongerthan when its stock price was at its highest. Lauren Roby (2011) performed a well researched SWOT analysis of Starbucks masking piece this time frame and identified the following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths 1 Market attraction in the coffee industry including almost 17,000 stores as of the end of the 2010 (Starbucks Corporation, 2010). 2. Starbucks is acknowledge by customers adult malewide due in part to its high character reference products and consumer friendly environment. 3. Starbucks is on good footing financially.Its stock price might have fallen in the late 2000s, but its profits besides took a hit (Starbucks Corpo ration, 2010). Weaknesses PURPOSE OF A SWOT ANALYSIS 5 1 One of Starbucks biggest weaknesses is what its customers have to pay for the product. McDonalds uses Starbucks high price directly against the company in their attempts to lure customers away from the company and into the arches. 2 75% of the companys profits come from its coffee products and other(a) specialty drinks (Starbucks Corporation, 2010).This means that when global coffee bean prices fluctuate, the company will take a direct hit every time the price of coffee rises. Opportunities 1. International Markets. With Brazil being one if not the worlds largest coffee consumer in the world, it offers a huge market for Starbucks to sky-high enter and develop (Murphy, 2011). 2. Starbucks has joined forces with Tata coffee in India, which is the fifth largest exporter of coffee, to drive selling their coffee worldwide (Bose, 2011). This gives Starbucks moreaccess to coffee. Threats 1. Competition. One of Starbucks biggest com petitors, McDonalds, can open their McCafe brand beverages in current franchise stores globally to include atomic number 63. This gives McDonalds an upper hand on Starbucks who has to invest over $300,000 to open a brand new store in Europe while McDonalds investment would run around $100,000 (Liu, 2009). If McDonalds continues down this path, it could greatly reduce the geographic scope advantage that Starbucks currently has over McDonalds.These days, It is not enough to just recognize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a business. In drill a SWOT analysis it is essential to reduce or turn away both PURPOSE OF A SWOT ANALYSIS 6 weaknesses and threats. Weaknesses should be viewed as something to be turned into strengths as threats should be turned into opportunities. Strengths and opportunities should be allied to optimize the businesss potential. Utilizing SWOT in this manner can help a company gain the leverage most so desperately need these days. (Ferrell, Hartline, Lucas, Luck, 1998).

Film Reflection “Home” Essay

Film Reflection HOME (2009) ennoble household year 2009 Director Yann Arthus-Bertrand ascertain (Your) Home I watched the infotainment Home recently, and in reality, earth is so magnificent. So many beautiful shots, such(prenominal) an eye-opener of the need of every part of nature. I re everyy loved this objective near our home. Besides all the gorgeous pictures of the earth and its nature, I really enjoyed one specific scene about trees (004748). This scene explains wherefore trees are important for our living why they are the cornerstone f the climatic respite on which we all depend.In the ambit a sad, sensitive song is sung. A man is singing solely and uses his dark, deep voice, as if he were mourning. The combination of sounds are inter alterationable an design of the sad following meaning 20% of the biggest rainforest have been slide down. The music fits so accurately with this message, that it caught me and made me aware of the gravity of the overconsumption of wood. just an example of how one and a half hours of pictures, voice and music changed me and my ideas toward the environmental issue.Change Change. I use that word conscious. And it should change everybodys mind, because the whole video isnt Just filled with gorgeous pictures about the earth and its perfect balance, but also with the destructive influence of humanity. Everything is linked together, everything is connected and all our actions are affecting natures balance. The consumption of water, wood and the need for oil everything affects natures balance. That is the message of this documentary, and I was shocked about my, maybe our unconsciousness.It looks like the delicate balance of nature is going to be disturbed drastically if we continue behaving like this. Did you know? This message shocked me and changed my ideas toward the environmental issue. You and l, as home sapiens, should change this. But, can we? Business indebtedness Like I said, natures balance is change d by our consumption manners. Consumption starts with takings. I think production companies have a great responsibleness in the solution for our home planet. Since a some years brass sections give attention to he green issue their responsibility in these environmental problems.They come up with issues like sustainability. I eternally thought these were particularly attempts to gain market share. Social environment has changed since the forthcoming warnings about environmental issues consumers expected organization to implement green production ways. To satisfy (and behold) its customers, organizations might have Ive seen this movie Home, I see that organizations really have a great responsibility in changing the tide. Their decisions could be made with the sincere aim.But at the same time I think organization could make often more radical decisions if the really want to. Couldnt organization fall to turn down product choice to improve environmental quality to minimize the use of water and electricity maybe to renounce the enlarge of sales numbers and stimulate customers to extend the lifetime of products? In the brave out scenes of Home, Yann Arthus-Bertrans gives a lot of examples of how companies reacted drastically towards the environmentally problems. It requires courage, will and moreover consciousness. government must be aware of the fact that their actions, their plans and strategies are linked to intrinsic resources, to the future of our planet. Our home. Together awareness and decisiveness amongst diverse operating organization can make a difference, I think. But the problem should be tackled together. All competitions should agree on green production, to prevent one competitor is competed out by doing the right thing. Only when this isnt possible, legislation should experience business activities, cause will is stronger than obligation.Also consumers like you and me have responsibility. Awareness of our habits can fade out greed, alth ough we arent easily satisfied materially. When at that places the common believe we all are a tie in the solution for environmental problems, I think it is possible consumer deportment will change, but a common believe must be created. Thats something the government should do. But also you and me can help. Tell your neighbors about the need for changes in both production and consumption. Buy this movie Home. Watch Home together, and lets watch our home, together

Individual Behaviour

ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR MSC 42102 undivided Processes locating and determine Organizational Behavior Submitted To Submitted By Dr. Pramod PathakAjit Vinod Kujur Manwendra Prakash Anshul Rawat Prateek Purty Prateeksha Maurya idiosyncratic Processes Individual demeanour is how we as respective(prenominal)s dress ourselves. This conduct is subject to many item-by-itemized traits as well as habits, set, perceptions, and other qualities and features. bulk make assumptions nigh those whom they work with, supervise, or spend time with in leisure activities.To close to extent, these assumptions influence the somebodys behavior towards others. Effective employees understand what affects their avow behavior before attempting to influence the behavior of others. Individual behavior is the creative activity of organizational performance. Understanding individual behavior, therefore, is crucial for effective management. Each person is a physio crystal clear system composed of a number of subsystems- views, perception, personality, needs, value and feelings. Attitude A tendency to feel & be thrust in a circumstance way towards objects, people or events. Characteristics Remain unvaried for a long period unless influenced by external forces * Evaluative statements flourishing orunfavorable Components * Cognitive the opinions, value orbeliefs of an individual * affective the feelings of a person towards something * Behavioral the intention of a person to behave in a particular way Sources ofAttitude * Attitudes are acquired by parents, teachers,& peer group members * Individuals are willing to modify theirbehavior & shape their perspective to match with the opinion leader * Attitude can be changed by providing feedbackTypes ofAttitude * Job satisfaction * The delightful or positive emotional state that results when an individual pass judgments his business or job experience. Dimensions * It is an emotional response to a job. * The satis faction that an individual derives from hisjob depends on the extent to which outcomes meet his expectations. * Job satisfaction reflects other attitudes of employee. * 6 dimensions (P. C. Smith, L. M Kendall(a), C. L. Hulin) i. e. 1) The work 2) The pay 3) Promotion 4) Opportunity 5) Supervision 6) fellow worker 7) Working conditions Job Involvement * The extent to which person identifies him ego psychologically with his job, actively participates in it & considers that his performance in the job contribute to his self worth * Organizational Commitment * An employees satisfaction with a particularorganization & its goals OC is affected by a number of * private variables employees age, attitude towards job. * Organizational variables job design, leadership style of the superior. seat P. Meyer & Natalie J. Allen gave 3 component model i. . * Affective payload It is interested with employees emotional attachment & involvement with the organization * sequel commitmen t It is influenced by the costs that could accrue to the employee if he leaves the org * Normative commitment It refers to the extent to which an employee feels obliged to continue in the organization. Functions of Attitudes * The adjustment function * People modify their attitudes to adjust to their work environment * When fair treatment is assumption positive attitude When treatment is not unspoiled negative attitude * Ego-defensive function * Attitudes help employee to defend their selfimage when mistake identify protects their ego * The value expressive function * determine can be expressed through attitudes E. g. if mgr wants employee to work hard may tell connection has a tradition of hard work. * The knowledge function * Attitudes act as a standard of reference which allows people to understand & develop their environment. E. g. Union leaders attitude towards management based on past.Attitudes & Consistency * People may change their attitude do not contrad ict their action * If any discrepancy arises, individuals will get wind to bridge the discrepancy by developing a rational interpretation forthe discrepancy. Cognitive Dissonance Theory Leon Festinger (1950s) * Cognitive fraudulent scheme Incompatibility that an individual may perceive between 2 or more of his attitudes or between his behavior and attitude. * Emotional dissonance Conflict between the emotions an individual experiences & emotions he needs to expressAn individual can deal with dissonance either by * Sticking to his attitude * Give up his attitude * Change the attitude comforts Values are enduring beliefs that a specific mode of conduct or end state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or chat mode of conduct or end state of existence. Values in the Workplace * Stable, evaluative beliefs that guide our preferences * Define right or wrong, good or bad * Value system &8212 hierarchy of values Values and Behavior Habitual behavior us ually consistent with values, but conscious(p) behavior less so because values are abstract constructs * Decisions and behavior are linked to values when * Mindful of our values have logical reasons to apply values in that situation * Situation does not hinder Values Congruence * Used where two or more entities have similar value systems * Problems with incongruence * Incompatible decisions * Lower satisfaction/loyalty * higher(prenominal) stress and turnover Benefits of incongruence * Better decision making (diverse perspectives) * Avoids corporate cultsValues across Cultures Individualism and Collectivism * Degree that people value concern to their group (collectivism) versus independence and person uniqueness (individualism) * Previously considered opposites, but orthogonal &8212 i. e. possible to value high individualism and high collectivism honourable Behavior Ethical Behavior means acting in slipway consistent with ones personal values and the commonly held values of th e organization and society. Qualities Required for Ethical Decision-making * The competence to identify ethical takes and evaluate the consequences of alternative courses of action. The self-confidence to seek out different opinions about the restoration and decide what is right in terms of a situation. * Tough-mindedness the willingness to make decisions when all that needs to be known cannot be known and when the ethical issue has no established, unambiguous solution. Values, Ethics & Ethical Behavior * Value Systems systems of beliefs that affect what the individual defines as right, good, and fair * Ethics reflects the way values are acted out * Ethical behavior actions consistent with ones values

Original Writing – Snowdrops

I will neer for engender the day when young lady Webster was going to show us the snowdrops development in the belittled three- cornered gar hideout outface the schoolhouse keepers house, where we werent every(prenominal)owed to go. completely finished that winter, I re tress cast Webster saying, that the snowdrops had been asleep under the ground, retri simplyive now accordingly they were up, and growing in the garden. I remember a crude(a) speaking with Garath. He was telling me how he had imagined the snowdrops, solely yet he could imagine was one flake of the f all in alling snow, bitterly frail and white, and energy like a flower.I recall that morning world really c doddering.I remember leaning against the kitchen table, I remember because I had frame in my brother, Geraint, who was three at the time, in the armchair in motion of the fireplace. That morning my still realised the time and began to shout, Hurry up or youll never get to school. God rest her sou l, she only past a guidance a course ago. I remember I replied except Webster is going to show is the snowdrops like a shotI was so excited.My mum unsloped looked at me and smiled, the rest is a bit fuzzy.But I do remember my mother esteem where my let was, and suddenly he entered the mode.My father was a voluminous homosexual every time he entered the room he filled the room with bigness. He stood in front of the fire because it was cold in the yard, and all I could see was a faint light each side of my fathers wide body.I remember this next moment vividly, my father give tongue to, its a cold speck, I cant remember a colder march. My father turned just about and faced my mum and I, smiling because I think he had just realised that he was some(prenominal) warmer and the cold work wind was trapped outside the house.Youre a big boy for six, he said to me, and its all because you eat your breakfast up.This was a joke my father invariably said, and part of it was for me t o just look and smile, all the time all I could think about were the snowdrops. Then, I remember thinking that it might be too cold to go and see them. Or perhaps run Webster would only take the boys, I confirmed to myself, because we were stronger, and the girls could stay in school out of the cold.The Meredith boy is being buried this afternoon I overheard my father saying to my mother. I dont remember exactly what my father said plainly I remember my father saying that he couldnt go. And my mother replying, How old was he?Twenty, my father answered.Twenty last January, silly little fool. That bicycle was too powerful for him- well, to go at that speed on wet, sombre night. Ill never forget the anger yet badness on my fathers face, as he continued to talk to my mother.Over seventy, the police said, straight into the pricker of a stationary truck, a terrible mess.He was a straightlaced feel boy too. My mother added. All the Merediths are, replied my father. This one was ver y informal with the young teacher up at the school, Webber is it? Something like that.I remember turning around in shock thinking that it couldnt be Miss Webster or could it? But at that age I didnt really understand, all I could think was if my father was talking about Miss Webster, what did that pixilated?Then suddenly my mother coughed and looked at me sharply.Oh? said my father, of course I should have remembered. Come on, David, or youll be late.The next moment is a bit hazy, but all I recall is it being much warmer when I got to school, and Edmund telling me a joke about Europe. I recall not seeing Miss Webster for some time of the morning, so we had to go into Miss Lewiss class. My memory fails me on what happened next, but I do reminisce to Edmund playing a trick on Gerald Davis by fix his shoelaces together.I can recall asking Edmund Do you wish that Miss Webster will take us to see the flowers when play is over? Edmund responded I dont care, because Ive seen some alread y growing in my aunts garden.The rest of the morning is a blur, except for when I drew a robin. After that I just remember asking Miss Webster shall we be going to see the snowdrops this afternoon?Yes, she replied, if Miss Lewis will allow us, well go and see them this afternoon.I postulate to mind eating my lunch quietly, while thinking in my creative thinker of a story about a wizard who could change himself into anything at all. It was a good story, but something always seemed to happen before I got to the end of it. Sometimes I began it at night in bed, only to fall asleep long before the really exciting part. instantly my mother was talking to me.Was Miss Webster in school this morning? she asked me, Yes, but she came late. She didnt arrive until playtime.Poor girl, my mother said as she shook her head. I thought about this for a long time, and then recalled hind end to earlier that morning.I continued Shes got a bad hand, I said. She caught her sense in the cupboard door a nd her hand was bleeding. Shes got a bandage on it today, shell never be able to bend her finger again, and thats what Edmund Jenkins said. I remember her looking at me and shakiness her head while saying Oh, you and Edmund Jenkins.As many an(prenominal) of my memories, I only recall a few moments of me running back to school to see the snowdrops. However when I got back there was zippo about, except some girls skipping and giggling just inside(a) the school yard, as I made my way inside the building. Everybody was sitting very quietly inside the classroom.We were allowed to go in early because it was very cold. Normally we would have stayed outside however wet and cold it was, but today it seemed that they all precious to sit quietly with Miss Webster, close to the cast- iron shove that had the issue of the tortoise on hand.At two oclock Miss Webster marked her register and then began to tell us a story. It was a good story, about a dragon who guarded a hoard of treasure in h is den underground, where the snowdrops slept all through the winter. But as time went on, I detect Miss Webster continually turned around to look at the big clock in the hall. I realised she could see it through the top half of the classroom door, which I distinctly remember having four panes of nut case in it. Also her voice seemed to be hoarser than usual, at the time I assumed she had a cold, which was fine when she read the dragon bits, but not good for the knight nor the princess. Unexpectedly, she shut the book with a sharp and stood up she hadnt even finished the story. And till this day I always wonder how the story ended, but I could never remember the title.She then announced, presently well go to see the snowdrops she said. I want the girls to go quietly to the cloakroom and put on their coats. When they are ready, Ill come along with the boys, everybody must collapse a coat. If you have difficulty with buttons, please stand in front and Ill fasten them for you.I sto od up with a sudden lightning of heart. I had know all the time that Miss Webster would not forget, and at last she was victorious me to see the miraculous flowers, pale and fragile as the falling snow. I looked at Miss Webster with pure gratitude. I remember her eyes being as bright as frost, and she was making sure the girls walked nicely through the door. Just as we were about to leave, Edmund Jenkins waved at me and that was funny, because Edmund had his black gloves on with a hole in a place he could push his finger through. Edmund waved his finger like a fat white worm in the middle of his dark hand.We all walked through the playground, in two rows safekeeping hands, and I hold Edmunds hand as we gave a little get off together every three steps. It didnt take long to get to the garden. We all bent down, four at a time, to look at the little clump of snowdrops as Miss Webster told us what to look at. I and Edmund would be last to look. When the other children had finished, t he other children went down to the garden gate which unfastened onto the road. I remember it being a big gate, with iron parallel bars and your head could almost poke through. Somewhere a long way off I could hear men singing. They sang softly, mournfully, the words carried lightly on the air over the school wall, but I could not hear what they were singing.Its a funeral, Edmund assured me. My fathers there and my uncle Jim. Its a boy who was killed on a motorbike. I nodded. Funerals often passed the school on their way to the burial site at the top of the valley. All the men wore black suits and they walked slowly. Sometimes they sang.I squatted down to look at the snowdrops. I felt a slow, sad disappointment. I looked around for Miss Webster to explain these simple flowers to me, but she had gone down to the gate and was staring through, looking up the road. Her back was as hard as stone. I turned again to the snowdrops, concentrating, willing them to turn marvellous in front of my eyes. They hung down their four petalled heads in front of me, the white tinged with a minute green, the little green en sturdily holding the petals, the greyish leaves rest up like plaything spears. I began to see their fragility.I saw them blow in a sudden gust of the cold March wind, shake, and straighten gallantly. I imagined them standing all night in the dark garden, holding bravely to their specks of whiteness. I put out a finger to touch the nearest flower, lettered now what snowdrops were. I lifted my face to tell Miss Webster, but she was standing right at the gate, holding the iron bars with her hands. I could see her shoulders shaking, at that time I didnt realise that Miss Webster wasnt shaking because of the cold, she was shaking because she was scared.*Mor ddedwydd yw y rhai trwy ffydd syn mynd o blith y byw*Sang the men as they filed solemnly past the school. I knew it was welsh because of my grandmother, and it was sad and beautiful, at the equivalent tim e.After a while we couldnt hear the singing anymore, but Miss Webster continued to cry aloud in the midst of the cold March wind. As in her own personal way, she said goodbye to her sweetheart.