Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Pricing Strategy and Channel Distribution Essay

Pricing Strategy and Channel Distribution - Essay Example Market penetration pricing strategy will introduce Hall detergent at a lower price than the other detergents already existing in the market. The introduced products will come in different packages, each of which will have its price depending on the amounts packaged. The company is aware that it is exploring a competitive market segment where lowering prices at the entry stage will enable the company to acquire its own market niche. Once the detergent has gained a significant share of the market, the company will pursue other strategies and reduce prices accordingly. Market penetration is going to attract people who have never used the detergent before. The company aims at attracting new customers to use Hall detergent for their daily household activities such as washing and cleaning. The penetration pricing strategy will help the company to create a high market share for the new detergent. By using market penetration strategy, the company is going to create the presence of its produc ts in the consumers’ mind. This pricing strategy will create goodwill for the brand name of the detergent and will consequently make them positively attached to the product for a long time. The strategy will create a room for cost reduction and control right from the initial manufacturing stage to the end user. The increase in cost controls will help the company to increase profit margins throughout the channels of distribution and gain a competitive advantage against other companies manufacturing detergents. The tactics that the company is going to adopt in penetration pricing will include price competition and value pricing. The company will employ competitive pricing strategy tactic to penetrate the market already occupied by other players, as well as to set pieces according to the prices of similar detergents in the market. The competitive tactic is aimed at creating a distinction for the Halls detergent from the other detergents in the market. The Hall detergent is going to have a lower cross price elasticity as well as price elasticity, which will increase the demand for the detergent. Competition pricing strategy will create a room for the customers to explore the features of the hall detergent. This product has been made of high quality ingredients to ensure that cleaning becomes a fun activity. The effortless usage of the Hall detergents is the main feature that the company seeks to market using penetration and competition pricing strategies. The competitive pricing strategy will give the customers the right to choose between varieties of products as the company has a chance of displaying their products with high quality features at a lower price. In competition pricing strategy, a seller offers low products produced with low costs. However, the company will not use less quality ingredients in its bid to sell products at a lower price or control prices. The company will produce the Hall detergent with strict quality control and assurance. Once the product has gained its market share, the company will employ a value based pricing tactic. According to Boone and Kurtz (2010), value based pricing tactic will compare the quality and prices of the competing products in the market. The strategy will only work for goods that that are relatively low priced.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Ensuring Effective Assessment In Psychiatry And Mental Health Nursing Essay

Ensuring Effective Assessment In Psychiatry And Mental Health Nursing Essay In the domain of psychiatry and specifically in the area of mental health nursing, it is essential that an early, quality assessment with accurate information is gathered about the patient. Psychotic, neurotic and depressed behaviours are all different. Sullivan (1990) makes it clear that poor assessment and/or misinterpretation of a patients presentation can be critical to their well-being and subsequent treatment or therapies. Bearing this in mind, it becomes vital that the mental health nurse is adept at conducting effective assessments. This account considers such exemplars through witnessing a one to one interview in an acute unit, will analyse and reflect on those skills employed to assess the bio-psycho-social needs of the patient and include references to clarify evidence-based practise. In keeping with the Code of Confidentiality as is required by (An Bord Altranais (ABA) 2000), relating to client confidentiality, names and locations involved have been changed. Thus, the client will be called Mary. The Gibbs cycle (1988), is used as a reflection tool to create a structured account of the discussion, and clearly show that true reflection in practise has occurred during its research. Mary is a 38-year-old married female depressive and more recently has had a secondary diagnosis of Anorexia. She has been a frequent patient over ten years to the acute ward where I was on placement. Mary was assigned a nurse whom I shadowed during this time to make my observations who was very helpful and pointed out pertinent features of mental health care practice to me. Mary refuses to eat and drinks only when her body demands it. When unfamiliar people are near, she gives distressed cries. She is on high protein fluids and is weighed every few days. I was shown how to observe her eating pattern and left to perform my task.  I was embarrassed and horrified that she wouldnt eat for me and as she wouldnt talk I had no idea whether she liked what was offered to her. I felt out of my depth and didn t know what to do. She would scream and shout out at me and Im not sure whether this was her way of trying to  communicate with me. I felt I should be doing more for her but not sure what. I informed my preceptor that she would not eat what was offered and was told not to worry he would try again, she turned her head. I felt totally useless as I could see this lady was fading away from lack of food but as she refused to eat there wasnt much I could do and as she would not talk  I didnt know how to communicate with her. Deliberate self-harm may refer to any act of non-accidental, self-inflicted injury.   It covers a broad spectrum of behaviour from successful suicides to non-fatal overdoses or self-inflicted wounding, which may have been previously classed as attempted suicide McAlaney ( 2004). Whilst Marys medical condition was not assessed as being immediately life-threatening her psychological presentation gave the nurse no other alternative than to contact the on call senior psychiatric house officer to conduct an assessment (bio/soc/psy evaluation) of her mental state. It must contain a detailed and precise record of what happened and any answers given to often very structured forms of psychological questioning. Thompson and Mathias (2000) likewise describe the process as acquiring information about a person or situation that may include a description of the persons wants and ambitions. Although I was not allowed to sit in with this interview I was fortunate to be present when Marys assigned nurse was talking to Mary on a one to one basis. Before entering the room where the assessment was to take place, I obtained the required consent from Mary (A.B.A. 2000) to be present. Control of the environment and assuring privacy can be central to successful assessment. Despite not being specifically designed for the assessment of distressed patients the nurse quickly checked for comfort, that chairs were the same height, distanced suitably from each other to avoid invasion of personal space yet allowing easy discussion. The nurse remained at the same level as his patient at all times and practised positive body language; leaning slightly forward in his chair, maintaining an open posture and remaining relaxed throughout. These characteristics have been well documented by Farley (1992). He further ensured that Mary had sufficient water and nutrition prior to the assessment- as far as she was willing that day considering her condition. The important thing was to have Mary at ease. Thompson and Mathias (2000) suggest that careful attention should be given to these points.   He then asked Mary how she would prefer to be addressed. Holland and Hogg (2001) reported that professionals must not assume that everyone wishes to be known by their listed name.   This clarification promotes affability as well as professionalism.  Ã‚   Brief periods of general chat opened the session to set an ambient atmosphere for the interview. This introductory phase is also referred to as the orientation or pre-helping phase. Forchuk (2002), states that Health professionals with well-honed listening skills, empathy and who display understanding allow patients to express their concerns, discuss options and build trust. The nurse interviewing Mary didnt rush the interview, let silence prevail for her to consider her answers and further supported Mary with encouraging statements to draw information such as, Tell me a little more what makes you feel this wayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Martin (1995), concludes silences actually maximise interaction with a patient. At this stage of the process Mary tentatively began disclosing some information to the nurse and it could be noticed that a therapeutic relationship was beginning to formulate. Actually engaging in conversation whether disclosure or otherwise was a big step for Mary.   The works of Burnard (1999) further promoted this observation. Mary seemed to be doing most of the talking while the nurse responded with active listening. Listening with attention and commitment is a caring response and forms the basis of all effective communication. Eye contact and continuation sounds, body language and gesture all gave safe non-verbal messages and encouraged continued conversation.   Brereton (1995) has identified that listening skills dominate talking skills; in the context of a psychiatric assessment this showed that a clients condition gives added value if the doctor is able to give time to the patient to express herself rather than give her (the doctor) interpretation of what she may have been trying to say. Mary was now helping herself and seemed a little relieved to be sharing her thoughts at this time.   Marys mood was important to the assessment. The nurse identified her presentation as familiar with that of depression and  her diagnosis was supported by her confirmation of not wanting to eat or drink and feeling uncomfortable around people. She became distressed and was unable to maintain eye contact. These symptoms are classic of the depressed patient Barker (1997). To support this diagnosis, both open and closed questions were necessary. A closed question directly requires a yes or no response but does not necessarily invite any elaboration. Barker (1997) suggests that closed questions are appropriate in the initial stages of the assessment to establish simple facts and clarification as they put fewer demands on the patient. In this assessment the nurse had managed to establish rapport quite quickly and asked more open questions (using how/why) like I am interested that you say you dont want to eat any more, can you tell me a little more why you feel like this? as opposed to, Are you eating well? but Mary began to withdraw. This cue told the experienced nurse to hold back and it began to identify the content of her thoughts and he noted the responses discreetly whilst attempting to retain eye contact with her as much as possible. The process of maintaining eye contact was further used to examine her ability to reciprocate. Nelson-Jones, (2002) mentions that the inability of patients to maintain prolonged eye contact would indicate he/she may be in a withdrawn state or feel uncomfortable in his/her condition. Barker (1997) further stated that over enthusiasm about eye contact might cause an aggressive or confrontational experience. The use of this method was appropriate as the assessment progressed. The nurse summarised in terms that Mary could understand, and identified key points discussed, gaining Marys affirmation that her interpretation was valid. Nelson-Jones (2002) said this process gives the patient a clear feeling of acknowledgement from another of their deepest feelings while  aiding the recovery process. The skills used in Mental Health  assessments emphasise the need for a holistic approach in the work of the Mental Health  Nurse. There is no standard format or panacea in the profession of Mental Health Nursing; the many tools and strategies used throughout the process depend fundamentally on the skill of treating each person as an individual, with their own set of needs and concerns as paramount. The assessment witnessed demonstrated that combining these skills promotes a good rapport with the patient and most importantly getting a full picture that can be interpreted and shared with the multi disciplinary team for the onward process of the care pathway approach. I have discovered that being objectively caring and non-judgmental in assessing the current situation at presentation is a key attribute in assessment skill. Often when interviewing known clients it can be difficult to avoid simply replicating their previous diagnosis or being frightened by the available evidence. I have further reflected on the necessity to question a patient using inter personal skills and effective non-verbal stimuli to encourage exploration and expression of their feelings, sometimes when they are particularly vulnerable, in order to help them. Academic research and observed practise-based experience can help the development of these skills. I have further learnt that people in crisis need continual support and assistance through their acute phase. This will make me more aware of my communication skills.

Friday, October 25, 2019

prom :: essays research papers

Teenagers today are spending more and more money on the extravagance of prom. The article by Jeffery Shaffer claims that high school proms have become an â€Å"exercise in the celebration of extravagance and indulgence.† In this article negative ideas and, inappropriate messages are conveyed to teens. Many of the ideas proposed in this article are eccentric, turning school tradition into competition of unlimited spending. Although the price for prom according to Shaffer has reached â€Å"more than $1,200 per couple† and assumes â€Å"it’s the same or higher†, the price for prom in present years is beginning to near $2,000 a couple. Even with most high school students believing that it is worth it because of the great time they will have and the memories. From personal experience this year my friends as well as I are spending almost $700 on the entire prom event, for just our self’s. This includes everything from dress, shoes, to limo and post prom events. The average high school student does receive financial help from their parent, opposed to in 1925-26 when â€Å"girls were not allowed to borrow money from the office†. Showing the negative side of the expense for prom to teens could discourage them from going and have a great last high school experience. Causing them to later regret in life, such as three of my best friends who decided not to go to their prom last year but instead go to Six Flags. By reading this article teens might decide not to go to their prom thinking they won’t regret it, when most of them will after sitting home while everyone is out. Many people such as Jeffery as well as myself that have â€Å"never been very interested in the party scene† can still have a great time at something that would be filled with such great memories. If teens read something like this they might say to themselves ‘I fit into that category’ and intern miss out on a fun filled night. Prom to most high school students is just an all night event of hanging out with friends and dancing, with an expensive price tag. If teens that feel they fit into a category such as this they should look at it as a night of just hanging out with friends. If they do that such as I did they won’t miss out on their last high school experience, and won’t have any regrets.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The Arabian Nights: The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad

â€Å"Curiosity kills the cat† as the old saying goes. The same thing did happen in the story The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad. Curiosity of the men who entered the house of the three ladies of Baghdad put their lives at risk by trying to know what they are not supposed to know. Although there had been a sworn statement between the ladies and the men, the latter broke the contract and faced the consequences. However, curiosity, if done correctly, can also be a source of something better than expected. The Porter and the Three Ladies in Baghdad In the story, seven men were in the ladies’ house. They were a porter, a Caliph and his companions (Wazir and swordsman), and the three Kalandars. At first, the men and the ladies were merry-making. Moments later, there came two bitches chained on their neck that the eldest of the ladies slapped and tortured in front of the men. This aroused interest from the men but they just let it pass. Later on, they saw the portress (one of the ladies) playing the lute but to their surprise, she reacted terribly and passed out after tearing her dress. The men saw the marks of the rod and whip in her back and again it added to their curiosity. It happened three times and the men were greatly astounded save the Caliph’s minister. They reacted, thinking that they can easily overpower the ladies, and caught the ladies’ attention. The eldest asked about the commotion and the porter was tasked to tell the truth: they wanted to know what’s going on. But the ladies and the men had agreed beforehand that they must not talk things that are not of their concern least, they face the unpleasant. To the ladies’ command, 7 huge white and black men came out of the closet and tied the men. Now, because of curiosity, they had their lives in danger. Being curious can be both beneficial and risky. â€Å"Curiosity kills the cat† as the old saying goes. In this case, the men, especially the Kalandars, ended risking their lives because of their curiosity. We can blame them because they failed to comply with the contract. They were already told that they must not talk about things they’re not concerned with and they agreed. The men should have listened and did as what they were supposed to do. However, curiosity had been beneficial in the sense that it created chaos in the story. If the men didn’t react, the story would have been boring. Also, another good thing is that it lengthened the story. The characters involved, especially the Kalandars and the ladies, ended sharing their stories. References The Porter and the Three Ladies of Baghdad. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from http://xahlee.org/p/arabian_nights/an5.html

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Sahara Desert

General facts: Largest Desert in the world 10 percent of the African continent, 5000 years ago had a significantly larger mammal population, due to it getting dryer and over hunting in the last 100 years, the mammals are near extinction in the sahara. Intro: Definition of desert: â€Å"a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all† Deserts cover about one fifth of our planet, and are caused by extremely low rainfall over an area. Arid deserts generally occur at low latitudes, and can be found in North-America, South-America, Africa, and Southern Asia. In deserts such as the Atacama, there has never been any rainfall recorded since record keeping has come into existence. While â€Å"coastal deserts† are mildy warm and get some rainfall and â€Å"cold† deserts are cold. Climate: Temp: The average temperature for this desert is 86 degrees Fahrenheit with the hottest ever recorded being 122 degrees. With freezing temperatures in the winter the climate of the Sahara is one the of the strangest on the planet. Temperature swings of 37.5 to 99.5 have been recorded. Rainfall: the average rainfall for the Sahara is just 2.5 cm and in the eastern parts it only gets .5 cm of rain a year. Seasonal Variations: There are not much variations in seasons in this desert. It is mostly hot with very little rain. The only exception is winter. During winter the temperature can drop below freezing and it is more likely to rain during these times. Human Interaction:  The current state of the biome is as usual with one exception: the water supply. The only human presence is around areas of permanent water supplies, such as oasis’ and water that is underground but close to the surface. Humans that live in these areas use the little water that is available for them selves and take that small amount away from the creatures that live there.