The Black Cat Essay -- essays research papers

The Black Cat   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Black Cat, by Edgar Allen Poe, is a story about a man whose love for animals is overcome by an extreme hatred toward the creatures. What goes around comes around is a saying that would most effectively convey the message of this story because Poe implies that people will inevitably suffer the consequences of their actions. Through the careful construction of plot, the ongoing use of irony, and the rapid development of character, Poe captures the reader’s undivided attention and evokes a wide variety of emotions through this short story   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This story is a confession of an atrocious sin told by an old man on his deathbed. The plot begins to unfold as the main character reflects back on his childhood. He recalls having been an animal lover all of his life. A conflict first arises between himself and Pluto, his cat. He becomes angered when the cat rejects him out of fear. However, he quickly resolves this problem by killing the cat. Throughout the story he seems to be having an 2 inner conflict as well. He realizes how horrible and atrocious his sins are but is unable to feel remorse. While he seems to be an intelligent and virtuous man, he cannot seem to control his violent fits of drunken rage. He also deals with conflict on a more spiritual level. The cat that he has killed is haunting him. He tries to shrug it off as coincidence, but every time he comes up with an explanation for an unsettling even...

Genetically Modified Foods: Helpful or Harmful? Essay

Genetically modified (GM) foods have been around for thousands of years. In the 1990s, they started being sold commercially in the United States, which was the start of this controversy: Are GM foods good or bad for us? Do the pros outweigh the cons? In my opinion, genetically modified foods are nothing to worry about. GM foods are produced from genetic engineering. Scientists take a certain gene from an organism that is desired and put it into another organism. For example, scientists might take a drought resistant gene from a plant and insert it into a crop, so that crop will not die during a period of low rainfall. There are various ways to add in these desired genes, such as crossbreeding, which has been used since the beginning of agriculture, bacterial transfer of DNA into a cell, and a newer method of shooting DNA particles into a cell with particle gun, developed by Cornell University (Freedman, 83). There are numerous advantages of genetically modified foods. Crops can become impervious to insects. According to Whitman, â€Å"Consumers do not wish to eat food that has been treated with pesticides because of potential health hazards, and run-off of agricultural wastes from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can poison the water supply and cause harm to the environment. † Making the crops pest resistant makes more people want to buy them and is safer on the environment. Since farmers can use less pesticide, the cost of the food decreases and less people go hungry. â€Å"It has raised the output of corn, cotton and soy by 20 to 30 percent, allowing some people to survive who would not have without it (Freedman, 82). † Another advantage is adding vitamins and minerals to foods that lack them. Foods become more nutritious. For example, â€Å"Malnutrition is common in third world countries where impoverished peoples rely on a single crop such as rice for the main staple of their diet. However, rice does not contain adequate amounts of all necessary nutrients to prevent malnutrition. If rice could be genetically engineered to contain additional vitamins and minerals, nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated (Whitman). † LaPensee also agrees: â€Å"Genetic manipulation could increase agricultural yields in developing countries with the development of more sustainable crops. For example, disease- and pest-resistant fruits and vegetables with higher nutritional value (e. g. , more iron, vitamin A, and protein) could improve the health of people in developing regions where the imbalanced indigenous diet is overly dependent on grains such as rice and corn. † This can decrease hunger and sickness world-wide. On the contrary, GM foods do have some disadvantages. When you modify plants and animals genetically, biodiversity decreases. â€Å"Homogeneity may make crops more susceptible to disease. Thus, the present uncertainty about the cumulative effects in ecosystems or the food chain is making consumers wary (Hoyle and Lerner). † With a decrease in biodiversity, all crops that are genetically similar are more susceptible to die during a natural disaster. Also, scientists do not know all of the effects of these GM foods on our health. â€Å"For a variety of reasons, not all scientifically based, some people argue that transgenic food is a consumer safety issue because not all of the effects of transgenic foods have been fully explored (Transgenics). † GM foods should definitely be labeled. People have a right to know whether or not their foods have been genetically modified. Businesses argue that it would cost more for the consumer if their was a label, but â€Å"the demand for transparency is unlikely to go away so, for crying out loud, just label it (O’Brian). † Genetically engineered foods are very helpful. They can be more nutritious and better for the environment. These modifications help people all over the world, especially people dependent on certain crops. There are some criticisms, but the good outweighs the bad. GM foods should all be labelled, because people need to know what is in their food. Biblography Freedman, David H.. â€Å"Are Engineered Foods Evil?. † Scientific American 1 Sept. 2013: 80-85. Print. Hoyle, Brian, and K. Lee Lerner. â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms. † The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. 4th ed. Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 2008. 1900-1902. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 May 2014. LaPensee, Kenneth T. â€Å"Biotechnology and the Manipulation of Genes. † Scientific Thought: In Context. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 532-536. In Context Series. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 May 2014. O’Brian, Mark R.. â€Å"Don’t fear GMOs: Genetically modified food is just the latest chapter in 10,000 years of high-tech agriculture. † The Buffalo News 6 Apr. 2014: 1. Print. â€Å"Transgenics. † The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. 4th ed. Vol. 6. Detroit: Gale, 2008. 4414-4416. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 May 2014. Whitman, Deborah B.. â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?. † . N. p. , 1 Apr. 2000. Web. 11 May 2014.

Obesity Has Established Itself - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 855 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/03/22 Category Health Essay Level High school Tags: Obesity Essay Obesity in America Essay Did you like this example? Obesity has established itself as one of the fastest growing diseases in the nation and continues to make a substantial impact on the general population today. The sheer number of individuals who can be classified as obese in the U.S. has made obesity synonymous with the identity of an American. Dietitians and Psychologists have argued over the various causes as to why the number of Obesity is rising so much in American people. However undeniably, the fast food industry and its alluring advertisements is a major cause of Obesity in America. Obesity is a condition in which the body accumulates an abnormally large amount of adipose tissue, or fat (DeAngelo et al.). The concept of what qualifies an individual to be obese has been skewed by the media. Shows, such as My 600-lb Life and The Biggest Loser, portray individuals who are exceptionally obese as a standard example of an obese individual. Obesity is identified using the Body Mass Index (BMI), the measurement of a person using weight in relation to height. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to be considered obese an individual must have a BMI of 30 or over. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Obesity Has Established Itself" essay for you Create order That means that an individual with a height of 59 and weight of 203 lbs. or more is considered obese. Thus, proving that obesity is much more feasible for individuals in America than one many think. About 38 percent of American adults were obese in 2013 and 2014, up from 35 percent in 2011 and 2012 (Tavernise). Food has always been a key signifier of what a culture may value. The preparation, ingredients, and customs that revolve around food are all fundamental in the examination of any group of people. As a result, what people choose to eat can reveal where their priorities lie and what sort of lifestyle they have. Quintessential examples of fast food, such as hamburgers, hotdogs, french-fries, and friend chicken, have become associated as standard American foods. The fast food industrys popularity continues to grow and plays a pivotal role in the development of American identity. Over the past decade the industry has grown rapidly into a multibillion-dollar business. According to the International Business Times, in 2012, the total revenue generated by the fast food industry totaled $195.19 billion (International Business Times). Fast food is loved for its convenience, affordable prices, and taste. Before the industry came to be, people were restricted in how they could satisfy their hunger because of the length of time required to cook and prepare a meal. People now have more convenient options because of the availability of fast food. The fast food industry has provided ways for people to shorten the time required to make and consume meals while being especially ideal for those in automobiles. This emphasis on speed fits perfectly into contemporary American life. The major drawback of fast food is its nutritional value. Fast foods tend t o be highly processed, full of added sugars, salt, saturated fats, or trans fats. For perspective, based on the McDonalds website the nutrition value of a Big Mac with large fries and a large Coke contains 1,330 calories, 52 g of fat, 1,360mg of sodium. The U.S. dietary guidelines generally recommend individuals consume no more than 2,000 calories, 65 grams of fat, and 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (Americas Best Worst Fast Food). Based off this, that means from one meal from McDonalds an individual is getting 66.5% of the daily caloric intake, 80% of the daily fat intake, and 59.1% of the daily sodium intake. If the individual decides to eat a fast food restaurant more than once a day, they will more than likely surpass their dietary guidelines. It is much easier to over eat in America A crucial component to the escalation of the fast food industry is advertising. The constant exposure to advertisements has compelled millions of Americans to love fast food using various tactics such as, key words, repetition, claims, association, bandwagon, and promotions. Who wouldnt want a delicious and delectable cheeseburger for the low price of $1 at your local McDonalds. Additionally, advertisements made by fast food promote an image of happiness with friends and families spending time together. People believe, or want to believe, that they will be happy when they purchase the food because the actors appear content. There are no overweight people in fast food ads; actors are in shape and smiling. Obesity was bound to become a part of Americas identity. Americas cultural values, efficiency, capitalism, etc., with the creation of fast food was a recipe for success. Americans fell in love with the concept and how they could alleviate another nuisance from their daily lives, the stress of cooking. The promise of a cheap and quick meal was too good, and nobody wanted to question it. However, as of recent years Americans are becoming more health and nutrition conscious, but only after 38% of the population has been classified as obese. Fast food is not the only cause of obesity, other factors such as, lack of physical activity, nutrition education, medical history, mental illnesses, and much more are also responsible. Nevertheless, fast food and its advertising are rooted to the cause of Americas identity as obese.

Smoking Persuasive Speech - 780 Words

I. Introduction a. Attention Getter: Each year, primarily because of exposure to secondhand smoke, an estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer. b. Background: Tobacco were around 6,000 B.C. and was only grown in America. It was not used until Christopher Columbus had discovered it. c. Audience Relevance: This is important because it affects many people.Smoking harms every organ in the body. d. Speaker Credibility: My uncle smoked cigarettes for almost 25 years. My family would always tell him to stop but he wouldn’t listen. Soon he was diagnosed with lung cancer. My uncle stopped but his health wasn’t getting better. e. Thesis: Through my speech, I want to persuade you to not†¦show more content†¦Young teens are trying to fit in or are surrounded by the wrong crowd. They later become obsessed with it. Nicotine is a highly addictive and when it enters into the brain, it will makes your brain think it is at equilibrium. It will help you relax, reduce stress, and minimize anxiety. b. Sub-point B: Another cause, can also be influenced by social media, newspaper, and TV.Jeff Carpenter wrote on ABC News article,on November 1st, 2001, he states â€Å"the tobacco industry has altered its advertising, ads still lure teens into buying tobacco products†. Advertisements would target viewers to earn more money. Tobacco companies stopped outdoor billboards, but have taken these advertising dollars and put them into local convenience stores. Transition to 3rd Main Point: I just talked about the causes of smoking, next I will talk about an solution IV. Main Point 3: a. The solution is to don t smoke at all.There are many beneficial reasons. Sub-point A: You are saving your body from toxins like tobacco.Tobacco contains nicotine, which leads to addiction. By not smoking, you are lowering your risk of cancer. b. Sub-point B: Also, without smoking you can save lots of money.An article from Addiction Center states â€Å"There are significant financialShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Speech On Smoking1591 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract Smoking is the most preventable leading cause of death in the United States and causes many health risk such as lung cancer, and heart and blood vessel complication. My main purpose of this persuasive speech is to convince people that smoking is harmful for themselves, the people around them and their wallets. In 2015 and estimated of 36.5 million people were current smoker (Jamal, A., King, B. A., Neff, L. J., Whitmill, J., Babb, S. D., Graffunder, C. M., 2016). In addition smoking doesn’tRead MoreSmoking Persuasive Speech811 Words   |  4 Pagessmoke? Well I have. In the world there are fifteen billion cigarettes sold a day. That is ten million sold every minute! In this, I will be telling you about how smoking is bad for you, bad for the environment, and ways smoking in public can be stopped. Smoking should be banned! First of all, as almost everyone knows, smoking is bad for people. When people smoke their chances of having a heart attack go up immediately. Also the chances of getting cancer go up as well. This is because theRead MorePersuasive Speech Smoking859 Words   |  4 PagesSmoking Kills General Purpose: To persuade Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience to write their senator and urge him/her to increase anti-smoking campaign funds. Central Idea: Smoking is injurious to human health, hence, stricter/inclusive clean indoor air policy should be adequately enforced. Introduction: How many of you have seen your parent’s or grandparent’s lifespan getting cut short because of bad choices as a result of addiction to smoking? You are not alone.I hadRead MorePersuasive Speech: Dangers of Smoking Essay629 Words   |  3 Pages      Persuasive Speech Dangers of Smoking Specific Purpose: To inform the audience of the dangers of smoking and persuade them not to.   Ã‚   Introduction: 1. Did you know that smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States? 2. According to cancer.org there is 440,000 deaths a year caused by tobacco. 3. On average every smoker costs their employer almost 2,000 dollars a year in lost labor.    By the end of the speech, the audience will be informedRead MorePersuasive Speech to Stop Smoking734 Words   |  3 PagesHello my name is ---------and here to persuade you to stop smoking. Smoking is not only bad for health it is also as bad for the people around you. Breathing other peoples smoke is called passive, involuntary or secondhand smoking. The non-smoker breathes side stream smoke from the burning tip of the cigarette and mainstream smoke that has been inhaled and then exhaled by the smoker. Secondhand smoke is a major source of indoor air pollution. How does this affect the passiveRead MorePersuasive Speech About Smoking1065 Words   |  5 PagesYou’ve probably heard that the American Heart Association has declared sitting as the new smoking. Chances are, your first thought when you heard this was something like â€Å"whatever†¦just one more thing that’s bad for me†. But, If sitting is the new smoking, then I could be in trouble and I bet most of you could be too. Many of us have jobs where we sit all day. The only moving around we do is to walk to the bathroom, walk to our car, or walk to someone’s office. And when we get to those destinationsRead MorePersuasive Speech About Global Warming922 Words   |  4 PagesPERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE General Purpose: To persuade Specific purpose: After listening to my speech, my audience will know how they can change their lives for a bigger challenge – to save the world. Thesis: Knowing what a problem nowadays is global warming, how CO2 gas affects it and how can we change it. Title: Lifestyle to make some changes INTRODUCTION I. Attention Material: Question â€Å"DoRead MorePersuasive Speech Outline1028 Words   |  5 PagesPERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE TOPIC: WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE UP SMOKING PROPOSITION: Give up smoking and you will save yourself and the others around you and live in a healthy environment. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES/PURPOSES: I want to persuade my audience on how harmful smoking does to the body and giving up the habit is the right way to do because it will literally save their lives and the people around them and the environment as well. SPEECH PLAN ATTENTION STEP: Opening statement: Smoking†¦Read MoreRhetorical Analysis Of The Speech Why We Need End The War On Drugs 1433 Words   |  6 PagesRhetorical Analysis of TEDTalk In the speech â€Å"Why We Need to End the War on Drugs† given by Ethan Nadelmann, a drug policy reformist, Nadelmann gives a compelling and persuasive argument on how and why we should end the war on drugs. Nadelmann describes himself as the oldest son of a rabbi and a human rights activist who works to end the drug war. He urges that the drug war is very dynamic and what the United States is doing in relation to stop it is not effective. This helps launch into what heRead MoreRoutes to Persuasion Essay1374 Words   |  6 Pagesthat areidentical to the audience she/he will be perceived as smart. Also, to project animage of expertise it is necessary to speak confidently and withouthesitating. Trustworthiness of the communicator is assumed if direct eye contact is used and speech is rapid. If the speaker is seen as not trying toinfluence or is arguing a position that is against their personal interest theywill be considered trustworthy. An attractive communicator has certain qualities, like physical appeal and similarity

Alan Patons Cry the Beloved Country Essay - 907 Words

Alan Patons Cry the Beloved Country The book I have chosen to write about is Cry the Beloved Country. This book is about ambiguity and reconciliation. The main character in the story Stephan Kumalo has to deal his the struggle of his family, and trying to keep them together. The first few chapters of this book are place in a small town called Ndotshenti. But the action in this takes place in the largest city on South Africa, Johannesburg. Stephan Kumalo finds out there can be day light even when nothing in you life is going right. The area of Ndoshenti is known as the â€Å"Velds†, which in Zulu means the green grassland. The rural country is what describes Ndotshenti best; on the other side of the town lies the European†¦show more content†¦Stephan Kumalo decides to take a trip to the big city, to see if he can find his sister, and hopefully bring her back to his house. While there, he also planned to visit his brother John and see if knows the whereabouts of his son. So, he packs his bags and tells the people of the church he will be home in a few days. He arrives in Johannesburg and immediately he feels out of place. The reason for this is because he is not use to seeing the fast life. Industrialization is a new phenomenon for Stephan Kumalo. Hustlers immediately notice he is a countryman out of place, and take advantage oh Stephan Kumalo. He looses most of his money but finds a kind man to get him to where his brother lives. The next day he and his brother have an extensive conversation about their lives. John Kumalo tells Stephan that his son and Absalom are wondering about the city together. Stephan is not happy with his son’s decision to come to the big city. His brother tells him that there is nothing for young men in the countryside and there is an abundant amount of jobs for men his age in the big city. Next, Stephan hits the streets of Johannesburg trying to find his sister Gertrude and bring her back to Ndotshenti. Stephan fins her at a run-down motel and tells her what she has to. She agrees and she go gets her son and they prepare to leave with Stephan. When Stephan first takes a look at her he cam immediately see theyShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Alan Patons Cry The Beloved Country847 Words   |  4 PagesReverend Stephen Kumalo, the protagonist of Alan Paton’s novel Cry, the Beloved Country, lives in the countryside of Ndotsheni. The countryside is in drought, over-farmed, and the land is dying. Despite all this, it is still representative of home and peace to the characters in the novel. It is the home of traditions and old trivial rules. However, a consistent theme it brings is young people leaving for the city, and therefore bringing new messages to South Africa as a whole. The novel presentsRead MoreAnalysis Of Alan Patons Cry, The Beloved Country962 Words   |  4 Pagesbut not doing anything to try and fix it will ultimately not solve the issue of racial division. 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The country was looked at as the backward part of South Africa, and the city was looked at as the advanced part of SouthRead MoreFamilies Breaking Apart in Alan Patons Cry: The Beloved Country 754 Words   |  3 PagesIn Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Paton shows us how two families are breaking apart. The natives are suffering but they are not the only one who are suffering. A white person’s family is also falling apart. Stephen Ku malo is a native from Ndotsheni and he has trouble with his family from the start. John Jarvis is a white person and he is also experiencing trouble with his family. Stephen Kumalo’s family is in a bad condition. His sister, Gertrude, and his son, Absalom, left Ndotsheni a long timeRead More The True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country Essay1426 Words   |  6 PagesThe True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country      Ã‚  Ã‚   Many debates have been sparked by Alan Patons Cry, the Beloved Country.   Even the essence of the books title examines South Africa and declares the presence of the inner conflict of its citizens. The importance and meaning of the title of Cry, the Beloved Country is visible in Patons efforts to link the reader to forthcoming ideas in the novel, Patons description of South Africas problems, and Patons prayer for the solution of SouthRead More Cry the Beloved Country Movie versus Film Essay1055 Words   |  5 Pages Cry, the Beloved Country is a moving story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom. They live in an Africa torn apart by racial tensions and hate. It is based on a work of love and hope, courage, and endurance, and deals with the dignity of man. The author lived and died (1992) in South Africa and was one of the greatest writers of that country. His other works include Too Late the Phalarope, Ah, but Your Land Is Beautiful, and Ta les from a Troubled Land. The book was madeRead MoreCry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton838 Words   |  3 Pagesindividuals. Alan Paton examines this problem in Cry, the Beloved Country. Throughout the story, Paton adds specific personalities to his characters to contribute to change. Characters in Cry, the Beloved Country went through hardships that changed them to realize reality and its outcomes. Paton accordingly creates a picture throughout his story to explain the problems in South Africa. There are many contributing factors of Paton’s idea to identify as being important for change to occur in Cry, the BelovedRead MoreCry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton696 Words   |  3 PagesCry, the Beloved Country is a novel with remarkable lyricism written by Alan Paton. Born as a white South African, Alan Paton grew up during a time period marked by racial inequality and later became an activist against apartheid. He was a devout Christian so many of his writings reflect Christian faith. As an activist, he wrote many books about South Africa and racial injustice. While traveling around Europe, he began writing Cry, the Beloved Country, which was published in 1948. That same yearRead MoreEssay on Racism Exposed in Cry, the Beloved Country1121 Words   |  5 PagesRacism Exposed in Cry, the Beloved Country      Ã‚  Ã‚   The purpose of Cry, the Beloved Country, is to awaken the population of South Africa to the racism that is slowly disintegrating the society and its people.   Alan Paton designs his work to express his views on the injustices and racial hatred that plague South Africa, in an attempt to bring about change and understanding. The characters that he incorporates within his story, help to establish a sense of the conditionsRead MoreApartheid and The Future of South Africa in Cry, The Beloved Country1044 Words   |  5 PagesArthur, Napoleon, and Msimangu, all characters from Alan Paton’s book, Cry, The Beloved Country, are used to share Paton’s points of view on the future of South Africa and the apartheid. Paton uses these characters to represent specific views; Arthur expresses clearly that the apartheid isn’t the right way to progress as a country, Napoleon exemplifies how Paton thinks people should take the anti-apartheid effort, and Msimangu explicitly expresses Paton’s ideas of an ideal leader. Arthur Jarvis was the

Marketing Strategy Fitbit Company

Question: Discuss about the Marketing Strategy Fitbit Company. Answer: Introduction There is almost double digit growth wearable tracking device market; it is expected to grow further. Among all devices, wrist wear accounts for more than 70 percent of products. This is a marketing strategy development paper, prepared on Fitbit. Reason behind selecting this company is uniqueness of product, increasing popularity and ability to change healthcare and fitness environment positively. This paper discuss four major issues, first is 5 c of market, market research procedure of the company; based on market analysis segmentation and positioning strategy is given and marketing plan is presented. Fitbit has revolutionize the wearable technology industry and made its unique brand image. Company overview Fitbit is an American company that manufactures health tracking products. It was founded by Eric and James in the year 2007 (fitbit.com, 2015). It is a globally operating company that provides technology enhanced products to optimize health and fitness experience. Its mission is to empower and inspire to live a healthier and active life. Products Fitbit deals in wide range of health and fitness products such as activity trackers, wireless enabled technology that helps in measuring steps walked, heart rate, steps climbed etc. Various brands launched by the Fitbit include Zip, One, Flex 2, Alta, Charge 2, Blaze and Surge. It has divided its product range into everyday fitness that include four products, which are trackers; second is active fitness that include Fitbit charge2 and blaze; third is performance fitness that include Fitbit surge and finally the Wi-Fi weighing scale. Its products helps in calculating GPS tracking facility that help in understanding distance, speed, time, pulse rate, sleep, total day activities such as total steps taken, distance, calorie burned, activity minutes, hourly activity. Fitbit has a strong brand image in the market, it is a successful product in UK and USA, expanding its market reaches in Asia and other markets (www.fitbit.com, 2016). Fitbit is also making shift from fitness to fashion also. However, there is low brand awareness regarding such fitness products in many markets, enhancing the same which increase new scope for market development. 5Cs analysis Company Though Fitbit products are highly technological but there ease of use helps in making them user friendly. This was the first organization that launched such tracking device with strong health focus; it achieved first mover advantage that helped in high sales and revenues. However, problem with products of this brand include premium pricing strategy. Different market researches shows issues regarding plain and simple designing of Fitbit products, they are not stylish and fashion statements. Business growth rate for Fitbit is high, immense opportunity lies in various developing market where product is still at introductory stage; rising concern towards health issues and healthy living in market is also giving new opportunities for product development. It has 85 percent of share of tracking devices(McNew, 2015). Company try to offer broad range of products at various price levels to cater demand of various customer groups. However, tracking device business industry and economic conditio n has strong correlation, spending on such devices are seen in developed nation with high disposable income. Customers If persona of a Fitbit customer is to be analysed, it include a person who is doing a desk job, earning 100k+more annually; who is a the savvy person, uses smartphone, willing to purchase a product that receive positive feedback on social media on helping improving healthy living and habits, one who is willing and aim to work out regularly, lives in USA and of mid age. Therefore, it include target segment 25 + of age, is comfortable with technology, frequently uses social media, has an expendable income. Fitbit has built a very niche market to cater and try to serve best to its target segment. It target both male and female population with 25 and above age. However, it gives more stress on female segments, especially moms (Dumoriter, 2016). It operates in different markets such as USA, Dublin, Japan, India, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. On behaviour basis, its customers look for continuous motivation and support for workouts, it tries to give that technological support and sharing through data tracking, sharing etc. (Holm, 2006). Collaborators There is group of suppliers in china and Singapore who are responsible for manufacturing hardware for the company; however company keeps the name remain undisclosed. However, it did mention that Flextronics is its primary contract manufacturer of majority of devices. There is marketing, technology, innovation teams responsible for successful operations. Fitbit is encountering market problem in meeting total market demand, failing to meet demand impact business negatively (Marshall, 2016). Competitors Fitbit is encountering intense market competition from big market players such as Nike, Apple, and Microsoft and Pebble technology. Direct competitors include Nike Fuel band, 24 hour bodybugg, Jawbone UP2. Further, products from Fitbit are not water resistance, whereas Pebble corp. products are more stylish and provide water protection. There is intense indirect competition from substitutes like non-clinical weight loss programs(Stables, 2015). Apart from this category wise competition is from free health care items, low priced products, personal management etc. Market analysis shows rising trend in fitness wearable devices. According to Statista.com, in year 2018 the figure is expected to be worth $12,642m, total number of units expected to be shipped are 224 million. It is expected that almost 40 percent of customer will be from US market (statista.com, 2016). With increasing demand, tech giants such as Apple, Google are also launching such wearable gadgets. Further, there is also high market threat from new products and market entrants as still this industry lifecycle is at introductory stage. Context This section will present various other external factors impacting business of Fitbit. Political scenario has strong influence on business growth and advancement. Fitbit is a US based company, being a leading economy USA offer business opportunities, liberty. It has strong economic scenario, with GDP is over $16.760 trillion(tradingeconomics.com, 2015). However, there is reduction in corporate profits by 1.2 percent. Social environment of US shows total population of 321,418,820. There is concern towards ageing population, poor health and obesity in the economic; the nutrition curve is also downward sloping showing rising concern towards health issues. However, this shows favourable market opportunities for Fitbit as it can act as tool to overcome this problem. Market offers high technological opportunities for business; almost 85 percent of US population is tech friendly, providing scope for such products. There is large growing community of Fitbit users, which shows positive market trend for wearable tracking devices(McNew, 2015). There is presence of high tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft in the market. There is rising concern towards climatic changes, global warming issues; company need to make strong strategies in regards to waste management, Carbon emission to ensure low pollution(Silbert, 2015). Market research Market research impacts the way data is collected and presented by organization, it influences the authenticity and reliability of presented information. Market research is conducted by organization to understand customer needs and demands; it is also conducted to evaluate competitors position to analyse potential market threat; it aims to evaluate changing environmental condition and prospective influence on company strategic growth. Market research is the key information collection strategy that impact overall strategic process. Customer data is collected through Fitbit app; whenever a customer activates a Fitbit device they download their software and install information regarding them. This information is used by the company to evaluate personalized fitness stats for customers; it also uses their activities track record to measure their development (fitbit.com, 2016). It also collects information regarding all visitors who visit its websites. Other ways of collecting data include contest, giveaways, community, social media, and participation in surveys. Internal market research is being conducted to evaluate market environment trends, competitors position and strategies. Tools such as project planning, troubleshooting are implemented to evaluate market trends. Developing marketing strategy Market segmentation Fitbit does not go for mass marketing, rather it focuses on small group of customer, fulfil their needs better than anyone else in the market. Niche segmentation of Fitbit is based on demographics, geographic regions and behavioural patterns. According to demographic parameters, it aims to cater both male and female customers above 25 years of age, preferably working professionals from middle and upper income group. Geographically, it is present in six markets USA, Dublin, Japan, India, Hong Kong, and Shanghai; Asia is being projected as prospective market with huge market development scope(Stevenson, 2016). On behavioural grounds, Fitbit prefer to target customers who are tech savvy, well educated, involved in social networking, health conscious, seek for continuous motivation for health development. It aims to target different customer groups such as major market segment include athletes, individuals, hospitals and clinics, corporations, people who want to reduce weight (Dibi Simk in, 1996). Target market On the basis of segmentation, Fitbit tries to target customer group between 30 to 40 years of age, who is trying to reduce weight, suffering from health issues, looking for healthy options, motivation to achieve their health goals. It target customer group who have money but no time to give. It also target technology users who seek for tools that provide them quick and easy monitoring on their health without much effort. Fitbit provide an effortless experience to its users. Its direct target groups include office Oliver, person with heavy headed hobby, mothers, and health conscious personality. Value proposition Fitbit is helping those customers who are looking for a way to improve their activity level without a big commitment; it has successfully managed to implement short term attainable goals through its products and its technology. Fitbit differentiate its offering on the basis of product features and accurate technology. It has been able to redefine health to make measurable development towards detecting illness and make progress towards healthy life(McNew, 2015). Positioning statement Fit bit has positioned itself as a tool that help in living a healthy life, balanced by tracking all day activities, exercise, sleep and weight. It positions itself as digital healthcare company that is integration between social networking and hardware to achieve desired goals (Stevenson, 2016). It has made its distinctive market position on the basis of product quality and accuracy of measurement. It is easy to use, have more features than other brands. Recommendations On the basis of above analysis, Fitbit is performing well in its niche market segment; it has well defined its target and what it plans to offer them. Further, it is advised that due to increasing obesity in the market, Fitbit can also target teenagers and youth from 15to 25 years of age. It is also advised to add new design as Fitbit products are not fashionable; it can add new option of personalization of design. Developing marketing tactics On the basis of analysis presented in issue one, two and three; it is clear that Fitbit aims to maintain its position of market leader; it aims to implement product and market development strategies as it will help in launching new product and enter new markets; finally it also aims to increase market awareness regarding tracking devices in developing markets. Product Presently company is offering almost nine different types of products in three key categories on the basis of fitness needs. Fitbit products have large number of features, ease of connectivity, robust packing with several motivational quotes above them to inspire the user. Further to achieve set objectives, it is recommended that Fitbit can opt for strategic partnership with insurance companies, healthcare organizations, fitness centres. This service will help Fitbit users to sign with their partnering insurer, fitness centre; it will help in sharing of data on large platform regarding each member. However, data sharing will be with due consent and voluntary basis only. It will help Fitbit in attracting new members, ability to sell products at different places, fitness clubs etc. Price Analysis shows that Fitbit products are priced premium, it might because low sales in certain market as purchase of healthcare products are strongly dependent on economic conditions. Above product will help in providing discount by Fitbit users; it will help in increasing sales and brand loyalty. Fitbit can also offer discounting cards for their partnering clubs; it will help in motivating customers to purchasing tracking bands. Skimming price causes low sales, in order to expand its market reach, Fitbit needs to provide different types of lucrative offers to attract and retain customers. Place Fitbit can sell its products globally through website and ecommerce. It sells through its own website in US market; it has also tied up with various e-commerce sites catering different local markets. Above stated product recommendation will enhance product reach of Fitbit, it can be sold at different fitness centre, through health insurance companies, and there will be more intermediaries and ease of customer reach. It will also facilitate in enhancing product awareness in the market. Promotion Promotional goals of Fitbit are to increase its market reach, product reach, create awareness. Its media objective is to make such advertisements that will help in making people realize that its easy to remain fit. Social media is being strongly used promotional tool for the company, Facebook activity is the most widely used tool that include various interactive sessions, workout reports, information sharing. Facebook can be used to interact with customers, inform them about various offers(Chaffey, 2008). There is need to create advertisements that create an emotional bond between customers and the product; it aims to make them aware regarding uniqueness of its possession and usage. Sales promotion tools will also help in tying up with various health care organizations, fitness centres and health insurers. With business development, Fitbit can also launch its offers through print media, magazines on health, fitness and healthy living(Czinkota Kotabe, 2001). Conclusion Fitbit is a successful name in wrist-bands to clip-type devices for health tracking but there is much scope left to be tapped. Market scenario shows positive trend of growth and future prospects for this business. Though there is intense market competition but innovation and quality customer service helped Fitbit to remain at the top. Fitbit is presently targeting a small customer segment but it can plan for further expansion to reach a larger group and market. It is advised that Fitbit can enhance its market reach by partnering with healthcare service providers, fitness centres and health insurers. Bibliography Entire News Link. (2016, March 1). Fitbit Blaze is a whole workout in a wearable. Retrieved September 16, 2016, from www.entirenewslink.com: https://www.entirenewslink.com/fitbit-blaze-is-a-whole-workout-in-a-wearable/ Chaffey. (2008). Internet Marketing: Strategy, Implementation And Practice, 3/E. New Delhi: Pearson Education India. Czinkota, M. R., Kotabe, M. (2001). Marketing management. Boston: South-Western College Pub. Dibi, S., Simkin, L. (1996). The Market Segmentation Workbook: Target Marketing for Marketing Managers. London: Cengage Learning EMEA, . Dumoriter, A. (2016, January 8). The Market Misunderstands Fitbit -- Here's Why. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from www.fool.com: https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/08/the-market-misunderstands-fitbit-heres-why.aspx fitbit.com. (2015). Who We Are. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from /www.fitbit.com: https://www.fitbit.com/in/about fitbit.com. (2016). Fitbit Privacy Pledge. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from fitbit.com: https://www.fitbit.com/en-ca/legal/previous-privacy-policy Holm, O. (2006). Integrated marketing communication: from tactics to strategy. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 26-32. Hooley, G., Piercy, N., Nicoulaud, B. (2012). Marketing Strategy and Competitive Positioning. London: FT Prentice Hall. Kotler, P. (2012). Kotler On Marketing. New York: Simon and Schuster. Marshall, G. (2016, September 9). The story of Fitbit: How a wooden box became a $4 billion company. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from www.wareable.com: https://www.wareable.com/fitbit/youre-fitbit-and-you-know-it-how-a-wooden-box-became-a-dollar-4-billion-company McNew, S. (2015, September 15). FitBit's 7 Competitive Advantages Over Other Brands. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from /www.fool.com: https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/09/05/7-competitive-advantages-fitbit-says-it-has-over-o.aspx Rainmaker, D. (2015, January 20). Fitbit Surge In-Depth Review. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from www.dcrainmaker.com: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/fitbit-surge-depth-review.html Silbert, S. (2015, December 10). Why Fitbit Is Still Winning Wearables. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from fortune.com: https://fortune.com/2015/12/10/why-fitbit-winning/ Stables, J. (2015, February 23). Basis Peak v Fitbit Surge: Battle of the super trackers. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from /www.wareable.com: https://www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/basis-peak-vs-fitbit-surge-861 statista.com. (2016). Facts and statistics on Fitbit. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from statista.com/: https://www.statista.com/topics/2595/fitbit/ Stevenson, A. (2016, october 16). Fitbit CEO reveals hes transforming the mission and purpose of the company. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from cnbc.com: https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/06/fitbit-ceo-reveals-hes-transforming-the-mission-and-purpose-of-the-company.html tradingeconomics.com. (2015). USA GDP. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from tradingeconomics.com: https://www.tradingeconomics.com/USA/gdp www.fitbit.com. (2016, September). Product. Retrieved January 24, 2017, from www.fitbit.com/: https://www.fitbit.com/in/surge?utm_source=Googleutm_medium=Search_utm_campaign=IN-Model-Surge-Exact#features

Managing Community Health Assessments-Free-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Community Assessment. Answer: Introduction Community assessment is a tool used by public health departments, social service organization, and hospitals to identify the key health concerns in the community. Community assessment is a logical process which involves the community in the identification and analysis of the health assets and needs, prioritize the concerns, and then implement an appropriate plan to address the health needs identified. In this case, the essay will highlight the steps involved in community assessment. Step 1: Setting up the Assessment Team Setting the assessment team should begin within the organization. In this case, it is imperative to Secure the commitment of individuals in authority as they could impact the peoples feeling, mobilize, support and draw in accomplices, facilitate location and safeguard resources, manage decision making, advocate for the venture's objectives and set policies. Depending on the extent of the appraisal initiative, you might need to enroll support from among the group partners. A small group, which might be a new group or a pre- existing, can settle on some preparatory choices like who to incorporate into the managing as well as advisory boards of trustees. In addition, identify assets require for orientation, create a composed draft of parts and charge of directing/consultative group members, and help set up the initial advisory group (Snyderman, Mills, Hersh Parks, 2014), this is vital in ensuring everything is set for the exercise. Step 2: Securing Resources Perceive in advance that planning consumes resources. In this case, it is important to find cases of what other planning activity may have included and required in financing. You need to answer the essential question: What will it take to help the planning activity? An Assessment Budget Worksheet can enable you to thoroughly consider the procedure. Hence, it is essential to building up a financial plan for supporting the procedure, distinguishing between funds and people. Consider building up a different spending plan for evaluation plan, execution, and assessment. In addition, it is imperative to be practical and not to underestimate the expenses by thoroughly considering the potential costs (Snyderman, Mills, Hersh Parks, 2014). One way to consider the issue of cost/ expenses is by incorporating professional staff. Besides, a grant can be used to take care of part of the expenses, while the rest might be offered as in-kind. Data asked for incorporates yearly compensation, the leve l of time planned for the movement identified with the grant, months planned and the salary asked for. The Assessment Team should designate time for information gathering, survey, examination, composing the plan, presenting, and marketing. Step 3: Drawing in Partners Make progress toward expansive representation. In this case, identify organizations and individuals who look at issues and the probable solutions in a different manner. For instance, search for individuals who have a stake in the community health; partners who can contribute HR, influence the community, and help accomplish goals (Faridi, Franks Simoes, 2017). Also of importance is to find innovative and adaptable approaches to connect with accomplices and members of the community, this can be achieved through rotational meetings and times to accommodate distinctive timetables and allow members to see different groups. In addition, offer meeting alternatives that oblige distinctive preference of solace with the group, for example, casual dialogs, phone calls, supplier discussions, focus groups, autonomous work groups, and break-out groups (Harris, 2016). Step 4: Assembly, Analyzing, And Presenting Data To finish the worksheet, the group must investigate extra quantitative and subjective information to give an entire picture of the community health. For instance, in your region, you may have information from a privately directed survey or program assessment. It is essential to assemble important data from this study. Make sure to include the whole group and chose partners in the information gathering and examination process in order to enhance the credibility of the entire process (Guttmannova Catalano, 2017). Step 5: Setting the needs of the community It is critical to agree on the essential criteria for deciding the health need or central areas. Build up a procedure for prescribing and adopting the final priorities. In this case, set a cutoff date for proposing any progressions to this procedure. Figure out what other existing plans or goals ought to be explicitly considered or joined into this appraisal plan (Schwartz, Lamson Johnson, 2015). In addition, it is important to decide how need ranges should be identified with the concurred vision and extent of the evaluation plan. Therefore, the issues notable in the community health information worksheets should be listed and the criteria chosen kept by the group kept on paper or chart (Chorpita, Daleiden, Krull, 2017). Step 6: Overseeing and managing Community Health Assessments With the Community Health Assessment document finished, the parts of the Community Health Assessment tea change to 'correspondence, health problem progress evaluation and documentation team (Abernethy Schwarz, 2014). Each member must know about his or her duty, as communication would be basic on the implementation of the Community health assessment, and make the process of composing your next comprehensive Community Health Assessment less easy. In this case, you may need to select new or distinctive individuals to the group. Further, as the group screens group purchase- in and the accomplishment of every procedure, the following stage is to decide if alterations are required. The changed methodology could be minor acclimation to the plan, or it could include serious preparing and planning. At whatever point changes or adjustments are made, it would be the obligation of the Assessment Team to communicate to the other members why the change was made and the information behind that chan ge to all the members. In most cases, alteration to the methodology could be minor changes in accordance with the arrangement. Therefore, at whatever point changes or adjustments are made, it would be the duty of the Assessment Tem to communicate them and the information behind those changes to all the other members (Arruda Taylor, 2016). Conclusion The essay has discussed the key steps involved in undertaking a community assessment. The steps involve setting of the assessment team, putting together resources for the exercise, drawing in partners to the plan, data collection, analyzing and presenting, setting of the community needs, and finally overseeing the health issues identified, this steps are imperative in identifying the community needs and the strategies to be used in addressing the needs. References Arruda, Taylor, S. (2016). The Journal Impact Factor and its discontents: steps toward responsible metrics and better research assessment.Open Scholarship Initiative Proceedings,1. Abernethy Schwarz, A. (2014). Two steps forward, two steps back: The role of innovation in transforming towards community-based marine resource management in Solomon Islands.Global Environmental Change,28, 309-321. Chorpita, B. F., Daleiden, Krull, J. L. (2017). Child STEPs in California: A cluster randomized effectiveness trial comparing modular treatment with community implemented treatment for youth with anxiety, depression, conduct problems, or traumatic stress.Journal of consulting and clinical psychology,85(1), 13. Guttmannova Catalano, R. F. (2017). ASSESSMENT OF RISK AND PROTECTION IN COMMUNITY SETUP: STEPS TOWARD CONDUCTING CULTURALLY RELEVANT, SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT.Journal of Community Psychology,45(3), 346-362. Harris, M. J. (2016).Evaluating public and community health programs. John Wiley Sons. 89(7) 67- 89 Faridi, Z., Franks, A., Simoes, E. (2017). Community-based participatory research: necessary next steps.Preventing chronic disease,4(3). Schwartz, Lamson, E., Johnson, D. (2015). Washington Steps Up: A 10-Step Quality Improvement Initiative to Optimize Breastfeeding Support in Community Health Centers.Journal of Human Lactation,31(4), 651-659. Snyderman, Mills, G., Hersh, L., Parks, S. (2014). Strategies to help reduce hospital readmissions: the risk assessment tools, medication reconciliation steps, and discharge script provided here can help you keep your patients from going back into the hospital.Journal of Family Practice,63(8), 430-438.