Malpractices during Elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Malpractices during Elections - Essay Example Hans Von Spakovsky argues that in order to ensure a democratic election process, the election board and authorities should ensure safety and security just before elections, during the election and after the election. He argues that this encompasses preparations made before voting that include ensuring that there is a credible voters register, ensuring that during voting process all legible people are allowed to vote peacefully and ensuring that the vote counting is conducted with a lot of integrity. Hans acknowledges that the use of IDs by voters can help in curbing election irregularities that may occur as a result election malpractices. He points out that use of IDs can to a certain extent deter people from impersonating other voters, prevent illegible people from voting and prevent people from casting their votes in more than one state or region. Hans argues that unless the use of voters IDs is launched then it will be futile trying to charge those caught in voters’ fraud. This is because of lack of sufficient proof to charge those caught committing election crimes. Hans further argues that fears by a section of the public that use of IDs would result in lower voter turnout are baseless. He justifies his sentiments by arguing that almost all American adults have IDs and those without can easily acquire them with ease. He backs up his sentiments by pointing out that during the 2008 presidential primary elections, Georgia one of the states in the USA with existing strict voter ID laws registered the highest of voters (Louis 407). Therefore Hans concludes by stating that voter identification is one logical way that can be employed in the USA to prevent election irregularities and hence ensuring a democratic election process that most Americans deserve. Contrary to arguments put forward by Hans that voter fraud is real in the USA and voters IDs can be used to curb down on these irregularities, Chandler Davidson argues that identification cards cannot elim inate fraud if at all exists. He instead argues that trying to impose the use of IDs is discriminative and would result in lower voter turnout because minority groups such as the elderly might not take part in the elections. Edward Foley, on the other hand, argues that both arguments presented by conservatives and liberals are logical and therefore should be addressed cautiously. He asserts that identification of voters can be discriminative to a certain degree and therefore may have an influence on the voter turnout and at the same time it can be used to a certain extent to address issues related with voters’ fraud. He instead proposes that a more valid and logical way that can be used to ensure democracy in elections is by employing the use of digital technology. Ha argues that voters should be allowed to present digitized photos of themselves at the voting venue. This he argues can be used to confirm the true identity of the voters. He argues that a digital photo can easil y be obtained therefore fears that use of drivers license, passports or other forms of IDs could be a burden to some people won’t arise. He further proposes that for absentee voters they could email a copy of their digitized photo alongside their ballot to help in confirming identity. This could help in eradicating fraud among the citizens who may not personally go to the polling stations (Louis 413).  

Collection Scandal - Strategy Memo Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Collection Scandal - Strategy Memo - Coursework Example uck & Company to make repayments each month worth $28 for TV, an auto battery, and other merchandise bought using a Sears, Roebuck & Company card before his bankruptcy (ORourke, 2013). On the investigation, it emerged that Sears, Roebuck & Company did not comply with the requirement of filling a reaffirmation in court for the payment. In this regard, legal policy and requirements were ignored. Judge Kenner ordered for further and in mid-March revealed that 2,800 legal violations on reaffirmations had been committed in MA alone. The unlawful business led to the collection of $160 million (ORourke, 2013). The memo aims at stating the critical stakeholders and the concerns that emerge from the case. The meaning of the critical concerns and why the understanding and action being taken matter are the other areas that will be dealt with in the memo. The specific recommendations and the best way to communicate with the different stakeholders affected by the concerns raised in the case are the final areas that the memo will address. The concerns include understanding the legal requirement, determining how the scandal happened, developing mechanisms for evaluating credit provision and approval, retraining of staff tasked with collecting credit and accepting wrongdoing and take full responsibility. The critical concerns mean that the company has a lot of problems with some of its major stakeholders starting with the government, customers, shareholders, and the general public. The critical concerns matter because depending on the outcome and measures undertaken by the company, a lot of revenue, customers, money, and sales will be lost. The concerns matter also because the reputation of the CEO, management of the company, employees, and board of management is on the line. There are a number of ways that Sears, Roebuck & Company can take in solving the scandal that affected the company in the case. Recommendations include: Engaging with law enforcement agencies through

What Is Childhood Onset Schizophrenia Psychology Essay

What Is Childhood Onset Schizophrenia Psychology Essay The number of people with schizophrenia in Canada in 2004 was estimated at 234,305or 1% of the population. The probability of individuals developing schizophrenia is higher for those that have the illness existing in their family history. Men and women are affected equally, but among the individuals who have schizophrenia, the male population is more likely to experience the illness at an earlier age than the female population. On average, males tend to experience symptoms of schizophrenia at the age of 18, compared to females who experience the illness at the average age of 25. Furthermore schizophrenia in Canada in 2006-2007 was one in 100 Canadians suffers from schizophrenia and another one in 100 suffers from bipolar disorder, or manic depression; 8% of adults will experience major depression at some point in their lives, while 12% of the population is affected by anxiety disorders. The onset of most mental illness occurs during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. One out of every five Canadians will have a mental health problem at some point in his or her life. What is Childhood Onset Schizophrenia? Childhood schizophrenia is the onset of triggers before full flange schizophrenia is diagnosed this usually happens between the ages of 17 to 25. Having an initial onset before age 14 or after age 30 is unusual. Childhood schizophrenia is more common in males then females. Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS), particularly when diagnosed prior to the age of 13, is considered to be especially rare and severe (Torrey, 2001). It has been estimated that COS occurs in 1 in 10,000children. Of all schizophrenic disorders, only 0.1 to 1% manifest prior to age 10, increasing to 4% by age 15 (Dulmus Smyth, 2000). As with other schizophrenic spectrum disorders, COS is much more rare and more severe than its adult-onset counterpart. Why the onset of schizophrenia occurs in this specific age group is unknown. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects the brain. It is a psychotic disorder which involves delusions, hallucinations and a loss of contact with reality. This makes it very d ifferent for a person who suffers from schizophrenia to differentiate between what is real and what is not real. However, it is currently believed that most cases of COS are attributable to some form of brain disease with genetic roots. The genetic roots are especially prominent, as nearly 50% of children with COS have at least one first degree relative with schizophrenia or a schizophrenic spectrum disorder (Thaler, 2000). It was initially thought that the age at which psychotic aspects of COS developed was associated with the onset of puberty. In females, the development of secondary sex characteristics has been shown to be associated with the onset of psychosis, but the same is not true for males (Jacobson Rapoport, 1998). Childhood schizophrenia symptoms are different than those associated with adult schizophrenia. Schizophrenia in children doesnt start suddenly, adults schizophrenia happens in episodes and it occurs relatively suddenly. But this almost never happens with a childs case of onset schizophrenia. Likewise in adults when they lose interests in pleasurable things children exhibi t the same symptoms they begin to lose interest in their friends or activities and they may start to display strange behavior like running out of the house in the middle of the night undressed these signs and symptoms have been reported by parents who have children diagnosed with COS. Causes Although it is unclear whether schizophrenia has a single or multiple underlying causes, evidence suggests that it is a neurodevelopmental disease likely involving a genetic predisposition, a prenatal insult to the developing brain, and stressful life events. The role of genetics has long been established; the risk of schizophrenia rises from 1 percent with no family history of the illness, to 10 percent if a first degree relative has it, to 50 percent if an identical twin has it. Prenatal insults may include viral infections, such as maternal influenza in the second trimester, starvation, lack of oxygen at birth, and untreated blood type incompatibility. Studies find that children share with adults many of the same abnormal brain structural, physiological, and neuropsychological features associated with schizophrenia. The children seem to have more severe cases than adults, with more pronounced neurological abnormalities. This makes childhood-onset schizophrenia potentially one of t he clearest windows available for research into a still obscure illness process. How Does It Affect Them? Childhood schizophrenia has a philosophical effect on a childs ability to function effectively in all aspects of life- family relationships, school, social life etc. The onset of schizophrenia in early childhood years usually leads to disruption in a childs education. Child with schizophrenia often experience difficulty maintaining focus in class. Because of their environmental factors, they may feel as if they are being targeted by other students this is a state of delusion as well as figment of the imagination. A child who suffers from the onset of schizophrenia may need to have a teachers assistant who can provide them with the positive support while they are in school in order to function. Genetic predisposition: A genetic predisposition, a prenatal insult to the developing brain, and stressful life events. The role of genetics has long been established; the risk of schizophrenia rises from 1 percent with no family history of the illness, to 10 percent if a first degree relative has it, to 50 percent if an identical twin has it. Prenatal insults may include viral infections, such as maternal influenza in the second trimester, starvation, lack of oxygen at birth, and untreated blood type incompatibility. Studies find that children share with adults many of the same abnormal brain structural, physiological, and neuropsychological features associated with schizophrenia. The children seem to have more severe cases than adults, with more pronounced neurological abnormalities (NIMH, 2009). Experts now agree that schizophrenia develops as a result of interplay between biological predisposition (for example, inheriting certain genes) and the kind of environment a person is exposed to. These lines of research are converging: brain development disruption is now known to be the result of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors early in development (during pregnancy or early childhood), leading to subtle alterations in the brain that make a person susceptible to developing schizophrenia. Environmental factors later in life (during early childhood and adolescence) can either damage the brain further and thereby increase the risk of schizophrenia, or lessen the expression of genetic or neurodevelopmental defects and decrease the risk of schizophrenia. In fact experts now say that schizophrenia (and all other mental illness) is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors, and this understanding of mental illness is called the bio-psycho-so cial model (Chiko, 1995). Children who dont receive medication treatment may not have a positive support system they may possibly have a much greater chance of experiencing hardship throughout life. Because medication would help stabilize a childs triggers from becoming worst as well as strengthen their cognitive functioning for a better outcome in life. The cognitive functioning is related to the types of symptoms experienced. Individuals with higher intelligence experience more positive symptoms, while those with lower intelligence experience more negative symptoms (Gonthier Lyon, 2004). Children who dont take medication for schizophrenia will have a difficult time creating optimistic coping strategies to help them with their adversities they may be encountering. Children who have received early medication interventions have a more likelihood of developing a stronger ability to deal with COS because of the early interventions they have receive (Gonthier Lyon, 2004). Treatment: Treatments that help young patients manage their illness have improved significantly in recent decades. As in adults, antipsychotic medications are especially helpful in reducing hallucinations and delusions. The newer generation atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and clozapine, may also help improve motivation and emotional expressiveness in some patients. They also have a lower likelihood of producing disorders of movement, including tardive dyskinesia, than the other antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol. However, even with these newer medications, there are side effects, including excess weight gain that can increase risk of other health problems. Children with schizophrenia and their families can also benefit from supportive counseling, psychotherapies, and social skills training aimed at helping them cope with the illness. They likely require special education and/or other accommodations to succeed in the classroom. The medication interventions that are available for COS are treatment based. Treatment for schizophrenia through medication is pharmacological therapy. Pharmacological treatment usually takes form of neuroleptic drugs and antipsychotics. Children who are taking this medications need greater care; not only because of the side effects but because there is a negative association between the dose administered and the patients level of social functioning. The most commonly used medications that are prescribed to children are: the antipsychotics risperidone Risperdal and olanzapine (Zyprexa (Nicholson, 2000). Antipsychotic drugs, like virtually all medications, have unwanted side effects along with their beneficial effects. During the early phases of antipsychotic drug treatment, patients may be troubled by side effects such as drowsiness, restlessness, muscle spasms, tremor, dry mouth, or blurring of vision. Most of these can be corrected by lowering the dosage or can be controlled by other medications. Different patients have different treatment responses and side effects to various antipsychotic drugs. A patient may do better with one drug than another (Nimh, 2007). The long-term side effects of antipsychotic drugs may pose a considerably more serious problem. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a disorder characterized by involuntary movements most often affecting the mouth, lips, and tongue, and sometimes the trunk or other parts of the body such as arms and legs. It occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of patients who have been receiving the older, typical antipsychotic drugs for many years, but TD can also develop in patients who have been treated with these drugs for shorter periods of time. In most cases, the symptoms of TD are mild, and the patient may be unaware of the movements (Nimh, 2007). Antipsychotic medications developed in recent years all appear to have a much lower risk of producing TD than the older, traditional antipsychotics. The risk is not zero, however, and they can produce side effects of their own such as weight gain. In addition, if given at too high of a dose, the newer medications may lead to problems such as social withdrawal and symptoms resembling Parkinsons disease, a disorder that affects movement. Nevertheless, the newer antipsychotics are a significant advance in treatment, and their optimal use in people with schizophrenia is a subject of much current research (Nimh, 2007). However an children who has received medication treatment based interventions will have the ability to better cope with tribulations. Counter Argument: There are parents who support COS without the use of medication intervention. These caregivers believe in a more holistic approach to dealing with COS. The holistic approach includes: the childs caregivers, school as well as doctor and community; they can implement strategies to help a childs successes without the use of medications. It takes a village to raise a child this means if the child has a great support system surrounding them it can be possible for them to do well without the use of medication. From an ecological perspective if the risks in a child/youth life overpower the positive factors the child/youth are at a greater destitution of environmental events and transitions over the course of life. Some would agree with this point because a youth can build up a natural resilience to cope with their dilemmas. This in fact can be stronger than youth who have been exposed to early interventions. Because they have learned to either fight or flight when it comes to difficulties they may face. Youth are able to demonstrate the fight or flight theory when it comes to adjusting to their context without any major downfalls, they can better become accustomed when adapting to lives trials and tribulations. Many families choose to support their child who has been diagnosed with COS with cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy with COS patients involves education about schizophrenia, including treatment options, social skills training, relapse prevention, basic life skills training, and problem solving skills and strategies (AACAP, 2001). Social skills and basic life skills training can overlap, as children learn the age-appropriate skills necessary to function in their environment. This often includes communication skills such as eye contact, assertiveness and self-advocacy training, conversation skills, coping strategies, and basic self-care skills, such as grooming and hygiene, cooking, basic money management skills, and vocational training (Dulmus Smyth, 2000). Many of these skills should be taught within an educational setting and worked into a systematic classroom curriculum (Gonthier Lyon, 2004). This continues into early school age, when impairments in attention and behavior begin to manifest, affecting school performance. Because of these impairments, it is often the childs teacher who first notices early problems (Brown, 1999). The real onset of schizophrenia consists of four phases through which children continue to cycle corrosion increases with each cycle. Nevertheless more or less 10 year after initial cycle the acute phases tend to diminish. The first phase of COS is the prodromal phase, which involves some type of functional deterioration prior to the onset of psychotic symptoms. This can include social withdrawal, isolation, bizarre preoccupations, deteriorating self-care skills, and physical complaints, such as changes in sleeping patterns or appetite. These changes can occur swiftly or the childs abilities may steadily decrease over time (DeCesare, Pellegrino, Yuhasz, 2002). Amount of time during a one-month period: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms including flat affect, deficiency of speech, or lack of resolve (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000, p. 312). Duration of these symptoms may be shorter if they respond well to treatment. Only one of the aforementioned symptoms is necessary if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations include a voice keeping up a running commentary on the persons behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other (p. 312). In addition, the person must show a deterioration of social, occupational, and self-care functioning. With children this can include the failure to achieve expected levels of interpersonal, academic, or occupational achievement (p. 321). Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. There is, on average, a 2-year delay between the onset of psychotic symptoms and a diagnosis of COS (DeCesare et al., 20 02). Several studies have been completed examining the suitability of the adult DSM-IV criteria for child and adolescent onset schizophrenia (Hollis, 2000; NIMH, 2001; Schaeffer Ross, 2002). These have found that there is a high degree of consistency between the two disorders in terms of symptoms, anatomical findings, physiological changes, and genetic presentation. One commonly recognized difference between the child- and adult-onset types is that, in children, psychosis develops gradually, without the sudden psychotic break seen in adults (Rapaport, 1997). Also, it should be noted that the poor functioning found in children with COS is more a result of failure to acquire skills rather than deterioration of skills, as is found in adult schizophrenics (Gonthier Lyon, 2004). Late-onset Schizophrenia Just like there is early onset schizophrenia that begins early in childhood, there is also late onset schizophrenia. Late schizophrenia is a range of clear as beginning after the age of 40 or 45. Its accurate occurrence is unclear, but not rare. It seems possible; clinically late-onset schizophrenia is similar to the earlier onset variety except for having a predominance of females affected. Having more schizoid and paranoid delusion and more visual, tactile, and olfactory smell hallucinations, and having fewer negative symptoms or thinking disorders (Torrey, 2001). Symptoms of late schizophrenia are similar to those in early-onset schizophrenia, especially paranoid type. To diagnose LOS, the patient should meet the DSM-III-R (2) criteria for schizophrenia (including duration of at least 6 months), with the additional requirement that the onset of symptoms (including the prodrome) be at or after age 45. The prototypical patient is a middle-aged or elderly person who functioned moderately well through early adulthood (despite some premorbid schizoid or paranoid personality traits) and who exhibits persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations and shows some improvement in positive symptoms with low-dose neuroleptic therapy, yet has a chronic course (Harris, 2000). Effects of Medication on Cognition in Late-Onset Schizophrenia It can be argued that some of the neuropsychological deficits in schizophrenic patients may be due to the effects of medication. There is evidence that anticholinergic drugs can interfere with cognitive functioning, especially learning and attention (21, 62). Typically, learning impairment is associated with higher anticholinergic dosage or acute change in anticholinergic medication regimen. In terms of the reported effects of neuroleptic drugs on cognitive and psychomotor functions in patients and normal controls, there has been some variability and inconsistency in the literature (34). In general, sedative phenothiazines have been found to depress psychomotor function and sustained attention, but higher cognitive functions are relatively unaffected. In the majority of studies of schizophrenic patients, both cognitive function and attention improved with neuroleptic treatment, in parallel with clinical recovery. In general, the studies of neuropsychological effects of neuroleptic th erapy have not been addressed specifically in older schizophrenic patients. Childhood onset schizophrenia is persistent; it affects all areas of development and functioning. The symptoms vary significantly from one person to another making it difficult to determine what symptoms are core or identifying features. Childhood psychoses such as pervasive developmental disorder is very similar to childhood onset schizophrenia it is difficult to identify the difference between the two disorders because the characteristic overlap this makes it difficult when it comes to diagnosing a child who can be potentially be suffering from one of the two disorders. Conclusion Such a disease, which disorders the senses, perverts the reason and breaks up the passions in wild confusion-which assails man in his essential nature-bring down so much misery on the head of its victims, and is productive of so much social evil-deserves investigation on its own merits, by statistical as well as other methodsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. We may discover the causes if insanity, the laws which regulate its course, the circumstances by which it is influenced, and either avert its visitations, or mitigate their severity; perhaps in a later age, save mankind from its inflictions, or if this cannot be, at any rate ensure the sufferers early treatment.

Software Piracy and Copyright Laws: United States vs Vietnam Essay

Software Piracy and Copyright Laws: United States versus Vietnam I. Introduction "Software piracy is the unauthorized duplication, distribution or use of computer software". Five main types of software piracy exist: publisher patent and copyright infringement, industrial piracy, corporate piracy, reseller piracy, and home piracy. Software piracy is a large global issue, which has become a more pressing issue due to a number of reasons: software is now easier to distribute on a global scale due to global access to the internet; culturally, people have not been taught that copying software is like stealing; a physical component does not need to be manufactured; and finally individuals state that they cannot afford the high cost of software and state that they would not use the pirated software if they had to pay for it.1 Software piracy is being dealt with on a global level by implementing global copyright laws. However, to date, no completely successful way has been implemented to deal with copyright issues. I believe that software piracy is unethical, but copyright laws need a fine balance between the rights of the copyright holders and the fair use rights of the individual. The Berne convention implements copyright laws that many nations of the world have signed. The US has taken extreme measures to protect copyright with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The DMCA not only protects copyright owners, but it has been used to infringe on fair use and has promoted anti-competitive actions. Vietnam is on the other extreme. It has finally started to implement and enforce copyright laws, but due to cultural, economic, and legal views, it still has one of the highest software piracy rates in the world... ...ikipedia.org/wiki/Berne_Convention_for_the_Protection_of_Literary_and_Artistic_Works>. Coping With the Berne Convention, 1989, Sheldon & Mak, May 27 2004, <http://www.usip.com/articles/bernec.htm>. Shelley Warwick, Is Copyright Ethical? An Examination of the Theories, Laws and Practices Regarding the Private Ownership of Intellectual Work in the United States, June 4-5 1999, Intellectual Property and Technology Forum, May 27 2004, <http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org/iptf/commentary/content/1999060505.html>. Moral Rights, March 22 2004, Wikipedia, May 27 2004, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_rights>. Michael C. McFarland, Intellectual Property, Information, and the Common Good, June 4-5 1999, Intellectual Property and Technology Forum, May 27 2004, <http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/law/st_org/iptf/commentary/content/1999060503.html>.

P&G Gillette Merger

P&G-Gillette Introduction On January 28th 2005 P&G agreed to buy Gillette for $57bn (? 30). Gillette was the number 1 in razor accessories and proctor gamble was number 1 in consumer products, a marriage of the best in their respective industries. The merger of the two companies created â€Å"the world’s largest consumer products conglomerate. † Gillette was a leader in its category of razors and batteries, merging with P&G provided it access to P&G’s technology and marketing skills. P&G added Gillette razors , Right Guard deodorant and Duracell batteries to its more than 300 consumer brands, including Ivory Soap, Head and Shoulders shampoo, Pringles, Crest toothpaste and Bounty paper towels. Company Background P&G P&G a fortune 500 company headquartered at down Cincinnati, Ohio. P&G is manufacturer of wide range of consumer products ranging from Ivory Soap, Head and Shoulders shampoo, Pringles, Crest toothpaste and Bounty paper towels. P&G reported revenue of $82. 6 billion in 201. P&G was started in 1837 when William Proctor, a candlemaker, and James Gamble, a soapmaker, met in Cincinnati to become business partners and Proctor and Gamble was born. In 1858–1859, sales reached $1  million. By this point, approximately 80 employees worked for Procter & Gamble. In 1880, P&G discovered and marketed an inexpensive soap that floats on water called Ivory soap. William Arnett Procter, William Procter's grandson, started a profit sharing program with the company’s workforce in 1887. This program eliminated the chances of workers going to strike. Company opened many facilities to cover up the exponentially increasing demand. In 1920’s and 1930’s when radio because popular, P;G sponsored a number of shows and soon the radio shows were known as ‘soap operas’. P;G expanded into new countries in both areas: manufacturing and product sales and with the acquisition of Thomas Hedley co. in 1930, P;G became an international corporation. Large number of products and brand names were introduced over time, and P;G branched out into new areas. â€Å"Tide†, laundry detergent, and â€Å"Prell† shampoo was introduced by the company in 1946 and 1947 respectively. First toothpaste â€Å"Crest† containing fluoride was sold by P;G in 1955. In 1957 company branched out again with the purchase of Charmin Paper Mills and began manufacturing toilet paper and other paper products. Once again focusing on laundry, Procter ; Gamble began making â€Å"Downy† fabric softener in 1960 and â€Å"Bounce† fabric softener sheets in 1972. Prior to 1960 Johnson and Johnson were manufacturing disposable diaper called â€Å"Chrux† but P;G came out with one of the most revolutionary products on the market called â€Å"Pampers†, first test-marketed in 1961. Babies always wore cloth diapers, which were leaky and labour intensive to wash. Pampers provided a convenient alternative, albeit at the environmental cost of more waste requiring landfilling. To diversify its product line and to increase profits P;G acquired a number of companies. Some of the acquisitions included Folgers Coffee, Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals (the makers of Pepto-Bismol), Richardson-Vicks, Noxell (Noxzema), Shulton's Old Spice, Max Factor, and the Iams Company. In 1994, P&G was in top headlines, the management was placed in an unusual position of testifying in front of court in engaging with interest rate derivatives which they were not much capable to understand and incurred huge losses from that leveraged position and later on they sued the Bankers trust for the fraud. In 1996, P&G was again in headlines as Food and Drug Administration approved a new Product developed by company called Olestra. As the brand was called Olean, it was a lower-calorie substitute for fat used in cooking potato chips and other snacks but during its development stage it was associated with anal leakage and gastrointestinal difficulties in humans. On 28th January 2005 Gillette was acquired by P&G, forming the largest consumer goods company and placing Unilever into second place. This acquisition helped P&G to add new products into its product line that included brands such as Gillette razors, Duracell, Braun, and Oral-B. The European Union and the Federal Trade Commission approved the acquisition, with conditions to a spinoff of certain overlapping brands. P&G agreed to sell its Spin Brush battery-operated electric toothbrush business to Church & Dwight. P&G also divested Rembrandt a Gillette's oral-care toothpaste line. Official merger took place on October 1, 2005. The deodorant brands Right Guard, Soft ; Dri, and Dry Idea and Liquid Paper, and Gillette's stationery division, Paper Mate was sold to Dial Corporation and Newell Rubbermaid respectively. In 2008, P&G branched into the record business with its sponsorship of Tag Records, as an endorsement for TAG Body Spray. Gillette Gillette, originally founded as American Safety Razor Company, is a world leader in men grooming products as well as of women. It was founded by King Gillette who in 1895 came up with the idea of disposable razor after being frustrated by dulled old razors that required professional honing. He envisioned an inexpensive razor blade combination where blade can be clamped on the razor and once getting dulled can be replaced. After six years of innovation and engineering finally in 1901 after joining hands with a MIT machinist, William Nickerson, American Safety Razor Corp was born. In 1903 company was renamed as Gillette. Company paid the first cash dividend in 1906. Before First World War Gillette expanded abroad opening in London, first sales office was opened, manufacturing plants in Paris, Montreal, Berlin, and Leicester, England, and offices in France and Hamburg, Germany. By 1923, Income from foreign operation accounted for 30% of the total income. In 1910, Owner and President King Gillette decide to sell a major portion of his stake to investor John Joyce. Joyce was made the vice-president of the company. After his death in 1916 his friend, Edward Aldred, bought out the shares left to Joyce and took charge of the company. Gillett’s patent on safety razor expired in 1921 and company was ready for new change. Gillette introduced the â€Å"new improved† razor at the old price, and used the old style razor, renamed the Silver Brownie razor at $1, to enter the low-priced end of the market. Gillette transformed into the razor blade model by giving away razor handles as premiums with other products, developing customers for the more profitable blades. Abroad expansion also continued. In 1922 Gillette became royal purveyor to the prince of Wales and in 1924 to King Gustav V of Sweden. Gillette came into top headlines when its Paris office gave Charles Lindbergh a Gillette Gold Traveler after he completed the first transatlantic flight. Company named Auto Strop Safety Razor, owned by Henry J. Gaisman, filed suit against Gillette for patent infringement after Gillette produced a new blade using a continuous-strip process similar to one originally demonstrated to Gillette by Gaisman. Merging with Auto Strop solved the problem for Gillette but it gave birth to another problem. Gaisman checked the company's financial records and found out that Gillette had over-reported its earnings by $3 million for the past five. Stock price of Gillette fell from a high of $125 early in 1929 to $18 by end of decade. This led to the reorganization of Gillette. King Gillette resigned as nominal president and Gaisman became the new chairman of Gillette and Gerard B. Lambert, son of the founder of the Lambert Pharmacal Company and a former manager there, came out of retirement to become president of Gillette. Gillette blatantly went to market and admitted the poor quality of its old blade and came up with a blade called blue blade made by continuous-strip process. Gillette entered into sports advertising and this lead to sharp increase in the sales. In 1942 sports events held by Gillette were called ‘Gillette Cavalcade of Sports’. In 1962 Gillette faced tuff competition from the English Wilkinson Sword Company as it started exporting the stainless steel blades to United States. Gillette also faced challenges from local player in stainless steel category and was left behind in the race. Gillette was left behind and latter it jumped into and developed a new blade but at that time it had lost its market share by 10%. By 1971 Gillette had four domestic divisions: the Safety Razor Division; the Toiletries Division, which featured Right Guard deodorant and antiperspirant; the Personal Care Division; and the Paper Mate division. In mid 1970’s Gillette divested its business by selling off unprofitable business such as Buxton in 1977, Welcome Wagon in 1978, and Hyponex and the Autopoint mechanical pencil business in 1979 and pumping money into the core business. In 1986, Gillette was being pursued by Ronald Perelman, who had previously taken over Revlon. He was about to make a tender offer for Gillette, Gillette responded by paying Revlon $558million in return for Revlon not making a tender offer. This exposed the Gillette vulnerability and it resulted in Gillette going with standstill agreement with 10 different companies. Gillette had responded to various takeover threats by cutting cost and thinning the workforce. Gillette also divested its weak operations and because of it stock showed a jump by 24%. By 2004 Gillette had annual sales of $10. 5 billion and net income of $1. 7 billion. The Acquisition On January 28th 2005 P;G announced the acquisition of Gillette. As per the deal, 0. 975 shares of P;G common stock were exchanged for each share of Gillette. It accounted for 18% premium to Gillette shareholders based on the closing share prices on January 27, 2005. However, the approval by the shareholders of both Gillette and P;G was required. The merger was expected to get regulatory clearance by 2005. P;G planned to buy back $18-22 billion of its common stock in around 18 months immediately after the merger. The structure of deal came out to be 60% stock and 40% cash, although on paper it was a pure stock-swap. | The extra 18% premium paid by P;G for Gillette's stock looked like that it made 18% more difficult for the deal to pay dividends to stock holders. The problem was in buying back shares as P&G would have to borrow funds to finance this transaction. In light of this move, both the companies came under the scanner of credit agency for a possible downgrade. S&P considered all the rating for P&G under negative umbrella watch based on the likelihood that the deal would cause P&G to increase its leverage. As of September 30, 2004, P&G had debts of $21. 4 billion and Gillette of $3. 1 billion. Synergies Gillette maintains 64 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, and its products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 60 percent of sales occurring outside the United States. For P&G the acquisition of Gillette was an opportunity for P&G to add a masculine dimension to overwhelmingly female-biased portfolio. This seems to be a merger of exactly strategically fit companies who complement each other. It was combination of two best-in-class companies creating a stronger brand portfolio, opportunities for even more innovation, faster sales growth, and cost savings. The importance of economies of scale and focus as described by analyst, P&G had attempted to gain both with this acquisition. There was change in marketing sense as Gillette market was mostly towards men so P&G women dominated product category have showed steep learning curve in understanding the men marketing. It was boost to its product category and therefore enhancing the top line. Both the companies have presence in different part of globe made the deal a geographical fit. Gillette has strong presence in countries such as Brazil and in India, where P&G has been lagging behind Unilever. P&G has excellent penetration and distribution in China, the Philippines and fast-growing Eastern European markets such as Russia and Poland. Diversification of Product Portfolio As there was little overlapping in Gillette and P&G business this helped P&G to broaden its product base and offer more products to men in its women dominated product category. Story Now After five years of the deal, things haven’t gone the way as expected. The boost to the top line that was expected by P&G with acquisition of Gillette has been in doldrums. P&G has lost the Gillette top management talent as most of senior managers (with the notable exception of current P&G Vice Chairman Ed Shirley) have left. P&G's stock has lagged behind key competitors', including Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Unilever, beaten P&G 4 to 1 and 3 to 1, respectively, in the stock market. The recession has played against P&G decline in sales in Gillette products have become a reason of worry for P&G. P&G executives and Gillette officials show an optimistic view on the deal they feel still a lot more is still to come. Gillette has helped P&G to transform in different ways that aren't always obvious. P;G has made aggressive moves in key markets such as Brazil and India; a much stronger operation throughout Europe and an even stronger showing on U. S. retail shelves; a ever growing investment which will increase the companies efficiency and help it to deliver the best with innovated products. The deal has indeed given both the companies significant advantages. Economies of scale have been brought in along with some cost cutting giving P;G increase in revenue and income. But only time will tell if this union of seemingly very compatible partners is truly a match made in heaven. Exhibits P;G balance sheet Balance Sheet| | | 29-Jun-11| 29-Jun-10| 29-Jun-09| 29-Jun-06| Assets| | Current Assets| | | Cash And Cash Equivalents| 2,768,000  Ã‚  | 2,879,000  Ã‚  | 4,781,000  Ã‚  | 6,693,000| | Short Term Investments| –   | –   | –   | | | Net Receivables| 7,415,000  Ã‚  | 6,325,000  Ã‚  | 7,045,000  Ã‚  | | | Inventory| 7,379,000  Ã‚  | 6,384,000  Ã‚  | 6,880,000  Ã‚  | | | Other Current Assets| 4,408,000  Ã‚  | 3,194,000  Ã‚  | 3,199,000  Ã‚  | | Total Current Assets | 21,970,000  Ã‚   | 18,782,000  Ã‚   | 21,905,000  Ã‚   | | Long Term Investments| –   | –   | –   | | Property Plant and Equipment| 21,293,000  Ã‚  | 19,244,000  Ã‚  | 19,462,000  Ã‚  | | Goodwill| | 57,562,000  Ã‚  | 54,012,000  Ã‚  | 56,512,000  Ã‚  | | Intangible Assets| | 32,620,000  Ã‚  | 31,636,000  Ã‚  | 32,606,000  Ã‚  | | Accumulated Amortization| –   | –   | –   | | Other Assets| | 4,909,000  Ã‚  | 4,498,000  Ã‚  | 4,348,000  Ã‚  | | Deferred Long Term Asset Charges| –   | –   | –   | | Total Assets | | 138,354,000  Ã‚   | 128,172,000  Ã‚   | 134,833,000  Ã‚   | | Liabilities| | | | | | Current Liabilities| | | | | Accounts Payable| 17,312,000  Ã‚  | 15,810,000  Ã‚  | 14,581,000  Ã‚  | | | Short/Current Long Term Debt| 9,981,000  Ã‚  | 8,472,000  Ã‚  | 16,320,000  Ã‚  | | | Other Current Liabilities| –   | –   | 7,768,000  Ã‚  | | Total Current Liabilities | 27,293,000  Ã‚   | 24,282,000  Ã‚   | 30,901,000  Ã‚   | | Long Term Debt| | 22,033,000  Ã‚  | 21,360,000  Ã‚  | 20,652,000  Ã‚  | | Other Liabilities| | 9,957,000  Ã‚  | 10,189,000  Ã‚  | 9,146,000  Ã‚  | | Deferred Long Term Liability Charges| 11,070,000  Ã‚  | 10,902,000  Ã‚  | 10,752,000  Ã‚  | | Minority Interest| | 361,000  Ã‚  | 324,000  Ã‚  | 283,000  Ã‚  | | Negative Goodwill| –   | –   | –   | | Total Liabilities | | 70,714,000  Ã‚   | 67,057,000  Ã‚   | 71,734,000  Ã‚   | | Stockholders' Equity| | | | | Misc Stocks Options Warrants| –   | –   | –   | | Redeemable Preferred Stock| –   | –   | –   | | Preferred Stock| | 1,234,000  Ã‚  | 1,277,000  Ã‚  | 1,324,000  Ã‚  | | Common Stock| | 4,008,000  Ã‚  | 4,008,000  Ã‚  | 4,007,000  Ã‚  | | Retained Earnings| 70,682,000  Ã‚  | 64,614,000  Ã‚  | 57,309,000  Ã‚  | | Treasury Stock| | -6. E+07| -6. 1E+07| -5. 6E+07| | Capital Surplus| | 62,405,000  Ã‚  | 61,697,000  Ã‚  | 61,118,000  Ã‚  | | Other Stockholder Equity| -3411000| -9172000| -4698000| | Total Stockholder Equity | 68,001,000  Ã‚   | 61,439,000  Ã‚   | 63,382,000  Ã‚   | | Net Tangible Assets | -2. 2E+07| -2. 4E+07| -2. 6E+07| | P&G Income statement FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED) Amounts| 2006| 2005| 2004| 2003| 2002| Net Sales| $68,222| $56,741| $51,407| $43,377| $40,238| Operating Income| 13,249| 10,469| 9,382| 7,312| 6,073| Net Earnings| 8,684| 6,923| 6,156| 4,788| 3,910| Net Earnings Margin| 12. 70%| 12. 20%| 12. 00%| 11. 00%| 9. 70%| Basic Net Earnings Per Share Common Share $| 2. 79| 2. 7| 2. 34| 1. 8| 1. 46| Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share| 2. 64| 2. 53| 2. 2| 1. 7| 1. 39| Dividends Per Common Share| 1. 15| 1. 03| 0. 93| 0. 82| 0. 76|

Internet Marketing Essay

For my assignment I work for an internet consumer magazine, I have been asked to produce an article and will then analysis the benefits of internet marketing to customers. Customers have gained massively from the use of the internet. As the number of users of the internet increases more and more customers will shop online. Listed below are some of the benefits of the internet for the customer. Customers stay updated Customers are kept updated with product information either via the website or emails. With the internet now becoming mobile, through 3G technology and Wi-Fi, customers can be kept updated almost in real time. Customers can compare online One of the greatest advantages for the customer is that they can compare products or services they wish to purchase from the comfort of their own homes. Instead of visiting a number of different retail outlets, the user simply has to open different window tabs to compare prices or features of the product/service they wish to purchase. Many retailing websites offer the facility where different products they sell can now be easily compared. There is also price comparison websites that customers can use to get the best possible price for their products. Clear product information for the customer Websites offer clear product information on the product or service. There is little chance of misinterpretation or mishearing what the sales person said. Transparent pricing Pricing online is very clear and transparent for the customer. Customers can take advantages of pricing that may change regularly or take advantages of special offers that last for a limited period. Track your purchase Consumers have to pay for their product /service before they receive it. It is important that consumers feel reassured when this happens. Many websites allow consumers to track their purchase from order, dispatch to transportation before delivery to their home address. Again this reassures the consumer and makes them feel that they are obtaining a good service online. Reduction in personal carbon footprint. As consumer spend more time shopping online and use their cars less. Their personal carbon footprint is reduced. 24/7 Shopping There is no time restriction on when a consumer can shop online. Many online sales now start at midnight on a particular day encouraging customers to shop all hours of the day.