Is Patriarchy the Main Cause of Gender Inequality?

This view is held by Radical feminists, they believe that patriarchy is society is the reason that women are oppressed and exploited by men, and Marxists for example hold the view that the capitalist system is the reason for the gender inequality. Feminists believe that women are unequal to men, and as a result society benefits men whilst exploiting men. Feminist investigate the effects that this inequality has on women’s power, status, roles and life chances.They believe that gender inequality is socially constructed an example is gender roles; these are taught to children at very young ages and encourage these gender inequalities to become part of society’s norms. The different type of feminists believe different reasons for gender inequality, there are liberal, radical Marxist and postmodern feminists, radical are arguably the most extreme and controversial feminist group. Radical feminist believe patriarchy has been socialised into society making it accepted, this r esults in the unequal gender inequality for women.People in society are taught male patriarchy through education, male dominance is enforced and a masculine view of the world is presented to children, this is shown through the gendered subjects and the teacher treatment of male and female students. They argue that male dominance has become accepted in society so much so that this leads to violence towards women being accepted in the home and on the streets. Radical feminists believe that men exploit and oppress women. They believe that the family plays a significant role in aiding this oppression, as women can be exploited by their male partners through abuse and the additional work they do.However, Marxist criticise radicals for generalising women’s experiences, women’s experiences vary greatly depending on their class, ethnicity and household type. If a women was from a middle class background she is more likely to suffer in the family, as it’s accepted that o nly the man works, bringing greater equality than if they both worked. Radical feminist are critics by liberals for failing to acknowledge any change to gender becoming more equal, for example car insurance since 2012 is now the same amount for both men and women, Radicals are often critiqued for having an ‘outdated’ look on gender inequality.Marxist feminists fundamentally believe unlike Radicals that women’s oppression is strongly linked to the capitalist system. They believe that women are exploited mainly at home and in the workforce, in the home they reproduce the next generation of workers whilst ensuring the stability of the current generation. This is illustrated through Ansleys study, which concluded that women are disadvantaged as they absorb the frustration and anger from husbands who are in turn exploited at work. The Patriarchy ideology present in society enables women to accept the inequality that’s present.Marxist acknowledge that there has been a shift in the male aspect of domestic and child care, however its women who still have to do the majority and are therefore the most disadvantaged. Women are more disadvantaged than men as they form the ‘ reserve labour army’ this means they work at cheaper rates and can be hired and fired much more freely than men, this also leads to women being more likely to partake in part time and shorter hour jobs, this encourages the dependency that women have upon men.However the reserve army of labour fails to acknowledge the gendered nature of jobs, it doesn’t explain why women are the reserve army. Radical feminist argue that Marxist feminists pay too little attention to patriarchy, the main cause of women’s oppression instead focus greatly on the capitalist system which could be seen as completely irrelevant ion terms of women’s inequality. Black feminists highlight that they ignore ethnic minority groups, and like Radicals categorise women’ s experiences into a common group.Postmodern feminists hold the view that there are a wide range of masculinities and felinities to pick and choose from in today’s society, therefore allowing women to choose the lifestyle they lead, this suggest that women don’t suffer they only chose to be unequal if they desire. This also suggests that patriarchal views aren’t necessarily held anymore, and if they are they have subsequently less impact as people can have more choice in society. They also believe that women’s oppression can’t be summed up into one common ground, every circumstance is greatly different.And they acknowledge that there are fundamental differences between women which will inevitably affect the choices they make. They believe that other forms of feminism are outdated and in some cases have a negative effect as they are making women unhappy with their lifestyles, instead of correcting the problems present in society they feel that femin ists particularly Radicals just highlight the problems. They hold the same opinions as Hakim in regards to feminism having a negative rather than positive effect on women.Hakim however believes that feminism has created myths about womens life, and argues like Postmodern feminism that feminism its having a negative effect on women, she believes that patriarchy isn’t the reason for gender inequality and in actual fact gender inequality is less prominent than feminist make it out to be. Hakim accuses feminist of inventing their own myths about women’s work attitudes and behaviour. She found there were five main myths about feminism. Some examples are women employment has been rising, and childcare is the main barrier preventing women competing fully with men, these myths clearly contradict feminist views.She also found that men and women do have different work orientation, and that it shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a negative thing, they just happen to be differ ent. She also believed another myth was that the gender turnover was different, she believes that men and women get paid the same regardless of sex, Marxist would strongly disagree as the women are only the reserve army of labour so therefore don’t earn as much as the breadwinning males. Half of two thirds of women hold traditional gender views, suggesting that overall women’s attitudes to work are weaker than men’s.However Ginn argues Hakims claims are oversimplified, and there are considerable gaps between groups. Women’s attitudes fluctuate and change over time and so the divisions can’t be fixed. Ginn also argues that Hakim also has no convincing explanation, she has just stated the problems not why they occur. Other reasons for women’s attitudes could be shaped by the wider social context; this could be influenced by the patriarchal system. Hakim suggests that women’s attitudes are changing but much slower than feminists think. D elamount also found weakness in Hakims argument, as she based her evidence on only one large scale survey.This presents numerous flaws as it wasn’t over a long period time span and the methods themselves could be incorrect, so the findings were very unlikely to represent the population as a whole. In conclusion, radical feminist believe patriarchy is the main reason for gender inequality. Marxist feminist however see the capitalist system as the reason for gender inequality. Hakim strongly disagrees that patriarchy is the reason for gender inequality and instead argues that childcare prevents women competing with men, particularly in the workplace.

Business models: a strategic management approach Essay

The 21st century presents new and exciting opportunities for doing business; the entrepreneurial realm is greatly expanding and becoming an excellent platform for personal and societal growth. Individuals and institutions are realizing the significance embedded in the development of vibrant business ideas. Doing business has become a lucrative venture in the world of today with the emergence of budding entrepreneurs in a quest to yield huge benefits in the corporate world. Indeed, the sale of goods and services to make profits is not a reserve of a chosen few as it was conventionally perceived, but it is a dynamic venture for virtually any innovative and growth-centered entrepreneur. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of doing business have not changed; success in business requires immense input and dedication. What is it that makes businesses grow exponentially? With the advent of technology, continuous globalization influence and the ever-increasing rate of competitors in the market, what are the appraisal factors for business expansion and development? These imperative questions should continually linger in the mind of an entrepreneur. Developing a feasible business concept is the most elemental factor for one to consider while venturing into the entrepreneurial real (Nagendra, 2010, p 146). The business concept, based on an entrepreneurial idea, should be in a position to integrate well into the market place. Of course, the integration process requires a substantial analysis of the pivotal factors influencing the growth of the business. This necessitates a deliberate evaluation of the internal and external environments of the business. Comprehending the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the business concept is extremely important (Hannagan & Bennett, 2000 p 46).Outlining and executing the strategies for growth and development is equally vital in the process. Thus, this paper seeks to bring out the fundamentals of developing a business and ensuring its success. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the concepts involved will definitely unearth the drivers and constraints of business development. Business Concept             In the corporate world today, it has become increasingly important to develop strong corporate leadership capacity to drive the dynamic instruments in the business. The corporate leadership concept is significant in various fronts. It provides management solutions by streamlining the internal and external environments of a business enterprise (Davis, 2003, p 16). Of importance still, corporate leadership is the platform in which dynamism and innovation is accrued in a business through investing in the relevant resources. Accomplishing this calls for the management to put in best practices in accordance with a business’ goals and objectives. Human resource management is another imperative aspect in the business world. As the driving force in respect to capacity development, it is vital for businesses and corporate bodies to invest expansively in human resource development (Sims, 2007, p 361). Companies are realizing the need to enhance corporate leadership a nd develop vibrant human resource frameworks. In reference to the statements above, I believe that there is a gap in the corporate world that needs to be filled; an opportunity to provide solutions to the prevailing trends in many businesses today. In order to bridge this gap, I strongly believe that offering consultation services to corporate bodies in the areas of corporate leadership and human resource management will go a long way in addressing the inadequacies of the two elements in many businesses today. In other words, the need for strong corporate leadership structures and vibrant human resource management frameworks in corporate institutions offers me an entrepreneurial idea to develop a consultation firm in the significant areas. The business concept involves providing consultation services to companies in the realms of corporate leadership and human resource development. Given the need for corporate institutions to find lasting solutions in feasible management practices and investing in their employees, and the experi ence as well as the passion I have for consultancy in the areas, the business concept is certainly a viable entrepreneurial idea. Developing the Strategies for the Business Concept             Developing strategies for a business concept aims at improving its value in the market place. It is a process of ensuring that the structures of a business have a means of transition from one point to another. Successful strategies for growth are flexible and have the ability to foster growth; they encompass the instrumental elements of running a business (Nilsson & Rapp, 2005, p 361). Therefore, developing the most feasible business strategies for operating the corporate leadership and human resource development, consultancy firm will be an important starting point.Developing a business strategy with utmost proficiency will encompass the following areas: The purpose or aspirations for the business-This will simply portray the position of the business and what it aspires to achieve in respect to its aims and objectives. Clear goals and objectives will empower the employees of the firm as well as giving a clear-cut picture to its potential clients. A feasible purpose will also connect the business well with its expansive stakeholders. Instilling competitive advantage and creating a market niche. Ideally, this is coming up with excellent ways of convincing clients about the adeptness and quality of services in the firm (Effron, Gandossy & Goldsmith, 2003, p 61). Setting the boundaries for the strategy- This refers to the jurisdictions of the business; the products, services and markets that the firm will deal with. According to Kozami (2005), setting strategic boundaries will enhance its effectiveness and flexibility; hence, leading to growth. In this reference, too many boundaries create inflexible business patterns, while too few boundaries diminish the focus required by a company. Prioritizing- This involves emphasizing on the most significant goods and services in the market. In addition, it is important to identify the most significant clients and markets. This is a strategic move in fostering the much-needed growth and development in the business. This will also require the employees of the firm to have strategic responsibilities of unearthing the potential in the priorities. Management practices- Developing viable internal management practices are critical in integrating the functioning of the firm’s diverse structures. a) Purpose of the business             The consultancy firm is based on an entrepreneurial idea whereby it will offer consultation services and products to corporate bodies for a fee. The firm aims at providing consultation services in corporate leadership and human resource development to other companies. The firm’s objectives are: Providing in-depth training to managers on efficient management practices to foster growth in their companies Training employers on capacity building and how to empowering their employees for sustained growth Providing corporate leadership and human resource development services to companies Raising professional corporate leaders through mentorship programs Enhancing entrepreneurial skills to emerging entrepreneurs Creating effective manuals as viable products for reference to managers in corporate leadership and human resource development Goals of the firm include: To be the best consultancy firm in corporate leadership and human resource development To serve a wide clientele ranging from companies and businesses To offer dynamic and up to date services and products in the area of corporate leadership and human resource b) Creating a market niche             Creating a competitive advantage for a business in the market is a significant tool in advancing the purposes of the company (Barney & Hesterly, 2006, p 122). Competitive advantage improves the performance of a business enterprise in respect to other businesses. Ideally, creating a niche involves capitalizing on practices that attract customers more. In order to have a competitive advantage over other businesses in the industry, the consultancy firm will offer quality services to its clients. Offering quality services will certainly put the firm in a strategic position and attract more clients. Clients find it more satisfying to work with quality service providers (Rao, 2011, p 374). Moreover, offering quality consultation services to clients will undoubtedly enhance the firm’s corporate reputation. Corporate leadership and human resource development are extremely instrumental concepts that require services of utmost proficiency. Of significance still, is t he firm’s pricing index. Depending on the market trends in the industry, the firm’s products and services pricing policy seeks to accommodate all clients across the board. This is a competitive advantage platform of winning out the ever-increasing competition. c) The company’s boundaries             This refers to the strategic placements of the company in respect to its services provision. The firm will concentrate on offering consultation services to companies that wish to enhance their corporate leadership and human resource development functions. The company will work closely with companies that wish to outsource the above functions. Moreover, the firm’s jurisdiction also covers individuals who desire to grow their corporate leadership and human resource management portfolios. Apart from the consultancy market, the firm’s boundary accommodates training at part of its corporate jurisdiction. The training structures of the firm in corporate leadership encompass the mentoring of corporate leaders. In addition, offering manuals on effective human resource practices to companies is a significant product offering. The firm’s jurisdiction is also in the e-commerce realm where it offers its services and products through the internet. The abil ity of the company to stick to its corporate jurisdiction is an imperative growth impetus. Furthermore, the capacity of the consultancy firm to communicate clearly to its clients about the services offered is significantly vital in growing the client base. The business will foster a viable communication platform to allow clients to understand clearly its portfolio in the market. Setting and maintaining feasible boundaries in respect to the firm’s service and product offering is a pertinent aspect in the growth and development of the firm’s corporate identity and image. d) Areas of priority             In order for the business to grow, there is need for its structures to identify the areas of urgency and works towards improving them. Among the firm’s target market, there is more emphasis in the private sector. The firm sees more business prospects in the private sector, where by it reaches out to the management teams of private institutions for business propositions. Additionally, the firm’s target market is young entrepreneurs who do not have sufficient expertise in corporate leadership and the management of human resource. Through adequate market research, it is possible for the company to identify the areas of priority in the target market, and work towards its growth and development. Putting emphasis on the most significant clients is a viable way of enlarging the firm’s profit margins. In addition, the employees of the firm are an important resource in ensuring the realization of its priorities. Thus, strategies of empowering them go a long way in ensuring success both in the short-term and long-term. In reference to this, the employees have duties and responsibilities that seek to foster growth and development. Mathis & Jackson (2003) assert that an empowered human resource and a culture of high-involvement in any institution are strategic features in enhancing its chances of success. e) Management practices             The company’s initiative in creating a coherent working environment within its organs is an efficient way of realizing its objectives. The management’s commitment in streamlining the functions of each employee and fostering high-involvement in the internal structures of the firm is instrumental in the development of the best corporate practices. SWOT Analysis             Evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company will be extremely significant in understanding its objectives as well as the factors that influence them. This is a vital tool in unearthing the positive and negative factors, which affect the functioning processes of the consultancy firm. Given that the company is new in a highly competitive market, it is evident that a SWOT analysis will be beneficial in providing a realistic framework for growth. The analysis is indeed significant for growth as it provides a framework for development. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats I. Great expertise in corporate leadership and HRM consultancy II. Adequate and sufficient number of consultants III. Vibrant employees IV. Quality services Financial constraints Limited infrastructure The company is relatively new in the market Increase of emerging companies Expanding its target market portfolio An established market niche Competition from other consultancy firms Dominance by large companies Loss of employees to other companies Strengths             The company’s strengths place it at a favorable position of enhancing its growth index. Mainly, the strengths are attributed to the internal credentials that consequently contribute to a viable output. Expertise in corporate leadership and HRM concepts is an imperative platform of winning out competition. The availability of qualified consultants plays a pivotal role in creating a market niche and reaching out to clients effectively. Additionally, vibrant employees make it possible for the company to strengthen the internal structures of the company that complement the external success. Provision of quality services is an imperative impetus that attracts customers and enhances the much-needed growth. Building on the strengths calls on the concerted efforts from the internal organization of the firm Weaknesses             Given that the company in new in the market, chances of it taking relatively slow to catch up in the market are high. It places the company at a disadvantage in respect to other companies. Limited infrastructure limits the ability of the company to handle many job propositions. Additionally, lack of a stable financial status to finance the internal, and external functions of the company pose huge challenges to the growth of the company. In reference to this, the company needs to put in place viable measures of addressing the weaknesses in order to enhance its growth prospects. The firm’s management has a duty to ensure that its internal structures are in tandem with growth factors. Opportunities             The influx in emerging companies is an amazing opportunity for the growth of the company. The emerging companies provide an opportunity for offering consultancy services, given the importance attached to the function. Moreover, the firm has an opportunity to expand to other target markets because of the demand for its specialty. An established market niche because of a ready market provides the company with an immense opportunity to expand its corporate image and identity. Therefore, the opportunities presented by the external forces demonstrate positive prospects for the firm. Threats             Competition is a huge threat to the firm; its ability to penetrate the mainstream market is limited by the ever-increasing competition from other consultancy companies. The dominance by large established companies also threatens the ability of the company to grow. Losing highly qualified employees to other companies is a serious threat that incapacitates the ability of the company to expand its corporate jurisdiction. These constraints limit the goals and objectives of the company; hence, it is pertinent for the firm to articulate strategic platforms of addressing the threats. Value Innovation Analysis             Kaufman & Woodhead (2006) argue that value innovation analysis refers to the methodologies used in enhancing the value of a product, service or business. This is aimed at increasing the functionality of a service or product in order to enhance the satisfaction of a customer. According to Gregoriou (2010), value innovation analysis offers companies with competitive solutions for remaining relevant in the market by investing in the customer and finding practical answers to the needs of the customer. Based on the designed consultancy firm, it is evidently clear that value innovation analysis will play a significant role in its desire to offer value-centered services to its clients. The company, which is primarily a service provider, will enhance its ability to reach out to its clients by critically analyzing its functions in meeting the needs of an ever-increasing market. Innovation is significant in finding breakthrough in a high competitive market. Given that the consultancy firm is new in an industry that is value-centered, the value innovation analysis will enable it to realize its areas of functionality in order to improve the value of its services. I. Orientation stage             The orientation stage is the first process in analysis value innovation. This includes identifying the component for analysis. In respect to the consultancy firm, service offering is the most essential component of analysis. Based on its core objectives, the company offers consultation services with a specialty in corporate leadership and human resource management. The need to analyze this component arises from the value attached to it; it is an important aspect in the running of corporate organizations today. Corporate leadership and human resource management are elemental in the growth and development of businesses in the corporate world today (Jockenhofer, 2013, p 34). II. Information             The information stage involves understanding the areas of priority in relation to the target customers in the component discussion above. The firm’s most significant clients are emerging companies as well as established companies that need to outsource corporate leadership and HRM functions. The company’s function also encompasses small-scale businesses wishing to develop in the respective specialties. The customers’ opinions are extremely significant in realizing the fundamentals of functionality. Based on the preferences of the clients, it is the mandate of the service provider to enact innovative ways of producing the much-needed value (Murray, Markides & Galavan, 2008, p 63). Therefore, gaining sufficient knowledge and information on the target customer or client attached to the service offered is an important step in building value innovation. III. Analysis             This is important as it entails the transformation of a need into functionality that meets the needs of the client. Ideally, this step of analysis involves identifying the functions of precipitating from a service or product offering (Afuah, 2004, p 112). A detailed analysis of the products or services offered creates the values accrued to diverse functions of the component. Therefore, a deep evaluation and understanding of the service offerings in the consultancy firm indicates varied functions. The functions can be graded in order of importance; hence, giving the firm a platform to accord value to different functions depending on the needs of the clients. The need for efficient corporate leadership and human resource development has been more in high-involvement organizations with many structures and functions. The desire of managements to enhance the internal environments of their companies has precipitated the need for outsourcing the services offered by the c onsultancy firm. Hence, this implies that high functionality and value is placed on large institutions. Based on the needs of large organizations in enhancing their internal structures, the consultancy firm has a duty to place high functionality and values in them. Emerging companies also place dire need for effective corporate leadership and HRM management policies, thus it is also a valuable area of functionality according to the analysis. On the other hand, though small-scale businesses have a need for the services, there is little value depending on the frequency of services offered. It is worth noting that the price attached to the different functions depends on the values attached to the functions. The diverse clients to the company present different values and consequently, the cost of the services. IV. Innovation             This stage involves coming up with viable alternatives of complementing the existing structures or having a complete overhaul. Bilton & Cummings (2010) assert that designing creative strategies is an important innovative component in the growth and development of business functions. Therefore, the innovation stage implies that the consultancy firm needs to evaluate its functions and costs of service offering, and identify ways of either changing or improving the existing functions. It is utterly important for the firm to change its functions capacity and seek for ways of enhancing the value accrued in the small-scale businesses category of clients. This calls for creative measures of turning it from a low functioning ratio to a high functioning ratio. According to the analysis, the service offering needs to seek for ways of expanding its jurisdiction and having a comprehensive approach. V. Evaluation             This involves evaluating the alternatives brought forward in the enhancement of value in the functions of the company. The alternatives developed in the innovative stage are critical in defining the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alternatives. The qualitative techniques involves a critical evaluation of the high value standards that should be advanced to transform the poor performing functions and improve the high performing functions (Rughase, 2006, p 67). Conducting market research and raising awareness among small-scale entrepreneurs is a viable qualitative approach in improving the value of the function. Additionally, the quantitative analysis techniques involve the application of innovative value-based measurements of increasing the value of functions. Budgeting for the effective value-based ways of improving the service offering to small-scale businesses is a viable option in the analysis. Website Specifications             The growth and development of a company requires excellent communication strategies in the internal and external environments (Das, 2009, p 140). Communication with the stakeholders especially with the customers is an imperative aspect in the growth of the business. Building a reputable website is an excellent platform in enhancing the communication between a company and its customers (Das, 2009, p 141). Therefore, it is important for the consultancy firm to have a functioning website as a marketing strategy. Since it is a new business in the market, the website is indeed a great tool in enhancing its corporate reputation. The following are the website specifications befitting the development of the budding consultancy firm. a) Home page details             Since the home page is the first point of contact between the firm and potential customers, it should have an appealing effect to the customers and communicate effectively about the business (McGovern & Norton, 2002 p 202). The firm’s logo is the first thing that visitors and customers should see when they visit the website. The professional logo of the company at the home page will play an instrumental role as a marketing tool. This will surely give the site’s visitors a perfect assurance that they are in the right place. Secondly, a tag line that describes the business is also available in the home page as a significant way of connecting with site visitors and creating an enthusiastic environment for potential customers to learn more about the consultancy services in the firm. The descriptive tag line is put strategically next to the company’s logo to connect the two and improve the communication aspect of the company. This is meant to creat e a strong appeal for clients about the products and service offerings in the company. Thirdly, a reception blurb is also a pertinent home page detail specified in the website. This is simply an advertising platform for customers to have a quick idea of the company’s specialty-consultancy in corporate leadership and human resource development. Finally, a critical aspect in the home page of the company’s website is the content teaser that connects visitors with the content they need. It is the methodology through which the customers will be connected with the information they will need about the company. b) Formatting details             Every page in the site contains the company’s logo and corporate theme colors. This is an important aspect in defining the identity of the company to the site visitors. A continuous reflection of the logo is critical in reassuring the customers on the firm’s specialty in corporate leadership and human resource development portfolios. Furthermore, the navigation bar is helpful in linking the site visitors with the primary and secondary content in the website. Tables, text effects, images and background colors are important formatting details in the website that make it easier for the customers to learn about the company. c) Menu structure and rationale             The website is organized in a straightforward way to allow site visitors to get the information they need. The web pages in the site are arranged in a focus-oriented design to allow maximum gain to the visitors (potential clients). The firm’s website is organized in a hierarchical; the web pages are structured well with an easy way of navigation through the different contents. In respect to the website’s menu structure and rationale, there are significant pages defining its content. The Home page, Services and products list page, Services and products details page, About us page and Contact us page are significant in defining the website’s content. The menu structure offers a strategic way of navigating through the content. d) Reports and management information             Reports and management information are clearly elaborated in the website. Potential clients and site visitors have the opportunity to learn and have a sufficient update on the financial and management information in the company. Quarterly, biannual and annual information is made available for the clients whenever they visit the website. In addition, significant information about the firm’s functions and employees is well articulated in the website content. e) E-commerce aspects of purchases             The platform for offering services and products on line is also an important aspect of the consultancy firm. This platform helps the company to sell services and products through an on line mechanism. This service is elaborated clearly in the services and products details page in the website. Clients favorable with e-commerce trends are able to connect with the company through the website. Critique on the design concept, strategy and website specifications             The design concept is indeed a vibrant platform in the industry, thus there is an influx of competitors in the field. Offering consultancy services to corporate institutions is an entrepreneurial approach that attracts many entrepreneurs in the trade. Based on the fact that the business concept is in great demand, the number of competitors is certainly on the increase. Based on the idea, a competitor would capitalize on the weaknesses in the business concept to maneuver ways of competing in the lucrative market. Based on a critical analysis, the concept is narrow in its conceptualization. Its specialties are only applicable to corporate institutions. A competitor would capitalize on the gap to increase the scope of the business venture and incorporate non-corporate bodies as clients. Balling (2006) argues that a limited scope of operations in business gives a competitor an added advantage in securing better returns. With adequate articulation of necessary business structures, a competitor would virtually have an upper hand in the expansion of the business; hence, competing effectively in the industry. Again, the business concept has a narrow boundary in relation to the target client. From a critical analysis, the business concept would accommodate nurturing corporate leadership and HRM fundamentals in learning institutions whereby professionals conduct public speaking forums for a fee, as well as organizing conferences and seminars on corporate leadership and HRM development. These are lucrative ideas lacking in the concept, which a competitor would find extremely beneficial. Thus, from a critical analysis perspective, it is true that the business concept has weaknesses that give advantages to a potential competitor. In view of the company’s business strategy, it is clear that it is not highly strategized because of the narrow scope of the business concept. A business concept has a huge impact on the goals and objectives that an entrepreneur enacts (Grant, 2008, p 18). This implies that it is important for a business concept to have a wide focus that will consequently affect its goals and objectives. In reference to the discussion above, the consultancy firm has a narrowed focus; hence, limiting its purpose. Based on the vibrancy of the industry, it is evident that a competitor would seek ways of enlarging the strategic jurisdiction of the industry. Through a wide scope business concept, a competitor has the capacity to increase goals and objectives of his business. This implies that the competitor will have a wider range of clientele compared to the existing consultancy firm. A competitor can look at the ways of enhancing competitive advantage to clients capitalized by the consultancy firm and unearth means of winning out the competition. Since there are many ways of creating competitive advantage, a competitor can offer price subsidies to a section of clients to attract more clients as well as to retain the existing ones. This is a strategy that the consultancy firm does not practice, thus giving the competitor a reasonable advantage in the market. Indeed, this is a strategic move in winning out competition from the firm. Offering quality products at a reduced cost is indeed a strategic move in advancing the competitive advantage of a company. It is certainly a creative way of increasing the value of the services offered by a company. The management practices of the company do not have a feasible platform of addressing the external environments of the company. A competitor can capitalize on increasing the opportunities in the market through this serious lapse. Williams (2000) asserts that it is through viable management practices that a company is able to grasp the needs of the external stakeholders effectively. By ensuring that the internal and external management practices of a company are working together to add value to the functions of the competitor, it is highly likely that the competitor will realize more opportunities than the consultancy firm will. Consequently, it is vital for companies to input the most strategic management functions in order to realize their full potential. In respect to the website specifications, there is an important aspect that the company gives advantage to competitors. This is about an outline of the companies that have benefitted from its consultation services. This imperative section sets the pace for other companies, and encourages them to seek their services. A website is an instrumental tool in communicating with customers and attracting potential customers as well. Therefore, it is significant for companies to include such details in their website specifications. This is a challenge to new companies that have not yet developed a wide client base. Thus, the lack of concrete historical background on the successes of the consultancy firm puts off some clients, and benefits a competitor with such web applications. The critique shows that there are various aspects, which would limit the company compared to other companies. The business concept, strategy outline and website specifications present lapses that could give an upper hand to competitors in the market. Despite the lapses, the consultancy firm has a high prospect of growing if more actions that are deliberate are put in place. Conclusion             In conclusion, it is apparent that entrepreneurship plays a huge role in the growth and development of markets and the corporate realm. This requires immense investment in the relevant structures of ensuring success. Individuals and companies need to put in place the most fundamental business platforms of ensuring success. Primarily, designing a viable business concept is significant in starting the entrepreneurship journey. One has to consider the market trends and growth factors surrounding the idea. This will ultimately play a huge role in defining the growth of the company. After coming up with an entrepreneurial idea, it is imperative to set strategic factors and steps of ensuring the success of the business concept. Ideally, the growth and development of a business concept depends on the capacity to integrate the internal and external environments of a business. Such initiatives, of course, by the careful articulation of management practices are integral in realizing the full potential of a business enterprise. Moreover, it is imperative to continually, conduct a value innovation analysis in order to enhance the functions of a business concept and explore new opportunities in the market. The dynamism in the market in today’s business world calls for companies to invest in value innovation to increase their chances of survival in the highly competitive environment. Additionally, effective communication with clients and customers is immensely essential, that is why the website is an instrumental tool in advancing the need. With efficient communication strategies, a company is able to connect and relate with its stakeholders in a practical manner. Undoubtedly, entrepreneurship is a growing venture that will continue to influence the society greatly. References Afuah, A. (2004). Business models: a strategic management approach. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.Bilton, C., & Cummings, S. (2010). Creative strategy: reconnecting business and innovation. Chichester, West Sussex [England: Wiley.Balling, M. (2006). Competition and profitability in European financial services strategic, systemic and policy issues. London: Routledge.Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2006). Strategic management and competitive advantage: concepts and cases. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.Davis, M. J. (2003). Corporate culture as the driver of transit leadership practices. Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board.Das, B. (2009). Business communication (Eastern economy ed.). New Delhi: PHI Learning.Effron, M., Gandossy, R. P., & Goldsmith, M. (2003). Human resources in the 21st century. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley & Sons.Jockenhofer, M. (2013). How to promote entrepreneurship within established companies? human resource. S.l.: Grin Verlag.Hannagan, T. J., & Bennett, R. (2000). Management: concepts & practices. London: Pitman.Gregoriou, G. N. (2010). Emerging markets: performance, analysis and innovation. Boca Raton: CRC Press.Kozami, A. (2005). Business policy and strategic management (2nd. ed.). New-Delhi: McGraw-Hill Published.Kaufman, J. J., & Woodhead, R. (2006). Stimulating innovation in products and services with function analysis and mapping. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience.Nagendra, S. (2010). Entreneurship and management. Banglore: Sanguine Technical Publishers.Mathis, R. L., & Jackson, J. H. (2003). Human resource management (10th ed.). Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South-western.McGovern, G., & Norton, R. (2002). Content critical: gaining competitive advantage through high-quality Web content. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.Murray, J. A., Markides, C., & Galavan, R. (2008). Strategy, innovation, and change challenges for management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Rughase, O. G. (2006). Identity and strategy how individual visions enable the design of a market strategy that works. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Pub.Sims, R. R. (2007). Human resource management: contemporary issues, challenges, and opportunities. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Pub.Nilsson, F., & Rapp, B. (2005). Understanding competitive advantage the importance of strategic congruence and integrated control. Berlin: Springer.Williams, C. (2000). Effective Management. Cincinnati, Ohio: South-Western College Pub. Source document

Animal Rights vs. Human Health – Comparative Essay

Jackie Dansky English 1A – 69 David Banuelos March 10, 2011 Animal Rights vs. Human Health Developments of cures, vaccines and treatments for human illnesses have been done through animal testing. Over 25 million animals are tested each year in the United States (Stephanie Ernst, 2008): â€Å"It's impossible to know exactly how many animals are being used in research because U. S. laws do not require scientists to report how many mice, rats, or birds they use† (ASPCA). Animals are used to interpret what medicine effects will do to the human body; they will give the closest results. The real question when it comes to animal experimentation is not if it is wrong or right, but if it is for the better. Kristina Cook poses that animal testing has benefited medicine, while Natasha Bantwal presents that more harm is done than helped. Kristina Cook is an Oxford student in the department of chemistry, and wrote â€Å"Pro-Test: supporting animal testing,† arguments sustaining animal testing for medical uses. Natasha Bantwal is a basic writer and wrote â€Å"Arguments Against Animal Testing,† arguments opposing the usage of animals for experimentation. A very common argument is that animals are being ‘tortured’ when they are being tested on. Cook approaches the issue quickly stating that â€Å"animal rights activists often demonise scientists, pretending that they are sadists who enjoy torturing animals just for the sake of it. There are countless examples of the lengths to which scientists go to minimize the suffering of animals. But the simple point is that scientists are not sadists: they act in the way that they see fit. † (Cook, 2006) However, the arguments are beyond that. They share two common grounds: animal testing has helped scientifically and medically, and that animal testing has been erroneous. Although Cook and Bantwal agree that animal testing has been helpful, they have different approaches and viewpoints on how helpful it really has been. Cook declares that â€Å"vaccines, antibiotics, transplant surgeries, medical devices†¦ and other developments would not be here today if animal testing ad not been used. † (Cook, 2006) As a counterargument, Bantwal asserts â€Å"the most commonly help perception (or rather misconception) of animal testing is that it is necessary for the development of cures, vaccines, and other treatments for human illness. † (Bantwal) Animal rights activists are attempting to discontinue all animal testings. There have been alternatives reported, bu t none can match as much accuracy and precision as animals would. Bantwal uses cancer as an example of ridding animal testing: â€Å"with countless innocent animals, billions of dollars and more than 30 to 40 years being spent on the war against cancer, one would expect concrete results show up if animal experimentation was actually as effective as it is made out to be†¦ Many cancer funds and organizations have claimed that we are now losing the war against cancer because this animal-based cancer research is failing, and it just downright stinks. † (Bantwal) She implies that animals don’t need to be tested on if they can’t even help to find the cure of big illnesses. Cook, unlike Bantwal, looks at the glass half full. She considers all the drugs that have been animal tested in the past that have been successful, and looks forward to the more cures that will be discovered through this type of experimentation. All cures and vaccines are tested on animals, but are animals a reliable source when it comes to vaccines? Bantwal discusses about the undependable basis of animals’ effect on a particular drug compared to a human’s effect. For example, she pronounces that there has been no progress in the cure for AIDS because animals are incapable of getting the AIDS disease. Cook affirms that testing drugs in animal help researchers find the potential dangers and faults it will achieve, and to understand â€Å"the metabolism of drug compounds and consequent effects seen throughout the body. † (Cook, 2006) She states that the alternatives of animal testing, such as a computer generator, won’t be as sufficient. Bantwal states â€Å"[Pro-Animal Testing] believe that if animal experimentation is stopped, then it will be at the expense of life and the human health. (Bantwal) She tries to compensate that obliterating any and all animal testing will not have a big changed impact in the medical field. She then argues that â€Å"it is dangerous and fraudulent to apply data retrieved from one species to another entirely different species. † (Bantwal) Cook does admit that there have been errors in the field. Both Cook and Bantwal use the Thalidomide as an example of rebuttal. It came out in 1956 as a sedative for pregnant mothers to overcome m orning sickness. It was successful in animal testing, and spread around the world in a few years. Unfortunately, it caused birth defects in the womb. Bantwal quotes ‘safety testing’ and states, â€Å"tens of thousands of children who’s mothers had used this drug were born with severe deformities. † (Bantwal) Cook argues that if they had done more testings on animals, that the birth defect would have been detected. She understands that the scientists messed up because they forgot to test prenatal animals. She attacks the animal rights group with: â€Å"animal rights groups confuse an error resulting from an absence of testing with one resulting from conducting tests on animals. (Cook, 2006) Cook believes that they don’t understand what they are arguing. Their example of the Thalidomide is really suggesting to do more animal testing so then it will be more accurate and precise: â€Å"a few more animals, and countless human lives would have been saved. † (Cook, 2006) Overall, animals are continued being used as experiments for all humansâ₠¬â„¢ health. Whether for or against animal testing, everybody has to be appreciative and acknowledge the benefits scientists and animals have brought. It’s like a competition between animals and humans: which race should be protected more? Both Kristina Cook and Natasha Bantwal share their perspectives and only agree upon one thing: animal testing has helped scientists and the medical field. Now, which is more important to you: animal rights or human health? Work Cited: Bantwal, Natasha. â€Å"Arguments Against Animal Testing. † Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Web. 06 Mar. 2011. ;http://www. buzzle. com/articles/argument-against-animal-testing. html;. Cook, Kristina. â€Å"Spiked-science | Article | Pro-Test: Supporting Animal Testing. † Spiked: Humanity Is Underrated. 23 Feb. 2006. Web. 06 Mar. 2011. ;http://www. spiked-online. om/articles/0000000CAF94. htm;. Ernst, Stephanie. â€Å"Animal Use and Abuse Statistics: The Shocking Numbers. † Change. org News. 5 Oct. 2008. Web. 05 Mar. 2011. ;http://news. change. org/stories/animal-use-and-abuse-statistics-the-shocking-numbers;. â€Å"11 Facts about Animal Testing | Do Something. † Volunteer | Do Something. ASPCA. Web. 05 Mar. 2 011. ;http://www. dosomething. org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-animal-testing;. Long, Tony. â€Å"Oct. 1, 1957: Thalidomide Cures Morning Sickness, But †¦ † Wired. com. 01 Oct. 2008. Web. 06 Mar. 2011. ;http://www. wired. com/science/discoveries/news/2008/09/dayintech_1001;.

Crminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Crminology - Essay Example Generally, Murray (1990) believes that the underclass has a negative impact on the moral fabric of the society and that they are responsible for the occurrences of anti-social behavior in the society. He actually believes in left realism: he ignores the possibilities that crime could also come as a result of political and ideological factors. Therefore, he considers the underclass individuals as criminal minds and as people defined by their deplorable behavior in reaction to their situation but not their situation. Murray (1990) primarily insists that illegitimacy is to be blamed for the deplorable behaviors. For instance, he comments that women under the low class have a higher probability of giving birth to illegitimate children. He asserts that these illegitimate children easily "run wild" since they do not have father role-models. Further, Murray (2001) affirms the responsibility of the underclass unwillingness to work to the rising crime and the break-down of the community life. Again, Murray emphasizes so much on left realism such that he overlooks the possibilities of crimes being caused by the powerful in the society: he believes only the poor are to be blamed. Critics however claim that Murray’s conclusions have no evidence and are baseless. For instance, Alan Walker asserts that Murrays concepts are founded on innuendos, anecdotes, and assertions. Additionally, a research done by John Ermish about single mothers, in the 1980s, established that most women never stay put as single parents. Walker further comments that individuals in the underclass apparently desire stable relationships and jobs (Biressi & Nunn, 2013). Additionally, Anita and Heather (2013) comment that single mothers who divorced in reality take averagely longer time to claim on benefits than single mothers who have never been married. Certainly, Murray’s critics are right realist thinkers; they believe that crime does not only result from the poor but from

Company Analysis of Nestle Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Company Analysis of Nestle Corporation - Essay Example A situational audit is a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s current state in comparison to its micro and macro economic environment. According to Cherniss and Adler (2000, p. 97), a situational audit helps to establish the organization’s current situation in relation to its marketing objectives. In addition, a situation analysis identifies the future economic performance of the organization if it continues to use its current strategies. Nestle foods has operations in more than eighty countries globally. The organizations expansion strategy is implemented through joint venture and acquisitions. This report presents a situational audit for Nestle Foods, one of the world’s largest organizations. It explores the external, competitive, and internal market factors influencing the organization performance. Finally, it provides an analysis of the suitability of the marketing strategy used by the corporation and provides appropriate recommendations. The Internal environment According to Remenyi, Money and Bannister (2007, p.128), the internal analysis of an organization helps to identify the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths represent the competencies and resources within the organization, which help it to achieve a competitive position in the industry. Nestle foods has numerous strengths which have helped the organization to become one of the worlds largest corporations.... Management of the organization has excelled in creating an environment, which foster innovation in the company. Innovation has helped the organization to achieve internal growth through the ability to meet and surpass consumer expectations. Nestle Foods has uses a low cost strategy which helps the organization to maintain low cost for all operations. Through the low cost strategy, Nestle Foods is able to offer its consumers competitive prices for its products. In addition, Nestle foods have a highly competitive team of research and development in charge of new product development. Nestle Foods has affiliations with major learning institutions and has developed a university where most of its research and development is conducted. The research and development team has enabled Nestle Foods to differentiate its products from those of its competitors in the industry. Another strength that Nestle Foods has its health based weight-management product line. With the growing popularity of heal th foods in the European market and other countries, this presents a lucrative opportunity for Nestle Foods. According to Remenyi, Money and Bannister (2007, p.128), threats are factors in the business environment which may hinder the successful implementation of an organization strategies. Nestle Foods has undertaken an intensive expansion strategy by venturing in many markets in Europe and other continents. However, most markets in Europe are already saturated which may hinder the successful implementation of the Nestle Food’s expansion strategy in European markets. For example, when Nestle Foods launched its yoghurt, Yoplait, in France, it failed to acquire a large market share because Danone is the established brand of yoghurt in the country. Nestle

Public Health Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Visual Anaysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Visual Anaysis - Essay Example One of the objectives of modern art is to express the artist’s thoughts and emotions by following what is deemed right by the artist wherein to cubists, form alone defines the subject thus, the use of geometric figures to bring out the form of the subject matter. Juan Gris, a Spanish cubist artist portrayed a self portrait of the bench marker of the cubism period, Pablo Picasso, in the vantage point of their contemporaries with the same vision in his work entitled Portrait of Pablo Picasso (The Art Institute of Chicago). The general form of the painting shows a man seated and exhibits him to be well dressed though not very recognizable for a viewer to really be sure of what details one can decipher from the painting. As what would have been expected from a cubist, Gris used a lot of lines, cubes and other geometric figures to bring out the three dimensional view of his subject however, distorting the real appearance of the image. Being called analytical, the cubist painters we re said to have analyzed their subject to come up with the products like the aforementioned art work and among others, Mandolin and Clarinet by Pablo Picasso and Armored Train in Action by Gino Severini.

Financial analysis of Sainsbury plc and Tesco Plc Essay

Financial analysis of Sainsbury plc and Tesco Plc - Essay Example The paper will highlight the Key features and the current strategies directed by the companies followed by the Calculation of financial ratios for each company, and Compare with earlier years, that allow to judge the financial performance and position for the company, and to interpret if the company's assessment of its own performance as shown in the Financial Highlights and Chairman's Statement a good representation. Then comparison of the two companies together, followed by comparison with the industrial average. The basic structure of this research essay will be divided to five sections: Firstly: Brief definitions of the company’s activities and their major business, when they operate as well as the current strategies directed by the company and also why choose these two firms; Secondly: The calculation of the financial ratios; Thirdly: Financial Analysis; Fourthly: the limitations of ratios; Finally summary and conclusions. This research essay will also make a research int o thedifferent type of stock price prediction models and will select the time series model to predict the stock price for two years and then compare them with the actual stock price of the above companies and present the reasearch findings and will make a detailed analysis of the same.A intercompany analysis between Tesco and Sainsbury will be carried over and also a comparison with the industry’s average will also carried over to know how these companies are performing as compared to the industry’s average. 1. Short Narration of the Activities of the Companies Sainsbury Plc Sainsbury being a supermarket chain, J. Sainsbury Plc is a renowned retailer operating from London and also ventured into construction activities, real estate and owning a commercial bank in UK. Established in the year 1869, Sainsbury is having around 337 convenience stores and 557 Supermarkets, and Sainsbury owns a floor space ranging from 15,000 to in excess of 40,000 square feet and has supermar ket branches throughout the UK and in the UK and about forty percent of these products are own brands of Sainsbury. Salisbury is having more than 5000 own brands in health and food sector. Apart from the grocery and food products, the majority of the Sainsbury stores offers fish and meat counters, a delicatessen, bread baked on the premises of Sainsbury, coffee shops, pharmacies, gas stations and restaurants. By sales value, Salisbury is the largest UK retailer of Fairtrade products as it sourced ethically and responsibly around ?280 million in the year 2011 alone. Under the brand names of Jackson’s and Bells Stores, Sainsbury manages its convenience stores and also offers a variety of the local brand mainly through the Shell franchise. Sainsbury also markets its own brands along with specialty and ethnic food products like Indian, American, Asian, Italian, low-priced products and organic products. Sainsbury also added house wares and clothing to its retail list of products. Sainsbury also owns a bank in collaboration with the Bank of Scotland, which was the first-ever bank owned by a supermarket in the UK, and its clients numbers have surpassed more than two million numbers as of date. With regard to land associated with the Sainsbury Supermarkets, it is being managed by Sainsbury Property Company and JS Developments, a Sainsbury’s real estate development company. State the different sectors in which saninsbury deals, % revenue In 2006, Sainsbury acquired 4 stores from Somerfield. (Plunkett 2008). As of 2011, Sainsbury is having in a week around 21 million customer transactions and have a market share around 16% in the UK. Sainsbury is offering employment to more than 150,000 individuals. During the year 2011, Sainsbury opened extra 47 convinient stores, and it had

International Business Machines Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Business Machines - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  the Global Service business line provides the clients with business solutions and insights as well as Information Technology infrastructure. Even though most of the solutions are from the IBM systems and software, the corporation can engage in outsourcing if needed by the clients. According to CSI Market (2015), approximately 60 % of IBM's external Global Services annual revenue comes from maintenance and outsourcing arrangements. The Global Technology Services provide business process services and information technology services to the clients. It uses the IP integrated services and unique technology to ensure that the business value of its customers is improved. The business line enables the clients to benefit from the IBM's leading edge services, flexibility, outcomes, improved productivity and high-quality services.  As the report stresses  Global Business Services business line aims to deliver business outcomes to its clients in a more pra cticable manner. The business line attains its goal through the Application Management Services and Consulting. The business line ensures that the IBM solutions and content are integrated, and the clients are taken through a growth process. It ensures that the IBM capabilities and experts help the clients transform in market trends response. The activities are done through the segments of Front Office Digitization and Globally Integrated Enterprise.

Starbucks Case Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Starbucks Case Analysis - Essay Example The object of analysis for the purpose of this assignment is Starbucks, a vibrant international organization that offers a variety of products in the market, with its core business being the production and sale of coffee-based products. The company’s products are quite varied and include Frappuccino, double shot products, chilled cup coffees, canned and bottled coffees, coffee ice creams, fresh brewed coffee, customer CDs, and books. The company has an international market and features in countries including China, USA, UK, Europe and Canada. The company’s initial mission was to be the World’s premier purveyor of finest coffee without compromising its core principles. Currently, the company’s mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. The company’s vision is to open 300 net new stores locally and internationally. The company strategically intends to position itself as the undisputed coff ee authority with a global presence. Like every other organization, Starbucks has its strengths and weaknesses. The strengths of any organization propel it toward greater success while its weaknesses pose a challenge to its continued success and existence. Yet again, every business organization exists in an environment what impacts its activities either positively or negatively. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis will be applied in analyzing the position of Starbucks relative to its competitors and success. Strengths Starbucks as a company has a long history having been founded in 1971(Shah and Thompson, nd). The company has undergone significant growth over the years establishing itself as a preferred band across geographical and territorial borders. Having been in operation with a history of success and a good reputation, the company is bound to achieve more success as it can easily capture a greater market share. The company’s success histor y has been overseen by a dedicated management team. Under the leadership of Howard Schultz, the management team has seen the company achieve significant growth in various lines of business. Orin Smith, Jim Donald and other directors of the company had a wealth of experience in their various specialties their weaknesses not withstanding. Currently, Howard Schultz remains the CEO of the company, his dedication and brilliant management and leadership skills bound to make the company retain its success path. Starbucks endevours to be a great place to work(Shah and Thompson, nd). In this respect, it has taken several measures to ensure employee motivation, satisfaction, and dedication. The company’s employees are knowledgeable about the company’s products and services and are free to communicate their ideas and feelings to management without the fear of facing reprisals. Some of the benefits that the company’s employees enjoy include healthcare coverage, opportunity to own stock, and good work environments. Furthermore, the employees are trained on various aspects in respect of the company’s products and services. Their contributions to the company are well recognized as the company has a recognition program. The situation that the company is in as a result of these measures is healthy considering that motivated and satisfied employees are never easy to lose. The company’s turnover rate is significantly low which means that it benefits a lot in terms of high reputation as a good employer, provides high quality service due to its highly experienced workforce and suffers low hiring and training costs. The company has a strong and loyal customer base across different countries. The company is bound to glide in success with such a level of trust from its huge customer base. The company has instituted a number of measures to ensure that its customers are served wherever they are by opening several stores in various locations and throug h its franchises. Starbucks has a strong mission and is guided by principles that are

Explain what the term 'fair trade' means and what are the importnent Essay

Explain what the term 'fair trade' means and what are the importnent issues for the business world - Essay Example The Fair Trade Federation states that members are committed to seven key concepts: to pay fair wages; to support participatory workplaces; to ensure environmental sustainability; to supply financial and technical support; to respect cultural identity; to offer public accountability; and to educate consumers. Fair trade consists of 10 standards a business must adhere to. These include: working to create opportunities for disadvantaged producers; transparent management and accountability; helping producers to develop independence; raising awareness and promoting the opportunities of fair trade; paying a fair price; offering gender equality; providing safe and healthy work environments; respecting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; working toward environmentally healthy approaches; and fair trade relations—taking into consideration the social, economic and environmental well-being of producers and not taking advantage of the producers by profiting at their expense. 2 To be included as a fair trade business, one must first determine what is considered â€Å"fair†. Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN) says that being fair constitutes more than just paying a fair wage. â€Å"It means that trading partnerships are based on reciprocal benefits and mutual respect; that prices paid to producers reflect the work they do; that workers have the right to organize; that national health, safety, and wage laws are enforced; and that products are environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources.†3 The products included in fair trade business are numerous. These include: apparel, accessories, art, crafts, agricultural products, furniture, cards, holiday items, house wares, jewelry, music and musical instruments, paper, pottery, rugs, textiles, toys and others. For consumers, it’s not always easy to determine if a product comes from a fair-trade business.

United States Foreign Policy after 1945 Essay Example for Free

United States Foreign Policy after 1945 Essay â€Å"President Clinton and I†¦ have spoken often about the goals of American foreign policy. Boiled down, these have not changed in more than 200 years. They are to ensure the continued security, prosperity, and freedom of our people. † (Albright 1998, p. 50-64) Thus were the words of then US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright back in 1998. Fast-forward to 2006 and we have President George W. Bush remarking on America as facing a ‘choice between the path of fear and the path of confidence. ’ The path of fear – isolationism and protectionism, retreat and retrenchment – appeals to those who find challenges too great, failing to see in them opportunities (Bush 2006). As Bush (2006) asserts, his administration has chosen the path of confidence, leadership over isolationism and the pursuit of free and fair trade and open markets over protectionism, consistent with the tradition of American policy. Founded on two pillars – promoting freedom, justice and human dignity, and confronting the challenges of our time by leading a growing community of democracies, the present national security strategy of the Bush administration maintains the primacy of expanding the national strength of the United States resting not merely on the strength of the military but on economic prosperity and a vibrant democracy as well. Yet Bush’s rather confrontational, militaristic approach as reflected in US foreign policy has been shown to have negative effects on America’s relations with its long-time allies, as well as in terms of projecting its image abroad in the somewhat turbulent arena of international relations, and ultimately casting doubts whether it is really in the national interest of the United States of America. The present paper aims to illustrate how this is so, through a discussion of US foreign policy emphasizing the critical aspects of national security, free trade, democracy, world peace and human rights. II. DISCUSSION National Security It is the recognized primary duty of the United States Government to ‘protect the American people and American interests, obligating the government to anticipate and counter threats using all resources of national power at its disposal, before these threats can do grave damage’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 18). Anticipatory action taken in self-defense is considered of primary importance, particularly in view of terrorist attacks withWMD. The US-led global War on Terror after the 10/11 terrorist attacks is considered by the US State as ‘both a battle of arms and a battle of ideas’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 9). It involves both the use of military force and other instruments of national power to capture and eliminate terrorists, deny them safe haven or control of any nation, prevent their access to WMD, and the cutting off of their sources of support. The US government shall employ a comprehensive strategy involving strengthened nonproliferation efforts, i. e. proactive counter-proliferation efforts to defend against and defeat WMD and missile threats before they are unleashed; and improved protection mitigating the consequences of WMD use (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 18). The proliferation of nuclear weapons is recognized as posing the greatest threat to US national security in their capacity to inflict instant loss of life on a massive scale. The strategy of choice is on denying terrorists and nuclear states access to the essential ingredient of fissile material and to deter any transfer of nuclear material from states having this capability to rogue states and terrorists. The 9/11 terror attacks proved the vulnerability of the United States, acclaimed lone superpower of the world, to terrorism. In a bid to safeguard national security, the Bush administration declared a global war on terror, which undoubtedly leaves many fears of retaliatory attacks from terror groups. It is important to note that the problem of terrorism is a thorny issue and a multi-faceted one, involving not merely differences in religion and ideology but poverty and social grievances, among others, which are recognized by the National Security Strategy. Free Trade The promotion of free and fair trade has long been a tenet of American foreign policy as greater economic freedom is viewed as ultimately inseparable from political liberty (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 25). Taking into consideration economic power as empowering individuals, which in turn leads to the demand for greater political freedom promoting greater economic opportunity and prosperity, the market economy is viewed as the single most effective economic system and the greatest antidote to poverty. The US promotes free and fair trade, open markets, a stable financial system, the integration of the global economy, and secure, clean energy development as the means towards economic liberty and prosperity. Economic freedom is viewed by the present administration as a ‘moral imperative,’ with the ‘liberty to create and build, buy, sell and own property fundamental to human nature and foundational to a free society’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 27). Economic freedom creates diversified centers of power and authority which places limits on the reach of governments, expanding the free flow of ideas, exposing people to new ways of thinking and living and ultimately giving more control over their own lives. Even as most of the world affirms the appeal of economic liberty, it is the view of the present government that too many nations still hold fast to the ‘false comforts of subsidies and trade barriers’ which stifles growth in developed countries (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 27). The US promotes the vision of a global economy welcoming to each and every nation-participant and encourages the voluntary exchange of goods and services. Issues on the establishment of a truly level playing field among developed and developing nations, the continuing significance and evolving roles of the post-World War multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund continue to haunt the rounds of free trade negotiations, serving as effective obstacles towards the full globalization and integration of free markets all over the world. Democracy It is the policy of the United States to seek and support democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 1). The avowed goal of US statecraft then is â€Å"help create a world of democratic, well-governed states that can meet the needs of their citizens and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system† (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 1) through leading the international effort to end tyranny and promote effective democracy. Closely related to the goal of ending tyrannies, the US recognizes its role in helping newly free nations in the building of effective democracies – states which respect human dignity, are accountable to their citizens, and responsible towards their neighbors. Democracy is concretely expressed through elections wherein individuals and parties committed to the equality of all citizens, minority rights, civil liberties, voluntary and peaceful transfer of power, and the peaceful resolution of differences can freely participate, as well as the presence of institutions which protect individual liberty, independent media, freely competing political associations and political parties, an independent judiciary, professional legal establishment, and an honest and competent police force. This commitment to the promotion of freedom is coursed through several tactics varying among countries reflecting the culture and history of its people, from vocal and visible steps on behalf of immediate change to more quiet support laying the foundation for future reports. The US shall lead and call on other nations in a common international effort, yet it does not hesitate to act on its own if need be. Grave problems arise when the US is seen as intervening in what other countries may perceive as largely domestic affairs which does not concern Washington, and the perception of democracy as a Western imposition even in non-Western countries, fueling resentment and claims of on-going cultural imperialism in the promotion of American values even in still-largely traditional societies. World Peace Conflict among nations can arise from a variety of causes – external aggression, competing claims, internal revolt, poor governance, ethnic and religious differences, among others – which if left unaddressed, can eventually result to humanitarian disasters, the failure of states, and ungoverned areas which can become harbor terrorists. To address this, the Bush administration seeks to implement three levels of engagement: (1) conflict intervention; (2) post-conflict stabilization; and (3) reconstruction (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 15). In terms of ensuring peace in an often tumultuous international arena of competing nations, the most effective long-term measure for conflict prevention and resolution is the promotion of democracy (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 15). This is in line of the view that though effective democracies may still have disputes, they are more equipped to solve such differences through peaceful means, either bilaterally or in cooperation with other international institutions, formations or regional states. As some conflicts pose such grave threats to the broader national interests, conflict intervention may be deemed necessary to restore peace and stability, particularly in circumstances wherein the international community does not have enough trained military forces capable of performing peace-keeping missions. This has led to close the government closely working with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in improving state capacities for intervention in conflict situations, and support to the UN reforms seeking to improve its ability to carry out peacekeeping missions characterized by enhanced accountability, oversight and results-based management practices (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 16). And the third level of engagement takes into consideration the need for post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction once peace has been restored. History has borne witness to success as resulting from the early establishment of strong local institutions, e. g. a functional judiciary and penal system, effective police systems, and enhancing governance capacity critical to the establishment of the rule of law and a free market economy, on the assumption that these in turn would provide the key to long-term stability and prosperity. It is also interesting to note that the pursuit of American interests is to be accomplished within the framework of cooperative relationships, particularly with its ‘oldest and closest friends and allies’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 35). Another priority is the prevention of any re-emergence of the great power rivalries which had divided the world in previous eras, in such a way that these new approaches are flexible enough to permit effective action even in the face of differences of opinions among friends, yet strong enough to confront challenges. These principles guide American international relations, notably within its own hemisphere (the Western Hemisphere) considered the ‘frontline of defense of American national security’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 37) which is envisioned to be fully democratic, bound together in good will, security cooperation and opportunity for all its citizens to prosper. Concretely, the goal includes strengthening relations with regional partners to make multilateral institutions, e. g. the Inter-American Development Bank, more effective and better able in fostering concerted action addressing threats to the region’s stability, prosperity, security or democratic progress. The Bush administration has identified key threats to international security in the form of rogue states, and its taking on a hard-line policy towards these states which could possibly fuel resentment and strong feelings of anti-Americanism among their peoples. World peace does not appear any less elusive in the contemporary period despite the end of the Cold War and the bipolarization of the world, as poverty, social inequality, racial, ethnic and religious differences continue to create social divides among people. Human Rights Tyranny is defined as the ‘combination of brutality, poverty, instability, corruption, and suffering forged under the rule of despots and despotic systems’ (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006, p. 3), as is the case under the nations of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Belarus and Burma, which treated the world’s interest in freedom’s expansion and immediate security threats as well, i. e. their pursuit of weapons of mass destruction (The National Security Strategy of the United States of America 2006. The goal of human rights promotion is closely related to the pursuit of democracy, world peace, and the promotion of global free trade. This becomes particularly acute when one considers political liberties and democratic institutions as vital towards attaining greater economic freedom, opportunities and prosperity in the context of a market economy. Chomsky (1982) notes that the US is no more engaged in programs of international good will than any other state has been as foreign policy is designed and implemented by narrow groups deriving their power from the domestic sources of state capitalism and control over the domestic economy. Within the nation-state, the effective ‘national interest’ is by and large articulated by those who control the central economic institutions, leaving the formulation of its disguise for the technocratic and policy-oriented intelligentsia. Human rights violations have been charged against US soldiers in occupied territories as well as among those in peace-keeping missions. Specific cases of human rights violations have been documented in US bases in South Korea, Japan, and in the former US bases in the Philippines. The preferential treatment for and custody of US soldiers in case of trial and conviction is also a major sore point between the US government and the ‘host’ countries.

Refractory Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis Treatment

Refractory Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis Treatment Role of Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of  Refractory Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis: A Pilot Study Ali Abdel Raheem,* Yasser Farahat, Osama El-Gamal, Maged Ragab,  Mohamed Radwan, Abdel Hamid El-Bahnasy, Abdel Naser El-Gamasy  and Mohamed Rasheed Purpose: We evaluated the early clinical and urodynamic results of posterior tibial  nerve stimulation in patients with refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Materials and Methods: We randomly assigned 28 patients with refractory  monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis to 2 equal groups. Group 1 received a  weekly session of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for 12 weeks and group 2 was  the placebo group. Evaluation was performed in each group at baseline and after  posterior tibial nerve stimulation to compare clinical and urodynamic findings. Another clinical assessment was done 3 months after the first followup. Results: The 2 groups were comparable in baseline clinical and urodynamic data. Overall, 13 patients (46.4%) had detrusor overactivity and 14 (50%) had decreased  bladder capacity. After treatment 11 group 1 patients (78.6%) had a partial or full  response to posterior tibial nerve stimulation but only 2 (14.3%) in group 2 had a  partial response (p 0.002). Also, the average number of wet nights in group 1 was  significantly lower than at baseline (p 0.002). All urodynamic parameters significantly  improved in group 1. In contrast, the number of wet nights and urodynamic  parameters did not change significantly in group 2. At 3-month followup the number  of patients with a partial or full response in group 1 had decreased from 11 (78.6%)  to 6 (42.9%). No change was evident in group 2. Conclusions: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation can be a viable treatment option  in some patients with refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. However,  deterioration in some responders with time suggests the need for maintenance  protocols. Key Words: urinary bladder, nocturnal enuresis, transcutaneous electric  nerve stimulation, urodynamics, treatment outcome  NOCTURNAL enuresis is usually associated  with severe psychological and social  distress to children and their families. 1 In recent years several treatment  modalities emerged to treat NE, such  as behavioral therapy,2 alarm treatment,  3 medical therapy with desmopressin,  oxybutynin and imipramine,  and combination therapy.4–6 However,  none has been completely successful and  the relapse rate of all of them is significant. 7–9 Therefore, there is a great need  to find other treatments that could be  more effective and durable than current  therapy.  The pathogenesis of refractory NE  was discussed in many studies and attributed  to decreased bladder capacity  and/or PTNS was introduced with early  promising results as neuromodulative  therapy for diseases that involve the  lower urinary tract and for refractory conditions in  adults and children.15–19 These beneficial effects of  PTNS for controlling various bladder disorders led  us to try it in patients with refractory primary MNE.   MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 28 patients were included in this prospective,  randomized, placebo controlled, single blind study from  January 2010 to March 2012 at the urology department at  Tanta University Hospital. The study protocol was reviewed  and approved by the Tanta University institutional  review board. Informed consent was obtained from  all participants or from parents if the patient was younger  than 18 years. We recruited patients with severe (3 or more wet nights  per week) primary MNE at least 6 months in duration in  whom available conventional and combination therapies  had failed, including desmopressin, anticholinergics and  an alarm. We excluded those with secondary NE, nonMNE,  nocturnal polyuria and any neurological abnormality. All patients provided a detailed history and underwent  complete physical examination, urinalysis, x-ray of the  lumbo-sacral spine and ultrasound of the urinary system.   All patients were asked to keep a nocturnal enuresis diary  for 2 weeks, which included the time of sleep and arousal,  and whether they had a dry or wet bed in the morning. Nocturnal urinary output was measured as the total urine  volume collected in the diaper after voiding during the last  night (assessed by weighing the diaper in the morning)  plus the first morning urine volume. Nocturnal polyuria  was defined as nocturnal urine output 130% or greater of   EBC for age.20 The Arabic version of a 2-day frequency-volume chart  (adapted from the Pan Arab Continence Society, www.pacsoffice.com) was obtained from all patients to confirm  that the problem was MNE. Daytime functional bladder capacity was considered the recorded MVV. EBC for age  was calculated by the formula, 30 _ (age in years _ 30). Children with MVV less than 65% of EBC for age were  considered to have a small bladder.20 All patients also underwent urodynamic tests, as performed  by the same urodynamicist using a Delphis-KT  device (Laborie, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), including  1) uroflowmetry with PVR estimation by ultrasound for at  least 2 voids and 2) cystometrogram, including 1 filling  cycle using an 8Fr double lumen urethral catheter with  the patient supine and a slow filling rate of 10 ml per  minute. Patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups by  method. Randomization was done blindly by having an  independent nurse randomly take a card from an envelope  containing 14 cards for group 1 and 14 for group 2. Group  1 received active PTNS treatment sessions using the  Urgent ® PC Neuromodulation System, while group 2 underwent  a sham procedure. Treatment Protocol We applied the technique described by Stoller.21 The patient  lay supine with the soles of the feet together, and the  knees abducted and flexed (frog position). A 34 gauge  needle was inserted percutaneously approximately 2  inches (5 cm) cephalad to the medial malleolus and 1 cm  from the posterior margin of the tibia at an angle of 60  degrees from the skin surface and the lead wire attached  to it. The surface electrode was placed on the same leg  near the arch of the foot over the calcaneus bone. The  device was turned on and amplitude was slowly increased  until the largest toe of the patient began to curl, the digits  fanned or the entire foot extended, indicating proximity to  the nerve bundle (see figure). If this response was not  achieved or pain occurred near the insertion site, the  device was turned off and the procedure was repeated. When the needle was inserted in the correct position, the  current was set at a tolerable level (pain threshold) and  the session continued for 30 minutes. For the sham procedure we tested only the foot response  to the electrical impulse and then turned off the  apparatus during the whole session. To avoid patient  identification of the type of procedure all participants  were informed that they may or may not feel a sensory  stimulus in the lower extremities during the treatment  sessions. Groups 1 and 2 underwent 12 weekly outpatient treatment  sessions. All participants were advised to stop all  medical treatment for NE at least 1 month before starting  PTNS but to continue behavioral therapy, including fluid  A, neuromodulation system. B, system in use with flexion of left largest toe.   restriction at night, complete bladder emptying before  sleep and awakening 2 hours after sleep to void. Patient Assessment The first patient evaluation was done in the first 2 weeks  after the last session. This evaluation involved repeating  the clinical and urodynamic assessments. The clinical part  included a nocturnal enuresis diary for 2 weeks in which  the number of wet nights/week was reported as well as a  2-day frequency-volume chart. The clinical response to treatment was assessed as  outlined by the International Children’s Continence Society,  including no response—less than a 50% decrease in  the total number of wet nights, partial response—50% to  89% decrease, response—90% or greater decrease and full  response—100% decrease.20 Urodynamic assessment included  uroflowmetry, PVR measurement and cystometry. The second evaluation was done 3 months after the last  session. It involved clinical evaluation using nocturnal  and voiding diaries only. Statistical Analysis All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ® 17.   Data are shown as the mean SD unless otherwise specified. The Student t and paired sample t tests were used  for comparison between groups and in the same group,  respectively. Nonparametric data were compared by the  Wilcoxon signed ranks or Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical  significance was considered at p 0.05. RESULTS Recruited for this study were 28 patients with refractory  NE who met inclusion criteria. Initial assessment  and baseline characteristics of each group  showed no significant difference in clinical and urodynamic  parameters (table 1). Overall, in the 2  groups DO was present in 13 patients (46.4%) and  14 (50%) had decreased bladder capacity.   The procedure was performed easily with no adverse  effects in all cases. No patient discontinued  the planned sessions. At the end of the PTNS sessions clinical assessment  revealed significant improvement in the average number  of wet nights per week in group 1 (decrease from  4.7 to 2.6, p 0.002, table 2). Compared to the placebo  group, the number of wet nights after treatment was  significantly lower in group 1 (p 0.041, table 2). At  that time 4 group 1 patients (28.6%) had a complete  response to PTNS, 7 (50%) had a partial response and  3 were nonresponders. However, in group 2 there were  2 patients (14.3%) with a partial response, while the  remainder did not respond. When we compared the 2  groups, the difference in this response rate was statistically  significant (p 0.002, table 2). At first evaluation after the end of treatment, the  active group showed significant improvement in all  urodynamic parameters compared to baseline, including  first and strong desire to void, and MCC  (p 0.002, 0.01 and 0.000, respectively, table 2). In  group 2 these parameters did not significantly differ  compared to baseline (table 2). Also, DO disappeared  in 2 of 7 group 1 patients but this improvement was  not noted in the sham treated group (table 2). Statistical  analysis revealed that the difference be- Table 1. Patient characteristics Active Placebo p Value No. boys/girls 8/6 9/5 1 Mean SD age (yrs) 13.7 2.8 14 2.8 0.8 Mean SD body mass index (kg/m2) 24.95 4.40 26.27 4.23 0.43 Mean SD max urine flow (ml/sec) 26.85 6.74 23.28 5.49 0.13 Mean SD PVR (ml) 6.21 7.11 5.86 5.48 0.9 Mean SD daytime frequency 3.9 0.67 4.29 0.64 0.07 Mean SD MVV (ml) 266.57 82 288.93 106.29 0.27 Mean SD No. wet nights/wk 4.7 1.3 5.1 1.4 0.42 No. detrusor overactivity: Present 7 6 1 Absent 7 8 — Mean SD void desire (ml): 1st 148.46 25.89 153.50 21.65 0.59 Strong 260.43 84.18 271.79 75.43 0.71 Mean SD MCC (ml) 291.21 86.82 322.21 76.04 0.32 Table 2. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons of clinical and urodynamic findings after PTNS at first evaluation Active Placebo Baseline After Treatment p Value Baseline After Treatment p Value Posttreatment p Value Mean SD void desire (ml): 1st 148.46 25.89 177.71 35.48 0.002 153.50 21.65 154.14 20.71 0.59 0.041 Strong 260.43 84.18 283.64 72.03 0.01 271.79 75.43 271.6 72.8 0.94 0.67 Mean SD MCC (ml) 291.21 86.82 322.5 65.89 0.000 322.21 76.04 323.57 77.44 0.57 0.97 No. detrusor overactivity: Present 7 5 0.44 6 6 1 0.7 Absent 7 9 8 8 Mean SD MVV (ml) 266.57 82 280.14 71.81 0.022 288.93 106.29 291.07 96.84 0.73 0.6 Mean SD No. wet nights/wk 4.7 1.3 2.6 2.2 0.002 5.1 1.4 4.7 2.1 0.08 0.041 No. response: — — — — Full 4 0 0.002 Partial 7 2 None 3 12 1516 POSTERIOR TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION FOR REFRACTORY NOCTURNAL ENURESIS tween the 2 groups in this regard was not statistically  significant (p 0.7, table 2). Furthermore, in  this evaluation urodynamic parameters showed that  bladder volume at first desire to void was significantly  higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p 0.041). On the other hand, bladder volume at strong desire  to void and MCC did not significantly differ between  the groups (p 0.67 and 0.97, respectively, table 2). Five of the 8 group 1 patients with decreased EBC  showed improved capacity. MVV also significantly  increased after treatment from a mean of 266.57  82 to 280.14 71.81 cc (p 0.022, table 2). When we studied the relationship between the response  to PTNS and initial urodynamic findings, we  noted that all 10 group 1 patients with small bladder  capacity and/or DO showed a good response to treatment,  including 4 and 6 with a full and partial response,  respectively. However, when we compared the type of  response in those with normal vs abnormal urodynamic  results, the 4 patients with normal urodynamic findings  in this group had a poor response to the sessions, including  3 with no response and 1 with only a partial response. This difference was significant (p 0.007). Clinical results at 3 months after the last session  showed some deterioration in early results in the  active group. In this group the number of patients     ith a full response decreased from 4 to 2 and the  number of those with a partial response decreased  from 7 to 4. No change was detected in the other  group. However, when we compared the response  rate in the 2 groups at this time, we detected no  significant difference (p 0.13). In addition, the  average number of wet nights per week at that time  was 2.9 in group 1 and 4.2 in group 2, which did not  significantly differ (p 0.07). DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that PTNS could be of value  in some patients with primaryMNEin whom previous  conventional therapies failed. To our knowledge this  treatment modality has not been tried before in such  cases but it has been successfully used for overactive  bladder syndrome,22,23 lower urinary tract dysfunction  in adults and children,15,18 refractory overactive bladder,  16 refractory vesical dysfunction19 and refractory  nonneurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction.17   Absent daytime lower urinary tract symptoms in  patients with NE does not necessarily mean that the  bladder functions well because DO and/or decreased  bladder capacity was previously reported in such  patients.10,11 The clinical response to desmopressin  therapy is less satisfactory when NE is associated  with decreased bladder capacity and/or DO.12–14 In  our study we detected DO and decreased bladder  capacity in 46.4% and 50% of patients, respectively,  although patients with MNE only were included in  analysis. These values agree with previous reports  showing bladder overactivity24 and small bladder  capacity25 in 49% and 50% of children with MNE,  respectively. These findings may partially explain  the mechanism of resistance to the previous treatment  trials in our patients. Our results and those of others reveal that PTNS  can be applied easily and safely in children.18,19  After the 12 PTNS sessions in our series, patients  showed a significant increase in MVV and urodynamic  parameters, including first and strong desire  to void, and MCC, compared to the placebo group. These results agree with those in previous reports  demonstrating that PTNS increased cystometric capacity  from 197 to 252 cc26 and from 243 to 340 cc,27  and increased MVV by 39 cc, which was statistically  significant.23 However, at 3-month followup we detected some  deterioration in the response rate compared to early  results. The overall number of full and partial responders  decreased from 11 (78.6%) to 6 (42.9%) in  group 1. This deterioration during followup suggests  that PTNS may have temporary efficacy and its effect  decreases gradually with time. This finding was also  noted in patients with overactive bladder treated with  PTNS. van der Pal reported that 7 of 11 patients with  an initially good response had evidence of subjective  and objective deterioration after PTNS.28 They suggested  the need for maintenance treatment. The early promising results of this study encouraged  us to suggest that PTNS might be effective  in patients with refractory primary MNE in  whom nocturnal polyuria is not an etiological factor  but in whom the main underlying pathological  condition is decreased bladder capacity and/or DO. However, the exact mechanism that could explain  the mode of action of this treatment modality is  still unknown. PTNS may induce some inhibitory  effects on DO. The existence of this functional  abnormality in the bladder implies that the detrusor  is not completely relaxed between voids.   Therefore, the capacity of the overactive bladder is  usually smaller than that of the bladder with a  normal detrusor. Consequently, the clinical response  usually occurs when bladder capacity increases  and DO improves after PTNS. This explanation  may be supported by the improvement in  bladder capacity (functional and cystometric) and  the disappearance of DO in patients who responded  to PTNS in our study. The main limitations of this study are the small  sample size and the short 3-month followup. In  addition, we did not repeat urodynamic tests at  the second followup at 3 months to avoid patient  discomfort but depended only on the patient clinical  response. However, this information could be important for assessing the cause of the deterioration in PTNS efficacy after treatment was  stopped. CONCLUSIONS PTNS appears to be a viable treatment option in  some patients with refractory primary MNE. However,  deterioration in the response rate with time  raises important questions about the long-term  efficacy of this therapy and the need for further  maintenance sessions. More studies are needed to  support our findings and select patients who  would be good candidates for this therapy.