Taxation and Tax Environment in the United Kingdom Essay

Taxation and Tax Environment in the United Kingdom - Essay Example When a person is resident for tax purposes in the UK but he is a foreign domicile, he is perhaps only liable for paying tax on the money which has been brought in to the UK. So if a person offshore accounts in his own mother country, but he does not use that money in the UK, he has the chances to exempt from UK taxation but if in doubt he needs to check with an accountant. There are some sorts of income on which tax is not binding. These include certain benefits, special pensions, and income from tax-exempt accounts. These are ignored as well as when working out how much Income Tax may be needed to a taxpayer. HMRC is an association which is responsible for collecting the bulk of tax revenue, as well as paying Tax Credits and Child Benefits, and strengthening the UK's frontiers. It has a huge volume of information on these matters and it can get more as the individual banks are likely to follow suit. HMRC is also committed to targeting tax evasion. "Self Assessment" is the matter of personal taxation which is used in the UK regime. It is introduced in 1996/97. Self Assessment applies to such types of taxpayers who are self-employed. Their tax affairs are so complicated that can not be fully dealt with under the normal system. For example, we can say about the directors, higher rate taxpayers and those who have more than one source of income. The phrase "self-assessment" is ambiguous because the tax will be calculated by the HM Revenue and Customs in certain circumstances or the taxpayer can use the services of an accountant to calculate the tax on his behalf. The regular income-tax system involves the filing of a return of income with the Income-tax Department along with the statement of accounts maintained if any, production and examination of books of accounts, determination of total income, issue of a demand notice for payment of tax and finally its payment.  

Developing Supply Chain to Deliver WOW Essay Example for Free

Developing Supply Chain to Deliver WOW Essay Zappos.com is a privately held online retailer with an extensive product category mainly including apparel, footwear, handbags, and watches. Headquartered in Nevada, it primarily operates in the US with about 1,300 employees and revenues mounting to $635M in 2008. Thanks to its strength in offering an outstanding customer shopping experience and strong corporate cultures and values related to customer service, it was the largest online shoe retailer in 2008, with a positive growth outlook. However, in the face of possible economic downturn, its underlying insufficiencies in supply chain management and operations may pose a threat to the company’s long term profitability. Nevertheless, the opportunity of possible international expansion may well be exploited to improve sales and expand the business, but such decision still needs critical evaluation and feasibility assessment in whether Zappos can sustain its focus on outstanding customer service levels in such scenario. The online-retail industry in which Zappos operates is one in which the rivalry among existing competitors is high, as it is competing with both click-n-brick stores like Amazon, as well as traditional retail stores such as Footwear Inc which also have a strong focus on the shoe segment. However, the threat of new entrants is very low as a result of the high initial capitalization required for the start of business. There are a large number of buyers in the market. However, high price sensitivity and low switching cost strengthen the buyer`s position; continuing to attract such customers becomes one of the main challenges for Zappos during a likely scenario of economic downturn. Zappos will need to adopt strategies such as importing directly from foreign suppliers, committing to 5 day delivery through ground shipping as opposed to next-day air shipping, offering its own private label, and expanding its Powered by Zappos initiative. Company Value Chain: Problem Analysis External Analysis Porter’s 5 Forces The following is an evaluation of the external forces acting upon Zappos’ operations and their possible impact in the immediate and future performance of the company: Degree of Rivalry HIGH: While Zappos is a pioneer player in the online retail segment, in practice it is not only competing with other online retailers, but with brick-and-mortar stores in the traditional retail sector which have substantial experience in the market. Many other players offer similar products to those carried by Zappos’. Bargaining Power of Buyers MODERATE to HIGH: Given the many alternatives in the market, the switching cost for a customer to other retailers is very low. Consumers are becoming increasingly price-conscious, and with the small potential for differentiation in the non-fashion elite segment, the customer can easily find other similar product options, forcing retailers to offer lower pricing to remain competitive. Threat of New Entrants MODERATE TO LOW: The barriers to entry in the industry are extremely high, based on the large capital investment required. However the online retail business is still on its growth stages, which may attract new players and investors looking to capture potential markets. Bargaining Power of Suppliers LOW: Competition for both wholesaler / importer suppliers and direct manufacturers is intense and well established; therefore, the market itself drives the power of the many suppliers down. As discussed, there are many alternatives in the market such that no single supplier is dominant. Threat of Substitutes LOW: There are no substitute products available for most of the products which Zappos may offer to the public, so such threat is unlikely. SWOT Analysis Strengths Customer-Oriented Culture and Services Zappos has strong company culture and values, which have a large influence on all aspects of the business, including the supply chain. Zappos is always looking for new ways to WOW every customer and always treat every employee like family. The employees consider Zappos a fun place to work. In addition, Zappos` commitment to customer service satisfaction is clearly demonstrated by their value propositions and represents their core differentiation strategy. These are free shipping, guaranteed 5 day delivery (WOWing the customer, where 49% of customers will receive their product within 2 days), a 365 day return policy and 24/7 customer service. Unique Products and Innovation The core products that Zappos offers are designed to be distinctly different from the traditional shoes available in brick-and mortar stores. Zappos provides customizable product models and extensive product information to customers. For example, Zappos` site has a detailed d iscussion of gait that helps customers to determine which type of shoe is appropriate for them. Weaknesses Presence Limited to Online Market Although there are many online shoppers today and the number is still growing, Zappos is unable to reach the majority of retail shoppers by only having the online outlet channel. Relatively Low Profit Margin The revenue of Zappos in 2008 is $635 million, but the company policy on product returns makes up 35% of gross sales. This is definitely crippling Zappos profits. High Dependency on UPS Until 2008, Zappos has only one call center in Las Vegas and one distribution center in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The distribution center is less than 30 minutes from the UPS hub in Louisville. This will make Zappos delivery highly dependent on UPS. Opportunities Rapid Growth of Online Shopping – Online purchasing has grown consistently year after year; the opportunity lies in capturing new online customers and retaining them. Technology Innovation In 2008, Zappos added more automation to its warehouse operations by installing a robotic system in which robots picked up shelves that contained the items to be picked, and brought the shelves to the workers. These new robots allow Zappos to ship a pair of shoes in as little as eight minutes. Technology advances will allow Zappos to increase the capacity and efficiency of its distribution centers, without having to build new centers. Build Strategic Alliances with Complementary Retailers Zappos could build synergies with similar-size online retailers which offer complementary products in an effort to broaden its customer base and target audience. Threats Economic Downturn Customers will become more price-conscious in difficult economic times, which will ultimately drive Zappos strategy in order to remain competitive in such scenario. Competitive Rivalry While Zappos is one of the pioneer players specialized in shoe-retailing, the trend is for established brick-and-mortar companies to start offering their products online, which may generate additional competitive pressures. Possible Security Breach for Online Retailer Zappos must address possible security breaches to its servers. Problem Statement Based upon the previous analysis, Zappos faces two major problems which may be detrimental to the company’s long-term success. Our aim here is to synthesize them in order to formulate a series of recommendations that the company could implement to solve the mentioned problems. Problem 1: Supply Chain Management The first problem that the company faces within its organization is related to supply chain management. We have identified three different sub-issues within this topic in which Zappos has room for improvement: Imports from wholesalers as an intermediary between Zappos and the manufacturers Due to the highly uncertain demand in the sector, having a wholesaler between Zappos and the brands that manufactures the product is a strategic problem for the company. When Zappos places an order, it is relying on the inventory that the wholesaler keeps in order to fulfill its need of supply. Furthermore, Zappos may find it difficult to secure its supply as the company grows, having no control over wholesaler import decisions. This is especially critical in a sector with unstable demand faced with global economic uncertainty. Zappos must devise supply chain-related strategies which provide the company with more flexibility in terms of profit margins in order to deal with more price-conscious customers in the future. Delivery to Zappos’ distribution centers from suppliers The company faces a problem in relation to inefficiency of partially loaded trucks arriving to unload to Zappos’ inventory facilities. As the case highlights, significant numbers of partially loaded trucks (LTL) arrive to unload products generating unnecessary traffic in the distribution center, subsequently slowing down the unloading process. There’s a need for Zappos to address this issue, ultimately affecting its whole operation’s efficiency. Inventory Management At this point, the company uses manual scanners to register incoming and outgoing stock from its distribution center. This may lead to inventory inaccuracies due to the high probability of human error to occur in the handling of the incoming and outgoing merchandise. It is of the utmost importance for Zappos to have accurate inventory information, not only in terms of its supply chain management, but also in maintaining customer service levels because of the potential of having inaccurate information on the website such that a customer may order a product which is actually out of stock. Problem 2: Growing the business Throughout the case it is been said that the company plans to expand. It is possible to grow the business in a national scale as well as internationally. The following issues need to be addressed by Zappos when evaluating company expansion: determining strategic locations for new facilities to store its inventory and achieve a good balance between supplier lead times and delivery times to the final customer. In addition, the company faces the decision of whether to continue having its distribution centralized in Kentucky. Moreover, Zappos needs to evaluate whether or not it is still feasible to use UPS ground shipping in the long-term. The company would also face a problem not only when trying to maintain its customer service levels and an efficient delivery, but also when trying to get new employees to share its corporate culture. Recommendations: Start Importing Directly from Foreign Manufacturers: Zappos should begin developing direct relationships with foreign manufacturers, especially with Chinese suppliers, starting by importing some products directly, instead of buying from North American wholesalers. This strategy has the following benefits: * Cost savings from purchasing the same products at lower prices, providing the company with more pricing flexibility at dealing with cost-conscious consumers in a difficult economy. * Distribution channel efficiency is increased by eliminating middlemen in the supply chain. In this sense, there is no need for products to be shipped from foreign suppliers to a wholesale distributor and from there to Zappos; Zappos can receive the product directly at their distribution center, reducing freight costs across the value chain as well as lead times. * A closer relationship with manufacturers might enable Zappos to obtain information regarding inventory levels, product availability, and or der status and timing. It is worth noting that even in cases where Zappos is still purchasing from a wholesaler (who in-turn imports from the manufacturer), the wholesaler can request the manufacturer to deliver directly to the Zappos distribution center, earning the lead time and cost benefits. Opt for Ground Shipping as Opposed to Next Day Air Shipping: Given the risk of failing to meet the next day delivery standards because of external factors, Zappos should only guarantee 5-day delivery. In this manner, the company will consistently overdeliver, with 99% of customers receiving their orders within 4 days. This strategy not only makes sense from a cost perspective, but it also goes hand-in-hand with Zappos’ culture of outstanding customer service. However, the option of next day air delivery should be made available to the customer for a premium rate. Sign a Contract with a Selected Trucking Company Specialized in Consolidation: In order to minimize LTL shipments to its distribution centers and mitigate the economic inefficiencies that LTL implies, Zappos should sign a contract with a major transportation and logistics company specialized in consolidation in order to handle Zappos order pick-ups from some of its remaining local suppliers, optimizing cargo capacity and delivering such products to the distribution center. This contract strategy would only be possible to implement in areas with high supplier concentration such as Southern California and Ontario. It is granted that such a strategy would require a long and difficult negotiation process between suppliers, the logistics company and Zappos; however, economies of scale benefits could be obtained from the large volumes to be handled and the cost savings distributed across the industry value chain. Search for Additional Partners and Expand â€Å"Powered by Zappos†: Powered by Zappos partners act as distributors of the products carried by Zappos. In this sense, finding new partners will generate additional revenues from both the fees of developing and running distributor websites and operations and from an expanded market base deriving from multiple websites offering Zappos products. Offer its own Zappos Private Label: Zappos could expand the business by offering its own private label; private labels offer the advantage of not purchasing from a third-party wholesaler which in itself is making a profit from the merchandise, allowing for more flexibility in terms of pricing and profit margins. Overall, by commercializing its own brand, Zappos can offer its private label merchandise at lower prices than the industry standards, while maintaining its profit margin. This strategy would be effective at dealing with price elastic customers in uncertain economic times. It must be noted that to achieve this, however, the company would need to develop internal design capabilities and source its private label through selected manufactures which meet their needs. In order to achieve the lowest supplier prices, supplier relationships would need to be developed through established contracts which may include exclusivity agreements. Based on the large volumes that Zappos handles through its established customer base, the strategy could also earn benefits from economies of scale and increased brand awareness. Do not Expand Internationally in the Short-Term: The huge capital investment required and the risk of affecting customer service levels makes international expansion undesirable in the short run. The company’s financial base must be strengthened further before pursuing such expansion, maintaining the focus on customer service that the company has been known for. Customer service is core to company values and culture and therefore cannot be compromised by any strategic decision. International expansion must be accompanied by the same training standards, staffing levels and passion for customer service at company call centers and order delivery must meet Zappos promise. This last factor could pose a special challenge, given that Zappos would be relying on couriers operating in different countries which may introduce a factor of uncertainty beyond Zappos control as to what levels of delivery performance can be met. Invest in an Automatic Scanning System for Inventory Control: In an environment where such accurate inventory information is required, the current manual scanning of goods entering and leaving the distribution center is inadequate. Errors in inventory control will inevitably have a negative effect on customer satisfaction in that the system may allow a customer to purchase a product that is in fact out of stock. A system which automatically scans incoming and exiting products (magnetic doorways or similar) guarantees inventory accuracy and goes hand-in hand with the core values of the company, making it a worthwhile and even necessary investment. Limitations * The capacity of the existing distribution center in Kentucky is unknown; therefore we are assuming that the current infrastructure will be enough to sustain the operations of the company to meet an increasing demand and market share in the short-term. * Suppliers which have their own fleet might be reluctant to agree to let Zappos do order pick-ups and deliver their products; however, our recommendation assumes that the suppliers are flexible in this sense. * A break-up of the company`s operational costs would be required in order to make better-informed strategy recommendations. The performed analysis is based on purely qualitative information. [ 1 ]. MGSC 602 Strategic Management of Operations Coursepack, Zappos.com: Developing a supply chain to deliver WOW, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Case GS-65, 02/13/09, page 276 [ 2 ]. MGSC 602 Strategic Management of Operations Coursepack, Zappos.com: Developing a supply chain to deliver WOW, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Case GS-65, 02/13/09, page 296 [ 3 ]. MGSC 602 Strategic Management of Operations Coursepack, Zappos.com: Developing a supply chain to deliver WOW, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Case GS-65, 02/13/09, page 273 [ 4 ]. MGSC 602 Strategic Management of Operations Coursepack, Zappos.com: Developing a supply chain to deliver WOW, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Case GS-65, 02/13/09, page 280 [ 5 ]. MGSC 602 Strategic Management of Operations Coursepack, Zappos.com: Developing a supply chain to deliver WOW, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Case GS-65, 02/13/09, page 276

The nurse midwife role in facilitating successful breastfeeding

The nurse midwife role in facilitating successful breastfeeding Introduction Breastfeeding has been viewed as the healthiest approach of feeding. A wide range of literatures have supported this opinion (Acheson, 1998). Since breastfeeding is helpful to promote babies health and is generally considered as a professional issue, mothers require professional support for appropriate breastfeeding (Riordan, 2005). One of the primary responsibilities of nurses/midwives is to promote the health of babies (Riordan, 2005). Thus, it is required for them master the skills to support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. The aim of this essay is to investigate the role of nurse/midwife in facilitating successful breastfeeding. Firstly, approaches to support the initiation of breast feeding in the postnatal period will be studied and discussed. Secondly, methods than can be adopted to support the continuation of breast feeding in the first six months will be discussed. And thirdly, the role of the midwife/ nurse in facilitating breast feeding will be concluded. Approaches to support the initiation of breast feeding in the postnatal period All mothers own the right to decide the way to feed their babies. Thus, breastfeeding should be provided as an informed choice for them (Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 2003). Nurses and midwives play the role to provide concise and clear information to all mothers in the antenatal period. They should not discriminate any women due to their choice of the approach of infant feeding but offer fully support for them when making that choice. To ensure that the potential health risks of formula feeding and the benefits of breastfeeding can be conveyed to and understood by pregnant women, discussion about infant feeding between nurse/midwife and pregnant woman can be conducted on the one to one basis (Tayside Breastfeeding Policy Group, 2007). In this kind of discussion, nurse/midwife should explain the physiology of breastfeeding to all pregnant women simply and clearly. This is helpful to reduce common problems such as misunderstanding of breastfeeding and to cultivate pregnant womens confidence in the ability to breastfeed. Besides, written information such as documents on the antennal feeding checklist can also be printed and offered to pregnant women. No matter which feeding method is about to take, early skin-to-skin contact between mothers and babies should be encouraged. Once pregnant women decided to take breastfeeding, they should be encouraged to offer the first breastfeed as soon as possible. Early experiences indicated that early opportunity to suckle and skin-to-skin contact contribute to improved breastfeeding outcome (Tayside Breastfeeding Policy Group, 2007). Nurse/midwife should provide help if it is required. The infant should be left with the mother continuously after birth. When mothers give first breastfeed, nurse/midwife should show them the appropriate gestures for feeding, such as how to support babys head, shoulders and neck (MDPH, 2008). Besides, it is essential for mothers to have proper latch for milk production and transfer and to reduce possible pain. Nurse/midwife should also provide explanations to this point (MDPH, 2008). As to frequency and duration of breastfeeding, timed and scheduled feedings shoul d be discouraged. While frequent breastfeeding in the early stage of postnatal should be encouraged to build milk supply, for example, at the 8 to 12 time of feeding should be provided at 24 hours (MDPH, 2008). Baby-led feeding should be encouraged. Breastfeeding should be provided according to infants interests. Unnecessary introduction of supplements such as formula and water and artificial nipples should be avoided. In order to maximize milk supply and increase the overall success of breastfeeding, mothers should be instructed to delay the introduction of formula and bottles during the first 3 to 4 weeks after delivery, which is a critical period for establishment of breastfeeding (MDPH, 2008). The continuation of breastfeeding in the first six months It was found that one of the major factors influencing mothers decision of the continuation of breastfeeding is the brevity of a postpartum hospitalization. Previous studies indicated that many mothers leave hospital before breastfeeding is well established (Morrow et al., 1999). Thus, the brevity of a postpartum hospitalization can directly impact the continuation of breastfeeding. Based on this consideration, mothers require more professional immediate and consistent assistance with breastfeeding. Thus, in order to support the continuation of breastfeeding, nurse/midwife play the role to ensure the breastfeeding is well established between mother and baby during the period of hospitalization. During the first six months of breastfeeding, nurse/midwife should try to provide sufficient information and support to enable the mothers to breastfeed exclusively. According to the review of Sikorski et al. (2001) concerning the approaches in facilitating breast feeding, they observed that the breastfeeding supported offered by professional health staff who are typically specialized in guiding breastfeeding such as nurse and midwife, can significantly increased exclusive breastfeeding to two months. In details, breastfeeding support interventions provided during both the antenatal and postnatal period were more supportive to increase both the rate and period of breastfeeding than interventions offered just during the postnatal period. Therefore, in order to increase the continuation of breast feeding in the first six months, supports from nurse/midwife should be provided since the antenatal period. According to the suggestions given by the World Health Organization (WHO) (1998), the use of pacifiers and artificial teats is associated with early cessation of breastfeeding. Previous studies also suggested that although pacifiers and artificial teats are safe to use, they can directly impact the continuation of breastfeeding in the first six months. Thus, nurse and midwife should encourage mothers to minimize the use or avoid the use of pacifiers and artificial teats. Besides, it was found by Jones (1994) that cupfed preterm infants when their mothers were not able to present and breastfeed were more likely to continue breastfeed than those were fed by bottles. This suggests that even in some medical conditions, bottle fed should be avoided in order to ensure that babies can be breastfeed afterward. The role of the midwife/ nurse in facilitating breastfeeding It is health care professionals responsibility to concerns over the babys health. Support of breastfeed has been viewed as the responsibility of midwife and nurse who directly contact with pregnant women and mothers with postnatal babies in their daily work. To facilitate breastfeeding, firstly, nurse and midwife play an important role in advocating for breastfeeding friendly environments (RNAO, 2003). Their role in this aspect includes advocating for supportive facilities and systems. For example, it was suggested by RNAO (2003) that public breastfeeding areas, mother and baby areas for breastfeeding, day-care facilities, and 24-hour help for mothers with difficulties in breastfeeding should be included. Then, community based supportive activities for breastfeeding can also be integrated into their role. For example, it was suggested by Canadian Institute of Child Health (1996) that nurse and midwife can encourage and help parents to find and join in a supportive community breastfee ding network. Educations can be provided to couples during the age for childbearing. This is helpful to assist them to make informed decisions relating to breastfeeding. Secondly, nurses and midwifes are responsible to convey new research evidence to the parents to guide the breastfeeding (RNAO, 2003). Nurses and midwifes have more information access about health promotion than the common individuals. And the new health research findings may help the mothers to breastfeed in a better way. For example, it was recommended by the WHO (2000) that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months; with introduction of other supplementary food later on with continued breastfeeding up two years is a suitable approach for breastfeeding. It is necessary for nurses and midwives to communicate this new evidence to the pregnant women and mothers. However, to ensure nurses and midwifes can keep up with the latest evidence, education and training course for them is also necessary. Thirdly, nurses and midwives should be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments for breastfeeding both prenatal and postnatal based on the condition of mother, baby and family (RNAO, 2003). This is helpful to facilitate the development of plan for breastfeeding and conduct correspondent interventions. For example, prenatal assessment can include attitude about breastfeeding, intent to breastfeed, access to support for breastfeeding and physical factor that may influence a womans ability to breastfeed. Conclusion To sum up, breastfeeding plays an important role to promote the health of babies. And the nurses and midwives role in promoting and facilitating breastfeeding. To support the initiation of breast feeding in the postnatal period, breastfeeding should be provided as an informed choice for them. Physiology of breastfeeding and its benefits should be explained to all pregnant women simply and clearly. Guidance during the initiation period should be provided by midwives and nurses to help mothers to establish breastfeeding with their babies. During the first six months, in order to support the continuation of breastfeeding, nurse/midwife need to ensure the breastfeeding is well established between mother and baby during the period of hospitalization and to help mothers established good habit of breastfeeding. Midwives and nurses roles in facilitating breastfeeding include advocating for breastfeeding friendly environments, to convey new research evidence to the parents to guide the breast feeding and to conduct comprehensive assessments for breastfeeding both prenatal and postnatal based on the condition of mother, baby and family.

Analysis of Cusp Catastrophe Model

Analysis of Cusp Catastrophe Model Social Psychology of Sport Critical discussion on cusp catastrophe model and using its principles of anxiety on an athlete’s performance. Introduction The ability to cope with pressure and anxiety under strenuous conditions such as a large sporting event is an essential skill to have, especially for an elite level athlete. Anxiety can be associated with an unpleasant state of mind, which can have different effects on performance. There have been many reported situations among athletes relating the feeling of being anxious or stressed in different sporting events. Dias et, al (2009) have participated in a research reporting 550 results among different level athletes linking to stress and anxiety to an important event. Some research have been shown that there were decrease in performance in correlation to anxiety such as memory, complex motor tasks such as shooting into the hoop in basketball () or indoor rock climbing (). However, there have also been positive anxiety correlations on performance regarding rebound shot in basketball and () have shown to have improvement in motor tasks skills such as anagram-solving. However, the relationships between anxiety and performance have been difficult to explain. Things such as methodological flaws, lack of operational definitions and unclear theoretical construction all conjunct within different theories (). Hardy’s (1990) cups catastrophe model (CCM) has been attempting to explain the contradicting effects of anxiety on performance, using multidimensional construct model. Cusp catastrophe model The catastrophe theory was originally proposed by a mathematician Rene Thom (1975). Rene developed the model geometrically explaining all naturally discontinuities in the world. Hardy (1990) has then developed a model of anxiety and performance (), attempting to explain the contradicting findings that have been previously reported regarding anxiety on performance. The model is based on the view on anxiety performance as a multidimensional construct; it combines the cognitive components â€Å"interactive effects of anxiety-performance relationship, the facilitative effects of cognitive anxiety and hysteresis†(), and physiological arousals ‘the organism’s natural physiological response to anxiety-including satiations’(). Cups catastrophe model shows an interactive, three-dimensional model predicting the effects for cognitive anxiety in a form of worry and physiological arousal on performance. Cups catastrophe model proposes that there are a series of four relationships which exists between cognitive anxiety, physiological arousal and performance. Cognitive arousal (CA) components are explained as expectations and cognitive concerns about one self, their situation and potential consequences (). Physiological arousal (PA) component is regarded as physiological response to anxiety, such as pain, feeling sick or feeling uncomfortable (). The first predictor suggests that cognitive anxiety has a positive connection with performance, when physiological arousal is at the lower end of the spectrum. The second predictor shows to have a negative relationship with performance, when physiological arousal is high. Third, is when the CA is low, the PA is shown to have an inverted U-shaped relationship on performance. The final predictor suggests that, when CA is high and physiological arousal is increasing a break in the wave of performance surface occurs. The split factor suggests that there will be a catastrophic drop in performance from the upper performance surface to lower performance surface. Moreover, when the catastrophic drop has occurred, with the large reduction in physiological arousal it is possible to bring performance back to the upper performance surface ().The change that occur when cognitive anxiety is high and physiological arousal increases is called hysteresis, which occurs under the condition of high cogn itive anxiety but not low cognitive anxiety. Hysteresis can be explained as the condition within the model where performance can catastrophically decrease from the upper performance surface to the lower performance surface. However, with the decrease in PA levels below the level at which the catastrophic drop occurred performance of the athlete may increase. Analysing one of the quotes made by Jessica Ennis, (2011) who is a professional 100 meter hurdler, have said: Im really, really nervous before every event, she admits. There are different levels of nerves. Before the hurdles Im particularly nervous as its the first event and, once thats out of the way, I relax a little bit†. Using cups catastrophe model it can be seen that Jessica experience signs of anxiety, having different levels of nervousness throughout the event. It can be expected that her cognitive and physiological arousals are pretty high, as the pressure from an Olympic event such as crowd, competition, winning the gold medal or podium position could have an effect on her performance. So before the event Jessica’s anxiety levels are high, with cognitive anxiety being high and physiological arousal decreasing the hysteresis effect may occur with Jessica feeling the pressure. However, her personal coping strategies could help reverse that effect, bringing her ba ck to the upper performance surface when the competition begins. Balancing the high cognitive state and physiological arousal may help increase performance during the event. Straight after the event it can be seen that she may relax, so her cognitive anxiety and physiological arousal decrease straight after the event leaving her of being more stress-free. Moreover, if she had to perform the hurdles after a certain amount of time, cognitive anxiety could be in at the middle and physiological arousal being low, to maintain the concentration for her to progress on to the next tier. Critical discussion The cups catastrophe model can handle complex linear and nonlinear relationship simultaneously in a three-dimensional manner, with the use of high-order probability density within the model, the functions have the advantage of being able to integrate sudden changes within behavioural jumps in the hysteresis(). Researches by Hardy et al, 2010 have applied the theory behind the cusp model over two experiments, supporting the process and the theory behind performance catastrophes and anxiety by using it with high levels of trait anxiety with competitive environment. The second study was social pressure and ego within the competitive environment which suggest that the cups catastrophe model is plausible. Hardy at al, 2007 have also found that hysteresis did occur in high CA condition, with the significant drops in performance with the increase in PA and CA. Another study by Marshall et al. 2005 looked into how interaction effects of cognitive anxiety and physiological arousal on have an effect on golf performance. The research did confirm that using the model, it had a positive relationship in regards of different situations and how anxiety is coped. However, the research also indicated that even though the methodology is plausible other factors needed to be assessed, as the theory is multidimensional it is very complex. Edwards et al, 2002 on the other hand, implemented that the theory of cusp catastrophe model may be plausible; however other factors such as confidence could appear to play a significant part in the catastrophic performance. Also () has implemented that other models such as endogenous learning-by-doing (ELBD), supports similar fundamentals of anxiety literature. All of the studies and theories suggest that anxiety does have different effects on physiological arousal and on anticipation timing performance during competition and practice. Also most of the models do tend to support the hysteresis theory and the catastrophe phenomenon. Most of the literature supports the different implementation of anxiety which occurs within the human mind, however it is very complex and needs to be further investigated to find a greater explanation on how anxiety affects sporting performance. Conclusion Determining the effects on anxiety on performance is still ripe at this stage; there are plenty of implementations which could be added to all of the models and theories. However, with the use of combined theories it may help further explanation and elimination of how there are relationships within understanding of anxiety, and how potentially it could increase and decrease performance of the athletes. With the cups catastrophe model being one of the most used in the research, it cannot be overlooked that other factors may affect the relationship between anxiety and performance. With the implementation of cups catastrophe model researchers could use other models or theories to round up the conclusion. Reads Anxiety-induced performance catastrophes: Investigating effort required as an asymmetry factor Lew Hardy*, Stuart Beattie and Tim Woodman

The Success of Gateway Computer :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

The Success of Gateway Computer Gateway 2000 was formed by Ted Waitt(CEO), in September 1985, in Sioux City, Iowa. The company was founded along with Senior Vice president Mike Hammond. In 1990, as the company began to blossom it was moved to its current location in North Sioux City, South Dakota. They formed Gateway 2000 with one goal in mind- to offer PC buyers a logical alternative to high markups, limited choices and inadequate support, common in the retail PC market (Gateway.com 1). These two partners started selling hardware and software to people who owned Texas Instrument computers. The placed ads in computer related publications, selling to the end user. These two guys were the pioneers of direct-marketing in the PC industry. Finally in 1987 Ted Waitt recognized the possibility of selling fully configured computers, at good prices. This idea gave Gateway a tremendous push forward into the computer industry. In 1987 the company reported revenues of 1.5 million dollars, later in 1989, it jumped to an astounding 70.6 million dollars. Finally, in 1996, they jumping into the billions with 5.04 billion dollars. In 1993, Gateway became a traded company in the NASDAQ market system under the symbol GATE. Making improvement along the way they moved to the New York Stock Exchange on May 22, 1997 and uses the symbol GTW. On June 16, 1997 the stock split. Gateway 2000 is a leading global marketer of personal computers. Although they are a leader in global marketing they have a problem with their laptop division. the laptop division holds one of the lowest market shares in the market. Toshiba the leader in market share holds 21.2 percent of the market, Compaq holding 15.7, IBM with 12.4, Dell with 6.1, Acer with 5.0, Packard Bell with 4.4, Fujitsu with 3.4, Hitachi with 3.3, Micron with 3.2, and finally Gateway with 2.8 percent. With Gateways new and improved marketing plan, they should increase to the top over the next five years. Gateway’s current target market is the home PC user. They put forth most of their energy trying to make the customer feel comfortable with its product. They also want the customer to feel as though they made the right decision buying from Gateway. This attitude will help Gateway in selling itself. They will not need to use extreme advertising because the word of mouth is the most powerful advertising tool.

Compare The Ostler and The Darkness Out There Essay -- English Literat

Compare The Ostler and The Darkness Out There In this essay I will compare two stories - The Ostler, written in the 19th century by a man called Wilkie Coliins, and The Darkness Out There, by Penelope Lively, written in the 20th century. They are both horror stories, a genre which has been popular throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. This is perhaps because, since we are no longer scared on a daily basis, as would have been the case in medieval times, we need to find an artificial way of creating the thrill. I will look at the similarities and differences between the way each story is structured, the build up of tension, the settings and the characters. First I will summarise each story and look at their 19th and 20th century features. The Ostler is about an unlucky, not very bright man who has a very vivid dream on his birthday that a woman is trying to kill him. Years later, also on his birthday, he meets this woman again and gets engaged to her before he realises who she is. By the time his mother realises, it is to late and he feels he has to marry her. She turns out to be an alcoholic and one day, after she is particularly cruel to him, Isaac hits her. She runs away, and comes back seven days later, on the night of his birthday, to try and attack him, in exactly the same way as the dream-woman did. He manages to stop her and she runs away again, this time never to be seen again, but Isaac continues to be terrified that she will return and kill him, especially on his birthday. The Darkness Out There is about two teenagers who are part of a group which helps out old people with things like cleaning and gardening. They go to help one old lady and she tells them a how, in the war, she l... ...an people's mind's. The stories are similar in that nothing too horrific actually happens in either of them. They are more about the character's fears. Personally, I liked The Ostler less than The Darkness Out There, as it deals with a more supernatural horror which only affects the character in the story, and so did not have such an impact on me. I liked The Darkness Out There as it makes you think, and it applies to everyone, which makes it truly chilling. At the end Sandra is changed forever. The wood is emptied of the fictional witches, wolves, tigers and prowling blokes, but this does not make her feel better. The old fears were in a way comforting - "It was cosy to think of Packer's End, where you weren't", but the new fear cannot be shut out or escaped from because it is a part of her, a part of every human that is capable of unspeakable horror.

Dance: My First Love Essay -- Personal Experience, Personal Narrative

Dance has been a part of human history since the earliest records of human life (Praagh 30). Cave paintings found in Spain and France from 30,000 -10,000 BC had life-like drawings of dancing figures participating in rituals. They illustrated the prominence of dance in early human society. Later in the Renaissance Era a new attitude towards the body, the arts, and dance was originated. The courts of Italy and France became the center of new developments in dance, providing support to dancing masters and musicians who created large scale social dances for the acknowledgment of celebrations and festivities. In the court of Catherine de Medici, the Italian wife of Henry II of France, the first forms of ballet stemmed from the genius dancer, Balthazar de Beauhoyeulx. In 1581, Balthazar displayed the first full-length ballet for an audience. His piece was an idealized dance that told the story of a legend by combining spoken texts, intricate settings, and costumes with group dances f ull of strong technique (Praagh 100). In 1661, Louis XIV of France granted the organization of the first Royal Academy of Dance (Praagh 101). Because of this, during the next centuries, ballet developed into a high-class discipline and art form. Social couple dances such as the minuet and the waltz began to emerge as a display of free will and expression. In the 19th century, the era of romantic ballet reflected the struggles ballerinas had in the new time period in such ballet classics as Giselle (1841), Swan Lake (1895), and the Nutcracker (1892) (Praagh 125). At the turn of the new century, with the commotion of World War I, the arts reflected a major questioning of values and a hysterical search for new forms that reflected individual expression an... ...orld of dance. Bibliography: Works Cited Baughman, Kristen â€Å"Martha Graham’s Life.† Graham Index. 1998. http://userpages.wittenberg.edu/s02.cscaia/graham_life.html (20 Dec. 2000). Conner, Lynnen â€Å"Chapter 3: The Modern Dancers.† Early Moderns. 1996. http://www.pitt.edu/~gillis/dance/martha.html (20 Dec. 2000). Marshal, Stephanie. Personal Interview on Dance Experience. Butler, PA, 18, Dec. 2000. Maynard, Olga. American Modern Dancers. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company. 1965. Praagh, Peggy. The Choreographic Art. New York: Alfred A. Knopt. 1963. Teachout, Terry â€Å"The Dancer: Martha Graham.† Time 100. 2000. http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/graham.html (12 Dec. 2000). Zermeno, Rogelio. â€Å"Dancing to Success.† Martha Graham. 1994. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~rortizze/graham.htm (15 Dec. 2000).