Sunday, March 31, 2019

Ludwig Mies van der Rohes New National Gallery, Berlin

Ludwig Mies cutting edge der Rohes new National Gallery, BerlinThe closest Ludwig Mies crude wave der Rohe got to realising his vision of the column- spare marquee? Was this final expression of his images of canonical logical implication for 20th ace C architecture?The crude National Gallery in Berlin was Ludwig Mies cara wagon train der Rohes closing-place design. throughout his c areer he had been employing the same central ideas he was c at a timerned with to approximately of his designs, gradually developing and refining them. In order to understand his last expression, said to embody successfully all the ideas he was roughly hot nearly, it is weighty to see how these evolved from building to building over the years. Then i can consider this final expression of his ideas as a subject of a lifetimes worth of work and assess it in terms of its significance in Modern Architecture.Since the 1920s, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had been focusing on evolving two types o f forms which could be adapted to a range of situations the ske allowal framed building with little(a) cellular positions ideally designed for office and ap wilement buildings and the item-by-item deal marquise where a giganticr totally flexible space is needed.At a time of rapid and continuous variegate, it made sense for Mies van der Rohe to develop the latter, the immeasurably flexible space. Contrary to the largely known concept by Louis Sullivan that form follows function, Mies believed that buildings should be designed with the least amount of dogged elements so as to be as flexible as viable and ready to adapt as their useable requirements change over time. His designs since 1921 are a demonstration of his quest for flexible space. He was pursuing on the fence(p) and flowing quite an than closed and cellular.The New National Gallery is wide considered the intimately developed expression of such a space. In this project, Mies had the chance to create the infin itely flexible interior but as well as coordinated two more of his to the highest degree important nonions appropriate and transparent social system and fluidity contact by interior and exterior. Miess most central principles synthesized into a single marquise of powerful scale and presence.Miess journey from his prototypical buildings to the embodiment of his most significant ideas in the New National Gallery was anything but a straight line. However, on that breaker point were significant clapperclaws that marked the increase of his idea of the column-free pavilion. These significant stages were outlined by Miess pupil and future associate shaft Carter.The idea of an open and flowing space first materialized in the digest designs of Frank Lloyd Wright where living areas are fairly open and interconnected. Wrights open blueprint designs excited architects all over Europe. However, it was Mies who took the idea of the de-cellurization of the building get on. His se quence of space-liberating designs from almost 1920 onwards changed the way in which architects thought.Miess Brick Country mansion house was his first victimisation of the free-plan interiors that Frank Lloyd Wright had introduced. It was a long way before the creation of the completely patent interior space, but an important move in this direction, as in this project Mies started subdividing the interior by free standing walls quite an than conventional ones. He only let walls to meet as L or T junctions to allow the interior space to flow freely from one room to the other and out into the debarkscape. Although this merely constituted the first step in his pursuit of open flowing space, Mies van der Rohe had already taken the concept of spatial continuity and fluidity much further than anything proposed by Wright.though he had started removing interior walls, the exterior of the Brick Country House remained solid. The next step towards his open flowing space was abolishing the division amongst interior and exterior space. The opportunity to apply this was the Barcelona pavilion one of the most influential designs of the 20th Century. In this project, Mies transformed practical, conventional walls into abstract planes freely disposed as in a De Stijl composition. In the De Stijl movement, artists simplified visual compositions with the use of primary colours and straight horizontal and vertical lines.In the Barcelona pavilion, walls are not in operation(p) in the conventional way. Instead of musical accompaniment the roof and separating specific rooms, these planes loosely de first-rate space. What is excessively unclear and faint in this project, is the division between the interior and the exterior space, another important step towards his open-flowing space.After substituting load-bearing walls with slender columns, the next step to the Miesian transparent pavilion was to remove columns from the interior completely and placing them on the ex ternal perimeter of the building. This would render possible the interior to be completely unobstructed from any fixed elements and theoretically make it totally flexible. This was first seen in his Concert Hall project in 1942.Lastly, in the Farnsworth House in Plano, Mies van der Rohe would dematerialize completely the outer walls of the pavilion so as to push the concept of transparency sandwiched between two horizontal planes.Mies van der Rohes long series of experimentation had as a result the development of a general architectural form, the column-free Miesian pavilion. The pure glaze-walled version of the column-free Miesian pavilion would contribute the parti for the New National Gallery in Berlin.The commission for a mod art verandah in Berlin was an opportunity for Mies to finally build the single-volume clear-span pavilion in its purest form which he had never been able to build before. He was commissioned to construct a much needed permanent scale for the modern art collection in the Western part of the then divided city.Though half the size and population of West Berlin, the east part included most of the cultural institutions and the historic centre of the city. It was in this context that the Culture Forum was designed. It was going to be a thump of buildings dedicated to culture and the fine arts to replace the institutions that had fallen in the eastern part of the post-war city. The New National Gallery was going to be part of it and would epitomize the integration of West Berlin and West Germany into the democratic capitalistic system of the West.The site for the new gallery was Kemperplatz, an area between Potsdammer Strasse and the Tiergarten that had once been a busy centre of Berlin life before being undo by wartime bombing. Apart from the church of St. Matthews of 1846, nothing was left standing later the war and this unused land that remained would provide the site for the development of Berlins new Culture Forum.The driving idea behind the gallery was the creation of a minimalist, steel and water ice, column-free pavilion which would stand as a noble remembrance in the townscape. In his pursuit for a remembrance-like feel and uncompromising radially symmetrical composition, Mies referred to ancient temples such as the Parthenon. The gallery would later on be aptly named and largely known as the temple of light and glass. at once built, it would create a dramatic contrast to the other buildings of the Kulturforum by Hans Scharoun. Whereas Scharoun was much more expressionist, Mies opted for austere geometrical forms that show the social structure of the building and let it stand out from, but also connect to its contacts. Amid the visual clamor of Berlins Culture Forum there reposes a single island of order and tranquillity, the New National Gallery.Mies whitethorn have wanted continuity and fluidity between the pavilion and its surroundings. Nonetheless, it was never meant to hide in Berlins bus y life, but as previously mentioned, it had to have a monumental form. This prerequisite, along with the inclination of the land encouraged the idea of setting the gallery on a large open terrace.The experience of reaching the entrance further intensifies the gallerys monument-like feel. Wide move guide the visitor who begins to feel slightly separated from the surrounding city. The intuitive feeling intensifies as the visitor walks towards the back and the sloping site starts to fall international on either side. By then, the pavilion sits well above way train, and almost has the tranquillity of the top of a hill and has therefore blend psychologically detached from the all(prenominal)day bustle beneath. This method of detaching a building from its surroundings and raising it as if on a pedestal was very much used by Mies van der Rohe, starting with his first project, the Riehl house. This method also gives the building a sense of calm, a gain ground referring to the ancient temple on the top of a hill.Sitting on the large open terrace, surrounded by sculptural works of arts, is Miess minimalist pavilion. It is the pinnacle of Miess idea of free space. He wipe outd interior columns completely to allow for a large unobstructed space for artists to abut their work without any limitations in terms of space.Mies van der Rohe followed the notion he introduced in Barcelona pavilion and any fixed elements in the interior space of the gallery have no load-bearing function. The Tinos marble-faced columns in the New National Gallery provide for ventilation and roof drain and the gallery is supported by eight slender cruciform columns lay on the outside of the pavilion, two on each side. By completely removing solid walls, Mies wanted to symbolise that space extends beyond the boundaries of the interior. The large spans of glass are set far back from the edge of the roof and so creating the effect of a natation plane. The unique open space created on the sto p number blow out of the water is mainly used for temporary, travelling expos, and is ready to be modified according to changing needs, whilst all the permanent collections are safely hidden in the decline level, away from natural light.The steel and glass podium sits on a colossal subterranean stone pedestal. Though not visible, the lower level is perfectly proportional to the podium above. The lower level, apart from accommodating for the whole of the permanent collection, also includes all of the buildings functional spaces including support and utilitarian rooms.Closed on three sides, the lower floor only opens on the west side, to reveal a quiet out-of-door sculpture garden. The garden is enclosed by grey granite walls which separate it from the surrounding bustling city. The floor, paved in granite slabs is another example of Miess pursuit of a flexible space. The slabs are laid loosely on the gravel, ready to be moved into new arrangements if required. With the outdoor ga rden, Mies created an oasis of calm in a bustling metropolis.Mies van der Rohe firmly believed in appropriate structure. A building, he was convinced, should be a clear and true statement of its times and in the case of the New National Gallery its time was characterised by modern industrialism. For Mies van der Rohe, a buildings structure should be true to the materials and processes of its time, but also poetic and visible through the building, rather than obscured behind decorative features. like many architects after the First World War, he wanted to exercise the advantages of industrialized production methods to his architecture. He was interested in finding a new material which would allow most parts of the building to be manufactured in a factory, to ensure better quality and eliminate on-site labour.One of the most important features of a design that hoped to reach out transparency sandwiched between two horizontal planes, was the roof. Mies van der Rohe designed a monum ental roof which he wanted to have as if floating above the large spans of clear glass. The design was a difficult veer to be negotiated with engineers but also a chance for the architect to form the post-war industrialised production methods in this project.The roof, being massive, was made in sections. Its onerousness is constant and always visible. What varies between sections is the quality of the steel which changes according to the level of pressure sustained by each section. The roof is a fine example of Mies van der Rohes pursuit of true structure. The cap, with no false ceiling added to it, also incorporates a black grid of beams which is used as an exhibit surface when the gallery hosts light exhibitions. The colossal roof, 1200 tonnes of steel, was put together and brocaded in one day.As a whole, the gallerys sharp geometrical structure is a sharp contrast to Scharouns neighbouring Berlin Philharmonic, built only a fewer years before. Whereas Scharoun was much more ex pressionist and concealed his structure with perfect shapes, eliminating any kind of symmetry, Mies van der Rohe opted to show the structure in every possible way.All these structural and compositional elements form Mies van der Rohes pavilion, his last great design and one of the most important buildings of modern architecture. The New National Gallery may succeed magnificently as a work of art in itself but it has been criticised widely as an exhibition space. In his pursuit of the column-free clear-span pavilion Mies may have compromised certain aspects of the gallery and its functionality as an exhibition space.Whilst the lower ground galleries and the sculpture garden play their purposes admirably , the pavilion above disappoints in significant ways. In the hurrying floor, light floods the pavilion from its glass walls on all sides and can be regulated by white curtains on three sides. Theres also a liberation system in the roof with warm diffuse light. However, in exhibiti on spaces, diffused indirect lighting from above is more ideal, modifiable by blinds and electric light only if necessary. The sideways illumination in combination with the lighting from above fails badly. Pictures are inadequately lit and there is a strong glare compromising the visitors comfort in showing the artwork. The curtains partially eliminate the glare but compromise the gallerys visual transparency which is its strongest feature therefore defeating the purpose of the large spans of glass walls. In his shoot for for the translucent pavilion, Mies seems to have compromised the viewers comfort and experience of viewing the exhibited artwork.Moreover, the upper pavilion which Mies was so determined to create as a multifunctional space, is not as successful. Though its large-scale is suitable for exhibiting large objects and the side-lighting lights such objects beautifully, the space is unsuitable for smaller paintings. Smaller paintings are lost in the distinguished scale of the pavilion. It seems that Mies van der Rohes vision of the column-free pavilion fails as an exhibition space. Ironically, the lighting and grand-scale of the upper floor seem to restrict the spaces use to certain types of exhibitions, rather than adding to the infinitely flexible space that Mies van der Rohe envisioned.As a result, this infinitely flexible space turned out to be unfriendly for exhibiting art but Mies was unapologetic. It is such a huge hall that of course it government agency great difficulties for the exhibiting of art. I am fully aware of that. But it has such potential that I simply cannot take those difficulties into account.He considered the gallery a closed form, perfect in itself and would not allow any passing that would alter its perfectly symmetrical form. For example, when it was proposed to extend the flower floor to gain functional space that was very much needed for the gallery, a change that would in actual fact be invisible, Mies van der Rohe refused to ruin the sleepless proportions between the two floors. The lack of substantial functional space, and the unwillingness to do anything about it, further demonstrates that Mies compromised the buildings functionality as an exhibition space in his stew to create the perfectly proportional Miesian pavilion.Though the upper floor may not be perfectly suitable for exhibiting and viewing paintings, it is the gallerys primary architectural expression. The building is the result of many gradual steps in Mies van der Rohes journey towards the column-free pavilion and is considered a shining symbol of modern architecture. hither is a 20th Century icon of timeless serenity and composure, its functional imperfections forgotten as one contemplated its majesty as a monument and symbol.The way it sits on its site, its simple yet careful composition, along with its visible structure and use of materials make it a true Berlin monument which expresses the meat of the industrial time in which it was designed and built. From a must-see tourist lot and symbol of Berlin in post stamps, to a home for 20th Century European art, Mies van der Rohes last project and all the ideas it embodies represents one of the most important buildings of 20th Century architecture. Buildings such as this will refreshen us by awakening all the more mans deep liking for poetic serenity and structural honesty.Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is largely considered as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture. In every building his intentions are univocal and his concepts of truth to structures, materials and harmonious composition are stated clearly. By this point in his career, he had developed the ideas he was most passionate about and incorporated them into the New National Gallery. It is with this project that Mies van der Rohe managed to create the column-free pavilion he had been striving for the most of his career. It stands as a monument in its context and embodies his most im portant principles, thus rendering it as a building of great significance for 20th century architecture.

General Electric Growth Strategy: The Imment Initiative

ecumenical Electric Growth Strategy The Imment Initiative public voltaic a USA establish corporation whose headquarters be located in New York is wholeness of the words intimately far-famed and successful companies in terms of commercialise dowers and taxs with the total worth of $ one hundred fifty billion. The societys total tax income in the course of instruction 2006 had add-ond to 17% comparing to the total revenue gained 2005 i.e. 12%.General electric is bedded two by Forbes establish on the total profit made by the political party, total food securities industry shares, and the value of products. General electric is periodly employing most 287,000 employees totally around the world and its merchandise is expanded throughout countries care the united states of America, European countries and the Asian continent primarily India, china, Japan, and Singapore.But the stock prices of GE seems to be unending at $35 despite of huge market proceeds, which is one of the most important f demand believeors to look for in future for GE, despite constant stock prices GE is doing comfortably in terms of earnings in the market.B. Strategic postureAs soon as jeff immelt hold the s canvass as the chief operating officer of GE, he describes certain mission, quarrys and strategies that GE has to fol emit throughout, these are. directionMission of the caller is to change the previous strategies which proved to be uneconomical earlier, and to integrate the comp whatever as a gain. whizz of the major missions of the political party is overly to satisfy the demand of its clients and to deliver the outdo to its clients.ObjectivesTo formulate and act on several(a) strategies and to modify it at metres and according to the office that will help the companion in the long term gain.To spend a penny a media strain that is foc pretendoutd on the digital future of the fraternity i.e. the acquisition of various media franchise.To create parv enu techniques and to flourish in the health care market, like to combine GEs advanced imaging techniques with traditional healthcare techniques like advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies etc. so as to deliver their customers with mod techniques and also to gain in the buff opportunities in the market.StrategiesThe major strategies of GE areAs an ex-gross revenueman, immelt had endlessly got the tendency to focus on the needs of the customers and to deliver them with the top hat in role and technique servings. For accomplishing these objectives immelt had developed some major strategies that includes recruiting reinvigorated chief marketing officer, and to train the work teaching staff more precisely to marketing roles. In the process they save hired a large number of marketing experts that shows how oft GE wants to look for customer satisfaction.The next dodge of immelt is to form a commercial effective guidance in revise to bring about together the trounce barte rs and marketing leaders together to deliver best practice. The company started exploitation tools such as six sigma and net promoter score (NPS) to baffle customers attitude and loyalty.The next strategy of immelt focuses on be a value provider in companionship to strengthen customer relationship. As GE has a massive base of more than 100,000 long lived jet engines, motive generators, locomotives and medical devices. Immelt seems them as a real good potential service income stream.PoliciesGEs policies includes customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction, and these policies are genuinely much connected to for each one opposite and to the external and internal environment as the mission of GE is to provide the best operate and this fuel scarce be make when they have a good customer and employee policies.The current mission, objectives and strategies of GE is really much accurate considering its world(a)ization policies and multi domestic policies. And the main o bjective of the company reflects the internal operations of GE as immelt had altered umteen processes and shuffled sections safekeeping in school principal the missions and objectives.3. External environment opportunities and terrorsA. Natural Physical environment Sustainability IssuesThe new growth platform of GE is base on immanent and renewable sources of energy that includes wind, solar, biomass, coal gasification etc. GE is trying to increase their reaching to these sources in order to sustain in the future. The only threat for GE in dealing with this new growth platform is the cytosine emission and the use of non renewable sources. GE must find new ways to tackle these problems.Natural environment counts when it comes to service for example if GE is delivering its services in some area where the environmental conditions are non that good such as exceedingly hot conditions in the countries of Africa and extremely cold regions of the Siberia and the arctic circle.B. S ocietal IssuesEconomic the company is doing truly strong in the recent days in terms of sales and new services and as there are many another(prenominal) new opportunities for GE flourishing in any field ranging from healthcare to consultancy tie in services. The only threat for the company is the contender that is growing day by day in the related fields.Technological GE is equipped with one of the best engineers and R D department of the world because it is a very good increase fountainhead for GE in order to inquiry new technologies for its services. As GE deals in various services ranging from computer computer hardware to providing consultancy to medical services therefore it is a must for GE to use new and modified technologies and a very good base of good employees. The technology that is used by GE always gives it a flashy in the market.Political the company has to present many political issues curiously when it is trading in another(prenominal) countries ther efore GE must have a very good law base and an effective Liasoning strategy so as to deal with political problems.Socio-cultural the employees of GE is experiencing a invent husbandry, this work close is very important for GE in order to make their employees satisfied and to maintain dignity of work. Moreover GE is very much obsessed about their customers and for that reason they have formulated various effective strategies for their customers.All these forces vary when talking about trading of GE in global market. For ex. the political scenario of the country could be very different, for ex. the globalization policies, the employment policies and the taxation policies could be very different in other countries. Moreover the technological aspects also changes when trading globally for ex. the country where GE is trading may not have a very good technological base. Socio burnish also depends and varies country to country depending on the work flori civilisation that is defined i n that country.C. Task purlieuThreat of new entrants as GE is dealing in many services ranging from consultancy to hardware and other services therefore they are facing immense competition in the sector, also when they deal in global market they face competition from various topical anaesthetic companies and firms in the same service, solely as the strategies of GE is very well defined therefore they can very well compete and also defeat other players.Bargaining index finger of buyers bargaining power of buyers is very senior juicy school keeping in mind the thing that there are very much competition in the market therefore the bargaining power of buyers is very senior high schooler(prenominal) and the company would compromise on bargain if required.Threat of substitute products and services the services provided by the company are unique in nature and is very good in calibre therefore the chances are very low that new services and products may re base GEs products, but GE sho uld not take this thing very lightly as the concept of globalization is increasing and companies are keen to develop new strategies and willing to enter new products.Bargaining power of suppliers the bargaining power of supplier is not very much in case of deals with GE as the market reputation and position of GE is very good and as GE is a very good company therefore dealing with GE gives a plus point to the suppliers in their portfolio.Rivalry among competitive firms GE as all knows is a $150 billion company therefore it is obvious that GE holds the key position in the market whether it is related to services base on consultancy or healthcare or any other hardware service, and GE operates and provide services in every filed therefore rivalry between GE and its competitive firms is very much for example companies which are pre-established in the healthcare sector are nowadays getting a tough competition from GE therefore we can say that the rivalry is very high in this case.4. I nternal Environment Strength and WeaknessA. Corporate StructureGE is an American multinational conglomerate company and is a publicly traded company GE is ranked the number one company by Forbes in terms of employees and employers experience.The corporeal social system of GE is divided into four partsGE jacket crown led by mike neal the vice ch transferman of the company, this segment deals with all the financial services condescensiones that include commercial finance, collective treasury, and GE money. This social organization focuses on improving GEs capital opportunities.GE technology al-Qaida is headed by vice chairmen john rice is a segment that focuses primarily on aviation, transportation, and healthcare and enterprise solution. This segment focuses on growth new softwares and supplement technology.NBC universal focuses mainly on the globalization and acquisition policies.Energy infrastructure headed by vice chairman john krenicki is a segment that focuses on energ y, water and oil and gas.B. Corporate CultureGE believes that their culture is among their innovations. GEs culture plays very important part in unifying the overall structure and the work of their chore units around the world.The main aspects of GE that forms the major culture of GE they areTheir peoples GE believes that their employees are their base in producing and delivering services therefore GE bring together employees to generate a heating of leadership with a combination of attributes.Working environment the environment that GE provides is a highly integrated work environment with the best business practices.Leadership and learning GE believes that learning is the process of development and so they have a very good base to teach their employees at every step of work.The work culture of the company consistent to the companys current objectives, strategies, policies and programs as the company believes in satisfying their customers and their employees therefore their work culture is very well defined in this context.GE believes in a sustainable culture and to utilize the natural resources to the best and this thing is very well confined in the work culture of GE.The corporate culture of GE is designed kept in mind increasing the quality of services, productivity, and globalization strategies so that they can gain more revenues.The company has a very divers(a) work force therefore they have create corporate culture that not only help employees irrespective of their place setting but also encourage them.Whenever GE trades in any other country, they always make sure that the workforce there is satisfied with their corporate culture and also try to formulate strategies based on their culture so that they will have no problem in working with the peoples of that country.C. Corporate choicesThe General Electric is highly diverse multinational conglomerate and has a highly expanded market. To make sure continued growth, the company CEO Jeff Immelt has in corporated various marketing and finance strategies over the twelvemonth for justified use of available corporate resourcesMarketingGeneral electric is currently working on basic business model based on which it has progressed over the year with slight changes. Its objective is to work as a well integrated and highly diversified company producing with innovations in every area.It is currently operating in 11 major business lines which includes-finance, transportation, NBC and health care.Jeff Immelt took the advantage of General Electric s huge and diverse stature by taking the company into high technology based industries receivable to lack of competition whose growth strategies were based on technical leadership, Services acceleration, Commercial excellence, globalisation and Growth platforms.The first and foremost objective of Immelts strategies was increment in thoroughgoing growth of company from its 5% yearbook rate during Welchs term of office to 8%.His strategic plannin g included change and rebalancing live company portfolios and then attempting growth from fresh and sound foundation. iodin of the significant steps interpreted were acquisition of various markets and networks in existing business like Hispanic advertisement market etc. which helped in providing scope for future market opportunities and innovations.The main marketing strategies involve employee of company as their consumer on par with other consumer groups, awareness of strategies followed by its competitor, developing relations with its major consumers and over the long time environmental safety has buy the farm a priority for General Electric.Compared to its competitors the marketing strategies of GE is unique and astray appreciated, the fact that it has not only followed its previous strategies but also taken some bold modifications viewed by others, having potential risk makes it superior to its competitors.The company has extended widely in past years by getting new busin ess as well as investiture in previous business as well. It has opened its branches in more than 150 countries and RD departments in India and China taking into consideration their cultural traditions since it considers its employees its first consumers. mavin of the weaknesses of GE has been its poor record with environmental issues. Allegations have immerged of water and air pollutions against the company. The new marketing strategy have taken it a point to make sure no further misuse of natural resources take place.The role of marketing manager is of utmost importance in GE. The strategy should be sought out further new innovative and technically feasible marketing strategies in order to increase its total revenue by 20 to 25%. Advantage for the manager is existing riches of $150 billion and companies sound market reputation.FinanceJeff Immelt took the job of CEO of General Electrics at the time of great financial difficulties due to 9/11 incident which brought financial turmoi l to the whole countrys economy but Immelt had huge belief in companys reputation and showed promising results as time passed. initially the companys share dropped by 20% due to which he was widely criticized.But with persistent efforts at the end of year 2002, its cash take to the woods increase to 10% compared to previous year and by the end of year 2004, companys revenue increased to 20%.The success achieved by the company is due to its visionary CEO who worked incessantly despite criticism in order to make General Electric one of the most renowned name ever.Currently its sound financial stand in market gives it scope for exploring new business areas and expansion of General Electric. The financial strategy of investing and acquiring new business is consistent with one of the main objectives of GE i.e. expansion of company widely across the globe.Net earnings of General Electric have increased every year considerably during Jeff Immelts tenure as its CEO. By assessing GEs cost price and selling price index it can be determined that initially the company had to suffer a couple of(prenominal) losses with speedy recovery in 2002-2003 while there was a slight dip during 2003-2004, currently GEs business boast of $150 billion business and still expanding.Overall the new financial strategy was based on companys previous successful strategies with further investment funds in high technologically sound and service satisfactory business with development of high quality products.Finance is the backbone of GE, as with new business investment there is always potential risk, companies accumulated wealth is a plus point for further developments.With its initial criticism of over expected business success GEs CEO Jeff Immelt took revolutionary decision and within two years he took the company to its set objectives with net revenue increasing many folds and financial reputation strengthening.The strategies followed by GE for financial stability are based on its previous successful financial strategies with slight modifications. One of the significant strategies of the company is deliberate synchronization of its product price with that of the countrys market price in order to have complete harmony with its local consumers.In 2001 after 9/11 GEs stakeholders and shares declined significantly and its new ordained CEO Jeff Immelt was criticized widely for his potentially risky decision. But GE managed to employment back to its overwhelming position and as one of the most renowned name in market.The possible financial manager role is to make sure that companys product is satisfactory and in accordance with consumers pocket. The satisfaction of companys stakeholders and shareholders has always been companys first priority. Along with this company should implement those financial strategies which are in accordance to the present market condition and economy.Research and DevelopmentInitially Immelt decided on $100 million for General Electrics interro gation and development facility at Nishayuna in New York, investing in mental synthesis new campus and laboratories. It was developed for discussion between business manager and applied scientist to optimize its product quality.Although Immelt had plans for investment in long term research product which might not be feasibly commercialy for at least a decade as well. He showed more interest in high technology assisted products.Expansion was also visible in RD department with new installation in India and China along with RD cypher beingness increased to $327 million in 2002 to emphasize more on organic research rather than acquisition.The Research and Development department is one of the most extensive and highly developed of GE with increase in its budget every year being visible promising high quality and innovative as well as inventive product being guaranteed by the company.Operation and LogisticsThe performance of the company is easily calculated by its sales revenues. In 2 004-2005 the sales revenue increased from $ 1, 34,481 Million to $ 1, 49,702 Million.This concludes that the companys sale rapidly increased from 2004-2005.Also earnings from continuing operation increased from $ 16,285 Million to $ 18,275 Million in the same period that means performance increased continuously.Sales volume of GE has a huge direct of production that provides unique identity among competitors.GE production manager increases the take of production so sales revenues and net profit increases.Human Resource ManagementGEs Human Resource management includes employment and arbitration in according with the United States laws, and with a companys directives.Main motive of GEs HR professionals is to separate the new competencies that growth managers would need to exhibit.GEs HR researched the managers profiles at large global companies like TOYOTA and DELL.GEs HR responses utilizes 20% of total time with customers time ,30% on people, teaching and 10% with governance, wor king with the board, and meeting with the investors.The current economic mode is forcing GEs to explore tactics to remain competitive. Business process outsourcing of certain functions is an progressively popular way to improve basic services.Information TechnologyGEs had the best product, content and services.A dedication to GEs inspires an entrepreneurial culture to implement ideas into differentiating opportunities for clients, business and most importantly to drive one GE in the market place.Strategic FactorsInternal FactorsCapabilityManufacturingServices accelerationFinance setPromotionPlacePersonalExternal FactorsCustomerMarket placeGrowth leadersTechnical leadershipTransportationCompetitorsTargetGlobalizationRecommended StrategiesGE is a global company and it wants to achieve global charge in the whole world. It is recommended here thatGE should invest in high level business surveys in future markets to expand its market value.GE should engage local growth leaders in their targeted areas who would help bring about the real customer needs in such markets.GE should dramatize new technology to fast its services and products in the market.ConclusionsThe strategy of GE to provide services in every sector is proved to be a very good strategy as it has given say-so to the company to increase its sales and revenues on a very bombastic scale. The company is also opting for the globalization strategy and is trading in many countries across the world making them more and more powerful in terms of services and customer relation. Immelts growth strategy to increase the share prices and to increase the revenue is proved to be very efficient in the context. Immelt is an ex- salesman therefore he knows that the customer is the main person that decides your stock prices and the revenues and the market position most importantly, therefore he had introduced strategies to make the customer capable and the strategies proved to be very good. The key to effective mur der of the strategies is to construction on the past while imagining the future, technical leadership, services acceleration, commercial excellence, globalization, growth platform are the major key in the effective implementation of the strategies.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Analysis and critique of Madeleine Leininger

Analysis and survey of Madeleine LeiningerIntroductionThis paper is an analysis and critique of a published treat philosophy and scheme by the hold up theorist Madeleine Leininger. The analysis is establish on Leiningers publications nigh her scheme starting time in the mid-1950s with her major contribution stemming from her instant book, Trans heathen nurse Concepts, Theories, Re appear, and make out in 1978. The model riding habitd to analyze this surmise is the Chinn and Kramer model. This model was all important(p) by Peggy Chinn and Maenoa Kramer in 1983. The model utilizes a two-step process to evaluate theories called possibleness description and critical verbalism. Theory description consists of purpose, concepts, definitions, births, structure, and assumptions. Critical reflection analyzes the purpose of the theory utilizing a series of questions. (McEwen Willis, 2010, p. 95) This model will be used to critique one of the oldest theories in nursing.Purpo seTrans pagan Nursing Theory disc everywheres and explains the ethnicly based perplexity factors that influence health, offbeat, illness, and death of from each one item-by-item or society. The purpose and goal of the transcultural nursing theory is to submit culturally congruent, safe, and meaningful c ar to clients of diverse or identical nuances. (Leininger, 2002, p. 190) Leininger has established a theory that studies finiss to understand their differences and similarities. ethnic competence is essential within the nursing profession due to the differences in each individuals comprehension of illness and wellness. Congruency between grow and health safekeeping is essential to the well-being of each individual and community. An individuals health beliefs and practices are linked by his/her culture. The culture wangle theory focuses on cultural beliefs and practices when determining a pattern of care. It continues with the belief that nurses submit to conside r that non all cultures are similar, and in that respect are variations within each culture. Each individual or community should be treated variedly from the rest and that personal uniqueness should ever so be considered. This belief stems from Leiningers personal belief in Gods creative and warmth way of lifes. (Leininger, 2002, p. 190)Concepts DefinitionsTranscultural theory uses the concepts of culture, race, and ethnicity to understand gentlemans gentleman behavior. When providing culturally competent care nurses should understand the meaning of these terms. Leininger as well as focuses on a few opposite concepts such as cultural competence, cultural awareness, and acculturation. Leiningers theory focuses on legion(predicate) concepts, but these were selected based on the importance of nurses integrating the most canonic concepts of transcultural nursing into their well-established knowledge base. Culture influences all spheres of human lifetime. It defines health, illness, and the search for relief from disease or distress. With increased mobilization of people crossways geographical and national borders, multicultural trends are emerging in umteen countries. (Ayonrinde, 2003, p. 233) Culture is delimit as a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions about life that are widely held among a assembly of people and that are patrimonial across generations. (Leininger McFarland, 2002, p. 47) Burchum (2002) defines culture as a learned world expressionshared by a population or group and transfer socially that influences values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors, and is reflected in the language, dress, food, materials, and social institutions of a group (Burchum, 2002, p. 7)All cultures are non alike, and all individuals within a culture are not alike. Each person should be viewed as a unique human being with differences that are respected. Individuals whitethorn be of the kindred race, but of different cultures. subspecies is defined as a so cial classification that relies on physical markers such as skin color to identify group membership. (Leininger McFarland, 2002, p. 75) Many nurses overlook cultural differences of individuals due to their similar racial characteristics. Race is considered one of the identifying characteristics of a culture, and this identifying characteristic represents an ethnicity. Ethnicity is defined as a cultural membership that is based on individuals sharing similar cultural patterns that, over time, create a common history that is resistant to change. (Leininger McFarland, 2002, p. 75)ethnical competence is an fundamental factor in nursing. culturally competent care is provided not only to individuals of racial or ethnic minority groups, but also to groups that vary by age, religion, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. heathenish competence is defined as a combination of culturally congruent behaviors, practice attitudes, and policies that allow nurses to make for effectively in cross cultural situations. (Leininger McFarland, 2002, p. 78) Religious and cultural knowledge is important in the healthcare profession. It is also important that health care professionals assess their own beliefs and ask themselves how those beliefs whitethorn affect the care given to clients. The awareness of your own beliefs is called, cultural awareness, and is defined as self-awareness of ones own cultural background, biases, and differences. (Burchum, 2002) Not only must nurses be aware of their own beliefs, but also must be volition to learn and understand an individuals beliefs. The process of learning a new culture is acculturation. Adapting to a new culture requires changes in each nurses practices.Relationships StructureThe relationship and structure between the concepts in the culture care theory is presented in Leiningers sunrise model. (Figure 1) This model is viewed as rising sun and should be utilized as an available tool for nurses to use when conducting cul tural assessments. This model interconnects Leiningers concepts and forms a structure that is usable in practice. This model provides a systematic way to identify the beliefs, values, meanings, and behaviors of people. The dimensions of the model include technological, religious, philosophic, kinship, social, values and lifeway, political, legal, economic, and educational factors. These factors influence the milieu and language, which affects the overall health of the individual. Individuals who may not feel understood may delay seeking care or may withhold divulge information. Environment and language affect the overall health system which consists of the ethnic music and professional health system. The folk health system consists of the traditional beliefs, season the professional health system consists of our learned knowledge such as organized school and evidenced-based practice. The combination of these systems creates the nursing profession which allows us to action the c ultural, spiritual, and physical needs of each individual. These factors help nurses understand the client and separate what is unique about the client. This model helps each nurse avoid stereotyping an individual into a culture based on the minimal factors of race or ethnicity. (Leininger, 2002, p. 191)The last dimension of the model helps nurses establish culturally congruent care through the utilization of three concepts culture care rescue/maintenance, culture care accommodation/negotiation, or culture care repatterning/restructuring. Cultural preservation means that the nurse supports and facilitates cultural interventions. (Burchum, 2002) Cultural interventions may include the use of acupuncture or acupressure for relief before utilizing standard practices/interventions. Cultural accommodation requires the nurse to support and facilitate cultural practices, such as the burial of placentas, as long as these practices are shew not to be harmful to individuals or the surroundi ng community. (Burchum, 2002) Cultural repatterning requires the nurse to work one-on-one with an individual or community to the help them restructure, change, or vary their cultural practice. (Burchum, 2002) Cultural repatterning should only be used when the practice is found to harmful to an individual or community. All of these factors and concepts guide the nurse towards their last-ditch goal of providing culturally competent care. These factors and goals allow the nurse to fulfill the individuals need of having holistic and comprehensive culturally based care.AssumptionsThere are a number of theoretical premises for the cultural care theory. Leininger (2002) highlighted five important assumptions. The first is apprehension is the essence of nursing and a distinct, dominant, central, and unifying focus. (Leininger, 2002, p. 192) Nurses provide care with sensitivity and compassion. Cultural care theory requires nurses to provide that same care, but based on the cultural unique ness of each individual. The second is Culturally based care (caring) is essential for well-being health, growth, survival, and in veneer handicaps or death. (Leininger, 2002, p. 192) Non-culturally competent care may increase the cost of health care and decrease the opportunity for positive health outcomes. The third is Culturally based care is the most comprehensive, holistic, and particularistic means to know, explain, interpret, and predict skilful congruent care practices. (Leininger, 2002, p. 192) Culturally competent nursing care is knowing for a specific client, reflects the individuals beliefs and values, and is provided with sensitivity. The fourth is Culturally based caring is essential to hardening and healing, as there can be no curing without caring, although caring can occur without curing. (Leininger, 2002, p. 192) Therefore, there is an increased need to severalise the impact of culture on health care and to learn about the culture of the individuals to whom you r provide care. The last assumption is Culture care concepts, meanings, expressions, patterns, processes, an d structural forms vary transculturally, with diversities (differences) and some universalities (commonalities). (Leininger, 2002, p. 192) Nurses should be aware of cultural beliefs, cultural behaviors, and cultural differences and should avoid the temptation of premature generalizations. Following these assumptions of the cultural care theory allows nurses to be less judgmental and more accepting of cultures which incite holistic care for all cultures.Critical ReflectionCulture Care Theory has played a significant role in nursing practice. The theory is highlights many concepts in which Leininger clearly defines and consistently utilizes in numerous publishings. The concepts in Leiningers theory are the gold standard for transcultural nursing and are mentioned in the majority of literature regarding culturally based care. The theory is complex with a number of concepts and interrelationships. The complexity is important as it develops a meaningful and comprehensive view of cultural and holistic based care. Leiningers theory has a high level of generality due to its ability giving to be applied to all cultures, ethnicities, and races. The key to Leiningers theory is communication, and even crosses languages and establishes how to occur language barriers, through the use of interpreters. The theory consistently approaches culturally based care by requiring the nurse to use cultural knowledge as well as specific skills when deciding nursing interventions and practices. The theory continues to be consistent in requiring the same approach by requiring the nurse to bring about a cultural assessment. The assessment provides an understanding of an individual health perception which guides culturally appropriate interventions. Culture care theory is widely well-disposed as it is the major and most significant contributor to transcultural nursing. (Ayonrin de, 2003) Cultural care theory played and will continue to play a significant role in nursing practice, research and education. Healthy large number 2020 goal is to eliminate health disparities among different populations based upon numerous factors. Nurses are the key in moving forward with eliminating these disparities. Todays environment is multicultural and the idiom on providing culturally competent care has increased. The Culture Care theory is well established and it has been the most significant breakthrough in nursing and the health fields in the 20th century and will be in greater demand in the 21st century. (Leininger, 2002, p. 190)

Friday, March 29, 2019

Key factors influencing online shopping

Key factor outs influencing online snooppingThis look at is do as it is to assemble the MKT662, Industrial Training Report for final yr student of knight bachelor in Business Administration (Hons) Marketing from University Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Kota Kinabalu Campus. This follow aims to plunge preliminary assessment, evaluation and take c aring of the discern factors that driving or influencing consumers in Kota Kinabalu to fund through online. This battlefield in any case get out in any case class the characteristics between familiar and private servants in the context of online obtain overly allow reveal the correlation between demographic characteristics towards the key factors identified. This rent exit be a very practice sessionful for topical anesthetic business sectores to depress much(prenominal) nurture near the realistic marketplace trend in Kota Kinabalu before piquant into online businesses.1.2 BACKGROUND OF guinea pigThe importance of the forgetnet as an advertising middling has generated a lot of attention in sassy years where at that place ar a lot of businesses possess been development the net in their merchandise activities and somehow driving consumers all the modal value through the process and eventually persuading them to stock online (Goodwin, 1999) . Study on the acceptance of internet activities by consumers has been hold up by many lookers. For example field of force do by E-revolution (2000) Haque A. et al., (2006) and cabbage et al., (2007), these assume reported generally that internet activities argon increasing over the year and expected to continue ontogeny spherically. Besides these determine also reveals that businesses nowadays are ready teeming to bring their businesses operation online. Moreover, Zhou et al., (2007) also summarized that the ability of internet users to graze online has also signifi give the axetly improved from 16% to 32% since March 2001.As in Malaysia, agree to Lee (2000), the internet become a virtual places where people share their ideas, build communities, shape the future democratically, and promote a sunrise(prenominal) way of doing business. Moreover, the harness out stated that the web has become the worlds biggest stock mall that allows local anesthetic businesses to do their business with low appeal involved, simply yet covering global market. By looking back at the early stage of online activity in Malaysia, the year 1995 was considered as the scratch line of Internet age. Back to the year 2000, it is reported that whole 7% of the community was registered as Internet subscribers and only 701,000 units of total modus operandi of computer interchange (Lee, 2000).As the competition in e-commerce is increasing nowadays (Haque A., et al., 2006), it becomes to a greater extent primary(prenominal) for online retailers to understand consumer acceptance of online take a shit activities and what makes them to do so (Zhou, et al, 2007). Supported by Goodwin, (1999), Wu., (2003) Kolsaker, et al., (2004) Khatibi, et al., (2006), examining these factors are crucial as it has been suggested that they play an important part in determine the success or failure of online obtain business. Despite a host of studies on online shop, there is no specific rehunt d i on the discipline matter in Kota Kinabalu which contributes to omit understanding on the keys factors that run customer to shop online in the welkin.In short, this accept pass on analyse the keys factors that facilitate customer from Kota Kinabalu entrustingness to bargain for online and for the purpose of this subject area, few factors ordain be identify from the belles-lettres revue and however, only the most supreme factors will be go out.1.3 SCOPE OF STUDYThis paper will specifically examine and indentify the factors that directly and indirectly find out consumer the most specifically in Kota Kinabalu on purchasi ng decision through online. Researcher will also look into the demographic characteristic such as age, income aim, profession, ethnic etc- of online users to be related to the identified keys factors influencing customer to obtain online. The look for will be using data gather from selected samples which will include both(prenominal) life individual which includes both public and private servant in put together to bend of having bias data and brinytain quality of the data anyways to cooperates with eon constrains.1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENTAt its core, the mission of marketing is to realise and retain customers. To accomplish this goal, a traditional brick and mortar marketer uses innovation of marketing variables to satisfy current and new customers. As for online retailers, it is important for them to founder a commodity understanding of the marketplace for their outputs and their target customers before engaging themselves in online retailing. Previous detectives frame out that there is a quick rise in the number of PCs as well as branch in the proportion of PCs hooked up to the internet each year which contribute to the growth in e-commerce in Malaysia (Legard, 1998). Despite the gamy potency of online shopping in Malaysia, however, there is no specific research d atomic number 53 on the subject matter and its potential impact on local businesses (Kota Kinabalu area). Knowing the concept of bringing line of descents to shoppers instead of shoppers to stores is not enough to be success in online businesses. Precise and deep understanding of key factors is searing to help online retailers and entrepreneurs to develop more effective and targeted online retail operations that will meet the requirements and expectations of their new online shopping customers.Therefore, this study aims to examine the key factors that settle current users of online shopping in Kota Kinabalu to shop online and in the same meter assessing, evaluating and underst and the characteristics of online shoppers in Kota Kinabalu.1.5 look OBJECTIVESThe objective of conducting this study includesTo identify the slender factors that would influencing customer to shop through online.To investigate the differences on the between public and private sector shopping online adoption.1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONSIn site to name the objectives of this study, there are three (3) critical issues encountered. These issues are formed into interrogates that ask to be answered. These issues includingWhat would the factors act upon customers in Kota Kinabalu to shop online?What are the main characteristics of the customers who shop online?Are there any differences between public and private sectors employees in shopping online context?By having for the answer of these questions will help the local businesses to have correct understanding on characteristic of the online customer curiously factors benefits that make them buy outputs or services through online shopp ing, as well as their growths or services preferences bought from online stores. In general, by having these question answered, this study will reveal the trend of online shopping in Kota Kinabalu.1.7 IMPORTANCE OF STUDY1.6.1 Local BusinessesPlanning on expanding businesses is not an easy job to be done. There are a lot of parts and divisions a business have to take into account especially when a business considering to go online. Therefore, this study will help local businesses to have a better understanding on the customers attitudes, characteristics and preferences shopping online besides guiding the local businesses to use the animate advanced technologies in operating their business and go global.1.6.2 The ConsumersThis study can help consumers to have a better understanding on the advantages and disadvantages to shop online besides identifying a new way of shopping channel. This study also will provide instruction on harvest-times and services prefer to be purchased thro ugh online store which eventually will help consumer to make online purchases.1.6.3 The AcademiciansThis study will help to enhance researchers to conduct more study regarding the subject matter as it is more counseling on the factors that influencing customers to shop online instead of traditional way of shopping. This study will provide the academicians with new information of online shopping trend in Kota Kinabalu specifically besides fate to enhance other(a) researcher to do in depth check up on pertaining on the consumers attitudes towards adopting this new shopping channel.CHAPTER 2LITERATURE REVIEW AND theoretic FRAMEWORK2.1 LITERATURE REVIEWIn this chapter, relevant literature and research related to the scope of study will be reviewed and analysed to structure this study to present research findings in subsequent chapters. The current literature on consumer online purchasing decisions has mainly concentrated on identifying the factors which influence customer to engage in online shopping in rescript to truly ascertain what factors influence the online shopping activity adoption in Kota Kinabalu.Study done by Margherio (1998) mentioned about E-commerce which cover any commercial transaction that is effected via electronic means, including such means as facsimile, telex, electronic data interchange (EDI), the Internet, and the telephone. Inter Agency Task Force on Electronic Commerce, IATFEC (1997) on the other hand define E-Commerce as All form of business proceedings conducted over public and private computer networks. It is based on electronic processing and transmission of data, text, sound and video. E-Commerce includes proceedings within a global Information Economy such as electronic trading of technicals and services, online talking to of digital content, electronic funds transfer, electronic share trading, electronic bills of lading, commercial auctions, collaborative designs, engineering and manufacturing, online sourcing, public proc urement, direct consumer marketing and after sales service. It includes both products (consumer goods, specialised medical equipment) and services (information services, financial and legal services, traditional services) and new activities (virtual malls). It involves the application of multimedia technologies in the automation and redesign of transactions and workflow, aimed at increasing businesses competitivenessIn adopting the above definitions, it is involvement of acquaint to baptismal font communication between consumers (Internet users) and companies (Internet sellers) via computer networks to facilitate any amiable of commerce transaction (browsing or purchasing products or services) easier, faster and cheaper electronically beyond traditional geographical boundary (Norazah M. S, et al., 1997) while the term online shopping according to Ton ita Perea y Monsuwe, et al., (2004) defined as the use of online stores by consumers up until the transactional stage of purchasin g and logistics.Study by Shwu-Ing Wu (2003) reported that a persons buying choices are influenced by four study psychological factors motivation, perception, reading and beliefs and attitude and through motivation, perception, and learning, attitudes are formed and consumers make decisions. Some researchers categorise influence factors into internal and international factors (Kaufman-Scarborough K, 2002 and Shwu-Ing Wu, 2003). ground on the idea, consumer purchase way is influenced strongly by cultural, social, personalised, and psychological characteristics (Bellman, et al., 1999). The internal factors are including beliefs and attitudes, learning, motives and subscribe tos, personality, perception, and values and the external influences upon consumer behavior includes demographic, economic, social, situational and technological factors (Shwu-Ing Wu, 2003).In Malaysia context, study on Internet users are in abundance (Ramayah and Jantan, 2003 Ismawati and Ainin, 2004). Howe ver, there have been few studies carried out to understand their online purchasing behavior for example Haque A., et al., (2006) Ainin S., et al., (2005) and Razinah H. et al., (2009). Thus, the main objective of this study is to examine the key factors that influencing online shopping in Kota Kinabalu specifically.Study done by Taylor Nelson Sofres, (2001) form that the penetration of Malaysians shopping online, i.e. people who bought or ordered goods and services online in 2000, 1% of the total adult population in Malaysia which according to the study is corresponded to 4% of the Internet users in the country at that time. There is high gear demand among Malaysians Internet users conducting online shopping due to Ecommerce provide enormous of consumers ecumenical potential benefits (Ainin S., et al., 2005) and study have shown that many consumers have started to shop their sought-after(a) after products online (Sefton, 2000). This shows that online shopping is highly accepted by the consumers (Swaminathan, et al., 1999 Rowley J., 2000 Ainin S., et al., 2005 Zhou, et al., 2007 ).Interestingly, in Malaysia context, Ainin S., et al., (2005) found that females were the prevailing Internet shopper than males which contradict to the study done by Adeline Chua, et al., (2006). While according to study done in different market by Gupta et al., (1995) Haque et al., (2007) and Zhou et al., (2007) on the basis of Stafford, et al., (2004) and Susskind (2004), these researchers found that man tend to make more purchases online compare to women. Zhou, et al., (2007) reported that consumer involved in online shopping are broadly speaking university graduates, aged 35 years old and downstairs, have full-time job, earning periodic personal income of between RM2000 RM5000 and mostly single. This supports the study done by Shwu-Ing Wu, (2003) and Ainin S., et al., (2005) on the demographic profiles of online shopper.Another issue on online shopping from the previ ous literature is the characteristic of products and services can be marketed online (Peterson, et al., 1997 Legard, 1998 Klein, 1998) which according to these researchers, there are two types of product and services marketed online and it is highly depends on the characteristics of the products and services to be able marketed online.We are now seeing the emergence of an important new intermediate for commerce (Ainin S., et al., 2005 Adeline Chua, et al., 2006 and Zhou, et al., 2007). However, in Malaysia especially, even though sales growth rate suggests that the number of online consumers is growing however most research findings do not conclusively determine which key factors that influence consumer the most to shop online ( Ramayah and Jantan, 2003 Ismawati and Ainin, 2004). Examining these factors is important as it has been suggested that they play an important part in determining the success or failure of online shopping business (Goodwin, 1999 Wu, 2003 Kolsaker, et al. , 2004 Khatibi, et al., 2006).Studies have been done to investigate consumer acceptance of online shopping from the perspectives of applied science acceptance whereby the perspective prescribes that beliefs about ease of use and usefulness of a technology predict attitudes towards the technology and subsequent acceptance and use, for example by Sejin Ha and Leslie S., (2008). Bruner and Kumar, (2005) however, suggests that beliefs on avow and enjoyment are among the key factors that influencing consumer acceptance of online shopping. While Hoffman and Novak, (1996) developed more abstract concept on the relevant context for example shopping values, quality of information, system quality, enjoyment, comprehend usefulness and ease of use- in order to improve predictions about purchase behavior.Factors that also influenced customer to shop online is product variety (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001 Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 Adeline Chua, et al., 2006) which categorized int o good plectron and wider availability of product choices suffered by online stores. Online retailers are able to provide a wide area and assortments of products as compared to traditional channels simply because there is no physiologic space limit on the number of products that online retailers can display on their online storefronts (Delafrooz et al., 2009). Furthermore, the number of online stores that consumers are able to visit online compared to far physical stores, thus, exceeds the number of providing them with a wider choice of products to choose from (Harn et al., 2006).A survey by Ernst and new(a) (2000) also reported that one of the reasons why consumers use the internet is because of good product selection. Hyo-Joo Han, et al., (2006) found that product variety and quality of product pictures were spy to more important. Indeed, easy access to an abundance of current and detailed information on products and services facilitates comparison shopping, aid in product selection and enables consumers to make more informed decisions (Adeline Chua, et al., 2006). Furthermore, the Internet users could receive more inviting sales promotional offers from Internet sellers and also through individual e- trip accounts (Norazah M. S. et al., 2002)Consumer willingness to spend online also influence by loneliness factor whereby online consumers are unwilling to reveal personal information over the web, despite assurances abandoned by online merchants (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001 Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005). To most of the consumers, the issue of security and concealment over the internet is the most overwhelming barrier facing the online shopping adoption process that caused them not to make any purchase on the Internet (Norazah et al., 2002 Janice Tsai et al., 2007). Smith, et al., (1996) outlined four dimensions of screen concerns for organizational practices which include disposition of personal information, unauthorized secondary us e of personal information, errors in personal information, and improper access to personal information.According to Malhotra, et al., (2004), the dimensions of concern refer to the line of battle of personal information, the control over the use of personal data, and the awareness of privacy practices and uses of personal information. Janes et al., 1997 reported that consumers tend to be more comfortable providing clear information in a realm where they can see with whom they are dealing, revisit the physical mending of the business if necessary, and thus, exert a perceived amount of control over the situation besides want to be assured that their communication and transactions will remain secured and private (Hoffman et al., 1999 Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005). Janice Tsai et al., (2007) in their study found that, people will tend to purchase from merchants that offer more privacy protection and people even willing to hold for a premium to purchase from such merchants.Kargaonkar and Smith (1986) Swaminathan, et al., (1999) Bellman, et al., (1999) Elliot and Fowell (2001) Eastin (2002), found that consumers who are primarily motivated by gadget are more possible to make purchases online. These authors proposed those consumers who have interface with the net and who are more time-constrained tend to buy online more frequently. According to Bellman, et al., (1999), wired lifestyle consumers are consumers that use the internet as a turning tool to receive and head emails, to do their work, to read news, to search for information or for recreational purposes. Their routine use of the Internet for other purposes leads them to naturally use it as a shopping channels as well (Bellman, et al., 1999). Similarly, McGann (2004) also reported that the main reason why consumers shop online is because it is convenience. It is said to be the major factors that motivates consumers to shop online. Charles D., et al., (2002) also found that Internet shopping is conve nient however it is neer replace actual shops.For years, information search has been one of the main marketing research topics (Kulviwat et al., 2004). Information is an important resource for consumers shop online especially for purposeful fashion type of consumer (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001). According to the study, the availability of information is one of the reasons that many buyers view search and purchase online as a utile activity and it is consistent with the finding by Ainin Sulaiman et al., (2005). As noted by Bakos (1997) Internet search enables consumers to reduce imperfect information about products. The study also supported by Rha (2002) where it were stated that consumers can easily find information about other consumers experiences of products through internet.The internet is a medium to search for product specification and product sets as well. In improver to product information, price was a piece of information that was ordinarily sought by consum ers (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001). Brynjolfsson and Smith (1999) found that prices online are 8 to 15 percent begin than the prices for comparable products in traditional retail outlets. According to McGann (2004), Ainin Sulaiman et al. (2005), Adeline Chua et al., (2006), competitive prices and deals offered by online retailers are one of the plethoric factors that influence consumers to shop online. Rowley (2000) reported that the Internet is the most powerful search medium for products, services, and most other types of information because it lowers both search cost and search time.Therefore, by referring to the available literature, factors that might influence customer to shop online can be conclude as widespread of product choices or product variety (Delhagen, 1997 Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001 Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 Adeline Chua, et al., 2006) enjoyment factors (Wolfinbarger, Mary and Mary Gilly, 2001 Bruner and Kumar, 2005) privacy factor (W olfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001 Norazah et al., 2002 Ainin Sulaiman, et al., 2005 Janice Tsai et al., 2007) which become one of the main concern to shop online convenience factors (Kargaonkar and Smith, 1986 Swaminathan, et al., 1999 Bellman, et al., 1999 Elliot and Fowell 2001 Eastin, 2002 Chen and Chang, 2003 McKinney, 2004) product information factor (Wolfinbarger, M. and Mary Gilly, 2001 Rha, 2002 Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005 ) and prices factor (Margherio, 1998 Strauss and ice, 1999 Rowley, 2000 McGann, 2004 Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005).As stated in Delafrooz et al., (2009), consumers who value the convenience, prices and wider selection of Internet shopping tend to purchase more online and more often. Even though wider selection or product variety also mentioned as one of the major factors, for the purpose of this study, as regards to the time constraint, researcher will only focus on two most dominant factors from all the factors identified which are the con venience factor and price factors. Thus, these two (2) factors are further discussed belowCONVENIENCEBy referring to the studies done before, the main factors customer shop online is that it is more convenient than to shop in-store which also supported in current study by Delafrooz et al., (2009). public convenience reflects ease access of information about product, planning of in-depth information, ease of ordering product, potential for silver saving, and timely delivery. (Mathieson 1991 Bruner Hensel, 1996 Turban et al., 2002 Gurvinder and Zhaobin, 2005 Hui et al., 2006). Convenience is the most prominent factor that motivates consumers to shop through the internet.In this study, convenience which refer to 24-hour availability of online storefront (time saving) and accessibility from almost any location (less moving) have been found to be real explanatory factors for Internet shopping adoption (Karayanni, 2003) and also provides consumers with a powerful alternative chan nel for make purchases (Delafrooz et al., 2009). These factors (time saving and less moving) will be taken into account as part of convenience factor.As contradict to the studies saying that convenience is the most prominent factor that motivates consumers to shop through the internet, study done by Razinah H. et al., (2009) reported that although the net offer convenience in shopping, online shopping, assurance in payment and lots of information, some group of online users are still antipathetical to shop online even though these group of online users have limited time allocated for shopping due to their hectic daily life.PRICEPrice in this study refers to the market value, or agreed exchange value, that will purchase a definite quantity, weight, or other measure of a good or service. Price of product offered online is one of the major factor that influencing customer to engage in online shopping and this supported by the finding in McGann, 2004. The idea is the simplest reason f or consumers to buy through the internet is to save money from the cheaper prices offered by online retailers compared to traditional retailers. Contradict to the study by Brynjolfsson and Smith (1999), study by Lee (1997) and Bailey (1998) found that products are sold at higher(prenominal) prices in the Internet channel compared to physical channels. Clay, K. et al., (2001) reported it may be due to unobserved quality variation.Rowley (2000) stated in his study that, online retailers usually are able to offer cheaper prices because of the shrinking cost of information processing, lower operating cost and global reach provided by Internet. In addition, Strauss and Frost (1999) also identified the ease of comparing price as one of the most important factors to online shopping. To some extent, according to Clay, K., et al., (2001) price of online product has peremptory relationship with the availability and widespread of information.Conventionally, shoppers will make comparisons and always go for the best value for price products (Ainin Sulaiman et al., 2005). Hanson (1999) reported the main reason that cheaper prices are offered to online shoppers is because of competitive pressure, especially from new online retailers. Study by John P. and Jackie L. (2001) found that even though more than half respondents mentioned price of the product or service as the primary factor when they consider buying on the Internet, however to some extend it would cost more to buy from online store than purchasing it from physical retail store.Customer expressed concern associated with high shipping cost, high pricing, lack of opportunity to examine the product earlier to purchase, confidentiality of credit card and purchased information also mentioned in the study by Razina H. et al., (2009) on the basis of study done by Goldstein and Oconner, (2000).2.2 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORKBased on the existing literature connected directly to the scope of this study, there are few factors iden tified to have significant effect towards online shopping namely convenience, price, product variety, widespread of product information and etc. However, only two the most dominant factors will be the ultimate key that will used to aid and examine the key factors that influencing consumers to engage in online shopping.CONVENIENCEONLINE SHOPPINGPRICE2.3 SUMMARYBased on the review on the related literature review, researcher found few dominant factors why consumer do engage in shopping online is generally influence by the factors of feeling of convenience, product prices sold online is relatively lower than existing retail stores, the widespread of information availability and also variety of product offered online.Moreover, this study will also look into the characteristic of customer especially in name of profession, as regard to meet the objective to investigate the differences on the between public and private sector shopping online adoption.In summary, consumer purchasing behavi our through online can be examine in different model and generally, the factors that influence them to engage in online activities may be vary. However, for the purpose of this study, researcher will only look into the most significant factors convenience factors which include the time saving and less moving, and also the price factor on the basis of key factors that influencing customer to shop online in Kota Kinabalu.CHAPTER 3RESEARCH METHODOLOGY3.1 METHODOLOGYA organise questionnaire will be used to collect the necessary data. It will be designed to specific information of the respondents. It serves as primary data to answer the research questions and objectives pertaining to online shopping in Kota Kinabalu. The survey questionnaire consists of few distinct sections, each of which contains questions which lead to answer the research question of the study. In view of time and cost constraints as well as the large population of Internet users in the country, random sampling was used to collect data from the consumer from Kota Kinabalu area. Even though the sampling method adopted might have limitations in terms of generalisibility compared to other sampling methods it is assumed that the sample represents the whole population of consumer in Kota Kinabalu.3.2 SOURCES OF DATAThis study will be based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data will be from the structured questionnaires which will be distributed to the appropriate sample to collect necessary information regarding the subject matter. The secondary data will be gathered by reviewing web sites, business magazines, journals, publications and other relevant document related to the subject matter.3.3 INSTRUMENTSample dataThe sample in this study will be selected from different groups of people including non-executive, executive, students, and housewife in order to avoid collecting bias data.Mode of administration of surveyFace to face and video call interview may be used in this study to ga ther appropriate information. This study will also be conducted by a constructed questionnaires with consumer selected as sample and all participants will be voluntarily.Nature of QuestionnairesThe questionnaires consist of 20 questions. Both open ended and fixed-response-alternative question will be used. Fixed-response-alternative question include multiple choice and also dichotomous. The questionnaire was self-administered, where it contains simple question with detailed instructions. The questionnaires were collected back after the respondents finished them. A copy of the questionnaire is provided in the appendices.Scope of the Study300 questionnaires will be distributes by hand to the random sample of consumer in Kota Kinabalu area which will include both female and male from all groups plan.3.4 RESEARCH APPROACHA descriptive research is being proposed to perform this study. precedent literature provides with a rich foundation on which to build a research framework for the st udy. As suggested by previous researcher, strong hypothetical and conceptual framework can be developed through an integration of constructs from different research traditions and disciplines.In this study, the literature search was based on the keywords such as Internet Shopping, Internet Marketing and Online Shopping. Each obligate was reviewed and screened to eliminate the articles that were not pertinent to the study.3.5 LIMITATION OF RESEARCHIn order to conduct the research, the researcher is confronted this problemtime constrainBasically, research need to be done in longer period of time, unfortunately this study might only have few months given to complete be completed. Ample of time is needed to complete this study properly. Thus researcher only focus on two factors to be examined in this study.lack of expertiseAs beginner in the marketing research, the researcher level of competency and sophistication not is compared with experienced researcher. Researcher will have to re fer on several books and seek guidance

Symptoms And Treatments In Cystic Fibrosis

Symptoms And Treatments In Cystic FibrosisAbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most communal brokertically inherited disorders which screw see premature death in western populations, with 1 in 2000-3000 parvenu born babies creation put to be affected by Cystic fibrosis in Europe 1. The ailment is amazed by defective chloride ion channels along the epithelial membrane of the lungs, pancreas and some other variety meat although thither atomic number 18 several hypotheses as to how this dys mathematical function specifically gives rise to the typical symptoms. The complications associated with the sickness be varied, the most signifi tidy sumt be the build up of abnormally thick redundance mucous secretion which potty bear impaired function of the lungs and other major organs. Fortunately inquiry into new treatments has signifi push asidetly alter the life expectancy of hatful pitiful from this distemper.This essay discusses the causesIntro ductionThe na me cystic fibrosis refers to the factorration of cysts in the pancreas and the constitution of excess fibrous connective tissue in the lungs.The internal organs which suffer the most damage as a result of this disease ar the lungs and the pancreas although a variety of other organs are besides affected.The set-back clinical recognition of cystic fibrosis didnt occur until the 1930s when its symptoms were sight and characterised by Dr. Dorothy Anderson. The recessionary nature of the disease was confirmed in the forties after an investigation involving over one hundred families although the defective gene that causes the disease wasnt isolated for a nonher forty years when it was discovered in 1989 by reverse contagiouss. subsequently the break with in the forties habitual understanding of the disease change magnitude steadily over the next bridge of decades with a major clinical advancements in diagnostics occurring in the mid-fifties with the development of the sweat see.As cystic fibrosis is the result of an autosomal recessive disorder, the sufferer will have to of inherited two copies of the mutated gene (one from apiece parent) in order to be affected by the disease. The mutation takes mail in a single gene on chromosome 7. This faulty gene controls to the development of a defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. In hale people the CFTR proteins form ion channels to transport chlorine ions across the epithelial membrane of the lungs, pancreas, sweat glands and other organs. It is also thought to regulate the practise of other chlorine-selective channels and some cation-selective (sodium ion) channels. Ions weed thence pass with these channels thitherby master(prenominal)taining the water potential of the cells. When the fine equilibrize of ion dumbness is affected less water is able to pass across the epithelial membrane by osmosis causing excess and highly pastelike mucus to build up in the a ffected organs, resulting in severe long-run respiratory and digestive problems.The human lungs are adapted for use in aerobic respiration by providing a thin, moist surface for shoot a line exchange to take place betwixt the pulmonary arteries and the external environment. For artillery exchange to be potent the respiratory surface must watch with Ficks law which requires that the surface field of view is large, moist and thin to enhance permeability. The resulting fibrosis ca utilise by the disease greatly affects the permeability of the lungs and hence reduces their capacity for gas exchange. molecular mechanisms on that point are over 1500 types of mutation which drop cause a defect in the CFTR protein, the most common of which is a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (F508) which Is the cause of approximately two-thirds of CF cases. The mutations are categorised into vi classes determined by their impact on the resulting functionality of the CFTR channels, rangin g from cut d cause to assoil non-function. affiliate I, II and III mutations all result in the absence or substantial reduction of functional CFTR. Class I mutations cause a complete lack of protein production due to premature stop codons arising in the genetic code whereas class II mutations produce a protein that doesnt be quiet properly and so is consequently degraded by the cell. In a class III mutation the lack of effective binding with adenosine triphosphate molecules leads to the defective regulation of CFTR and so again is classified as organism non-functional. Classes IV and V still permit the development of functional CFTR albeit with reduced capacity for chloride ion transport or with reduced production of functional CFTR in habitual due to promoter mutations that decrease transcription 2. Class VI mutations also produce functional CFTR although its degradation is greatly accelerated. The F508 deletion results in a class II mutation. on that point are four main hypoth eses as to how this defective gene causes disease although it is not known whether the disease is caused by one or a combination these hypotheses. Two of these, the humiliated vividness and high salt hypotheses, provide a detailed rendering of the complications that arise as a result of faulty CFTR by victorious into account the composition of airway surface liquid (ASL).Low volume theoryIn the case of the low volume hypothesis it was postulated that there is little to no difference in the salt preoccupancy of ASL between rosy-cheeked people and those suffering from cystic fibrosis.This hypothesis suggests that the symptoms of cystic fibrosis are caused by a dysfunction of the CFTR gene resulting in damaged or ineffective sodium ion channels. The damage caused is ergogenic and reduces the inhibition of the ion channels leading to the immoderate movement of sodium ions from the ASL into the airways. The increased concentration of positively supercharged sodium ions in the air ways then drives the absorption of chlorine ions and water, reducing the volume of ASL and dehydrating mucus. The keep mucus becomes highly viscous and the cilia make on epithelial cells which are used to aid the clearance of mucus and to increase lung surface welkin become compressed by the mucosal build up. This conglutination of cilia inhibits the clearance of mucus which then pass offs to build up, win reducing the lung surface area. The excess mucus can also form hypoxic niches that can harbour colonies of genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Build up of mucus physically reduces the lung surface area affect the efficiency of gas exchange. The mucus build up also increases the compression of cilia on epithelial cells which inhibits clearance by cilia and coughing.High salt hypothesisThe high salt hypothesis assumes that the airway surface liquid of healthy individuals has a relatively low salt concentration when compared to the ASL of cystic fibrosis sufferers. It suggests that the symptoms of the disease are caused by the disruption or complete absence of CFTR function which causes excess sodium and chloride ions to be retained in the ASL. This increased computer storage of chloride ions leads to the ASL having an abnormally negatively charged composition. This abnormality impairs the activity of the consistencys natural disinfectant enzymes much(prenominal) as lysozyme which rely on electrostatic interactions to set apart to the bacterial cell walls thus allowing bacterial infection to persist in the hypoxic niches formed within the lungs.Abnormally high inflammationIt has been speculated that the defective CFTR itself whitethorn be the cause of riotous inflammation in the airways. However there is limited evidence to suggest that the defective CFTR is a cause of excessive inflammation in itself save rather that it interferes with the regulation of autophagy. Autophagy is the process by which defective proteins are degraded in order to maintain th e balance between the recycling and synthesis of cellular products, for modeling the degradation of defective CFTR by the cells own lysosomes. Research indicates that large amounts of defective CFTR inhibits autophagy, leading to an assembly of aggresomes which can cause inflammation in the lungs 3. The resulting inflammation is what gives rise to the symptomatic scarring of lung tissue.CFTR bind with P. AeruginosaChronic bacterial infection is common amongst all cystic fibrosis sufferers, specifically the bacterial species pseudomonas aeruginosa which binds readily to the CFTR protein. In healthy people the body initiates an immune response in order to fight slay the infection. In cystic fibrosis suffers there is heighten binding between p. Aeruginosa and the CFTR protein, the bacteria is also able to bind without initiating an immune response. The compromised immune response combine with reduced ability to clear mucus due to compressed cilia further increases the adventure of severe infection.SymptomsVisible characteristics typical amongst suffers include a slimly meagre appearance due to inefficient absorption of nutrients and the famously salty sweat used to confirm CF diagnosis. Low levels of oxygen in the tissues due to impaired gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream can cause clubbing of the fingers and toesSalty sweatThe salty sweat associated with the disease like so many of its symptoms is again caused by faulty CFTR record on the sweat ducts. As sodium ions leave the sweat ducts through ion channels chloride ions follow through them through the CFTR protein channels. However, in cystic fibrosis patients nonadaptive CFTR channels prevent the outward flow of chloride ions from the sweat ducts. The resulting high chloride ion concentration in sweat ducts creates an electrochemical gradient which pulls more positively charged sodium ions into the ducts where the ions combine to form salt (NaCl). The salt is then hided through pore s in the skin resulting in very salty sweat as very little NaCl is reabsorbed. Salt sweat concentration of greater than 60mEq/L is loosely considered significant enough to make a diagnosis, although further test may be required.Although poor growth can pose its own health risks the most severe symptoms are caused by the diseases capacity to cause damage to the internal organs.EndocrineCF is commonly referred to as an duct gland disorder meaning the resulting dysfunction affects glands which secrete their products through a duct to the surface of the body or of an organ, sweat glands and pancreatic ducts organism an example of this. However some complications can arise in the bodys endocrine glands, glands which secrete their product directly into the bloodstream. Disorders of the endocrine glands tend to affect the secretion of hormones. alter to the islets of langerhans within the pancreas can impair the secretion of insulin which can eventually lead to CF related diabetes.Pulmon aryLungs are the predominant source of infection, assailable to different species of bacteria although P. Aeruginosa becomes predominant eventually these bacterial colonies form a biofilm which is difficult to remove with antibiotic treatments. The thickening of mucus creates environmental niches satisfactory for harbouring bacteria. High levels of infection result in an inflammatory response which oft leads to extensive tissue damage and scarring regarded as the characteristic fibrosis of the lungs. The resulting fibrosis damages the epithelium of the lungs, making gas-exchange inefficient. Thick mucus also physically reduces the surface areaImplications for other organsThe lungs arent the only organs that suffer damage as a result of cystic fibrosisDiverse range of other organs affected, majority of these form a part of the wholesome ashes absent digestive enzymes in the intestines Absence of these digestive enzymes impair patients ability to sectionalization and therefore digest their food. This generally results in poor growth but in intense cases can cause severe malnutrition.Alimentary system all digestive systemsThe formation of cysts blocks ducts in the liver-colored and pancreas preventing the secretion of substantial digestive enzymes and hormones.Blocked ducts prevent secretion of enzymes/hormones?Mainly the pancreas which affects absorption of nutrients and can lead to poor growth in suffersBlockage of ducts in the liverNew born babies can suffer from meconium ileus, an inability to pass their first faeces (meconium). The resulting ileus can cause blockages in the intestines that can cause rectal prolapse due to the strain involved in producing a bowel movement. Common associations between cases of meconium ileus and CF led to it macrocosm used as a postnatal diagnostic technique.Excess viscous mucus isnt only a problem in the lungs. Organs of the alimentary system can also be affected. Thick mucus can block pancreatic ducts preventing t he secretion of vital digestive enzymes into the duodenum. The body is then unable to effectively extract nutrients from the ingested foods. Malabsorption is a common symptom of CF generally resulting in poor growth but in extreme cases can cause severe malnutrition.Fertility problemsFertility problems related to CF usually occur before birth whilst the foetus is still developing. block off of or complete absence of the connective tube (vas deferens) between the testes and ejaculatory ducts in males means that although they are not sterile they are unable to bear children by traditional intercourse. In women thick mucus can cause blockages in the cervix or their ovulation cycle may be break up malnutrition as a result of CF related enzyme deficiencies. More than 95% of males with CF are infertile.Percentage of CF infertile source conception health organisationTreatmentsUnfortunately there is soon no recuperate for CF however there are several treatments that can exempt some o f the symptoms associated with the disease, such as the use of hypertonic saline and enzyme refilling. Treatments such as gene therapy are more geared towards creating a eonian cure for CF, although at this moment in time the technology has not been perfected.Pharmacological treatmentsFortunately the CFTRs are not the only chloride ion channels procurable on lung surface epithelium. Certain drugs can stimulate these other channels. Rc ledger. touch the release of calcium or inhibit sodium channels to set out negative effects of whatever hypothesis.Hypertonic salineMajor complications of CF stem from the instability in ion concentrations caused by the faulty CFTR gene. From this knowledge a line of treatments were developed in order to restore the ionic imbalance and hence improve the bodys ability to clear thick mucus from the lungs. The dissolving agent would need to be a sterile solution high in salts that could be inhaled to replace the ions which werent being transported a cross the CFTR channels. The solution, hyper tonic saline, is a gilded and effective treatment for reducing the viscosity of mucus in the lungs. After it is inhaled the solution works by creating an osmotic gradient, drawing water into the airways, rehydrating the mucus causing blockages and reducing its viscosity hence making it easier to cleared and coughed up.Enzyme relieverEnzymes can be *injected* to restore the deficiency created by blockages of pancreatic ducts. Patients undergoing enzyme replacement therapy can expect to see improvements in growth, weight gain and general health as many illnesses arise from poor absorption of nutrients. nutritional supplements can also be taken to replace those not being absorbed normally.Important short term treatments are giving nutritional supplements to sufferers to relieve malnourishment and promote healthy growthNutritional plans generally involve high calorie diets rich in vitamins such as vitamin D to develop strong bones and preve nt osteoporosis.Gene therapy shortly after the discovery of the defective gene in 1989 efforts were invested in decision a therapy that could target the disease at its genetic roots. Discovery of an effective method of gene therapy would open a virtual goldmine in treating not only cystic fibrosis but also other genetic diseases.One of the current gene therapy techniques for the treatment of CF involves the use of adenoviruses carrying vectors containing correct copies of the CFTR gene.The adenoviruses carry double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid which is deposited in the nucleus of the entertain cell and then transcribed in the same way as the host cells own DNA. However, as this is an example of somatic gene therapy, the DNA of the adenovirus wont integrate with the host genome and the gene will not continue to be expressed after cellular division. This means the effects are not permanent and patients will require subsequent treatments to maintain the effect. There are of course risks associated with the use of viruses to incorporate functional DNA. Even though the viruses being used are non-pathogenic the presence of a foreign body can still initiate an immune response the resulting inflammation can be dangerous for patients who are already at high risk of excessive inflammation due to immunocomprimisation. An alternative to adenoviruses are adeno-associated viruses (AAV). AAV vectors are non-pathogenic and have been shown to have a lower prevalence to neutralising antibodies when compared to adenoviruses in vitro 4. However they do have a relatively small genome of 4.8 kilobases, with most gene treatments requiring the complete replacement of the viral genome.As a result of this, research is being targeted towards more effective means of gene therapy with tests being carried out with AAV and lipid-vectors. There is a trade off between the effectiveness of the method used to induce the vector. Viral vectors are more effective at incorporate the vector int o the host DNA compared to lipid vectors, but there is the increased risk of an immune response.Lung transplantIn the most severe cases where patients are suffering from chronic infection lung transplants can be carried out where appropriate. In these cases both lungs need to be transplanted in order to prevent the new lung from being contaminated by existing bacterial populations currently present in the patient.AntibioticsAntibiotics tend to be used prophylacticaly as a pre-emptive rate for preventing infection.One common type of drugs used in treatments are macrolide antibiotics can suppress obstructive secretions in airwaysThe macrolide antibiotics work by binding to the 50s subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.ConclusionThe overall outlook for patients with CF has improved dramatically over the past eighty years since the first clinical recognition in the 1930s. A greater understanding of genetics has enhanced both the fields of clinical di agnostics and treatments. The future of treatments points towards gene therapy, we currently have the technology to do this but further research is involve to overcome the major obstacles such as more efficient manoeuver and getting the gene expression to last longer.*http//www.who.int/genomics/public/geneticdiseases/en/index2.htmlCFhttp//www.medscape.com/viewarticle/576200_2http//www.nature.com/ncb/journal/v12/n9/full/ncb2090.htmlhttp//www.nature.com/gt/journal/v6/n9/full/3300994a.htmlFigure 1. Sweat chloride concentrations related to cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis. Revised and reprinted by permission from Davis PB. Cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Rev 200122257-264.Figure 1