African Spirituality Masks Cultural Experience Essay Example For Students

African Spirituality Masks Cultural Experience Essay Masks in African culture are important because they express a wide scope of spirituality. African culture portrays the struggle of mankind to find harmonies through traditional ceremonies masks are worn to connect people to the gods. Magic, which is one of the components that completes the society in the Parrinder model, is shown in Yoruba culture where the Gelede masks are said to protect man from witches by supernatural means which involves magic, sculptures, and dance. The Gelede mask that is on display in the James E. Lewis Museum of Art has animal and human features, which represent the spirits of the ancestors. They are mostly worn by men and are used to invite their ancestral spirits to participate in ceremonies like initiation, birth, naming, weddings, and funerals. The spiritual connection conveyed by the wearing of the masks during the ceremonies is vital because it fulfils the society’s order. Masks have particular significance in the cultural practices of the Yoruba tribe in Africa. There are masks of Yoruba culture on display in the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. The most common Yoruba exhibits are the Gelede masks, which are â€Å"colorful masks worn by men. They combine art and ritual dance to amuse, educate, and inspire worship† (History of Masks). They are sculpted to honor the power of women. During Gelede ceremonies, elderly women in the society and ancestors are especially honored. The Gelede people believe that â€Å"elder women possess powers that are superior to the powers of the deities† (James E. Lewis Museum of Art). Women have the power to bring and take life and the Yoruba people show their appreciation and respect by holding the Gelede ceremonies to honor the women. The cultural and religious practices are revealed in African culture through the sculpted masks. The Dogon Kanaga masks found in Mali, resemble a cross with short bars at the top and the bottom piece representing the creator god. Dogons worship one god called Amma to whom they pray with their arms outstretched. Dogon religion is parallel to the Judeo-Christian tradition, which also advocates the worship of one supreme God who is at the top of the Parrinder model. In this type of culture, the supreme God controls everything. In addition, Dogon Kanaga masks are used for religious and burial rituals. These masks are used during the Dama dance. The people are said to believe that the â€Å"Dama dance creates a bridge into the supernatural world and without the dance, the dead are not able to cross over in peace† (History of Masks). The religious practices observed by the African people help to connect them to the gods. African artists use their skill and creativity to incorporate various ideas and meanings into the artwork. This is seen in mask-making, which is often passed on from father to son along with the knowledge of the symbolic meanings conveyed by the masks. African artists use their abilities and imagination to incorporate different ideas and meanings into their artwork. The continuity of mask-making in African culture reveals that Africans are people who observe their culture and do their best to sustain it for generations therefore, the art in the museum counteracts the perception that Africans are primitive and uncultured. The beautiful art on display is an example of the skill and craftsmanship required to create artwork. The facial expressions and texture reveal the meaning of various pieces of art. Head sculptures tend to be elongated, which could symbolize that the head is the center of character, thoughts, and emotions. The museum shows that the Kuba people possess a mask, referred to as Ngady a Mwaash. The Ngady a Mwaash mask is worn to honor the Kuba King and to promote the cultural role of women in the society. .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .postImageUrl , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:hover , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:visited , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:active { border:0!important; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:active , .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u861ee6688f442a9b00cf8824801f509a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Life changing experience EssayThe materials used in making specific art pieces demonstrate the occasions for which the masks are used. Masks made of clay or wood are most likely used in ritual ceremonies. In conclusion, the cultural exhibits at the James E. lewis Museum of Art show Africa is a cultured society that observes and preserves its culture. African art combines all the components of the Parrinder model to highlight the harmony, traditions, and beliefs of the people. The harmony is obtained when particular mask dances are performed to welcome the spirits and gods. The appearances of the masks reveal their purposes. Some are used for religious purposes while others are used for entertainment. African art also reveals a great deal about cultural, traditional, and spiritual beliefs. African people mainly preserve their culture by passing the skills they have learned to the generations to come. Arts pieces are gathered and presented in museums in order to sustain their value. The ideas and meanings behind these works of art are cherished and passed on through oral and visual traditions to the next generations.

Computer Law and Security Review

Question: Discuss about the Computer Law and Security Review. Answer: Introduction Contract is an intended agreement or arrangement between the parties enforceable by law to bind the terms and conditions of a legal contract. Legal contract may either be in a written form or in oral form but the same should have two important components which are offer and acceptance. The contract or agreement should be offered by one party mentioning all the relevant details should be accepted by the other party. In order to discharge a contract the parties may use several modes like contract by electronic means, contract by traditional means in writing or in oral form (Jinzhao, Ju'e and Wenjun 2015). The assignment presents the contract created by electronic means by comparing its features from the contract created by other means. The explanation on the reliability of offers being displayed on the internet is to be examined by considering the electronic transactions act. The assignment also highlights the procedures to create the contract by offer and acceptance elements between t he consent parties to enforce the same as per the legislations. Additionally, analysis of withdrawal of mistaken offer in the contracts or agreement have been done and explained with reference to the relevant case laws. Moreover, electronic forms of contracts have certain limitations and problems with respect to the authenticity, reliability and other critical issues that have been highlighted in the present assignment (Abdullah et al. 2015). Discussion Creation of contract by the electronic means is regulated by the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 which ensures that an agreement as per commonwealth law is valid since the same has been conducted through electronic modes. In order to create a valid and legal law, it is important to provide the relevant information in writing along with the signature to authenticate the contract. It also requires the contract to be supported by evidences in material form for the purpose of recording and retention. According to the Electronic Transactions Act 1999, communication through electronic means producing the information for communication purpose through data, images or texts by the process of electromagnetic energy (Hu and Vincent 2016). The legislation has been formed to create the importance and validity of the electronic contract between the parties. It is important to create the validity of the contract by electronic communication therefore the creator is required to authorize and send th e contract through purported originator (Azari and Azari 2015). Formation of contract and its validity is formulated and regulated by the provisions of Common Law of Contracts. There are certain differences in the creation of contract through electronic mode and through traditional mode. In the present era internet is the strongest tool in the modern business that helps in connecting organizations and consumers for the purpose of trading and conducting business functions (Oliver and Fleming 2015). The electronic mode of contract includes the contract by way of fax, telephone, e-mails and website that transfers the information and communication between the parties. Contract through electronic means provide several benefits to the parties with respect to the time saving, low cost of dispatching the documents, connecting the parties from different locations at the right time and such other benefits. On the contrary, contracts created by traditional means or by the mode of paper demands ample of time for its formation and the parties have to be in same location for the confirmation of the documents (Boss 2015). Although internet is the most powerful and fastest tool to transfer the communication and information in a contract, it is essential to provide genuine information to the parties. It is difficult to ascertain the authenticity of the offers made by the contractual party over the internet. Therefore, it is important to place the offer in a contract through internet to be readily accessible through electronic modes supported by the relevant sources and references. In case the offers are not readily accessible or if the contracts are not supported by material evidences then it can be said that the offers and displays on the internet may not be actual offers. In case of contracts in paper mode it is important to be in writing with a specimen signature of the parties to validate the offer and acceptance of the agreement (Bayern 2015). However, in case of electronic contracts physical or manual signature is not possible therefore to validate the offer through internet the information must f low through a storage device. In case of contracts on internet actual offers provide the method of accepting it on the partys approval because unauthenticated or non- actual offers do not have such methods of approval. Further, actual offers also depend on the reputation and loyalty of the contractor party that is placing the offer on the internet (Jinzhao, Ju'e and Wenjun 2015). For instance, offers placed by the companies or organizations like Woolworths, Commonwealth Bank, Wesfarmers and other reputed companies are always actual offers. However, many a times some offers flashes on the internet are not genuine and actual which is difficult to verify by the receivers or contractual party. Such offers can be detected by confirming the approval mode available on the offered contract, readability and its accessibility (Harold et al. 2016). Online contracts or contracts through internet are formed by several methods like electronic mail, website, and click-wrap. In a contract offer is the communication indicating a promise to act the specific service for the concerned party of the contract to whom it is offered to. Such offer is required to be accepted by the concerned party in return of consideration and by placing the approval through the method specified in the contract. In case of contracts through email, offer is send via electronic mail to the recipients including the material documents as evidence and for the authenticity. Such offer is accepted by the party by accessing the approval method provided along with the contract document either by specifying the digital signature or by other electronic method specified by the contractor (Chen-Wishart 2015). Besides, in case of website or webmail offers are placed through common website page that is accessible to all the users. Such offers should be accepted by the part ies by fulfilling all the requirements as provided in the contracts along with the specified mode to transfer the required documents for the valid and legal enforcement of contract between the parties as decided in the case of CSX Transportation Inc. v. Recovery Express Inc. Unlike emails, contract through website is not meant for particular consumers or receivers while it is meant for the accessibility of all the users of the website (Scharkow 2016). Another mode of contract through electronic communication is click- wrap which is similar to that of website communication. This method is used by the potential sellers to place offers that strengthen the customer base as well as to sustain their business organizations. The offers must be accepted by the consumers through the mode specified in the offer as well as within the requisite time. Such procedures ensure the authenticity and validity of the offers through electronic mode (Perrine 2016). According to the section 15D of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999, a statement or document including offer and acceptance may include some errors or mistakes while drafting or dispatching the contract. In case the contract contains any error or mistake in the offer unknowingly or unintentionally, then such mistake should be communicated for rectification by the contractor as soon as the party comes to know about the mistake. In communication with the contracting party, the offer can be withdrawn if the mistake is not being able to be rectified. However, such withdrawal should be as per the mutual decision between the contracting parties (Bagheri and Hassan 2015). Based on the decided case of ProCD, Inc. v. Zeidenberg, the court provided the judgment on withdrawing the offer because the mistake committed by the offering party could not be rectified to validate the contract. In case of contract through electronic means mistakes or errors may be communicated to the parties by using the system of automated messages right at the time of its awareness. The contracting party who offered the agreement or the person who acted on behalf of the contracting party is required to notify and communicate the error to the concerned party before its withdrawal. In case the mistake is minute and can be resolved for further processing of the contract then the same shall be communicated with the other party of the contract before taking any step for its rectification. However, the right of withdrawal of the mistaken part of the contract or to terminate the entire contract lies with the mutual decision by the parties and in accordance of the provisions of other contract law (Guo et al. 2015). In case of any disputes between the parties of the contract, there is provisional assistance available to resolve the disputes. If the dispute occurs from the part of the contractor party then the either the dispute can be communicated among the parties themselves to resolve or the other party has the right to file a complaint against the disputed party (Kourandi, Krmer and Valletti 2015). The matter can either be resolved through arbitrage process where the parties agree to accept the decision of the arbitrator selected as per the mutual agreement of the parties to the contract. In case the matter cannot be resolved through arbitrage process then the same can be constituted in the tribunal courts where the judgment of the commissioner is applicable to both the parties (Carvalho 2015). Considering the several aspects of the contract through electronic mode, there are several limitations and challenges that questions the validity of the contract under the legislations. Electronic mode of contract or communication or even a business takes place virtually unlike the physical or traditional mode therefore it is critical to evaluate the legality of the virtual form of contract between the parties. One of the major risks in electronic contract is the authenticity and reliability of the parties to the contract. Since most of the contracts require digital signature to validate the same, it is difficult to rely on the identity of the person using the digital signature. Another limitation of the electronic contract is the lack of knowledge of applicable provisions of several laws and through electronic mode it becomes difficult to explain each of the clauses. Other limitations includes lack of proper internet connectivity in several regions, uncertainty and lack of knowledge in operation of electronic means hamper the communication and legal enforcement of the contract (Wolak 2015). Conclusion Many territories across the globe are moving towards the mode of electronic communication for the purpose of international trade and Australia is one of the fastest regions to adopt the electronic method. Unlike traditional mode of creation of contract electronic mode is faster and considers covering as many consumers from different locations. However, the contract through electronic mode requires to be created in the form that is readily accessible and supported by the documents for its authenticity and validity. According to the common law and the act that governs the provisions of contract through electronic mode specifies the time and mode of dispatch of the contract as well as the required documents. Moreover, in case of any errors or mistakes in the form of contract appears then the same shall be communicated between the parties through system messages or through other electronic means. Withdrawal of contracts for any mistakes in the offer is considered according to the other p rovisions of the common law as well as according to the mutual decision of the concerned parties. Further, the contract through electronic means have several issues with respect to the reliability and authenticity because the parties, documents and signature are not physically accessible. On the contrary, in the era of modern business activities most of the trading is carried by using electronic mode by creating legal offers. Apart from that, the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 also regulates the authenticity of the electronic contract and other required documents that are legally enforceable between the parties for offer and acceptance. Reference List Abdullah, N.R., Tang, C.S., Manolescu, A. and Gudmundsson, V., 2015. Competition of static magnetic and dynamic photon forces in electronic transport through a quantum dot.arXiv preprint arXiv:1512.00392. Azari, S. and Azari, M., 2015. Study on Electronic Business in View of Islamic Jurisprudence.European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences,4(1 (s)), p.370. Bagheri, P. and Hassan, K.H., 2015. Access to information and rights of withdrawal in Internet contracts in Iran: The legal challenges.Computer Law Security Review,31(1), pp.90-98. Bayern, S., 2015. Offer and Acceptance in Modern Contract Law: A Needles Concept.Cal. L. Rev.,103, p.67. Boss, A.H., 2015. 34 Practicing E-Legally: The United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Commerce. InFor the Sake of Present and Future Generations(pp. 555-573). Brill. Carvalho, L.M.C., 2015. Challenges and Opportunities for Virtual Universities in the 21st Century.Assessing the role of mobile technologies distance learning in higher education, pp.131-153. Chen-Wishart, M., 2015. The Nature of Vitiating Factors in Contract Law.Philosophical Foundations of Contract Law, Oxford University Press, ISBN, pp.978-0. Guo, S., Meshot, E.R., Kuykendall, T., Cabrini, S. and Fornasiero, F., 2015. Nanofluidic transport through isolated carbon nanotube channels: Advances, controversies, and challenges.Advanced Materials,27(38), pp.5726-5737 Harold, C.M., Holtz, B.C., Griepentrog, B.K., Brewer, L.M. and Marsh, S.M., 2016. Investigating the effects of applicant justice perceptions on job offer acceptance.Personnel Psychology,69(1), pp.199-227. Hu, K.J. and Vincent, F.Y., 2016. An integrated approach for the electronic contract manufacturer selection problem.Omega,62, pp.68-81. Jinzhao, S., Ju'e, G. and Wenjun, Y., 2015. Study on the Incentive Contract between Banks and B2B Platforms Based on the Online Supply Chain Finance.Journal of Management,5, p.007. Kourandi, F., Krmer, J. and Valletti, T., 2015. Net Neutrality, Exclusivity Contracts, and Internet Fragmentation.Information Systems Research,26(2), pp.320-338. Oliver, T.A. and Fleming, G.R., 2015. Following Coupled Electronic-Nuclear Motion through Conical Intersections in the Ultrafast Relaxation of -Apo-8-carotenal.The Journal of Physical Chemistry B,119(34), pp.11428-11441. Perrine, W.M., 2016. A Survey of Early Legal Cases in Music Education.Journal of Historical Research in Music Education,37(2), pp.162-175. Scharkow, M., 2016. The Accuracy of Self-Reported Internet UseA Validation Study Using Client Log Data.Communication Methods and Measures,10(1), pp.13-27. Wolak, F.A., 2015. Measuring the competitiveness benefits of a transmission investment policy: The case of the Alberta electricity market.Energy policy,85, pp.426-444.

Zyrtec Essay Example

Zyrtec Essay Zyrtec also known as Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a second-generation anti-histamine that is generally used by children and adults to treat indoor or recurrent allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever or commonly known as allergy.[1] It is also used to treat outdoor or  Ã‚   seasonal allergic rhinitis and ‘lives’ or chronic urticaria in children over two years of age.[2]Allergies especially in children are characterized by red itchy eyes, itchy runny nose and sneezing. In the US it is the number one  Ã‚   most prescribed branded antihistamine with approximately $1,287 million sales in U.S alone.[3]CompanyThe company that manufactures and distributes Zyrtec is the renowned Pfizer U.S pharmaceutical Company. The U.S pharmaceutical giant’s guiding motto is â€Å"working together for a healthier world†.[4]   As the company puts it, it is inspired by a single goal, â€Å"your health†.   â€Å"They are dedicated to developing new safe medicines to prevent and treat the world’s most serious diseases†.[5]Therefore as the motto portrays, the company’s goal is to delight its customers though innovative and technologically advanced medicine and treat most human ailments. The major commitment that the company has is to be â€Å"the global leader in health care† by bringing change to all people across the globe.[6]The company would achieve this through provision of access to effective safe yet affordable medicines to those who need them. To also continue maintaining a leading role and to satisfy both customers and shareholders, the company is committed to remain focused on improving continually how they do business. This is done through transparency, and forging a strong relationship with its clients to enable the organization develops the abilities to listen and make appropriate decisions thereof.Charles Pfizer and Charles Errant who were cousins founded Pfizer Inc. in 1849. Ever since the company has co ntinued to evolve to keep pace with the ever changing stakeholder, customers and the society’s expectations. The two cousins who were German chemists and entrepreneurs borrowed $2,500 from Pfizer’s father and bought a red brick building in Brooklyn New York at the Williamsburg section. This building doubled up as an office, laboratory factory and warehouse.[7]Santonin was the first of the company launches. Santonin was palatable anti-parasitic drug to treat intestinal worms, which was a common ailment in America in the mid 19th century. Santonin was an instant hit and the company was officially launched following this success. Pfizer continued on producing quality products especially in the areas of painkillers and other vital drugs.[8]During the civil war of 1862 its sales soared because they ventured into domestic and cleaning agents, which also included other drugs that were in demand from the Union Army. Some of these drugs included such important drugs and cleanin g agents as iodine, morphine mercurial and camphor.By 1880 Pfizer had become America’s number one citric acid producer, which was to become its main product. This was because new drinks like coca-cola, Pepsi-cola and Dr. Ripper gained popularity and had citric acid as an ingredient. But perhaps the greatest breakthrough the company ever came of with is the production of penicillin through deep tank fermentation. Penicillin was to be known as the â€Å"real defense against bacterial infection† and there was no other drug like it before. This was a turning point not only for Pfizer as a company but for the whole human history as well, this was in 1944. [9]Pfizer would again become the leading producer of Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid in the world in 1936 and by the late 1940s it became an established leader in the production of a wider range of vitamins. By 1950, Pfizer had established one of the best sales and marketing organization in the pharmaceutical industry and by 19 51 the company underwent a major international expansion and expanded to such countries like Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico, England and Mexico.[10]By giving its international managers the autonomy to make decisions accelerated its growth across the globe. In 1952 the company established an agricultural division especially targeting animal health.[11]Through 1995 the company maintained its growing streak and in this particular year acquired SmithKline Beecham’s animal health business giving it the leading role in production of livestock and animals pharmaceuticals. By 1997 it was named the world’s most admired pharmaceutical company by the well-recognized Fortune Magazine.[12]This was to be followed by the breakthrough invention for erectile dysfunction drug Viagra that took the world by storm.In 1999 while celebrating its 150th anniversary it was again named the â€Å" company of the year† by Forbes Magazine and in 2000 the merger between Pfizer and Warner-Lambert created the â€Å"world’s fastest growing major pharmaceutical company†. Also, through its program of Share Card Program, it provided qualified low-income Medicare to low income Americans. [13]One of the latest innovations coming from Pfizer is a prescription medicine that enables adults cease smoking, Chantix was launched in 2006 again a first in this category and just like Viagra it took the world by storm.With such an attractive and impressive track record marketing of Zyrtec would not be a very difficult thing to do especially is the US where the company’s presence is well known and felt. To be able to understand clearly about the marketing aspect of Zyrtec it is very important to carry out a SWOT analysis that seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that are likely to face the organization in its quest to market the brand.StrengthsThe major strength that is easily discernable is the formidable background that th e company has created for the last 158 years. The background can be described as one of the most impressive for any organization. Through its innovativeness, creativity and solid background the company has continued to excite not only America but the whole world as well with the innovation of such first ones like penicillin in the 1920s, vitamin C in the 1950s, Viagra in the 1998s and many more life changing drugs. With such a track record the company is bound to be easily noticed.The pharmaceutical industry is a very sensitive industry because it deals with human health. A case of product backfiring would have a devastating effect on any organization. This notwithstanding, Pfizer as company because of its commitment to quality has created a â€Å"halo effect† on most of its range of products. The company is trusted by almost all its consumers and has created itself as a brand and a household name in the pharmaceutical industry.The company has established one of the best and technologically advanced laboratories that it continues to generate some of the best drugs to treat many major ailments.Another strength that the company has is its global presence where it exists in most major countries of the world. Some level of autonomy where respective managers are given a freehand to make quick decisions regarding the markets they represent characterizes its international presence. This is very important bearing in mind the dynamic world market. Pfizer’s solid base that is matched with colorful and rich backgrounds enables the company to have an upper edge over its competitors.The company’s backgrounds enables it to remain ahead of the pack especially in the consumer’s mind, who would likely entrust their health and those ones of their animals to such a solid company. With such catchy and unique innovations of the Viagra, enables the company to cut down on its promotion budget because such brands automatically get headline spaces in local and international and media outlets.Zyrtec is perhaps one of the companies leading anti-histaminic drug in America. Likely, the leading role can be directly attributed not only to the effectiveness of the brand but also Pfizer’s record [F1]  as a company as well. Zyrtec being the leading antihistamine enables the company to cut down on its marketing budget and concentrate much on ensuring that the brand is well supported by making the drug better and readily available. This was to be reinforced by the over the counter authorization by the FDAIn any case the kind of marketing the company would likely to support is that one that ensures the brand does not loose the market share and not necessarily push for more sales. In marketing, brand loyalty is extremely important and Zyrtec as it is, has maintained a leading role in the U.S market. For any competitor to drive it out or to eat into it’s market would be a very daunting task.Counterfeits are one of the greatest threa ts in the pharmaceutical industries. This is because once a certain drug is counterfeited its quality of efficacy is brought into disrepute. To protect its consumers and ensure safe and effective medicines the company has continued to identify and employ innovative counterfeit proof mechanism a very good example is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) a first one in the industry. Such innovations ensure safety and quality are transferred to the consumers. [14]Zyrtec, when first launched was a prescription drug. This changed in November 19, 2007 when the FDA approved sales over the counter meaning one can easily buy the drug without any prescription. Undoubtedly this is likely to boost the sales as one can get prescription online and many pharmacies have continued to push it via Internet.[15]WeaknessesZyrtec is indeed a leading anti-histamine drug for the treatment of allergies in the world market. However this is bound to change it Pfizer does not do something about the side ef fects that the drug has on its patients. According to Askapatient database on a survey carried since 23/05/07 up to 9/21/2008 where 583 users of Zyrtec responded, the ratings were not very promising. Out of a scale of 1-5, Zyrtec is rated at 2.3 not a very good rating especially bearing in mind the publicity it gets in the U.S market.[16]The drug it seems is receiving negative ratings from consumers some indicating severe side effects like weight increase, low libido, panic attacks and so on. In most situations companies of Pfizer’s size are likely to ignore such comments or ratings yet it would not be business as usual. Competitors are likely to take advantage of this anomaly to penetrate the market. This is already happening with the development of Xyzal, which is using the weakness as an entry pointOpportunitiesPfizer as the manufacturer of Zyrtec has what it takes to push the allergy drug. With a well-developed network across the world makes the company the most ideal to effectively push its own brand. And the advantage that comes to fore is its various productions centers in Brazil, U.K and South Africa where it has the capacity to distribute and market Zyrtec to new markets within a very short time. Asia and Africa are a very attractive markets that it could choose to venture and establish itself as a renown brand name.With its strong base including an advanced research and development laboratory it can easily invent and role out new drugs on this particular line that would be best suitable for these areas. By riding on the crest of the good performance realized from its previous product lines, Pfizer is likely to penetrate such markets with ease as compared to other companies that are not well known in this areas. A good example of the various drugs that it can ride on includes Viagra that address erectile problems, and Chantix that enables smokers stop smoking.Pfizer also needs to utilize the online resources to propel its growth. Internet is tu rning out to be the single most important tool in the contemporary world that has the capacity to reach within a short time the target market. It is easy for the company to prescribe online and utilize powerful e-commerce organizations.However, there are certain risks that could be involved by utilizing the Internet. There’s also a great opportunity that is being through the Internet. There seems to be a great number of sites that are offering Zyrtec online. Most likely such sites are private companies that are selling the products on behalf of Pfizer, this is a great boost especially on cutting on the distribution, marketing and advertising budget.ThreatsPfizer has been in existence for over a century and a half. Its dominance in the world market has continued to attract intense competition. Zyrtec as a brand has attracted quite a formidable competition from U.C.B’s Group another global pharmaceutical giant that produces Xyzal.[17]Xyzal is a brand in the line of Zyrte c because it is anti-histamine. Xyzal is better placed to compete with Zyrtec because it has been developed in such a way that it does not have any side effects on the patients unlike Zyrtec. Xyzal was launched in 2001 and became the number one anti-histamine drug in Europe beating Zyrtec. However, Zyrtec has continued to dominate the U.S market. [18]With the claims of lack of any side effect as opposed to Zyrtec, Xyzal is likely to get into the US market and utilize its success in the European market to establish itself into the U.S market. Zyrtec’s sales were set to decline to 3% for the first quarter of 2004. This indeed is a gloomy picture for Pfizer. Another threat that would likely affect the growth of Zyrtec is the sticky issue of counterfeiting. Some factors have contributed greatly to the rise in this vice. These factors include the raise in the number of distributors in the medicine supply chain.[19] Such distributors include under regulated wholesalers, increase in the number of internet pharmacies, repackages, technology advancement enabling criminals to counterfeit easily, lack of strict legislative measures in other countries. [20]ConclusionZyrtec just like other Pfizer brands has continued to dominate the American market for some time. Pfizer as company has built quite a reputation in this market earning accolades for it innovativeness and quality products. The company has continued to dominate this particular market because of the experience and its ability to satisfy and surpass customer expectations.Zyrtec on its part is indeed a wonderful antihistamine going with its performance track record, however it stands a great risk from the competition especially Xyzal which is giving it a run for its money in the European market. Pfizer would strongly rely on its reputation to wade of any form of competition, however it is important for the company to address the complaints of the side effects from the consumers.

Free Essays on RDIF Tags

The RDIF Microchip Smaller than a dime, this little electronic capsule could be one of the biggest technological advances in how we share and store our private medical records. It may also be one of the most controversial. It is a microchip implanted under a person’s skin called the VeriChip, and is then scanned with a special reader device to reveal important medical information about the person. The Florida-based company, Applied Digital, makes the VeriChip and hopes that the implant will revolutionize how doctors obtain medical information, mainly in emergency situations. Basically, if a person can’t speak, the emergency medical personnel could just scan that person and quickly be linked to a database that would provide critical information on the patient’s identity, blood type, drug allergies, and medical conditions. These chips also bring up much controversy with privacy rights. It also has many other non-medical uses. RDIF tags have been around for over 50 years, although many of them are larger, battery powered and actively transmit data carried on their chips. Over the last decade, smaller, cheaper passive chips have been developed that only release information when scanned and these chips are now poised to invade many aspects of our lives. â€Å"The technology is coming to the forefront,† says Dan Mullen, president of Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility, a trade group based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. Most people are unaware that they are already using RFID tags. They use them in security badges that allow access to buildings, or in keys that communicate with a car to allow only the driver in. Many companies are also starting to use the chips to track goods shipped from manufactures to their destination, helping them keep precise track of where items are and avoid them being lost in shipping or warehouses. These tags are routinely implanted in pets, so they can be identified if they are... Free Essays on RDIF Tags Free Essays on RDIF Tags The RDIF Microchip Smaller than a dime, this little electronic capsule could be one of the biggest technological advances in how we share and store our private medical records. It may also be one of the most controversial. It is a microchip implanted under a person’s skin called the VeriChip, and is then scanned with a special reader device to reveal important medical information about the person. The Florida-based company, Applied Digital, makes the VeriChip and hopes that the implant will revolutionize how doctors obtain medical information, mainly in emergency situations. Basically, if a person can’t speak, the emergency medical personnel could just scan that person and quickly be linked to a database that would provide critical information on the patient’s identity, blood type, drug allergies, and medical conditions. These chips also bring up much controversy with privacy rights. It also has many other non-medical uses. RDIF tags have been around for over 50 years, although many of them are larger, battery powered and actively transmit data carried on their chips. Over the last decade, smaller, cheaper passive chips have been developed that only release information when scanned and these chips are now poised to invade many aspects of our lives. â€Å"The technology is coming to the forefront,† says Dan Mullen, president of Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility, a trade group based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. Most people are unaware that they are already using RFID tags. They use them in security badges that allow access to buildings, or in keys that communicate with a car to allow only the driver in. Many companies are also starting to use the chips to track goods shipped from manufactures to their destination, helping them keep precise track of where items are and avoid them being lost in shipping or warehouses. These tags are routinely implanted in pets, so they can be identified if they are...

CJ6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CJ6 - Essay Example Its evolution further included thief catchers and legislations but increase in crime rates let to establishment of a formal police force in the 17th century. Position of the sheriff was established with duties such as apprehension, tax collection, and management of public funds but crimes continued to increase. Texas Rangers was then formed in 1823 to protect settlers’ interest and became a lawful entity after 1870. Other agencies were also forms such as Federal Marshals (1989) and Metropolitan Police Force (1845). The current police system in the United States is however more complex, the most complex in the world, and exist at federal, state, county, local, and private levels. The federal branch is part of the executive government branch and enforces provisions of the US criminal code and consists of the FBI, ATF, US Marshals Service, Homeland Security, Customers and border Protection, Secret Service, Coast Guard, IRS, and US Postal Service. State police force exists in every state with limited jurisdiction of enforcing state laws in their states. Counties and municipals also have their police systems headed by county sheriffs and enforce laws within their geographical jurisdictions. The private police sector is another branch and is significant in apprehending

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Journal - Essay Example This people could fill in any labor shortage in the future thus defeating the hypothesis the text of the book that in the future, our workforce may be composed of old people. There are just a lot of people who do not have a job that it will no longer be necessary to employ the aged in the future. Journal entry 2: Chapter 5 - Big Five profile To put my reaction in perspective, I need to mention my scores when I took the Big Five Assessment. The result was quite accurate. I score a nine in Extraversion which meant that I am basically a sociable person. I also scored an eight in Emotional Stability which suggests that I am emotionally competent to get a job done. I also scored a nine in Agreeableness which meant that I can work well with others and lastly, I scored well in Openness with a nine to cap the assessment. I only scored an eight in Conscientiousness. The Big Five profile assessment is simple and straightforward and somehow gives us a ballpark of our personality. My initial rea ction after taking the assessment was curiosity and was quite glad with the result because it somehow matches what I think my personality is. But when I took a hard look at the method of assessment, I also became cautious because I just find it too simple to be able to determine my personality traits are. I am not dismissing it but I just find it too simplistic. I thought that this could be more â€Å"convincing† if the Big Five profiling could be complemented by other psychometric tests to validate and cross-check its result. Still, the assessment provided me an immediate insight of what my personality could be. Journal entry 3: Chapter 6 In this exercise, I scored 32 which hovered in the category of Moderate engagement. Again, I find the questions were too generalized and do not really tell my real level of engagement in my studies. For example, what does moderate engagement exactly mean? That I am partially interested and partially not? Or only give my half-best in my stud ies? The assessment is asking the wrong questions about what my exact feelings and thoughts about studies. It is because there are subjects that I am really interested in that I enjoy studying them even if I am not in class. These subjects seems effortless to me and thus, â€Å"time flies when I am studying†. But there are also subjects that I am not interested in. These subjects are quite a drag and effort for me to study and it takes tremendous amount of effort for me just to study. And even when I study them, it is just for compliance and to pass the subject. The factors that makes a subject engaging or not were also not factored in. That could include a myriad of factors such as how they are taught, aptitude of the student, tools using in teaching them etch that could really tell the student’s engagement in his or her studies. Also, I find the questions in the assessment repetitive. They are basically asking the same questions ony that they are rephrased to confirm answers. Journal entry 4: Chapter 7 In the exercise of Measuring Perceived Fair Interpersonal Treatment, I scored 36 which suggest that I was in hovered in as a moderately fair organization. It was an internship job so I cannot complain and I had a pretty good experience working in that organization. And perhaps this perception is influenced by my expectation of the organization that I will have a good experience w

Building Identity Without Voice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Building Identity Without Voice - Research Paper Example There are several points where the idea of self – realization becomes a reflection of identity and the place in which one holds in society as a minority. One is the ideology of the no name woman, represented from the beginning of the book. The representation which is set by Kingston is to not have an identity or place within society. One loses their name as well as their ability to live, specifically because of the idea of marginalization that is within society. The no name woman is one which is not accepted into society because of the belief that she is pregnant outside of marriage. This is reflective of the same concept of self – identity which the narrator states and which is seen in society. â€Å"On nights when my mother and father talked about their life back home, sometimes they mentioned an ‘outcast table’ whose business they still seemed to be settling, their voices tight†¦. They could have sold her, mortgaged her, stoned her. But they had se nt her back to her own mother and father, a mysterious act hinting at graces not told me† (Kingston, 4). This example shows the relationship between self – identity and society in several ways. The mother and father’s perception is based on the instant marginalization or outcasts that are within society. This is combined with the self – representation of how one responds to society by the acts which are performed. In this instance, they disgraced themselves and the family by sending their aunt back to her family.