The Berlin Patient Timothy Ray Brown - 1431 Words

The Berlin Patient Timothy Ray Brown, gained his title as â€Å"The Berlin Patient† after being the first man successfully cured of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in 2008, Berlin. Brown has been battling with HIV for 11 years with antiretroviral drugs since 1995 when he was diagnosed. Then in 2006, he was being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, another disease that would put his life in danger. Acute myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer that attacks the bone marrow and spread to blood.[9] To treat his new deadly disease, Brown has tried radiation and chemotherapy which both did not seem to be successful in helping him. In 2007 and 2008 he made the decision of going for a bone marrow transplant. Brown’s oncologist has chose a bone marrow donor with a genetic mutation known as delta 32 which is found in 1 to 2 percent of the people in Northern Europe. For people with the delta 32 mutation, they are very likely to be immune to Smallpox, the Bubonic Plague and resistant to HIV and A IDS. [10] Focusing on how HIV is prevented by this mutation, HIV virus usually enters a cell through the cell’s CCR5 receptor and fuse into the cell that will eventually divide itself and spread throughout the patient’s body, infecting the patient with cells that is infected with HIV viruses. With the delta 32 mutation, the entry of HIV is blocked due to their misshapen CCR5 protein. Immunity to HIV is only present to homozygous carriers for the delta 32 mutation on both genes. [11] [12] TheShow MoreRelatedVaccine For Hiv Happen On The Horizon By 2030924 Words   |  4 Pageshave been documented. One case in 2007, was a turning point for HIV research. Following a bone marrow transplant of HIV sufferer â€Å"Timothy Ray Brown†. Brown underwent the procedure after he developed leukemia and the donor of the bone marrow possessed a rare genetic mutation that caused Brown cells to become resistant to HIV. Brown received the title the â€Å"Berlin Patient† in the HIV research field (defeatHIV.org) and is the first man to have been cured of the virus. In Conclusion, with the progressionRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus : Biology, Epidemiology, And Pathogenesis3000 Words   |  12 Pageschanged the safety practices of multiple health professions including the application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the suitable training in regards to the attitude and the behavior of health professionals when dealing with HIV positive patients [40-42]. It is important to note that HIV is not transmitted by saliva, sweat, tears, mosquito bites, or water fountains [43-45]. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus shares many of its structural and biological characteristics with other viruses fromRead MoreA Research Paper About Human Immunodeficiency Virus6608 Words   |  27 PagesU.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recorded a cluster of Pneumocystis cariniipneumonia  (classified as PCP) in five homosexual men in  Los Angeles and New York. These men had symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS. In The patients were noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognizedRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesEmpire produced much larger outflows. The third main producer of refugees in the post–World War II period was the spread of communism and the cold war. Two and a half million East Germans fled to West Germany between 1946 and the erection of the Berlin Wall— and many other barriers—in 1961. Many other Eastern Europeans fled westward soon after the war. More than half a million were able to flee following the Warsaw Pact put-down of the Hungarian and Czechoslovakian rebellions of 1956 and 1968Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesspecialties in their occupations that possess less-structured tasks. They also cope more effectively with major organizational change, downsizing, and role stress and conflict (Armstrong-Stassen, 1998; Haase, Lee, Banks, 1979; Teoh Foo, 1997; Timothy, Thoresen, Pucik, and Welbourne, 1999). It also should be pointed out, however, that individuals who are more tolerant of ambiguity have more difficulty focusing on a single important element of information—they are inclined to pay attention to a

Argument - 1501 Words

Argument The Need for the FBI Over the years, the FBI has grown from a small bureau into a service that not only the nation needs, but also the world. It has helped in many significant cases throughout history, such as Al Capone, the Unabomber, Bonnie and Clyde, and without the FBI, would not have been solved or taken care of as easily (â€Å"Famous Cases† 1). These have proven to make the environment a better place to live in. The FBI is needed to protect the country’s safety and the well being of each individual daily. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has grown to be an immune system that is needed, to protect the country, the individual’s and the environment that is lived in every single day, by protecting us from terrorism, cyber†¦show more content†¦(â€Å"FBI History† 1). Roosevelt and Bonaparte had a main idea that the people they would hire would be based on their effectiveness and their knowledge. Throughout its first years of service, the bureau did run into a few problems. One of the most imperative is the run in with the Secret Service. The FBI would use agents from the Secret Service to help them with investigations, and Bonaparte did not like this because â€Å"[t]he heart of any investigation is information† (Kronenwetter 61). So, in result of this he wanted just his men working on the investigations, Congress favored him and enabled him to begin his own force. President Roosevelt and Attorney General Bonaparte both ended there run in the FBI in March 1909. The FBI has investigated many cases throughout history, but some of the major ones have had to do with terrorism, such as Al Qaeda or 9/11. The 9/11 case was worked on incredibly hard by the FBI, and â€Å"more than half [their] agents worked to identify the hijackers and their spo nsors and, with other agencies, to head off any possible future attacks† (â€Å"9/11 Investigation† 1). Cases like these are the ones that demonstrate that the FBI is essentially needed. By implying â€Å"[t]he United States homeland faces two very different threats from international terrorism†, it is creating a feeling and fear of something wrong that is waiting to happen to the nation (â€Å"FBI† 1). With the help of United States FBI to support and examine details, American citizens are moreShow MoreRelatedArgument : Argument For The Workplace1187 Words   |  5 PagesArgument According to Chaffee (2004) argument can be a way of thinking in which certain premises or reasons are offered in support of what is being said or concluded. Regarding disagreements, this word refers to a strong or angry dispute when discussing something. In general, most people can presage a dispute. At the workplace, the best ways to confront disputes is by being prepared for them, or simply avoiding them. Of these two, the best way is avoiding them, but temporarily. Usually, partiesRead MoreThe Dreaming Argument And The Evil Demon Argument1271 Words   |  6 Pagesknowledge and skepticism to establish two main arguments, the dreaming argument and the evil demon argument. The dreaming argument suggests that it is not possible to distinguish between having a waking experience and dreaming an experience. Whereas, the evil demon argument suggests that we are deceived in all areas of our experiences by an evil demon. This essay will investigate the validity of the arguments and to wha t extent the conclusion of these arguments is true. The soundness and the extent toRead MoreThe Mind Argument And The Evil Demon Argument1218 Words   |  5 Pagesand concludes that it is â€Å"prudent never to trust completely those who have deceived us even once†. Descartes shows that we can doubt our own beliefs from perhaps his most famous arguments; the dreaming argument and the evil demon argument. So the question follows, what exactly are these arguments? The dreaming argument follows the idea that all waking life might in fact just be a dream. Descartes discusses how his senses sometimes deceive him into thinking he is awake and sitting by the fire whenRead MoreVisual Argument911 Words   |  4 Pagesread this visual argument. This photo is self-explanatory. 2). What do you see? I see a man verbally abusing a lady. What are the key details or features here that stand out? The man’s face, fist punching the lady from his mouth, and the pain on the ladies face all stand out to support my theory. What images? The image is self-explanatory. What text? There was no text to support this visual argument. What supporting details? Every aspect of this photo supports my argument. 3). IdentifyRead MoreZombie Argument1653 Words   |  7 Pagesevaluate whether the Zombie argument against Cartesian Dualism is sound by: criticising the Zombie argument through analysing the validity of each premise of the Zombie argument, defending the Zombie argument against one of its objections and responses from the Cartesian Argument by analogy. This essay will offer reasons to believe the Zombie argument by contrasting it with the strengths and weaknesses of the Cartesian Dualist main argument and the Cartesian Dualist Argument by Analogy and then drawRead MoreThe Argument And Critical Inquiry Essay1430 Words   |  6 Pagesthe last time you got into an argument? What is an argument? Is it the same as a shouting match, a brawl? What does an argument have to do with critical thinking? What is the relationship between arguments and critical inquiry? The last time that I was involved in an argument, was on the drive to Cypress Hills. The argument was based on whether the Cypress Hills are Mountains or Hills. An argument is a set of claims, that is supported by premises. Although an argument may lead to a shouting matchRead MoreThe And Structure Of The Intellectual Argument888 Words   |  4 PagesWhen you write a persuasive essay, it’s good to think about how you will construct your argument, from the way you will organize your key points to how and where you will disprove opposing views. A lot of students find it hard to identify what it is that makes a good piece of essay writing. At the core of such writing, it is the nature and structure of the intellectual argument. So, what is an argument? An argument is well defined as giving of reasons, evidence and support for a claim that somethingRead MoreRecognizing Arguments Essay600 Words   |  3 PagesIn the first part of the assignment we were asked to identify components of arguments, premise and conclusion, for the passages. Where applicable we are to highlight key words or phrases that identify a claim as a premise or a conclusion. A premise is the support for the conclusion. (Missimer, 2005) The first example has several premises as follows if Sue’s baby is a boy it will be named Mark and if it is a girl it will be named Margaret. Another premise is that Sue will have a boy or girl. â€Å"So†Read MoreStructure And Significance Of Argument1263 Words   |  6 PagesSignificance Of Argument Name of Student: Course: Date: STRUCTURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ARGUMENT Introduction An argument is the exchange of opposite views about a given action in order to convince people that an action is either right or wrong. In most cases someone else has given their conclusions on the argument and one tries to prove that the conclusions are either right or wrong in relation to how they feel about the action. An argument is made up of premises and conclusions. In an argument, the philosopherRead MoreDescartes Dreaming Argument1420 Words   |  6 PagesThe topic of this essay is Descartes’ First Meditations and I will be discussing in detail the Dreaming argument and the Evil Demon argument. According to Descartes’, â€Å"As I think about this more carefully, I see plainly that there are never any sure signs by means of which being awake can be distinguished from being asleep.† This is the fundamental principle of the Dreaming Argument. The scenarios in which we experience whilst we are asleep are comparable to the scenarios we experience whilst we

Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group Free Essays

Abstract The paper provides an analysis of BHP Billiton Group based on the Boston matrix. It is indicated that this matrix is a solid marketing tool to determine the financial performance of organisations. It focuses on companies’ market share and market growth. We will write a custom essay sample on Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group or any similar topic only for you Order Now As a result of the implementation of the Boston matrix analysis to BHP Billiton Group, it is concluded that the company is at the position of a cash cow on the matrix. This finding has significant practical implications, and thus recommendations to use certain strategies are provided. Introduction The Boston Matrix represents a marketing tool, which is commonly used to conduct product portfolio analysis and management. This instrument was introduced by the Boston Consulting Group in the 1970s (Stern and Deimler, 2006). The Boston Matrix mainly focuses on the dimensions of market share and market growth, as these aspects are considered important to identify the areas in which companies need to utilise resources in order to optimise their profit generation capacity (Kotler, 2006). The matrix indicates a focus on a product management perspective as an integral part of the analytical process. Market share refers to the percentage of the total market, which is attained by organisations. This value can be measured by considering the percentage of revenue or unit volume. It is usually assumed that a high market share suggests significant financial benefits to a company. Market growth relates to the attractive parameters identified in a particular market (Schermerhorn, 2013). Businesses are usually grouped into four major categories: dogs, cash cows, question marks and stars. Dogs are companies that encounter the challenges of low market share and low market growth, while cash cows tend to have a high market share in low growing markets (Kotler, 2006). Question marks have a low market share in high growing markets. Stars represent the ideal situation for organisations because they tend to have a high market share in a rapidly growing industry (Stern and Deimler, 2006). These elements are reported by Stern and Deimler (2006) to generate sufficient cash and extensive opportunities for development. By applying the Boston matrix analysis to the performance of BHP Billiton Groups, it appears that specific information and trends from the company’s segments should be considered. The iron ore segment of the organisation has been following a star strategy by focusing sales in Australia due to its intention to decrease production costs, which would help the corporation obtain a bigger share of the market. This may happen even though growth in Chinese steel output significantly decreases (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). BHP Billiton Groups has a high market share in the Chinese location but low growth, which reflected in the price drops. This in turn decreased the revenues from the company’s associated segments. According to this dimension, the corporation has been following a cash cow strategy. The iron ore segment of the organisation is facing persistent challenges related to the decline of iron price, workers strike as well as strengthening Australian dollar (BHP Billiton Lt d., 2013). The copper segment is also affected by copper prices. As a result, the organisation has been following a question mark strategy by indicating a low market share in China due to the overall decline in copper revenues. Yet, the strategy of the company is to maintain a high market growth because of its positive production outlook in the respective segment. Similarly, the coal segment is negatively affected by low coal prices and rising cost. However, the corporation’s coals continue to be recognised as the most highly valued, supporting strong long-term margins, implying that BHP Billiton Groups has been following a star strategy in the Chinese and Australian locations (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). Future supply growth in the coal segment indicates that it is predominantly Australian, which directly sets the organisation at the position of a star on the Boston matrix. The fact that the outlook for the petroleum segment looks good is important to predict that the company may return to its position as a star on the Boston matrix. One of the expectations in this context is that total shale production is most likely to rise in the future (Stern and Deimler, 2006). In terms of the company’s geographical locations, it seems that geographic factors limit competition for the organisation. The company operates in more than 100 geographical locations across the world. The company’s market share is high due to its diversified portfolio of services. Moreover, its market growth is relatively high (Grant, 2013). Therefore, BHP Billion is pursuing a star marketing strategy considering the mentioned aspects. With regards to the company’s aluminium segment, it can be argued that BHP Billiton is pursuing a star marketing strategy, considering its both high market share and high market growth. For instance, the corporation’s total aluminium production for the fiscal year of 2013 is approximately 1.2 Mt (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). This means that the company’s market share is extremely high in this segment, which along with its high market growth in markets of Western Europe and Asia makes the corporation in a winning star position on the Boston matrix. The manganese segment of the company shows its adoption of a star strategy because approximately 80% of its production is sold directly in countries, such as China, India and South Korea (Grant, 2013). This aspect implies that BHP Billiton has both high market share in the mentioned markets and high market growth. It can be argued that BHP Billiton Group’s share prices were relatively low in 2012. This aspect prompted the company to follow a question mark strategy because despite its low market share, the provision of various natural resources took place in a high growing market (Schemerhorn, 2013). However, at the end of 2012, the corporation gradually started expanding its share prices by representing an adequate price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This means that the group has focused on following a star strategy in its main segments. Yet, it is challenging to estimate the market price for each product due to the extensive diversity of the company’s products (Grant, 2013). Another challenge associated with the quantification of returns is the categorisation of returns in different currencies. As previously indicated, BHP Billiton Group placed importance on location when it comes to making investments. In the United States, the corporation has been extensively concerned to adhere to a star strategy on the Boston matrix by distributing crude petroleum (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). It is essential to note that the company relies on its current strength of occupying a leading position in global commodities prices that are related to the health of the international economy. This suggests the potential of the corporation to predominantly follow a star strategy, which would guarantee it a better position compared to other organisations operating in the same industry sector (Grant, 2013). Nonetheless, the company is unable to predict currency assessments, which may lead to the adoption of a cash cow or a question mark strategy according to the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that certain flaws in the global economy negatively affect the performance of the corporation in the sen se of decreasing its market share in certain segments. For instance, such flaws may lead to a reduced demand for commodities, which may directly reflect in lower prices and reduced profitability of the company. The diverse portfolio of assets provided by BHP Billiton Group has assumed a solid market position of the company in its major segments. It is important to note that the corporation occupies a leading position in the trade of uranium in Australia after Olympic Dam Mine as well as of other natural assets, such as silver and copper (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). This places the company at a quite favourable position regarding its trade activities and thus it is more likely to adopt a star strategy in its home country. The fact that the corporation is a leading producer of nickel globally is indicative of the high market share it has in different segments and in different locations across the world (Stern and Deimler, 2006). As a result of the application of the Boston matrix analysis to the performance of BHP Billiton Group, it can be suggested that the company has the potential to make a substantial impact on the global delivery of natural assets. Its position as a star in most of its seg ments and in most locations shows solid management and leadership practices present at the organisation. It is important to note that the major purpose of the Boston matrix analysis is to help BHP Billiton Group decide which of its business units should be kept as well as in which areas it can invest further (Grant, 2013). There are different strategies to be applied considering that the organisation is in the position of a cash cow on the Boston matrix. One of these strategies is to hold in order to maintain its sales or market share (Schermerhorn, 2013). Another strategy that can be utilised is to defend its position regardless of the challenges the company faces with regards to its market share and projected market growth (Kotler, 2006). BHP Billiton Group can also implement a strategy, which is identified as ‘milk’, implying that the company is expected to use the cash it generated in the fiscal year to return to its position as a star on the matrix from the period of 2011 to 2012 (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). The fact that the company is at the position of a cash cow means that its profitability ratios have significantly declined. For instance, the organisation’s net profit margin, operating profit margin, ROE and ROA deteriorated in the period from 2011 to 2012 and from 2012 to 2013. It can be suggested that the company should seriously rethink its position in the market so as to try its best to restore its star position from the past (Schermerhorn, 2013). The application of the Boston matrix analysis to BHP Billiton Group’s performance yields significant conclusions about the company’s challenges and opportunities that can be addressed. Conclusion This paper has provided an analysis of BHP Billiton Group’s financial performance based on the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that the organisation is currently at the position of a cash cow on the matrix considering its high market share and low growing market (Kotler, 2006). Certain strategies have been provided so that the organisation can implement them in order to improve its position and return to the status of a star, which represents an ideal combination of a high market share and fast growing market (Grant, 2013). References BHP Billiton Ltd. (2013). Stock Analysis on Net [online]. Available at: http://www.stock-analysis-on.net/NYSE/Company/BHP-Billiton-Ltd/Financial-Statement/Income-Statement [Accessed: 14 August 2014]. Grant, R. M. (2013). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. New York: Wiley. Kotler, P. (2006). Marketing Management. New York: Pearson Education. Schermerhorn, J. R. (2013). Exploring Management. New York: Wiley. Stern, C. W. and Deimler, M. S. (2006). The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy: Classic Concepts and New Perspectives. New York: Wiley. How to cite Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group, Essay examples

Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group Free Essays

Abstract The paper provides an analysis of BHP Billiton Group based on the Boston matrix. It is indicated that this matrix is a solid marketing tool to determine the financial performance of organisations. It focuses on companies’ market share and market growth. We will write a custom essay sample on Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group or any similar topic only for you Order Now As a result of the implementation of the Boston matrix analysis to BHP Billiton Group, it is concluded that the company is at the position of a cash cow on the matrix. This finding has significant practical implications, and thus recommendations to use certain strategies are provided. Introduction The Boston Matrix represents a marketing tool, which is commonly used to conduct product portfolio analysis and management. This instrument was introduced by the Boston Consulting Group in the 1970s (Stern and Deimler, 2006). The Boston Matrix mainly focuses on the dimensions of market share and market growth, as these aspects are considered important to identify the areas in which companies need to utilise resources in order to optimise their profit generation capacity (Kotler, 2006). The matrix indicates a focus on a product management perspective as an integral part of the analytical process. Market share refers to the percentage of the total market, which is attained by organisations. This value can be measured by considering the percentage of revenue or unit volume. It is usually assumed that a high market share suggests significant financial benefits to a company. Market growth relates to the attractive parameters identified in a particular market (Schermerhorn, 2013). Businesses are usually grouped into four major categories: dogs, cash cows, question marks and stars. Dogs are companies that encounter the challenges of low market share and low market growth, while cash cows tend to have a high market share in low growing markets (Kotler, 2006). Question marks have a low market share in high growing markets. Stars represent the ideal situation for organisations because they tend to have a high market share in a rapidly growing industry (Stern and Deimler, 2006). These elements are reported by Stern and Deimler (2006) to generate sufficient cash and extensive opportunities for development. By applying the Boston matrix analysis to the performance of BHP Billiton Groups, it appears that specific information and trends from the company’s segments should be considered. The iron ore segment of the organisation has been following a star strategy by focusing sales in Australia due to its intention to decrease production costs, which would help the corporation obtain a bigger share of the market. This may happen even though growth in Chinese steel output significantly decreases (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). BHP Billiton Groups has a high market share in the Chinese location but low growth, which reflected in the price drops. This in turn decreased the revenues from the company’s associated segments. According to this dimension, the corporation has been following a cash cow strategy. The iron ore segment of the organisation is facing persistent challenges related to the decline of iron price, workers strike as well as strengthening Australian dollar (BHP Billiton Lt d., 2013). The copper segment is also affected by copper prices. As a result, the organisation has been following a question mark strategy by indicating a low market share in China due to the overall decline in copper revenues. Yet, the strategy of the company is to maintain a high market growth because of its positive production outlook in the respective segment. Similarly, the coal segment is negatively affected by low coal prices and rising cost. However, the corporation’s coals continue to be recognised as the most highly valued, supporting strong long-term margins, implying that BHP Billiton Groups has been following a star strategy in the Chinese and Australian locations (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). Future supply growth in the coal segment indicates that it is predominantly Australian, which directly sets the organisation at the position of a star on the Boston matrix. The fact that the outlook for the petroleum segment looks good is important to predict that the company may return to its position as a star on the Boston matrix. One of the expectations in this context is that total shale production is most likely to rise in the future (Stern and Deimler, 2006). In terms of the company’s geographical locations, it seems that geographic factors limit competition for the organisation. The company operates in more than 100 geographical locations across the world. The company’s market share is high due to its diversified portfolio of services. Moreover, its market growth is relatively high (Grant, 2013). Therefore, BHP Billion is pursuing a star marketing strategy considering the mentioned aspects. With regards to the company’s aluminium segment, it can be argued that BHP Billiton is pursuing a star marketing strategy, considering its both high market share and high market growth. For instance, the corporation’s total aluminium production for the fiscal year of 2013 is approximately 1.2 Mt (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). This means that the company’s market share is extremely high in this segment, which along with its high market growth in markets of Western Europe and Asia makes the corporation in a winning star position on the Boston matrix. The manganese segment of the company shows its adoption of a star strategy because approximately 80% of its production is sold directly in countries, such as China, India and South Korea (Grant, 2013). This aspect implies that BHP Billiton has both high market share in the mentioned markets and high market growth. It can be argued that BHP Billiton Group’s share prices were relatively low in 2012. This aspect prompted the company to follow a question mark strategy because despite its low market share, the provision of various natural resources took place in a high growing market (Schemerhorn, 2013). However, at the end of 2012, the corporation gradually started expanding its share prices by representing an adequate price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This means that the group has focused on following a star strategy in its main segments. Yet, it is challenging to estimate the market price for each product due to the extensive diversity of the company’s products (Grant, 2013). Another challenge associated with the quantification of returns is the categorisation of returns in different currencies. As previously indicated, BHP Billiton Group placed importance on location when it comes to making investments. In the United States, the corporation has been extensively concerned to adhere to a star strategy on the Boston matrix by distributing crude petroleum (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). It is essential to note that the company relies on its current strength of occupying a leading position in global commodities prices that are related to the health of the international economy. This suggests the potential of the corporation to predominantly follow a star strategy, which would guarantee it a better position compared to other organisations operating in the same industry sector (Grant, 2013). Nonetheless, the company is unable to predict currency assessments, which may lead to the adoption of a cash cow or a question mark strategy according to the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that certain flaws in the global economy negatively affect the performance of the corporation in the sen se of decreasing its market share in certain segments. For instance, such flaws may lead to a reduced demand for commodities, which may directly reflect in lower prices and reduced profitability of the company. The diverse portfolio of assets provided by BHP Billiton Group has assumed a solid market position of the company in its major segments. It is important to note that the corporation occupies a leading position in the trade of uranium in Australia after Olympic Dam Mine as well as of other natural assets, such as silver and copper (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). This places the company at a quite favourable position regarding its trade activities and thus it is more likely to adopt a star strategy in its home country. The fact that the corporation is a leading producer of nickel globally is indicative of the high market share it has in different segments and in different locations across the world (Stern and Deimler, 2006). As a result of the application of the Boston matrix analysis to the performance of BHP Billiton Group, it can be suggested that the company has the potential to make a substantial impact on the global delivery of natural assets. Its position as a star in most of its seg ments and in most locations shows solid management and leadership practices present at the organisation. It is important to note that the major purpose of the Boston matrix analysis is to help BHP Billiton Group decide which of its business units should be kept as well as in which areas it can invest further (Grant, 2013). There are different strategies to be applied considering that the organisation is in the position of a cash cow on the Boston matrix. One of these strategies is to hold in order to maintain its sales or market share (Schermerhorn, 2013). Another strategy that can be utilised is to defend its position regardless of the challenges the company faces with regards to its market share and projected market growth (Kotler, 2006). BHP Billiton Group can also implement a strategy, which is identified as ‘milk’, implying that the company is expected to use the cash it generated in the fiscal year to return to its position as a star on the matrix from the period of 2011 to 2012 (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). The fact that the company is at the position of a cash cow means that its profitability ratios have significantly declined. For instance, the organisation’s net profit margin, operating profit margin, ROE and ROA deteriorated in the period from 2011 to 2012 and from 2012 to 2013. It can be suggested that the company should seriously rethink its position in the market so as to try its best to restore its star position from the past (Schermerhorn, 2013). The application of the Boston matrix analysis to BHP Billiton Group’s performance yields significant conclusions about the company’s challenges and opportunities that can be addressed. Conclusion This paper has provided an analysis of BHP Billiton Group’s financial performance based on the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that the organisation is currently at the position of a cash cow on the matrix considering its high market share and low growing market (Kotler, 2006). Certain strategies have been provided so that the organisation can implement them in order to improve its position and return to the status of a star, which represents an ideal combination of a high market share and fast growing market (Grant, 2013). References BHP Billiton Ltd. (2013). Stock Analysis on Net [online]. Available at: http://www.stock-analysis-on.net/NYSE/Company/BHP-Billiton-Ltd/Financial-Statement/Income-Statement [Accessed: 14 August 2014]. Grant, R. M. (2013). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. New York: Wiley. Kotler, P. (2006). Marketing Management. New York: Pearson Education. Schermerhorn, J. R. (2013). Exploring Management. New York: Wiley. Stern, C. W. and Deimler, M. S. (2006). The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy: Classic Concepts and New Perspectives. New York: Wiley. How to cite Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group, Essay examples

Scene illustrates perfectly Essay Example For Students

Scene illustrates perfectly Essay Mr. Sugden is a physical education teacher at the secondary modern school. Sugden is a bully and again Barry Hines has highlighted the teachers personality with his name, this time employing rhyme as his assistant, as Sugden is a thug. Billy dislikes physical education and does not have the proper kit, since his mother either doesnt want to buy him one or cannot buy him one (the latter seems more believable as Mrs. Casper squanders most of her money on luxuries for herself such as cigarettes and alcohol). Instead of discreetly giving Billy a kit to wear, Sugden chooses to mock him in front of his classmates. Sugdens verbal bullying brings out the negative aspects of Billys personality as the way in which Billy is treated provokes him to answer back and be cheeky. Not only does Sugden have an inferior attitude towards his pupils as well as verbally bullying his pupils but as a big man he does not hesitate to physically abuse them too. He hit Billy twice with the ball, holding it between both hands as though he was murdering him with a boulder. Mr. Sugden bounced the ball on Billys head compressing his neck into his shoulders. His attitude is immature and shows no sportsmanship or fairness, two lessons which should always be reinforced in physical education lessons. His role as adjudicator is one that he does not deserve as he is too juvenile to cooperate fairly. Mr. Sugdens appearance is neat and tidy though; during the football scene Sugden is dressed in a violet tracksuit. To be able to analyse and understand Sugden, we need to see him at his absolute worst, which the football scene illustrates perfectly. Sugden believes he has authority in the changing rooms and also on the football pitch and therefore is very aggressive throughout the football scene Slack work lad, slack work. Sugdens frustration is pushed to the limit when a dog appears on the pitch. If Mr. Sugden had a gun, Mr. Wolf would have been dead in no time. At this time, Billy once again proves that his connections to animals and nature in general are very strong. The teacher thinks he is the only important person in the lesson and Hines has successfully created this image by using the bracket technique; Hines incorporates brackets to the different roles Sugden plays to inform the reader what part he is playing at a particular moment in the match Sugden (commentator) and also to demonstrate the importance and amount of control Sugden has on the game. His negative attitude has a clear affect on the boys, who leave the lesson cold and uninspired. Mr. Sugden uses formal English although occasionally he may slip up and use local dialect. Barry Hines uses Standard and Non-Standard English in his novel. A Kestrel For A Knaves main characters are from Yorkshire and have very recognisable accents. If Hines were to use Standard English throughout the book, we would not see a complete picture of the characters. Billy uses his local dialect all the time as he simply has not been taught Standard English since everyone around Billy, his friends, family and neighbours use the local dialect so Billy has never experienced Standard English enough to pick it up. The title Hard Times makes it seem believable that Dickens is writing honestly about a time that has harsh methods of education. Charles Dickens possibly attended a school like the one in Hard Times so he may aim to make the problems obvious to people who otherwise could fail to notice societys difficulties. Barry Hines also writes truthfully regarding the education system in his era and I think he also aims to highlight the errors of the organization that controls what schools teach their pupils. However Barry Hines writes more realistically as the book is more recent and therefore easier to relate to. Both authors present systems, which now seem very wrong but at the time they were thought of as acceptable. Both books probably contain memories of the authors school days and particularly in A Kestrel for a Knave the scenes seem very believable. Neither system would be justifiable now but in their time the schools teaching methods seemed fair and acceptable to those involved. Using 'A birthday' and 'Rememeber', show how the theme of love effects ones emotions Essaybut I am sure that you know that the whole social system is a question of self interestI was brought up in that catechism when I was very young, Sir, as you are aware.  This proves that he is completely self-concerned, and all sign of feeling and compassion has ebbed due to the Gradgrinds education system which does have an element of irony in it as it is Gradgrind who is begging him to break his own rules. Mr. Gradgrind then offers him a princely sum to try and make him change his mind, and Bitzer even goes as far as to make complicated calculations to see which will make him the most money in the end, therefore declining Gradgrinds offer. He declares that  I was made in the cheapest market, and have to dispose of myself of in the dearest. The fact that Bitzer does not have any grasp of loyalty, compassion, pity, or charity means that Tom is condemned.  The ending of Kes seems slightly abrupt, considering that most mention of Billy with Kes in the book was drawn out with extended language. This is probably to show how Kes has been ripped from Billys life so cruelly, which is reflected in the short, emotionless language used to describe the burial. The ending is left rather ambiguously; we are not sure what path Billys life will take. But by this Hines may have been implying that due to Kes, there is a different path he can take now, Billy has the choice to make something of his life. The childrens lives are followed in the two books, and are portrayed as victims of their individual systems. The consequences of this are shown both to be negative; in A Kestrel for a Knave young Billy Caspers life is an awful one, and in Hard Times when they reach adulthood they are unable to function properly as adults. Therefore, both systems can be seen as failures. Gradgrinds system appears to dehumanise the pupils and individualism is not encouraged. A pupil who is seen to be a success of Gradgrinds school would have been brainwashed, completely empty of personality but full of information in the form of facts that do not properly prepare the children for the life that they are to lead. I believe that Mr. Gryces method is the system that has prepared the children best for the life they are to lead, as they are more able to cope with the problems that they will encounter. As seen in Hard Times, Gradgrinds class simply cant cope with emotional pressures and so collapse under the strain as Tom did when he chose to steal from his father. Billy, Sissy and most children from his background began life through no fault of their own with a huge handicap. The children have little chance of improving their situation and are therefore all destined to lead relatively uncomfortable lives. Barry Hines and Charles Dickens attempt to expose this social deprivation at many stages in their books. From this we learn that Hines and Dickens have a strong bias towards Billy, Sissy and all similar children in general. Perhaps each author wishes to blame the childrens futile existence on the wealthier citizens the Upper Class. Whether or not the authors intended to, both Hard Times and A Kestrel For A Knave gave credence to what the adolescence of England was being taught at that time.