Community and public health nursing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Network and general wellbeing nursing - Case Study Example Obviously, the commonness rates increments with age where U.S kids matured somewhere in the range of 15 and 17 years recorded the most elevated pervasiveness pace of 16.5 %. Nonetheless, the most elevated pervasiveness rate in DC shows among kids matured somewhere in the range of 5 and 9 years who had 21.6 %. Subject to these commonness rates, I would target U.S youngsters in the age bunch 15-17 for mediation since the condition is generally regular in this age gathering. The age bunch has the most noteworthy commonness percent, 16.5 % in U.S. In DC, I would target kids in the age bunch 5-9 for intercession. The age bunch has the most elevated predominance percent, 21.6 % in DC. These mediations will decrease Asthma death rate among youngsters. Besides, subject to these commonness rates, I would target dark kids in America and DC for mediation since the condition is generally basic in this race. The race has the most noteworthy predominance percent, 21.0 % in U.S, and 20.4 % in DC. In fact, the predominance rate is higher among African Americans contrasted with whites and others. The mediation will decrease Asthma death rate among dark

Case study for surgical technologist student Essay

Contextual investigation for careful technologist understudy - Essay Example A suggested test will be either a CT filter or a MRI of the mind ideally along with an echocardiogram. The conceivable conclusion is a transient ischemic assault or TIA because of smoking. In the event that there is blockage, at that point an inflatable angioplasty or coronary supply route sidestep medical procedure is required. Diabetes causes hyperglycemia which is raised glucose in which an extreme measure of glucose flows in the blood plasma. Hyperglycemia can cause neuropathy which likewise incorporates inadvertent blow-back from microvascular wounds just as macrovascular wounds because of rehashed injury or abuse (either vascular or biochemical in nature) and an expanded slender hydrostatic weight (Joslin and Khan, 2005, p. 1135). Hugos guess is five years without claudication when his own vein is utilized yet the fem-pop detour will stay open in about half of the cases five years after medical procedure if a fake join is utilized. Considering Hugo is presently 65 years of age, potential intricacies incorporate leg expanding, draining and cardiovascular failure or stroke as he is a high-chance case. The danger of death is evaluated at 1% to 3% of all medical procedure cases. 1. Insurance stream †alludes to the elective blood flexibly stream to the myocardium that has been imperiled by ischemia (here and there spelled as ischaemia). This is the procedure where little and ordinarily shut veins (corridors) open up to fill in as backup courses of action if there is coronary illness, myocardial ischemia or a stroke (www.americanheart.org). 2. The distinction †an ischemia is only a transitory stoppage in the flexibly of the required oxygen to the heart for an exceptionally concise timeframe while localized necrosis happens when the heart muscles are denied of the oxygen for a really long time that the muscles in the long beyond words. There are different instances of ischemia and dead tissue happening other than the heart, for example, what occurs in the digestive organs because of a hernia, attachments, blood vessel

Critical Analysis Nursing Care for the Older Adult

Basic Analysis Nursing Care for the Older Adult Dementia is an umbrella term to depict an assortment of indications that create in relationship with a dynamic issue of the mind of which dementia of the Alzheimers type is the most well-known. Different types of dementia incorporate Lewy body dementia, Picks illness and (MID) multi-infarct dementia (Ramsay et al, 2005). The fundamental highlights of dementia are a decrease in memory, capacity to learn and comprehend in a proceeding with movement. There are frequently changes in social conduct, general inspiration and the customers capacity to control their own feelings (Burgess, 2005). These progressions fluctuate from a slow to increasingly abrupt beginning that changes from individual to person. In the beginning times of dementia memory issues are regularly the most clear sign (DH, 2009). Psychological well-being experts find that memory issues and different needs are just the start of the procedure in making an analysis. The specialist is required to check in what ways an individual isn't working as they would anticipate. Appraisals might be completed at home so as to increase a more clear picture of how the customer is overseeing (Ramsay et al, 2005). The specialist will likewise need to know the customers clinical history including any physical sickness and current drug. The specialist will likewise need to preclude sadness as a reason for the memory issues. On the off chance that the memory issues are credited to wretchedness, at that point treatment utilizing a stimulant could help considerably (Ramsay et al, 2005). Determination is a logical device. Past that the carer requires a comprehension of the customers experience of having an issue or confusion, wellbeing and social consideration should be values based just as proof based. To make an interpretation of th is way of thinking into training necessitates that the appraisal procedure be driven by the standards of organization, comprehensive quality and personalisation (Atkins et al, 2004). Appraisal is a legitimate and indispensable piece of any nursing mediation and must be acted in organization with the customer (RCN, 2004). Following this, the subsequent stage is to think about association of different examinations, frequently did in emergency clinic or in a center, including the utilization of blood testing, X-beam and if vital, mind filtering to find the reason for the indications (Ramsay et al, 2005). To do a full appraisal of the customers issues, different experts are probably going to have an impact in the evaluation as a component of a multi-disciplinary group (MDT). Individuals from the group may incorporate medical caretakers, word related specialists, therapists, physiotherapists, social laborers and specialists. Making a finding is significant as determination influences the sort of treatment utilized (Ramsay et al, 2005) Challenges that can happen practically speaking when endeavoring to connect with customers in a successful way incorporate; making the entirety of the data that is being traded fathomable to the customer, discovering strategies to decrease recurrence of overlooking that can happen, discovering techniques to urge customers to input data constructive or pessimistic to defeat any troubles that numerous individuals can feel in clinical settings (Ley, 1997). The intelligent record diagrams the significance of relational abilities practically speaking where the medical attendant can be conveying care to people with quite certain necessities that must be taken care of with security, solace and respect for the wellbeing and prosperity of the patient. In the record unmistakably customers with dementia can discover correspondence, portability, and physical medical issues troublesome and in dealing with the consideration of customers with dementia albeit testing, might be defeated through empathic understanding and best work on including proof based consideration conveyance. According to correspondence, the most reasonable methodology is the utilization of particular addressing, giving data, regarding individual nobility and being clear with the goal that the customer comprehends (Zimmermann, 1998). Quiet focused techniques for care place requests on medical attendants in light of the fact that such a strategy includes reacting to the signs from customers where sentiments and feelings are communicated. Medical attendants are required to build up the skill to react in a suitable way to the customers sentiments and feelings (Stewart et al, 1989). So as to give great individual focused consideration, the necessities of every patient must be evaluated exclusively to discover extra prerequisites that the customer may have. Then again, a few customers will require less help than at first considered by the group. It is similarly critical to comprehend these requirements so as to regard every customer requirement for autonomy (Stewart et al, 1989). Best consideration can be characterized by the hidden rules that correspondence ought to consistently be individual focused (Oberg, 2003). Along these lines the customer ought to be given a quality standard of care that permits a feeling of c ommand over the treatment that is being given. It is essential that the customer is engaged with their own consideration and treatment, in addition to the fact that this maintains the solace and respect of the individual, yet forestalls mistakes and miscommunication prompting a viable customer/nurture relationship. In one examination discoveries reasoned that effectively including the patient in parts of care and treatment regularly prompts prior recuperation and an improved personal satisfaction (Stewart et al, 1989). Diagram of Care Practice Reflection in real life By and by, a male customer was confounded because of his dementia. The customer was a more seasoned grown-up who utilized a wheelchair and required help with portability in view of a leg removal. Once in a while the customer would attempt to leave his wheelchair which brought about him tumbling to the floor. The customer couldn't discover the toilet and was getting progressively baffled by his powerlessness to distinguish explicit spots. What's more the customer got upset and now and again experienced issues with talking. On one event the customer called a medical attendant who reacted to the patient, moving toward him gradually from the front and welcomed him, and asked How would i be able to help? Is everything alright? The patient reacted to the inquiry with an answer I need㠢â‚ ¬Ã¢ ¦ I have to go to the㠢â‚ ¬Ã¢ ¦ The customer rehashed this announcement a few times with expanding desire to move quickly yet couldn't locate the right word to complete the sentence because o f his degree of disarray. The customer experienced memory issues and scenes of disturbance. Dealing with the customers capacity to be mainland was another significant thought under the watchful eye of the person as he utilized a connection (catheter) and was sporadically incontinent of excrement (Johns, 2000; Schã ¶n, 1983; 1987). The appraisal period of the nursing procedure is major at this phase of the communication with the goal that the medical caretaker had the option to learn if the customer required the utilization of the latrine (Kozier, 2004). The medical attendant inquired as to whether he expected to utilize the can. The customer reacted by gesturing his head and saying yes. The arranging period of the nursing procedure is similarly significant at this stage. The medical caretaker educated the customer that he would show him the way and accompanied the customer to the can. When addressing the customer the attendant was mindful so as to keep in touch and talk gradually and tranquilly to guarantee that the customer would comprehend. While being accompanied the customer clarified that he had been incontinent of defecation. The customer started saying 'sorry' however the medical caretaker consoled him and clarified that he would get him some new garments (Johns, 2000; Schã ¶n, 1983; 1987). The medical caretaker had the option to give comfort and keep up the pride of the customer just as the customers trust in the attendants capacities. The customer was consoled and a clarification of the method was given to the individual in a bit by bit process, inquired as to whether he comprehended and in the event that he was pleasing. The customer affirmed he was pleasant and started to talk with the medical attendant and showed up considerably more loose. The customer reacted with extra exchange and showed up progressively content. The customer had the option to do progressively hint parts of his own purging with the goal that further thought to safeguarding his pride and autonomy was expanded. The medical attendant suggested that the customers catheter sack was exhausted on an increasingly customary premise to help comfort and decrease trouble (Johns, 2000; Schã ¶n, 1983; 1987). The NMC (2008) rules specify that medical attendants keep up the regard, respect and solace of custo mers. In the wake of being washed the customer was helped with getting into apparel, clarifying each progression gradually, the customer reacted y following each progression and not, at this point seemed unsettled and was come back to the parlor in a wheelchair. The understudy revealed the data to the remainder of the group and talked about standard catheter care for the customer. Reflection on Action During the appearance in real life (Johns, 2000; Schã ¶n, 1983; 1987) the medical attendant had the option to rapidly and viably spotless and change the customer with solace and respect through usage of the nursing procedure and joining the thoughts of appraisal, analysis and arranging periods of care. The reflection on activity (Schã ¶n, 1983; 1987) features what the medical attendant was attempting to accomplish and gives chance to think about options in contrast to future practice. Care was conveyed to the customer utilizing the Care Program Approach (CPA) and the system executed to offer a structure to supplement arrangement records and accordingly permit the procedure to be followed. The methodology permits emotional wellness specialists to give an organized example of care all through the procedure, survey customers need, plan approaches to address the issues and watch that the necessities are being met (DH, 2007). The individuals who experience dementia may discover a few errands progressively troublesome, for example, ordinary undertakings of living, including washing and dressing without help or with finding the correct words when talking. Communication for the individual can turn out to be progressively troublesome and upsetting for the customer in their relationship with others (Ramsay et al, 2005). Dementia care practice gives openings

How Do You Write a Good Essay?

How Do You Write a Good Essay?Do you want to write a sample essay? You have probably noticed that you are starting to get tired of writing your own essays. There is nothing wrong with this, because this is something that you can do for a long time. However, since you are nearing the end of your education, you might want to consider how you can improve your work.There are times when you will not be able to create an essay. This means that you might be stuck writing the same thing over again. You don't want to do this because your work will reflect on you. It will show on your test scores, which is important. Therefore, you should consider ways in which you can change the way you write your own work.The first thing that you can do is to remember that there is more to writing than writing a piece of paper. You should take some time to consider what is important to you. You should also keep in mind that writing is an art. You can have many ideas about what is important to you, but someti mes you will find that these ideas are not what you want to do. You will not get an effective piece of writing, which is what you want, if you do not use your head. If you want to get some good ideas, you should take some time to write down what you feel is important and make a plan of action.Your key is to create your own plan and make it a very important part of your work. Instead of having it as a haphazard idea, create it as a workable plan. Now, you have to think about where you want to start. You can either start at the beginning of your college career or end at the end. The most important thing is that you find a spot that you want to work on.There are many different things that you can do to start your work. One thing that you can do is to write down some tips on writing. These can include some suggestions on words and ideas. Another thing that you can do is to consider something that you have learned from your instructor. This can include some interesting topics and ideas.T his will allow you to start thinking about a good plan. Now, you are going to want to start thinking about where you want to start. You will need to think about where you want to start based on the work that you have done. The reason for this is because each student has a different experience with writing. If you have not had the chance to write any work before, you may want to start with an online resource that can teach you. You can also go ahead and look at some books that teach you how to write a paper.This is just one thing that you can do to help you get your work done. There are many other ways that you can help yourself out by using these ideas. You can always go back to the original question of how do you write a good essay?

Signs of Teacher Bullying

The majority of teachers genuinely care about their students. Although they may have the occasional bad day, they are kind, fair, and supportive. However, almost everyone who has been a student in a public or private school classroom has experienced mean teachers. In some cases, the alleged mean behavior is merely a personality conflict between the teacher and student. In other cases, a teacher’s irritability may result from burnout, personal or work-related stress, or a mismatch between his teaching and the students learning style. However, there are cases where the mean behavior crosses the line, and the teacher becomes the classroom bully. What Is Teacher Bullying? In an anonymous survey whose results were published in 2006, psychologist Stuart Twemlow noted that 45% of the teachers surveyed admitted to having bullied a student. The survey defined teacher bullying as: â€Å"...a teacher who uses his/her power to punish, manipulate or disparage a student beyond what would be a reasonable disciplinary procedure.† Teachers may bully students for several reasons. One is a lack of training in proper discipline techniques. Failure to arm teachers with an arsenal of appropriate, effective disciplinary strategies may result in feelings of frustration and helplessness. These feelings can cause teachers to resort to intimidation tactics. Teachers who feel bullied in the classroom by students may be more likely to bully in retaliation. Finally, teachers who experienced childhood bullying may turn to those tactics in the classroom. Parents or school administrators usually address physical altercations between students and teachers. However, behaviors such as verbal, mental, or psychological abuse may be less likely to be reported by the victim or fellow students and teachers. Conduct that may cross the line and be considered bullying include: Belittling or intimidating a studentSingling out one student for punishment or ridiculeHumiliating or shaming students in front of classmatesYelling at a student or group of studentsUsing racial or religious slurs or other forms of belittling a student based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientationSarcastic comments or jokes about a studentPublic criticism of a childs workConsistently assigning poor grades to one student on objective assignments or projects If your child complains about any of these behaviors, look for other signs of teacher bullying. Signs to Watch For Many children won’t report abuse to parents or other teachers due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or concern that no one will believe them. Minority or special needs children may be more likely to fall victim to teacher bullying. Surprisingly, high-performing students may be at increased risk of harassment by insecure teachers who feel intimidated. Because children may not report teacher bullying, it’s important to pay attention to clues that it may be happening. Look for these signs that your childs teacher is a bully: Unexplainable ailments. One telling clue is a child who used to enjoy school suddenly making excuses to stay home. He may complain of stomach aches, headaches, or other vague ailments to avoid going to school. Complaints about the teacher. Some children may complain about a teacher being mean. Often, this complaint is nothing more than a personality conflict or a teacher who is more strict or demanding than your child would like. However, ask questions and look for subtle clues that may indicate a more severe situation. Ask your child to explain how the teacher is mean or give specific examples. Inquire if other kids feel the same. Pay particular attention if the complaints about the teacher being mean include him or her yelling at, humiliating, or belittling  your child (or others). Changes in your child’s behavior. Look for changes in behavior. Victims of teacher bullying may have angry outbursts at home or temper tantrums before or after school. They may appear withdrawn, moody, or clingy. Negativity toward self or schoolwork. Pay attention to self-deprecating comments or  excessively critical  statements about the quality of their schoolwork. If your child is usually a good student and suddenly starts complaining that he can’t do the work or his best efforts aren’t good enough, this could be a tell-tale sign of classroom bullying. Take note if your child’s grades start dropping. What to Do If You Suspect a Teacher Is Bullying Your Child Parents may be somewhat reluctant to report bullying behaviors. They often fear making the situation worse for their child. However, if a teacher is bullying your child, it is vital that you take action. Support your child. First, talk to and support your child, but do so calmly. Angry, threatening, explosive behavior may frighten your child even though you’re not mad at her.  Let her know that you believe her.  Normalize the situation and assure your child that  you will take action to stop the bullying behavior.  Ã‚   Document all incidents. Keep detailed written records of all bullying incidents. List the time and date of the incident. Describe exactly what happened or what was said and who was involved. List the names of any other teachers, students, or parents who witnessed the encounter. Understand what legally constitutes bullying in your state. Check bullying laws by state  so that you understand what actions are considered bullying. Investigate how the school is expected to address such conflicts.  Many states bullying laws are focused on students bullying other students, rather than teachers bullying students, but the information you uncover may be useful in your situation. Meet with the teacher. Depending on the severity of the bullying, schedule a meeting with your child’s  teacher. Speak to him or her  calmly and respectfully. Give her the opportunity to explain  her perspective. There may be  reasons that she appears to be singling out your student and coming across as mean or angry. Perhaps there are  behavioral issues or personality conflicts that you, your child, and his teacher can discuss and resolve.   Ask around. Ask other parents if their children have similar complaints about the teacher. Ask other teachers if they know of any problems with your child and his teacher or have concerns about the teachers behavior in general. Follow the  chain of command. If you are still concerned about the actions of your child’s teacher after speaking with her  and other parents and teachers, follow the chain of command until the situation is addressed and satisfactorily resolved. First, talk to the principal. If the issue remains unresolved, contact the school superintendent or the school board. Consider your options. Sometimes, the best action is to request a transfer for your child to a different classroom. In extreme cases, if the school administration is not adequately addressing bullying situation, you may want to consider  transferring your child to a different public school, moving to private school, homeschooling  (even if homeschooling isn’t a long-term solution), or online schooling.

Appropriate and Inapropriate Technology in the Agriculture...

QUESTION: Zambia uses both appropriate and inappropriate technology in various sectors. Choose one sector of your choice, identify and discuss both appropriate and inappropriate technology being used in that sector. Originality and practical examples are encouraged in your easy. Zambia uses both appropriate and inappropriate technology in various sectors. This approach has had both negative and positive impact on Zambia’s efforts to development. And so, for us to appreciate this impact, let focus on one key sector of the economy where appropriate and inappropriate technology is used .In this paper I shall focus on this agricultural sector as the area of research. In the first place, I shall focus on establishing the working definition†¦show more content†¦As such it scores little or no success. Instead, the community ends up complaining and even protesting against the use of such technology. (Akuffo 2006) acknowledges that technological waken are daunting problems of establishing peace, ensuring justice, sustaining a safe environment, problems that technology alone can never solve. Having established a working definition, I will put the discussion into the context of the Zambian agricultural sector. It must say from the on-set that Zambia has used both appropriate and inappropriate technology in various sector of her economy. All this has been done with the quest to develop and better the lives of her people. The agricultural sector is one of such sector when both appropriate and inappropriate technology has been used. Since the 1970’s, Zambia has relied on simple, relatively inexpensive Agricultural research programme to enhance agricultural productivity. (Bezuneh 2005) mentions that in early stages of research programmes, research was conducted in order to develop productivity through enhancing technologies ( i.e. Fertilizer pesticide and capital intensive crops). One appropriate technology that was used in the agricultural sector was the introduction of oxen power for tillage. The usage of such technology was availed to small scale farmers in the Eastern, Southern and Central province.

Mattel Marketing Case Study free essay sample

Mattel, Inc. (Mattel or the company) designs, manufactures and markets toys across the globe. The company operates in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, and the company employs approximately 30, 000 people as of December 31, 2012. Mattel has some of the highly recognized brands in the toy industry, with its core brands providing strong sales and earnings. Mattels product lineup consists of some of the best-known brands in childrens toys, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl, Power Wheels, Polly Pocket and Fisher-Price. Barbie has been the most popular fashion doll brand for over 50 years. In 2012 and 2011, Barbie was named one of the 100 global brands that translated the latest consumer trends into its brands by a globally recognized brand/design studio. Monster High, an emerging key brand in the company’s portfolio, is the second largest selling fashion doll property in the US as well as five European markets including the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as of August 2012, according to the latest toy industry estimates. We will write a custom essay sample on Mattel Marketing Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Until August 2012, Mattel owned 6 of the top 10 properties in the American toy industry. The company’s strong brands will continue to help it to penetrate further into new and existing markets as they provide a competitive advantage to the company in most of the markets in which it operates. The company’s does face challenges to continue sustained growth and market share and some of these issues will be addresses throughout this analysis. Some concerns for the company include: Is Barbie past her prime? Barbie’s failure in China, products recalls, constant competition, changing technology and existing product saturation of the market. II. Problem/Issue Statement Mattel has been around for several decades and has a maintained a strong stake in the toy games industry. The industry can be stated to be a mature industry, although due to constant technological and societal changes, as well as growth in emerging markets, there is great opportunity to continue to grow profits and expand. There is an every revolving need for need for learning games for children and teens, and also for games with higher levels of interactivity, i. e. virtual, computer, etc. Rather than view these changes as a threat, if analyzed appropriately, they can lead to strong growth opportunities, and a chance for the company to grow with its base and extend its product life cycle per user. Societal changes will always affect the consumer products markets, including changing birth rates, cultural changes, women/men’s roles, poor economy, etc. Mattel has to deal with the fact that the toy industry is very saturated with their products, although they do have extensive product lines, the duration the products have been on the market can lead to boredom with products if the products don’t change with the times even if the user changes and matures and they get new users. A significant opportunity still remains to further penetrate emerging markets, however the company has to be able to properly addressing other cultures both without offense, and to properly understand the difference in markets. Even domestically, the company has to address changing women’s issues as it relates to its major products lines. Are their products targeting girls changing with the times? Should girls still play with dolls Kids grow up: how to extend product life line per user; another opportunity is to capture more mature market through high tech toys. Even the adult toy market has opportunities, but have to be concerned not to lose identity with customer base. The counter-fit toy market poses a serious threat to the company’s bottom line. I attempt to look at several of these challenges to Mattel throughout this case analysis. III. Situational Analysis Mattel SWOT Analysis StrengthsWeaknesses †¢Strong Brand Recognition †¢Mostly Positive, Trustworthy Image †¢Extremely Large Portfolio of Brands †¢Strong Licensing Agreements Partnerships †¢Worldwide Distribution Network†¢Frequent, Major Product Recalls †¢High Customer Concentration in the US Market †¢High Concentration of Sales, amongst a few Retailers, approx. 40% †¢Weak Penetration of Large, Emerging Chinese Market Opportunities Threats Extension of Product Life Cycle per User, As Kids Mature †¢Changing Technology, Need for Learning Games, Games with Interactivity, Societal Changes affecting children’s toys †¢Reaching Into More Global Markets/Cultures†¢Dangerous Market for Counterfeit Goods †¢Ever Revolving/Maturing Customer Base †¢Oversaturation of Products †¢Currency Fluctuations Environmental Analysis: PEST Analysis Political Economic Social Technological †¢Political Instability per Country †¢Differing Global Safety Regulations †¢Loose Employment Environmental Laws in Some Countries †¢Loose Copyright Infringement Enforcement in Some Countries †¢Trade Restrictions Tariffs Tax Laws†¢Currency/Exchange Fluctuations †¢Economic Instability per Country †¢Need to Adapt to Different Global Markets †¢Changing Gender Roles †¢Differing Cultural Views Issues†¢Movement Toward Smart Devices, Electronic Toys Games †¢Ever Changing Technology Creates High Competition and RD Costs Market Analysis: The international toy games market has experienced moderate growth in the recent years. In the 2012-2017 period, this is predicted to continue, abut at an even higher rate. The market is forecast to accelerate with an anticipated CAGR of 4. 5% for the five-year period 2012 2017, which is  expected to drive the market to a value of $105,821. 2 million by the end of 2017. Porter’s 5 Forces Model Buyer Bargaining Power High Consumer buying power as a whole is strong due availability of low cost, acceptable quality substitutes, making the tendency to switch, and therefore modest brand loyalty to a particular retailer/manufacture. Threat of New Entrants – Low The high level of product differentiation and lowered disposable income amongst consumers due to the economy pose strong challenges to new entrants, in addition to the high fixed costs associated with operations. Supplier Bargaining Power Moderate Although supplier power is diminished numerous substitutes and the low switching costs for retailers and the importance of the retailers to supplier revenues, most retailers will not backwards integrate into manufacturing toys/games. Retailers are highly dependent on providing the popular high quality products. In addition, a high level of product differentiation is needed in the market and government regulation is fairly strict regarding toy safety. Threats of Substitutes – High Computer video games are strong substitutes to the toys and games market. Children are now playing computer games at a younger age in this growing digital environment. Game consoles, PCs and mobile phones are playing an ever growing part in childrens lives by providing games, education and entertainment. Although they are not cheaper substitutes, these electronics are becoming increasingly popular to the detriment of traditional toys and games, where consumer loyalty is low with no switching costs. The counter-fit toy market is also a major concern, encroaching on profits, particularly stemming out of Asia. Intensity of Rivalry High There is a high tendency for consumers to change between toys and games, partnered with low switching costs, which serves to increase competition. The popularity of many games and toys is short-lived and/or seasonal, meaning the market is subject to rapid change, further increasing rivalry. IV. Alternatives Some alternatives to promote continued growth for Mattel include. Seeking New Partnerships with Other Industries: There is a particular opportunity with its rival substitute products in the digital arena. Possible Partnerships include PC, Software and Phone manufacturers, i. e. : Apple, Microsoft, etc. and Social Networking, i. e. Facebook, Myspace (Teens) 2. Additional Product Segmentation: Moving into older age Group of toys: tweens, teenagers and/or even adults. 3. Extending Global Market Reach: Moving into More Cultural Markets More including previously unsuccessful markets such as China, but also, not yet widely dominated markets such as Africa. Evaluation of Alternatives 1. Seeking New Partnerships with Other Industries: Given Mattel’s strong brand recognition, high product success and the current success of its partnerships, I believe it should be able to easily get into talks with new partners to cross transfer popularity from Mattel products on to with maturing kids to more electronic platforms. The kids are already familiar with Mattel products and it could help transfer the kid’s interests to these electronic products while allowing Mattel a gateway to stay in the kid’s lives for longer. This can be down through exploring the opportunity to have Mattel game applications on different devices or online games through social applications. Mattel has already started to have online games for certain brands through its website, however, its website is not as popular as other electronic device platforms such smart phones, games consoles, social networking platforms, etc. Due to shared costs between partners, and/or just paying more moderate costs to add on to be a compliment to these existing platforms, I feel that this option is probably the least costly and least risky of the alternative. Additional Product Segmentation: Moving into an older age group of teenagers requires significant market research (RD) expenditures, however, it is a natural transition from their core customer base and would allow them to stay in their consumer’s life for a longer duration. Alternatively, upon a closer look, moving into the older adult toy and games market might deviate the company too far from its natural base and confuse parents who wouldn’t to play with the same toy maker as their kids. 3. Extending Global Market Reach: There is certainly a lot of untapped market share for Mattel to reach into in the global arena. Extending into further into global markets is the most costliest and riskiest of opportunities. With the huge $30 million dollar failure of its Shanghai, China project, the company has learned the obvious lesson that they have to thoroughly research the particular cultural market they plan to move into and enter into the market slowly. VI. Recommendations I think it would be lucrative for Mattel to explore each one of the alternatives recommended. Some of which they are currently exploring. The website shows that they are expanding into the online game market with their brands, but need to gain a stronger foothold into this market with more popular partnerships in this area. Seeking New Partnerships with other Industries can be down relatively easily, less costly with shared costs. Trying to penetrate into more global markets is the most costly and riskiest opportunity, but due to the growth in emerging markets, offers a high level of growth potential. VII. Financial Implications The company can still be characterized as financially sound, with strong revenues and operation margins. The company had 8% sales growth in 2011 and 7% in 2012 and nearly $1Billion in operating income in each of the years of 2012, 2011, 2010. However, as slow-down has been occurring in Barbie sales and stagnation in Hot Wheels growth over the last three years. Although, Barbie sales continue to decrease, the company’s other girls products increased 47% in 2012, driven primarily by higher sales of its Monster High products. Additionally, costly product recalls in 2006, 2007 and again in 2010 and 2011 have cost the company both financial and damaged their product image. Due to product recalls, the company was subjected to numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions, and suffered sales and profit losses along with significant damage to its reputation. Two main issues were involved: excessive levels of lead in numerous toy surface paints because Chinese subcontractors used unapproved paint; and small unsecured magnets, which could be swallowed, in toys caused by faulty Mattel toy designs. Because of the two problems, many Chinese toy manufacturers and their suppliers were either put out of business entirely or had lost significant business; toy distributors, retailers and logistics companies had potentially incurred additional costs to manage the millions of recalled toys; parents had become more concerned about toy safety and buying Mattel toys; and children had been harmed. Additional product segmentation through products target to older teen-agers as well as expanding into even more global markets are a huge expenditure, however, with possible large rewards if successful. Adapting to another global market would not have as much overhead costs given the company’s current manufacturing facilities. A significant amount of RD and innovation would be required, however, a large investment into the proper market research to truly capture what the foreign market wants, would be highly lucrative. The products must be designed to fit the cultural, social as well as economical dynamics of each country. The failure of its efforts in China can be overcome. Due the size of emerging and developing markets, there is enormous profit potential. VIII. Action Plan †¢Seek Partnerships with Complimentary Product Providers oIdentify Brands Products that its core base is transitioning to after maturing from Mattel Toys oPinpoint Lucrative Partnerships within the PC, Software, Console arena †¢Additional Product Segmentation oDevelop New Market Research (RD) Budget oThoroughly Analyze Older Teenage Market Tastes oTest Pilot Products †¢Extending Global Market Reach. Pinpoint possible markets with expansion opportunity. oSetting up a presence of in these regions oPerform extensive market research regarding tastes and preferences and product adaptability with extensive research on the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the group. oEnsure strength in distribution channels in the new market oEnsure quality control and all pertinent legal compliance in regional market. oTest pilot products on a smaller level before making huge investments into a niche cultural market.