Healthy Woman Check Ups, Do they make a difference Essay

Solid Woman Check Ups, Do they have any kind of effect - Essay Example It is significant for ladies to get customary registration, since screening tests, for example, mammograms and Pap tests, can discover sicknesses early, when they are simpler to treat. A few ladies need certain screening tests prior or more frequently than other ladies. Screening and routine consideration can assist ladies with bringing down their danger of numerous wellbeing conditions including heart ailments. National Women’s Check-up Day which happens each fourteenth of May was set up by the U.S. Branch of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health to urge ladies to visit social insurance experts to get or plan registration and advance customary registration as they are fundamental to empower the early discovery sicknesses. With the present occupied ways of life, discovering time to visit the specialist can frequently be troublesome yet it is significant not to disregard our wellbeing. Normal wellbeing registration are significant for ladies. Indeed, even without side effects, numerous doctors suggest normal, yearly specialist visits and physicals for females everything being equal. A full registration for ladies incorporates a far reaching work-up for general wellbeing, including heart illnesses, cholesterol, diabetes, significant organ capacities, osteoporosis and regular malignant growths like liver and colon disease. Explicitly intended for ladies, the arrangement likewise screens for bosom, ovarian and cervical tumors just as pelvic issue. Doctors coordinate the data you give from your side effects, past medical issues, physical assessment and testing to identify illness or a danger of sickness. On the off chance that you feel well and have a typical test, it's feasible you are solid. Sadly, numerous conditions can get away from recognition even with the best clinical consideration. Which tests and screenings you need relies upon your age, wellbeing and family ancestry, and way of life decisions, for example, what you eat, how dynamic you are, and whether you smoke. Bosom malignant growth screening means to identify the ailment right off the bat in ladies and in this way decrease mortality from bosom disease. It may not be savvy to screen all ladies similarly regularly, yet rather to dispense assets lopsidedly across ladies at various dangers of creating bosom malignant growth. This illness weight can be decreased if cases are distinguished and rewarded early. Pap smear for cervical malignant growth, permit the early distinguishing proof of disease or pre-malignant growth before signs are conspicuous [PCND, 2008]. Screening for bosom and cervical malignancy are unequivocally related with a decrease in disease mortality [Kerlikowske et al. 1995]. Proof Based screening plans and European rules suggest a mammography like clockwork for ladies matured 50-69 and Pap test at regular intervals for ladies matured 25-64 [Perry et al. 2006, ACS, 2011]. Financial variables were demonstrated to be emphatically id entified with the utilization of preventive administrations [Lorant et al. 2002]. Differences in the usage of female screening were broadly distinguished. Relative investigations on the utilization of preventive administrations in Europe indicated imbalances in the interest to screening programs, in spite of the fact that the size of the disparity fluctuated among nations [Palencia et al. 2010]. Ladies with lower wellbeing education are less inclined to do routine disease screening. Ethnic minority, mature age and low financial status are completely joined by a low possibility of experiencing malignancy screening techniques [Ackenson, 2007]. In the US attributes related with lower paces of Pap test utilize included low family pay and low instructive

The Relationship Between Two Itinerant Workers in Of Mice and Men :: John Steinbeck, Literary Analysis, Analytical Ess

Architecture Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Engineering - Article Example Modelers should blend aesthetic plans in their work and logical method of reasoning and figurings to make their manifestations both alluring and practical. Any inadequacies between the two would cause significant defects in their calling all in all and autonomous practice specifically. On account of the confused idea of their calling, governments everywhere throughout the world are controlling the design calling. Since any erroneous conclusion and negligence of modelers may cause loss of lives and properties, legitimate codes ought to be actualized by the legislature for the guideline of the exhibition of their calling. Especially in Canada, the national government has made an organization, for example, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Code, in managing and directing this sensitive calling. Guideline is a legitimate limitation executed by government organizations by method of enactment. It endeavors to produce results which may not in any case happen, create or forestall results in better places to what may some way or another happen, or deliver or forestall results in various timescales than would some way or another happen (Regulation). Based from the definition above, we can say that guideline plans to advance positive results and additionally forestall negative results of the concerned association or the particular gathering. Given this meaning of guideline in the calling of design, I can say that the administrative framework in Ontario intends to ensure the compositional calling more than general society. This doesn't mean, nonetheless, that people in general isn't tended to in the guideline arrangement or the privileges of customers or the general population is dismissed. All things considered, the tone of the composed arrangement is to ensure modelers, especially the individuals from Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) [in Canada, each territory has its own administrative framework with respect to the engineering profession], from connecting with into exercises or circumstances where the picture of designers will be discolored. For instance, the Provincial Government of Ontario has given a law that will defend the privileges of the building firm if the customer wants to pulls out from the venture. The legislature, under the Architects Act, necessitate that the planner who acknowledges the venture to compose an enlisted letter to the engineer that ended expressing that he has been locked in on a similar structure venture for a similar reason by a similar customer (When a Client Changes Architects - Regulations Under the Architects Act). This kindness turnover letter really expects to set up an expert connection between the past draftsman and the succeeding designer so that there will be an away from of duty. Through my eyes, it is as yet the customer and the open who will profit by the administrative framework in light of the fact that there is a reasonable and unclogged correspondence line between the past and the succeeding planners. Ensuring the picture of draftsmen requires various and incredible duties. These various duties that draftsmen ought to follow for their own security appears to cause engineers in Ontario to feel too much managed. In a news story from Ontario Building Officials Association, the Ontario Court of Justice will hear an issue concerning the contentions introduced by the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and

Capitalism and Socialism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Free enterprise and Socialism - Assignment Example Brooking foundations inquired about and discovered that pay disparity in the year 2013 was increasing to disturbing rates and adversely influenced the US social versatility (Nilufer 21-2). For around 30 years now the salary uniqueness has been prominently developing this is after certain statics have been completed. The most extravagant that is 1% of the Americans have such a great amount of riches when contrasted with the best of the poor that’s about 90%.this difference is expanding now for around 25 years down the line (Ebenstein 12). This has influenced the United States as well as countries around the world.Some of the reasons and confirmations are talked about underneath. Instruction has, all things considered, added to this pay divergence, installment for the informed has been expanding since 1969 in each monetary division. This is on the grounds that in America less gifted faculty are being excused from work as a result of high rivalry among organizations and furthermo re when organizations receive new advances the uneducated have no spot which can suit them for they do not have the necessary aptitudes and information. This makes a major hole between poor people and the rich. Class battle has been one of the significant purposes behind the intensifying of incomeinequality, the hole between poor people and the rich has been broadening in the course of the most recent three decades. ... In 2007 it rose to 24% yet for the three decades it tumbled to 10%. Another arrangement of tax assessment, associations being fortified and balance of the National Labor Board made the salary of the low workers and those attempting to overhaul by diminishing that of the most elevated workers, this strategy kept going just for around three decades. In 2009 the pay of white collar class totaled to $49777 this is as indicated by information gathered during evaluation, it at that point decreased by 4.2% in the years 2007 and 2009 (Ebenstein 29). Neoliberalism advocates that capital and work which are a portion of the variables of creation ought to get installments which are advantageous. Americans Keynesians bolster the neoliberal which expresses that one ought to be paid what they are worth. This has caused a ton of differences in salary appropriation since individuals work at various rates and have various capacities consequently giving out various outcomes in their exhibitions; this n aturally prompts pay imbalance. Redistributing can be characterized as the procedure where an organization cooperates with an outside organization on authoritative premise; this is favored because of the minimal effort focal points. A large portion of the US organizations have been out sourcing their items and henceforth increasing near focal points. A more prominent level of the speculators in US have likewise occupied with organizations outside their nation this has caused them to acquire more than their kindred financial specialists consequently the purposes behind the pay disparities (Ebenstein 71). At last, the public philosophy has a job in the financial frameworks as for asset dissemination. Philosophy can mean convictions, dreams, goals that can be set by a gathering of individual or an individual either

The Kurdish Struggle to Establish an Autonomous State within Turkey Essay

The Kurdish Struggle to Establish an Autonomous State inside Turkey - Essay Example A large portion of these nations (especially Turkey) have issues with the development of a self-governing Kurdish district for a few reasons which will be talked about inside this paper. The Kurds have their own one of a kind culture, language and strict convictions that set them apart from everyone of the nations in which Kurdistan is at present politically part of, and have been aggrieved by these countries since the beginning. One of the principle issues in Kurdistan is the battle to shape an independent country that perceives the rights and rich history of these individuals. Strangely, the Iraqi government perceived the state as ahead of schedule as 1970 (Houston, 2008), giving the Kurdish individuals inside Iraq independent principle, however different governments, specifically Turkey, have not perceived the territory as isolated and self-ruling and this is a steady wellspring of pressure inside the region today. Inside Turkey, the Kurds are the biggest non-Turkish ethnic gather ing (Barkey and Fuller, 1998), a reality which the Turkish individuals see as the primary motivation behind why the Kurds are the greatest danger to Turkish national character and maybe why these individuals battle inside Turkey. This exposition will concentrate basically on the Kurdish individuals inside Turkey and recognize a portion of the key issues and arrangements in this circumstance. Recent developments will be used to show the difficulties inside the territory and feature the positives and negatives of being a Kurd in present day Turkey. History of Kurdistan To appropriately comprehend the battles of the Kurdish individuals in Turkey, it is important to have a total verifiable foundation of the zone and talk about how the language and culture of these individuals has created after some time. In addition to the fact that this is a fascinating independent subject, it features a portion of the contrasts between the individuals of Kurdistan and the Turkish populace, a wellsprin g of incredible pressure between the two societies. Kurdish culture can be followed back to old history. It has been recommended that the old Kingdom of Corduene is analagous to the cutting edge Kurdistan (Houston, 2008), and may of the old areas of this region relate well to present day locale. The main reference to Kurdistan (or Land of the Kurds) is found in a Christian record which portrays the Christian Saints of the zone, individuals who were driven out of the region by Pagans (Barkey and Fuller, 1998). The Kurdish language is accepted to have created from a lingo of Iran in the early hundreds of years of the Common Era (Houston, 2008). From here on, there is a more clear history of the region. The Middle Ages saw the advancement of a few Kurdish areas, for example, Shaddadid, Marwanid and Rawadid (Meiselas and Bruinessen, 1997), all genuinely self-sufficient districts which can be compared to current emirates. They were under strict and political control of Khalifs, yet this was circuitous and not especially powerful, permitting the Kurdish culture to start to form into something unmistakable today. Islam was first brought to the zone in 641CE by an Arab head known as Utba ibn farqad (Meiselas and Bruinessen, 1997), and was trailed by various uprisings, upheavals and victories by Muslim pioneers. It was the loss of intensity from the Byzantine and Sasanian domain by these Muslim caliphates that prompted the Kurdish individuals being permitted to recognize mountain overseers and set up autonomous states in the eastern Taurus mountain ranges, where Kurdish individuals can in any case be discovered today (Meiselas and Bruinessen, 1997). The cutting edge history of Kurdistan is additionally entrancing. The sixteenth century carried numerous wars to the territory and in the long run the cutting edge zone of Kurdistan was part between the Safavid and Ottoman realms. Most Kurds lived in the Ottoman realm until World War I, when the Allied soldiers attempted to part the region into a few particular

IELTS Essay Samples - How You Can Find Out How to Save Time Studying For Your Test

IELTS Essay Samples - How You Can Find Out How to Save Time Studying For Your TestIELTS Essay samples can be very helpful when you are preparing your own test. It is essential to get the most out of your time and to spend the maximum amount of money that you have available on your test.Research shows that the most often times students lose hours to prepare and make changes to their scores. I would agree. With this in mind, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of time that you will spend preparing for your test.In other words, you don't need to spend any more time writing essays than necessary. You can save time by not wasting time with the wrong information. You should first consult a few of the IELTS essay samples before making your final decision on the right type of essay to write.The primary benefit to these essays is that they give you clear examples of what is required to prepare for an essay and exactly what you should include in it. This makes your essay very easy to prepare for and also easier to write. Some IELTS essay samples may be more in depth and cover many areas of writing to make sure that you understand them.In addition to getting an idea of what should be included in your essay, some of the IELTS essay samples will give you specific examples of different types of sentences that are used to produce the different types of results that you need. This way you will be able to avoid using filler sentences and come up with a more creative way to express yourself. You might even be surprised at how much your score will improve once you incorporate some of the different examples that you will find with your test.While the IELTS has become well known for its high scores, this doesn't mean that every person who takes it needs to achieve excellent results. There are plenty of students that score lower than expected and there are plenty of people that can score high. In fact, students that are not performing up to expectations may find that they can improve their score if they take one or two extra practice tests prior to taking the exam.If you can find IELTS essay samples that give you an overview of what types of questions are included in the exam, this will give you an idea of what you should expect on your test. It is important to have a realistic view of what will happen on the test, so that you don't get too overwhelmed. A good way to go about this is to take a few practice tests.Lastly, don't be afraid to take a couple of practice tests. This way you can get used to what the question is and you can also use this experience to find answers to your questions. Plus, if you find that the one that you took is not correct, you will at least know that you can take another one, making the process of preparing for the test a lot less stressful.

Success And Change At Prudential Plc - Free Essay Example

Prudential Plc is a United Kingdom (UK) based international retail financial services group focusing on the pre and post retirement market providing products such as insurance, unit trusts and bonds, annuities, pension plans, mutual funds, investment advisory services (Prudential Plc website,2010). It was founded on 30 May 1848 in London (Prudential Plc History Timeline, 2008). The company has significant operations in the United States of America (USA), UK and Asia with approximately 21 million customers, policy holders and unit holders, employing over 27 thousand people managing funds to the extent of ÂÂ £249 billion across the globe (Prudential Plc website, 2010). Prudential is a public limited company listed on the London Stock Exchange as well as the FTSE 100 index. Four main business units comprise the Prudential group: Prudential Corporation Asia, Jackson National Life Insurance Company in the USA, Prudential UK and Europe and MG Investments (Prudential Plc website,2010). These units are supported by central strategies such as those for cash and capital management, leadership development, succession planning and reputation management. Until 2006 the group operated through three segments: banking; long term business; and broker-dealer and fund management. In 2007 it divested its banking segment. In 2008, the company generated approximately $35 million, an increase of 3.4 percent as compared to the previous year but reported an overall net loss of approximately $718 million (Datamonitor, 2009).However, the group has continued to reinforce the fact they have retained a robust and resilient capital position in the industry despite the economic ally challenging environment (Prudential Plc website, 2010). The PESTEL analysis below looks at the macro-environment in which Prudential is operating and tries to identify forces having the greatest impact on the company and its performance. PESTEL Analysis Political With effect from 2012, European Commisions Solvency II project is expected to change capital requirements for all sectors of the insurance industry in the European Union. It will require insurance companies to set aside more or less capital depending on the risks they face (Financial Services Authority, 2010). Economic The Banking crisis and economic downturn in 2008/9 have put the financial activities and balance sheets of insurance companies under close scrutiny. It has also resulted in concerns amongst investors and led to loss of confidence in insurers. This is being manifested in the form of sudden falls in share prices of insurance companies, including Prudential (The Guardian, 2008). A deceleration for 2008-2013 has been forecasted in the performance of the global life insurance market. This will have a direct effect on the overall performance of the company (Datamonitor, November 2009). The global retail savings and investments market has also seen a decline in 2008 and hardly any improvement in 2009 as a result of the economic difficulties the industry is facing (Datamonitor, December 2009). As a result of the current market volatility, interest rates have fallen to their lowest level for over 3 hundred years. Nevertheless, Prudential has set its annual bonus rates at 3 percent for most with-profit bonds and personal pension policies and 2 percent for annuity customers, thereby suggesting its strong capital position to help it tide through the difficult economic times ahead (Prudential Plc News Release, 2009). Social Ageing population in the two most developing nations, USA and the UK is leading to a higher demand for pension and retirement products (Datamonitor, 2008). Since Prudentials products and marketing range are mainly targeted at those aged over 45, this change in demographics is very crucial to the companys overall growth (Datamonitor, 2005). It is therefore essential for Prudential to support the ageing population by providing products that meet the customers changing needs. There is a distinct loss of confidence amongst consumers to opt for financial services as a result of mis-selling of some products in the UK, complexity in the financial services environment and poor performance of equity markets (Prudential Plc website, 2010). Research reveals that there is an estimated savings gap of ÂÂ £27 billion per year in the UK. Furthermore, the government has estimated that approximately 10 million people in the UK are not saving enough and 3 million people are not saving at a ll despite having the ability to do so (Wyman, O. Co., 2001). Technological The importance of digital/internet marketing in todays competitive environment can hardly be over-emphasised. The Internet accounts for 8 percent of global advertising spend and is growing rapidly (The Economist, 2009). Recent studies show that the financial services industry is lagging behind in digital marketing as compared to other industries (Marketing Charts, 2008). Given the challenges now faced within financial services, it is crucial for companies to rethink and adjust the way they acquire new customers and retain existing ones. Increased use of digital marketing can help financial institutions to develop better relationships with customers (Marketing Charts, 2008). Environmental International Agreements such as the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, Kyoto Protocol in 1997, Johannesburg Summit in 2002, have led to nations taking action towards ensuring sustainable development across the globe. Keeping in line with these policies, Prudential are committed towards reducing their environmental impact including reduction in the carbon footprint of the group, its suppliers business operations and creating bottom line savings through the implementation of cost effective energy efficiency measures (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). Prudential is one of 38 companies from the financial services sector to endorse the ClimateWise principles, launched in 2007. The principles have been developed by leading global insurers, reinsurers, brokers and asset managers to promote action on climate change. They will enable companies and organisations throughout the world to build climate change into their business operations (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibilit y Report, 2008). Legal In the UK, from April 2010, earnings over ÂÂ £150 thousand will be subject to a new tax rate of 50 percent and the corresponding tax rate for dividends will be 42.5 percent (HM Treasury, 2009).This will have a negative impact on companys UK market as it will encourage higher earners who could have invested in the companys financial products and services to leave the country (Prudential International, 2009). In the UK, also from April 2010, anyone with an income over ÂÂ £100 thousand (after certain adjustments for pension contributions, Gift Aid etc) will lose personal allowance at the rate of ÂÂ £1 allowance lost for every ÂÂ £2 excess income (HM Treasury , 2009). This will have a negative impact on the companys UK market as buyers might be encouraged to invest in off-shore bonds and policies instead (Prudential International, 2009). Porters Five Forces Analysis of the Financial Services Industry Threat of Substitute Products and Services There are few close substitutes to financial services and products and the threat is determined as weak. Investment in gold, jewellery, antiques and other collectibles might be considered as substitutes for investment in mutual funds, equities and other forms of savings. Investment in property is also seen as alternate to investment in pension schemes to provide income and capital for old-age, consequently leading to a rapid growth in the buy-to-let market (Ennew et al, 2007). Level of Competition There is considerable competition within the financial services industry despite having few close substitutes. Most companies in this industry operate on a large scale with wide geographical coverage and strong buying power, thereby fostering strong rivalry between the players (Datamonitor, 2007). Competition has been fuelled by the liberalisation of financial markets and reduced barriers between different institutional types. Bancassurance and diversification of specialised insurance companies into banking are typical examples of this. Companies in the industry try to maintain their competitive edge by diversifying and offering a wide range of financial services and products to its target audience (Ennew and Waite, 2007). For example, Prudential ventured into the online banking industry through its online bank Egg through which it offered a range of traditional banking products at very competitive terms and conditions. However, this venture was sold to Citibank in 2007 (Prudential Plc website, 2010). Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants is low. This can be attributed to high entry barriers caused by strong brand identity for Prudential, its product differentiation, customer loyalty and moreover, high switching costs. Moreover to be able to enter the market and be successful, new entrants would need highly specialised knowledge and expertise along with huge financial resources to compete with an established brands in the industry (Dess, Lumpkin, Eisner , 2008 ). There are some government regulations in place by bodies such as the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK which limit the entry of other financial firms into the market (Datamonitor, November 2009). Moreover, the likelihood of new entrants in the industry has been reduced with the current global economic situation causing reduction in consumers confidence in the industry, increased merger and acquisitions amongst key players and government bail-outs for large institutions (Datamonitor, December 2009). Bargaining Power of Buyers Is moderate for individual consumers as there are many in number and the impact of losing one customer is low. However, buying power is higher for corporate clients as they usually pay huge premiums and loosing high-margin clients will have a negative impact on the companys revenues. There are plenty of alternatives in the industry but the switching cost is relatively high for consumers as changing players will involve surrendering or ending a policy before it matures which will have cost and tax implications for them. Existence of price comparison websites and financial services consultants boost buyer power as they empower buyers to shop-around for the best deal available due to the importance of the product offered. With the economic downturn, buyers disposable incomes have also been reduced. This has an indirect impact on their buyer behaviour as they may choose not to invest in financial services as they might not come across as necessities (Datamonitor, November 2009). Bargaining Power of Suppliers Overall bargaining power of suppliers is strong. This is because companies operating in this market require a reliable and secure ICT infrastructure to help conduct vital back-office and client-facing functions such as online equity trading and online banking. Studies conducted by Datamonitor (2009) indicate that complex hardware and software requirements by major players in the industry lead to few suppliers which can offer suitable solutions to them, and these tend to be large organisations such as IBM or Microsoft. This consequently strengthens the bargaining position of suppliers such as IT consultants, hardware and software suppliers and internet service providers. Moreover, large firms tend to be committed to one supplier, thereby imposing high switching costs on themselves. Additionally, large firms with extensive branches face high staffing costs because of the need for skilled employees (Datamonitor, December 2009). SWOT Analysis Strengths Strong Market Position in Asia, Europe and the U.S. the three most attractive savings markets in the world provide a competitive edge to the company. This helps the company to retain existing and attract new customers (Datamonitor, November 2009). The group has always endeavoured to continuously improve its brand value by contextualising and localising its marketing strategies. With the big demographic shift, the groups focus on brand value is expected to help capturing a huge share in the global retirement and asset management markets (Prudential Plc website, 2010) The company has a strong financial position thereby standing it in good stead in the current economic downturn and tight capital markets across the globe (Datamonitor, November 2009 ). Weaknesses High operating costs pose a risk of reducing profit margins for the company which would directly affect its competitiveness as compared to its rivals (Ebsco Host , 2009). Overall group performance is being affected by its exposure to the sub-prime mortgage sector through its subsidiary Jackson National Life in USA due to predicted high losses in the coming financial year (Ebsco Host, 2009). Opportunities Expansion in the Asian market could help to increase the groups revenues and overall profits. This is because the group has high brand recognition and a strong customer base of 7 million added to booming economic activity leading to higher personal wealth , greater disposable incomes and a growing demand for protection and savings products (Ebsco Host, 2008). With the aging of the baby- boomer generation there is huge increase in demand for pension and retirement products. Studies reveal that the market for retirement products is already the largest driver of growth in financial services (Ebsco Host, 2009). This change could benefit the life and pension business of the Prudential. The anticipated growth (9.9 percent compounded annual growth rate for 2006-2012) of the global asset management industry will help to strengthen the companys market position (Ebsco Host, 2009). Cost savings would increase the companys profitability (Ebsco Host, 2009). Threats Existence of namesakes worldwide, the closest one being Prudential Financial Inc, confuses consumers and can result in loss of business. This is aggravated by the increasing popularity of the internet wherein it has become difficult to differentiate between the company and its namesakes (Ebsco Host, 2008). Studies reveal an increasing number of insurance frauds in the industry. With Prudentials large scale of operation, this could lead to increase in claim losses and operation margins .This could force the group to pass insurance fraud costs to policy holders or opt for lower reinsurance cover, thereby causing an adverse affect to profitability (Ebsco Host, 2008). Value Chain Analysis Value-chain analysis is a useful tool to determine how an organisation creates its competitive edge over its rival firms (Dess et al, 2008). Primary Value Chain Activities: Inbound Logistics Prudentials inbound logistics policy is to work in partnership with suppliers who operate with policies and procedures consistent with the standards set out in the Group Code of Business Conduct (the Code), and to help them reduce their impact on the environment. This enables the group to maximise their beneficial social impact and minimise environmental impact. In its dealings with suppliers , the company endeavours to maintain the highest possible standards of integrity in business relationships. All subsidiaries are encouraged to use only those suppliers who operate with values and standards equivalent to the Group. The company has a strict policy to agree terms of payment when orders for goods and services are placed and pay in accordance with those terms (Prudential Plc Annual Report, 2008). Operations As Dess et al (2008) postulate, creation of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes is also one way of achieving competitive advantage, Prudential Plc are no stranger to this. The group actively endeavours to reduce its environmental footprints directly and indirectly. Examples include activities such as introduction of Energy performance certificates , achieving ISO 14001 certification, publishing sustainable development framework to encourage sustainable practices across the industry (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). Outbound Logistics The company uses Single Customer View architecture to enable it to store in one place, information on different products and account data relating to any customer. This provides one point of contact for customers ensuring faster responses to queries and quicker problem resolution. The architecture has helped the company to consolidate its call centres as it helps to provide staff with an overview of all customers and their value to the company resulting in cost savings (Beckett, 2005). Marketing and Sales The Prudential built its reputation by providing financial advice and products to customers through an army of door-to-door salesmen. However, since 2002 the man from the Pru image has been replaced by automated channels and intermediaries because the direct selling method was not suitable for the company anymore. The new image has Retirement has more potential with Prudential as its tagline. The company now uses print, online, direct response, radio and television advertising as well as sponsorship of client interest programmes (Marketing Week, 2007; Phang, L, 2008). Service The group continues to maintain high standards of customer service ensuring that they receive fair, transparent financial products through a variety of trusted channels. Prudential endeavours to meet the rapidly changing needs of its target audience. The company has tracking systems in place to regularly monitor customer satisfaction. Examples of good customer service include achieving the 2008 award for highest customer satisfaction in the financial services industry in North America; surveys reveal that 88 percent of Prudential UK customers feel they are treated fairly; conducting agency training and leadership development to promote a deeper understanding of customers financial goals (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). Support Value Chain Activities: Procurement Prudential encourages all its subsidiaries to develop collaborative win-win relationships with its suppliers and contractors to ensure the quality and profitability of its products and services (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). Technology Development The importance of technology can hardly be undermined for the group. Prudential has always been at the forefront to develop and install automated systems to aid in its administrative functions. The company has created its own customer information system, Single View to enable it to manage the quality of its data. This new system also helps the company to cater to online marketing and customer management (Beckett, 2005). Human Resource Management (HRM) The companys HR strategy focuses on five key elements: getting the right people into the business; building and rewarding performance; growing a strong talent pipeline; developing credible successors and; developing an organisation that works. The group has also launched a group-wide Momentum Programme to attract a wide diversity of applicants (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). General Administration Prudential has an effective planning system in place to help it to attain overall goals. This is backed by the ability of its top management to anticipate and respond to key environmental trends and events such as the demographic shift in global population. Through its sustainable development initiatives, the company has maintained excellent relationships with its diverse stakeholder groups. There is an effective IT division which helps to integrate the companys value creating activities (Prudential Plc Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008). Conclusion Prudential Plcs several strengths and opportunities are helping the company not only to survive but also grow in this global economic downturn following the banking industry crisis. The retail financial services industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation as one of the biggest demographic waves in history transitions out of the workforce and into active retirement. Over the coming years, this global retirement opportunity will be a significant driver of further growth for Prudential. However, the group need to be wary of its high operating costs in order to maximise the profitability of its products and services.