Ban driving of gasoline powered vehicles In U.S Essay

Ban driving of gasoline powered vehicles In U.S - Essay Example â€Å"To truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy†, says President Obama. For the last forty years, the Presidents of the United States have many times called for a reduction in the dependence of the country to fossil fuels. The consumption patterns of fossil fuels have utterly failed to honor the fact that the fossil fuels happen to be a finite and non-renewable resource (Borowitz, 1999). Stronger efficiency standards and high tax rates on motor fuels are some of the ways in which, the government has embarked upon to reduce this dependency. Though resorting to high efficiency technologies may make the cars go a few extra miles per gallon, eventually there will come time when the oil wells will go dry and the contemporary civilization’s dependence on non-renewable energy resources will jeopardize its survival. The need for a burgeoning investment on the research and development of the alternative ways of powering the means of transportation is to a great extent being withheld by the fact that nothing much is being done to wean off people from the gasoline driven cars. It is said that the necessity is the mother of invention. Research for alternative fuels will receive a shot in the arm; the day concrete measures are taken to discourage people from driving gasoline powered cars.

Nursing the Patient in Pain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Nursing the Patient in Pain - Essay Example Searches will be made based upon these 5 aspects of epidural anaesthesia, using as a beginning the references supplied by Chumbley and Thomas. Epidural analgesia is now a commonly used technique used to manage the acute pain which comes after surgery, usually being a planned procedure, the best time to consider postoperative pain relief actually being before surgery begins. The method first became available in the 1960s ( Klein, 2011) and has increased in use especially since the1980s (Wheatley et al, 2001). Usually it is given for from 2 to 5 days postoperatively , this depending upon the surgery type undergone. After this period the patient should have recovered enough to cope with oral medication for their pain relief. ( Chumbley and Thomas, 2010, page 40). ... ffectively, according to evidence based practice, this method reduces any risk of major adverse outcomes according to Chumbley and Thomas ( 2010, page 35). Both opioids and local anaesthetics can be used . These medications can however themselves produce serious, possibly fatal, side effects. Usually the epidural cannula will be put in place while the patient is still in the operating theatre. The role of the attending nurse is to monitor and assess patients receiving epidural anaesthetics, and to work with the evidence obtained , reporting any possible causes for concern, and so work towards preventing the development of these adverse effects. The College of Anaesthetists ( 2004 , 4.1) describe how it is the responsibility of the department of anaesthetics to ensure that properly qualified staff and appropriate protocols are in place in order that epidural analgesia can be undertaken safely and effectively with the anaesthetist, pharmacy and nursing staff working together. The epidu ral space into which the medication is inserted by a doctor is the potential space between the outer membrane, the dura mater, surrounding the spine and the bony vertebrae. This space contains blood vessels, nerves, connective tissues and fat. The nerves which are present work in various ways, such as passing on messages regarding movement. They also relay messages via the sympathetic nervous system to the brain about pain, touch, and temperature. This potential epidural space is present from the base of the skull down as far as the sacrum, but the spinal cord itself only extends as far as the second lumber vertebrae ( Macintyre and Schug, 2007). The patient is usually placed with their spine curved as this makes insertion somewhat easier. The needle is pushed in until it reaches the hard

Politics in the Caribbean and United states Intervention Essay

Politics in the Caribbean and United states Intervention - Essay Example in Caraley, 4). This egocentric approach of the US is what has prompted it time and again to get involved in the domestic matters of other nations. But the immediate reasons have been different for different regions and countries. For example, As far as the Caribbean region is concerned, it is observed that it is the â€Å"dramatic asymmetry in power† between the US and the Caribbean nations as well as the â€Å"geographic proximity† that prompted America to intervene there (Maingot and Lozano, 1). The US has been initially interested in this region so as to control â€Å"the commercial sea lanes† and also this interest was based on its policy of â€Å"dollar diplomacy† that is, â€Å"military intervention to promote and secure economic expansion† (Maingot and Lozano, 2). The importance that the US foreign policy gave to â€Å"stopping communism† was yet another reason why America often intervened in the Caribbean (Manigot and Lozano, 20). Sp ecific examples show that US annexed Puerto Rico as a full-fledged colony, established a puppet military government in the Dominican Republic, tried to overthrow many times the Cuban communist government and militarily occupied Haiti (Langley, 157). And as Caraley has observed, it can be concluded that the American foreign policy as evolved in the period of George W. Bush â€Å"is the establishment of American hegemony, primacy or empire. In the Bush doctrine, there are no universal norms or rules governing all states. On the contrary, order can be maintained only if the dominant power behaves quite differently from others†

A Piece of Peace Essay Example for Free

A Piece of Peace Essay The terrorist attacks on September 11th affected more than just the lives of those in people who were the direct victims of the attacks. An entire nation was victimized and the whole nation grieved for those who suffered in New York City. As the attacks occurred I sat in my high school English class and while the teacher taught I day dreamed. It was a typical Tuesday morning and to be truthful I did not ever hear her the first time she explained the tragic events that had taken place just moments ago. I heard the word â€Å"terrorists† and the fragments of statements like â€Å"hundreds died this morning when†. Then, I could only hear my heart beat in my ears. I watched my teacher turn on the TV. She flipped through several stations. I dont remember what I saw but I can remember what I heard. It was the sound of people crying. Over the next few months, as a nation, we followed the story as did the world. I can remember President Bush attempting to comfort the United States and telling us America would be going to war for reasons that werent clear to me then and certainly arent clear to me now. Somewhere between the night of September 10th, when I was plotting how I was going to avoid school the next morning and the night of September 11th, I grew up. When I look back on that time in my life I am left with a single haunting thought It is the pursuit of peace which leads to destruction. Even today, years after the terrorist attacks, people still talk about how that day changed everything. I agree, in some ways. It changed me and I became something new. It changed my family. It changed how American view other Americans and how we view the rest of the world. Americans have since the birth of the nation believed that their way was the best way. Americans were shocked to find out that people hated them enough to want to kill them. September 11th forced Americas to reflect on the military, social, and political actions of America and how they effected people of other countries. Perhaps Americans are not always in the right. For example, President Bush I gave weapons to the Afghan people to win a war against Russia. When the Afghan people defeated the Russian, Afghanistan was completely destroy. American promised them they will help rebuild but they did not. That is why the terrorist were able to come into the country and making a terrorist breeding ground. I dont think that September 11th effects the way Americans conduct their lives daily. People who say it does are feeling the pressure of guilt. Society says we must not forget, and as Americans say we wont. As a nation the citizens learned that there is a fine line between terrorist and freedom fighter- we are just afraid to admit it and seem unamerican. Those men who ran planes into building, killed Americans and killed themselves wanted only one thing peace. They wanted freedom from the western world and choose to die. Just as we wanted independence from England centuries ago. In looking for peace they destroyed lives, families, and shook the protected ground the United States sat on. It made the country stronger but not smarter. I am anxious over the global discord and the cultural ignorance that seems to grow between the United States and the rest of the world. The problems in Iraq foretell and may spark future clashes with a number of civilizations in the future. Just recently I drove home from work and I flipped through different radio stations. I caught the end of Bob Dylans â€Å"The Times They Are A-Changing†. Its funny because that is my moms favorite song and I had forgotten it existed. I still can hear her sing, â€Å"Come gather round people Wherever you roam / And admit that the waters Around you have grown /For the times they are a-changin†, while she tinkered around in the kitchen way before anyone else got up. I dont know that I ever really listened to the words before. Dylan knew and my mom knew things I was just beginning to. Dylan and my mom knew â€Å"theres a battle outside And it is ragin† and September 11th did shake our â€Å"windows† and rattled our â€Å"walls†. As a nation its citizens have no right to â€Å"criticize What we [you] cant understand† and our â€Å" sons and [y]our daughters Are beyond our [your] command† (Dylan). Our soldiers fight a war for reasons no one really knows for America that would rather criticize them then help in country that does not seem to want peace. Dylan sings about the injustice in war and that we should not be afraid to speak our minds: Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance wont come again And dont speak too soon For the wheels still in spin And theres no tellin who That its namin. For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin. (Dylan) Bush wants peace but for his own reasons and through those reasons American soldiers are dying, and so are the Iraqi people. It is ironic that while those terrorists die nobly but ur soldiers die in such a cruel way. McKay writes in his poem, â€Å"If We Must Die,† that people should not die for nothing or by doing nothing. That death is inevitable, especially in war, but all people must fight for the things we want in this world and hold on to life and liberty as long as we can: O kinsmen we must meet the common foe! Though far outnumbered let us show us brave, And for their thousand blows deal one deathblow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men well face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! (Claude McKay) In the summer of 2001 I was lying in my hammock and I could see a butterfly in my backyard. I remember as a child learning that caterpillars itch and go into cocoons to find peace from that. Change in a way is a form of destruction. To be able to be someone new people have to give up their old selves and move past who they used to bee. When a child develops into an adult, he must give up his toys, his childhood beliefs like believing in Santa Claus. His childhood fantasies must be destroyed if he is to move on. In the years that followed September 11th I could feel myself â€Å"adapt to my new surroundings† (White Line 2). White, through the use of nature explores the scary nature of change: I have to shed my skin again Adapt to my new surroundings become another version of myself. The change within me does not happen overnight but through the evolution of my life (White) I was filled with Americans sense of patriotism and unity. The new American was like â€Å"the first fish that grew tiny legs† (White Line 8). Christine Whites poem, â€Å"Molting† reminded me that it was not just me that grew up, the United States did too. Whites point of view is that change is not a bad thing and is inevitable. Nearly every person around the country joined together as one united entity to pay tribute and homage to all the fallen heroes. There was a sense of harmony and peace. In way I think America, even those the terrorist attacks were tragic, knew that such an event was needed if we were going to â€Å"shed our [my] skin† (White Line 1) and become a stronger nation. As time goes by and my bad memories fade I remember America in its full glory. Watching the cumulative effect of humanity shining through the fire and smoke. I remember how many people spoke about the importance of peace and understanding. I wonder if there can be peace if Americans are divide both support and protest our soldiers in Iraq. The war over there caused a war here between Americans. It is the protesters protest protesters on both sides of the issues – each wanting peace in their own way. People who do not want our soldiers fighting in Iraq believe that they would be peace if America stopped butting into everyones business. People who are for the war in Iraq believe peace will only come after the destruction of all terrorists. In the end these protesters (on both sides) are destroying the morale and lives of people fighting in the Iraq war and are disgracing the memories of those that died. The price of peace is extremely high especially because Americans do not know if we can ever have it. I do know that â€Å"The line it is drawn The curse it is cast / The slow one now Will later be fast / As the present now Will later be past† (Dylan). I do know that America must hold her ground against the terrorists. Americans will not be tyrannized and forced to live like cowards. Even when we face â€Å"the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! † (McKay Line 14). The American fight for freedom and peace has also managed to destroy our economy. Oil prices increased, the value of the American dollar decreased, and the stock market bottomed out. When Clinton was President the stock market was well over 10,000 after 9/11 it drop well under 8000. President Bush spent the Clinton Surplus on military, and it is just now in 2006 that the stock has become stabilized. I think that our economy will emerge from this disaster and become strong once again like it was before the attacks. In the pursuit of peace and destruction, people in Americans have finally understood their place in society and were back â€Å"in the sun† (White Line 10). Not as a not as a bystanders but an active and willing participants. Americans realize that there needs to be a great deal of change and those changes have started. American citizens encourage our â€Å"senators, congressmen Please heed the call / Dont stand in the doorway Dont block up the hall† (Dylan). And governmental officials are making changes. I think our nation needs to help a new generation of people realize that aftermath of that day when humans lives were lost and Americas unique humanity and independence was demonstrated. This generations hearts were opened and turned around in the wake of airplane crashes. On September 11, 2001 many people lost their lives because men were seeking their own personal peace. Daily our soldiers are destroyed one by one for the goal of peace. The American economy struggles because of the war for peace against terrorism. Americans fight Americans over whether we should be in Iraq or not which tears apart soldiers pride. Before that Tuesday in September, I never thought about life and death. I never considered the consequences of war and the denial of freedoms. Now that I am older, I realize that September 11, 2001 was not just pivotal point for me but America itself. Not since Pearl Harbor had the United States been unexpectedly attacked on its own land. Just as families pulled together so did the United States as a whole. As a nation we cried together and we healed together. To actually witness the attacks was life changing but to be part of the healing process was life affirming.

Effectiveness of self instructional module in immunizations

Effectiveness of self instructional module in immunizations Abstract Immunization is the one of the most important and cost effective strategies for the prevention of childhood sicknesses and disabilities and it is a basic need for all children. Seven killer diseases causes a major threat to children and this decreases the health status and making them more vulnerable to infectious disease. The major cause for death is vaccine preventable diseases such as neonatal tetanus, measles, TB, diphtheria, pertusis, polio and Hepatitis B. Infectious diseases are now the worlds biggest killer of children and young adults. They account for more than 13 million deaths a year one in two deaths in developing countries. The present study objective was â€Å"to evaluate the effectiveness of self instructional module.† The Pre- experimental one group pre test and post test design was adopted. The sample of 100 mothers of under-five children selected by convenient sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was adopted to collect the data from the samples. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used in data analysis. The result of study shown that there was significant difference in the mean post test score. The findings reveals that pre test and post test mean knowledge of mothers of under-five children regarding vaccine preventable diseases is 8.5(SD+3.95) and 16.33(SD+4.79) respectively. Post test mean knowledge score higher than pre test mean score. The‘t’ test value was 12.54 which was significant at 0.05 level. Hence it is concluded that the self instructional module was effective to increase the knowledge of mothers of under five children. This study recommends that similar study can be undertaken on large sample to generalize the findings. Study can be done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses regarding vaccine preventable diseases. Keywords: Self instructional module, knowledge, vaccine preventable diseases, mothers of under- five children. I. Introduction Children are fortunately being recognized as people in their own right with their special requirements. Quality survival of the human race depends on provision of adopt care to his vulnerable population in their formative and developmental life years. Therefore Health services for children should be aimed at improving the future quality of human resources of the nation by enabling as many children as possible to reach adulthood with their potential uncompromised by illness, environmental hazards, or unhealthy lifestyle. According to WHO â€Å"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely absence of disease or infirmity In India diseases like guinea worm, small pox has been eradicated since 1947 and now poliomyelitis is near to eradicate. In developed countries like in India 68 out of 1000 under-five children were dying each year and another 5 million were disabled by infectious diseases. The vaccination of children against infectious diseases (tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles and hepatitis B) has been a cornerstone of the child health care system in India. As a part of the National Health Policy, the National Immunization Programme is has been implemented on a priority basis. Awareness building about immunization of children, who are under five years of age, provides a sense of responsibility towards the need of the children and their protection. The involvement of mothers in immunization programme help in reduces seven killer diseases. Those mothers who are living in tribal and rural areas mainly ignore the immunization and they do not vaccinate their children. Some mothers have misconception about immunization and they believe their children can catch diseases if they immunize their children. To prevent seven killer diseases it is necessary to screen every child for immunization, coverage opportunities; otherwise full immunization coverage may not be possible. Delayed immunization is associated with low socio-economic status, female illiteracy, lack of knowledge on Vaccine Preventable Diseases as recommended by Universal Programme Immunization (UPI). II. Review of literature A comparative study was conducted to estimate the vaccination coverage level of children aged between 19-35 months living in rural and urban area in Kolar District of Bangalore. The result of study revealed that Statistically significant differences in vaccination coverage levels between the rural population and their urban counterparts were determined for individual vaccines and vaccine series as evidenced by 28% of the children were covered by immunization residing in rural areas whereas 46% were covered in Urban area. The study recommended that health care personnel need to execute the awareness among the needy population of the Kolar District. A study was conducted upon improving status of underfive children through awareness and knowledge of mothers regarding vaccine preventable diseases through health education messages and compare them with those without intervention. An increase of 19 % to 22 % increase was seen in the utilization of vaccination. The mother’s knowledge increased in the follow up from 60 % to 76.5% and the immunization status increased significantly from 46.5% to 75 % after the intervention. The surveys show that the health education messages significantly increased the vaccination status of children of under five years. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge of caretakers of underfive children in a pulse polio immunization booth in the Delhi. A semi –open-ended questionnaire was used. Study results showed that Only 252 (37.0%) respondent correctly answered, 176 (25.8%) gave a wrong answer while the remaining 37.2% gave no answer. While 268 (39.3%) knew at least of four diseases covered by universal immunization programme, only 23.9% knew all four diseases. The researcher concluded that immunization status needs to be improved by educating mothers and caregivers regarding immunization. A quasi experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme (STP) among 50 mothers of underfive children in selected paediatric hospital, Pondicherry. A closed ended questionnaire was used to collect the data followed by intervention of STP. The study finding shows that the post-test knowledge score (22.73) was higher than the pre-test knowledge score (12.78). The study claimed that STP is effective to enhance mother’s mother knowledge regarding the importance of immunization. The study recommended that nursing personnel should continue in health teaching approach especially to the health problems which can be prevented. III. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of self instructional module regarding vaccine preventable diseases among the mothers of under-five children; this is achieved by one group pre and post test knowledge score obtained by the subjects under the study. This study also obtaining answer to research hypothesis. IV. Methodology: A Pre- experimental research design with one group pre test and post test design, to measure the effectiveness of self instructional module. The study was conducted at selected areas in Tarn Taran. Subjects were selected by convenient sampling technique. Structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect data. Part-I: Socio demographic variables. This part is consist of variables such as age, educational status of mothers, type of family, occupation, religion, family monthly income, no. of children and source of information. Part-II Structured knowledge Questionnaire: It consists 36 items of objective type questions related to knowledge on vaccine preventable diseases. Each item contains four alternative responses. The knowledge questions are chosen from seven common vaccine preventable diseases likely, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Measles, Polio, Tetanus, Whooping cough and Hepatitis B. All the items were given equal score. Each correct answer was given a score of 1 and wrong answe rs a score of 0. Thus maximum score was 36 and minimum score was zero. The questionnaire was prepared in English and Punjabi languages. Reliability of an instrument is the degree of consistency with which it measures the attribute it is designed to measure. The reliability of the tool was assessed by collecting data from 10 mothers of under-five children from selected areas in Tarn Taran. The reliability of structured knowledge questionnaire was computed by Split half method i.e by calculating co-efficient correlation first and then by applying Spearman Brown prophecy formula. The reliability of structured knowledge questionnaire was 0.96 and thus found to be highly reliable. Ethical clearance had been obtained from ethical committee, prior permission for conducting the research was obtained from Municipal Corporation of District Tarn Taran and informed consent was taken from mothers of under-five children. The data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. V. Data Analysis Section A: Analysis of Socio -Demographic characteristics of the samples Table 1: Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Demographic Variables Table no.1 indicates the Majority of subjects 37% are in the age group of 21-25 years, about 25% were in the age group of 30 years. About 36% mothers were secondary educated, 24% were primary educated and minimum no. 20% were Graduate and another 20% respondents were of post-Graduate. Majority of subjects 30% were house wife, 26% were non-government employee, 24% were government and 20% mothers were self employee. About half of respondents were 47 % belong to Sikh religion, 32% were of Hindu, 14% mothers were Christian and 7% were belong to other religion. Majority of mothers 60% were belong to nuclear family and other 40% belong to joint family. 38% subjects were in the family income group of >15000. 26% were in the group of 10000-15000, 20 % were comes under the group of 5000-10000 and minimum number of subjects 16% belongs SECTION B: To assess the level of knowledge regarding vaccine preventable diseases among the mother of under five children before and after self instructional module administration. Table 2(a)Grading the knowledge of samples regarding vaccine preventable diseases in pre-test.N=100 The above table 2(a) shows that most of the of samples 76% had inadequate knowledge, 24% of samples had moderately adequate knowledge regarding vaccine preventable diseases and there was no adequate knowledge samples regarding vaccine preventable diseases. Table 2(B): Grading Of Knowledge Regarding Vaccine Preventable Diseases Among Mothers Of Under-Five Children In Post Test N = 100 Table 2(b) shows that most of the samples 67% had moderately adequate knowledge, 16% of samples had adequate knowledge and 17% of samples had inadequate knowledge regarding vaccine preventable diseases in post-test. SECTION C: Table 3: Mean and standard deviation of pre test and post test knowledge regarding vaccine preventable diseases among samples. Table 3 shows that mean score of pre test and post test of samples regarding vaccine preventable diseases is 8.55 (SD + 3.95) and 16.33 (SD + 4.79) respectively. Post test mean score was higher than the pre test mean scores the‘t’ test value is 12.54 which was significant at 0.05 level as (p>0.05). SECTION D: Association Between The Post Test Knowledge Sores And Selected Socio Demographic Variables TABLE-4: Analysis of Association between the post test knowledge sores and with selected socio demographic variables Table 4 shows that the association between post test knowledge score and socio- demographic variables such as education, occupation, no. of children and type of family of mothers of under-five children found significant as calculated values greater than table values at the level of (0.05). The association between knowledge score and the socio- demographic variables score of mothers, religion, family monthly income and source of information found non significant as the calculated value is less than the tabulated value at 0.05 level of significance. VI. Limitation and Research Needed The size of the sample was 100; hence it was difficult to make broad generalizations. No attempt was made to control extraneous variables. This study recommends the following further research. The study can be replicated on large samples for wider generalization Comparative study can be done on knowledge among urban and rural mothers regarding vaccine preventable diseases. Study can be done on the knowledge of health personnel regarding vaccine preventable diseases. A study can be done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses regarding vaccine preventable diseases. VII. Conclusion As good health is very important for each individual and knowledge regarding v

ISIS and Lone-Wolf Terrorism :: Lone-Actor Terrorists

Contrary to many people’s hopes, the rise of ISIS confirms that the war on terror isn’t over. In the post 9/11 era, stricter security measures, technological advancements, and anti-terror campaigns impede large-scale terrorist attacks. Consequently, terrorist organizations are utilizing a new, more elusive modus operandi, developed by AL-Queida, to harm civilians: lone wolf terrorism. According to the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence, ISIS’ new strategy is â€Å"terrorizing the West asymmetrically through individuals inside of Western countries.† Though unconventional, lone wolf terrorism is no less dangerous, a sad truth that became all too real for the victims claimed by these attacks. This game changing strategy disguises terror among average citizens, enabling it to be everywhere, anywhere and nowhere all at once, effectively making anonymity the new face of terror. Matthew Francis, a researcher on radicalization and extremism, affirmed that â€Å"This will undoubtedly be one of the lures of the tactic,† because it makes terrorists harder to find. â€Å"The ominous threat of attack inspired by lone wolves has a profound psychological impact on a society, creating tension, polarization and terror.† However, justice will be served. In the words of Joe Biden: â€Å"The American people are so much stronger, so much more resolved than any enemy can fully understand...when people harm Americans we don’t retreat, we don’t forget. We will follow them to the gates of hell until they are brought to justice, because hell is where they will reside.

JM Smucker Company Essay

The history of the J.M. Smucker Company is reviewed and demonstrates the evolution of the company. Business strategies and the importance of business intelligence systems are examined, concerning how the company conducts business. The company’s growth processes resulting from acquisitions and brand awareness are reviewed. Innovative plans implemented continually within the company are mentioned. The importance of people is stressed throughout the company and in the public eye. The J.M. Smucker Company continues to hold fast to the same values that the company began with over one hundred years ago. The J.M. Smucker Company Although the J.M. Smucker Company (SJM) began by selling its apple cider, for many years now it has been well known for its jams and jellies. Today, however, the company has expanded into several other markets within the food industry. They have continued to grow through acquisitions and name brand awareness. The company has a strong vision and holds to its moral ideals and values throughout its business activities. Smucker’s continually develops new product ideas to expand its peanut butter and jelly market. Additionally, the J.M. Smucker Company remains the leading producer of jam and jellies and is known for its quality products. History Jerome Monroe Smucker established the J.M. Smucker Company in 1897 as a cider mill in a small community in Orrville, Ohio about an hour south of Cleveland. Interestingly, Smucker’s apples used for cider came from an orchard that had been originally planted by Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) himself. However, due to the cyclical nature of apples, Jerome needed to find another source of revenue that would enable earnings throughout the year; thus, he decided to sell apple butter that he made using his grandfather’s recipe. His grandfather’s recipe provided him with a competitive advantage that no one else at the time seemed to have. The recipe used a secret method that captured the vapors typically lost in the process that permeated into the apple butter introducing a unique flavor drawing many customers to his mill and creamery (CEO, 2001). As a result of his unique apple butter, Smucker earned a positive reputation, took pride in his work, and began stamping his name on every crock of apple butter sold. The Smucker name continues to be a part of their packaging symbolizing a guarantee in quality that has spanned five generations of the Smucker’s family. The Smucker’s company continued to flourish as Jerome’s eldest son, Willard, delivered twenty-five cent, half-gallon crocks to customers using a wagon and was producing revenues of almost $60,000 as early as 1915 with a net profit of nearly $3,000 per year. In 1921, the J.M. Smucker Company became incorporated and already had an extensive line of quality preserves and jellies made from whole fruit and/or pure fruit juice. The company remained privately owned by Jerome and all of his children, sons and daughters. Its products were distributed throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana by way of the railroad and due to the large scale of volume, the Pennsylvania Railroad built a special siding to the Smucker plant in 1928 (History, n.d.). A railroad siding is an additional piece of track usually designated for specific usage, for the J.M. Smucker company for example, that runs alongside and connects to a main track at either end (Railroad, n.d.). The company was well on i ts way to expanding into the successful business it is today. Business Activities Packaging From the earliest of times, SJM strategized on how to improve its business activities to increase revenues while maintaining its quaint image reflecting the family’s strong conservative beliefs, which it holds onto dearly. Upon analyzing its packaging in 1938, the company realized there must be a better way to package its goods as opposed to its familiar crocks that were cumbersome and heavy to ship. Willard came up with the idea to use glass jars with an image of a pioneer woman boiling apple butter on the front that upheld Smucker’s reputation of old-fashioned quality (History, n.d.). Customers loved the new packaging, sales exceeded one million dollars in 1939, and the National Packaging Show awarded the organization for best packaging design success. Management The business survived the depression and war years reaching its fiftieth anniversary in 1947 and Jerome Smucker lived just long enough to see it before passing away at ninety years old. His sons, Willard and Paul, continued managing the company and sought methods to promote growth and diversification. Today, Jerome’s great-grandsons, Tim and Richard Smucker, manage the company by working together as a team and sharing the duties. Five other Smucker family members work for the company as well and the brothers’ hope is that one of them has what it takes to become the Chief Executive Officer of the J.M. Smucker Company in the future (Andrejczak, 2009). Over one hundred years later, the J.M. Smucker Company still exists as a family organization with the Smucker’s family maintaining partial ownership of the company. Products and Brand Names The Smucker boys, as they are commonly referred to, have increased sales sevenfold over the last decade through recent acquisitions boosting SJM into the number one market share position in ten different categories in America’s grocery stores and becoming a power player within the food industry (Andrejczak, 2009). Besides peanut butter and jelly, its products include shortening and oils, dessert toppings, syrups, fruit and vegetable juices, waffles, and coffee. Smucker obtained many of its products via acquisitions to expand its product line while focusing on major brands. Through the process, some of its brand names now include Crisco, Crosse & Blackwell, Eagle Brand, Folgers, Pillsbury, R.W. Knudsen Family, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Most of these brands and products probably seem quite familiar to the everyday person since SJM’s primary focus is on its consumer business. However, according to Tim Smucker, the business is divided into six areas: consumer, foodservice (restaurants and hotels), specialty foods (specialty gourmet products), industrial (proprietary fruit ingredients), beverages (health and natural foods beverages), and international (fruit spreads, fruit ingredients, juices and marinades) (CEO, 2001). In addition to having well known brand products, customers have come to recognize SJM’s tag lines such as, â€Å"Choosy mothers choose Jif,† â€Å"With a name like Smucker’s it has to be good,† and â€Å"The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup† directly associated with the products. Business Strategy Although J.M. Smucker sells its products internationally, its primary growth strategy as of the mid-1990s and still today is to acquire the number one food brands in North America that sell in the center of grocery stores. Its new strategy was determined by collaborating with many people that not only included executive level employees, but also listened to the ideas and thoughts from managerial and operational level factory workers in the decision-making process (Gunther, 2010). Smucker’s formed a simple and straightforward business strategy using a repeat business model that is geographically focused (Agramonte, 2008). The company decided to reach its goals by diversifying its products via multi-branding stemming from acquisitions. The Smucker family and managers met with analysts to examine their new growth strategy planning how to achieve their goals (J.M. Smucker, n.d.). The J.M. Smucker Company moved forward with its plans acquiring three major brands and several smaller ones. Acquisitions.The top three Smucker’s acquisitions were Jif and Crisco from Procter & Gamble, International Multifoods (IMC), and Folgers. However as SJM expanded their horizons, they knew necessary technological improvements must take place to align their new acquisitions within the company, which prides itself in quality and integrity. Making use of today’s modern computer technologies and services, the company hired Edgewater Technology, an organization that specializes in mergers and acquisitions integration, to assist SJM in building a common support system involving business processes, data requirements, and implementing a common set of tools while addressing risk management (LeBaron, 2007, June). Unfortunately at the time, SJM was still undergoing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation that slowed the progression of integrating the two organizations. Additionally, the two companies contained massive amounts of data in dissimilar source formats and st ructures that needed to be transferred. Edgewater overcame the challenges due to its familiarity with SJM and knowledgeable approach successfully completing the project meeting budget and time constraints. The J.M. Smucker Company pleased with Edgewater’s previous performance, hired them again to integrate IMC plants and contract manufacturers with SJM’s Canadian production plant. Edgewater set ought to transfer IMC onto Smucker’s U.S. systems and business processes and integrate IMC’s supply chain using a cross-border strategy (Lebaron, 2007, May). The project entailed the collaboration of eleven teams and SJM created an executive-level on-line forum for identifying, reviewing, planning, and resolving any issues. The integration was completed successfully producing substantial financial benefits that Smucker’s had hoped to achieve by acquiring IMC. Information Systems SJM not only employed information technology (IT) for its acquisitions, moreover it has always sought methods to achieve improvements throughout its business processes and has invested considerable amounts of money in new technologies. For example, Smucker’s chose Oracle for several of its information system needs. Oracle is one of the better-known companies that offer numerous services in business software providing customers with the flexibility they want to match their individual IT infrastructure needs. Furthermore, Oracle’s products contain benefits such as energy efficiency, outstanding availability, superb performance, and scalability. In 2008, SJM began utilizing Oracle’s Application Integration Architecture (AIA) and Oracle’s Siebel Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration Pack for Oracle Trade Promotion Management (Oracle, 2008). In fact, Oracle stated the J.M. Smucker Company was the first customer to deploy its new AIA with its CRM In tegration Pack in 2008. AIA benefits Smucker’s by managing data flows and data synchronizations; thereby, optimizing business processes across enterprise applications. AIA is an integration structure that supplies a basis on which to build business process flows with pre-built integrations (Application, 2010). CRM, however, is a strategy designed to generate and sustain customer relationships by concentrating on downstream information flows via dependable systems and procedures (Valacich & Schneider, 2010). Many advantages such as individualized service, expeditious problem recognition and resolution, enhanced information, and better product development as a result of tracking customer behavior over time stem from CRM. Lastly, trade promotion management, enables sales and margin improvements, improves account and category management, and enhances collaboration and productivity between external and internal functions (Hand, 2008). Oracle’s Trade Promotion Management, CRM, and AIA together signi ficantly decrease IT expenses when installing and maintaining integrations. Furthermore, SJM has implemented Oracle’s Service-oriented Architecture, Identity Management, Business Intelligence Publisher, E-business Suite, and WebCenter Suite and has increased its business intelligence usage. Smucker’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) has the knowledge and leadership skills to execute enterprise-wide information systems to achieve the benefits that continue to move a company forward and sustain a technological competitive advantage. Every year the Oracle Magazine editors grant an award to people who demonstrate such leadership, commitment, and vision in managing Oracle technology (Kelly, 2009). Smucker’s CIO and Vice President of Information Services, Andy Platt, earned Oracle’s CIO of the year in North America award in 2009. Smucker’s also makes use of other technologies such as Retail Solutions Incorporated’s Promotion Execution Solution and Terra Technology’s Demand Sensing Solution adding value to SMJ’s supply chain. Demand sensing is the interpretation of downstream data with minimal delay for understanding what is being sold, who is purchasing the product, and the impact of demand shaping (Cecere & Bois, 2007). Demand shaping is a customer centric method of planning and execution aligning processes with customer demand at strategic and tactical levels (Dey & Singh, 2007). Basically, demand sensing may be thought of as a type of inventory optimization providing an effective use of resources that reduces inventory, lowers costs, and significantly lessens forecasting error by forty percent. According to the J.M. Smucker Company, it chose the demand sensing solution because the product could improve forecasting accuracy within the supply chain area (Gale Group, 2007). Further more, Terra Technology’s Demand Sensing Solution is completely compatible with Oracle products. Whereas the demand sensing solution optimizes inventory processes, Retail Solutions Incorporated’s Promotion Execution Solution enhances retail applications used within the consumer product goods (CPG) industry. Retail applications further promotional strategies by improving store level execution, reducing out-of-stocks, and maximizing the efficiency of merchandisers (Guyot, 2008). SJM selected the promotion execution solution as a supplement to its Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFID) Analytics and On-Shelf Management already in use. The goal was to streamline J.M. Smucker’s supply chain and expand its Electronic Product Code (EPC), a family of coding schemes for Gen 2 RFID tags across multiple processes. The successful implementation of the promotion execution solution for SJM built better relationships with its retail customers. Moreover, SJM has obtained a logical decision making framework that aids in making complex promotional decisions. Electronic Commerce The Internet and World Wide Web have also fostered the J.M. Smucker Company’s use of technology. The company has utilized the Web by entering into the world of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in many sectors. The general term â€Å"electronic business† basically encompasses any use of technology to provide support to a business. On the other hand, e-commerce generally covers the technological aspects that aid in producing revenue either by directly selling goods to customers or by allowing a company, such as Smucker’s, to do business with other related companies within the food industry, for example. The company’s Web site types consist of business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B). SJM has a click-and-mortar strategy whereby the majority of its products sell at physical locations such as grocery stores with its B2C Web site following a traditional sales model where consumers are able to buy products directly from its Web site. Consumers may choose to view the Smucker’s U.S., Canada, or Mexico Web site. The Canada Web site allows the consumer to choose English or French as the displayed language and has a link connecting to the U.S. Website. The Mexico Website uses only Spanish for its language and has a different slogan than the other two, â€Å"Tu vida es mà ¡s rica con Smucker’s.† The slogan translates as, â€Å"Your life is more rich with Smucker’s† or â€Å"Your life is richer with Smucker’s.† However, the U.S. Web site contains a greater amount of information, product choices, and Web pages compared to the Canadian and Mexican versions. A stakeholder can gain much knowledge about the J.M. Smucker Company simply by examining its Web site. The Web site consists of six main pages titled Products, Recipes, Sensibly Sweet, What’s New, Our Company, and Shop Smucker’s. Within each Web page are additional pages and links. For example, the Sensibly Sweet Web page was designed with the health conscientious in mind and provides information about SJM’s reduced sugar and sugar free products with links that give tips on how to eat better and exercise. People merely wanting to learn about Smucker’s may click on the Our Company tab that supplies another list to choose from, including the history of the company, a list of its family brands, newsroom, and investor relations. Shareholders The Smucker’s Web site is one way technology has provided for stakeholders as well as shareholders to communicate with and attain information about the company. Shareholders may want to click on the Investor Relations tab that redirects a user to the Smucker’s Investors Web site that reports current stock information, financial news releases, analyst coverage, and a list of shareholder services to name a few. Furthermore, the site offers answers to frequently asked questions and provides a list of contacts for those who would like supplementary information. Lastly, investors may review SJM’s latest financial results, quarterly and annually, in comprehensive, detailed reports or Webcast presentations (another use of today’s technology) that explain future strategies and goals of the company.