Chronic heart disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chronic heart disease - Essay Example This is a slowly progressing condition that ultimately acts to restrict blood flow to the heart, thus the supply of oxygen to the brain and body. More formally known coronary artery disease, the build-up of plaque in the arteries, atherosclerosis, narrows and hardens the arterial passages. Fats and cholesterol are the main substances found in plaque (â€Å"Heart Disease FAQs†, 2007). Heart diseases can also be congenital (born with the disease), caused by an abnormality of the heart valves, arrhythmia (an electrical malfunction within the heart) or a deteriorating of the heart’s ability to pump effectively because of toxins or infection (â€Å"Heart Disease†, 2005). Heart disease causes the deaths of nearly one million people in the U.S. every year, accounting for more than 40 percent of total fatalities. It is the primary cause of death worldwide among both women and men. The American Heart Association reports that â€Å"cardiovascular disease accounts for more deaths per year in the United States than the next six causes of death combined† (â€Å"Heart Disease Overview†, 2007). Nine controllable factors are the basis for almost all instances of heart disease. Diet and exercise are two and will be discussed more at length following a brief discussion of the other seven. Obesity, particularly of the abdomen, more than doubles the risk for heart disease. A large ‘tummy’ causes hormonal issues which produces high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, all of which puts the individual at greater risk. Having diabetes or abnormally high cholesterol quadruples the risk for heart disease. High blood pressure triples the risk. The moderate use of alcohol (one drink per day) actually reduces the risk for heart disease, by 12 percent for men and an amazing 60 percent for women. Drinking too much promotes heart disease. The inability to successfully manage the stresses of everyday life which

Irish Ferries Strategic Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Irish Ferries Strategic Management - Case Study Example 1.4 PESTLE Analysis: Political No adverse legislation in Ireland/ EU. Adverse legislations not expected in future. Possibility of government subsidies to some routes in future. Future legislation in foreign countries could benefit local ferries. The company operates in peaceful zone; threat due to war and conflict is minimal. Inter-country relationships are generally supportive; no major threat expected. Economic Global economic situation is adverse. Effect is less severe in EU; situation could improve in 18 months. This could be an opportunity as users may prefer low cost ferries, which benefits Irish Ferries. The customer segment varies from general industrial cargo to leisure travel; as such, business risk is diversified. Taxation rates are mostly uniform across EU; double taxation avoidance treaty amongst most countries. However, differences exist in VAT rates; can be minimized by setting up a multi-national corporation structure. Interest and exchange rate differences between EU countries (European Central Bank). Social Roll-in roll-out segment promotes the trend of travelling with cars. Consumer attitudes/ opinions and media views positive. Established low cost plus quality brand image; "Best Ferry Company" eight years in a row. Management style/ work culture of the company is professional. Technological The company has invested heavily state-of-the-art vessels. The company provides web-based booking option to leverage sales. Future bridge/ under water tunnel between Ireland England is a threat. Technological advancement in operational aspects can generate more value. Strategic tie-up with partners to enable seamless travel between Ireland and EU. Legal Changes in laws can affect business. However, no adverse laws...It has invested over 500 million (Irish Ferries 2) in new fleet and port facilities, and has the most modern fleet in Europe. The fleet includes the Ulysses (world's largest car ferry), the Dublin Swift (high speed catamaran), the Isle of Inishmore, and the luxurious Oscar Wilde. During 2007, Irish Ferries carried 1.57 million passengers, and 405,000 cars with a total number of 4,289 sailings. For eight years in a row, Irish Ferries has been voted Ireland's "Best Ferry Company". Its motto is "The Low Fares Ferry Company", reflecting its determination to offer customers the very best value ferry fares. Taxation rates are mostly uniform across EU; double taxation avoidance treaty amongst most countries. However, differences exist in VAT rates; can be minimized by setting up a multi-national corporation structure. The company sources services from several suppliers, whose collective bargaining power is not expected to be high. The company also sources high quality shipping equipment and spares from suppliers. Since these equipments (and especially spares) can be sourced only from limited sources, suppliers would posses some bargaining power. The overall bargaining power of suppliers is Medium-Low. The customers are not organized in groups, and are not expected to have strong col