Danone Dumex competitive edge

Danone Dumex competitive edge How does a Danone Dumex (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd SHAMSUDIN, SITI AKMAZNI maintain the brands competitive edge? 1.0 Introduction 1.1 COMPANY BACKGROUND Danone Dumex[1] is part of Groupe Danone, a Fortune 500 company which was operate since 1958, one of the most successful healthy food companies in the world. Its headquartered is in Paris, France. Besides, Danone Dumex manufactures infant and child nutritional products and these products are then distributed in Singapore and Malaysia with exports to twenty countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. It is the market leader and ranked number one in overall customer satisfaction in a study conducted among medical professionals and the retail trade by AC Nielsen. Then, it is also named as a Top Three Brand Family by AC Nielsen in 2002 and 2003, as well as Best Employers in Malaysia for 2003 and 2005. 1.2 Justification of the topic In this assessment, I have choose Danone Dumex company because it has higher market share that lead it become a market leader in infant growing milk formula industry. As a manufacturer of infant and child nutritional products, all its products provide the right nutrition for optimum growth and development especially support a good digestive system of children at different stages. Besides, this company has an international relationship with Singapore, Brunei, Middle East and Africa in exporting its products. Thus, here, we can say that it is a multinational company in this industry. So, because of this, I want to investigate and do research about this company in this assessment. 2.0 Findings 2.1 New logo and packaging Recently, Danone Dumex (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is thinking to rebrand its products. In this rebranding, Danone Dumex change logo and packaging[2]. The packaging was modern, dynamic and contemporary look and feel according to the Danone Dumexs sales director, Joris Bernard and GCH Retail (M) merchandising director, Ian Cruddas[3]. 2.2 Long-relationship with Malaysian parents and children Danone Dumex also want to communicate and commemorate long-term relationship with Malaysian parents, children and with the people outside. As it has a new brand identity, this will lead to customers loyalty to its products[4]. Hence, this sale of new product of Danone Dumex will boost its market. 2.3 Price Usually, as a market leader, the price of the products will be increase. But, for this company, Danone Dumex products are expected to not increase in price. It thinks and confident that the sales of its products will boost the markets and thus, cover its probably loss[5] from the cost of production, promotion and cost to advertise the products. 3.0 ANALYSIS OF THE ISSUES 3.1 Current Situation Product life cycle[6] is used in this analysis to show points at which businesses may need to consider launching new products, as older ones are in decline, allow a business to plan different styles of marketing, help a business to manage its product portfolio and identify points at which extension strategies may need to be introduced or should no longer sell a product. (Dave Hall, page 179). Hence, in this situation, Danone Dumex products now in maturity stage because its products have become established with a stable market share, as a market leader (Dave Hall, page 116 and 117) and the sales are clearly higher than any competing businesses in the same market (Peter Stimpson, page 135). Introduction Growth Maturity Saturation 3.2 New logo and packaging As a market leader and its products are at maturity stage, the competitors will enter the market to take advantage of profits. Thus, Danone Dumex decided to rebrand its products because it wants to maintain the brands competitive edge[7] where it is one of the advantages of rebranding. (Dave Hall, page 204 and 205). These can allow people and customers outside alert quickly with its products and expected the new sales will boost the sales of the products[8]. 3.3 Long-relationship with Malaysian parents and children The launch of its new brand identity had cause Danone Dumex to both communicate and commemorate their long-term relationship with Malaysian parents and children[9]. When having a long-relationship with Malaysian parents and children, this will help this company to get back in track and the new sales of the products will boost the sales. 3.4 Market leader From the article[10], Danone Dumex is the market leader in infant milk formula in Malaysia, which also has a market share about 40.9% in the year-to-date June period 2009 in the Standard Growing up Milk (GUM). It is also currently sells and exports its products to Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Middle East and Africa[11] that cause it to have higher market share and growing in market. Being a market leader, it will achieve the competitive edge because competition has become stiff for players in the growing up milk formula industry and this will not be a risk faced by this company. 3.5 Price The products can be expensive to promote and maintain the brand. An establishing a successful brand in a competitive market can be very costly. Small business may not be able to afford this. (Dave Hall, page 202). Cost of production, promotion and market the product will be higher as it is a new looks product. But in this situation, Dumex does not plan to increase prices of its products[12]. As a result, Danone Dumexs products are remaining in gaining the profit because of the loyalty customer in buying Danone Dumexs products[13] 3.6 SWOT Analysis of Danone Dumex To see the problem faced by this company clearly, I use SWOT analysis to access the present position of this company, the future or expected possible changes. Strength Weaknesses * Market leader[14] in milk formula industry (S1) * Loyalty customers (S2) * Healthy product for infants and children (S3) * Costly because has invested more than RM4 million in its new look venture (W1) * The prices for the new-look products are remains unchanged that will provide quite high loss and need more money to back up back the invested money for the new-look products. (W2) * Danone Dumex use above the line promotion (W3) Opportunities Threats * Long-term relationship between Danone Dumex and Malaysian parents and children. (O1) * Loyalty customers (O2) * Many competitors (T1) * Economic downturns (T2) * The resources and raw materials expensive (T3) Table 2 shows the SWOT analysis, the current and expectation of Danone Dumex SWOT analysis shows the current and expectation of Danone Dumexs product. Danone Dumex is a market leader (S1) in infant and growing up milk formula industry that can be strength of this company in its market. This is because there will be no strong competitive edge where can cause this company get loss. Besides that, although it is a market leader and rebranding its products, it does not expected to increase the price of its new rebrand product. Hence, all these are the strength of Danone Dumex besides it has loyalty customer (S2) to its products and its products are prove as a healthy product[15] (S3) for infants and children. However, this company also has a few weaknesses likes it has spent a lot which is more than RM4 million in its new look venture[16] (W1). So, this is the most risky ways of Danone Dumex to be faced as the prices for the new look products are remain unchanged[17] (W2) and used above the line promotion (W3) that is quite costly and expensive as its promotional method to advertise the new look product. The threats, the opportunities are the expectation that will face by this company in the future whether it will gain more profit or loss. The opportunities that will face by this company are the long-term relationship between this company and Malaysian parents and the children[18] (O1) and the loyalty customer (O2) for its new rebrand products. As these opportunities are faced by Danone Dumex, its expectation to not increase the price for the new look product will boost the market that can back up the invested money and prevent more loss for this new look product. Then, lastly is the threat or the bad expectation that will be face by this company. The first threat is there will be many competitors (T1) enter into the same market as Danone Dumex. Then, if there is economic downturns (T2) in any country, the unemployment will be increase, the buying power of the customers will be decreases and hence, causing Danone Dumex to has loss. Besides, the other threat is the resources and raw materials are expensive (T3) in the future as the raw materials are difficult to get and find. CONCLUSION With the commitment and willing to take the risks, it is believed that Danone Dumex will boost its sales as it rebranded its new-look products. This is because it is a market leader in this industry, has high market shares and the sales are also clearly higher as it exports its products to the other countries likes to Malaysia, Middle East, Singapore, Brunei and Africa. Even though its price is remaining unchanged, the loyalty customer and the well-established product of Danone Dumex in this milk formula industry have made its sales boost the market and gain profit. This is the strength of Danone Dumex as the market leader and has high market share[19] as shown and explained in SWOT analysis. Hence, for me, there will be no problem for Danone Dumex in get profit and maintain its competitive edge. In addition, from my survey[20], it is proven that Danone Dumexs products are healthy for infant and growing-up milk formula industry, has higher percentage of the loyalty customer to its products and most of the customers are afford to buy and spent for the reasonable price for the new look products. So, even though Danone Dumex is still market leader, has loyalty customer towards its products, it cannot stop or avoid the expectation and coming threat that will influence its sales in the future. Hence, does Danone Dumex still can maintain its competitive edge in the future? BIBLIOGRAPHY General Texts 1) Dave Halls @ Rob Jones @ Carlo Raffo @ Ian Chambers and Dave Gray, 2004. Business Studies (Third Edition) Legoprint, Italy. Waring Collins Ltd. 2) Peter Stimpson. AS Level and A Level Business Studies. Oxford New York. 3) Andrew Gillespie. AS Level and A Level Business Studies. Oxford New York. 4) About us Danone Dumex retrieved from http://www.dumex.com.my/about_us 5) Danone Dumexs article, ‘Danone Dumex Quality Assurance retrieved from http://www.dumex.com.my/whats_new_2009/article/2009_Quality_Assurance 6) Unknown author, ‘Danone Dumex Melamine-Free Shanghai Regulator Says retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=aSE8M3rTXulwpid=20601080 7) Unknown author, the other research regarding the rebranding process http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h7VgLkRxkbLdTKu21W3Y6KGIH1Q 8) Unknown author, ‘Global Baby Food Market retrieved from http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Global-Baby-Food-Market.html 9) Unknown author, ‘Breaking The Rules, Stretching The Rules 2004 retrieved from http://www.ibfan.org/english/pdfs/btr04.pdf 10) Lenny, Bernama, ‘Players in growing up milk formula market face stiff competition retrieved from http://besonline.rtm.gov.my/details.php?id=2468pageno=3field=bu_Titleorder=ASCtitle=Business/Economy 11) Unknown author, ‘About Us-Danone Dumex retrieved from http://www.dumex.com.my/about_us 12) http://www.hotfrog.com.my/Companies/Dumex-M 13) Unknown author, ‘About Us- Danone Dumex retrieved from http://www.dumex.com.my/ 14) Unknown author, ‘Danone Dumexs products sport a new look retrieved from http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/8/business/21761434sec=business Title of the article: Business Leaders say Rebranding is Key to Recovery Sources: Article from website of Britannica Online Date: 14th February 2009 Website: Author: Tom Banks Business Leaders say Rebranding is Key to Recovery Design Week, February 12, 2009 by Tom Banks Summary: The article focuses on importance of rebranding and design to fight against economic recession and assist business recovery in Great Britain. It states that rebranding helps business leaders to achieve a competitive line and commitment to its services and businesses. It also notes that rebranding builds a new relationship with the customers and the businesses. Excerpt from Article: News in Depth Business leaders say rebranding is key to recovery By Tom Banks A majority of UK companies see a successful rebrand as a key way of weathering the recession, according to new research. Implementation, Rebranding and Design, a report commissioned by branding consultancy the Principle Group, surveyed 250 marketing directors of blue chip companies and UK business owners, and found that the majority recognise the importance of rebranding in a downturn and acknowledge the role of design in assisting business recovery. Levels of confidence varied across the survey, but it found that 65 per cent of business leaders and managers believe rebranding will help large corporate institutions get back on track, and 85 per cent say design will play an important role in generating a recovery for some, or all, brands. A successful rebranding was seen by 64 per cent of UK business leaders as a route to gaining a competitive edge in a downturn. Similarly, 63 per cent agreed that a new identity signified a bold embracing of change. Commenting on the research, Ron Cregan, business strategy director at consultancy Navyblue, says, Any brand with the appetite to develop its brand identity in a recession demonstrates a willingness to challenge the market and a commitment to its businesses, services and products. But he adds that many companies will restrain their brand and marketing spend, for fear of being seen to be spending while people are †¦ Supporting Document 5 (Primary Data) Survey: Awareness of the Malaysians Towards Danone Dumexs Products Especially Its New-Look Products. Date: 25th October 2009 I am an IB student of MARA College Seremban and I am doing research about the awareness of the Malaysians towards Danone Dumexs products especially its new-look products. Thus, I need your help in filling out these questionnaires. Tick the box with √ and answer the questions. 1) Gender : Male Female 2) Status Married Single Widow/ widower Others†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3) What are the instant milks for baby that you know in our industry? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 4) What kind of instant milk for baby that you or your family had chosen before this? Fernleaf Danone Dumex Nestle Others †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 5) Why you use the same instant milks for your whole family? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 6) Annual household income : Less than RM1000 RM 5001 RM 10000 RM 1001 RM 5000 RM 10,001 and above 7) Usually, how much you or your family (mom or dad) spent for the instant milks? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ For these questions, tick √ for your answers for these statements. Statements Strongly know Know Not sure Doesnt know Strongly doesnt know 8) Do you know any products from Danone Dumex? 9) Have you try to any its products? 10) Do you notice that Danone Dumex has a new-look products? 11) Danone Dumex products contained DHA (docosahexaenoic ) and AA ( arachidoinic acid ) that were important for brain cells. Do you know with these statements? 12) Danone Dumex contains 1c-FOS (long-chain fructo oligosaccharides) dietry fibre and essential nutrients that help support a good digestive system. 13) Danones Dumex milk is melamine-free. 14) For all the advantages of having Danone Dumex products that I have listed above, do you and your family want to try and use Danone Dumex products? †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ FINDINGS 1. 78% buyers are married person and the other 22% is bought by widow/widower and single person who are the siblings of the child. 2. 69% buyers bought Danone Dumexs products which is 57% is the old customers and another 12% is the new customers. 3. Most of consumers loyal to Danone Dumexs products because they know the ingredients and contents in the instant milk that will help for sufficient nutrient and growing to their babies. 4. 93% of the customers are from the females customers. 5. Most of the customers said that they afford to buy and spent their money to buy the affordable price of Danone Dumexs products. [1] Retrieved from http://www.dumex.com.my/about_us [2] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [3] Supporting document 2 Giant Spotted in Shah Alam Company Unveils Huge Logo as Part of Rebranding Exercise [4] Supporting document 1 Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [5] Supporting document 3 Players in Growing Up Milk Formula Market Face Stiff Competition [6] Product life cycle shows the different stages that a product passes through and the sales that can be expected at each stage. [7] Supporting document 2 Giant Spotted in Shah Alam Company Unveils Huge Logo as Part of Rebranding Exercise [8] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [9] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [10] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [11] Supporting document 3 Players in Growing Up Milk Formula Market Face Stiff Competition [12] Supporting document 3 Players in Growing Up Milk Formula Market Face Stiff Competition [13] Supporting document 5 Survey: Awareness of the Malaysian Towards Danone Dumexs products Especially Its New-Look Products [14] Is a business which makes decisions which tend to be followed by other businesses in the market. [15] Supporting document 3 Players in Growing Up Milk Formula Market Face Stiff Competition [16] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [17] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [18] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [19] Supporting document 1- Danone Dumex Products Sport a New Look [20] Supporting document 5 Survey: Awareness of the Malaysian Towards Danone Dumexs products Especially Its New-Look Products

Short story written by Martin Espada Essay

Niggerlips is a short story written by Martin Espada and is located in the bilingual book of poems called Cool Salsa edited by Lori M. Carlson on pages 73-74. My interpretation of the historical implications in the writing is when he notes the great grandfather’s time and place of existence, Coffee Hills in Puerto Rico 1900’s. The writing also includes a section describing how a young villain student, Douglas, who attended elementary school with the grandson, would frighten young black children playing on the sidewalk with an unloaded gun in their communities. This to me indicates a time in history where racism and violence were not considered radical acts as most would in today’s modern society, but that’s not to say that it still doesn’t happen today especially in southern states like Arizona or Arkansas for example. In this era, sinister behavior like Douglas’s was somewhat acceptable in a sense from the 1960’s and prior for many ye ars and included harsher treatments. For example, during the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, police were treating minority groups with fierce aggression that included unjust assault on men, women, and children. I also picked up the sense that the great grandfather, Luis, was more of a burden to his family rather than a beloved member. It were as if the family was disowning or hiding him from the family legacy for having black skin and assuming curly hair which are dominant traits in the Puerto Rican nationality. The conflicts imply a historic era engulfed by prejudice that defines entire races to be inferior to others and often made scapegoats for others as well. They also represent a time when hate and violence were accepted in communities as a status quo for reasons that are beyond petty such as how they look, their income, gender, sexual preference, and religion. These types of traits are not optional to the human being, but rather a forced stamp on an envelope that c annot be undone in a natural manner. This literature is a drama and I say this because it tells the story of heritage and shame which is not depicted in any form of humor by the author. It tells about one of the many acts of violence in a clear and precise tone and its causation, racism. The violence was targeted by innocent children who could not change their economics, education, politics, or genetics to avoid being a victim of such cruel punishment by Douglas and others like him. The author uses metaphors and interesting words to creatively describe the events that occurred. For example, the text reads a line that includes the phrase, â€Å"stubborn copper skin† (Cool Salsa, Carlson) to describe Luis’s black skin to be a pest to his future generations and will not go away regardless of the amount of powder used to cover it up. The author also uses the metaphor, â€Å"a fly in milk† (Cool Salsa, Carlson) to describe his existence as in being a constant reminder of their inferior Puerto Rican roots in a society that thought them less. Lastly, at the end of the text the main character uses the words â€Å"unloaded gun† to show a sense of inner power he has that trump’s the horrible acts bragged about by Douglas indicating that he is aware of what’s going on and that he can deal with it in his own independent way. The tone was pride, perseverance, and shame. Douglas was proud of his hate crimes and showed it by bragging about it to his classmates. He even bragged about it in front of students who were victimized themselves with no thought to their regard at all. The main character overcame his struggle of having black skin and big lips by acknowledging that he was similar to his great grandfather even though the rest of his family tried not to. The family openly expressed their feelings of shame by refusing to keep a picture of him in the home as if they despised their Puerto Rican ancestry. They tell stories of Luis using a powder in an attempt to bleach his skin as memories for the grandchildren as if making a mock of him. The theme is about a boy facing racism in a society that allows it and is exposed to his family’s negative feelings toward their Puerto Rican roots by disowning Luis, the ancestor. The story reflects a type of dà ©jà   vu between the main character, the great grandson, and Luis, the great grandfather, because of their Puerto Rican traits that they shared that consisted of big lips and black skin that were social hardships for both men within their historic time periods. The theme also includes violence, racism, deadly weapons without ammunition. My personal opinion of this literature is sadness towards Luis, the great grandfather, for having Puerto Rican traits like big lips. Also, the part that mentions white powder used to cover up Luis’s black skin is as if he were trying to erase his authentic identity to create another that was more fitting for his own personal interest and of his family. As I read the story, I also felt feelings of anger towards Douglas for the very purpose of trying to bring mental or physical harm to innocent people. I did however; get a sense of contentment for the main character in the end with his choice of words and persevering tone, Douglas’s unloaded gun. It’s as if he were saying that he can take on the whole world, as ugly as it can be, and persevere through it. I also find it difficult to imagine, realistically, the struggles that the young black children faced onward throughout their lives with this event as another similar memory added to the many they probably faced.

Substance Abuse - 967 Words

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a substance (drug) in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals. Substance abuse/drug abuse is not limited to mood-altering or psycho-active drugs. If an activity is performed using the objects against the rules and policies of the matter (as in steroids for performance enhancement in sports), it is also called substance abuse. Therefore, mood-altering and psychoactive substances are not the only types of drugs abused. Using illicit drugs – narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, cannabis, even glues and paints, are also considered to be classified as drug/substance†¦show more content†¦Treatment Treatment for substance abuse is critical for many around the world. Often a formal intervention is necessary to convince the substance abuser to submit to any form of treatment. Behavioral interventions and medications exist that have helped many people reduce, or discontinue, their substance abuse. From the applied behavior analysis literature, behavioral psychology, and from randomized clinical trials, several evidenced based interventions have emerged: †¢ Behavioral marital therapy †¢ Motivational Interviewing †¢ Community reinforcement approach †¢ Exposure therapy †¢ Contingency management[41][42] †¢ Pharmacological therapy - A number of medications have been approved for the treatment of substance abuse. These include replacement therapies such as buprenorphine and methadone as well as antagonist medications like disulfiram and naltrexone in either short acting, or the newer long acting form (under the brand name Vivitrol). Several other medications, often ones originally used in other contexts, have also been shown to be effective including bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin), Modafinil (Provigil) and more. According to some nurse practitioners, stopping substance abuse can reduce the risk of dying early and also reduce some health risks like heart disease, lung disease, andShow MoreRelatedDrug Abuse And Substance Abuse2025 Words   |  9 PagesDrug abuse is the recurrent use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over the counter drugs with negative consequences. The two terms, drug abuse or substance abuse can be defined as the use of chemical substances that lead to an increased risk of problems and an inability to control the use of the substance. Although drug and substance abuse do differ from addiction it sometimes can be mistaken for one another. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsiveRead MoreSubstance Abuse And The Active Substance Abuser1514 Words   |  7 Pagesmisadventures of the active substance abuser. Unfortunately, many people in this situation may feel alone and lost when it comes to the pathway to recovery. Not only for the addict or alcoholic, but a course of action that can give back some semblance of control and peace to the spouse. Sadly, the odds are never in favor for either of the two parties involved; however, people determined to salvage their connection with a loved one may yet be able to do so. Substance abuse of a loved one can be a nearRead MoreSubstance Use Disorder And Substance Abuse997 Words   |  4 PagesSubstance use disorder is defined as being a pattern of maladaptive behaviors and reactions brought about by repeated use of a substance, sometimes also including tolerance for the substance and withdrawal reactions. (pg. 294). The individual I will be talking about for the project is someone that came to crave a particular substance and rely on it every day. Their choice to devote so much of their time to their substance caused issues between their family and friends. Both family and friends startedRead MoreSubstance And Substance Abuse Among Inmates2272 Words   |  10 PagesSubstance Abuse among Inmates Substance abuse can be a big problem in our criminal justice system when dealing with the number of inmates who go back to their illegal activity after being released from custody. In specific, inmates who are drug users/ abusers are to be expected to go back to drugs once they get out. Without treatment they do not have the tools, knowledge, or resources to stay clean on the outside when released. The biggest hazard for an ex-inmate in the community is getting backRead MoreThe Problem Of Substance Abuse942 Words   |  4 Pagesuse various assessment tools to determine potential disorders that may be the root to a problem. Though at times a client may seek counseling with a known substance abuse issue there are more cases where a client is oblivious to the potential contribution that substance abuse has on the problem that help is sought for. Understood that substance dependency is nondiscriminatory to age, gender, race or creed, a therapist approaches the matter with the client kno wing that a problem is recognized and thereRead MoreThe Effects Of Substance Abuse1111 Words   |  5 PagesOpiate abuse in the United States is an epidemic. It is argued whether addiction is being handled correctly, and if the amount of resources for combating addiction should be increased. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, â€Å"The number of past-year heroin users in the United States nearly doubled between 2005 and 2012, from 380,000 to 670,000† (2014). This nation-wide increase of heroin abusers leads to another issue: how to treat them. One method of treatment is giving them another medicationRead MoreThe Substance Abuse Social Worker1052 Words   |  5 PagesThe Substance Abuse Social Worker Social workers have long worked with people who abuse substances, beginning in the 1800’s with sobriety houses and inebriate asylums, to settlement houses in the profession’s beginnings to developing self-help, consumer-driven programs, designing inpatient detoxification programs, and to applying youth-oriented prevention and education programs. As an addictions counselor, the social worker is a part of a specialized profession that began with the wounded healerRead MoreModels in the Substance Abuse Field 1206 Words   |  5 PagesThe term substance refers to all psycho active substances –â€Å"any substances when taken by a living organism may modify its mood perception, cognition deportment or motor function,† (DSM-IV, 4th edition) whether it is legal or illegal. Substance abuse refers to the utilization of a drug or other substances for non-medical purposes with the aim of engendering a mind-altering effect in the utilizer (MOH, 2005). It involves the utilization of illegal substances such as cannabis, misuse of licit drugsRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Its Effects On Society Essay1579 Words   |  7 PagesAmerica’s silent killer, substance abuse. Substance abuse affects the user and everyone that they are around and most of the time the user doesn’t even realize nor care that it affects other people because they are consumed by the substances. These substances have the power to dramatically change people’s lives, such as the physical toll it takes on our body, the ways in which it corrupts our metal process, and the detrimental effects it has on our social lives. Most substances that are used in our societyRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Drug Therapy1101 Words   |  5 PagesA person who has a substance abuse and a mental health disorder are identified as having a co-occurring disorder. Patients with substance use and mental health share common ground, because they hold the philosophy that treatment of chronic illness requires a long-term approach in which stabilization, education, and self-management are central (Drake, Mercer-McFadden, Mueser, McHugo, Bond, 2016, p. 589). A counselor can help give resources (NA meetings being available in their community) as well

Charles Taylor, Augustine and the Ethics of Authenticity

Introduction The notion of authenticity is one of self-fulfillment and Charles Taylor recognizes that there are dangers in accepting modernitys drive toward self-realization. However, he is not willing to give up on this idea of authenticity. In The Ethics of Authenticity, Taylor lays out a system of thought and morals that connect our search for self-realization with our desire towards self-creation. He is attempting to keep a form of individualism while still operating under objectivism. He will point out the good and damaging aspects of the modern development of an authentic self and mention the importance of some moral measurement system. Taylor claims that St. Augustine initiated a concept of inwardness, a turning towards the†¦show more content†¦Authenticity In his discussion of relativity, Taylor points out areas of disagreement as well as agreement. He defines relativism as a system of thought derived from a form of individualism whose principle is something like this: everyone has a right to develop their own form of life, grounded on their own sense of what is really important or of value. Basically there is no hierarchical ordering of truths. Everyone has their own set of truths and no one should try to convince them otherwise. This is what Taylor calls the individualism of self-fulfillment. His concern about this view is that it narrows the meaning of life because it is too self-centered and it rejects issues that go beyond the self. However he thinks there is a powerful moral ideal at work here which is the view of being true to oneself and will refer to this view as authenticity. The point is that today many people feel called to do this, feel they ought to do this, feel their lives would be somehow wasted or unfulfille d if they didnt do it. ; Taylor thinks this point is being overlooked that there must be some moral reason pushing people in a certain direction. Deviant forms of authenticity simply consider the advantages given to the individual apart from any moral stance. He admits that there are deviant forms of authenticity but they take away from the true meaning of it and that when mostShow MoreRelated Comparing Saint Augustine and Charles Taylors Ideas of Authenticity5579 Words   |  23 PagesComparing Saint Augustine and Charles Taylors Ideas of Authenticity The notion of authenticity is one of self-fulfillment and Charles Taylor recognizes that there are dangers in accepting modernity’s drive toward self-realization. However, he is not willing to give up on this idea of â€Å"authenticity.† In The Ethics of Authenticity, Taylor lays out a system of thought and morals that connect our search for self-realization with our desire towards self-creation. He is attempting to keep a form ofRead MoreExistentialism vs Essentialism23287 Words   |  94 Pagesexistentialism and phenomenology move the focus away from facts about the world towards facts about the individual self. For phenomenology, that means changing the way we view metaphysics and epistemological claims. For existentialism, it generates a normative ethic on how to live a worthwhile life. (Note: This is not the full scope of the phenomenological movement, but was meant only to explain its relevance to existentialism.) ------------------------------------------------- Existentialist Philosophers Read MoreBranches of Philosophy8343 Words   |  34 Pagesrelationships between truth, belief, and justification. †¢ Ethics, or moral philosophy, is concerned with questions of how persons ought to act or if such questions are answerable. The main branches of ethics are meta-ethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Meta-ethics concerns the nature of ethical thought, comparison of various ethical systems, whether there are absolute ethical truths, and how such truths could be known. Ethics is also associated with the idea of morality. Platos earlyRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 PagesEvolution of Management Thought 45 F. W. Taylor and Scientiï ¬ c Management Frederick W. Taylor (1856–1915) is best known for deï ¬ ning the techniques of scientiï ¬ c management, the systematic study of relationships between people and tasks for the purpose of redesigning the work process to increase efï ¬ ciency. Taylor was a manufacturing manager who eventually became a consultant and taught other managers how to apply his scientiï ¬ c management techniques. Taylor believed that if the amount of time and effort