Workplace smoking bans and perceived stress Article

Workplace smoking bans and perceived stress - Article Example A study was done to prove this hypothesis where a survey involving a 12-item job questionnaire is made to be answered by employees. This includes two categories of workplace smoking bans, with no ban being the reference category. Analysis controls would also determine an individual’s socio-demographic characteristics, occupational effects, health conditions and etc. A fixed-effects linear regression scale is used as a tool to control measured and unmeasured individual time-invariant confounders, which will strongly reveal the relationship between workplace smoking bans and work-related stress. The result of this study revealed the fact that there is a different relationship formed between workplace smoking bans (WSB) and work stress depending on different age groups. For males, who comprises the bigger smoking population, they experience higher stress caused by WSBs as compared to companies without smoking bans. Although the result is significantly similar with the females, there is quite a difference in estimates, specifically on the fact that younger females ages 18-40 years old would be highly stressed out in workplaces with smoking bans while older females ages 41-65 did not demonstrate any effect on WSBs with regard to their stress levels. Generally, workplace smoking bans directly increases work stress of young adult smokers and for people who has been smoking for a long time. Indeed, we can see the adverse effects of smoking and at the same time smoking bans. In response to it, protecting non-smokers and the environment through smoking bans is more reasonable and has greater positive effects rather than establishing a stress-free workplace. This is because of the fact that WSB’s do not only protect the general public and the earth but also helps smokers themselves by reducing smoking prevalence and intensity. Although little is known about

Marketing Plan for Robotic Systems to assist in heart surgeries and Research Paper

Marketing Plan for Robotic Systems to assist in heart surgeries and other invasive surgeries - Research Paper Example For instance, there are more than 41 million people who are above 65 years and the figure will be considerably higher if we include people who are 55 years and above. Indeed, the probability that a patient (in later years of his / her life) would have a bypass, heart and cancer surgery increases; therefore, the surgeons and health professionals have suggested the use of Da Vinci, ZEUS, AESOP and SAR robotic systems as they facilitate during surgery and enhance the performance. Nevertheless, patients that have robotic surgery are quickly recovered as well as have lesser pain during trauma. The distribution firm has planned that it would open 2 new offices in Washington during June and September 2011 – one each at Union Station and Verizon Center. The expected annual sales are $4 – 5 million with net margin of at least 8%. In case the operations remain successful, the distribution firm will expand its operations to New York by opening 2 new offices during January and June 2010 – one each at Manhattan Mall and Trump Tower. 2. Business Description The Robot Systems Suppliers (hypothetical firm) was inaugurated in 2009 and it is proficient in distribution and maintenance of robotic systems that could be used in heart surgeries and others. Indeed, the technological developments have also facilitated doctors, physicians and surgeons to use modern equipments and robots for heart surgeries, for Prostate Cancer, Gastric Bypass and fatal injuries etc. The company not only focuses on the marketing and distribution on the da Vinci systems initially offered in early 21st century, but also it has been offering ZEUS Surgical System for invasive surgeries. It is worthwhile to mention the fact that use of robot systems has been increasing in US healthcare industry because they help saving time and effort during surgery as well as reduce pain and trauma for patients. For instance, the robotic systems also facilitate in faster recovery that, in turn, reduce fi nancial burden on patients since they have to spend fewer amount on medicines and checkups after surgeries. The Robot Systems Suppliers initially commenced its business operations in Los Angeles City in 2009, and today it has already become an established firm in LA, a city of more than 4 million people. The company enjoys annual revenue of $4.5 million and its net profit (15%) was recorded to be under $0.7 million approximately. The major reason behind success of Robot System Suppliers is the constant focus on differentiation and innovation coupled with top quality after-sales-services. The company also provides useful suggestions to robot producers so that they could innovate their existing robotic systems (that are widely used) and create new systems to achieve cost leadership and efficiency. It should be pointed out that there is immense business potential for suppliers of robotic systems in US healthcare industry because of rising population and number of elderly / senior citiz ens (aged 55 years and above). The Robot Systems Suppliers is in strong financial position because its gross profit margin is in range of 25 – 35%, whereas the net profit margin remains in the range of 12 – 20% because the producers tend to offer high commissions to robot distributors. In addition, the profitability increases primarily due to offering of after-sales-servi