Behavioral And Mental Disorders - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 12 Words: 3689 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Health Essay Type Essay any type Did you like this example? CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Mental and behavioral disorders are common and affect more than 25% of all people at some time during their lives. One in four families is likely to have at least one member with a behavioral or mental disorder. It is estimated that mental disorders contribute a large share to the global disease burden and account for 33% of the years lived with the disability worldwide.(Jai Rakini Aruna,2007) The Global Burden of Disease study found mental disorders to be the fourth leading cause of disability. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Behavioral And Mental Disorders" essay for you Create order Depression alone was the single leading cause of global disability. For a better treatment family cohesion is essential. In the primitive societies, mental illness was thought to be caused by evil spirits. As time passed, professionals and society understood the importance of the family members participating in the care of the mentally ill patients in the hospital. An extremely significant innovation that has been extensively validated in recent times was the bold experiments of Dr Vidha Sagar at the Amritsar Mental Hospital. The approach was the comprehensive involvement of families in the care recovery and aftercare of psychotic patients and facilitated their acceptance and turn to their own homes in the community. These efforts continued in the 1960s at NlMHANS and culminated in the opening of the family ward. Today, there is widespread international acceptance of such approaches, which are known under the rubric of family interventions.(Dr.Lalitha ,2007) The family has always been recognized as an important factor both in the genesis and prognosis of mental illness. Initial studies generally focused on the possible etiologic role of the family, but the perspective has now changed to incorporating the family as a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“reactorà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to mental illness of a member. This has led to interest in various problems that arise from the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s presence at home such as financial difficulties or marital disharmony. The sum total of these problems or difficulties which affect the significant others of a psychiatric patient is referred to as social  or  family  burden. Care for severely mentally ill individuals may carry a heavy burden, more so than the care for other disabled individuals such as mentally retarded people. It is particularly true for close family members such as parents, many of whom take care of their mentally ill children for long. Such burden manifests in reduced caregiver wellbeing which ad mittedly depends in part on caregiver factors such as care-giving style. Moreover, such burden may manifest in reduced wellbeing of the mentally ill individuals themselves, for example, due to impaired caregiver support 1.1Need  for  the  study: Living with and caring for an individual with a psychiatric disorder seems inherently stressful. Relatives of psychiatric patients report a wide range of reactions to their situation. On the whole, these family members endorse significantly higher level of psychological distress than the general population. Mental illness has long been a problem in modern society. The treatment and rehabilitation of clients with mental illness are a heavy burden on the government. It is estimated that two to three persons in every thousand adults suffer from serious mental illness such as affective disorders and schizophrenia. Studies have shown that in taking care of the mentally ill, the family caregivers have to face the followi ng stress and burdens: Feelings of insecurity, sorrow and worry, potential harm and aggression, stigmatization by relatives and friends, psychiatric emergencies and relapse, dependence, social isolation, fear of the future. Deinstitutionalization, restricted hospital admission and reduction of length of inpatient treatment also change the situation of relatives. Nowadays they are much more involved in the care of patients. Many caregivers of a person with schizophrenia suffer from ongoing distress whereas professionals tend to underestimate family burden. Thus caregivers feel ignored by mental health professionals. This divergent perception underlines the importance of quantitative studies on family burden. Health professionals and mental health nurses have an important duty to acknowledge the burden of caregivers. They are in a position to render support and refer them to get further support through social workers and community agencies. Such measures would ensure family well being for families with mentally ill patients. For that the mental health nurse needs to assess the burden of caregivers and to identify the support they receive during their period of care-giving in the hospital. Many studies have been done on the burden that relatives experience when living with a psychiatric patient. 1.2 Statement of the problem PROMOTION OF COPING MEASURES TO PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF MENTALLY ILL IN MANAGEMENT OF STRESS IN VAZHIKATTI CENTER AT COIMBATORE. 1.3 Objectives 1.3.1. Assessment of the stress level of primary caregivers of mentally ill patients. 1.3.2. Assessment of level of coping measures adopted by caregivers of mentally ill patients. 1.3.3. Effect of coping measures in management of stress among the primary caregivers of mentally ill patients. 1.4Assumptions 1.4.1. The caregivers will have some degree of stress related to the care of mentally ill relatives. 1.4.2. Promotion of coping measures will help the caregivers to manage the stress. 1.5 Hypotheses H1: There will be reduction in stress among caregivers of mentally ill by using coping measures. 1.6 Operational Definitions 1.6.1. Promotion: Promotion is the process to reduce stress and improve psychological wellbeing among care givers by adopting various coping measures. 1.6.2. Coping measures: various strategies taken to decrease the stress level. 1.6.3. Primary Caregiver: It refers to a person who spends most of the time in meeting the physical psychological need of the mentally ill. 1.7 Promotion of Coping Measures Related to Caregivers Stress Among Mentally Ill Patients: The conceptual framework for this study derived from General System Theory (Ludwig Von Laffy, 1968).According to general system theory, a system is asset of components or units interacting with each other with in a boundary that filters the kind and rate of flow of inputs and outputs to and from the systems. (Fig 1.1) In this study, the input is the assessment of level of stress and assessment of coping measures in caregivers using a questionnaire. Throughput is the active phase where a planned teaching programme admi nistered to the caregivers on ways of coping measures to manage stress. Output is the reassessment of level of stress. 1.8 Projected Outcome Coping measures will improve the caregiverà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ability to cope with stress and perform better in their daily activities. CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW A Literature review is a critical summary of research on a topic of interest often prepared to put a research problem in context .A literature review helps to lay the foundation for a study and can also inspire new research ideas. A systematic review of literature and appraisal of all the relevant scholarly literature on the specific topic involves an in depth study. An extensive review of literature was done on the related research and non research literature. The literature was reviewed under the following areas and analyzed: 2.1. Literature related to caregivers stress 2.2. Literature related to coping measures used to reduce stress 2.1 Literature related to Caregivers stress A comparative study was conducted among Euro- Americans and Latinos to study the relationship between family burden of schizophrenia and socio cultural context. Findings suggest differences in levels of family distress in relation to socio-cultural factors like gender, ethnicity, diagnosis, and living situation, across cultural and diagnostic groups. (JH Jenkins and JG Schumacher1999). Two Indian comparative studies were conducted in different states of India on the caregiversà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ burden of schizophrenia and OCD patients. Ninety two First degree relatives/ spouses were compared. One study showed higher burden in OCD group that was high among spouses than relatives of schizophrenia group .One more study showed higher burden in schizophrenia than OCD. (Guru raj .et. al., 2008) The study was conducted to measure the perception of burden by caregivers of patients with schizophrenia at Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra. the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS ) was correlated to spouse, physical and mental health, external support, caregivers routines, support to patient, responsibility-taking, other relatives, patients behavior and caregivers strategy. A number of sample is thirty four caregivers of patient with schizophrenia. A low positive correlation was found between urban domiciles and support of the patient and the caregivers routine. There was a low positive correlation between age less than 30 years and the physical and mental health of the caregiver, and with taking responsibility. (Sunil Srivastava 2005) This comparative cross-sectional study assessed family burden among caregivers of patients with OCD and schizophrenia. in an Indian setting. Findings shows Indian families experience significant degrees of burden in the care of their relatives with OCD and schizophrenia. Relatives demographic characteristics did not influence burden severity. Illness severity and patients disability had a direct positive relationship with p erceived family burden.this study suggest to develop local needs based support programmes for families of patients with psychiatric disorders in India. (Rammohan A et al., 2002) A case study was investigated the incidence of chronic sorrow in parents of chronically mentally ill children like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Convenience samples of 10 parents (four couples and two mothers) of adult children were interviewed using the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow questionnaire (Caregiver Version). Results showed that 8 out of 10 parents experienced chronic sorrow and suggested that healthcare professionals could assist them by providing information about their childs illness and by involving them in the treatment process. (Georgene G. Eakes2004). A study was examined on psychological distress among Latino family caregivers of adult with schizophrenia. The interview was done by using Zarit Burden Scale. The results shows that younger caregiver age, lower levels of caregivers ed ucation, and higher levels of the patients mental ill0ness symptoms were predictive of higher levels of caregivers depressive symptoms. Caregivers perceived burden mediated the relation between patients psychiatric symptoms and caregivers depression. (Sandy. M. Magana et al,1997). The comparative study was conducted to study the caregivers of mentally ill relatives to explore the relationship between gender and perceived levels of burden. Ninety-seven caregivers (76 women, 21 men) were interviewed. Women were found to experience a greater sense of burden and frustration than men in caring for their mentally ill relatives. The authors concluded that women encountered a wide range of difficulties centered around family and child rearing. (Ascher-Svanum and Sobel,1989). A study explores the influences of selected social and psychological factors that are associated with perceived caregiver stress among 263 primary caregivers of the elderly in Allahabad City in northern India. The results indicate that although male caregivers perceived stress depends only on the size of the role overload, female caregivers perceived stress depends on the interrelationship between the size of the role overload and adherence to Asian cultural norms. (Rashmi Gupta et al., 2010). 2.2 Literature Related to Coping measures to Reduce caregivers stress A analytical study conducted at Iran to identify caregivers at risk for adverse health effects associated with care giving, the stress, coping, health. The sample size used was 500 primary caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. The results shows Burdened caregivers had less coping levels, lower mastery and social support. Effective and stigmatized groups had better health outcomes and less service use than the burdened group over time; stigmatized caregivers had poorer self-care than effective caregivers. (Perlick DA et al.,2008). A descriptive study was examined the effectiveness of a stress relief initiative for primary caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) at Taiwan. Seventy-seven primary caregivers of people with ID were selected the study, which involved participation in one stress management workshop (intervention group only) and both groups reading an education booklet on stress management. They found that 22.1% of caregivers in the study were at high risk of depressive stress and in need of mental health consultation; this prevalence was nearly six times that of the general population. The study results show that a face-to-face workshop is an effective way to decrease levels of depressive stress. (Hu J et al., 2010) The pilot study was conducted to assess the level of stress experienced by caregivers of brain tumor patients and to examine both their interest in and preferences for stress reduction programs at North Carolina in USA. Convenience sampling technique was used. The sample size is 60 adult caregivers. The study examined the caregivers level of stress, beliefs, past experiences, and preferences in regard to stress reduction programs. A seventy two percent of the caregivers reported elevated stress levels , eighty seven percent caregiver believed that stress reduction techniques can help reduce stress ,eighty one percent caregiver were interested in learning about programs to reduce stress . Overall, sixty fi ve caregivers wanted to receive information about stress reduction programs and seventy three percent caregivers were interested in programs such as exercise to reduce stress. Overall, fourty four percentages of caregivers were interested in participating in the various stress reduction programs presented to them in this study. These data provide further evidence that caregivers experience elevated levels of stress and are willing to learn more about and participate in programs to reduce stress .(Keir.ST,2007). The descriptive study was to examine the effects of music, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), and music combined with progressive muscle relaxation on the reduction of anxiety, fatigue, and improvement of quality of life in family hospice caregivers at university of Kansas in USA. Sample size is 32 .The duration of study was 2 weeks. Paired t test indicated that the control and PMR group exhibited a significant difference in pre and posttest quality of life scores. Resul ts shows that a significant correlation between anxiety and quality of life, anxiety and fatigue, fatigue and quality of life. ( ChoiYK,2010). A mail survey was conducted using a representative sample of 998 employed Chicago residents who provided informal care for at least one person. Ordinary least squares regression models were computed to examine the relationship between caregiver burden and drinking outcomes. Results suggest that caregivers who experience social and emotional burdens related to care giving are at risk for problematic alcohol use and warrant attention from health care and mental health service professionals. (Rosependa KM .et al,2010). A comparative study conducted in Australia to investigate the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers. Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home based interview was used. Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 years or over from Vic toria, Australia. The data collected related to weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite, dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits. Results shows thirty two percent of caregivers had depressive symptoms twenty one percent were at risk of malnutrition and twenty one percent reported their appetite was bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p 0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone. A results suggest older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majority were overweight or obese.(Torres SJ,et al2010) A randomized comparative trial was undertaken comparing yoga with relaxation in South Australia. One hundred and thirty-one subjects with mild to moderate levels of stress. One hour sessions of relaxation or hat ha yoga for 10 weeks .Following the 10 week intervention stress, anxiety and quality of life scores improved over time. Yoga was found to be as effective as relaxation in reducing stress, anxiety and improving health status. Yoga was more effective than relaxation in improving mental health. Vitality, social function and mental health. Yoga appears to provide a comparable improvement in stress, anxiety and health status compared to relaxation.(Smith C et al .,2007). A pilot study of a yoga and meditation intervention for dementia caregiver stress. Twelve older female dementia patient family caregivers were participated. This study planned to help caregivers cope with stress. Pre test and post test revealed statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety and improvements in perceived self-efficacy. These findings suggest that yoga and meditation may be a feasible and effective intervention for family caregivers and may improve affect, coping, physical well-being, an d stress management.(Waelde L C et al.,2004). CHAPTER III MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is designed to promote the coping measures to manage stress among caregivers of mentally ill patients. The steps of quantitative research process are adopted for conducting the study. It includes the research design, setting, population and sampling, sample size, determination, instrument and tools for data collection, variables of the study and techniques of data collection, methods of data analysis and interpretation and report of the pilot study. 3.1 One Group Pre Test and Post test Design: The research design used in this study is one group pre and post test design. This is a quasi experimental design. Here the test acts as a measurement tool for the evaluation effect on post test. This is a straight forward design in which there is only one pre assessment and one post assessment, with only one set of intervention. The level of stress of caregivers is initially assessed, based on which coping measures implemented after which stress level of caregiver is reassessed to know the impact of coping measures on reduction of stress. Figure 3.1 One group pre test and post test design Pre test (Assessment of coping measures and level of stress) Intervention (Administer Coping measures and relaxation technique) Post test (Post assessment of level of stress) 3.2 Setting of the study: The study was conducted at vazhikatti mental health centre, Coimbatore. The primary caregivers of mentally ill patient who were admitted in the vazhikatti centre were selected. 3.3 Population and sampling: All primary caregivers of mentally ill patients admitted at vazhikatti centre were taken for study during the period between 29.06.10 to 25.07.10. 3.4 Criteria For Sample Selection: 3.4.1 Inclusion criteria Primary Caregivers of mentally ill patients those who are admitted in the hospital. Caregivers who could understand speak English, Tamil 3.4.2 Exclusion criteria Caregivers like paid home nurses, paid house maid, were not included in the study. 3.5 Variables of the study: 3.5.1 Independent Variables: The independent variables in this study are the structured teaching and demonstration of relaxation technique to the caregivers on ways of coping measures to manage stress. Demographic variables such as age of the caregiver, sex, religion, educational qualification, occupation, relationship of caregiver with patient, monthly family income, source of income, bread winner of the family, source of expenses, type of family, diagnosis of the patient, duration of illness of the client, frequency of hospital visit and person taking care of the children are all independent variables. 3.5.2 Dependent variables: The dependent variables of the study are stress level among the caregivers before education and stress level after education. 3.6 Instrument for data collection: The instrument used for the collection of data was rating scale for assessing the level of stress and self coping measures adopted by the caregivers. Section 1:The demographic data inclu des age of the caregiver, sex, religion, educational qualification, occupation, relationship of caregiver with patient, monthly family income, source of income, bread winner of the family, source of expenses, type of family, diagnosis of the patient, duration of illness of the client, frequency of hospital visit and person taking care of the children. Section 11: This section also has a checklist which include 14 items related to self coping measures adopted by the caregivers when scores increase their coping skill would be rated as adequate, if it less than 50 scores rated as inadequate coping. Scoring: The scores are interpreted as follows. Level of stress Level of self coping Scoring Interpretation Scoring Interpretation 1-22 Very Mild Stress 23-44 Mild Stress 50-115 Adequate coping 45-66 Moderate Stress 50 Inadequate coping 67-88 Severe Stress Section 1I1: The rating scale includes 22 items. Each question has four possible responses as never, rarely, sometimes, quite frequently and nearly always. The scoring given as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.The level of stress categorized as very mild ,mild, moderate, and severe. 3.7 Reliability and Validity of Instrument And Tools for Data Collection:The tools was prepared with the help of literature review and expert guidance. The reliability and validity of tool was tested through pilot study. 3.8 Data Collection Procedure: The main study was conducted from 24.06.2010 to 25.07.2010. Primary care taker were selected. The questions were read in tamil by the investigator and responses were recorded. Each interview was conducted on one to one basis which lasted for 20 minutes. Education was given regarding definition of stress, signs and symptoms of s tress, and various stress management techniques was conducted for one hour using audio visual aids (charts),following this on next day one hour allotted for demonstration of relaxation exercises. Care givers were reinforced to adopt the coping measures to manage stress and encourage doing relaxation exercises. Reassessment was done after 10 days of education using the same check list. 3.9 Techniques Of Data Analysis: The data collected through various methods has been compiled and by adopting appropriate statistical techniques inferences were drawn. After clarification, data frequencies are calculated for demographic, social and economic variables to determine the distribution pattern of the caregivers into each category. Similarly frequencies are calculated for level of stress among caregivers. The distribution pattern is depicted through appropriate graphical methods. The results are inferred through statistical technique like paired à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ test and simple correlation coefficient. The comparison of level of stress before and after coping measures is interpreted through paired à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ test and the influence of independent variable like family income, Calculated through simple correlation coefficient. 3.9.1 Pairedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"tà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Test: This was adopted to find out the significant difference between pretest score and post test score. The formula is d =Difference between pretest and post test score. d =Mean difference pretest and post test score. SD=Standard deviation of pretest and post test score. =Root of number of samples. 3.9.2 Karl Pearsonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Co-Efficient of correlation: This was calculated to find out the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. The formula is X =( x à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" x ) Y =( y à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" y ) X =Independent variable. Y =Dependent variable. 3.10 Report of the Pilot Study: The pretest was conducted by using the planned checklist for the caregivers. A planned teaching programme was conducted for one hour. Next day demonstration of relaxation exercises were given for one hour separately for each one. 7 to 10 days when discharge day posttest was conducted and results were analyzed based on the scores. During the analysis of the result it was found that caregivers stress level was reduced from moderate to mild stress level and mild level stress to very mild level stress after the implementation of coping measures.

Kings David and Solomon from 10th Century B.C.E. to...

Kings David and Solomon: From 10th Century B.C.E. to present day Controversy Introduction Perhaps the most famous Old Testament Kings, as well as two of the most famous Hebrew heroes of all time were, King Solomon and his father King David. Their stories have been told time and time again throughout the ages: passed down orally for centuries, then later reproduced and shared all over the globe as intricate portions of many historical religious texts including the Torah, the Koran and the Holy Bible. Biblical sources include: I Chronicles, I Kings, Ecclesiastes, as well as the accounts of many prophets. Furthermore, King David and King Solomon have been attributed to writing several Old Testament books including: the Song of Solomon,†¦show more content†¦1000 B.C.E. (Castel, 1985, pp.87-89; Grant, 1984, pp.75-78; Learsi, 1949, pp. 49-51; Rogerson, 1999, pp.79-80; 2 Samuel, c.a. 1100-1010 B.C.E., pp. 505-555). In a brilliant political move David took over the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and made it the capitol of the new United Kingdom of Israel â€Å"thencefor ward to be honored as the City of David† (2 Samuel, 1997, pp. 505-555; Eban, 1999, p. 47). Moving the capitol to Jerusalem was an ingenious move on David’s part since it placed him geographically between the northern tribes of Israel and the former Judah. This also unified the Hebrew nation politically since Jerusalem was a fresh start, not being formerly of Israel or Judah. In order to unify the nation religiously David (with the help of King Hiram of Tyre) built a palace on Mount Zion where he housed the Ark of the Covenant (Castel, 1985, p. 90; Eban, 1999, p. 49; Halkin, 2006, p. 43; Learsi, 1949, p. 55; Rogerson, 1999, pp. 81-82). He then set out to expand his kingdom taking over and taxing all of Canaan (Rogerson, 1999, p. 82). King David ruled Israel for the next 33 years (Castel, 1985, p. 89; Harkin, 2006, p. 41). Unfortunately the house of David, like many great monarchs (especially those who practiced polygamy) faced great diplomatic personal odds. Amon g them was internal dissent including a great deal of â€Å"palace intrigue† that was coupled with David’s personal struggles

Discuss Berlioz’s Contribution to the Symphony Free Essays

Discuss Berlioz’s contribution to the symphony Berlioz is often overlooked as an influential composer; however the reality is that he was one of the most important due to his developing ideas of how orchestration could be expanded, how symphonic form could be developed and how music would be written in a programmatic style. Above all this, Berlioz was one of the pioneers of the Romantic period, inspiring through his innovation of ideas such as the ‘idee fix’ and as some saw it, his disregard for the ‘Viennese Architectural Legacy’ and ‘rules of composition’. The ‘idee fix’ was Berlioz’s most famous creation as it enabled him to take a more narrative approach to his composing. We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss Berlioz’s Contribution to the Symphony or any similar topic only for you Order Now This was important as it contrasted from the strongly structured music that had come before him. The  idee fixe is used to unify the disparate elements of the symphony in ‘Symphonie Fantastique’. Another talent Berlioz was gifted with was the art of orchestration. Although, it was not an advance that was received well at the time, it had an overarching effect of great significance. Berlioz demonstrated his talent in his first symphony, ‘Symphonie Fantastique’. This work was the first of four symphonies that Berlioz composed. ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ was composed in a programmatic format. Berlioz may well have been the first great composer to not be able to play a musical instrument, nor to have shown any musical talent at an early age. But he persevered, and became interested in different ways to use the orchestra and the different combinations of instrumental sounds. In 1844, he wrote a book on orchestration  which he named, â€Å"Traite de l’Instrumentation† which is still widely appreciated and used today. Berlioz’ advances in this area contributed greatly to the growth and development of the modern symphony orchestra. Berlioz was the first composer to closely associate his symphonies with extra musical ‘programmes’. He described his ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ as an ‘opera without words’; with each movement vividly describing a different scene of his feelings, often with extreme changes in mood and feeling. The advance of composing program music is the reason why most people regard Berlioz as a romantic. Having said that, Berlioz’s life featured unsuccessful love, dramatic triumphs, and dismal failures, many of the traits most romantics would be associated with. The emotional turmoil of his life is reflected in his music and this is why he was the most innovative symphonist of the early Romantic era, Wagner described his music as ‘devilishly confused musical idiom’. Symphonie Fantastique’ was the first that Berlioz wrote in a programmatic style; however ‘Harold en Italie’ is also another clear example of Berlioz’s symphonic program music. To conclude, Berlioz’s main contributions to the symphony was his creative innovations in both the introduction of the ‘idee fix’ and his advances which contributed greatly to the growth and development of the modern symphony orchestra. It could be argued that a more overarching and sig nificant contribution was the romanticism which he clearly displays in all of his symphonies which paved the way for the later Romantic composers. How to cite Discuss Berlioz’s Contribution to the Symphony, Essay examples

Factors Affecting Prices of iPads

Question: Examine the factors that determine the price of iPad in a free market. In recent years, the prices of iPad have continued to fall even in the face of increasing demand. Analyse with the aid of a diagram how this has occurred. Answer: Objectives The iPad was launched in 2010 and from the technological point of view it can be said to be highly incredible, revolutionary and something which will provide a brand satisfaction. In a span of 2 years it has been witnessed that it has not only been successful but also dominated the market. The purpose of this assignment is to shed light on the price establishing mechanism of the iPads. It is to be note that there are various methods and factors which are observed before taking a price decision. The dominance can be gained only when there is a good policy and the price determination is well placed. In the further discussion we will complete material on the price making mechanism of iPads. The second part will shed light on the falling prices of iPads inspite of rise in demand. There are many factors which paves the way for fall in prices such as too many entrants, technological advancement, price war, etc (Braeutigam, 2010). The secret behind Apple and its products (iPad) is by dint o f product line, as well as design standards. It has the best of the features and factors which drives the brand. Be it a design firm to software powerhouse to a computer builder it is all in all. Factors Affecting Prices of iPads How Apple sets the prices New products come to the market and it is a great fun to shed light on the features and compare it. Apple hardly matters about the critics and leave it entirely on the numbers to speak (Opocher Steedman, 2009). With a cool head along with luck good deals can be grabbed with a simple vision and an alert sense of mind. As a matter of fact the provision of discount is one of the primary tool that enables the retailers to compete with each other in a formidable manner. All bet s, as well as rivalry is due to the apple iPads. Apple devices and Macs are the ones that accelerated the discount game (Buchanan, 2010). It is very difficult to find such a huge difference between retailers but is really a major point of attraction. House Advantage There are various laws which regulates competition among leaders but the question crops up how does Ipads (Apple) did an amazing achievement. The answer is simple and straightforward which is price maintenance. This is one of the major tool of Apple that helps in establishing price and when it comes to iPads it was majorly done. Hence, this allotted the advantage to iPads and enables them to pass on the advantage to the retailers too. There are plenty of products which move from manufacturers to retailers by a channel of distributors. It is to be noted that even the product has a pre-defined price, individual retailer is provided the advantage to set own price. When it comes to Apple, it stretch only a little wholesale discount on its Macs, as well as iPads to the retailer of choice. The actual numbers remain a secret which is protected by strong confidentiality between Cupertinno, as well the resellers. On the contrary the difference exists only in few percentage points which is seen at Apple stores. Hence, retailers cannot offer big discounts when it comes to iPads. When it comes to other products there is a huge difference. In case of products there is a huge difference as regards to manufactured suggested retailer price. A laptop with a MSRP of $600 might appear for the retailer as $ 300 to buy and may have the sticker price of $400 which is even backed up by a strong 30% discount. Different retailer might act differently in this regard and tune the sales in his favour. But, iPad is not determined by any such concepts. The retailer cannot make such discounts on the iPad as it is properly regulated. Only a small fraction of wholesale dis count is provided. Carrot and stick The concept of price maintenance is also a major factor which determines the prices of iPad in the market. In this scenario, it needs to be noted that the retailers have less incentives to have the iPads, or to dedicate advertising space to them. Hence, the retailers cannot sell the iPads at below cost which is done in case of others products. This is the place where the strategy of Apple is strong in case of iPads and other related products. As a matter of fact Apple retail strategy is more define din nature (Huang, 2010). The price of iPads is determined by the strategy of the company. The company supplements the tiny wholesale discounts to resellers and provides benefits which are in monetary terms and this is done only when the resellers advertised products above a certain price which is known as the minimum advertised price. This support and arrangement enables retailers to make money on per sale basis but the customers are unable to get discounts in this regard. This helps Appl e to embark on a homogeneous iPad pricing. This strategy helps in establishing the prices of iPad in the free market. This helps the company head towards more sales and does not have to compete against the sellers which are generally offered by the resellers. It is to be noted that the retail operations of Apple is the best in the world and therefore profitable. Hence, this tends to determine the prices of iPads. The undercutting of prices is absent and hence it leads to be a better course of action and pricing strategy (Mankiw Scarth, 2011). In simple terms the individual retailer are unable to influences the pricing and hence the price model is entirely on the basis of the companys strategy. Hence, undercutting the prices will tend to make it underproductive. The pricing of iPad is based on the market scenario and prevents any single retailer to build a strong market position. Hence, advantage cannot be gained through this product. The narrow range in price variability is the important consideration and this helps to keep the prices intact and does not allow any single retailer to make a profit out of it. Hence, it can be said that the pricing of Apple iPads is in strong collaboration with that of the companys policies and that there is no scope that the external events can hamper or change the pricing. This enables the pricing of the iPads to be on an even basis. The distribution channel helps the company in maintaining the standard. Retail Channel The pricing of the iPads also depends upon the push that is generated by Apple. It has its own retail channel which helps in addition of margin which cannot be seen when it is provided to a retail store. This provides a psychological positive advantage and hence the pricing is provided acute stability. The provision of own retail channel cements the stability and therefore Apple does not have to depend on other retail stores for its sales. Hence, the iPad have a better platform and price is determined with ease and flexibility. Moreover, with the benefits such as clean and well crafted ambiance is the major prospect which is hardly found elsewhere (Shaw, 2012). Few years ago there was no such provision but with the new prospect and a high tech world there is so much demand for a tablet which automatically ranks over laptops. It is to be noted that the first impression is the most valuable one which provides a great class to the product. The stores of Apple provide customers a great i mpression of the iPad and hence enable the iPads to be sold at a good margin without having a little consideration into profits. (Laerme, 2007)The distribution of system is well placed and it leads to proper price mechanism. Hence, this method influences the price because the price of a product is determined by the free interplay of demand and supply forces. Now, it is seen in this scenario, that the iPads have a better market and with the role of the Apple stores it has ease of reach and availability. Manufacturing Apple has generated a lot of profits which is a unique stand. It has moved technology in a great manner which has ultimately boosted the entire market. Apple has exclusive access which has provided it a big advantage and since it has great command over this, the pricing of it products is done with ease and that too not depending upon the retailers. Apple has always been unique in terms of appeal and this where the products stands apart from the rest. The pricing of iPads is influenced by the responsive touch screens, better displays, slim devices, proper bodies and other differentiating factors. These factors are the major ones in determining the prices of iPads and since Apple has a major chunk in the market with a mass appeal it has benefitted from such acts. The price is set keeping the class and appeal in focus. Case of increasing demand and falling prices Apple launched iPad in the year 2010 and it was done with a low of euphoria. It was well placed so as to reach the customers and create a huge impact. From scratch in the beginning of 2010 the tablet market enhanced to more than 100 million units at the end of the year 2013. By 2016 the expected figure is to reach a mammoth 2016. Beyond question the growth is formidable, as well as astonishing. As a matter of fact Apple is the biggest player in this market and retains over 45% of the market share. On the contrary, it faces huge competition from Android OS which is coming to the same status as that of Apple. Apple carries several advantages in its favour as it is highly profitable and gains a lot by charging higher prices (Goodin, 2010). Apple has various advantages in the form of Initial mover in the market and whatever it does becomes a trend. It is similar for the iPad. It gained popularity because of the unique features and the backup by Apple. Compatibility factor of Apple and various other products. Brand loyalty which is very formidable. Technological advantages making it a powerful brand. Falling price of iPads Since the introduction of the Apple iPad in 2010 where the price was more than 700$, the average price of the tablet has been in a constant declining state and according to the market prediction the same is bound to happen (Madway, 2010). It is to be noted that this fall has been witnessed inspite of rising demand. Several factors are responsible for this which adds to the reason of falling prices of iPads, as well as other tablets. The table below provides a clear cut indication that the sale of iPad has fallen over a period of time and this is due to various factors which will be discussed in the later section of this project. Ipad Sales year by Year 2010 7.46 million 2011 32.39 million 2012 58.31 million 2013 71.04 million 2014 67.99 million 2015 21.42 million (one quarter) The fall in the prices and rise in the demand can be justified by this figure provided below. The price slumped by the demand has taken a new position which is indicated by D2. In this scenario we can witness that there is an increase in both the demand as well as supply factors. But, the increase in supply is more than the demand. This is the sole reason why the price has fallen inspite of the demand. From the above diagram it is clearly noted that the price has fallen even in the wake of rising demand. The demand of iPads is there in the market but the price has reached a low limit and hence the new equilibrium is framed. The price of iPad was tagged at $700 and it was available at Q1 which indicates the price and the quantity demanded. The meeting of supply and demand was the equilibrium point (Mankiw, 2011). But in the second case, the demand increased and inspite of increment in demand the price fell. This can be due to several reasons. Price skimming When apple launched iPad the product was tagged at $700 which was due to price skimming. Under this scenario high price is charged to them who are willing to pay high price for iPads . But, it needs to be noted that at that point of time there were few competitors in the market but the revolution in the area of technology brought many firm into action. Moreover, the process of iPad can also be said as premium pricing which means the price reinforce the status that Apple is the best quality. The entrants of new tablets in the market have provided a stiff competition. Therefore, the players are more in the market and since there are too many players, the price strategy or price war is the major weapon (Homburg,2009). This has severely affected all the competitors and this can be justified by the scene of falling prices even for Apple iPad. Technological Development The technological development has provided wings to the firms and as a result we can witness high class tablets and computers with low costs. This has resulted in a stiff competition. Consumers are inclined in purchasing of tablets which adds utility and can be purchased at minimum price. Considering this there has been a drastic fall in the price of the tablets. Since one firm imitates other, there is a huge competition and ultimately all have reduced their prices in order to accommodate change (Lee, 2011). Even iPads encountered this problem. Even in the wake of demand it witnessed a low price level. Growth in budget models With the due passage of time there has been numerous models in the market which boasts of the same performance. For example, in UK there are good budget models being sold by companies like Argos, Asda and Tesco. The budget models are for those who are sensitive to price and have a good linking for the functions. Customers who do not have the same loyalty may purchase them with ease and flexibility (Lee, 2011). This factor led to change in demand, the demand for the tablets increased and even the demand for iPads increased as the result of popularity of tablets but the price of iPads continued to fall even in the wake of demand because there was a strong boom in other budget models and in order to accommodate such situation the price came down to a lower level. Low profit margins Many companies are looking to cement their place in the market and as as a result of it the profit margin is very low. This is done in order to gain a formidable position in the long run in case of tablet market. It is to be noted that high sales would result in selling of secondary products. Apple iPad sales enhance the purchase of music from iTunes (Sarah, 2014). Tablets may not be profitable but the case of Microsoft is a glaring example. The operating system (Microsoft) can be seen in majority of the PCs which tend to provide a strong monopoly (Lee, 2011). Similar case can be observed in case of iPads where the price is settled for low in order to gain a commendable position and once the market is settled it will lead to significant result in the long run. This is an excellent manner of extracting more profits but needs to be noted that at the current level the price may be tagged too low. This is exactly the policy of iPads even in the situation of huge demand, the prices are le ss. Economies of Scale There has been a widespread growth in the tablet market which have enabled firms to take advantage of the economies of scale. This has enabled to cut down costs. Similar thing is witnessed in case of Apple iPads where the economies of scale and the technological development have shown a major turnaround. This has led to mass scale production and has lift the sales. This has provided the company the advantage to lower down costs and inspite of huge demand the product is available at lower prices. Moreover, when it comes to the competitive arena it can be said that price wars is the major weapon and drop in the prices along with the demand increment can be a strategy to gain a major chunk of the market (Murphy, 2013). Overall, Apple sold more than million during the past years sales. The sales figures is clearly reflected in the picture. From the figure and chart it can be seen that the sales in October fell more than 13% in comparison to the month of October in the last year (Murphy, 2013). Conclusion Apple products are well settled in the market and enjoy a great deal of dominance which can be justified by the sales as well as brand popularity. The pricing of iPads clearly highlights the unique concept which is followed by Apple in order to promote as well as enable maximum reach of the iPads. The unique method is followed so as to cut down competition and make the product easy available. Apple does not allow the retailers to gain a huge percentage on margin because it has well defined reach, as well as availability. Therefore, it is able to meet the customers demand in a unique manner. On the other hand, when it comes to decline in the prices of the iPads it can be said that there are various factors which influences such move. The demand of the product varies and this can happen not only from the action of that particular product but also the competitors product. Increase in demand with declining products for iPads indicates the motive of the Apple brand to cement the stability . Since there are number of players therefore such action has been taken into consideration. Due to this a new equilibrium of demand and supply will come into picture and will keep on happening when there is a new change. References Braeutigam, Ronald (2010). Microeconomics (4th ed.). Wiley.Buchanan, Matt (2010). Official: iPad Launching Here April 3, Pre-Orders. Gizmodo.. 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