Reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 37

Reaction paper - Essay Example However, one is convinced that aside from the failure of academic institutions to integrate relevant modules or courses on this facet, people who are actual victims of domestic violence have strong apprehensions to report the incidents due to a variety of factors: could be personal reasons, fear to disclose the information since a loved one is involved, fear for retaliation, lack of information, resources, or knowledge of reporting, and out right denial. Thus, one seriously believes that in paper, the Safe Family Project which is based on the expounded logic model is perfectly designed; however, in the real life setting, the implementation process could be more challenging, as it seems. Yet, however daunting the tasks are, providing training for health care practitioners to address domestic violence is paramount. Overall, one affirms that the model could be slowly integrated as a regular training module for nurses in all health care settings to enable them to appropriately identify, assess, and apply the appropriate interventions needed, according to the patients’ or victims’ needs. One believes that the total success of the program lies with the complete support and participation of the victims of domestic violence, as well as members of the health care institutions, to provide education, counseling, patient care, monitoring, follow-ups, and effective use of resources to ensure that the violence that these patients have experienced would be ultimately

Develop a three year professional action plan Essay

Develop a three year professional action plan - Essay Example Health care would in fact be the number one industry in the United States. Operations research-type analysis and application for the complex problems involved would be of benefit to any health care system. The largest problem, there are not enough people considering careers in the health care industry. Currently, the health care industry in the United States faces many of the same issues confronting other industries, but there would be some significant political differences. Simultaneously, health care would be representative of a huge segment of the economy, and it needs our help. The people working as part of the healthcare system are generally dedicated to providing the best possible service. The problem is, the workforce and, more importantly, management, do not possess the necessary training or knowledge to make the best use of the available resources. Under these particular circumstances, it would be doubtful that any private industry would survive with the level of waste and inefficiency commonly seen in health care. Healthcare is a business like no other known business model. There would be multiple decision-makers with conflicting goals and objectives. The first consideration should be the acute care hospital. At this time, most hospitals in the United States, and in the case of Canada virtually all, are not-for-profit, independent corporations. Glouberman and Mintzberg would identify four different management groups for which they utilize the term four worlds within the hospital environment. Clinical operations are managed in a downward focus due to doctors and nurses and their focus on patient care. Managers and trustees focus in an upward consideration toward those who control or fund the institution. Moreover, employees, in this case managers and nurses, would practice some management within the institution, while doctors and trustees would manage outside the hospital as from the outside in, since they are technically not employees and are thus independent of its formal authority. The world of cure, which is characterized by short, intensive and essentially non-personal medical interventions, would be considered a quadrant of this particular ideal. Typically, North American doctors would not work directly for the hospitals. They are in fact private entrepreneurs who possess admission privileges at a hospital. There are a few who would consist as salaried hospital employees, but the majority would in fact consistently work on a fee-for-service basis with the hospital. To maximize their income, doctors would often make brief appearances whenever the patient requires a cure and intervention or treatment of some form. From this point they would move forward. As a potential healthcare manager it is best to understand the political and other interrelationships between doctors, nurses, hospital personnel and administration. Health care managers face another sector, which represents the world of care. This is the world represented by nurses. Nurses are providers who work directly for the hospital on salary and typically account for the largest component of its operating budget. They work in their own internal management hierarchy and have a unique relationship with patients. They are

Problem solution report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Problem solution report - Essay Example the risk reward ratio is very high and the results are guided by the factors such as ideas, innovative experiments, freedom of thinking, rate of success, pressure for delivery, unexpected breakdowns in the processes, chances of failures, opportunities to learn new techniques, etc. Therefore, identification of the problem, analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the organization (here it is the team), providing facilities to achieve the objectives, maintaining communications at all levels, lateral as well as vertical, etc. are very important in this regard. When the above fundamental factors are put in place, motivation, decision making within the frame work, accountability of the members of the team and above all motivation to the team members would yield excellent results considering the potentials of the employees with sound and balanced background in the field. The Australian company Morning Drops Company (MDC) faces similar problems faced by the multinational companies, such as IBM, Xerox, etc., the converging points of different cultures. If we could concentrate on the relevant points without going deeper into the cultural differences, a common platform for the people belonging to various cultures would emerge. It is in this direction the problem should be approached for efficient resolution. According to Hofstede model, there are ‘five dimensions to national cultures: Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism, Masculinity and Long Term Orientation†¦ The new factors revealed common problems with which IBM employees in all these societies had to cope, but for which their upbringing in their country presented its own profile of solutions. These problems were: (4) The balance between ego values (like the need for money and careers) and social values (like cooperation and a good living environment). The former were more frequently chosen by men, the latter by women, but there were also country differences.’ (Hofstede, G, 2009). Having

Comparing Models of Health

Comparing Models of Health â€Å"Compare and contrast any two models of health. Briefly explain the relationship between named social factors and health† There are numbers of ways of how health can be defined. One of most known definitions is by World Health Organization that states ‘health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of diseases. However, there are three main models of health and each of them has its own definition. This essay will compare and contrast two models of health bio-medical model and social model as well as discus s range of social factors that affect it health. Over the last century the most influencing and dominant model in health in Western countries has been biomedical model. It began in nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when there were great advances of medical science (Taylor, Field). Biomedical model is a conceptual model of illness that only includes biological factors, excluding possible psychological and social factors in attempt to understand persons medical illness or disorder (Mondofacto, 2009). In other words, biomedical model sees human body as a machine that if it is not working then it needs to be fixed. Furthermore, it only embraces one cause of illness, dismissing other possible factors that may have lead to it. Prevention of disease is not the priority of this health model; it focuses on finding a cure. The aim of biomedical model is to â€Å"reduce morbidity and premature mortality† (Naidoo, Willis, 1994) The social model of health is not as popular as biomedical model, because its cure of illness or disease is not so straightforward. It focuses on the lifestyles and behaviour of individuals as well as it stresses and encourages personal responsibility. According to Taylor and Field (2007) ‘significant improvement in health is more likely to come from changes in peoples behaviour and in the condition under their live. Following this further, social model of health acknowledges influences on health of political, economic, social and environmental factors with the aim of changes in them, which will help to promote help. (Naidoo, Willis, 1994) On the contrary to biomedical model, the social model of health sees body as a whole rather than separate bodily part. The biomedical and social models of health are different in most of the aspects. Though their both promote health, their propagation towards it and understanding in health is different. While bio medical model of health states that â€Å"the individual is not responsible for their illness and that mind and body work independently from each other (Ogden, 2004), the social models affirmation is different. It believes in overall state of health that addresses to physical, social and economic environment (Naidoo, Willis, 1994). For example, biomedical model of health would claim that lung cancer is caused by smoking, while social model of heath may suggest that passive smoking or hereditary disposition to the disease can be causes to it. Pursuing this further, Blaxter (2004) yet suggest that bio medical model of heath does not promote a healthy lifestyle, as it could be thought if you are smoking, excessively drinking and eating unhealthily but not feeling ill, then it is acceptable t o carry on with that. Controversially, social model of health is looking at it differently, by encouraging people to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent illnesses and diseases (Blaxter, 2004). The differences between the bio-medical and social models of health intensifies even more when in eighteenth and nineteenth centuries mortality and morbidity rates decreased. The reasons of these magnificent changes were ‘reduction in mortality from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, diphtheria and dysentery (Morgan, Calnan, Manning, 1998,). The serious debate begun between Griffiths and McKeown, after Griffiths claimed, the ‘growth of the hospital, dispensary and midwifery services, additions of knowledge of physiology and anatomy, and introduction of smallpox inoculation (ibid) were the great causes of declining in mortality rates. Despite the strong evidences, Tom McKeown proved that T. Griffiths analysis were wrong and gave distinctive examination. It was concluded that particularly improved living conditions, sanitation and nutrition as well as limitation in family size were the major factors of reduction in mortality rates. By this, McKeown demonstra ted that social and environmental conditions have a big impact on peoples lives. In Modern Britain social classes still exist with lower classes living in poverty and facing inequalities in health. For long, health inequalities between social classes were not certified until ‘Black report† was published in 1980. By using infant mortality rates, life expectancy, mental illness and causes of death, it showed that the higher persons social class is, the more likely he would be in a good health. Since the general living and working conditions are significantly worst in lower social classes, these evidences do not come as a surprise. Not only people live in inadequate housing conditions, such as damp, disrepair and lack of toilet facilities (Naidoo, Willis, 1994) which have an impact on health but also are more inclinable to lead unhealthy lifestyle with lack of exercises, poor nutrition and bad habits (Browne, 2005). Consequently, people living under these conditions have more health problems, such as heart diseases and respiratory illnesses. Following this further, people from deprived areas are not only more likely to suffer from ill health, but also, have to face a poorer medical care, with overworked GPs and long waiting lists in hospitals. (Browne, 2005) However, bio medical model of health does not agree with social model by raising awareness in inequalities in health between social classes, stating, that the ‘ diseases of affluence , such as coronary heart diseases and cancer are the major killers in contemporary Britain (Naidoo, Willis, 1994). Yet, Naidoo and Willis (1994) represented argument that these diseases are more common in lower social classes. Notwithstanding, Bio medical model agrees with social model of health about sex differences in morbidity and mortality. Naidoo and Willis report ‘that women are more resistant to infection and benefit from a protective effect from oestrogen accounting for their lower mortality rates (Naidoo, Willis, 1994). Even so, the bio medical model can not explain the difference of womens mortality rate between social classes yet again. In conclusion, it is observable that both bio medical model and social model of health has a great arguments in their believes and promotions. However, it is clear that social model of health is offering more holistic approach to health by looking at lifestyle and environment with the aim to prevent illnesses before it appeared. Saying that, without a bio medical model of health, medicine would not be as much advanced as it is now. Ideally, both models of health should be working along side to provide with the best care in health and so much needed qualities in health. http://www.mondofacto.com

Analysis of The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield Essay -- The Cele

Analysis of The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield tells the story of a man who tries to learn and understand the nine key insights into life itself in an ancient manuscript that has been discovered in Peru. It predicts a massive spiritual transformation of society in the late twentieth century. We will finally grasp the secrets of the universe, the mysteries of existence, and the meaning of life. The real meaning and purpose of life will not be found in religion or in material wealth, but rather in things like auras. He comes across the insights in numerical order since that is how one must understand them. Overcoming an initial skepticism, the narrator's understanding grows with each insight. They include the following: 1. A Critical Mass. 2. The Longer Now. 3. A Matter of Energy. 4. The Struggle for Power. 5. The Message of the Mystics. 6. Clearing the Past. 7. Engaging the Flow. 8. The Interpersonal Ethic. 9. The Emerging Culture. In the first 15 pages, while the plot is still forming, at least eight basic ideas are introduced: a spiritual awakening is occurring in the world (p.4); humanity is evolving into a higher spiritual consciousness (p.4); seek the experiential (p.5); coincidences have spiritual significance (synchronicity) (p.6); the knowledge contained in the manuscript's insights has been hidden from most of the world (esoteric, secret knowledge) (p.8); anti-Christian attitudes (p.9); discover truth through experience (p.10); and when the student is ready, the teacher appears (p.15). These ideas are not always expressed in so many words, but their principles are. For example, the basis of the story is that the spiritual insights humanity needs are hidden in an ancient document, and must be uncovered if mankind is to advance spiritually. Not everyone, according to the story, is ready for or able to comprehend these teachings. The insights are for those spiritually ripe, the spiritual elite. The book i mplies that in time others will accept these ideas but for now the more advanced must lead until a critical mass of people have grasped the insights. The first two insights are that coincidences have a deep significance and that this decision-making should guide an individual. Later insights build on this, teaching the narrator that he should be guided by daydreams, intuitions and thoughts that ma... ... over several years time. Crossroads encountered several times in one day in The Celestine Prophecy probably happen over a much longer period to someone finding one's self. I enjoyed and was intrigued by the control dramas analogy that was presented in The Celestine Prophecy. They sure seemed to enhance understanding on the issue. Also this spiritual enlightenment story portrayed to me that healing to an awareness of our inner light can move right along when we are not encumbered by blame and guilt. There was no judgment implied as to which choices that one makes, it seemed to be simply a matter of preference if one chose to liberate or not. Acceptance of whatever is flows through the entire book. Naturally we would come to choose healing, and naturally we would tolerate those not ready to do so yet. But what blew me away is how blatantly and clearly the writing conveyed how the fearful phenomenon of dysfunctional codependency plays itself out--people attempting to live on each o ther's energy in lieu of tapping their own inner power. This can be seen in the scene where they seen the energies exchange between some people. All and all I enjoyed reading this novel by James Redfield. Analysis of The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield Essay -- The Cele Analysis of The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield tells the story of a man who tries to learn and understand the nine key insights into life itself in an ancient manuscript that has been discovered in Peru. It predicts a massive spiritual transformation of society in the late twentieth century. We will finally grasp the secrets of the universe, the mysteries of existence, and the meaning of life. The real meaning and purpose of life will not be found in religion or in material wealth, but rather in things like auras. He comes across the insights in numerical order since that is how one must understand them. Overcoming an initial skepticism, the narrator's understanding grows with each insight. They include the following: 1. A Critical Mass. 2. The Longer Now. 3. A Matter of Energy. 4. The Struggle for Power. 5. The Message of the Mystics. 6. Clearing the Past. 7. Engaging the Flow. 8. The Interpersonal Ethic. 9. The Emerging Culture. In the first 15 pages, while the plot is still forming, at least eight basic ideas are introduced: a spiritual awakening is occurring in the world (p.4); humanity is evolving into a higher spiritual consciousness (p.4); seek the experiential (p.5); coincidences have spiritual significance (synchronicity) (p.6); the knowledge contained in the manuscript's insights has been hidden from most of the world (esoteric, secret knowledge) (p.8); anti-Christian attitudes (p.9); discover truth through experience (p.10); and when the student is ready, the teacher appears (p.15). These ideas are not always expressed in so many words, but their principles are. For example, the basis of the story is that the spiritual insights humanity needs are hidden in an ancient document, and must be uncovered if mankind is to advance spiritually. Not everyone, according to the story, is ready for or able to comprehend these teachings. The insights are for those spiritually ripe, the spiritual elite. The book i mplies that in time others will accept these ideas but for now the more advanced must lead until a critical mass of people have grasped the insights. The first two insights are that coincidences have a deep significance and that this decision-making should guide an individual. Later insights build on this, teaching the narrator that he should be guided by daydreams, intuitions and thoughts that ma... ... over several years time. Crossroads encountered several times in one day in The Celestine Prophecy probably happen over a much longer period to someone finding one's self. I enjoyed and was intrigued by the control dramas analogy that was presented in The Celestine Prophecy. They sure seemed to enhance understanding on the issue. Also this spiritual enlightenment story portrayed to me that healing to an awareness of our inner light can move right along when we are not encumbered by blame and guilt. There was no judgment implied as to which choices that one makes, it seemed to be simply a matter of preference if one chose to liberate or not. Acceptance of whatever is flows through the entire book. Naturally we would come to choose healing, and naturally we would tolerate those not ready to do so yet. But what blew me away is how blatantly and clearly the writing conveyed how the fearful phenomenon of dysfunctional codependency plays itself out--people attempting to live on each o ther's energy in lieu of tapping their own inner power. This can be seen in the scene where they seen the energies exchange between some people. All and all I enjoyed reading this novel by James Redfield.

A Rose for Emily essay Essay

Sometimes in life, the suppression of one’s ambitions combined with the fear of loneliness can lead to a clinging of the familiar. This is evident in William Faulkner’s short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† in which an emotionally unstable Emily Grierson poisons her lover, Homer Barron, to prevent him from deserting her. Because of the Griersons’ high social status, the townspeople keep up with Emily’s every move although she had become a recluse in the years following her oppressive father’s death. With an overall forthright tone, Faulkner creates a surprise ending by using an unconventional plot structure and conveys the dangerous extremes  one may resort to in order for love. At first glance, the ending of â€Å"A Rose for Emily† may come as a shock due to the unchronological plot, but in hindsight there are many clues that Faulkner uses to suggest an unfortunate resolution. The surprise, of course, is the revelation of Emily’s necrophilic tendency to embrace the corpse of Homer. The first ominous hint toward Emily’s crime is when a â€Å"smell developed† two years â€Å"after her father’s death and a short time after her sweetheart†¦deserted her. † This evokes a feeling of curiosity as to what could be causing such a stench in Emily’s home that would attract the neighbors’ attention. Later, when her father died, the doctors had to â€Å"[try] to persuade her to let them dispose of the body. † Even though her selfish father drove away all of her suitors just so he could keep Emily as a maid, â€Å"with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her. † Because her father was all she had known, Emily refused to let him go even though he robbed her of any opportunity at love. Her clinging to Mr. Grierson after his death strongly foreshadows her future clinging to Homer after she murders him. The next clue involves Emily’s purchasing of arsenic from a druggist. When he informs her that the law requires a reason for the purchase, â€Å"Miss Emily just stared at him, her head tilted back in order to look him eye for eye†Ã¢â‚¬â€daring him to try forcing the reason from her. This suspicious action evokes a feeling of suspense as Miss Emily’s intentions are still unclear but obviously harmful. Had she planned to use the arsenic only â€Å"for rats,† why would she withhold her reason from the druggist? One final hint is given after Emily’s visiting relatives leave the town and â€Å"within three days Homer Barron was back in town. † He is admitted into Emily’s house and the narrator remarks â€Å"that was the last we saw of Homer Barron. † Once more, apprehensiveness is apparent as the narrator’s statement is usually uttered only when a person is presumed to have died. These hints would certainly reveal the surprise prematurely had they been told in a conventional, chronological plot. If Faulkner presented them in order—first Emily’s clinging to Mr. Grierson after his death, her purchasing of arsenic, Homer’s disappearance into Emily’s home, and then the acrid smell emanating from her home—the conclusion would be far more predictable. ` Through the use of an unchronological, unorthodox plot structure, Faulkner is able to  astound the reader with an appalling resolution. Although many ominous hints add to the suspense, the resolution remains unknown. Had the events unfolded in consecutive time, the surprise factor of the conclusion would not have been as effective. Emily’s embracing of the corpse of her dead lover shows her mental instability as she resists letting go of what is familiar to her, just as she did with her father. A morbid story with an unconventional plot structure, â€Å"A Rose for Emily† provides insight into how a fear of loneliness can drastically affect one’s actions and mental state.

Company Overview of Domestic Direct Competitors of Sime Darby

COMPANY OVERVIEW OF DOMESTIC DIRECT COMPETITORS OF SIME DARBY (GENTING BERHAD) Genting Berhad (Genting), a holding company for the Genting Group, operates resorts, casino and plantations. It also develops properties, manufactures paper and generates electricity. The company primarily operates in Malaysia. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and employs 36,000people. The company recorded revenues of MYR6,943. 8 million (approximately $1,968. 3 million) during the fiscal year ended December 2006, an increase of 27. 3% over 2005. The operating profit of the company was MYR3,124. million (approximately $885. 7 million) during fiscal year 2006, an increase of 22. 7% over 2005. The net profit was MYR2,242. 5 million in fiscal year 2006, an increase of 23. 8%over 2005. SWOT ANALYSIS Genting is the management and investment holding company of Genting Group. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides leisure and hospitality, cruise and entertainment businesses. Genting also oper ates plantations, develops and manages property, power generation, manufactures and trades paper, explores oil and gas and provides tours and travel related services.The continued success of its leisure and hospitality business, driven by a strong performance from Genting Highlands Resort and its gaming business, has improved overall revenue and profit growth for the company. However, regional competition from new leisure attractions such as Disneyland and Macau's strong position in the gaming business could weaken the company's leisure and hospitality business. Strengths †¢Diverse business portfolio †¢Strong leisure and hospitality division †¢Strong performance of oil and gasWeaknesses Weak performance of property and manufacturing divisions †¢Weak returns Opportunities †¢Growing wealth of Asian population †¢Government initiatives to promote Malaysia †¢Strong outlook for China’s energy sector †¢Rising demand for biodieselThreats †¢Intense competition †¢Natural disasters and epidemics †¢Weakening demand for residential housing STRENGTHS †¢Diverse business portfolio Genting has a diversified business portfolio, which includes the management of casinos and resorts, plantations, property development, paper manufacturing and power generation.Aided by strong growth in most of its business divisions in fiscal year 2006, Genting managed to record an increase of 27. 3% in its revenues over fiscal year 2005. The revenues from leisure and hospitality division increased 20. 9%; power 89. 1%; plantation 10%;and oil and gas 19. 8%. The company is not overly dependent on any one product or business division. Its diversified business portfolio protects it from downturns in any particular division and reduces business risk. †¢Strong leisure and hospitality division The company's leisure and hospitality division has continuously contributed the highest revenues for Genting.The leisure and hospitality divis ion operates the company's hotel, gaming and entertainment businesses. In fiscal year 2006, the division recorded revenues of MYR4,286. 9 million(approximately $1,215. 2 million), contributing 61. 7% to the company's revenues. This increase is mainly due to the higher volume of business from Genting Highlands Resort. For the period 2002-2006, the leisure and hospitality division grew at a CAGR of 12%. The division's strong performance is attributed to the overall success of the company's theme resorts which are becoming Malaysia’s leading tourist destinations.The company's gaming business, which operates its casinos both locally and internationally, has also posted strong results in recent years. Strong performance from the leisure and hospitality division has improved overall revenue and profit growth for Genting. †¢Strong performance of oil and gas Revenues for the oil and gas division of Genting have consistently improved in recent years. Although the division contrib uted just 2% to Genting’s revenues in fiscal year 2006, it recorded revenues of MYR141. 3 million (approximately $40. 1 million), a 19. % increase over the previous year. From 2002-2006, the oil and gas division grew at a CAGR of 29%. The phenomenal success of the division is attributed to significantly higher oil prices and increased production. Genting expects an even stronger growth for the oil and gas division in the future from increased oil production in Muturi (Indonesia) and China. WEAKNESS †¢Weak performance of property and manufacturing divisions Despite an increase of 7. 7% in fiscal year 2006, the property division's revenues have been volatile over the recent years.For the period 2003-2006, the division's CAGR was -6%, the lowest among all the company's business divisions. Despite a 6% increase in revenues, the manufacturing division's profit before tax declined 44% in fiscal 2006 over the previous year. Weak performance of these divisions would affect the o verall growth of the company. †¢Weak returns Genting has recorded weak returns in the last few years. Its return on investments and return on equity for trailing twelve months (TTM) December 2006 were 10. 2% and 13. 5%, respectively, lower than the industry averages of 10. % and 16. 8% for the same period. Weak returns reflect the inability of the management to deploy assets in profitable avenues, and this could result in decreasing investor confidence. OPPORTUNITIES †¢Growing wealth of Asian population Strong economic growth is expected to improve the spending habits of leisure travellers in the Asian region. A number of Asian countries are expected to record a significant CAGR in GDP per capita in the next five years, including: China (10. 1%), India (8. 1%), Thailand (7%), Singapore and Malaysia(6. 6%).Consequently, disposable income in these countries is expected to grow in the next five years. India’s disposable income records the highest CAGR of 11. 1%, Thaila nd, 8. 4%, China, 8. 1%,Malaysia, 5. 5% and Singapore, 5. 3%. Genting's foreign visitors mostly come from these countries. As such, the company stands to profit from the improving economic conditions of these markets. Rising income levels will increase demand for leisure and hospitality services. †¢Government initiatives to promote Malaysia The importance of tourism to the Malaysian economy has grown considerably in recent years.The joint efforts of Malaysia’s Tourism Ministry and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) to stimulate tourism activities are expected to result in higher tourist arrivals in Malaysia. The MTPB hosts trade, tourism and consumer fairs around the world to promote the country’s culture and tourist attractions. In fiscal year 2005, there were a total of about 15. 8 million international arrivals in Malaysia. Annual targets announced under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) include an increase in international arrivals from 17. 3 million in 2006 to 20 million by 2010.In addition, the Malaysian government recently announced a five-day work week for civil servants, which translate to a greater number of holidays available for Malaysians. Also, the presence of low-fare air travel will boost the leisure and tourism industry in Malaysia. This positive outlook of Malaysian tourism presents the company with growth opportunities. †¢Strong outlook for China’s energy sector Demand for worldwide energy is expected to report strong growth until 2025. Energy demand from China is expected to grow by an average of 3. 2% annually until 2025, to reach a volume of 14. 2million barrels per day (bbl/d).Genting has consistently expanded its oil and gas assets including the acquisition of four power plants in China. China is the world's second largest consumer of petroleum products and the company stands to benefit from the growth in China’s energy sector. †¢Rising demand for biodiesel The European Union has a targe t of replacing 5. 75% of diesel with renewable sources by 2010. In view of this growing European demand for bio fuels, the Malaysian government is encouraging the use of palm oil to the production of biodiesel. The country is also preparing to change from diesel to bio-fuels in the near future.It has stipulated that from 2007, all diesel sold in Malaysia must contain5% palm oil. The plantation division of Genting is involved mainly in oil palm plantations, palm oil milling and related activities. It could therefore take advantage of the new opportunity to improve its revenue growth. THREATS †¢Intense competition Genting's leisure and hospitality division is expected to face stiff competition from new leisure attractions in Asia. Disneyland Hong Kong, which opened in September 2005, has emerged as a key competitor The Disneyland attracted approximately 5. million visitors in its first year of operation and is expected to increase to about 10 million annually. Genting is also fac ing competition from casinos in Macau. Macau has at least fourteen casinos, of which the biggest is the Casino Lisboa. Four casino resorts are scheduled to be launched in the next few years in Macau. Disneyland Hong Kong and casinos in Macau could draw tourists away from Genting's leisure and hospitality locations, which would reduce revenue growth. †¢Natural disasters and epidemics The leisure and hospitality is vulnerable to natural disasters and epidemics.In 2003, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) adversely affected the Star Cruises operation. Star Cruises was also badly affected by the tsunami in 2004. In 2005-2006, outbreak of bird flu affected the leisure and travel industry including cruises. Natural disasters and outbreak of epidemics such as SARS and bird flu in the future could reduce tourist traffic to resorts, casinos and cruise ships of Genting, which would pull revenue growth down. †¢Weakening demand for residential housing Demand for r esidential properties in Malaysia is weakening.Demand for housing in 2006 was lower than 2005. Moreover, the Malaysian GDP growth for 2007 is expected to be 5. 0% down from 5. 8%in 2006 which could have a corresponding effect on Malaysian housing. The company has a significant presence in residential housing. It has recently launched two residential properties: Asiatic Cheng Perdana and Asiatic Indahpura. Excess supply in the Malaysian residential property market and the consequent fall in property prices would negatively impact the performance of Genting's property division.