George Washington University awarded $2.3 million contract to study teaching health centers

[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 12-Nov-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Kathy Fackelmann
kfackelmann@gwu.edu
202-994-8354
George Washington University

5-year contract issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration

WASHINGTON--The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) recently received a $2.3 million contract to assess the baseline characteristics and outcomes of training medical residents in community-based settings, often located in regions struggling with a severe shortage of health care providers. These so-called Teaching Health Centers were created by the landmark Affordable Care Act in order to strengthen the primary care workforce, particularly for people living in underserved neighborhoods.

"This is an exciting opportunity to evaluate the Teaching Health Center Program and the goal of boosting access to primary care," said Marsha Regenstein, PhD, MCP, a principal investigator on the project and a professor of health policy at SPHHS. "With this five-year contract our team will conduct an in-depth study of nine Teaching Health Centers located in underserved communities across the country." Candice Chen, MD, MPH, an assistant research professor at SPHHS will act as the co-principal investigator and manager of the project.

Under the Affordable Care Act the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program was established to boost the number of primary care training programs for newly graduated doctors entering a residency program. The program aims to increase the number of primary care providers practicing in underserved neighborhoods, places that often struggle with high rates of poverty, a lack of health insurance and other issues.

"The hope is that doctors trained in these settings will go back and work in the same community or in other underserved neighborhoods," Chen said, adding that many doctors today train to be specialists and end up in big cities or suburban areas. "There's a shortfall of physicians trained in family medicine or other aspects of primary careand that shortage is especially acute in lower-income urban or rural areas."

Currently Medicare provides nearly $10 billion per year to teaching hospitals, typically large academic medical centers where residents have traditionally trained for independent practice. However, hospital-based programs often focus on specialty care and may not adequately prepare doctors for practicing medicine in places where people are poor and suffer from many chronic health problems, Regenstein said.

The Teaching Health Center program was set up to remedy that lack of access by allowing community-based ambulatory health centers, including Community Health Centers, to begin to train residents in family medicine and other aspects of primary care. With the new contract, SPHHS researchers will evaluate nine Teaching Health Centers and their ability to provide medical residents with high-caliber training in remote or underserved locations, Regenstein said.

The contract also stipulates that SPHHS evaluate how many residents actually circle back after they finish the program and care for the underserved. There is some evidence that they do but this study could help solidify that link or identify barriers that still keep residents away from underserved locations.

The SPHHS researchers will also be able to evaluate the cost of training residents in the Teaching Health Centers. Such information is important for policymakers who must evaluate the program and want to see that funds going toward such training result in a payoffnamely an expansion in primary care doctors who are practicing in community clinics.

Finally, Regenstein and her colleagues will also develop a toolkit so that these teaching centers can be evaluated in the future for quality, cost, and outcome measures.

###

The nine Teaching Health Centers included in this evaluation are: Valley Consortium for Medical Education in Modesto, Calif.; Family Residency of Idaho in Boise; Northwestern McGaw Erie Family Health Center in Chicago, Ill.; Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in Massachusetts; Montana Family Medicine Residency in Billings; Institute for Family Health in New York; Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, Penn; Community Health of Central Washington in Yakima and Community Health Systems in Beckley, W. Va.

About the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services:

Established in July 1997, the School of Public Health and Health Services brought together three longstanding university programs in the schools of medicine, business, and education and is now the only school of public health in the nation's capital. Today, more than 1,100 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 40 nations pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees in public health. http://sphhs.gwu.edu/


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 12-Nov-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Kathy Fackelmann
kfackelmann@gwu.edu
202-994-8354
George Washington University

5-year contract issued by the Health Resources and Services Administration

WASHINGTON--The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) recently received a $2.3 million contract to assess the baseline characteristics and outcomes of training medical residents in community-based settings, often located in regions struggling with a severe shortage of health care providers. These so-called Teaching Health Centers were created by the landmark Affordable Care Act in order to strengthen the primary care workforce, particularly for people living in underserved neighborhoods.

"This is an exciting opportunity to evaluate the Teaching Health Center Program and the goal of boosting access to primary care," said Marsha Regenstein, PhD, MCP, a principal investigator on the project and a professor of health policy at SPHHS. "With this five-year contract our team will conduct an in-depth study of nine Teaching Health Centers located in underserved communities across the country." Candice Chen, MD, MPH, an assistant research professor at SPHHS will act as the co-principal investigator and manager of the project.

Under the Affordable Care Act the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program was established to boost the number of primary care training programs for newly graduated doctors entering a residency program. The program aims to increase the number of primary care providers practicing in underserved neighborhoods, places that often struggle with high rates of poverty, a lack of health insurance and other issues.

"The hope is that doctors trained in these settings will go back and work in the same community or in other underserved neighborhoods," Chen said, adding that many doctors today train to be specialists and end up in big cities or suburban areas. "There's a shortfall of physicians trained in family medicine or other aspects of primary careand that shortage is especially acute in lower-income urban or rural areas."

Currently Medicare provides nearly $10 billion per year to teaching hospitals, typically large academic medical centers where residents have traditionally trained for independent practice. However, hospital-based programs often focus on specialty care and may not adequately prepare doctors for practicing medicine in places where people are poor and suffer from many chronic health problems, Regenstein said.

The Teaching Health Center program was set up to remedy that lack of access by allowing community-based ambulatory health centers, including Community Health Centers, to begin to train residents in family medicine and other aspects of primary care. With the new contract, SPHHS researchers will evaluate nine Teaching Health Centers and their ability to provide medical residents with high-caliber training in remote or underserved locations, Regenstein said.

The contract also stipulates that SPHHS evaluate how many residents actually circle back after they finish the program and care for the underserved. There is some evidence that they do but this study could help solidify that link or identify barriers that still keep residents away from underserved locations.

The SPHHS researchers will also be able to evaluate the cost of training residents in the Teaching Health Centers. Such information is important for policymakers who must evaluate the program and want to see that funds going toward such training result in a payoffnamely an expansion in primary care doctors who are practicing in community clinics.

Finally, Regenstein and her colleagues will also develop a toolkit so that these teaching centers can be evaluated in the future for quality, cost, and outcome measures.

###

The nine Teaching Health Centers included in this evaluation are: Valley Consortium for Medical Education in Modesto, Calif.; Family Residency of Idaho in Boise; Northwestern McGaw Erie Family Health Center in Chicago, Ill.; Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in Massachusetts; Montana Family Medicine Residency in Billings; Institute for Family Health in New York; Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, Penn; Community Health of Central Washington in Yakima and Community Health Systems in Beckley, W. Va.

About the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services:

Established in July 1997, the School of Public Health and Health Services brought together three longstanding university programs in the schools of medicine, business, and education and is now the only school of public health in the nation's capital. Today, more than 1,100 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 40 nations pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees in public health. http://sphhs.gwu.edu/


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/gwu-gwu110912.php

sandra dee twilight zone december 21 2012 mayan calendar nfl playoff picture nfl playoff picture rose bowl 2012

Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids | Toddler ...

soldiers reuniting 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their KidsIn my previous career, I had to travel quite a bit ? much more than I would of liked to with toddlers at home. One thing I can say that was always nice was that I could always talk or Skype with my husband and kids each night. While my business trips were?inconvenient?to our family and sometimes grueling in general, I was only gone a few days and our life returned to normal soon after mom returned home.

Then I think about my brother-in-law. He has spent the last 10+ years serving our country in the U.S. Army. He has a wife and two toddlers. When he is called to serve, the ?business trips? are never short. The day-to-day of raising children is 100% my sister-in-law?s. While communication is now more readily available, it?s no where near as easy to access as I had in a hotel room. After the weeks or months that go by, reuniting with his wife and children is bliss.

Watching soldiers reunite with loved ones is a heart warming experience. If you have ever witnessed such an event you know what I am talking about.?The emotion is so evident, even in photos. Check out these 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids.?

  • thumbs 01 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    His American Hero

    This is my brother-in-law, Jay. He has served numerous times in Iraq. His son, 4, thinks the world of him.

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#his-american-hero

  • thumbs 02 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    5 Kids at Home

    Sgt. Quentin Johnson has five kids, here he is hugging four of them.
    Image Source: army.mil

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#5-kids-at-home

  • thumbs 03 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Darth Vadar Surprise

    Deployed Dad surprises son by dressing up as Darth Vadar. Watch this video!

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#darth-vadar-surprise

  • thumbs 04 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Dad Deployed for a Year

    Sgt. Ramon Troya reunites with his 18-month-old son. He was separated from his family for a year.
    Image Source: army.mil

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#dad-deployed-for-a-year

  • thumbs 05 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#reunited

  • thumbs 06 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Daddy's Girl

    Little Abigail, 21-month-old is clinging to her daddy - Spc. Kory Castro after a 12-month deployment to Iraq.
    Image Source: Pinterest

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#daddys-girl

  • thumbs 07 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Homecoming

    Sgt. Mitchell Pecoraro and his wife and daughter during a homecoming ceremony for his battalion.
    image source: kdhnews.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#homecoming

  • thumbs 08 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Kisses from Daddy

    Kisses from Daddy after a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan.
    Image Source: flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#kisses-from-daddy

  • thumbs 09 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#9-months-away

  • thumbs 10 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Face Squeeze

    Four-year-old Malachi squeezes his daddy's face after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.
    Image Source: flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#face-squeeze

  • thumbs 11 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Madden and His Daddy

    Madden has his daddy home after a year-long mission in Kosovo.
    Image Source: flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#madden-and-his-daddy

  • thumbs 12 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#daughters

  • thumbs 13 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Happy to Be Home

    Daddy is home after a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
    Image Source: flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#happy-to-be-home

  • thumbs 14 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    Welcome Home

    After a year in Afghanistan, this soldier is happy to be home.
    Image Source: Photo by Sgt. Jessica M. Kuhn/XVIII Abn. Corps PAO - flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#welcome-home

  • thumbs 15 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

    A Year Away

    After a year away, Evelyn, 1, and Brooke, 4, are happy to see their daddy.
    Image Source: flickr.com

    /toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/#a-year-away

thanks day 12 300x300 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their KidsToday I am thankful for our freedom. Freedom to write this blog post, to raise my toddlers with the religion of my choosing and the other rights that come thanks to the efforts of our military and government.

To those serving for our freedom, thank you.?While Veterans Day was yesterday ? saying thanks on that day alone just isn?t enough.?

More Molly Babbles:

Molly blogs parenting, geekery and technology at digitalmomblog.com.


?

follow me on pinterest button 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

 15 Remarkable Photos of Soldiers Reuniting With Their Kids

Source: http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2012/11/12/soldiers-reuniting-with-their-kids/

2012 predictions new years eve ball drop new years eve times square 2012 2012 holidays prosperity japan earthquake bosom buddies

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic win at ATP finals

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts to his set win against Andy Murray of Britain during their ATP World Tour Finals singles semifinal tennis match at the O2 Arena in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts to his set win against Andy Murray of Britain during their ATP World Tour Finals singles semifinal tennis match at the O2 Arena in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a return to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina, during their ATP World Tour Finals singles semifinal tennis match, at the O2 Arena in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Andy Murray of Britain goes to wipe his face during a break as he plays Roger Federer of Switzerland during their ATP World Tennis Final semi final singles match in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina plays a return to Novak Djokovic of Serbia, during their ATP World Tour Finals singles semifinal tennis match at the O2 Arena in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts to winning a point against Andy Murray of Britain during their ATP World Tennis Final semi final singles match in London, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

(AP) ? As usual, Roger Federer is looking to add to one of his many records. And as many expected, Novak Djokovic will be trying to stop him.

The top two players in the world advanced to the championship match at the ATP finals on Sunday, each looking beatable early before turning things around.

Federer, a six-time champion at the season-ending event, advanced by beating U.S. Open champion Andy Murray 7-6 (5), 6-2. The top-ranked Djokovic defeated Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

"I knew that if I lose today it's the end of the season, so I gave everything I had and couldn't be more happy," Federer said on court after the match.

The ATP finals is the last tournament of the season, and Federer will face Djokovic in the final match on Monday at the O2 Arena.

Federer found himself in a hole early against Murray, losing his serve in the opening game of the match. But Murray, who lost to Federer in the Wimbledon final but beat him in the Olympic final, couldn't hang on. The 17-time Grand Slam champion broke back to even the score at 4-4, and then recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the tiebreaker to win the opening set and take control of the match.

In the second set, Federer lost only two points on serve and broke Murray twice.

Once he gets ahead, he's incredibly hard to stop," said Murray, who leads Federer 10-9 in head-to-head play. "He tends to play better and better when he gets up. I feel like I gave him that advantage the beginning of the second set.."

In the early match, the top-ranked Djokovic started playing his best tennis as soon as it looked like he was headed for his offseason vacation.

Djokovic was broken late in the first set and again early in the second, but he then found his stroke and quickly rebounded.

"Well, I had a little, let's say, crisis in today's match from 4-all, first set to 2-all in the second, where I didn't feel so good on the court, struggling to find my momentum and my rhythm," Djokovic said. "So you try to be positive and push myself to fight for every point and believe I can come back. That was the case."

Del Potro took the lead late in the first set, breaking Djokovic for a 5-4 lead before serving out the set at love.

The tall Argentine, who defeated Djokovic to win the Olympic bronze medal at Wimbledon this year, then went up a break early in the second set. But Djokovic broke right back to 2-2 and then took Del Potro's serve again to take a 5-3 lead.

"He's so good," Del Potro said. "Of course, he's the No. 1. In these kinds of matches, they make the difference between them and the rest of the players."

In the third, Djokovic decided things by winning 12 of 13 points in a three-game stretch to take a 3-1 lead. He broke again three games later and held at love to advance.

"I believed that I could come back," said Djokovic, who treated the media to chocolates during his post-match news conference to thank them for work throughout the year. "I believed that I could turn this match around in my favor, and I've done so."

The victory was Djokovic's 74th of the season, tying him with David Ferrer for the most this year. It was also his seventh win in nine matches against Del Potro.

Djokovic won the ATP finals in 2008, and reached the semifinals in 2009 ? the first year the tournament was played at the O2 Arena in London.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-11-11-TEN-ATP-Finals/id-ce8916e959674e4d9c863c33d449a508

i am legend san antonio spurs greta van susteren tony parker the five year engagement chris kreider correspondents dinner 2012

Target partners with CNET to offer unbiased expert product reviews ...

Target partners with CNET to offer unbiased expert product reviews on top electronics



Target Corp.?announced a partnership?with CNET ??a consumer electronics and tech news ? to provide?you with CNET Editors? Picks for Target, in time for the holiday season. This is the first collaboration of its kind between a major retailer and a top industry expert, and is part of a larger, ongoing partnership between the two.
Beginning Sunday, you can shop the electronics department with more confidence and ease?thanks to?unbiased expert reviews that will appear with select electronics items both on-shelf? at Target stores and within the ?Expert Review? tab on Target.com.

CNET Editors? Picks for Target will feature 25 product reviews across Target?s electronics department. CNET editors rated products based on ease of use, style and value?- the three criteria most important to you. These product reviews will be clearly visible on-shelf with signage prominently featuring the CNET logo and qualifying criteria, such as ?Best first digital SLR? for the Nikon D3100.?You can use the QR code on the signs to access the full product review on?Target.com. CNET Editors? Picks for Target will also be promoted on the Target.com electronics? homepage where?you can access product reviews under the ?Expert Review? tab found on each product?s page.


As part of the partnership, you can visit Target.com to read CNET editors? reviews on more than 300 devices, and?find Target?s circular promotions featured within the CNET.com Marketplace section, updated weekly. Help and how-to videos featuring CNET editors Sharon Vaknin and Brian Cooley will provide tips and advice on getting started with the season?s must-have electronics and will be available in Target stores and at Target.com later this holiday season.

Will this make a difference to you when you are shopping for electronics this holiday season? Will you read the CNET reviews prior to making a purchase? Will your purchase be at Target?

?

?
Quantcast

Source: http://barbarasbeat.blogspot.com/2012/11/target-partners-with-cnet-to-offer.html

hunger games movie review bats hunger games review jeff saturday jason smith jon corzine austin rivers

Source: http://olivermaxxy.posterous.com/target-partners-with-cnet-to-offer-unbiased-e

maurice jones drew Yash Chopra George McGovern green bay packers meteor shower bruno mars braxton miller

Laughing in the storm: Comics don't shy from Sandy

NEW YORK (AP) ? Comedian Dave Attell told a packed house at the Comedy Cellar that New York after Superstorm Sandy had a familiar feel. "It was dark. Toilets were backing up. ... It was pretty much like it always was."

Another comic, Paul Mecurio, told the same crowd that he got so many calls from worried family members that he started making things up about how bad it was.

"I'm drinking my own urine to survive," he joked.

New York's comedy clubs, some of which had to shut down or go on generator power in the aftermath of the storm, dealt with a bad situation like they always have ? by turning Sandy into a running punchline.

"If they're going to do jokes on Sept. 12 about Sept. 11, then this thing isn't going to slow us down," said Vic Henley, the emcee of a show Oct. 28 at Gotham Comedy Club.

Sean Flynn, Gotham's operating manager, said comics were including the storm in their acts but had to be careful nonetheless not to make people feel worse than they already did.

"There's the old adage that tragedy plus time equals comedy. The variable is the time," he said. Still, he added: "You can't ignore the subject. That's what comedy's all about."

The Comedy Cellar, a regular stop for decades for the country's most notable comedians, was closed from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, but reopened on Nov. 2 after a generator was brought in at a cost of several thousand dollars. Power didn't return until the next day, and the crowds came with it.

"Everyone has a bad case of cabin fever," said Valerie Scott, the club's manager.

Mecurio said he thought the joke was on him when he got a call from the Comedy Cellar saying the club was going ahead with its show even though there was no light in the West Village. He headed downtown from the Upper East Side, hitting dark streets after midtown.

"It's pitch dark," he said. "And there's a room packed with people laughing. It was so surreal. ... I'm calling it the generator show. It was a really cool thing."

"You could feel there was something special about the show," he said. "The audiences were tempered in their mood. You could tell something was up, something was in the air. I knew it was cathartic for people."

He said a woman approached him after the show to thank him, saying: "You kind of brightened my day."

Sometimes, comics used the storm to get a laugh at the expense of the crowd, like when Mark Normand looked down from the Comedy Cellar stage at a man with a thin beard.

"I like the beard," he told him. "Is that because of Sandy? You couldn't get your razor working?"

And Attell used Sandy to mock a heckler, telling him: "You must have been a load of laughs without power."

At another point, Attell looked for positives in the storm.

"There's nothing better than Doomsday sex," he said.

Mecurio said he has made a point of including the storm and the havoc it caused whenever he takes the stage.

"I feel like as a comedian in the spirit of social satire, it's what we're supposed to do," he said. "It's the elephant in the room. How do you not do it?"

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/laughing-storm-comics-dont-shy-sandy-072856323.html

shrimp scampi kate upton si cover lobster recipes hearts roses flower delivery e cards

Franchises ? Good and Bad ? Careers | Raw Business Law

business_law.jpg

Even though franchising per se is a sound business concept, there are good and bad franchises ? and a prospective franchisee needs to discern the difference between the two.

Since choosing a franchise is a major decision, a prospect has to consider many factors before taking the final plunge. Initially, however, he should first list down his preferences, personality traits, and management style. He should go into a business that matches who he is, and how he runs things. He must also study the existing franchises in his area so he could decide if he wants to put up an additional outlet of a company that already has several franchises there or venture into a new one. Finally, he can start to consider the terms of each franchise.

It is necessary for any prospect to conduct a research on existing franchises of the brands he is considering to enquire about their problems, financial viability, and level of satisfaction with the franchise. The feedback that he will get will get can serve as a major gauge on the viability of the business.

A good franchise offers a total package that ranges from start-up assistance to post-opening support for a reasonable fee. There are several points to look for in a good franchise. The brand must be known to the prospect and must be have the potential to expand further. The track record of the franchisor must be good and the franchise fee is reasonable. The projected level of profitability must be supported by facts i.e. the net income of existing franchises, to have an assurance that the investment will be recouped within a reasonable period. Because the investment is lower than a non-franchise business, the Return on Investment should be significantly higher.

The franchisor must be seriously committed to the success of their franchises. The franchisor-franchisee relations should be strong. The existing franchisees should be satisfied with their business and the marketing programs that the central management implements. The organization must be structured in such a way that the roles of each unit are clear and well delineated. A highly organized company maintains an efficient system that maximizes the use of time, energy, and human resources to save money and thus boost profits. In a structured company, the problems in day-to-day operations are greatly reduced because everything is expected to run like clockwork.

The market research must be extensive enough to maintain and continuously strive to improve the profitability of all the franchises. Good franchisors are always on the lookout for potential opportunities to further improve existing strengths and address the problem areas strategically. They know how to respond to market changes quickly in order to stay ahead of other businesses.

The performance of each franchise is studied from time to time. The training that the franchisor provides must be sufficient for start-up operations and running the business, and projected for the long-term stay of employees. In addition, the support of the central management should be adequate to assist the franchisees in handling the problems that may be encountered in running their outlet. This shows that the franchisor is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its brand in all aspects of the business. Continuous support from the franchisor also lessens the possibility of any of the franchises ruining the reputation of the brand.

Lastly, a good franchisor strictly adheres to all the terms of the franchise agreement. The products and services that are offered through the franchisor must be of high quality and are delivered promptly. This strengthens the relationship between the franchisor and its franchisees.

On the other hand, bad franchises are generally short on training, support, and expertise. More often, these are the lesser-known brands that have little to lose in the event the franchise is unsuccessful. They do not have an established track record to speak of and may therefore fall short on experience and expertise to help run a successful franchise. They may demand an unreasonably large amount as franchise fee to give the impression that they are as good as the more popular franchises and provide the same intensive training and support. Prospects need to be aware of unscrupulous people who may only be after making an instant profit easily by deceiving a prospect with promises of projected profits. Some companies may draw up a franchise agreement that is as good as that of bigger, more successful companies but due to their meagre resources and little or non-existent expertise, they may not be able to implement the agreed terms to the satisfaction of the franchisee. This is the very reason why conducting a research on existing franchises is very important.

A bad franchise promotes products and services that are seasonal. Prospects also have to stay clear of companies selling fake products such as those that manufacture and market imitations and pass these on as, for example, Class B originals. This is punishable by law.

Some companies, aware of the popularity of franchising, may take advantage of its attractiveness and offer franchises left and right, without regard for viability, and concerned only with selling as many franchises as possible.

In case a company is just starting out to franchise their brand, prospects need to be wary and take more time before committing. It may not necessarily be a bad franchise but nobody wants to be part of a test run.

UK Franchise Directory Franchise blog

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Source: http://rawbusinesslaw.com/2012/11/10/franchises-good-and-bad-careers/

adele NBA draft 2012 alicia sacramone Don Grady ann curry euro 2012 Colorado Springs

Search Forex ? Blog Archive ? Foreign Exchange Trading Advice ...

Foreign Exchange is actually a shortened version of foreign exchange. This is a market where traders around the world trade one type of currency for others. For instance, an investor from America who had bought one hundred dollars of Japanese yen could believe the yen is getting weaker when compared to the U.S. dollar. If this person is correct and decides to trade yens for dollars, he or she will generate a substantial profit.

Keep practicing to make improvements. Try to practice live trading with a demo account so you can have a sense for foreign exchange trading without taking lots of risk. There are also many websites that teach Foreign Exchange strategies. Your initial live trading efforts will go more smoothly if you have taken the time to prepare yourself thoroughly.

It is important to create a solid plan for foreign exchange trading. Do not rely on short cuts to generate instant profits for you in the market. Real success comes from building a strategic plan and the following it through.

Open up a mini account when you start trading. A mini account is similar to a practice account but with real money. A mini account is an easy way to get into the market to figure out what type of trading you like doing. It will also help you learn what will bring in the most profit.

TIP! Schedule enough break time for yourself on a daily and a weekly basis. Give yourself a break from the fast pace of the market, forget about the numbers, and just relax and recharge your batteries.

A mini account can be a good way to start out trading Forex. This helps you keep your losses down while also allowing you to practice trading. It won?t be as fun as using a big account but this practice can make a big difference in the end.

Demo Account

Do not go live until you have practiced on a demo account. Commit at least a couple months to mastering the demo account. A mere 10% of first-time Forex traders actually profit right away. The rest of these ninety percent fail because they don?t have enough wisdom to succeed in trading.

Learn all the types of analysis involved in Forex trading. The 3 different types of analysis you should be familiar with are sentimental, technical and fundamental. You need to learn and understand all three for maximum results. The more experienced you become with forex trading, the better skilled you will become at using all the different types of analysis to pick your trades.

TIP! You need to always do your own research before entering into an agreement with any broker. You should look for a brokerage firm that has been established for several years with a good track record.

Study the Fibonacci levels so you know how the levels can assist your trading on Forex. Fibonacci levels supply specified calculations and numbers that will teach you whom to trade with and when. These numbers can even give you clues about when to exit the market.

Check your greed and weaknesses at the door when it comes to trading Forex. Know what you are good at and what you can do well. Your first trades should be the most careful. Take your time and learn the market before making any major deals.

Stop loss orders are used to limit losses in trading. Traders often wait for the market to turn around while experiencing a losing position.

Keep in mind that trading in Forex is not based on chance or luck. Prior to any trade, know everything you possibly can about it. Be sure to research and analyze the trade.

TIP! Depending on forex robots to do trading for you can end up costing you. This strategy helps sellers realize big profits, but the buyer gains little or nothing in return.

Keep a couple of accounts when you are starting out in investing. One account can be set up as a demo account to practice trading, while another can be used for your real portfolio.

Foreign Exchange

Thanks to the internet, you can learn about foreign exchange trading anytime you want. This is fortunate because it will allow you to prepare yourself for trading well before you begin. Paragraphs of information may be confusing so try talking on forums to get a more personal and a less formalized explanation of certain Foreign Exchange characteristics.

Keeping a journal is an essential tool for many successful traders. Write down all of your triumphs and defeats in your journal. Keeping a diary will help you keep track of how you are doing for future reference.

TIP! Forex traders focus on exchanging a variety of major currencies on a worldwide financial marketplace. This practice can bring in extra income or possibly even become a full-time job.

When trading Forex, placing stop losses appropriately is more of an art than a science. You are the one who determines the proper balance between research and instinct when it comes to trading in the Foreign Exchange market. Basically, the best way to learn how to adequately learn to stop loss is through experience and practice.

Forex success depends on getting help. There is nothing simple about Foreign Exchange. Experts have been analyzing the best approaches to it for many years. There is basically no chance that you will naively come across a new tactic that will bring you instant success. Do some research and find a strategy that works.

Foreign Exchange

It?s actually smarter to do what?s counterintuitive to many people. Come up with a plan for your trading ventures to help you avoid acting upon your impulses.

TIP! Before setting a position, confirm both top and bottom indicators are set. It is still a gamble of a strategy, but your chances of victory go up when you are diligent and double check your facts and figures.

Begin as a Foreign Exchange trader by setting attainable goals and sticking with those goals. It is important to set tangible goals within a certain amount of time, when you are trading on the Foreign Exchange market. Always remember that mistakes are a part of the process, especially if you are a beginner trader. Understand that trading Forex will require time to trade as well as the time it takes to research.

The foreign exchange market is arguably the largest market across the globe. It is best for those who study the market and understand how each currency works. However, it is a risky market for the common citizen.

Source: http://search-forex.com/foreign-exchange-trading-advice-that-is-easy-to-understand-2/

ihop statins chardon sean young juan pablo montoya free pancakes at ihop martina navratilova

RECALL: Nesquik Chocolate Powder May Have Salmonella - Los ...

?

Consumers should check the labels on their Nestl? Nesquik chocolate powder drink mix due to a voluntarily recall by Nestl? USA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administratons reported today.

According to the consumer protection news release issued Thursday one of 14 production codes may contain the bacterium Salmonella.

Nestl? announced recall because the ingredient supplier, Omya Inc., notified it that certain lots of an ingredient, calcium carbonate, had the potential for? salmonella.

The recall is limited to the following sizes, UPC and production codes of NESQUIK Chocolate Powder:

? UPC code Production codes
40.7 oz. Chocolate
(72 servings)
0 28000 68230 9

2282574810
2282574820

21.8 oz. Chocolate
(38 servings)
0 28000 68090 9 2278574810?????????
2279574810????????? 2279574820
2284574820????????? 2284574830
2285574810????????? 2285574820
2287574820????????? 2289574810
2289574820
2278574820
10.9 oz. Chocolate
(19 servings)
0 28000 67990 3 2278574810

?

?To locate the production code, consumers should look on the bottom of the canister, adjacent to the consumer expiration date. All affected products have an expiration date of BEST BEFORE Oct 2014.?

According to a FDA, the most common symptoms of salmonella infection are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, which develop within eight to 72 hours of eating or drinking contaminated food. The illness usually lasts for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, salmonellosis can be severe or even life threatening for infants, older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

For more information or for assistance on returning this product, contact Nestl? Consumer Services at (800) 628-7679.

Follow us on Twitter?|?Like us on Facebook?|?Get our daily newsletter|?Blog for us

Source: http://losaltos.patch.com/articles/recall-some-nesquik-chocolate-powder-has-been-recalled-aa319fd2

al green burger king delivery etta james at last john king obama sings al green heidi klum and seal ohare airport

Lolo Jones team win silver in WCup bobsled

USA's pilot Jazmine Fenlator, right, and brakewoman Lolo Jones pose for photographers after their second-place finish in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

USA's pilot Jazmine Fenlator, right, and brakewoman Lolo Jones pose for photographers after their second-place finish in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Canada's pilot Kaillie Humphries with brakewoman Chelsea Valios, left, finish in first place in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

USA's pilot Jazmine Fenlator with brakewoman Lolo Jones races to a second-place finish in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Austria's pilot Christina Hengster with brakewoman Inga Versen race to a fourth-place finish in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

USA's pilot Jazmine Fenlator with brakewoman Lolo Jones races to a second-place finish in the women's bobsled World Cup competition on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

(AP) ? Reigning world champion Kaillie Humphries of Canada has won the gold medal in the World Cup bobsled season-opener, beating the United States team of Lolo Jones and Jazmine Fenlator.

Humphries and brakewoman Chelsea Valois finished the two runs at Lake Placid in 1 minute, 54.86 seconds, 0.47 seconds ahead of Fenlator and Jones, a two-time Olympian in hurdles.

Elana Meyers and track and field star Tianna Madison, who won gold at the London Olympics in the 4 x 100 relay, won the bronze, just 0.01 behind their teammates at Mount Van Hoevenberg.

Americans Jamie Greubel and Aja Evans finished ninth in the 16-sled field.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-11-09-BOB-Bobsled-World-Cup/id-13f5aa78973c4dcc88caab449a0e6432

portland trail blazers nba trade blagojevich new mexico state kevin rose sessions march madness scores