Anxiety and Competitive Sports - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 1046 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/04/01 Category Psychology Essay Level High school Tags: Anxiety Essay Did you like this example? When athletes prepare for a competition or performance, mental health is often neglected and not given a second thought. The athlete will condition their body, physically readying themselves to be pushed during competition. However, it might be worthwhile if athletes asked themselves how their mental health could affect their performance. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Anxiety and Competitive Sports" essay for you Create order Various studies have been conducted to observe the ways anxiety, in particular, can alter performance from practice to competitions. Anxiety may be reported by an athlete when they are unsure of whether they can handle situations contributing stress (Hardy, Jones, Gould, 1995). Martens, et al (1990) contributed three subscales, used to describe athletes anxiety participating in various sports, onto the existing knowledge of anxiety and athletic performance. These three subscales include cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence, which all play a role in an athletes performance. This multidimensional anxiety theory suggests that cognitive anxiety will negatively effect performance if arousal is high, entailing a negative linear relation with performance (Hardy, et al., 1996). On the other hand, somatic anxiety displays a curvilinear relation and self-confidence has a positive linear relation with performance (Martens, et al., 1990). A common questionnaire that was completed in various studies was the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, 30 minutes to an hour before competition (Tsopani, Dallas, Skordilis, 2011). The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 measures the intensity of symptoms which in turn can determine the presence of anxiety. When participants take this CSAI-2 they respond to 27 items rating each on a 4-point scale; using 1: not at all and 4: very much so (Martens, et al., 1990). A greater presence in these three subscales are indicated by higher scores. These results help to determine how an athlete feels concerning the competition at hand and how it may affect performance. Questioning how anxiety can affect an athlete during competitive play is important to improving their skills. Performance is not only determined by physical readiness, but also by an athletes mental state. It is hypothesized that athletes who contribute time towards their mental health will perform better. Additionally, those showing little symptoms of anxiety will perform better than those showing more. Cognitive anxiety increases worry or doubt, threatening an athletes persuit and well-being. When cognitive anxiety is low is when an athlete will perform the best (Kais, Raudsepp, 2004). In the studies conducted and reported by Graham Jones (1992), Austin Swain (1992), Despoina Tsopani (2011), George Dallas (2011), Emmanouli K. Skordilis (2011), Kristjan Kais (2004) and Lennart Raudsepp (2004), each participant completed CSAI-2 30-60 min before the competition to measure cogenitive anxiety. This did not interfere with preparation routines for the players. The participants were than observed during the competitions looking for mistakes or accomplishments each player achieved (Tsopani, et al., 2011). This would later determine if the results from the CSAI-2 affected their performance. The test conducted by Jones and Swain (1992) separated the 69 subjects in two groups: high or low competitive subjects. They took athletes from various sports and compared their results. Using the results given by the participants from the CSAI-2, they determined how cognitive anxiety differed between the high and low competitive subjects. In result, the more competitive subjects reported their cognitive anxiety considerably more facilitative than the less competitive subjects, positively affecting their performance (Jones, Swain, 1992). In the study conducted by Tsopani, et al., where 86 young gymnasts were observed, the results contradicted those of Jones Swain (1992). It was shown that highly competitive athletes were lower on cognitive anxiety. Additionally, Kais Raudsepp (2004) found that their 66 participants performed more effectively when they perceived their cognitive anxiety as facilitative. Thus, Jones Swain (1992) and Kais Raudsepp (2004) both found the athletes to perform better because of their perceptions on their cognitive anxiety, although cognitive anxiety had no real affect on performance. In comparison, somatic anxiety refers to the physical symptoms of anxiety in athletes, including increased heart rate, butterflies, elevated blood pressure, and more (Kais Raudsepp, 2004). Alongside cognitive anxiety, there was no statistically significant difference between cognitive and somatic anxiety. Athletes rated and perceived these two similar to one another. Self-confidence is known as the feeling of trust in ones ability to execute a task efficiently and effectively. This aspect of the multidimensional model played a significant role on how athletes performed. The way they perceived them selves in the way they played affected their performance. Jones Swain (1992) found that the highly competitive group found their self-confidence more facilitating than the low competitive group, greatly affecting performance. Tsopani, et al. (2011) stated that the only statistically significant aspect proved to be self-confidence. Female gymnasts with higher self-confidence performed higher. Reports also showed that gymnasts with lower self-confidence showed signs of shaky stances, and unbalanced performances. Furthermore, Kais Raudsepp (2004) reported results suggesting self-confidence as a construct that can greatly influence performance above affects by cognitive or somatic anxiety. There were several limitations regarding each study conducted. Jones Swain (1992) and Tsopani et al. (2011) gathered subjects that participated in the same sport at the same level while Kais Raudsepp (2004) studied athletes from varying sports. This may cause a discrepancy when comparing the athletes anxiety and self-confidence due to the different sports. These sports may not entail the same guidelines and rules athletes are to follow. Alongside this, Tsopani et al. (2011) only examined gymnasts aged 11-12, not offering results from older and more experienced athletes. Lastly, in all three reports, the intensity of anxiety was not taken during or after the competition. This eliminates the opportunity to assess anxiety and its affect in all stages of mental performance. Taking in results from all stages of the competition may offer an improvement to predicting anxieties influence. The findings of these studies support the idea that athletes perceptions of their own anxiety offer an understanding of competitive state-anxiety. Even though the symptoms of anxiety may not affect athletes negatively does not excuse its affects in a positive aspect. These affects may even be necessary for a positive affect on performance. Although, what may be perceived as positive anxiety could be merely the states of excitement, arousal, or motivation. Additionally, self-confidence directly correlates with an athletes performance during competition. The research included all showed signs that participants who perceived themselves with higher self-confidence performed better than those in a low competitive group. Furthermore, coaches and athletes should take focus on their perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence to improve their readiness for competition.

Summary about Vietnam War - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 649 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/03/26 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Vietnam War Essay War Essay Did you like this example? The civil war between North and South Vietnam was known as the Vietnam War which started on November 1st, 1955 and lasted until April 30th, 1975. North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea and South Vietnam was Supported by the United States, Thailand, Australia, New Zeeland, and the Philippines which was really just communism against capitalism as well. In the Vietnam War there were many different battles varying from little skirmishes to huge and heavy actioned battles and in this paper we will be exploring the bigger battles and the battle with the most importance to the war in terms of how it affected the outcome of the war. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Summary about Vietnam War" essay for you Create order Battle of Ap Bac The Battle of Ap Bac happened on January 2nd, 1963 in Mekong Delta in paddies north of hamlet Ap Bac. Before this day arrived the Viet Cong spent a little over two day preparing the battleground for the Battle of Ap Bac. Something very crucial they did to prepare for this fight was cut down bamboo and some branches, so they can lay a false roof over themselves. At about 10:30 a.m. the Viet Cong spotted movement 400 meters to their south which were about 100 ARVN puppet soldiers that walked out of the tree line. The ARVN expected to just walk towards the Viet Cong and just scare them into running away with their tails between their legs, like the previous battles in late 1962. Except that in this battle is the US spotter plane could not tell what the strength of the Viet Cong really was, which left the ARVN and the US advisors that were on the ground without any intel on the enemy, so they were going in blind. The Viet Cong knew what the word patience meant, and they let the ARVN soldiers get within 50 meters of them and then opened fire using small arms and autoptic weapons to attack the ARVN. Just when everything seemed to be going right for the Viet Cong the South Vietnamize had eight troop carrier helicopters coming to their aid filled with over 100 men in each plus four tadpole gunships. Again the Viet Cong patience would pay off as they waited for the first carrier to make its descent and as soon as the cabin doors opened on the carrier they fired gunning down some of the troops coming out of the choppers well the ones that got out looked for cover. The gunships that the South Vietnamize had made strafe runs firing into the tree line were the Viet Cong were with their M134 Gatling guns, but they had little to no effect. Then the ARVN artillery started to fire which wasnt aimed properly and it landed were the rest of the troop carrier helicopters were making their landing which was next to the first ship that got gunned down and they made the same mistake because they landed within the range of the Viet Congs range putting five of the carries out of action. During this battle the Viet Cong displayed fire control and conserved ammo for the rest of the day. They survived the enemy artillery, dive bombers and gunships; and even a late in the day cavalry charge by a dozen M-113 APCs with .50 caliber machines guns and one flame thrower (Rooney). The Viet Cong also went and inflicted four times more casualties to the Southern forces killing 80 ARVN and they fought all day against an army four times their size withstanding all the artil lery, machine gun and helicopter fire from the Sothern force and still they were able to win. The Battle of Ap Bac was a big for the Viet Cong because it showed that the southern Vietnamize army had no fighting ability and that they couldnt cope with the strategy or the fighting spirit of the Viet Cong even with their larger force and support from the United Sates.

Dementia And Delirium Effect On A Person Is On The Rise

According to case studies, the rate at which both dementia and delirium can affect a person is on the rise because of the increasing population worldwide (McCrow, Sullivan, Beattie, 2014). Older adults are one of the fastest growing populations in the world. The first baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) turned 65 in the year 2011 (McCrow, 2014). With the increasing population of elders, there is also an increase in incidence of delirium. Up to 36 percent of aged people admitted to healthcare facilities have developed delirium (Schuckit, 2014). It is clear that delirium presents a significant problem for the aged admitted to healthcare facilities. There have been developments and initiatives in healthcare facilities to help†¦show more content†¦The necessity to integrate this knowledge when caring for the older population is desirable because the population above 55 years is among the fastest growing population in America according to the U.S. census (2010). Tolson Booth Schofield (2011) discuss that older people are at a greater risk of developing delirium following an age-related impairment of cerebral metabolism, which causes a significant decrease in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, in particular, acetylcholine. According to Hosie, Lobb, Agar, Davidson, and Phillips (2014), older people are often affected by at least one chronic condition such as dementia. Unlike delirium, dementia is a chronic condition that lasts at least six months and in most cases occurs progressively. Also, the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is associated with a chronic decline in acetylcholine (Redfern Ross, 2006). Therefore, this explains why symptoms of dementia and delirium overlap, especially memory loss in both conditions. The overlapping symptoms, therefore, make differentiation between the two conditions difficult, especially when delirium is superimposed on dementia. It is because of this that identifying delirium is of great significance to the older population. The elderly patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who have been diagnosed with delirium have unique characteristics (Britton, Russell, 2003). Some of the

Essay about Individualism in History - 1061 Words

In today’s world, individualism is everywhere, accepted by many and encouraged by most people in America. However, in the 18th century colonies, when America was finding its beginnings, this was something that was highly frowned upon. Among many beliefs during the 18th century, one that stood out the most were Puritans who thought that everyone was equal and should do their part to help their community. There were, also, the Deists who believed that everyone was a part of a bigger picture than what was actually seen. Not one of the proclaimed Deists strove to be different from the other, always conforming to what was around him or her. During the 18th century, there were two men who could not be more obviously different than Jonathan†¦show more content†¦Unfortunately, soon after Franklin and his son had a major falling out, that greatly dampened their relationship. Edwards’ and Franklin’s use of tone, the reader sees that both men do an excellent j ob in getting their points across, even though they have various ways of showing their thoughts. Franklin and Edward’s beliefs were the root of every other thing they accomplished in their lives. For Franklin, who was a deist, believed that everything could be solved by reason and logic. Franklin was much more into the emerging science that was coming about in the world. Edwards, on the other hand, was a Calvinist. He believed in predestination and the mystical powers of God. Everything Edwards did or saw could all be explained by God’s will. Although both men believed in completely different theories, they both lived by a high moral code. Franklin first listed out his highest virtues in his autobiography and secondly, tried to master every one. Both men tried to better themselves due to their strong beliefs, but they both were trying to accomplish the same things essentially. Both men, also, shared their beliefs of others. Edwards was different in the fact that he felt it necessary to preach his religion to others, such as in his sermon, â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God†, while Franklin did not. Franklin and Edwards’ convictions were their primary motivations for their work. Both men’s beliefs, also, had a great effect on the earlyShow MoreRelatedEssay about Individualism in American History1470 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican history there have been struggles for individualism. The American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the separation from family life are all examples of individualism in American history. Individualism is an American paradigm designed by the modern societal structure that is an altered idea of the foundation by immigrants. In today’s society the struggle for individualism is more personal and represents how American values have shifted since the beginning of American history. 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Emergence of Modern Communication Language - MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Write about theEmergence of Modern Communication Language. Answer: Background: The world turning into global village has created a need for the formation of international language used as source of communication. But hardly people know about the origination of language. Due to Invasion of Anglo, Saxons and Jutes in Britannia, the Latin language at that absorbed many dialects of the invading tribes in (6-11 Century). This marked the origination of Old English. As per Kumaravadivelu (2012), Modern English has adopted many words of the Old English. The invasion of Norse, Scandavian people, was a turning point for English, which was given its grammar and structure formation. While in the 6th century, Christianity granted various load words to the Latin language and in turn granting more words to the English language. French after becoming the prestige language in 1066 after Noman invasion categorized the language into different categories. Kings and noble men spoke French while the middle class and merchants spoke English and French both. The common people spoke on ly English. This was the time English adopted words of French too. With high adaptation level, the Printing Press in 1490 took step for enforcement of standards of Language. They highlighted the need of standards for preserving the language. English Language Experts were deeply concern with the frequent changes in language, Confusion and perplexity for it. Finally, their efforts resulted in forming standards for punctuation, proper usage, spellings and words.(Strang, 2015)He also show that Britain expansion to one third of land through trade, made English more common to other parts of world too in 1780. Further British Colonism, Granted words from second languages also, to the English. Research Question: What standards to use English as an international language? What is the need of standards? How capitalism affected the usage of English all over? How the linguistic imperialism has aided in the dominance of language? Will the English continue to be dominant language in future? what will be the counter languages and their reasons to dominate over English? Literature Review The step of globalization laid great emphasis for usage of English as an international language. The west world in lust of power tried to access the science and technology in1800-1949, which finally created great stress for common language for communication (Wengfeng and Gao,2008). Whereas in 1949, the communist won and restored the worth of their language too. Whereas as suggested by Jin, Cortazzi (2006), the Chinese learned new languages Russian and English to counteract the effects of capitalism. While during the cultural revolution of the world in 1966-1976, world went through great transformation. In 1966-1968, many of the schools were closed and when opened, they became center of politics, without any colour of foreign language. Children were taught slogans like Long live Chairman Mao. Even the effects of politics were incorporated in English dictionaries. Ji in Pucilowski(2005) shed light on the political effects in dictionaries to affect the minds of learners. They were taugh t lessons of hatred by degrading the western capital society, which was losing. They were also taught they cannot live without the president Mao and could not have any happiness to. They were hypnotized with the mesmerizing effects of party and called that they will do everything the party would say them. They were made aware that for these ideas, they needed to invest great amount of energy and sacrifices but they were taught to remain loyal to party in any circumstance. Finally in 1976, Mao died ending the culture reformation and inviting the new leader Deng Xiaoping, who proved to be of immense worth as he made strong ties with US by forming better policies to improve the suffered relations between countries. This once again invited the foreign English teachers come for teaching English and removing the barriers of trade and advancement of technology (Pan, D Block,2011). It was emphasized the enforcement of standards to maintain the quality of English language free from mistakes. However the mingling of cultures, created Chinglish, a substandard version of English. Despite of efforts, few terms like long time no see and lost face were affected by the Chinese usage. China realizing the importance of English for advancement in all the fields of life, ranging from economics till maintain ideology, laid great emphasis on the nationalists to learn English as modern language. They made them realize that this way they will conquer the world and restore their integrity and continue to prosper in economic world as well. No doubt countries realize the importance of English as common language for communication to make the world global village, but every country blended English with their language, which created further many versions, Chinglish, Japanese English, Spanglish, Singlish, Kenyan English, and Thai English etc. English is the most widely spoken language by 480 million people (Mackey, 2015). In 2006-7 about 80% of homepages on the World Wide Web were in some k ind of English (cp. German, 4.5%; Japanese, 3.1%).85% of international organizations use English as their official language; while used as 85% for worlds film market; and 90% of academic texts (Crystal, 1997) This clearly shows the importance of English in todays world. Even Political leaders in non-English speaking countries use English to communicate with international media etc. Theoretical Framework: The Kachru model of 1985 demonstrated the various types of English. The model is divided into inner circle, outer circle and expanding circle. The inner circle represented the usage of English of native people in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US. While the outer circle represents the usage of language as second language in countries like India, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Kenya former colonies. The last circle, expanding circle exhibits countries which may adopt the language in future as they treat the language as foreign language. Though the model represented the clear usage of English as communicational tool in their countries, but they have not adopted the language completely and brought up changes to adapt it completely for the usage. But this proved that countries were not ready to leave neither their native language nor English. Instead they paved a way in between and joined both of the languages. (Kirkpatrick,2006) Methodology : The semiotic analysis of the above model clearly shows that despite of the desire to speak and use their languages, people from all the countries have realized the importance of using English as their language used in for trade and communication.it also depicts the idea that English will always be treated as foreign language despite of its significance. The statistical data also exhibits the usage of English in various countries. More than 400 million people use English as their native language while 700 million people speak English as foreign language. Approximately over 2700 languages, English has retained its preference with the treasure of richest vocabulary . oxford English dictionary contains 500,000 words. Significance: To sum up, English has conquered all the four field of spoken language, official language, language of sources of information and quantity of information disseminated. So it conquers all the prominent fields to restore its power in technology, academics, communication and trade. It is not only altered by its non- native speakers but by native speakers also (Seidlhofer, 2010). But no doubt the power lies with the US and UK speakers because it is their native language. References: Cortazzi, M. and Jin, L. (1999, 2001). Bridges to learning: Metaphors of teaching, learning and language. In L. Cameron and G. Low (Eds.), Researching and applying metaphor (pp.149-176). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press and Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language and Teaching Press. Crystal, D. (1997/2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Kachru, B. B. (1985). Standards, codification and sociolinguistic realism: The English language in the outer circle. In R. Quirk H.G. Widdowson (Eds.), English in the world: Teaching and learning the language and literatures(pp. 11-36). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lass, Robert (ed) (1999) The Cambridge History of the English Language, Vol 111: 1476-1776. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK. Cortazzi, M. and Jin, L. (1999, 2001). Bridges to learning: Metaphors of teaching, learning and language. In L. Cameron and G. Low (Eds.), Researching and applying metaphor (pp.149-176). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press and Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language and Teaching Press. Crystal, D. (1997/2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Kachru, B. B. (1985). Standards, codification and sociolinguistic realism: The English language in the outer circle. In R. Quirk H.G. Widdowson (Eds.), English in the world: Teaching and learning the language and literatures(pp. 11-36). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Crystal, D., 2012. English as a global language. Cambridge University Press. Jin, L. and Cortazzi, M., 2006. Changing practices in Chinese cultures of learning. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 19(1), pp.5-20. Kumaravadivelu, B., 2012. Individual identity, cultural globalization, and teaching English as an international language. Principles and practices for teaching English as an international language, 9. Seidlhofer, B., 2005. English as a lingua franca. ELT journal, 59(4), p.339. Strang, B.M., 2015. A history of English (Vol. 26). Routledge. Wenfeng, W. and Gao, X., 2008. English language education in China: A review of selected research. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 29(5), pp.380-399. Zheng, H.B. and Song, W.J., 2010. Metaphor Analysis in the Educational Discourse: A Critical Review. Online Submission, 8(9), pp.42-49. Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015.Second language research: Methodology and design. Routledge.

Swot Analysis Audi free essay sample

This high ROE indicates that the company is using the shareholders’ money efficiently and that it is generating high returns for its shareholders compared to its peer companies. Similarly, BMW and Daimler have less ROA when compared to Audi. In FY2010, BMW’s ROA was 2. 9% and Daimler’s ROA was 3. 3%, significantly less than Audi. The ROA of Audi was 8. 4% in FY2010. High ROA indicates that the company has been deploying its assets in an efficient manner and indicates the efficient management of the company towards allocation of resources compared to its peer companies. Weaknesses Concerning product recalls Audi announced recalls that cover some of its most popular models due to manufacturing and design problems. For instance in August 2011, the company recalled 34,000 lemon Audi A4 and Audi A6 vehicles due to defective engine fuel pump. In May 2011, Audi recalled 5,992 units of 2001-2004 Audi A6, 2003 Audi RS6 and 2002-2003 Audi S6 models due to a fuel system flaw. Similarly, in April 2011, the company recalled up to 10,200 Audi TTs from the 2010 model year to fix fuel tank ventilation system’s spring. Significant product recalls indicates decline in product quality which could negatively affect the consumer confidence in Audi’s products and could strain its sales. Lack of scale compared to peers The company lacks the scale to compete with large players in the markets in which it operates. Many of its competitors such as Daimler, Ford and Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) are larger in size. Daimler, for instance, recorded revenues of E97,761 million (approximately $129,777. 7 million) in FY2010, while Ford recorded revenues of $128,954 million during the same period. BMW recorded revenues of E60,477 million (approximately $80,283. 2 million) in FY2010. In contrast, Audi recorded revenues of E35,441 million (approximately $47,047. 9 million) which is much less than its competitors in FY2010. Lack of scale limits Audi’s ability to compete effectively with larger players. Opportunities Positive outlook for hybrid electric vehicles Worldwide demand for light hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is expected to increase. Rising energy costs and increased emissions regulations are likely to increase demand for HEVs. By 2015, the US is expected to be the largest market for HEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, selling approximately 640,000 vehicles in these two categories combined. China is expected to be the second-largest market with more than 560,000 hybrid vehicles sold that same year. Global problems that include the environmental challenges of global warming and the need to conserve resources and energy are the key drivers for the automotive companies to develop HEVs. Audi has a strong focus on developing HEVs. The company is one of the premium manufacturers of electric vehicles. Audi launched many hybrid vehicles in 2010, which include Audi e-tron Spyder, e-tron Silvretta, and A1 e-tron. It is also into development of a plug-in hybrid, a drive system that combines a combustion engine with an electric motor, whose battery can also be charged through an electrical outlet. In addition, the company is currently working on full-hybrid versions of the Audi Q5 and A8. Audi is also developing other electric concepts for plug-in hybrids, ranging from the fuel cell to the battery-only electric vehicle. Audi is expected launch its Q5 hybrid Quattro and R8 E-tron in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Such strong focus and increasing demand for HEVs would boost demand for Audi’s products. Threats Intense competition The global automotive industry is highly competitive. Audi faces strong competitors, some of which are larger and may have greater resources in a given business area. Some of its key competitors are Bayerische Motoren Werke, Daimler, Fiat, Ford Motor, GM Daewoo Auto Technology, General Motors, Honda Motor, Hyundai Motor, Nissan Motor, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Porsche Automobil Holding, Renault and Toyota Motor. Due to current economic conditions, demand for automobiles has fallen sharply, both in Europe and in other parts of the world. Many manufacturers, including Audi, have relatively high fixed labor costs as well as significant limitations on their ability to close facilities and reduce fixed costs. To offset these high fixed costs, some of the company’s competitors have responded to recent deteriorations in economic conditions and vehicle sales by attempting to sell more vehicles by adding vehicle enhancements, providing subsidized financing or leasing programs. They are also offering option package discounts, other marketing incentives and are reducing vehicle prices in certain markets. These actions may have a significant negative effect on Audi’s vehicle pricing, market share and operating results. It also impacts Audi’s ability to enhance its revenue per vehicle and maintain the company’s market share during difficult economic times. Environment protection regulations The company is subject to a number of environment protection regulations. The EU Regulation decided on a wide range of stricter requirements, primarily impacting diesel technology. In the case of heavy passenger vehicles the rules, as they currently stand, require that an after-treatment system for nitrogen oxide be introduced. The cost difference compared with petrol engines will increase further. In future, petrol and diesel engines will also have to reposition themselves with regard to the obligation to add biofuels to fossil fuels. The existing diesel particulate filter technology does not permit any significant increase in the amount of biofuels added. In addition, the EU Regulation sets targets for carmakers selling passenger cars in the European market (the EU 27). The aim is to reduce average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in European fleets to 130 grams per kilometer (g/km) for all new vehicles by 2015 by means of drive train and other vehicle technology. A further reduction of 10 g/km is to be achieved by flanking measures such as gear-change indicators, low-resistance tires, and the use of biofuels. There are risks involved in the amount of the penalties, which may be up to E95 ($139. ) per g/km, to be imposed if the manufacturer fails to meet the target for its vehicles sold by an average of more than 3 g/km. Similarly, a uniform consumption and CO2 regulation will apply for the model years 2012 to 2016 in the US. Starting with a step-by-step reduction in model year 2012, the new vehicle fleets of all manufacturers are expected to come down to an average value of 250g of CO2 per mile in model year 2016. The Japanese governme nt has also set ambitious targets to reduce consumption, including statutory regulations for 2010 and 2015. The government in China is currently discussing the introduction of fuel consumption requirements (more stringent than current ones) planned to come into force in 2012. These regulations would impose additional costs and obligations on Audi, which may adversely impact its margins. Weak economic outlook for the US and Europe The global economic recession of 2008 has done a significant damage to Europe and the US economies. According to IMF, the output of these two regions is expected remain well below potential. The risk of a double-dip recession in the US has receded, but Europe remains vulnerable and new risks have emerged. The US economy expanded by an above-trend growth of 2. 8% in 2010. In the US, the tentative signs of a stronger and more self-sustaining recovery at end-2010 have since been followed by certain setbacks and new risks. In particular, the surge in oil prices, if sustained, could significantly slow the recovery. In addition, the recent down grade by SP could further increase the borrowing costs of the US, resulting in further slow down. The recent macroeconomic data, state-level regional data, and the increased volatility in the financial markets in the US shows significant downside risks to economic growth over the near term. It is forecasted that the US would have a GDP growth rate of 1. 6% in 2011 and 1. 1% in 2012. Similarly, in Europe, the economy is expected to recover at a rate of 2. 4% and 2. 6% for 2011 and 2012, respectively. Moreover, according to the European Commission, the economic recovery in the European Union is expected to be sluggish due to significant headwinds that are set to restrain domestic demand. In addition the recovery is being challenged by relatively high consumer-price inflation. Though, France and Germany are forecasted to grow at a rate of 1. 6% and 2. 5%, respectively, in 2011, Greece and Portugal are forecasted to stay in recession for the next two years. Audi has a strong presence in the US and Europe. It derives more than 70% of its revenues from these two regions. Such weak economic outlook for the US and Europe could further put pressure on the company’s revenues and growth prospects.