Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Literature review Example This paper aims to analyze the literature available on the concept of customer satisfaction; hence it is divided into two major sections for the purpose of defining a flow. Initially a very concise review of the concept itself is provided, in light of the literature available, it is then extended to cover and analyze in detail the parallel notion of service quality which is often at times considered to be in correlation with customer satisfaction. The second section focuses on the specific service industry aspect of E-banking services, the service itself is explained and described, followed by an analysis with regards to service quality in the E-banking sector, and furthermore in order to narrow the case in focus, the service quality of E-banking in the Saudi Arabian banking sector is taken under consideration. All the analysis is in light of the literature available with regards to the topics under study. ... tion as a concept has occupied a unique position in marketing practice and research on part of the academia, since the initial research and study undertaken by Cardozo (Cardozo, 1965) on the topics of customer efforts, their expectations and most importantly their satisfaction. Regardless of the fact that the researchers and analysts around the globe have put in great effort and numerous attempts have been made at defining the notion of ‘customer satisfaction’ and its measurement, there still exists no consensus amongst them. Customer satisfaction is most commonly regarded as the post consumption feeling and the evaluation on part of the customer about a particular product of service (Gundersen, Heide and Olsson, 1996). It is a judgment based on evaluation of the pre-consumption expectations from a product/service and the performance of the product on that scale of perception according to the post-consumption experience (Oliver, 1980). The concept which is most widely ac cepted and related to customer satisfaction is the concept is the ‘expectancy disconfirmation theory’, this was a theory devised by Oliver who claimed that satisfaction level is the gap between the expectation and the actual performance of a product. ‘Satisfaction’, which is regarded as the ‘positive disconfirmation’, occurs when the product’s performance is better than the expectation, while on the contrary, when the performance is less than the expectation then it is termed ‘negative disconfirmation’, or in simple terminology as ‘dissatisfaction’ (McQuitty, Finn and Wiley, 2000). Studies throughout time have shown that customer satisfaction has a major impact on business results, and it has been claimed that customer satisfaction has a positive relation with business

Monday, October 28, 2019

Chinese Corporation Essay Example for Free

Chinese Corporation Essay 1. What kinds of advantages can Chinese companies obtain if they move production into the United States? There are several advantages Chinese companies obtain by moving their production to the United States. For starters, they would be able to sell to companies that only purchase American made products. Also, the money earn from the U.S. base production generates profit for China; which allows the companies to help its country economy by expanding its business in both countries and providing jobs for the unemployed. Lastly, the companies would receive a huge tax-credit and save significantly on shipping. 2. What are some possible disadvantages and threats of moving production to the United States? Some American is not open to the fact that international companies are moving their production on United States’ soil. In fact, U.S. citizens are willing to boycott and financially hurt the companies if such a move was to happen; especially in an economy where American own businesses are failing. 3. Will more Chinese companies make investments in the United States as opposed to China and the future? Fully explain and justify your choice. I believe that there will be an increase in Chinese companies making investments in the United States. For starters, it will help the companies’ international business relationship. To add, there are several stimulus packages the companies would qualify for (such as the economic tax credit) by doing business in America. Also, their profit would increase. The U.S. dollar is more than Yens. So, they would be making twice as much money in the U.S. on the same product sold in China at a cheaper rate. And, the cost to ship would decrease, because the companies would not have to pay duties on products being shipped within the United States. Therefore, it is beneficial for Chinese companies’ to invest in the U.S.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

An investigation of neutralization reactions Essay -- GCSE Chemistry C

An investigation of neutralization reactions Aim Question : What is the effect of changing the concentration of an alkali, on the volume of acid needed to neutralise it, when acid is added to it? The plan is to use two acids (Hydrochloric & Sulphuric) and one alkali (Sodium Hydroxide). The reason I need to use two acids is; because the question applies to all acids and alkalis and to just use one of each would not enable me to come to a general conclusion. If there had been more time available, ideally I would have preferred to use two alkalis as well as two acids. Predictions First of all, here are the definitions for an acid and an alkali: An acid is a substance that forms hydrogen (H+) ions when placed in water. It can also be described as a proton donor as it provides H+ ions. An alkali is a soluble base and forms hydroxyl ions (OH-) when placed in water. It can be called a proton acceptor because it will accept hydrogen (H+) ions and form H2O. A Hydrochloric acid molecule (HCl) will release one H+ ion and one Cl- ion when placed in water. A Sodium Hydroxide molecule (NaOH) will release one Na+ ion and one OH- ion when placed in water. This means that one molecule of NaOH and one molecule of HCl will neutralise each other and produce H2O and a neutral salt called Sodium Chloride (NaCl). This means that to neutralise HCl and NaOH when they are at the same concentration, you need equal amounts of each. GRAPH On the other hand, a Sulphuric Acid molecule (H2SO4) will release two H+ ions and one SO4-- ions. This means that you need two molecules of NaOH to neutralise one molecule of H2SO4 and produce the neutral salt Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4). This means ... ... in the following ways : * Instead of using Universal Indicator, I would use an indicator which only changed colour when the solution was Neutral rather than gradually changing as the pH became lower (e.g. Methyl Orange or Phenolphthalein). * To get the pH more accurate next time, a pH meter could be used. * To get it very accurate, the acids and alkalis supplied should be an exact amount (I am not sure whether the ones I used were exact). * To use very recently distilled water, because the water will become acidic if left for a long time. References Books Dunstan, S. 1968. Principles of Chemistry. Van Nostrand Reinhold  · Pages 187-88  · Pages 215- 253 McDuell, B. 1997. GCSE Chemistry Classbook. Letts  · Pages 171-72  · Pages 28-32  · Page 262 Computer programs Microsoft Excel Version 97 Microsoft Word 97 Paint Shop Pro 4

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Week Memo

Memo to Client In this memo one will Include a summary of the facts, Including the names, ages, educational background, and Income status for Mr.. And Mrs.. Close and their two dependents. Loose CPA will also discuss two of the Close's goals and concerns. This memo will also summarize the findings and key elements of the personal budget, balance sheet, and the statement of cash flow.Loose CPA will also make recommendations and support for improving the financial situation for the Close's. Summary of Facts Clients- Ken and Tina Close are married with two children, Tyler (16) and Nikkei (14). Ken Is 42 years old disabled ex-factory worker with a high school education. Tina Is a 37 year old Event Planner with an Associates Degree in customer service. Although Ken is disabled he does receive disability benefits of $14,500 annually and Titan's annual income is $32,500.Tyler is a Junior at BBS and works part-time at Culler's with an annual income of $3,100. Nikkei is a freshman at BBS and is not employed. The family's goals are to reduce credit card debt and to save for a vacation. The vernally biggest concerns are that their credit will suffer if they do not pay off the debt and that Tyler and Nikkei will both need vehicles soon. Key Items and Findings The balance sheet compiled for the Close's shows total assets to be worth $188,250 and total liabilities at $115,320. 24.Ken and -rattans net worth $72,929. 76. The statement of cash flow compiled includes monthly income from Ken's Social Security Disability and Titan's net income from event planning for a total monthly income of $3,294. 16. The total cash outflows of $2629. 69 can be divided Into fixed expenses of $1475. 49 and variable expenses of $1 154. 20 for the month of February. The monthly inflows minus monthly outflows gives the Close's a cash surplus of $664. 47 each month to divide up for emergencies, savings, and a family vacation.The monthly gadget show no variance for inflows but does show a small varia nce for outflows. The savings variance was ($4. 53), the fixed expense variance was zero, and the variable expense variance was $6. 23. Thus giving a total outflow variance of $1. 70. Loose CPA recommends that Mr.. And Mrs.. Close try to limit the amount spent on credit cards in the future and for the balance due on the current credit cards to be paid in an amount higher than the monthly minimum due in order to pay the cards off faster and reduce interest charges.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Dakota Territory and Tool Box Enhancing

The only thing that's holding them back is the right group Of people. â€Å"Okay. So w?al need a scientist or two in case conditions are too harsh, too hot, or too dangerous. We need a strong body builder in case there really is life on Venus. We should bring some friends too so they can experience this incredible opportunity. And last but not least, the person who is willing to stay back, in case we†¦ -Dakota gulped. Never come back†¦ They will come looking for us. Dakota says sternly and seriously.Duke brings back his pro wrestler friend, Jack, who is willing to tag along. Dakota calls her old science teacher, Mr.. Seemlier and explains everything. He brings two more scientists because of how ecstatic they are to do this. Jake, Kelly and Viper are down to go as well. â€Å"Now are you guys still on board? Says duke. The whole gang simultaneously says yes and nods their heads. â€Å"Now. We need supplies. Jack, you get the cameras, video tapes, audio recorders, everythi ng. † † Mr.. Seemlier, you and your scientists will get the dried astronaut food.Two weeks' worth. † â€Å"Jake, Kelly, Viper. You guys will need to bring gallons of water, first aid supplies, and anything else you may need. † â€Å"Duke and I will handle the pillows, blankets and clothes. We will also make sure our space craft is ready for takeoff. † â€Å"Wait! Who's guan be the person to stay back in case something happens? † says Duke. â€Å"Crap I forgot! Molly will! Know she will. I'll call her. † Dakota repels. â€Å"So we all meet here. Tomorrow. With all supplies. No later than sunset.We don't want it to be too hot. † 1 . The words highlighted in blue are the sentences that use the repetition of words. The words highlighted in yellow are the short phrases separated by commas. The words highlighted in purple are the short sentences to provoke a fast paced tone. 2. Used dialogue to show that they like each other a lot and t o show how serious they were about this conspiracy. I feel I choose appropriate words for the situation such as â€Å"l was born ready. † And â€Å"Now are you guys still on board? †

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

World War II Speech

World War II Speech I. World War II was the most devastating war in world history. The war resulted in horrific property damage as well as about 17 million military deaths and even more civilian deaths.(click) The devastation of the war was mainly due to the advanced military weapons used, from the infantry on the front line to the ships in the sea and the planes in the sky, these weapons destroyed lives and property in nearly every part of the world. The United States became involved in the war in 1939. (Click) a. The government is constantly coming up with more efficient ways to win wars through technology. World War II was the most devastating war in history. It resulted in major property damage and about 17 million military deaths and more civilian deaths. (click) b. The devastation of the war was due to the advanced technology, from the infantry on the front line to the ships in the sea and the planes in the sky, these weapons destroyed lives and property in nearly every part of the world.(Click)A U.S. Navy Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat of fighter squad...c. First I will talk about new technologies that the troops on the ground used, next I will discuss the implementation of armored tanks that were used, and finally I talk about the advancements the Navy made during World War II. (Click) II. World War II was a war of the infantry. Hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers fought and died on the front line due to theses following weapons. The allied forces used many different types of firearms throughout the war. The GI's on the front line used rifles, shotguns, machine guns, automatic rifles, mortars, bazookas, recoilless rifles, grenades, sub machine guns, knives, pistols, flamethrowers, armored vehicles and tanks to achieve their objectives. World War II was the introduction for the bazooka, flamethrower,

Monday, October 21, 2019

Operations Management and Productivity essayEssay Writing Service

Operations Management and Productivity essayEssay Writing Service Operations Management and Productivity essay Operations Management and Productivity essayFedEx is the company that I chose to write about and their main line of business is shipping and transportation of mail and packages.   FedEx not only ships packages internationally and nationally, but they are also moved into the print and office supply market as well.   With the rebranding of their name from Federal Express to FedEx they are growing at an enormous rate.   They provide a host of different freight services and products. FedEx’s services include FedEx Express, which is their overnight courier services, providing next day air service within the United States and time-definite international service.   Another service they offer is FedEx Ground which guarantees day-definite delivery within Canada and the United States at a cost savings as compared to time-definite FedEx Express.   The most recognizable service would be their FedEx Home Delivery service which is a division of FedEx Ground, specializing in reside ntial delivery Tuesday through Saturday and offers delivery options to provide more flexibility for residential recipients.FedEx’s operation process monitors events that occur throughout the transportation and alerts are generated for events that occur outside the schedule.   When an order is created in the Customer’s system rather through telephone, Internet or email, the Customer’s information system sends the order details to the warehouse in order to pick and pack the requested parts. Once the parts are packed, the Customer’s system is updated with the actual weight and dimensions. At this stage all the required data is available and is sent to the FedEx Supply Chain Manager.   Based on shipping details the FedEx Supply Chain Manager defines the appropriate carrier and exports the orders automatically to the carrier system.   Once this has been done, the FedEx Supply Chain Manager will send the orders electronically to the carrier and provide th e warehouse with the appropriate shipping label. The warehouse handler attaches the label to the correct box/pallet. With respect to the agreed pickup times, the assigned carrier will collect the goods.   On a daily basis FedEx Supply Chain Manager uploads the Order Status Updates (Proof of Delivery, Proof of Collection, escalation codes, etc.). Based on the shipment status, the responsible agent follows up on escalation orders. The status updates can be sent to the customer’s system or displayed via a customized web site to ensure full order visibility.Now that I know a little more about this company and all the different things they do, I’m in awe of how vast the company is and the difficulty it would take to oversee a company this massive.   To manage a small division of this company could be a daunting task with all the various conditions that could change the way things are done.   Weather, location, holidays, and the economy are just a few of the factors th at could affect the way you manage a division or department in this company.   Productivity in this company has to be frantic given the timelines and amount of parcels being moved at any given time. FedEx is global and has the second largest fleet of airplanes in the world.   With a company specializing in the shipping/freight business you have to be able to operate all over the world.   As a Sailor in the Navy, I know from experience that some remote locations have very limited staff but they still have a FedEx office.FedEx is expanding and I don’t see them stopping anytime soon.   They are already in the shipping business, the freight business, the customs consulting business and the office supply business.   Once looked at as a threat to the Unites States Postal Service, they are now a major carrier for the post office, transporting the bulk of their mail and packages.   Before you know it, FedEx will be delivering our mail and they’ll be facing off with the office supply giants such as Staples and Office Depot.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

French and English Cognates That Start With A

French and English Cognates That Start With A One of the great things about learning French or English is that many words have the same roots in the Romance languages and English. The 1,700 words on the following pages are spelled (although not pronounced) identically in French and English and are true or semi-true cognates. Before you start memorizing them, please read some important notes about these cognates. French English Cognates: A The (parentheses) indicate the words part of speech in both languages, and, in the case of nouns, the gender of the noun in French.abandon  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)abattoir  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)abdication  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)​​abdomen  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)abdominal  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)aberrant  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)aberration  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abject  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)abolition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abominable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)abomination  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abracadabra  Ã‚  Ã‚  (exclamation)abrasion  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abrogation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)absence  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)absent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)absinthe  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)absolution  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)absorption  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abstention  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abstinence  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)abstinent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)abstraction  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)acacia  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)accent  Ã‚     (masculine noun)accentuation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)accessible  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)accident  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)accolade  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)accord  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)accumulation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)accusation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)acolyte  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)acquisition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)action  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)acupuncture  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adage  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)adaptable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adaptation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)addenda  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)addition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adjacent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adjectival  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)administration  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)admirable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)admiration  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)admission  Ã‚  Ã‚  feminine noun)admonition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adolescence  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adolescent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adoption  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adorable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adoration  Ã‚  Ã‚  (fem inine noun)adroit  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adulation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)adverbial  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)adverse  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)affable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)affectation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)affection  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)affiliation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)affirmation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)affirmative  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)affliction  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)affront  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)aficionado  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)agent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)agile  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)agitation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)agriculture  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)air  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)album  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)alias  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adverb)alliance  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)alligator  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)allophone  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)allusion  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)alpha  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)alphabet  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)altercation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)altitude  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)alto  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjectiv e)amateur  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)ambition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)ambivalence  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)ambivalent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)amble  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)ambulance  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)amoral  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)ample  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)amplification  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)amputation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)amusement  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)anal  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)ancestral  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)anecdote  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)angle  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)angora  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective masculine noun)animal  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)animation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)annihilation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)annotation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)anthrax  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)anticipation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)antidote  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)antique  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)antisocial  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)apartheid  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)aperture  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)apocalypse  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)apostrophe     Ã‚  (feminine noun)apparent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)apparition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)applicable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)application  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)appropriation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)approximation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)aptitude  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)aquarium  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)arable  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)arcade  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)architectural  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)architecture  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)archives  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)argument  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)aria  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)armistice  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)arrogance  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)arrogant  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)arsenal  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)arsenic  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)art  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)artefact  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)article  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)articulation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)artifice  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)artisan  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)ascension  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)aspartame  Ã‚  Ã‚  (m asculine noun)aspiration  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)assassin  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)assertion  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)assimilation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)assistance  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)association  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)assurance  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)astral  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)astringent  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective masculine noun)atlas  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)atoll  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)atonal  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)attention  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)attitude  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)attraction  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)attribution  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)auburn  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)audible  Ã‚  Ã‚  (adjective)audit  Ã‚  Ã‚  (masculine noun)audition  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)augmentation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)aura  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)automation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)automobile  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)avalanche  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)avarice  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)avenue  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)aversion  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine n oun)aviation  Ã‚  Ã‚  (feminine noun)

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Cross-border Merger and Acquisitions, Ideal Currency, Impact of the Assignment

Cross-border Merger and Acquisitions, Ideal Currency, Impact of the Global Financial Crisis - Assignment Example By definition, mergers and acquisitions can be described as the purchase of a company’s ownership or part of its assets by another company. In other words, these types of transactions imply that existing assets are consolidated in a new shape. More often than not, the process of asset recombination occurs whenever corporate assets are not used in the best possible way (Depamphilis, 2013). Hence, the combination of two or more assets should be more valuable and worthwhile than the sum of its parts. The process of cross-border mergers and acquisitions can be organized into a logical sequence of steps that should be conducted in order to come up with a set of meaningful and feasible strategic alternatives (Evenett, 2003). There are common elements that are pertinent when undertaking cross-border mergers and acquisitions namely; identification and valuation, payment of the transaction, and post-acquisition management Vadapalii, 2007). The use of these elements was evident in the merger of British Petroleum and Amoco. This deal was considered to be among the largest cross-border mergers and acquisitions to be executed on American soil (Bruner, 2004). It all began with identification and valuation; whereby, the process of establishing the target market comes way before the identification of the target firm. If a firm would want to venture in a highly developed market, perhaps it would be prudent to go for public listed firms. Such firms are considered to have market structures that are well-defined as well as operational and financial data that are within the public domain (Kang, 2000).

Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 13

Critical Analysis - Essay Example The essay opens up with the story of Dr. Spiners â€Å"first victim†. Well, technically the woman in his story was not a victim since no physical harm actually came to her. Rather she suffered from fear of a psychological mindset that had been fed and nurtured by the White American society since the time of slavery in the South. He was just a young graduate student of the University of Chicago then. But what he learned from that night when the woman, who pulled away from the same sidewalk he was walking on in terror, thinking she was going to be attacked, taught him that as a Black man living in a predominantly White society, it was up to him to change the way that these people would see him even without knowing him. Using a quote from the list that was supplied to us for this reading, I believe that the following passage best describes the realization that occurred that night when Dr. Spiner was walking down that Chicago sidewalk in the middle of the night:"It was in the echo of that terrified womans footfalls that I first began to know the unwieldy inheritance Id come into- the ability to alter public space in ugly ways." ï ¼Ë†Pg. 53). In his statement, Dr. Spiner is making direct reference to the history of Blacks in the United States. Touching on the fact that the White men had been raised to fear Black people, there is a sense of disgust when one considers that the reason the woman feared him was quite similar to the reasons that Trayvon Martin had lost his life. He was racially profiled and as such, deemed to be a threat to her safety by the woman. Regardless of the fact that the man walking behind her did not dress nor look like an African-American thug. Generations of mind conditioning culminated in that very moment for that woman. It is a bit hard to understand how the presence of a person of alternate skin color can easily change the safety factor of a certain place. Yet that is exactly what

Friday, October 18, 2019

B300 B TMA 01 Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

B300 B TMA 01 Strategy - Essay Example It can also lead to the successful adaptation of experience and technology in the workplace. Business organizations need to apply innovation and creativity in order to accomplish their business and organizational goals. They also need to have appropriate processes that can respond effectively to the changes in the business environment. Path dependency has been associated with an increase in organizational performance. This report will seek to identify and assess the impact of path dependency in augmenting organizational performance. The report provides an overview and background about the definition of path dependency. It describes the relationship between path dependency and business firms. The characteristics of path dependency are explained using relevant theories. The strengths and weaknesses of path dependency approach are elucidated in a smart and prudent manner. Finally the paper concludes that path dependency can significantly enhance the firm performance in many ways. Path dependence has been defined as the impact of past choices on existing options. It creates the structural framework for an association between efforts and results. The results are reliant upon the choices completed at the feedback phase. However in reality, path dependence has an intricate and complex definition (Mazzucato, 2002: Pg 250). It can involve a scenario where existing choices are constrained because of earlier alternatives. Another situation can occur when earlier judgments are simply part of multiple variables which impact the ability of organizations to choose alternatives. Path dependencies are an integral nature of organizational innovation and change. At the basic level, organizations might make decisions that are not limited by path dependency. However this can restrict the ability of organizations to pursue future alternatives in a smart and prudent manner. Path dependence emerges from a number of causes. If certain policies provide efficiency

Research Methods Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research Methods - Assignment Example The oil export business has also allowed the countries to participate in the international trade and thus the countries are developing in order to compete with the developed nations (Narayan and Smyth, 2007). Since oil producing sector is the most important sector in the middle-east and the GCC nations this is considered for carrying out a detailed study. The aim of the research is to carry out an overall analysis of the performance of the oil producing companies of middle-east by focusing mainly on the GCC nations and the revenue generated them. Since crude oil is on high demand in the international market hence it would prove to be an interesting topic of discussion for most of the researchers. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a number of features in common that is their structural economic features as well as there are significant differences. The common features comprise of high dependency of the other nations on the hydrocarbon as well as the oil production of the middle-east and the GCC nations (Arouri and Rault, 2012). The countries are expected to earn a large portion of their revenue from the oil export business. Oil producing companies face challenges due to the fluctuations in the oil prices where some of the oil importing countries reduce their dependency on the oil and hydrocarbon and set up a separate non-oil sector. There is a possibility of economic diversification that takes place in the international market that would in turn reduce the demand for oil. Study says that, the member nations of GCC are adopting the method of economic diversification with UAE and Bahrain, acting as the most advanced in this field of economic diversification. According to the study, the GDP growth in the non-oil sector has exceeded that of oil producing sectors in the international market, but the non-oil sector are controlled by the government expenditure which is further dependent on

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Comparative methodological critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comparative methodological critique - Essay Example apply the principles of scientific research and avoid proceeding to any initiative that will affect the study’s credibility, for instance the failure in appropriately citing the texts quoted from another study, the failure to inform the participants on the study’s scopes and its ethics – a fact that can lead even to the rejection of a particular study. This paper explores the various aspects of two studies that are based on different research methods: a qualitative and a quantitative one. As a sample of quantitative research, the study of Krishnan et al. (2005) under the title ‘A few good women – on top management teams’ has been chosen; the context of the qualitative research has been also examined through the study of Liff et al. (2001) under the title ‘Distorted views through the glass ceiling: the construction of women’s understandings of promotion and senior management positions’; it is proved that the two studies have been developed in the context of scientific research and therefore they’ve managed to meet their scope despite the delays caused because of failures in different phases of research in the context described below. Krishnan et al. (2005) have tried to examine the potential influence of gender diversity on organizational performance; a series of additional issues have been examined in the context of the study, like the level of gender diversity in modern organization, the environmental characteristics (which in this case refer to the demographic characteristics of the participants) and the role of women managers in changing the internal organizational environment. The reasons that Krishnan et al. (2005) chose the specific subject is the fact that gender has been proved in the literature to influence the performance of employees – as a result of the organization; the aspects of this problem need to be highlighted; despite the development of social and cultural values worldwide there are still factors, like the gender, that

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 85

Assignment Example In order to accrue over my career, must the ability to influence others positively rather than power. The ability to contribute positively and nurture other rests on the ability to motivate and grow young journalist towards respected professionals, this is the greatest power that one can attain in the profession and career growth. In order to attain significant organizational, there should be absolute power given to the change agents. There are reasons for this; firstly organizational change is achieved through use of resources, authority and responsibility. The change agents also need to be entrusted with the responsibility to manipulate organizational resources, including human resource so that they are geared towards the desired change. Without the power to use resources, responsibility and authority bestowed on the change agents, there will be no significant organizational change. Power is the most critical recipe in achieving organizational change; power allows you to access necessary resources either financial or human resources necessary for the change process. Moreover, through power one can influence critical decisions needed in order to achieve change in the organizational structures. As a student, there have been a number of skills, attributes and abilities that have developed along the way that remain critical in my personal development. Firstly, self-confidence has been an important recipe in the decisions that have propelled me to this far. The virtue has enabled me to build a strong personality that has defined my unwavering conviction within and outside career. Secondly, honest is an important trait that has enabled me to grow and establish trust within my peers and others. As an important life trait, being honest enables you to win the trust of friends and strangers with ease. It allows you to navigate successful

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Comparative methodological critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comparative methodological critique - Essay Example apply the principles of scientific research and avoid proceeding to any initiative that will affect the study’s credibility, for instance the failure in appropriately citing the texts quoted from another study, the failure to inform the participants on the study’s scopes and its ethics – a fact that can lead even to the rejection of a particular study. This paper explores the various aspects of two studies that are based on different research methods: a qualitative and a quantitative one. As a sample of quantitative research, the study of Krishnan et al. (2005) under the title ‘A few good women – on top management teams’ has been chosen; the context of the qualitative research has been also examined through the study of Liff et al. (2001) under the title ‘Distorted views through the glass ceiling: the construction of women’s understandings of promotion and senior management positions’; it is proved that the two studies have been developed in the context of scientific research and therefore they’ve managed to meet their scope despite the delays caused because of failures in different phases of research in the context described below. Krishnan et al. (2005) have tried to examine the potential influence of gender diversity on organizational performance; a series of additional issues have been examined in the context of the study, like the level of gender diversity in modern organization, the environmental characteristics (which in this case refer to the demographic characteristics of the participants) and the role of women managers in changing the internal organizational environment. The reasons that Krishnan et al. (2005) chose the specific subject is the fact that gender has been proved in the literature to influence the performance of employees – as a result of the organization; the aspects of this problem need to be highlighted; despite the development of social and cultural values worldwide there are still factors, like the gender, that

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Legal institution and method. (legal court system of UK) Essay

Legal institution and method. (legal court system of UK) - Essay Example Sanders, Young, and Burton’s statement shows their better insight of the English court system and its operations. This is because of the statement’s awareness of the structure of the legal system and penalizing policies. The English court system supports conviction reductions if the defendant makes a guilty plea promptly. The United Kingdom’s legal system benefits from this practice economically and politically. These advantages are felt more today, which makes the public, witnesses, and those harmed by the accused see as if defendants cannot find a way around the system2. When defendants too begin viewing the system this way, they tend to plead guilty when their cases reach trial. Consequentially, the defendants forego their rights to an adversarial trial, which is what the authors observed in the statement3. The few defendants who refuse to tolerate this attitude of the court system are less probable to make a prompt plea. Instead, such defendants consider the proof against them before making such a decision. United Kingdom’s court system does not offer sufficient legal or financial support for higher degrees of guilty pleas past the present recommendation range of equal to 33%4. A survey conducted to determine what the public and judiciary officials think of this kind of support found out that just a fifth of UK’s residents believe there shouldn’t be a decrease in guilty pleas. The same survey discovered that few victims of criminal cases supported the reduction of guilty pleas if it prevented them from giving their testimonies before court5. Many defendants in the UK are not in favor of the idea of a universal approach to barriers to guilty pleas or mandatory adversarial trials. The survey realized the public was less probable to the support the idea of a more merciful conviction for a defendant pleading guilty to

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Google Book Settlement Essay Example for Free

The Google Book Settlement Essay In this economic slump, the book industry is actually holding up, when compared to other business that have suffered deeply. In the face of adversity there is a business that has emerged and is taking over the digital book market. This company is not Microsoft, or Amazon. In fact the giants are actually against the entity that created a monopoly in this area. In 2002 Google began a project to scan all books in libraries by making parts of them digitally available online through their servers, all the while benefiting from ads displayed through the book searches. The project plan had two parts: ?Under Partner Program: Google was given permission by publishers to scan their books and make parts available. ?Under the Library Project: Google planned to scan millions of books from universities and public libraries (Laudon, Traver, 2009). However, Google did not contact the publisher or pay a royalty fee, which is when the controversy began! In 2005, players in the publishing industry filed lawsuits at the program claiming copyright infringement. Google however, claimed they were operating fairly under the â€Å"fair use† doctrine codified in the Copyright Act in 1976. (Copying/lending of books has been fair since 1930’s) (Laudon, Traver, 2009). In 2008, Google came to a settlement over the lawsuit with authors and publishers. They would pay cash and give other accommodations to the parties accusing them of copyright infringement. In return, they would retain non-exclusive right to sell books, place ads, and make other uses of their scanned book database. Google then gave the publishing industry a chance to OPT-OUT, and basically were acting untouchable. Some prestigious universities backed Google’s projects but they soon found heavy opposition from  high- tech companies, authors, publishers, congress, department of justice, and some librarians. WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 3 In 2009, Google’s book settlement continues to be a controversial topic. Many companies returned to dispute the settlement, including privacy protection groups. Then the Justice Department began to investigate the antitrust issues of the settlement. Google’s library project has come about and is saying â€Å"Stop us if you can†! In the following paper I will discuss the issues at hand and attempt to give some concrete solution and alternatives. In looking at the situation, there tends to be quite a few unanswered questions. So let us look at it together and form or own solutions. Harm and solution The two main groups who are harmed by Googles Library program are book publishing companies and the authors of the books. The reason Googles program is harmful to both these entities is due to the fact that their copyrighted material is being made available to the public for access free of charge (Laudon, Traver, 2009).. The clear solution would be for Google to give monetary compensation to the book publishing companies; they could then pass on the earnings  to their authors. A reasonable payment structure would have to be worked out between Google and the publishers of the copyrighted books being indexed. Google pursuit and advantage Google will claim to provide public service to millions by giving access to â€Å"all Worlds’ information†. Simultaneously, can help publishers sell books. Obviously they have financial incentives to receive money from ads and the sale of digital books. Establishing a global digital reliance on the Google search engine, in this way Google will be able to divert money and gain attention for the information it provides to the public. Librarian support WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 4 A librarian who believes in the availability and free exchange of information should be in full support of Googles Print Library program, as the model is similar to that of a public library. Googles Library allows users to access a complete list of books. However on the other side of the coin Googles Library may pose a threat to the existence of conservative libraries as it would have an inexpensive edge over a physical library due to its limitlessness and convenience? Googles book database could potentially make many libraries obsolete (Laudon, Traver, 2009). Opposition and Support The reason Amazon, Yahoo, Microsoft and others oppose Google‘s library program is because Google will be able to invade the readers privacy, this means they would be able to track every e-book accessed and read. This program would have exclusive rights to sell books that are no longer in print, that are still under copyright, this would be millions of books (Laudon, Traver, 2009), and at the end of the day Google would have too much power. However, Sony is standing behind Google because their potential gain due the fact that they produce a series of electronic book downloader’s named the â€Å"Reader†. One of the products the company markets and sells is the â€Å"Reader,† a family of electronic book or â€Å"e-book† readers that allow users to download and read electronic copies of books on a hand-held device. In Sony Electronics’ view, the cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship the Settlement forges between Google and the copyright holders in the proposed class may have a profoundly positive impact on the market for e-book readers and related devices. For this reason, Sony Electronics believes the Settlement should be approved (Singel, 2009 pp. 7). Will Google be a de facto Monopoly? WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 5 The settlement allows Google to sell copies of works that no other organization in the U. S. can sell: so-called orphaned works where the original copyright holder cannot be located because, for instance, they went out of business, of poor record-keeping or mergers. This could eventually constitute the bulk of Google Books. As Fraser puts it, No other firm has ever been able to legally copy orphan works (Mims, 2010 pp. 4). So, in this way Google can and will become a monopoly of the money and power, that  Google has and will build upon. Google has deep, deep pockets (Laudon, Traver, 2009). Conclusion In summary, with Google leading the charge and has the resources to create such a useful program. And yet, Google is stepping on so many toes and big ones at that, but still not has big as their own. Google will gain a dominant control over the digital book world, creating a program that no one can compete with. This will be because no one can match the excessive costs that Google is undertaking. So, again you can see where Google says â€Å"Stop us if you can! † (Laudon, Traver, 2009). No one has been able to as of yet. References WORKSHOP 4; GOOGLE LIBRARY PROGRAM 6 Laudon, K. C. , Traver, C. G. (2009). E-commerce business, technology, society 2012. (8 ed. ). Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson Mims, C. (2010, October 18). Why there can never be a competitor to google books. Retrieved June 20, 2012 from http://technoloyreview. com/view/421247/why-there-can-never-be-a- competitor-to-google Singel, R. (2009, August 09). Sony sides with google in library of future settlement. Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://www. wired. com/business/2009/08/sony-google-book/.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Skin care products with whitening and lightening function

Skin care products with whitening and lightening function Skin care products with whitening and lightening function have been introduced to the Asian market over the past decades years and it recorded as the best-selling product categories in the Asian beauty industry (Ashikari, 2005). According to the study title The Quest for Beauty: Asias Fascination with Pale face (2009) stated the total whitening marketing is forecasted the market will be continuing to $18 billion and the rate of growth is around 12 per cent annually (Deirde, Helen, Mark, 2010, p. 26). In South East Asia, there are more than 62 skin lightening products were introduced in year 2008 (Deirde, et al., 2010, p27). Besides, the involvement of women in the workforce increases in their income and wealth. Most of the women tend to buy the whitening product to lighten their skin (Deirde, et al., 2010). To fulfill the consumer needs, the whitening product was still developing to match the market demand (August, 2008). The result of the Asian women using skin lightening products i s shown in the Table 2.1 Table 2.1: Result of Asian women using skin lightening products Asian country Estimated % of Women Using Skin Lightening Products Thailand 58 Philippine 50 Hong Kong 45 Malaysia 41 Indonesia 60-65 (Source from The Quest For Beauty: Asias Fascination With Pale Skin, p27, 2010) There are a lot of myths about fair skin tone. In the current social context, fair skin tone not only symbolizes womens beauty, but also will project womens marital prospects, job prospects, social status, and earning potential (Ashikari 2003b; Goon and Craven 2003; Leslie 2004). One of the surveys was conducted in The Quest for Beauty: Asias Fascination with Pale face shown Malaysian men thought their partners would be more attractive with a fair skin tone (Deirde, et al., 2010). In the same study, it also stated that different culture may result in different interpretation on the meaning of whiteness. To provide a clearer picture, in Japan, fair skin is equal to wealth and high education level (Deirde, et al., 2010). As in Thailand, the fair skin is always associated with the higher social status and wealth (Deirde, et al., 2010). As contrast to the white, black, in Indian culture symbolize as underprivileged people and often related to dark, dirty, wrong, hell, and etc (Arif, 2004 ). On the contrary, Indian culture prefers lighter skin tone as it associated with the bright side of the culture(Arif, 2004).White, in Indian culture, is regard as a sign of beauty, purity, cleanliness, happiness, and symbol of power (Arif, 2004). Moreover, fair skin is also presented as good marriage in India. Overall, whiteness is an important predictor for presenting the positive image in the Indian society (Arif, 2004). Desires for whiteness, under this chain of associations, is pursued Despite of the diverse cultural different in Asia region, they are holding the common belief to have light skin. However, some of the academics, activists and sociologists reflect the marketing of skin-lighteners as racism. (Sage, 2009; August, 2008; BBC News, 2003) In this research study, not only focus on the advertisement of women magazine in Malaysia, but also focus on whitening body care product. 2.2 Background There are several items will discuss in the session of background which included beauty products for women, the fairness is more craze, discrimination of people, advertising in general for these products, printed advertisement and magazine advertisements. 2.2.1 Beauty products for women Peoples needs and desires to be beautiful are supposed to be identical all over the world. With the aid of beauty product, people can gain confidence and stand in front of crowd without fear. In this modern society, the first impressions brought to people are crucial. People are increasingly emphasis on the appearance rather than other more durable criteria (Barthel 1988: 3) and emphasize on the decoration of the female body, with the aids of the fashion and cosmetic products (Barthel 1988: 8) Based on this reason, the latter product categories, the hair care, fragrance, and personal products are frequently used to enhance the attractiveness and the degree of sexuality on the person. Moreover, beauty also refers to traditional make-up, which included lipstick, mascara and foundation, as well as contemporary make-up, such as tinted/flavored lip balm/gloss (Pawlowski, 2007, p. 62). 2.2.2 Fairness is more craze According to Bray (2002), there are almost half of 35 to 54 years of Asians used skin care product with whitening function, some analysts have said it could be worth billions of dollars. In Asian countries, that has been a trend of growth of whitening and lightening product since that have long histories of utilizing fair skin as a key criterion of personal beauty (Bray, 2002). There is a Chinese idiom One whiteness can cover three kinds of ugliness (Leong, 2006; Eric, Hyun, Kimura, Russell, Bahl, 2008). In people perception, fair skin is always a symbol of elegance and nobility (Leong, 2006). White jade is often used as a metaphor to describe such fairness (Leong, 2006, p.167). The preferences for white of fair skin are common in the modern Asian market (Leong, 2006). In India, for example, a significant part of many Sunday newspapers is dedicated to personal advertisements by men seeking fair-skinned brides (Leong, 2006, p. 168). 2.2.3 Discrimination of people Although skin whitening product can lighten people skin tone, it may indirectly discriminate the races that have darker skin tone. For instance, that is an argument in India due to the Fair and Lovely advertisement. The advertisement showed a young, dark-skinned girls father lamenting he had no son to provide for him, as his daughters salary was not high enough the suggestion being that she could neither get a better job or get married because of her dark skin. (BBC News, 2003). This advertisement has an overwhelming responces. According to Luce and Merchant (2003), 90% of Indian women want to use whitening product and that is a phenomenal trend growth in the number of skin-lightening products. In their perception, fair skin represent good education and more likely to marry well. However, some of the sociologists and academics pointed out that is not only a wrong moral value, but also pollute the young generations mind (BBC News, 2003). According to Lipsitz (1998, p. 3), the power of whiteness depended not only on white hegemony over separate racialized groups, but also on manipulating racial outsiders to fight against one another, to compete with each other for white approval, and to seek the rewards and privileges of whiteness for themselves at the expense-literally-of other racialized populations. 2.2.4 Advertising in general for these products Television, radio station, internet, and even outdoors advertising are categorized as broadcast media. The different promotional tools will deliver different benefits to the advertisers. Due to this reasons, majority of global advertising adopting more than one type of advertising tool to promote their product. 2.2.5 Print advertisement Print advertising defined as the dissemination of advertising messages using visual, printed item, such as newspapers, catalogs, mailers, flyers and magazine advertisement (Jade, nd). Under the strong competition with other broadcast media, such as television and radio, print advertisement still place an important role to the advertiser. Compare with other broadcast media, print advertisement allow to present more detailed information. By the way, print advertisement such as newspaper and magazine refer as a high involvement of media, it means printed advertisement is more selectivity and it can help the company reach the specific target readers and customers. 2.2.6 Magazine advertisement Through magazine advertisement, the company can reach the certain target market in and educated the reader about the product knowledge in the short period. Besides, the cost of the advertising on magazine is much cheaper compare with other communication tool, such as television and radio. From the 1880s onwards, advertising has played a vital role in shaping the form and content of womens magazines. And, it has a clear and strong relationship between advertising and womens magazines. Besides, magazines were designed as forums for national advertisements aimed for women. According to Veronica (2010), there is no indication for change in the near future as the pattern has existed for more than 100 years. Magazines advertisement is essential tool for marketer because it provides a forum for gender targeted advertising. Marketer can effectively deliver their message to the target audiences. According to McCracken (1993), womens magazines refer as a powerful advertising medium since advertising occupies up to 95 per cent of the space in some womens magazines, earning these publications the more appropriate title, womens advertising magazines. Womens magazines, are a sphere of activity that readers view as an area of freedom, free choice and free time (McCracken 1993) and the advertising within creates new wants and needs. The statement from McCracken (1993) indicates the high readership for women magazines. The role of women magazines is slowly changing to the storytelling mechanism of society because of the increase of advertising material. (Jhally 2000: 30). 2.3 Variable 2.3.1 Size of the advertisement In general, the options of the size of the magazine classified into half page, one page, double page or more than two pages (Pu, Y,R, 2003). According to McCracken (1993), women magazines contained 50%-60% of full-page advertisement. There large size of the advertisement provides a clearer advertisement detail and advertiser more easily to correct it. In the recent article, one of the researchers, double page of the advertisement can attract more one-quarter of reader than one page and one page of size advertisement can attract more one-third reader than half page. (Print Ad Placement, 2011) Some of the marketer will prefer half page size of advertisement, if they faced the tight budget problem. In the other research study of shown the one page size of the advertisement are majority which is 85%. (L. Wasylkiw, A.A. Emms, R. Meuse, K.F. Poirier, (2009), This may due to the price of advertising is reasonable and it is more easily to attract attention. 2.3.2 Advertising layout In the study conducted by (Anna Peter, 2006) states that are 3 components in term of layout consists in the printed advertisement, which are visual information, verbal information and brand name. Different of advertisement layout reflect the different characteristic of product. According to the study of Pu, N, R, (2003), the author found that both personal and cosmetic product present their advertisement with visual and copy layout. In general, visual consider as visual element and copy defined as words. This may due to the visual element in the advertisement can serve to the visualization and verbal element serve to the verbalization. 2.3.3 Advertising copy elements Advertisement is a tool that used by marketers to deliver the intended message to their targeted customer. It is crucial to ensure the concept of the advertisement fit with the overall marketing objectives. For print advertisement, display copy and body copy are the two elements of copy sheet. (Anna Peter, 2006) As defined by Wells et al (2006), display copy is the entire element that the reader able to see at the first glance, such as headlines, subhead lines, taglines and slogans. In general, headline is the words in the leading position of the advertisement and it also reflects as selling idea in the advertisement. (Anna, P; Peter, W, 2006; Major elements of copy for copywriting, nd) Usually, headlines of the advertisement presented in the large size and obvious position. With the aims of enhance the readability of the message, sub headlines normally presents in the new paragraphs with larger size and bold type. (Anna, P; Peter, W, 2006) Body copy defines as the text with smaller size typed which to provide a clear and further explanation about the product. (Anna, P; Peter, W, 2006) According to the Anna, P and Peter, W (2006), slogan regarded as a motto for a campaign, brand and company. To increase the probability to recall the advertisement, marketer usually integrated the slogan in the advertisement, to better address the products attribute. (Advertising Strategy, nd) 2.3.4 Color Color is a powerful element which represent for brand identification, feature reinforcement and differentiation. (Anna, P, Peter, W, 2006) Other than that, vibrancies of color also more easily to catch the attention of the audience, provide realism, establish moods and build brand identity. (Anna, P, Peter, W, 2006) According to the Pamela S. Schindler (1986), color advertisement had the higher response rate and better recall probability when compare with the dull blank and white advertisement. In the other aspects, color can be classified to warm color tone, cool color tone and earth color tone. Red, orange and yellow are the example of warm color tone; green, blue and violet are present in cool color tone and earth color tone reflects neutral color. The different colors always associated with different characteristics. Due to the same advertising pattern, some of the color associated in the characteristics of femininity, cultural interpretations or even emotional responses. (Pamela S. Schindler, 1986) For instance, the use of the color red symbolizes love and passion, while the color white generally signifies purity and virginity. (Pawlowski, 2007) Pink is seen to be very feminine which can also be deemed as sexual while pastel type coloring generally refers to non-sexual. (Pawlowski, 2007) 2.3.5 Visual element The roles of visual element in the advertisement not only for catches the attention of reader, but also importance of creating brand awareness and brand beliefs (John R. Rossiter, 1982) According to Kosslyn and Alper, 1977; Kosslyn, 1980, larger size of the visual element can produce the better learning . And, other than memory responses, the visual size also influence on the evaluative responses. (Rossiter and Percy (1978; 1980) and Mitchell and Olson (1977; 1981) 2.3.6 Language Today, English is regarded as an international language. It acts as an important and common language in the world, you can used English in every part corner of world. The statement proved by 72 of in flight-magazine around the world used English as main language. (Veronica, 2010) Although English is a universal language, but the advertiser of some countries, such as Taiwan, South Korean, and United States still prefer their local language to present the message of the advertisement. (Jaehee, J Lee, Y,J, 2009; Veronica, M, S, 2010) As global company advertises their product globally, the languages they used are vary according to the social context. They are usually ignoring the local nuance, and translate directly from their original copy. (Veronica, 2010) Communication with customers is essential in the marketing perspective. The local language can integrate with the local community effortless. In the multi cultural country such as Singapore and Malaysia, there is a diverse market opportunity for each of the races. Hence, by targeting different group of customers, the publisher have to publish different languages of magazines to better address the need and wants of the different groups of people. By publishing different languages of magazines, they can better deliver the message to their reader by the languages that they are familiar to. 2.3.7 Type of Appeal Generally, there are two type of appeal which is rational appeals and emotional appeals. In advertising, rational appeals defined as the element used to motivate consumers through information and logical arguments. (Jeon, George, Bruce, Joseph, 1999) Visual elements were coded as rational if the advertisement contained picture of the brand, before and after comparisons, product demonstrations, or comparatives portraying the competition. The use of rational appeals can be apply by reduce the uncertainly requires, distinct logical, and direct information from the communicator. (Zandpour etal. 1994) Nevertheless, emotional appeals reflect the images and feelings to mold consumers perceptions toward the brand. Among the emotional appeal are storytelling, metaphors, and aesthetics. (Jeon, George, Bruce, Joseph, 1999) Advertising appeal usage can be applied in different product types. According to Cutler and Javalgi (1993), the overall content of the advertisement can be categories into rational, emotional or both. In the past research, the authors found that advertisement for durable goods tend to presents more information than advertisement for nondurable goods. (Abernethy and Franke 1996) However, service advertisement is more emphasize on emotional appeals. (Abernethy and Butler 1992; Cutler and Javalgi 1993) In the research conducted by Golden and Johson (1983), they examined the impact of thinking versus feeling appeal in print ads on various measures of advertising effectiveness. The author defined thinking appeal as appealing to the rationality of the receiver, and feeling appeal as creating a mood and appealing to the emotions. (Golden and Johson, 1983) In this study, they concluded that the underlying reason for the popularity of thinking appeals is the rich of product information, and elicit higher purchasing intentions. (Golden and Johson, 1983) According to a research conducted by McGuire (1969), he denied the effectiveness of emotional appeal in the advertisement after directly comparing the rational and emotional appeal from the advertisement. Based on his research, neither of the rational and emotional appeal outperform of each other. The core idea behind this is that emotional message can also be rational, and vice versa 2.3.8 Product Categories Product categories in the advertisement can be divided into 22 categories. (Nelson Paek 2007) Beauty product was defined broadly, which consisted cosmetic, jewelry and clothing. In addition, special group of products such as womens apparel, perfume and cosmetic categories occupy large portion of total marketing costs. (Veronica, 2010) In the recent study, the authors classified apparel product, perfuse and cosmetics as self-image projective product. (Veronica, 2010) The targeted market segment would affect the marketing strategies applied in different market. (Veronica, 2010) In the other researches, product categories can be categories into hedonic or utilitarian element. (Crowley, 1992) Hedonic products are primarily related to sensory attributes and concentrate on consumatory effective gratification whereas utilitarian products are mainly associated with functional and non-sensory attributes and focus on fulfillment of instrumental needs. (Crowley, 1992) According to the research of Jung and Lee (2009), Korean and United Stated beauty magazines consisted a lot of body-related products than non-body related products advertisement, with a ratio 91.1 to 8.9. The body-related products include clothing, beauty product, diet services, and accessories. 2.3.9 Product origin The country of production has certain degree of influence on the consumers decision making process. Zhou (2004) provided some evidence in study that Chinese consumer is willing to pay more on the western product, mainly because of the common belief to reflex the prestige and social status. There is some opposite point of view from Nelson(2004). He stated that there is growing population who are supporting the local product and cultural identity. 2.3.10 Whitening function of the product Skin whitening product is a global trend throughout the world. There is a huge market opportunity for Europe, Asia and the United States market. (Deirdre, B, Helen, C, Mark, D, nd) According Ashikari (2005), whitening and lighten product growth rapidly in Asia which influence by the Asian wealth and growing consumer cultures. Mostly, the whitening function of product can classified to UV features, whitening effect and function in both way.UV features of product can decrease the damage and protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and long time exposure under the sun. In additional, the role of whitening effect shows the product focus on lightening complexion of womens skin, which from the yellow or darker skin color to white and fair skin color. (Johanson, 1998) The example of products with whitening effect are Kose, Za, Olay, Lancome, Nivea and Sk II, normally we can found it in shopping mall. With the trend of whiteness, a lot of companies introduce a lot of whitening and UV function of product, and then customer can kills 2 birds with one stone with the multi-functional product. 2.3.11 Degree of sun protection factor (SPF) In the market, there is a lot of cosmetic and skin care product contained sun protection factor (SPF), which can protect our skin from the direct ray from the sun. The different degrees of SPF have different functions. In the research conducted by Autier et al. (1999), they assessed the impact of the 2 different degree of sunscreen sun protection factor (SPF) of unlabeled product on the duration of sun exposure in two groups of young people. They concluded that the volunteers who used SPF 30 were exposure 25% longer than these who used SPF 10. The result of the finding is not surprising. The doubt in this research is on the basis of increased exposure, there was no difference in sunburn or skin-reddening episodes in the two study groups. 2.3.12 Origin of model Model can be classified into different ethnic groups, such as Asian (Chinese/ East Asian, Malay or Indian), Caucasian, or mixed. In the study by (Eric P. H. Li, Hyun,J.M, Kimura, J, Russell, W. B, Bahl, S, 2008; Cheng, H, Katherine, F, Shaw, P, 2005; ), authors found that most of the Asian beauty product advertisements using Caucasian model. The underlying reason is the globally recognized beauty standard. According to Goon and Craven, the popularity of Caucasian and Eurasian models reflects the postcolonial structure of commoditization and consumerism and is still influenced by a colonial past. In the other study, it also revealed 70.2% Caucasian model was used frequently in Korean advertisement to promote their product. (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2009) This phenomenon happened because the fair skin has been aggressively marketed across Asian culture over this past decade. According to (Sean, R, 2003), white women with those characteristics such as lean, pure and radiant images are representing the feminine ideal and identification. Whiteness also presumes the ideas of purity, integrity, decency and auspiciousness. (Russell, Wilson, and Hall 1992; Sean, R, 2003) By the way, model of the advertisement always plays an important role to deliver the message to the targeted audiences and it pervasive to our daily life. The particular magazines readers will project themselves as the models appear in the magazines advertisement, which enable them to make a positive impact to them, and inevitably make a good evaluation to the product. Besides, the researchers also found that Caucasian women were more willing presented in sexual portrayals which compare with Asian women. (Cheng, H, Katherine, F, Shaw, P, 2005; Christina N. Baker1, 2005) This reason may due to the Asian women are influence by the Confucian culture and philosophy of them has not yet been prepared. (Cheng, H, Katherine, F, Shaw, P, 2005) 2.3.13 Demographics of model Age of the model of the advertisement also acts as a factor influence the consumer behavior. (Chang, C, C, 2008) People are keen to be fresh, beauty and look younger than their actual age. If the model of the advertisement is forties or old featured, then the young generation of consumer may categorized the product as not for me based on this factor. (Chang, C, C, 2008) The result analysis of Women Stereotypes Portrayed in Print Ads by Luxury Fashion Brands found that most of the young model are majority in the advertisement of magazine which is 72.7% (15 and 30 years old). (Carlos, M, M, Paloma, D, S, 2008) 2.3.14 Celebrities Used Celebrity endorsement is the growing trend in the magazine advertisement. A celebrity endorser is defined as any individual who enjoys public recognition and who uses this recognition on behalf of a consumer good by appearing with it in an advertisement. (McCracken 1989, pg. 310). Credibility and attractiveness are the two important criteria to improve the persuasiveness of the advertisement. Hence, the companies are strike to determine the element of credibility and attractiveness to present their advertisement to public. (Kahle and Kahle 2006). Furthermore, Friedman and Friedman (1979) showed that celebrities endorsement is more eyes catching than expert or typical consumer endorsers in advertisement recall and brand name recall, in spite of the product type. In the other research also showed there are a positive effect between adolescents word-of-mouth intentions and brand loyalty among the celebrity sports athletes. (Bush, Martin, and Bush 2004) Besides, female teenagers word-of-mouth intentions are more affected by female celebrities than male celebrities, and female teenagers agree more than male teenagers that they are affected by celebrities in buying certain brands. (Bush, Martin, and Bush 2004) By applying attribution theory, Mowen (1980) used it to explain on the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement. The effectiveness of celebrity endorsement is largely correlated to the consumers willingness to understand the causal reasons for a celebrity to endorse the product. The celebrity endorsement strategy works best if consumers think that the celebrity endorses the product because the celebrity can symbolize the product, rather than the financial incentives. Mowen (1980) Furthermore, Asian celebrity perceived their success is highly related to their fair skin. (Eric, Hyun, Russel, Junko, Shalini, 2008) 2.3.15 Appearance of model Based on the research conducted by Thomas and Treiber (2000), the advertisers prefer to use gorgeous model to represent their product. It can indirectly inform the reader they can as beautiful as the model after them using the product. In the research study named Real Beauty in Advertising: Fab or Fad, appearance was the main subject. It usually used to refer the link between the usage of the particular product and the consequences after of using that product. According to the research, model likes to apply the heavy makeup, such as applied lipstick and particular perfume to become more attractiveness and appeal to public (Reichert Lambaise, 2003, p126). 2.3.16 Apparel of model There are different degree dressing of the model, however nudity of the model becomes a rising trend in the advertisement of the magazines; it also associated with the idea of sexual attractiveness. (Bridgette Desmond, nd) Generally, there are 4 categories of the nudity which are demure, suggestive, partially clad and nude. (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2009) According to (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2009 Reichert, T, Carpenter, C, 2004), demure dress was defined as everyday dress which included walking shorts, but excluded short-shorts or underwear. Suggestive dress defined as partially exposed the upper body, such as unbuttoned blouses or muscle shirts. (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2011; Reichert, T, Carpenter, C, 2004), According to the studies conducted by scholars, Models were considered partially clad if they were shown in underwear or bathing suits. (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2011; Reichert, T, Carpenter, C, 2004) Nude was represent models were holding only a towel or if the photograph was composed so that genitals were concealed. (Jaehee, J, Lee, Y, J, 2011; Carpenter, C, Reichert, T, 2004) Sex approach is more appeal to the male consumer, given the evidence that in year 2003, four out of five women who are appeared in the advertisement were suggestively dress, partially clad, or nude. (Bridgette Desmond, nd) An interesting study conducted by the Desmond, B (2008) stated that society nowadays becomes more sexually explicit and adapt with the high degree nudity level in the advertisement. Even so, there are some the magazines also prefer demure dress, since they target the wider variety of groups. (Bridgette Desmond, nd) 2.3.17 Hairstyle of model In the judgment female beauty, hair color, hair length, and hair style plays a vital role in positive rating on attractiveness. In the research of Mbure, 2009, 63.6% of models, 63.6% had long hair length, and 36.4% of model had short hair length. Besides, in the same research, the author found that 70.8% of model had straight hair and 29.2% of model non-straight hair style, such as kinky, wavy, medium curly, braided and so on. (Mbure, 2009) 2.3.18 Degree of models whitening Skin color stratification is a crucial sociological issue, which included the difference between lightness and darkness of skin tone. (Micaela, 2005) According to Hunter (2002), light skin tone works as capital to women. Moreover, it symbolizes status, educated person, and high income. Light skin tone also associated with sexual attractiveness. In her analysis, it showed that light skin of African American women represent the higher personal earnings and higher spousal status. According to the other research, the author found that prominent models were more likely prefer to be light skin tone than medium skin tone or dark skin tone. However, models minority were less likely to be seen in the workplace than whites but more likely to be portrayed in leisure places and school than whites. Low volumes of studies emphasize on the interpretation of white beauty idea among Asian female. Meanwhile, Sahay Piran (1997) also revealed that the desire to be light skinned was higher the darker am ong South Asian-Canadian females. In the research title Comparisons of Cosmetic Advertisements: Strategies for cultural adaptation in Womens Magazines in Taiwan also shown that most models in Nong-Nong and Elle Taiwan magazines were displayed in a light skin tone; regardless whether the model was western or Asian looks. (Pu, Y, R, 2003) Furthermore, in another research also reflects that light skin tone is ideals in advertising. It were advanced using a diversify of strategies consisting the promotion of benefits related to skin lightening such as skin related (e.g. Increased moisture), emotional (e.g. Increased self confidence) and relational/social (e.g. increased attention from the opposite sex). Mak (2007) Furthermore, among 58 models, 30 models were light skinned, 16 models had medium brown skin tone (mid-point of dark and light brown) and only 9 models were dark skinned. (Mbure, 2009) 2.3.19 Most frequently shown body part Study of Carlos, M, M, Paloma, D, S, (2008) defined human body as dressed body, and the external appearance, such as hand, neck and face play an important role of the first impression while meeting someone. On the same time, different kind of body part shown in the magazines advertisement conveyed the different kind of messages that convey messages to the magazines reader. Most often, marketer emphasized certain body display based on the product categories, such as face with skin care product or upper body part with body care product. In the recent study, researchers found that the advertisement in Korea and Taiwan more focus on the models face rather than bod

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Anne Sexton Essay -- Literary Analysis

Most of us accept the stories we were told as children were false, or at least romanticized. At some point, the illusion was shattered, and Santa, the Easter Bunny and Cinderella were characters we fondly remembered. But although we recognized these figures and legends as illusions, we held on to many of the sentiments the stories, without questioning their application to adult life. Anne Sexton often uses these innocent, childlike images juxtaposed with cynical but more realistic situations in order show that the lessons society teaches children, ones that children retain as adults, are illusions that do not properly illustrate the corrupt, violent world we actually live in. Sexton’s poem Cinderella, about rags to riches stories, clearly follows this pattern. First, the speaker tells four stories: one of a plumber who wins the lottery, one of a nursemaid who marries her boss’s son, a milkman who makes a fortune in real estate, and a charwoman who becomes rich after a bus she was on crashes, and she collects on insurance. The progression of these stories themselves lay cynicism into the form of the poem. The speaker starts with a story about a lottery winner, which is something lucky and could be taken as the universe helping a man struggling to take care of â€Å"the twelve children.† Next comes the nursemaid, who does have a romantic journey too, though not quite as incidental as this lucky plumber, because she â€Å"captures the oldest son’s heart.† The choice of the word â€Å"capture† could be viewed as merely an idiomatic happenstance, or more possibly an implication that the speaker feels the nursemaid had some ulterior motive to love in her interactions with the son. After the nursemaid is the milkman. The milkman still has a romantic ... ...ton’s issue is not with people on an individual level, but instead with the society that puts them in the situations that it does. This is significant because it shows Sexton’s goal is to illuminate society’s flaws and lies rather than those of people. Often, the reader cannot help but feel a bit disheartened after reading a collection of Anne Sexton’s poems. Sexton herself was disheartened with the prospect of life, killing herself at the age of 45 after years in and out of mental facilities. Her poems certainly take cynicism to an extreme, but they remain the type of extreme valuable to the literary canon. Her poetry leaves the reader questioning the world around him, now able to see stories and past experiences in a new light. And although in the case of Sexton this light may be a shadow, the new depth it adds highlights to us that which we hold truly pure.

Friday, October 11, 2019

PD Ethics

Freedom of speech means that a person or a body have a right to express them without any fear of suppression or penalty. It also means that there will not be any imposition of person's speech. In today's context, â€Å"Speech† is not limited to public speaking and it does include other forms of expression including social media. Australia does not have any explicit constitutional rights related to freedom of speech. However, parliamentarians are protected from criminal action such as fomentation when they express themselves inside the parliament.Background Australia had mix history of freedom of speech. As Australia does not have any explicit law regarding to freedom of speech, there were attempts to move towards liberation's of censorship. The modern history of freedom of speech in Australia dates back to First World War. Hughes government increased censorship during the war. After the war as the government lost the wartime power, they introduced the Customs Act to keep out d estabilize dogmatic works. During 1933-34, this method cached at peak as more than 100 books were banned. Due to threat of communism, Lyons government denied entry to Czech communist writer Eggnog Chicks.During the Minimizes' time, government summoned the editor and publisher of the Bankbooks Observer before the Bar of the House to defend a charge that they had breached parliamentary privilege by publishing an article alleging that a member of parliament was involved in an immigration racket. Both men ended up spending three months in Globulin Jail. During the sass, in Gorton government, Customs & Excise Minister Don Chip removed ban on many novels and Playboy magazine. He also introduced R certificate for adult movies which were earlier banned. Debate on the same is still going on as there are many high profile cases going on.Utilitarianism The essential claim of utilitarianism is that the only reasonable measure of morality is the minimization of the collective happiness of societ y as a whole. From this it follows that all other goods, if any, have only contributory, as opposed to inherent value. From the utilitarian viewpoint, freedom of speech can therefore be a thing only n terms of its instrumental value. We should look at marketplace of ideas theory usually associated with John Stuart Mill from this perspective. As generally implicit, this theory says that freedom of speech should be secured because it increases the realization of truth.Freedom of speech in this view, is thus contributory for capitalize on the amount of truth available to society as a whole. Such a marketplace is particularly unlikely in today's world, in which varied educational disciplines have become so methodological that most people have only a rare idea of what is going on n them. Mill's argument that the marketplace of ideas pointed towards the truth should be understood to worry not truths or reason but metaphysical ideas to which the idea of â€Å"truth† does not apply. Demonology There are two basic types of moral theories: consequentiality theories and deontological theories.Consequentiality moral theories are those which hold that the correctness of a deed is determined exclusively by the grade to which it produces good consequences. Utilitarianism is a consequentiality theory which holds that the utmost deeds are those which create the highest amount of pleasure or happiness for the maximum number of people. It is the ethical theory underlying contemporary cost-benefit and risk-benefit analysis, according to which we are focused to pick the deed with the maximum favorable ratio of cost or risks to benefits.Deontological theories, the most important alternative to consequentiality, hold that the correctness of a deed rest on upon aspects other than the consequences of the deed. These include such things as whether the purposes with which the deed is done ere upright, whether the deed is Just, whether it esteems the rights of those affected by it , whether the deed is steady with the burdens of duty, and whether, whatever its consequences, something in the nature of the deed makes it inherently incorrect.Social contract Character based ACS Legal/ethical balance

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Extra Curricular Activities

Megan Gilmore Mrs. Jones AP English 11 January 30, 2012 Students’ Behavior and Extra Curricular Activities Over the course of my high school career, I have encountered many different types of people and have learned that the opinions of each are as varied as the individuals they correspond with. Every single one has his or her own perception about staying after school for a multitude of reasons and activities. Some, like me, have a stronger opinion than others. I maintain the belief that, when a student stays after school, he not only experiences benefits mentally but also physically.A number of researchers have questioned, hypothesized, and examined the effects of after-school activities on children’s health as well as on their grades. Studies have been completed over the past few decades, and many interesting facts have been discovered. One example being â€Å"a big increase in the number of school children participating in after-school programs: 8. 4 million youngst ers compared with 6. 5 million in 2004,† according to Home Alone. This dramatic increase in the number of students staying after school can be the result of several things.One possibility is that transportation is readily available to the students if a parent or guardian is unable to pick up the child. Students could also be coming to the realization that staying after school gives them energy to go home and actually finish the homework that was assigned. For example, let’s say that a student loves playing basketball but the school doesn’t offer a team. This student is missing out on the opportunity to exercise both his body and his mind. Now if the school did offer a basketball team and the student joined, every time he had to stay after to practice, he stimulates his body, which includes his brain.Then, when practice was over, he would have the energy and brain stimulation to finish his homework. When choosing a school for their children, many parents have to t ake into consideration the charges for education, in addition to any fees for participation in an after-school program. In fact, cost is one of the major factors that play into the reasons why parents keep children from participating in after-school functions. Costs can include actual charges for the program, either in time or dollars, and expenses incurred for providing transportation.However, according to Home Alone, â€Å"After-school programs are a cost-effective way to boost student achievement, reduce juvenile crime and help overstressed working parents. † Yes, if parents pick up their children from the school, the expenditure for gas money is less than the outlay to pay a babysitter every day or to arrange weekly accommodations at a daycare center for watching the children. A more constructive alternative would be to let them stay at school to either continue their education or play a sport to release built up stress; then parents could just pick them up on their way h ome from work.Now there are some parents that, even if they have the time or money, will not let their children stay after school. Reasons for this include not wanting to expose the children to the delinquents that have to stay for detention afterwards. Some even say that playing sports will distract children from his/her studies because the student will focus on the game and not the school work. According to Bill Varian, â€Å"Students involved in extracurricular activities receive better grades than those who are not involved in extracurricular activities. In addition, activities improve the overall student.Therefore, they help students to receive better grades by teaching them character building lessons, teaching them lifelong skills, saving some at-risk students who would possibly drop out of school, and helping students develop social skills. † We can reasonably ascertain, then, that after-school activities not only help children grow and develop now, but participating i n the undertakings also prepare them for a better, more fulfilling future. Another major factor that plays a role is the effect that the programs would have on a student’s life.Each and every student has a different life when he/she leaves school. Some have to go to work to help their parents pay the bills, while others can sit back and relax while a butler makes a snack, finishes their homework, and cleans the house. I have even seen some children go home to parents who think the child was a mistake and want nothing to do with him/her. According to Lee Shumow, â€Å"The children that are the most prone to actually gaining anything, in particular educational achievement, from after-school programs are the ones from high-risk backgrounds.Although, children that come from these backgrounds are the ones to have the least availability to the programs. † Many of the children that are classified in the high-risk background are the ones that people think will be the troublema kers in the community. But, if you take these children off the streets and keep them after school a few extra hours a day, they can develop bonds with other children so that ultimately they will stay away from drugs, alcohol, weapons, and the people who would tempt them to encounter and develop such habits.According to Mary Rombokas, including high-risk children in after-school activities â€Å"lessens the number of disciplinary problems later down the line. † Some parents turn to the school to provide a â€Å"day care† in essence. So that if the parents are not home, then they can let the children stay at school a few extra hours so that they don’t have to worry about leaving them at home. According to Home Alone â€Å"In 2009, over 15. 1 million children were left home alone and unsupervised after the school day had finished. This is more than a quarter of America’s school children and an 800,000 increase from 2004.These statistics includes 4 percent o f elementary and 30 percent of middle school students. † Many of these parents more than likely don’t like leaving their children at home, but they have no other choice; it may be the only thing they can do unless more programs became available to students. â€Å"Parents of 18. 5 million students say they would enroll their children in an after-school program if one were available. These numbers represent a hugely missed opportunity. A majority of publicly financed after-school programs serve low-income students.They offer help with schoolwork, sports activities, and other enrichment known to translate into improved school attendance and higher graduation rates and lower rates of teenage pregnancy, drinking, delinquency and drug use,† according to Home Alone. I realize that there are some parents who, no matter how much documentation is provided, will never change their minds about allowing their children to stay after school. However, there are alternative optio ns for their children to having them staying on school grounds after the school day has ended.Some students have the buses drop them off at facilities that will look after the children and have them play games or do homework in groups so that social skills can be developed. In addition, playing sports or group games help the children use their mental abilities by having them think on their feet so that later in life they will be able to overcome a problem not only with better results but also more quickly. Many of these places cost little to no money at all. Some parents may want to personally take some time to play or work with their children.There are places available to help them in their endeavors. Almost every community has a center called the YMCA. For a nominal fee, parents can share a variety of activities with their children. Or, if a student is having difficulties in school that a parent cannot help with, older children can provide tutoring while the parents work out in an other room. In a case like this, both sides benefit. Works Cited â€Å"Home Alone. † New York Times. 20 Oct. 2009: A30(L). Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. Lee, Shumow. â€Å"Academic Effects of After-School Programs. Champaign, IL:ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Print. Narine, Shari. â€Å"Federal funding for after school program. † Alberta SweetgrassOct. 2010: 6. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. O’Dea, James. â€Å"The Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on AcademicAchievement. † Drake University; 1994. Print. Varian, Bill. â€Å"Kid programs returning; Commissioners agree to draw up a plan forafter school programs in 18 more parks. † St. Petersburg Times[St. Petersburg, FL] 25 Aug. 2011: 1B. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 5 Jan. 2012.

Applied Business Research & Statistics Essay

In the following, the learning team will revise the Business Research Project. The team will collect all the individual papers from week 5 and will incorporate the best elements into one team inferential statistics and findings paper and spreadsheet. The team will also note the strengths and weaknesses of their statistical findings. They will collaborate if there are any differences to find the best approach. The team will combine all the papers from parts 1-5 and revise all tables and figures. In conclusion, the team will summarize the results of testing the null hypothesis, with a clear statement whether or not the null hypothesis was rejected as well as provide the answers to their research question. The purpose of this research was to determine how performance is affected segment by segment at the Blue Bowl restaurant. The team’s research question in basic terms was to determine how to improve performance during peak guests count to better serve the customer on days that w here not normal operating days primarily Friday and Saturday. Every customer is referred to as a guest and guest count is used in all functions of the operations. Every 30 minutes management record the number of guests who have placed an order and compares that to labor costs which broken down in 30 minutes segments at $4.00 per hour. One such way was to record data every 30 minutes during what we determine was the peak or rush hours. The question becomes how to best capture a true and complete record of the number of complaints given to management. Below are the results we came up with. By using several research methods, the team discovered that there were potential problems that needed to be assessed to measure the performance of the operation. The strategic goals of the Blue Bowl restaurant must be identified for the workable design and execution of the data analysis. Additionally, candidate development must be aligned with  business development and constructively support the cultural, leadership and communication elements. By nature, the Blue Bowl restaurant will continue to evolve with the business needed over the long term and permeate through all levels of the restaurant. The variable is the number of guests complaints received during the most nights the Blue Bowl has an average guest count of 300 guests from 6pm to 10pm. On Friday and Saturday nights this total can climb to 400-600 which could mean an increase of 50% on both days. The team has decided that the removal of the obstacles on the staff will increase their productivity measured by the number of guests and income per hour. However, the removal of the obstacles on the staff will not increase their productivity measured by the number of guests and income per hour. Based on the information that was provided, as a group we decided on the above scenario that not only included a number of guests but also included the number of available working employees. The graph defines those segments when guest complaints occurred. In the graph you can see that complaints mainly occurred in the beginning of the increase, in the middle of the increased, and at the end of the increase of guests. The graph below defines those segments when guest complaints occurred. Above are the results of complaints received by guests to management during this time. You will notice in the first quarter and second quarter complaints are lower compared to the target population this would suggest that performance is good with regards to guest counts. However the team seen an increase in complaints in the third quarter suggesting that performance has fallen. This would suggest to them that with the increase of the work load the staff has lost a measure of performance resulting in complaints. It could also mean that management at the time was trying to cut cost by minimizing staffing levels. With staffing levels lower, more responsibility is put on the shoulders of one worker and that could be a very difficult task to retain high service levels. In the fourth quarter the team found that complaints have again fallen given the data collected which would indicate that the staff has regained performance and is operation better in this quarter with the same being true in the last quarter. As a result, of the results in the data and given the findings that performance decreased in the later quarter, the team believes that employees that are much better  suited for handling the increase. The decrease in complaints resulted from gathered information throughout the quarters. Managers were able to see different trends and were able to gather complaints from diners throughout the quarter. Upon compiling all the information together, the manager of Blue Bowl was able to make significant changes and continue with training thus the reason for the steady decrease. A random sample over the course of a few weeks produces 91 surveys or customer complaint cards. The observations produced a mean of x= 26.1 and a standard deviation to s= 2.8. Since the sample size is large the standard formula will be used. The equation will be 26.1 + and – 1.960 2.8 / the square root of 91. Once the calculations are done we can determine the calculations will be 26.1 + and – 0.58. Thus the 95% confidence level for u will be 25.52 and 26.68. This allowed us to determine that out of the surveys we received feedback on we can say that 95% of the data is accurate. With this data, we will be able to move forward with training and different courses of action to perhaps minimize the complaints that we receive during peak hours. From this data we can now determine what was happening during these peak times if we redefine our research question a bit. We can now ask â€Å"how many complaints where about incorrect orders and how many complaints where from too long of a wait from placing the order and when it arrived at the table?† Below is a chart with these redefined questions and the data which has been separated. So the inferences that can be made here is that the team sees the sharp increase that was due mainly in part to increased wait times and not incorrect orders being delivered to the guests. With this chart you can say that the statistic is regression and from the data you can say that the majority of complaints where in fact due to waiting periods. You can further say that the data infers that the next week’s guests will experience much of the same. Overall the team as a group found out from their data that not all concerns about the performance actually where related to employees. The team found that the great numbers of complaints where from guests that were unhappy about the wait to be seated. The wait time was increased by the guest who  remained longer than projected by management. Early on in their projects they stated that everything in the restaurant was driven by guest count from the food to be ordered, to the number of staff they have on hand to serve the guest, and even the number of kitchen staff working to fulfill the orders. When guests remained longer than one hour the matrix established failed. In their terms the null hypothesis was rejected. Management had few choices about decreasing wait time given the number of tables. If space is available in the dining room, staffing could not be increased for this reason as well. Friday and Saturday nights saw the most increases in our population size and affected our data the most. Another variable we determined as the cause was effectiveness of both the order taking and order fulfillment. Fatigue played a factor in the performance of employees as well as the unpreparedness of staff when increased order volume occurred. Ten Research Questions: 1. Were you greeted immediately upon entering the restaurant? 2. Once seated, how long did it take before your server greeted you? 3. Was you food/drink order correct? 4. How was the quality/presentation of the food/beverage that was provided? 5. How did everything taste? 6. Was the check presented in a timely matter? 7. Did you observe manager/supervisor interacting with guest? 8.Was the server/host knowledgeable about the items on the menu? 9. Would you recommend Blue Bowl Restaurant to your friends and family? 10. How would you rate your overall experience on a scale from 1-5? With 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. The strength was asking or being given responses directly from a guest and recording that data to find the core of the complaints of guests during peak times. This approach revealed wealth of information based on the perceived experiences from the customer, direct interaction and gathered information is far better than relying solely on a random survey which may not yield the same or intended information needed to accomplish the objectives. On the weakness side this information was solely the opinion of a guest and not backed up by data. In that respect the information has a likelihood of including false results based on an opinion. There was not any model in which to compare a base line from previous days  and not a system that could eliminate miss information such as failure of management to record complete and accurate details of the complaint which is amplified when more than one member of management recording data. Still this does allow for future studies to be completed to fine tune both the data gathering and interpretation of the results found. The team has also discovered during the previous weeks that our data began developing more variables such as the space in the waiting area and the number of seating available to seat guests, as well as fatigue of staff during peak times which affect performance. Yet the data collected does provide enough information to identify areas of improvement and those conditions for which the study was conducted. The simple answer could be to increase the waiting area to increase waiting space available as well as redesign the dining area to provide for more seating space. However, this would mean an increase in expenditures to make such changes which may not be financially possible. In conclusion the team has pointed out some of the strengths and weaknesses in their data. They believed that the process that they were able to come up with was going to allow the Blue Bowl Restaurant to continue high success and growth in the future. As a team they gathered data and performed different hypothesis tests to come up with different results. Charts and graphs showed the data that was collected and the variables that were tested. They thought that the complaints came from customers being unhappy with the employee’s service. In actuality it was because the customers had to wait longer to be seated. So as a team they found out that it was not the employee’s performance but prior guests sitting longer than projected. If there was more seating space in the dining room then this problem would not occur. This would mean that the Blue Bowl restaurant would have to expand and might not be enough finances for such renovation. As a team they figured out that they should have included the customers that stayed longer than anticipated as a variable in their tests.