Friday, November 29, 2019

Essay Examples on The Gilded Age Essay Example

Essay Examples on The Gilded Age Paper 1st Essay Sample on The Gilded Age The changes that occurred in the Gilded Age led to shaping American into the superpower and well respected international country that it is recognized as today.The most important changes were the discovery of uses of copper, the assembly line production technique and the completion of thefirst transcontinental railroad. The uses of copper that were introduced during the Gilded Age allowed the development of necessities of life as we know it in the United States today.Because of its ability to transmit electricity and sound, it is used in telephone and telegraph systems and electric lighting – technologies that were developed and introduced during the Gilded Age.It is almost impossible to imagine what our present day lives would be like without telephones, computers and other electronic devices that evolved from the inventions that developed from the discovery of uses of copper during this great period. Henry Fords use of the assembly line in manufacturing thefirst cars in lar ge numbers would survive and evolve to being one of the most efficient techniques of manufacturing otherwise complex and time-consuming products.The assembly line, which is still in use in many factories today, would cut the time of production and would also cut down the skills necessary to build and manufacture products.Before the assembly line, for example, a product would be crafted by a skilled person who possessed the knowledge of making the product.It would take a long time to manufacture because the manufacturing would be done alone or by a few workers.The assembly line would have a line of workers who would do just one function of the manufacturing process.For example, one worker would only put on a tire and thats what that one worker would do all day long.The assembly line would, in turn, require only laborers, instead of skilled workers, to be used. 2nd Essay Sample on The Gilded Age The changes that occurred in the Gilded Age led to shaping American into the superpower and well respected international country that it is recognized as today.The most important changes were the discovery of uses of copper, the assembly line production technique and the completion of thefirst transcontinental railroad. The uses of copper that were introduced during the Gilded Age allowed the development of necessities of life as we know it in the United States today.Because of its ability to transmit electricity and sound, it is used in telephone and telegraph systems and electric lighting – technologies that were developed and introduced during the Gilded Age.It is almost impossible to imagine what our present day lives would be like without telephones, computers and other electronic devices that evolved from the inventions that developed from the discovery of uses of copper during this great period. Henry Fords use of the assembly line in manufacturing thefirst cars in lar ge numbers would survive and evolve to being one of the most efficient techniques of manufacturing otherwise complex and time-consuming products.The assembly line, which is still in use in many factories today, would cut the time of production and would also cut down the skills necessary to build and manufacture products.Before the assembly line, for example, a product would be crafted by a skilled person who possessed the knowledge of making the product.It would take a long time to manufacture because the manufacturing would be done alone or by a few workers.The assembly line would have a line of workers who would do just one function of the manufacturing process.For example, one worker would only put on a tire and thats what that one worker would do all day long. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on The Gilded Age specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Monday, November 25, 2019

Tips on Ethics Essay Writing and Topic Ideas

Tips on Ethics Essay Writing and Topic Ideas During your graduation, you will definitely face many complicated assignments, overcome thousands of demanding tasks and handle a lot of stressful situations. Luckily, not every task is a real threat to your school or student life. Is it true that easy assignments exist on your way? The answer is positive, and an ethics essay is among them. What is an Ethics Essay? Ethical essays require arguing for a particular moral conviction. You must find the proper words to defend your ethics position by putting strong arguments. An ethics essay is quite a tricky one. You are expected to develop logical counter-arguments and find the way to disprove them. Show your personal suggestions are correct. Note the sources your work is based on must be reliable. Choose the proper topic for your work. Raise the everlasting question about people’s values or impact of moral principles on an individual's life. Eventually, you'll deliver a good ethics paper that will meet the expectation of the most discerning readers. What do you know about this type of academic paper, and how does it differ from the reflection or analytic paper? Start with the definition of the issue to see the difference. What is ethics? It is a code of practice; an unwritten policy society sticks to in daily experience. Without noticing, we follow the ethical standards to integrate society, keep us together, and help to interact with people. Each person tends to disagree with the numerous rules. It might be a perfect topic when you create an argumentative ethics essay. Place My Order Now! What to Write About? List of Great Ethics Essay Topics Before start writing, be sure you choose a proper topic. For more inspiration, check a theme related to professional ethics, personal ethics or general ethical issues. This way you can easily find a decent topic to develop an essay on ethics. Choose the one that corresponds to your beliefs. Maybe you have seen a controversial movie recently that gave rise to a dispute with your friends? Or read a book that highlighted human actions in a bad light? Think about newspapers. For those who are seeking for â€Å"foot thought†, media is a treasure chest. Here some examples of ethics essay topics and cases you might find useful: Do journalists have the right to interrupt people's private life? Drugs should not be made legal in the world. Ethics in society essay: it is wrong to conduct experiments on animals as they are nature creations. Euthanasia: people suffering from pain and incurable diseases should have the right to die in law. Responsibility for punishment: is it right to remove a kid from a family for one single slap. Colonization theory: humanity has to think about moving to other planets. Fast food consummation: how society should punish parents who encourage their kids to eat unhealthy food. Education revolution: colleges/universities don’t focus on employers’ needs and labor market. Ð  violation of medical confidentiality due to saving lives Can kids have plastic surgery and Botox injections? Kids' bullying: is it right to tattle to a college administration? Cruelty to animals: should we be silent if our relatives or friends abuse pets? Cheating on a test: should a student tell the tutor that his mate doesn't deserve high marks? What should media write about: deliver context that the public wants to hear or tell us the naked truth? Drinking at the prom: is it right to have a loud party for teenagers under 21? Who is judged: should football players be paid more than doctors and engineers? State foundations and church: why should they be separated? The right to suicide: what to do if a person doesn't want to live? Gathering information about clients: do the companies have a right to collect their customer's personal data? To be or not to be: must students learn classics profoundly or it doesn’t correspond to the modern society requests anymore? Robin Hood in a law: should the rich people pay more taxes and share their income with the poor? The weapon allowed everyone: can we change the system? How schools avoid responsibility: why do we have less physical education today? Truth leads you to the abyss: is it necessary to be sincere if it gets you into troubles? Public praying at the school: is the religious act interfering with the rights of agnostics? Do education institutions and tutors responsible for low test scores? Respect for the family: should teenagers always follow adults' decisions? The importance of a team building: does one member of a group can be more valuable than others? Inappropriate behavior: why weirdos make us feel strange? Is it appropriate to develop scientific programs for a human cloning? Or you can turn to philosophy in search of the ethical dilemma. A broad reading and literature studying are important to define a proper approach. It is your starting point to elaborate a strong writing piece. Order My Ethics Essay How to Start an Ethics Essay? As we've already mentioned, there is not a big difference between various academic papers. They all followed the same standards and consist of three separated parts: Introduction. When you elaborate an outline on ethics, find the hook to inflame the readers' interest. Put thesis statements that represent a key idea. Body. This part is your issue description. Ethics essay demands to disclose the author's judgment and suggestions in this paragraph. In order to deliver strong evidence, turn to the most reputable sources. You have to prove by all means your point and make the ethics paper sound more persuasive. Conclusion. It is a final chord of the paper on ethics where you summarize your key ideas. Make it concise. Tips on Making Your Paper Perfect Don't use clichà ©s because they weaken any writing piece Put your thoughts clearly. Don't choose too difficult words. Keep your sentences smooth! Identify the key point in the opening sentences. Discuss your argument with a person who disagrees with you. Keep the required format (MLA, APA, or Chicago) Write less than 1,500 words: 3-4 pages. Don't waste time. Meet the deadline for submissions. We hope our guide helps you get useful knowledge, and we are eager to see you are making significant progress soon! If you have any doubts about ethics writing, find professional assistance and let skilled authors create the top-notch paper.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 4

Strategic Management - Essay Example Innovation is an important tool for businesses that is born out of some factors such as globalization and outsourcing as these two tend to push the need for an organisation to become more effective and efficient in their operations. In essence, organisations require innovative processes in order for them to cut down on production costs while making sure that they deliver quality products that would make them to be distinguished within the market they operate in. According to Kelloir (2007, p. 180), one factor that drives innovation for a business is the expectations that consumers have because they are known to yearn for products that can help make life easy for them. An example of this would be the need for consumers to bank conveniently without having to go physically to the bank, which facilitated the e-banking options that makes them to access their money at the click of a mouse button through the internet. With this, customers will go for service providers that provide these ser vices despite the cost implications that this service might attract because they are willing to spend more in order for them to be satisfied. One fact that product and service producers understand is that consumers cannot settle for less if they know that they can go somewhere else and find what they want making innovation and being entrepreneurial to be part of their firm’s. When it comes to the various approaches to innovation for entrepreneurs, Garner (2009, n.p) asserts that they understand that this aspect is what makes them unique within their markets by making it to be a priority. For one, some entrepreneurs can view innovation from a strategic point view by asserting that this can hold the future success of their organisations. However, some entrepreneurs when asked say that they find it hard to integrate innovation to be part of the strategic priorities that they have because of the cost

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech Essay

Define term Strategic organization and Credibility in public speech - Essay Example Michelle Griffin in her video, â€Å"Strategic Organization Road Map† defined strategic organization as the development of organization’s objectives structured in a logical and systematic manner to achieve desired organization’s results. The best example of strategic organization can be of sharing the mission statement of the organization with stakeholders. The information structured in the report offers good amount of information on the organization’s mission and its long term objectives. The specific audience here is stakeholders and specific result is to attain future goal and objectives through shared ideas and strategies. Thus, it is very much clear that strategic organization is often perceived as the study of an organization’s strategies based on the management decisions. However, in public speech it is also perceived as putting ideas and information together in a manner that is easy to understand and deliver. It caters to the need of specific people in a systematic manner. It is a process that is developed through the understanding of internal and external environment to reap desired value and benefits. In literal sense, credibility is defined as the quality of being believable and trustworthy among others in the personal and professional world. Credibility needs trust and belief that differs from person to person and thus making the whole process of being trustworthy; a complicated one. However, this complexity is eliminated by being honest and clear with one’s ideas and perception along with having a compassionate nature embedded with convincing power and skills. It needs to be understood that people find it difficult to accept the credibility of an individual without assessing his talent and potential. The assessment of one’s skills and potentials offers belief and trust that redefines credibility in a contrasting manner. Tracy Goodwin in her video, â€Å"Persuasive Speaking Tips: Credibility in Persuasive

Monday, November 18, 2019

Case Study analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study analysis - Essay Example Therefore, the process selection as identified by the team’s recommendations; will assist the organisation in prioritizing solutions to the pre-existing problems. For example, the review team’s assessment of the Information Technology (IT) department shows that it’s current IT solution, GovSource; has many undesired implications which lengthen the recruitment process (Stake, 2006). The team also identifies the inefficient modes of communication which cause delayed feedback from the interviewee’s referees and to the applicants. The use of process selection will, therefore, help the organisation to prioritize between these problems allowing them to come up with a SMART plan to ensure their successful resolution. Meaning, the plan ought to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Process selection, therefore, proves to be advantageous to an organisation in the realizing of their set targets (Yin, 2009). 1.1.2 Process identification Proce ss identification entails the definition of the scope of business processes, for example, an analysis of the scope of Talent Seek’s recruitment process. ... These meetings prove helpful because they help relay the clients’ requirements to Talent Seek’s personnel. The preparation of application forms and advertising of the vacancy positions are an integral part of this phase. The scope of the second phase (actual recruitment and selection) covers the evaluation processes used to sort through the applicants. The applicants’ evaluations happen through a similar criterion during the evaluation phase. The scope of the second phase also covers the selection process, whereby, qualified candidates get selected to be offered Talent Seek’s clients’ requirements (Kane, 2008). The scope of the final phase (appointment) covers the final consultations between Talent Seek’s personnel and their clients, where introduction of the selected candidates occurs to the clients. It is in this stage that further negotiations between the recruits and their employers ensue, and, presentation of a formal employment offer ha ppens. In conclusion, process identification plays a key role in shaping the perspective of organisations. This is because it outlines the scope of the processes within the organisation. This allows personnel to understand their roles (Ashly, 2003). References Ashly Downey. (2003). Recruitment Process Improvement. New Jersey: Lee Moffitt . Kane, J. (2008, April 17 ,saturday). Recruitment Intelligence. Retrieved from Steps of the Recruitment Process and How to Identify Failure Points : http://www.ere.net/2010/05/10/the-steps-of-the-recruiting-process-%E2%80%A6-and-how-to-identify-failure-points/ Mikel J. Harry, R. S. (2006). Six Sigma: The Breakthrough Management Strategy Revolutionizing The World's Top Corporations. New York: Currency.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Participation in higher education and women empowerment

Participation in higher education and women empowerment In the research conducted by Samina Malik and Kathy Courtney the finding from Maliks 2005 study was summarized. It was from his study that the wanted to investigate that to what extent does women empowerment was dependant on the gaining of higher education by women. In the research the importance of the prevailing culture and norms on women empowerment was also highlighted as they play a key role in preventing women from claiming the rights that they have been given by law which includes having equal rights to education. As Pakistan is a developing country it has been rated s the nation with the widest gender gap and discrimination against women (UNICEF 2006). The united nations population information network gave the understanding that women empowerment has five major components, which include women sense of self-worth, their right to have and to determine choices, their right to have access to opportunities and resources, their right to have power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home, their ability to influence the direction of social changes to create a more social and economic order, nationally and internationally,(POPIN n.d) However it has come to notice that overall the girls and women are at disadvantage and the movement to bring about any change in their position or their standard of living has failed. Forming a conclusion from the research it has been proven that the attainment of higher education in particular is accepted as a means for social change. The participation in education has many advantages for the women one of the most important one being economic independence. As agreed upon by Iram, samiullah, tanveer, bedi-uz-zaman, shujaat and Ali women empowerment is a social phenomenon. Women in Pakistan are subject to very little participation in the economic sphere of life. Usually they are either underpaid or unpaid workers in the agricultural background. I their research the authors also subject that women empowerment can be measured based on their participation in politics. However the most important aspect being catered to in their study is the impact of male youths views on women empowerment. Since Pakistan is clearly a male dominated society and the views of the male segment plays either a supportive or opposing role towards women empowerment. It was concluded after the study that the prevailing view of women empowerment from the eyes of the male youth has different aspects of acceptance. Regarding ownership of property, vote casting and registration the response was fairly positive. It was also positive towards equal job opportunities, traini ng program and membership of union and organization but political participation and participation in public protests and political campaigns was a negative. Overall however the attitude of youth towards women empowerment was considered a positive but the family practice of the positive attitude was very limited which may be due to the parents background and quality of education. According to Malik hassaan the reason for women being neglected and lookdown upon may lie in some common factors which stem from the history of the country. The social norms and cultures and the menace of poverty have been put down on the shoulders of the women of this country since its birth. The idea proposed that economic development to actual take place in a nation requires the participation of the entire citizens of the nation by Malik is crucial to this country. The concept highlighted is the importance of poverty and government intervention in the developing worlds. The history bearded by the developing nations plays an important part also in another study relevant to this is by Ndrit. Assie-Lumumba regarding the women and empowerment in Africa. The idea being discussed by both the authors lie in the fact that the nations having participated in many international betterment and development programs and organizations the implementation of laws pro-women have been poor due to the history of poverty and culture prevailing in these nations. The insignificant intervention of the government and the lack of positive will towards this idea not only hinder the social well-being but also the e economic wellbeing of these developing nations. As Assie-lumumba explains the participation of women I higher education and universities are extremely low due to which any research conducted from these institutions dont show the actual picture. Although the educational system has been taken from the wests example, the persisting lack of participation by the female sector cannot be ignored. The reason for the lack of involvement doesnt however lie solely with the historic practices but also by the recent practices which have stemmed out from the historic practices in essence strengthening them. The issue being that without access to primary and secondary education the female masses cannot have the opportunity to advance into higher education. The practice of not allowing equal opportunity at the initial levels of education is a major hindrance for the women of Africa. The other main issue discussed in the study relates to the lack of power to have time, equipment and finances being allocated to women in the African society. This also raises the gender gap and in essence reduces the ability of women to participate in education. The absence of proper policies and implementation of these policies thus result in the discriminatory policies regarding education and women in the African continent. The idea that most of the conclusive research done in the developing countries result from the research conducted in the university setting, the absence of women form these institutions result in a lack of information and authentic research. The formation of policies also rest on the information collected therefore the lack of information subsequently result in improper and insufficient efforts being conducted in the way to women empowerment. Lumumba also rightly concludes based on assessment that the role of the researchers are highly crucial in the forward view of the continent and it is their responsibility to interrogate all analyze all the social sectors to finally come up with conclusions. Therefore educating the female masses of the nation is essential to not just economic wellbeing and eradication of poverty but also a healthier social standing of the nation. The same standing is put forth by Malik Hassan in his research that poverty and economic sustainability of Pakistan rests on the shoulders of policy makers and researchers. There is a crucial need for proper research and data availability and a dire need of the policy makers, the government to shape up reforms and implement them in the most efficient and effective manner as without this the nation will not be able to move from the developing category to the developed. The nuisance of poverty and the economic instability is directly related to the no participation of the entire nation towards there amputation. In his conclusion Malik also explains the importance of awareness amongst the citizens, capacity building of women, research and documentation on the achievements of women and advocacy for policy in political parties as essential and substantial requirements to overcome the structural obstacles and lack of awareness in the country. The importance of women participation in policy formulation and their representation at all levels of the government is necessary for the wellbeing and progress of Pakistan. Women empowerment is defined as a change I the context of a womens life that will enable her to lead a fulfilling human life, it being reflected both in external qualities and internal qualities (human development in south Asia (2000) as quoted by Mathew (2003). In the research by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta it is found that women of India, another developing nation, are relatively disempowered and given a lower status than their male counterparts. The existing of this gender gap exists basically with regards to education and employment. Different aspects of the study focused on different factors that were looked at by the researcher. These include women having the right to education and employment; domestic violence and say on spending their earnings; womens exposure to media and heir involvement in politics. After a clear view it was concluded that women were subject to unequal treatment b the male dominating society. Dr suvarna sen and ishita mukherjee also in their study look at the prevailing trends of role of women in India and they also examine the employment levels, wages, literacy and school enrolment; their participation in politics and personal health issues. They also suggest from their study that women are being subject to socio-economic biases which in retrospect affect their status in society. The most alarming find from both these studies show the acceptance of this unequal and bias treatment by the women in general. All these factors are either the result of governments shift from raising actual awareness and or implementation of policies structured for women empowerment. The major role of higher education and employment is the conclusive factor in both the studies. It has been seen in Dr surarna sen and ishita mukherjees finding that rising of awareness and education are the only forums which may result in ability to combat these practices. The entire idea of is also supported by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta in their findings that access to education and employment are the only enabling factors to empowerment. However in similarity the studies also conclude that the hindrance towards this goal is mainly due to the lack of government support. The idea that government does not support encouragingly the institutions set to formulate policies regarding the bettermen t of the female population and also doesnt take steps in helping in the implementation of these policies for proper coverage and benefits. The idea of empowerment if not wholly supported by the mass of male population and the authoritarian of the country, cannot flourish and bloom. The presence of education plays a pivotal role for women in helping them realize and understand their rights and their rewards. Without which they may not be able to come out of the current situation and remain to believe themselves subjugate to domestic vigilance and gender bias. Another study conducted by purusottam nayak and bidisha mahanta examines the impact of women empowerment in Assam. In this study as well the women empowerment quotient is judged on the basis of indicators such as education, employment, household decision making power, financial autonomy, and freedom of movement, exposure to media, political participation and experience of domestic violence. Assam is one of the states of India and the largest state in the region of North east India on basis of population. Although it is free from a lot of social evils like dowry, sati, female feticide and infanticides it is still ranked very low in the scale of female empowerment. There is a wide gender gap in the state which is even not found in other comparable states in India. the study concludes that the development of the state is being affected by the widening inequality in gender and that the development process is not gender neutral as women are subject to lower status as even when compared to the rest of the states in India. There does seem to be political involvement of the woman segment in the state however other than that the educational and employment status is very low. Also the access and reach over resources is very low as well. Meetika Srivastava In her study gives a profound view on women empowerment. She begins by explaining the importance of women in the society and their pivotal role in shaping the nations future as mothers, teachers etc. she also very clearly signifies the women rights that are considered under the act of humanitarian law worldwide. The basic human right that woman is entitled to live in dignity and esteem. Have freedom of want and freedom from fear just as her male counterparts. The importance of this equality has been underscored by its inclusion as one of the Millennium Development Goals. However she goes on to explain further that even though worldwide gender equality has been given an important stature it remains to a practically neglected avenue. Violence and discrimination is a very common practice however now economic discrimination has also joined in the list of inequalities which include health and education. Despite a lot of controversy and a lot of this agenda being raised by the international organizations, women are still more likely to be ill, poor, illiterate and tortured than men. Another important factor for empowerment measurement is the control of their own fertility. This aspect is so crucial that it is considered sometimes, as the benchmark for empowerment as said in the study that, when a woman can plan her family, she can plan the rest of her life. Srivastava 2009 Ms Srivastava is on the right path when she concludes by her study that women empowerment is a strong factor towards development. She explains further that despite the said progress that is made the female segment of the society is the most neglected segment as yet. Especially with regards to basic health and education they seem to be suffering magnanimously. she goes on to close with the fact that no kind of social empowerment, legal empowerment or economic empowerment may be able to take place without focusing on women empowerment. In his study of women empowerment in India, Mr. gagandeep kaur explains that the empowerment assumed to be prevalent in the society where women are known in literature and religious scrolls as devis or shakti is all a faà §ade. It doesnt exist and all the rights and privileges so called adhered to women in the Indian society are just on paper in ink and not in real life. He goes on to explain that the status of women cannot change by the mere idea of introducing the terms but it requires a complete change of metal setup which is deep rooted in not just the minds of the people but also of the woman herself. The biggest problem is that women are unaware of their own rights and what world of opportunities lies for them. Various efforts are being conducted by free lance NGOs, media and welfare organizations, but what is most important is the involvement of the government he says. Gary S Becker, William H J Hubbard and Kevin M Murphy follow on the research that they conducted regarding the worldwide boom in higher education with regard to women education. In their research they explain that there has been a high increase in the education of female and males around the globe. They d agree that citizen in developing nations and developed nations do get different share of education however according to new statistics there has been a substantial increase in both the worlds higher education trend. The most important factor that they have come to notice is that the research provides them with sufficient facts that the increase in higher education is due to women. In their research they provide a model of supply and demand in market for college educated workers. They also examine the effects of the costs of college education and difference in gender and also means and distribution of skills.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Cybernetic Plot of Ulysses :: Ulysses

The Cybernetic Plot of Ulysses A paper delivered at the CALIFORNIA JOYCE conference (6/30/93) To quote the opening of Norbert Wiener's address on Cybernetics to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in March of 1950, The word cybernetics has been taken from the Greek word kubernitiz (ky-ber-NEE-tis) meaning steersman. It has been invented because there is not in the literature any adequate term describing the general study of communication and the related study of control in both machines and in living beings. In this paper, I mean by cybernetics those activities and ideas that have to do with the sending, carrying, and receiving of information. My thesis is that there is a cybernetic plot to ULYSSES -- a constellation or meaningful pattern to the novel's many images of people sending, carrying, and receiving -- or distorting, or losing -- signals of varying import and value. This plot -- the plot of signals that are launched on perilous Odyssean journeys, and that reach home, if they do, only through devious paths -- parallels and augments the novel's more central journeys, its dangers encountered, and its successful returns. ULYSSES works rather neatly as a cybernetic allegory, in fact, not only in its represented action, but also in its history as a text. The book itself, that is, has reached us only by a devious path around Cyclopean censors and the Scylla and Charybdis of pirates and obtuse editors and publishers. ULYSSES both retells and re-enacts, that is, the Odyssean journey of information that, once sent, is threatened and nearly thwarted before it is finally received. We are talking, of course, of cybernetics avant la lettre -- before Norbert Wiener and others had coined the term. But like Moliere's Monsieur Jourdain discovering that all along he's been speaking prose, so Leopold Bloom might delight in learning that he is actually quite a proficient cyberneticist. Joyce made his protagonist an advertizing canvasser at the moment when advertizing had just entered the modern age. Bloom's job is to put his clients' messages into forms that are digestible by the mass medium of the press. If Bloom shows up in the National Library, for instance, it will be to find a logo (in what we would call clip art) for his client Alexander Keyes. The conduct of spirit through space and time is what communication's about. And James Joyce was interested, as we know, in the conduct of spirit: his own, that of his home town, and that of his species. Once they're sent, what are some of the things that can happen to messages?

Monday, November 11, 2019

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking leads a man to success. One who thinks that he can achieve the things, will put his best to achieve, will not fetter by the problems in the path of success and one day he will win positively. Self confidence, determination, perseverance, and hard work are the key factors of success. Every small or big, easy or complex problem have its solution. There is a way out of every labyrinth, there is an answer to every enigma. The only requirements are the confidence, hard work and determination and you get the answer. Where there is a will, there is a way. If you find any problem, a typical one, don’t lose heart, go ahead and devote yourself fully, analyze each aspect, and get the problem solved. Every invention taken place so far, were riddled with many unfound answers, but the inventor’s zeal and perseverance found the solution and a new invention took place. For a confident person, the word ‘impossible’ is no where in his dictionary. A determined and dedicated person finds way in all complexities undaunted by the initial problems and failures he keeps on finding solution to every teaser and one day he achieves his cherished goal. Dedication, devotion to the task and positive thinking with determination have been the important factors of success of every successful celebrity. Take the recent example Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, participated and campaigned in the Lok Sabha election 2004, undaunted by the criticism, personal attacks and all kinds of perversities she went alone campaigning alone without having any other ‘Star’ campaigner, covered almost the whole of the country against the BJP and showed the world that congress got the majority. She has shown her unflinching determination, unfettered self confidence, dedication and devotion to the cause without worrying for the results and she is the winner. Every Tom and dick had questioned her nationality, her foreign origin, but she cared a fig for all criticism and showed her caliber. Life is a battle, one has to fight it fearlessly. Fight with confidence, positive attitude, right aptitude, with determined and concentrated efforts, leads to the surest path of success. Fortune is said to favor the brave. God also help those who help themselves. A coward, a pessimist dare not even to fight in the race, it is an optimist and determined soul, who dares to fight, has the chance of success. A winner never quits and a quitter never wins shows that one who constantly tries to achieve something, one who endeavors hard incessantly to achieve something, he is the winner, later or sooner, but a quitter could never be a winner. When Vallabhbhai Patel told that’ Swaraj is my birth right’ so many people find it mere a slogan, but the incessant struggle put by all the freedom fighters supported the claim of Patel and we could win the freedom. Organizing the efforts properly, in right direction, striking at the opportune time, are essential for achieving a target. Optimism, determination, undaunted will power makes every impossible task possible. Confidence is the most important key to success. It boosts the morale and creates determination to attain a goal. The loss of confidence makes a man pessimist, coward or a dead man. The importance of ‘right deeds’ is well emphasized in Bhagwat Geeta: Lord Krishna tells Arjun to follow the path of righteousness, the path of dedication, Do Karma, don’t think about the result, the God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, the results as per your deeds will follow. It should also be remembered that the positive and constructive thoughts which aims for the betterment of mankind are met with success. It should not be riddled with self aggrandizement evil thoughts never bear good results. Your biggest assets are your enthusiasm that enriches with your positive thinking. Never lose hope, keep cheerful put the best possible efforts with your total involvement, have confidence in you and you are the winner. Through positive thinking one can overcome the mountains. One who always think positively even in adverse circumstances wins. Positive thinking always pays. Life belongs to the ambitions. Positive Thinking Positive thinking leads a man to success. One who thinks that he can achieve the things, will put his best to achieve, will not fetter by the problems in the path of success and one day he will win positively. Self confidence, determination, perseverance, and hard work are the key factors of success. Every small or big, easy or complex problem have its solution. There is a way out of every labyrinth, there is an answer to every enigma. The only requirements are the confidence, hard work and determination and you get the answer. Where there is a will, there is a way. If you find any problem, a typical one, don’t lose heart, go ahead and devote yourself fully, analyze each aspect, and get the problem solved. Every invention taken place so far, were riddled with many unfound answers, but the inventor’s zeal and perseverance found the solution and a new invention took place. For a confident person, the word ‘impossible’ is no where in his dictionary. A determined and dedicated person finds way in all complexities undaunted by the initial problems and failures he keeps on finding solution to every teaser and one day he achieves his cherished goal. Dedication, devotion to the task and positive thinking with determination have been the important factors of success of every successful celebrity. Take the recent example Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi, participated and campaigned in the Lok Sabha election 2004, undaunted by the criticism, personal attacks and all kinds of perversities she went alone campaigning alone without having any other ‘Star’ campaigner, covered almost the whole of the country against the BJP and showed the world that congress got the majority. She has shown her unflinching determination, unfettered self confidence, dedication and devotion to the cause without worrying for the results and she is the winner. Every Tom and dick had questioned her nationality, her foreign origin, but she cared a fig for all criticism and showed her caliber. Life is a battle, one has to fight it fearlessly. Fight with confidence, positive attitude, right aptitude, with determined and concentrated efforts, leads to the surest path of success. Fortune is said to favor the brave. God also help those who help themselves. A coward, a pessimist dare not even to fight in the race, it is an optimist and determined soul, who dares to fight, has the chance of success. A winner never quits and a quitter never wins shows that one who constantly tries to achieve something, one who endeavors hard incessantly to achieve something, he is the winner, later or sooner, but a quitter could never be a winner. When Vallabhbhai Patel told that’ Swaraj is my birth right’ so many people find it mere a slogan, but the incessant struggle put by all the freedom fighters supported the claim of Patel and we could win the freedom. Organizing the efforts properly, in right direction, striking at the opportune time, are essential for achieving a target. Optimism, determination, undaunted will power makes every impossible task possible. Confidence is the most important key to success. It boosts the morale and creates determination to attain a goal. The loss of confidence makes a man pessimist, coward or a dead man. The importance of ‘right deeds’ is well emphasized in Bhagwat Geeta: Lord Krishna tells Arjun to follow the path of righteousness, the path of dedication, Do Karma, don’t think about the result, the God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, the results as per your deeds will follow. It should also be remembered that the positive and constructive thoughts which aims for the betterment of mankind are met with success. It should not be riddled with self aggrandizement evil thoughts never bear good results. Your biggest assets are your enthusiasm that enriches with your positive thinking. Never lose hope, keep cheerful put the best possible efforts with your total involvement, have confidence in you and you are the winner. Through positive thinking one can overcome the mountains. One who always think positively even in adverse circumstances wins. Positive thinking always pays. Life belongs to the ambitions.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Puma Company Analysis

Puma Company Analysis Executive Summary Puma SE is one of the leading firms in the sports industry. Started in 1948, this German company has had growth in its market share, making it the second largest firm in the sports industry. Initially a shoe making company, this firm soon started producing all types of sportswear, including balls. The company lost its ground to its arch rival, Addidas and other new entrants.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Puma: Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In its quest to recapture its lost markets, the company has set programs that would ensure that it regains its lead in the market. It has redefined its value proposition, extended its line of production and ventured into new industries. All these are meant to give it a new direction towards success. This effort has seen it capture some new markets in that it had lost to some of its competitors in this industry. Introduction Puma SE is one of the leading companies in the world in the sports industry. Established in 1948 when two brothers, Rudolf Dassler and Adolf Dassler broke up, Puma has grown from a family owned business to a partnership, and currently a public company with its shares listed in the country’s stock market (Woodruff 1997, p. 45). It has a worldwide coverage, with a brand name that is known by many people across the world. In this sports industry, the company faces very strong competition from its arch rival which is also a sister company, Addidas. The Company has had cordial relationship with this firm, which is currently the market leader in this industry. In this industry many firms have come into existence from various regions across the world. These new entrants are producing products with similar features as Puma, a fact that has seen competition sore in the world markets. The market share of Puma SE, from a technical view point, has significantly dropped (Payne Holt 2001, P. 42). Addidas still occupies the largest portion of home market share, and the world market in general. Presence of other international firms in this industry has further eaten up its market share. The firm is left with a limited market share, a fact that has seen it loose the glory it had in early 1970s. Despite all these challenges, this firm has developed structures that would ensure that it remains competitive. It has broadened the scope of its products to go beyond shoes and balls. Currently, Puma produces virtually every sportswear. According to the reports given by Barnes and Pinder (2009, P. 45), the firm also plans to open a new line of designer clothes, outside its current sportswear productions.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategic Analysis Profile of the Business Puma SE operates in the sports industry. It sells among other items, sports shoes, sports clothing, and balls. Although the firm has specialized in various sportswear and designer clothes, the company basically started out as a shoe making company (Andreson Rossum 2006, p. 45). Although it makes profit from other lines of products, its leading revenue earner still remains shoe making. According to Cunningham (2000), Puma SE comes second in the world in production of sportswear. The sports shoes have proven to be the best income earner for the company that has diversified its products to various industries. In Germany, which is the home country, the firm has had a huge market for its shoes in various disciplines in sports. Although the brother company, Addidas has maintained the lead in this sector, the company has had huge profits from the sale of shoes. According to Eggert and Ulaga (2002, p. 78), football shoes accounts for the largest income earner for the firm. Its market share within the home country in production of sports shoes is 26 percent. Although this local market is controlled largely by Addidas, Puma has maintained a close pursuit of the firm. Puma also comes second to the sister company Addidas in supply of sportswear. Its sports products have widely gained acceptance in the world market because of its associated quality. Dubois, Jolibert, and Muhlbacher (2007, P. 75) observe that this company positioned itself as a company that has the interest of customers at heart. This firm started out as a small shoe manufacturing company following the fallout between Adolf and Rudolf who were managing the parent company. They agreed to split the parent company, a move that saw the inception of the two world’s leading sportswear companies: Addidas and Puma in 1948 (Cohen Morrison 2000, p. 39). This company experienced consistent growth since its inception to early 1990s. The external environment was conducive for growth. The main competitor within the local market was the sister company, Addidas.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Puma: Company Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The two companies avoided direct competition, always operating as a unit. Through this, they were able to exercise full control of the market. They could set the prices they felt preferable to them. Because they had full control of the industry, they could easily control the suppliers. Due to this monopoly kind of operation, the company was able to amass a large capital base. Through this, it was able to expand its market share to cover the entire country of Germany after operating for only four years (Kotler, Keller, Brady, Goodman, Hansen 2009, p. 63). It would later venture into other European markets. It started by selling its products in Russia, France, and the Great Britain. Milroy (1983, p. 46) reports that this firm grew rapidly in the European markets. Having realized the potential that existed in the American markets, this firm opened a number of shops in the two Am erican continents. In the north, it identified a number of exclusive distributers within United States of America. It would later open other shops in Canada. In the south, it opened exclusive shops in Brazil. It would later open other shops in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Business was doing well and by 1992, this German firm had exerted its presence in the entire Europe, the American continents, Asia and most parts of Africa. According to Piercy (2009, p. 73), this company currently ranks second in the world in production of sportswear, after the sister company, Addidas. Although Addidas has dominated over 50 percent of the world’s market in this industry at the expense of Puma SE, there is still a room for the firm’s expansion. Best (2009, p. 36) reports that according to the current economic condition of the firm, Puma SE stands out as a very strong company in this. A statement issued by the chairman, Mr. Jochen Zeitz, and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franz Koch , in the last annual conference shows that the company has laid down proper strategies that would enable it recapture most of the markets it lost to its sister company, Addidas and other new entrants into this industry from various countries in the world (Atkinson 1990, p. 124).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This scholar reports that the chairperson was very categorical in his statement on the firm’s opinion about their arch rival company: Addidas. The chairman is reported to have said that Addidas was and would remain a sister company to Puma SE. This was a strong indication that the firm was not considering any direct confrontational competition with Addidas in its quest to recapture the markets it had lost to it. However, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer gave a very strong pointer that the firm would engage in fierce battles in the world markets against new entrants that were threatening its existence in various world markets. Currently, Puma SE has more than 9350 employees located in different regions across the world. These are individuals who are directly employed by this firm as full time employees. However, the firm employs over half a million individuals across the world indirectly. Most of these individuals are people who work as the exclusive shop owners who s tock the products of Puma, or their employees. Others are employed in the logistics of this company while down the ladder are the cobblers who would repair the shoes in case they are in bad shape. By the close of 2010 financial year, the firm had a strong financial base which was an indication that it was doing well in this industry (Andreson, Narus, Rossum 2011, P. 98). This was an indication that it was still competitive despite the new entrants that have heightened the rate of competition. The company’s balance sheet as at the end of this period was very strong. It showed that the company was in a position to finance most of its planned activities. It also showed that the company was able to settle all the debts, both long term and short-term, and still be in a position to run all its operations normally. This supports the chairman and the chief executive officers’ statements that Puma is determined to ensure that it remained competitive in the world market. Its fi nancial statements, in the appendix below show that the firm is in a position to manage competition. Company Purpose Puma’s vision is based on four values: fairness, honesty, positivity and creativeness. In their profile, Puma envisions a world that is peaceful, safer, and more creative than what we have today (Ahmed Rafiq 2002, p. 83). In achieving this, the company sets to play its part by ensuring that it is fair to its customers and honest in all its dealings. It strives to achieve positivity in all its activities and creativity in its products. The Business Environment According to Adam Healy (2000, p. 30), business environment plays a very important role in a firm’s success or failure. No business operates in a vacuum. Every business has various environmental factors that affect its operations in one way or the other. As such, businesses around the world has been keen to monitor the environment and manipulate those that can be manipulated to its advantage, and conform to those forces that cannot be manipulated. As Holbrook (2003, p. 74) says, environmental factors can be grouped into three broad categories. The first category is the internal environment, which can be analyzed through SWOT analysis, the external environment that can be done using PESTEL analysis and the competitive environment. The Internal Environment: SWOT Analysis Puma SE can be analyzed through the above-mentioned tool to ensure that its internal environment is completely understood. Strength of this company arises from a number of factors. The main source of strength of Puma SE in this industry is its many years of experience (Weiss 1994, p. 82). This firm has been in operation for a considerably long period and currently understands exact needs of the market. This gives it an edge over other firms in this industry. Moreover, its huge financial base, committed employees and dominance in the world markets have seen it edge out other competitors in the market. However, as Gilbert (2001, 65) notes, one main weakness of Puma SE has been its slow adoption to the emerging technologies. The technology is changing very fast and with it comes various changes that every firm should get adapted to. Puma, although currently uses the modern means of production, took too long to embrace technological changes. This saw its competitors like Addidas overtake it as the market leader. Its financial base is also comparative less, taking into account the economic strength of its main competitor, Addidas. Opportunities arise in the market that has seen this firm prosper. The Olympics, World Cups and such other major sporting events offer this company opportunity to market its products. This company manufactures balls and other sports gear. Major world sports events offer it a huge opportunity to sell its products in mass. Within the local market, the firm also sells its products to local teams and organization found in this country. The environment is marred with a n umber of threats. One main threat to Puma SE is the ease with which new entrants come into this industry. Many firms producing the same products as Puma have eaten into its market share, threatening to drive it out of the market (Ward 1999, p. 43). Governments’ policies in various countries have also hindered its growth as some are restrictive. Volatile fuel prices also increases cost of production, lowering the profits of the firm. External Environment PESTEL Analysis Puma SE also experiences external environmental forces that have very strong influence in its operations. The external forces can best be analyzed through PESTEL analysis. The political environment within its home country, Germany has been very stable. Germany has had a long period of political stability, a fact that has seen Puma grow to other regions of the world. The government has also been supportive to this firm, always ready to offer financial support (Ulaga Chacour 2001, p. 41). It has also created a c onducive environment where firms can access funds for development with ease. However the political environment in other world regions has not been very conducive. Other governments have been hostile, while in other regions like Afghanistan, there lacks political stability that can sustain normal running of business. The economic environment of this firm has had mixed fortunes. Germany is the only European country that never experienced the 2008/2009 world economic recession (Andreson, Narus, Rossum 2010, 45). This means that Puma SE’s local market was not affected by the recession. However, the firm operates in various other regions across the world, including the US, which was greatly affected by the recession. As the local market remained conducive, the international market was volatile, and to an extent, very weak. Sports is a recreational activity, hence it enhances the social welfare of mankind. The social environment of Puma SE is much dictated by the industry in which it plays. Sports are loved across the world. Being one of the facilitator of various sports popular in various regions, Puma has gained popularity in various regions. Having sponsored renowned sportsmen like Pele, Etoo and Maradona, many people have come to identify with its products, especially the football shoes (Lindgreen Finn 2005, p. 16). Technological environment plays a major role in the firm’s development in this industry. Technological changes have seen new methods of production come into existence. Technology brings with it mixed blessings. If a firm adapts technology at the right time and in the right manner, it would reap positively from it. However, if it is slow to its adaption or adopts wrong technologies, the effect can be adverse. Puma learnt this and has adopted the new technologies. This has seen it prosper within this industry. Environmental concerns like pollution have been a major issue within this industry. This firm, alongside the sister company, Add idas and their suppliers have been accused by an environmentalist group called Greenpeace of playing a major role in pollution of the environment (Frankfort-Nachmias Nachmias 1992, p. 91). In response to this, Puma has promised to reinvent its methods of production to minimize its levels of pollution. This was an attempt to ensure that it builds its public image. As Bailey (1996, p. 72) states, no firm can operate in a lawless environment. Law is very important in ensuring that as an individual or entity enjoys his or her freedom, he or she does not interfere with others. This way, business environments would have peace that it requires. Puma has always strove to ensure that its entire operations are within the confines of the law. This is to ensure that it does not face litigation in case it can be avoided. The competitive environment has been tough for Puma. Once a flourishing firm with only Addidas as the main competitor, Puma currently operates in a very competitive market. New firms have emerged in various regions challenging the position of Puma in the world market. Although Puma is still considered the second largest company in this industry, its market share has been significantly reduced in the world market (Flint, Woodruff, Fisher 2002, p. 124). Back at home, Addidas takes a larger part of the market share, straining this firm even further. However, the firm has managed to keep afloat the competition through devising competitive strategies that has seen it increase its profitability. Stakeholder Theory Stakeholder theory helps in understanding the company’s in entirety in regard to individuals and corporate bodies that play part in its running. By conducting stakeholder analysis on Puma, it would be possible to determine the main decision makers, and how their decisions affect other members and the firm in general. Puma has its shares traded publicly, and therefore its board of directors would have the final say in decision making. As such, it is important to understand factors that influence their decision-making. Markowitz Portfolio Theory Puma operates as a public company. The shareholders of this company expect returns from their investment. Markowitz Portfolio theory holds that shareholders’ return can be evaluated from two fronts, which are current dividend yield and capital gains yields. When investors buy shares of this company, their hope is that their shares would appreciate and they would be able to get profits after some time. This can only be realized if the company is recording gains in its operations. Puma has registered some growth over the last three years as can be seen in its financial statements shown in the appendix below. For this reason, shareholders capital gains yield is positive. Strategic Development Puma has had a slow growth over the last part of the twentieth century. The firm was doing well in the early seventies when it was threatening to floor its arch rival, Addidas. Briggs (198 6, P. 37) reports of an incident during the1972 World Cup when Puma used Pele to market its football boots even after an agreement between Puma and Addidas that the two competitors would avoid using Pele in that tournament. Since then, the trust between the two firms has dropped, a fact that has seen both of them treat each other with some elements of suspicion, though they have maintained cordial relationships, always avoiding scenarios that could lead to direct confrontation. Puma SE has developed strategic plans that would enable it prosper in the highly competitive market. Basis of Competition As stated above, completion in this industry is very rife. Bryman (2001, p. 73) laments that most of the new firms that come into existence are merely copy cuts. He asserts that most of them lack creativity that would see to it that they prosper in this competitive market. As such, competition has become so stiff because items taken to the market are identical. In the sports industry, Puma faces the same problem. Many of the new firms that have come into existence are producing products that are exactly similar to Pumas’ products. It forces the company to devise methods that would ensure that it is able to manage this stiff competition. Puma has ensured that it attracts customers to its products. To help in doing this, the firm has differentiated its products by its company logo for ease of identification from an array of similar products. The company has then positioned its products as user defined. Every product has its specific use as per the customer’s needs, and Puma is available to provide this. It has developed value proposition that makes the brand be associated with quality for every single product they avail to the market. Always avoiding pricing as a market strategy, Puma has focused on providing quality to enhance its competitiveness (Fifield 2007, p. 63). Its products have therefore acquired a special niche in the market, making them stand out among the rest as the preferred quality provider. As such, many customers have come to like the products and are making purchase of the products at the peril of other compotators. Existing Strategy Puma has reinvented its strategies to match the competitive environment. Competition in the market is so stiff and it would be very easy for a firm to fall if care is not taken. Many firms in many countries across the world have started producing similar products as Puma in markets that were previously dominated by Puma. What is worse is the fact that these firms receive their government’s protections (Edkins Maja 2009, p. 79). With the current rising nationalisms in various countries and the need to ensure that local firms prosper, governments have formulated policies that would ensure that local firms are protected from external aggression. The policies are meant to bar firms like Puma and other related foreign firms from operating in such countries. Having realized this, Pu ma has decided to embrace collaboration with local firms to facilitate national acceptance. Local firms are permitted by Puma to operate under the brand name Puma, but with full independence from the parent Puma. The firms would in turn be expected to stock Puma products, besides other products that such local firms may wish to stock, provided the products are not direct competitors of Puma’s products. The firm has also aggressively gotten into massive development of new products to ensure that it remains relevant in the market (Cukor-Avila 2000, p. 46). Some products like the Puma sports shoes are currently considered cash cows for the firm because of their constant income generation over the years. Some designs of shoes and clothing that were considered out of fashion (dogs) were eliminated. The firm plans to venture into clothing industry other than sportswear. This strategy is to ensure that the firm increases its revenue base. Generation of Strategic Options Puma SE has designed programs that would help it capture new market. As mentioned above, the company currently produces other lines of products besides the sportswear. It produces designer clothes. The firm has also made concerted effort to recapture its lost market share, by creating patents in various locations around the world (Balnaves Caputi 2001, p. 79). With its impressive balance sheet, this company is in a position to finance most of its expansion plans. Its adoption of new technologies is meant to ensure that it reduces cost of production as it increase profits. Evaluation and Ranking Options The strategies that this firm has plans to adopt or has adopted already comes at a cost. Installing technological equipments have huge financial consequences. However, it is cost effective in the long run. Starting new lines of production may mean putting more on investment. However, it would help the firm venture into new markets. The most important point is that the firm has to be in a positio n to withstand the financial consequences of the move it makes. Choice of Strategies Based on the above analysis, the best option for this firm would be to open new lines of production. Because most of its products have reached their full life circle, new products would ensure continuity and increased profitability. It would also ensure that as the cash cows bring in money, there are other fall back options. Implementation Puma should devise a plan on how it would implement its planned strategies. The chart below would help summaries the process this firm should take in the implementation. There should be a team within research and development department part that should be responsible for idea screening. The idea should undergo a full process of scanning to determine its viability. If viable, market research should be done to ensure that the product would receive expected acceptance. The management should allocate enough finance to this department to ensure that all the stages are carried out successfully. The next stage would involve production of sample which would then be taken to the market for testing. If the product passes this stage, it can then be commercialized. Recommendations Because of the heightened competition that exists in this industry, Puma should consider getting an edge over other competitors in this industry. The following recommendations should be considered by this company when implementing the new strategies: The management should consider adopting emerging technologies of production as a way of ensuring that their production method meets the market standards. The top management should actively involve all the employees in idea generation because it is the employees who are always in touch with the customers. Research on new products, improvement of existing products or new technologies should always be in line with the market requirements. In launching new products in the market, the research and development team and the marketing d epartment should ensure that they create a special niche for the product in the market. Puma should consider having a collaborative relationship with its arch rival, Addidas in order to face other emerging competitors as a unit. This would help the two companies have stronger bargaining power both with the suppliers and the market. List of References Adam, F Healy, M 2000, A Practical Guide to Postgraduate Research. Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. Ahmed, K Rafiq, M 2002, Internal Marketing tools and concepts for customer-focused management, Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier, Oxford. Andreson, JC, Narus, AJ Rossum, W 2010, â€Å"Customer Value Propositions in Business Markets†, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 1, no. 3, pp 91-99. Atkinson, P 1990, The Ethnographic Imagination: Textual Constructions of Reality Routledge, London. Bailey, A 1996, A Guide to Field Research, California, Forge Press, Pine. Balnaves, M Caputi, P 2001, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods: An In vestigative Approach, Sage Publications, London. Barnes, C, Blake, H Pinder, D 2009, Creating Delivering your Value Proposition, Kogan Page, London. Best, RJ 2009, Market-Based Management Strategies for Growing Customer value and Profitability, New Jersey, Pearson. Briggs, C 1986, Learning How to Ask: A Sociolinguistic Appraisal of the Role of the Interview in Social Science Research, CUP, Cambridge. Bryman, A 2001,Social Research Methods, OUP, Oxford. Cohen, L Minion, L Morrison, K 2000, Research Methods in Education (5th Edition) GB, Routledge, Falmer. Cukor-Avila, P 2000, Rethinking the Observer’s Paradox, American Speech, 75/3, 253-4. Cunningham, B 2000, The stress management sourcebook, Free Press, Los Angeles. Dubois, P, Jolibert, A Muhlbacher, H, 2007, Marketing Management A Value-Creation Process, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan. Edkins, J Maja, Z 2009, Global Politics: a New Introduction Routledge London. Eggert, A Ulaga, W 2002, â€Å"Customer-perceived value : a substitute for satisfaction in business markets?† Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, Vol. 17, no. 2, pp 107-125. Fifield, P 2007, Marketing Strategy: The Difference between Marketing and Markets, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. Flint, DJ, Woodruff, RB Fisher, GS, 2002, â€Å"Exploring the phenomenon of customers’ desired value change in a business-to-business context†, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 66 no. 4, pp 102-117. Frankfort-Nachmias, C Nachmias, D 1992, Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Edward Arnold, London. Gilbert, N 2001, Researching Social Life, Sage, London. Holbrook, MB 2003, Customer value and auto ethnography: subjective personal introspection and the meanings of a photograph collection, Journal of Business Research, Vol. 58, no. 1, pp 45 – 61. Kotler, P, Keller, KL, Brady, M, Goodman, M Hansen, T 2009, Marketing Management, Prentice Hall, Harlow. Lindgreen, A Finn, W 2005, â€Å"Value in business markets: What d o we know? Where are we going? Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 34, no. 2, pp 732- 748. Milroy, L 1983, Observing and Analyzing Natural Language, Blackwell, Oxford. Payne, A Holt, S 2001, â€Å"Diagnosing Customer Value: Integrating the Value Process and Relationship Marketing†, British Journal of Management, Vol. 12, no. 2, pp 159 182. Piercy, NF 2009, Market-Led Strategic Change, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. Ulaga, W Chacour, S 2001, â€Å"Measuring customer-perceived value in business markets: a prerequisite for marketing strategy development and implementation†, Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 30, no. 6, pp 525 540. Ward, K 1999, Cyber-ethnography, and the emergence of the virtually new community, Journal of Information Technology 14: 95-105. Weiss, R 1994, Learning from Strangers: The Art and Method of Qualitative Interview Studies, The Free Press, New York. Woodruff, RB 1997, â€Å"Customer Value: The Next Source for Competitive Advantage† , Journal of the Academy of Marketing Sciences, Vol. 25, no. 2, pp 139-154. Appendix Puma Balance Sheet (in thousands US dollars) 31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec 31-Dec 2008 2009 2010 2011 Cash and Equivalents 1,474.70 1,049.10 2,332.50 26,507.10 Trading Asset Securities 12,110.30 5,216.20 5,415.20 2,344.60 Total Cash and Short Term Investments 20,142.20 34,726.90 32,674.30 28,851.70 Other Receivables 739.30 3,487.60 1,990.30 2,731.80 Total Receivables 739.30 3,487.60 1,990.30 2,731.80 Restricted Cash 6,072.80 6,537.30 6,297.50 7,001.60 Total Current Assets 27,728.60 45,422.80 41,499.00 38,585.10 Gross Property and Equipment 2,246.50 2,407.90 2,551.30 _ Accumulated Depreciation -1,376.40 -1,512.00 -1,581.10 _ Net Property Plant and Equipment 870.10 895.90 970.20 1,169.40 Goodwill 29.90 28.10 27.70 _ Other Long-term Assets 643.90 572.00 372.70 6,077.80 Total Assets 178,891.20 185,518.30 187,415.80 192,773.90 Liabilities and Equity Accounts Payable 832.80 746.70 529.90 _ Accrued Expenses 1,006.10 418.10 353.20 _ Short-term Borrowings 6,583.80 2,766.70 2,572.90 _ Current Portion of Long-term Debt/cap. Lease _ _ 1,874.70 _ Total Current Liabilities 1,547,551.30 158,385.70 158,611.70 157,885.20 Long-term Debt 1,873.00 1,873.90 _ _ Minority Interest 216.10 191.60 173.20 _ Unearned Revenue, Non-current 943.90 1,543.00 2,061.10 _ Other Non-current Liabilities 1,261.10 1,214.00 1,140.20 6,758.80 Total Liabilities 158,829.30 163,016.60 161,813.00 164,644.00 Common Stock 9,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 Retained Earnings 12,304.30 15,324.80 18,189.40 19,856.60 Treasury Stock -433.40 -710.40 -1,268.30 _ Comprehensive Income and Other -1,025.10 -1,304.30 -491.40 -726.70 Total Common Equity 19,845.80 22,310.10 25,429.70 28,129.90 Total Equity 20,061.90 22,501.60 25,602.90 28,129.90 Total Liabilities and Equity 178,891.20 185,518.30 187,415.80 192,773.90

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

SAT Essay Tips 15 Ways to Improve Your Score

SAT Essay Tips 15 Ways to Improve Your Score SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Whether you've never written an SAT Essay or didn't get the score you wanted on your last test, you can benefit from knowing more: both about the essay itself, and what really matters when the graders are reading your essay. To introduce you to what you'll have to do, we've gathered up these 15 tips to master the SAT essay. If you can reliably follow all these points, you'll be able to get at least a 6/6/6 on the SAT essay- guaranteed. The Challenge The SAT Essay is a very short assignment. You only get 50 minutes to read a 650-750 word passage, analyze the devices the author uses to structure her/his argument, and write a full-fledged essay- and it can pass in a flash if you don't have a method for attacking it. Writing an SAT essay requires a very specific approach that's unlike the essays you've been writing for English class in school. The goal of this strategy is to cram in as many as possible of the desired components in the 50 minutes you've got. In this article, we give you 15 key tips for the SAT essay. The first five tips in this article relate to what the College Board tells us about what's a good essay. The next five are truths that the College Board doesn't want you to know (or doesn’t make explicit). And the last five tips for SAT essay writing show you how to build an SAT essay, step by step. What the College Board Does Tell You: 5 Tips The College Board explains the main components of the successful SAT Essay in its scoring criteria. Here they are, condensed: #1: Give a Clear Thesis The SAT essay rubric states: "The response includes a precise central claim.† What this means is that your essay needs to make a clear argument that the reader can easily identify.All you have to do to create your "precise central claim" is to identify the main idea of the passage andlistthe methods the author uses to support it. Fortunately, the SAT provides you with the passage’s main idea, so you don’t have to go hunting for it yourself. I've bolded the claim in this (fake) sample prompt so you can see this for yourself: Write an essay in which you explain how Sam Lindsay builds an argument to persuade her audience that more works of art should feature monsters. In your essay, analyze how Lindsay uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of her argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Lindsay’s claims, but rather explain how Lindsay builds an argument to persuade her audience. Now, here's an example of a thesis statement for an essay responding to this prompt: In the article â€Å"Monsters Monsters Everywhere,† Sam Lindsay uses personal anecdotes, vivid language, and appeals to emotion to persuade her audience that more works of art should feature monsters. It's fine to copy the exact words describing the author’s central claim from the prompt into your thesis statement- in fact, this guarantees that the graders will see that your thesis is there and on-topic. #2: Include Both an Introduction and a Conclusion The SAT essay rubric states: "The response includes a skillful introduction and conclusion.† Including an introduction paragraph in your essay is absolutely essential to getting a Writing score above a 4 (out of 8). The introduction paragraph introduces the reader to what you’ll be talking about and allows you to set up the structure for the rest of the essay. Plus, an introduction can be a pretty good indicator of the quality for the rest of the essay- a poorly constructed introduction is often a warning that the essay that follows will be equally discombobulated. It's best to have both an introduction and a conclusion, but if you’re running short on time and can only have one, definitely pick the introduction. The main reason for this is that a good introduction includes your thesis statement. For the SAT essay, your thesis (or your "precise central claim") should be a statement about what devices the author uses to build her/his argument. Introductions can be tricky to write, because whatever you write in that paragraph can then make you feel like you’re locked into writing just about that. If you’re struggling with the introduction paragraph, leave yourself 10 blank lines at the beginning of the essay and jump into writing your body paragraphs. Just make sure you remember to go back and write in your introduction before time’s up! #3: Use Effective Language and Word Choice There are a couple of parts of the Writing score section on the SAT essay rubric that pertain directly to style. The SAT essay rubric states this about a perfect-Writing-score essay: "The response is cohesive and demonstrates a highly effective use and command of language." For most of us, "command of language" is an area that takes a long time to develop, so unless your language skills are really rough or you're prepping at least a year ahead of time (or both), you'll probably get more out of focusing on the other components of the essay. The SAT essay rubric also states: â€Å"The response has a wide variety in sentence structures. The response demonstrates a consistent use of precise word choice. The response maintains a formal style and objective tone.† This basically boils down to: don't be repetitive and don't make grammar mistakes. In addition, you should avoid using first person statements like "I" or "My" in the essay, along with any other informality. You're writing the equivalent of a school paper, not an opinion piece. Bad (Too informal): â€Å"I think that Sam’s super persuasive in this article causeshe’s just so passionate. It made me feel kinda bad that I don’t really monster it up in my everyday life.† Good (Formal): â€Å"Lindsay’s passionate defense of how drawing monsters 'allows us to laugh at our personal foibles' causes her audience to put themselves in her shoes and empathize with her position.† Finally, try to use different words to describe the same idea- don't use "shows" 15 times. Take the chance to show off your vocabulary (if, and only if, the vocabulary is appropriate and makes sense). This component is the biggest reason why revising your SAT Essay is essential- it's fast and easy to change repeated words to other ones after you're finished, but it can slow you down during writing to worry about your word choice. If you're aiming for a top score, using advanced vocabulary appropriately is vital. #4: Only Use Information From the Passage All the relevant information is in the passage, so avoid getting drawn into the topic and using your outside knowledge- you want to be sure to show that you’ve read the passage. In real life, there are many ways to support a thesis, depending on the topic. But on the SAT, there's one kind of correct support: specific details drawn from the passage you’re asked to analyze. We'll show you more below. #5: Focus Your Essay on Relevant Details You don’t have to mention every single detail that makes the argument effective. In fact, your essay will be more coherent and more likely to score higher in Analysis if you focus your discussion on just a few points. It's more important to show that you're able to pick out the most important parts of the argument and explain their function that it is to be able to identify every single persuasive device the author used. Think about it as if you were asked to write a 50-minute essay describing the human face and what each part does. A clear essay would just focus on major features- eyes, nose, and mouth. A less effective essay might also try to discuss cheekbones, eyebrows, eyelashes, skin pores, chin clefts, and dimples as well. While all of these things are part of the face, it would be hard to get into detail about each of the parts in just 50 minutes. "The New Dance Craze."  ©2015-2016 by Samantha Lindsay. Used with permission. And this is the eye, and this is the other eye, and this is the...other eye...and the other eye...and the other...wait...what's going on here? What the College Board Doesn’t Tell You: 5 Secrets Even though the SAT essay has clearly stated, publicly-available guidelines, there are a few secrets to writing the essay that most students don't know and that can give you a major advantage on the test. #1: Read the Prompt Before the Passage Why? Because the prompt includes the description of the author’s claim. Knowing what the author’s claim is going into the article can help keep you focused on the argument, rather than getting caught up in reading the passage (especially if the topic is one you're interested in). #2: Your Facts Must Be Accurate†¦But Your Interpretation Doesn’t Have to Be A big part of the Analysis score for the SAT essay is not just identifying the devices the author uses to build her argument, but explaining the effect that the use of these devices has on the reader. You don’t have to be completely, 100% accurate about the effect the passage has on the reader, because there is no one right answer. As long as you are convincing in your explanation and cite specific examples, you’ll be good. Here's an example of an interpretation about what effect a persuasive device has on the reader (backed by evidence from the passage): Lindsay appeals to the emotions of her readers by describing the forlorn, many-eyed creatures that stare reproachfully at her from old school notebook margins. The sympathy the readers feel for these forgotten doodles is expertly transferred to Lindsay herself when she draws the connection between the drawn monsters and her own life: â€Å"Often, I feel like one of these monsters- hidden away in my studio, brushes yearning to create what no one else cares to see.† Now, you don't necessarily know for sure if "sympathy for the doodles" is what the author was going for in her passage. The SAT essay graders probably don't know either (unless one of them wrote the passage). But as long as you can make a solid case for your interpretation, using facts and quotes from the passage to back it up, you'll be good. #3: You Should Write More Than One Page This has always been true for the SAT essay, but for the first time ever, the College Board actually came out in The Official SAT Study Guide and explicitly said that length really does matter. Here's the description of a one-paragraph, 120-word-long student response that received a Writing score of 2/8 (bolding mine). â€Å"Due to the brief nature of the response, there is not enough evidence of writing ability to merit a score higher than 1. Overall, this response demonstrates inadequate writing.† (source: The Official SAT Study Guide, p. 176) You’ll have one page for (ungraded) scrap paper that you can use to plan out your essay, and four pages of writing paper for the essay- plan on writing at least two pages for your essay. #4: Be Objective When Reading the Passage Being able to stay detached while reading the passage you'll be writing the essay about can be tricky. This task might be especially difficult for students who were used to the old SAT essay (which pretty much made it mandatory for you to choose one side or the other). You’ll have to practice reading persuasive essays and gaining objectivity (so that you are able to write about how the argument is constructed, not whether it’s good or bad). A good way to practice this is to read news articles on topics you care deeply about by people who hold the opposite view that you do. For instance, as a composer and violist/violinist, I might read articles about how children should not be encouraged to play musical instruments, since it holds no practical value later on in life (a view I disagree with vehemently). I would then work on my objectivity by jotting down the central ideas, most important details, and how these details relate to the central ideas of the article. Being able to understand the central ideas in the passage and details without being sidetracked by rage (or other emotions) is key to writing an effective SAT essay. "Always Wear a Helmet."  ©2015-2016 by Samantha Lindsay. Used with permission. Don't let the monster of rage distract you from your purpose. #5: Memorize and Identify Specific Persuasive Techniques Once you’re able to read articles objectively (as discussed in point #4 above), the next step is to be able to break down the essay passage's argument. To do this successfully, you'll need to be aware of some of the techniques that are frequently used to build arguments. The SAT essay prompt does mention a few of these techniques (bolding mine): As you read the passage below, consider how Lindsay uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims. reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence. stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed. It’s certainly possible to wing it and go into the test without knowing specific names of particular persuasive devices and just organically build up your essay from features you notice in the article. However, it's way easier to go into the essay knowing certain techniques that you can then scan the passage for. For instance, after noting the central ideas and important details in the article about how more works of art should feature monsters, I would then work on analyzing the way the author built her argument. Does she use statistics in the article? Personal anecdotes? Appeal to emotion? I discuss the top persuasive devices you should know in more detail in the article "6 SAT Essay Examples to Answer Every Prompt". How to Get All the Necessary Components in 50 Minutes: 5 Step-By-Step Strategies When you write an SAT essay, you only have 50 minutes to read, analyze, and write an essay, which means that you need a game plan going in. Here's a short step-by-step guide on how to write an effective SAT essay. #1: Answer the Prompt Don’t just summarize the passage in your essay, or identify persuasive devices used by the author- instead, be sure to actually analyze the way the author of the passage builds her argument. AsThe Official SAT Study Guide states, "[Y]our discussion should focus on what the author does, why he or she does it, and what effect this is likely to have on readers." College Board makes a point of specifying this very point in its grading rubric as well- an essay that scores a 2 (out of 4) or below in Analysis "merely asserts, rather than explains [the persuasive devices'] importance." If you want to get at least a 3/4 (or a 6/8) in Analysis, you need to heed this warning and stay on task. #2: Support Your Points With Concrete Evidence From the Passage The best way to get a high Reading score for your essay is to quote from the passage appropriately to support your points. This shows not only that you’ve read the passage (without your having to summarize the passage at all), but also that you understand what the author is saying and the way the author constructed her argument. As an alternative to using direct quotations from the passage, it’s also okay to paraphrase some of what you discuss. If you are explaining the author's argument in your own words, however, you need to be extra careful to make sure that the facts you're stating are accurate- in contrast to scoring on the old SAT essay, scoring on the new SAT essay takes into account factual inaccuracies and penalizes you for them. #3: Keep Your Essay Organized The SAT essay rubric states: â€Å"The response demonstrates a deliberate and highly effective progression of ideas both within paragraphs and throughout the essay.† The main point to take away from this is that you should follow the standard structure for an SAT essay (introduction-body-body-conclusion). Using a basic four- to five-paragraph essay structure will both keep you organized and make it easier for the essay graders to follow your reasoning- a win-win situation! Furthermore, you should connect each paragraph to each other through effective transitions. We'll give you ways to improve your performance in this area in the articles linked at the end of this article. #4: Make Time to Read, Analyze, Plan, Write, and Revise Make sure you allocate appropriate amounts of time for each of the steps you’ll need to take to write the essay- 50 minutes may seem like a long time, but it goes by awfully quick with all the things you need to do. Reading the passage, analyzing the argument, planning your essay, writing your essay, and revising are all important components for writing an 8/8/8 essay. For a breakdown of how much time to spend on each of these steps, be sure to check out our article on how to write an SAT essay, step-by-step. "Watch Yourself."  ©2015-2016 by Samantha Lindsay. Used with permission. #5: Practice The more you practice analysis and writing, the better you’ll get at the task of writing an SAT essay (as you work up to it a little at a time). It's especially important to practice the analysis and writing components of the essay if you are a slow reader (since reading speed can be difficult to change). Being able to analyze and write quickly can help balance out the extra time you take to read and comprehend the material. Plus, the time you put into working on analysis and writing will yield greater rewards than time spent trying to increase your reading speed. But don't forget: while it’s okay to break up the practice at first, you also really do need to get practice buckling down and doing the whole task in one sitting. What’s Next? This is just the beginning of improving your SAT essay score. Next, you actually need to put this into practice with a real SAT essay. Looking to get even deeper into the essay prompt? Read our complete list of SAT essay prompts and our detailed explanation of the SAT essay prompt. Hone your SAT essay writing skills with our articles about how to write a high-scoring essay, step by step and how to get a 8/8/8 on the SAT essay. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? Check out our best-in-class online SAT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160 points or more. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by SAT experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today:

Monday, November 4, 2019

The implementation of a marketing plan Case Study

The implementation of a marketing plan - Case Study Example As such, the strategy will enable TUTTI MATTI beat some of her competitors who constantly threaten her business. One of the strategies that should be used is the provision of discounts or coupons with the purchase of movie tickets. Tutti Matti should also focus on providing discounts on particular days, such as Monday and Tuesday. Delivery services to people working around the area can also be of great benefit. The restaurant should also offer roof top event during summer time as well as participate at the Summerlicious. In addition, they should take advantage of free internet advertising platforms such as Facebook or the use of blogs. Further, the Toronto life magazine could be used as a great as a promotion tool. Tutti Matti should not charge corkage fee. Solomon should also actively participate in food competitions and other charity events so as to gain a reputation. Solomon’s main focus should be attracting new customers and increasing her customer base. She, therefore, ne eds to undertake a lot of promotional activities while providing the best pricing for her customers. Maintaining a strong customer base will play a big role in eliminating the effect of the economy downturn. A marketing plan provides a clarification of marketing elements of a business entity. It also maps out the objectives, the directions as well as the activities for a business and its work force. A marketing plan normally focuses on issues that are related to price, product, place and promotion.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Social conflicts for abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social conflicts for abortion - Essay Example On the basis of judgement, the fetus is a human life, not a potential person. Termination of this life, even before it has left the womb, is viewed as essentially an act of murder. In abortion, the infant is evidently detached in content and being than the mother. It is being carried by the mother for nine months. Being morally upright individuals, we are supposed to look after the helpless, together with the unborn human being as it develops and matures. The mother's preference is merely what difficulty she needs to run away from. Corollary to the discussion on family planning is the sensitive issue on abortion. The First World of the G-7 or Group of Highly Industrialized Countries favors the liberal approach to dehumanize the world through the more fatal solution of abortion. Any reasons to advance to justify such act of fetus killing could not deodorize the abominations created by the killing of the unborn. The unborn has nothing to do with the problems of the would-be parents for he is just but a necessary feature in a husband-wife relationship. We acquire way too much credit, credit that God deserves. We believe that we created life. God provided us bodies gifted of procreating with extraordinarily intricate and precise hormonal equilibrium and physiologic transformations that permit the body to function. It is astonishing, when we wi... Several minutes of sex and some time developing in a uterus is not 'creating' a child. If I would like to bake a cake, it needs time and cautious action and thought to accomplish this. An infant is much more complicated. We cannot construct all required DNA; man cannot obtain the considered necessary DNA and construct life under the most controlled circumstances. Man still has not made any kind of life, even the most simple one-cell kind. We can invent scientific innovations but we cannot make life. God does this routinely. We must give Him the credit. Life begins at conception. Hence, a fetus at any stage of its development is a human being, with the same right to life as any other human being. Thus, to take life of a fetus by abortion is the same as taking the life of an adult without due process of law. That is, fetuses are not tried for a crime or sentenced to death penalty for a crime. They are simply put to death summarily. That is plain murder. Each fetus has an immortal soul from the moment of its conception and that any soul destroyed before it is baptized is eternally lost to salvation. Human bodies do not belong to the people who occupy them or to the parents who beget them, and they certainly do not belong to society. Bodies belong to God, and God alone has the right to decide what happens to them. It best to believe that we should stand by these arguments deeply that the efforts to outlaw abortions are dedicated to the most sacred and important cause in politics: The preservation of human beings and their immortal souls from murder and eternal damnation. I suppose the motive a person who is pro-abortion to be legal is, simply put, selfishness. The abortion occurs as the mother (maybe under other's pressure)