Wednesday, October 30, 2019
English - Drama and Farce - The bear Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
English - Drama and Farce - The bear - Essay Example Popov in a funny way, who appears to be mourning the death of his husband died some seven months back. The play concentrates upon one of the protagonists Luka, who is the footman of Mrs. Popov, a silly and idiot old person that maintains the habit of giving vent to his ideas without making any analyses of the remarks he is going to deliver. Since he has been serving Mrs. Popov, Luka also feels sorry for the death of her husband. Consequently, he tries to console his crying mistress in such a stupid manner that looks irksome to her, and invites the laughter of the audience subsequently. Mrs. Popov recalls the sweet memories of the moments she had spent with her deceased husband, while Luka interrupts her by stating that since other members of the house, including servants and animals, have overcome their grief, she should also imitate them and hence should participate in other activities of everyday life. Moreover, instead of sharing the grief-stricken lady, Luka laments on the loss o f his uniform eaten by the mice. He blames the army for this act of the mice, which could not control their mischief altogether. Another character, Mr. Smirnov, is also dealt by Luka in the same manner, which invites his anger to a great extent. Additionally, the expressions of love and affection demonstrated by the old Smirnov also disturb Mrs. Popov, and she looks for the expulsion of the rich stupid fellow in one way or the other. The play contains some elements of a farce in it, where just like farce, the play under study also creates humor out of both dialogue and actions. Both Luka and Smirnov perform acts in a foolish and brainless way, and support their idiocy with the help of absurd dialogues, meant to console Mrs. Popov, though these acts and words infuriate and agitate her to a great extent. Another characteristic of farce observed by the Bear is this that the characters pretend to be very wise and
Monday, October 28, 2019
Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay Example for Free
Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay When thinking about immigration, most individuals imagine all different types of ethnic groups traveling to a separate land away from their own. Most imagine America. Immigration, throughout history, has occurred within all types of ethnicities. When taking a closer look at the individuals living in America, it is apparent that everyone is not exactly like one another. Assimilation becomes a popular word used when discussing migration, and both positives and negatives come along with it. Two theorists that discuss the meaning of assimilation in their writings are Stephen Steinberg in his book, Ethnic Myth, and Milton Gordon in his book Assimilation in American Life. They discuss issues regarding assimilation and how they affect the nation as a whole. A novel written by Chang-Rae Lee titled, Native Speaker, gives specific examples as to how the assimilation process affects others and the migrants themselves, as also described in both Steinberg and Gordonââ¬â¢s books. In Steinbergââ¬â¢s book, Ethnic Myth, he discusses with his readers the issues regarding ethnic identity and assimilation. This is presented and explained in the chapter titled, The Atrophy of Ethnic Cultures. He first talks about the idea of the ââ¬Å"melting potâ⬠and how it should not be analyzed lightly. He gives a quote from John Higham that says, ââ¬Å"Loud assertions of pluralism almost invariably betray fears of assimilationâ⬠(Steinberg, 59). This means that minority groups that try to maintain their cultural traditions may, in fact, risk assimilation by doing so. Another point he brings to the surface is that when looking back at second or third generations of a specific minority group, these people still can relate back to their original traditions and culture identity. He then says, ââ¬Å"But can the same be said of the new generation which has known only the Americanized version of the original culture?â⬠(Steinberg, 60). This is an obvious prevailing issue when it comes to preserving ones culture. An example within the novel, Native Speaker, would be when Henry, the main character described as a Korean immigrant, explains the history with his father. His father, living in America, would gather with friends and participate in ggehââ¬â¢s, or ââ¬Å"money clubs.â⬠Here they would win money and eventually, that is all that mattered to the Korean group. The shift from typical Korean traditions to owning all this land and money in American became a vast transformation. Henry says about his father, ââ¬Å"In America, he said, itââ¬â¢s even hard to stay Korean.â⬠These alterations from one ethnic experience and tradition to another can be lost very quickly and potentially never be replenished. Throughout both Steinberg and Gordonââ¬â¢s writing, they both have similarities and differences when regarding assimilation. Gordon talks about these ââ¬Å"ethnic meetingsâ⬠which refer to assimilation. Throughout Gordonââ¬â¢s chapter titled, The Nature of Assimilation, he gives a numerous amount of definitions from theorists and writers that differ in various ways. In an essay that Gordon leaves the author anonymous in this chapter defines assimilation as ââ¬Å"the process by which different cultures, or individuals or groups representing different cultures, are merged into a homogenous unit. Here Gordon talks about assimilation as positive, whereas Steinberg takes a different approach. Steinberg suggests that assimilation is not always a positive aspect simply because it can result in the loss of a cultural identity. This is present in Native Speaker because Henry continuously tries indulging himself into American culture. He cannot fully accomplish this, which essentially results in his wife, Lelia, leaving him in the beginning of the novel. As there are differences within Steinberg and Gordonââ¬â¢s readings, they do agree upon their understanding of the nature within assimilation. Gordon says that cultural behavior changes ââ¬Å"may take place in the cultures of either one of the two groups, or there may be a reciprocal influence whereby the cultures of both groups are modifiedâ⬠(Gordon, 62). Steinberg agrees with this statement because he suggests that the changing of oneââ¬â¢s culture is at high risk when incorporated into a different culture. He says, ââ¬Å"The ethnic crisis only begins with the fact that the core elements of traditional culture have been modified, diluted, compromised, and finally relinquishedâ⬠(Steinberg, 62). Both writers describe this lack of identity in one way or another. Assimilation is apparent in any society, especially America. People of different backgrounds continuously trying to come together to create one nation is a crucial aspect in society today. Steinberg, Gordon, and Lee all discuss how assimilation has issues when it comes to preserving ones ethnic traditions and identity. What they all convey to readers however, is the fact that the merging of cultures will forever be essential and inevitable. Works Cited Steinberg, Steven. The Ethnic Myth: Race, Ethnicity, and Class in America. Boston: Beacon Press, 1978. Print. Lee, Chang-Rae. Native Speaker. New York: Riverhead Books, 1995. Print. Gordon, Milton. The Nature of Assimilation. Oxford University Press, 1964. eBook.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
The Epic Poem, Beowulf - Beowulf and Heroic Virtues :: Epic of Beowulf Essay
Beowulf and Heroic Virtues à à à Although the main character in Beowulf is Beowulf himself, I believe that the single section which most concisely illustrates the heroic values in this poem occurs on pages 61 through 64 of the text, and is illustrated not by Beowulf's actions, but by Wiglaf's. Although Wiglaf is by nationality Swedish, he identifies himself as Beowulf's kinsman when he says "I did begin to help my kinsman." (Chickering 64) à Wiglaf, in coming to Beowulf's aid in the fight against the dragon, typifies several important heroic virtues. The most obvious of these is the importance of the relationship between lord and thane. In trying to persuade the other thanes to assist Beowulf, Wiglaf says, "Now the day has come that our liege lord has need of the strength of good fighters. Let us go to him, help our war-chief while the grime terrible fire persists." (Chickering 61) In stating this, Wiglaf reminds the other thanes of the necessity of holding up their end of the bargain in the lord-thane relationship. Beowulf is a good lord, who protects his thanes and dispenses treasure to them, and it is their turn to support him in battle in his time of need. à When Wiglaf comes to aid Beowulf against the dragon, he also illustrates the importance of the kinship bond. Beowulf states that "Fate has swept away all my kinsmen" immediately before he dies. (Chickering 63) As one of Beowulf's last surviving kinsmen, Wiglaf's aid would be especially valuable to Beowulf. As the editors of The Norton Anthology of English Literature point out in the introduction to Beowulf in their introduction to this text, relationships between kinsmen were extremely important to this society. (Introduction 23) à Wiglaf also exemplifies the heroic virtue of courage. He give no thought to his own safety or to the odds against him when he fights the dragon, but goes to help his thane and kinsman. In the fight he conducts himself courageously; the author of the poem says that, in attacking the dragon, "he took no heed for that head" -- that is, the dragon's head, which breathed fire -- but that "that hand of the brave man was burned as he helped his kinsman." (Chickering 62). à Finally, Wiglaf's action demonstrates the heroic virtue of living up to a promise made. "I remember that time we drank mead, when we promised our lord in the beer-hall -- him who gave us these rings -- that we would repay him for the war-arms if a need like this befell him," says Wiglaf of an earlier promise made by the thanes. The Epic Poem, Beowulf - Beowulf and Heroic Virtues :: Epic of Beowulf Essay Beowulf and Heroic Virtues à à à Although the main character in Beowulf is Beowulf himself, I believe that the single section which most concisely illustrates the heroic values in this poem occurs on pages 61 through 64 of the text, and is illustrated not by Beowulf's actions, but by Wiglaf's. Although Wiglaf is by nationality Swedish, he identifies himself as Beowulf's kinsman when he says "I did begin to help my kinsman." (Chickering 64) à Wiglaf, in coming to Beowulf's aid in the fight against the dragon, typifies several important heroic virtues. The most obvious of these is the importance of the relationship between lord and thane. In trying to persuade the other thanes to assist Beowulf, Wiglaf says, "Now the day has come that our liege lord has need of the strength of good fighters. Let us go to him, help our war-chief while the grime terrible fire persists." (Chickering 61) In stating this, Wiglaf reminds the other thanes of the necessity of holding up their end of the bargain in the lord-thane relationship. Beowulf is a good lord, who protects his thanes and dispenses treasure to them, and it is their turn to support him in battle in his time of need. à When Wiglaf comes to aid Beowulf against the dragon, he also illustrates the importance of the kinship bond. Beowulf states that "Fate has swept away all my kinsmen" immediately before he dies. (Chickering 63) As one of Beowulf's last surviving kinsmen, Wiglaf's aid would be especially valuable to Beowulf. As the editors of The Norton Anthology of English Literature point out in the introduction to Beowulf in their introduction to this text, relationships between kinsmen were extremely important to this society. (Introduction 23) à Wiglaf also exemplifies the heroic virtue of courage. He give no thought to his own safety or to the odds against him when he fights the dragon, but goes to help his thane and kinsman. In the fight he conducts himself courageously; the author of the poem says that, in attacking the dragon, "he took no heed for that head" -- that is, the dragon's head, which breathed fire -- but that "that hand of the brave man was burned as he helped his kinsman." (Chickering 62). à Finally, Wiglaf's action demonstrates the heroic virtue of living up to a promise made. "I remember that time we drank mead, when we promised our lord in the beer-hall -- him who gave us these rings -- that we would repay him for the war-arms if a need like this befell him," says Wiglaf of an earlier promise made by the thanes.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
International Financial Reporting Standards Essay
Organizations around the world are continuously recording data and reporting financial information to the used for many purposes by the respective users. A tremendous amount of financial transactions continuously stir in the organizations, some transactions occur each second or minute whereas some transactions are very unique and take place occasionally as a result of a specific event. That is why to bring things in conformity and consistency, it is important that organizations establish standards and procedures for recording their data. In doing so present results will be in a position to be compared with historical data and with entities in similar industry. Listed companies have to particularly follow standard formats and disclose their financial information in such a way that it is easily understood by the users of the financial statements. This is because consistency flows through not just one organization but the entire industry making outcomes easier to contrast. These objectives are being addressed by standard setting boards such as IAASB by setting International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting standards (IFRS). Both IFRS and IAS are equal in terms of their value and standing. (Tatum Malcum) All transactions need to be recorded as suggested above. One of the aspects that are a part of recording is financial instruments; created by a legal document and having different monetary values. They can be classified as cash or derivative instruments. Cash type of financial instruments is widely used and can be most easily understood. Currency in itself is a cash instrument or a bank cheque is a good example which can be used to transfer money from one bank account to another. However derivative instruments include those tools such as futures; an instrument saying that the seller will sell the asset or buyer will buy it at a future date. Price of such transactions is determined at the time of entering into a future contract. There are other instruments as well such as options and swaps whereas sometimes stocks, bonds and currency forwards are also termed as financial instruments. (Tatum Malcum) Due to the wide range of financial instruments being used, IAS 39 was introduced by International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) in 2001 to regulate the process of recognition and measurement of such transactions. The organizations dealing with them were facing problems with respect to treatment as different approaches were being applied by entities. This led to inconsistency of disclosing and recording of appropriate amounts within the industry as they were no standard process for recording the financial instruments. This directed the results of entities within the same industry to be incomparable with one another. Many of transactions involving financial instruments remained unrecognized as no proper recognition and measurement processes were known to the accountants. Hence CFO and CEO were in a position to distort the actual results and lead shareholders astray. (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur) In response to that IAS 39 introduced a concept of fair value accounting. The standard increased the importance of the fair value accounting for the financial instruments and therefore required entities to record assets and liabilities on the face of the balance sheet and discloses the nature of derivatives in the financial statements. In case of hybrids, the structure had to be broken down into two components (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur). This is because hybrid instruments have a mixture of characteristics of both debt and equity thereby market price of the hybrid instrument is sensitive to both the interest rates and quoted price for the stock (Riskglossory. com). The two components of the hybrid contract are real contracts however derivative is separated from the contract to be measured at fair value. (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur) IAS 39 also introduced hedge accounting for all derivatives in order to minimize the volatile affects on the income statement. Further segregation in the standard came into place as the ââ¬Å"intentionâ⬠of hedging was used to establish which accounting rules will be applied. As a result a fair value hedge, net investment hedge in foreign currency and cash flow hedge accounting rules was launched. In fair value hedging the risks are connected to the fluctuation of fair value of an underlying asset or liability. Whereas cash flow hedges are those in which the exposure is connected to the future cash flows of assets or liabilities recognized or any future commitment or forecasted cash flow of the organization. Moreover, the net investment hedge in foreign currency is hedging the risks of an entityââ¬â¢s net asset which is not an associate, joint venture or a subsidiary. (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur) Implication of this IAS affected all the users of financial statements and also the people who were trying to comply with the standard. The development of this standard and its implementation had significant impact on the strategies in dealing with financial risks. As the financial instruments have volatile affects on the equity portfolio and income statements these affects were then being countered by engaging in hedging strategies and transparent accounting policies. (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur) IAS 39 also provides organizations with the recognition criteria on how to record hedging instruments when entering into a transaction. After that at each period end gain and loss is recognized on an ongoing basis. So it has a forward looking stance at initiation but a backward bearing when re-assessment of investmentââ¬â¢s effectiveness is carried out. The organizations needed to asses which process of reassessment would be right for their investment portfolio. A proper system was therefore required to record and reassess not only cash flows and fair values but also take into account the premiums and discounts involved. Moreover, IAS required the disclosure of all the investments and subsequent gains or loss arising due to it. (Miolo Alessandro, Andersen Arthur) The first revision of the IAS 39 took place in 2004 which incorporated Macro hedging, involving interest rates risks hedge. This amendment was made due to the increase use of these instruments and such investments were not addressed by IAS 39. Macro hedge is an investment technique to reduce or minimize the risks associated with the whole portfolio of investments (Peter Williams). This investments technique was widely spread because of the ease of information available about the interest rate and currency fluctuations between different countries. The macro managers earned by hedging the risks in different market by buying long and short in different markets of the globe. That increasing trend required the correct measurement and recognition of such investment which could only be linked with financial instruments dealt in IAS 39. (Hubpages, Inc. ) Further amendment took place on the issue of initial recognition of financial asset or liabilities and the subsequent charging of gain or loss. Initially all of such instruments were allowed to be measured on fair value if measured reliably. In 2005 the option to value instruments at fair value had been restricted to only those investments which had significantly reduced due to accounting mismatch along with those financial instruments whose fair values were regularly managed evaluated for its correctness. In addition IAS 39 stated before October 2008 that once an instrument is classified on the basis of fair value i. e through profit and loss category, it cannot be reclassified. Amendment in 2008 allowed some of the instruments to be reclassified from fair value and available for sale category under certain conditions and a disclosure is required in case of such a reclassification. Moreover it was stated that all the derivatives need to be reassessed in case of any reclassification; an issue that was developed due to the global credit crunch, significantly affecting the financial market. (Delloitte Touche Tohmatsu) With all the problems and issues dealing with financial instruments IASB and FASB started working together on IFRS 9 to replace IAS 39. Its purpose is to reduce difficulty in accounting for financial instruments and hedging activities. This development took place in phases. Phase one tends to improve and simplify the measurement and classification of the financial instruments. Though this phase has been completed but the exposure draft has been under plan to be issued and the implementation is to be completed in the current year. (International Accounting standard board) This new standard has raising concerns in the world in corporate sectors on how this will be implemented and how it will affect their operations. Many are happy for the change to take place as the IAS 39 is thought to be a difficult standard to implement. The replacement is a result of the worldââ¬â¢s economic crises after which all the investors and the regulators of financial institutions were demanding for an accounting system which showed the types of assets and liabilities held at a given time, the risks that they are exposed to and gain and losses expect to be realized. (IFRS 9 ââ¬â Deconstructing IAS 39) In 2008 when Lehman Brothers share price collapsed, the investors in turn rushed to purchase the share prices in anticipation of prices bouncing back. However they couldnââ¬â¢t see the situation of the bankââ¬â¢s exposure in financial instruments related to subprime loans as less information was disclosed for their understanding. Hence it was later suggested that accounting needs to be clearer which became evident upon the fall of many banks. IFRS 9 strived to cater and answer all these major issues in hand while giving organizations an option to adopt this standard before it becomes mandatory in 2013. Only the first phase of the standard is completed and all the stakeholders are waiting to implement it upon finalization of IFRS 9 completion. IFRS 9 ââ¬â Deconstructing IAS 39) IFRS 9 looks to tackle all the current problems and questions probed by various investors but it cannot give a guarantee to prevent any crises in future. It is important that accountants, regulator and the investors remain vigilant because no matter how much IFRS 9 helps to simplify the accounting of financial reporting, when this economy starts its recovery phase no one can stop the development of new financial instruments eluding the situation like before. European Union refused to adopt IFRS 9 last year posing some questions relating to fair value of investments coverage. On the other hand Japan signed it for an early adoption in March 2010 which is a significant step toward promoting transparency in policies and implementation (IFRS 9 ââ¬â Deconstructing IAS 39). Hence it can be clearly seen that IASB and FASB have been working for the betterment of the society by incorporating the external changes in the market which can be reflected upon the replacement of IAS 39 with IFRS 9.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Big business and how it affects media ethics Essay
The effect of media on the public as shown in the long list of Hollywood movies is of prime interest with big business that targets mass consumption of their products, services and ideas. Big business sells not merely a product or a service but a whole lifestyle and mode of thinking. Big business sells a whole package of beliefs passed on from one generation of consumers to the next. McGuire (1986) noted several of the most commonly mentioned intended media effects: (a) the effects of advertising on purchasing, (b) the effects of political campaigns on voting, (c) the effects of public service announcements (PSAs) on personal behavior and social improvement, (d) the effects of propaganda on ideology, and (e) the effects of media ritual on social control. And the one who could manipulate the media eventually controls the effects media has on its audience. And due to this interest, big business has not been complacent in using media to further its interests to the extent of affecting media ethics. There is a war between big business and media as one tries to use, outwit and profit from each otherââ¬â¢s power. Media needs the advertising money that big business has. And big business needs mediaââ¬â¢s format and reach to help push their products in competitive markets. On ordinary and traditional circumstance, business news will be the usual reporting of financial markets, who recently go hired or who recently got promoted but times are changing as media and big business realize the power they have over each other. ââ¬Å"Private enterprise has been and continues to be thought of as a private ?affair by many who engage in it. But for a multitude of reasons, the ? media try (and not often enough, some argue) to make private transactions public business. The press is watching business closely. One page from a metropolitan ? newspaper can tell the story. The Orange County Register, a southern ? California daily with a circulation of over 300,000, reported stories under ? these headlines one day in early 1987: ââ¬Å"GM plans to lay off 2,000 in ? Kansas Cityâ⬠; ââ¬Å"Ford exec asks cut in Japanese Importsâ⬠; ââ¬Å"SEC chief says ?more big news is comingâ⬠; ââ¬Å"Guiness director quits over schemeâ⬠; ââ¬Å"People/Continental to offer 2-for-1 ticketsâ⬠; ââ¬Å"GE to lay off 3,000 workers at ? Northeast plantsâ⬠; A large picture showed striking Lockheed Shipbuilding workers crossing a picket line ? in Seattle. â⬠(Blohowiak, 1987) Itââ¬â¢s more dangerous when both cohort each other into twisting the truth and step over business and media ethics. In this light, big business and media profit from the unethical practice of their crafts with the mass markets eventually receiving unjust consequences as illustrated by the highly celebrated Enron fiasco. ââ¬Å"In the wake of apparently dishonest practices by Enron Corp. executives, and apparent negligence by members of its board of directors, many are asking how people believed to be so smart could have lacked the moral courage to seek and tell the truth. As there is after every financial scandal, a call is being made for more courses in ââ¬Å"business ethicsâ⬠in the leading universities. â⬠(Berlau, 2002) Another example of the big business that has continually been in headlines is the business of war. Media has played a critical role in convincing voters to support the decision of their leaders to go to war and spend for war. Smith in 1994 explains ââ¬Å"that armament firms have sought to influence public opinion through the control of newspapers in their own and foreign countries, that armament firms have organized international armament rings through which the armament race has been accentuated by playing off one country against another, that armament firms have organized international armament trusts which have increased the price of armaments sold to governments. â⬠(Smith, 1994) As the Bush administration furthers its campaign against terror, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are slowly becoming the most expensive campaign since World War II. Lawmakers and congressional staff reports that Pentagon is preparing $127 billion to $160 billion worth of requests for its armed services due for 2007. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s on top of $70 billion already approved for 2007. Since 2001, Congress has approved $502 billion for the war on terror, roughly two-thirds for Iraq. The latest request, due to reach the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress next spring, would make the war on terror more expensive than the Vietnam War. â⬠(Wolf, 2006) The business of war just like any other kind of big business will succeed to prosper and profit because behind these big businesses are media partners that by themselves big business as well. Media ethics is nowhere to be found in bottom line discussions between the big businesses and the use of the networks to serve specific interests as elaborated by the action of Sinclair Broadcasting Group and their support for the Bush Administration presidential campaigns. ââ¬Å"If what can only be described as an attempt by a large, conservative corporation to keep a corporate president in power, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which owns 62 stations nationwide, has ordered all of its stations to pre-empt regular programming and instead show an anti-Kerry film along the lines of the Swift Boat Liars one week before the election. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not the American way for powerful corporations to strong-arm local broadcasters to air lies promoting a political agenda,â⬠said David Wade, a spokesman for the Democratic nomineeââ¬â¢s campaign. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s beyond yellow journalism; itââ¬â¢s a smear bankrolled by Republican money, and I donââ¬â¢t think Americans will stand for it. â⬠(Bowers, 2004) Big business has taken into its payroll media elements including important roles that protect standards. This is imperative if big business wants to ensure success in the big amount of money they invest on advertising or news reporting for example. Although bad or good advertisement is still advertisement and can help brand retention, at the end of the day, consumers would always go for the products and services that have a good reputation. And with media ethics slowly getting softer and softer, with manipulations with words, graphics and endorsers, a not so good product will sell. These are possible due to evolving market models. ââ¬Å"The unrestrained market model has diminished the authority of news editors, once guardians of quality, the domainââ¬â¢s bulwarks against illegitimate pressures exerted by the owners, the public, or other stakeholders. The editors, in a sense, were newsroomsââ¬â¢ superegos, the disinterested enforces of standards. Most editors are now firmly embedded in the corporate hierarchy, directly answerable to fiscal matters. They are paid like executives ââ¬â a big change from the recent past ââ¬â and are expected to conform to corporate fiscal priorities. â⬠(Gardner, 2001).
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Case Study Human Resource Management. Cockpit for You Company
Case Study Human Resource Management. Cockpit for You Company Introduction The success of a firmââ¬â¢s productivity depends on the organization of the human resource management. Reflectively, labour as a factor of production, determines the gross output, performance, and goal achievement at optimal resource use.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Case Study: Human Resource Management. ââ¬ËCockpit for Youââ¬â¢ Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Company ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ has been struggling with human resource management problems that range from competition, labour structure, and financial constraints. Budget constraints for ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ are represented by a production possibility frontier curve which is dangerously skewed towards deficits in productivity. The curve shows the limitation of available factors of production, especially on optimal labour use and employee motivation. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to explici tly analyse thematic areas that have negative influence on the companyââ¬â¢s labour use and display them as part of a mind mapping plan. Besides, the paper presents a comprehensive theoretical backup for one of the identified thematic area as part of a remedial case study. In addition, the paper develops a personnel evaluation system using a project management plan that targets to restore human resource efficiency. Mind Mapping of Challenges at ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company Current budget of the ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ firm may not allow it to utilize all factors of production in the economy. Therefore, there is always need to maximize use of obtainable resources. ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company faces several limitations in its operations after the sudden restructuring. First, the uncertain working conditions greatly impacted on employeesââ¬â¢ confidence and performance patterns. As employeesââ¬â¢ incomes remain unstable, and relatively low, it was na tural to witness an underperformance and low morale at work. The trading conditions continued to remain a challenge especially for this company. These adversely influenced the ability of ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ to achieve the forecasted sales and consequently, the overall budget was affected. Increase in prices of factors of production directly affects budgeted cost of production, and thus low income earned by employees. In addition, inability of the company to leverage its systems and processes hindered the growth of its business as it reduced ability of the company to attract the right labour skills and attitude.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Finally, the company faces operational risks in areas such as supply chain management, communication systems, and human resource management. Given that the company has to operate within a predetermined budget, changes in the individual component of the budget affect the operations of the entire business. Evaluation of strategic threats and opportunities is important for an organization as feedback from such appraisal is vital for execution of strategic plans and decision making. ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ is exposed to numerous threats. For instance, following the acquisition logistics and restructuring, the company has to remain afloat despite competition. Secondly, the human resource department is fairly responsive to sudden swings and also very sensitive to changes in income. Since the change of ownership, the company has suffered heavily, as communication system for implementing these changes seemed to have broken down. Due to redundancy, lack of performance evaluation processes, employee testing, and healthy work culture, the company is currently facing uncertainty and is at the brink of total labour force redundancy. These systems are critical in improving leadership skills, eva luation skills, promoting creativity, and rewarding outstanding achievement. The company is surrounded by several opportunities for growth of business. However, the human resource department is seriously underdeveloped despite the fact that labour determines total output, thus profitability. ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company has done little to have a pipeline of talent to work towards achieving long-term objectives. Reflectively, the company has not organized several tailored training and development schemes designed to help its people fulfill their potential. According to Burke Cooper (2008), training and development programs are both on-the-job and off-the job. These should be built around the core business values and is firmly aligned with the business strategy ââ¬â developing skills that will support future growth of the business. The programme is designed for senior managers and is aimed at building leadership skills for follow up of changes within the workforce (Burk e Cooper, 2008, p. 129). Unfortunately, this is not happening at this company. The results of the programme meant for statistical t-testing of relevance of evaluation strategies adopted in reviewing employment terms and performance (Kew Stedwick, 2005, p. 99). Despite the fact that this company has a fresh initiative for correcting the previous mistakes, it has not adopted an inclusive career development plan. Instead, it works on assumptions that the labour force is fully developed and well trained. The major restructuring that occurred in the company impacted on the training and development programme negatively since the human resource management system lacked the aspect of innovation, skills, and motivation evaluation.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Case Study: Human Resource Management. ââ¬ËCockpit for Youââ¬â¢ Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Case Study: Career Development through Training and Performance Appraisal Training and development forms part of organizational strategy mostly because companies have been characterized by numerous expansions both without and within the region. Consequently, there is a need to merge organizational skills, knowledge and culture with the new challenges and demands facing ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company. The company needs to use training and development largely because it is operating in a highly competitive sector. Consequently, there is a need to ensure that the company remains ahead of the competition. Management ought to realize that there is no better way to achieve this rather than through the use of training and development. Further, ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company should evaluate effectiveness of training and development in realizing the goals and objectives of their set targets. Finally management of the company should use outcomes of trainings and development in decision making relating promotions and transf ers within the organization (Wilson, 2006, p. 101). Besides, the company should undertake several career development programmes, such would be necessary for attracting and retaining human resource base. The company should consider providing a job compensation structure that supports the organizations as well as individualsââ¬â¢ growth and development perspectives (Robinson, 2006, p. 119). Moreover, company should also evaluate employees and produce succession pipe-lines for vital job positions in the organization. At the end of every six months, performance reviews should be carried out at ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ for all the employees. During these reviews, employees engage their line mangers in discussing their performances for six months. The employees are then rated based on the proficiencies and competencies they have shown during the period ended (Legge, 2005, p. 136). Staff members are then given ratings for the skills and competencies they have shown over the past p eriod. A comparison is then done between the ratings and the expected results as agreed upon at the beginning of the year and also with expected skills profiles for these areas. Such appraisals are important as they help employees to establish their performance in relation to the expectations from the business and expected outcomes as agreed during performance planning (Legge, 2005, p. 216). Further, the appraisals reveal gaps that may be inherent when executing duties. At the end of appraisal procedure the line manager and the staff member formulate a plan for further development for the next period. In the personal development plan, the employees set objectives based on the feedback from their performance appraisal and it is mandatory for all staff members to have such a plan. The whole interactive appraisal process is beneficial as it aids employees in developing a focused vocation trail.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Further, the process is realistic. The gaps noted during the review process are bridged by training and development (Mullins, 2006, p. 132). These trainings also help in preparing the staff members for future managerial duties. The performance review process helps management of the Group to have a well-organized, effectual and motivated human resource base (Mullins, 2006, p. 137). The appraisal procedure is all encompassing and it reflects the actual performance by the staff members for the reason that it involves both the line managers and the staff members (Hughes, 2006, p. 98). Also there is comparison of the actual and expected performance and any variances are noted and actions inform of trainings, development and disciplinary measures are taken to improve on future performance. The performance management at ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company is unsatisfactory because overall strategic goals are not cascaded down to departments and further to the individual staff members. T herefore, work done by each employee may not contribute to the overall strategic goal. Further, performance of the staff members is not cascaded upwards and the actual performance of the company cannot be compared with the forecasts (Houldsworth, Jirasinghe, 2006, P. 106). Personnel Evaluation System Training and development forms part of organizational strategy mostly because human resource department is characterized by constant dynamics in management since labor market is constantly affected by market swings. Consequently, there is a need to merge organizational skills, knowledge and culture with the new challenges and demands. Therefore, there is constant need to use training and development largely because the department operates in a highly stratified environment (Blyton Turnbull, 2006, p. 118). The outcomes of performance appraisal are not only influenced by job performance of the employee, there are other several other factors that may influence performance appraisal ratin g of the employees. The diagram above illustrates the process of employee evaluation. The motivational activities are predetermined by the management. Summary of Personnel Evaluation System Motivational Recommendation Goal setting Feedback Channel Exception Criteria Evaluation Criteria Empowering employees to participate more in the decision making process Setting relatively hard assignments that are attainable and allowing employees to brainstorm and consult on the same. Workforce training. Establishing a confidential suggestion box for complaints and complements. Improving on communication network system and intranet. Creating interactive sessions for the workforce Defining the privacy parameter and expected code of conduct. Establishing the organization culture and ethics. Limiting the scope of activities to contain only relevant training Analyzing feedbacks from suggestion boxes Review of performance periodically after every stage of implementation. Carrying out random but inclusive sampling using questionnaires Creating more motivational programs involving outdoor activities such as sporting. Fixing motivational programs in annual calendar. Designing awards to be given in every event Encouraging medical tests and physical stamina. Performance comparison between teams. Defining the scope and making these activities part of performance responsibility. Defining limits for responsive training Testing team spirit and insight. In empowering employees to participate more in the decision making process, the organization should source for expertise training on consultative decision making process. This expert will impart skills directly to the management and entire workforce. In the process of implementing this recommendation, training manager should be assigned the duty of organizing the workforce into groups and following up the success or failure of the training (Beardwell Claydon, 2007, p. 306). During the training process, simple activities such a s solving puzzles and brainstorming in different topics are encouraged. In addition, every member of the workforce is expected to participate actively by assigning roles which are balloted. The implementation should be done in three phases with the first phase actively involving an outsourced expert in the field of decision making (Cole, 2006, p. 107). After a fortnight, the management should then design in-house programs as a continuation of the first stage. In the last stage, the entire workforce is encouraged to internalize the concept initially introduced and deactivate fear and inferiority complex when addressing issues of interest to the organization and at personal level (Armstrong, 2006, p. 93). Though this process should be continuous, the active part should not run for more than four months from commencement at a budget less than four percent of the companyââ¬â¢s net revenue (Gmur Thommen, 2011, p. 380). Reflectively, a ââ¬Å"planned change approach is required with t he initiation and implementation of change being driven by management with the aid of a practionerâ⬠(Greene Kirton, 2005, p. 102). Magnitude of change is quantum as large changes involving culture, structure and strategy of the company is required. In reality, ââ¬Å"transformational change is a relatively new count to organizational changeâ⬠(Greene Kirton, 2005, p. 109). This form of change is necessary and very relevant in the case of ââ¬ËCockpit for youââ¬â¢ Company as the company attempts to restructure its human resource component. Besides, when adopted, leadership responsibility, performance efficiency, and continuous motivational policies will facilitate responsive management. Expected outcome of the Action Plan Action Plan Tabular representation Motivational Recommendation Required Resources Leadership responsibility Steps taken Barriers Performance Indicators Time taken Empowering employees to participate more in the decision making process Outsourc ed expert. Training materials. Group leaders ââ¬âimplementing. Training manager-evaluation. Periodic training. Interactive forums Educational levels. Authority and responsibility Analyzing feedbacks from suggestion boxes 6 months Creating more motivational programs involving outdoor activities such as sporting. Sporting facilities. Entire workforce participation. Team leaders Team captains. Overall captain. Initiating sports day in the calendar. Resource allocation for awards Convincing the workforce to embrace the event. Divergent interest on sporting activities Testing team spirit and insight. continuous Results Conclusively, these recommendations would directly impact on the feedback channel as employees will have motivational power to proactively participate in decision making process. As a result, the learning oriented process will facilitate optimal performance which is specific to the goals and desires of the company as the workforce would have the feeling of being appreciated and recognized for outstanding performance. Reference List Armstrong, M 2006, Strategic HRM: a guide to action, 23rd edn, Kogan Page, London. Beardwell, L Claydon, T 2007, HRM: a contemporary perspective, 5th edn, FT/Prentice Hall, London. Blyton, P Turnbull, P, 2006, The Dynamics of Employee Relations, 5th edn, Palgrave, California. Burke, L Cooper, T 2008, Building more effective organisations: HR management and performance in practice, Palgrave, California. Cole, G 2006, Personnel HRM, 5th edn,Continuum, London. Gmur, M Thommen, J 2011, Human Resource Management, Strategien und Instrumente fà ¼r Fà ¼hrungskrfte und das Personal management, Versus, Vancouver. Greene, M Kirton, G, 2005, The Dynamics of Managing Diversity, 2nd edn, Elsevier, Alabama Houldsworth, E Jirasinghe, D, 2006, Managing Measuring Employee Performance, Kogan Page, London Hughes, M 2006, Change Management, CIPD, London Kew, J Stedwick, J 2005, Business Environment: Managing in a Strategic Context, CIPD, London Legge, K 2005, HRM: Rhetorics Realities, Palgrave, London. Mullins, J 2006, Management Organisational Behaviour, Financial Times/Prentice Hall, London Robinson, I 2006, HRM in Organisations, CIPD, London Wilson, J P 2006, Human resource Development, 2nd edn, Kogan Page, London.
Monday, October 21, 2019
The Diffusion of a Cell
The Diffusion of a Cell Summary The primary goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of cholesterol on diffusion properties. Scholars use multiple methods to show the movement of the cholesterol particle to diffusion point. The use of solvents and fluorescence microscopy aimed to show the biophysical mechanism in the diffusion process.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Diffusion of a Cell specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Cholesterol is an important player in the lipid composition comprising the cell membrane. Alteration in cell membrane and cholesterol concentration affect receptor protein as well as the cell. By changing many proteins, cholesterol favors the inactive conformation of the photoreceptor rhodopsin. Cholesterol has a few other purposes such as the functioning of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The objective of this study was to showcase the importance of diffusion to the cell growth, survival, motility adhesio n, and proliferation. Cholesterol plays a key role, and its depletion may lead to a decrease in integrin that affects the functionality of the cell. The research divulged the underlying biophysical system behind cholesterolââ¬â¢s impacts on the diffusion of ever-present group of receptors known as integrins. General Comments The biophysical mechanism process in cholesterol may not have been well known. Nevertheless, by use of live cell imaging and with the help of a combination of solvents one can identify the working behind the process. The goal of this research was to show the effects of cholesterol on living cells. Besides, the study aimed at showing the influence of cholesterol on human body that comprises numerous cells (Geffen 146). The study achieved this goal through the use of Single Particle Tracking that entails observing the diffusion of a particle in the cell. The researchers used photobleaching and enhanced the particles using fluorescence. The research also focused on restoration of cholesterol-depleted cells with exogenous Cholesterol. The study signified the ability of epicholestrol to substitute cholesterol (Finegold 106). The rate of diffusion is measured using Single Particle Tracking (SPT) after photobleaching. The materials and method utilized in the research included a cell culture and bleaching solvents. The method used involved cholesterol depletion, restoration, and substitution. The researchers exposed the cell to the heat as a way to get sufficient results. The cells were first washed in a serum-free medium to remove cyclodextrin (Wilson and Hunt 88). There was also extraction of lipid to measure the quantity of cholesterol. Imaging was done using a PhotonMax camera to assist in the Single Particle Tracking. The images showed total cellular and membrane cholesterol concentration as measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first pap er with 15% OFF Learn More The study signified the importance of imaging process in ââ¬Å"generating reliable average diffusion coefficientsâ⬠(Dudek 67).à The studyââ¬â¢s findings showed that a complete recovery of membrane cholesterol cannot be achieved despite a high total cellular cholesterol concentration. The Single Particle Tracking approach demonstrated the dynamics of integrin under different conditions. It showed a decrease in the amount of mobile integrin after cholesterol depletion and increase after cholesterol restoration. It may be argued that this experiment showed the effect of the single dot in the diffusion measurements as showed by STP. The integrins bound to ligand-coated quantum dots display the effects of diffusion. The study proved that integrin distribution is confined to cholesterol zones. According to the study, cholesterol depletion influences integrin diffusion coefficient. The instantaneous distribution varies significantly at different times in the confinement regions. The conclusion is that cholesterol regulates integrin diffusion by changing the physical properties of the membrane. Epicholestrol yielded similar integrin diffusion properties as those measured after restoration. The research verified that there is no difference in the average diffusion coefficient of mobile integrins inside or outside the confined zones after restoration. Criticism The rate of diffusion of a cell allows it to grow and multiply where necessary. The research shows the distribution in cells and their membrane. Lipids make up a great part of the cell and cholesterol is a major component of lipids. By measuring the rate of diffusion through the membrane of a cell, one can identify the absorption rate. Such an experiment can shed light on nutrient uptake in living cells that affects cell growth (Barrett and Donowitz 157). The methods used in this research will go a long way towards facilitating the establishment of different diagnostic and treatment procedures. They will enable doctors to establish appropriate diagnosis of patients in troubling cases. In nutrition, the levels of cholesterol in a particular diet are necessary, and the rate of diffusion in cells can determine how much cholesterol a diet requires. The experiment recognized and identified the effects of other biophysical processes that may be attributed to diffusion (Starr et al. 89). In future, the research can be used in understanding cell metabolism and development in cancer research.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Diffusion of a Cell specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The research also brought out the aspect of diffusion rate of integrin and cholesterol. Besides, it pointed out other ways in which cell metabolism can be evaluated using Single Particle Tracking method. The research was well carried out, and the cells were treated to prevent contamination. The results were conclusive and supported using scholarly and peer-reviewed articles. The imaging process was clear and precise. The future research should focus on nutrition and cell biology in a deeper sense. Barrett, Kim, and M. Donowitz. Gastrointestinal Transport, San Diego: Academic Press, 2010. Print. Dudek, Ronald. High-Yield, Cell Molecular Biology, Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2006. Print. Finegold, Leonard. Cholesterol in Membrane Models, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press, 2007. Print. Geffen, Amit. Cellular and Bimolecular Mechanics and Mechanobiology, Berlin: Springer, 2011. Print. Starr, Cecie, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers and Lisa Starr. Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life. Australia: Brooks Cole, 2012. Print. Wilson, John, and T. Hunt. Molecular Biology of the Cell, New York: Garland Pub., 2011. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More
Sunday, October 20, 2019
How to Write a Resume or CV in English
How to Write a Resume or CV in English Writing a resume in English can be very different than in your own language. The first and most important step is to take the time to prepare your materials thoroughly. Taking notes on your career, education, and other accomplishments and skills will ensure that you can shape your resume to a wide variety of professional opportunities. This is a moderately difficult task that may take around two hours. What You Need PaperTypewriter or computerDictionaryThesaurusPast employer addresses Steps to Writing Your Resume First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part-time. Write down your responsibilities, job title, and company information. Include everything!Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names, and courses relevant to career objectives.Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service, and any other special accomplishments.From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax, and email at the top of the resume.Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.Cont inue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backward in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge, etc. under the heading Additional Skills. Be ready to speak about your skills in the interview.Finish with the phrase: References: Available upon request.Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.Spacing: Separate each category (i.e.à Work Experience, Objective, Education, etc.)à with an empty line to improve readability.à Make sure to read your resume carefully to check grammar, spelling, etc.à Prepare thoroughly with your resume for the job interview. Its best to get as much job interviewing practice as possible. More Tips for Writing a Solid Resume Use dynamic action verbs such as accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.Do not use the subject I, use tenses in the past, except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on-site equipment.Place your work experienceà beforeà your education. In English speaking countries, especially in the United States, work experience is the most important factor in hiring.Ask for permission to use someone as a referenceà beforeà you interview for a position. Its also a good idea to let your references know that you will be interviewing if you havent interviewed for a while. In this way, references will be in the loop if a potential employer calls or sends an email for further information.à Dont include the contact information of your references on your resume. The phraseà available upon requestà will suffice.à Use a thesaurus to help you improve work-related vocabulary and eliminate unnecessary repetition. Example Resume Heres an example resume following the simple outline above. Notice how work experience uses shortened sentences in the past without a subject. This style is more common than repeating I.à Sample Resume Peter Jenkins25456 NW 72nd AvenuePortland, Oregon 97026503-687-9812pjenkinshappymail.comObjectiveBecome an Executive Producer in an established recording studio.Work Experience2004 - 2008à Lead singer in a band which toured North America.Responsibilities included arranging music and recording live performances.After two years, managed entire group and bookings.2008 - 2010à Producer at Sound Mixers Aligned studios in San Diego, California.Collaborated with a wide range of musicians to help produce demo recordings for major recording labels.Developed sound profiles recording setups for small to large ensembles.Became accomplished on a wide range of audio software packages.2010 - PresentDirector of artist relations at Spooky People Studios.Responsible for establishing a solid working relationship with our artists while meeting the needs of Spooky People Studios.à Education2000 - 2004à Bachelor of Science University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennesseeà Additional SkillsFluent in Spa nish and FrenchExpert in Office Suite and Google DocumentsReferencesAvailable upon request Final Tip Make sure to always include a cover letter when applying for a job. These days, a cover letter is usually an email to which you attach your resume. Check Your Understanding Answerà trueà orà falseà for the following questions regarding the preparation of your resume in English.à Provide the references contact information on your resume.Place your education before your work experience.à List your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e. begin with your current job and go backward in time).Focus on transferable skills to improve your chances of getting an interview.Longer resumes make better impressions. Answers False -à Only include the phrase References available upon request.False -à In English speaking countries, especially the USA, its more important to place your work experience first.True -à Start with your current job and list in backward order.True -à Transferable skills focus on skills that will apply directly to the position for which you are applying.False -à Try to keep your resume to just one page if possible.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
2 articles about wedding reception and wedding budget Essay
2 articles about wedding reception and wedding budget - Essay Example For a touch of lavishness, add smoked salmon, caviar, or a carving station with ham, turkey or roast beef. Season the menu with the cocktails of champagne/wine and fruit juice (Mimosa, Bellini), champagne and vodka (Bloody Mary) or vodka and fruit juice (Apple Martini). And, ofcourse, fine teas and coffee should not be missed! Advantages: This type of wedding reception is usually inexpensive due to lower catering expenses (even a lavish breakfast/brunch menu is usually cheaper than a full-course buffet or full-service dinner) and temperate drinking (due to morning time of the day). If you want to kick start on your honeymoon, this type of wedding reception leaves you with ample time to leave the same day. Disadvantage: It might be inconvenient for guests, who live far off, to travel all the way in the morning, so as to attend your wedding. Also, you might not get as long to get dressed up for the occasion. Lunch wedding receptions are most suitable for you if you prefer both: morning wedding and leisure time to get ready for the occasion (quite more time than what is allowed by the breakfast wedding reception) Advantages: Compared to breakfast wedding reception, there is more time for you to dress up. It is more convenient for guests also, who would drive down to the venue from far off places. Also, you can choose your favourite dinner dishes on the menu at a lower cost. All this, along with the opportunity to leave for honeymoon the same day! Disadvantages: Closing time of the lunch wedding reception has to be carefully adhered to if you are leaving for honeymoon the same day. Sometimes lunch wedding receptions donââ¬â¢t seem to wind up at all and become dragging for the new couple. Also, you need to work out the plan for the evening if you are not leaving for honeymoon the same day. Creative turn to the reception: Turn it into outdoor social gathering or picnic by making seating arrangements on the
Friday, October 18, 2019
Strategic Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words
Strategic Perspectives - Essay Example This particular paper fundamentally aims towards delivering a detailed analysis of the competitive forces and the various strategic issues in relation to the tablet and smart phone industry. With this concern, various aspects that include internal strategic audit of Apple and identification of the major issues regarding the external stakeholders that are currently faced by the organisation will be considered. Additionally, certain recommendations for Apple will also be depicted in the discussion. A Detailed Analysis of the Smart phone & Taà blet Industry The various strategic models that are fundamentally used to analyse the macro-framework of a particular industry can be identified in terms of Porterââ¬â¢s 5 Forces Model and Industry Life Cycle (ILC) theory. These models can be regarded as quite beneficial in obtaining an in-sight regarding the competitive forces along with the strategic issues shaping the smart phone as well as the tablet industry. The Macro-Framework Theory W ith due regards to the macro-framework theory implications, the aspect of macro environment tends to determine the various external influences that may impose a crucial effect upon the tablet and smart phone industry. The various macro environment factors in relation to the smart phone and tablet industry include the political, economic, social and technological forces which are prevalently acknowledged as PEST (Young & Pagoso, 2008). From the viewpoint of the technological forces, it has been recognised that the Integrated Circuits (ICââ¬â¢s) along with other electronic elements have emerged as superior, faster and cheaper as well delivering extensive opportunities towards improving the technology of the tablets along with the smart phones... This paper approves that the most significant strategic option for Apple can be identified with regards to its well structured analysis of value chain linkage that it performs while operating the business functions in a systematic and effective way. As it was mentioned earlier, Apple generally follows a well structured analysis of its value chains majorly focusing on the idea of creating new products, designing and re-designing the already developed products through the execution of its own resources and funding. It is in this context that the IT industry is very much competitive, diverse and capital intensive. In this regard, the packaging style of certain products belonging to Apple can also be regarded as one of the chief strategic options for the business organisations that might help Apple to decrease emissions during transportation and can pose valuable environmental impacts. This report makes a conclusion that Apple faces certain limitations majorly in terms of customer satisfaction and ethical measures adopted by the organisation. In order to mitigate these challenges, Apple should focus on creating differentiation business strategy along with lifestyle branding, advancing the close relationship with the suppliers, introducing innovative designs to persuade the customers and continuously investing upon the research and development in terms of technological advancements. Moreover, complying with the various requirements of the Fair Labour Organisation, greater concern towards the environmental as well as CSR conceptions and enhancing the existing valuable products of the organisation can also render significant benefits to Apple.
Equal Opportunity and the Law in the United Research Paper
Equal Opportunity and the Law in the United - Research Paper Example Every institution should set in place remedies to challenges that may impede learners of English language in educational institutions. Hillberry, 2008, identifies and a number of other provisions of law as in the education sector that aim at promoting equity among learners. Embracing models that ensure English Learner programs forms some of the common strategies to ensure equality in learning institutions. Equal opportunity laws condemn any conduct that shows discrimination against employees (Alaska Job Center Network, 2012). The labor department, in attempts to discourage discrimination, has set standards for fulfillment by employers and organizations to guarantee equal opportunity provision. There are diverse policy provisions in the United States including the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), passed in 1998. As a measure of ensuring equality and provision of basic human rights, the legislation cushions beneficiaries of diverse programs provided by the state. The law provides that t he beneficiaries of programs should not be subject to prejudice based on their status. In view of the law, beneficiaries of programs have equals opportunities that are free from discrimination. Opportunity provision to citizen of the United States should be guided by principles that contradict considerations based on the beneficiaryââ¬â¢s gender, national origin, sex, age and religion. Mahagan and Sylvia, 2002, identify the role of WIA in ensuring equality in service provision to dislocated workers. This is among the measures in place to attain equality in service provision across the citizens of the United States. Any favor credited to a party based on color, religious affiliation and state regarding disability is illegal. Equality should be a core value of that tops among the various considerations concerning decision-making processes and protocols and participation of various parties in administration. The department of labor, in the United States, is keen to ensure fairness t hrough the different departments set to monitor the application of the laws related to the provision of equal opportunities (DOL, 2012). The civil rights center bears the mandate to supervise and monitor diverse programs supported by the finances from the federal assistance. In addition, the center plays a critical role of ascertaining equality regarding the allocation of assistance to applicants. To strengthen the realization of equal opportunity, monitoring of compliance to provisions of contracts using set programs is of sound importance. The commission, set to oversee equal opportunity provision in the United States, is independent and enjoys exclusive power to ensure equality in judicial proceedings. This ensures that judicial processes that promote the enforcement of individuals and organizationsââ¬â¢ civil rights are set in place. Besides the provision technical awareness, the commission makes an immense contribution to enforcing equality through awareness provision. The c ivil rights act passed in the United States in 1964 provides a clear provision that anchors the enforcement of equal opportunities in the United States (EEOC, 2012). Title VII of the legislation condemns any form of discrimination on any person regarding the provision of employment. Any form of violation by any party against the provisions of the law
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Business Intelligence Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Business Intelligence Information Systems - Essay Example There are many other roles of business intelligence systems as well (Mulcahy, 2012). The reason why companies use business intelligence systems is for the reason that they collect a lot of data from their business operations. Data are then stored, and in order to maintain and keep a check on these data, the business needs a reliable software such as MS Word and Excel and many other data keeping software and applications. Maintaining such data becomes complicated if two or more applications are used. That is why businesses use business intelligence software which provides adequate maintenance of all the data (Mulcahy, 2012). This paper aims to discuss two business intelligence software products along with their features and a description of their manufacturers. Spotfire The real factor of success for a business in terms of exploiting information in order to gain a benefit is ââ¬Ëreportingââ¬â¢. When the reporting software of a business is down, it means that the software is not relaying information to the right people at the right time due to which decision making problems arise. Spotfire is business intelligence software developed by TIBCO which contains all the necessary functions (TIBCO, 2011). ââ¬ËTIBCO Software Inc.ââ¬â¢ is a software company which manufactures business intelligence software amongst other infrastructure software for large and small business organizations. The software manufactured by TIBCO is used on-premise and or as cloud computing setting. There are many customers which enjoy the products built by TIBCO Inc (TIBCO, 2011). ââ¬ËSpotfireââ¬â¢ is business intelligence software which provides much optimized intelligence analytical applications for the maintenance and efficiency of data. There are plenty of features of Spotfire; it offers analytical software combined with visuals and an interactive component which allows companies to exploit their data and retrieve whatever data they want to. The main feature of the Spotfire software system is the fact that you can actually view your intelligence and the interaction pertaining to your businessââ¬â¢s intelligence due to the fact that Spotfire has a very good data visualization interface (TIBCO, 2011). Spotfireââ¬â¢s technical and intelligent approach to business intelligence is aiding various business enterprises in increasing their performance efficiently. Finance companies use Spotfire to maintain and keep a check on compliance and risk, manage various selection tasks and maintain attribution analysis (TIBCO, 2011). Necto ââ¬ËNectoââ¬â¢ is very good business intelligence software which is manufactured by Panorama. Necto is the latest in the line of business intelligence products and what sets it apart from other business intelligent programs is the fact that it is a socially enabled intelligence solution which has been never seen before. The Necto software has a wide variety of features which are very beneficial to business and other organi zations; it offers a very innovative, ingenious and simple way to link data, analysis of the data and the people working in the company. Necto is a new technology which is more efficient and much faster; it is a generation of
Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural - Essay Example The nation was at the crossroads with the process of meeting the threat of secession and absorbing the shocks of the related challenges.Abraham Lincoln, the greatest American President, had to face the bitter critics for his style of functioning. In this connection, one important aspect related to his Presidency, is worth profound consideration. Wise people say desperate situations need desperate remedies. Lincoln was not a power hungry individual and he reached up to the office of the President by employing fair, democratic means. Those who accused Lincoln of ââ¬Å"executive usurpationâ⬠need to bear in mind this trait of his personality. He acted and used the power of the Executive under extraordinary circumstances, when the nation was in the thick of Civil War. He took office as the President and then his executive branch consisted of a small number of staff but it had expanded substantially by the time his term was over. His critics leveled charges against and labeled him of being despotic for sidetracking a decision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and for the suspension of habeas corpus. His actions were set as precedents by other Presidents at the time of war for increase of Executive authority. The discussion on the legal implications as for the power of the Executive was still at infancy when Lincoln assumed the office of the President. One of the examples quoted was, Lincoln waged war by raising armies but the Constitution directed the Congress to take action on those lines. Roy. P. Basler argues, ââ¬Å"Now, it is insisted that Congress, and not the Executive, is vested with this power. But the Constitution itself is silent as to which or who is to exercise the power.â⬠(601) Unity, integrity and security of the nation were of utmost importance. Actions of Lincoln needed to be judged from the angle of his conscience, and not in which legal frame they would fit into. In his address to the Congress in July 1861, he silenced his critics by stating categorically that he would do anything that he considered right in the interest of the nation in a state of rebellion. Basler substantiates this position and writes, ââ¬Å"It was with the deepest regret that the Executive fo und the duty of employing the war power in defense of the Government forced upon him.â⬠(609) Lincolnââ¬â¢s stand on the Emancipation Proclamation is liable to be interpreted both ways. That he was trying to usurp more powers for himself as the President of USA or was it the situational demand? That was a legal document written by Lincoln himself and it was drafted from defense view point. He did that as the Commander in Chief. He gradually expanded his powers as the President, like the horse that moves ahead, well-controlled by the jeans. That particular Executive decision was supported by indisputable legal stand. Under the umbrella of the legal provision Lincoln proceeded to act to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude. Even otherwise, Lincoln was a rebel against procedures, wherever they blocked national progress. Lincoln was a man of words and a man of action who delivered results to his country. Under any weak and wavering President, the unity of United States of Am erica would have been in peril and the country would have been torn into fragments. He was not inclined to over-reach for the sake of
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Business Intelligence Information Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Business Intelligence Information Systems - Essay Example There are many other roles of business intelligence systems as well (Mulcahy, 2012). The reason why companies use business intelligence systems is for the reason that they collect a lot of data from their business operations. Data are then stored, and in order to maintain and keep a check on these data, the business needs a reliable software such as MS Word and Excel and many other data keeping software and applications. Maintaining such data becomes complicated if two or more applications are used. That is why businesses use business intelligence software which provides adequate maintenance of all the data (Mulcahy, 2012). This paper aims to discuss two business intelligence software products along with their features and a description of their manufacturers. Spotfire The real factor of success for a business in terms of exploiting information in order to gain a benefit is ââ¬Ëreportingââ¬â¢. When the reporting software of a business is down, it means that the software is not relaying information to the right people at the right time due to which decision making problems arise. Spotfire is business intelligence software developed by TIBCO which contains all the necessary functions (TIBCO, 2011). ââ¬ËTIBCO Software Inc.ââ¬â¢ is a software company which manufactures business intelligence software amongst other infrastructure software for large and small business organizations. The software manufactured by TIBCO is used on-premise and or as cloud computing setting. There are many customers which enjoy the products built by TIBCO Inc (TIBCO, 2011). ââ¬ËSpotfireââ¬â¢ is business intelligence software which provides much optimized intelligence analytical applications for the maintenance and efficiency of data. There are plenty of features of Spotfire; it offers analytical software combined with visuals and an interactive component which allows companies to exploit their data and retrieve whatever data they want to. The main feature of the Spotfire software system is the fact that you can actually view your intelligence and the interaction pertaining to your businessââ¬â¢s intelligence due to the fact that Spotfire has a very good data visualization interface (TIBCO, 2011). Spotfireââ¬â¢s technical and intelligent approach to business intelligence is aiding various business enterprises in increasing their performance efficiently. Finance companies use Spotfire to maintain and keep a check on compliance and risk, manage various selection tasks and maintain attribution analysis (TIBCO, 2011). Necto ââ¬ËNectoââ¬â¢ is very good business intelligence software which is manufactured by Panorama. Necto is the latest in the line of business intelligence products and what sets it apart from other business intelligent programs is the fact that it is a socially enabled intelligence solution which has been never seen before. The Necto software has a wide variety of features which are very beneficial to business and other organi zations; it offers a very innovative, ingenious and simple way to link data, analysis of the data and the people working in the company. Necto is a new technology which is more efficient and much faster; it is a generation of
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Describe somene who taught you to read or write and explain this Essay
Describe somene who taught you to read or write and explain this person's significance in your life - Essay Example He exposed me to many narratives, which he liked, and often tasked me to compose narratives and recite to him. My narratives were brief and incoherent but he appreciated them, may be because of his professional background, and motivated me to compose a narrative each time he recited one to me. This became the basis of my writing class as he then tasked me to start writing my compositions and guided me through my mistakes in spelling and word structure. The literature routine perfected my writing potential at the early stage. The approach that my uncle used in teaching me to write identifies his significance in my life. He instilled a culture of creativity in me and demonstrated to me that I can utilize my environment for creativity. While this potential was earlier restricted to narrative composition, I have learnt of its application in real life and utilize it in creativity and innovation for solution of real life problems besides development of artistic work. My uncle therefore empowered me into a social and economic resource in the
Monday, October 14, 2019
The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay Example for Free
The Crucible by Arthur Miller Essay he Crucible emerged from a true story which makes the play more convincing. It was based on the Salem, Massachusetts Witch Trial in 1629. At the time people were extremely religious and believed in witchcraft and devilry. It was strictly forbidden for people to dance, sing, and laugh and if they were discovered doing these activities, they were accused of witchcraft and many were to die of this. Miller decided to write a play which would heighten Americas awareness of the impending of the communist in the 1950s. It is important for the audience to understand the historical background, and understand what living in Salem, Massachusetts was like in the 17th Century. The people of Salem were Puritans- descendents of the Pilgrim Father, who arrived in America from England in 1960 because they wanted a stricter way of life with regard to their religion. Their lives consisted of working, eating, sleeping and praying. Any kind of enjoyment was prohibited. This meant that singing and dancing was forbidden and seen as an interaction with the devil. People of Salem believed in witchcraft, and in 1692, many people were accused and hanged because of this. People incriminated each other, both neighbours and friends. This shows that although on the surface, society appears united, cracks were beginning to emerge. In the 1950s there was a modern day witch hunt in America. Instead of hunting witches Free thinkers, That is people who had individual thoughts were accused of disloyalty and communist sympathies, which often resulted in loss of their jobs. In order to protect themselves, just as in The Crucible, they blamed others. The Crucible was inspired by Millers experiences of the 1950s. It was Senator Joseph McCarthy who created the hunt for communists. The similarities between the Crucible and McCarthys accusations of the 1950s were denounced. Without proof or evidence the inciting of fear and suspicion would lead in the 1950s to the eventual break up of families and friendship as people accused each other of disloyal acts against America. This was to lead to America becoming permeated by paranoia and scepticism. Before the audience even meets Abigail, they find out that she is a trouble maker with an endless capacity for dissembling. In the opening act between Parris and Abigail, tension rises as Parris persistently questions her about the night they were dancing in the woods, what did you do with her in the forest? But Abigail denies any accusations and always defends herself, But we never conjured spirits. However Parris does not stop questioning her and feelings begin to heighten when he mentions witchcraft, trafficked with spirits in the forest. Abigail vehemently assents herself by saying, we never conjured spirits. At this stage she is trying to defuse the situation but the audience are already experiencing a steady rise in tension.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Company Comparison of Customer Satisfaction
Company Comparison of Customer Satisfaction CHAPTER FOUR RESEARCH FINDINGS: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 4.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter attempts to analyse questionnaire findings regarding customer satisfaction with the two land transport companies involved in the present study: a publicly-owned company (referred to as Company A) and a privately-owned company (referred to as Company B). Satisfaction rates of customers of both companies are also compared against each other in Chapter Five to illustrate which company provides more satisfactory services to its customers. Seventy questionnaires were distributed to the passengers of Company A and sixty to the passengers of Company B. Fifty questionnaires were completed by passengers of each company and returned to the researcher. This gives response rates of 71.4% and 83.3%, respectively. These return rates are acceptable response rates. Passengers who declined to participates either they claimed that they were not interested in the survey, whereas some other claimed they did not have the time to complete the questionnaire. 4.2 FACTORS MOTIVATING CUSTOMERS TO DEAL WITH THE COMPANY A Responses to the factors that have motivated the customers of this company are presented in Table 4.1 and illustrated in Figures 4.1 to 4.3. Factors motivating customers are divided into three groups: Reliability and Customer Service (RCS) factors (eight factors), Convenience and Accessibility (CA) factors (nine factors) and On-Board Services (OBS) (five factors). Responses to the eighteen statements are illustrated in Table 4.1. To facilitate data analysis, responses to the Strongly Agree and Agree groups were combined and presented in Figures 4.1 to 4.3 as SA/A. Similarly, for the Disagree and Strongly Disagree groups were combined as DA/SDA. The No View responses (NV) were left as it is. Table 4.1 indicates that between 4% and 20.0% of responding passengers declined to express their views. This indicates their indifference to the questionnaire items. Table 4.1. Reasons for choosing to travel with Company A Variables SA A NV DA SDA CA Convenient reservation and ticketing 76.0 16.0 8.0 0.0 0.0 CA Prompt and accurate reservation and ticketing 44.0 40.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 CA Good checking-in service 44.0 44.0 12.0 0.0 0.0 CA Frequent journey programme 40.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 CA Convenient journey schedule 36.0 48.0 12.0 4.0 0.0 CA Seat allocation 28.0 56.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 RCS Courtesy of employees 28.0 56.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 RCS Employees willingness to help passengers 36.0 48.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 RCS Employees knowledge to answer passengers questions 40.0 48.0 8.0 4.0 0.0 RCS Passengers are given personal attention 44.0 40.0 8.0 4.0 4.0 RCS Neat appearance of employees 40.0 44.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 RCS Safety of Driving 44.0 44.0 8.0 0.0 4.0 RCS Sincere interest in solving problems 36.0 44.0 16.0 4.0 0.0 RCS On-time performance 36.0 48.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 OBS Seat comfort 40.0 40.0 12.0 8.0 0.0 OBS Meal service 48.0 32.0 8.0 12.0 0.0 OBS On-Board entertainment services 40.0 44.0 4.0 4.0 8.0 OBS Up-to-date coach and on-board facility 40.0 44.0 4.0 4.0 8.0 CA = Convenience and Accessibility RCS = Reliability and Customer Service OBS = On-Board Services 4.2.1 SATISFACTION WITH CONVENIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY FACTORS Passengers (thereafter referred to as respondents) were asked to express their agreement or disagreement with the six items relating to convenience and accessibility factors: Convenient reservation and ticketing (Item No. 1), Prompt and accurate reservation and ticketing (Item No. 2), Good checking-in service ((Item No. 3), Frequent journey programme (Item No. 4), Convenient journey schedule (Item No. 5), and Seat allocation (Item No. 6) (see Table 4.1, Figure 4.1). Patterns of their responses are analysed below. It is noted in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1 that 92.0% of the respondents were satisfied (strongly agreed/agreed, SA/A) with the reservation and ticketing procedures undertaken by the company (Item No. 1). Only a small minority of respondents showed their indifference to this item, whereas none of them disagreed with it. The majority of the respondents (88.0%) were satisfied (SA/A) with check in service (Item No. 3) (Table 4.1, Figure 4.1), and a minority (12.0%) did not express their views, but none of the respondents were dissatisfied with this service. In terms of prompt and accurate reservation and ticketing (Item No. 2), convenient journey schedule (Item No. 5), and seat allocation (Item No. 6) (Table 4.1, Figure 4.1), 84.0% of the respondents were satisfied with these three items, and only 4.0% of the respondents were dissatisfied with convenient journey schedule (Item No. 5). 4.2.2 SATISFACTION WITH RELIABILITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE FACTORS Respondents were asked to indicate their rate of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with eight items concerning reliability and customer service factors. The majority of respondents (88% of the sample) indicated that they were satisfied with employees knowledge to answer passengers questions (Item No. 9), and with safety of driving (Item No. 12). Only 4.0% of the respondents were dissatisfied with these services and 8.0% of them indicated their indifference. With regard to courtesy of employees (Item No. 7), employees willingness to help passengers (Item No. 8), passengers are given personal attention (Item No. 10), Neat appearance of employees (Item No. 11) and on-time performance (Item No. 14), the majority of respondents were satisfied (SA/A) with these items. However, between 8.0% and 16.0% of the respondents expressed their indifference to these items, and only 4.0% to 8.0% of them were dissatisfied with some of these items, as indicated in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.2. With regard to the item: sincere interest in solving problems (Item No. 13), 80.0% of the respondents were satisfied with it, and 16.0% of them expressed their indifference, whereas only 40.0% of them disagreed with it. 4.2.3 SATISFACTION WITH ON-BOARD SERVICE FACTORS Respondents were asked to indicate their rate of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with four items concerning on-board service factors. Table 4.2 and Figure 4.4 clearly show that 84.0% of the respondents were satisfied with on-board entertainment service (Item No. 17) and up-to-date coach and on-board facilities. However, 12.0% of them were dissatisfied and 4.0% expressed their indifference. Figure 4.3 also illustrates that 80.0% of the respondents were satisfied with the seat comfort (Item No. 15) and meal service (Item No. 16). However, 8.0% and 12.0% of the respondents were dissatisfied with Items No. 14 and 15, respectively, and 12.0% and 8.0% of them expressed their indifference with these two items, respectively. It can be noted that more respondents were dissatisfied with these four services than with the other items in other two dimensions. 4.3 FACTORS MOTIVATING CUSTOMERS TO DEAL WITH THE COMPANY B Responses to the factors that have motivated the customers of this company are presented in Table 4.21 and illustrated in Figures 4.4 to 4.4. Table 4.1 indicates that between 20% and 40.0% of the responding passengers declined to express their views. This indicates their indifference to the questionnaire items. 4.2.1 SATISFACTION WITH CONVENIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY FACTORS Data presented in Table 4.2 and illustrated in Figure 4.4 show that 76.0% of the respondents were satisfied (strongly agreed/agreed, SA/A) with the reservation and ticketing procedures undertaken by the company (Item No. 1). However, the remaining 24.0% of the respondents expressed their indifference to this item, whereas none of them disagreed with it. Around two-thirds of the respondents (68.0%) were satisfied (SA/A) with prompt and accurate reservation and ticketing, whereas the remaining 32.0% of the respondents did not express their views, and none of the respondents were dissatisfied with this service (Table 4.2, Figure 4.4). With regard to the remaining four items (good checking-in service, Item No. 3; Frequent journey programme, Item No. 4; Convenient journey schedule, Item No. 5; seat allocation, Item No. 6), 60.0% of the respondents were satisfied with these services. The remaining 40.0% of the respondents either expressed their indifference to these items, or were dissatisfied with them (Table 4.2, Figure 4.4). Table 4.2. Reasons for choosing to travel with Company A Variables SA A NV DA SDA CA Convenient reservation and ticketing 36.0 40.0 24.0 0.0 0.0 CA Prompt and accurate reservation and ticketing 28.0 40.0 32.0 0.0 0.0 CA Good checking-in service 20.0 40.0 40.0 0.0 0.0 CA Frequent journey programme 16.0 44.0 32.0 8.0 0.0 CA Convenient journey schedule 20.0 40.0 32.0 4.0 4.0 CA Seat allocation 24.0 36.0 28.0 4.0 8.0 RCS Courtesy of employees 16.0 46.0 30.0 4.0 4.0 RCS Employees willingness to help passengers 20.0 42.0 26.0 8.0 4.0 RCS Employees knowledge to answer passengers questions 16.0 42.0 32.0 4.0 6.0 RCS Passengers are given personal attention 18.0 34.0 38.0 6.0 4.0 RCS Neat appearance of employees 20.0 44.0 20.0 8.0 8.0 RCS Safety of Driving 10.0 42.0 24.0 12.0 12.0 RCS Sincere interest in solving problems 12.0 40.0 32.0 12.0 4.0 RCS On-time performance 16.0 30.0 36.0 12.0 8.0 OBS Seat comfort 20.0 28.0 32.0 16.0 4.0 OBS Meal service 16.0 12.0 40.0 20.0 12.0 OBS On-Board entertainment services 12.0 24.0 44.0 12.0 8.0 OBS Up-to-date coach and on-board facility 16.0 44.0 24.0 4.0 12.0 CA = Convenience and Accessibility RCS = Reliability and Customer Service OBS = On-Board Services 4.3.2 SATISFACTION WITH RELIABILITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE FACTORS Respondents were asked to indicate their rate of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with eight items concerning reliability and customer service factors. About two-thirds of the respondents (64.0% of the sample) indicated that they were satisfied with employees neat appearance (Item No. 11) (Table 4.2, Figure 4.5). One-fifth (20.0%) and 16.0% of the respondents expressed their indifference or dissatisfaction with this item. Most respondents (62.0% of the sample) were satisfied with the courtesy of the employees and employees willingness to help passengers. However, many of them either expressed their indifference, or were dissatisfied with these services. Less than three-fifths (58.0%) of the were satisfied with employees knowledge to answer passengers questions (Item No. 9), and 32.0% of them expressed their indifference and 10.0% of them were dissatisfied. Around half of the respondents (52.0% of the sample) were satisfied with passengers are given personal attention (item no. 10), safety of driving (item no. 13), and sincere interest in solving problems (item no. 14). The remaining half either expressed their indifference or, to a lesser extent, was dissatisfied with these items. However, only 46.0% of the respondents were satisfied with on time performance (Item No. 14), and the remaining 54.0% of them either expressed their indifference or were dissatisfied with this item. 4.3.3 SATISFACTION WITH ON-BOARD SERVICE FACTORS Respondents were asked to indicate their rate of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the four items relating to onboard service factors (Item No. 18) (Table 4.2, Figure 4.6). Figure 4.6 indicated that about two-thirds of the respondents (68.0% of the respondents) were satisfied with up-to-date coaches and on-board facilities, whereas the remaining respondents either did not express their views (16.0% of the sample) or were dissatisfied with this item. Data presented in Table 4.2 and Figure 4.6 clearly indicate that less than half of the respondents were satisfied with seat comfort (Item No. 15) (48.0%), meal service (Item No. 16) (38.0%), and on-board entertainment services (item No. 17) (44.0%). The remaining respondents (62.0% to 52.0% of the sample) either did not express their view or were dissatisfied with these items. On the whole, it can be said that more respondents either showed their indifference to these three items (30.0% to 36.0% of the sample) or were dissatisfied with them (20.0% to 32.0% of the sample). 4.3 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS The demographic characteristics of the respondents from both companies, Company A, and Company B are analysed and compared in this section. Figure 4.7 clearly demonstrates that the majority of respondents of both companies (88.0%) were young between 21 and 50 year old. This is not surprising given that these ages represent people who are more active and more mobile than in other age groups. Forty-six respondents (92.0% of the sample) of Company A were Libyan nationals and the remaining four (8.0% of the sample) were Arab nationals. As for Company B, all fifty passengers were Libyan nationals. In terms of gender, thirty (60.0% of the sample) of Company A respondents were males, and the remaining twenty (40.0% of the sample) were females. As for Company B, twenty-six respondents (52.0% of the sample) were males and the remaining twenty-four (48.0% of the sample) were females. It can be argued that females represented a high proportion of the total number of respondents. As regards their income, Figure 4.8 clearly demonstrates that the majority of respondents of Company A (72.0% of the sample) and Company B (88.0% of the sample) were on the high salary scale of between Libyan Dinars (LD) 201 and over LD350. People with these high salaries, in the Libyan context, are those who can afford to travel more than lower paid people. With regard to their occupation, the majority of respondents of both companies were managers, employees of a company, or government employees (Figure 4.9). Respondents referring to themselves as professional or students were not represented in Company B sample. Most Company A respondents (60.0% of the sample) have been working for periods of 3 to more than 6 years, and 64.0% of Company B respondents were also working for that period of time. The remaining respondents have been working from less than one year to three years. As for their qualifications, Figure 4.10 indicates that the majority of respondents were highly qualified educationally. Most of the respondents of both companies held Diplomas and Bachelors Degrees. In the following chapter, the rate of satisfaction with the eighteen questionnaire items indicated by the respondents of Company A and Company B will be compared and contrasted against each other. Research conclusions will be drawn out and recommendations for both companies and for future research are also outlined in the following chapter.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
How do firms penetrate an existing market? Essay -- Business and Manag
How do firms penetrate an existing market? Cadburys have to improve their levels of market penetration and also make more sales customers. Cadburys have improved their penetration which helps them to improve market share. It can increase in there market share which can create significant sales. Market penetration suggests a further penetration of existing markets with existing products. This will involve a strategy of increasing market share within existing segments and markets. à · Market development is a strategy requires the producer to develop raw market segments for products. à · Product development is the process of researching market needs, creating products to meet the identified needs. à · Diversification means going into new market with entirely new products. à · Market penetration is increasing the % of sales in present markets by taking sales from competitors. To improve their market penetration there are six district stages in the development process for new products are; - Ideas All Cadbury products start from ideas. These ideas may come from the following sources: Research and Development -This is where product development and market research working together. Mindstorming -This is where it involves few people developing ideas from words and concepts. Suggestion box - Here Cadburys is working close to the customer and the sales forces understand their needs and requirements. Forced relationships -At times one or more products can be joined together to form new product concepts. Competitors - Monitoring the actions of competitors may provide a rich source of new ideas. Screening of ideas -Once Cadburys ideas have been generated. It is important to screen for the ideas likely to be successful. Considerations may include how well the product fits in with others in the product range the unique element of any idea that makes it competitive. They are likely to demand for the product and whether or not it could be manufactured economically. The two main errors Cadbury needs to avoid when screening ideas are; à · They must not reject new ideas à · They must not develop poor ideas or Cadbury will loose money Market analysis Once Cadburys ideas have been screened market analysis begins. It involves analysis of the product market potential. This he... ...ment consultants in the USA. Stars These are products with a high market share like Cadburys in a rapidly growing industry. Unless Cadburys chocolate bar has not achieved this position through heavy discounting, it should be generating high profits. For Cadbury to remain a star in a competitive environment its chocolate bean will continue to need heavy marketing expenditure. Cash cow Cash cows have a high market share in a slow growing, but mature market. Cadbury could fall into this because there competitors do have higher cost slightly. But Cadbury benefits from high economic of scale. It can generate high profits which could be used to finance ââ¬Ëproblem children/question marksââ¬â¢. Question Marks and problem children This product has a low market share in a rapidly growing market. The business has to decide whether to with draw the product or to support it with heavy marketing, which could be difficult if it is not generating funds elsewhere. Dog This product has a low market share in markets where there is little or no growth. At this stage a product is at the end of its life cycle. The product is best if it is dropped out of its portfolio.
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