John Calvin's doctrine in eucharist Research Paper

John Calvin's doctrine in eucharist - Research Paper Example Thereafter, Calvin’s works, writings and doctrines would become quite useful and influential in establishing consensus among various Reformation groups not only in Switzerland, Scotland, Hungary and Germany but also across the expanse of Europe and other far off lands. Born on 10 July 1509, John Calvin, a French cleric and doctor of law, was a key figure in the second generation of reformers. He not only published the theological tome, the Institutes of the Christian Religion, in 1536 but also played an influential role in the development of the system of Christian theology, which would later be renamed Calvinism.2 Calvin became a leading figure in the Reformed church in Geneva, which was the presumed headquarters of Reformed Christianity in the latter parts of the 16th century. Together with other elders, Calvin worked with pastors and elders to ensure that religious discipline reigned among the Genevan populace. An area for which Calvin’s theology is widely read and known are his doctrines of (double) predestination and the Sacrament.3 Although predestination was not the overriding idea in Calvins works, it later became a key issue, more so for most of his Reformation students andsuccessors.After Zwingli’s death on 11 October 1531, Calvin took over the mantle of spiritual leadership among the reformers. The doctrine of theLord’s Supper was surrounded with divergent opinions, contentions, disputes and controversies from the medieval period up to modern times. The Eucharist is viewed differentlyby different cultures and people .4For instance, some people believe thatthe Eucharist is a grace through which sins are forgiven.In the Catholic tradition, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) asserts that, â€Å"by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the

Mental Health And Community Care Report

Mental Health And Community Care Report 1.0 Introduction This report will explore on mental health and community care within the historical view of community care and the impact of ideological perspectives that have influenced it. It will further analyse the benefits and shortfalls since its implementation, taking into account the impact of the 1990 NHS Community Care Act and current reforms will be considered. Again, the effects of poverty and social exclusion for those accessing community Care will be discussed. The author will further consider key aspects of mental health and the gradual transition from insitutionalisation to deinstitutionalisation (community care) since the early 1950s will be discussed. Recommendations shall be made regarding, especially, how the mental health system (including community care) could be improved. HISTORY In the pre-medieval period people believed that mental illness was a result of the possession of the human body (patient) by evil spirits. In order to get these perceived evil spirits out they drilled holes in the skull of such people. Andreasen (2001) tries to give credence to this by mentioning that scientists have found fossils of drilled skulls that are about 10,000 years old. During the middle ages a belief in Europe was that witchcraft was the reason for mental illness. As a punishment such people with mental illness were killed by burning, hanging or drowning. Some were put in government institutions called poorhouses. By the 1500s many European nations had built special institutions to separate the mentally ill from the rest of society. One of the most famous of such institutions was the St. Mary of Bethlehem in London which was built in 1247 and declared a hospital exclusively for the insane by 1547 It is widely known widely known as Bedlam. According to Butcher et al (2009) , inmates suffered from unsanitary conditions, beatings and other harsh treatment. This included violent patients being used for shows display shows for the public to pay and watch, while gentler patients were sent to beg for charity on the streets. A lot has changed in the United Kingdom especially with the relative improvement in the mental health institutions or hospitals and also with the emphasis on community care since the 1950s. In fact some see care in community, usually referred to as community care in as a replacement for hospitalization and any other form of institutionalization of people with mental ill health. However, these historical perspectives of mental illness can stick in peoples minds, and can still cause stigma today. Goffman(1961) Community Care Skidmore (1997) describes community care to be the various services available to help individuals manage their physical and mental health problems in the community with dignity and independence in order to avoid social isolation. Similarly, Clough and Hadley (1996) explained that community care can be means of providing the right level of intervention and support to enable people to attain utmost autonomy and control over their own lives. The author notes that in order for these to be achieved, it will require support by formal and informal carers input The development of community mental health care has evolved over a period of years as opposed to institutional care. Goffman (1961) stated that social and political changes influenced the movement away from isolation of mentally ill in old Victorian asylums towards their integration into the community. Currently, there are various services that have been put in place to support people who have mental health problems and are leaving in the community. These services includes (Sainsbury centre of mental health 2003) HISTORY Community care has historically always been financed through a mixed economy financed by both the state and by users charges, and provided by voluntary sector organisations, commercial profit organisations, the state and the family (Lewis. J). Social scientist have made an association with informal care to family member participation. Informal care has historically been the origins of the present day community care. The origins of the term community care appear too traced back to the Royal Commission on Mental Health and Mental deficiency (1957) which notes The Development of Community Care (Bulmar 1987). However community care has a multiple meaning (Bulmar 1987) and historical official use failed to distinguish these differences. problem as it is a product in part of at least, the impact of political process and policy development. According to Levites et al (2007), Social exclusion is a difficult and multi-dimensional process which involves the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in the normal relationships and activities, available to the majority of people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural or political arenas. Similarly, Townsend (1979) defines poverty as the absence or inadequacy of those diets, amenities, standards, services and activities which are common or customary in society. I will argue from the above definition that, social exclusion and poverty are linked. Pierson (2009) argues that government likes to use the term to hide poverty. Barker (2003) stated that in recent years the government has launched a range of initiatives to help tackle social exclusion and reduce inequalities which has specific objectives relating to education health, employment, crime prevention and wider social well being. These initiatives include the nee d for communities to put into action; supportive and innovative approaches in order to promote local involvement to support people with mental health problems, as this will minimize exclusion. The structure of care in the community (in relation with mental health) can lead to poverty because many people who experience mental distress, experience stigma and discrimination as well. These issues may make it hard for them to find adequate housing or access employment. As a result, people can become seriously isolated and excluded from society. If this also includes being excluded from working life, then this may lead to poverty. Social Exclusion Unit (2004). Usual Mental Health Professional Team There is now a range of more specialist community mental health teams (CMHTs) in the United Kingdom (UK) these includes: Home treatment, Crisis intervention, Early Intervention, First episode psychosis, ABT (assessment and brief treatment), Continuing care, Rehabilitation, Assertive Outreach and Forensic services. These teams are as a reform to government policy to promote community care. They work with people with mental health problems by helping them to become independent, working with them to develop their strengths, working together to resolve problems and many other supports that enables the promotion of wellbeing. A typical mental health professional team include the psychiatrists who prescribe medication, the psychologists who administer and interpret psychological tests, the psychiatric nurses who administer prescription medication and give injections, and the social workers who have specialized knowledge in assessing and planning treatment (Suppes and Wells, 2000). Conclusion/Recommendations The gradual transition from institutionalisation to community care since the 1950s is certainly not unhealthy. It only would yield no positive results if, borrowing the words of Skidmore (1994), people with mental health problem are not just decanted into the community without an identification of the informal carers. Social exclusion is a major concern in promoting recovery for those experiencing mental health problems and if not tackled on time will discourage and lead to relapse for those who have experienced or facing these difficulties. Promoting social inclusion will usually includes promoting equal opportunities for those who are excluded and experiencing discrimination so I can therefore say there is a clear link between promoting social inclusion and promoting equality and diversity to alleviate poverty. I also believe that the Mental health practice which is currently driven by the National Service Framework which aims at reducing discrimination and social exclusion to improve mental health of the population should be supported by mental health professionals to build social inclusion into clinical practice by including in the care plans of users their aspirations for work, education, relationship and other chosen journeys of recovery. The following recommendations are worthy of consideration in the bid to improve the current mental health system in the United Kingdom. Research concerning how institutional and community care can be improved Reduction of stigma against people with mental illness since that can jeopardize their speedy recovery whilst in the community. Involvement of informal carers in decision-making regarding treatment of patients Attend to the health needs of informal carers Informal carers should be trained on how best they can take care of patients. The British government should invest more in community care especially with the needs of patients in communities. Deinstitutionalization should be done more gradually and carefully especially in the case of people with chronic mental illness.

binge drinking Essay -- essays research papers fc

What Causes Binge Drinking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Binge Drinking is an intriguing phenomenon that many college students take part in all across the country. The issue of binge drinking has been a problem on college campuses for decades. Binge drinking has many horrible effects, but the problem starts with the causes for it. If the causes could be controlled then the issue would not get out of hand. Many college students give different causes for their drinking problems, and experts on the subject have their explanations as well. The problem is, while growing through adolescence anything can become an excuse for drinking, such as  ¡Ã‚ §its Thursday the day before Friday, we need to drink ¡Ã‚ ¨ or,  ¡Ã‚ §it ¡Ã‚ ¦s the last Wednesday of the semester, lets get some beer. ¡Ã‚ ¨   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Binge drinking has different definitions but many would agree that  ¡Ã‚ §Binge drinking has been defined as drinking more than 4-5 drinks in a row in one sitting. A drink is defined as a 12 ounce can or bottle of beer, a wine cooler, a four ounce glass of wine, or a shot of liquor ¡Ã‚ ¨ (Rhodes 1). Others believe that men who consume 5-6 drinks and women who consume 4-5 drinks are also considered Binge Drinkers. Personally I do not think that sex matters, if someone is consuming multiple drinks to become highly intoxicated they should be considered a Binge Drinker.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One article that covers the results of a national survey states that  ¡Ã‚ §Adolescents ¡Ã‚ ¦ levels of alcohol and drug use have been found to be strongly associated with peers ¡Ã‚ ¦ use. However, other studies have shown that a student ¡Ã‚ ¦s drinking was more strongly influenced by how much he or she thought close friends drank than by perceptions of the extent of use by students in general ¡Ã‚ ¨(Results 2). This is a statement that I can agree with because growing up I have watched many young people become greatly influenced by their friends. Now a days the phrase  ¡Ã‚ §peer pressure ¡Ã‚ ¨ concentrates on pressure from a direct group of friends rather than a students peers as a whole. Another reason the article gives for the cause of Binge Drinking is that  ¡Ã‚ §Students who perceive that more drinking occurs than actually does provide themselves with an excuse for drinking more because  ¡Ã‚ ¥everyone is doing it ¡Ã‚ ¦Ã‚ ¡Ã‚ ¨ (Results 2). E veryone knows that most youngsters want what every other kid has, this idea relates in the... ...nge drinking. Almost anything can become a cause for binge drinking. There are things that directly lead to drinking problems such as depression but most of the causes for it are just any old excuse. If I had to decide on main causes for binge drinking they would be depression and simple excuses that give students a reason to drink. People that are depressed usually have thoughts of giving up on life, so by drinking they are just easing their pain. Most of the binge drinking that goes on in college is because students feel that they are supposed to drink, its a college tradition in a way. This is why students will use any excuse they can to drink. Works Cited Anxiety and Binge Drinking. 30 Oct. 2000. Houser, Regan. Message in a Bottle. 30 Oct. 2000. Prevention Primer: Binge Drinking. 30 Oct.2000. Wechsler, Henry and Kuo, Meichun. College Students Define Binge Drinking and Estimate Its Prevalence: Results of a National Survey. EBSCO Publishing 29 Oct. 2000

Red Bull Marketing/Segementation/Pricing Essay

You are asked to address the following questions: 1. Who are the principal target segments for Red Bull and how are they positioned towards these target segments? 2. Analyse the Red Bull brand using any frameworks you judge appropriate. 3. Comment upon Red Bull’s pricing approach 4. Evaluate Red Bull’s distribution channel strategy 5. Would you describe Red Bull as a national, a European or a global brand – give reasons? 6, What marketing strategy would you recommend that Red Bull should adopt over the next 5 years? Who are the principal target segments for Red Bull and how are they positioned towards these target segments? Red Bull has an aggressive international marketing campaign that targets young males. These customers are often similar in their tastes for extreme sports, either as spectators or participators. Its numerous sponsored activities range from extreme sports like mountain biking, BMX, motocross, windsurfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, cliff-diving, surfing, skating, freestyle motocross, rally, Formula 1 racing, and breakdancing to art shows, music, and video games. It is this range of activities that enable the brand to be relevant to a huge collective of audiences across the globe. These target consumers use Red Bull to replenish energy levels. The high caffeine content of the energy drink is the key influence behind the target segments for Red Bull. The ‘Anti-establishment, premium end, positioning is aimed at capturing brand loyalty from young, Generation Y males, or students aged 16+ who feel the need to re-energise. The need for caffeine is associated with being active, whether physically: nightclubbing, playing sports or mentally: working long hours, driving or studying. Positioning Red Bull is positioned towards two major market segments at present: The Primary Market Red Bull is marketed at students, via student ‘Brand Managers’ in on-campus buzz marketing promotions, at drivers in petrol stations, as a premium priced mixer in nightclubs and at gyms. Red Bull’s demographic is moving from the Generation Y population to include a more mature market demographic. The Secondary Market More recently, people up to the age of 44 are feeling a ‘maintained sense of time pressure’ (Mintel 2011) and are drinking Red Bull to navigate the challenges of modern living. Red Bull has aligned its marketing approach to appeal to a wider consumer base than the primary ‘Gen Y’ market segment, with alignment to more traditional, mainstream sports such as Formula One motor racing, motorcross and World Rally Championship (WRC) car racing. Red Bull Media The Red Bull Media House operates an online â€Å"consumer platform†. The content of the platform, TV Station, global magazine and mobile operator service is all positioned at the ‘active lifestyle’ market. The exhilarating content: documentaries, films and even music, is a key cornerstone to the brand’s positioning to its target segments. Red Bull positions itself as an aspirational lifestyle brand: athletic, challenge-driven and, to the Gen Y market, youth culture, spirited and dangerous. Red Bull media programming also pursues potential business partners who may have similar target audiences. 2. Analyse the Red Bull brand using any frameworks you judge appropriate. Red Bull has managed to successfully position its brand as the leader in a market that did not exist before (Blue Ocean strategy – we need a value innovation curve). By establishing the brand itself as the â€Å"anti-brand† and building a strong relationship with an audience of consumers crowd that did not want to be told what to do, Red Bull has developed a relationship with its consumers by listened to this audience helping them to shape their  personality and fulfill their interests (Self concept attachment)., This gave the Red Bull brand giving the brand a high level of loyalty and helped it to and leveraging its brand equity. [Perhaps delete, covered later, here more disussion on Value Innovation] There are many reasons why Red Bull has become such a successful brand, consumed by many and known by all. Firstly, Red Bull has developed a very strong brand recognition, from its unique and memorable name, its instantly recognizable can, to the logo, which consists of bold graphics. Its slogan ‘Red Bull gives you wings’ has been reinforced with consumers by repetition, consistently making it instantly recognizable by all. Red Bull segmented the market and positioned the brand very effectively, with its controversial and anti-establishment status. Red bull is not viewed as being just a product, it is a â€Å"Way of Life† which is associated with energy, extreme sports and danger, very appealing to its core audience. Even though Red Bull has been followed and copied several times by similar products, due to its consistent and unique communications strategy Red Bull has managed to stay â€Å"fresh and relevant† (how?) and still maintain a leading position in a very crowded market. (how?) Red Bull’s unique and extremely well coordinated marketing repertoire is without a doubt one of the key factors for its success. Red Bull’s strategy to target its audience with non-traditional ads, made the brand more believable for its â€Å"No brands† followers. For a brand such as Red Bull, marketing communications are deemed to be so important that 35% of its turnover goes to communications and events. Through this manner of communication, Red Bull avoids traditional media channels by making the product readily available – through this strategy, consumers are attracted to the brand, giving them a sense of freedom and choice which further adds to the credibility of the brand. People talk, and if the topic is hot and controversial, even more. Red Bull is aware of this and heavily relies on â€Å"the word of mouth†. Since the very  beginning the brand has had bad press mentioning the danger of consuming this product and the fact that Taurine (a component in Red Bull) was extracted from the genitals of bulls, giving the product â€Å"aphrodisiac† attributes (this was also posted on Red Bull’s website). The buzz this created, and the fact that the product was not easy to find, gave the Red Bull brand its original mystique that still remains today. Strategy (work in to this question) 3. Comment upon Red Bull’s pricing approach Red Bull’s pricing approach is to set the price at a high level. The pricing given in the article ranges from â‚ ¬2-â‚ ¬6 depending on the point of purchase (either retail or in a bar/night club). Red Bull are not alone in charging a higher price for their product, the majority of producers in the energy drinks sector also charge a premium. This is shown in the in the table below where the price of energy drinks is compared to a close substitute, carbonated soft drinks: (Mintel, 2011) Since 2004 the consumers have paid an average premium (per litre) for energy drinks of 66.29%. They are willing to pay this premium as they perceive that energy drinks provide unique benefits (i.e. an energy boost) when compared to substitutes. â€Å"While energy/sports drinks charge a premium compared to non-functional fizzy drinks (ie Coca-Cola) this has not harmed sales, even though the majority of UK consumers do think they are expensive for what they are. Nevertheless, consumers have shown that they are prepared to pay a premium for a product which provides such a tangible benefit†.(Forsyth, 2011) Setting the pricing at a high level also leads the consumer to make price quality inferences about Red Bull. The consumer associates the high price with a high level of quality. In doing this Red Bull are making their product a â€Å"premium product†. In defining a premium product Penny Coase refers to the use of this pricing strategy: â€Å"A premium brand will always command a higher price, often significantly more than that charged by mainstream brands within the product category. However, there are typically ‘tiers’ of price and of premium;† (Coase, 2010) The benefit that premiumization (through pricing) provides to Red Bull is that it leads them to higher margins and away from competing through providing discounts. Whilst the price of Red Bull is high in comparison to substitutes it is still affordable as the cost makes up a small portion of an individual’s disposable income. This approach to pricing means that Red Bull falls in to the â€Å"masstige† (Silverstein & Fiske, 2003) category, where they can access the mass market whilst still retaining an image of quality: â€Å"These goods occupy a sweet spot between Mass and class. While commanding a premium over conventional products, they are priced well below super premium or old- luxury goods† (Silverstein & Fiske, 2003) Red Bull sold 4.631 billion cans of drink in 2011 (Red Bull, 2012) which shows that even at a higher price than it’s substitutes their pricing strategy generates significant volume of sales. Following the theory that: Profit =Price Ãâ€"Volume –Costs Red Bull will be able to generate a high level of profit as they charge a high price whilst achieving significant sales whilst producing a product at relatively low costs. Finally Red Bull were one of the first entrants into the caffeinated energy drinks market (prior to this energy drinks were based on Glucose content) and this has allowed them to set the level of pricing that they want within the market. As the product life cycle approaches maturity and Red Bull’s competitive advantage decreases they will be able to partake in â€Å" Price Skimming†, whereby they reduce the price of the good to a lower level and attract a new group of consumers who were more price sensitive to the original pricing: (witiger.com) Red Bull Q4: Evaluate Red Bull’s distribution channel strategy Red Bull was an ‘anti-brand’ that was targeting the young ‘in-crowd’. Young at this time meant Generation Y who had no brand loyalty and were suspicious of being ‘marketed to’. This called for a fresh distribution strategy to support the brand positioning. One of the hardest business strategies to effect is to break into a profitable industry dominated by established brands. Virgin Cola struggled to make an impact in the US when it was launched in the late 1990’s due to the stranglehold that Coke held over shelf space. However around the same time Red Bull launched using a radically different distribution strategy. Channel Implementation In order to both promote Red Bull as an anti-brand whilst by-passing the lock that established soft drinks manufacturers held on the distribution and retail network in most markets, the company adopted a novel two-pronged approach. Firstly it developed a ‘street marketing strategy’ in which the â€Å"Wings Team† (generally comprising attractive female students in a customised Mini with a giant Red Bull can on the back) would distribute free samples to those thought in need of energy. This would typically be in public spaces where the young and cool hang out; this might include public squares, beaches, parks, ski resorts, or skating parks. This would be an opportunity to introduce the product, talk about its properties and convey consumer feedback. Secondly it would target a select number of venues – generally trendy bars or nightclubs that were again deemed to be the places where the cool people hang out. Here DJs, bar tenders and other opinion leaders would be approached. Empty cans would be left on tables and even in bins outside. In the early period other venues that asked to sell Red Bull would be turned away, re-enforcing its select image and supporting the price premium that was charged. The company moved on to establish â€Å"student brand managers† on university campuses. These would throw parties at which Red Bull would be distributed.  The brand would become better known amongst the target audience and very cheap market research would be reported back at very low cost. Through this unconventional ‘youth underground’ the viral message spread. As its popularity grew (aided by the ‘invention of the Vodka Red Bull’) it was able to dictate terms to bars that stocked its cans. This included minimum pricing to maintain exclusivity and the requirement that bar tenders fill a glass and present the customer with the rest of the can – thus creating high brand visibility in the bar. The same energy effects that made it popular with clubbers also drew a following amongst long distance truckers. Its availability in late night gas stations and even vending machines added to its edgy image whilst channelling sales to new markets. Outcomes Red Bull has succeeded in breaking into the soft drinks market by effectively establishing a niche through bypassing conventional distribution channels. Its positioning as an exclusive (and elusive) product meant it was well placed to be carried on a wave of buzz marketing into the mainstream. Red Bull has become a mass-market drink and is found across a wider range of supermarkets and licensed premises. This presented the risk that it would lose its exclusivity as the cool crowd grew up and moved on, leaving it as one of a number of similar commoditized products that would be vulnerable to price competition. However potential brand risks such as it being banned in Denmark and France and being restricted to medical use in Japan and Norway actually ensured the edgy image endured. Hence thus far its brand strategy has enabled it to maintain the power in its relationship with sellers, and is hence able to dictate terms in a way that has supported the brand positioning so far. 5. Would you describe Red Bull as a national, a European or a global brand – give reasons? Red Bull can be considered a global brand both in terms of its near-global customer base and its extensive marketing campaigns. Red Bull does this by carefully targeting a huge collective of niche audiences across the globe, which cumulatively comprise its total share of the energy drinks market. This managing of the brand globally allows Red Bull to achieve economies of scale, particularly for product and promotion, and give it greater communications control and consistency in how it reaches target audiences, often through a global brand message. There are, of course, exceptions and these will be addressed in the closing paragraphs. Red Bull has an aggressive international marketing campaign that targets young males. These customers are often similar in their tastes for extreme sports, either as spectators or participators. Its numerous sponsored activities range from extreme sports like mountain biking, BMX, motocross, windsurfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, cliff-diving, surfing, skating, freestyle motocross, rally, Formula 1 racing, and breakdancing to art shows, music, and video games. It is this range of activities that enable the brand to be relevant to a huge collective of audiences across the globe. At the end of 2011, Red Bull reported employment of 8,294 people in 164 countries. In the same year, Red Bull achieved worldwide sales of 4.631 billion cans. This scale has been achieved through its positioning as a global brand, notably on the basis of product and promotion. With few exceptions the company manages a highly focused brand effort. On a product level, the company maintains the ‘Red Bull’ brand name and ensures consistent product ingredients across its markets. Its beverage brand extensions are also consistent i.e. ‘Red Bull Sugarfree’ or ‘Red Bull Energy Shot’. This is further reinforced by universally recognised packaging and company merchandising, which are also consistent. On a promotional level, the company deploys steady messaging that is always on-brand in terms of look and feel. The bold contrast of its red lettering against a navy and silver background is recognisable across the globe. Its  advertising slogan, ‘Red Bull gives you wings’, is also adopted as is in most markets without the usual translation pitfalls. The exception to this is in Malaysia, where the company instead deploys a single one-word slogan, Bullleh!, a word play on the Malay word Boleh (lit: Can be done) and the word Bull. Furthermore, Red Bull is sold world over in a tall and slim blue-silver can, except in Thailand where it is sold in a wider gold can with the name of Krating Daeng. It is these examples of exception to Global promotion, that highlight the entry challenges to more challenging markets. A key example is China, where Red Bull may need to revise its global marketing strategy to break into this valuable market where there are significant differences in consumer culture, needs and usage patterns. As the previous example of Thailand illustrated, Red Bull may need to diversify its marketing strategy and seek alternative ways of reaching Chinese youth culture. This experience tallies with many Western brands who have tried unsuccessfully to break into Asian markets, particularly China. The challenge Red Bull must face in trying to enter China is whether to adapt or to continue to standardise its marketing strategy to date. And, if it choses to adapt its strategy, would this in turn impact its brand positioning in its domestic market? (A recent example of this is Google’s decision to temporarily suspend its worldwide operating values as it currently does in China.) Furthermore, despite the company’s employees being based across 161 countries, most of its major decisions are still made either at Red Bull’s headquarters in Fuschl, an Austrian village, or at Hangar-7, a few minutes outside Salzburg. This is true even of decisions relating to Red Bull Media House, its brand extension media company. This corporate structure could work to hamper local, or glocal marketing agility. However, as Apple has demonstrated in recent years, it is possible for a company to export its vision of the world to far flung markets across the world. 6. – What Marketing strategy would you recommend that Red Bull should adopt over the next five years? : In researching this paper, many sources expressed concern that Red Bull may  already be reaching its greatest success in a maturing engergy drinks market. However, research indicates the opposite. The energy drinks market is expected to grow organically by 33% until the year 2015 (Datamonitor, 2011). So, a more important challenge for Red Bull over the next five years is how it might grow its share of this market. Our research leads us to conclude that Red Bull has already begun positioning itself favourably in order to capitalise on a growing market opportunity in two ways. Firstly, its should continue to its successful founding practice of aggregating niche markets globally. The popularity and growing range of exptreme sports will continue to form a core part of Red Bulls’ progressive audience, which in turn helps convert into a broad customer base. Secondly, Red Bull is at the forefront of marketing practices that are overhaulling existing models of demand generation. In the case of Red Bull, the company is doing this via its recently launched Red Bull Media House. Above all, Red Bull Media House enables it to tap into its audiences increased media consumption at a global scale. This is a shrewd move by Red Bull as it also enables it to create further advertising and partnership revenues as a secondary source of profit. The move into media communications could help Red Bull deepen its penetration in hard to convert markets, such as Asia. From a brand perspective this is clearly desirable as it reduces the requirement to create alternative brands. Moreover, by controling media messaging it may also extend its reach to other chosen demographics. These two features of Red Bull’s marketing strategy should enable it to capture this growth in the Energy drinks sector. However, as the success of Red Bull Media House reveals, there are more radical ways in which Red Bull might pursue its next five years. Product Possibly the most radical area Red Bull could chose to innovate in would be a subtle but significant brand extention to its core product Red Bull energy drink. It could tap into another adjucent category, health drinks, by focussing its attension on additional healthy ingredients like guarana and vitamins. This brand extension, Red Bull Health, would extent its extreme sports image into one that is moreover health conscious. Further products like branded energy bars, decaffinated Red Bull for kids, and Red Bull water would fit into this new market extension. A subtle repositioning such as this would also enable Red Bull to consider entering the fitness services market, such as gyms. A Red Bull gym would deliver a wider customer base, while enabling it to be creative with the range of supported activities. Promotion Red Bull Media House is the communications platform that will enable its customers to be always on in communicating with the brand. If a wider market share strategy is adopted, via gyms for instance, Red Bull might do well to consider a new slogan for its brand. As challenging as this may be, brands like Coke have shown that this is possible and even necessary to stay relevant in changing times. Here, Red Bull might chose to review its ‘give you wings’ slogan by finding a tag that positions it as an active lifestyle brand. Place By capturing more mainstream market share through Red Bull gyms and its Media House, Red Bull may reach markets previously difficult to open, such as China. It could opt to launch Red Bull gyms first, thereby positioning it firmly as a lifestyle brand. A launch of its health drink variants could follow. Distribution of Red Bull could also be deepened by use of vending machines in places complemenatry to active lifestyles. Price As the market continues to grow, Red Bull can continue to maintain its price premium. In conclusion, the evolution of Red Bull as brand will most certainly come from brand extensions which are based upon broader product offerings. As the success of Red Bull to date indicates, its forward-thinking marketing has created an enormously valuable brand that is very likely set to continue its global success. There is no doubt that Red Bull created a new market, but with so many competitors using the same marketing approach and targeting the same consumers, there is a strong possibility for endless generic similar products to flood the market and effectively question the authority of Red Bull. Constant change in the market, consumers behavior and high volume of direct competitors continuously launching new products poses a significant risk to Red Bull. A primary threat is those with marketing strategies which  establish the brand as being ‘small, unique and rebellious’. Even though these brands are positioning themselves very well, capturing the attention of the â€Å"anti-brand† crowd, Red Bull remains the leader in this market. We believe that Red bull should be bold and confident and aim for a bigger marketing strategy, while still adopting a NON-traditional approach,(guerilla campaigns, experiential, etc). Red Bull cannot deny its size, it should embrace its position by leveraging its brand equity. It is possible to apply a mass marketing approach. without alienating consumers. For example, Virgin a big company doing mass communication has managed to build a mass marketing campaign without losing its individualist spirit, brand vision and rebellious soul. By adopting a mass marketing strategy, Red Bull may lose some of its original consumers however, it will gain a new set which appeal to a broader audience. If Red Bull does not advance its marketing campaign in the face of increased competition, other brands are likely to gain market share, if they bring something new to the table (e.g. new trends or more relevant image), and Red Bull faces the potential risk of appearing ‘dated’. Red Bull should be loyal to its original attitude and proposition, but be bold, in the face of a changing business context by going big, even bigger than the actual hangar!

Environmental Effects of Fast-Food Essay

The primary goal What Is Organic Agriculture? of organic agriculture is to optimize the health A and productivity of interdependent According to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic agriculture is â€Å"an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on communities of management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony. The soil life, plants, rimary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of animals, and people. interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals, and people. † (NOSB, 2003) Though the term â€Å"organic† is defined by law (see â€Å"Legal† section on pages 3 and 4), the terms â€Å"natural† and â€Å"eco-friendly† are not. Labels that contain those terms may imply some organic methods were used in the production of the foodstuff but do not guarantee complete adherence to organic practices as defined by a law. Some products marketed as â€Å"natural† may have been produced with synthetic or manufactured products (those not onsidered to be â€Å"organic†), such as â€Å"natural beef. Farming without tion statistics in the United States the use of petroleum-based chemicals (USDA-ERS, 2002). This census, conductare young people (fertilizers and pesticides) was the sole ed in 2002, identified U. S. farmers who and college-educated option for farmers until after World War reported 2. 5 million acres of land II. The war brought with it technologies dedicated to organic production. This consumers. that were useful to agricultural producfigure probably under-represents current tion. For example, ammonium nitrate production because many organic farmused for munitions during World War II ers produce their products organically, volved into ammonium nitrate fer tilizer; but sell less than $15,000 per year and are exempt organophosphate nerve gas production led to the from inspection (see â€Å"Organic Certification†), or do development of powerful insecticides. These technot label their product as organic and, in general, nical advances since World War II have resulted in are direct marketing to a local customer. In 1999, significant economic benefits as well as environIowa farmers reported 150,000 acres of organic mental and social detriments. Organic agriculture cropland to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and seeks to use those advances that consistently yield Land Stewardship (IDALS) survey. This increase in benefits, such as new varieties of crops, precision organic acreage in Iowa represents a doubling from agriculture technologies, and more efficient the previous year and a sixfold increase since 1996. machinery, while discarding those methods that The U. S. organic industry continues to grow at have led to negative impacts on society and the a rate of 20 percent annually. Industry estimates environment, such as pesticide pollution and insect placed it at $10 billion in 2001. The organic industry pest resistance. Organic farming is considered a s a consumer-driven market. According to industry systems approach, where interactions between surveys, the largest purchasers of organic products components (crops, animals, insects, soil) are as are young people and college-educated consumers. important as the whole farm itself. Today we are faced with the unique opportunity to Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, organic take advantage of a growing market demand and farmers use crop rotations, cover crops, and comuse the technologies developed over the past 50 post to maintain or enhance soil fertility. Also, years. More and more farmers are interested in nstead of using synthetic pesticides, organic the profitability and environmental benefits that farmers employ biological, cultural, and physical organic systems yield. methods to limit pest expansion and increase populations of beneficial insects. Geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs), such as herbicideresistant seeds and plants, as well as product ingredients, such as GM-lecithin, are disallowed in organic agriculture because they constitute synthetic inputs and pose unknown risks (see GMO discussion opposite).

Free Essays on Great Expectations-Wemmick

â€Å"Perhaps, properly speaking, Dickens had no ideas on any subject; what he had was a vast sympathetic participation in the daily life of mankind; and what he saw of ancient institutions made him hate them, as needless sources of oppression, misery, selfishness, and rancour.† –George Santayana Rules. Guidelines. Laws. From the beginning of time, people have lived under the heavy thumb of expectations placed upon them by others. What to do and when to do it, what to say and when to say it somehow societies have come up with their own rulebooks for what is permissible and what is to be looked down upon, leaving each man to choose between his inner yearnings and the clarion call of the organized civilization. This problem faces John Wemmick in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. On the surface, Wemmick appears as a dedicated worker and an upstanding member of society who maintains a healthy domestic lifestyle. Upon closer inspection, we see that Wemmick plays host to two polar personalities: the hard working, upstanding worker in bustling London, and the amiable, carefree resident of Walworth. Through careful examination of Wemmick’s character, Dickens prompts his reader to reflect upon the two sides of humanity as a whole. In Victorian society, employees were expected to carry themselves with a degree of professionalism and excellence. Caring for others and becoming emotionally involved in work were seen as signs of weakness. Mr. Jaggers, Wemmick’s employer and literary counterpart, appears completely eaten up by his work. He takes his courtroom attitude with him everywhere, to the point that others avoid conversation with him for fear of being cross-examined. Wemmick passes on this soame air of intimidation to Jagger’s clients as he collects funds and â€Å"portable property.† However, this attitude is not truly characteristic of Wemmick. He says, â€Å"[The way I carry myself in] the office is one thing, private life ... Free Essays on Great Expectations-Wemmick Free Essays on Great Expectations-Wemmick â€Å"Perhaps, properly speaking, Dickens had no ideas on any subject; what he had was a vast sympathetic participation in the daily life of mankind; and what he saw of ancient institutions made him hate them, as needless sources of oppression, misery, selfishness, and rancour.† –George Santayana Rules. Guidelines. Laws. From the beginning of time, people have lived under the heavy thumb of expectations placed upon them by others. What to do and when to do it, what to say and when to say it somehow societies have come up with their own rulebooks for what is permissible and what is to be looked down upon, leaving each man to choose between his inner yearnings and the clarion call of the organized civilization. This problem faces John Wemmick in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. On the surface, Wemmick appears as a dedicated worker and an upstanding member of society who maintains a healthy domestic lifestyle. Upon closer inspection, we see that Wemmick plays host to two polar personalities: the hard working, upstanding worker in bustling London, and the amiable, carefree resident of Walworth. Through careful examination of Wemmick’s character, Dickens prompts his reader to reflect upon the two sides of humanity as a whole. In Victorian society, employees were expected to carry themselves with a degree of professionalism and excellence. Caring for others and becoming emotionally involved in work were seen as signs of weakness. Mr. Jaggers, Wemmick’s employer and literary counterpart, appears completely eaten up by his work. He takes his courtroom attitude with him everywhere, to the point that others avoid conversation with him for fear of being cross-examined. Wemmick passes on this soame air of intimidation to Jagger’s clients as he collects funds and â€Å"portable property.† However, this attitude is not truly characteristic of Wemmick. He says, â€Å"[The way I carry myself in] the office is one thing, private life ...

buy custom The Conflicts in Two Stories by Kate Chopin essay

buy custom The Conflicts in Two Stories by Kate Chopin essay This paper seeks to explore the conflicts in two stories by Kate Chopin. The two stories are The Storm and Desirees Baby. The Storm is a story about feminine sexuality and passionate love of Calixtia and her lover Alcee. The two exploded their overwhelming passion that had built up during the past years. The Storm has five characters Calixtia, her husband Bobinot, their son Bibi, Calixtias lover Alcee, and his wife Clarssee. Everything in the tale happens during and because of the Storm. The story's setting is in the late nineteenth century at Friedheimers shop in Louisiana and the neighboring house of Calixta and Bobinot. The tale is in five sections with the first handling the approaching of the storm, the second talking about Calixtas lover seeking shelter in her house and the third phase exploring the love that builds up between the two. The last two sections describe how the two lovers go back to their matrimonial responsibilities without any guilt of what transpired between the m during the storm. Desirees baby is a highly notion-provoking story that talks about love, racism, and prejudice. The setting of the story is in south of America when people of different races did not agree, and the inferior people were the blacks. Armand is a leading character in the story that is a slave owner in Louisiana and the author describes him as the one who had it all. Armand is a proud man who is capable of doing anything to keep the name of his family. This is evident when he disowns his wife and child because the woman is black, and this is an insult to the family. The child is a boy, and he later own pretends to love him, as he will be the one to carry on the name of the family. The author of the two stories brings out some conflicts, which we now focus on. In the tale, the Storm, there is the contention of weather being a justification for deceit. In the tale, everything takes place during the storm where we see two married people break into their physical desires. During the shower when her husband is off to stores with their son, Calixta invites Alcee to shelter in her house and then they end up cheating on their partners. The conflict is that during times of this book, women were to be faithful, and the author brings out the wickedness present in marriages. In the story Desirees baby, the conflict is in the love of Desiree and Armand. Desiree loves Armand genuinely while Armand is extremely proud to love a woman with mixed races. Comparing the conflicts in the two stories, we see that most people are not aware of what other people feel for them especially in marriages. In the Storm, Calixtas husband worries that the wife will be terrified by the storm and even buys her a can of shrimps to calm her down after the storm. On the other hand, Calixta is not guilty that she cheats on her husband with Alcee as she continues with her matrimonial duties as if nothing happened. In Desirees baby, Desiree loves the husband and will do anything to keep her marriage but later on in the tale, it is evident that Armand does not love Desiree. He lets his pride overcome the love they have by deserting his wife and child just because she is of mixed races and this could harm the image of the family. There is a conflict of the reasons the people in marriages use as a justification for their immorality. In marriages partners are supposed to be faithful and honest to each other especially about their feelings but in the two tales, this is not the case. Buy custom The Conflicts in Two Stories by Kate Chopin essay buy custom The Conflicts in Two Stories by Kate Chopin essay This paper seeks to explore the conflicts in two stories by Kate Chopin. The two stories are The Storm and Desirees Baby. The Storm is a story about feminine sexuality and passionate love of Calixtia and her lover Alcee. The two exploded their overwhelming passion that had built up during the past years. The Storm has five characters Calixtia, her husband Bobinot, their son Bibi, Calixtias lover Alcee, and his wife Clarssee. Everything in the tale happens during and because of the Storm. The story's setting is in the late nineteenth century at Friedheimers shop in Louisiana and the neighboring house of Calixta and Bobinot. The tale is in five sections with the first handling the approaching of the storm, the second talking about Calixtas lover seeking shelter in her house and the third phase exploring the love that builds up between the two. The last two sections describe how the two lovers go back to their matrimonial responsibilities without any guilt of what transpired between the m during the storm. Desirees baby is a highly notion-provoking story that talks about love, racism, and prejudice. The setting of the story is in south of America when people of different races did not agree, and the inferior people were the blacks. Armand is a leading character in the story that is a slave owner in Louisiana and the author describes him as the one who had it all. Armand is a proud man who is capable of doing anything to keep the name of his family. This is evident when he disowns his wife and child because the woman is black, and this is an insult to the family. The child is a boy, and he later own pretends to love him, as he will be the one to carry on the name of the family. The author of the two stories brings out some conflicts, which we now focus on. In the tale, the Storm, there is the contention of weather being a justification for deceit. In the tale, everything takes place during the storm where we see two married people break into their physical desires. During the shower when her husband is off to stores with their son, Calixta invites Alcee to shelter in her house and then they end up cheating on their partners. The conflict is that during times of this book, women were to be faithful, and the author brings out the wickedness present in marriages. In the story Desirees baby, the conflict is in the love of Desiree and Armand. Desiree loves Armand genuinely while Armand is extremely proud to love a woman with mixed races. Comparing the conflicts in the two stories, we see that most people are not aware of what other people feel for them especially in marriages. In the Storm, Calixtas husband worries that the wife will be terrified by the storm and even buys her a can of shrimps to calm her down after the storm. On the other hand, Calixta is not guilty that she cheats on her husband with Alcee as she continues with her matrimonial duties as if nothing happened. In Desirees baby, Desiree loves the husband and will do anything to keep her marriage but later on in the tale, it is evident that Armand does not love Desiree. He lets his pride overcome the love they have by deserting his wife and child just because she is of mixed races and this could harm the image of the family. There is a conflict of the reasons the people in marriages use as a justification for their immorality. In marriages partners are supposed to be faithful and honest to each other especially about their feelings but in the two tales, this is not the case. Buy custom The Conflicts in Two Stories by Kate Chopin essay

How to Weed - and Edit - and Work - Effectively

How to Weed - and Edit - and Work - Effectively In my newsletter last week, I wrote about weeding. The letter did not go out until Friday- a notoriously bad day to send out a newsletter- so I am expanding on the theme in a full-out blog. Weeding is an art. We all know that if you don’t weed out the roots of a plant, the plant will grow back. There are many metaphors for this phenomenon. But that’s not what I’m going to talk about today. I’m reflecting instead on the process of weeding. When I go into my garden to weed, I find I’m more effective if I choose the type of weed I’m going to pull: â€Å"Today I’m going to pull out all the grass in my garden.† â€Å"Today I’m going to pull out all the lemon balm.† When my eyes and brain are looking for one particular thing, I have a much easier time spotting it than if I were to say â€Å"I’m going to weed all types of weeds today† or â€Å"I’m going to pick tomatoes and weed as I do it.† Sometimes it can also work to weed a small area of everything that is NOT the lettuce, or the tomato, or the garlic. Again, my brain is focused on one thing, in one small space. When I’m unfocused, I miss a lot of things. Even the thought of weeding my entire garden of everything I don’t want there raises my heart rate and sends me into overwhelm. Its simply too much to do, especially when I have so many other tasks pulling for my attention! I need to take one thing at a time. Weeding is like editing. Like my experience of weeding, if I limit myself to one thing I do a better job. Looking through a document to check for periods at the end of each bullet, or to check for extra spaces, means I’m likely to catch the one thing I’m looking for. Did I overuse the word â€Å"that†? Or â€Å"just†? Or â€Å"really†? It works best to search on each of those words one at a time. Conversely, if I try to find every error, I’ll probably miss a bunch of them. [For a list of common errors to look for, see The Write Life’s 25 Editing Tips for Tightening Your Copy] Despite knowing the downsides of overcommitment in proofreading, my brain often wants to do everything at once and fix everything at once. It takes some wrangling to get myself to concentrate on one thing at a time, especially in this age of distraction. In fact, as I sat down to write this blog I went to do some research on multitasking and ended up doing something else before getting to my Google search. Then my phone rang and I took the call before finally getting back to my article. Have I lost your attention yet? Perhaps I have. I am talking about multitasking, and I have taken you along for the ride†¦ and we all know by now that our brains are not wired for multitasking! Here’s a great article, Multitasking is Killing Your Brain, that describes how multitasking lowers your work quality and productivity, harms your IQ (possibly permanently), increases stress levels, and simply exhausts you. Weeding can be an antidote to multitasking. There is practice to be had in concentrating on one thing at a time, and we could all stand to do a lot more of it. It’s time for me to get out into my garden.

Anthro 101 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anthro 101 - Essay Example So little is known about Sahelanthropus and Ardipithecus that it is challenging to place it conclusively on the tree. Sahelanthropus was discovered by Ahounta Djimdoumalbaye in 2001 in Chad, in the southern Sahara desert. Sahelanthropus has small brain size, brow ridges and small canine teeth, which are characteristic of later hominids. Ardipithecus discovered by a team led by Tim White, Berhane Asfaw and Gen Suwa in the years 1992 and 1993 in Ethiopia. Ardipithecus is a spectacularly complete fossil with about 120 cm (311") tall and weighs about 50 kg (110 lbs). In August 1995, Meave Leakey, a zoologist at the National Museums of Kenya and her colleagues reported the discovery of hominids from the Lake Turkana region in northern Kenya. These finds, predominantly from the site of` Kanapoi, range in age from 3.9 to 4.2 million years and consist mostly of, teeth and jaws, They show strong similarities with A. afarensis but the Kanapoi hominids are characterized by a series of anatomical features that distinguish them as a new species. A. anamensis. Although characters such as tooth formation and the propping of the frontal part of the jaw are dissimilar in these two species, the more primeval character state in Australopithecus anamensis makes it a good ancestor to Australopithecus afarensis. Australopithecus afarensis was discovered by Donald Johanson in 1973 at Hadar in Ethiopia. It was an adult female of about 25 years. Her pelvis, femur (the upper leg bone) and tibia show her to have been bipedal. She was about 107 cm (36") tall (small for her species) and weighed about 28 kg (62 lbs) From the figure above, Australopithecus anamensis is judged to be a sole ancestor to Paranthropus aethiopicus and robustus, and because they both displays a host of features derived in the robust direction, they are not viewed as an

The investigation of contemporary art in London Essay

The investigation of contemporary art in London - Essay Example The essay "The investigation of contemporary art in London" discovers London contemporary art. Over time, the world has gone through various changes, which include increased level of immigration, intermarriages, and relocation of places. The increased level of integration between different cultures has therefore changed the kind of art that artists present these days and one presented before the current globalization set in the world. While investigating art in London, this essay will draw reference to the aspects of contemporary art in the London galleries and exhibitions. Currently, London art galleries exhibit different kinds of artistry designs representing the modern day life. The kind of art presented in the present day has significant differences with the art presented a few years ago, the trends in the art galleries show. The biggest contribution of this is the technological changes that have taken place in the recent times. Moreover, artists appear to blend life with their a rtistry skills, making the current art more real and engaging with the world. For instance, an artist can draw inspiration from the current world and use issues happening around such as the financial crisis, terrorism, effects of internet on the people, among others. There is more to explain through art in the current world than during the previous art periods. Since contemporary art is art of the present life, the more the numbers of activities taking place in the society, the more the number of artwork.... This also means that there are broader topics that artists can cover in their work. There is increased connectivity of people due to the global village model of the world. As a result, art becomes the best way to communicate the kind of activities taking place among people. Currently, it is possible to identify an artist with his work due to the consistency of their discussion topics. Therefore, the audience can identify an artist with their paintings. There is an increase in the specialization of artists in different topics that they address in their artwork (Gardner & Hallam 2011, p. 2). This has further contributed to an increase in the quality of pictures on exhibition. The previous artists had little to draw reference to and mostly, artists expressed cultural diversity in their work. Others explored the theme of love, some nature and others politics. At that time however, there were minimal changes in the world especially economically, socially, politically or technologically. H owever, these activities take place in the current day. Artists now have more scopes that they can draw reference to and inspire them. With this broadness, artists have now sought to specialize in the various categories they choose in their work. The creativity with which artists currently design and create their art works is amazing (Thorncroft 2002, p. 11). As the world changes, artists draw inspiration from different places, and through different issues. While initially there was no incorporation of color in art, currently, artists feel compelled to use color. This not only gives the paintings aesthetic features, but also makes them real. For instance, a black and white picture of a woman is not as appealing as a colored one. Additionally, contemporary art education

Facilitating the growth of artictic intelligence Essay

Facilitating the growth of artictic intelligence - Essay Example Here, an attempt is made to show how pre-adolescents can become confident of using innate ability and acquired skills gained through art, especially, to enhance cognitive, moral, social and other characteristics they need to develop for use in work and life. Artistic expression is used throughout a child’s school experience. From kindergarten level, drawing teaches skills such as correct pencil grip, visual calculation of distances, hand-eye coordination and the ability to compare colors and shapes and to understand symbols and ideas (McDonald & Fisher 4). As they progress into middle school, these basic building blocks can be used as a foundation for â€Å"understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; reflecting upon and assessing the work of others; and making connections between the visual arts and other disciplines (MENC, 1994)† (McDonald & Fisher 5). Teachers can use the visual arts, which are enjoyable and feel less like rigorous learning, especially to reluctant students, to promote readiness to learn subjects across the curriculum. Ideas for projects that include hands-on artistic tasks can be successfully incorporated in math, languages, social studies and science - all subjects that â€Å"require higher-order thinking skills† (Prince 2002, 49). Nurturing artistic skills - even very rudimentary ones - can be beneficial in middle school, as students embark on some very serious learning. They can be promoted and improved, since they embrace aesthetic and perceptual abilities which are comparatively easy to acquire. Used by the teacher to instill confidence that flows from the ability to make pictures or three-dimensional pieces, this can-do feeling will be available to be applied to various learning areas. In languages, cartoons and graphic narratives can promote confidence in expressing ideas fluently by using creativity and imagination (McDonald & Fisher 51). In social studies, maps and 3-D globes or panoramas can

Middleboro Case Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middleboro Case Questions - Assignment Example For average population of CY-10, it will be given as 126,723/8 = 15,840. With this basis, communities that grew faster or slower than the overall rate of population increase in Hillsboro County can be found by comparing individual communities to the average of 16,446 for CY-5 and 15,840 for CY-10. This information is deduced in the graph below. From the two graphs above, it can be deduced that 2 communities namely Middleboro and Jasper grew faster than the average rate for Hillsboro for both CY-5 and CY-10 because these had populations higher than the average, which the individual communities was compared with. All remaining communities namely Harris City, Statesville, Mifflenville, Carterville, Minortown, and Bolsburg grew slower than the overall rate of population growth in Hillsboro County. According to Noe and Gerhard (2007), the distribution of health facilities, services and programs must be based on the specific population need of a community so as to ensure that the doctor to patient ratio of the world health organization (WHO) can be realized. By implication, the various communities need different distribution of health interventions. To find the degree to which the age profile of Hillsboro County resemble the overall age profile demographic of the United States in CY, the percentage of age group making up the total population of citizens for the United States must be compared with that of Hillsboro County. The percentages for each age group are provided by InfoPlease (2013). But to find the percentage of each age group to the total population of Hillsboro County, these must be computed. The table below shows the computation of percentage of age group in relation to the larger or overall population of Hillsboro County From the graph above, it would be noticed that for each age profile the difference between Hillsboro County average and average for USA was not very vast. Based on this, it can be deduced that there is a

Internet Marketing Strategy Amazon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Internet Marketing Strategy Amazon - Essay Example Amazon.com opened his virtual doors in 1995, and restructured all the retail sector. It was the beginning of a new way of retail transactions. This essay aims to present an analysis of the Amazon’s internet marketing strategy. This analysis will be focused on an evaluation market, an analysis of the competitors and how the internet strategy relates to the overall marketing strategy of the company. Internet Marketing Strategy – Amazon.com Amazon.com is one of the largest online retail stores in the world. They open their virtual doors in 1995 and nowadays have net sales of $ 48,077 millions per year, growing 33% per year. Amazon.com begins their business selling books. Nowadays they still sell books, but also technology, clothes, shoes, ebooks. Additionally they improve their e-services with the Amazon Web Services ( AWS). It seems like Amazon.com is always one step ahead. The purpose of this essay is to analyze their Internet Marketing Strategy. In order to analyze the Amazon internet marketing strategy, first will be present an evaluation of their online market: size and growth, online marketing segmentation, sales and e-service. The retail sector is a very competitive sector. Amazon.com has many competitors include other online retail stores. In this essay eBay market will be studied. The internet is a powerful tool in a company's business. ... The first amazon.com website was opened in July 1995. Nowadays Amazon has 56,200 full-time and part-time employees ( data from December 31, 2011). Amazon focusses their strategy in the customers. They attempt to â€Å"seek to be Earth’s most customer-centric company for four primary customer sets: consumers, sellers, enterprises, and content creators.† Amazon is a retail online. They generate revenues from the online sales. Recently they invested in another source of revenues as marketing and promotional services (online advertising, and co-branded credit card agreements). In general they are organized into two principal market segments: North America and International. The main communication channel is the website. Amazon reaches their consumers through their retail websites. Amazon has a very competitive business. Examples of competitors in this sector are: â€Å"Our (1) physical-world retailers, publishers, vendors, distributors, manufacturers, and producers of our products; (2) other online e-commerce and mobile e-commerce sites, including sites that sell or distribute digital content; (3) a number of indirect competitors, including media companies, web portals, comparison shopping websites, and web search engines, either directly or in collaboration with other retailers; (4) companies that provide e-commerce services, including website development, fulfillment, and customer service; (5) companies that provide infrastructure web services or other information storage or computing services or products; and (6) companies that design, manufacture, market, or sell digital media devices. â€Å" The principal competitive factors are: . Retail business: retail selection and convenience; . Seller and enterprise services: quality,

Killing of the Buddha Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 187

Killing of the Buddha - Essay Example The Koan should not be taken since killing goes against Buddhist teachings. Instead, the koan advocates for self-interrogation with an aim of bringing in clarity aspects that promotes the development of one’s self. In the Koan â€Å"finding the Buddha† symbolizes a walk on the path of enlightenment. The process can be interpreted to include our path or the direction that an individual takes in his life. The â€Å"Buddha† that we are supposed to represent an idealized personal perfection that we have about ourselves. The Buddha represents us as well as our projection to the outside world. The Buddha consists of our conception of absolute enlightenment (McGee, 2015). The â€Å"Killing of the Buddha† means that human beings are often wrong in the conception of themselves. The Koan dictates that it is practical and achievable for an individual to separate himself from the misconception of himself through meditation. If a person believes that he has spiritual e nlightenment, then the person must get rid of the perception and meditate. Through meditation, the enlightenment has no permanence, and everything keeps on changing. The Koan teaches us that if we consider ourselves as having all solutions then such a perception must be avoided, and we must question such solutions to get better solutions. By following the Koan and always meditating, then one creates a learning process and keeps on enlightening. Such a process reinforces the journey to being complete. Ultimately, one learns that he or she is a disguised Buddha (McGee, 2015).

Internet Marketing Strategy Amazon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Internet Marketing Strategy Amazon - Essay Example Amazon.com opened his virtual doors in 1995, and restructured all the retail sector. It was the beginning of a new way of retail transactions. This essay aims to present an analysis of the Amazon’s internet marketing strategy. This analysis will be focused on an evaluation market, an analysis of the competitors and how the internet strategy relates to the overall marketing strategy of the company. Internet Marketing Strategy – Amazon.com Amazon.com is one of the largest online retail stores in the world. They open their virtual doors in 1995 and nowadays have net sales of $ 48,077 millions per year, growing 33% per year. Amazon.com begins their business selling books. Nowadays they still sell books, but also technology, clothes, shoes, ebooks. Additionally they improve their e-services with the Amazon Web Services ( AWS). It seems like Amazon.com is always one step ahead. The purpose of this essay is to analyze their Internet Marketing Strategy. In order to analyze the Amazon internet marketing strategy, first will be present an evaluation of their online market: size and growth, online marketing segmentation, sales and e-service. The retail sector is a very competitive sector. Amazon.com has many competitors include other online retail stores. In this essay eBay market will be studied. The internet is a powerful tool in a company's business. ... The first amazon.com website was opened in July 1995. Nowadays Amazon has 56,200 full-time and part-time employees ( data from December 31, 2011). Amazon focusses their strategy in the customers. They attempt to â€Å"seek to be Earth’s most customer-centric company for four primary customer sets: consumers, sellers, enterprises, and content creators.† Amazon is a retail online. They generate revenues from the online sales. Recently they invested in another source of revenues as marketing and promotional services (online advertising, and co-branded credit card agreements). In general they are organized into two principal market segments: North America and International. The main communication channel is the website. Amazon reaches their consumers through their retail websites. Amazon has a very competitive business. Examples of competitors in this sector are: â€Å"Our (1) physical-world retailers, publishers, vendors, distributors, manufacturers, and producers of our products; (2) other online e-commerce and mobile e-commerce sites, including sites that sell or distribute digital content; (3) a number of indirect competitors, including media companies, web portals, comparison shopping websites, and web search engines, either directly or in collaboration with other retailers; (4) companies that provide e-commerce services, including website development, fulfillment, and customer service; (5) companies that provide infrastructure web services or other information storage or computing services or products; and (6) companies that design, manufacture, market, or sell digital media devices. â€Å" The principal competitive factors are: . Retail business: retail selection and convenience; . Seller and enterprise services: quality,

Nationalisation of banks in India Research Proposal

Nationalisation of banks in India - Research Proposal Example In order to regulate potentiality of banking institutions, many nations have nationalized the banks in their country. In India, this nationalization has made it possible to establish bank branches throughout the nation and expansion of banking services to several areas of development. Moreover, this nationalization of banks had been instrumental in mobilizing deposits from citizens. Consequently, there had been a significant growth in deposits and advances. As such, most of the banks have expanded their branches and mobilized deposits (Bisht, Mishra and Belwal). The present banking system in India did not develop overnight. It was the result of the expansion – reorganization process and the consolidation of resources. This process had developed gradually over a period of time. There were three important phases in the development of the extant banking system, namely, the pre – nationalization phase, the post – nationalization phase and the post – liberalization phase. All these phases include the development of the market through innovative measures and diversified expansion into financial services. The expansion process has not stopped with this. Increased Internet use had added a fourth dimension to the banking system. The Internet has completely changed the concepts and traditional look of the banking system. The traditional banking system has been transformed due to electronic cash deposits and withdrawals. The electronic delivery channels have provided far more choices to customers and large industries (Bisht , Mishra and Belwal). In the past, the banking system was solely devoted to its economic objectives. However, this perception changed, subsequent to the nationalization of banks. The nationalized banks have a social responsibility and they have to fulfill social objectives (Bisht, Mishra and Belwal). The nationalization of banks commenced in the year 1969. In the first phase,

Hrm With Strategic Goals And Objectives Commerce Essay

Hrm With Strategic Goals And Objectives Commerce Essay The latest emphasis among academics and practitioners on public or people management systems as a source competitive advantage has focused greater than ever on the science and practice of Human Resource Management. While academics have made a number of significant contributions to these development by means of research, Steve Kerr of General Electric has had an argument that the great number of the best work is being done by consultans and professionals in the field (Hodgetts, 1996). Actually, one could make a persuasive case that the practice of HRM has outpaced the academic work on this particullar topic. However, data on how organisations in fact manage people to provide a source of competitive advantage are insufficient. Studies that compare and distinguishes human capital management system in leading organisations are even more difficult to find. In fact, while the empirical literature linking between HRM with strategic goals and objectives of the organisations performance has c onstantly found than more effective HRM is associated with greater financial performance (Becker Huselid, 1998), what is missing is clearer understanding of how these processes work, and subsequently how organisations could actually manage their staff to help provide a basis of competitive advantages. The purpose of this essay is to examine how linking of HRM with strategic goals by any organisation would improve business performance and develop organizational cultures that foster innovation and flexibility. That is why I have considered three main points, ( heading, contents page) because of in my opinion they are the ones which will broaden the concept of this essay. I will first examine the importance of HRM to strategy as well as SHRM and its objectives. In the second part, I will look at the skills of manager which would help to improve business performance and develop or increase organisations culture. Finally, I am going to demonstrate case studies of different types of organisations which has integrated strategy of HRM. 1. Importance of HRM to strategy Human resource management has become more important to the management in general, mainly as a result of its role in providing competitive advantage, the run to competitiveness, and an awareness of the demands of the technologically advanced environment of the future. According to the findings of Strategist Michael Porter human resource management is a key to obtaining competitive advantage (Michael E. Porter, 1998). In a growing number of organizations, human resources are now seen as a source of competitive advantage. There is greater recognition that distinctive competencies are acquired through highly developed employee skills, unique organizational cultures, management processes, and systems. Increasingly, it is recognized that competitive advantage can be achieved with a high-quality employees, which enables organizations to compete on the basis of market responsiveness, product and service quality, differentiated products, and technological innovation instead of relying on low costs. An example of human resources a competitive advantage is said by John Deeres efforts to automate its factories. The pursuit of exceptional talent and experience in industrial automation, the company established a technology division ( Dyer, 1983 p.257) Another example is provided by ARCOs increased importance on human resource management issues in its executive development program (ARCO, 1986) . Examples like these points out the broader responsibilities and importance of todays more strategically oriented human resource management. Apart from its role in providing competitive advantage through a quality workforce, the needs of control labor costs also has increased the role of human resource management. As an outcome of strong pressure to control labor and other costs, managers have become more aware of the effects of inefficient use of human resources. Administrators need look no further than the underutilized workers, lack of confidence, resistance to change, the work of a ntagonistic relationship management, motivation problems, and restrictive labor practices to find the causes of low productivity. The resources allocated towards better use of human resources can become more profitable than investment in plant and equipment. Because of the potential cost efficiencies, improved human resource management can play a key role in competitive strategy and organizational development competencies. Economic turmoil also has increased the importance of the strategic role of the human resource management. Turbulence, globalization, technology, radically changing demographics, and differences in the values of the labor force have created uncertainty in the environment almost without precedent. Strategic management of human resources and the thread of human resource planning are increasingly being seen as a means of buffering environmental uncertainty. Not surprisingly, management of human resources is increasingly integrated in the formulation of strategy and p lanning process. As managing human resources becomes a more important component of competitive strategy of a company, general management has an incentive to ensure alignment and consistency between strategy and human resource practices and policies. The challenge of adaptation first comes to finding the answer to the question: What kind of people who will necessary to lead the organization in the coming years? (Miller, 1986, p12). The expectation is that people and practices that are aligned with the future strategic needs, produces superior organizational performance. While there is evidence on this point, some recent empirical studies have found higher returns to be related to the integrated and strategic human resources. He has been the recognition of the contributions of human resource management to the companys success in international efforts. This success is more likely when the international participation is rewarded and international business training is provided. Also mor e likely when selection criteria include management and promotion of international experience. However, before such contributions can be made, a coherent strategy for human resources must be developed and linked to the overall strategy organization. 1.1. SHRM and its objectives. The concept of strategic human resources management has become a widely used in management literature. In overall, the goal of the strategic human resources management is the effective implementation of those resources to meet the strategic needs of organizations and objectives. In defining the term, doctors tend to emphasize its implementation role, (Schuller, 1992, p 18-32) according to the following definitions: How the company strategy implemented effectively making everyone from the top of human organization in the background doing things that make successful business. (Ibid, p 18). A broader academic definition of the strategic human resources management, says the following: strategic human resources management is largely about how to integrate and adapt. SHRMs concern is to ensure that: a) human resources (HR) management is fully integrated with the strategy and the strategic goals and objectives of the company, b) HR practices are adjusted, accepted and used by managers and employees as part of their daily lives work (IBId). Patrick Wright and Gary McMahan have offered a similar definition of strategic human resources management (Wright, Patrick M. 1992 p 295). They defined SHRM as the pattern of a planned human resource operations and activities intended to enable an organization to achieve its objectives. Given these definitions of strategic human resources management, a general theoretical framework can now be used to organize knowledge of how human resource practices are affected by strategic considerations. Strategic human resources can make contributions to the strategy and strategic planning to set goals of organisation in a different ways. Systems such as performance appraisal, staffing, training, and compensation allowing managers to implement the organizations strategic plan. The human resources planning also links strategic management and business planning with these systems. The great number of models of strategic human resources management vision function of having an enforcement role, and has been less common to find companies that use unique human resources capabilities as a leading entry in the strategy formulation. However, more companies are turning to human resources management in the process of formulating the strategy . As an instance for it could be Arthur Andersens unique capabilities of human resource training. The accounting companys Saint Charles, Illinois, training centre, which resembles a campus of college, provides it with competitive advantage (Porter E. Michael 1998). Thousands of employees of Arthur Andersen are given uniforms training of the companys own highly regarded instructional labour at this service each year. Due to its facilities and at home instructors, the company can react quickly to the changing demands of its customers. Objectives of Human Resource Management. The objectives are pre-determined strategic goals to which person or group activity in an organization is concentrated. The institutions are established to achieve certain specific objectives. The objectives of the any industry are mostly to earn profit as much as possible while educational institutions are mostly to provide education or research etc. However, the main and the fundamental purpose of any organization is survival. Organizations are not just satisfied with this goal. Moreover the goal of most organizations is the growth or profits. Institutions to acquire and manage various resources including human for achieving the objectives. Thus, human resource management is used to divert and use its resources to achieve the objectives of the organization. So basically, the goals of human resource management derive from and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organization. The other objectives of human resource management are to meet the needs, aspirations, values and dignity of employees and with due concern for socio-economic problems of the community and country. The objectives of human resource management can be as following: To create and use a workforce capable and motivated to achieve the basic organization goals. To establish and maintain solid organizational structure and desirable working relationships among all the members of the organization. To ensure coordination and integration of groups within the organization by co-ordination of the individual and group goals with the employees of the organization. To create facilities and opportunities for individual and group development to coincide with the growth of the organization. To achieve efficient utilization of human resources in achieving the objectives of the organization. To identify and meet individual and group needs to provide adequate and equitable wages, employee benefits and social security To measure for challenging work, prestige, recognition, security, status. To maintain the high morale of employees and good human relations by maintaining and improving the various conditions and other facilities. To strengthen and assess human capital through continuous training and development programs. To examine and contribute to minimizing the social and economic problems such as unemployment, underemployment, inequitable income distribution and wealth to improve the welfare of society by providing employment opportunities to women and disadvantaged sectors of society . To provide fair, acceptable and effective leadership . To provide facilities and working conditions and the creation of enabling environment to maintain employment stability Management has to create a conducive environment and provide necessary conditions for achieving the objectives of personnel management after formulation. (Source from http://www.citeman.com/245-objectives-of-human-resource-management/ ) 2. Skills which manager should acquire in order to achieve strategic goals in the organisation. The human resources function sometimes does not play an important role in the process of formulating the strategy of the organization because of the inadequacies of human resources planning executives (Burack, Elmer H, 1985 p133). However, planning difficulties are not unique to these executives . In fact, the managers of all functional areas have problems with strategic planning. It is well known that managers are action-oriented, often prefer the action of the decision -making or problem- solving interactions. On the contrary, part of the planning process is conducted in isolation. There is a lack of information or knowledge of results for long periods of time. Also, It is hard to justify the time needed for planning in relation to more immediate problems that press for solutions. Thus, despite its value, many managers do not like to plan. Further, these general planning issues, there are more problems with strategic planning because it often leads to restructuring of resources tha t determine the power and status. Effects of the desire to maintain the status quo, through resistance to change is obvious symptoms such as excessive defence of the allocation of existing resources, the accumulation of the information and excessive control of the planning process by manipulating programs. Other causes of problems in the strategic planning process is the mismatch between planning tasks and competence of managers skills. Strategic planning requires considering in terms of the organization as a whole and the relationships between the organization and the many factors that affect their environment. One of the most important abilities in SHRM is to see objects at the macro level rather than processing bits of information to find solutions to problems at the micro level. One symptom of this imbalance is a propensity to fall on operational issues and the inability to complete tasks. A final problem is the lack of senior executive commitment to the strategic planning proce ss. The symptoms of this problem include attempts by managers to read between the lines to find out the real opinion of top management in the importance of the process. Human resources executives often lack the skills to play an important role in strategic planning processes of the company. Requirements for those who can operate in the strategic human resources management is beyond the requirements of functional competence. Research for the role characteristics reveals that following professional qualifications needs to be considered in the managers involvement : 1) Management information skills such as statistics, analysis, and research. 2) Planning skills, knowledge of planning and planning methodologies and statistical techniques.3) Knowledge management skills in different business functions and environmental analysis.4) Integration skills- competition in the management of organizational interfaces and skill in assessing the organization and as setting priorities. 5) Change management skills- the ability to anticipate the future, facilitate change, and organizational development activities (Baird, p 126-27). Besides the selection of human resources executives on the basis of these qualifications, the weaknesses with the current staff can be overcome, even if there are imbalances of cognitive skills. For example, planners of linking compensation with the skills and the use of planning teams can minimize the effect of individual cognitive deficits. Planning tasks can also be divided into phases, some of which may be made by those whose cognitive abilities are not well adapted to the strategy formulation. For instance, greater responsibilities for data collection can be assigned to those whose strengths are not consistent with strategic thinking (Lenz, Managing SHRM, (1986): p 57-66 ). 3. The linkage of HRM with integration of strategic goals and objectives in the different types of organisations (Cases). Integrating Strategy and Human Resources Management in the organisations. Experiences from several organizations are good examples of the integration of strategic goals with human resource management. One of the such examples is provided by the experience of Peoples Bank , a financial services company headquartered in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Massive changes began to take place in the business environment of banking with deregulation and lowering of interest ceilings. Money markets started draining the funds normally was in banks deposits, forcing them to resort to more expensive sources of funds. In addition, money centre banks began competing in the same market environment as regional banks. Peoples, which was a small regional bank, responded changing its strategy from a product orientation to one directed toward markets . With a product orientation, the products are developed and then looks for markets that sell the product. By contrast, a market orientation implies an opposite approach, where market demand are identified and then product developed to s erve the market. As a result of these changes, Peoples became a diversified financial services company with 139 branches and fully integrated banking services and stock trading presence on the Internet (Peoples Bank, Coleman M. Sharon, 2000 ). Due to major changes in the Peoples strategy, there was a recognition that new organizational structures would be needed to adapt to changes. The organization was decentralized, remove hierarchical levels formed strategic business units, and new senior vice presidencies created within a matrix structure. The bank undertook a study of the types of employees that would be required with the ability of the new strategy and the needs of the organization. The main changes took place as a result of the audit. For example, the performance appraisal system was revised. The revised system emphasizes setting goals, the achievement of individual goals by linking with HRM, and the rewards by means of achievement of the objectives of the bank, and places gr eater emphasis on performance appraisal, marketing and sales. In addition, human resource planning was more fully integrated with the strategic planning process through the synchronization of scanning processes with the banks general environmental scanning process (HRM Planning, Lesher, 1986, p 39-44). The experiences in integration of strategy and human resource management of the U.S. Navy could be another example. As a result of linking strategic planning with human resource management, the Navy was able to follow a proactive strategy that provides lower costs of labor. In this case, Navys human resources planners analyzed the labor cost savings of a strategy for their civilian employees that would replace the local wage policy with national wage policies. Through the development of human resource predictions to determine labor market reactions to these changes, planners could determine whether sufficient labor supply would be available with savings of cost strategy. In this particular example, the strategic planners of Navy also considered the impact of the reduction in private sector middle management positions and found that higher quality employees could be hired. (Atwater, et al. , 1988, p 119-36) Ingersoll-Rands experience with one of its divisions also provide a good example of the results of a strong linkage between strategy of this organisation and human resource management. Ingersoll-Rands rock drilling division was experiencing rapid growth and there was a shortages of manpower. It was also necessary to train their employees to work with new technologies and wanted to control the costs of labor. The result of the integration of human resource capabilities with its strategic planning process was that the company implemented a series of programs which also included profit sharing and participation of employee as a team in every aspects. It also had employees participate in decisions about purchasing new technology and a significant commitment to technological training. (McManis, Gerald, 1988) To conclude with this last example about the integration of strategy and human resources in Maid Bess, which specialises in manufacturing uniforms. The company faces intense competition from foreign manufacturers, and controlling of labor expenses became critical. Due to the intensity of labor, the company closely integrated human resources management with the strategic planning process in order to reduce labor cost. As a result of the integrated strategic planning process, executive vice president of the company designed a compensation program that includes bonuses that increased productivity, increases in the salaries of employees and reduce turnover. (Charles R. Greer, SHRM, 2001, p 278) Conclusion In a recent years more organizations are recognizing that human resources are a source of competitive advantage. This recognition, side by side with increasing environmental uncertainty, increased pressure to control costs and increased government regulation, have elevated the strategic role of human resource management. As a result, there is increasing involvement of HRM in strategy formulation. When human resources are the source of an organizations competitive advantage, HRM plays a critical role in providing up front to enter the corporate level, the strategic planning process in order to achieve its objectives. Human resource planning is of the important linkage with the strategy of the organization by providing input on the availability of critical manpower and by adding timing process to cope with the shortage and surpluses of employees. Other strategic inputs of SHRM functions include environmental scanning and competitive intelligence. The next level of strategy formulation, SHRM help align personnel practices, policies and programs with the strategy so that desired roles of employee and their actions will support different strategies such as innovation, quality, enhancement, cooperation, effectiveness of work, ability to performance, desire to work, cost reduction etc. A typology of activities shows how human resource activities vary in their contributions to a strategically implementation. Despite recent developments, in most companies, there is still need for greater integration of human resource planning with the formulation of organizations strategy. Factors which influencing the level of integration of the include industry differences, changes in economic activity, technological changes and demographic changes. I have provided several examples of integration of strategy in organisations and its linkage with Human Resources, and also the barriers that often have limited integration in the past. To conclude with, My personal view is that human resource managers should develop the personal skills that necessary to contribute to the process of strategy formulation.