Olivio Assignment Business Law Essay

After reading the above and based on the definition of larceny in the text, is if fair to convict a person for larceny if he did not leave the premises without paying for the property in his possession? Does intent to deprive have anything to do with the outcome of a case of larceny? What do you think? Also, should the penalty for larceny vary, depending on where the individual is caught or the dollar value of the good taken? Explain According to NYS penal law (155. 05), â€Å"A person steals property and commits larceny when, with intent to deprive another of property or to appropriate the same to himself or to a third person, he wrongfully takes, obtains or withholds such property from an owner thereof†. So I believe it is fair to convict a person for larceny even if he or she did not actually leave the premises without paying for the property in his or her possession. In the case of Olivio, the story clearly stated that he stopped to look around several times, which confirms that his motive was indeed to steal the merchandise- the story also stated that he ran right past the cash registers in order to make an exit with the merchandise which further confirms that he intended to take the merchandise without paying. Which shows intent to deprive.. I believe the penalty for larceny should vary depending on the dollar value of the merchandise that was taken- I however do not think that the penalty should vary according to where the individual is caught. Where the individual is caught is irrelevant- what matters is retrieving the merchandise and or property that was stolen and punishing the person who stole it.

Leadership Skills

Leadership Assignment – 1,500 words â€Å"Leadership is a skill that anyone can learn and successfully apply† Discuss. Nothing happens without leadership. Nothing changes without leadership. Nothing develops without leadership. Nothing improves without leadership. Nothing is corrected without leadership. Everyone, everywhere, every time is always being led. Leadership is perpetually exercised daily whether by a politician, priest, parent, boss or teacher. Leaders are not born. They are made through a never ending process of self study, education, training and experience backed up with a strong desire and willpower. They grow out of opportunities and projects. What is leadership? Leadership is therefore a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs a group in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Leadership is also the capacity to influence others through inspiration generated by a passion, motivated by a vision, birthed by conviction and produced by a purpose. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge and skills. There are three basic ways to explain how people become leaders; they are: a)Some personality traits may lead people naturally into leadership roles. This is called trait theory b)A crisis or important event may cause a person to rise to the occasion, which brings out extraordinary leadership qualities in an ordinary person. This is the great events theory. c)People can choose to become leaders through the learning of leadership skills. This is the transformational leadership theory. In this theory, the leader his team to be effective and efficient. Usually, communication is the base for goal achievement focusing the group on the final desired outcome. The leader is highly visible and uses a chain of command to get things done. Transformational leaders focus on the big picture, needing to be surrounded by people who take care of details; the leader is always looking for ideas that move the group to reach their vision. Factors of leadership: There are four major factors in leadership, they are: a)Follower: Without followership, there is no leadership. It is through the followers that the leader gets his vision/s accomplished. The leader must know his/her people. The fundamental starting point is having a good understanding of human nature, such as needs, emotions and motivation b)Leader: The leader must have an honest understanding of who he is, what he knows and what he can do. Since it is the followers, not the leader who determines if a leader is successful. ; if they don't trust or lack confidence in their leader, then they will be uninspired. To be successful as a leader, you have to convince your followers, not yourself or superiors, that you are worthy of being followed. )Communication: leadership is through a two way communication system, much of which is non verbal. For instance, when the leader â€Å"sets the example† that communicates to his team that he would not ask them to perform anything that he would not ask them to do. What and how he communicates either builds or harms the relationship between him and his team. d)Situation: All are different. What is done in one situation will no t always work in another. The leader must use his judgement to decide the best course of action and the leadership style needed for each situation. For example, you may need to confront a team member for inappropriate behaviour, but if the confrontation is too late or too early, too harsh or too weak, then the results may prove ineffective. Various forces will affect these factors. Examples of forces are relationship with seniors, the skill of your team, the informal leaders within the team and how the team is organised. Skill is the ability coming from one's knowledge, practice or aptitude to do something well; since leadership is a skill, there is therefore the need to learn and grow in the application of leadership abilities. Good leadership is a result of the active practice and application of the rights skills which can become a part of the leader's style over time. Below are some essential leadership skills that should be learnt and practised for optimum performance, they are: a)Setting an example: This is the most persuasive leadership skill. A good leader sets a positive example in these ways: Following instructions: following instructions, obeying the law and carrying out tasks in the recommended manner points out that rules and procedures are important. Showing initiative: A good leader must do what has to be done without waiting to be told or forced to act. An effective leader respects the good suggestions of the group member and encourages each person to show initiative. Acting with maturity: An effective leader shows good judgement. The group members see that the leader's personal behaviour is directed towards accomplishing the task. Knowing the job: Generally, a leader should have a mastery of the skills to be used. If not, the leader must apply the resources of the group towards achieving the task. Keeping a positive attitude: a positive attitude is vital as an example to group members. The leader's personal frustration or discouragement should never be apparent. Failure should be considered a potential learning process . Enthusiasm is contagious. b)Counselling: counselling in one form or another goes on constantly as the leader works with the members of the group. It can be used to encourage or reassure an individual, to develop a more effective member of the group or help solve a specific problem. Counselling is helpful when a person needs encouragement, should have more information bearing on his or her tasks, needs helping in interpreting facts or is uncertain about what to do or the leader feels the need to correct a situation. There are six keys to good counselling: Listen carefully. Give undivided attention to what the person is saying. Ask yourself â€Å"Do I understand what the person is trying to say Summarize frequently to assure understanding , keep on track and check what is being told Additional information might be all that is needed. The person might not have all the facts or might not know all the resources available. The counsellor must be sure to give information, not advice The person must be encouraged to think of different ways of handling the problem. Above all, the counsellor must not give advice. The objective of counselling is to lead the individual to his or her own solution. c)Communication: This involves several factors such as receiving, storing, retrieving, giving and interpreting information. It is important that members of a group communicate freely with each other. To improve one's skills in communicating as a leader, the following needs to be done; Pay attention and listen carefully. Make notes and sketches Ask questions and repeat your understanding of what was said Be sure others are listening before you speak Speak slowly and clearly Draw diagrams, if needed. Ask those receiving information to take notes Have the listeners repeat their understanding of what was said. Encourage questions. d)Controlling group performance: A leader influences the performance of the group and individual members through his/her actions. A group needs control as an engine needs a throttle to keep it from running itself into the ground. A group works together best when everybody is headed in same direction. If a plan is to be properly carried out, someone must lead the effort. Control is a function that the group assigns to the leader to get the job done. Control happens as a result of recognising the difference between where the group is and where the group is going. The leader is responsible for developing a plan to help the group get to its goal. Setting the example is the most effective way of controlling the group. e)Evaluation: The skill of evaluation helps leaders to measure the performance of a group/team in getting a job done and working together. It suggests ways in which the group/leader can improve its performance. There are two basics categories of evaluation questions. After any event or activity, these questions should be asked: Was the job done? Was the job done right? Was the job done on time? Were relationships between group participant helped or hurt? Was participation equally distributed among group participants? Did the group enjoy the activity? Did the group handle conflicts well? f)Planning: This is a very essential skill that must be learnt by any leader striving to succeed on his/her assignment. The following is a simple process for developing planning skills: Consider the task and objectives. What do you want to accomplish? Consider the resources- equipment, knowledge, skills and attitude Consider the alternatives. Brainstorm Reach a decision, evaluating each option. Write the plan down and review accordingly Execute the plan Evaluate the plan g)Effective teaching: Effective teaching is a process to increase the knowledge, skills and attitude of the group. The focus is on learning, not teaching. Therefore, for teaching to be effective, learning must take place. The following steps are necessary for effective teaching to take place; they include; Choosing the learning objective Providing a discovery experience that helps the learner understand the need for the skill Demonstrating or explaining the skill Allowing the learner to practice the skill Evaluating the process

Conversation Starter Essay

Keeping pace with the rapidly growing health care industry has been a challenge for human resource (HR) professionals. Increasing health care costs, aging workforce primed for retirement over the next decade, and regulatory complexity will be prevalent challenges for human resources. (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Responding to the effects of health care reform, and counseling organizations on which actions to take are an unrelenting concern for management in human resources (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Health care providers are feeling the pressure as the industry moves to an accountable care model. With reimbursement contingent on patient satisfaction and safety, cost containment is more important than ever (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Providers are leaning on HR management to ensure their workforce is prepared to meet the challenges. Identifying and promoting talent within the organization, formal succession planning, and leadership programs can give organizations the advantage in an ever-changing industry (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Recruitment and retention of competent, skilled candidates that meet mandatory staffing ratios adds to the list of challenges HR professional will face (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Lacking qualified applicants to fill positions within the organization, human resources have turned to training and development to heighten the skills of current qualified workforce, while offering desirable salary and benefits packages to retain young workers (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Anticipated changes in demographics and social conditions will greatly influence the approach taken by HR professionals with the millions of individuals reaching retirement age. (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Many of these individuals in the workforce are not prepared financially for retirement; eliminating the chances for younger recruits to enter the profession (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Forecasted replacement needs will more than double the job openings  created by economic growth between 2008-2018 (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Knowing where the retirements will occur, and if there will be sufficient resources to replace them, will be the imposing challenge (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Human resource departments are engaged actively in employing and development of the strategies that will influence the health care industry. Reducing costs, improving patient care as well as safety, recruitment and retention of qualified applicants will be unfeasible for health care providers without active HR management in the organization. References Aberdeen Group. (2012). Aberdeen Group. Retrieved from http://htpp://blogs.aberdeengroup.com Minton-Eversole, T. (2011). Society For Human Resources Management. Retrieved from http://www.shrm.org

Business and Management Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business and Management - Personal Statement Example I also took money for giving out keys to the clients and maintained a strong relationship with the clients for continuous business transactions. My experience and passion for business have also been informed by my duration of work at Psh, a car rental company, in 2012. I worked as a part-time agent with the organization for six months where I dealt with high clients and luxury cars. In this role, I took deposits, organized appointments, and showed the cars to the clients. I believe that the skills I have gained make me competent personnel in the field of business and management. I also take myself as a multi-cultural being based on the diverse language skills I have acquired that will enable me relevant in any part of the world where the languages apply. The experience makes me qualified to own and manage my own business in the future. My hobbies include reading books, swimming, going out with friends and listening to music. The idea of learning to communicate with people of diverse language and cultural origins has appealed to me over the years, which I hope to accomplish by being my own manager in the

International Trade and Finance Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Trade and Finance Law - Essay Example This paper is a critical analysis of the Bali Agreement. According to Baldwin, Kawai and Wignaraja (2014), the Bali Agreement forged a consensus on the following issues: a development program for Least Development Countries (LDCs), more Agricultural production and Trade facilitation. First, the LDC program was the least contentious of the three areas of negotiation, principally because the letter and spirit of these programs are best attempts to improve the economic status of the underdeveloped world rather than prompting the member states to agree to binding commitments. King (2013) noted that WTO members restated their determination to eliminating unfavourable trade tariffs, quota freedom and better market access for the LDCs. However, the real developmental benefits continue to be questionable. A limited export opportunity for LDCs implies anything less than absolute coverage will be immaterial in practice. Regardless, tariffs are declining rapidly, so the benefits of Duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) regimes are following the same trend. In Amoco Oil Company v The United States, United States Court of Appeals [1984] 749 F.2d 1576, for instance, the court used the platform provided by the case to eliminate trade barriers in its decision that tax duties on imports should not be calculated based on the content of the shipments (Baldwin, Kawai, & Wignaraja, 2014). As such, improvements of regulations in countries of origin for products and non-duty hindrances would have generated better outcomes to LDCs, considering that these are the hindrances to free market access. After one-decade-and a half of service waiver occasioned by WTO members providing preferential market opportunities on service business to the underdeveloped world without having to affect the position of their developed partners was passed in 2011 by WTO Ministerial

German Immigrants Contribution in Union Army During Civil War Term Paper

German Immigrants Contribution in Union Army During Civil War - Term Paper Example Conversely, the Southerners had been a pro-slavery group. The army that was loyal to the north was referred to as the Union army, whereas, the army that was loyal to the south had been referred to as the Confederate army. The nature of the war between these two sides was such that each member of the society was to offer their services, for a charge of course, to the army allied to that region. However, it was agreed that a member could seek their replacement in the army. This was as long as they paid the person taking their place. This arrangement was significantly beneficial to the large immigrants who were seeking secure economic life and a safe place to call home. Aside from the pay, these immigrants received from the people they were replacing, they were also entitled to a salary from the army. Given this, there is no surprise that both armies were in the end characterized by an enormous number of immigrants. Germans immigrants formed a considerable percentage of these immigrants who entered the war. This paper seeks to expound on the role played specifically by these German immigrants in the American Civil War. It is imperative to mention that the analysis of the role of these immigrant soldiers will hinge on those in the Union army. This is because a majority of the German immigrants dedicated their allegiance to this side of the war. There were indeed German immigrants who went the other way. Analysis Prior to analyzing the impact of German immigrants on the American civil war, it is imperative to first expound on the factors motivating this large number of Germans into war. The first motivation was of course financial gain. An immigrant in the United States had to compete for menial work with the slaves. As such, their chances of securing gainful employment were dismal at best. This is the picture of the prospective life of an immigrant in the United States. However, enter the war and this picture transforms drastically and a ray of hope now becomes vis ible. The wage rate given by the two employers, that is the army and the individual they are replacing in the war is extremely higher than the immigrants could ever predict1. Given the gravity of the prospect of low living conditions that faced the immigrants; the power of this financial incentive cannot be overestimated. The second motivating factor hinges on the moral and emotional. A majority of the Germans who immigrated into America were escaping retribution for their role in the failed civil war, in Germany2. Amongst other vices, they were fighting against. This is a form of slavery in the context of the German word. Given this fact, it is no wonder they retaliated with any form of slavery that was still being practiced in the United States of America. However, it is crucial to point out that as society expects, they were some individuals who were not so appalled by this vice hence fighting for the other side, which is the pro-slavery southern side. An additional motivating fa ctor is hinged on the fact that, via the war, the immigrants had a golden opportunity of becoming citizens of America. This was a chance very few immigrants if any, could pass. The temptation of lawfully gaining citizenship was more than the fright of demise. This is hinged on the rationale that many of these immigrants had their families to consider. As a result of the revolution of 1848, Germany had been facing both political and economic troubles3. As such, a great number of citizens opted to

LOGIC Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

LOGIC Assignment - Essay Example As pointed out by King in his speech, the United States gave ample support to France when the Vietnamese led by Ho Chi Minh struggled for liberty from the French. The United States’ support suggests that the liberty of the Vietnam people was not in the interest of the United States government. Indeed, this fact was further buttressed when the United States government declined to recognize the independence of Vietnam even after the French has been defected. Given the support given by the United States government to the French and the role the former play after the defect of the later by the Ho Chi Minh led revolution, it is, indeed, hypocritical for Americans to play the role of liberator of the Vietnam people. This argument by Martin Luther King was reliable. King was, however, guilty of hasty generalization when he mentioned that those who question his opposition to war â€Å"do not know the world in which they live† (American Rhetoric: Online Speech Bank). In this fal lacious argument, King claimed that by questioning his opposition to war, these individuals were ignorant of who he, King, is and therefore they are ignorant of the world in which they live.

Opinion argument for or against Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Opinion argument for or against - Essay Example provide quality education to as many citizens as possible disregarding their individual peculiarities and enable them to realize their potential. If the gifted students have more potential, they should be able to realise it, and creating special classes seems to be the best way out. Still, there are some problems to be considered. The problem of striking a proper balance between standardization and individualization when deciding if the children should study separately or remain in the "ordinary" class is one of the most topical: [s]tandardizing the assessment procedures, content, and scoring criteria enables those not directly involved in the administration of the assessment to understand the conditions under which the performance occurred and the criteria against which it was scored. Thus, standardization is critical if test scores are to be understood by anyone not intimately knowledgeable about the details of the assessment procedures used to test each student. (Hager & Slocum 2005, 55) However, as the students are all quite diverse, with their own needs and peculiarities, individual approach should also not be neglected. The No Child Left Behind Act states that testing is obligatory for all the American students, including the students with disabilities. (Hager & Slocum 2005, 54) Of course, the problems of choosing an appropriate alternate assessment and the alignment of the "specialized" programs with a general curriculum arise, along with the issue of the ethical character - how reasonable it is to implement high-stakes testing to the students who are less able compared to the rest. As I have mentioned at the beginning of the paper, though I support the idea of giving the talented and motivated kids as much as possible, there are some very important and burning issues that can make this decision unfair and wrong. For me, the reasons for not placing the gifted students into the specialized classes lay in different spheres. First of all, some students who can be evaluated as non-gifted and who have problems learning, could be the victims of a subjective evaluation - their intellect and abilities might be as high as those of the students with higher scores, but there is something that prevents them from showing that (emotional problems, low self-esteem, difficult situations in the family and other personal issues, etc.) There are, however, some problems that are of a more complicated nature. Though steps are being taken to achieve equality between the Americans of different genders, races, and social and economic backgrounds, still the problem of inequality is very burning one. It has been proved by researchers that the students coming from the families of higher social and economic background receive better education in schools, and therefore they tend to have significant advantage as compared to poorer children. Black children, among whom the number of those coming from poor families is much higher than among the white kids, have a limited access to education, and therefore even a

Profile of Judy Chicago Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Profile of Judy Chicago - Essay Example Hundreds of men and women participated in the making of this art, which shows how art, by its production, can also signify the performance and output of gender equality and women empowerment. As an artist and activist, Chicago played a dominant role in the feminist art movement of the 1970s. She was concerned that, even in art, women were invisible, and that, when they did make art, their works were devalued in the art world and society because of their gender (Chicago and Meyer 127). She finished graduate studies in art, which is leverage for her as an artist. When Chicago started as an artist, she de-gendered her identity and works because of the pressures in the male-dominated art world, wherein only masculine values and expressions were acceptable (Chicago and Meyer 126). Later on, Chicago changed her surname from Gerowitz to Chicago to symbolize her gender awakening (Chicago and Meyer 126). During that time, she established the country’s first feminist art education program, the Fresno Feminist Art Program, which distinctly combined feminist consciousness-raising and radical artistic experimentation (Chicago and Meyer 125). From here, she promoted art for and by women without delimiting their ideas about womanhood. Thus, Chicago acknowledged her privilege as a graduate art student by using her knowledge and skills to improve the awareness of other female artists about the need to express, and not to undercut, their gender identities. The issues of social justice are important to Chicago because she felt the injustice of the invisibility of women as artists and as leaders in their communities. Chicago showed second-wave feminism by not starting with what she thinks feminism is, but beginning with analyzing what women think about feminisms and helping her students express their gender identities through their works in her art programs. She says in an interview with Artstor,

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Stereotypes and Prejudice Worksheet Essay Part I Select three of the identity categories below and name or describe at least 3 related stereotypes for each: †¢ Race †¢ Ethnicity †¢ Religion †¢ Gender †¢ Sexual orientation †¢ Age †¢ Disability. |Category |Stereotype 1 |Stereotype 2 |Stereotype 3 | |Ethnicity |Certain ethnicities are good at |Certain ethnicities will pursue a |Certain ethnicities live in lower | | |certain sports |certain carrer |class areas | |Gender |One gender is stronger than the |One gender cannot do certain |One gender should not do certain | | |other |things because of their gender |things because of their gender | |Race |Certain races cannot drive a |Certain races cannot dance or have|Certain races came to American | | |vehicle |rhythm |illegal |. Part II Answer each question in 50 to 100 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use. What are the positive aspects of stereotypes, if any? I think the only positive aspect of stereotypes is if a certain race, ethnicity is being put down is for it to empower the people of that group to strive more to achieve. I think someone of these groups hearing they cannot or will never do something will make them want and hopefully achieve this more. What are the negative aspects of stereotypes? The negative aspects of stereotypes is this brings down the people of these group’s self esteem and makes them believe they cannot or will never be able to do something. I think is why we see so many children grow up and become a product of their environment and where they were raised because they believe nothing more is out there for them. Part III Answer each question in 50 to 150 words related to those stereotypes. Provide citations for all the sources you use. Define stereotypes and prejudice. What is the difference between stereotyping and prejudice? Use examples to illustrate the differences. Stereotypes is a thought adopted about specific types of people or certain ways of doing things and prejudice is making a judgement of someone or something before knowing everything. I think both play the same role, but with stereotyping we already have thoughts or beliefs in our head about a certain group, and prejudice we see a certain group or anything and make an opion about it without knowing the full truth. With stereotypeing we see a certain ethnicity and we stereotype them they are a drugdealer, play basketball. With prejudice we see someone who is dirty standing somewhere we will judge and say they are homeless and going to ask for money. What is the relationship between stereotyping and prejudice? I think the relationship between stereotyping and prejudice is they are both putting down a certain group or individual person without knowing the full truth about them. I think we as children devlop this traits and as we get older and see more the world they get worse and we are quicker to pass judgement towards someone and stereotype some to make us feel like a better person or make someone else feel less of a person. What can be done to prevent prejudice from occurring? I think prejudice will continue to happen, but the biggest thing people could try to do is get the full truth or fully look at what is in front of them before just passing judgement without knowing the whole story. I think we need to forget the stereotypes certain groups of people have been given and make our own decision on people we come in contact with and see.

A Strategic Analysis Of Tesco

A Strategic Analysis Of Tesco This report is set out in order to evaluate the marketing strategy adopted by Tesco along with how they gain a competitive position internationally through globalisation. Under the findings of this report the approach which will be evaluated will be related to Porters competitive positioning. This will be used to show how Tesco gain a competitive advantage over their rivals such as Asda using the generic strategy. The five force framework will also be investigated to anaylse the competition it faces and finally how Tesco segments there market, identifying the gaps available to develop. In order to write this report a collection of different sources were used. These sources included books, journal articles, media articles, websites, Tescos annual reports and information from Tescos website. The information gained from these sources helped to discover how Tesco manages to gain the competitive advantage in their industry. It has also helped to focus the importance of successful competitive positioning with models from Porter to establish the position in the minds of the consumer. 1.0 Introduction This report includes a theoretical model which will reflect the practice of Tesco in relation to strategic analysis. It will look at the competitive positioning approach and the models/concepts used by Porter to gain a competitive advantage over Tescos rivals. By doing this it will show what other companies in the industry would need to do in order to take over the competitive advantage that Tesco have. Strategy is based on the long term of a business and is the direction and scope of the organisation. It aims to achieve advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences (Johnson et al, 2008). There are generally three different levels of strategies associated with organisations. The top level is known as the corporate level strategy which is alarmed with the overall purpose and extent of the organisation. The second is the business level strategy which looks at particular markets and how to compete successfully in them and the third level is the operational strategies which look at how the organisation delivers successfully (Johnson et al, 2008). 2.0 Findings 2.1 History of Tesco Tesco began when Jack Cohen first opened a market stall in the East end of London in 1919 and since then began trading in 1924. This shows that Tesco has been serving customers in the UK for the best part of a century. Today, they class themselves as much more of a weekly shop as they have introduced new services, products and ways to shop all driven by their Every Little Helps philosophy (Tesco, 2008). In the last decade Tesco has grown their business to become the worlds third largest grocery retailer by determining an excellent level of service wherever they operate. They have a strategy for growth which is based in five parts. These include core UK business, non food, international, retail services and the community (Tesco, 2008). Tescos market share is still growing just short of 7% although that is not as fast as it was. This is because at present the economy is in a recession and so customers are changing their habits (Leahy, 2008). According to the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), the UK food industry group predicts that Tesco will grow at a faster rate than Carrefour in the coming four years. Tescos growth will be spurred by international expansion in markets such as China, the US and India (Hall, 2008). This means that Tesco who are currently the UKs biggest retailer will leapfrog Carrefour by 2012 to become the second largest retailer in the world after Wal ­Mart (Hall, 2008). Within the UK, Tesco employ over 280,000 employees and have over 2,100 stores. Tesco stores have four different formats (See Appendix 1). These are the express stores which sell a range of up to 7000 products with the first express store opening in 1994. The metro store first opened in 1992 bringing the convenience of Tesco to town and city centre locations. The Tesco superstores began in 1970s and in recent years these stores have been introduced to a number of new non ­food ranges such as DVDs and books. Finally the Extra stores have been operating from 1997 and offer the widest range of food and non ­food lines. These products range from electrical equipment to homewares, clothing, health and beauty and seasonal items such as garden furniture. Along with food and non ­food products in different stores, Tesco also offers retailing services (See appendix 2). Tesco Personal Finance (TPF) has the choice of 26 products within their successful market. These range from their savings accounts and credit cards to car and travel insurances. Tescos strategy for growth (see appendix 3) has been well established and consistent which has allowed them to expand into new markets. The rationale for the strategy is to broaden the scope of the business to enable it to deliver strong sustainable long term growth (Tesco Strategy, 2008). 2.2 Competitive Positioning Competitive positioning emphasizes the importance of the environment and provides useful tools for analysing the business in the context of its industry (Campbell et al, 2002 p.298) Competitive positioning is the degree of difference in choice of product or service against the competitor (Lynch, 2003). The competitive positioning approach used by Porter, argues that the position of an organisation is successful if it places itself towards the environment (Campbell, 2002). Positioning within any organisation is achieved through the minds of the consumer and this is what enables businesses to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals (Darling, 2001). A strategic fit is used between an organisation and the environment which again is a way to gain competitive advantage. This is based on Porters Generic Strategy Framework (See appendix 4) (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.3 Identification and application of the models, concepts and theories used in competitive positioning within Tesco 2.3.1 Porters Five Forces The five forces framework (see appendix 5) was developed by Porter and is used in most industries to analyse competition, as it is of value to most organisations providing a useful starting point for strategic analysis (Campbell et al, 2002). Porter suggests that it is the structural characteristics of an industry (the five forces) that determine the relative success or failure of a firm (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002 p.124). The five forces framework is complex in that different industries could be emerging, maturing or declining and Porter is able to recognise that his competitive strategies would need to vary accordingly (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002). He believes that competition in an industry is rooted in its underlying economic structure (Jenkins Ambrosini, 2002 p. 29). Johnson et al, 2008 define the five forces as:â‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The threat of entry into an industryâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The threat of substitutes in the industrys products or servicesâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The power of buyers of the industrys products or servicesâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The power of suppliers into the industryâ‚ ¬Ã‚    ·Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚   The extent of rivalry between competitors in the industry For more information on the five forces see table one. A criticism of the five force framework is that Porter implies all competitors within an industry are equal. However, this is not always true as it could be the size of the industry which is causing the threat. Also the macro ­ environment must be regularly reviewed due to the continuous movement as the five forces cannot be applied in isolation (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.3.2 Application of Porters Five Force Framework in Tesco Porters five force framework is used within Tesco in order to examine the external factors impacting upon their company. In relation to the threat of entry into an industry, Tesco along with rivals such as Asda, Sainsburys and other supermarkets put up extensive barriers to entry within their industry (Research Papers, 2007). An example of what Tesco accomplish within the market of certain products means that a new supermarket would not be able to find a cheap, reliable supplier. This would mean that Tesco has the advantage of buying in bulk giving them economies of scale (321 Books, 2007). The power of the buyer in Tesco can force down the price of products, as if buyers want products they know they can get cheaper in another supermarket it is more than likely that the buyer will move to the other supermarket. This means that supermarkets have a disciplined approach to setting the price of their products. Supermarkets destroying each other over profits are prevented due to the discipline used within Tesco (Research Papers, 2007). Tesco uses the power of the supplier to their own advantage. However, the price of products are demanded by the supplier otherwise the retailer will not be delivered the goods to sell (Research Papers, 2007). This would create poor customer service and a bad relationship with the suppliers. With Tesco being a larger supermarket, it has an advantage over smaller shopkeepers as they can dictate the price they are prepared to pay the supplier, as if they do not agree to this they will lose business in the long run (321 Books, 2007). Tesco has a very high competitive rivalry in food retail with competitors such as Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Waitrose. All these competitors compete on price, products and promotions periodically (321 Books, 2007). The five force analysis is also complemented with another technique know as a SWOT analysis which is used to create synergy. A SWOT analysis of Tesco can be found in appendix 6. In order to gain new sales opportunities the major retailers in the UK such as Tesco must expand their product categories which is causing intense rivalry between the UK supermarkets (Hackney Birtwistle, 2006). There is also rivalry with competitors over the operation of online facilities, although Tesco has been proven to be the most successful in implementing their strategy. Due to this it means Tesco can sustain a competitive advantage. Sustaining a competitive advantage can be gained in three different ways which is shown in appendix 7 (Hackney Birtwistle, 2006). 2.3.3 Porters Generic Strategy Porters generic strategy framework is used to gain a competitive advantage and is the oldest approach based on an outside ­in approach. It is known as this as it examines the environment and then decides how to achieve a strategically desirable position (Campbell et al, 2002). However due to the recession the economy is in at present, the question relating to Porters generic strategy is it possible that Tesco can afford to look into the environment? (McNeilly, 2008) Generic strategies are used to attain above average performances within an industry in order to gain a competitive advantage. The generic strategies contain cost leadership, differentiation, cost focus and differentiation focus and can be found in appendix 4 (De Wit Meyer, 2004). Porter has argued that businesses should not get stuck in the middle so must choose either a differentiation or cost leadership strategy (Campbell et al, 2002). Competitive advantage within the broad segments of an industry include the cost leadership and differentiation strategies whereas the narrow segments of an industry aim to gain a cost advantage and include cost focus and differentiation focus. However, different industries will vary widely meaning the generic strategies must relate to that particular industry (De Wit Meyer, 2004). The Tesco generic strategy which is used will have to be cost leadership unless they can successfully differentiate their line of clothing so that they can begin to charge a premium price (Johnson et al, 2007). A critique of Porters generic strategies by Bowman is that he believes competitive advantage should be more effective within an organisation than its competitors in order to provide customers with want they want or need. Due to this criticism Bowman developed the strategy clock (see appendix 8) (Johnson et al, 2008). Positioning and competitive advantage can be gained using the strategy clock as it makes managers aware of how changing requirements of their markets and choices can be made (Johnson et al, 2008). In relation to the strategy clock developed by Bowman, Tesco adopts the hybrid strategy as it accepts elements of both cost leadership and differentiation (Campbell et al, 2002). A hybrid strategy seeks simultaneously to achieve differentiation and a price lower than that of competitors (Johnson et al, 2008, p.230). However, it could be argued that the price of products used by Tesco should not need to be lowered if differentiation can be achieved. The reason behind this is, Tesco should be able to obtain their prices at least equal to competitors such as Asda and Morrisons if not higher due to them being market leader (Johnson et al, 2008) Johnson et al, 2008 believe that Hybrid strategies can be advantageous for a number of reasons as detailed below: v Tesco is achieving a high standard of market share in the UK. This is due to the grater volumes being achieved over their competitors, meaning their margins could still be superior due to the low ­cost base they have. v Hybrid strategies can be used as an entry strategy in the market where there are established competitors. Tesco adopts this strategy when developing their global strategy. It allows them to target competitors and enter the market in different geographical areas with superior products at low prices. This enables them to get established and gain customer loyalty. 2.4 Identification of market segmentation A market segment is a group of customers who have similar needs that are different from customer needs in other parts of the market (Johnson et al, 2008, p.77). The advantages of market segmentation are shown in appendix 9. Typical bases for segmentation of markets are: v Demographic variables which include difference of age, stages of the family life cycle, gender, income, occupation, education, race and religion. v Geographic variables such as difference by country, region, type of housing/neighbourhood v Psychographic variables which exploit the lifestyle, personality or intelligence differences between people v Behavioural variables such as attitudes to brand loyalty, frequency of use, consumption occasion (Campbell et al, 2002, p.95). Tesco appeal to all customers as the products they sell attracts customers from low incomes to those who are more affluent (McNeilly, 2008). Their product choice is increasing in diversity which ranges from healthy living products, free from products, special healthy kids snacks, organic products and fair ­trade products (Tesco, 2008). This means they segment successfully which is shown in their profits (McNeilly, 2008). For Tesco customer segmentation see appendix 10. Due to segmentation, Tesco have recently identified a few gaps in the market which has enabled them to react to these particular markets before competitors notice them. The first gap they identified was the music download service which will have a major impact on Apples position as it will allow people to legally purchase and download (Beaumont Warman, 2008). Tesco digital is there new venture and plans to play Apple at its own game (Beaumont Warman, 2008). Another area were Tesco has identified a gap in the market is with cheese. The Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) have added a range of four different cheeses to their portfolio which they have launched in 650 Tesco stores. These are known as the 1st grade range and include mild, mature, Ploughmans vintage and red Leicester. These cheeses are aimed at a gap in the market between everyday brands and niche offerings (The Grocer, 2008). 2.5 Globalisation According to Lasserre, 2007 Globalisation is the phenomenon of the transition of industries whose competitive structure changes progressively from multinational to global. Industries such as telecommunications, processed food, personal care and retail are in the process of globalisation. It is also associated with consistency of products and practices alongside a high level of co ­ordination and integration of activities in Tesco value chain (Lasserre, 2007). See appendix 11 for this. According to Inkpen Ramaswamy, 2006 p.14 global companies must understand customers from the perspective of both domestic and international standards and must have the ability to learn in multiple locations far from the home base. The models which will be analysed to explain the basis of global strategy are Porters global generic strategies, Yips driver framework and Porters Diamond theory. 2.5.1 Porters global generic strategy When looking at globalisation, Porter adapts his generic strategy framework to global conditions. This model suggests five strategy alternatives what a business can use when operating internationally as shown in appendix 12. These five alternatives are positioned either with the extent to which the business is globalised or by the scope of the competitors within the industry (Campbell et al, 2002). In relation to Porters global strategy he considers that competitive advantage results from the global scope of an organisations activities and the effectiveness with which it coordinates them (Campbell et al, 2002, p.268). He also argues that configuration of value ­adding activities and coordination of value ­adding activities is what global competitive advantage depends upon (Campbell et al, 2002). Tesco has demonstrated that their value ­adding activities of allowing customers to shop for all of their needs under the one roof, has enabled them to gain a global competitive advantage effectively. 2.5.2 Yips Globalisation driver framework Yips Globalisation driver framework develops the concept of total global strategy and is much more useful than Porters global generic strategy framework as it evaluates both the overall degree of globalisation within an industry along with demonstrating the features of an industry which are more or less global naturally (Campbell et al, 2002). Yip also believes that his framework helps identify areas of an industry which are global and aspects of the industry which differ locally. Managers of businesses which are global should create their global strategy on the basis of the analysis made for the globalisation drivers (Campbell et al, 2002). 2.5.3 Porters Diamond Theory Sustainable competitive advantage is needed in any business international strategy. When entering into a foreign market/country a business will be at a disadvantage so must have competitive advantages in order to overcome this issue (Johnson et al, 2008). This can be done as Tesco has been successful in many different markets such as Europe, Asia and the US. For a list of countries which Tesco operate in and the year they first opened in that particular country see Table 2. Porters Diamond theory explains how some businesses such as Tesco have a sustained competitive advantage in their industry when their competitors have not been as successful (Johnson et al, 2008) Tesco have more than ten years experience overseas due to their international strategy which contains six elements. These are to be flexible, act local, maintain focus, use multi ­ formats, develop capability and build brands. This is the reason behind how they are able to sustain a competitive advantage and are the third largest supermarket worldwide (Tesco, 2008). Appendix 14 shows the determinants of national advantages using Porters Diamond theory. 3.0 Conclusion Recommendations From the findings of this report, there is evidence to suggest that Porters strategies are relevant in todays grocery industry in relation to competitive positioning. These strategies which Porter uses relate to all types of industries and they help businesses to gain a competitive advantage as in the case of Tesco. By having these strategies in place it has allowed Tesco to gain this competitive advantage in the UK and overseas making them the third largest grocery retailer in the world. These strategies have been used successfully for over twenty years and will continue to be successful in the future. At present the economy is in a recession, meaning that people are spending less and changing their behaviour and habits when it comes to shopping. However, Tesco try to assure their customers that they are about value so there is no need for them to shop anywhere else. Growth is what Tesco believe in and even though the economy is in a recession they have planned and prepared long ­term to expand and invest in the UK and internationally which will create up to 30,000 jobs. In recent recessions Tesco continued to invest which they believe is one of the best things they have done and will continue to invest during this economic recession. Ref erence s Johnson et al (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy, eight edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Tesco (2008). Tesco PLC [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/ Leahy, T. (2008). Tesco Interim Results, 2008 ­2009: Full Interview [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/results/r2008/sirterry_interview090 8/ Hall, J (2008). Tesco to be world number two by 2012 [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/tsco/3691672/tesco ­to ­ be ­wor Campbell et al, (2002). Business Strategy: An introduction, Second Edition, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth ­Heinemenn Lynch, R (2003). Corporate Strategy, third edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Darling, J. (2001). Successful competitive positioning: the key for entry into the European consumer market, European Business Review, 13, (4), pp.209 ­ 220 Jenkins Ambrosini (2002). Strategic Management: A multi ­perspective approach, Hampshire, Palgrave Research Papers (2007). Porters Five Forces on Tesco. [Internet] Available from: http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Porters ­5 ­Forces ­Tesco/108949 321 Books (2007). Porters Five Forces at Tesco PLC. [Internet] Available from: http://www.321books.co.uk/catalog/tesco/porters ­five ­forces.htm Hackney Birtwistle (2006). The UK grocery business: towards a sustainable model for virtual markets, International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 34, (4/5), pp.354 ­368 McNeilly, A (2008). Globalisation and the multinational Lecture Notes [24.11.08] De Wit Meyer (2004). Strategy process, content, context, third edition, London, Thomson Beaumont Warman (2008). Can Tesco topple iTunes? [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/3357071/can ­tesco ­ topple ­itunes The Grocer (2008). DFB 1st Grade targets gap in cheese market [Internet] Available from: http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articlesID=195740 Lassere, P (2007). Global Strategic Management, second edition, Hampshire, Palgrave Inkpen Ramaswamy (2006). Global Strategy, New York, Oxford University Press Inc Morris, T (2004). Tesco: a case study in supermarket excellence, New Zealand, Corolis Research Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Bib liog rap hic Ref erencing Beaumont Warman (2008). Can Tesco topple iTunes? [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/3357071/can ­tesco ­ topple ­itunes Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Campbell et al, (2002). Business Strategy: An introduction, Second Edition, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth ­Heinemenn Darling, J. (2001). Successful competitive positioning: the key for entry into the European consumer market, European Business Review, 13, (4), pp.209 ­ 220 De Wit Meyer (2004). Strategy process, content, context, third edition, London, Thomson Hackney Birtwistle (2006). The UK grocery business: towards a sustainable model for virtual markets, International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 34, (4/5), pp.354 ­368 Hall, J (2008). Tesco to be world number two by 2012 [Internet] Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/tsco/3691672/tesco ­to ­ be ­wor Inkpen Ramaswamy (2006). Global Strategy, New York, Oxford University Press Inc Jenkins Ambrosini (2002). Strategic Management: A multi ­perspective approach, Hampshire, Palgrave Johnson et al (2008). Exploring Corporate Strategy, eight edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited Lassere, P (2007). Global Strategic Management, second edition, Hampshire, Palgrave Leahy, T. (2008). Tesco Interim Results, 2008 ­2009: Full Interview [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/results/r2008/sirterry_interview090 8/ Lynch, R (2003). Corporate Strategy, third edition, Essex, Pearson Education Limited McNeilly, A (2008). Globalisation and the multinational Lecture Notes [24.11.08] Morris, T (2004). Tesco: a case study in supermarket excellence, New Zealand, Corolis Research Research Papers (2007). Porters Five Forces on Tesco. [Internet] Available from: http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Porters ­5 ­Forces ­Tesco/108949 Tesco (2008). Tesco PLC [Internet] Available from: http://www.tescoplc.com/ The Grocer (2008). DFB 1st Grade targets gap in cheese market [Internet] Available from: http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articlesID=195740 321 Books (2007). Porters Five Forces at Tesco PLC. [Internet] Available from: http://www.321books.co.uk/catalog/tesco/porters ­five ­forces.htm Appendix 4 Competitive Advantage Differentiation Broad Cost Leadership Differentiation Asda Waitrose Tesco Competitive Scope Sainsburys Cost Focus Differentiation Focus MS Delicatessens Narrow The Generic Strategy Framework. De Wit Meyer, 2004 p. 262 Appendix 5 The Five Forces Framework Potential entrants Suppliers Threat of entry Competitive Rivalry Bargaining Power Bargaining Power Buyers Threat of substitutes Substitutes Johnson et al, 2008 p.60 Appendix 6 SWOT analysis of Tesco Strengths: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Tesco within the global market place won retailer of the year award 2008. this can drive advantage towards future growth and sustainability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Although global retail sales are declining, Tesco Group have gained sales of 13% in the UK and 26% growth internationally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ As Tesco look to expand they have reserved funds of credit available Weaknesses: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduced profit margins can be the case of Tescos position as a price leader in the UK à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Tesco Finance profit levels were caused through bad debt, credit card arrears and household insurance claims. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due to current economy at present, Tesco will suffer due to the cost of living and lower disposable income Opportunities: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Statistics show that economies of scale can be gained through buying power, which is why Tesco are the third largest global grocer à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Due to the acquisition in Asia there is opportunity for further growth internationally à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Further growth and development will be made with Technology Threats: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The credit crunch has affected the UK and American markets so Tesco will focus on lower priced products à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Wal ­Mart who are world leaders put persistent threats of takeover on Tesco à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Products areas may need to be evaluated due to changes in consumer buying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ profit margins may be affected by the rise in raw materials Business Teacher (2008). Tesco Swot Analysis, [Internet] Available from: http://www.businessteacher.org.uk/business ­resources/swot ­analysis ­ database/tesco ­swot ­analysis/ Appendix 7 Sustaining competitive advantage Price ­Based strategies à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Accept reduced margin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Win a price war à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce Costs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Focus on specific segments Differentiation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Create difficulties of imitation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Achieve imperfect mobility (of resources/competences) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reinvest margin Sustaining Competitive Advantage Lock ­in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Achieve size/market dominance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ First ­mover advantage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reinforcement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rigorous enforcement Johnson et al, 2008. p. 225 Appendix 8 The Strategy Clock: Competitive strategy options High Perceived product/service benefits Low Price 2. Hybrid 3. Differentiation 4. Focused Differentiation 5. 6. 1. No Frills 7. Strategies destined 8. for ultimate failure Low Low High Price Needs/risks 1. No frills Likely to be segment specific 2. Low Price Risk of price war and low margins; need to be cost leader 3. Hybrid Low cost base and reinvestment in low price and differentiation 4. Differentiation a) Without price premium Perceived added value by user, yielding market share benefits b) With price premium Perceive added value sufficient to bear price premium 5. Focused differentiation Perceived added value to a particular segment, warranting price premium 6. Increased price Higher margins if competitors do not follow; risk of losing market share 7. Increased price/ low value Only feasible in monopoly situation 8. Low value/ standard price Loss of market share Appendix 9 Target market selection Differentiation Market Segmentation Tailored marketing mix Opportunities and threats Jobber, 2004 p, 275 Appendix Firm Infrastructure Support Activities Human Resource M

Artistic Expression in 18th and 19th Century America :: American America History

Artistic Expression in 18th and 19th Century America The first settlers in the New World faced unpredictable hardships. The men of the Virginia colony had enough trouble learning to live off the land, let alone having to defend themselves from native attacks. Famine proved to be a hard obstacle to conquer for all of the new colonies. New England, while having a more suitable climate for the prevention of diseases, also had its conflicts with local tribes. The Puritan ideals of New England were very strict especially in regard to private indulgences, including art. The only type of art that was "acceptable", were portraits, almost exclusively of upper class citizens and clergy. Through the years leading up to the revolution, however, as the population became diversified, new ideas started to influence popular thought. There were many different cultures coexisting as well as different social classes. However, as was the standard in Europe, only the upper class people were part of the "art world". Look at paintings from the per revolutionary era, including The Mason Children: David, Joanna, Abigail, (unknown artist), Hanna Minot Moody (Joseph Badger), New England Merchant (Charles W. Peale), Portrait of Elizabeth, The Artist's Daughter (John Singleton Copley), we notice many similarities among them. As stated previously, they are all portraits. All of the subjects are portrayed in very fine clothes and are obviously posing for the painting. Most of these works have little or nothing at all in the background. One gets a very "cold and sterile" feeling when looking at these, and they are most certainly intended not for artistic expression but simply to record the image. "As late as 1800, owing to the limited economy of the Colonies as well as the Puritan’s prejudice against idolatry and their regard for art as a luxury, portraiture was the only accepted form of expression in painting." (Bazin 341). In the period following the American Revolution up to the turn of the eighteenth century, we start to see some subtle yet significant changes in the popular artwork. We can see a much bolder use of color and background, as in C.W. Peale’s Benjamin and Eleanor Ridgely Laming (1788) and Mather Brown’s Sir Richard Arkwright (1790). Emotion is shown of the faces of the subjects and Ralph Earl showed the Striker Sisters (1787) with their arms around each other and pleasant, happy smiles on their faces. Mr. Peale’s work shows the physical attraction between Benjamin and Eleanor.

Earthquake Loads & Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings :: essays research papers

Earthquake Loads & Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Summary  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earthquake Design - A Conceptual Review  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earthquake Resisting Performance Expectations  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Key Material Parameters for Effective Earthquake Resistant Design  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earthquake Design Level Ground Motion  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4 6.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elastic Response Spectra  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4 6.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Relative Seismicity  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 6.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Soil amplification  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Derivation of Ductile Design Response Spectra  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Analysis and Earthquake Resistant Design Principles  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 8.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Basic Principles of Earthquake Resistant Design  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 8.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Controls of the Analysis Procedure  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 8.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The ‘Conventional’ Earthquake Design Procedure  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 9.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Capacity Design Philosophy for Earthquake Resistance  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 9.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  General Approach  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 9.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Implications of Capacity Design  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12 10.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earthquake Resistant Structural Systems  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12 10.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Moment Resisting Frames:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12 10.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shear Walls  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 10.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Braced Frames  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 11.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Importance & Implications of Structural Regularity  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 11.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  General  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 11.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vertical Regularity  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 11.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Horizontal Regularity.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 11.4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Floor Diaphragms  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 12.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Methods of Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 12.1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Integrated Time History Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 12.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Multi-modal Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 12.3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Equivalent Static Analysis  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 13.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Trends and Future Directions  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  16 14.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Conclusions  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  16 15.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  References  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  17 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Summary The primary objective of earthquake resistant design is to prevent building collapse during earthquakes thus minimising the risk of death or injury to people in or around those buildings. Because damaging earthquakes are rare, economics dictate that damage to buildings is expected and acceptable provided collapse is avoided. Earthquake forces are generated by the inertia of buildings as they dynamically respond to ground motion. The dynamic nature of the response makes earthquake loadings markedly different from other building loads. Designer temptation to consider earthquakes as ‘a very strong wind’ is a trap that must be avoided since the dynamic characteristics of the building are fundamental to the structural response and thus the earthquake induced actions are able to be mitigated by design. The concept of dynamic considerations of buildings is one which sometimes generates unease and uncertainty within the designer. Although this is understandable, and a common characteristic of any new challenge, it is usually misplaced. Effective earthquake design methodologies can be, and usually are, easily simplified without detracting from the effectiveness of the design. Indeed the high level of uncertainty relating to the ground motion generated by earthquakes seldom justifies the often used complex analysis techniques nor the high level of design sophistication often employed. A good earthquake engineering design is one where the designer takes control of the building by dictating how the building is to respond. This can be achieved by selection of the preferred response mode, selecting zones where inelastic deformations are acceptable and suppressing the development of undesirable response modes which could lead to building collapse. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Earthquake Design - A Conceptual Review Modern earthquake design has its genesis in the 1920’s and 1930’s. At that time earthquake design typically involved the application of 10% of the building weight as a lateral force on the structure, applied uniformly up the height of the building.

Bleikasten’s Literary Analysis of Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury Ess

Bleikasten’s Literary Analysis of Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury By focusing on the figure of Caddy, Bleikasten’s essay works to understand the ambiguous nature of modern literature, Faulkner’s personal interest in Caddy, and the role she plays as a fictional character in relation to both her fictional brothers and her actual readers. To Bleikasten, Caddy seems to function on multiple levels: as a desired creation; as a fulfillment of what was lacking in Faulkner’s life; and/or as a thematic, dichotomous absence/presence. The first section of the essay, â€Å"The Most Splendid Failure,† examines The Sound and the Fury as a(n) (ironic) modern recognition of the novel as a failed art form – if not language as a failed communicator. Bleikasten recognizes the novel as a reversal of reading, a realization of experience, adventure, and life. Because Faulkner was (apparently) not writing for the public, The Sound and the Fury acted as an â€Å"intranarcissistic† object, a â€Å"self-gratification,† which honestly makes me imagine the novel as a form of grandiose masturbation. And Bleikasten would have to admit that I am not too far off. He writes, â€Å" †¦ the aesthetic is made one with the erotic† (415). But then the essay takes an odd turn. This self-gratifying fulfillment becomes a replacement of either a missing sister or a dead daughter (the latter of which I don’t understand because Faulkner’s daughter did not die - was she perhaps very sick as an infant?) It seems that Bleikasten is now associating the erotic with the familial - not that incest is an inappropriate topic of conversation. However, Bleikasten does not acknowledge this connection and I cannot understand how Faulkner was implying an incestuous desire in his somewhat romanticized... ...age of the novel (neglecting to mention the same one at the end) that confuses and upsets Benjy: â€Å"caddie† versus â€Å"Caddy,† calling on the ambiguities and failing qualities of language, and seeming to draw his essay into a neat circular argument. But he then continues in a somewhat random discussion of Caddy as simultaneously nowhere and everywhere and as a symbol of/for water. He briefly looks at the role of memory in response to a disappeared, yet obsessed-upon figure, although the purpose of this discussion eludes me. Bleikasten ends by accepting Caddy’s elusiveness as necessary given her role in a modern novel and as a woman who cannot be grasped both by male characters and a male author – but what about us female readers? Can we grasp her by reading into Faulkner’s language, or has his failed storytelling blocked her off from any potential female understanding?

Issues with Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

Discuss the issues with classification and diagnosis In order to diagnose the symptoms of mental health disorders , practitioners use classification systems like the DSM which classifies the symptoms of schizophrenia. The DSM has been criticised for issues including cultural problems and the overlap of disorders such as schizophrenia with depression. The DSM is used to diagnose patients with a disorder and indicates what treatment they will require. Other problems involved with the classification includes inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability.Ronsenhan conducted a study which demonstrated the issue of reliability. Participants with no mental health administrated themselves into a practice by saying they could hear noises in their head saying ‘thud’. Once the participants were admitted they behaved normally however they were still interpreted as schizophrenic. This raises issues on the reliability of the classification as it suggests anyone can be admitted, and once labelled with a diagnosis every behaviour they may show is blamed on the disorder.The publication of the DSM-III in 1980 was designed as offering a much more reliable classification system in order to diagnose disorders. Carson claimed it would fix all problems of reliability for once and for all allowing agreement between psychiatrists to who and who did not have schizophrenia. Despite these claims there is still little to no evidence proving its reliability and a study conducted by whaley found the inter-rater reliability was as low 0. 11. Whaleys research is into inter-rater reliability is supported by the findings of majtabi and Nicholson.In this research 50 senior psychiatrists were asked to distinguish between ‘bizzare’ and ‘non bizzare’ behaviour, they produced inter-rater reliability as low as 40 percent proving the central diagnosis system lacks sufficient reliability for it to be a reliable method or differentiate schizophrenic sufferers and non-schizophrenics. Overall the low reliability is diagnosing and its individual systems show that the diagnosis of schizophrenia is affected by the interpretation of the psychiatrist.As the reliability is low in then leads to the questioning of the validity of diagnosis. With scientists not agreeing on patients who have schizophrenia the question of what schizhrenia actually is becomes meaningless. People diagnosed rarely share the same symptoms and outcomes. The prognosis involves 20 percent recovery to the previous level of functioning, 10 percent achieve significant improvement and 20 percent demonstrate recovery with relapses.As there is no common outcomes we can state it has low predictive validity. Bentall claims that schizophrenia is no longer a scientific category as it has too many issues involved in the classification and prognosis. As sufferers rarely demonstrate similar symptoms or outcomes assumptions have been made that it is not just one disorder but rather many disorders that have all been classed as one under the title of schizophrenia. Buckley found that schizophrenia is often comorbid with substance abuse, anxiety and depression.With concordance rates as high as 50 percent between schizophrenia and depression and 47 percent between schizophrenia and substance abuse. This makes diagnosis and prescribing treatment even harder as the categories are too narrow to be used as a valid indicator at what treatment should be carried out. Kessler proves there is a link between suicidal rates and those suffering depression comorbid with schizophrenia, with statistics only one percent attempt it with schizophrenia with 40 percent attempting it when suffering schizophrenia and depression.This supports Buckleys finding as it proves schizophrenia and depression sufferers need an entirely different treatment. There is no common universal prescription for schizophrenic patients. The frail reliability becomes even more evident when looking at the contrast of diagnosis in different cultures. Copeland found that when he gave a description of a patient to 134 us psychiatrists and 194 uk psychiatrists. While 69 percent of the us psychiatrists diagnosed the patient as schizophrenic only 2 percent of the uk did the same diagnosis.Therefor suggesting schizophrenia is a disorder that is extremely subjective to diagnosis and varies greatly from culture to culture. In conclusion it is evident there is great issues surrounding both the classification and diagnosis of schizophrenia. Findings from Buckley and Kessler suggest that schizophrenia is in fact just a term to describe multiple disorders including depression and anxiety. It is therefore difficult to accurately treat each individual patient, making the diagnosis invalid.

British Mistakes During the Revolutionary War Essay

While there are numerous contributing factors to America’s success in achieving independence, the most critical factor can be attributed to the series of British mistakes throughout the conflict. Prior to the onset of the Revolutionary War, the British government faced serious challenges, both politically and fiscally. The conclusion of the French and Indian War coupled with the fighting in Europe, India and the West Indies, left Britain with considerable debt and with few to little allies. The British government saw America as a way to generate revenue in order to assist in its recovery efforts. The fiscal stress in a post-war economy as well as various internal struggles with foreign policy, bureaucratic processes and growing concern amongst its citizens regarding the war set the stage which ultimately ended in America defeating what was the most powerful military in the world. The following paragraphs address specific reasons as to why the British failed to achieve and sust ain a strategic advantage during the American Revolution. Government Organization From the onset of the war, the British failed to provide a cohesive and unified strategic vision for the dispute with America. The organizational structure and political system was not particularly efficient in decision making or policy establishment. Decision making was lengthy and critical information and strategic decisions were done independently and often in a dispersed manner. This process considerably added to the frustrations held by the American colonialists. In addition, the British military never had one sole leader to provide and oversee a clear strategic direction of the war effort (Professor Carpenter, NWC lecture). There were often personality clashes between military commanders, heads of state and other influential roles not to mention the widespread corruption throughout all government entities which further complicated the situation. As a result of the French and Indian War, the British Army had also reduced the number of regiments. Both Naval and Army budgets were slashed resulting in less than half the forces than at the height of the previous war. The demands of maintaining a home guard as well as other critical areas such as Ireland and Gibraltar stretched forces and provided additional challenges (Professor Carpenter, NWC lecture). In addition, recruiting was also a problem, particularly for British regiments stationed in America. â€Å"Throughout the war the government experienced great difficulty in obtaining sufficient men for the ranks. Again and again it was found impossible to complete the augmentation voted by parliament† (Recruiting of Army, Chapter 3). These internal conflicts and issues led to poor command and control and ineffective strategic leadership which lacked coherence and unity. Failure to Understand the True Nature of War In order to adequately assess the British perspective of the American colonists, we must first explore the varying aspects of the environment. The British government struggled on how to sufficiently deal with the uprising in America. King George III, a great believer in preserving the British imperial interests, believed a British operation of brute force would force allegiance and submission. Although he himself didn’t have the authority, he played an active role in persuading Parliament into taking action by overtaking various key American cities. The British assumed this show of force would demolish motivation and compel the Americans to cooperate. This approach proved to be flawed. The British didn’t understand that the American complaints centered on theories of constitution, economic independence and religious concepts. Supply Chain Management In the case of the American Revolution, supply chain management will be approached from two different perspectives, the provisioning of troops as well as the overall communication strategy with regard to logistics and movement of resources. Both play a critical and equally important role in any campaign and during the American Revolution both proved to be a detriment to the British forces. From early on the British were confronted with serious challenges with providing provisions for troops operating in America. During the war, British provisioning strategy relied heavily on sustainment support to come from the homeland. The 3000-mile trip proved to a tactical hindrance in feeding the troops as well as resupplying with ammunition, blankets, shoes and armament. Often taking several months to arrive, the supplies arrived spoiled and unusable. Further amplifying the issue, the U.S. Continental Congress authorized â€Å"legal piracy† which attributed to the seizing of over 300 Bri tish ships during the war. In addition to the resupply of troops, insufficient and ineffective use of transportation resources diminished British effectiveness on the battlefield. Due to poor planning and negligent communication between commanders, the various transport agencies utilized to resupply the British army struggled with prioritizing missions and did not effectively communicate with each other. In addition, independent decisions were made to keep units on-station to move troops vice sending back to resupply. Misaligned campaign plans and the lack of communication and collaboration among commanders resulted in a confused supply chain and complications for command and control. This ultimately slowed logistics support to troops and reduced British sustainment on the battlefield. Failure to Maximize Sea Power Mahan advocates a successful navy must adopt and utilize an offensive strategy. From the onset of the American Revolution, the British did well in meeting this requirement and until the French entered the war, the British displayed an overwhelming naval superiority over the Americans, largely due to the fact that the American colonists did not have any naval forces. In the end, however, the British failed in sustain naval superiority when France and Spain entered the war. Their inability can be attributed to several critical areas; failure to adequately reinvest in the replenishment of its fleet, failure to train and equip its service members, and failure to effectively leverage naval forces in key campaigns; Saratoga and Yorktown in particular. The 3000 mile supply chain, limited resources, piracy and lack of synergy among leadership and shipping agencies did not allow for the British fleet to organize themselves for sustainment purposes nor establish, enforce and maintain sea power . Mahan maintains the two major strategies for a strong sea power is a powerful Navy and a wide reaching commerce (Mahan, Sea Power, p. 539). In order to adequately defeat the enemy, Britain needed to capitalize on the lack of naval power prior to France’s entrance into the war. By not taking appropriate steps to keep France out the war, the British effectively positioned themselves for failure. Mahan completely disagreed with how the British executed naval warfare after the French and Spanish entered the war. He believed that the British should have taken a more active approach in blockading European ports in order to bring the naval fight back to European soil. Mahan stated: â€Å"†¦the whole fortune of the war should at the first have been staked on a concentration of the English fleet between Brest and Cadiz.† (Mahan, Sea Power, 415). It was his belief that this effort would have not only weakened the public support for the war but would also bring the forces of the American allies back to Europe to contest the blockades. In addition, the British naval forces would also benefit from the much shorter supply chain in the event that their naval assets required repair. British leadership once again failed to see the strategic connection between sea power and the unified strategic vision (Carpenter, NWC Lecture). Identifying Centers of Gravity â€Å"A center of gravity is always found where the mass is concentrated most densely† (On War, p.485). Correctly identifying the center of gravity or â€Å"the hub of all power and movement, [for] which everything depends† is ultimately the most critical part of defeating the enemy (On War, p. 596). Flawed identification can prove to be costly in terms of resources, time and effectiveness on the battlefield. The British strategy during 1777-78 was to isolate colonies and systematically destroy the enemy. In order to execute, the strategy involved identifying and targeting large conglomerates of rebels, in other words attacking American cities. The British perception was by capturing cities like New York and Philadelphia the rebel forces would view this overtaking and inevitably force submission to the colonialist. The mistake in the British perception was identifying American cities as the centers of gravity. They failed to understand that the center of gravity was the Continental Army and the overwhelming public support for independence. This misunderstanding was demonstrated by British General Howe when he attempted to seize Philadelphia in order to lure General Washington to fight. The problem was that he attempted this operation independently, diverging from the planned strategy of cutting off and controlling the waterways coming in from Canada. Howe failed to understand that the center of gravity for the American colonists did not lie within a city but more in popular support for independence. In addition, by not supporting the established planned, his actions ultimately contributed to the defeat in the Battle of Saratoga. This example not only exhibits how the British misunderstood the center of gravity but also shows the command and control issues the British had as well. Lack of Diplomatic Process Arguably the most significant factor in Britain’s demise was the failure to negotiate diplomatically from the onset of the conflict and routinely throughout. As the French and Indian War winded down, the British Empire was grand, very pompous and displayed signs of arrogance. This overconfidence contributed to why they didn’t show concern in addressing the needs of the American colonists more diplomatically. This allowed the colonist to shift their focus to complete independence and strengthen their resolve for a representative democracy. Had they better understood the American objections and drive, they could have taken a more proactive approach to amicably reach a consensus and the war may have been prevented. The Americans, on the other, knew the importance of diplomatic relationships. This was demonstrated with the alliances they built with France, Spain and the Netherlands. These relationships proved to be a vital piece of their strategy. The British Army had several advantages over the colonial forces; size, training, experience, financial support, etc. Through the international relations that were forged, America reaped many benefits of financial support, ammunitions, manpower and most importantly naval support. These relationships proved to be a decisive factor in the American victory. Conclusion Overall the British demise during the American Revolution can be attributed to several key areas; lack of a unified strategy, limited to no command and control, lack of synchronization among troops, government organizational structure, untimely and unresponsive decision making and ineffective supply chain management. In addition, the adopted naval strategy failed to establish an effective naval strategy to overpower French and Spanish forces thereby increasing difficulties on the battlefield. By not clearly understanding the nature war and never really defining an overarching objective, British leadership repeatedly encountered logistic and tactical challenges were proved to be fatal for their success. Bibliography Carpenter, NWC lecture Red Team: Britain and the American War for Independence Clausewitz, C. On War. Michael Howard and Peter Paret, eds. and trans. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1989. Mahan, A. T. The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783. New York: Dover, 1987. â€Å"The Recruiting of the Army†. The Organization of the British Army in the American Revolution, Chapter 3. http://americanrevolution.org/britisharmy3.html.

Population Education Essay

It’s all about people – how the human race has grown and shaped the world around us. World population has quadrupled in the past century, changing the way we use natural resources and function as societies. Population education is the ultimate multi-disciplinary field; it’s ecology, human geography, anthropology, economics, biology, public health, sociology, environmental studies, history and civics all rolled into one, with a good bit of mathematics to help us understand where we’ve come from and where we might be headed. Population education – It’s all about people — how the human race has grown and shaped the world around us. World population has quadrupled in the past century, changing the way we use natural resources and function as societies. Population education is the ultimate multi-disciplinary field; it’s ecology, human geography, anthropology, economics, biology, public health, sociology, environmental studies, history and civics all rolled into one, with a good bit of mathematics to help us understand where we’ve come from and where we might be headed. The following are the objectives of population education. 1. To provide knowledge and understanding of the prevailing situation. 2. Create awareness among the students about population matters, environment, and supply and demand of essential commodities. 3. Provide necessary skill to evaluate the impact and consequence of population growth on society. 4. To give the knowledge of population policy and population measures. 5. To provide the knowledge of causes of population growth and government’s efforts to check it. 6. To develop awareness on the population dynamics.  7. To provide the knowledge of manpower management and resource development. 8. To enable students to know the merit of small family. 9. To known the causes of urbanization and its related problems. 10. To know about the causes of deforestation and ecological imbalance. He need of Population Education is intensely felt in recent years on the wake of unprecedented population explosion. The consequences are discussed below: 1. Increase of dependent population as about half of total populations are below 18 years. 2. Growing number of people below the poverty line.  3. Deterioration in quality of life. 4. Shortage of essential commodities. 5. Depletion of natural resources. 6. Deforestation, Ecological imbalance due to environment pollution, air pollution, water pollution. 7. Increasing slum areas due to rapid industrialization. 8. The number of unemployment on the increase. What are the Effects of population to education? Woman who have a better education want to have their children later on in life, sometimes not even having any children at all. Education can stop woman from having children. Causing the population to go down, or stay the same. What is population education? It’s all about people – how the human race has grown and shaped the world around us. World population has quadrupled in the past century, changing the way we use natural resources and function as societies. Population education is the ultimate multi-disciplinary field; it’s ecology, human geography, anthropology, economics, biology, public health, sociology, environmental studies, history and civics all rolled into one, with a good bit of mathematics to help us understand where we’ve come from and where we might be headed.

New Product Launch Marketing Plan Essay

This paper will discuss the details market profiles, key buying behaviors, and decision motivators for the consumers and organization target markets. It will explain how to manage each stage of the PLC and tactical plans for the Four P’s at each stage. It will also provide the product mix for the new offering of features and benefits, branding, and any other products in line; it will show the differentiating characteristics from competitive or substitute products, packaging and labeling, and warranties and guarantees. In addition, this paper will discuss how the company will create a new positioning statement for the product, and provide justification for the new positioning strategy. Product Mix It is believed that many users will eventually start to look for alternate products created by Q-saver. For this reason after the first year of successful operation Q-saver will provide a mix of products for consumers. Q-saver will develop handheld scanners called Q-saver light to be attached to key-chains that will serve the same purpose of the smartphone app, but available for those who were not interested in using their smart phones. Another product to be offered is a digital website subscription called Q-saver virtual that will be available for consumers to see the breakdown process of discounts for products offered amongst retailer to retailer. The benefits of the two new product offerings are convenience, variety, and knowledge to support the mission to provide consumers with the greatest set of discounts by using Q-saver for their shopping needs. The Q-saver branding label will be adhered to the new products Q-saver light and Q-saver virtual. The addition of the new products w ill provide a convenient unique approach to saving. Differentiating the characteristics of the Q-saver  features the company will make surveys of recent buyers to analyze the consumer value set against the company cost for the different features. Q-saver will consider how many people want the feature, and how long it would take to introduce it and whether the competitor could certainly copy it. The company will also consider in terms of bundles or packages, as well as consider feature customization at a higher price or a many standard packages at a lower price (Kotler, & Keller (2012). Q-saver will differentiate products by customizing them. As Q-saver continue to increase it will gather information of each individual consumer and the business partner (retailers, suppliers, and distributors) the factories are designed for more flexibility. Q-saver will meet each customer requirement as individuality designed service, products, and communication (Kotler, & Keller, (2012). Q-saver packing the design for the consumer of the product. It will be attractive the consumer will want to displayed it at their home. Q-saver is a unique packaging and has a resealed spout that will bring big benefits to the consumer and profit Q-saver. Q-saver package will: Recognize the brand Q-saver Transport expressive and influential data Enable Q-saver shipping and security Storage Benefit Q-saver consumption Q-saver will choose color of packaging that carries meanings and the culture and market segments. Q-saver labeling will identify it brand and promote the product through it attractive graphics. Q-saver responsible for having a warranty statement for returned to the manufacturer or designed repair place for all repairs, replacement, or returns. Q-saver guarantees reducible risk. Q-saver has the highest quality and it service performance are dependable. The guarantee will assure the buyer of the quality and stability of Q-saver product (Kotler & Keller, (2012). Positioning For the diversified shopper, short on time, Q-saver provides the knowledge of savings and variety with the convenience of different stores and products. Q-saver is not affiliated with just one or two stores. The smartphone and  tablet app provides access to a wide variety of stores and products, providing access to current sales promotions, brand coupons, availability and so on. The objective is to position the app in the coupon app industry to best serve the market segments concerned with time management, savings and variety. Q-saver differentiates itself from competitors by providing access to a wide array of different stores’ information as well as sales promotions, providing guidance to what promotions can align with what manufacturer coupons to get the best savings, providing services such as scan and compare, the comparison of savings with consideration of other stores and so on. The application will constantly be evolving to better serve the well-informed shopper; requesting feedback and most importantly, acting on the feedback to provide the best product possible. In conclusion, the product will give details of target market profiles, behaviors and motivators’ for the organizational target market. It will explain the tactical plans of four P’s at each stage, and explain the features benefits and all differentiating characteristics for the competitive or substitute products, packaging and labeling, and warranties and guarantees. Also, create a positioning statement, which will provide justification for new positioning strategy. Reference Choosing a Product or Service to Sell. (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/78778 Kotler, P., & Keller, K.L., (2012). Marketing management(14th.ed) Upper Saddle River. NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall What is competition in marketing?- definition, types & quiz (2003-2014). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://education-portal.com/academ/lesson/what-is-competition-in-marketing- defintion-types-quiz.html#lesson What is an offering in marketing. (2014). Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/offering-marketing-24088.html Reference Kotler, P., & Keller, K. (2011). Marketing management: analysis, planning, and control(14th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.

Eassy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Eassy - Essay Example This essay will touch on the key steps involved in the academic writing process, all of which should have critical thinking intertwined with them. The three parts of the pre-writing stage are choosing a topic, gathering ideas, and organizing data. These steps help the writer to become focused on the topic so the paper does not end up rambling on. Overall, pre-writing can be one of the most important stages of the writing process. If one does not organize data and work out a plan of action to complete the writing process, the paper may turn out unsuccessful. The first stage in the academic writing process is to critically analyze the topic. However, choosing a topic must come before this step. The writer should decide on a topic and choose how the topic shall be researched. Next, it is important to gather ideas. Gathering ideas is very important, as this is a part of the pre writing stage. During this stage, it is also important to organize data. Once the pre-writing stage is complete, the writer can begin to draft a rough copy. While drafting a rough copy, the writer will be able to critically analyze all of the researched data and put ideas into words. During this rough draft process, the paper begins to take shape as sentences are formed into paragraphs. The importance of this stage is critical because this is the basis for the entire paper. The rough copy needs to be written in three steps. These steps are important to the paper, as they allow for the paper to be properly developed. The first step is to create an opening paragraph. The opening paragraph allows the reader to become hooked on what the paper is about. The thesis of the paper is also mentioned here. In this opening paragraph, it is wise to entice the reader with information on the topic that will leave the reader wanting to know more. The body of the paper is the second step in

Business accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business accounting - Assignment Example Whole Foods Market, Inc.’s current ratio will not allow them to take more debt as compared to previous years. Although, Whole Foods Market, Inc. has made short-term investments but still there is no significant impact on the current ratio. The overall condition of current ratio reveals the fact that the current ratio which is not pretty stable and healthy as compared to the industry practice. Quick Ratio: Whole Foods Market, Inc. quick ratio is lower than the industry average. The reason behind this is the improper working capital management which makes the quick ratio more tentative in the last three years. The overall signal of Whole Foods Market, Inc. liquidity is not good and it sends a negative signal towards the debt holders and also on the debt market. Moreover, the liquidity crunch problem makes the performance of Whole Foods Market, Inc. slightly vulnerable. Debt to Equity: Dependency on debt financing is not a bad habit but it has consequences if you rely on more. Whole Foods Market, Inc. debt to equity ratio is lower in comparison with the previous year. The factors of business volume, Inc.rement in sales, fulfilment to pay the suppliers and acquisitions of fixed asset. Due to the expansion in business, Whole Foods Market, Inc. has plenty of financial obligations, most of which has been acquired through debt. In 2008, Whole Foods Market, Inc. reliance more on debt financing as compare to the previous years. Interest Coverage Ratio (TIE): This ratio suggests the fact that TIE ratio is higher in comparison with the industry because of company entertain its business with high proportion of debt financing. Although the company’s management runs business successfully and this is shown in the EBIT which suggest that the Company is keep improving in the EBIT year by year. In comparison with the ability of paying interest expense is fine in comparison with he industry