A Comparative Analysis of Research Methodologies Essay

A Comparative Analysis of Research Methodologies - Essay Example Two papers delving into learning foreign languages require a closer evaluation of research methodologies employed by the authors, to wit:   Jonathan Culpeper, Robert Crawshaw and Julia Harrison   (2008) on Activity types and discourse types: mediating advice in interactions between foreign language assistants and their supervisors in schools in France and England published in Multilingua; and Pamela Rogerson-Revell’s (2007) Using English for International Business: A European Case Study, published in English for Specific Purposes.   The study conducted by Rogerson-Revell (2007) aimed to determine the nature and role of English for International Business (EIB) with the goal of furthering measures to improve communication in international events and to use the findings in the development of effective and appropriate training materials facilitating EIB (Rogerson-Revell, 2007, p. 109). On the other hand, Culpeper, et.al.’s research was designed to address four specific objectives focusing on developing ones â€Å"understanding of interactions between French/English Foreign Language Assistants (FLAs) and their school mentors (MEs), and, more specifically, of how ‘advice’ is sought, given and received† (Culpeper, et.al, 2008, p. 297). Thereby, the Rogerson-Revel research clearly identified a concise goal while Culpeper et.al. have four-fold objectives that need to be addressed. Rogerson-Revell (2007) used the questionnaire method specifically designed to solicit both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative information focused on the use of EIB, the first language used by participants, and other languages spoken. On the other hand, qualitative data were gathered using open-ended questions on the perceptions and views of participants regarding the use of English in various international and professional meetings. Culpeper, et.al.(2008) likewise solicited both qualitative and quantitative information through audio-recorded and transcribed  information in case studies which became the basis for gathering the quantitative data needed for the study.

World Health Organization (WHO) Priorities

World Health Organization (WHO) Priorities THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS Abstract In the field of international public health policy and international public health, a significant role is played by WHO. To coordinate and direct health is the main responsibility of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a body of the United Nations (UN). To assess and monitor health trends, to provide technical support to countries, to articulate evidence-based policy options, to set standards and norms, to shape the health research agenda and to provide leadership on global health matters are the other responsibilities of WHO. In the eradication of small pox, a leading role has been played by WHO, since its creation. The current priorities of WHO are networking, publications, driving the development of reporting, substance abuse, occupational health, health eating and food safety, nutrition, aging and development, reproductive and sexual health, the mitigation of the effects of non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS/HIV. The World Health Organizations Introduction On 7th April 1948, the constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) came into force. In the field of international public health policy and international public health, a significant role is played by WHO. On 22nd July 1946, the constitution of the WHO was signed by sixty-nine countries. To coordinate and direct health is the main responsibility of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a body of the United Nations (UN) (World Health Organization, 2006). To assess and monitor health trends, to provide technical support to countries, to articulate evidence-based policy options, to set standards and norms, to shape the health research agenda and to provide leadership on global health matters are the other responsibilities of WHO. In the eradication of small pox, a leading role has been played by WHO, since its creation. The current priorities of WHO are networking, publications, driving the development of reporting, substance abuse, occupational health, health eating and food safety, nutrition, aging and development, reproductive and sexual health, the mitigation of the effects of non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, malaria and AIDS/HIV (World Health Organization, 2010). Discussion Health is being considered as a shared responsibility in the twenty-first century that involves collective defense against transnational threats and equitable access to essential care. WHO is increasingly operating in a rapidly changing and complex landscape that extends into other sectors and that influence health outcomes and opportunities, with the boundaries of public health action becoming blurred (World Health Organization, 2008). Through use of 6-point agenda these challenges are responded by WHO that addresses 2 operational approaches, 2 strategic needs and 2 health objectives. Improving performance, enhancing partnerships, evidence and information, harnessing research, strengthening health systems, fostering health security and promoting development are the six points in the agenda. The agenda of health development of WHO is directed by the ethical principle of equity, i. e. , health-promoting interventions or access to life-saving must not be denied for unfair reasons, involving those with social or economic roots (World Health Organization, 2007). Priority is given to health outcomes in vulnerable, disadvantaged and poor groups by activities of WHO, whose aim is health development. Addressing the neglected tropical areas, treating and preventing chronic diseases and attainment of health-related Millennium Development Goals are the factors that are included within its development and health agenda (World Health Organization, 2005). Through enforcement of revised International Health Regulations and by strengthening the ability of the world to defend itself collectively against outbreaks, the health safety has been fostered by WHO. For WHO, one of the highest priorities is strengthening of health systems. WHO also ensures that health systems do reach underserved and poor populations of the world (World Health Organization, 2007). It addresses areas, like, access to appropriate technology involving essential drugs, suitable systems for collecting vital statistics, sufficient financing, and the provision of adequate number of appropriately trained staff. To monitor the evolving global health situation, to articulate evidence-based policy options, and to set standards and norms, it generates authoritative health information in consultation with leading experts. With the collaboration and support of many partners, involving the private sector, civil society, donors, international organizations and UN agencies, WHO carry out its business partners implementation programs within countries. These countries are encouraged by WHO through use of the strategic power of evidence, so that the activities are aligned with the priorities established by countries, as well, with best technical practices and guidelines. Both within countries and at the international level, WHO participates in ongoing reforms aimed at improving its effectiveness and efficiency as a means of improving its performance. For the ten-year period from 2006 till 2-15, the framework for organization-wide program of results, resources, budget and work is provided by the eleventh General Program of Work, whose title is â€Å"Engaging for Health. † (World Health Organization UniceF, 2009). Core functions of WHO are set out by the General Program of Work. These core functions are assessment of health trends, monitoring of health situation, building of sustainable institutional capacity, catalyzing change, providing technical support, articulating evidence-based and ethical policy options, setting of standards and norms and monitoring and promoting their implementations, dissemination and translation of valuable knowledge, stimulating the generating, shaping the research agenda, engaging in partnerships where joint action is required and providing leadership on matters critical to the health. The attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health is the objective of WHO as set out in its Constitution. Health is not defined as the absence of infirmity or disease but a state of social, mental, and physical well-being by the Constitution (World Health Organization, 2009). For Who, the supreme decision-making body is the World Health Assembly. It is attended by delegations from all 193 member states and is held annually in Geneva. WHO has 147 country offices and 6 regional offices in which more than eight thousand people from more than one hundred and fifty countries work. Its headquarters is located in Geneva. Experts in the fields of emergency relief, economics and health statistics, and people trained to manage information, financial and administrative systems and epidemiologists, scientists, public health specialists and medical doctors are all included within the staff of WHO. Since year 1950, a â€Å"World Health Day† has been celebrated annually on 7th April, to make the founding of the WHO. For World Health Day, each year a theme is selected and a priority area of concern for WHO is highlighted by this theme. To focus on key public health issues that affect the international community, this celebration is a global opportunity. Longer-term advocacy programs are launched by WHO on this day. Since year 2001, the themes adopted by WHO were, making hospitals safe in emergencies, protecting health from climate change, international health security, working together for health, making every child and mother count, road safety, shaping the future of life, moving for health and mental health (World Health Organization, 2009). Health and urbanization were focused by World Health Day of year 2010. To make cities healthier, a global movement has been called out by WHO, with the campaign, â€Å"1000 cities 1000 lives. † To open up streets for health activities, cities are being called and events are being organized worldwide. To illustrate the things done by people in order to improve health in their cities, the stories of urban health champions are being gathered. To open up public spaces to health is the global goal of the campaign, whether it may be activities in closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicle in thousand cities, or in clean-up campaigns, town hall meetings and parks. Conclusion Working in alignment with UNAIDS strategies and objectives is considered as important by WHO that works within the UNAIDS network, in terms of AIDS/HIV (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS World Health Organization, 2006). To eradicate polio is also one of the major aims of WHO. Since its Global Polio Eradication Initiative launched in year 1988, it has been successful in helping to reduce cases by ninety-nine percent. WHO also works to promote healthy and active aging for all individuals, to improve reproductive and sexual health, to reduce mortality and morbidity and to improve health during key stages of life, such as, adolescence, childhood, the neonatal periods, childbirth and pregnancy. References Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. , World Health Organization. (2006).  AIDS epidemic update, December 2006. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=q2H0b-WY1pUCoi=fndpg=PP7dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=o81vt6dHNBsig=w-igCuZIHqhnN14d8Vl-xWjQ6ho World Health Organization (Ed. ). (2005).  Preventing chronic diseases: a vital investment. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=F1yj1OloKkECoi=fndpg=PR6dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=AjyzxbbucWsig=8uB9EYpPQVaNQJeHVO2gpjTZPeg World Health Organization (Ed. ). (2007).  International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Children Youth Version: ICF-CY. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=SWFQDXyU-rcCoi=fndpg=PR5dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=G6RLput0Jusig=ylQmuhg4-KfmHLpDjFhEDBTVstU World Health Organization (Ed. ). (2009).  Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=Ycbr2e2WPdcCoi=fndpg=PR5dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=aeG20uWfbpsig=YYv-sVCkhxmGdgvLlwVsYO2GBwc World Health Organization (Ed. ). (2009).  Global status report on road safety: time for action. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=Ndrf6DuCQHMCoi=fndpg=PP2dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=tclGNoiWXysig=87inySftslVc06SnetZIAvkOjV4 World Health Organization, UniceF. (2009). Towards universal access: scaling up priority HIV/AIDS interventions in the health sector: progress report 2009. Retrieved from:  http://apps. who. int/iris/handle/10665/44217 World Health Organization. (2006). The world health report: 2006: working together for health. Retrieved from:  https://extranet. who. int/iris/restricted/handle/10665/43432 World Health Organization. (2007). Everybodys businessstrengthening health systems to improve health outcomes: WHOs framework for action. Retrieved from:  http://apps. who. int/iris/handle/10665/43918 World Health Organization. (2008).  International Health Regulations (2005). World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=YRBoCh3ErrYCoi=fndpg=PR1dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=Xo3mvOQ5pdsig=haHbCg1_ZJ5VfctL0psN90J8oyk#v=onepageq=World Health Organizations (WHO)f=false World Health Organization. (2010).  Global tuberculosis control: WHO report 2010. World Health Organization. Retrieved from:  http://books. google. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/books?hl=enlr=id=BxV0zjM7M8oCoi=fndpg=PP2dq=World+Health+Organizations+(WHO)ots=9TlNotHoP4sig=nKT9pBQnCgx_39qCByn_4OcflyM

Road less Travelled :: essays research papers

Certain administrators, educators, and medical professionals in our ranks are recommending strange books which teach skepticism, atheism, and New Age philosophies. This present report draws the curtain back, so you will not be ignorant when these concepts and their corollary code words are presented in your area. It may all sound very exciting, mystifying, and life-changing. But it is old-fashioned Oriental mysticism in a new guise. There are churchmen and medical professionals in our ranks who claim that these books will change a person’s life. We agree. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED M. Scott Peck, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist. His most famous book is The Road Less Traveled, which was initially published in 1978. It has been a national best-seller ever since. This book, and its companion volumes by the same author, are increasingly being urged on our people. The subtitle of this book is A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth. Sounds pretty good, does it not? Do not be fooled. We are giving you an advance warning. You may find these theories taught at your own church one of these days. Peck excites the imagination to lofty flights of fancy while subtly instilling pride in one’s own wisdom. This is the secret of its fascination. It lures one on to seek a wisdom hidden from, and unavailable to, commonplace people. One might think that M. Scott Peck is a very wise man, in view of the profundity which people imagine they find in his writings; yet we will learn that, by his own admission, he is a tobacco and alcohol addict. The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. â€Å"The wisdom which spiritualism imparts is that described by the apostle James, which ‘descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.’ This, however, the great deceiver [initially] conceals.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Great Controversy, 554. M. Scott Peck teaches his readers that they must forsake the half-truths their parents have taught them and become skeptics in order to attain the level where wisdom begins: â€Å"Science is a religion of skepticism. To escape from the microcosm of our childhood experience, from the microcosm of our culture and its dogmas, from the half-truths our parents told us, it is essential that we be skeptical about what we think we have learned to date. It is the scientific attitude that enables us to transform our personal experience of the microcosm into a personal experience of the macrocosm. Road less Travelled :: essays research papers Certain administrators, educators, and medical professionals in our ranks are recommending strange books which teach skepticism, atheism, and New Age philosophies. This present report draws the curtain back, so you will not be ignorant when these concepts and their corollary code words are presented in your area. It may all sound very exciting, mystifying, and life-changing. But it is old-fashioned Oriental mysticism in a new guise. There are churchmen and medical professionals in our ranks who claim that these books will change a person’s life. We agree. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED M. Scott Peck, M.D., is a practicing psychiatrist. His most famous book is The Road Less Traveled, which was initially published in 1978. It has been a national best-seller ever since. This book, and its companion volumes by the same author, are increasingly being urged on our people. The subtitle of this book is A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth. Sounds pretty good, does it not? Do not be fooled. We are giving you an advance warning. You may find these theories taught at your own church one of these days. Peck excites the imagination to lofty flights of fancy while subtly instilling pride in one’s own wisdom. This is the secret of its fascination. It lures one on to seek a wisdom hidden from, and unavailable to, commonplace people. One might think that M. Scott Peck is a very wise man, in view of the profundity which people imagine they find in his writings; yet we will learn that, by his own admission, he is a tobacco and alcohol addict. The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God. â€Å"The wisdom which spiritualism imparts is that described by the apostle James, which ‘descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.’ This, however, the great deceiver [initially] conceals.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Great Controversy, 554. M. Scott Peck teaches his readers that they must forsake the half-truths their parents have taught them and become skeptics in order to attain the level where wisdom begins: â€Å"Science is a religion of skepticism. To escape from the microcosm of our childhood experience, from the microcosm of our culture and its dogmas, from the half-truths our parents told us, it is essential that we be skeptical about what we think we have learned to date. It is the scientific attitude that enables us to transform our personal experience of the microcosm into a personal experience of the macrocosm.

Review of Young, Muslim and French Essay

There are many advantages and disadvantages of film documentaries which can help someone learn about pretty much any topic they want to. Some documentaries are based on scientific concrete facts while others are based on opinion and feelings like the documentary Young Muslim and French. One of the advantages of the documentary format is that unlike a book or article a documentary gives someone a visual image that can help to reinforce what the documentary is talking about. For example if talking about math one could see math problems and solutions which could help them to understand what is being talked about and with a documentary like the one we watched in class we got to actually see the person that was being focused on which plays more to emotions because unlike with reading getting to see an actual person gives a visual image instead of having to form one. We all know facts cannot be changed but opinions can be with the use of visuals that convey emotion. We could see that Manal felt very compelled to wear her headscarf and that without it she felt she was dishonoring her religion and God. One good example of visuals was when she was showing off her room and there was a big yellow Pokemon Pikachu on her bed that would not have been known if there was no visuals. This helps someone to see she is a regular teenage girls who is just trying to live her life that way she thinks is best. Another advantage is that we could actually hear Manal and others talk about their opinions. While this can be done in other formats like in a book it is again good to be able to see and hear someone talk about their feelings because it makes it more realistic and gives a more lasting effect to the subject that is being spoken about. You can also hear peoples tone of voice which can to convey emotion but also allows the viewers to get firsthand experience on how someone feels about something that cannot be experienced in another format with no sound. The story was personal to Manal. However, there are also limitations to the documentary format simply because a documentary is meant to be watched and can only contain so much detail because of time constraints. In Young Muslim and French we get to see very limited opinions on the subject because there simply isn’t enough time to interview every Muslim girl in the school to see what their feelings are. There is also no time to interview parents, all the teachers or government officials to see what they feel about the subject because if they did the documentary would be hours and hours longer than people would be willing to watch. Another disadvantage to the documentary format is there the is limited amount of information that can told again because of time constraints. Very little was said as to why there was a ban on head scarves but also was Muslim the only religion targeted or were Christian Crosses no longer allowed as well and how far did the school go to stop other religious items from being in school. Many issues were briefly mentioned such as teenagers not being able to get jobs, women only seeing women doctors and people being scared of Muslims but not much information was given on any one topic but a little information on lots of topics. This documentary helped me to better understand and even made known to me that there was a ban on headscarves in French schools because previously I had no knowledge of this at all. I also liked the fact that the documentary format gave images and I could see real people which to me made the topic more real and had a great impact on me. Had I read this in a book I probably wouldn’t have given it much thought even if the book or article was about Manal but seeing a person and their struggles to finish school and follow the religion they thought was right really made things feel real to me. I think what part of this subject would be better off in a book was more about Muslim religion overall and why the French government had a problem with religious symbols in school. I also would have liked to have known more about why no religious symbols were allowed all in school. I can understand wanting a separation of church and state because not everyone believes the same thing but I would like to know more about why it wasn’t even ok to wear a headscarf or a cross because it is not really effect anyone else and is a personal clothing choice. I also would have liked to have had the opinions of more people which would have been better suited for a book because books are generally much more in-depth that a documentary. Overall, there are many advantages of the documentary format because of the way visuals, sounds and people can be used. However, there are also disadvantages and things that can be better or more effectively explained in a book.

Admiral Grace Murray Hopper

Grace Hopper graduated from Vassar College in 1928 with Phi Beta Kappa and a Vassar College Fellowship. She went to Yale University, where she earned an M. A. in 1930, and a Ph. D. in 1934. She also went to New York University as a Vassar Faculty Fellow in 1941. In December 1943 she was sworn in, and in May 1944, she joined the U. S. Naval Reserve and attended the USNR Midshipman School. Later she was commissioned as a Lieutenant and ordered to the Bureau of Ordinance Computation Project at Harvard, this is where she learned to program computers. In 1946, she went to inactive duty, then was recalled to active duty August 1967. She was appointed on 8 November 1983 as Commodore; the title of that grade changed to Rear Admiral on November 1985. She also was a senior mathematician at Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corp. in Philadelphia, and programed the UNIVAC I, the first commercial large-scale electronic computer. She stayed untill when it was bought by Remington Rand and latter merged with Sperry Corporation. At her retirement ceremony aboard the U. S. S. Constitution in Boston, Navy Secretary John F. Lehmann Jr. resented Admiral Hopper with the Distinguished Service Medal. More than 40 colleges and universities have conferred honorary degrees on Admiral Hopper, and she has been honored by her on several occasions. She was the recipient of the first Computer Sciences â€Å"Man of the Year† award presented by the Data Processing Management Association. Her entry in â€Å"Who's Who† requires 34 lines to thumbnail her accomplishments, appointments, and honors. Grace Murray Hopper spent a lot of time tring to prove that something that's never been done before isn't impossible. This lead Hopper to invent the first computer â€Å"compiler† in 1952. This software made the first automatic programming of computer language easier. Before, programmers had to write lengthy instructions in binary code for every new piece of software. Because binary code consists solely of 0's and 1's, it was difficult for programmers to get through their long tasks without a lot of mistakes. Hopper knew there had to be a solution. She wrote a new program that helped software developers from having to write binary code. Each time the computer needed instructions that were common to all programs, the compiler would have the computer refer to codes in its own memory. The compiler great advance for the computer world. After this she also invented COBOL, the first user-friendly business software program. She retired in 1986 and was remembered for questioning the impossible. She had a Ph. D. in mathematics and physics from Yale University. In her office, she had a clock that ran counterclockwise as a reminder that most problems have more than one solution.

The Role of a Property Management Company

The Role of a Property Management Company Free Online Research Papers Property management companies are tasked with the responsibility of managing almost all of the tasks that come along with real estate ownership. Probably the most important role is that of acting as a liaison between the landlord and tenant. Some of the duties of property management companies include collecting rent, responding to and addressing maintenance issues, advertising vacancies for landlords, and doing credit and background checks on tenants. In exchange for these services that they provide, property management companies charge landlords a percentage of the rent collected each month, which is typically about 10 percent of the gross rent. I personally own an investment property in the state of North Carolina which is managed by Aaims Property Management in Fayetteville (1). My rental property has a monthly rent of $1000, $100 of which is automatically taken out as monthly compensation to Aaims. At the beginning of a new contract, Aaims has the responsibility of checking the fair market value of the rental properties in the neighborhood of my home, coming to agreement with me about the monthly rent, and advertising the home for rent. Once there are prospective tenants for the home, Aaims screens and interviews the prospective tenants, does a background and credit check, and then confers with me about the final list of tenants that are eligible for the home. Upon reaching an agreement about the chosen tenants, Aaims contacts the tenants and sets up the rental lease, security deposit actions, and provides the tenants their keys. When they move-in, the tenants proceed to provide the monthly rent to Aaims Property Man agement and contact them should they have any maintenance issues or questions about the home. Aaims then directly deposits my rental payment into my checking account every month, less their 10 percent fee. If previously agreed upon in the management agreement, repair costs may be marked up by a percentage by some property managers (2). My property management company does not do this. For example, two months ago the garage door at my rental property stopped working. Aaims Property Management called a local garage door company to come out and fix it. The garage door company fixed the garage door and provided a maintenance invoice to Aaims. Aaims then paid for the repairs and deducted the costs out of my monthly rent payment. I was provided a copy of the garage door invoice along with my monthly rental statement. Some property management companies also manage home owner associations (HOAs) and condo associations. In addition to managing income and expense related activity, property managers may also manage construction, development, repair and maintenance on a property. The role of the property manager in repair and maintenance is large part of a property managers function. Property manager relations with tenants give a face to the landlord and provide them the necessary buffer, servicing their desire to profit and distance themselves from the literal tenant relationship. The property manager also acts as a face of authority to the tenants. Property managers usually do some type of inspections on the property in the timeframe of the lease. Aaims Property Management does quarterly inspections on my property. During these inspections, they check many items such as the exterior roofing and walls as well as the landscaping. On the inside, they check paint, flooring and carpets, appliances, smoke detectors, and air vents. The landlord receives a copy of this checklist upon completion of the inspection, for their records. Not anyone can be a property manager. Most states require that property managers have a real estate brokerage licensure. And if they do not have a licensure, they are considered a property management salesperson, who will closely work with a licensed broker. â€Å"Most states regulate property management by including management functions such as leasing, offers to lease, negotiating leases, renting, collecting rent, etc., as covered real estate activities. In many cases, property managers who do not engage in leasing or renting activities are exempt from licensure. The typical definition of broker also specifies that these activities are being done for another individual for a fee, commission or other valuable consideration. Individuals managing their own properties are generally exempt from licensing requirements (3).† Many real estate brokers who manage properties also double as listing and selling agents in real estate sales. Prior to Aaims Property Management managing my home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, I had the house on the market for sale by owner. One day, a woman came to my home and told me that she was an assistant for a local broker who had someone interested in purchasing my home. She gave me a business card of a broker named Laura Mussler. I called Ms. Mussler as soon as I got the chance because I was very eager to sell my home. It took a couple of days for Ms. Mussler to get back in touch with me, but when she did, she informed me that the â€Å"potential buyers† found another house that they liked more and decided to purchase that one instead. However, she told me that she would love to meet with me and discuss more options for selling or possibly renting out my home. Ms. Mussler was a very nice lady, so I agreed. Only later on did I learn that this â€Å"baitingà ¢â‚¬  technique that she used was a scam. Upon meeting with Ms. Mussler, she informed me that the houses in my neighborhood were sitting on the market for rather a long time. 2007 wasn’t a good time to sell, and I believed this being that the market had definitely taken a turn in favor of the buyers recently. Ms. Mussler presented the opportunity of renting out my house. She explained how easy it could actually be with a competent property manager. She claimed that she was personally managing five houses so that while she had a breath of experience in the area, my house would still get the personal attention that it deserved. She advertised all of these services that she could provide under the name of AIT Realty. This was the business on her card. Her phone numbers went to her direct line in her â€Å"office† and her cell phone, so I really had no reason to believe otherwise. Upon finding out later on that Ms. Mussler no longer worked for AIT Realty at the time that she solicited her services to me, it was noted by me that she was illegally using AIT’s registered trade name and trademark. This type of illegal action is considered to be Unfair Competition. This application of the Lanham Act’s Section 43(a) that could have been violated in this instance are Tort claims for â€Å"palming off† or â€Å"passing off,† Trade dress infringement claims, Claims for infringement of both registered and unregistered trademarks, Commercial appropriation of name or likeliness claims, or False advertising claims (4). I informed AIT of this at the time, and I do not know if they ever pursued an investigation. Ms. Mussler started managing my property in Fayetteville in August, 2007. In the time that she managed the property, I was the one who found tenants for it because I advertised my rental on a website for military members. Ms. Mussler claims to have completed a background check and taken the tenants’ security deposit, as well as had completed all of the necessary leasing documentation with the tenants. Shortly thereafter, my rent payment was late. The tenants were due to pay rent on the 1st, and Ms. Mussler was to take out her 10 percent and then directly deposit the remaining balance into my checking account no later than the 4th of every month. This was the verbal agreement between Ms. Mussler and me. In September, 2007, there was no rent check received by me still by the 10th. I called Ms. Mussler to ask what the hold up was and she explained that the bank held the check to clear her account for 10 days and that the money would be deposited as soon as possible into my account. I asked her if it would be possible from then on to cash the check instead of deposit it into her account, and then deposit the net cash into my checking account. She agreed and we decided to go forth with the new plan in October, 2007. In October, 2007, the rent was late again. It was the 8th and I called Ms. Mussler to find out what was going on. She informed me that the tenants had paid their rent late and that she was literally on her way to the bank to cash the check. November came and again, like clockwork, I was calling Ms. Mussler around the second week of the month asking about my late rent payment. She explained to me that there was a long weekend with Veterans Day and that she hadn’t gotten a chance to get to the bank. She apologized and the rent was deposited the next day. In December, the rent was late, yet again. I called Ms. Mussler and expressed my concern with the rent being constantly late and I explained that I had a mortgage to pay every month and that I had a new baby, and she was making the situation extremely stressful by being consistently tardy. She told me that the tenants were late again on the payment and I asked her to please explain to them that they have a 4-day grace period and anything after that may reflect poorly on their credit report. She agreed and promised that she would try her best to not let this happen again. I also asked her during this call if she was to be accomplishing a quarterly inspection on the property. She said yes and told me that she would have the report to me by the end of the month. Come January, 2008, the rent was actually on time, but I still had no documentation of a quarterly inspection. Upon signing the contract with Ms. Mussler, I was given an inspection schedule that annotated that the first inspection would be accomplished on or around December 1st, 2007 and I would be provided a copy of the report no later than 30 days after the fact. When I brought this to her attention, Ms. Mussler responded that that she had completed the inspection and she would have the report to me as soon as possible. My previous neighbor, Melanie, and I had kept in contact throughout this ordeal and she was able to, at this time, obtain the contact information of my tenants. I called them and explained the situation and they informed me that they had not had an inspection on the property at all. At this point I told the tenants that they would be shortly contacted by Aaims Property Management, and that they would set up with them all of the necessary actions for a transfer of management. During this time, I had been doing some research on Ms. Mussler and found out that she was being indicted on county and state tax evasion charges in the case of her previously owned restaurant, the Braz-N-Rabbit. Ms. Mussler collected but failed to pay over $19,000.00 in sales tax to the Department of Revenue (5). I also called AIT Realty’s main office at this time and asked them about Ms. Mussler’s employment there. They informed me that she was terminated in early 2007 after a rash of complaints. They also told me that her â€Å"assistant† that came to my house with the information about the â€Å"interested buyers† was probably her mother, and that they had been using that Bait and Switch techniques on countless other homeowners that listed their home for sale by owner. After telling her that I no longer needed her services and that I would like for her to surrender the security deposit and keys to Aaims Property Management, Ms. Mussler told me that I was under a contractual obligation to pay out her existing contract, or she would not release the aforementioned items. I then explained that she had breached the contract by continuously failing to pay me the rent on time, and because she had failed to complete the quarterly inspection. I told Ms. Mussler that it was also illegal to withhold funds from the tenant, in accordance with the North Carolina Tenant Security Deposit Act (6). Ms. Mussler finally turned over the security deposit to Aaims Property Management and decided to cut all ties with me and to not go after the contract payout. After all was said and done, I filed a formal complaint against Ms. Mussler’s brokerage license with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, as well as with the Better Business Bureau. I also informed the District Attorney that was prosecuting her tax evasion case of what was going on. Ultimately, â€Å"Judge Carl Fox sentenced Ms. Mussler to six to eight months in prison, but suspended the sentence. She was placed on supervised probation for 48 months. She was also ordered to pay $19,574.61 in restitution and a $1,000 criminal fine, and perform 100 hours of community service (5).† Also, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission concluded investigation of the case and revoked Ms. Mussler’s license and told me that I was not the first to complain. I’m not quite sure what happened to Ms. Mussler since then, but I can only hope that she has learned her lesson and that she will stay under the radar for a while. My current property management company has been great. They do all of the quarterly inspections, rent is never late, and they always inform me as soon as possible is something is amiss. I am glad that I learned the lessons when I did to check out brokers more carefully. I should have taken more time to investigate Ms. Mussler before hiring her to take care of something so important and valuable. I’m just glad I learned this all too important lesson so early in my experience and before something larger was at stake, or before I got too invested. (1) Aaims Property Management. 2006. www.rentrentrent.com (2) Property Management System. 2008. www.fairplay.us (3) Property Management Licensing Report. IREM Legislative Staff. June 2007. (4) Business Law- The Ethical, Global, and E-Commerce Environment, 13th Edition. Mallor, Barnes, Bowers, Langvardt. 2007. (5) Eatery Owner Fined for Tax. TMC News. May 31, 2008. tmcnet.com/usubmit/-eatery-owner-fined-tax-/2008/05/31/3474530.htm Research Papers on The Role of a Property Management CompanyThe Project Managment Office SystemLifes What IfsAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaDefinition of Export QuotasNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceOpen Architechture a white paperTwilight of the UAWInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product

The Sailmaker review Essay Example

The Sailmaker review Essay Example The Sailmaker review Essay The Sailmaker review Essay These were the optimistic and boastful words of a young boy who was proud of his father and his trade but throughout the play Alecs faith in his father was dwindling down to nothing and by the end of the play it was all but diminished when he summed up his feelings and his fathers life perfectly You were always gonnae fix it up for me. Ye just never did. The play centres around the relationship between a widower named Davie and his son Alec. In the opening scene of the play Davie returns home from the hospital with the dreadful news that his wife was dead. The news broke Alec but he would recover and get on with his life but this was the beginning of the end for Davie, for just weeks before he had been laid off from his job as a sailmaker because there was just no work left in the trade. Davies only way of supporting himself and Alec financially was his job as a tick man going round doors and collecting money, but on the side Davie was a very keen betting man and had several lines on each week, often spending the best part of his weeks wages on them. Davies job alone couldnt suffice his son and his gambling needs, so he soon became buried in debt with both the illegal bookmaker and his brother Billy. With his father being away at work most of the day and then going for his daily wee half at the pub afterwards, Alec was having to become more and more independent just to get through the times. He began to develop a close friendship with his cousin Ian and along with using each other as sparring partners they done pretty much everything together. They seemed joined-at-the-hip as children, always out on the street playing football and reading comics together, but as they grew up, they also grew further apart and began to share less of a common ground with each other. For example Alec decided that he wanted to stay on at school, get good grades, go to university and get a shirt-and-tie job, whereas Ian wanted to drop out of school as soon as he could and follow his father, Billy, into the painting and decorating business. At night when Ian and his friends were out in the streets kicking over bins, smashing bottles, getting chased out of the area with the locals and generally causing havoc Alec was going to Christian Endeavour and the local mission to learn about the god. This showed that Alec was independent and had the will power to do the things that he wanted to do and that were best for him. He also showed that he had a great deal of character, as he didnt succumb to peer pressure from going to different organisations and doing the complete opposite from his friends. By going to all these Christian related activities it appeared that Alec was trying to fill a space in his life with religion. Meanwhile Davies life was going from bad to worse because he got a beating from the illegal bookmakers heavies and subsequently got sacked from his job as a tickman because of it. From this point on I got the impression that Davie just didnt care anymore and that his easy laid back attitude towards life, i. e. First thing themorra morning or Dont worry son. Well work it out, started to affect his relationship with Alec. He constantly put things off until the next day, and then the next day and then they still never got done. A key example of this was the story of Alecs toy yacht, which despite Davies endless promises never gets fixed. Alec had only asked for his father to make a sail for it but the answer was always Ahll fix it up when av got the time or Just wait and see. One day when his Uncle Billy was round at his house, Alec asked him if he could paint the yacht for him. Billy took it away that day and had it back and painted for him within a couple of days. This only highlights the differences in character between Davie and Billy. Billy knew that betting wasnt the way to get through life, it was always his tough optimism and hard work that got him and his family through, whilst it was Davies nonchalant and pessimistic attitude that had turned his life into ruins. To be fair to Davie he had backed a loser right fae the start with the sailmaking trade, with collapsed only months after he received his apprenticeship. Davie was an exceptionally unlucky man, everything he touched turned to waste. During the play his wife died, he had been made redundant from three different jobs, he got tangled up in debt, he was attacked and his relationship with Alec had failed severely. This rejection and overall bad luck must have crushed his confidence and he now thought that he was defeated before he had even begun. In the very last scene of the play, Davie and Alec have to resort to burning half their belongings one night in an attempt to stop themselves from freezing because Davie had gambled with the money to pay for coal and electricity. Whilst Alec was rummaging around the house looking for firewood he stumbled across his old toy yacht buried deep in the glory hole. He sat it to the side and continued burning everything else until they eventually ran out. In a way Alec didnt want to burn the yacht because still liked it but on-the-other-hand he knew he had to burn it to rid himself from his sad memories. So when the last piece of furniture had burned down, Alec wedged the yacht right in the centre of the fire. The fames begun lick around it and in the end he finally got what he had waited his whole life for, his little toy yacht had a sail, only it had a sail of flames.

Getting into a dream College, things to know for an applicants.

Getting into a dream College, things to know for an applicants. Getting Into a Dream College, Things to Know There is no such a† winning ticket† which can help you definitely take place in the college. However, I prepared for you, interesting information, given by admission deans, who worked with students’ applications for more than ten years. I am certain that people who actually worked in this sphere can give the solid pieces of advice. So, let’s start your trip to getting you enrolled to the selective college†¦ Don’t choose being good at one thing In the process of choosing students, the colleges are looking for the applicants with clearly-defined goals. Make sure you have the last ones. You need to present yourself as a confident person with a diversity of interests, knowledge and skills. If you have all A’s, that does not mean you catch your lucky ticket. Besides the grades, there has to be something more. Reveal your identity as a person who deserves to get the chance to enter this college. I bet you have some hobbies, or things that you are good at, and they are able to bring you that chance. It is always more interesting to communicate, work or deal with the all-rounder. High grades will still give their best benefits As college is the studying structure, test scores and grades are the most important during the consideration of your application. As you are going to be a student of their college, admission members want to be sure about your learning skills in the first place. Due to this fact, you have to be diligent student, and to keep up with the high results. Provide good feedback in recommendations about yourself When the big group of students, with the most outstanding identification papers, is formed, the college starts to find some selective features of the best student, that’s why they want to look carefully through your essay, recommendation letters, activities after classes and so on. The deans believe that the future students have to be prepared to overcome difficulties, to have passion for the learning process; develop critical thinking, leadership expertise, curiosity, optimism, thirst to the knowledge, and ability to work in team. Reveal your ‘real self’ Deans are bored from the clichà ©-essays, standard formula of success, which says all about your strengths. But, let’s consider it this way, every essay is full of describing applicant’s goals, achievements and that’s not the bad thing, however you can lose yourself by trying to follow the accepted scheme. Nowadays, it is possible to load some videos, to present some project, which will show your words in action.   The schools like University of Chicago, the University of Rochester Yale, Reed College, and Pomona College have already practiced using of this option. The person who is not afraid to create something new has a chance to catch the dean’s attention. Money is another winning point Even if you have high marks and good recommendation, the financial situation of yours still is taken into consideration. As there are plenty of programs you might be involved in, you have to be able to pay for yourself during some projects. Students without enough money can get worse results. Be prepared to face this fact, even though it may seem completely unfair to you. Hometown plays its role The colleges are willing to take students from all 50 states. The urban-rural students are welcomed to the colleges. Geography can be decisive as well. The need of exchanging students and their experiences is popular today. Get your success by your own Don’t expect that prestigious college will enroll you because of your famous mother or father. That’s not their position, that’s yours; put the efforts and earn your sit in the dreamed college. Good things require your true dedication Very often your doings influence the choice of admission members. They are interested in your ability to be sympathetic to the others and to help them. The main point here that you’re not doing it just for a record, the reason lies in your true desire to do well. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology very deeply examines the applicant’s actions towards helping others. That doesn’t mean you need to spend all of your free time at community services, the simple help to your family, neighbors or some elderly people are perfect chances to open your heat to something good. Considerable importance During the choosing college, pick up your priority. The colleges appreciate that you made them your first option. Try to show them your strong interest to their college. Appoint the meeting to get to know the campus. Make sure your first visit will impress them in a good way. These tips from deans are very interesting for those who made their decision to be the students of an outstanding college. I hope this information will help you to approach your own method of ‘winning the ticket’ to the future college.

Managerial Position of Manager Bank of America Essay

Managerial Position of Manager Bank of America - Essay Example A trustworthy manager can direct to more productive outcomes and is able to increase the achievements of any organization. Good management can improve the reputation of the bank and job satisfaction of employees. Thus, it can provide good customer satisfaction and increase the customer base. Managerial Functions Bank manager is in charge for the overall improvement and performance of the bank and the employees. The function of bank manager is to ensure superior service quality, business improvement and accomplishment of target (Peke, n.d.). The most important function of a bank manager in Bank of America is to develop the business of the bank. Bank manager always strives to increase the income through increasing the customer base. Bank manager is liable for setting the goals and planning a way to fulfill them. It is the function of bank manager to regularly examine the progression of other competitor banks and assess their business activities. A bank manager must ensure to maintain t he professional standard and the policy of the bank (Stanley St Labs, n.d.). Kinds of Managers Control Freak: This type of managers prefer to control all operations of the bank on his own. They do not prefer employees to make any kind of managerial decision whether it is a small decision or big. This kind of manager never tells the details about any assignment to complete it. Autocratic: Manager of this kind does not care about the workers. This type of manager is quite tuff and they are pretty clear about their need. Team Builder: This kind of managers is proficient at their work. They are quite open near subordinates and they seek for creativity from the workers. These kinds of managers do any task in particular way and by involving the employees. Managerial Roles In banking there are several roles for managers which are: Operation manager: These types of managers are open to the customers and have good communication skill. They deal with the customer directly about any kind of pr oblem. Retail manager: These types of managers handles the retail operations such as bank cashier, ATM operations, manage the deposit and withdrawal, money order, utility bill and others. Investment manager: The role of investment manager is to manage the account of customer, freight brokerage, analyze the investment, and manage the investment fund and operational investments. Financial manager: The role of financial manager is to manage the bill, account, and other financial services. Loan manager: Loan manager assess the loan requests, verify the customers’ capability to repay the loan amount and provide approval of loan. These types of managers are specialized in business, consumer and credit lending (Profitableinvestment, 2011). Managerial Skills Technical: A manager must be able to use specific methods or techniques to perform the managerial task. The technical skill is not associated with usage of equipment, machinery or technology. It is related with the usage of vario us managerial techniques in decision making such as break even analysis, planning any training program, conduct an interview and others. Interpersonal: A manager must possess skill to lead the employees. The interpersonal skills of manager consist of motivating the employees, resolving any disagreement and communicating with customers and other people. Conceptual: Conceptual skills are extremely important for middle level or top level managers. A manager should be capable of ‘grasping the whole picture’ of any bank. Communication: This is the basic skill of all bank managers. A manag

What are the Main Criticisms of Realist Literature review

What are the Main Criticisms of Realist - Literature review Example International relations refer to the political, and sometimes economic, relations between states. Realism is an approach to the management of international relations whereby decision-makers adopt a practical rather than a moral view of issues. Essentially, realism proscribes that we see 'the world as it really is rather than how we would like it to be' (Baylis and Smith, 1997:3). Realists have a somewhat Hobbesian view of humankind and states, actors are believed to be self-interested and, in order to maintain the balance of power, often must be forced into compliance by war, which is seen as a necessary byproduct of competition. Although realism is a dominant ideology in many Western countries including the United States, it is been subject to numerous criticisms, as they are the primary focus of this essay it is to these criticisms that we now turn. Implicit within realism is a set of fundamental principles, these principles form the basis of realist ideas, yet, also generate heavy criticism. Realists reject notions of long-term cooperation with or allegiance to competing states (Baylis and Smith, 1997:141-146).   The 'everything but arms' initiative developed in the region ensures that the worlds poorest countries are permitted to export all their goods (other than arms) into Europe free of charge (Stiglitz, 2004:246). If it were as realists suggest, all nations are self-interested utility maximizers then this type of cooperation would be highly unlikely. It would probably make more economic sense for the European Union to export to these poorer nations but to leave their own markets closed to foreign materials or to command a fee for allowing access which would normally be the case. Programs like this one are genuine attempts by the international community to find a viable solution to the problems of the third world, insinuating that not all states act in self-interest and all are capable of cooperation. Further, cooperation and long-term alliances are possible. It also suggests that as constructivists have argued, it is the state itself that defines 'anarchy' and it is by no means a fixed e lement of states, rather a socially constructed ideal that only survives in states that operate under realist auspices (Bayliss and Smith, 1997:141-161).   

Open-label study of risperdone in children with severe disruptive Research Paper

Open-label study of risperdone in children with severe disruptive behaviors and below-average IQ - Research Paper Example The drug acts by blocking the postsynaptic function of dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, however, how it is able to improve the behavior is still unknown (McCracken et al, 2002). These drugs enhance protection against extrapyramidal symptoms (Findling, 2003). This is one of the prime reasons why risperidone is used more frequently for the treatment of behavioral disorders among children (Risperidone in Children with Autism, 2002). So far, it is one of the few drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA to treat aggressive behavior and irritability among children with autism (Buck, 2008). This approval was expanded in 2007 to include treatment of cases suffering from bipolar disorder in children 10 years of age, and children with schizophrenia 13 years of age and over (Buck, 2008). The recommended dosage in children is less than 1 mg per day, which can be given once or twice daily. The drug takes at least one week to start showing its effects, where the child may become calmer and less aggressive in nature (Eapen and Guraraj, 2005). The duration of the drug is variable, and is prescribed based on individual needs. Studies are showing positive correlation between the uses of the drug and lessening of the effects of aggression among children (Eapen and Gururaj, 2005, McCracken et al, 2002). A common side effect of the drug is EPS or extrapyramidal side effects, which include muscle rigidity, eye rolling and restlessness (Eapen and Gururaj, 2005). Usually the EPS is reversed by the administration of diphenhydramine 25 mg, within half an hour of the episode. There is still somewhat limited number of studies about the side effects of the drugs and more research in this area is needed. Children with ADHD receiving the drug for a prolonged time are likely to display tardive dyskinesia, which is reversible after discontinuation of the drug (Robb, 2010). Other less common side effects include muscle spasms and stiffness, agitatio n and feeling of restlessness, difficulty in swallowing, unexplained fever confusion, and fast and irregular heartbeat respectively. Children can also rarely display high blood sugar levels, increased prolactine horomones and high blood lipid levels (Eapena dn Gururaj, 2005). Risperidone increases appetite and sleep, which is why it is of concern in obese children. Other probable side effects may include increased risk to metabolic syndrome, diabetes or increased lipids. These effects can be utilized for children who have low appetite or who are restless and difficult sleepers (Eapen and Gururaj, 2005). The selection of the topic for research is justified. There is need to expand the research and learn more about the mechanism of action of the drug, and how it affects the behavioral problems among children. Alongside, new research in the same area will help in reinforcing the already found conclusions as well as identify possible new areas of research, such as how to reduce the side effects of the drug among children. As stated in the study by Eapen and Gururaj, (2005), ‘Although psychostimulants remain the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for ADHD, they may not be tolerated by some children, may be ineffective in some, and in yet others may exacerbate a comorbid medical condition such as seizures or tics’(Eapen and Gururaj

Homelessness Issue in the U.S Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Homelessness Issue in the U.S - Assignment Example What motivates me to support this cause of improving the lives of the individuals that are homeless is giving a smile to the people that were once hopeless in life. It is evident that homelessness has negative impacts on the society. One is that it may lead to increase in insecurity in an area. This is because the people who are homeless may indulge themselves in crime as they view themselves as unwanted in a society. The homeless also may involve themselves in the abuse of drugs and sell them to other locals. Statistics have shown that where people abuse drugs there is less production of the individuals which is not good for the economy. This means there will be fewer developments as few businesses will come up each year. What also motivates me to be involved in helping the homeless is because the shelter is a basic need to a human being. It is evident that the homeless people often are affected psychologically as they have no place they can call home. It limits their potential to standout and the courage to have families which form the bases to a society. Also, homeless people portray a bad image in a city when the tourists visit. This may make them feel insecure when they visit a city with too many homeless people. I also feel sorry for many homeless innocent individuals who are at times killed as they may be suspected to be thugs. This is inhuman as it has created fear among the homeless people. One of the goals I would want to achieve is to reduce the number of homeless people in America to at least 10 percent of the current statistics. Statistics have shown that about 600,000 Americans are homeless on a given night. A quarter of this people are children and a third of them live in unsheltered places like parks and abandoned buildings. The chronically homeless people are over 100,000 and three-quarters of them go unsheltered.

Emerging Technology in Solar Energy Research Paper

Emerging Technology in Solar Energy - Research Paper Example Solar energy has been used towards providing heat and light in different parts of the world by using many techniques. These technologies are ever-emerging and are used in variety of methods from producing electricity, thermal energy, architecture, artificial photosynthesis, solar photovoltaic and heating. All these technologies are further divided into the passive or active solar technologies depending on their utilization of sunlight from capturing it to distributing it in certain ways. Active solar procedures incorporate the utilization of photovoltaic boards and thermalcollecting methods to contain the solar energy. Passive solar procedures include turning a structure to the Sun, selecting materials with good warm mass or light scattering properties, and outlining spaces that characteristically circle air. Emerging Technologies in Active Solar Energy By the very essence of the word, Solar, the utilization of Sunlight towards producing electricity through concentrated solar power (CSP) or photovoltaic (PV) is amongst the rapidly growing technology of the time. Both of the technologies use a separate method towards the accumulation of electricity. In Concentrated Solar Power system, the sun beams are collected towards a small or a large area and then focused towards one area where the sunlight is converted into electric current through photovoltaic effect.

Strategic Marketing Product Mix and New Product Development Strategies Essay

Strategic Marketing Product Mix and New Product Development Strategies - Essay Example The Pepsi Company already has a lot of products including business ties with Lipton Iced Tea, but that doesn't stop them from creating more new products. After the production of more than four hundred products you can't say that The Pepsi Company will stop creating new products or new drinks, that's not going to happen, not if they want to maintain to be the number one non-alcoholic beverage company in the world, not if their top competitors such as Coca Cola and Cadbury Schweppes are still around. (Hoover's.com) So, the idea of developing of another product is very much possible. And a creation of a new product, coffee for example, The Pepsi Company would like to create a new product line like coffee. This new product would require new machineries for the coffee beans and the skilled people in the coffee industry. With the development of a coffee brand of in the Pepsi Company, the organizational structure of the production division would be changed. For example the employees from ot her department that has the "know how" to operate the coffee machines would be "repositioned" into the coffee department. Therefore, this would create a great deal of transferees of department within the organizational structure. ... tion objectives of marketers to market the new Pepsi products, the use of internet, advertising campaign, sales promotion and sponsorship must be implemented as the IMC tools. The use of these IMC tools may help Pepsi Cola to communicate with the other target segment. For example, with the popularity of the Internet ever increasing, it has now become one of the most common ways of doing business: e-commerce. Through the Internet the Pepsi product will emerge quickly because Internet acts a shop window for many businesses today, this will also allow consumers to view the different features Pepsi products, its contents in terms of minerals and vitamins or purchase the product features and unique benefits online. In addition, the Internet can also be used as a marketing tool, in meaning on a purely promoting the products, which will aim to result in a more sales from other distribution channels. The rationale for choosing this channel is that Internet can help target consumers worldwide not only on the market and this could be a great opportunity to be develop and in order for consumer quickly recognized the product. Herein, the entire campaign element must be integrated in order to achieve the desirable marketing communication objectives. Consumer does not separate or divide advertising, sales promotion, sponsorship and internet as marketing communications techniques. They tend to receive the messages from various sources and buildup either favourable or unfavourable image of Pepsi products. As far as they are concerned, the source of the message is unimportant. What they will be concerned with is the content of the message and to what degree the brand promise is actually delivered (Fill & Yeshin, 2001). Basically, all campaign activities lead down to marketing

Emerging Technology in Solar Energy Research Paper

Emerging Technology in Solar Energy - Research Paper Example Solar energy has been used towards providing heat and light in different parts of the world by using many techniques. These technologies are ever-emerging and are used in variety of methods from producing electricity, thermal energy, architecture, artificial photosynthesis, solar photovoltaic and heating. All these technologies are further divided into the passive or active solar technologies depending on their utilization of sunlight from capturing it to distributing it in certain ways. Active solar procedures incorporate the utilization of photovoltaic boards and thermalcollecting methods to contain the solar energy. Passive solar procedures include turning a structure to the Sun, selecting materials with good warm mass or light scattering properties, and outlining spaces that characteristically circle air. Emerging Technologies in Active Solar Energy By the very essence of the word, Solar, the utilization of Sunlight towards producing electricity through concentrated solar power (CSP) or photovoltaic (PV) is amongst the rapidly growing technology of the time. Both of the technologies use a separate method towards the accumulation of electricity. In Concentrated Solar Power system, the sun beams are collected towards a small or a large area and then focused towards one area where the sunlight is converted into electric current through photovoltaic effect.

Boeing Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Boeing Case Study - Essay Example It is evident from the study case, that the problem in Boeing was affecting different processes within the company. The whole company was in doubt; the previous admirable performances were ceasing. The stock had previously risen by 6.7%, and it was beginning to fall drastically. The company later began undergoing a series of changes. This was after the company was unable to meet the prevailing demand. It tried its best by doubling it capability, but all was in vain. It got to the extent that the company had stop producing the 747 for 20 working days. This was to the company as it lost a lot of money. From the arguments from the acting president, this was a result a poor organizational structure. Other activities casing the problem are lack of communication. In reference to the culture of the company, it has been doing well through acquisitions, thus forming integration among different companies. The aim of the strategy was to extend its reach, therefore, making the company stronger t hat its opponents. These activities made the company lose the culture. It merged with different organizations, such as the McDonnell Douglas in the year 1997. The step made the company change its operations, as well as, its management trends and centre of administration was transferred to Seattle Chicago. Issues in the management of the company began after the merging action as it lost its culture. McDonnell had a complex culture, based on defense contracts. The merge also came with it, financial issues where $92.5 Million were distributed to shareholders. In the same year, the firm designed new strategies to improve their marketing capabilities. It also hoped that the production would increase the level of production. The firm also employed new strategies to for communication within it. Their stock was also keenly supervised through system. This is evidence that the company, was getting back to its previous position. There was also decentralization of information technology within the firm. This enhanced collaboration between different branches of the company. Toward the end of the month of December 2003, the company had recovered the opportunity to manufacture the 7E7 Jets. From analysis from difference economist, the reason behind the under performance of the company was that it had over promised and under-delivered. It is evident that the plans of the company depend on the producing smaller planes; it also plans to expand its productivity to the extent of purchasing large plans in the future. Market pressure There are diverse pressures that triggered Boeing to effect changes on its operational strategies. A crucial pressure for Boeing was mainly market demand. Market demand markedly increased in 1997, in an attempt to meet all its surplus orders, Boeing instantly doubled its production. Unfortunately, this strategy brought about a severe manufacturing crisis. Worse still, Boeing’s reputation was deteriorating and it called for urgent measures to cur b the situation. It was then that the manufacturing of 747 was abruptly stopped for up to 20 days. Lack of communication within the organization was the main source of the ongoing crisis. However, Boeing termed it as a win at all cost methodology. There has been a series of endless problems at Boeing. Citing a case of the year 1994, shock prevailed among executive managers when Airbus booked more orders than

Did Marx Condemn Capitalism As Unjust Sociology Essay

Did Marx Condemn Capitalism As Unjust Sociology Essay Marxs 1848 discussion of theoretical Communism is widely held by historians as one of the most influential political texts ever written. Its principles formed the basis of the Communist movement and offered an alternative to the growing capitalism within various societies around the world. However, many of the principles that Marx offered have been debated by political commentators and historians through the ages. For example, Cohen argues the following: Now, there exists a debate about whether or not Marx regarded capitalist exploitation as unjust. Some think it obvious that he did believe it to be unjust, and others think that he patently did not. (1995, p. 195). This premise will be examined in this essay, drawing on various academic works in order to provide credibility to the argument that Marx did indeed condemn capitalism as unjust. Before analysing Marxs argument against capitalism, it is necessary to examine it and draw conclusions as to what the implications within the text actually are. The Communist Manifesto and German Ideology both deal with social dynamics and the interactions between capitalism, production, the proletariat and Communism. Marx actually identifies capitalism as the following: To be a capitalist is to have not only a purely personal but a social status in production. Capital is a collective product, and only by the united action of many members, nay, in the last resort, only by the united action of all members of society, can it be set in motion. (2002, p. 236). As such, he actively asserts that capitalism is a manufactured state that is borne out of selfishness and the personal need to be materialistically rich. This implies that capitalism does not benefit the collective, instead being of benefit to the individual looking to climb the social ladder. Despite this, as capital is a collective notion and so this gives the impression that it can be used to benefit everyone if it is utilised in the correct manner. This would create an equality that would ensure that nobody need ever suffer within society again. In German Ideology, Marx explains why this has not yet occurred: the patriarchal relationship between journeyman and master continued to exist; in manufacture its place was taken by the monetary relation between worker and capitalist a relationship which in the countryside and in small towns retained a patriarchal tinge, but in the larger, the real manufacturing towns, quite early lost almost all patriarchal complexion. (1970, p. 74) Patriarchal societies had existed for centuries and implied that there was some sort of responsibility being taken for those less fortunate than the business owners, even if there was a major disparity in terms of wealth. The fact that Marx asserts that the patriarchal element of society has been removed speaks volumes about the level of social responsibility that he thought existed following the development of capitalism. The social responsibility that every individual had for his fellow man had disappeared and so it became every individual for himself, which not only led to social climbing but also led to a greater gulf between the classes than previously existed (Jacoby, 1976, p. 206). This is just one of the reasons why it can be argued that Marx believed capitalism to be unfair and unjust. The fact that every individual became concerned with what he could get and forgot about his fellow man was just the start of Marxs damning social commentary. The impact that this had upon the proletariat was far more profound in retrospect than anybody imagined beforehand. However, Marx predicted the unjust treatment of the waged people that Hampsher-Monk highlights: There was a battle to establish against the remnants of political and economic feudalism the institutions of a liberal and commercial state, and there was, for some others at least, the battle to establish a socialist answer to the veils of developing capitalism, the poisoning and maiming of workers and children in regulated factories, the discharge of untreated poisons, the destruction of familial stability and resulting poverty (1992, p. 487) Reports of the events outlined above had begun to filter through when The Communist Manifesto and German Ideology were published but got worse after the spectre of capitalism began to grow. Those events within the quote represent just a sample of the treatment that the waged people had to experience and they aptly highlight the problems that capitalism provided them with. Unable to escape industry because they needed to feed their families, the proletariat were subjected to awful conditions for their bosses to make a profit and the latter did not care providing their own wealth grew. This is yet another example of how and why capitalism was indeed unjust. By highlighting these events and the lack of care from the higher social classes, Marx actively and effectively argues that capitalism is unjust and uses the very principles of capitalism to do so: It is important to remember that the assumptions Marx begins from are assumptions about capitalism taken from capitalisms own ideologues. His is a picture of a buoyant and innovative capitalism, competitive, and with plenty of capital accumulation through profits. (McClelland, 1996, p. 558). By using the ideology of capitalism to frame his argument, Marx is able to highlight the social injustice that capitalism can bring within its own framework, thus highlighting the negatives that lie behind the presented positives. Tucker also introduced the idea of capitalism actually being legalized robbery (1969, p. 43) because it deprives the individual worker of what he or she is actually entitled to: the wage worker under capitalism was being robbed of something that rightfully belonged to him, or that profit was theft (1969, p. 39). In short, the individual worker is only paid a fraction of what his or her labour is worth under capitalism with the remainder going to the employer. As such, it is not the labour offered by the worker that proves fruitful but rather the exploitation of that labour by an individual from a higher class who never has to get his hands dirty in order to reap the rewards. This exploitation and lack of appropriate reward is repeatedly highlighted by Marx, especially in relation to wages: The average price of wage labour is the minimum wage, i.e., that quantum of the means of subsistence which is absolutely requisite to keep the labourer in bare existence as a labourer (2002, p. 236 ). This particular quote highlights how unjust capitalism actually is in relation to the present and the future. It also provides evidence that there are no just rewards available for the proletariat. Designed to maintain the status quo, much as feudalism was, it actually provides a worse situation for the working class because they become further entrenched in capitalism. There is no hope of relief because of the lack of patriarchal values and opportunity to advance in the workplace or life in general. When placed alongside Marxs ideological system of equality, capitalism is proven to be unjust. Husami asserts that no social system has ever been condemned more radically, indicted more severely, and damned more comprehensively than capitalism was by Marx. It is a system of domination of men by men, of men by things, and of men by impersonal forces. (1978, p. 27). In doing so, he effectively makes the case for Marx arguing that man is subordinate to the machine under capitalism. In fact, this is evident within all of Marxs political texts. The proletariat is considered to be the commodity in that it is effectively the machine. If the proletariat did not work then the machine would not work, but a machine does not have needs. A person and indeed a society does. This is another reason why capitalism is so unjust. The needs of the individual wage worker are ignored and so are in no way fulfilled. In becoming a cog in the capitalist machine, the wage worker is forced to forego all rights and individual wants and needs he may have. As Husami argues, everything becomes impersonal a nd nobody is treated with the respect and individualisation they deserve. In stripping every wage worker of his humanity and rendering him a faceless machine part, it is easy to ignore the individual without focusing too much on what he is being deprived of. Capitalism makes that possible and ensures that the threat of unemployment [is] hanging permanently over their heads (McClelland, 1996, p. 537). This, in turn, ensures that wage workers remain in their social place and do not have a voice to use unless they come together as a collective. As such, this is the basis of the argument for the onset of Communism that Marx presents within his ideological texts. The workers have to come together in order to create a movement strong enough to overthrow the unjust capitalism. However, not all academics agree that Marx argues that capitalism is unjust, citing that there are explicit denunciations and sustained criticisms of social thinkers (such as Pierre Proudhon and Ferdinand Lassalle) who did not condemn capitalism for its injustices or advocated some form of socialism as a means of securing justice, equality, or the rights of man. (Wood, 1972, p. 244). Whilst it is true that the views of the social thinkers did stand opposed to Marxs views, this argument can be perceived in a number of ways. For example, Marx himself denounced Proudhon because his petty bourgeois leanings had a tendency to wish to resort to authoritarian solutions (Thomas, 1990, p. 237). As such, it could be argued that the way in which social thinkers viewed capitalism did not match up with the way Marx himself perceived it, meaning that he neither thought it completely unjust or worthy of total eradication. In fact, it is possible to read The Communist Manifesto in a way that agrees with this perspective. For example, if Capital is a collective product (Marx, 2002, p. 236) then the lower classes control it as much as the upper classes do. However, even with all of the above in mind, there is too much evidence available to prove that Marx did consider capitalism as unjust. Marxs use of language and words like robbery, embezzlement, booty, theft, plunder and usurpation betray his feelings towards the concept of capitalism for all to see (Husami, 1978, p.43). This dichotomy just serves to prove that capitalism can be both just or unjust, depending on ones class interests and the conditions which determine them. (Kain, 1991, p. 160). Marxs perspective definitely belonged to the latter category and not the former. In conclusion, whilst an alternative reading is possible as a result of the nature of the debate itself and Marxs condemnation of social thinkers that followed in his footsteps, it is quite clear from in depth analysis that he believes that capitalism was unjust. His argument against capitalism characterises it as dehumanizing, disenfranchising and downright unfair based on the contribution of workers to society. Although there is no direct argument against the modernisation, there is an argument against the social condition that it imposes on the workers. In terms of the rewards that the individual gets, capitalism most certainly is unjust and the Marx argument can still be applied to society today.

Sullivan vs. Bennett Essay -- Gay Marriage Homosexuality Essays

Sullivan vs. Bennett The two texts examined within, present the opposing extremes of views regarding gay and lesbian marriage. The first text entitled Let Gays Marry by Andrew Sullivan examines the intricacies of same sex relationships and why homosexual couples should be allowed to publicly show affection for one another. The second text that will be examined is titled Leave Marriage Alone written by William Bennett. Bennett gives his views on why couples of same sex nature should not be allowed to engage in marital relations. These two authors, although very different, each has a view of the ideals of marriage, and how it should be presented to the public. Sullivan, a proponent of same sex marriages is a firm believer that gay and lesbian couples should be treated as equals in society and no different than anyone else. Many people are afraid of the effects that same sex marriages may have on our culture, and Sullivan explains that gay men and women are no different from anyone else in society as far as political and moral beliefs are concerned. These people are not out to change America as a whole, they just want the freedom to decide and to do as they wish. Sullivan explains that homosexuals want the right to marry for the same reasons as anyone else and that the lobbying of gays in America, for marriage, is not to destroy our moral system or who we are, they just want to be able to devote to one another as a regular couple does. Same sex marriage may seem, to some, a crazy idea as marriage in this country is built on the foundation of a man and a woman marrying, but Sullivan points out that until recent centuries marriage was a contract into which a woman entered so that she would be controlled by her husba... ... to agree on the fact that the issue at hand is one of religion. Religion seems to be the deciding factor right now when it comes to the question of what is right and what is wrong. Both authors see religion as the main concern when the question of homosexual marriage is brought up. So as each has very different ideals for society as a whole, both Bennett and Sullivan try to represent the happiness of the people as a whole, in their own ways. The two authors present very different points of view and each has well thought out reasoning behind what he has to say. Although the authors feel very different about how marriage should exist and how it should be regulated, there is some common ground between the authors. Citations †¢ Sullivan, Andrew. Let Gays Marry. United States: Random, 2002 †¢ Bennett, William. Leave Marriage Alone. United States: Random, 2002

The Heart of Darkness: The Great Human Disease :: Literary Analysis, Joseph Conrad

It is easy to look at others and see their faults and weaknesses, but it is hard to see the same vices in ourselves. In the novella Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, this universal human flaw can be seen in the character of Marlow. While it appears that Marlow escaped the darkness, really he remained just as lost in the wilderness as the rest of those involved. The truth is that Marlow was not the exception. He may have escaped Africa, but he did not escape the darkness. Marlow thought that he had only â€Å"peered over the edge† (pg. 119), seen into the darkness, when really he had fallen into it. He had been seduced by the snake. It should have been obvious to Marlow that there was something wrong with this company. There were countless clues right in front of him. Nothing was masked or hidden, made to appear wholesome. First of all, the way that he got the job was something that should have raised suspicion. The previous captain had died â€Å"in a scuffle with the natives† (pg. 12). That bit of information should have made Marlow reconsider taking the job or at least raised some questions concerning the circumstances of the â€Å"scuffle.† Aside from how he got the job, from when he first set foot in Brussels, Belgium, Marlow saw so many off-putting things. He describes the city as a â€Å"whited sepulcher† (pg. 14)-a symbol of death. It is a biblical allusion from the book of Mathew. In a passage Mathew describes â€Å"whited sepulchers† saying that they â€Å"appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness† (Matthew 23:27). The fact that Marlow recognizes this shows that he is not completely ignorant to the truth about the company. Then he walks into the company’s office positioned on â€Å"a narrow and deserted street in deep shadow† (pg. 14), and he sees these two women knitting black wool, looking as though they were â€Å"guarding the door of darkness† (pg. 16). Basically everything was telling him not to go behind those doors-not to take the interview-and Marlow chose to do it anyway. At one point Marlow even says it was as if he â€Å"had been let into some conspiracy,† into â€Å"something not quite right† (pg. 15). Clearly, Marlow knew that there was something nefarious about the whole business, and yet he took the job just the same, thus disproving his innocence in

Chinese Philosophy and Poetry Essay

Chinese Philosophy and Poetry One of the most prevalent beliefs of the Chinese philosophies is that men are born good. People are naturally good unless they fail to develop their feelings and senses. Confucianism teaches that a lack of knowledge can be the cause to evil. In Poem 238, a woman named Chiang Yuan gave birth to the human race by sacrificing and praying to God. She bore her child easily because she sought after blessings from God. Confucianism teaches that good things will come to those who are good and do good. A. N. Whitehead’s quotation of a Cambridge vicar says, â€Å"For well-conducted people, life presents no problems. † The mother in the poem seemed to be well-conducted and therefore she was blessed with a painless, easy childbirth. It says that God gave her ease and blessed her because he was pleased with the sacrifice and prayer. The poem paints a picture of how even the animals protected the baby. This might be because of their view of being born flawless and without evil. This baby was protected by the animals because there was no evil in him. Hou Chi, the baby boy, grew up to be a wise man and continued to be blessed and prospered through his crops and farming. He would be considered to be the â€Å"superior man† because of his moral wisdom and his ability to tell right from wrong. Because he lived by his mother’s example and gave sacrifices to God, good things came to him. The power of moral example is strongly shown here. His mother first taught him the importance of sacrifice and prayer and through that, he learned to do the same and show respect and fear God. Another philosophy is the importance of filial piety and reverence. Parents are revered because they give life to their children and sacrifice much for them. The child brought honor to his mother by keeping her religious traditions. God was pleased by his actions and blessed him his entire life. This is a very ideal form of what a man can be like, but it is very unrealistic. If man were actually born good, then evil would not have such a major influence and affect everyday lives.

Marketing plan for Commonwealth Bank Essay

Commonwealth Bank is the largest of Australia’s big four financial service providers. At present, the Bank offers a range of award credit cards to, both, retail and corporate sectors. Profitable growth in retail and corporate card segments is a key part of the bank’s strategic direction. The main differential between cards is centred around fee structures, with little difference between them that is obvious to most consumers. The award scheme points can be redeemed for air miles, gifts and vouchers. Under this initiative, the Bank plans to set itself apart from the rest by launching a new credit card, which will allow clients to assign their award points toward a not for profit organisation. This initiative also creates a whole new paradigm within which cards are compared by prospective consumers, and puts the Bank at the very fore front of the credit card market. This card is unique, and is not currently available from other financial service providers in Australia. Research indicates there is a high demand for a socially responsible and ethical approach to banking. As such, the new card appeals to the growing philanthropic market in the retail sector. For the corporate sector, it reflects positively on their contribution in the community. CBA will utilise its current market penetration, strong brand image, management experience and distribution channels to ensure the card compliments their existing product suite. Profitable growth, retention of clients and an increased share penetration index have been forecasted as a direct result of bringing the new card to market. CBA has strong brand recognition. It is voted number 59 in the 2010 Forbes â€Å"world leading companies† Top 500 Brands survey (Forbes Magazine, 2010). The bank views its brand as its most valuable asset. Despite CBA having a strong brand image, banks in Australia remain unpopular. Consumers perceive the big four of price gouging; particularly so, as the banks delay or fail to pass cuts in the interest rate. Credit card retention and acquisition, in both corporate and retail sectors, is a key part of the bank’s profitable growth strategy. CBA plans to expand the credit card awards portfolio with a new product. The new card enables retail and corporate clients to automatically transfer award points to cash donations for non -government organizations (NGOs) and charities. This card is to be branded CBA’s â€Å"Community Card†. This positions CBA as a market leader and the first financial institution to introduce such a product into the credit card segment. CBA stands to gain significant competitive advantage. The new credit card stands to assist CBA’s corporate clients with their social responsibility obligations. A Harvard Business Review 2006 article notes â€Å"government, activists and the media have become adept at holding companies to account for their activities. Myriad organizations rank companies on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and, despite sometimes questionable methodologies, these rankings attract considerable publicity. As a result, CSR had emerged as an inescapable priority for business leaders in every country† (Kramer, 2006) For the personal card holder, it is a vehicle to give back to the community. A survey conducted by Givewell noted that philanthropy is on the rise and estimated that, in 2009 Australians contributed over $1.8 billion total donations (Givewell, 2010). The Australian Taxation office notes that philanthropy is at its highest ever recorded. In the 2010 tax year, there were 4,649,646 recoded deductions for gifts and donations in individual tax returns. In 2009 there were 4,400,786 recorded dedications, a growth of 2.064 per cent in a 12 month period (Australian Taxation Office, 2012) 1.2 Background data on credit card market In the wake of the global financial crisis, many overseas banks have increased their credit scorecards and are reluctant to take on additional unsecured debt. The Australian credit card market is in good shape when compared with these overseas markets. This is due to prudent lending practices and the government’s credit card regulation reforms. Craig James, Chief Economist for CommSec, notes that we have a responsible population when it comes to credit card debt behaviour. â€Å"Aussie consumers pat yourselves on the back – you’ve mastered the plastic fantastic. People are using their credit and debit cards as much as they ever did, but smartly. Aussies are using their credit cards, but paying off the debt by the due date† (James, 2012) 1.3 Competition Strength in market makes the credit card sector a popular strategic choice for growth in the finance sector. Banks are able to charge annual fees and interest rates that generate a high level of profit. CBA’s main cards competitors are ANZ, Westpac and National Australia bank in the retail market and Amex, ANZ and Westpac in the corporate card sector. (Reserve Bank Australia, 2012) Strong competition for business has led to a spike in enhanced loyalty programmes and rewards for new and existing customers. Presently, there are no corporate or personal awards credit cards in the market that allow customers to cash their points as donations, with two main types of award programmes available. The first is the ability to accrue and redeem frequent flyer points for travel. The other allows clients to earn points to redeem gifts such as home appliances, supermarket and, department store gift cards and petrol vouchers. Predominantly, corporate clients opt out of enrolment in awards schemes, due to fringe benefit tax implications for employees. The issue of who owns the points, employer or employee, is one that is yet to be solved. Both external and internal market research has seen a decline in retail clients selecting cards with awards. The majority of customer feedback collected at point of credit card application has confirmed that there is a lack of perceived value in these programmes. 1.4 Distribution CBA personal credit cards are currently sold through the branch network, online and over the phone. A customer is able to apply for, or upgrade a card, 24 hours a day. CBA utilises the same distribution channels for its corporate clients, with the addition of a dedicated relationship manager. 2.0 SWOT analysis The following SWOT analysis helps to understand key strengths and weaknesses of the new credit card. It also describes opportunities and threats of the product, in both, the retail and corporate segments. Strengths Weaknesses * Reputation * Industry experience * Existing market share * First mover advantages * Distribution channels| * Costs of bringing new product to market * First mover risks and disadvantages * Little known about not for profit / community groups (not core business)| * Increased market share * Product embraced by customers / Improved customer satisfaction * Improved brand equity and brand loyalty * Increased profits and shareholder value * Enter new market segments * Convert switchers to CBA| * Changing customer tastes and demographics * Government policies * Product easily replicated by competitors * Threat of substitutes through non-bank lenders (store cards)| Opportunities Threats From the SWOT analysis, the most important issues to consider are: how CBA will adapt the product and remain competitive against substitutes, and other banks copying the product. CBA must monitor the market closely to avoid a price war between competitors. The key opportunities will be capturing new clients in a new market and the competitive learning gleaned from being the first to launch the product. 3.0 Financial objectives Using the 2012 Annual Report as a baseline, CBA has set targets for sales volume, market share and profit for the 2012/2013 financial year. (Commonwealth Bank Australia, 2012) There is strategic congruence of sales targets, marketing strategy and the overarching organizational strategic direction of profitable growth. 3.1 Sales volume * Achieve a minimum 4% growth in new card sales, initiated by branch staff in the retail market before 2012 / 2013 end of financial year. * Achieve a minimum of 3% growth in new card sales from remaining retail distribution channels (phone and online) before 2012 / 2013 end of financial year. * Increase corporate card sales by 5% in 2012 / 2013 financial year. * Migrate 20% of existing non awards corporate customers to the new product by December 2014. * Increase transaction volume of credit card book by 15% this financial year. 3.2 Market Share * Increase retail market share from 32% to 37% in the 2012 / 2013 financial year. * Increase corporate market share from 12% to 17% in the 2012 / 2013 financial year. * Decrease customer attrition rate by 15% across both sectors by the end of the 2012/2013 financial year. 3.3 Profit * Additional $364 million in lending fees collected in late payment and annual fees across from the retail sector. * Additional $453 million in lending fees collected from corporate clients in late payment fees, annual fees and customer maintenance fees. * Increase credit card interest earnings assets from 12.71% yield to 20.00% yield, both sectors combined. 3.4 Break Even Analysis The break even analysis indicates that 500 new cards must be sold across each segment every month to break even. As staffs become more experienced in selling the product and the consumer more familiar, the costs should decrease in line with the experience (Kotler, 2008) curve. Less money will be spent on training employees and advertising. Fewer products will need to be sold in order to break even. 4.0 Marketing segmentation and positioning Both the corporate and retail markets have been divided into segments. Niche marketing was considered due to the specificity of the Community Card however, CBA is prepared to take an educated risk by marketing to a wider group as, internal research indicates, it has a large credit card customer base with homogeneous preferences. â€Å"Aggregate enough minority tastes and you will often find a new market† (Anderson, 2006) 4.1 Corporate market segments * Heavy users and non- users of CBA’s current corporate card offering. * Organizations with a minimum of 50 employees and an annual turnover of a $500k minimum. * Primarily but not limited to white collar industries such as: advertising, human resource management, department stores, large scale hospitality clients (hotels) and travel agents * Organizations with highly centralised purchase decisions. * Companies seeking an edge on their competitors through improvement and / or diversification into social responsibility. * Not for profit organizations 4.2 Retail market segments * 35 – 49 and 50 – 64 year olds with a 54% clustering around the 50 – 64 age bracket. * Annual income in excess of $75k per annum. * Professionals, managers, executives and business people who are accomplished in their fields * People with a tertiary qualification. * Upper middle and upper class. * Native Australians (individually focused as opposed to collectively focused). * Culture orientated and socially aware. 4.3 Target markets People and businesses who want the freedom and flexibility a credit card provides, and have an emotional connection to making the world a better place, or a desire to improve their sustainability image. Corporate: * Corporate social responsibility * Flexible payment options * Ethical * Sustainable image * Community Retail: * Freedom * Flexibility * Social responsibility * Sustainability / give back * Ethical 4.4 Positioning CBA will position itself as Australia’s socially responsible financial services provider with a passion for community. A bank that understands the bigger picture. By being first to market with the new product, CBA signals that it is different from the other banks. It is a bank that is dedicated to offering both retail and business customers an alternative, an avenue to give back to their elected cause, NGO or community group. This position will be enhanced through training its 38,000 employees to act as ambassadors on the features and benefits of the Community Card. 5.0 Marketing strategy and the marketing mix 5.1 Marketing Strategy The first step in the marketing strategy is to make new and existing customers aware of the new product and how it will benefit the community. CBA’s message is that it is the ethical financial services provider, selling Australian’s the chance to give back to the community. The Bank plans to lead by example, offering the new product to its employees at a discounted rate. This will also allow for market testing and feedback. The Bank will communicate this message to its retail clients through local area marketing, television, radio and advertisements in selected newspapers that appeal to the target customer. The message for the corporate client is the same however; relationship managers will target potential clients through business development activities. 5.2 Product The product is to be sub-branded and operate on the MasterCard network. MasterCard is selected as it is accepted in 30 million locations worldwide, appealing to the target market’s desire for flexibility. With the acceptation of the awards programme, the new card has similar features and benefits to the existing suite of awards cards. According to the Innovation Bell Curve (Rogers, 1962), the familiarity of known features and benefits will assist in early adoption. The product will be popular with innovators. It is the first of its kind. 5.3 Pricing The pricing objective for the retail segment is maximum profits. The corporate pricing objective is maximum market share, as previously mentioned CBA only holds 12 percent of the market. Mark up pricing will be used in both the retail and corporate markets. The new product is exclusive as it is the first of its kind, distinctive and there are no readily available substitutes. These factors make both markets less price sensitive. The Bank has selected a high value strategy for the retail market. The annual fee for the card will be $65.00. This fee represents the midpoint in the total cards market. The debit interest rate on the card will be set at 21.59 percent per annum, slightly higher than the total cards market average. Retail customers will view this price as good for them and good for the community. CBA will also use a high value strategy for its corporate clients. The fee structure will differ slightly from retail as it includes a $130.00 annual fee and a $15.00 additional card fee per employee. The debit rate of interest remains the same as the retail card. This will prevent corporate clients from using their personal credit cards to save money on purchases. 5.4 Place CBA’s current distribution channels have significant competitive advantage in the banking marketplace. The bank has more branches; ATM’s and calls centers than any other bank. The website www.commbank.com was recently voted the most visited website in Australia in a report published by Neilson Consulting (AC Neilson, 2012). Given the age demographics of the target market, CBA will leverage off its staff in branches and relationship managers by using a direct to customer distribution model. This provides the opportunity for potential and existing customers to ask questions and clarify any areas of interest. CBA feels this is important to the target market. The Bank’s website is to be updated with a quick fact sheet on the new card, an award points calculator, information detailing the work of the eligible NGO’s and charities, and frequently asked questions. Call center staff are to receive specific training. Upon approval, clients are expected to receive their card within five working days. 5.5 Promotion CBA will reach both target audiences through online advertising on the CommBank website, radio advertisements, and television and newspaper advertisements. Some mass marketing will be used to target corporate customers through direct mail outs. The end of financial year is an important time for promotion in both market segments. In retail, 30 June is when people do their tax returns and claim back deductions for gifts and donations. For corporate clients, the new financial year represents a clean slate and the opportunity to pursue different ideas for the business. When promoting the new Community Credit Card, the Bank will position itself as being unique, ethical, flexible and fair. 6.0 References AC Neilson. (2012, January 15). Most Visited Websites. Sydney, NSW, Australia. Anderson, C. (2006). The Long Tail. New York: Hyperion. Australian Taxation Office. (2012). 2012 Taxation Statistics. Australian Taxation Office. Forbes Magazine. (2010). World Leading Compaines. Austrade. Givewell. (2010). Givewell Statistics. Retrieved october 06, 2012, from Givewell: http://www.givewell.com.au/statistics.asp James, C. (2012). CommSec Economic Insights. Commsec. Kotler, P. (2008). Marketing Management An Asian Perspective. Jurong: Prentice Hall. Kramer, M. P. (2006). Strategy and Society. Harvard Business Review. Reserve Bank Australia. (2012). Bulletin. Reserve Bank. Rogers, E. (1962). Diffusion of Innovations. United Kingdom : Simon & Schuster International .