Sunday, December 22, 2019

Essay on A Summary of My Community Service project

For my community service project I did a large variety of projects. I completed a total amount of seventy-one hours, which includes: eleven hours of in school hours, and sixty hours of out of school service. The groups I worked with include: The Immaculate Conception School, The Merimack Heights Academy, and the Mad Science program. Overall I had a great time and a wonderful experience serving the community. For the Immaculate Conception School I did many events. First for the I.C.S I helped to set up with two of the Junior High Socials and ran one of the games at the Halloween party. Through working with our school I learned valuable skills of teamwork and leadership by working with others and being a role model. I learned how to†¦show more content†¦I will never forget this experience and I hope that I am invited back next year to help coach my players. The next community service project I did was to help renovate The Merrimack Heights Academy. We worked for about fo ur hours at the school painting rooms, fences, and other buildings. Although we didn’t finish the project I feel a sense of satisfaction that I helped to create a school for special needs children. I also feel that It was a lot of fun to work with all of my classmates outside of school and to see everybody working so hard. The last thing I am going to talk about is my time as a mad scientist assistant job for the journey program. I did this awesome job for about five hours over a period of five weeks. This was really one of the most fun things to do because I have a deep love for science and passing that love on to younger bright eyed students is wonderful. I got quite the experience. After doing this project I can see why teachers get frustrated with us students and all the talking. I realized that the less talking we do the more we get accomplished and the more fun we end up having. I would defiantly do this service again and I recommend it to all science loving stud ents. When I first began this project I was daunted by the amount of hours I would have to complete, but accepted the challenge with muchShow MoreRelatedEssay On Giving A Voice To Those Who Are Deaf929 Words   |  4 PagesHard of Hearing What is the purpose of this project? Provide a summary of what will be accomplished and who will benefit. The main purpose of this project is to educate community members, service providers and coordinators on the use of basic American Sign Language (ASL). This will be accomplished through a community based training that will teach the basics of the ASL language and usage. This is a valuable course that will benefit the entire community, but will especially make life easier for thoseRead MoreAnalysis : The Panhandle Promise Project 1105 Words   |  5 PagesAna Gonzalez Panhandle Promise Project/Melisa Martinez Total hours worked this reporting period: 94.55 Individual supervisory hours and date: 23.99 hours- 4/14/15, 4/23/15, 5/1/15, 5/12/15, and 5/19-5/20/15 Cumulative hours: 233.54 Summary of Supervision The Panhandle Promise Project focuses on breaking the cycle of incarceration with at-risk youth by providing mentoring services. We provide monthly activities in which it includes roller-skating, sleep over at a church, visiting the AmarilloRead MoreMy Study For People With Disabilities983 Words   |  4 PagesModule 6 Project Today, people with disabilities must include their voices across their states. In the article Strategies to Incorporate the Voices of People with Significant Disabilities in UCEDD Information Gathering and Operations it addressed research-based information on people with diverse abilities. People with disabilities have the right to active participation in their voice in policies that affect them. This research is current because it allows people with significant disabilitiesRead MoreMy Employment As Project Officer And Executive Assistant With Tafe Queensland1152 Words   |  5 PagesDuring the initial stages of my employment as Project Officer and Executive Assistant with TAFE Queensland, I helped oversee a mass restructure which involved 9 previously independent TAFE divisions merge into one entity. In my first week, the Director required me to prepare an urgent ministerial brief, which needed input and approval by five senior executives and submission to the Minister’s office within three days. The information required for the brief was detailed, so it was crucial that I researchedRead MoreThe World Bank Cambodia Sub Project899 Words   |  4 PagesBefore zeroing in on the World Bank Cambodia Sub-project, a quick review of the World Bank Group (WBG), vis-a-vis its structure, mission’s statement, and criticisms would critical in analysing the project. At the dusk of the Second World War (WWII), there were concerns to the stability of the global economic markets. The stability of international currency markets, and international trades were deemed critical to averting crises such as the great depression of 1930, which eventually lead to the warRead MoreA Brief Note On The World Bank Cambodia Sub Project888 Words   |  4 Pagesefore zeroing in on the World Bank Cambodia Sub-project, a quick review of the World Bank Group (WBG), vis-a-vis its structure, mission’s statement, and criticisms would critical in analysing the project. At the dusk of the Second World War (WWII), there were concerns to the stability of the global economic markets. The stability of international currency markets, and international trades were deemed critical to averting crises such as the great depression of 1930, which eventually lead to the warRead MoreProject At Tulsa County Youth Services1311 Words   |  6 PagesI acquired my service learning hours by participating in a group that volunteered at Tulsa County Youth Services. My group encountered many difficulties and challenges before finally securing a project at Tulsa County Youth Services that would allow for us to fulfill our eight-hour requirement for the service-learning project. Initially, we had planned to volunteer at Rogers County Youth Services, but these plans dissipated as we learned that it was extremely difficult to simply set up a meetingRead MoreImprovement Of Self And Work Productivity1661 Words   |  7 PagesPart 1 1.) Summary The project the group has chosen is called Improvement to self and work productivity. In this project the groups main goal is to promote productivity, fairness, team work and participation in the work area. There is also emphasis on personal group and maturity since the company is still young and most of the workers are young adults still trying to grasp what and adjust to there situation as working class adults making their contributions to society. The project team hopes toRead MoreThe International Associations Of The Lions Club1326 Words   |  6 PagesMy primary goal and purpose in writing this research paper is to inform any person who reads the final draft of the research paper about the different aspects of the International Associations of the Lions Club. Using the right knowledge and wisdom I plan on describing the organization known as the Lions Club. I will give my readers detailed information about the membership, services provided, and the local Lions Club. Using inter esting facts and images, I plan on persuading any reader to considerRead MoreThe Ontario Public Service ( Ops ) Website993 Words   |  4 Pagesadvertised on the Ontario Public Service (OPS) website. I am confident that this position would fully utilize my project management and leadership skills developed over the past 8 years while supporting various levels of business throughout the project management life cycle. I believe that my current role as a Project Coordinator/Financial Analyst with the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) has provided me with the skills required for the position of a Senior Project Coordinator with the Ministry

Saturday, December 14, 2019

South African Economy Free Essays

From the days of Apartheid, to the times of today, South Africa has relied on foreign capital inflow for the purpose of sustaining high levels of growth through investment in the various sectors of the country. This great reliance on foreign investment has made South Africa vulnerable to fluctuations in the exchange rate and other global conditions. This essay will discuss the extent to which South Africa is reliant on foreign capital, reasons why this is so and the nature of these inflows. We will write a custom essay sample on South African Economy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Exchange rate issues will also be discussed, with detail of how South Africa combated these issues in the various years that they arouse. Finally, methods on how South Africa can reduce its vulnerability to such fluctuations will be made apparent. South Africa’s reliance on foreign capital inflow After the end of The Apartheid era and the abolishment of all laws that were associated with the era, the various international sanctions and bands that were put on South Africa were lifted. This allowed numerous countries to begin investing in South Africa. These foreign capital inflows were greatly needed by the South African economy as the new government had the following economic goals: â€Å"Attract foreign capital, reduce the large role of government as government owns half the countries fixed capital assets and facilitate gradual restructuring of industry along globally competitive lines† (Germishuis, 1999: 2). The two latter goals could only be achieved through proper financing for the government. During the 1994 era, domestically raised capital could not be used for the financing of local investment initiatives that promote economic growth. As Mohr (2003: 2) states, â€Å"Between January 1990 and June 1994, there was a steady net outflow of capital not related to reserves of almost R27 billion, partly as a result of repayments of foreign debt emanating from the 1985 debt standstill arrangement†. This effectively meant that South Africa had very little funds available for boosting the investment industry which in turn helps with the sustainability of high levels of economic growth. Due to these foreign debt payments by domestic funds, South Africa heavily relies on foreign capital inflows for high levels of investment. Since the government was obviously aware of this situation, various policies and acts were put into action to attract foreign investment. â€Å"In 1997, South Africa managed to attract a net capital inflow of $3. 58 billion (3. 4 percent of GDP), more than seven times the $478 million invested in 1996. The inflow was predominantly long-term private capital, moving into stock and bond markets†(Germishuim, 1999: 1). Though the government was successful in attracting foreign capital inflows, a decrease in the domestic interest rate is eminent when capital inflows are high. From 1994 to 1999, net capital inflows in South Africa were on a steady rise for 3% of GDP in 1994 to a staggering 6. 5% of GDP in 1999† (Mohamed, 2004: 28). Between 2000 and 2002, capital inflows fell to -2% of GDP. This was due to South Africa currency crisis in 2001 that led to high levels of capital flight in the country. After the new millennium, capital inflows in South Africa began to steadily rise and are now ranging between 4 and 7% of GDP. Exchange rate crisis of 1998 In 1997, East Asia experienced an exchange rate crisis. It is said that these countries were victims of their own success. Their very success led foreign investors to underestimate their underlying economic weaknesses†(IMF, 1998: 1). Because of large capital inflows that these economies enjoyed, there was increased demand for policies that protect the financial sector and institutions struggled to keep up with the demand. Since Asia is probably the largest exporter of goods in the world, a financial crisis in that region will evidently cause a ripple effect that will cause a global financial crisis. This Asia crisis added to what South Africa would have experienced the following year. In 1998, the South African currency dwelled into great depreciation. Causes of this crisis include: * Commodity prices * After the Asian financial crisis, the global demand for commodities had weakened, putting downward pressure on market prices of SA commodities. This meant a flight to safer havens such as United States commodities occurred. * Foreign Exchange Market intervention * In 1998 and 1996 as well, the South African Reserve Bank had heavily intervened in the foreign exchange market. These ventures resulted in net losses of $10 billion (8% GDP) and $14 billion (10% GDP) respectively. The capital for these ventures was acquired in the forward market, thus compromising SARB’s Net Open Forward position. * Mboweni Bump * 1998 saw the end term for the Governor of the Reserve Bank. The potential that Tito Mboweni might have left the position created doubt for South Africa and the Rand. (Saayman, 2007:1) To try and counter this currency depreciation, the Reserve Bank believed that this depreciation was a temporary reaction to rumours of divisions within the government so they sold off massive amount of its foreign reserves (Diamond, Manning, Vasquez and Whitaker, 2003: 2). The Asia crisis, coupled by SA’s own currency issues led the exchange rate crisis. â€Å"The authorities reacted by intervention in reserves and then through raising of interest rates to stimulate growth. The policies implemented in 1998 did not solve the crisis but merely slowed down the process and created a false image. Yes the country did benefit through an increase in investment due to higher interest rates but paid the cost when the country was hit by another exchange rate crisis in 2001. The economy had to deal with the costs of increased debt, decreased capital inflows, which retards growth in the country. Exchange rate crisis of 2001 The Rand depreciated by 26% in nominal terms against the dollar in 2001 between September and December. It is suggested that, â€Å"there was an acceleration in money growth in the summer of 2001, suggesting that the depreciation may have been a case of exchange rate overshooting† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 1). Though this was the case, the South African Reserve Bank did not intervene or raise interest rates this time around (as was the case in 1998). Bhundia and Ricci (2004: 7-11) identify the following as probable cause of the 2001 financial crisis: * Delays in privatising Telkom * The SA government had announced that the privatisation of Telkom will happen in 2001 but this did not happen due to weakening global stock markets. This had a negative effect as it created doubt within the financial market of SA’s commitment to economic reform. * South African Reserve Bank’s Net open forward book * â€Å"The SARB’s forward book contained large short term liabilities. These low reserve adequacies have been found to increase the probability of exchange rate pressure (Bhundia and Ricci ,2004: 7). The forward book received from the Apartheid government was rather large and despite repayments made, the book remained huge. * Tightening of existing capital controls * The South African Reserve Bank announced on the 14th October 2001 that there would be a tightening of exchange rate controls. It was argued that, â€Å"this announcement reduced market liquidity and thereby contributed to the sharp rand depreciation† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 8). Though market data cannot confirm this for sure, these actions and the time they were taken have an effect on the crisis of the time In 2001, the SA government and SARB decided to act differently than it did in 1998. The increase in interest rates of 1998 had limited effects on reducing depreciation and was seen to be costly for growth and investment. South Africa was less likely to be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate as it did not hold large foreign currency. The South African government decided not to intervene in interest rate percentages and reserve ratios. â€Å"The South African government have admitted that the 1998 intervention policy was inappropriate. When 2001 arrived, the intervention policy of 1998 was not used and that showed to be a very successful strategy as the macroeconomic reactions of the crisis were very few and over the next few years, the rand strengthened†(Bhundia and Ricci , 2004: 17). There was a large improvement in macroeconomic framework (policy), which made policy credibility stronger. The forward book that was utilised in 1998 was also abolished. â€Å"Also, the adoption of an inflation- targeting framework successfully provided a more credible nominal anchor for exchange rate expectations† (Bhundia and Ricci, 2004: 18). So effectively, the policy reactions of 2001 were more successful. Reduction of SA’s vulnerability to external shock SA is the economic powerhouse in Africa and hence needs measures that help reduce the effects of external shocks such as global financial crises. For this reduction to occur, certain conditions such as, â€Å"peace and security, quality institutions, infrastructure and support for the private sector must be in place† (UNECA, 2010: 11). With the above in place, South Africa should try and implement the following: * Provide sufficient policy space, so that policymakers can handle the shocks that are externally generated. * Improve the mobilization of domestic resources and encourage regional integration * Strengthen neighbouring country relations and cooperation * Increase private capital inflows Open new and improve existing markets * Heighten social safety nets that will minimise shocks effect on the poor * Investment in labour-intensive employment-focused public investment programmes that promote private sector growth. * Decrease the amount of debt owed The above mentioned points need to be encoded into policies that can be properly implemented by the government of South Africa and the South African Reserve Bank so as to reduce the vulnerability that SA has when it comes to external shocks. This objective has been achieved by South African economic policies. Monetary policies have been used to contain inflationary pressures and financial policies for the strengthening of public finance that will allow exchange rates that are competitive. In the February of 2000, an inflation targeting strategy was adopted that helped to regulate monetary growth within the economy. These policies have encouraged international competitiveness and assisted in the reduction of the current account deficit of 1999 (0. 4% of GDP), to 0. 3% of GDP in 2000 (IMF, 2001: 1). In 2006, real Gross domestic product grew by 5% and continued to grow into early 2007. During the start of the new millennium, the SARB publically announced that it would have a foreign market intervention policy that was used solely for boosting reserves. This new approach was successful because by 2007 May, gross reserves had reached $27,9 billion (IMF, 2007: 1). This shows that South Africa has been successful economic policies in place: policies that will combat external shock. A United Nations report places South Africa as one of the six oil importing nations that withstood the effects of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. This was done through implementation of stimulus packages and affective countercyclical fiscal and monetary policies that encouraged expenditure on services and infrastructure (UNECA, 2010, 8). Conclusion The new South African government had to take the mess of the past and turn it into the message of the future. A message that says that anything is possible; all that is needed are the correct tools, used in the correct scenarios. With the various monetary and fiscal policies put into play in South Africa, I have no doubt that we are ready for the next global financial crisis. How to cite South African Economy, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Marketing Channel For Digital Marketplace -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Marketing Channel For Digital Marketplace? Answer: Introducation With the change in the business environment, there has been a change in the factors which create an impact on the buying behavior or purchase decision of the customers. Technology is being used by the customers for providing their views towards the products or services used by them. Blogs, online platforms, and websites are being used by the users for expressing their views for a product. Organizations are operating with a motive to attract the customers and enhancing the customer base (Chiang Hsieh, 2011). Online reviews of the customers regarding the products or services have gained much importance as these reviews play a vital role in customer decision-making process. Customers are well-informed and are using online platforms for the purpose of providing reviews for the products or services consumed. Information regarding the products is provided to the users on the blogs or online platforms. This increase in the trend of online reviews has changed the buying behavior of the cust omers. Customer reviews create an impact on the opinion of the customers towards the product or service (Kaplan Haenlein, 2009). This essay will discuss the concept of blogs and customer reviews, customer purchase decision, and impact of the blogs and customer reviews on the purchase decision process of the customers. With the change in the buying patterns and shopping trends, customers have changed the manner to analyze the quality of the products. Blogs are considered as a place where users or potential users can read the reviews of the services or products. Organizations are hiring experts with a motive to write down reviews for the products so as to influence the individuals and enhance the customer base of the organization. Blogs are the online services which create an impact on the purchasing decision of the individuals. Different organizations are using blogs for as a medium for affecting the buying behavior or decision of the people. Reviews of the customers and revenue of the business are directly linked to each other and reviews of the customers also create an impact on the loyalty of the customers (Cronin, et. al., 2010). There are various innovations or trends occurring in the business environment. For the purpose of operating in the dynamic business environment in a successful manner, organizations need to adopt the latest trends and innovations. With the growth of new media, blogs and online platforms have gained importance. With the growth of digital technologies, customers have started using the internet and these digital technologies for sharing their opinions and feelings. The opinion of the consumer is considered as the electronic word of mouth which has the potential to create positive as well as negative impact on the products or services. Blogs are being considered as a medium for reaching a large number of customers (Chintagunta, et. al., 2010). For example, Twitter is being used by the customers for expressing their reviews towards the products or service consumed by them. JetBlue has used Twitter for engaging the customers and responding the customers quickly (Burke, 2016). Bloggers have acted as opinion leaders as their views affect the opinion of the customers. Bloggers are using blogs for the purpose of creating an impact on the attitude formation and future purchase decisions. Blogs and customer reviews act as an inspiration for the others and motivate the individuals for purchasing the products or services. Blogs or customer reviews are being used by the customers as a low-cost approach for gathering information regarding the products and determining the buying decision. Different bloggers are writing regularly for the consumption experiences gained by them from the consumption of the products or services (Money, et. al., 2011). For example, Xbox has been considered as one of the most expensive brands on Twitter. Xbox is providing fast response to the feedbacks of customers so as to enhance the satisfaction level of the customers (Burke, 2016). Customer purchase decision can be explained as the process of taking a decision by the customer regarding the purchase of the product or service. The intention of the customer to purpose the product or service is based on the willingness of the individual to buy and ability to make payment for the products or services. There are various factors which create an impact on the customer purchase decision. These factors include the impact of the blogs and customer reviews, personal factors, social factors, economic factors, social media and psychological factors. For every business, it is essential to gain an understanding of the importance of consumer behavior for gaining competitive advantage in the business environment. For the purpose of creating an impact on the buying decision of the customers, there is a need to develop knowledge of the buying behavior of the customers (Money, et. al., 2011). In the words of Hashmi (2012), it is quite tough for the businesses to predict the behavior of the customers regarding the product or service offered by the business. Different stages are included in the consumer buying process which guides the decision of the consumer regarding the purchase of product or service. Consumer decision-making process is a complex process and for attracting the consumers towards the products or services, businesses have to satisfy the needs and expectations of the customers. Blogs and customer views regarding the products or services can result in positive as well as negative impact on the consumer decision-making process. Positive reviews of the customers enhance the satisfaction level among the customers which helps in attracting the customers. Negative reviews of the customers and bloggers can affect the satisfaction level of the potential users in a negative manner (Yang Ghose, 2010). Sales and performance of the organization get affected due to the satisfaction level of the customers. This dissatisfaction is being shown by the customers on blogs and online platforms in the form of reviews. For finding the information related to the product and quality of the product, customer reviews are considered by the potential customers. Information provided in the form of consumer reviews is considered more reliable by the potential customers rather than the information provided on the packaging, advertising, websites and other internet sources. The focus of the businesses has shifted towards the customer reviews so as create a positive impact on the decision-making process of the consumers and potential consumers (Kung Zhang, 2011). Organizations are using different ways for the purpose of enhancing the customer base and creating an impact on the consumer decision-making process. Online reviews are being provided by the customers who have consumed the service or product and wish to share the experience they have gained from the consumption of the service or product. Consumers are using blogs and hiring experts for the purpose of providing reviews on the products or services. With the enhancement of the technology, people have started using technology as a means to communicate and share their experiences with the others (Nakayama, et. al., 2011). Consumer reviews are being used by the organizations for the purpose of marketing of the organization. Consumer reviews and blogs are capable of promoting the products in a positive manner and enhancing the customers for the product. Consumer reviews form a part of the marketing strategies of the businesses which can be used in a flexible manner for gaining the attention of the customers. It is essential for the businesses to control the online consumer reviews as these affect the profits of the business. Blogs and consumer reviews have created an impact on the purchasing behavior of the consumers. Blogs and online platforms have provided power to the customers to express their views and thoughts (Hung, et. al., 2012). There are various benefits attached to the positive consumer reviews and blogs to the business. These benefits include free advertising, suggestions for the business, enhancement of the search engine results, recommendations and enhances the relationship shared between the business and customers. Customer reviews help in attracting the customers which help in the decision-making process of the customers. Customer reviews provide suggestions to the business for the purpose of highlighting the areas which can be improved related to the products or services. Customer reviews and blogs act as a promotional activity for the business. Presence on the search engine also gets enhanced whenever the name of the business is mentioned in a review. Customers use customer reviews as recommendations and these reviews and blogs support the buying decision process (Lee Jih, 2012). It has been identified that there has been a drastic rise in the number of users using online customer reviews and blogs for determining buying decision. It is crucial for every business to understand the importance of consumer usage and attitude of the consumers towards the online reviews. Online customer reviews and blogs form a part of the pre-purchase research carried out by the potential customer. Blogs and customer reviews affect the decision of the customer of buying the product or service. Negative reviews affect the image of the business in a negative manner and result in fall in the number of customers and profits of the organization (Lee, 2011). Intention of the blogs created by the bloggers is to provide experiences of the products or services used by them and recommending the products or services to others. Blogs are considered as an appropriate marketing communication tool which forms a base for the buying decision of the customers. It is essential for the business to motivate customers for leaving a review so as to encourage the potential customers to buy the product or service. Reviews for the products create impact on the reputation of the business and trust among the potential customers for the product (Rowley Edmundson-Bird, 2013). It has been identified that fake reviews are provided by the competitors or others which are not genuine. Fake reviews can affect the purchase decision of the customers which is unethical. Every individual is free to express their views and their reviews will be entertained by the organization. Organizations need to deal with the negative reviews in an effective manner so as to ensure that the profits and sales of the business are not getting affected. These effective approaches for coping with the negative reviews include responding quickly to the negative reviews, accepting the mistakes and taking corrective actions and encouraging the loyal and satisfied customers to give reviews (Sharma, et. al., 2011). Buying decision process of the customers is an essential element which determines the success chances of the business. Blogs and customer reviews are considered as an effective tool which are being used by the customers for passing on the message regarding the good experience or bad experience they have gained. It is a form of post-buying communication which determines the buying decisions of the customers. Communication process of between the companies and customers or potential customers. Customers in this dynamic business environment are well aware of the role of customer feedbacks and analysis these feedbacks for taking decision regarding the purchase of the products (Hung, et. al., 2012). Thus, from the above discussion, it can be conducted that blogs and consumer reviews are a crucial aspects of the dynamic business environment. Changes are taking place in the behavior of the customers towards the products or services offered by the business. Consumer behavior is an important aspect which determines the performance of the behavior. Analysis has to be done of the consumer behavior for the purpose of enhancing the performance of the business. The Internet has enabled the consumers to share their experiences from the consumption of the product. Prospective buyers are using online consumer reviews and blogs with a motive to gain information related to the product and experience from the consumption of the product. Blogs and consumer reviews work as a recommendation for the potential consumers and is an effective determinant of the buying decision of the customers (Money, et. al., 2011). This essay has discussed the increasing role and importance of blogs and customer vie ws in shaping the consumer decision regarding the purchase of the products offered. The focus of this essay is on developing knowledge of the relationship between the blogs and customer reviews and purchase decision making of the customers. This essay has helped in the developing knowledge of the importance of consumer reviews and blogs in the customer-centered market. References Burke, S., 2016, Examples of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Customer Service on Social Media, Spokal. Available at: https://www.getspokal.com/examples-of-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly-of-customer-service-on-social-media/ Chiang, I. P. Hsieh, C. H., 2011, Exploring the Impacts of Blog Marketing on Consumers,Social Behavior and Personality, Vol. 39(9), pp.12451250. Chintagunta, P., Gopinath, S. Venkataraman, S., 2010, The Effects of Online User Reviews on Movie Box Office Performance: Accounting for Sequential Rollout and Aggregation across Local Markets,Marketing Science, Vol. 29(5), pp.944959,961. Cronin, J. Joseph, J. Fox, G. L., 2010, The implications of third-party customer complaining for advertising efforts.(Report),Journal of Advertising, 39(2), pp.2133. Hashmi, S., 2012, Strategies Required For Banks To Drive Consumer Banking Globally,Pakistan Gulf Economist, Vol. 31(31), Pp.78. Hung, K., Tse, C. H. Cheng, S. Y.Y., 2012, Advertising research in the post-WTO decade in China: meeting the internationalization challenge,Journal of Advertising, vol. 41(3), p.121. Kaplan, A. Haenlein, M., 2009, Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media, Business Horizons, journal of business articles, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 59-68. Kung, M. T. Zhang, Y., 2011, Creating competitive markets for small businesses with new media and E-business strategy.(Survey),International Journal of E-Business Research, Vol. 7(4), pp.3149. Lee, I., 2011, Overview of emerging web 2.0-based business models and web 2.0 applications in businesses: an ecological perspective.(Report),International Journal of E-Business Research, Vol. 7(4), pp.116. Lee, S. F. Jih, W. J., 2012, Exploring the effects of blog visit experience on relationship quality: an empirical investigation with a cardiac surgery medical blog site.(Report),International Journal of E-Business Research, Vol. 8(2), pp.114. Money, A. G., Barnett, J. Kuljis, J., 2011, Public Claims about Automatic External Defibrillators: An Online Consumer Opinions Study,BMC Public Health, Vol. 11, pp.332. Money, A. G., Barnett, J. Kuljis, J., 2011, Public Claims about Automatic External Defibrillators: An Online Consumer Opinions Study.(Research article),BMC Public Health, 11, p.332. Nakayama, M., Wan, Y. Sutcliffe, N. G., 2011, How dependent are consumers on others when making their shopping decisions?(Report),Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, Vol. 9(4), pp.121. Rowley, J. Edmundson-Bird, D., 2013, Brand presence in digital space,Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, Vol. 11(1), pp.6378. Sharma, R. S., Morales-Arroyo, M. Pandey, T., 2011, The emergence of electronic word-of-mouth as a marketing channel for the digital marketplace,Journal of Information, Information Technology, and Organizations, Vol. 6(7), p.41. Yang, S. Ghose, A., 2010, Analyzing the Relationship between Organic and Sponsored Search Advertising: Positive, Negative, or Zero Interdependence?,Marketing Science, vol. 29(4), pp.602623,780,782.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Use of Foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men Steinbeck Essay Example For Students

Use of Foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men Steinbeck Essay Of Mice and Men EssaysUse of Foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men In the novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, foreshadowing is used a great deal throughout the whole story. From the beginning to the end, it appears everywhere hinting on what will happen in order to make the book more enjoyable. It was used to show that Lennie will be getting into trouble with Curleys wife, the death of Lennie, and exactly how he dies. The moment that Curleys wife was introduced, an ill feeling overcomes the atmosphere indicating that Lennie will be getting into a mess with her. George states in the very beginning that he is always getting into mishaps, You do bad things and I got to get you out, (p.11). The situation in Weed involved a girl and Curleys wife just happened to be the only girl on the ranch. We will write a custom essay on Use of Foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men Steinbeck specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Connecting ends with ends, there is a sense of insecurity between these two people. Later on, there was an intimation that she was going to be killed by Lennie because he killed the mouse and the puppy, leading to bigger deaths such as Curleys wife. Foreshadowing plays a large role in indicating that Lennie isnt going to last long in this harsh world. The beginning introduces this world in such a great way, raising your emotions with a happy tone in a wonderful peaceful scene and then sends that scene plummeting over a cliff into a dark unhappy environment. The strong characters in this environment attack the weak and the weak attack the weaker. An example of the strong against the weak is when Carlson compels Candy, Ill put the old devil out of his misery right now, (p.47) to let him shoot his dog. An example of the weak attacking the weaker is when Crooks teases Lennie, jus spose he dont come back, (p. 72) Lennie is the weakest because of his mental disability and his lack of thinking for himself. He would either run away or be eliminated through death. Candy and his dog mirror the image of George and Lennie. Candy being George and his dog being Lennie. When the dog dies, it foreshadows his death because the dog represented him. The contrast between the first chapter and the last also shows his death because the same scene goes from the peaceful field to the violent death of the water snake. This deep change hints on the upcoming tragedy, Lennies demise. The fact that the death of Candys dog and the death of Lennie are identical reflects on the way his murder was carried out. He was shot by in the back of the head the same way the dog was. Candy told George, I ought to of shot that dog myself(p.61) making him chose to kill Lennie himself to save him from dying by the hands of a stranger. Doing it the way that Carlson did it was for the best because, He wont even feel it. (p.48) Steinbeck used the technique of foreshadowing to make the book Of Mice and Men more than just merely a book. He made it a book where the reader can predict what will happen before it happens through hints in the surrounding events. Curleys Wifes death was foreshadowed by Lennies reputation as a troublemaker, his own death was foreshadowed through relationships between characters and the use of contrast, and the way he was killed was shown through Candys dogs death. Although Steinbeck cannot recreate a Shakespeare, he has created his own Steinbeck style which no one else can recreate.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Ibsen essays

Ibsen essays People have often been known to find comfort in numbers and to therefore enter into social contracts with others living around them. People feel safer in groups and so they choose to give up certain rights and privileges for protection from their peers. This inevitably leads to domination of man over man. People choose leaders to make their decisions for them, or they do as the majority says. It is very rare for people to make rational decisions and carry to them to their full potential once they have entered into a social contract. The desire to follow the crowd which is created by this social setting is deplorable and is therefore the main object of critism in Henrick Ibsens play An Enemy of the People. The characters in this play all live together in a town ruled by what is known as the compact majority. This majority is led by a group of town officials who come up with plans and policies on which the people may vote. This system offers no chance for the freedom of individuals. Beginning with a speech discussing . . . the colossal stupidity of the authorities, Doctor Stockmann deconstructs this appalling social system. This speech criticizes the lack of intelligence the authorities have shown and the need for their destruction. If freedom is to exist for individuals, the first step must be to do away with worthless officials and authorities that force the people to make a choice from the narrow selection they provide. What is right in one situation may not hold true in another, but the authorities force all people to live under the same laws with the same punishments instead of allowing for diversity. However, Stockmann does not stop there. In fact, he says that the auth orities are not the main problem, but that instead The most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom among us is the compact majority. This majority follows its leaders blindly without ever giving thought to any alternative...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Theories of Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Theories of Crime - Essay Example For instance, contemporary criminologists make use of a ‘legalistic’ instead of a ‘normative’ description of criminal behavior. A legalistic description of criminal behavior takes as its basis the legal descriptions enclosed in the penal code. The law establishes what is criminal and what is not (Thacher, 2004, 381). Criminality involves the mechanisms of law-making, law-breaking, and acting in response toward law-breaking behaviors. These three mechanisms construct an integrated series of events. In addition, criminology is a methodical study of the biological, sociological and psychological aspects of criminal behavior (Thacher, 2004). The objective of this paper is to differentiate two of the most widely used criminology theories, sociobiology and attachment theories. The strengths and weaknesses of each of these theories will also be discussed. Biological accounts concerning criminal behavior were no longer encouraging in the early twentieth century. At this point in time, criminologist started to concentrate on sociological forces toward criminal behavior such as family background, social standing, peer group, and others (Hacking, 2006). The attempt and success of these criminologists was in fact viewed and though to be commonly illogical and unfounded empirically by the leading sociologists at the time. These particular sociologists embraced the idea referred to as ‘biophobia’, which clarified that they intentionally did not pay any attention or thought to biological aspects concerning any effort to understand human nature (Hacking, 2006). The contemporary research of sociobiology has hence reinvigorated interests in locating a foundation for criminal behavior in the biological aspect. Hence if genetics really manipulate or influence behavior, then it may also be accountable for understanding whether an individual

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

A Study on the Apostolic Creed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

A Study on the Apostolic Creed - Essay Example But what is difficult for us to understand is this Powerful Being; whose powers we can barely even begin to comprehend actually personally cares about us. Even David asks Him, â€Å"what is man that You care about him so much†. We know that God cares about us and protects us. Our Parents take care of us and protect us. Our Mother nurtures us. Our Father protects us and guides us. For me that is the most natural way to look at God, as a Father. And the reason for that is not to assign him male attributes, because he is beyond that but because I see in Him somebody who cares and protects me, but also gives order and meaning to my life. And this in no way means that I consider a Mother’s role secondary in a family , because it is not but because the Father is the Head of the household and you can trust Him to take care of it. Many religions and many individuals have a very private approach to religion. In these readings you will find that there is an underlying communal approach found in the Catholic Church. From what you have read, why do you think Catholics emphasize communal religion and/or which reason do you find most satisfying for this approach even if it is not your personal style. The Catholic Church stresses the communal dimension of all the sacraments, seeing them as "community events," not private rituals.2 The reason for that I think is that for many years and even perhaps centuries , the church seemed a distant organization which the Church Parish had to observe as spectators. That is actually quite ironic considering that crucification of Jesus Christ the Curtain separating the Tabernacle from the people was torn in half since now there was nothing separating man and God. The communal nature of the Catholic Church involves everybody in the Church Parish and in many ways takes the Church to them and so it is something personal to them. Experience and response is the focal point of these readings. What was the most unique experience Christians had of Christ (according to The Creed) and what are some of the ways they responded The unique experience which Christians had of Christ was that By his Revelation, the invisible God, from the fullness of his love, addressed men as his friends, and moved among them, in order to invite and receive them into His company. When the Lord of the Universe comes down among us and extends an Invitation to us, the only thing we can do is accept it. And that is what the Christians did by faith and belief.3 The Faith was to God , but the belief was twofold , it was to the Truth and to the Person who was witness to the truth. Teilhard de Chardin has a very mystical view of creation and our participation in it. What are two or three of the most interesting things he has to say about this relationship and what do you think they mean. Teilhard de Chardin thinks that creation was not one act at one moment but is a continuous event. And indeed that is way it makes most sense theologically. We know on a personal level that God deeply cares about us and knows the smallest thing which effects us. But at the same time we want to say the He created this Universe long ago in one instant and then left it alone. Creation is not an event but is something which is continuous and indeed continues even now. Our limited understanding perhaps required this to be a linear event. But God is beyond time and space. And that is why this apparent argument between Religion and

Monday, November 18, 2019

Change management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Change management - Case Study Example verage of the potential purchasers of the customer relationship management software that is used for the professional purpose within the organization. Westerly was responsible for answering the queries from the interested customers. Westerly also explained her research method and the data collection techniques to Robert Lin who is the regional sales director (RSD) for Asia-Pacific. There were two other RSDs who received the negative complaints from the field consultants. Many of the RSDs from Europe and Middle East did not bother to respond to Westerly’s emails as they considered these as irrelevant. However, there were further complaints against her poor performance and she realized that she had failed in undertaking a change management within the organization. After Westerly’s recruitment in Kauflauf, she had to participate in a very short training program of around two months followed by visiting the regional sales directors in the fields and observing their work process. However, she gained an experience regarding the corporate culture followed in various organizations, but the training period was of a very short duration. Westerly was confused with the work process in the relationship driven and solution oriented work process, where technical excellence was considered to be an important factor. She had never worked in an informal atmosphere and the culture was completely unique as well as challenging for her. Many of the employees of Kauflauf considered working in the organization as a source of pride, whereas, very few of them felt that the job seemed frustrating. Westerly had been trained for a very short duration of time and she had to develop a great deal of understanding about the new culture of the organization. Therefore, the change management was a very challenging issue for her and she faced difficulty in understanding the demands of the customers. Hence, her attempt to undertake a change in the sales call pattern failed. Westerly had developed

Friday, November 15, 2019

SWOT Analysis Of The Post Office Ltd

SWOT Analysis Of The Post Office Ltd The Post Office Ltd in United Kingdom, a subsidiary of Royal Mail Group Ltd, attained its separated identity in 1987 Post Office in UK is quite famous for two main services, first and the obvious one from its name is clear, that it provides the Postal services to its customers. Second reason for its popularity is the Post Office Card Account which is basic account allowing customers to collect benefit payments. There are other services also being provided by the Post Office, which are discussed in brief in the assignment. Today, Post Office has around 11,843 (according to an auditor working for the post office) branches spread around UK, and offer various range of services for its customers. The management of Post Office have been very resourceful in adopting technology as a part of its operational functions, with the new horizon system introduced in the year 2000 (ref), revolutionizing the basic system of serving Post Office customer. As, technology is advancing, traditional manner of Post ing letter is fading away, exposing the entire Post al industry with danger of extinction. Thus, it has now become imperative for the organization like Post Offices to conduct a through SWOT analysis in order to sustain and survive in immensely hi-tech global market. Strengths The Post Office of United Kingdom has to be appraised of its diversified operations. The process of division and diversification can be traced back to the year 1986, when the company got separated and became subsidiary of Royal Mail Group Ltd, to attain its separate identity from mere the once providing the Post al services. The process of diversification was persistent and continuous and today Post Office provides more than 8 different kinds of services to its customer veering from saving and investment, to telephone and from government licenses to bill payments. So, it would be justified to evaluate this diversification of Post Office in different services to be one of its major strength. This diversification helps Post Office to attract a large mass of customer, ranging from men, women and children, old and young as well as business and social. Extensive and Diversified Services The different kind of services that the Post Office provides starts from its Post al services, where the branches accept mail for two collection and delivery divisions i.e. Royal Mail and Parcel Force. In banking services, the Post Office has arrangements with various banking corporations and customer of these banks can use basic services of banks like cash withdrawals and cash deposit. In savings and investment services, the Post Office since long has been an agent of national saving and investment, providing customers with the basic services of depositing money and withdrawals from their saving accounts. For telephone services the Post Office provides home landline telephone services, and also provides top-up for various services networks. Insurance services is quite diversified in itself, as Post Office provides insurance in most of the areas, starting with Car and Van Insurance, Home Insurance, Business Insurance, Life (term) Insurance, Over 50à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s cover (for elderly citizens) pet insurance and its very famous travel insurance. Foreign Exchange services is a very essential service that the Post Office provides, as the customers just walk in to their Post Office and can convert currencies, but not all Post Office branches provide these services. Government Services include providing checking and sending services for passport Offices and the driving license authority (DVLA), and providing fishing and well as road tax. It was important to briefly describe the services the Post Office provides, as it is one of its major strength diversified services for diversified group of people. Post Office has done extremely well in identifying its opportunities in the past and kept on introducing new service lines in its portfolio, this has helped the Post Office to survive in its long journey, and grabbing these opportunities in the past has today become its strength, the Post Office no longer just survives on the Post al services that it provides to its customer, and has successfully made its other services like insurance and license services very profitable. Infrastructure The venture of General Post Office began in the 1660, by Charles II and has eventually evolved as the modern Post Office as we know of today. Today the Post Office has around has 12,000 branches spread widely and all around UK. This major establishment sure has taken time, but today when we evaluate this wide coverage by the Post Office it sure is its true strength. The only word to describe this coverage by the Post Office is National infrastructure. It truly has developed over a period of time a national infrastructure enabling it to reach to each and every customer all around UK. Possessing this national Infrastructure is quite advantageous for the Post Office as it becomes quite effortless to make its new product reachable. This large infrastructure also facilitates more customers spread all around UK. It has also helped the Post Office to reach its customer and for the customers to reach it easily, making them closer and intact with their customers. Weaknesses Improper distribution It is very important for every organization to be able to evaluate its weakness. Weakness is internal interference that becomes hurdle for the organization to achieve its objectives. In case of Post Office the operations have been suffering losses since the year 2006 and the management had to take drastic measures to convert these losses in profit in order to survive. There lies the weakness in its strength of national infrastructure, in the financial year 2008-09 the Post Office had to close down around 2500 Post Offices all around UK in order to reduce the operating expenses of the organization. The organization had around 14,376 branches spread around UK, which got reduced to around 12,000 branches in the year 2009, which shows how the distribution of the Post Offices was unproductive. Unproductive distribution of Post Office resulted in division of customer to a part that it became unprofitable. Questionable customer service quality Out of its extended number of branches which is around 12,000 only 373 are directly owned by the Post Office Ltd. The rest around 98% are either sub-Post Offices or franchise are privately owned. The Post Office has not got any consolidated training system, which would enable its braches to provide consolidate training to its customer advisors. The only training method adopted in Post Office all around UK is the old staff training the new staff, which is certainly not a professional manner of training a staff. Training becomes an important part of working with the Post Office as the system it uses to serve the customer is horizon. It is a very complex hi-tech system, which enable the advisors to reach all its product with ease, but in order to be able to use the system efficiently, a systemized training methodology should be adopted, which is not practised in case of Post Offices. Hence leaving an efficiently trained customer advisor to serve the customer, which certainly reduces its quality of services, and the direct effect of these can be seen with the Post Offices losing its largest footfall customer to highly efficient and quality customer services competitors. Industrial dispute Post Office is a subsidiary of Royal Mail Ltd, which also own Royal Mail, and Parcel Force, which are its collection and delivering division. Royal Mail is been a centre of a number of recent industrial disputes with the Communication Workerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s Union. The extended dispute between the management and the staff lasted around 7 months and resulted into the staff going on a number of strikes, which disrupted the business severely. Post Office thrives certainly, but not majorly on its Post al foot fall customer for its other services. There was a enormous decrease in the number of Post al customer, because of the strike called on by CWU, in the year 2009, which makes its internal dispute with the staff a major weakness. The strike carried on by the staff resulted into inefficient delivery of the mails, which makes the customer hunt for another more efficient delivery or courier service provider, hence decreasing its own customer line. Opportunities Extensive range of services enabling cross-selling opportunities Extended customer line of the Post Office, from banking, Postal, investment, insurance, pension, licensing customer and others provides a huge potential to the Post Office to enable the cross selling to its customer. Every pension customer is a potential over 50 life cover customer, and bureau de change customer is a probable customer for selling travelling insurance. Every DVLA customer is a probable car insurance customer. With such a huge potential customer foot fall, the Post Office surely gets a competitive advantage over its rivals in the market. Further consolidation in the banking industry The Post Office offers a huge line of financial products, from foreign exchange, to insurance, from credit cards to investment opportunities to its customer. The Post Office offers basic banking services by the means of cash withdrawals, cash deposit, cheque deposit etc, looking at such a huge line of customers. The post office should capitalize on their banking customers by providing basic savings and current account services either through organic growth or with a joint venture with a trustable partner and take advantage of reforming financial services. A national infrastructure would surely provide them with the competitive advantage and make their operations economical and sustainable for longer period of time. Further consolidation of brand image The Post office in the year ending 2008-09 closed down 85 of its crown post offices, out of, which 70 were sold to W H Smith, which is expected to make 2.5 million in additional profit in that financial year. This strategy can be critically evaluated and taken at a next level, by creating a joint venture with Hallmark, Greetings cards or such established organization, to which posting services can be related. The customers will have the convenience of two related services at a single stop. This can work in advantage for both the organization as it adds value to the product and the services. Threats Revolutionary changes within the Industry The postal Industry, is going through a lot of changes, technology is taking over the traditional mailing system. People as well as corporate industry rely heavily on technology for communication. Using the technology has its own set of benefits, as it is safer, cost effective and faster than traditional mailing methods. Advancements in technology are inevitable and the near future can be visualized with reducing dependence on postal system. This is a sure threat for the postal industry as technological advancements is eating away its probable market. A research conducted at the royal mail showed a reduction of 10 million customer using postal services compared with the last year, this give a serious indication as to how the reliance on the postal system is reducing (http://search.bbc.co.uk/search?q=royal%20mail%20striketab=allscope=allstart=2). Increase in competition The mailing industry is becoming intensely competitive, unlike in the past, where the post office enjoyed the monopoly of having the maximum share of the industry. Companies like DHL, TNT, Fed-ex etc are providing intense competition to the UKà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s oldest posting organization. The customer has evolved from merely being cost effective to cost against time evaluation, today the customer are ready to pay a suitable extra amount for ensuring the time and safety of the delivery, the private players have certainly gained their confidence in this sector by providing safe, secure and timely services. Thus, the Post Office faces sever competition from these private players in national and international market. Overall assessment of the organisationà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s position 10% of the marks are allocated for overall conclusions on the balance of SWOT elements. SWOT analysis is a continuous process, and just as important as other management functions. The fact that the post office has been extending its line of product and service offerings to its customers proves that the post office has been conducting a continuous research on the product line. Recently, it has been offering its postal services on-line, which facilitates the customer to utilize their services at the comfort of their home. Industrial dispute, for which the Royal mail has faced much criticism, has proved very damaging for it overall brand image. National joint-venture or organic growth in banking industry is one of the biggest opportunities that lie in-front of the post office. Advancing the product line of the post office, a national level merger with W H Smith or any other stationary or greeting cards organizations will be an opportunity of adding brand value to its organization. Finally, talking about the threat that the post office faces is quite clear with the significant increase in the number of customer reeling on technology to communicate. Modern customer is ready to let go of cost if the services offered are time specific, private player are surely a notch ahead of post office in providing such time efficient services, which gives a set back to post office services. But, I see a promise in post office management, as it has been able to overturn its losses into profits and been able to maintain an extended and well diversified product and service portfolio, which I see being continued in the near future.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Romeo and Juliet: Act 1 Scene 5 Essay -- English Literature Essays

Romeo and Juliet: Act 1 Scene 5 In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, about two love struck teenagers whom aren’t able to be together due to their families feud/ social situation. There are two key themes that of love and hate. Before Romeo and Juliet meet, the audience is only aware that he is a Montague and that she is a Capulet. This adds to the scene being so dramatically effective as do other happenings throughout the length of the scene. These include the speech of Capulet and the happy and joyous mood of the party, The romantic speech of Romeo, The hatred and harshness of Tybalt’s speech, a direct contrast with that of Romeo’s and the drama when the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet first meet. At the start of Act 1 scene 5, Capulet turns to the maskers at the ball and delivers a speech rather jokingly tell all to enjoy the night and dance to the music. This speech is important as it lets the Audience know and that this night is a happy and joyous occasion. As a reader or observer you feel Capulet is happy, because the event is just for Capulet’s. He and the others feel only happy when they’re with their own kind, this adds to the dramatic effectiveness of the scene because as an audience member you are now even more aware of the great tension that is waiting to explode between the houses of Capulet and Montague. This joyous occasion is also of stark contrast to the fighting at the beginning of the play. More important speeches are made including that of Rom...