Resolving Organizational Conflicts in Communication and Team Work Essay

Resolving Organizational Conflicts in Communication and Team Work - Essay Example This report constitutes the process and resolution of consultancy for an organization enmeshed in issues in communication, teamwork, and achievement of organizational goals. Within the organization brew conflicts of interests that spew forth outcomes that drag the organization back instead of taking strides forward as a team. Such conflicts may be constraining factors in the smooth transition in the expansion of the organization. This implies that greater workload and responsibilities are expected. With an objective disposition, the consultant interviewed some members of the senior management team who expressed their concerns for the organization. Armed with this initial information, the consultant dug deeper by studying the issues and researching on possible interventions to resolve them. This paper will provide a background of the organization, the presenting problems, elaboration, and explanation of the concepts from a review of the literature and the resulting recommendations for intervention and conclusion. Adino Drug Detox Trust is a drug rehabilitation center that welcomes drug users who want to turn their lives around from being enslaved from drugs to being drug-free. The rehabilitation clinic helps them in their recovery and reintegration to society. The organization has enjoyed an untarnished national and international reputation for the past 30 years. It is registered as both a nursing home as well as a charity. It provides round-the-clock medical and social care.... He may stay in the clinic for a maximum of 3 weeks of detoxification prior to going through the second phase of detoxification. Within a year, he cannot be readmitted, as he is expected to remain drug free for a long time after his detoxification and when released from the clinic, that is his own responsibility. Besides, there are other clients who need the services of the clinic. The personnel involved in Aldino is composed of teams. The Operational Teams are comprised of the Nursing team, the Social Care Team and the Auxillary support team. The Senior Management Team (SMT) is comprised of the CEO, an Operations Director, Financial Director and an HR director. The SMT holds monthly board meetings. They are answerable to a board of trustees who meet quarterly. Referral Problem Meeting with the chairman of the board, the consultant inquired about the presenting problem of the organisation. The chairman expressed concern and dissatisfaction with the way the management could not agree o n so many things. He observed that there was constant squabbling and disagreements and too much interpersonal friction especially between the CEO and the financial director. The senior management team was always divided and the members manifested more individualistic career ambition than collective goal-setting for the organisation. The chairman noted that there was not enough corporate collegial cooperation. Such issues in communication and teamwork has resulted in low morale for the organisation. With the impending move to expand from a 15 bed unit to a 21 bed unit, and ready to accept additional clients in two month’s time, it is expected that the increased work load may present more challenges to the organisation in terms of workload and decision-making. The board of

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 29

Art - Essay Example It should of course be understood by the reader that although proceeding analysis is indicative of this author’s interpretation, it cannot be viewed as the only correct interpretation. The first of these is of course the most important fact that the figures within the context of the sculpture are indicative of dance; appropriate to the arena in which they are displayed. However, more importantly than merely dance, the figures do not represent gender, age, race, or any other factors that would engage the viewer with any level of bias. Instead, the artist chose to represent them as faceless and genderless as a means of engaging with the widest audience possible and drawing a level of thought and contemplation to the emotions and feelings that the dancers themselves represent. The level of emotion and feeling that is displayed within the sculpture is also an item of considerable importance due to the fact that the dancers are not only engaged in mid stride for a particular dance that is un-described; they are also in a clearly celebratory stage of this dance. The viewer is left to imagine whether the action that is captured is indeed part of the dance itself or is instead the exemplification of the completed action and the final movements that the dancers make as a way of engaging the audience and their approval of the performance that has just been presented. It is the belief of this particular reviewer that the latter is most likely the case as the upraised arms on the part of both dancers helps to engage the imagination with a celebratory movement that is being performed as the final part of a well received performance. Moreover, the position of the feet, upturned on the part of the character in the foreground and flat/running on the part of the charac ter in the background is indicative of a type of victory stance and celebratory lap that is usually engaged within the final

Very Short Fairly Interesting And Reasonably English Language Essay

Very Short Fairly Interesting And Reasonably English Language Essay This is a book that I had read with easy understanding on organizational theories, various aspects to define organizational forms in different chapters like philosophy, management, psychology. High motivation approved because of not only focusing on business cases, however, involved military and wars or either Greys assumption with daily occurrence in the concept of what is an organization formed. Grey provided dichotomy of different aspects comparison seems to sketch a picture of organizational studies in my imaginary, impressing knowledge deeply in my subconscious for digestion. A book wrote by a professor working organizational behaviour at Warwick Business School, Chris Grey. What are the reasons for Grey to write this book? He had mentioned in the introduction that numerous of organization studies were hard carrying and reading for readers. Therefore, he had designed it elaborately as a short textbook with theories and organizations for readers, especially recommended to undergraduate students to stimulate their thinking on an advanced new area. Summary and Context The book has divided into three parts based on defining chapters. The first two chapters had written the classical issues are the infrastructure to contribute the recent theories of organizations. These two chapters had inserted various aspects in organizations to assist readers to have a basic understanding. A bureaucracy and rationality, was firstly having an assumption to a German sociologist, Max Weber, the former can be defined as a series of hierarchical relationships. Latter had split into two groups, formal or instrumental rationality with definition to achieve a goal by adopted the most efficiency way for that purpose; substantive or value rationality, this refer to bureaucracies focused on means more than results. Hawthorne studies, an assumption of human relations theory conducted in the 1920s and 1930s, comparing illumination experiment and the bank wiring room experiment to investigate further information of personhood. Certainly, there are more theories and cases had wr itten down in the book. Newcomers and experience readers may already have a contact to the above theories before Greys version had slightly difference of the original thinking of these themes, the general consideration of theories are boring to consult or either dusty. However, these theories had launched as a reference material that for the modern form of organization theory to reproduce. Secondly, Grey has concerned more on some contemporary goals in studying organizations in the following three chapters. This involved organizational culture and self-management, post-bureaucracy and change management and as well as fast capitalism and the end of management. The themes of chapter three are relevance organizational culture that a familiar range of initiatives which position values. Post-bureaucracy is a term of (supposedly) new organizational structures that (apparently) have replaced the stereo-organizational forms by pressuring its agility and fluidity. Fast capitalism is to accelerate and re-structuring to produce unfounded consequences for individuals and society. In chapter 6 Grey using his perspective to address the study of organizations, a business school is the place where the organisational studies began and taught and claimed as another part of contemporary academic study. In my view, the study of organization is a part for students ambitions to become a man ager or those who already have several year experiences on working as organizational managers on how to understand them contentedly, and also the connection between management and organization theories become obviously appeared. As for the final part, a conclusion, Grey mentioned the importance of studying organizations like to consider managerial concerns in a political way and realities is being equal to consult the truth of organizations in general. It is not only a conclusion in my purpose, he is trying to convince the readers to understand why they have to study organizations and at the same time to allow us to think deeply what is the truth and how we perform afterwards. This represented Greys is acting an intermediary through his writing rather than writing something to extend organizational knowledge to readers. Analysis There is a high organizational structure in this book. Preface and introduction allow readers to know more about the second edition and authors thinking at the beginning. An organizational structure formed in this book seems a metaphor for Grey giving a message of what an organization is in usual. Each chapter had designed two topics for readers to understand how organizational theories forms and within inside the chapters: Grey reveals his thought on comparing, critique, expounding and experiments in separation. The separation means Grey had set some sub-topic in every chapter to meticulous analyse those academic theories related to organizations. Conclusion had set up in every chapter to summarize his words allow readers to have clearer minding on organizational knowledge. Greys words are spontaneous and detailed in the book. There is no space for empirical or philosophical precisions, which we have to compare in organizational stuff. His writing had spent less time on discussing the psychological life of Taylor, and even not to focus on advanced investigation on philosophy within an unsophisticated way to point out. The style of Greys book is a stand out writing on argument which attracted many remarkable people to regards, using some ordinary language to speak a plain truth. One of an argument about goal displacement in bureaucratic dysfunctionalism: a security guard of a factory rejected a managing director enter to meet her creditors and result the factory closes down. This is a double theory that the guard should allow MD to get into factory or not rationally. Another example appeared in two conversations between a child and his dad which are simples, but they have a high contrast on the result of human relations between former and latter behaviou r changes. (p. 48-49) Grey is quite often to analyse the organizational theories with some professors speech and thinking. This writing can state an argument between other authors and him to allow readers to consult and consider a better choice. An academic idea from Linda Smircich (1983), suggested that organizational culture could be thought of two different ways: critical variable and root metaphor. A critical variable is to assume culture could be managed inevitably, amenable to intervention, control and definition. Another cultural speech from Smircich, Culture as a root metaphor means something the organization is rather than something it has. (p73) In a certain sense, a root metaphor is to represent that cultures are spontaneous and unmanaged. According Greys thought, culture is the leitmotif of a gathering of modern development that organizations have, which is not simply of a topic in organization studies. Another form of Greys writing is rarely touchable in organization studies, pointing out topics of what Grey is thinking. Pragmatism teaches through examples to motivate readers to restructure the organizational thinking rather than instructional education. The pragmatism that Grey used is not only on academic aspects on philosophy and psychology; he does simply use pragmatism at a certain amount on critical, empirical and analytical tools on theories to perform his pragmatic fashion. There are some pragmatic works had engaged in the book that he linked topics up as scientific management at the beginning, and then turned into post Fordist industries. Greys has a well meticulous planning on pragmatism using in organizational theories, and this allows readers to know how words can be used in the similar phenomenon. Evaluation This book has highly recommended to students and managers. There are some critical statements provided by Grey which is an opportunity for readers to learn organizational theories under informal structure. However, this is a book review and so I should not focus on how Greys merits, I have to evaluate its defect at the same time. There is an argument in the critical study on interpret. Organizations constructed by organizational theories are only a thesis with invalid points, and an ideology of that thesis is to stimulate managers to desire a higher status in their working places. Social science failed to create an efficacious knowledge because of unpredictable of human behaviours. There are some similar features of organizational theory, instrumental rationality, mentioned by Grey that within the using of unethical examples in the book to explain what rationality is. Management schools want to improve its status and socialize students; nevertheless, the schedules are empty. Readers are willing to seek some valid approaches to study what organization is. However, this information did not reveal in Greys writing. Based on an unconventional perspective of organizational theories, some of Greys writing are not broad enough of the field of organization studies. This makes some empirical readers lose their interests to get further advanced education in the book. Although it is a fact, but Grey had also pointed out that this is not a textbook, it is simply a comprehensive reading with several organizational knowledge and constructionist viewing. On my perspective, some of Greys themes had overextended, and some undeserved. There is a scenario related to the development of American management born, which found in military successfully in the Second World War. In my point of view, it is a story about the coordination between culture and management. Grey had mentioned the American logistics were as central to their military success. However, it did not mention deeply what American logistics had contributed. (p. 67) This is an insufficient thing in Greys explanation that I had mentioned previously. Conclusion After the reading, I would say that it is a high valuable book with explicit in theories and powerful critique of the organizations. I had pointed out the inward that the book describes Greys knowledge with the structure how Greys elaborated on those chapters (three main parts). Some thesis have mentioned with books theories like goal displacement in analysing paragraph and the argument mentioned in critical studies, which impressed in my heart. Studying organization is not only understanding its theories and process, we have to understand what is world, how does it changing, what the trend is etc. If we prefer to achieve higher quality of living standard, we will need to expand the traditional managerial thinking, which is an obtrusion that business management schools do to their students. In a nutshell, the price of this book is an opposite contrary of its original values. The price of this book is cheap compare to its value, which is incommensurability, the value of A very short book, I had explained in the previous paragraph. There is a phrase in the book impressed me deeply: formal rationality swallows up substantive rationality, and systemic rationality overwhelms individual rationality. (p. 29) This phrase convinced me to understand the running system of rationality perform and new thinking on management. I am going to use the theories from the book in my undergraduate, following fast capitalisms aims to adapt the world.

The Japanese Economy :: essays research papers fc

The Japanese Economy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The prewar economy of Japan was a Socialist economy and the country was ruled by an emperor up to WW2 and after WW2 it started to lean towards a mixed market economy until what it is today although its government is Socialist it is leaning towards a mixed market economy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese economy is a mixed economy that leans towards market, it is like this because almost all business are run by private corporations or people and that is the market in the economy. And the reason that they are thriving and are so competitive is because of the trade tariffs and quotas that the government has in place. These regulations include heavy taxes on some products and denial on some others for example: the way Japan will only let certain foreign cars in to Japan and even then they are so heavily taxed that the average Japanese person can ¹t pay that much and will have to buy a Japanese made car and at the same time in other countries they are selling their cars for less than anyone else in that country and that is what they do with most of their products and is how they get a trade surplus year after year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Manufacturing is the most important economic activity in Japan it accounts for about 28% of it ¹s GDP. The Japanese people import more than half of the products that they manufacture from other countries in their crudest form and manufacture them into transportation equipment, iron, steel, chemicals, petroleum and coal products and textiles. Most of these products are produced by large corporations with many employees and the happier the employees are the more it will be done.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An aspect of a market economy that Japan has is the way the companies treat their workers. The way the Japanese treat their workers is so different form the way we treat our workers here. The Japanese are so much more respectful towards their employer( the exact opposite from other countries especially those with a centralised economy) and often work for one employer until retirement. Some of the special treatment that the workers receive is housing; some of the companies namely Honda have a special housing unite for their workers and their families and a company cemetery for all the workers and their families. Because of this the employees work habits are much more productive and a larger profit can be turned and they can get a jump on the competition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In centralised economies very few lucturies are returned to the people and in market economies most of them are, in Japan there are to kinds of people

African American in 19th Century Essay

The Civil war after effects; set the scene for what would become a long road of discovery, hardship, violence, and freedom however, during this process of transition the American people went through emotional as well economical changes which added additional stress to an already stressed nation where many groups became fearful and were subjected to racism which crossed over the boundary of liberty and Justice for all. Equality had become an endangered liberty guaranteed by a country build upon democracy, regrettably the African American people were not the only ones to suffer many vast groups faced hard days in America at the turn of the century several violent attacks were specifically carried out on the African American men and women even though, the civil war brought a lot of changes it produced little or no results for African American men; however, it did bring harsher persecution all over the country, whereas mass numbers of black men were lynched in the lower southern states in a show of defiance. â€Å"The Emancipation Act† did nothing for the white man but still provided less for the African black man who were still unable to vote in addition to having descent jobs with adequate pay many were forced back to the farm as sharecropper’s despite the set backs they percervered through the racial remarks and slanders. Black men and women were segragated from the start and separate waiting rooms bathrooms and dinning facilities openly poject the sentiments of the American people of the era,within the State of Mississippi; In Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896), The Supreme Court reinforced that â€Å"Blacks and Whites should be separate, but equal. † The statement SEPERATE but EQUAL! thosewords only produced Segregation on a bias legal system of fairness and equality in which a country struggling already became the fuel on a fire already burning and would later divided the country in later years sparking new violence and refocused hatred. More over the Men and women of that time were forced to swear on separate bibles, they couldn’t vote in the election in the country in which they were guaranteed equal rights because they were under disfranchisement, and the racism was developing more and more is some southern locations, for an example many southern states legislated that if your grandfather had cast a ballot then you are allowed to vote and this law supported that nearly all southern white mean were permitted to vote and excluded all African Americans in most situations men whose grandparents had most likely been slaves never voted. Booker T. Washington’s submitted a lot for the African Americans in turn of the century, after his famous speech in Atlanta 1895 (Atlanta Compromise) in about one year the African Americans got more rights, they began to use separated but equal facilities, it was stupid to say the least but it provided a line of truths temporarily and unfourantely included racist ideas inside but it was better than it had been before. Booker T. Washington’s met the American president Theodore Roosevelt at the white house in 1901 and that was a good step towards get the African American and their rights another great pioneer of that time was Du Boise who supported the right for equality and the strive to have equal opportunities within society however Booker T. Washington’s did a lot more for the African American rights, Washington became the Founder of the Niagara movement in 1905. † In 1909 the Niagara movement efforts led to foundation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which now is the enforcing representation of the African American whereas Booker T. Washington’s inspiration became a door way to freedom and allowed the African American man to have a voice in society. Finally, if I was African American living at that time, I will say that Booker T. Washington’s and Du Bois were the best representatives of the African Americans all over the country, and Booker T. Washington’s started the movement of the African Americans civil rights, while Du Bois came later to continue and support his efforts, they were great team and deserve the respect.

Foundation and Empire 13. Leutenant And Clown

If, from a distance of seven thousand parsecs, the fall of Kalgan to the armies of the Mule had produced reverberations that had excited the curiosity of an old Trader, the apprehension of a dogged captain, and the annoyance of a meticulous mayor – to those on Kalgan itself, it produced nothing and excited no one. It is the invariable lesson to humanity that distance in time, and in space as well, lends focus. It is not recorded, incidentally, that the lesson has ever been permanently learned. Kalgan was – Kalgan. It alone of all that quadrant of the Galaxy seemed not to know that the Empire had fallen, that the Stannells no longer ruled, that greatness had departed, and peace had disappeared. Kalgan was the luxury world. With the edifice of mankind crumbling, it maintained its integrity as a producer of pleasure, a buyer of gold and a seller of leisure. It escaped the harsher vicissitudes of history, for what conqueror would destroy or even seriously damage a world so full of the ready cash that would buy immunity. Yet even Kalgan had finally become the headquarters of a warlord and its softness had been tempered to the exigencies of war. Its tamed jungles, its mildly modeled shores, and its garishly glamorous cities echoed to the march of imported mercenaries and impressed citizens. The worlds of its province had been armed and its money invested in battleships rather than bribes for the first time in its history. Its ruler proved beyond doubt that he was determined to defend what was his and eager to seize what was others. He was a great one of the Galaxy, a war and peace maker, a builder of Empire, an establisher of dynasty. And an unknown with a ridiculous nickname had taken him – and his arms – and his budding Empire – and had not even fought a battle. So Kalgan was as before, and its uniformed citizens hurried back to their older life, while the foreign professionals of war merged easily into the newer bands that descended. Again as always, there were the elaborate luxury hunts for the cultivated animal life of the jungles that never took human life; and the speedster bird-chases in the air above, that was fatal only to the Great Birds. In the cities, the escapers of the Galaxy could take their varieties of pleasure to suit their purse, from the ethereal sky-palaces of spectacle and fantasy that opened their doors to the masses at the jingle of half a credit, to the unmarked, unnoted haunts to which only those of great wealth were of the cognoscenti. To the vast flood, Toran and Bayta added not even a trickle. They registered their ship in the huge common hangar on the East Peninsula, and gravitated to that compromise of the middle-classes, the Inland Sea-where the pleasures were yet legal, and even respectable, and the crowds not yet beyond endurance. Bayta wore dark glasses against the light, and a thin, white robe against the heat. Warm-tinted arms, scarcely the goldener for the sun, clasped her knees to her, and she stared with firm, abstracted gaze at the length of her husband's outstretched body – almost shimmering in the brilliance of white sun-splendor. â€Å"Don't overdo it,† she had said at first, but Toran was of a dying-red star, Despite three years of the Foundation, sunlight was a luxury, and for four days now his skin, treated beforehand for ray resistance, had not felt the harshness of clothing, except for the brief shorts. Bayta huddled close to him on the sand and they spoke in whispers. Toran's voice was gloomy, as it drifted upwards from a relaxed face, â€Å"No, I admit we're nowhere. But where is he? Who is he? This mad world says nothing of him. Perhaps he doesn't exist.† â€Å"He exists,† replied Bayta, with lips that didn't move. â€Å"He's clever, that's all. And your uncle is right. He's a man we could use – if there's time.† A short pause. Toran whispered, â€Å"Know what I've been doing, Bay? I'm just daydreaming myself into a sun-stupor. Things figure themselves out so neatly – so sweetly.† His voice nearly trailed off, then returned, â€Å"Remember the way Dr. Amann talked back at college, Bay. The Foundation can never lose, but that does not mean the rulers of the Foundation can't. Didn't the real history of the Foundation begin when Salvor Hardin kicked out the Encyclopedists and took over the planet Terminus as the first mayor? And then in the next century, didn't Hober Mallow gain power by methods almost as drastic? That's twice the rulers were defeated, so it can be done. So why not by us?† â€Å"It's the oldest argument in the books. Torie. What a waste of good reverie.† â€Å"Is it? Follow it out. What's Haven? Isn't it part of the Foundation? If we become top dog, it's still the Foundation winning, and only the current rulers losing.† â€Å"Lots of difference between ‘we can' and ‘we will.' You're just jabbering.† Toran squirmed. â€Å"Nuts, Bay, you're just in one of your sour, green moods. What do you want to spoil my fun for? I'll just go to sleep if you don't mind.† But Bayta was craning her head, and suddenly – quite a non sequitur – she giggled, and removed her glasses to look down the beach with only her palm shading her eyes. Toran looked up, then lifted and twisted his shoulders to follow her glance. Apparently, she was watching a spindly figure, feet in air, who teetered on his hands for the amusement of a haphazard crowd. It was one of the swarming acrobatic beggars of the shore, whose supple joints bent and snapped for the sake of the thrown coins. A beach guard was motioning him on his way and with a surprising one-handed balance, the clown brought a thumb to his nose in an upside-down gesture. The guard advanced threateningly and reeled backward with a foot in his stomach. The clown righted himself without interrupting the motion of the initial kick and was away, while the frothing guard was held off by a thoroughly unsympathetic crowd. The clown made his way raggedly down the beach. He brushed past many, hesitated often, stopped nowhere. The original crowd had dispersed. The guard had departed. â€Å"He's a queer fellow,† said Bayta, with amusement, and Toran agreed indifferently. The clown was close enough now to be seen clearly. His thin face drew together in front into a nose of generous planes and fleshy tip that seemed all but prehensile. His long, lean limbs and spidery body, accentuated by his costume, moved easily and with grace, but with just a suggestion of having been thrown together at random. To look was to smile. The clown seemed suddenly aware of their regard, for he stopped after he had passed, and, with a sharp turn, approached. His large, brown eyes fastened upon Bayta. She found herself disconcerted. The clown smiled, but it only saddened his beaked face, and when he spoke it was with the soft, elaborate phrasing of the Central Sectors. â€Å"Were I to use the wits the good Spirits gave me,† he said, â€Å"then I would say this lady can not exist – for what sane man would hold a dream to be reality. Yet rather would I not be sane and lend belief to charmed, enchanted eyes.† Bayta's own eyes opened wide. She said, â€Å"Wow!† Toran laughed, â€Å"Oh, you enchantress. Go ahead, Bay, that deserves a five-credit piece. Let him have it.† But the clown was forward with a jump. â€Å"No, my lady, mistake me not. I spoke for money not at all, but for bright eyes and sweet face.† â€Å"Well, thanks,† then, to Toran, â€Å"Golly, you think the sun's in his eyes?† â€Å"Yet not alone for eyes and face,† babbled the clown, as his words hurled past each other in heightened frenzy, â€Å"but also for a mind, clear and sturdy – and kind as well.† Toran rose to his feet, reached for the white robe he had crooked his arm about for four days, and slipped into it. â€Å"Now, bud,† he said, â€Å"suppose you tell me what you want, and stop annoying the lady.† The clown fell back a frightened step, his meager body cringing. â€Å"Now, sure I meant no harm. I am a stranger here, and it's been said I am of addled wits; yet there is something in a face that I can read. Behind this lady's fairness, there is a heart that's kind, and that would help me in my trouble for all I speak so boldly.† â€Å"Will five credits cure your trouble?† said Toran, dryly, and held out the coin. But the clown did not move to take it, and Bayta said, â€Å"Let me talk to him, Torie,† She added swiftly, and in an undertone, â€Å"There's no use being annoyed at his silly way of talking. That's just his dialect; and our speech is probably as strange to him.† She said, â€Å"What is your trouble? You're not worried about the guard, are you? He won't bother you.† â€Å"Oh, no, not he. He's but a windlet that blows the dust about my ankles. There is another that I flee, and he is a storm that sweeps the worlds aside and throws them plunging at each other. A week ago, I ran away, have slept in city streets, and hid in city crowds. I've looked in many faces for help in need. I find it here.† He repeated the last phrase in softer, anxious tones, and his large eyes were troubled, â€Å"I find it here.† â€Å"Now,† said Bayta, reasonably, â€Å"I would like to help, but really, friend, I'm no protection against a world-sweeping storm. To be truthful about it, I could use-â€Å" There was an uplifted, powerful voice that bore down upon them. â€Å"Now, then, you mud-spawned rascal-† It was the beach guard, with a fire-red face, and snarling mouth, that approached at a run. He pointed with his low-power stun pistol. â€Å"Hold him, you two. Don't let him get away.† His heavy hand fell upon the clown's thin shoulder, so that a whimper was squeezed out of him. Toran said, â€Å"What's he done?† â€Å"What's he done? What's he done? Well, now, that's good!† The guard reached inside the dangling pocket attached to his belt, and removed a purple handkerchief, with which he mopped his bare neck. He said with relish. â€Å"I'll tell you what he's done. He's run away. The word's all over Kalgan and I would have recognized him before this if he had been on his feet instead of on his hawkface top.† And he rattled his prey in a fierce good humor. Bayta said with a smile, â€Å"Now where did he escape from, sir?† The guard raised his voice. A crowd was gathering, popeyed and jabbering, and with the increase of audience, the guard's sense of importance increased in direct ratio. â€Å"Where did he escape from?† he declaimed in high sarcasm. â€Å"Why, I suppose you've heard of the Mule, now.† All jabbering stopped, and Bayta felt a sudden iciness trickle down into her stomach. The clown had eyes only for her-he still quivered in the guard's brawny grasp. â€Å"And who,† continued the guard heavily, â€Å"would this infernal ragged piece be, but his lordship's own court fool who's run away.† He jarred his captive with a massive shake, â€Å"Do you admit it, fool?† There was only white fear for answer, and the soundless sibilance of Bayta's voice close to Toran's ear. Toran stepped forward to the guard in friendly fashion, â€Å"Now, my man, suppose you take your hand away for just a while. This entertainer you hold has been dancing for us and has not yet danced out his fee.† â€Å"Here!† The guard's voice rose in sudden concern. â€Å"There's a reward-â€Å" â€Å"You'll have it, if you can prove he's the man you want. Suppose you withdraw till then. You know that you're interfering with a guest, which could be serious for you.† â€Å"But you're interfering with his lordship and that will be serious for you.† He shook the clown once again. â€Å"Return the man's fee, carrion.† Toran's hand moved quickly and the guard's stun pistol was wrenched away with half a finger nearly following it. The guard howled his pain and rage. Toran shoved him violently aside, and the clown, unhanded, scuttled behind him. The crowd, whose fringes were now lost to the eye, paid little attention to the latest development. There was among them a craning of necks, and a centrifugal motion as if many had decided to increase their distance from the center of activity. Then there was a bustle, and a rough order in the distance. A corridor formed itself and two men strode through, electric whips in careless readiness. Upon each purple blouse was designed an angular shaft of lightning with a splitting planet underneath. A dark giant, in lieutenant's uniform, followed them; dark of skin, and hair, and scowl. The dark man spoke with the dangerous softness that meant he had little need of shouting to enforce his whims. He said, â€Å"Are you the man who notified us?† The guard was still holding his wrenched hand, and with a pain-distorted face mumbled, â€Å"I claim the reward, your mightiness, and I accuse that man-â€Å" â€Å"You'll get your reward,† said the lieutenant, without looking at him. He motioned curtly to his men, â€Å"Take him.† Toran felt the clown tearing at his robe with a maddened grip. He raised his voice and kept it from shaking, â€Å"I'm sorry, lieutenant; this man is mine.† The soldiers took the statement without blinking. One raised his whip casually, but the lieutenant's snapped order brought it down. His dark mightiness swung forward and planted his square body before Toran, â€Å"Who are you?† And the answer rang out, â€Å"A citizen of the Foundation.† It worked-with the crowd, at any rate. The pent-up silence broke into an intense hum. The Mule's name might excite fear, but it was, after all, a new name and scarcely stuck as deeply in the vitals as the old one of the Foundation – that had destroyed the Empire – and the fear of which ruled a quadrant of the Galaxy with ruthless despotism. The lieutenant kept face. He said, â€Å"Are you aware of the identity of the man behind you?† â€Å"I have been told he's a runaway from the court of your leader, but my only sure knowledge is that he is a friend of mine. You'll need firm proof of his identity to take him.† There were high-pitched sighs from the crowd, but the lieutenant let it pass. â€Å"Have you your papers of Foundation citizenship with you?† â€Å"At my ship.† â€Å"You realize that your actions are illegal? I can have you shot.† â€Å"Undoubtedly. But then you would have shot a Foundation citizen and it is quite likely that your body would be sent to the Foundation – quartered – as part compensation. It's been done by other warlords.† The lieutenant wet his lips. The statement was true. He said, â€Å"Your name?† Toran followed up his advantage, â€Å"I will answer further questions at my ship. You can get the cell number at the Hangar; it is registered under the name ‘Bayta'.† â€Å"You won't give up the runaway?† â€Å"To the Mule, perhaps. Send your master!† The conversation had degenerated to a whisper and the lieutenant turned sharply away. â€Å"Disperse the crowd!† he said to his men, with suppressed ferocity. The electric whips rose and fell. There were shrieks and a vast surge of separation and flight. Toran interrupted his reverie only once on their way back to the Hangar. He said, almost to himself, â€Å"Galaxy, Bay, what a time I had! I was so scared-â€Å" â€Å"Yes,† she said, with a voice that still shook, and eyes that still showed something akin to worship, â€Å"it was quite out of character.† â€Å"Well, I still don't know what happened. I just got up there with a stun pistol that I wasn't even sure I knew how to use, and talked back to him. I don't know why I did it.† He looked across the aisle of the short-run air vessel that was carrying them out of the beach area, to the seat on which the Mule's clown scrunched up in sleep, and added distastefully, â€Å"It was the hardest thing I've ever done.† The lieutenant stood respectfully before the colonel of the garrison, and the colonel looked at him and said, â€Å"Well done. Your part's over now.† But the lieutenant did not retire immediately. He said darkly, â€Å"The Mule has lost face before a mob, sir. It will be necessary to undertake disciplinary action to restore proper atmosphere of respect.† â€Å"Those measures have already been taken.† The lieutenant half turned, then, almost with resentment, â€Å"I'm willing to agree, sir, that orders are orders, but standing before that man with his stun pistol and swallowing his insolence whole, was the hardest thing I've ever done.†

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Testing essays

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Testing essays Several legal and ethical considerations are adhered in testing to allow the validity of any tests provided. From the Code of Ethics relative to testing, it is appropriate that standardized tests or any other tests follow legal contents and ethical procedures such as follows. Tests provided must be appropriate to the educational attainment Communicating the test procedures, how the test will be administered, and interpreting the test instructions if necessary. Ensuring that all test materials are safe before and after test administrations to guarantee the integrity of test results Providing appropriate span of time in test sessions. Selection Techniques in Hiring a Property Manager In hiring a property manager for apartments, there are several selection techniques that can somehow assure a satisfactory and well-performed job. First, an applicant with good communication skills and public relations is essential because managing properties frequently entails dealings with clients. An applicant who can relate properly to others can somehow assure that the properties, apartments in our case, will not be idle and will revolve within the business. This is easily distinguishable through interview sessions with an applicant. Second is the professional image. This is an important characteristic a property manager must have to gain the confidence, trust, and respect of clients. Such also presents an impression that he is serious with his job. Again, this can be seen in an interview session. Finally, it is important that an applicant has knowledge in managing and maintaining properties. Because this is mainly the duty of a property manager for apartments, some background of it can ...

Figurative and Alternate Meanings for 20 Medical Terms

Figurative and Alternate Meanings for 20 Medical Terms Figurative and Alternate Meanings for 20 Medical Terms Figurative and Alternate Meanings for 20 Medical Terms By Mark Nichol Words used to describe medical conditions or phenomena often acquire new connotations by extension of the original meaning, though sometimes the medical meaning followed rather than fostered the other. Here are twenty such terms and their other senses, as well as the initial definition. 1. Anemic: lacking in some quality, such as energy, interest, quantity, or substance (blood deficiency, resulting in a lack of vitality) 2. Artery: a communication or transportation channel, especially a major one (vessels that carry blood from the heart throughout the body) 3. Articulation: the action, manner, or state of being joined, or expressing or uttering sounds or words; also, an obstruction (a joint or juncture in an animal) 4. Cataracts: waterfalls or steep rapids, or torrents (a clouding of the eye that obstructs light) this word, from the Latin term for a portcullis, a gate that is lowered from above, likely acquired the medical connotation later, from the resemblance of the clouding to a sheet of water 5. Diagnosis: an analysis or investigation, or its conclusion (using signs and symptoms to identify a disease, or the identification itself) 6. Dyspeptic: disgruntled (suffering from indigestion) 7. Hallucination: delusion (false perception caused by drugs or a nervous system disorder, or the object so perceived) 8. Hemorrhage: a significant loss or release (a heavy flow of blood) 9. Morbid: melancholy or gruesome, or related to death (pertaining to or affected by or causing disease) 10. Nasal: a vocal quality suggestion obstruction in the nose (pertaining to the nose) 11. Nerve: boldness, strength, or a sensitive issue (tissue that connects components of an organism’s nervous system, or sinews or tendons) 12. Oral: spoken (pertaining to the mouth, or to personality traits or a stage of psychological development) 13. Paralysis: incapacity or powerlessness (loss of ability to sense and move part or all of the body) 14. Plethora: abundance, excess (an excess of blood) 15. Postmortem: an analysis or discussion of an event after it has occurred (an autopsy) 16. Prognosis: forecast (chances for recovery from disease) 17. Sanguine: bloodthirsty, or optimistic (pertaining to blood, or having a ruddy complexion) 18. Schizophrenia: antagonistic or contrary attitudes or qualities (a psychiatric disorder marked by delusion of perception and thought) 19. Surgical: marked by precision (pertaining to medical operations) 20. Umbilical: used in references to excessive emotional attachment (pertaining to the navel or the center of the abdomen) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Wether, Weather, WhetherThe Possessive ApostropheMankind vs. Humankind

Indicating Possession in Spanish

Indicating Possession in Spanish Many of the structural details of the English language - the parts of speech, punctuation, and even the addition of s or es to make words plural - have correlating structures in Spanish. But one common structure - the addition of an apostrophe followed by an s  - to indicate possession  does not. So if you are going to indicate possession, whether literal or abstract,  in Spanish, here are three ways you can do it: Possessive Determiners Possessive determiners are often classified as a type of adjective, the equivalent of such English words as my and your. Like other Spanish adjectives, they need to match the noun they refer to in number and gender. Here are the possessive determiners of Spanish along with a sample sentence for each: Mi, mis (my, mine): Mi gato es muy peludo. (My cat is very hairy.)Tu, tus (your):  ¡Tus hijas y yo te necesitamos! (Your daughters and I need you!)Su, sus (your, his, her, their, ones): Su casa es su mayor inversià ³n. (Your  house is  your  biggest  investment.)Nuestro, nuestra, nuestros, nuestras (our):  ¿Hay limpieza à ©tnica en nuestro paà ­s? (Is there ethnic cleansing in our country?)Vuestro, vuestra, vuestros, vuestras (your): Me interesarà ­a saber ms sobre vuestro perro.  (I would be interested to know more about your dog. Vuestro and its forms are seldom used in most of Latin America.) Using De If you are using a name or noun to refer to the person or entity that is in possession, the prepositional phrase of de followed by the noun is used, as in el libro de Juan, Johns book. A few examples: Ver el perfil de Pablo. (See Pablos profile.)Él no cree en el movimiento de mujeres. (He doesnt believe in the womens movement.)Es la madre de la estudiante. (She is the students mother.) It similarly is possible to indicate possession by using de followed by a pronoun, such as in de à ©l, but such usage is uncommon except when the use of a determiner would be ambiguous in the context. For example, if su libro (his, her, your or their book) would be ambiguous, we could say el libro de à ©l or el libro de ella (his book or her book). Possessive Pronouns and Long-Form adjectives Less common are the long form of possessive adjectives, which may be used as pronouns. They also may be used as adjectives following the noun. As with the determiners, possessive pronouns and adjectives much the possessed items or persons in number and gender.  These forms are as follows: mà ­o, mà ­a, mà ­os, mà ­as (my, mine).  El coche  mà ­o  consume mucha gasolina. (My  car consumes much gasoline.tuyo, tuya, tuyos, tuyas (your, yours).  La cama roja es tuya.  (The red bed is yours.)suyo, suya, suyos, suyas (my, mine). Las computadoras eran suyas. (The computers were hers.)  nuestro, nuestra, nuestros, nuestras (our, ours). Los perros nuestros son muy diferentes. (Ours are very different.)vuestro, vuestra, vuestros, vuestras (your, yours; this plural familiar form is seldom used in Latin America). El regalo es vuestro. (The gift is yours.) Sample Sentences Showing Possession La casa mà ­a estaba toda quemada. Lo perdà ­ absolutamente todo. (My house was completely burnt. I lost absolutely everything. Mis pensamientos son los que me hacen sentir feliz o desgraciado. (My thoughts are what make me feel happy happy or miserable. Los retos de la vida son parte del viaje. (Lifes challenges are part of the journey.) La esposa del actor rompià ³ el silencio sobre los escndalos. (The actors wife broke her silence about the scandals.) la complejidad del ojo humano es increà ­ble. (The human eyes complexity is unbelievable.) En la creacià ³n de su imagen profesional, su actitud puede contribuir de forma positiva o negativa. (In the creation of your professional image, your attitude can contribute in a positive or negative way.) Su reputacià ³n puede sufrir ataques desde cualquier rincà ³n del mundo. (Ones reputation can come under attack from any corner of the world.)  ¿Cules son las diferencias tuyas con las otras candidatas? (What are your differences from the other candidates?) Ya se han muerto todas las esperanzas mà ­as. (All my hopes have died.) Era la ocasià ³n perfecta para explicar mis creencias. (It was the perfect time for explaining my beliefs.) Durante aquellos primeros aà ±os, la inteligencia de Einstein comenzà ³ a manifestarse. (In those early years, Einsteins intelligence began to show.)

Discussion for online Business Ethics class - Week 3 Essay

Discussion for online Business Ethics class - Week 3 - Essay Example e equal on social and economic grounds, even then there will remain a perceptual dissatisfaction due to human’s nature to look beyond what he is today and thus strive for more, than what others have. Thus social democratic societies cannot achieve happiness. However, Kelly believes that happiness comes from exercising freedom. He calls the corporation of today as the government of the propertied class, a concept similar to plutocracy and timocracy where privileged class dictates the terms and thus few is the number of happy people. Therefore in order to bring happiness amongst the society, it is necessary to bring happiness amongst masses which can be brought by ending the rule of the elite, and the introducing the measures that shall also use the growth of other stakeholder’s such as employees to indicate the growth of the corporations. Kelly has distinguished a corporation from its stockholders. The role of corporation is not to maximize profits only but to also address the issues of the corporate stakeholders that also include employees, customers, suppliers, creditors etc. Thus instead of focusing on the shareholders only which it does by perceiving each and everything from his eye only, it shall also focus on the well being of its other stakeholders too by increasing wages and funding healthy environment for instance. While Novak’s perception is optimistic about corporations, Kelly views it pessimistically. Novak believes that corporations have been wrongly blamed to have ignored morality and promoted only that, which has been useful to them but he agrees that corporations do have the elements of aristocracy. On the other hand Kelly believes that the corporations have wrongly assumed the role of exercising the desires of the elite, it has to do more than maximizing the profits of its shareholders. Therefore, instead of competing on the wealth of the shareholders, the corporations need to compete on wider basis such as raising the standards of the

Sustainable Development in Iran Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sustainable Development in Iran - Essay Example Renewable energy (RE) and related technologies are popularly viewed as solutions to the growing issues of pollution, global warming and climate change. The development of new technologies in this domain is thus viewed across the world as a way to diversify the range of energy sources available and secure the growing needs in the coming decades. RE is also a key driver for sustainable development and to reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels (Magoha, 2009). Despite the importance of developing RE technologies and encouraging their use through sustainable strategies, various technological and economic constraints have impeded its development in the Islamic republic of Iran. Given that the country is home to over a tenth of the world’s crude oil reserves and a fifth of the global natural gas reserves, the Iranian government has been quite negligent towards promoting alternate sources of energy (Kelly, 2009). Apart from government assistance in RE, the nation has been affected by decades of international economic sanctions, which has restricted access to some of the most efficient technologies in the RE domain. Thus, the technological infrastructure used for exploiting the fossil fuels within the nation remains inefficient and there is a need to devise ways to address these issues through favorable energy policies, technological research and efficient management. Other issues such as stagnation of social development and poverty are also preventing the government from giving any long-term thought to RE (Kelly, 2009). Iran is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide which has nearly doubled since 1990 to over 400 MMT in 2009. Kelly (2009) identifies numerous factors including low efficiency and utilization rates of energy among various industrial sectors, rising wealth and an increase in the consumption of fossil fuels as primary contributors to this alarming trend, which is also aided by the relatively cheap energy prices. Magoba (2009) further adds to these concerns by stating that the major polluters in this context are the country’s biggest cities. Migration of the rural population to bigger cities in search of employment and livelihood has led to rapid urbanization resulting in a surge in the number of vehicles, consumption of fuels, inefficient public transportation networks and the use of old vehicles that are incapable of burning the fuel efficiently. Studies by Chaturvedi (2008) have established that Iran is currently underdeveloped in harnessing energy from wind turbines. In fact, the country has a huge potential of up to 15000 Megawatts of electricity generation by tapping vast amounts of energy from wind. Given the fact large parts of Iran are categorized as windy regions, harnessing energy from this medium is not only an elaborate possibility, but can also prove financially profitable in the long run. The region also enjoys a long period of sunshine on an annual basis. The average annual exposure to sunshine in Iran has been estimated at about 3000 hours per year (Chaturvedi, 2008). However, most solar energy projects are currently in a research phase and are yet to be commercialized. Thus, there is a need for the government to hasten the process of development and research in these areas. Iran primarily lacks any sound policy frameworks that can aid in the sustainable development of renewable energy technologies. Policies are required not just to support any research initiatives in this area, but are also necessary to facilitate a successful and wid espread adoption of RE sources across the country. Any few directives that have been framed in this context have not been helpful in guiding stakeholders towards implementing RE in specific areas. Thus, Iran currently lacks a consistent approach in implementing any longstanding RE framework. Currently, a mere 9% of Iran’s energy needs are met by RE sources primarily due to lack of policies and supporting infrastructure (Magoha, 2009). Companies that operate in the RE sector in Iran are facing

Analysis of Direct Cost Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of Direct Cost - Assignment Example This provision is both advantageous and disadvantageous in that the VectorCal Company will readily acquire iron and steel hence evading searching and high transportation costs. On the other hand, it will be harmful to the company if the steel and iron producing companies in the US decide to charge high prices of their products due to the absence of open markets to trigger competition, which will eventually lead to lower competitive prices in the industry. The other raw materials needed include magnets, cameras, sensors, and compasses that will provide information on nearby vessels or vehicles or other obstacles or hazards. Labor costs incurred will include payments to the engineers and experts involved in the construction of the drone navigation systems. Technological costs will include acquisition costs of inertial sensors, on-board electronics (the motherboard and the navigation board), embedded software (enables Wi-Fi communications, image processing, video data sampling etc.), velocity estimators etc. The technological component ensures efficiency and reliability of the drone navigation systems. Licensing fees of VectorCal Company will form part of the indirect costs. Other indirect costs likely to be incurred by the company include management costs, insurance payments, taxes to the US government, maintenance expenses etc. (Lupashin et al., 2010). DroneIn, company will operate in the same industry as that of VectorCal Company and hence will experience similar costs to those of VectorCal. The construction of the drone navigation systems is standard and this implies that the requirements are similar regardless of the company that constructs the drone systems. However, the only notable difference that will occur will be in terms of how each company will control its costs of production or manufacturing. For both companies, raw materials like iron and steel will be necessary because these are the core metals that are used in the construction

Anatomy of an Internet Routing Protocol Coursework

Anatomy of an Internet Routing Protocol - Coursework Example The researcher states that it is crucial to delivering the idea behind subnetting via fundamental binary representation yet, a majority of texts are present in binary terms for the procedure of subnetting. This makes subnetting difficult for the students to understand and learn without any tables or reference materials. Therefore, in this article easy, simple and alternative technique is illustrated exclusively of the use of calculators, software, tables, and others in order to understand subnetting. The understanding of binary arithmetic such as powers of 2 from 0 to 8 (2x for x = 0, 1, †¦.. 8) is necessary. The entire process is easy and simple if the little knowledge regarding binary arithmetic is achieved. In fact, this article is made for the readers who are supposed to have some knowledge regarding the use of subnetting, IP addressing and the function of a subnet mask. Here simple and easy techniques are explained from the short introduction till the detailed discussion re lated to the subnets and hosts, subnet mask calculation, formatting (sub) network ids and the availability of IP addresses for every subnet. This technique is very helpful for the students as, well as the professionals who are seeking an easy way to understand subnetting methods. In recent years the importance of subnetting is revealed in different ways. Therefore, for every learner, it is important to have sound knowledge regarding TCP/IP subnetting. In the routed network, the performance of a network is improved via broadcast domains and by splitting up collisions. The outsized networks can be structured by considering its departmental, geographical, functional and other related partitions. For this reason, the access can be achieved via other routers and can be configured while applying security restrictions. In addition, subnetting also acts as a tool that allows supporting security policies. Since handing over the administrative duties and separating large networks into subnets it is easy for every subnet to manage effortlessly. The WAN link that is joining the two networks needs a router in order to divide a subnet. The capability to recognize network design requires sound knowledge regarding subnetting. Moreover, troubleshooting, diagnosing and problem fixing in TCP/IP internetwork needs proper expertise in subnetting. If the underlying binary mathematics is not understood properly there is a chance of unsuccessful subnetting implementation. Likewise, it is also complicated to understand the fundamentals of subnetting without having familiarity regarding binary arithmetic, logic and binary/decimal conversations. However, in order to plan, design and apply easy subnetting it is possible without underlying binary. 2. Evaluating routing protocols a. Routing Information Protocol (RIP) As per network dictionary it is defined as â€Å"Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a standard for exchange of routing information among gateways and hosts. This protocol is most useful as an â€Å"interior gateway protocol†. It is also knows as Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP). Frame Relay protocol is implemented for WAN networks associated with LAN internetworking. It functions on physical layer and data link layer of the OSI model, to endow with robust and efficient mechanism for transmitting data. The transmission encompasses multiple routers and switches.

What is the microeconomics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What is the microeconomics - Term Paper Example Economics is a wide field which is divided into two different aspects of study that is macroeconomics and microeconomics.Microeconomics focuses on a smaller area and mostly on the individual and business decisions as opposed to macroeconomics which focuses on economic behavior in its totality However, the two are interdependent in that they both examine impacts of business activities in terms of demand and supply. Microeconomics can be defined as a branch of economics which studies the behavior of individuals and the firms in making business decisions regarding resource allocation and price of goods and services. Microeconomics makes a focus on the concept of supply and demand as well as other forces that account for the levels of prices experienced in the economy. It focuses on both higher up country decisions and government decisions as suggested by Pottsvv (87). Under the supply and demand concept, it is concerned with how buyers and sellers interact and what influences their choi ces. For instance microeconomics would focus on a particular company’s maximization of production capacity in lowering prices for a better competition in the industry. Microeconomics makes different assumptions on the economy. One of the assumptions is about individuals making decision on the basis of the utility concept. This implies that the individual decision should increase his/her satisfaction and happiness, thus accounting for the rational behavior also referred to as rational decision making. From this assumption, it can be argued that individuals have to make choices of their own despite their effects on the economy, has to be fulfilling to them. The concept of utility referred to here means individual benefit. Thus the individual decision as focused on in microeconomics is reflected in that the more beneficial a product is to the consumer, the more likely he/she will make a decision to use the product. According to Wessels (123), consumers in most cases assign diffe rent utility levels to different goods hence giving rise to different levels of demand. Therefore under this assumption, microeconomics focuses at both marginal utility and total utility. Marginal utility in this case indicates satisfaction brought by an additional unit of a product. On the other hand, total utility refers to the total satisfaction that is brought to the consumer by the consumption of a product The second assumption is that businesses make their decisions on the basis of market competition. Competition is a dominant factor in the market and thus it has to be focused on in making major business decisions such as pricing of products and location of the business (Bernanke 18). Microeconomics tries to analyze the levels of competition faced by a firm or company in the market and how it determines price. In microeconomics, four types of competition are studied. One of them is perfect competition whereby the supply and demand theory assumes that markets are faced by perfe ct competition according to Besanko and Braeutigam (382). This means that the market is flooded by many buyers and sellers hence none of them can significantly influence how goods and services are sold. In perfect competition, the assumption is that there are few barriers that hinder entry into the goods production. There is also monopolistic competition which implies that there are a large number of firms which participate in goods production with each firm being able to differentiate its products. As a result of this, there are few barriers that hinder market entry. Oligopoly competition is also focused on this assumption. It assumes that there are a relatively small number of firms participating in goods production with each firm having the ability to differentiate its products (Pottsvv 36). Under this type of competition as discussed in microeconomics, barriers to the market entry are viewed to be relatively high. Monopoly competition

Contemporary History and the Role of Social Media in the Arab Spring Research Paper

Contemporary History and the Role of Social Media in the Arab Spring Revolution - Research Paper Example Cell phones provided substantial evidence to the international community to believe that the situation in Libya requires international intervention. Libyan Revolution: the role of Social Media and Cell Phones Arab Spring Arab Spring is the name given to the series of protests and demonstrations which took place during the last two years in various Middle Eastern and North African countries for over throwing the oppressive governments. The first revolution sparked up in Tunisia when on 18 December 2010 Tunisian people started to protest against the government following the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi. The minor protests gained immense popularity through the activists’ updates on social media sites, within hours the Tunisian capital was crowded with protestors; amid demonstrations and violence the government was overthrown. The success stories of the Tunisian revolution were not only covered by news agencies and reporters, those were also projected immensely on social me dia sites such as Facebook, Twitter and through blogging in other Arab countries. These stories motivated the oppressed people in these countries to protest against the dictatorial regimes of their governments. As a result the governments in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia were overthrown and the demands of the protestors were fulfilled by the government in other Arab countries (Manhire, 2012). ... The stories of success of revolution in one country were also conveyed through social media to other countries which triggered the expansion of the wave of protest to whole Arab world. Surprisingly no leaders emerged out of these revolutions, this is merely due to the fact that there were no leaders in the revolutions; the motivational and guiding role of the leaders was played by social media sites which turned out to be a vital tool for connecting activists and disseminating information. Social media helped in turning the random protests into organized ones as more than 3 million tweets, 5 million Facebook comments and thousands of blogs were written and published on internet during the protests in the Arab countries. The people of the Arab world had been against these dictators and oppressors for years but their protests and political activities were fragmented. Social media sites brought the public sentiment of shared grievance into light and acted as a source of change in the mi ndset of people making them politically active from being politically aware. It is true that political awareness cannot be created overnight; it is a long process which had already been initiated in the Arab world years ago, also through internet but not through social media. However, the driving force for pulling people into streets was provided by the activities on social media sites (Lynch, 2011). This modern methodolgy of protest and political activity was a new challenge for the dictatorial regimes of the Arab world and they did not have a strategy to face this challenge. As a result, the governments also took some decisions against these social media sites which worked in favor of the resolutions; for

What is the microeconomics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What is the microeconomics - Term Paper Example Economics is a wide field which is divided into two different aspects of study that is macroeconomics and microeconomics.Microeconomics focuses on a smaller area and mostly on the individual and business decisions as opposed to macroeconomics which focuses on economic behavior in its totality However, the two are interdependent in that they both examine impacts of business activities in terms of demand and supply. Microeconomics can be defined as a branch of economics which studies the behavior of individuals and the firms in making business decisions regarding resource allocation and price of goods and services. Microeconomics makes a focus on the concept of supply and demand as well as other forces that account for the levels of prices experienced in the economy. It focuses on both higher up country decisions and government decisions as suggested by Pottsvv (87). Under the supply and demand concept, it is concerned with how buyers and sellers interact and what influences their choi ces. For instance microeconomics would focus on a particular company’s maximization of production capacity in lowering prices for a better competition in the industry. Microeconomics makes different assumptions on the economy. One of the assumptions is about individuals making decision on the basis of the utility concept. This implies that the individual decision should increase his/her satisfaction and happiness, thus accounting for the rational behavior also referred to as rational decision making. From this assumption, it can be argued that individuals have to make choices of their own despite their effects on the economy, has to be fulfilling to them. The concept of utility referred to here means individual benefit. Thus the individual decision as focused on in microeconomics is reflected in that the more beneficial a product is to the consumer, the more likely he/she will make a decision to use the product. According to Wessels (123), consumers in most cases assign diffe rent utility levels to different goods hence giving rise to different levels of demand. Therefore under this assumption, microeconomics focuses at both marginal utility and total utility. Marginal utility in this case indicates satisfaction brought by an additional unit of a product. On the other hand, total utility refers to the total satisfaction that is brought to the consumer by the consumption of a product The second assumption is that businesses make their decisions on the basis of market competition. Competition is a dominant factor in the market and thus it has to be focused on in making major business decisions such as pricing of products and location of the business (Bernanke 18). Microeconomics tries to analyze the levels of competition faced by a firm or company in the market and how it determines price. In microeconomics, four types of competition are studied. One of them is perfect competition whereby the supply and demand theory assumes that markets are faced by perfe ct competition according to Besanko and Braeutigam (382). This means that the market is flooded by many buyers and sellers hence none of them can significantly influence how goods and services are sold. In perfect competition, the assumption is that there are few barriers that hinder entry into the goods production. There is also monopolistic competition which implies that there are a large number of firms which participate in goods production with each firm being able to differentiate its products. As a result of this, there are few barriers that hinder market entry. Oligopoly competition is also focused on this assumption. It assumes that there are a relatively small number of firms participating in goods production with each firm having the ability to differentiate its products (Pottsvv 36). Under this type of competition as discussed in microeconomics, barriers to the market entry are viewed to be relatively high. Monopoly competition

Crime Prevention Essay Example for Free

Crime Prevention Essay Introduction Throughout my project I will be referring a retail shopping centre in tralee, kerry.The shopping centre trades between 8.00 am and 07.00 pm, six days a week and 10.00am to 5.00pm on Sundays I ahave decided to do this project on this centre as it is the only shopping centre located near my home aslo I chose thi centre as I am very familiar with it. Functions of notebook entries: * To record matters which cannot be entrusted to memory. * Make entry for each working day. * To provide a permanent personal record of hours of duty and work done. * To record instructions, incidents and messages * Fill out the top of your report clearly and completely as needed * While doing your rounds Be sure to take notes in your field notebook. Do not use your memory. Make sure to take Note the times, Dates and any persons involved if necessary. * Remember your notebook may be used in a court of law as evidence or to assist you when testifying. Use it only for its intended use. * The retail shopping centre was built in 2004 . The shopping centre employs ten security staff to cover its 90000 sq. ft. area. There is a purposely built security office with all the latest cctv monitoring systems. Uniforms for security are simple such as black trousers, black shoes and white shirt. A high visibility jacket will be supplied for car park duties there are over a 1000 free parking spaces. The only equipment a security guard will carry on them at all times is a two way radio system for communication purposes with the control room and co workers. Inspections * Security personnel who guard entrances and exits must thoroughly screen people and packages to make sure no unauthorized items or individuals go where they shouldnt. Surveillance * Closely monitoring their assigned location be it static or patrolled, allows security guards to spot suspicious behaviour and prevent problems, including illegal activity. Enforcement * A variety of tools help security guards enforce the law and rules, including communication devices like radios, monitoring devices like security cameras, detection devices like scanners and defensive instruments like batons. Emergencies* When emergencies occur, security guards are often responsible for directing people in the area to safety, contacting emergency responders, attempting to determine the source of the problem and containing the threat. Law * As an employer you are required to manage safety and health at work so as to prevent accidents and ill-health. * The law requires employers to: * Carry out a risk assessment * Identify the hazards * Prepare a written safety statement * Section 20 provides that every employer must have a written safety statement based on the hazards identified and the risk assessment under Section 19 and setting out how the safety, health and welfare of employees will be secured and managed. When preparing a safety statement, account should be taken of the general principles of prevention set out in Schedule 3 to the Act. * Safety statements must be specific to the place of work and must set out – * The protective and preventive measures taken and the resources allocated to safety, health and welfare, * The hazards identified and the risks assessed, * The plans and procedures for dealing with emergencies or serious and imminent danger, in compliance with Sections 8 and 11, * The duties of employees as regards safety, health and welfare at work, and the requirement for them to co-operate on those matters with their employer and any person who has responsibility under the relevant statutory provisions, * The names and, where applicable, job titles of persons assigned to perform tasks pursuant to the safety statement, and * The arrangements for the appointment of safety representatives and safety consultation at the place of work in compliance with Sections 25 and 26 and the names of any safety representatives and/or safety committee members. * Assessing the risks in your workplace * This is how to assess the risks in your workplace: * Identify the hazards. * Decide who might be harmed and how * Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. * Record your findings and implement them * Review your assessment and update if necessary. Risk assessment process: * To identify the hazards: * talk to staff to learn from their knowledge and experience, and listen to their concerns and opinions about health and safety issues in the shop; * look at the accident book, to understand what previous problems there have been; * Walk around the shop, the stockroom and all other areas noting what might pose a risk, taking HSE guidance into consideration. Also consider occasional activities, such as changing light bulbs; * Write down who could be harmed by the hazards and how. * For each hazard, write down what controls, if any, were in place to manage these hazards. These controls were then compared to the guidance on HSE’s website. Where existing controls are not considered good enough, write down what else is needed to be done. * Discuss the findings with staff, display the risk assessment in the staffroom and make it part of the induction process for new staff. Decide when the actions that were needed will be done, and who will do them, and tick the actions off as each is completed. * Review and update the risk assessment every year or straightaway if major changes in the workplace happen. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: * Represents a modernisation of our occupational health and safety laws and it sets the scene for achieving further improvements in the national record on safety and health over the next few decades. * Its primary focus is on the prevention of workplace accidents, illnesses and dangerous occurrences and it provides also for significantly increased fines and penalties aimed at deterring the minority who continue to flout safety and health. * One of the aims of the act is to encourage a responsible attitude on the part of both employees and employers. * Duty of care: legal obligation imposed-requiring that safety standards are upheld –to ensure people are not injured by actions or failure to act. Duties of employees * Comply with health and safety legislation, both in the 2005 act and elsewhere. * Take responsible care to protect his or her own safety. * Co-operate with his or her employer or any other person as necessary, to assist that person in complying with safety and health legislation as appropriate. * Correct use of protective clothing and any other protective article or substance where necessary. * Not be under influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. * Not engage in improper conduct or other behaviour such as violence, bullying or horseplay. Hazards and risks * Hazard is the potential to cause harm; risk on the other hand is the likelihood of harm * A hazard is a situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the health and safety of people or to damage plant and equipment. * Risk is the likelihood that a person may be harmed or suffers adverse health effects if exposed/come into contact with a hazard Some groups of people are particularly vulnerable to hazards: * Young workers, have higher accident rates. * Pregnant women. * People with disabilities. * New or inexperienced workers * Workers who have recently changed roles or jobs. Risk control: is the process of implementing measures to reduce the risk associated with a hazard. The control process must follow the control hierarchy, in order, as prescribed in some health and safety legislation. It is important that control measures do not introduce new hazards, and that the ongoing effectiveness of the controls is monitored. Safety statement Safety statement is the name given to a document that outlines how a company or organisation manages their health and safety. It is a report of all hazards and risks found in the workplace. An account of the controls taken or planned to be taken to control them. A Safety statement is required by law unless the employer employs less than three people. Employers have ultimate responsibility for safety and health. The safety statement should begin with a declaration, signed at senior, responsible management level on the employer’s behave. The declaration should spell out the policy in relation to overall safety and health performance, provide a framework for managing safety and health, and list relevant objectives. That the safety statement will be revised as changes occur and evaluated at set intervals; how the relevant contents of the statement are to be brought to the attention of employees and other people in the workplace who might be affected by the statement. Stress in the workplace Stress is any action or situation (stressor) that places special physical or psychological demands on a person. There are two types of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress is a good stress and appears to motivate and inspire . Distress is considered as bad stress, and can be short-lived or long-term. Stress is often described as a mismatch between the demands of work, family and living and of coping with these demands. Stress can be positive – when it motivates us to get something done – or negative when we have too many demands and constantly feel under pressure. Bullying in the Work Place The 2005 Act provides that employers carry out risk assessments at their place of work in the preparation of a safety statement. This assessment should also include the risks associated with bullying. The definition of bullying is Repeated inappropriate behaviour that undermines your right to dignity at work. It can encompass verbal bullying, physical bullying or otherwise and it may take different forms such as social exclusion and isolation, damaging someones reputation by gossip or rumours, intimidation, aggressive or obscene language or repeated requests with impossible tasks or targets.Whilst there is no specific legislation that deals with bullying in the work place the Health and Safety Authority have issued a code of practice for employers and employees on the prevention and resolution of bullying at work. Conclusions and recommendations: Overall I was impressed with the level of professionalism that is in the shopping center . Security personnel within the premises have very good procedures and should continue this. The security officers have access to the latest technology including CCTV with spinning domes. They use these to great use for crime prevention and should continue to do so . the staff are very good at identifying hazards and protecting customers as a result of this the retail center will be successful for yearts to come.

ABSOLUT Vodka: SWOT, BCG Matrix and Strategy Analysis

ABSOLUT Vodka: SWOT, BCG Matrix and Strategy Analysis Executive Summary Pernod Ricard acquired ABSOLUT vodka from the Swedish government in October 2008. With considerable 13.45% CAGR growth in vodka segment among the spirit market, vodka is the place to concentrate resources. The strategies are aimed to create demand from consumers (pull strategy) and encourage outlets to sell ABSOLUT vodka products (push strategy) by utilising customer relationship management (CRM) and below the line event marketing. The proposed plan has objectives of increasing volume sales growth rate to 16 18% year-on-year with constant sale price, maintaining and attempting to increase gross profit margin above 50% and net profit margin above 20% and reach 2.92% market share within spirit market by 2010 through creating competitive advantage from entering a comprehensive CRM and below the line marketing programme that no other vodka brands in Australia have done before. Plan is recommended to be executed on January 2009 or as soon as Pernod Ricard Pacific has total control of ABSOLUT vodka. The ABSOLUT launch event should commence during the first quarter of 2009 with series of advertising schemes and customer base building happening throughout the year. Major events are scheduled towards the end of the year. Total marketing expenses budget for 2009 is AU$6.5mil. Company Background Pernod Ricard holds the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantines, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Single Malt, Jamesons Irish Whiskey, Martell Cognac, Havana Club Rum, Beefeater Gin, Kahlà ºa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouà «t champagnes, as well as Jacobs Creek and Montana wines. During the middle of this year, Pernod Ricard announced â‚ ¬5.626 billion takeover of VS Group from the Swedish government. In addition, during October 2008, Pernod Ricard will pay Maxxium a fee of â‚ ¬59 million to terminate Maxxiums worldwide distribution right of ABSOLUT Vodka. ABSOLUT is anticipated to fit perfectly with Pernod Ricards strategy and further enhances the strength of its premium brands portfolio. It will however have to put an end to a distribution agreement for Russian vodkas Stolichnaya. Pernod Ricards performance in Australia and New Zealand reported limited full-year growth, with a recovery in first half of 2008 following the slowdown caused by the strong price increases. Nevertheless, it seems like the consumer continues to reward herself or himself even in less good times. (Pernod Ricard Press Release, 2008). With ABSOLUT as an upcoming flagship brand in this extremely lucrative vodka market, this is an opportunity for Pernod Ricard to utilise the strong distribution network, the worldwide collection of brand management skills and decentralised corporate structure to produce profits and enhance brand equity for the corporation. Current product marketing situation Product ABSOLUT Vodka is the premium vodka with natural flavour receiving from winter wheat and pure water. ABSOLUT is produced through a continuous distillation providing drinkers with a smooth and rich grain character. Differentiating from others, ABSOLUT Vodka is a product of creativeness and strict labour. Based on the concept of bottled at source, ABSOLUT offers the consistent taste when being enjoyed all over the world. Every drop of ABSOLUT is produced in Ahus, southern Sweden where provides premium materials. The winter wheat which grows naturally from surrounding fields has been proven to be the best materials for vodka since centuries. No fertilizer, pesticide would be allowed. The water taken from deep wells is unreachable by pollution and impurities. The revolutionary distilling method called continuous process which distils ABSOLUT Vodka hundreds of times gives it to the point of perfection. The unique taste and superior quality of ABSOLUT Vodka directs to drinkers who look for top-class quality product. Not limit to improving quality, ABSOLUT Vodka also have a wide range of flavors which satisfy various tastes. All the ingredients and flavourings are completely from nature, no sugar is added to any of them. ABSOLUT Vodka broaden up to 12 types, namely ABSOLUT Vodka, ABSOLUT Peppar, ABSOLUT Citron, ABSOLUT Kurant, ABSOLUT Mandrin, ABSOLUT Vanilla, ABSOLUT Raspberri, ABSOLUT Apeach, ABSOLUT Ruby Red, ABSOLUT Pears, ABSOLUT 100, ABSOLUT Mango. This innovation not only favours different of drinkers styles but also excites them with a wide range of choices from nature. Besides the diversification, ABSOLUT Vodka delivers messages of arts when enjoying. With the traditional bottle shape which is similar to the medicine bottles in Sweden for 250 years ago, ABSOLUT Vodka sends a historical, cultural value to consumers. All the inspiration shown unrestrictedly on the bottle makes it become an ad itself. The brand value of clarity, simplicity and perfection are visible on the bottle. With ABSOLUT Vodka, the consumers not only simply drink vodka but also enjoy value of culture and arts. Product Analysis ABSOLUT vodka is a product that compliments social functions. Its unique taste, quality, style, popularity and associated icons provide a distinct product positioning. Vodka of a premium grade falls into shopping goods with lots of comparisons between the brands. Competition for shelf space position in the liquor shop is intense. ABSOLUTs strong brand has long been associated with creative print media advertising. This has also established a strong relationship with media, public, and customer groups such as young designers through submit your ABSOLUT ad campaign. Market Analysis Consumer Expenditure and Lifestyle The nominal amount of consumer expenditure on alcoholic beverages and tobacco has always been on an increasing trend. The forecast from 2005 figure onwards to 2015 shows a compound annual growth rate of 13.3% per 5 years. In 2005, Australia was the 23rd largest alcohol consumption nation in the world. In todays alcoholic beverages market, the two most popular drinks are wine and flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs). The high growth of alcoholic beverages consumption has been largely accounted for by these two drinks with on-trade FABs growth resulted 164.5% and off trade of 146.08% growth being the main market driver. The increase is a result of increasing rate of consumption by young females. According to Euromonitor International, typical Australians like to go out during the weekends with friends to pubs, bars and clubs, especially among the young adults that has not yet started a family. In addition, as the population is experiencing lesser birth rates, people now have more time, greater disposable income and the will to go out and socialise. In addition, to the consumer market, business market such as cafes and bars market is also projected to have a strong growth in terms of number of outlets. It has also been noted by Euromonitor International that higher-end outlets are attracting stronger growth of visitors and will continue into the forecast years, accounting for the higher value growth over transaction growth. It is also noted that This projected growth hinges on the assumption that the Australian economy will continue to remain resilient, allowing consumers to enjoy higher purchasing power to support their expenditure. Alcoholic Beverages Market Size and Trend The board of spirits sales comprises of quite a range of products with mixed results. Most of the segments experienced decline and thus are forecasted with a constant decline. The interesting segment is Tequila with CAGR over 2002 2007 of around 2% per year but the most interesting segment is Vodka with an astounding 13.45% CAGR over the same period. Vodka volume sales are mainly being driven by rising numbers of consumers switching to white spirit (Euromonitor International, 2008). The whiskey segment is becoming increasingly competitive with heavy mass market advertising campaigns of US and Scotch whiskey brands such as Jim Bean and Johnny Walkers. All in all, alcoholic beverages forecast sales growth remains strongly driven by vodka and liqueurs through increase in popularity among younger drinkers and women. On the distribution channel aspect, on-trade volume sales growth will be significantly larger than off-trade volume growth, reflecting the trend of younger consumers drinking at pubs and bars informs of cocktails and pre-mixed bottled drinks. In the flavoured vodka segment, the volume sales rose 5% in 2003 to 7% in 2007 with ABSOLUT flavoured vodka being the leader in this segment. Competitive situation Competition for the spirits market comprises of more than 100 brands in Australian domestic market. The top ten brands have market share of about 51% and ABSOLUT Vodka ranked 11th in the Australian domestic market with 1.7% market share in 2006. The market is very fragmented in this industry with a bulk of market share being held by both international and local businesses bringing ABSOLUT to face with many competitors in the market. However, in 2006, there are three distinctive competitors that between them that hold 25% of the Australian spirits market. ABOSOLUT vodkas position in the spirit market is at a premium grade due to a relatively higher price. Its number one competing vodka brand, Smirnoff, is cheaper in cost thus has a price advantage and makes a more favourable brand for the business market (on-trade). Other competitors are mainly whiskey brands such as Jim Beam and Johnnie Walker. Distribution situation In general, ABSOLUT Vodka distributes to bars, clubs (on-trade) and other liquor shops (off-trade). It is generally accepted that consumers often attend the clubs on Friday and Saturday night or special events like parties such as dance, hip hop, techno parties etc. Therefore, access to ABSOLUT is very easy for consumers. In addition, ABSOLUT also distributes to liquor shops around Australia. Although it is true that most of consumers attend clubs every week, another group of consumers are still likely to consume at their homes so this channel still make the volume of sales to the company. The newest channel is on an internet which has no boundaries. There are many websites which sell and provide information on ABSOLUT products, for instance, http://www.absolut.com. Normally online prices are relatively cheaper than bars, clubs and liquor shops. However for the online channel, consumers need to order in bulk or sufficient quantities in order to receive free services such as a free delivery or discount promotions, otherwise they will be charged for delivery fee, making the purchase unattractive. Technological advancing like internet helps to expand the distribution channel for ABSOLUT. It is much easier than the past for consumers whom live in the rural areas or far away from bars, clubs and liquor shops that offer ABSOLUT. As a result of this, regional will not be an obstacle anymore. Macro-environment situation Economic Structure Demographic Income As a strong economy with low unemployment, personal disposable income in Australia has increased substantially over 1990-2005 periods. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) stated that the averages growth in employees wages between 2004 and 2005 was 4.8%. The minimum wage in Australia in 2005 was $484 a week which is around $12.75 per hour. However, Australians are forecast to have a little rise in disposable income in 2015 than they did in 1990 with 77% of gross income in 2015 compared to 75% in 1990 in current term. This would be an increase of just over 38% in current term. Disposable income as a percentage of gross income in 2005 was 76.6% Age Structure According to the Euromonitor International from national statistics and U.N. on 2 June 2006 stated that The median age of the Australian population has increased significantly over the 1990 2005 period, from 32.1 in 1990 to 36.6 in 2005. This increase will continue into the future with an estimated median age of almost 40 in 2015. The death rate per 1,000 inhabitants has decreased, from 7 in 1990 to 6.7 in 2005 and is expected to continue falling into the future as people most probably will live longer due to better medical care and healthier lifestyles. The age groups between 0 and 19 are all expected to decrease or stay close to the same level, as birth rates in Australia are relatively lower. Technological Due to technological change from the past, Australian consumers can also order alcohol online which include free delivery if order exceeds minimum quantity requirement. The technological advances lead to a growing industry of alcohol. Political/Legal Under The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC), advertisements for alcohol beverages must present a balanced and responsible approach to alcohol consumption and must not have a strong or evident appeal to children or adolescents. The Complaints Adjudication Panel will assess any complaints about alcohol advertisements to ensure unbiased interpretation of the code and independent adjudication on any complaint. Complaints regarding content of alcohol advertisements considered offensive may be directed to the Advertising Standards Boards national office in Canberra. Key aspects of the Liquor Licensing Act The Licences to sell alcohol are only granted to applicants who can demonstrate to the Liquor Gambling Commissioner that: they have the knowledge, skills and experience to handle the sale of liquor in an appropriate manner liquor will not be sold or consumed in a manner that is likely to adversely affect the amenity of the locality or is otherwise against the public interest they are a fit and proper person to be licensed the premises are suitable to be licensed for the purpose sought and all necessary approvals, including development and building approvals, have been obtained A person who sells liquor without being licensed to do so under the Liquor Licensing Act is guilty of an offence and is liable to a penalty of $20 000. To sell is broadly defined and includes barter and situations such as: an offer of a free bottle of whisky if a person buys a camera a community group which charges an entrance fee to an event and then provides alcohol (in this case a limited licence is required) Socio-culture Australia traditionally has quite high level of alcohol consumption compared to other countries, but perhaps due to an ageing population and intense campaigning by federal and state government, levels are falling. As well as people often consume alcohol in the parties and festivals. This implied that alcohol consumption habit has become Australians culture. SWOT analysis Strengths Market leader in flavoured vodka segment Offering 12 different flavoured vodka Unique tastes with superior quality World class reputation Prestigious and easily recognisable brand with long history Established brand communication and positioning Attractive packaging makes ABSOLUT and ideal product for display Strong company-owned distribution network in the region Distinctive Image of ABSOLUT make consumers looks in trend Online bottle shop, which reduce regional boundaries High social value Weaknesses Most of clubs show ABSOLUT Vodka in the front of bar but when the consumers order ABSOLUT Vodka, sometimes they use the other cheaper vodkas to make drinks for consumers. This problem affects ABSOLUT Vodkas sale volume. Premium brand may impact on buying decision for low-income consumers Usage occasion of vodka, much like any other alcoholic drinks, usually happeneds at night and in private premises Limited access to other corporate owned bars and clubs Off-trade sales happens at selected premises in accordance to the law Mainly appeal to younger generations Opportunities Vodka is experiencing the strongest growth in consumption The number of pubs and bars continually increasing Australia is attracting numerous international students from asia region Most of them have already tried ABSOLUT in their countries. Therefore, they tend to consume ABSOLUT as their first preference, while they are in Australia. This is because ABSOLUT have established brand positioning in their minds Increasing alcohol consumption and greater experimentation by female consumers Alcohol and tobacco consumption is expected to increase in Australia by 15.5% from 2005 2010 Vodka recorded the fastest growth of 10% in volume and 13% in current value terms in 2007 with a CAGR of 13.45% over the period. Bitters consumers are switching to consume white spirits such as vodka due to a plan to ban high alcohol content drink shots from pubs in Sydney. On-trade sales will be the key distribution channel in the future due to increasing trends of younger generations and females going out to bars and clubs Threats Competitor expanding into flavoured vodka segment Significant risks for industry Alcohol abuse Climate impacting and other emissions into the air and water have some impact on the environment, from agriculture where the raw material are produced Increases in alcohol duties and regulations with increased concerns over the health affects of alcohol government legislation to prevent this could hit sales potential Increasing wine consumption in Australia which is one of many subsitute products of vodka, whist beer remains the main drink consumed at pubs. National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009 aim to reduce alcohol consumption and raise issues concerning the following which could slow the alcohol industry growth rate: Intoxication Public safety and amenity Health impacts Cultural place and availability Objectives Financial objectives Increase volume sales growth rate to 16 18% year-on-year with constant sale price Maintain and attempt to increase gross profit margin above 50% and net profit margin above 20% Marketing objectives Increase consumer demand for ABSOLUT vodka via creating an ABSOLUT culture Increase on-trade sales for ABSOLUT vodka Increase market share to 2.92% by 2010 and become the top 7 selling spirit brand in Australia. Target Market From the above data and analysis, we have identified 2 target markets, a target consumer market and a target business market. Consumer market For the consumer market, we have selected the target market for ABSOLUT Vodka as follows: Age: 18 30 Gender: Male and Female Income: High income, approximately AU$80,000 per year or above. Marital Status: Single Lifestyle Interests: Socialistic, Music, Fashion and Arts Location: Sydney and Melbourne The above target market is the largest market segment of consumers that consumes ABSOLUT vodka. This target market would tend to consume vodka at bars and clubs in the form of pre-mixed bottled drinks, cocktails and shots. Lifestyle of this segment from the market data, given their high income background and marital status, will tend to be to socialise among friends, at an increasing rate. Their individual interests can be associated self expression tools such as music, fashion and arts icon. With the mentioned lifestyle and interests, this segment will tend to search for premium products that do not offer just the product, but a favourable experience associated from the purchase of the product, i.e. value seeking customers. The majority of the consumers that matches the target market profile tend to live in the large cities, our target cities will be the cities Sydney (Phase 1) and Melbourne (Phase 2). The needs and wants of this target market are to socialise and self express through their lifestyle and interests. Business Market The target market for ABSOLUT vodka in the business market will correspond to bar and clubs that appeal to the target consumers. The increasing number of bars and clubs correspond to an increasing opportunity to increase outlets in which ABSOLUT should capture. Target market for ABSOLUT vodka is as follows: Location: CBD of Sydney e.g. Darling Habour and George Street; and Melbourne Size: Bars 200 at least people capacity and above Clubs 1,000 people capacity and above Grade: Premium The bars and clubs belonged to this segment tend to be located within the CBD of the major cities. Their day to day operation would be of a busy nature on the weekend with long and exclusive guest lists. In addition, these clubs tend to be targeting high-end consumers with similar target market to our brand and consequently will have to be of a premium nature to satisfy such market. The needs and wants of this target market is to profit maximise and maintain the quality perceived in the views of their target market. ABSOLUT Strategy BCG Matrix Analyses Based on the BCG model, ABSOLUT is a question mark due to high growth vodka market in Australia which is 13.45% compounded annually from 2002 to 2007 (Source: Euromonitor) where as ABSOLUT is the second place leader after Smirnoff with a market share around 14.77% in 2006 within top 8 vodka brands (Source: Euromonitor), and a 1.7% market share within the Spirit Market. This BU has a potential to become a star. Our strategies will combine efforts to push it to be a star by using combination of marketing strategies. As a result of this, we expect to see a dramatic rise in sales and profit for ABSOLUT vodka. However, a large marketing budget must be applied to achieve marketing objects. Proposal In todays competitive environment, differentiation and loyalty creation is the key to success in which we base our strategies on. The values placed on our products by consumers segment being the experience and the value placed by business segment being profit maximisation matched with our strategies. Corresponding to our marketing objectives, in order to increase market share and turn ABSOLUT to a star, a market penetration strategy targeting consumers and business customers will be employed to create ABSOLUT culture via on-trade sales promotions (below the line). The objective of this strategy is to increase the wants of consumers to consume ABSOLUT and the wants of bars and clubs to sell ABSOLUT. This in return will reflect into increase in financial returns. Marketing Model With intention to persuade customers, our marketing communication will be based on conveying our intention of delivering values through creating events of an ABSOLUT experience. As ABSOLUT vodka is a shopping good, constant communications with target markets must be maintained. The print media channel, although more expensive, it is where our strengths lie. With our distinct advertisement skills as demonstrated in the past with great success, such as ABSOLUT ads, we should utilise this marketing channel and improve the ads to include experience marketing together with product marketing. We will establish a customer database via on-sight registration (CRM) at the events door and on the Australian website which is to be created. The database of information will allow rooms for direct advertisement of ABSOLUT events or news of new product development launch events to the customers either through email or mobile phones, given their consent. The ABSOLUT Australia website will act as a channel for all our target markets to interact with the Company and among themselves through web boards and notices. In addition, the benefits of this model also compliment our viral marketing strategy by utilising the word of mouth channel. These channels of communication above are very effective in creating emotional appeal which will complement our differentiation strategies. The event strategies will act and a short-term promotion tool to create fads. This will also create brand loyalty which will reflect favourably in the long-term. Consumer groups, continuous communications with the customers and securing relationships with the outlets will in the long-term, decrease supply lease cost and increase sales. Customer database is something that has not been created in the past and with this information, many future plans can be developed for long-term beneficiaries. Marketing model highlights our proposed strategies with each strategies integrated to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date consumer database. The consumer database to be created will be one of the key information sources for future developments and as ABSOLUT is a new brand to Pernod Ricard, database about the seller and user of ABSOLUT must be acquired. The model consists of two main approaches; pulls strategies and pushes strategies and is based around creating competitive advantages by offering greater values to both individual and business customers from event marketing. It is a positioning strategy away from competitors into the zone that no other vodka brands in Australia have done before. ABSOLUT Positioning Contemporary and Cosmopolitan: ABSOLUT continually improve brand and product so ABSOLUT product will not be out of date or unfashionable. Artistic: ABSOLUT always design and create the art bottles to respond the customer who need to consume unique experience. Creative brand: ABSOLUT always provide the best and new way to customer. ABSOLUTE Vodka: Finally all positioning from above will be included in our product that provides the greatest value and experience to our customer. Pull Strategies Pull strategies aim to create demand from consumers by heavily focusing on CRM and below the line marketing. CRM plans include direct marketing to consumers via email and mobile phone. ABSOLUTs strength in print media will also be continued as it has been proven to be an effective communication channel. Product and promotion strategies will be continuously utilised, ABSOLUT events are the tools for viral marketing. Viral marketing is backed up by CRM strategy in attempt to reduce post-purchase dissonance. Feedbacks from customers are then recorded into database for the process to start over again on a different occasion, improving effectiveness. Product Strategies Educate consumers about ABSOLUT experience ABSOLUT should provide useful information to our target customers such as the flavours that are available and the drinks that they can have from ABSOLUT to generate the ABSOLUT experience to customers; when they go to bar, they can order the drink with their experience that they really want not just try to order something that they have never tried before. This strategy can and should be employed during promotion events that are exclusively hosted by ABSOLUT and on advertisements on various media channels corresponding to our brand communication strategy. We intend to differentiate ABSOLUT vodka apart from our competitors by offering a unique ABSOLUT style social drinking experience which our target customers needs the most. The already famous packaging and advertising footprint only leaves room for experience to be expanded on. The aim of this strategy is to match ABSOLUT positioning and brand personality to those of the consumers. Associate the consumers with style and class while drinking ABSOLUT. Introduce ABSOLUT cocktails ABSOLUT should try to introduce ABSOLUT name to become a familiar name to customers when they want to order drinks. For example, vodka-soda, the result is bartenders may use other vodka brands to serve them but not ABSOLUT vodka. When we promote ABSOLUT cocktail as a first choice of vodka, the customer will remember this word and next time customers will think about our brand priority and say ABSOLUT-soda when they order spirit drink. This strategy is best conducted during exclusive ABSOLUT event to avoid any conflicts with our competitors. Promotion Strategies Launch the events that creates atmosphere / viral marketing ABSOLUT should launch the events and detail the brands positioning and benefits to attract the target consumers. The events are to be held at selected high-end bars and clubs and selected annual music, fashion and arts event. In addition, ABSOLUT should also take benefits from viral marketing in such that customers will communicate other customers about their perceive value such as taste, positioning, experience, thrills and fun that had risen from consuming ABSOLUT products at the event by word of mouth and so on. This strategy is aim to serve the needs and wants of the target market by giving the target market a place to socialise with style and class. Backed with high spending power, these consumers are value seekers and thus this strategy aims to maximise value by not just providing the product, but provide experience and atmosphere that is most appealing and attractive to the target market. Free gifts and VIP customer registration Our company should provide some gifts for customers that come to join our campaign or order our products at club or liquor shop to increase ABSOLUT brand recognition such as t-shirts and caps and to consumer who register in our event or order ABSOLUT products. These products would act as a mobile advertisement for ABSOLUT, complimenting viral marketing strategy. VIP customer registration is to make the events appeal more exclusive. This is a pure marketing tool to attract registration in order to create a customer database for on-going developments. Customers by registering on-site at the event or on-line will receive a notification of the upcoming events with ability to book an entrance on the guest list. Event broadcast through radio advertising / website / magazine ABSOLUT events should attract as much media exposure as possible to achieve brand recognition and increase participation rate of ABSOLUT events. In addition, with limited resources of bars and clubs to advertise, ABSOLUT brand by advertising the event and the venue information will also assist the targeted bars and clubs in advertising their venue. This strategy is aim to increase number of people attending the clubs along with their sales and thus, the sales of ABSOLUT products. Place Strategies ABSOLUT vodka is most readily available at liquor shop and recognised clubs and bars and will be greatly available once the synergies from Pernod Ricards distribution chain starts to become apparent after the acquisition. Below the line marketing e.g. events, will need to be held at the most appropriate time and places. Such places will need to have a high level of positive awareness and upholds the brands image. Initial phase will be to target the city of Sydney and builds on the success to other major cities such as Melbourne. CRM strategy is a direct marketing strategy through mobile phone and email, thus place will not be an issue. Major events are to be held during summer season. Price Strategies In trying to maintain positioning of an exclusive product, together with many available brands in the market