Marketing Communications

Introduction Some of the aspects that characterize the present-day business environment include its increasing dynamism, volatility and uncertainty. This poses challenges for businesses that are rigid and not well prepared to change with the transformations in the market (Williamson et al., 2013). On the other hand, it creates opportunities for companies that have the capability of implementing necessary changes that will make them remain relevant to their target markets. Some of the main areas that have been changing in organizations in recent years include management and communication styles, organizational structures, approaches to marketing and the utilization of technology in different departments within organizations (Shimp & Andrews, 2013; Diefenbach & Todnem, 2012). This paper intends to address several issues that relate to the changes and developments taking place in the business environment. It presents an analysis or opportunities and threats that companies like Yahoo and Google face in relation to the rapid technological advancements. It also addresses the appropriate communication approaches that companies should use to facilitate internal and external communication and the communication mix that is used at Apple to market itself to its target clients. In relation to this, the report presents an analysis of a communication campaign used by Nike, a leading sports’ equipment and apparel manufactures in the UK, to establish how effective it is in attaining its marketing objectives. Opportunities and Threats for Google and Yahoo in regard to rapid technological changes Google and Yahoo are some of the well renowned internet-based companies that offer search engine and e-mail services to a wide range of users. Both companies also deal in software development. Based on the services and products offered by these companies, they are directly affected by technological advancements, especially in the ICT sector (Segev & Ahituv, 2010). The opportunities and threat s that these advancements expose the companies to are discussed in this section. Opportunities There are several opportunities presented to these companies as a result of technological advancement. One of these is that it provides a wide range of avenues through which the companies can communicate with their clients and vice versa (Hundal & Grover, 2012). It also provides increased avenues through which the companies can market their products. Technological advancements in the ICT sector across the globe have also led to an increase in internet accessibility. For Yahoo and Google, an increase in internet accessibility provides an opportunity for them to earn more revenue through advertisements (Shih et al., 2013). This is because they are among the most visited websites internationally. Google is ranked as the most visited website, while Yahoo is ranked the fourth (Alexa, 2014). Being business oriented, technological advancement will also make it possible for them to market their products and services to a wider market base through strategic marketing communication strategies. It also provides an opportunity for them to launch e-commerce strategies, which are cost-effective for the company and convenient for clients. Among the advancements that have taken place is the development and increased use of smartphones (Persaud & Azhar, 2012). Given that both companies deal in software development, it provides an opportunity for them to create revenue from developing applications that can be used on these devices. Google has effectively taken advantage of this advancement and has developed the Android operating system (Gandhewar & Sheikh, 2011). The fact that its operating system is compatible with many mobile devices like manufactured by different companies like Samsung and LG increases its usability. With the growing number of global populations using smartphones, the company has a lot to benefit as Android is among the top smartphone operating systems (Butler, 2011). Threats With the increase in the technological advancements in the market, these companies are also exposed to a range of threats (Lovelock & Wirtz, 2011). One of these is the increase in competition from other companies that provide the same products and services. With internet companies like Twitter and Facebook having a growing number of users, they provide a threat for Yahoo and Google in terms advertising revenues (Lagrosen & Josefsson, 2011). There is also a possibility of other internet based companies coming up to provide stiffer competition. In the software business, Google’s Android operating system faces a threat from Apple’s iOS, if it decides to adjust it and make it compatible to other devices (Butler, 2011). Other technology companies may also come up with more innovative products and better marketing approaches than Google and Yahoo, which might reduce their current market shares. Another threat that is associated with technological advancements is posed to the human resources of these companies. Employees face the risk of losing jobs because a wide range of jobs that were initially handled by people can now be done even better by machines (Lovelock & Wirtz, 2011). Even though this might come as a relief for these companies as they cut salary costs, the fact that these advancements may increase unemployment undermines the social responsibility efforts that these companies may have. The increase in technological advancements also increases the levels of cyber crime. Even though the systems of Yahoo and Google may be secure from this risk, given that they have measures in place to address this issue, clients who have opened email accounts with them may not be as secure. Hackers may gain access to their emails, obtain their personal information and use it against them. Even though such cases might occur as a result of low email security measures by the user, some of them tend to blame the email hosting companies like Yahoo or Google as being the reasons for their predicaments. As a result, this ruins the reputation of these companies. Communication at GoogleInternal and external communicationCommunication is among the aspects of a business that are paramount to its success. Internal communication refers to the passing of messages or information within the organization. This could be within the same department or interdepartmental communication (Wright, 2012). External communication refers to the communication that goes on between the organization and external stakeholders, who mainly comprise of customers. When carrying out internal communication, there are several factors that have to be considered. For instance, the messages ought to be confidential to avoid access from external parties. In this case, Google has a company intranet, which consists of an internal message board and email system (Goodman, 2006). This can only be accessed by company employees who have been allocated usernames and passwords. These channels of communications have been highly secured, making it impossible for an external party to access the information or messages passed. Internal communication in organizations also has to be effective and quick. For Google, this is facilitated by the fact that it has a horizontal communication structure. According to Butler (2010), horizontal or lateral communication is the free flow of information or messages across different functional groups in the organization. Employees and managers across all departments and employee levels at Google interact freely without any hierarchical boundaries (The Financial Express, 2005). This approach to communication enhances cooperation among employees and also quickens the process of resolving conflict. On the contrary, it reduces the authority of departmental heads in the organization. External communication is meant to promote products or services offered by the company, or to advertise its clients’ products to a wide range of customers (Wright, 2012). It can also be meant to engage with customers with the aim of making them feel like they are part of the organization. Depending on the aim that is to be met by external communication, there are several measures that can be used. One of the most effective tools that the company uses to accomplish this is through its website. Based on the fact that its website is the most visited in the world, there is a high level of surety that it will communicate to a wide audience (Segev & Ahituv, 2010). Even with the high number of visits on the company’s website, many customers who may be targeted by the messages might not be among the website visitors. Thus, another alternative option that the company uses is through sending e-mail messages directed to certain clients that could be interested in the goods or services of the company. In 2012, the company spent over $231 million in marketing its products, which include the Google+ social media platform, Gmail and the Google Chrome web browser (Efrati, 2012).Market communication theories relevant to the communication str ategyThere are several marketing communication theories that can be considered as being relevant to the communication strategies utilized at Google. One of these is the heightened appreciation model (Dahlen et al., 2010). It is based on the fact that companies need to carry out consumer market research to establish the key attribute that attracts consumers to a brand. Market communication strategies are then designed to link the identified attributes of the product or service to the brand (Fill & Hughes, 2013). For instance, in the advertisement of its Google+ service, the company is aware of the need for people to interact and share instant messages and videos on social media. Google then links this need in the market to Google+, encouraging more clients to subscribe. Another model that can be used to represent the market communication strategies at Google is the advertising exposure model. This model suggests that advertisement objectives can only be met if it created five effects to the target consumer (Fill & Hughes, 2013). These effects are; creation of awareness, conveying messages about the positive attributes of the products, generation of feelings among the target audiences towards the brand, creating a brand personality and triggering purchase intentions (Dahlen et al., 2010). This model also relates to the advertisement efforts that have been implemented by Google as it markets a wider range of its products. The AIDA model can also be used in explaining marketing communication. It is regarded as one of the oldest and most popular market communication models. This model states that there is a hierarchy of events that have to occur for a marketing communication strategy to be termed as having been successful. In chronological order, these are attention, interest, desire, and action. After the attention of the target clients have been drawn, marketers are required to raise their interest in the products or services being advertised through highlighting their advantages. After this has been done a sense of desire is created in the clients by providing them with the assurance that the products or services will satisfy their needs. This will trigger action from the buyer, which is demonstrated by making the purchase. At Google, this model has been widely used, especially when it spent approximately 231 million to market its products in 2012 (Efrati, 2012). However, this model has received criticism for being out-dated and irrelevant for the present market environment.The Communication Mix of AppleThe communication mix is referred to as the specific approaches that are used by companies to promote their services or products to their target customers. There are five elements that make up a communication mix. These are discounts and promotions, public relations, direct marketing communication, advertising and personal selling (Wright, 2012). At Apple, the marketing mix element that is mainly used is direct marketing communication. This approach involves interactive communication with the aim of seeking a certain response from the target audiences. With reference to the recent development at Apple when it was preparing to acquire PrimeSense, an Israeli 3D chip developer, it was vital for the company to inform its external and internal stakeholders or the impending acquisition (Velazco, 2013). Some of the approaches that the company could use to pass this information include direct email communication, social media interaction with its clients and through its website. The company has maintained a large customer data base that contains the contacts of its customers and other Apple stakeholders (Wright, 2012). This also makes it easy for the company to pass such vital information directly to its customers and other external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders, who mainly comprise of employees, can be formally informed through circulation of a memo or posting the message on internal communication platforms.Importance of Cross-functional communicationCross-functional communication is applicable within the organization. It is referred to as the communication among people from different departments or functional groups in the organization (Shimp & Andrews, 2013). The importance of cross-functional communication that is beneficial to Apple Inc is the fact that it enhances cooperation within the organization as different teams work towards attaining the same organizational goal. Encouraging cross functional communication also promotes awareness of whatever is taking place across the entire organization, which eliminates cases of ignorance of misinformation. Some of the challenges that are associated with ineffective cross-functional communication in organizations include the failure for members of certain departments in the organization to appreciate or recognise the contributions made by other departments (Diefenbach & Todnem, 2012). This may result to destructive rivalry that may affect the attainm ent of organizational goals adversely. In a scenario where Apple might plan to acquire another company, cross-functional communication enables all the departments to be equally ready for any changes or additional responsibilities that may arise after the acquisition (Diefenbach & Todnem, 2012).Analysis of an integrated Marketing communications campaignMarketing communication campaigns are defined as strategies that are implemented by organizations with the aim of increasing market awareness about their products or services. This is usually with the aim of increasing the purchasing intentions of the target audience. According to (Bergemann & Bonatti, 2011), ideal integrated marketing communication strategies effectively coordinate all product promotional messages to ensure that they are all consistent. This section presents a market communication campaign that was launched by Nike, a company that deals in the manufacture and distribution of sports equipment (Nike, 2014). The marketin g communication campaign was implemented with the aim of increasing the company’s market share in the UK to extend its lead. This is as a result of the stiff competition from Adidas (Thomasson, 2014). The campaign intended to make use of all the available avenues to increase awareness of the UK market about the brand. It also intended to market the new products that it had launched and seen as appropriate for the target market. These mainly included sports shoes. This marketing communications campaign targeted a wide range of customers, who ranged from 18 to 50 years of age (Nike, 2014).Factors that make the campaign successfulThere are several aspects of the campaign that make this campaign successful in attaining its originally set goals. One of these is the wide range of media outlets were used to pass the message to the audience, basing on the fact that media consumption varies among individuals within different age groups (Bergemann & Bonatti, 2011). Another factor that made the communication campaign successful was the fact that it highlighted the favourable attributes of the company’s products, which included the affordable prices and the comfort of the shoes. Referring to the heightened appreciation model, this is an effective trigger of purchase intentions among the target audiences (Fill & Hughes, 2013). Given that this marketing communication campaign was strategically designed, the only aspect that could undermine its capability to attain the intended goals is the launch of a similar or better campaign by its key competitors.Media UsedDifferent forms of media were used in this campaign to increase the size of the audience that could be reached. These were classified as print, broadcast and interactive media. Print media comprised of newspapers and magazines. These targeted different clients. For instance, ads that were placed in fashion magazines targeted the fashion enthusiasts who could need Nike’s products to work out. Broad cast media basically comprise of radio and TV (Lamb et al., 2008). Different market segments were targeted by advertising on a wide range of TV and radio channels, and at different times. Given that communication campaigns in print and broadcast media are one way, they were designed to contain as much information as possible to answer any questions that clients could have regarding the product (Bergemann & Bonatti, 2011). Interactive media comprised of all the media outlets that could allow the company and its clients to engage real-time with each other (Correa et al., 2010). These comprised of social networking, mobile and via the company’s blog. As opposed to print and broadcast media platforms, interactive media provided capabilities for the company and target customers to engage constructively (Kim & Ko, 2012). Some of the major social media platforms that are ideal for such form of communication between companies and customers include Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Despi te the advantage of real-time engagement that social media presents for companies, information on a flaw of negative attribute on the product spreads very fast (Correa et al., 2010). Conclusion This paper has covered a wide range of issues that relate to the present-day business environment. In regard to the technological advancements that are taking place in the present-day business environment, Google and Yahoo have been used as cases to discuss the opportunities and threats that these advancements present to the company. The paper has also presented an overview of internal and external communication in Google, which has incorporates that factors that are considered and the channels that are used in the communication. Different marketing communication theories have also been presented. These include the heightened appreciation model and the advertising exposure model. In the paper, different organizations have been used in the explanation of various concepts presented. Based on the arguments that have been presented in the paper, companies have to ensure that they effectively communicate with their customers and also encourage cross-functional communication so as to succe ed in the current hypercompetitive business environment. Failure to implement an appropriate communication mix will not only have adverse effects on the marketing efforts of the company, but will also hamper internal operations. For future research, the marketing communication theories and models should be analyzed more broadly so as to establish their relevance to different businesses. References Adler, G., 2013. Management Communication. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Alexa, 2014. Web company Information: Top Sites. [Online] Available at: http://www.alexa.com/topsites [Accessed 7 April 2014]. Bergemann, D. & Bonatti, A., 2011. Targeting in advertising markets: implications for offline versus online media. The RAND Journal of Economics, 42(3), pp.417-43. Butler, C.J., 2010. Internal and lateral communication in strategic alliance decision making. Management Decision, 48(5), pp.698-712. Butler, M., 2011. Android: changing the mobile landscape.Pervasive Computing. IEEE, 10(1), pp.4-7. Correa, T., Hinsley, A.W. & De Zuniga, H.G., 2010. Who interacts on the Web?: The intersection of users’ personality and social media use. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(2), pp.247-53. Dahlen, M., Lange, ?F. & Smith, ?T., 2010. Marketing Communications: A Brand Narrative Approach. California: John Wiley & Sons. Diefenbach, T. & Todnem, R., 2012. Reinventing Hierarchy and Bureaucracy: From the Bureau to Network Organizations. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing. Ef rati, A., 2012. Once Shunning Ad Promos, Google Now Flaunts Itself. The Wall Street Journal, 27 March. [Accessed 7 April 2014]. Fill, C. & Hughes, G?., 2013. CIM Coursebook Marketing Communications. New Jersey: Routledge. Gandhewar, N. & Sheikh, R., 2011. Google Android: An Emerging Software Platform For Mobile Devices. International Journal on Computer Science & Engineering, pp.12-17. Goodman, J., 2006. Intranet Strategy. London: The Ark Group. Haigh, P., 2010. Social Network Websites: Their Benefits and Risks. London: Optimus Education eBooks. Hundal, B.S. & Grover, S., 2012. Consumer Responsiveness towards SMS Advertisements and its Effectiveness in the Present Scenario. Journal of Marketing & Communication, 7(3), pp.34-39. Lagrosen, S. & Josefsson, P., 2011. Social media marketing as an entrepreneurial learning process. International Journal of Technology Marketing, 6(4), pp.331-40. Lovelock, C. & Wirtz, J., 2011. Services Marketing: People, Technology, Strategy. Upper Saddle Ri ver: Prentice Hall. Moore, I., 2005. Does Your Marketing Sell?: The Secret of Effective Marketing Communications. Boston: Nicholas Brealey Pub. Nike, 2014. About Nike Inc. [Online] Available at: http://nikeinc.com/pages/about-nike-inc [Accessed 7 April 2014]. Persaud, A. & Azhar, I., 2012. Innovative mobile marketing via smartphones: are consumers readyMarketing Intelligence & Planning, 30(4), pp.418-43. Petit, C., Dubois, C., Harand, A. & Quazzotti, S., 2011. A new, innovative and marketable IP diagnosis to evaluate, qualify and find insights for the development of SMEs IP practices and use, based on the AIDA approach. World Patent Information, 33(1), pp.42-50. Plunkett, J.W., 2009. Plunkett’s E-Commerce and Internet Business Almanac 2009. Texas: Plunkett Research. Schultz, F., Utz, S. & Goritz, A., 2011. Is the medium the messagePerceptions of and reactions to crisis communication via twitter, blogs and traditional media. Public relations review, 37(1), pp.20-27. Segev, E. & Ahituv, N., 2010. Popular Searches in Google and Yahoo!: A â€Å"Digital Divide† in Information UsesThe Information Society, 26(1), pp.17-37. Shih, B.Y., Chen, C.Y. & Chen, Z.S., 2013. An empirical study of an internet marketing strategy for search engine optimization.. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, 23(6), pp.528-40. Shimp, T. & Andrews, J.C., 2013. Advertising promotion and other aspects of integrated marketing communications. Mason: Cengage Learning. The Financial Express, 2005. Creative motivation at Google Inc. The Financial Express, 14 May. Thomasson, E., 2014. Adidas sees hit from emerging market currency swings. Reuters, 5 March. Velazco, C., 2013. Done Deal: Apple Confirms It Acquired Israeli 3D Sensor Company PrimeSense. [Online] Available at: http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/24/apple-primesense-acquisition-confirmed/ [Accessed 7 April 2014]. Williamson, D., Cooke, P. & Jenkins, W., 2013. Strategic Management and Business Analysis . New Jersey: Routledge. Wright, M., 2012. Gower Handbook of Internal Communication. Burlington: Gower Publishing.

Irrational Beliefs Essay

Report on some of your own irrational beliefs that have gotten you off course and lowered your self-esteem. Offer rational beliefs that you can take on to dispute your stinkin’ thinkin’. How will changing your irrational beliefs help you to achieve your academic goals? Our upsets are caused not so much by our problems as by what we think about our problems. When our thinking is full of irrational beliefs, what Ellis calls â€Å"stinkin’ thinkin'†, we feel awful even when the circumstances don’t warrant it, and how we think about the issue in our lives is the real issue. I have a few irrational beliefs myself. These include my fear of public speaking, my fear of how people perceive me, and my personal appearance. In high school I enrolled in a speech class that was required for my diploma. My problem wasn’t remembering what to say but being able to speak in front of a classroom full of people. I shouldn’t have had a problem with it at a ll, considering the classroom was full of people I’ve known my whole life, people I’ve grown up with. I got up in front of the class ready to go, I managed to spit out two sentences then my mind went blank. I was embarrassed, scared of what they would think about me if I were to mess up. Would they call me names? Would they think I wasn’t prepared? Would they think I was dumb, powerless, uncreative, and weak? The only thing I could think to do was run to the nearest exit, so out I went. My teacher had followed me but at that point I had tears in my eyes, I was shaking with sweaty palms. She managed to calm me down, she gave me the rational beliefs that I needed, and she believed in me exactly how I should have believed in myself. It all tied into how I am obsessive over what others think of me, my clothes, my hair, and my shoes. I have the irrational belief that everyone needs to look at me and think that I have everything together. In reality my life is usually a mess but I have those materialist things to hide behind. My weight has always been another irrational belief of mine, constantly calling myself fat, not wearing the clothes I want, looking in a mirror and talking myself down. I gained forty pounds in almost two years. I wasn’t the small delicate girl I used to be and I didn’t think I would ever get back to the point of being happy with my body. In order to change these irrational beliefs I need to fill my mind with rational beliefs, such as I am a great public speaker when I am prepared, I am beautiful and smart with or without materialist things, and lastly if I am unhappy with my body then  I have every right to change it. According to psychologist Ellis, a key to correcting irrational thinking is changing a â€Å"must† into a preference. I can always distract myself from negative, judgmental thoughts by simply telling myself, â€Å"STOP!† Then replace my blaming, complaining, or excusing with something positive. Wisely choosing the thoughts that occupy my mind, as well as avoiding automatic, negative thoughts that undermine my self-esteem will also help. Changing my irrational beliefs will help me achieve my academic goals by giving me the confidence to organize my schedule, and be able to speak in front of people as well as with others.

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 31

Case study - Essay Example However, the system has provided significant challenges in the day-to-day running of the clinic. The challenges include wasting of time, staff overhead, inefficient or poor billing and also stressful to the patients. With the implementation of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, the patient check in process will enjoy immense benefits, which include automation of the process using integrated technological features. As a result, healthcare services will be offered fast, accurate, consistently efficient and user satisfying (Scarlat, 2012). It is very essential to clarify that the implementation of a high quality electronic health records (EHR) system is a fundamental subject in ensuring that UMUC Family Clinic ends up delivering high quality services. In this sense, the key business process that needs to be improved is as stipulated below (Rodrigues, 2010). In order to deliver best services in the patient check-in process at the Clinic, the following Electronic health records system is proposed. The main aim is to provide long-term solutions to the current challenges experienced in the clinic. In essence, the Agility EHR 10 system has hereby been proposed as the best solution (Scarlat, 2012). It is crucial to outline that the Product name is identified as Agility EHR. In addition, the version number of the product is ten (10). In order to enjoy effective operation of the targeted (Agility EHR 10) Electronic Health Records System, it is important that additional software is integrated in its daily operations. This additional software entails Cerner Multum, Multum VantageRx version 3, Elsevier and ExitCare version 7.5. The certifying body for this system is the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology while the product CHPL number is CC-2014-615770-1 (Rodrigues, 2010). The availability of the aforementioned information has been of great significance to the success of the proposed solution. To be precise, the information plays a

What was the watergate scandal and what was its effect on American Essay

What was the watergate scandal and what was its effect on American politics - Essay Example The idea of pursuing re-election through draconian means seemed attractive to him and his consultants. However, their approach to re-election campaign turned out to be an illegal act. As revealed in May 1972 evidence following the NDC’s office break-in, it emerged that the members of the re-election committee of President Nixon were the culprits of the Watergate burglary. Many intruders, who were linked to the reelection campaign of Nixon, were caught trying to wiretap phones and filch confidential documents (Vaughn 579). Owing to the failure of the wiretaps, the burglars would soon return to the Watergate office on June 17, 1972 to rectify the fault. Unfortunately, a security guard detected when they tapped the locks to Watergate building using a microphone. The guard informed the police of the incident and it was fortunate that the police wasted no time and caught the burglars red-handed (Vaughn 579). Despite the fact that the link between the burglars and President Nixon initially remained oblivious, the link would later be established when detectives identified white house contact of the president’s re-election committee in the baggage of the intruders. President Nixon gave a public speech on August 1972 distancing himself and his office from the burglary. Consequently, he won the trust of most voters, which handed him a landslide victory in November election (Vaughn 579). Nixon later planned financial reward for the burglars to cover up for the crime. However, the plan failed when some of his confidants yielded to the cover-up pressure revealing that the president orchestrated the burglary. Some of his aides were incarcerated in 1973. Nixon was pressured to produce the Oval Office’s taped conversation, which he allegedly possessed. When he finally handed over some of the tapes, the cover up began to blow apart in early 1974. In July 1974, the House of Representatives

Brand management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Brand management - Essay Example However, the only thing common between both the pearls is the quality, natural beauty and value of the pearl which is left only to nature. Figure 1 The Australian, 2011 Pearls can be pear-shaped, oval and at times misshapen; but the most valuable pearls for all sorts of consumers will be the round, smooth and free from marks. A strand of pearls which fits directly to the throat is a collar. The one which rests on the neck is a choker. The princess length of the strand would be the one reaching the collarbone while the matinee is 20-24 inches and Opera is 30-36 inches. Rope is all the other strands that are more than 36 inches. These are important details to understand the consumer perceptions and tastes in the pearl industry. Another aspect which is important is the origin and types of pearls. Natural pearls are the most precious pearls and unfortunately the rarest. They were originated in the Persian Gulf and have already been harvested at large. The ones available in the market tod ay are small in sizes and immensely costly. There was a time when consumers did not buy anything but natural pearls, but today the perceptions have changed. The cultured pearls are widely available and produced in pearl farms. They have contributed majorly to the pearl market today. These cultured pearls produced through a delicate process. The pearls formed through this process are not always high quality. These pearls are sorted and about 10,000 are discarded before a 16 inch strand is assembled of high quality pearls. Figure 2 Morning Dove Studios, 2012 Pearls are also found in saltwater and freshwater where there are different types of mollusks and thus they produce pearls that are different looking. Saltwater pearls are the akoya cultured pearls which are grown in Chinese and Japanese waters. These pearls are very tiny starting from 2mm to 10mm, and are cream or white colored with a round shape. They are cheaper due to their sizes. The Australian, Indonesian and Philipinnian pe arl is the South Sea pearl which is the largest pearl of all. Their size is about 9mm to 20mm and is cream, white or golden colored. The South Sea pearls are the most expensive ones as they are rare and have thick nacre. The Tahitian pearls have sizes ranging from 8mm to 16mm and they are not only found in Tahiti but also on French Polynesia islands. These pearls are known as the black pearls but are gray, green, purple, blue and black colored. Black pearls are also found in Fiji, Cook Islands and Micronesia. They are expensive. Figure 3 Chinese Pearls (United Nations University, 2013) Figure 4 Black Pearls (squidoo, 2013) Freshwater pearls grow in lakes, ponds and rivers mostly in China. Most of these pearls have the same size and shape as akoya pearls but may also be different. They are comparatively cheaper and the most common of all pearls sold. These pearls may not have the nucleus of the bead hence having thicker nacre. Imitation pearls are pearls that have a coated glass bead . These have high luster which can be easily separated from a cultured pearl by a knowledgeable jeweler. Sometimes it becomes a challenge to identify the imitated and the cultural or natural but certified gemologists from the American Gem Society can easily do the job. These pearls may also be going through processes and treatments to enhance their color or luster, and this immensely affects their value. A consumer would never want to buy one! Some of the best pearl brands today are

Art World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Art World - Essay Example It is this position that Danto (1999) saw as misplaced and lacking basis to consider art as coming to an end. Indeed, the basis for revisiting the subject of the end-of-art thesis in the present seminar is to compare the validity of the arguments presented by the two writers in today’s era of art world. The opinions that are going to be expressed on the article will therefore be broad enough to capture the entire relationship between the artist’s power of innovation and the influence it has on art world. Much of the argument would also focus on modern day art so as to have an understanding of the power of the artist in using some of the world’s modernity to transform the art world. In the article, Danto (1999) identifies two modes of thought in art. These are subjective and objective spirits. According to Danto (1999), subjective spirit deals closely with the artist’s cognitive interpretation of the world around him, based on which themes of art world are presented. Largely so, Hegel (1975) had argued that in the application of their subjective spirits, artists have refused to have an awakening of thought that is based on the need for the output of their works to be based on genuine truth about human reasoning. This is a notion that Danto refuses to accept because in the opinion of Dante, generational dynamism is necessary for giving the artist much room to try out more innovation that presents the art world with an era of social thinking that is based on the artist’s own cognitive empowerment. Indeed, taking the arguments presented by the two writers on subjective spirits of artists and presenting it in modern social art, one would say that the new era of artist subjectivity where genuine truth of life no longer exists as the subject matter for most forms of art has been accepted as being fairly befitting for the changing society. A very typical example that can be cited of this is the use of sci-fi art where artists create i deas from their subjective reasoning that are not based on original human reasoning. Indeed, record sales of sci-fi movies and books such as Inception and Men in Black glorifies the point by Danto that the trend of subjective spirit in modern art does not necessarily mean an end to art. There is also the second mode of thought that has to do with objective spirit. Under this mode of thought, Dante (1999) explains in his article that it has to do with the reasoning of art that is taken from a broader social perspective such as political institutions, moral codes and forms of family life. From this score, Hegel had argued that artist are no longer doing society much good from their themes of art work because they had taken new position in the art world where sensationalism had become the order of the day. Yet again, Danto does not see eye in eye with Hegel. In the opinion of Danto, â€Å"It is from the perspective of objective spirit that any institutional theory of art is credibleâ €  (p. 4). This means that once a piece of art that is produced from an objective spirit becomes accepted by society and judged as credible, not much can be said against it in terms of whether or not it is contributing to a dying art world. Clearly, any modern day artist who takes up an objective perspective of art

What insight does the theory of internal colonialism offer into the Essay

What insight does the theory of internal colonialism offer into the processes which led to the formation of the United Kingdom - Essay Example In addition, religion, language, ethnicity or another cultural factor may have set this internal colony apart and the members left out of government and other political processes. When the colonial period ended, the term was used for regions where sovereign government exploited the economically backward and ethnically unique. This paper examines the notion of internal colonialism, and how it brought about the creation of the United Kingdom. 2. The effects subjugated on the culture and society of the colonized members. This is quite apart from a result of natural mixing with the group. The colonizing group initiates a strategy to transform, constrain or obliterate native values, orientations, and the old way of life. 3. Successful colonization necessitates a relationship where people of the colonized group allow themselves, without continuous revolt, to be governed and supervised by the colonizers with regards to their ethnic position. 4. The practice of racism. It is a feature of social domination and exploitation by one group over another who is viewed as inferior or different with regards to certain biological features. Such a group is controlled, and oppressed socially and physically by the superior group Theories of internal colonialism are diverse and numerous attempts have been made to put them into perspective. In an effort to explain them, Robert J. Hind says that the theories give many reasons, descriptions and inferences and falsely assume a great deal of harmony among both the natives and colonizers. There is also a tendency to reduce the intricate social organization to simple terms. These theories overlook the fact that for capitalism to expand, colonialism is a necessary evil. Rodolfo Stavenhagen says that a certain degree of social polarization combined with disproportionate development is necessary for capitalism to further itself. Thus, internal colonialism that prevails in a number of nations

International Business Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 3

International Business Environment - Essay Example (Koontz 1984) Gabor (1990) in his analysis has mentioned that the theory of management has developed over the past one-hundred years growing from the time and motion studies of engineers to get influenced by the social movements or events; from a decentralized operation to the concept of looking for the best or supremeoperative mode of an organization or Total Quality Management or TQM. (Gabor, 1990) There are various theories associated with the organizational management and those theories are developed based on functionality of various departments. Those theories are revised with the time depending on various real life examples (incidents of various departments in various organizations) over the world. All those theories have various advantages as well as some limitations. In this paper the focus is to analyze three of the following theories, their applications and most importantly what are their advantages and what are the limitations. The Three theories are: International Product Life cycle theory; Krugman’s First Mover Advantage Theory and Porter’s Diamond model. The life cycle of any product can be divided into four distinct parts namely: introduction phase, growth phase, maturity and decline phase. When any particular product first introduce in the market then the demand for that product remains high as people wants to buy the new product. Soon after the introduction, the product often passes through the growth phase where the sales volume hit the top. Slowly it reaches the maturity phase when the demand and supply meets one point and the product is able to reach its ultimate high in terms of demand. This is the normal product life cycle associated with any product all over the globe. The IPLC or international product life cycle model was first designed by Vernon in the year of 1966. The main objective of this mode was to develop an advanced trade theory beyond David Ricardo’s static framework of comparative advantages which was designed in

Revolutions and their significance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Revolutions and their significance - Essay Example liberate forces of production .The first Russian revolution (1917-1918) was a result of public’s demand for a freer inner market and the French revolution (1789-1799) happened because public became frustrated of the ongoing aristocratic scenario. These instances show that it was a particular aspect that provoked the public to revolt. A country’s revolution does not necessarily affect another country since no two governments are alike and so are the problems of its populace. However, the fact cannot be negated that revolutions always induce an everlasting impact on the world because governments learn to mend their ways to avoid similar situation in the region. Alternately, occurrence of revolutions whether in the past or in recent times provokes another nation to stand against injustice and socio-economic imbalance in their country. Revolutions act like processes that force institutions to realize the power of public and alternately these also make public realize its own capability. â€Å"The revolutions in France and Russia liberated the enormous power of social reality of the people, creating powerful images of democratic equality to come† (Foran and Lane et al., 44). In France, not just its society underwent an epic transformation by favoring democracy over aristocracy, the world also grew fond of secularism and liberalism and a rapid rise in democracies and republics was witnessed afterwards. Similarly, 1917 Russian revolution shook the balan ce of powers during World War I and gave the world its first communist state, which as a concept was soon adopted world over and generated many other revolutions. The 1989 Russian revolution resulted in changing history by creating 14 new states and promoting abandoning of communism. Therefore, revolutions are not merely historical incidences or dates but highly impactful reflections of a group of individuals that in-turn produce everlasting impression not only within the society but globally as well. Revolutions

Rules and regulations on the conduct and discipline Essay Example for Free

Rules and regulations on the conduct and discipline Essay For the guidance of all concerned, the following rules and regulations on the conduct and discipline of students are hereby promulgated: a. Basis of Discipline Students shall at all times observe the laws of the land, rules and regulations of the Bicol University, and the standards of good society. b. General Rules and Regulations The following student’s rules govern the conduct and discipline of students: 1. Any student who commits any misbehavior in the University premises or outside the University when acting in his capacity as a representative of the University, shall subject to disciplinary action in accord with the schedule of sanctions set by the University. 2. The Bicol University is a smoke-free campus. Smoking shall not be allowed in the University premises. 3. Students are required to attend academic University activities that are conducted within the University. 4. Students of this University are free to participate in co-curricular activities and to express their views and positions in public questions/issues subject to the following conditions: a. Their participation shall excuse them only for the time missed in class and shall not excused them from fulfilling other requirements by the University, and b. Their participation shall be their own personal responsibility. 5. No play, skit, farce or any other similar act shall be staged or presented outside the University without the previous authorization and approval of the Dean of the College/Unit. 6. Only BU student organization duly recognized by the Office of the Student Service during the current school year may be allowed to publish and distribute written materials, or put up posters, signs, streamers, and the like. Each copy (and each page) of the proposed written materials must be submitted to the Office of Student Services/Coordinator Student Activities for verification and stamping of the words â€Å"Approved for Posting/Distribution- Dean of Student Services/Coordinator Student Activities† as a requirements before distribution or display. 7. No student may participate in an outside activity, contest, play, band, orchestra, choir conference, congress,  association, club and similar groups as a representative of Bicol University without being so authorized in writing by the Dean of the College/Unit. Participation of students in such activities in their personal capacities is not contemplated in this reservation, provided, however, that in this case the Universi ty shall not be responsible for any consequence arising therefrom. 8. No student or organization seeking to sponsor any social event or activity associated with the University may make use of the institutional name of the University unless he/she is authorized to do so. Generally, use of the institutional name by any student or group off- campus is prohibited. Permission for such solicitation may, on exceptional cases, be obtained in writing from the Dean of the College/Unit. 9. Students should wear the prescribed uniform of the College while inside the campus. 10. Validated I.D Cards must be worn all the time within the school premises. The validated card should be used in all transactions in and out the University. Any student who fails to produce validated I.D Cards upon demand by any member of the faculty or any schools authority or security guard, may not be admitted to class or inside campus. 11. Students should help keep the building and campus clean at all times. Trash cans and similar receptacles should be used. Littering and writing on the walls, doors or any property of the University is prohibited. 12. Students should handle funds; mail matter or any important papers entrusted to them either by the University or any of the student organizations with utmost care and responsibility. 13. All funds accruing the students organization must be deposited in a reputable bank. At the end of every semester the bank book reflecting the financial assets to the organization must be deposited with the college/unit Cashier for safekeeping. 14. Permission for co-curricular activity, i.e. field trips, educational/observation tours, and extra-curricular activity i.e., conventions, seminar conducted within the Region should be obtained one week in advance and for activities outside the Region two weeks in advance from the University President through the Dean College/Unit, Dean of Student Services and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The requesting party before joining any out of campus activity should meet the following requirements. DEFINITION OF TERMS: a. BULLYING. This refers to any act which causes upon the student emotional, physical or psychological stress making him/her feel lonely and unsafe or to think that there is something wrong with him/her or to lose the student’s confidence and to become disinterested in attending classes. b. CARRYING WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY PREMISES FIREARMS OR DANGEROUS OR DEADLY WEAPONS. Carrying any weapon which can kill, including but not limited to: Firearms, even if licensed, knife, blunt instrument, clubs. c. CONVICTION OF A CRIME INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE. Conviction in any court of a crime having an inherent quality of corruptness, vileness, or depravity with respect to a person’s duty to another or to society in general; such as but not limited to : rape. Falsification of official documents. d. CREATING DISORDER, TUMULT, BREACH OF THE PEACE OR SERIOUS DISTURBANCE WITHIN THE UNIVERISTY.  Any act designed to any serious disturbance within the University premises, office, classroom, hall or shall interrupt or disturb performance, functions or gatherings, peaceful meetings within the University premises. e. DEFACING, DAMAGING OR DESTROYING ANY PROPERTY OF BICOL UNIVERSITY OR OF WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY. Any willful behavior aimed at destroying, altering, or defacing property of Bicol University or of its employees and guests. Possession of the means to commit vandalism, including possession of a drill bit, glass cutter, or other substance (like spray paint) within University premises without proper clearance from the College Dean/Director shall be prima facie evidence of such offense. f. DISCOURTESY TO SUPERIOR. Any discourtesy by words or by deeds committed by a student towards a student-leader, a Bicol University official or personnel (teaching and non-teaching). g. DISGRACEFUL AND IMMORAL CINDUCT. Any scandalous behavior or act contrary to established moral principles committed inside or outside of BU premises which will cause disrepute to Bicol University. Petting, necking or any sexual conduct done with the University premises, inside or outside of classrooms. h. DISHONESTY. The act of concealing or distorting truth, showing a lack of integrity or a character to defraud, cheat, deceive or betray and an intent to violate the truth. h.1. SERIOUS DISHONESTY. Involve the presence of any one of the following attendant circumstances: a) The dishonest act caused serious damage and grave prejudice to Bicol University; b) In order to commit the dishonest act, the respondent gravely abused his authority; c) Where the respondent is an accountable office in any University/College Based Organization, the dishonest act directly involves property, accountable forms or money for which he directly accountable and the respondent shows an intent to commit material gain, graft and corruption. d) The dishonest act of the respondent exhibits moral depravity; e) In the commission of the dishonest act, fraud or falsification of official documents was employed; f) The dishonest act was committed several times or in various occasion; or g) The dishonest act involves Bicol University examination irregularity or fake Bicol University admission eligibility such as impersonation, and cheating. h.2. LESS SERIOUS DISHONESTY. The dishonest act caused damage and prejudice to Bicol University that is not so serious as to qualify under Serious Dishonesty, or  where the respondent is a student leader who did not take advantage of his/her position in any University/College Based Organization in committing dishonest act. h.3.SIMPLE DISHONESTY. Dishonest acts that did not cause damage or prejudice to Bicol University as well as those within no direct relation to or do not involve the duties and responsibilities of the respondent; and where the information falsified is not related to his office as a student leader or status as a student of this University in case of falsification of official document. i. DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR MANIFESTING DRUNKEN BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY PREMISES. Possession of intoxicating liquors or any beverages shall be prima facie evidence of the commission of this offense. j. FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. Any untruthful entries I official documents committed thru alteration, deletion, superimposition, intercalation, or any misinterpretation. Official documents shall include birth certificate, official transcript of records. Library card, school ID. Student’s clearance, diploma, and other documents issued by or submitted to Bicol University. k. GAMBLING. Any unauthorized betting of money or something of material value within the University premises. l. HAZING OF ANY VARIETY INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE PREMISES OF THE BISCOL UNIVERSITY BY ANY FRATERNITY OR INDIVIDUAL OR A GROUP REPRESENTING AN ACCREDITED BU ORGANIZATION. An initiation rite or practice as a prerequisites for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing of humiliating situations such as forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar task or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury. (Sec. 1, RA 8049) m. MALVERSATION /UNLAWFUL DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY OR A GUEST OF THE UNIVERSITY. Any student who, by reason of the duties of his office, is accountable for student’s fund or property, shall appropriate the same or shall take or misappropriate or shall consent, through abandonment or negligence shall permit any other person to take such students funds, or property, wholly or partially, or shall otherwise be guilty of the misappropriation or malversation of such funds or property. n. MISCONDUCT. Such act affecting performance of his duties as a student and/or an officer of any University/College Based Organization and not such only as affects his character as a private  individual. n.1. GRAVE MISCONDUCT. Acts which manifest elements of corruption, clear intent to violate the law or openly disregarding established rules of Bicol University. n.2. SIMPLE MISCONDUCT. Any form of concealment not falling within the definition of dishonesty; or any violation of University/College Rules and Regulations. o. Photo or Video Voyeurism. An act of taking photo or video coverage of a person or group of persons performing sexual acts or any similar activity or of capturing an image of the private area of a person or persons without the latter’s consent, under circumstances in which such person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy, or act of selling, copying, reproducing, broadcasting, sharing, showing or exhibiting the photo or video coverage or recordings of such sexual act or similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and similar means or device without the written consent of the person/s involved, notwithstanding that consent to record or to take photo or video coverage of same was given by such persons (Sec 3(d) of RA 9993). p. PLAGIARISM. The act of copying another’s words/works and passing it off as one’s own original creation. q. POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS OR CHEMICALS. Possession of dangerous drugs or chemicals as defined in Republic Act No. 9165. r. SEXUAL HARASSMENT. An act, or a series of acts, involving any unwelcome sexual advance, demand or request for sexual favor, or other verbal or physical behavior of sexual nature, committed by any person who, having authority, influence or moral ascendancy over another in training or educational-related environment of the person complained of, without regards as to whether such advance, demands or request is accepted by the other. The foregoing acts may be committed among peers such as those involving student—student, and those committed towards a faculty member or employed by a student, whether of the same or opposite sexes. (Sec. 2, Bicol University Rules and Regulation in Administrative Cases of Sexual Harassment and Similar Offenses) s. STALKING. An intentional act committed by a student who, knowingly and without lawful justification, follows a fellow student or places the latter under surveillance directly or indirectly or a combination thereof. (Modified definition taken R.A. No. 926) t. THEFT. The taking, with intent to gain but  without violence against or intimidation of persons nor force upon things, of property of Bicol University, its employees, students and guests, without the latter’s consent; or the failure to deliver found lost items to University authorities or to its owner. u. UNAUTHORIZED SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTION/DONATION USING THE NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY.Any request for support to any individual or organization, monetary or otherwise, in the name of Bicol University without prior written permit from the College Dean and University President. v. VIOLATION OF SCHOOL RULES AND REGULATIONS. Disobedience to University/College rules and regulation. d. College/Unit Disciplinary Committee 1. All cases involving discipline of students and violation of rules and regulations of the College/Unit committed within its premises shall be subject to the jurisdiction of College/Unit Disciplinary Committee. 2. Investigation of cases falling under the jurisdiction of a College/Unit shall be conducted by a committee of five (5) members. The College/Unit Disciplinary Committee shall be composed of: 1. The Coordinator of College Student Activities as a Chairperson. 2. The President of the Faculty Club of the College as a Co-Chairperson. 3. The President of the College Student Council or his duly authorized representative, as member. 4. The Department Chair as member. 5. A student representative designed by the USC, as a member, and, 6. The Guidance Counselor, as non-voting member. e. The University Student Disciplinary Tribunal 1. All cases involving discipline of students could be elevated on appeal to the University Student Disciplinary Tribunal, which shall be composed of: a.The University Legal Officer as Chairperson. b.The Dean of OSS as Co-Chairperson. c.The Concerned Department Chair, as member. d.The CSC President or his/her duly authorized representative from the college wherethe subject(s)/students(s) is/are enrolled, as member. e.The  Chairperson of the University Student Council or his duly authorized representative, as a member, and f.The University Guidance Counselor, as non-voting member. f. Disciplinary Procedures 1. Disciplinary procedures shall commence upon the filing of a written report to the Dean of the College/Unit by the instructor or any school authority who apprehends a student committing any of the acts enumerated in Section â€Å"C†. It may also be commenced by the offended party upon filing a written complaint under oath specifying the act or omission constituting the misconduct. 2. The Dean of the College/Unit then refers to the matter to College/Unit Disciplinary Committee which shall convene not later than three (3) days after filing of the case. (The College Disciplinary Committee of different college/unit shall formulate guidelines that will govern the conduct of the proceedings). They shall likewise be responsible to inform in writing the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student/s allegedly involved in the case. A student under administrative investigation shall have the following rights: a.The student must be informed in writing of the nature and cause of any accusation against him/her; b.That he shall have the right to answer the charge against him/her with the assistance of counsel, if desired; c. That he/she shall be informed of the evidence against him/her; d. That he/she shall have the right to adduce evidence in his/her behalf; and, e.The evidence must have been duly considered by the investigating committee or officials designated by the school authorities to hear and decide the case. 3. The decision of the College Disciplinary Committee shall become final and executory unless within five(5) days from notice of the decision, the aggrieved party,not satisfied with the decision, appeals to the University Student Disciplinary Tribunal. 4. The University Student Disciplinary Tribunal shall review the decision of the College/Unit Disciplinary Committee based on the records/minutes of the proceeding. The tribunal under certain cases may require the receipt of other pieces of evidence. 5. Decision imposing disciplinary action upon the student shall be reported to his/her parent(s), guardian(s) not later than five (5) working days after the case has been promulgated. 6. The University Student Disciplinary Tribunal shall meet not later than ten (10) working days from  the receipt of the notice of appeal. (The University Student Disciplinary Tribunal shall formulates rules and guidelines that will govern the conduct of the proceedings). 7. The decision of the University Student Disciplinary Tribunal shall become final and executory unless within ten (10) working days from notice of the decision, the aggrieved party not satisfied with the decision, appeals to the Board of Regents, through the President. 8. The Board of Regent shall review the decision of the University Student Disciplinary Tribunal based on the records/minutes of the proceeding. The Board under certain cases may require the receipt of other pieces of evidence. g. Grievance Procedure In order to assure the students the right to redress of grievance, the OSS is responsible for a grievance procedure involving non-academic affair. Any student may file a question, complaint or statement in the OSS in person or in writing. A course of action will be taken within five days after filing. If the OSS’s course of action is not acceptable, the same complaint or statement of grievance could be elevated to the University Grievance Committee designated by the President, composed of: University Legal Office Chair Dean of the College where the complainantis enrolled Co-Chair CSC President or his/her representative Member USC President or his/her representative Member h. Academic Grievance Council Students have the responsibility and right to call the attention of a professor on any grade with the students believe to be in error. Students may appeal in this order: to the Department Chairman, then to the Dean, if the problem is not resolved at the College Level, the student may appeal to the University Grievance Council lodged at the VPAA. i. Students’ Right Article 277. Subject to the limitation prescribed by law and the University  policies and regulations, the right of every student in the University are as follows: a. Every student has the right to receive relevant quality education in line with national/regional goals, educational objectives and standards of the University. b. Every student is entitled to guidance services to enable him to know himself, to make decisions and to select from the alternatives in the fields of works in line with his potentials. c. Every student shall in exercise of the constitutional guarantees of the free speech and press, have the right to express and pursue his opinion on any subject, provided that the expression and dissemination of such views do not disrupt the work and discipline of the University. d. Every student shall have the right to receive a copy of every paid publication. e. Every student shall have the right to participate in the formulation and development of policies affecting the Uni versity in relation to the locality/region and nation through representation in the appropriate body/bodies of the University as elsewhere determined in this Code. f. Every student shall have the right to establish, join and participate in organizations and societies not contrary to the law. g. Every student shall have the right to receive reasonable protection within the University premises. h. Every student shall have the right to be informed of the University rules and regulations affecting him. i. Every student have the right to participate in curricular and co-curricular activities. j. Every student is entitled to be respected as a person with human dignity, to full physical, social, moral and intellectual development and to human and healthful conditions of learning. No student shall be subjected to exploitation, involuntary servitude nor cruel or unusual punishment k. Every student shall have the right to redress of grievances against any wrong or injustices committed against him and/or other students by any member of the academic community in accordance with the defined channels of authority therein. l. No student shall be subjected to disciplinary action without due process. m. Every student shall have the right to access to his class and other records for the purpose of determining his class standing and the University shall maintain and preserve such records. n. Every student officially admitted by the University has the right to continue and pursue his course study therein up to graduation, except in cases of academic delinquency and violation of disciplinary regulations. o. Every student shall have the right to be  assisted by the University through current and adequate information on work opportunities. p. Every student shall be entitled to expeditious issuance of certificates, diplomas, transcript of records, grades and transfer credentials. j. Duties and Responsibility of Students Every student regardless of the circumstances of his birth, sex, religion, social status and other factors shall: a. uphold the integrity and good name of the University; b. strive to lead an upright, virtuous and useful life; c. love, respect, and obey his parents, and cooperate with them to keep the family harmonious and united; d. exert his utmost to develop his potentials for service, particularly by undergoing an education suited to his abilities in order that he may become an asset to himself and to society. e. respect the customs and traditions of his country and the principles of democracy; f. participate actively in civic affairs and in the promotion of general welfare; g. help in the observance and exercise of individual and social rights, the strengthening of freedom everywhere, the fostering of cooperation among nations in the pursuit of progress and world peace; h. respect and cooperate with the faculty, fellow students and University authorities in the attainment and preservation of order in the University and in the society; and i. exercise his rights responsibly with the due regard for the right of others.

Marketing Strategy of Big Bazaar India

Marketing Strategy of Big Bazaar India In this assignment, I have described its marketing strategies and promotional activities. The assignment is based on the effective marketing strategy which influences customer to purchase a product of Big Bazaar helps to understand the effect of marketing strategy which is responsible for attracting customer towards big bazaar. The research was carried out as per the steps of Marketing Research. The well supportive objectives were set for the study. To meet the objectives primary research was undertaken. The data collection approach adopted was experimental research. Big Bazaar is the fastest growing and most successful Retail chain in India. Big bazaar is the first retail chain to be started in India and is the largest until now. In the later part of the assignment I have applied 4Ps marketing strategy to show that how Big Bazaar has reached from introduction stage to growth stage and observed via some points that this company is right now in growth stage of Product Life Cycle model. I have also analyzed the SWOT showing how this company made its brand more effective. I have also described some suggestions to improve its brand image towards customers. Contents INTRODUCTION: BIG BAZAAR is a name renowned in Retail. It is now a brand image in private retail sector. Wal-Mart is the retail stores of USA and is known all over the world for its fashionable and affordable materials and is known as one of the best in its field, big bazaar can be said as the Wal-Mart of India running a chain of more than 100 retail stores in India. People around the country thinks that big bazaar is inspired from Wal-Mart and it is quite obvious to think as Wal-Mart is world leading chain of retail shopping but actually the idea of big bazaar came to the CEO Kishore Biyanifrom a 25 years old store Saravana which was owned by a family and worked on the philosophy of low margin high turnover. Following its slogan of isse sasta or achha kahin nahi(Meaning cannot find cheaper and better than this anywhere) it provides the consumer with the best of the materials at a rate less than rest of the market. Big bazaar is the subsidiary of Future Group, Pantaloons Retail India ltd. The brain behind big bazaar is the CEO of Future Group Mr. Kishore Biyani Future group is has various brands like Pantaloons, F123, Copper Chimney, Etam, Staples, One Mobile, Urbana, Brand Factory, LootMart, HomeTown and Central. Big bazaar covers all parts of India including the metro cities Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. Big bazaar started with its first store in Kolkata, west Bengal in 2001 and now owns more than 100 stores all over India making itself the fastest growing retail chain in India and leaving all its competitors behind. WHY BIG BAZAAR? Indian retail sector is witnessing one of the most hectic Marketing activities of all times. The companies are fighting to win the hearts of customer. There is always a first mover advantage in an upcoming sector. This advantage goes to BIG BAZAAR in India. It has brought about many changes in the buying behavior of people as Big Bazaar provides all items in one roof at low rates. The consumers preferences are changing they are moving from shops stores to Modern Retail outlet. Its the main challenge to the Modern retail outlets to attract the customers towards them from that of competitors. To attract more customers companies have to carry out the promotional activities in unique way. BIG BAZAAR has maintained that uniqueness has succeeded in attracting customers. The promotional activity of the company, which famous as Less Price than others as it saysNobody Sells Cheaper and Better!is made its place in minds of customer. As the competition is becoming stiff in the market the activities conducted by the company are unique, that have brought fruitful result to the company. Among them sales Promotions is one of the leading activity or unique among all other activities has high influence on the customer walk-in. OBJECTIVES: To know the effective marketing strategy which influence customer to purchase a product of Big Bazaar. To know the marketing and promotional strategy of big bazaar. How Big Bazaar Establish and maintain its position in retailing through promotion. LITERATURE REVIEW: RELATED CASE STUDY: A lot of case studies have been done before on this topic and its different aspects as my focus is on leading towards success through the low cost strategy which is followed by big bazaar, one of them is described below: Building brand through challenge: In 2001, PRIL opened its first Big Bazaar, a 30,000 square feet store in Kolkata. The major USP of the Big Bazaar, store was low pricing. These stores offered the best price proposition to customers. As part of this, the stores focused less on branded items and more on unbranded products with the same quality as branded ones, at a much cheaper rate. Commenting on this, Biyani said, We are not in the business of selling ambience, but in the business of giving the best possible deals to our consumers. The first Food Bazaar was set up in Lower Parel in suburban Mumbai in 2001. Food Bazaars represent PRILs foray into yet another value retailing business, focusing on food and grocery products. These stores were designed based on PRILs understanding of the emotional and rational needs of Indian housewives The tremendous success of the Pantaloons, Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar retailing formats, easily made PRIL, the #1 retailer in India by the early 2004, in terms of turnover and retail area occupied by its outlets. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, PRIL increased its retail area by 66% to 586,000 sq. ft and reported revenues of Rs 4.45 billion, a 56% increase over fiscal 2002. Its net profits rose by 63% to Rs. 114.1 million in fiscal 2002-03, over the previous year. Big Bazaar has positioned itself as a value for money proposition for Indian family retail store. They wanted to promote Big Bazaar as a retail store which gives its customers maximum advantage over other retail stores by catering to all their needs budget wise and income level wise. Sabse Saste 3 Din'(the cheapest 3 days) brain child ofMr. Sadashiv Nayak, President Big Bazaar and Rajan Malhotra, President Strategy and Convergence, Big Bazaar, believe that Consumers are always looking for best value for their money. Big Bazaars Sabse Saste 3 Din is a great opportunity for them to save money and gets best products at the best possible prices. These three days have come to truly signify freedom from high prices for consumers in the country. Maha Bachat ( save money) was introduced five years back ( in the year 2006 ) and it is still running very successfully. It is known as one of Indias mega shopping campaign. Continuing its efforts to provide the best shopping deals and savings to Indian consumers, Big Bazaar is always set to make Republic Day and Independence Days shopping, truly memorable, with rock bottom prices, best possible discounts and mega offers. Apart from the flagship Big Bazaar and Food Bazaar stores, other future group retail formats like Furniture Bazaar, Electronic Bazaar, Depot, and Home Bazaar stores are also a part of this mega campaign. From daily household needs of food and grocery to apparels, RETAIL INDUSTRY IN INDIA: India has one of the largest numbers of retail outlets in the world. Of the 12 million retail outlets present in the country, nearly 5 million sell food and related products. Thought the market has been dominated by unorganized players, the entry of domestic and international organized players is set to change the scenario. Organized retail segment has been growing at a blistering pace, exceeding all previous estimates. According to a study by Deloitte Haskins and Sells, organized retail has increased its share from 5 % of total retail sales in 2006 to 8 % in 2007. The fastest growing segments have been the wholesale cash and carry stores (150%) followed by supermarkets (100%) and hypermarkets (75-80%). Further, it estimates the organized segment to account for 25 per cent ofthe total sales by 2011. India retail industry is the largest industry in India, with an employment of around 8% and contributing to over 10% of the countrys GDP. Retail industry in India is expected to rise 25% yearly being driven by strong income growth, changing life styles, and favorable demographic patterns. It is expected that by 2016 modern retail industry in India will be worth US$ 175 -200 billion. India retail industry is one of the fastest growing industries with revenue expected in 2007 to amount US$320 billion and is increasing at a rate of 5% yearly. A further increase of 7-8% is expected in the industry of retail in India by growth in consumerism in urban areas, rising incomes, and a steep rise in rural consumption. It has further been predicted that the retailing industry in India will amount to US$21.5 billion by 2010 from the current size of US$ 7.5 billion. Shopping in India has witnessed a revolution with the change in the consumer buying behavior and the whole format of shopping also altering. Industry of retail in India which has become modern can be seen from the fact that there are multi- stored malls, huge shopping centers, and sprawling complexes which offer food, shopping, and entertainment all under the same roof. India retail industry is progressingwell and for this to continue retailers as well as the Indian government will have to make a combined effort. 4PS OF MARKETING: Marketing is the promotion of products, especially advertising branding. Marketing practice tends to be seen as a creative industry, which includes advertising, distribution and selling. Marketing mix is a deciding factor in formulating marketing techniques for the success of a particular brand, commodity or company. The components of marketing mix are: Product Price Place Promotion http://marketingroi.robinsonmaites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/4ps.gif Source: http://notesdesk.com/notes/marketing/the-marketing-mix-4-ps-of-marketing/ PRODUCT: Big Bazaar offers the maximum variety for every category of product. The product is the same in every store in the city but the brand options are more in Big Bazaar and the quantity for each product is not limited to large packs only. The commodities sold by the retail chain includes its own products which get a ready distribution network. The own products of Big Bazaar include My World fashion magazine which is not available anywhere else. So costs are very low for such products. PRICE: Price is the critical point in a competitive industry. Big Bazaar works on a low cost model. It considers its discounted price as its USP. There is an average discount of 6-8% on all items in respect to their MRP. Prices of products are low because it is able to secure stock directly from the manufacturer. There are huge synergies in terms of bulk purchasing, transportation and central warehousing. These all factors are very helpful for the retailers to keep low prices. PLACE: Place means the location of the business. Big Bazaar has always worked on cheap locations. It targets semi-urban population with its placement. Its strategy is to find a low-cost location and it never goes for hot spots in the city. It relied on promotional activities to make up for unattractive locations. Another strategy used by Big Bazaar to overcome location disadvantage is use of internet. It has launched a merchandise retailing website www.futurebazaar.com which targets high-end customers ready to use credit cards. The promotion of this website is done through advertisement on Google. The website is put as sponsored link. PROMOTION: Big Bazaar has huge promotion budgets. The biggest idea behind all advertisements is to make people do bulk shopping. There are 2 types of promotional strategies of big bazaar. One is the advertisement which promotes the brand and creates awareness towards people. It is not targeted at promoting each store but only creates an image of Big Bazaar as low-cost shopping option. The store has advertised through TV, road shows and also started reality show-typed promotional campaign The Big Bazaar Challenge. Promotions like Sabse Sasta Din(Cheapest Day) are a very successful strategy to get good results. In this products across categories such as furniture, electronics, utensils, apparels and food products at the lowest possible prices, coupled with attractive promotional schemes. Some of the most attractive offers being a 20-litre branded microwave oven with grill for Rs 2,399, jeans and trousers for Rs 199 and HCL laptops for Rs 22,800. Buy 2 Get 1 Free types of promotions are very common. Original prices are cut down and new prices are shown, of which customer takes quick notice. There are loyalty schemes which reward regular clients. CURRENT POSITIONING STRATEGY OF BIG BAZAAR: Big Bazaar is holding a strong position in the market and is growing very fast. It captures the maximum Indian market and with a strong financial background and it has to go a long way through. The low price strategy it is successfully running its business all over India and is still growing bigger and bigger. The following graph shows the Product Life Cycle of Big Bazaar which is currently at the growth stage. Source: http://www.coolavenues.com/know/mktg/ravi-big-bazaar-14.php Looking at the product life cycle of big bazaar it can be seen that it is in the growth stage at this point of time and still have a lot scope to grow. It is said that: Cheap prices are a luxury for the rich but a necessity or a need for the poor. So Big bazaar has understood the need of a vast population of the upper middle class and middle class people of the country and in fact no matter how rich a person is wherever he/she can get good brands at a cheaper rates they will be attracted towards it whether an average or a rich person. RETENTION STRATEGY: Big Bazaar strive to foster a feeling of well-being in their employees through care and respect, Big Bazaar have several structured processes including employee mentoring and grievance management programmers which are intended to facilitate a friendly and cohesive organization culture. Off -site activities are encouraged to improve interpersonal relationship. Big Bazaar also acknowledge the efforts exerted by their employees by organization an annual celebration called Pantaloon Day where Big Bazaar recognize employees who have shown exceptional talent, sincerity and dedication. Big Bazaar have implemented an employee suggestion programme called Prerna wherein the employee can give their suggestions. Every quarter the best suggestion received per zone per format is awarded prize called Golden Cap. BIG BAZAARS NEW MARKETING STRATEGY: Big Bazaar has launched new marketing strategy which is based on Guerrilla Marketing. Guerrilla marketing warfare strategies are a type of marketing warfare strategy designed to wear-down the enemy by a long series of minor attacks, using principles of surprise and hit-and-run tactics. Attack, retreat, hide, then do it again and again, until the competitor moves on to other markets. Guerrilla force is divided into small groups that selectively attack the target at its weak points. In the world of cut throat competition, corporate use extension of the same strategy in marketing. Corporate like Pepsi, Coke etc have been using the same for quite some time now and the latest entrant is our very own Future Group- Big Bazaar, Future Bazaar, Pantaloons, e Zone are all part of this group and they are taking on the biggies like Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, and Tatas Westside. In order to do the same, Future Group have come up with 3 catchy and cheeky ad campaigns which surely do catch our eyes a nd surely one cant resist appreciating the same. ADVERTISING: THE ESSENTIAL OF BRAND BUILDING PROCESS- Advertising is an essential component of brand building. The advertisement and brand building is done through various ways, the techniques used are: Tag-line:Big Bazaar tag-lines are the key components of advertising. These tag-lines are modified according to demographic profile of customers. These catch-phrases appeared on hoardings and newspapers in every city where Big Bazaar was launched. Print Ads:Big Bazaar newspaper advertisements are present just before launch of any new scheme. TV Ads:Kishore Biyani spends a lot of money in brand building exercise. Big Bazaar commercials are shown on various channels in India. Presently, Fashion at Big Bazaar commercial is aired. Road-side Advertisements:Big Bazaar bill-boards are displayed on prime locations in various cities as a brand building exercise. They display the catch-phrases now-a-days. Radio Ads:This technique is used in cities like Sangli (Tier 1 / Tier 2 cities).Now-a-days, it is replaced by advertisements on FM channels. This informs customers about all new happenings at Big Bazaar. For example: The departmental store chain Big Bazaar has launched a commercial sometime back to promote The Great Exchange Offer. The commercial portrays how customers can exchange any old and broken items (junk) and get new products at a discounted price from Big Bazaar. Customer can get the amazing prices for junk. The month of January and February is generally a low-key affair in terms of customer footfalls and revenue generation. Innovative, out of the box promotions is one of the effective ways to draw customer attention and shore up the revenue. Historically Exchange schemes have been used to induce better sales; it also has a strong appeal with the Indian mindset of getting value even for their junk, states an official release from Big Bazaar. SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths: Maximum number of varieties: People prefer those places where they can get the maximum products they need and Big Bazaar provides vast range of products under one roof helping in attracting customer and their family to shop together and enjoy the experience. High brand equity: Big Bazaar has created high brand equity through its promotions and marketing it has created a different image for its products as the cheap and best. Largest chain of retail marketing in India: Big Bazaar is the first retail chain to be started in India and is the largest and successful until now. High capacity investment: Big Bazaar offers 1,70,000 products and owns more than 100 retail stores all over India and has the strong financial background as being the subsidiary of future groups which owns the pantaloons which is one of the biggest the industries in mens wear in India and have its work is spread all over India. Future group is one of the leading groups in India. Everyday new promotions and schemes of low prices and discounts: Big Bazaar always offers new schemes of low prices and gives discounts in products like Big Bazaar offers the sabse saste 3 din ( the cheapest 3 days) in which it offers the lowest of prices than other days. Facilities like online booking and delivery of goods: It is not just a chain of retail shopping but also provides online shopping facility to the consumers. Weaknesses: Overcrowded: During offers, promotions and even on weekends the place is overcrowded with people and sometime even there is the situation of closing the store due to it. Checkout can be extremely slow: There can be seen a long queue on the billing counters making the consumer wait for hours due to the slow service and the crowd. Perception of low price=low quality: Generally people think that if any product has low price then the quality of the product will be low as they think quality comes with price. Targets at the middle class and upper middle class only: It targets at the middle and upper middle class due to which it ignores the upper and elite class people as they are the cream of the society who are ready to pay any price for the quality and product they need. Opportunities: Big Bazaar can enter into production of various products due to its in depth understanding of customers tastes andpreferences. Nowadays people prefer going to one big store and buy everything instead of visiting different places for different items and waste time. So Big Bazaar can expand the business in smaller cities as there is a lot of opportunity. Lot of potential inthe rural market. Threats: High business risk involved: Big Bazaar investment is very large so it is obvious that there is high business risk involved. Lot of competitors: There are a lot of countries which are planning to enter the Indian market like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco which is a big threat to Big Bazaar. Less Parking Space: Customers are not satisfied with the parking space availability provided by Big Bazaar. Hence its a threat of Big Bazaar as it may loose its customers because of less parking space availability. In holidays it will be very difficult for customers to park their vehicle in Big Bazaar. Unorganized retailing: Unorganized retail stores are a threat to the business of big bazaar as now also people prefer to go to the local stores which are convenient enough for them. COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS: BIG BAZAAR V/S VISHAL MEGA MART Vishal Mega Mart ( FOR DETAILS REFER APPENDIX) Fields Big bazaar Vishal mega mart Price Big Bazaar prices are very low because its adopt the low price marketing strategy. Vishal Mega Mart prices are not low because they give whatever is market price. Service Big Bazaar services are not quite good as billing problem due to crowd and less parking space. Vishal Mega Mart does not face these kind of problems as its not overcrowded. Ambience Product variety Big Bazaar has lots of variety in every category of products. In Big Bazaar people can find almost everything. Vishal Mega Mart dont have so much varieties as it is smaller than Big Bazaar. Convenience Big Bazaar has always worked in cheap location so that it is very convenient for the people to go to the Big Bazaar rather than going outer of the city. Vishal Mega Mart also works in low cost loacation but it is not so much popular in comparison of Big Bazaar as showrooms of Vishal Mega Mart are less than Big Bazaar. Shopping experience In Big Bazaar people can buy the maximum variety of products of every category under one roof helping in attracting customer and their family to shop together and enjoy the shopping experience. Vishal Mega Mart also provides the products under one roof but there is not so much varieties so that customers dont attract so they can not enjoy their shoppings Product quality The product quality is good in Big Bazaar because people can find cheap and best things in Big Bazaar. The product quality is also good in Vishal Mega Mart but the prices are very high. RECOMMENDATIONS: Big bazaar should keep offers in regular intervals so that there should not be a long term gap, because offer is the most influencing factor which is responsible for customer purchase decision. Big bazaar should start emphasizing more on internet shopping along with the formal retail shopping because a large population of the country likes to shop online in order to save time. Along with the different discounts and offers it should pay attention towards the students and provide some offers for them also because half of the Indian population is of youths and students. It should work on its billing counters and customer service in order to solve the problem of long queues and waiting customers. CONCLUSION: Big Bazaar is undoubtedly the number one retailer in India. It has built a very emotional and cordial relationship with its customers. It is also very intending to built long-term relationship with all its stakeholders, which is very essential for a successful business venture. It is observed that the organization hierarchy is professional as all the departmental Managers directly report to the store manager who in turn reports to the Zonal Head. Big Bazaar, with 25 years of experience in the field of weaving fabrics, is the leading Apparels and fashion design fabric company. There exist a healthy and positive relationship between employees and managers. The employees accept their responsibilities wholeheartedly, accept that it is their responsibilities to carry out a part of the activities of the company and they will be held accountable for the quality of their work. It is found that more than 60% of employees are of the age group of 20-35. Fromthis it reveals thatcompany is having young and energetic workforce who are very creative, enthusiastic and also very determined to grow in their career and in turn helping the company to grow. Working environmentis good and also the various facilities provided helps in motivating the employees. The company is reaching out to all the sections of the society as it is creating a hypermarket where not only the rich people shop but also the middle and the lower class customers come to enjoy the whole shopping experience. Moreover the customer friendly ambiance and the organized retailing of products also make Big Bazaar one of the successful retail industries in India. REFRENCES: Abhay, 2008. Big Bazaar. [Online] Available at: http://ekikrat.in/Big-Bazaar [Accessed 23 March 2011]. Admin, 2009. Marketing Mix. [Online] Available at: http://notesdesk.com/notes/marketing/the-marketing-mix-4-ps-of-marketing/ [Accessed 18 March 2011]. Berry, T., 2008. How to Perform SWOT Analysis. PaloAltoSoftware,Inc. Bhasin, R., n.d. Big Bazaar Case Analysis. [Online] Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/pushpa14/big-bazaar-case-analysis [Accessed 29 March 2011]. Bhatia, H., 2010. Big Bazaar. [Online] Available at: http://business.mapsofindia.com/india-retail-industry/companies-growth/big-bazar.html [Accessed 21 March 2011]. Cook, S., 2011. Big Bazaar India. [Online] Available at: http://goindia.about.com/od/shopping/gr/big-bazaar.htm [Accessed 20 March 2011]. FutureBazaar.com, 2010. Future Bazaar India Ltd. [Online] Available at: http://bigbazaar.futurebazaar.com [Accessed 24 March 2011]. Group, F., 2008. Future Group. [Online] Available at: http://www.futuregroup.in/home.asp [Accessed 22 March 2011]. Gupta, N., 2010. Big Bazaar Maha Bachat. [Online] Available at: http://www.indiasummary.com/2010/08/11/big-bazaar-5-days-maha-bachat-sale-from-big-bazaar-india-august-2010-for-independence-day/ [Accessed 25 March 2011]. Kotler, P., n.d. In Marketing Management. 12th ed. Kumar, V., 2010. Promotional Strategy of Big Bazaar Maintaining the image in Retailing. [Online] Available at: http://www.skylinecollege.com/blog/dissertation/promotional-strategy-of-big-bazaar-maintaining-the-image-in-retailing [Accessed 19 March 2011]. Malhotra, R., 2008. Big Bazaar Indias Real Retail Story. [Online] Available at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/big-bazaar-%E2%80%93-india%E2%80%99s-real-retail-story_358768.html [Accessed 26 March 2011]. Mital, D., 2010. Big Bazaar: a Review. [Online] Available at: http://www.chillibreeze.com/articles/Big-Bazaar.asp [Accessed 27 March 2011]. Rakesh, 2011. Big Bazaar. [Online] Available at: http://www.pantaloonretail.in/fashion-bigbazaar.asp [Accessed 20 March 2011]. Raman, A. Winig, L., 2006. Big Bazaar. Harvard Business Review, p.23. Rao, V.S.R., 2010. Big Bazaar. [Online] Available at: http://www.citeman.com/11184-big-bazaar/ [Accessed 28 March 2011]. Sankar, M., 2009. Big Bazaar The hypermarket. [Online] Available at: http://articles.besttofind.com/a-1462/business--finance/big-bazaar-the-hypermarket.html [Accessed 26 March 2011]. Sumesh, 2008. Sasta Shopping. [Online] Available at: http://www.sastashopping.com/search.aspx?search=big-bazaarallwords=true [Accessed 25 March 2011].

Inherit The Wind Essay -- essays research papers

Matthew Harrison Brady, of Inherit the Wind by: Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, never fooled anyone. He may have seemed strong in the beginning but he no substance under the shell. Such a false front can be compared to water behind an earthen dam. It may hold some water for a time but once the water finds a weak point, the whole structure comes crashing down along with the fury of all the water behind it. Within brady, the water represents the gooey inner core of his personality. Once he loses his composure in front of his once adoring audience the entire fluid of his persona comes crashing out. The only strength of Matthew Harrison Brady is his power in deliveringh his ideas. As in the earthen dam example, the townspeople represent the city protected from the water by the dam. Once the dam breaks, all the townspeople below get wet and are shaken to their foundations. Matthew Harrison Brady, without a doubt, deserves no sympathy. One example of Brady’s overly self-confidence would be "No†¦I believe we should welcome Henry Drummond." (P g. 25). Ha! What a shock he is in for. His own "high and mighty" thinking is going to lead to his downfall. Even Brady is taken a tad aback by the news that Drummond will be joining the trial "Brady: (pale) Drummond?" (Pg. 25) While he basks in his loving audience of townspeople, he will yet be pulled down from his high throne to be questioned and scorned. While the town feels much stri...

Metamorphosis of Celie in Alice Walkers Color Purple Essay -- Color P

The Metamorphosis of Celie in The Color Purple  Ã‚   For people to be equal they need a chance to become equal by self-discovering themselves. As we are growing older during our childhood we depend on our environment, parents, and peers to create our self-image. Within our environment we are always trying to develop new insights in order to identify, clarify, connect and account for our beliefs. Even the underlying cause of dysfunctional relationships lies in crucial events in our life experience. The environment in which one is raised and developed will have a large affect on the individual. Most of the people that succeed in life come from stable families, in well positioned environments. While those that are not fortunate enough often don't have the opportunities to rise to the top or even get a chance to self-discover themselves. Self-discovery is important because it is intended to increase an individual's self-awareness, and help them to identify their own beliefs, skills, potentials, and talents. But when an individual is forced or destined to grow up in an atmosphere in which there doesn't exist a stable and firm family or environment, it will generally be hard for the individual to self-discover himself and succeeded in life. These kinds of individuals that grow up under these circumstances mainly suffer from depressions, sadness, and most importantly from low self-esteem. They suffer from low self-esteem because they were raised in low standard environments. Their personalities are excessively sensitive to social rejection, humiliation, and shame. One of the greatest literary examples of this situation is Celie, the main character in the book The Color Purple by Alice Walker. "Devoid of any and all respect, Celie, a p... ...as reborn as a different person. A person who not only had the courage to tell Albert off, but someone who left her husband to go with Shug to Memphis to start a pant factory, with two girls working under her. The book is truly a book about self-discovery and learning to love. Celie's path is an expression of all people's quest for themselves. The novel is the story of a timid woman finding herself. She did so with the love and support of the women in the novel who understood and loved her, under a safe and secure environment. Without this untraditional love a Celie would have lived her life shadowed by fear and pain. Celie's journey through her mind, in an effort to discover her true self, is where the true greatness of this book lies. Work Cited Klosowski, John E. "The Color Purple and Its True Color." Houston Cronicle. December 14, 1995 : 42-44.

The Prospects for a National Missile Defense :: Research Papers

The Prospects for a National Missile Defense Imagine this scenario: approximately fifteen intercontinental ballistic missiles are unintentionally launched from Russia. The missiles are equipped with several nuclear warheads, and their final target is the United States. The United States already possesses an early-warning system and thus detects the missiles more than twenty minutes before they land. However, even though they can detect the missiles, the United States has no means of defending itself from them. If even one of the warheads lands inside the United States, the consequences will be devastating. Hundreds of thousands will perish, millions more will suffer life-altering injuries and diseases, and the targeted city will lie in ruins. The prospect of a ballistic missile attack has been a fear in the United States since the 1950s, and that concern has been renewed with the end of the Cold War. Currently nations have limited means of protecting themselves. Both Russia and the United States have the bounded capability to d efend against short-range missiles, but neither can protect their territory from intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). As a result of a growing concern in the United States, Congress has pushed for a national missile defense system. The purpose of a national missile defense system is to destroy a ballistic missile launched on the US before it can ever reach it. If an operational national missile defense system were implemented, the United States would theoretically be able to thwart any ballistic missile attack on any of its fifty states. Two questions must be answered, however, before the United States begins the implementation of a national missile defense system. First, how feasible and reliable is the technology of the system? Second, assuming that the defense system would be operational and could protect the United States against a ballistic missile attack, what implications would such a system hold for international security? That is, would it serve as a stabilizing or destabilizing factor? This paper will serve to show that the technology for NMD is feasible when its technical components are looked at individually, and it is only a matter of years before a national missile defense system could be minimally operational. However, if countermeasures are taken against an NMD system, it will never be completely successful in a ballistic missile attack. Finally, regardless of its feasibility an NMD system would destabilize international security and could possibly even reinitiate another arms race, and for this reason, alternatives should be considered.