The Brand Of Christian Louboutin Fashion Essay

The Brand Of Christian Louboutin Fashion Essay Christian Louboutin, sounds familiar? Has to be for the top shots of the fashion world, and for the ladies who are in vogue with the latest trends in the fashion world, and of course how can the footwear lovers not be conversant with this world famous brand! When asked whether you have any idea about this brand? or whether you would like to have a pair of Christian Louboutin? the answers by most of the fashion conscious ladies would be a unanimous yes! Founded in 1991, this French based company made it big in the competitive shoe business by taking the customised approach of shoe building. Before starting his own range of products by his own name, he used to work for same renowned designers like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, but a trivia is associated with his initiative to start this company. It is said that he once saw a notice at a museum saying that high heels were not allowed because they damage the floor, this infuriated him and he decided to take these people to task and started designing high heels, under his own brand name! Page 2 The man behind this world renowned brand, Christian Louboutin himself, was born and brought up in Paris, France. After finishing his academics, he started his career as an apprentice to the noted shoe designer Roger Vivier and as a freelance shoe designer for another celebrated shoemaker Chanel. After gaining considerable knowledge and experience in this line he kicked off with his own line of shoe wears, and opened the first store in paris in 1991. It is believed that being the only brother to three sisters played an influential role in developing his taste for fashion and appreciation for feminism. He was very much fascinated by this glamorous world of fashion and started making sketches at an early age, even neglecting his studies, as a result getting expelled from his school. But he hardly cared, as he knew he was destined to the next big name in the glam world. I didnt care because I felt so different from my peers. He said in an interview to Harpers Bazaar. He learnt a lot from Vivier. He once told Vivier taught me that the most important part of the shoe is the body and the heel. He also drew inspirations from extensive travelling to forbidden countries like Syria and Uzbekistan. Page 3 He famously explained his initiative to start his signature red soles which went on to become iconic in the industry in his application of U.S trademark. He quoted, In 1992 I incorporated the red sole into the design of my shoes. This happened by accident as I felt that the shoes lacked energy so I applied red nail polish to the sole of a shoe. This was such a success that it became a permanent fixture. He justified that he chose red over all the other colours because red is more than a colour. It is a symbol of love, of blood, of passion. One of the most reputed journals on shoe wears Footwear News stated that the brands signature red sole was a subtle status symbol and caught the fascination of many celebrities across the globe, even beating the big luxury brands. Throwing light on his idea of red soles he once said I did not really choose the red sole. Its more like the red sole came to me and had to stay with me. It started as a happy accident, which I kept. I was very inspired b y pop art so all my drawings were really full of colours. Even the leader in dolls Barbie came out with a special Louboutin edition with red heels! Page 4 The Louboutin shoes had a profound influence in the fashion domain. The red soles became such a huge hit that Christian Louboutin went on to the extent of trade marking his red sole heels in the U.S.A. in 2007 so that no other company could make and sell it. Apart from his trademark stilettos and red soles he also let his imagination fly and went on to try new and innovative things like he came up with an entire range with transparent heels in which it seemed that flower petals were floating. The brand is the most fiercely desired shoe wears among the ladies with having a great celebrity clientele. He says that a womans feeling in his shoes fascinates him and gives him a reason to design shoes for them. According to him, woman want to look sexy for other, more than themselves, and this feeling gives them self confidence. Another unique feature of his shoes is that it is entirely hand-made and customised, to the extent that even the trademark is etched without any intervention of mach ines. The impact is very well testified by the fact Jeniffer Lopez released a song called Louboutin. Page 5 The Christian Louboutin shoes have a life changing impact on the lives of the women. They also make some flats apart from their trademark heels. He has very strange ideologies on shoes. He has been many a times criticised for making such high heels which are supposed to be uncomfortable. But he retorts back by saying that he hates this entire concept of comfort. He believes that not wearing heel shoes just because they are not comfortable are like saying that Well, were not really in love, but were in a comfortable relationship. According to him comfort deprives you of many ideas and should be done away with. He puts light on the small intricacies of a womans nature. He says that when a woman tries a shoe and checks it out in mirror, shes not really checking whether the shoe suits her or not, in spite of the fact that she is trying a shoe. According to him When a woman buys a pair of shoes, she never looks at the shoe. She stands up and looks in the mirror, she looks at the breast, t he ass, from the front, from the side, blah blah blah. If she likes herself, then she considers the shoe. Page 6 The large number of fake Louboutin shoes and their replicas bears a testimony to the immense acceptability of the brand, and how desperately ladies want to grab this brand. These shoes make you feel charming and your existence totally vital. It makes you feel one notch above the horde of fashionistas. In fashion industry and in glamorous world these shoes have become a synonym to quality and layout. Starting with a single store in Paris there are more than twenty-five stores as of today, apart from the online stores in the U.K. His first famous client was the Princess of Monaco, who happened to be in the store in the presence of a media journalist, and from that day onwards, there was no looking back. The famous names which grace his clientele list include Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Taylor, Catherine Deneuve Cher, Princess Caroline, New York-based designer Diane von Furstenberg and, Gwyneth Paltrow just to name a few. Among these there were some who wore these shoes on the most important day of their lives, their wedding day!

The Clash of Civilizations Essay -- Analysis, Samuel P. Huntington

Ernest Hemingway stated that, â€Å"In modern war †¦ you will die like a dog for no good reason†! Even though that is true, experts have gone further by trying to find the â€Å"roots† and explain why conflicts emerge in the first place. Two experts, Samuel P. Huntington and John R. Bowen, present two different approaches towards the cause of conflicts in 21st century. Although there is a difference between their approaches, both of them share the common believe that a conflict may occur when one puts pressure on the other; but the reason why this pressure takes place, varies among the two theories. In his article, â€Å"The Clash of Civilizations†, Huntington points out that in the 21st century, conflicts will not occur based on ideology of a state or civilization, neither on economic power; but they will take place because the differences in cultural and religious identity between civilizations. As the first key point that lies under this theory, is the Western civilization approach towards the Eastern civilization. According to him, the Western Civilization promotes their â€Å"political and economic values, maintain their predominance and protect their interest† through economic and political pressure via Western Institution such as UN and IMF. This Western approach increases the cultural division between Western and Eastern civilization, but also within Western Civilization; between Western Christianity and Orthodox Christianity. This approach can be easily understandable if we take a look at the historical events where Western and Eastern civilization confron ted each other such as in the Gulf War and Bosnian war, where Western used their power to protect countries from a same culture, same civilization. This leads to a reaction from Eastern cou... ...up and swap a part of the region, thus creating Western vs. Eastern conflicts which apparently will lead to war between two complete different ideologies. To conclude, wars have been and will be part of our lives. In some regions, people yet have lack of knowledge, therefore tend to separate people based on language, culture, religion, region and historical background. Yet we didn’t manage to overpass these obstacles that we create towards the minorities, and live in the same land together. Although some countries try to get rid of those issues and live beyond ethnicity borders, there are countries that point the figure at you and remind you that you are â€Å"you†, and because you are who you are â€Å"We hate you†! When we overpass the hate, the ethnic borders, there won’t be any conflicts, wars and articles that are trying to find the way how the conflict occurred!

Life Of Charles Dickens :: essays research papers

The Life of Charles Dickens Charles Dickens was on of the literary geniuses of the 19th century. Dickens was the first main stream writer to reach out to the semiliterate class. He did much to make sure his writings were avaliable to the middle class. He published serial novels on a monthly bases. One shilling (one twentieth of a pount) would buy you the next installmenrt to your novell. In a time when novels were almost thirty times as much as one of these serial novels, it put reading within the reach of the middle class, thus highly popularizing charles dickens works. By the popularity of his work he was able to afford a humble middle class life, which was what he always desired. Charles Dickens did not begin his life as a humble middle class child. In fact it was quite the oppisite. He was born in Portsmouth, England in 1812. He was the second child of John and Elizabeth Dickens. John Dickens was a clerk in the Navy pay office, In 1817 Charlews got the first taste of the life he would so strongly desire latter in his life. His family moved to Chatham a small portown in England. Charles enjoyed all the comforts of a humble middle class life. Fresh country air, decent schooling, and books to read on sunny afternoons. It was a short idyll, John Dickens money supply was lacking. He was recalled to London and forced to put his family of 6 in a small, smelly, bleak house in the ugly suburb of Camden town. Then in 1824 a event that shaped Charles Dickens view’s on the world occurred. His family increasingly needing of money, sent there second born child to work in a Warren’s Blackening factory . He worked beside ragged urchins, where paserby’s could see him working through the window. The factory was a foul rat infested palace next to the Thames river. Charles was then abandoned by his parents, John Dickens was arrested for debt, and moved himself and his family into the Marshalsea prison, exceppt for charles who was forced to survive on his own on the streets of London. A place where only have the children raised on them would survive to adulthood. Charles proved to be quite adept at surving for a few months when his father was released thanks to an inheritance, but much to Charles dissappointment his mother forced him to remain at the blackening factory.

PLAYS †Work in Pairs&give a brief description Essay

In pairs, simulate two role plays demonstrating your communication skills in a health and social care context. The role plays should demonstrate the application of two communication theories (the theory could be from a humanistic, behaviourist, cognitive or psychoanalytical perspectives)in relation to the health and social care sector. You are free to choose the context and the content of communication for your role plays. Let’s break it down: ïÆ' ¼Write a brief explanation of how the two theories have been applied in your role plays. (Pass) ïÆ' ¼Explain, using appropriate arguments and examples, why you have chosen a particular communication theory for a particular role play. (Merit) ïÆ' ¼Design a feedback sheet to collect the feedback from your class mates/peers (students)regarding your role plays. -Collect the feedback after the role plays. – Write an evaluation of how well each theory is suited for the context of the communication based on the feedback from your peers and your research. (Distinction) 1.1.2 (P1b) 1.1.2 In pairs, simulate two role plays demonstrating communication in a health and social care context. The role plays should demonstrate the â€Å"application† of two different communication techniques. You are free to choose the context and the content of communication for your role plays. Let’s break it down again: ïÆ' ¼Write a brief explanation of how the two techniques have been applied in your role plays. (Pass) ïÆ' ¼Explain, using appropriate arguments and examples, why you have chosen a particular communication technique for a particular role play. (Merit) ïÆ' ¼Design a feedback sheet to collect the feedback from other students on your role plays. Collect the feedback after the role plays. Write an evaluation of how well each communication technique is suited for the context of the communication based on the feedback from your peers and your research. (Distinction) 1.2.2 Write a Memo to all the staff in your department of Health and Social Care informing them of an important policy change. Your memo should be correctly structured and professionally presented. 1.3(P1a,b) Simulate two role plays which use different techniques/strategies to support communication between people with ‘specific’ communication needs. ïÆ' ¼Briefly explain how the techniques were used in your role play. (Pass) ïÆ' ¼Explain how the techniques/strategies you have applied facilitated communication between people with specific communication needs. (Merit) ïÆ' ¼Design a feedback sheet to collect the feedback from other students on your role plays. Collect the feedback after the role plays. Write an evaluation of how well each communication technique/strategy facilitated communication between people with specific communication needs based on the feedback from your peers and your research. (Distinction) What to submit for part one: -Transcripts of your role-plays -Written explanation of the techniques/theories/strategies used -Indicate who you worked with and how you have divided the work -A list of sources used in Harvard Referencing format -Your Evaluation of peer feedback / Feedback collected from peers (Distinction) -(All feedbacks need to be placed into your Appendix – to achieve a Distinction only) -A Memo †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. PART 2: WRITTEN REPORT (s) Task A (L02) – Brief Description (about 100 words) 2.1 (P1b) Select three different communication techniques used for different purposes in health and social care work. Review the application of these communication techniques for different purposes in health and social care work. Provide examples. Justify your conclusions and arguments. 2.2. (P1c) Discuss the ways in which communication influences how individuals feel about themselves. [Here you could use humanistic theory] 2.3. (P1d) Describe, using examples, ways of dealing with ‘inappropriate’ interpersonal communication between individuals in health and social care work. [Here you could use behavioural theory] 2.3 (P1f) Briefly describe and evaluate workplace strategies, policies and procedures for good practice in communication in health and social care. Tell me which strategies, policies and/or procedures are, in your opinion, best suited to facilitate and enhance communication in health and social care sectors? You would need to justify how you came to your conclusion (Merit to Distinction). Task B LO2: Brief Description (up to 100 words) Describe physical, emotional,cultural and legal influences regarding communication in health and social care. [Here you need to relate to equal opportunities – as explained to you in class] 2.1 (P2a) Analyse, using examples, how methods of communication are influenced by individual values, culture and ability in health and social care. 2.2 (P2a/b) Briefly describe legislation and charters governing the rights of individuals to communicate in health and social care. 2.3. (P2b/c) Discuss, providing examples, how the legislation and codes of practice relating to records and communication of information about people impact on health and social care. 2.4. (P2c/d) Based on the organisation of you have chosen, analyse the effectiveness of organisational systems and policies in relation to good practice in communication. Suggest and justify ways of improving communication systems in a health or care setting. What to submit for part two: As explained to you in class + examples of previous assignments for your perusal -A written report of 2500 – 3000 words -Evidence of research for the report in the Appendix, e.g. examples of policy, relevant legislation, research into IT, feedback†¦ etc -A list of sources used in Harvard Referencing format. Bibliography – [Please do not use Wikipedia for the references]. -1 page (A4) self-evaluation of involvement and work throughout the given assignment (make it personal with your own views and ideas) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. PART 3: Use of IT in Health and Social Care setting/organisation LO3: Brief Description (about 100 words) 3.1.1. Explain, using examples, how the use of IT (ICT) in health and social care benefits the individual – service users/patient/clients. 3.1.2. Critically evaluate how the IT supports and enhances the activities of care workers and care organisations/agencies. Provide examples. Justify conclusions reached. 3.1.2. Briefly describe health and safety legal considerations in the use of IT in health and social care. Here, you would need to demonstrate your ability to access and use standard IT software, used routinely, to support work in health and social care. This task will be assessed by ‘observation’ of your work during tutorial sessions. *You will be observed during the ICT lesson/tutorial What to submit for part three: †¢A summary of specific ways of communication by producing an ‘ICT Design’ of your research . Presentation requirement: †¢Font (Arial or Times New Roman) †¢Font size of 12 †¢Good margins (2 cm to the left and 2cm to the right) †¢Line spacing 1.5 †¢Separate paragraphs by adding a space between them. †¢Insert page numbers in the footer – at the right hand side of each page (every page must a number – in numerical order) †¢Start a new task on a new page †¢The module name, module code and assignment number must appear in the front of your assignment and in the Header of every page †¢Your name should appear at the top (header) of every page †¢Print on one side of the page only †¢Follow all explanations and guidance as taught in class †¢Finally, compile your work together in a presentable manner prior to submission. †¢Do not miss the dead line Reassurance: Since this is your first assignment at LCUCK for most of you; I have set it in a very simple way with many pointers so that you could achieve a good grade. Please plan your work (time management) to complete this assignment by the deadline. Good Luck! Sheila Gooljar Assessment Criteria for a ‘Pass’ To achieve each outcome the learner will demonstrate the ability to: P1. Be able to explore how communication skills are used in health and social care Explanation: Explore communication between people in health and social care a.apply relevant theories of communication to health and social care contexts b.review the application of a range of communication techniques for different purposes used in health and social care work c.discuss the ways in which communication influences how individuals feel about themselves d.describe ways of dealing with inappropriate interpersonal communication between individuals e.analyse the use of techniques and strategies for supporting communication between people with specific communication needs f.evaluate workplace strategies, policies and procedures for good practice in communication P2. Understand how various factors influence the communication process in health and social Explanation: Describe physical, cultural and legal influences on communication in health and social care a.analyse how methods of communication are influenced by individual values, culture and ability b.describe legislation and charters governing the rights of individuals to communicate c.discuss the implications in health and social care contexts of legislation and codes of practice relating to records and communication of information about people d.analyse the effectiveness of organisational systems and policies in relation to good practice in communication e.suggest and justify ways of improving communication systems in a health or care setting f.demonstrate ability to communicate appropriately using a range of techniques P3. Be able to explore the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health and social careExplore the use of information technology in communications in health and social care a.demonstrate ability to access and use standard IT software, used routinely, to support work in health and social care b.analyse how the use of IT in health and social care benefits service users c.critically evaluate how the IT supports and enhances the activities of care workers and care organisations/agencies d.analyse health and safety legal considerations in the use of IT Assessment Criteria for a ‘Merit’ (include Pass criteria+): M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions: -Students provided evidence of research from various sources (the internet and books) for the written report in a well-organised and neatly presented Appendix -Students correctly referenced and acknowledged sources used in the report M2 Select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques: -Students explained how the techniques/strategies in the role plays facilitated communication in different contexts -Students supported the report with a range of relevant examples from the context of health and social care M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings: -Students used the language at the correct level; technical language was used accurately, spelling and grammar checked used. -Students presented the report which reads fluently and has correctly structured and professionally presented. -Students provided a bibliography of sources used in Harvard referencing format Assessment Criteria for a ‘Distinction’ (include

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