Consumer Behavior – Chapter 1

Consumer behavior chapter 1 – introduction In our ever-increasing global market, attention needs to be paid to the global consumer in order to identify who they are. Marketers and consumer behaviour researchers are constantly attempting to determine the similarities and the differences of the multifaceted global consumer. Some general theory about the sociological and psychological influences on consumer behaviour may be common to all Western cultures, but there are still strong com/pricing-psychology-consumption/">regional consumption trends.Consumer behaviour as it pertains to the marketplace is concerned with the manner in which consumers purchase and use products and services, and how these goods are incorporated into their lives. Researchers use various techniques to determine the features of consumers. These techniques include categorisation by the use of descriptive characteristics, such as demographics and psychographics. Individual consumers are part of a larger socie ty with common cultural values and beliefs, which can be further segmented into smaller groups, or subcultures.There are regional differences between consumers from different European countries, despite their being part of the larger European community. Marketers use  market segmentation strategies  to adapt their communications to meet the varied needs of a diverse target market. Consumer behaviour is good business! Marketers who understand their customers' needs and wants do better than their competitors. The essential component is deciding who to target and how.Marketers do this by defining markets and then dividing these markets into smaller chunks, or segments. A segment is based upon the demographic and psychographic aspects of the targeted population. The consumer's response is the ultimate test of whether or not a marketing strategy will succeed. However, initial consumer testing is not an absolute science. Sometimes a product can fail its initial test marketing and stil l go on to be highly successful. Sony has responded to market and consumer changes with its latest MP3 player, a rival to the Apple iPod.In attempting to define accurate information about the traits, habits, likes and dislikes of consumers, effective market segmentation separates members of a population into smaller segments of consumers who share unique characteristics that set them apart from the main population. Market segmentation  can be described as ‘slicing up' the market into bit-sized chunks of information. It is essential that for effective segmentation the following criteria are met: Consumers within the identified segment share similar product needs that will be different to other consumers in other segments.Important differences between the segments can be clearly identified. The segment is large enough to be profitable. Consumers in the segment can be reached with an appropriate marketing mix. The consumers in the segment will respond in the desired way to the marketing mix. Two important segmentation tools are the use of demographics and psychographics to determine unique attributes of the targeted population. Demographic statistics measure the observable aspects of the population. Psychographics are far more subtle. They illustrate the differences in consumers' personalities and cannot be measured objectively.Demographic variables include: Age Different age groups have different needs and wants. Consumers in similar age groups often share similar values and cultural experiences. Gender The behaviours and tastes of men and women are constantly evolving. It is thought that gender segmentation is an unintended result of marketing strategy. Family structure Marital status and family are important demographic variables that often affect spending priorities. Social class and income People in the same social class often have similar occupations and may share values and interests.Income is a good determinant of buying power and market potential . Race and ethnicity Immigrants from Asia and Africa are the fastest growing ethnic groups in Europe. Increased multiculturalism creates new opportunities for marketers. Geography Cultural differences play an important role in consumption patterns. Within the European context, consumption is common across cultures, but it is also specific between different cultural groups. European segmentation factors include: Consumption traits that are common across different cultures. Consumption traits that are specific to cultural groups. Relationship Marketing: building bonds with consumers The more marketers understand their current and potential consumers, the more effective they will be. This concept has developed into the role of  relationship marketing, in which marketers build long-term relationships between the company and the consumer. Relationship marketing is seen as the big trend for marketers. In conjunction with relationship marketing, a major growth area has been the need to g ather and manage accurate information about customers. This has culminated in the formation of sophisticated  database marketing  that tracks consumer buying habits.However, this ‘big brother is watching you' concept intimidates some consumers. Database marketing is required to comply with respondent confidentiality restrictions. As global consumers, we are influenced significantly by marketers through a number of mechanisms centred upon building relationships with customers. Advertisements illustrate how we should act and define roles, as well as informing about the use of products. As of 2006, the majority of people will live in urban centres and the number of ‘megacities' will increase to 26 in 2015.A controversial effect of the sophisticated marketing strategies used to communicate with these large potential markets is the emergence of  global consumer culture, in which people are united by their common devotion to brand-name consumer products, film stars and m usic celebrities. 2 Virtual consumption and the power of crowds There is little doubt that the digital revolution is one of the most significant influences on consumer behaviour, and the impact of the Web will continue to expand as more and more people around the world log on. It is not all bout businesses selling to customers (B2C e-commerce).The cyberspace explosion has caused a revolution in consumer-to-consumer activity (C2C e-commerce): welcome to the new world of  virtual brand communities. A close cousin of the global consumer is the  Euro-consumer. Much research and marketing effort is focused upon determining the characteristics of this consumer. Findings indicate links between social class, culture and income, with consumers who expressed more positive attitudes towards cultural change being more likely to consume luxury goods, despite their demographics and social class. 2 Marketing EthicsThere is a constant battle between achievement of organisational profit goals an d the necessity to conduct business honestly and ethically. 1 Prescribing Ethical Standards of Conduct Organisations often devise codes of conduct for their employees, and marketing associations provide guidelines for conduct, such as the following: Disclosure of the substantial risks associated with a product or service. Identification of added features that will increase the cost. Avoidance of false or misleading advertising. Rejection of high-pressure selling. Prohibition of selling or fund-raising under the guise of market research. Socially Responsible Behaviour Some marketers continue to violate the bond of trust with the consumer with the use of ‘bait-and-switch' tactics and misleading claims. A critical barometer of ethical behaviour is the action taken by companies to rectify a problem with their advertising or products. Benetton discontinued their controversial advertisements that featured the depiction of an AIDS victim and which were deemed to be exploitative by co nsumers. Much criticism has been leveled at marketing techniques that influence consumers to purchase products that are not essential.Philosophers view this conundrum from the perspective of individuals exercising their free will and free action in coming to decisions. However, this clinical approach supports the argument so long as only informative advertising is used in the marketing communication. Any other type of advertising – such as ones with imagery and underlying motives – cannot be so clinically rationalized. The raging debate that marketing techniques manipulate customers continues. We explore this issue from three perspectives. 3 Do Marketers Create Artificial Needs?Some conservative traditionalists believe that advertising can lead to the moral decay of societies by the pursuit of hedonistic pleasure, while some liberals believe that the misleading promises of material pleasure function to buy off people who would otherwise be revolutionaries working to ch ange the system. Through advertising, then, the system creates demands that only its products can satisfy. Numerous responses to this criticism abound, including the argument that needs are a basic biological motive and that a want represents one way that society has taught us that the need can be satisfied.The primary objective of advertising is to create awareness of needs, rather than to create the needs themselves. Needs are thus something that we are socialized to have. Marketers must be cognisant of the fact that they contribute heavily to the socializing influence of individuals in modern society and, thus, influence needs. Some commentators believe that purchasing decisions are manipulated by marketers using their understanding of psychology and the social sciences. They claim that marketers devise advertising techniques that manipulate a majority of individuals. A sense of social responsibility should underpin all advertising.There is little doubt that advertising creates a nd changes patterns of consumer behaviour. The central issue is whether the audience is discerning enough to see through the marketing hype and still make a deliberative judgement. Have a look at the  PBS Frontline website on ‘The Persuaders', which explores the world of modern marketers and advertisers, and discusses the methods they use to decipher who we are and what we want. As powerful an influence as advertising is, in the majority of cases advertisers still do not know enough about their target audience to effectively manipulate them.This fact is supported by the high degree of product failures (40-80 per cent) that occur. 4 Interdisciplinary Influences on the Study of Consumer Behaviour Consumer behaviour is a multidisciplinary field that integrates a vast array of disciplines, from psychophysiology to sociology and anthropology. Each discipline views the subject from their own perspective, which results in a rich sociological interpretation of a fascinating and dyna mic topic. The figure below illustrates the integrated and interconnected approach to consumer behaviour from both a macro and micro perspective.The macro perspective represents the social focus and the micro perspective represents the individual focus. [pic] pyramid of comsumer behavior Consumer research has adopted two popular forms of research paradigms, or sets of beliefs: Positivism Believes that human reason is supreme and that objective truth is only revealed by science. Structured and ordered. Stresses functionality. Celebrates technology. Regards the world as an ordered, rational place with a clearly defined past, present and future. Emphasizes material well-being, and is based predominantly on the homogenous views of a predominantly Western and male culture.Interpretivism Believes the social and cultural world in which we live is complex. Dislikes too much emphasis on science and technology. Emphasizes the importance of symbolic and subjective experiences. Believes individ uals construct meanings based on unique, shared cultural experiences, therefore there are no right or wrong references. Consumption is interpreted as a set of diverse experiences. Many consumer behaviour experts believe that the existing predominant positivistic paradigm of consumer behaviour is undergoing a paradigm shift, due to challenge from the competing paradigm of interpretivism.

Midwifery Today

Quilty_Lisa_MIDW127Page 1 of 6 Midwifery models of care monitor the physical, psychological and social aspects of women throughout childbearing years. Technological advances reflect differing opinions of physicians where intervening measures take choices out of women’s hands during birth, often neglecting needs turning a natural process into a medical procedure. This essay looks at choices offered to women in westernized countries choosing midwifery models, in stark contrast to an experience within hospital settings.It inspects beneficial impacts midwifery models have on refugee women and the importance of cultural safe midwifery models practiced in midwifery care in Australia. Financial recession threatens to impact on maternity services. This essay discusses this socio-political concern, and birthing women choosing midwifery lead care, its cost effectiveness and needs for change in indemnity insurance arrangements in Australia and abroad. With technological advancements, wom en are offered many choices medically to birth their babies without real reason to opt for such invasive procedures (Block, as cited in Chjnacki, 2010, pp. 3-54). Physician’s philosophy to pregnancy is commonly disease oriented focusing on diagnosis and treatment of problematic pregnancies and birth, managing affecting woman and foetus (Rooks, as cited in Chjnacki, 2010, p. 48). In contrast, midwives have a wellness approach to birth applying holistic care, trusting pregnant women and their ability to safely birth their babies where medical interventions are avoided (Hermer, as cited in Chjnacki, 2010, p. 48).Although midwifery may be recognized as acceptable, focus seems to surround the thought mother and baby won’t have appropriate attention if something went wrong under their care. Lubic (2010) writes, in Washington USA it has been noted that midwife managed birthing centres demonstrated how midwifery models impact lives of Page 2 of 6 women attending for the better . Women report coming out of care feeling respected and able to take charge of their own pregnancies, supported to birth their babies naturally without interventions. Woman centred care established through continuity of care, gains trust and recognises the other’s spiritual connection with her body and mind enhancing her natural birthing experience (Lubic, 2010). In Sweden pregnant women are encouraged to remain home until labour progresses to late stage avoiding unnecessary obstetric interventions. Women report fewer complications than those who are admitted to hospital for this phase (Carlsson, Ziegert, Sahlberg-Blom & Nissen, 2010, p. 86). It is not understood why women go to hospital while in early labour, other than through anxiety and to hand over control (Beebe et al. , as cited in Carlsson, 2010, p. 87).This becomes problematic for women and causes doubts about their body’s ability to progress through labour, if monitoring establishes it is not progressing (Eri , Blystad, Gjengedal & Blaaka, as cited in Carlsson, 2010, p. 87). Although labouring at home women felt they shared their uncertainties with midwives who were able to reassure them when in doubt, enabling them to then progress with their labour at home feeling confident with their own bodies progression (Carlsson, et al. , 2010). Carlsson (2010) states women reported to feel relaxed yet strengthened in their home environments, letting labour progress naturally.Despite health issues prevalent amongst refugee backgrounds, access to the appropriate health care can lead to significant improvements in reproductive health in women (Hymes, Sheik, Wilson & Speigel, as cited in Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 14). Refugee women settling in industrialised English speaking countries benefit significantly from midwifery models of care. It seems differences were evident in obstetric outcomes between these Page 3 of 6 women and women born in these countries (Small et al. , as cited in Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 14).Correa-Velez & Ryan (2011) suggest cultural competency or the degree to which these women are cared for, is of vital importance. Women report hospital stays as having negative impact on their well being and trust levels due to limited communication and cultural needs not being understood or met. The use of technical devices and lack of explanation for their use throughout labour was found to be distressing (Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 19). Trust, confidence and over all satisfaction were identified as important factors to women of refugee background, and thought to establish through continuity of care (Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 18).Women centred care improves communication, enhancing a sense of control enabling informed decision making (Harper et al. , & McCourt et al. , cited in Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 14). Relationships built around these midwifery models develop trust for women of immigrant backgrounds, aiding communication where it can be a barrier and interpreters may be needed. Availability of interpreters through community based practitioners was found to be limited or obtained through clumsy means (Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 16). Maternity services accessed in Australia come from a diverse range of women with specific needs (Phiri, Dietsch & Bonner, 2010, p. 05). The protection of cultural groups depends on cultural safe midwifery practice. Midwifery models identify women of all cultures as the main focus of care (Phiri, et al. , 2010, p. 109). Cultural safety essentially concerns a large understanding of individual respect, support, empowerment and upholding of human rights (Duffy, et al. , as cited in Phiri, et al. , 2010). Open and respectful communication clear and value free is fundamental in recognizing women’s requirements when planning individualized care, this is then incorporated into how cultural safe care is Page 4 of 6 instituted (De, et al. , as cited in Phiri, et al. 2010, p. 109). The uniqueness of midwives and women’s relation ships aids cultural safety, the relationship being enhanced by continuity of care (Eckermann, as cited in Phiri, et al. , 2010, p. 108). Deery & Kirkham (as cited in Phiri, et al. , 2010, p. 108) acknowledge how Australian midwifery models engage women individually, then respond appropriately to each woman’s cultural needs. Evidence shows midwifery driven models of care based on the midwife woman relationship leads to lower use of medical interventions, safer outcomes for mothers and babies and overall satisfaction, all at low maternity costs (Hatem, et al. as cited in Gould, 2011). Yet in the UK, where midwifery based care in maternity services are envied world wide, the financial recession threatens to be the largest risk (Gould, 2011). This highlights the need for midwifery models to be implemented and supported by all medical avenues, otherwise maternity services risk being pushed into large hospitals, where production line maternity care will be prevalent at costly effec ts (Gould, 2011) explains.This change would see an amalgamation of midwifery, medical and management structures, having potential to make long lasting impacts on the future of midwifery lead care where it becomes lost amongst medical models (Gould, 2011). The Australian College of Midwives, (ACM, 2008) outline how pregnant women and midwives suffer through the lack of professional indemnity insurance offered to midwives practicing privately. Sadly registered midwives frustrated at being unable to work to their full scope safely in private practices are choosing to stop practicing.Midwifery lead care is only available to a small number of women, as only few midwives work this way (ACM, 2011, p. 3). Research suggests midwives find there models extremely rewarding and those Page 5 of 6 who have left the midwifery profession would return if they were able to work under such midwifery models safely (Curtis, as cited in ACM, 2011, p. 3). Recent Federal Government recommendations in Austra lia recognise the need for midwives to take on primary care roles, and are considering changes to funding and indemnity insurance arrangements (Sutherland, et al. 2009, p. 637). Significant midwifery shortages particularly in rural areas combined with rising fertility rates could present significant reform challenges keeping maternity services under pressure if it continues unresolved (Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee, as cited in Sutherland, et al. , 2009, p. 637). With some state based policy initiatives supporting midwifery care in the public sector, it seems women choosing ongoing care offering midwifery models through pregnancy, birth and postnatally still remains in discussion (Sutherland, et al. 2009, p. 638). Governments, health care providers and insurance companies limit maternal choice (Hermer, as cited in Chojnacki, 2010, p. 48). Hermer (as cited in Chojnacki, 2010) suggests as a pregnancy progresses in America, limitations for the women’s birth opti ons increase. A woman’s choice as to where and how she birth’s her baby may greatly be effected by the governing parties of a particular state (Hermer, as cited in Chojnacki, 2010, p. 59). Midwifery models of care offer women greater choice reflecting their own spiritual, religious, and feminist beliefs.It cannot be assumed how highly such values be ranked, and when in care of physicians, as patients it seems there is much misunderstanding (Cohen, as cited in Chjnacki, 2010, p. 51). This essay shows supporting evidence that midwives should be sole care providers for women experiencing normal pregnancies. Health care providers need to move away from such medical models of care relating to pregnant women, understanding that it is in fact normal for women to have babies. Evidence shows that women Page 6 of 6 f refugee history acknowledge midwifery models provide continuity of care that is needed for on going support during pregnancy (Correa-Velez, 2011, p. 13). This also applies to cultural safe models offered by midwives, and the ongoing relevance it has on Australia’s multi cultural nation (Phiri, et al. , 2009, p. 105). It is vital that these midwifery models become supported through governments backing, enabling midwifery care to become a choice all women have the privilege to make through their own individual circumstances.In accordance with my research, harsh reality is lack of insurance coverage may limit women’s options towards such significant happenings as birthing their babies, regardless of what is the best interest for them physically, mentally and spiritually (Law, as cited in Chojnacki, 2010, p. 75). Midwifery models of care will continue to play an important role in childbearing women worldwide, when choosing to remain in control of their own bodies capabilities or to simply have a choice. To what extent these models are advocated will greatly depend on individual governments, their change in policies, and financial sup port.Chojnacki (2010) concludes women choose their birthing options based on their spiritual, religious, political and feminist beliefs. Misunderstandings will remain between lawmakers, physicians and women as the importance of such opinions are trivialized (Cohen, as cited in Chojnacki, 2010, p. 51). Quilty_Lisa_MIDW127 References Australian College of Midwives. (2008). Submission to the Maternity Services Review 2008. Retrieved from http://www. health. gov. au/internet/main/publishing. nsf/Content/maternityservicesreview-470/$FILE/470_Australian%20College%20of%20Midwives%20Student%20Advisory%20Committee. oc. Chojnacki, B. (2010). Pushing Back: Protecting Maternal Autonomy From the Living Room to the Delivery Room, Journal of Law and Health, 23 (45), 46- 78. Retrieved from http://develdrupal. law. csuohio. edu/currentstudents/studentorg/jlh/documents/5gChojnacki. pdf Phiri, J. , Dietsch, E. , & Bonner, A. (2009). Cultural safety and its importance for Australian midwifery practice. Women and Birth, 17 (3), 105-111. doi: 10. 1016/j. colegn. 2009. 11. 001 Correa-Velez, I. , & Ryan, J. (2011).Developing a best practice model of refugee maternity care. Royal College of Nursing, Australia: Elsevier, 25 (1), 13-22. doi: 10. 1016/j. wombi. 2011. 01. 002 Sutherland, G. , Yelland, J. , Wiebe, J. , Kelly, J. , Marlowe, P. , & Brown, S. (2009). Role of general practitioners in primary maternity care in South Australia and Victoria. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 49 (6), 637-641. doi: 10. 1111/j. 1479-828X. 2009. 01078x Carlsson, I. , Ziegert, K. , Sahlberg-Blom, E. , & Nissen, E. (2010).Maintaining power: Women’s experiences from labour onset before admittance to maternity ward. Quilty_Lisa_MIDW127 School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University Sweden. Elsevier. 28 (1), 86-92. doi: 10. 1016/j. midw. 2010. 11. 011 Lubic, R. (2010). The family health and birth centre – a nurse-midwife-managed centre in Washington , DC: Perspectives on Nursing Practice. Alternative Therapies, 16 (5). Retrieved from http://www. scribd. com/InnoVision%20Health%20Media/d/37370523-The-Family- Health-and-Birth-Center%E2%80%94A-Nurse-

Barbie Goes To China

The impact of the recent global financial crisis is vividly seen in the reaction that consumer brands and retail stores are having with regard to their survival. In Europe, the reaction has been drastic, with automobile manufacturers offering huge discounts and trade ins just to boost their sales. In the United States, manufacturers have slashed their prices and offered massive discounts. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with reducing profit margins to increase or improve earnings, this could be a problem in the long run because it can result in a deterioration of the brand image.The conundrum that exists now is the decision that companies must make regarding improving expenses in the short term and brand image in the long run. The article entitled, Barbie Goes to China, provides and interesting take on this puzzle that companies are now facing. Using the example of Barbie, the authors cite the struggles that Mattel has had in the American market. It shows that there has be en a decline in Barbie sales because of the image that has been attached to the brand. There is no room for Barbie to change the way that she is perceived.This in turn affects the marketability of Barbie, especially in the United States market. Instead, what the article suggests is that the focus should be on maintaining the brand image. Citing the moves that other companies have done, the emphasis falls on being able to choose between sacrificing brand image and maintaining a profit. Several companies have decided to do a mix and offer discount sales for certain items while keeping other items full priced. In relation to Barbie and Mattel, there is a unique opportunity for the company to capitalize on the growing Chinese market and create a new brand image for itself.From a marketing standpoint, there are two important lessons that can be gleaned here. The first is that there is nothing wrong with trying to survive, particularly when the economic crisis has promised to be deep and widespread. In an effort to prevent a total loss, companies have capitalized on the public’s perception and reduced their prices while presumably offering the same quality goods they have always provided. In the same vein, they have tried to protect the image by putting less emphasis on the profit margins and more emphasis on their products.It is also in this part where the brand image that has been created is crucial because it could be detrimental to the brand in the long run. The second lesson to be learnt here is that there are other options. There are several layers of customers and the top tier and loyal customers are not averse to supporting their favorite brands. Top brands such as Mattel need to understand that during uncertain times the one thing that you can count on are the loyal customers. They are willing to overlook the overpriced goods as long as they get what they want. This is what brands need to take advantage of.While there is certain merit in these assert ions, it is wise not to forget the economic fundamentals that are applicable. It can be said that the loyal clientele will always be there but this is not always the case. The reaction is so much more different when one examines an inelastic good and one examines an elastic good. Demand can be inflexible to changes in income if the good is inelastic but it can flexible when it comes to elastic goods. When people need to decide between Barbies and Guccis and buying food or paying their mortgage payments, it is a whole different dynamic and the lessons embodied in this article may no longer hold.

Mobile Pet Grooming (Truck Pet Grooming) Research Paper

Mobile Pet Grooming (Truck Pet Grooming) - Research Paper Example s of services that will entail forging a closer bond between the owner and the pet, general cleaning of the dog, reduction of parasite infestation load, monitoring the health of the dog through physical examinations of swellings, cuts, scratches, cuts, changes in temperament as well as lameness. Our grooming professionals will also conduct a health examination using sophisticated machines with an intension of decreasing chances of other health problems such as scratches, thrush and other skin related condition. Our services will cover a large area of the city with our professionals performing their best to ensure the needs of the many customers are met. Our employees will utilize the various tools owned by the firm such as curry brush, clippers, shedding blade, stripping comb, slicker brushes, rakes, and stand dryers to attend to the pets in a professional manner. Duraz mobile pet grooming business will be headquartered in Los Angeles in the state of California and will extend to other places in the state after assessing the need. The business will be started in California as a result of many people in the town owning pets such as dogs and cats. California is one of the most populated states in the United States of America and has people of all of all the classes (CHANG, 1750). Major cities in California with highest number of people who owns dog include San Francisco, Rodeo drive, Hollywood, Los Angeles and San Diego (Packard, 63). The large number of people with a high percentage of them having pets will offer ready market for the mobile grooming services. The number of mobile pet grooming services is less compared to over a hundred thousand pets available in the state. Most people in California have pets especially dogs. The dog owners have a habit that often seems perplexing; they seem to be so much obsessed with dogs (BaÇ §cigil et al, 1350). Around three quarters of dog owners in California consider their pet as a family member and will pay anything to

Employee Relations Killing Time Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Employee Relations Killing Time - Case Study Example has to recognize the talent pool which is available and the government needs to make viable conditions for them to exist and work in the best manner possible. The role of HR thus is to liaison these activities in the best interests of the organization as well as the linkage that it has with the government. This helps the overall mission and vision basis of the organization and helps develop the objectives on a long term basis more than anything else. The need is to realize that talent management can truly play a pivotal role at exploiting the weaknesses present within the prevalent system and look to play upon the strengths which could be drawn from the linkages brought forward by training regimes of the organization helped and facilitated by the governmental ranks. A conflict within an organization can take place due to differing personalities of the employee and the manager or in their attitudes that lead in their linkage with each other. This could also happen due to their norms and behaviors which might not be liked by any one party (person) and thus lead to a conflict of thoughts, ideas, actions and eventual behaviors towards each other. There is a degree of power when we speak of the manager in terms of the same over his subordinate or the employee who is working under him in a direct or an indirect capacity. Different conflict handling styles include avoidance of the conflict in the first place which will ensure that the two persons within the organizational set up remain at peace and understand each other's personalities. Example is that of subordinate not taking harsh words of the manager at all and just adhering to his instructions. The second one is that of accommodating where each of these persons would accommodate the personality tr aits of each other and... This case study refers mostly to Greengard and Byham book, in which authors suggest hiring for attitude. While resumes present degrees, experience and skills, â€Å"they’re only part of the overall picture† The Women & Infant’s Hospital seeks employees who are compassionate, diplomatic, energetic and confident, and Southwest Airlines looks for energy, humor, team spirit, a strong work ethic and self-confidence. These companies do not discover these characteristics on a resume, so they employ â€Å"behavior-based interviews and in-depth analysis of candidates†. The researcher of this case study describes how Southwest gathers a group of job candidates in a room and observes how they interact. They ask them questions that will reveal personality traits. Attitudinal shift must happen within the work colleagues and they must be told clear cut that their work must hold priority over anything else, as long as they are working within the office timings. They must not waste any time whatsoever and commit themselves whole-heartedly towards work and nothing else. This would benefit one and all as well as the organization which must be on the hunt to complement its employees through different initiatives in the name of bonuses, incentives and so on and so forth. The researcher then concluds that there is a serious lesson to be learned from this scenario presented in the case study and all efforts must be enacted by the top regimes within the organization to make sure that the learning has been done in the best possible way.

Response to at least 3 students assignment posting separately (80 Coursework - 1

Response to at least 3 students assignment posting separately (80 words each) with at least 2 references - Coursework Example Kevin Leonard does not bring out the key fact that evaluation research is a separately independent research method though he does not state explicitly that it is a component of other research methods. There is however an attempt to related evaluation research to other research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research strategies (Johnson, et al, 2009). Though it remains common knowledge that there may some similarities, it is always important to point out that considering the purposes that evaluation research is used to achieve, Evaluation research can best stand out as a research method on its own (Jordan, 2009). Johnson, K., Greenseid, L., Toal, S., King, J., Lawrenz, F., & Volkov, B. (2009). Research on evaluation use: A review of the empirical literature from 1986 to 2005.American Journal of Evaluation, 30(3), 377-410. doi: 10.1177/1098214009341660 In her comparison of evaluation research to other research methods, Karen Streeter goes a step further to point out some of the main conditions that make evaluation researcher totally different from other forms of research methods. Particularly she pays attention to the techniques that are used in undertaking evaluation research, which are different from those of other social research methods (Social Research Methods, 2012). Some of these techniques are differentiated in terms of the fact that â€Å"it requires group skills, management ability and political dexterity.† (Creswell,

Personal Finance Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Personal Finance - Research Paper Example The investment period is one month starting on Thursday 1st May 2014 to Saturday 31st May 2014. It is mandatory that we return the funded amount at the end of the investment period and hence as a group we have to select a portfolio of assets to invest in that will enable us to earn income that is above the inflation rate at the end of the period. We have an option of investing on either or all of the available investment options which are; Stock Market Investment (National/International), Bank deposits (Only Non-Islamic Qatari Banks), Gold & Other Metals, Bond / Debenture Investment International Market) or Forex Market (Currencies). In selecting among the options we consider the tradeoff between risks faced and the potential returns. This paper focuses on the major investment portfolios and their returns with an aim of determining the profitability of the various investments. It will be useful to the group members to identify the significance of investing in case the returns are positive. The main aim of investing this amount is to for capital growth. Our wish is for the amount to grow at a higher rate than the inflation rate within the month of May. From the returns we can buy more assets in the future and also use the incomes to support our lifestyles. We therefore are to consider investments with stable incomes and low risks on our original investment. We need to select the best mix of the available investment opportunities that will give us maximum returns and expose us to minimum risks. A higher percentage of the amount should be invested in less risky investments which in most cases result to lower returns. It is also important to invest in risky investments which result to higher returns. A stock is a certificate of ownership that shows partial ownership of a Company. Purchase of stock will make us part owner of the company. In investing in stocks we consider major factors to

Reducing Secondhand Smoke on Children Research Paper - 8

Reducing Secondhand Smoke on Children - Research Paper Example ive reliable data prior to the study, the researcher uses equivalent comparison groups to rule out the effect of unusual scores in a study (Kerr & Wood, 2010). A research instrument is referred to as a systematic and standardized tool for collection of data. It involves all types of research questionnaires as well as standardized scales (Tran, 2009). According to Tran, the instrument to be used in a study must be appropriate, valid as well as reliable.The research instruments to be used in addressing secondhand smoke (SHS) on children will include questionnaires and standardized scales. The research instruments are essential in carrying out a study; they aid in the collection of data that is used in answering the research question of a given study (Tran, 2009). There are many factors that researchers considers before making a final decision on which data collection tool to use in carrying out their study. These factors include the usability, reliability, and validity of the instrument. Before drafting a questionnaire and using a standardized scale in carrying out a study on reducing SHS on children, a researcher carries out a systematic review of the literature in order to determine if the instrument will measure what it is required to measure and if the results of the study provided by the research tool are valid. The researcher also evaluates whether the use of the instrument would result in the same results if the study were repeated. A researcher first determines if the instrument he or she is about to use measures a construct as intended before selecting the instrument for a study. The researcher also checks whether the constructs in the instrument identified matches the construct conceptually defined in the study. Additionally, the r esearcher finds out if the instrument can be used in the public domain before using it in the study (Blankenship, 2009). The California Health Interview Survey on rates of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke shows (SHS) that

Ehtnographic Study paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Ehtnographic Study paper - Essay Example Regarding the students in the entire school, these students’ ethnic background(s), language(s), ages, educational level of community members, behavioral norms and values, and socioeconomic statuses will be evaluated and thoroughly analyzed. Here we will analyze primarily the students in the entire school, with a philosophy of diversity centering upon the particular class. The ethnic mix of the learners, both in the class and in the school, is diverse. The school’s student body is predominantly African-American, although there are small amounts of other races present in the student body. The school used to be more racially diverse years ago. Regarding students’ socioeconomic status, this is diverse as well. The SES of the learners at this high school is varied, but a lot of the students tend to come from backgrounds with socioeconomically disadvantaged status. The primary language spoken is English, and in some cases, Ebonics (although not formally recognized by some as a bona fide language) is widely spoken by the student body. The type of community surrounding the school is in the city. Therefore, this school is an urban school. This school has special populations (special education, ESL/ELL, gifted). This school has a comprehensive special education program. Moreover, however, it has a large gifted population in its 7th-12th grade program. A certain percentage of the 7th and 8th graders in the Gifted program remain to go on for high school there, so there is that factor to consider, too. It is a keystone of any teacher’s philosophy of diversity that the classroom be a place of inclusiveness—whether students be Black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, or of mixed race(s) or races not named here, and be of whatever socioeconomic status, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or cultural affiliation—that students feel that they are equals in the classroom regardless of

Conan Doyle Essay Example for Free

Conan Doyle Essay In the The Blue Carbuncle Sherlock Holmes solves the mystery of a stolen diamond. The criminal in this story is a man named James Ryder. After James Ryder had stolen The Blue Carbuncle he stuck it down a gooses throat. The goose that had the diamond was distributed the Breckenridge Stall, then sold to a goose club at the Alpha Inn. Sherlock Holmes bumps into James Ryder outside the Breckenridge Stall. Sherlock Holmes makes the criminal confess to what he had done. Sherlock Holmes then lets him go free because he thinks that he will not commit any more crimes, because of how fearful he was. It was quite important for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to create a strange atmosphere because it adds to the tension. All three stories have strange and unusual atmospheres, but each storys atmosphere is different. In The Red Headed League, Conan Doyle describes the area of Saxe-Coburg Square. He shows how unpleasant and muddled the area is. It was a pokey, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. The words that are used here show the messiness and unpleasantness of the area. The words pokey, little, shabby-genteel, dingy and smoke-laden all give a pretty good idea that the area was quite chaotic. In The Speckled Band Conan Doyle created a thrilling and frightening atmosphere, as if it was a horror story. The Speckled Band was set at Stoke Moran in Surrey, which is where Julia Stoner was killed. At the beginning of the story when Helen Stoner is talking to Sherlock Holmes about her problems she describes how the night was when Julia was killed. It was a wild night, this shows that that night was unlike any ordinary night. The wind was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing against the windows. This describes a lot of the atmosphere; it shows that the weather was quite stormy. This also explains why Helen couldnt sleep. Suddenly, amidst all the hubbub of the gale, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. Conan Doyles intended effect was to thrill the reader; Conan Doyle has achieved this by using the words wild, howling and beating. Here the writers effect was to try and scare or thrill the reader. Whereas in The Blue Carbuncle the atmosphere was a little different. It was a bitter night. Here, Conan Doyle is trying to show the reader that it is cold outside. He achieves this by describing the night as bitter. The reader will also know that it is cold because Holmes and Watson both put on their ulsters and cravats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in a cloudless sky, here Conan Doyle is trying to show the reader that the area is very calm and peaceful, unlike in The Red Headed League where the area is busy and unpleasant. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used different ways to show that these stories take place in the 1880s and 1890s. Most of the time he mentions carriages, which were used in that time. Nowadays carriages are not used because they have been replaced by cars. In The Red Headed League when Sherlock Holmes is memorising all the shops at Saxe-Coburg Square he comes across a shop that makes carriages. McFarlanes carriage-building depot. Here the writer intended to show the reader that this was a time where carriages were used as a form of transport. The effect on the reader is that the reader knows this story is set in the 1890s. Conan Doyle also uses dates and newspapers to show that these stories are set in the 1880s and 1890s. In The Speckled Band and The Red Headed league Conan Doyle mentions the date, but he does not mention the date in The Blue Carbuncle. In The Speckled Band, right at the beginning of the story while Dr. Watson is narrating, he says It was early in April, in the year 83; hear the writer is showing the reader that this story is taking place in the year 1883. In The Red Headed League, the note that Jabez Wilson shows to Sherlock Holmes had a date on it. The note said, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE IS DISSOLVED. October 9, 1890. Also when Mr. Wilson is showing Sherlock Holmes the advertisement he mentions the date on the newspaper. It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago. By saying that the newspaper was from two months ago, Conan Doyle is telling the reader that this story was set in 1890. Conan Doyle did not always use the same techniques, to show that each story was set in the 1880s and 1890s. Unlike The Speckled Band and The Red Headed League, in The Blue Carbuncle there are no dates to show that the story is set in the 1880s and 1890s. Conan Doyle uses different techniques to show that this story is also set in that time. In The Blue Carbuncle and The Red Headed Conan Doyle refers to gas-lit lamps, as gas lamps were used in the 1880s and 1890s. In The Blue Carbuncle when Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were jus about to leave the Breckenridge stall, Watson narrates Turning round we saw a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp. He also says, He sprang round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of colour had been driven from his face. Also in The Red Headed League Watson says, We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. These references to gas lamps show that the stories were set in the 1880s and 1890s. Conan Doyle also referred to matches in The Speckled Band. Even though we use matches nowadays, we do not use them for the same purposes as in the 1880s and 1890s. In those times they were used to see in the dark or to light lanterns. When Helen stoner is talking about what happened to her sister Julia she mentions a match. In her right hand was found the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box. This shows that when Julia woke up she struck a match to see what was going on. The value of money in the 1880s and the 1890s was much different than the value for money now. At that time people were paid around i 4 a week, which was considered quite a lot of money. Whereas, people now are paid much more and with i 4 you cant really buy much. The social differences in those times also show that these stories were based in the 1880s and 1890s. If you look at Helen Stoner, she was a rich woman that lived in a big house with servants. In those times rich people were considered superior to poorer people. Nowadays you wouldnt find servants working for rich people, because weather your rich or poor you have rights. The audience or readers would recognise the places named in the stories, which are all in England. The intended effect of the writer was to make the reader feel as if he or she was in the story itself, which would make it feel more dramatic. Conan Doyle achieves this by using areas in London that most people live in. Places such as Holborn and Harrow. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used very unusual titles for his stories to intrigue the reader. When a reader sees the title The Speckled Band, he or she wouldnt think of a venomous Indian snake. The reader wouldnt know what to think, which make them want to read the story to see what The Speckled Band is. The same with The Red Headed League, which is a very unusual title. The reader wouldnt think that that The Red Headed League was a club for read headed people who were paid i 4 a week for copying the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Conan Doyle uses these unusual titles to throw the reader off track. In The Speckled band Conan Doyle makes the reader think that the gypsies are the ones that killed Julia Stoner. He makes it look like all the evidence points to them. Helen Stoner says, perhaps to these very gypsies in the plantation. I do not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which she used. The effect on the reader was that he or she would be thrown off track to make the story feel more interesting. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle uses some very interesting openings to grab the readers attention. Also, every character that Conan Doyle introduces is different in some way, which makes the story feel more interesting and also to intrigue the reader.

A Marketing Analysis of 5* Hotels in London

A Marketing Analysis of 5* Hotels in London Marketing Assignment Assessment 1.B Akshay Rai Positioning Maps The first positioning map is a comparison between my hotel ‘The Rai Hotel’ and the top three main competitors in the area which are The Hilton Hotel, Sky City Grand and The Langham. Sky City Grand sits on the top as it is the highest price because of the facilities they offer such as the Sky Tower and Casino. Just under is The Rai Hotel as the price and quality is more balanced than Sky City Grand because although there is less facilities than Sky City. Just under is The Hilton and The Langham, the Hilton is more expensive but the Langham is of higher quality. The second positioning map is of accommodation types in general around Auckland. 5 Star hotels are the highest price and best quality then slightly under is serviced apartments, the price is more expensive for the location because living in central Auckland is very expensive. Just under are the 4 star hotels with the price still slightly high because the quality is high and 3 stars the price is average and the quality is average. Description of market research method with advantages and disadvantages I choose the Quantitative research methodology to conduct primary research to find out if the Wi-Fi in The Rai Hotel is up to our guest’s satisfaction and standards. I know this information is not already out there. I have organised a survey to research the chosen area I have decided to study. There are survey sheets in 400 out of the 500 rooms there is in the hotel. The guests will fill out the surveys before they depart from their stay from the hotel and housekeeping will collect them once finished. The 100 remaining rooms in the hotel there are instructions left for the guests to do the survey online and also left the survey sheet. We have done this because we also wanted to research what is the ratio of our customers would prefer to do things electronically rather than on paper. Once I have collected the results I analyse the finding I have received and found out that 219 rooms of the 400 have been completed and 37 rooms did the survey electronically and 12 did the survey on the paper. (Wright, 2014) Advantages of Quantitative Research: Less expensive than some other methods such as doing a phone or interview survey. It is fast and efficient, since the questions are simple and easy to answer. The results can be administered online from the online survey we provided. The answers from the survey as usually just yes and no, so the answers are easier to coordinate for researchers. The survey is anonymous so it is more likely for people to participate. (Wyse, 2012) Disadvantages of Quantitative Research: You need large numbers of participates involved to fill out the survey. There also can be sampling problems and answers cannot be followed up due to the anonymity. There is limited flexibility of the questions and there can be misinterpretation of questions by the participates, i.e. non English speaking guests. (Wyse, 2012) Questionnaire Is the speed of the Wi-Fi up to you’re satisfaction? Was the Wi-Fi easy to set up on you’re electronic device? Do you think the coverage of the Wi-Fi is good around the hotel? Was free Wi-Fi a factor of you choosing to book with us? Are you interested in unlimited internet or are you happy with 1GB a day? Explanation of MIS and examples MKIS stands for â€Å"Marketing Information System† is a system that allows the effective storage of data in a system on a computer, for example excel. The data can be used at any time, also anywhere for the managers to use. Computers are the core aspect of MKIS because all the data is stored on there. Having all the data about various information around the hotel, managers can make effective factual decisions. (Hatlett, 2010) Four Components of MKIS are Internal data, Marketing intelligence (External environment information), and Marketing research that all go towards the Storage and analytical processing system (Computer Software, Hardware, Filing System) (McCallum, 2014) Our hotel will store the results from our survey we have done on Wi-Fi in our MIS system called Neo Life Technology. The purpose storing this in our MKIS is to find out if we need to improve our Wi-Fi and internet in our hotel and so our managers have easy access to this information. Advantages of MKIS are the data stored in the MIS is kept for a long period of time. The information of the MIS is relevant and up to date. Our managers can access large amounts of data because of the ease of access to it. Also the speed in obtaining relevant information to make decisions is much quicker than any other way. There is an easy follow up and maintaining customer relations. (Boaz, 2006) Some Disadvantages of MKIS are it costs a lot of initial time and there is a high labour cost involved. It is very complex to set up a system and involves specialised I.T. people. There also can be a limited amount of the right kind of information if there is not the right amount of sufficient research done and data stored. List of businesses in a partnership with: Samsung Electronics We are partners with Samsung, they supply our TV’s in the rooms, phones all throughout the hotel and our computers that we use in reception. We are in a 5 year contract with Samsung and they are required to supply all of these electronics. Aotearoa Fisheries Limited We are in a 2 year contract with a local food company called Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, they supply all of our seafood in the restaurants. They are our preferred supplier for seafood and we have a good relationship with them. Altura Coffee We are in a 1 year contract with Altura Coffee that is located in Auckland and supplies our restaurants with coffee powder and coffee machinery. We buy in bulk from them every month but our barista’s are not happy with the quality of the coffee so we are looking at finding a new supplier next year. Air New Zealand Our hotel is working with Air New Zealand in a long term relationship on a 5 year contract. We are part of Air New Zealand’s air point programme where Air New Zealand customers can book with our hotel by paying with Air Points, this brings us more customers domestically and Air New Zealand pays the hotel an amount of money to pay for the customers who have booked with us. (Hotel Partners, n.d.) Hospitality Textiles NZ HTNZ is our preferred linen and towel supplier. We have a long term contract with them for 5 years because we have a close relationship with them. Every 6 months we buy in bulk from them and they supply all the linen in the hotel. References Boaz, A. (2006). Marketing in New Zealand (Third Edition). Auckland: Pearson Longman. Grover, S. (2014). Hotel Management Magazine, 50-62. Hatlett, M. (2010, 04 16). Marketing Information System. Retrieved from Business Dictionary: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/marketing-information-system.html Hotel Partners. (n.d.). Retrieved from Air NZ: http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/spending-airpoints-hotel-partners McCallum, D. (2014, 03 23). Lecture Notes in Marketing. Pacfic International Hotel Management School. Wright, K. (2014, 03 16). Lecture Notes in Research. Pacific International Management School. Wyse, S. E. (2012, 10 16). Advantages and Disadvantages of Surveys. Retrieved from Snap Surveys: http://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/advantages-disadvantages-surveys/