Schizophrenia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Schizophrenia - Essay Example People fail to understand that the behavior displayed by people suffering from schizophrenia is not a result of ‘madness’ but is a result of the mental problems they have. The case of Andrea Yates is an example of what people suffering from schizophrenia are capable of doing if help and support is not extended to them at the right time and in a right way. Diagnosis And Symptoms People suffering from schizophrenia display maladjusted behavior and thinking pattern. According to DSM-IV-TR, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is done on the basis of symptoms that are visible in the behavior and the thinking pattern of people who suffer from it (First & Tasman, 2010, p.245). People suffering from schizophrenia have delusions, hallucinations, incoherent and disorganized speech, excessively catatonic behavior and rigid physical movements (First & Tasman, 2010, p.245). According to Barch (2003), the defining aspect of schizophrenia is the deficits in cognitive functions and the distu rbed thought process (Weiten, Lloyd, Dunn & Hammer, 2009, p.502). This deteriorates patient’s daily routine and relationships with people as he talks in chaotic and illogical manner and there is no sense in his talk (Weiten et al., 2009, p.502). Most of the times, people suffering from schizophrenia have auditory hallucinations where they hear voices from non-existent or absent people and act accordingly (Weiten et al., 2009, p.502). ... a Yates Andrea Yates, a 37 year old woman from Texas, drowned her five young children to death, under the influence of severe mental illness (Greene, Fortune, Heilbrun & Nietzel, 2007, p.215). Andrea had a long history of mental illness. Andrea’s mental illness was hereditary as her father, two brothers and a sister, suffered from depression and other mental illness in different degrees (Wade & Tavris, 2006, p.600). Andrea was suffering from clinical depression and episodes of psychotic illness from years and was under treatment for the same (Wade & Tavris, 2006, p.600). After the numerous psychotic episodes, she was hospitalized and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and postpartum depression (Greene et al., 2007, p.215). According to â€Å"The Andrea Yates Case† (2005), she was hospitalized just one month prior to the killings as it was evident that if she is left alone without supervision, she might get violent (Greene et al., 2007, p. 215). Moreover, after having her fourth baby, her psychiatrist had suggested her and her husband not to have another baby saying that she will go deeper in depression if more responsibility comes her way (Wade & Tavris, 2006, p.600). However, according to Yardley (2001), her husband overlooked the warning and refused birth control saying that they â€Å"would like to have as many babies as nature will allow† (Wade & Tavris, 2006, p.600). The overwhelming responsibility of raising kids and doing their home schooling took its toll on Andrea and she went into severe depression and psychotic episodes (Wade & Tavris, 2006, p.600). On June 20, 2001, Andrea drowned each of her children one by one in a tub filled with water and later, laid them in bed and covered them with sheet (Greene et al., 2007, p.215). The eldest child was found floating

Week 4 team paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Week 4 team paper - Essay Example The first control mechanism is the cash register. The cash register keeps track of all the transactions and stores the money temporarily. Keeping too much cash in a cash register is a dangerous proposition because if the stored is robbed the thief will walk away with a lot of money. A control mechanism to prevent this occurrence is to cash out the register periodically. The cash out of cash register should be taken out every four hours. The person that is responsible for the money in this transaction is the manager. The manager must take out the cash and verify that the money taken out is the same amount of money that the register logged. Both the cashier and the manager must sign a paper that specifies the time and amount of money that was taken out of the cash register. Once the money is out of the cash register the manager must put the money in an envelope and store in a safe inside the office of the manager. During the transfer of money the security guard of the store must walk a nd be near the manager until the money is placed in the safe. A second procedure that must occur is for the money in the safe to be deposited in the bank. Every morning the manager must go physically to the bank and deposit the cash the store generated the past day. The security guard of the store should walk with the manager from the store to his car to provide added security. A third control mechanism to verify that no money is missing or stolen internally is performed by the accounting staff. At the end of each month bank reconciliation is perform by the accounting staff to ensure that the paper trail is accurate. The accountants must verify that the bank deposits made by the manager are aligned with the daily cash sales of the company. A second type of asset that is very valuable which is often targeted by thieves is the inventory of the company. In a retail store inventory represents the items that are available

Airline Supply Demand Curve

Airline Supply Demand Curve Airline industry provides us air transportation that improves our lives by shortening the time it takes us to reach a destination and also deliver goods. Airline industry undergoes oligopoly market, where only a few sellers that provide similar products or services but differentiated in the branding and the promotion method. Basically, there are four main categories in the airline industry, which is international, national, regional, and cargo. International flights provide services between countries; both national and regional flights are domestic flights within a country, but regional flights have shorter distance compare to national flights; cargo is mainly for the use of transport goods. In this assignment, we are going to briefly explain the determinants and the changes in market condition that affect the demand and supply of the airline industry. There are few determinants that will cause a change in the supply demand curve in the airline industry. Determinants on demand curve. The first determinant is income. When a country experiences a growth in the economy, the average income of citizens will increase. In this case, air ticket plays a role as a normal good, this is because an increase in the income will lead to an increase in the demand of air ticket purchased, one example is families might travel more often as they are in good economic condition. The second determinant is prices of related goods, where a change in price of a good might affect the demand of the other good. In the airline industry, the price of fuel has a direct influence to the demand of air ticket. When the price of fuel increases, airline industry has to increase the price of air ticket to maintain its revenue. Therefore, the fuel price and the demand of air ticket have a relationship of complements, where increase in the fuel price leads to a decrease in the demand for air ticket. However, in some special cases especially during a decline in the economy, the airline industry will not raise the price of air tickets because the customers would scare away. Therefore, the demand of air tickets is also quite dependent to the condition of economy. The third determinant is number of buyers. The more the buyers in the airline industry, the demand of air ticket will be higher. When a promotion is held by the industry airlines, there will be more buyers on the purchase of air ticket. This is because the air tickets normally sell at a lower price to attract more customers especially during a not-so-peak season. Thus, the demand or air tickets will increase and the airline industry will gain more profits even though the air tickets are selling at a lower price. The last determinant is expectation on future income and future price, which means the prediction of consumers on how much they will earn and the value of a good in the future. For example, if the economy has a positive development, where people expect a higher income in the future, they might go for a vacation and shift the demand curve of air ticket to the right. However, if they realize there will be an increase in price of air ticket in the future probably due to peak season, they will choose to purchase now then later and cause the demand curve to shift to the right. For the other variable like tastes that can affect demand curve, we will ignore it because it is based on personal behavior and is uncertain to the airline industry. Determinants on supply curve. The first determinant is input prices. When the cost of producing goods increases, the supply will decrease. In airline industry, one of the main input prices is the fuel price. As other variables are constant, when the price of fuel increases, the number of flight per day will decrease to reduce the cost of airline industry. The second determinant is technology. A better technology can shift the supply curve to the right. Technology advancement plays a very important role in airline industry. Airline industry is trying their best to seek for better technology in fuel conservation. Besides, they also work with airframe and engine manufacturer in designing the components of aircraft to reduce the fuel consumption of each flight. Thus, with the improvement of technology, airlines can provide more flight then before using the same amount of fuel. The third determinant is weather. As this is air transportation, weather often becomes a big issue to the airline industry. A heavy snow during winter, or a bad pollution, often disrupts the takeoff and landing of aircraft. Unfortunately, weather is not control by humans, the airline industry only can do their best in providing complete and safety facilities to protect their users. Although bad weather does not last very long, it does bring some effect on flight for short periods. The last determinant is expectation on future price. When a firm expects there is a raise of price in future, they will supply less today until the price of the product increase. In the airline industry, when they expect the price of air ticket to rise in the coming peak season that brings higher profits, they will reduce or maintain the number of flights now. Thus, when comparing the number of flights for two periods, the supply for now can said to be less compare to future. Since airline industry undergoes the oligopoly market, the determinant of number of sellers will be excluded. Other variables like taxes and subsidies will also be excluded as they are not uncertain. Conclusion As we can see from above, airline industry has to concern many determinants that can affect the airlines demand and supply. Besides, they have to observe carefully on the changes in market condition and take immediate action if there is any unexpected issue. According to the Air Transport Association (ATA), labor is the largest expenses of the airline industry, followed by fuel cost. Other variables like weather and technology also have to put well attention to ensure the safety and revenue of the airline industry. The study of economics may help the airline industry when making a decision and better choice by providing knowledge on the efficiency use of resources.

CONTEMPORY MANAGEMENT Essay -- essays research papers

CONTEMPORY MANAGEMENT Examine the implications of globalization for Australian business and discuss whether Australia should become more integrated into the global economy Australia is an excellent object of study of globalization and its implications for business as its economic structure is at an unusual 'mid-way' point. New market opportunities, competitive threats and opportunities alike have been the key drivers of globalization since the 1980's. This essay analyzes a variety of topics to determine whether Australia should become more integrated into the global economy. Defining globalization and its major players is crucial to the argument. Petrella's definition of the main characteristics of contemporary globalization will be used as a framework to analyze and define the main changes that are a result of globalization. Through this process, the second part of the paper is devoted to analyzing the advantages and disadvantages for Australian business in becoming more integrated into the global economy. A conclusion can then be reached to confirm that the viability of Australia's integration into the global economy is not only advantageous but also a necessary progression. Globalization is defined by various academics depending on the viewpoint they take. Keenoy and Kelly however most broadly define globalization as . . . The expansion of international trade and production to the extent that most forms of economic activity are not only interlinked but also interdependent Globalization can also be defined through its characteristics. Petrella describes globalization as comprising of the following concepts: „h Internationalization of financial markets „h Internationalization of corporate strategies, in particular their commitment to competition as a source of wealth creation. „h Diffusion of technology and related R&D and knowledge worldwide „h Transformation of consumption patterns into cultured products with worldwide consumer markets „h Internationalization of the regulatory capabilities of national societies into a global political economic system. „h Diminished role of national governments in designing the rules for global governance The internationalization of financial markets is a direct result of globalization and vice versa. Four clear forces have contributed to this: market saturation, disintermediation, deregulation of financial mar... ... of contemporary globalization have been discussed. The internationalization of finances and trade into a global political system puts Australian firms in the vulnerable position of becoming exposed to environmental risks of the world. These factors also open infinite opportunities to Australian businesses. Trading on a global basis allows larger access to consumers, hence profits, and the internationalization of finances can be considered an economic strength, rather than a weakness. The internationalization of corporate strategies requires a change in the thinking of managers and their planning. Through the diffusion of technology and transformation of consumption patterns the commitment to wealth creation can be endless. The major players in the global market place have changed with shifts in power towards large organizations. There will be losers in a more competitive environment but the benefits for Australian firms are endless. Globalization of Australia as it becomes more integrated into the economy is already in progress, and has been for a long time. If Australian firms are to keep up they will have to become more integrated, this is not a choice, but rather a necessity.

Baroque Music: Speech And Debate

Speech and Debate 8. October 2009 Baroque Music Hello, my name is and thank you for listening to my speech. Have you ever thought about how music got to the way it is today? Baroque music may seem boring or useless, but is a very important part of music history. Today I am going to talk about the basics of baroque music, the main instruments used during the baroque period, and the influences on baroque composers. So, to give you some background of baroque music, here are the six eras of music. As you can see, baroque is towards the middle, from 1600-1750. Baroque music is easily recognizable from different eras of music because of its distinct qualities. According to essentialsofmusic. com, the baroque era produced very dramatic music. In a baroque piece, there are many switches in dynamics, which means that the music would be soft then all of a sudden loud, or vice versa. This is because the instruments at the time weren’t capable of medium volume. There are also many switches between solos and ensembles, so there would be one person playing, then suddenly the whole group would join. According to baroque. com, baroque music was also very repetitive. The same rhythms were repeated multiple times throughout the piece. Also, the mood was kept the same throughout the piece. For example, when a song began sadly, it ended sadly. The instruments used in a piece of music have a lot of impact on the sound. There were many different types of instruments used during the baroque era. According to thinkquest. com, there were about thirteen main instruments used. The first three, the clavichord, harpsichord, and organ are keyboard-like instruments. The harpsichord is the most popular out of the three and is a factor that makes baroque music unique. The three main string instruments used were the violin, double bass, and lute. The violin was the most popular in the Baroque period whereas the lute and double bass were used more in the Renaissance. The three main wind instruments used were the bassoon, oboe, and flute. The trumpet, trombone, and horn were used in larger groups but not for solos. The only percussion, or drums, used was the timpani, which is a set of five drums that can be tuned to different notes. When a composer is writing music, they are influenced by the things going on around them in the world. During the baroque period, there were many major events occurring. According to Catherine Schmidt-Jones’ article â€Å"Music of the Baroque Period† on cnx. org, the Age of Reason was going on during the baroque period. This meant that many brilliant scientists like Galileo ad Henry Bacon were making discoveries. Also during the Age of Reason, churches had less power than they did in the Middle Ages or Renaissance. So, musicians didn’t rely on them as much to buy their music which led to more diverse and creative styles. According to eh. net, the Age of Crisis was also occurring during the baroque period. This consisted of a very long recession and a war between France, England, and several other small countries, which controlled two of Europe’s biggest economies. Now that you know more about baroque music, here are a few composers from this time. Bach is the one that will be familiar to most of you. Now I am going to play a selection of Baroque music. At the very beginning, you can hear the string instruments, mostly violin, playing very softly. If you listen closely you will hear the counterpoint as many different parts are played at the same time. Then, suddenly the music gets very loud and forceful but still keeps the same mood. The brass instruments are playing in the background but are not the main part. This song is called â€Å"Water Music† and is by George Frideric Handel. In closing, I hope that you can see that baroque music is an important part of musical history. The basics of baroque music, instruments used during the baroque period, and influences on baroque composers are all an important part of what makes up baroque music. So, the next time you hear some older music, instead of tuning it out, listen for the different parts of the piece. Thank you again for listening and I hope you enjoyed my speech.

Noojh

Sure, he liked eating food, and he liked trying new experiences but this experience had not been on his to-do list. Castle had heard about this facet of human life, he knew about sex, he knew about procreation, but pleasuring one's self had never seemed very practical. There were a lot of human things that Castle found he didn't like, even though he thought he would Like†¦ So he was pleasantly surprised when he realized he had been wrong about masturbation all along.The way his body felt as he slid his hand up and down his hardened coco, the way his heart beat quickened with each pump of his wrist, and how he could not keep the soft moans and whimpers from escaping his throat. The closer he came to orgasm, the more his body tightened and coiled; he would dig divots into the mattress with his toes as they curled, and a bead of sweat would trickle down his ribcage as he pumped his wrist faster. His breath would come in quick, short gasps, and his eyes would flutter desperately as he brought himself closer to climax.Sometimes, he liked to power through the experience, making himself come quickly†¦ And then there were other times when he would rub his hands all over his body, pretending they were Dean's, moaning and begging please for release, teasing the sensitive head until a bead of pearly white would appear on his palm. Heat would pool in his stomach and then the overwhelming desire to pump his hips would drive him close to the edge of the bed, as finally release came, and he made a sticky mess on his hands and stomach. He tried to be quiet, but he was never good at silencing himself.He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door. Mouse-+ steps can you write saturation? 😀 *fans self*: Being human came with Its†¦ Deliquesces. Castle had heard about this facet of human life, he knew about sex, he knew about lot of human things that Castle found he didn't like, even though he thought he would like†¦ So he was pleas antly surprised when he realized he had been wrong He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door. Mouse ?+ steps can you write saturation? 😀 *fans self*: He had no idea that Dean was listening on the other side of the door.

The romantic period essays

The romantic period essays The Romantic Period/Era produced a plethora of great writings. It was a period of great change and emancipation ( ). While the Classical era had strict laws of balance and restraint, the Romantic era moved away from that by allowing artistic freedom, experimentation and creativity ( ). Romantic ideas centered around art as inspiration, the spiritual and aesthetic dimension of nature, and metaphors of organic growth. Art, rather than science, Romantics argued, could best express universal truth. The Romantics underscored the importance of expressive art for the individual and society ( ). The development of the self became a major theme; self-awareness a primary method. If, according to Romantic theory, self and nature were one, self-awareness was not a selfish dead end but a mode of knowledge opening up the universe ( ). If ones self were one with all humanity, then the individual had a moral duty to reform social inequalities and relieve human suffering ( ). Unlike Eur opean groups, transcendentalists never issued a manifesto. They insisted on individual differences on the unique viewpoint of the individual. American Transcendentalists Romantics pushed radical individualism to the extreme. It stressed individualism, affirmed the value of the common person, and looked to the inspired imagination for its aesthetic and ethical values. Certainly the New England TranscendentalistsRalph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and their associates including William Wordsworth and William Butler Yeats were inspired to a new optimistic affirmation by the Romantic movement ( ). Thoreau was the trailblazer for most of the transcendentalists, his masterpiece Walden, a result of two years living in a cabin, shaped the views of writer to come. In Walden, Thoreau not only tests the theories of Transcendentalism, he re-enacts the collective American experience of the 19th century: living on the frontier. Thoreau f...

Reflections on Kim by Rudyard Kipling essays

Reflections on Kim by Rudyard Kipling essays Who am I?, What am I Some people live their entire lives trying to answer these questions, and some die, not knowing. We have our parents, friends, our dreams and aspirations who guide us in our quest for our identity. We need fathers to provide us with the backbone of our personality, mothers to nourish us and help us build character, friends to help us through the journey and our dreams to direct us into that direction. Kim never knew his parents, but his ethnicity (British) and culture (Indian) provided him with what he needed to embark on his journey with direction and personality. On the way, he met people who became the parents he never had Teshoo lama and Colonel Creighton as his fathers and Kulu as his mother. Although we, like Kim, have these people, it is entirely up to us to find who we are. They are simply there to guide us through our quest and teach us what we should know. As cheesy as it may seem, I compare the journey of life as trying to bake a cake for the first time without a recipe. For those who have an idea of baking, they know how to go through the whole process with direction. But as beginners, it does not exempt them from making mistakes and having to start all over again. We see other peoples cake and try to see how they did it, some mimic, others go through it on their own way. But all of us, at some point, become clueless that we appreciate a helping hand from those who know. Making a cake is a process of building from what we have, baking it and at the end, add icing. Not all of us succeed. There are some of us who, after a few tries, give up. Their unfinished cake would lie stagnant on the countertop, going stale by the minute. But for those who worked hard towards the completion of the task, the end product may be the lousiest tasting thing, or the most lopsided cake in the history of mankind, but they have learned to love it. Because it is THEIR cake and it...

14th Amendment

Examines history of civil rights in Constitutional context, major Court rulings (Slaughter House cases, Plessy vs. Ferguson, Brown vs. Board of Education). The Constitution guarantees individual rights and liberties to every American. What most people probably do not know is that, while the Constitution is more than 200 years old, most individual civil rights date back only a little more than 50 years. Not until the 1950s did black Americans win the rights enjoyed by most all other citizens. Most of the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution are included in the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to the Constitution). The first 10 amendments were ratified in 1791. However, the Bill of Rights protected citizens against abuses by only the federal government. State governments could decide what limits they would place on free speech, trial by jury, or racial equality. This began to change after the Civil War. In 1865, Congress drafted constitutional amendments that Southern states would have

The areas of the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the lithosphere Essay

The areas of the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the lithosphere - Essay Example Energy gains, on the other hand, are highly influenced by human activities such as building of irrigation and dams. Water, in the form of snow and rain, falls on earth to be absorbed by bodies of water and plant fields (Bharatdwaj, 2009). Gabler, Petersen & Sack (2011) explained that when water reaches the subsurface, it goes first to the zone of aeration where air occupies most space. Water then consumes the space in the zone of saturation which is topped by water table (Gabler et al., 2011). Groundwater wells are designed to alter nature’s way of keeping water beneath the surface (Bharatdwaj, 2009). Cones of depression in the water table evolved from constant extraction of water from wells. When several cones of depression meet, other nearby shallow wells runs out of water (Gabler et al., 2011). Another indispensable process that sustains life is the food web. It is a series of food chains interlinked with one another. The food chains’ prequel is the primary producers supplying the essential energy for food (Bharatdwaj, 2009). Food chain is facilitated by primary consumers that feed on plants, the secondary consumers that feed on the primary consumers and then there are the decomposers that feed on what is left in each process of the cycle (Bharatdwaj, 2009). A clear cut example of a food chain is when grass was feed on by a cow; consequently the cow is eaten by man. In the study of these organisms, a biologist focuses on the processes that propels life itself, whereas, the focus of a geographer is to identify ways to preserve and maintain the Earth’s surface and resources. The diversified community of plants and animals that cover a specific area and own a particular climate are termed as biomes (Kaufman & Marsh, 2012). Biomes are like zoogeographic regions w hich aim to classify the distribution of Earth. But unlike biomes, zoogeographic regions

Business and Political Trends in Japan and China Research Paper

Business and Political Trends in Japan and China - Research Paper Example   Among the biggest complaints that Japan’s trading partners have made over the years is that its domestic market is not as competitive as it should be. This assertion has been found to be true especially when one considers that the Japanese government is partly responsible for this lack of competition within its market. The Japanese government has adopted such hindering policies as the imposition of high tariffs as well as heavy regulations which have ensured that it is extremely difficult for other countries to conduct business within Japan (Mito & Sakurada, 2003). In addition, the extremely concentrated nature of the Japanese market has led to a situation where it is very difficult for companies from other countries to place their products within it which can effectively compete with domestic products; a factor which is essentially discouraging for foreign investors. It is mainly because of the abovementioned situations that it has become necessary for the Japanese govern ment to put in place those policies which not only encourage the deregulation of its markets but also works towards the development of stronger antitrust laws that aid all the businesses that operate within its economy. While it has been argued that the Japanese market is concentrated, this situation has come to be alleviated over the years as it has been reported that when compared to the market of the United States, the Japanese market has become less concentrated while that of the latter has essentially remained the same.   

Ford or Apple Code of Ethics- Business ethic paper Term

Ford or Apple Code of Ethics- Business ethic - Term Paper Example Chief Executive Ethical Statement As Chief Executive of Apple Inc., I believe that in order for the organization to survive and succeed, it must have a sound set of beliefs on which to base all its policies and actions. In addition, faithfulness to those beliefs is what will ensure corporate success, because it will influence our consumers as to our commitment to being socially responsible. Ferrell et al 2001), states that the globalization process brings individuals of different nations, who bring their cultures, their laws, their values, and different sets of moral and ethical standards to business situations, and to this Apple Inc is totally cognizant, and will utilize such diverse resources to constantly update its ethical code of conduct, to more meaningfully reflect high degrees of relevance to what obtains in the market (Ferrell, F. 2001). Finally, if the organization is going to meet the challenges of changing world market conditions, it must be prepared to reinvent itself co nstantly around those established beliefs (Hitt, W.D 1990) Apple Inc. Statement of Ethical Principle Apple shall commit itself to invest in the communication means for educating the company employees, business associates and shareholders, to enable them achieve their full potentials in terms of ethical behaviors. To this end it will endeavor to: - Step up its audit and training at all locations around the world. - Make every effort to train all new employees during the first three months of their employment and periodically afterwards (www.dept.ttu.edu/financialandforms/codeofconduct-1-p4f.). - Introduce new guidelines for ethical standards on dormitories, juvenile protection, medical non discriminations, pregnancy non-discrimination, and avoidance of involuntary labors, wages, equitable distribution benefits and the scheduling of working hours especially in Asia and Africa. - Evaluate its Management Commitment Index on a quarterly basis. - Monitor the ethics of the recruitment proc ess on quarterly basis across all organizational lines. - Rate its Suppliers Responsibility Conformance Index. And take action where appropriate. - Promote the highest levels of free expression of ideas and opinions across all organizational lines. -Protect the dignity and privacy of its employees, and ensure confidentiality in all records kept, as well as in their personal lifestyles. Apple Inc. - Outline of Code of Ethics: The Code of Ethics shall be developed along the following outline, A. Introduction B The purpose of the code of ethics C. The Chief Executive ethical prospective D. Apple Statement of Ethical Principles E. Corporate Responsibilities F. Relationship with Shareholders G. Implementation Policies H. Quality Assurance Audits I. Reporting Procedures J. Communication Policies (www.bcorporation.net) K. Educational Strategy Implementation Policies The Code of Ethics for Apple Inc. will be implemented using a 12 step program (www.bcorporation.net). At the outset the progr am will be subjected to endorsements, integration, circulation, employee feedback, affirmations, contract affiliations, mandatory regular reviews, training, enforcement procedures, translations, networking, and annual reporting. (www.bcorporation.net). Apple Inc. embraces John Stuart Mill’

Corporate Social Responsibility Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Corporate Social Responsibility - Term Paper Example The concept of corporate social responsibility is underpinned by the specific idea or principle that the organizations around the globe cannot act as the isolated economic units operating in the detachment from the broader society. Traditional and old views about survival, profitability, and competitiveness have been swept away through the concept of CSR (Fukukawa, 2011, p.121). In the past, the governments of the developed and developing countries strongly relied on the regulation and legislation to deliver environmental and social objectives in the competitive business sector. Recoiling government resources, integrated with the regulation’s distrust has guided to the exploration of non-regulatory and voluntary initiatives. Growing demand for the corporate disclosure from the stakeholders including suppliers, employees, investors, communities, activist organizations, and customers are pushing business towards the CSR initiatives. Recently several investors are changing the wa y of the performance assessment of the organizations. Investors are making their investment decisions based on various criterions that include ethical concerns. According to the report of social investment forum, more than 2 trillion US dollars valued assets invested in the portfolio linked to the social and environmental responsibility. The organizations are trying to maintain proper business ethics in their business practices in order to motivate and attract shareholders and investors. In addition, employees within the organization are increasingly looking beyond several employment benefits. Effective and skilled employees are the strongest asset of an organization. Therefore, it is important for the organization to retain skilled, experienced and effective employees. The organizations are trying to motivate their employees by providing employment benefits and taking care of their professional and personal needs. In this competitive business environment, it is important for the or ganization to retain skilled employees. Moreover, the organizations are trying to maintain an effective relationship with the suppliers.  

Optimism and Health Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Optimism and Health Paper - Essay Example This article studies the impact of optimism on physical and emotional well being. In this regard, the article provides a detailed literature review and analysis, which takes into account quite a number of relevant studies and articles. The introductory part informs the writer about three different theoretical arguments on optimism. The first among these is that by Carver and colleagues who define optimistic people as individuals having a disposition towards optimism who indulge in more frequent protective attitudes, therefore they are not so vulnerable to stress and possess better coping strategies also. The second view point presented in this portion of the article is that of none other than Seligman, who argues that external, specific and stable positive attribution styles among the optimists contribute in optimists turning out to have better coping skills than pessimists. A third view point presented in this regard (Weinstein, 2005) states that optimism is actually a distortion of reality and calls it unrealistic optimism, which can occur either as a defense mechanism to protect one’s self esteem or due to cognitive factors like lack of insufficient knowledge or a poor critical insight. The main body follows the theoretical introduction. This is divided into four parts each under separate headings. The first part reports that researchers have found out that depression and suicidal ideation are inversely related to optimism (Velden  et al; 2007); and that psychotherapy which promotes optimism can enhance the mental health of people at risk, specially the post traumatic individuals (Giltay  et al; 2004). The second part is about optimism and physical health. Five studies are highlighted which support the conviction that optimism has a positive effect on physical health and helps in recovering from and preventing diseases like: AIDS, heart diseases and cancer. Some contradictory findings are also presented in this article. These findings suggest that though optimism may have a short term positive effect on health, it causes long term negative changes in the immune system due to unrealistic attribution style (Schofield  et al, 2004 & Tomakowsky  et al, 2001). The article also includes research that highlights the coping skills which optimists tend to use. Summarizing the fin dings of these studies; such coping styles include: acceptance of situation, positive assessment of situation and use of humor to lighten up the situation. Next section of the article deals with the impact of optimism on quality of life. Many studies have been reviewed by the authors in this regard. The findings of these studies suggest that optimists usually enjoy a better quality of life as compared to pessimists and score high on the physical as well as mental health related quality of life measures. The article further pursues the role of risk perception in optimism related physical and mental health. Most studies in this context revealed that optimi sts tend to perceive themselves as not being at risk or facing very little risk of diseases (McKenna  et al, 1993). The article ends with a concise conclusion that optimism plays an important role in the physical and mental well being of individuals. The authors have also recommended the use of psychotherapy that aims at optimism in order to reduce the risk of physical and mental health issues. 3. VALIDITY OF THE STUDY The article seems quite valid to me. It has covered

Fitness assessment analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Fitness assessment analysis - Essay Example 32 sit ups in 60 seconds are above average high endurance and muscular strength. The individual’s flexibility is lower compared to standards from results given. The hand grip test is also above average. I was surprised by the sit ups scores that were very low. Doing 32 sit ups in 60 seconds means that 1 sit up takes more than 1 second which is bad. Secondly, the flexibility of this person is low as an average person should make at least 15. In this result, the highest flexibility value is 12. 7 meaning that is lower compared to set standards. Of all the results, flexibility and sit ups that are low. For flexibility this individual should ensure that all joints are exercised for the whole body to be flexible. For great improvement on flexibility, individuals should perform a wide rage of stretches. Muscular strength can be improved by making exercise the same and working against heavy loads. An individual’s hands should also be forward while doing sit ups. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Obesity Education Initiative Guidelines on Overweight and Obesity Electronic Toolkit. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/4142.htm Accessed: November 30,

Optimism and Health Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Optimism and Health Paper - Essay Example This article studies the impact of optimism on physical and emotional well being. In this regard, the article provides a detailed literature review and analysis, which takes into account quite a number of relevant studies and articles. The introductory part informs the writer about three different theoretical arguments on optimism. The first among these is that by Carver and colleagues who define optimistic people as individuals having a disposition towards optimism who indulge in more frequent protective attitudes, therefore they are not so vulnerable to stress and possess better coping strategies also. The second view point presented in this portion of the article is that of none other than Seligman, who argues that external, specific and stable positive attribution styles among the optimists contribute in optimists turning out to have better coping skills than pessimists. A third view point presented in this regard (Weinstein, 2005) states that optimism is actually a distortion of reality and calls it unrealistic optimism, which can occur either as a defense mechanism to protect one’s self esteem or due to cognitive factors like lack of insufficient knowledge or a poor critical insight. The main body follows the theoretical introduction. This is divided into four parts each under separate headings. The first part reports that researchers have found out that depression and suicidal ideation are inversely related to optimism (Velden  et al; 2007); and that psychotherapy which promotes optimism can enhance the mental health of people at risk, specially the post traumatic individuals (Giltay  et al; 2004). The second part is about optimism and physical health. Five studies are highlighted which support the conviction that optimism has a positive effect on physical health and helps in recovering from and preventing diseases like: AIDS, heart diseases and cancer. Some contradictory findings are also presented in this article. These findings suggest that though optimism may have a short term positive effect on health, it causes long term negative changes in the immune system due to unrealistic attribution style (Schofield  et al, 2004 & Tomakowsky  et al, 2001). The article also includes research that highlights the coping skills which optimists tend to use. Summarizing the fin dings of these studies; such coping styles include: acceptance of situation, positive assessment of situation and use of humor to lighten up the situation. Next section of the article deals with the impact of optimism on quality of life. Many studies have been reviewed by the authors in this regard. The findings of these studies suggest that optimists usually enjoy a better quality of life as compared to pessimists and score high on the physical as well as mental health related quality of life measures. The article further pursues the role of risk perception in optimism related physical and mental health. Most studies in this context revealed that optimi sts tend to perceive themselves as not being at risk or facing very little risk of diseases (McKenna  et al, 1993). The article ends with a concise conclusion that optimism plays an important role in the physical and mental well being of individuals. The authors have also recommended the use of psychotherapy that aims at optimism in order to reduce the risk of physical and mental health issues. 3. VALIDITY OF THE STUDY The article seems quite valid to me. It has covered

Trans-Cultural Counseling Essay Example for Free

Trans-Cultural Counseling Essay One of the greatest challenges in counseling today is being able to deliver services that respond to the social developments that translate to responsive and effective psychological care. Hand in hand with globalization, people are not only having to deal with the social changes but also have to deal with the accelerated pace of these developments. Growing cultural diversity, economic challenges and globalization are a few of the major factor shaping society today. D’Ardenne and Mahtani, (1989) were among the ones to raise awareness regarding the issues that highlight the needed competencies and review of previous standards and approaches for counseling services. According to the article published by the Clinical Psychology Forum, â€Å"Racially and Culturally Appropriate†, recognizing culture and ethnicity are essential to create programs that consider the overall perspective of the individual and the circumstances of conditions that reflect a realization the pressures that individuals and groups because of the developing social scenarios. This is to provide emotional and psychological support for those that are most challenged which are often also are cultural minorities, the economically challenged, the youth and the elderly. Trans-Cultural Challenges Continuing research in to the nature of human psychology and mental health is now providing mental health care professional more insights to develop treatment, therapy and rehabilitation that is more sensitive to the needs of patients but also considers more the reality of patients’ lives. Particularly since the 1970’s, mental and psychological health services have begun to realize the need to revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. Developments in technology and health care services are changing the field of mental health nursing. Concurrent researches in the fields of psychology and sociology have revealed the importance of mental health and the programs that promote and support the same objectives. These developments have considered more factors of the state of human condition and the realities that they contend with. And what is most critical in understanding the human condition is understanding the individual in terms of his history, culture and experience. Mahtani and Marks (1994) point out that the valuation trans-cultural issues must be rooted in the most basic approaches and perspectives of counselors and psychiatrists. Their opinion is that psychology services must not just equate it as a factor in dealing with their clients, but rather see it as a pervasive and everlasting component of the individual. It is then prescribed that services should be able to address not only known conditions but also those that are yet recognized or have yet to develop. The objective is not just to be able to recognize trans-cultural issues but also to develop proficiency in dealing with related issues in the future. The influence of trans-cultural issues is both direct and indirect. It develops form social conditioning, experience and perception. Though it is a very significant influence to individuals, they are not reliable in terms of establishing standards for approaches. Therefore, one should consider them as theoretical precepts that have to be proven true first before being considered a factor in the case or session (Davies Neal, 1996). In the edition of Gender and Power in Families edited by Perelberg and Miller, they site that in the case of genre roles in the family, there are unique dynamics that contribute to the roles assigned to each of the member that influence how the manner by which individuals’ roles in other groups or situations in work, their personal lives or generally in society. However they also mention that though individuals are molded by these roles, the new groups or scenarios that they encounter other than their families may encourage the development of similar roles or discourage them equally. Counseling and Culture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   How does culture impact counseling? It affects by its very foundations: the definition of normality depends significantly on the perspective by which it is defined. The problem of defining normalcy and any subsequent counseling or treatment is because it is so closely associated with conformity that it becomes difficult to universalize considering differences in norms which is greatly defined by the cultural majority (Mahtani Marks, 1994). For example, the utilization of normality is critical in theorizing the cause of mental disorders. Aside from creating serving as standard to measure deviation, it can also be used to establish statistical characteristics and tendencies for the population. Davies and Neal consider the case of homosexuality. Though it has been taken off the list of psychological and even a general acceptance, there still a significant amount of negativity attached to it. And this is not just by religions or societies that still consider it an abnormality. Perceptions attached to homosexuality are a cause of identification even in societies that have accepted it. Either way, it is an important factor in evaluating patient problems, expected outcomes of mental illnesses and the needed rehabilitation and treatment according to Perelberg and Miller. Undeniably, a person is a product of his self and the manner by which his environment affects him. In all theoretical models regarding the development of a personality, the conscious person is supposed to be motivated by internal interactions within his person. These two levels of personality interact with his environment and affect him individualistically developing his unique personality and psychological identity (D’Ardenne Mahtani, 1989). In both levels, culture has a role: the definition of the internal person is influenced by his culture and at the same time, the society he moves in responds to culture as well. Professional Implications   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The sensitivity to cultural issues are critical in being able to asses and develop treatment for conditions. Thus, the recognition of cultural issues and their consideration in the development of programs should become a priority of every institution and professional. This, from the   work of Mahtani and Marks, includes the need to identify what the cultural perception and influences of patients and psychologist, counselors and other metal health professionals are. This must then be communicated to the educational and training of professional.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There should be a realization that the insensitivity to these issues can result to the alienation and disenfranchisement or members of the society. D’Ardenne and Mahtani believe that there can be debilitating effects: it deters those with culture related issues from being able to be productive members of the society because they feel that they are not part or valued by society. This stems from their inability to access social and economic opportunities regardless of their availability. Professionals’ continuing education is one of best strategies to keep at pace with these researches and developments. Authorities in the field judge that there is a need to appraise model for continuing professional development not just to ensure that patients get the best care but also to afford career enrichment for professionals. Studies have indicated that most professionals are given very little opportunity, motivation or alternatives for professional development regarding cultural issues which has limited the professional development and skills regarding the issue. Therefore, efforts to alleviate whatever conditions that contributes to negative effects or limiting effects of cultural should be a priority concern. This involves the resolution of the issues not only from the perspective of clients but also just as importantly on the part of the counselor. Counselors are aware that they should remain impartial but there should now greater realization if perceptions of clients are being influenced by the counselor’s own cultural perspectives. Conclusion Multiculturalism is not just about culture, its core objective is to be able to incorporate different heritages to create a society that celebrates all the richness of humanity. It is the mark of a society that embraces the world and lives unafraid of the unknown. It is the foundation of a just and broadminded society. The development of a multicultural society is a reflection of true social progress. Most of the conflicts in human history were initiated by forms of cultural intolerance. A comprehensive understanding of the significance and principles of how trans-cultural issues influence diagnoses, conditions and treatment is a knowledge base that all professionals should have. There are many issues that can effect trans-cultural issues among them are disabilities, gender, social class, educational attainment, cultural notions and age. These factors create a great range of treatments and patient needs. At the same time, it also creates a wide range of possible treatment outcomes and interventions. Regardless of the issues, it should be understood that if trans-cultural issues are not fully addressed or responded to, there can be no comprehensive progress in communicating with the subject. Sensitivity to theses issues afford better mental and psychological health and have the potential of increasing greater awareness and sensitivity in society as a whole.

Principles Underpinning A Rewards Strategy

Principles Underpinning A Rewards Strategy Various scholars/writers contributed to the study of reward management strategy, by providing a wealth of information to increase the body of knowledge. This section therefore contains the views of them on the subject reward management strategy and the various method adopted. The views of these authors will be related to this current study. This Literature Review will be divided into the five main parts of the study: Reward Management Performance Management Motivation Staff Retention Labour Turnover The areas being analysed will aid in understanding whether the organisations reward management strategy is effective, which is reflected in labour turnover and the ability of the organisation to retain and motivate staff of the organisation. This literature therefore sought to ` critically analyze other views on the main areas of the research title, compare and contrast them and use the views/perspectives of the published work by other accredited authors to guide and inform this present study. 2.2 Reward Management What is Reward? Bratton and Gold (1999, p. 238) defined reward in the following terms, Reward refers to all forms financial returns and tangible services and benefits employees receive as part of an employment relationship. According to Thompson and Martin (2005, p. 229) reward are an important motivator, but it is important to appreciate that an individual may feel rewarded by things other than money or promotion. The demands and responsibility of a job, and the freedom that people are given to decide how to do things, can be rewarding. Berry, J. (2000, p. 45-46) as cited in Henley Management College (2000, p. 23) advocates that reward may very well be more than just pay and benefits, but will increasingly be base on skills and knowledge and will be innovative. In the context of the studies Philbean and Corbridge (2002, p. 204) argues that reward encompasses pay, remuneration and compensation. It represents a portfolio of managerial practices where financial and non financial elements are flexibly directed at enabling and rewarding employees who add value in the interests of competitive advantage, he went further to say that reward is total remuneration concept of pay and benefit together with non- financial recognition and motivation applied in a contemporary context. What is Reward Management? Reward Management is about how people are rewarded in accordance with their value to an organisation. It is concerned with both financial and non-financial rewards and embraces the philosophies, strategies, policies, plans and procedures used by organisations to develop and maintain reward systems. Armstrong (2001, p. 126) This statement underlines the importance of reward management to an organisation success. According to Beardwell and Holden (2004, p. 501) reward management has often been viewed as the poor relation of human resources management concerned with systems, figures and procedures. Another definition states Reward Managements is one of the central pillars of human resources management. While the term reward management is problematic, we consider that the term best captures the current changes in management assumptions and practice about pay. Bratton and Gold (1999, p. 238) Principles Objectives of Reward Management The three principal objectives of reward management as cited in Bratton and Gold (1999, p. 238) are to: Attract and retain suitable employees Maintain or improve levels of employee performance Comply with employment legislation and regulations These objectives have to be achieved within an agreed budget for rewards. First, the new and must be competitive to encourage membership of the organisation. In other words, it must attract and retain qualified and competent people to the organisation. Reward that are perceived by prospective members to be inadequate or inequitable will make it difficult for the organisation to attract the types of people necessary for success. Second, reward systems are designed and managed to improve productivity and control labour cost. The question of what motivates employees to perform effectively is difficult to answer. Among practising managers there is a wide spread conviction that pay alone motivates workers. In comparison to this Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 12) advocates that the principal objectives of reward management are to: Minimize expenditure on wages and salaries over the long term; Attract and retain staff of the desired calibre, experience and qualifications; Motivate the workforce so as to maximize organisational performance; Direct effort and enthusiasm in specific directions and to encourage particular types of employee behaviour; Underpin and facilitate the management of organisation change; To help us examine the complexities of pay, we have developed a framework of reward management. Figure 2.1: illustrates a model for reward management that contains three basic elements, internal equity, external competitiveness, and the objectives. Our model shows two broad areas that any organization must consider in reward management, internal equity and external competitiveness. Internal equity refers to the pay relationship among jobs within a single organisation. This is translated into practice by the basic techniques of reward management, job analysis, job evaluation and performance appraisal. The focus is on comparing jobs and individuals in terms of their relative contributions to the organizations objectives. Reward Management Strategies According to Stephen Taylor (2000) as cited in Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 11), there are two key questions, which an organisation has to ask when formulating reward strategies and policies, they are: how much should be paid to each employee and what form should that payment take? There is nevertheless a large choice of payment systems and methods available for management to choose from and many methods of determining pay levels available for manages to choose from. However, Taylor (2000) as cited in Thorpe and Homan (2000, p: 12) states the principal determining factor when deciding on rewards for employees of the organization are the objectives the organization has for their HR policies and reward systems in particular. In the context of the studies Armstrong and Lybrand (1992, p. 41) states that reward strategy is concerned with: developing a positive, performance orientated culture; underpinning the organisations values, especially those relating to excellence, innovation, performance, teamwork and quality; conveying a message to prospective high-calibre employees that the organisation will satisfy their reward expectations; ensuring that the right mix and level of reward are provided inline with the employees and the environment in which the business operates; linking reward policies, systems and procedures to the key business and human resources strategies for innovations, growth development and the pursuit of excellence; also developing a strong orientation toward levels of performance throughout the organisation by recognising successful performance and increase in levels of competence, thus contributing to the processes of empowering, enabling and energising all employees; and indicating to existing employees what types of behaviour will be rewarded and how this will be place, thus increasing motivation and commitment and improving performance. In the same vein, Armstrong (2001) also states in order for organisations to achieve their strategic objectives it must have a skilled, competent, committed and well motivated workforce which is supported by a reward strategy that: flows from and fits the business strategy; links reward to performance; aligns individual and organisational competencies; integrates with other human resources management and development strategies; and evolves from consultation with key stakeholders. A useful way of conceptualizing different reward philosophies is provided by Rajan (1997: 75). Figure 2.2 shows how reward can be categorized along two dimensions, identifying rewards that are money-related and non money-related; and rewards that are group-related (available to all or most staff) or individual-related. Thus Rajan (1997) argues that there are four types of approach to reward. 1) Types of reward Group-related 2) Security -driven Tradition-driven Lifetime jobs Cost of living increases Corporate prestige à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Perks Non-money-related Money-related 3) Employability-driven: Contribution-driven Training and development Performance-related pay Personal career plans Merit bonus Individual-related Source: Rajan (1997: 75). Reproduced with the permission of Eclipse Group Limited cited in Beardwell, and Holden, (2001), Human Resources Management, A Contemporary Approach, Third Edition, Pearson Educational Limited p. 511 Types of reward are important in terms of motivation where by different types of reward may motivate an individual; the diagram above illustrates this by highlighting different elements. Motivation can take the form of money-related or non-money related an individual may become motivated by security driven knowing that they have a lifetime /permanent job as compare to those that prefer to become motivate by money-related issues such as cost of living or perks offered by the organisation. On the other hand their are employees whose motivation stems from employability driven that is motivated through the use of training and development or personal career path, in comparison to those that are contribution driven, believing performance related pay or merit bonus are better form of motivation. Best Practice versus Best Fit Approach to HR Management The best fit approach stresses significantly on the strategic alignment of HR policies and ensuring that it fits the objectives of the organization, while the best in terms of attracting, retaining and motivating human beings. Taylor 2000 as cited in Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 15). There are however significant challenges to the best fit approach to HRM. According to Walton, 1985; Guest, 1987 as cited in Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 16) There is nothing new about challenges to the best fit perspectives from those arguing that some form of best practice approach to HRM is more likely to lead to performance improvements at the organizational level in most all circumstances. Maund (2002) states there are a number of words used to describe what employees receive for their efforts at work. All the words  commonly used can be housed under one word; payment. Foot and Hook (1999, p. 123) defines Payment as the most straight forward of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ terms and seems to be the most appropriate terms to use. It can include monetary or non-monetary payment. New Pay and Old Pay Systems In addition to reward, Lawler, 1995; Armstrong and Murlis, 1998; Lewis, 1998) as cited in Philbean and Corbridge (2002, p. 205) reveals that New pay and its juxtaposed stereotypical opposite of Old pay are concepts which are used to distinguish between contemporary and traditional reward practices. Old pay is characterized by bureaucratic salary administration, organisational hierarchy, rigid job evaluation and grading system, incremental progression, lack of horizontal integration with other HR activities and the detachment of pay from the strategic objectives of the organisation. The primary concerns of old pay are fairness, consistency, equity and transparency. This is arguably more compatible with the traditional organisation structures and employment relationships of the 1970s and 1980s. In the twenty-first century old pay, it is alleged, will inhibit organisational responsiveness and development in more turbulent organisational environments. New pay can be viewed as a functional adaptation to change in the external context and increasing competitive pressures. There have been significant changes in the reward strategies adopted by organizations in Europe, moving from the traditional based payment system to Wheat Howler (1990) called new pay. This new pay has introduced more flexible and variable rewards systems. This consisted of: Bonuses; Performance Related pay; Promotion and Career Advancement; and Performance Related Pay pay based on performance at work, based on the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Maund (2002) argues that new pay is seen as being more suitable for fast moving organizations of the 21st Century. This will form the analysis of the organization as to determine whether the organization uses new pay as compared with traditional forms of pay. In comparison Stacey (1996), states if the rewards are suitable it will stimulate individuals to make actions which are directly relevant to the strategy of the organization Stacey 1990 as cited in Maund (2002, p. 439) implies this will result in the aims of the organization being realized through employees. Bowey and Thorpe as cited in Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 81) in order for remuneration systems to be effective there needs to be a sound understanding of how people at work are motivated. This forms the basis of the next section of the literature review, which focuses on method used to encourage motivation of employees that is performance. Performance Management Baron and Armstrong, (1998: 38-39) as cited in Beardwell and Holden (2001, p. 538) states that performance management can be defined as a strategic and integrated approach to increasing the effectiveness of organisations by improving the performance of the people who work in them and by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors, and also can be seen as a continuous process involving reviews that focus on the future rather than the past In the same vein, Bartol and Martin (1998, p. 529) states that performance management focus on ensuring that specific goals that have been set are achieved. Henley Management College (2000, p. 25) states that performance management is about people and motivation the system can get in the way, it further states that performance management is a management process and the key if the relationship between a manager and his her people performance management system are often an elaborate way to foul that up. Hendry et al., (1997) as cited in Beardwell and Holden (2001, p. 538), advocates that performance management is not simply the appraisal of individual performance: it is an integrated and continuous process that develops, communicates and enables the future direction, core competences and value of the organisation, and helps to create an horizon of understanding. It identifies who or what delivers the critical performance with respect to business strategy and objectives and ensures that performance is successfully carried out. Effective performance ensures that employees and managers understand each other expectations, and how corporate strategy and objectives impact on their own context- their roles, behaviours, relationships and interactions, reward future. Performance management is a holistic process that ensures that the following are developed and effectively carried out: setting of corporate, department, team and individual objectives; performance appraisal system; reward strategies and schemes; training and development strategies and plans; feedback, communication and coaching; individual career planning; mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of performance management system and interventions. Thus performance management incorporates the effective day to day management and support of people, and is not simply concerned with appraisal forms, procedures and interviews or the paternalistic evaluation by superior of a subordinates performance. Employee commitment and performance are secured through a mutually supportive strategy of reward-driven integration, developmental integration and culture management. Figure 2.3: outlines the steps of systematic and integrated performance management. Figure 2.3: The performance management cycle Business Strategy Training and development 1. Setting direction and planning Resourcing 3.Reviewing 2. Coaching and support Reward decision Employee relations Source: Beardwell and Holden (2001), Human Resources Management, A Contemporary Approach, Third Edition, Pearson Educational Limited  p. 538 However it is argued that for performance management to be effective these activities should be carried out throughout the year as normal part of the interaction between employee and manager, and not simply through the annual performance appraisal. All these activities should involve joint problem solving and the acceptance of joint responsibility for action. Linking Performance appraisal with Pay Performance appraisal is seen as a major element that forms the bases of any performance management system. Foot and Hook (2002, p. 241) states performance appraisal basically entails trying to reward employees for their past work, while hoping that the incentive of a reward will encourage other employees also to strive to work harder in the future. Bartol and Martin (1998, p. 331) defines performance appraisal as the process of defining expectations for employee performance, measuring, evaluating, and recording employee performance relative to those expectations; and providing feedback to the employee. The link between individual behaviour and organisational performance, effectively linking rewards to a performance management system requires a clear line of sight between individual behaviour and corporate performance. It also requires a view of corporate performance which looks at ends as well as means, and which is not limited to accounting measures. Foot and Hook (2002, p. 242) further states that it is difficult to imagine that a person being appraised is likely to admit to any development need, or be willing to accept any help in their performance, if their salary increase depends on a good appraisal. It is therefore recommended that employers should in general try to keep reward considerations separate from the other areas of appraisal. In spite of this advice and research evidence which suggests that performance rated pay (PRP does not always motivate everyone in a work force, many employers think that the offer of an incentive or reward is the only way to motivate employees to work harder, and this is often their main reason for introducing performance appraisal. However Foot and Hook (2002, p. 242) also went further in stating that great care needs to be taken if appraisal systems are linked to pay. It will be especially important to ensure that the criteria being appraised are objective and free of unfair bias, and that there are genuine opportunities for all employees to be rewarded for their efforts. Therefore the link between performance and pay is considered Performance Related Pay Torrington and hall, (1996) as cited in Philbean and Corbridge (2002, p. 219) states performance related pay is some attempt to relate pay to performance is the dominant feature of current reward strategies. According to (Swabe, 1989: 17) as cited in Beardwell and Holden (2001, p. 523) performance related pay can be defined as: a system in which an individuals increase in salary is solely or mainly dependant on his/ her appraisal or merit rating. The critics of performance related pay (PRP) cited several advantages and disadvantages, Beardwell and Holden (2001 p. 523) states the possible reasons for introducing performance related pay (PRP): to increase the motivation of employees; to encourage certain behaviours; to help in recruitment and retention; to facilitate change in organisational culture; to encourage the internalisation of performance norms; to weaken trade union power; increased role of the line manager; greater financial control and value for money; a moral justification; encouragement of flexibility. Hague (1996) argues that performance related pay can demotivate staff rather than reward performance. Beardwell and Holden (2001, p. 526) states the possible problems with performance related pay (PRP): it is not a guaranteed motivator; it is difficult to produce realistic performance measures and as a result, ratings may be unfair, subjective and consistent; it places undue emphasis on individual performance which can be damaging to teamwork; it can produce poor quality performance as people concentrate on achieving quantitative targets; it leads to short-termism in the pursuit of quick results to the detriment of longer term strategic goals; reinforcement of status, control and power differences; financial constraints; crowding out intrinsic motivation. The underlying theoretical basis for performance related pay is motivation theory. Content theories, such as those of Maslow (1943,1987) and Herzberg (1959), draw attention to pay as one of many sources of human need. The satisfaction of this need can contribute to motivation at work, but the relative importance of pay as a motivator will vary with individual circumstances. More specific to performance related pay are the process theories of equity (Adams, 1965) and the expectancy theory (Porter and Lawler, 1958; Lawler, 1973; Vroom, 1964) and it is useful to have an understanding of these. This will form the basis of the next section of the literature review, which will focus on the motivation of employees. Motivation As a consequence of competitive pressure, organisations encourage their employees to increase the added value and also increase their performance beyond the acceptable standard, As a result, the study of employee behaviour and more particularly, motivation, remains a real managerial concern. Maund (1999, p. 87) defines motivation as the process by which an individual wants and chooses to engage in certain specified behaviours. Cole (1995: 119) as cited in Cole (2000, p. 28) states Motivation is the term used to describe those processes, both instinctive and rational, by which people seek to satisfy the basic drives, perceived needs and personal goals, which trigger human behaviour. There are several theories that help us to identify specific factors that motivate people including the content or needs theory, the two-factor model and the cognitive theory. The underlying assumption is that individuals have needs that must be satisfied. Motivational Concepts Motivation as revealed by Abraham Maslow (1943) is highly individualistic and is either determined by intrinsic or extrinsic factors. According to Maslow human beings are motivated by different motivators at each stage of there life. Maslow presented a Hierarchy model of motivation which consisted of Physiological needs at the lowest point, next was the safety needs, then love needs, esteem needs and finally the highest needs was the self actualization needs as depicted in Figure 2.4 below. By Managers understanding the physiological, safely, love, esteem and self actualization needs, they can therefore appeal to the individual employees present needs in life therefore motivating them. Douglas Mc Gregor (1960) has identified the theory X and theory Y worker, this theory differs significantly to Maslow (1943) theory in that Maslows theory focuses on the needs of individuals, while Mc Gregors theory focused on the behaviour of employees at work. According to Mc Gregor the theory X worker has an natural dislike for work and will avoid it at any time possible on the other hand the theory Y worker as conductive to problem solving techniques and given the opportunity will not only take but desire responsibility. In order for mangers to put theory Y worker into practice they must use the four basic aspects of the theory Y worker, they are: Decentralization and Delegation this would give employees a sense of freedom to act. Job Enlargement this would encourage employees to accept responsibilities. Participation and Consultation Management this would allow employees to voice there opinions of matters affecting them and encourage creativity. Performance Appraisal this should be done to assess management abilities. Frederick Herzberg presented a theory similar to Mc Gregor, which focused on the needs of employees at work, Herzberg presented a two factor theory that identified two sets of needs of individuals at work the need to avoid pain and discomfort and the need to develop Psychologically, he identified two areas that are of concern to the organization, first was hygiene factors such as job security, working condition, status and administrative concerns, the second area of concern to mangers was motivators; recognition from supervisors, the opportunity for growth and advancement, if managers were able to avoid pain and discomfort such are by fostering good employees relations, providing safe and comfortable working conditions, managers will be able to motivate employees. However, this study gives little insight into how managers can motivate manual or unskilled workers. Adams (1965) brought forward the Equity theory of motivation, this theory of motivation differs significantly as it attempts to show how individuals determine the amount of effort that needs to be exerted. According to Adams an employee desires to be treated fairly by the organization, they wish to be treated fairly compared to others and to avoid inequity. Employees evaluate rewards by a comparison with others, if an employee perceives his contribution to be the same as the person they compare themselves with (referent) then a state of equity is perceived, if an employee however sees there self as being unequal, a state of inequity arises. In the context of the studies Bartol and Martin (1998, p. 397) states that equity theory is a theory that argues that we prefer situations of balance, or equity, which exists when we perceive the ratio of our inputs and outcomes to be equal to the ratio of inputs and outcomes for a comparison other. Thorpe and Homan (2000, p. 22), the major determ inant of satisfaction at work is the extent to which workers judge the outputs that accrue from their work (such as pay levels, pay increases, promotions) to be distributed equitably. We are less interested in how far these outputs equate to our inputs (effort, skill, experience, qualifications) than we are in the extent to which the ratio between the two compares with that achieved by others. Rensis Likert (1976) also saw extrinsic rewards as most important in motivating employees to achieve organizational rewards. According to Likert (1976): Motivation is by economic rewards based on goals which have been set in participation. Likert claimed that in order for organizations to achieve maximum profit, good labour relations and high productivity, every organization must make best use of their human assets. It is through effective human resources management that productivity will be increased. Likert identified the participation group system which is the optimum solution, were leadership is by superiors who have complete confidence in their subordinates. Fowler and Lawler (1968) modified Vrooms (1964) expectancy theory and developed process theories of motivation as they consider the relationship between effort, performance and reward for each individual. The principles of the Fowler and Lawler model are as follows: Employees value intrinsic arising from the work itself as well as extrinsic motivation such as bonus or rewards; Effort will be increased if employees believe that good performance will lead to the achievement of desired rewards; Employees must have the opportunity, resources and effective management to carry out tasks; Expectations and objectives need to be communicated so employees know what is expected of them; 2.5 Staff Retention Browell (2003, p. 64) simply defined staff retention as keeping those members of staff that one wants to keep and not loosing them from the organization, for whatever reasons, but especially to competitors. According to Browell (2003), Wages and Salaries are insufficient to maintain staff successfully within an organization in the long term, organizations in retaining staff must introduce a successful staff retention strategy, as there failure to do so can result in demotivated staff and a high level of labour turnover. Hannagan (2003, p. 176), states A successful staff retention plan must contain a competitive rewards strategy, proper recruitment standards must be set and there must be an effective appropriate selection process, the training and development process must include a good induction process and must have room for development for both the organization and the individual employees. There must be flexible working conditions and ensure the leaders of the organizations have the skills necessary to manage effectively. Training and development is seen as an important implementation tool by many authors, according to Hussey (1991) as cited in Maund (2002, p. 440) training and development acts as a motivator and provides the skills necessary for strategy implementation, In the same vein Buckingham (2000), cited in Hannagan (2003, p. 176) employees are more likely to remain with an organization if they believe that their managers show interest and concern for them. Browell (2003) states, organizations need to compare the costs of staff going with the cost of them staying and determine whether it will have an adverse effect on the rest of the organization if they leave. Henley Management College (2000, p. 21), recent IDS study showed the average turnover rate with considerable variation between industries and sectors are high, however the financial costs of this turnover can be up to 150% of salary for key staff. Add in the non-financial costs, including loss of key skill morale and the overall price of a departure to an organisation can be considerable. Because of these cost companies should carry out external benchmarking, and gather information on internal factors affecting turnover, such as monitoring wastage rates, and carrying out exit interviews and attitude surveys. The following measures may help to improve staff retention: pay competitive rates and consider other types of compensation such as retention bonuses and share-options schemes; put together an attractive employee benefits package; recruit the right people in the first place; pay more attention to induction processes, especially in the critical first few weeks; provide career paths, more interesting work and support for personal development; offer more flexible work options and implement family friendly policies as work-life balance issues come to the fore; provide good line management; evaluate the effectiveness of the measure taken. Not all employee turnover, though, is a bad thing. An acceptable level, dependant on the organization and the labour market, allows the entry of new blood and ideas, and creates new opportunities for careers, staff development, and restructuring. Maund (2002), there are three (3) particular areas that an organization must monitor in order for them to maintain motivated and loyal staff, they are: The Terms and Conditions of employment must be such that employees feel valued by the organization, these terms and conditions of employment includes both the remunerations and conditions at work w

The Role of the Amygdala in Fear and Panic Essay -- Biology Essays Res

The Role of the Amygdala in Fear and Panic The definition of fear has proved to be an elusive mystery plaguing scientists. While there is much agreement as to the physiological effects of fear, the neural pathways and connections that bring upon these effects are not well understood. From the evolutionary standpoint, the theory is that fear is a neural circuit that has been designed to keep the organism alive in dangerous situations (1). How does it all work? Learning and responding to stimuli that warn of danger involves neural pathways that send information about the outside world to the amygdala, which in turn, determines the significance of the stimulus and triggers emotional responses like freezing or fleeing as well as changes in the inner workings of the body's organs and glands (1). There are important distinctions to make between emotions and feelings. Feelings are "red herrings", products of the conscious mind, labels given to unconscious emotions (2) whereas emotions are distinct patterns of behaviors of neurons. E motions can exist of conscious experiencesas well as physiological and neurological reactions and voluntary and involuntary behaviors (3). But the components of fear goes beyond feelings and emotions. It is also the specific memory of the emotion. After a frightful experience, one can remember the logical reasons for the experience (e.g. the time and place) but one will also "feel" the memory, and his body will react as such (i.e. increased heart and respiration rate, sweating). In one recent case, after a near drowining incident, the victim could not only vividly remember each detail, but when doing so, his body reacted as though he were reliving the experience. These feelings of memory are stored in an ... ... of being harmed at this particular moment. The three emotions can diffuse into one single diffuse state (5). Internet Sources: Isaacson, Robert. The Limbic System. Plenum Press, New York, NY, 1982 Thompson, Jack George. The Psychobiology of Emotions. Plenum Press, New York, NY, 1988 http://academic.uofs.edu/department/neuro/fear.html Van Goozen, Stephanie H. M. (ed.). Emotions: Essays on Emotion Theory. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, Hillsdale, N.J., 1994 Kavanaugh, Robert. Emotion: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, Hillsdale, N.J., 1996 Muller, Jeff, "Functional Inactivation of the Lateral and Basal Nuclei of the Amygdala by Muscimol Infusion Prevents Fear Conditioning to an Explicit Conditioned Stimulus and to Contextual Stimuli". Behavioral Neuroscience, Vol. 111, No. 4, pp. 683-691, 1997

The Rise of Reggae and the influence of Toots and the Maytals. :: Essays Papers

The Rise of Reggae and the influence of Toots and the Maytals. Reggae music is one of the world’s few living folk music’s. It has remained incredibly popular and spontaneously generated by people’s experiences, emotions and traditions. Since it’s birth reggae music has been Jamaica’s emotional outlet, to express thoughts and feelings about life, love and religion. These popular sounds have been created without the interference of outside multinational markets, press agents and spin doctors. Reggae music is created with incredible amounts of soul and pride. It is more than just music, it is a way of life for those who live in Jamaica and many others around the world. Reggae music is soulful entertainment in Jamaica today, it’s a powerful social force that represents the pressures of everyday life putting them into words that describe, reveal and persuade the people that listen to its powerful messages. The music originated from confrontation and struggle, it’s based on freedom and never giving up. Politicians have been know to use reggae music as the central part of their campaigns. Prime Ministers have had songwriters create songs for their political campaigns, knowing full well that this music can easily bring crowds of people together, while uniting a country, and political party at the same time. The music of Jamaica began five centuries ago, when Columbus colonized the land of the Arawak Indians. This dates the start of oppression by first the Spanish and then the English in this area of the Caribbean. Blacks were brought in as slaves by the English, and although Jamaica has had it's independence since 1963, the tension of authority and control still reigns. Jamaica is a story of injustice, international influence, ineffective governing, and unequal distribution of wealth; all of these elements provide a solid base for the theme of oppression and the need for a revolution and redemption in Jamaican music. Reggae in particular reflects these injustices, and the feelings, needs and desires to change the lifestyle that Jamaicans have historically lived. Reggae music has two meanings. It’s generic name for all Jamaican popular music since 1960 (West Indian style of music with a strongly accented subsidiary beat, according to the Oxford dictionary) Reggae can also refer to the particular beat that was extremely popular in Jamaica from around 1969 to 1983. Jamaican music can be divided into four areas that carry their own distinctive beat.

UK software industry

In the business world strategic positioning has become an unavoidable endeavor as businesses look for every means of improving their competitive advantage. In such a business environment, a much reliable reprieve can be found in the adaptation of analysis models by organizations in their marketing campaigns. PEST analysis models have been utilized by organizations all over the world to determine or predict future trends in business as well as to take preemptive measures to avoid running into losses (Charles, Hill, & Jones, 2006p. 9-98),. Below is a PEST analysis of UK’s software industry. Political factors The political changes in the UK really do impact negatively on the software industry, although of late, there has been a concerted effort to enact legislation to curb software piracy which has been termed as one of the greatest threats to the industry. Currently the anti-piracy law of UK prohibits and sets forth legal measures against perpetrators of the crime and it is anti cipated that this will stamp out the vice that is so rife in the UK. From a global perspective, different political scenarios in different countries where the software industry market their products also impacts on the performance of the industry, for instance, the software industry is affected negatively when other countries which have been traditionally markets for UK software companies change to competitors for instance China and India. This is usually occasioned by regime change in those countries. Gender equality has also had a significant influence of the industry I that, they have been forced to change their labor policies to reflect equal opportunities accorded to all genders. Economic Factors. Although there is a clear-cut difference between political factors and economic factors some happenings in political arenas have had an impact on the economic factors for instance legislation touching on taxation for software products. Currently the economic state in the UK is friendly and no signals point to the contrary. Relatively stable exchange rates, as well as low inflation levels, a steady income growth in the domestic market, have all contributed positively the growth of the sector in the UK and is projected to continue that way into the future. Social Factors. As these determine the buying behavior for customers, the UK market can be said to be mature in that, sales and demand for software products is on the increase, a trend that has continued for the past three years. The fact that, most software products are not viewed as hazardous and there fore are looked at as harmless has contributed to a positive growth of the software market in the UK. This can be evidenced by the fact that, people from all walks of life can purchase different software custom made. There have been few cases of major complaints form the society in terms of their usability and effectiveness of what is on offer in the market. This further strengthens the future position of the sector as far as viability and profitability are concerned. Technological Factors. Advances in this area especially as occasioned by computers, the internet, as well as well as cell phones, has had an impact on software industry in that, production has become cheaper than it would have been in the absence of the above. In the UK, majority of the software companies have invested heavily on technology and this has been reflected in surging profits. In conclusion, from the above analysis it is clear that, the future for software industry in the UK I bright and those businesses which shall capitalize themselves by taking a strategic position are more likely to thrive.

Market Positioning of New Product

What is Marketing : The word Marketing in narrow sense is used as the sum up of selling process. Now a days marketing is considered as managing profitable customer relationships. Hence, we define marketing as the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong customer relationships in order to capture value from customers in return. Here the figure 1. 1 presents a simple five step model of the marketing process. In the first four steps companies work to understand consumers, create customer value and build strong customer relationships. In the final step companies reach the reward of creating superior customer value. By creating value for customers , they in turn capture value from customers in the form of sales, profits, and long term customer equity. In the face of today’s changing business , to success , this expand model of marketing is very much helpful. All steps of this marketing process is important. As a first step, marketers need to understand customers needs and wants and the market place within which they operate. Once its fully understood , consumers and marketplace, Marketing management design a customer driven marketing strategy. In the next steps, marketers construct a marketing program that actually deliver superior value through building profitable customer relationships by capturing value from customers. Here we will focus on customer driven marketing strategy of launching a product or service. Customer – driven marketing strategy and marketing management orientations that guide marketing strategy: To design a winning marketing strategy , the company must first decide who it will serve. It does this by dividing the market into segments of customers(market segmentation) and selecting which segments it will cultivate(target marketing). Next , the company must decide how it will serve targeted customers(how it will differentiate and position itself in the marketplace). Marketing management wants to design strategies that will build profitable relationships with target consumers. There are five alternative concepts under which organizations design and carry out their marketing strategies. These are :- *Production concept: *Product concept *Selling concept *Marketing concept *Social marketing concept roduction concept The philosophy that consumers will favor products that are available and highly affordable, and that management should therefore focus on improving production and distribution efficiency product concept: The idea that C'l will favor products that offer the most quality, performance and features, and that the organisation should therefore, devote its energy to making continuous produce improve merits selling concept: The idea that consumers†¢ will not buy enough of the organisation's products unless the organisation undertakes large-scale selling and promotion effort arketing concept The marketing management philosophy†¢ which holds that achieving organizational goals depends on determining the needs and wants qf target markets and delivering the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors do. societal marketing concept: The idea that the organization should determine the need, want and interests of target markets and deliver the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors in a ay that maintains or improves the consumer's and society's well-being. There is no hard and fast rule to strictly follow any particular concept. These concept are followed by different companies as their convenience as their business mission. This may vary for different companies beside some companies may follow the combination of these orientation. Marketing mix The set of controllabletactic-id marketing tools- product, price, place and promotion – that tlivfirm blends to producethe response it wants in che target market ‘functional chewing and bubble gums' [pic] Product Anything that can be offered to a market for attention, acquisition, use or consumption that might satisfy a want. It includes physical objects, persons organizations and ideas, price. The amount of money charged for a product or service, or the sum of the values that consumers exchange for the benefits of having or using the product or service. place. All the company activities make the product or service available to target customers. promotion Activities that communicate the product or service and its ‘merits to target customers a persuade them to buy. SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis section draws from the market audit. It is a brief list of the critical success factors in the market, and rates strengths and weaknesses against the competition. The SWOT analysis should include costs and other non marketing variables. The outstanding opportunities and threats should he given. If plans depend upon assumptions about the market, the economy or the competition. SWOT analysis draws the critical strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) from the strategic audit. The audit contains a wealth of data of differing importance and reliability. SWOT analysis distils these data to show the critical items from the internal and external audit. The number of items is small for forceful communications, and they show where a business should focus its attention. The STP Process The growing use of the STP process has occurred as a direct result of the prevalence of mature markets, the greater diversity in customer needs, and the ability to reach specialized or niche segments. As such marketers are increasingly segmenting markets and identifying attractive segments (i. e. who to focus on and why? ), in order to identify new product opportunities, develop suitable positioning and communications strategies (i. e. what message to communicate), and effectively allocate resources to key marketing activities (i. e. how much should we spend and where? ). Organizations will often commission segmentation research when they want to re-scope their marketing strategy, investigate a declining brand, launch a new product, or restructure their pricing policy. Organizations operating in highly dynamic environments seek to conduct segmentation research at regular intervals, to keep in touch with changes in the marketplace. STP refers to the three activities segmentation, targeting, and positioning Key benefits of the STP process include: †¢ Enhancing a company’s competitive position by providing direction and focus for marketing strategies such as targeted advertising, new product development, and brand differentiation. For example, Coca-Cola identified through market research that its Diet Coke brand (also marketed as Coca-Cola Lite) was egarded as ‘girly’ and ‘feminine’ by male consumers. As a direct result the company developed a new product, branded Coke Zero, which is targeted at the health-conscious male segment of the soft drinks market. †¢ Examining and identifying growth opportunities in the market through the identification of new customers, growth segments, or new product uses. For examp le Arm & Hammer was able to attract new customers when existing consumers identified new uses for their baking soda (Christensen, Cook, and Hall, 2005). Lucozade also changed the positioning and targeting from its original marketing strategy positioned for sick children and rebranded to target athletes as an energy drink. †¢ More effective and efficient matching of company resources to targeted market segments promises the greatest return on marketing investment (ROMI). For example, financial institutions like HSBC and Barclays and large retailing multinationals such as Tesco and ASDA Wal-Mart are utilizing data-informed segmentation strategies to effectively target direct marketing messages and rewards to customers they have classified as offering long-term value to the company, i. . they are profitable customers. Market Create values for customers and build customer relationship An expanded model of the marketing process Marketing Strategy Target consumers are at the centre of the marketing strategy. The company identifies the total market, divides it into smaller segments, selects the most promising segments and focuses on se rving them. It designs a marketing mix using mechanisms under its control: product, price, place and promotion. The company engages in marketing analysis, planning, implementation and control to find the best marketing mix and to take action. The company uses these activities to enable it to watch and adapt to the marketing environment. We will now look briefly at e;ieh factor in the marketing process and say where it is developed elsewhere in this book. The Concept of Market Segmentation Market segmentation is the division of a market into different groups of customers with distinctly similar needs and product/service requirements. Or to put it another way, market segmentation is the division of a mass market into identifiable and distinct groups or segments, each of which have common characteristics and needs and display similar responses to marketing actions. Market segmentation was first defined as ‘a condition of growth when core markets have already been developed on a generalised basis to the point where additional promotional expenditures are yielding diminishing returns’ (Smith, 1956). There is now widespread agreement that they form an important foundation for successful marketing strategies and activities (Wind, 1978; Hooley and Saunders, 1993). The purpose of market segmentation is to leverage scarce resources; in other words, to ensure that the elements of the marketing mix, price, distribution, products and promotion, are designed to meet particular needs of different customer groups. Since companies have finite resources it is not possible to produce all possible products for all the people, all of the time. The best that can be aimed for is to provide selected offerings for selected groups of people, most of the time. This process allows organizations to focus on specific customers’ needs, in the most efficient and effective way. As Beane and Ennis (1987) eloquently commented, ‘a company with limited resources needs to pick only the best opportunities to pursue’. The market segmentation concept is related to product differentiation. If you aim at different market segments, you might adapt different variations of your offering to satisfy those segments, and equally if you adapt different versions of your offering, this may appeal to different market segments. Since there is less competition, your approach is less likely to be copied and so either approach will do. Market consists of buyers and buyers differ in one or more ways. They may differ in their wants ,resources, locations, buying attitudes and buying practices. Through market segmentation , companies divide large, heterogeneous markets into smaller segments that can be reached more efficiently and effectively with products services that match their unique needs. In this section we discuss four important segmentation topics: segmenting consumer markets, segmenting business markets, segmenting international markets, and requirements for effective segmentation. Segmenting Consumer Markets There is no single way to segment a market. A marketer has to try different segmentation variables, alone and in combination, to find the best way to view the market structures. Table 7. 1 outlines the major variables that might be used in segmenting consumer markets. Here we look at the major geographic , demographic, psychographic, and behavioral variables. Geographic | | | |World region or country North America, West Europe, Middle east, Pacific rim, China, India, Canada | |Country region Pacific, Mountain, West north central, West south central, East north central, | |East south central, South atlantic, Middle atlantic, New England. | | |City or metro size Under 5000;5000-20000;20000-50000;50000-100000;100000-250000; | |250000-5000000;500000-1000000 | |Destiny Urban, suburban, rural | |Climate Northern, southern | |Demographic | |Age Under 6;6-11;12-19;20-34;35-49;50-64;65+ |Gender male, female | |Family size 1-2;3-4;5+ | |Family life cycle Young, single, Young married, no children, Young married with children, | |Older, married with children, older married no children | | | |Income Under10000;10000-20000;20000-30000;30000-50000;50000-100000 | |Occupation Professional and technical;managers;officials;proprietors;clerical;sales; | |Crafts people; supervisors;operatives | |Education Grade school or less;some high school;high school graduate;some college | |Race Asian;Hispanic;black;white | |Generation Baby boomer. Generation x, generation y | |Religion catholic, protestant, jewish, muslim, hindu, other | |Nationality North American, South American, British, French, German, Italian, Japanese | |Psychographic | |Social class Lower lowers, upper lowers, working class, middle class, upper middles | |, upper uppers | | | |Life style Achievers, strivers, survivors | |Personality Compulsive, gregarious, authoritarian, ambitious | |Behavioral |Occasions Regular occasion, Special occasion | |Benefits Quality, service, economy, convenience, speed | |User status Nonuser, ex-user, potential user, first time user, regular user | |User rates Light user, medium, user, heavy user | |Loyalty status None, medium, strong, absolute | |Readiness stage Unaware, aware, informed, interested, desirous | |Attitude toward product Enthusiastic, positive, indifferent, negative, hostile | Segmenting Business Markets Consumer and business marketers use many of the same variables to segment their markets. Business bu yers can be segmented geographically, demographically, or by benefit sought, user status, user rate and loyalty status. Yet business marketers also use some additional variables, such as customer operating characteristics, purchasing approaches , situational factors and personal characteristic. By going after segments instead of the whole market, companies can deliver the just the right value proposition to each segment served and capture more value in return. Requirements for Effective Segmentation: Clearly, there are many ways to segment a market, but not all segmentations are effective. For example, buyers of table salt could be divided into blond and brunette customers. Target Markets The second important part of the STP process is to determine which, if any, of the segments uncovered should be targeted and made the focus of a comprehensive marketing programme. Ultimately, managerial discretion and judgement determines which markets are selected and exploited and which others are ignored. Kotler (1984) suggested that in order for market segmentation to be effective, all segments must be: †¢ Distinct—is each segment clearly different from other segments? If so, different marketing mixes, to use the traditional approach to marketing, will be necessary. †¢ Accessible—can buyers be reached through appropriate promotional programmes and distribution channels? †¢ Measurable—is the segment easy to identify and measure? †¢ Profitable—is the segment sufficiently large to provide a stream of constant future revenues and profits? This approach to the evaluation of market segments is often referred to by the DAMP acronym, making it easier to remember. Another approach to evaluating market segments uses a rating approach for different segment attractiveness factors, such as market growth, segment profitability, segment size, competitive intensity within the segment, and the cyclical nature of the industry (e. g. whether or not the business is seasonal, e. g. retailing, or dependent on government political cycles as some large-scale defence contracts are). Each of these segment attractiveness factors is rated on a scale of 0–10 and loosely categorized in the high, medium, or low columns, based on either set criteria, or subjective criteria, dependent on the availability of market and customer data and the approach adopted by the managers undertaking the segmentation programme. [pic] ? Six steps in market segmentation, targeting and positioning Differentiation & Positioning Strategies Marketers can follow several positioning . strategies. These strategies use associations to change consumers' perception of products. Product attrilmtes position many technical products. The positioning of Ericssons EH237 mobile phone is its Low weight and number $ features, while much of BMW's advertising promotes individual technical items- like fresh air filters. In the exclusive watch market Breitling. Baume & Mercier and Audemars Piguet's positioning are on their mechanical movements. Some of their designs leave the mechanisms exposed and one ad argues ‘Since 1735 there has never been a quartz Rlanepain. And there never will be. ‘ The benefits they offer or the needs they fill position many products – Crest toothpaste reduces cavities. Aim tastes good and Macleans Sensitive relieves the pain of sensitive teeth. In the confectionery industry, Italian Gaci and Ferrero Rocher are gifts, while Mars and Snickers bars satisfy hunger. Huhtamaki is Finland's largest industrial company but LEAF, its confectionery division, is only ten in size worldwide. It developed competitive advantage Marketing Services to remain flexible has also led to firms hiring services that provide use without ownership. Finally, an increasing number of firms are keen to focus on their core competences. They are beginning to contract out non-core activities, such as warehousing and transportation, thus stimulating the growth of specialist business service organizations. All these developments have, in turn, led to a growing interest in the special problems of marketing services. Brand Positioning: Marketers need to position their brands clearly in target customers minds. They can position brands at any of three levels. Branding poses challenging decision. *Sample of marketing strategy of stock market consulting firm Finance Hauler Lead life less tension Our company is an service providing company. The goal of our company is to provide service , provide information about stock market in exchange of a particular fee. Ours is an unique company, so far. We are targeting specific segments in the consumers and business markets, taking the opportunity of current situation of stock market. The primary objective is to serve in Rajshahi, shaheb bazaar, then it will be scattered in the whole country, where broker houses stands. In business there is a chance of loss and also profit, we will try to make profit from the first year. Question may arise why this type of consultancy firm? The answer is the present condition of stock market. The main reason behind this is lack of proper knowledge about stock market. Investors doesnt know where to invest and when to invest. Our duty is to make him clear. As Bangladesh is a capital deficiency country, so the capital we have need to invest properly. As we are the student of Finance & Banking , our duty is to analyze the stock market, that’s why we have planned to open such type of firm. At present some brokerage house & ICB some provide information to their investors un officially. These informations are not so profitable. But there is no specialized firm who provide proper information about stock market, that’s why we intended to open such a consulting firm. By describing the targeted segments in detail, it can be said that our firm will satisfy the customers need, want, and their demand , as we have planned to scatter it in the every city of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a capital defficiency country. As peoples save less consumption more , so we need to invest the savings into right sector, We will provide information to invest in the profitable sector. So at a time the economy of Bangladesh will be increased. The standard of living of common people will be raised. The growth and development of our country will be accelerated. As we will open a firm we need specialised employees by recruiting whom we will help them to lead a better life. Features of our service : A product or service need three characteristics 1. Unique 2. Price 3. Availability According to these characteristics our service or product is perfect. Its unique. By our effort and efficiency it will be available in the whole country after a year or two year, As it is a era of globalization , anyone can get our service by using internet or telephone service from anywhere. We will take a minimum fee for registration and membership which will be easy to pay by the clients. Marketing planning aims and objectives Behind the corporate objectives, which in themselves offer the main context for the marketing plan, will lie the â€Å"corporate mission,† which in turn provides the context for these corporate objectives. In a sales-oriented organization, the marketing planning function designs incentive pay plans to not only motivate and reward frontline staff fairly but also to align marketing activities with corporate mission. This â€Å"corporate mission† can be thought of as a definition of what the organization is, of what it does: â€Å"Our business is †¦Ã¢â‚¬ . This definition should not be too narrow, or it will constrict the development of the organization; a too rigorous concentration on the view that â€Å"We are in the business of making meat-scales,† as IBM was during the early 1900s, might have limited its subsequent development into other areas. On the other hand, it should not be too wide or it will become meaningless; â€Å"We want to make a profit† is not too helpful in developing specific plans. Abell suggested that the definition should cover three dimensions: â€Å"customer groups† to be served, â€Å"customer needs† to be served, and â€Å"technologies† to be used. Thus, the definition of IBM's â€Å"corporate mission† in the 1940s might well have been: â€Å"We are in the business of handling accounting information [customer need] for the larger US organizations [customer group] by means of punched cards [technology]. † Perhaps the most important factor in successful marketing is the â€Å"corporate vision. † Surprisingly, it is largely neglected by marketing textbooks, although not by the popular exponents of corporate strategy – indeed, it was perhaps the main theme of the book by Peters and Waterman, in the form of their â€Å"Superordinate Goals. † â€Å"In Search of Excellence† said: â€Å"Nothing drives progress like the imagination. The idea precedes the deed. If the organization in general, and its chief executive in particular, has a strong vision of where its future lies, then there is a good chance that the organization will achieve a strong position in its markets (and attain that future). This will be not least because its strategies will be consistent and will be supported by its staff at all levels. In this context, all of IBM's marketing activities were underpinned by its philosophy of â€Å"customer service,† a vision originally promoted by the charismatic Watson dynasty. The emphasis at this stage is on obtaining a complete and accurate picture. Needs and corresponding features/benefits of Finance Hauler : Targeted segment |Customer need |Corresponding feature | |Professionals |. Time saving and Holiday scheme|. Usually professionals are busy so they need time less consuming scheme and information, | |(consumer market) | |and in holiday they will get informations. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |. Students have less money so they need fast moving but less price share information, as | |Students |. Seminar and money saving |they know less they will get free seminar discussion. |(consumer market) |scheme | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |. Lazy money investment scheme |. They need to secure their retirement pension money, from which they will get fast profit| |Retired person | |and stable market. |(consumer market) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |. Special scheme | | | | |. Women are totally unaware about stock market but they can make a great contribution in | |Women | |country economy by investing their small savings into stock market. We have a special | |(consumer market) | |scheme and care for women. | Competitive review: As our firm is new and unique, so far no competitor in our sector. This type of business is unavailable in our country. At future there may be competitor but now no one. Distribution review : Distribution review needs distribution channels for a product. As our service is unique so there is no better distribution channel. We have to advertise through television , radio , news paper etc. And most importantly through brokerage house. We will distribute handbills and posters. SWOT analysis: Strengths : Our strengths depends on the followings * Innovative service *Security *Pricing Weakness : Weakness are internal elements that may interfere with the company’s ability to achieve its objectives. The weakness of our firm is only the brand awareness. Opportunities : *Increased public demand *Lower technology cost. Threats : *At present no competitor so far but near future there may be competitor then there will rise our threat. Short run objectives : * First we will open our firm in Rajshahi to provide service. *Try to increase member *Profit maximization Long run objectives : *Scatter our services all over the country *Wealth maximization Issues : In relation to the service launch; issue is the ability to establish a well regarded brand name linked to a meaningful positioning. We must invest heavily in marketing to create a memorable and distinctive brand image projecting innovation, quality and value. Marketing Research & Development: In this segment how marketing research will be used to support development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and action programs. As our service on stock market, we mainly focus on capital market, economic conditions, performance of companies’ research & development. Action programs: Action programs should be coordinated with the resources and activities of other services. The first action is to know about the capital market to the people. Then make a positive concept about stock market and how to gain in the market in short run and long run. Budgets: Budgets serve two main purposes: one is to project profitability and another to help managers plan for expenditures ,scheduling and operations related to each action program. In our services We need a flat for our office purchasing furniture, equipments and other elements. Controls: Controls help management assess results after the plan is implemented identify any problems or performance variations and initiate corrective action. We are developing contingency plans to address fast-moving, new technology and new competition. ———————– Build profitable relationships and create customer delight Construct an integrated marketing program that delivers superior value Design a customer-driven marketing strategy Understand the market place and customer needs and wants Customer relationship management: build strong relationships with chosen customers Product and service design: build strong brands Select customers to serve market segmentation and targeting Research customers and the marketplace Pricing: create real value Manage marketing information and customer data Decide on a value proposition: differentiation and positioning Customer relationship management build strong relationships with chosen customers Distribution: manage demand and supply chains Partner relationship management: build strong relationships with marketing partners Promotion: communicate the value proposition ———————– 2