ART Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 14

ART - Essay Example Her serene expressions depict her inner tranquillity or it could be a sign of melancholy. The Lady in the portrait has alluring lush dark-long hair; her skin tone is fairly light brown, her body is shapely and subtle. Hence, she fulfils all the terms of being an aesthetic beauty, who is out in the nature to be noticed by the artist. Her noticeable ornaments are a finger ring, two bangles in her wrist and a shoulder band tightly enclosed around her upper arm. Ornaments like finger rings either portray commitment or are a sign of wealth. In this portrait, the woman is dominated by blue colour and has beauty all around her in the form of flowers and crystal blue water, but she has tightly closed her eyes either due to serenity or despair. Hence, the portrait leaves one a bit perplexed, the expression spread across her face depict self-possession or serenity, but the element of bliss cannot be suggested for it. Thus, one concludes that the lady in blue is either feeling grey, blue or

TV Al Hijrah Essay Example for Free

TV Al Hijrah Essay Malaysia was one of the earliest British colonies to operate a radio broadcasting service. However, the British government did not show much interest in radio in its early stage of development (Asiah Sarji, 1994). Amateurs electric companies, telecommunication personnel, and radio enthusiasts were among those who started the ball rolling. In 1921 A.L Birch, the chief electrical engineer of the Johor state government, experimented with a Peto Scott type of wireless set obtained from overseas (Malay Mail July 30 1921). In 1923 he formed the Johor Wireless Society, which triggered the formation of nearly one dozen radio societies throughout Malaya. News music and songs from the phonograms were among the first programmed broadcast. The first radio station was established not in Singapore but in Kuala Lumpur. It was the up-country gathering point for rubber estate workers and tin mines and also the capital of the Federated Malay States. It was an unofficial and an amateur radio club, which organized plans to create a local service. Although experimental broadcasts of the Singapore amateur group had begun earlier, the Kuala Lumpur operation was more successful. The Kuala Lumpur Amateur Wireless Society started experimental work in November 1929 and officially commenced its regular broadcast service at 6.30 pm with â€Å"tea dance music from the Selangor Club†. A talk on the activities of the radio club was also transmitted that night. For this and subsequent broadcast, the group was allowed the use of the Post and Telegraph Department transmitter located at Petaling Hill. The station had been constructed in 1928 and then rebuilt the following year to make it permanent installation. This was the central sta tion in the Malayan telegraphic network, but the amateurs managed to convert it to operate telephonically so that voices and music as well as Morse code could be transmitted. In 1931 the Kuala Lumpur Amateur Radio Society (KLARS) acquired its own transmitter a crystal controlled â€Å"Marconi S3A† through government channels and begun using it in May 1931. The chief enhancement afforded by the new equipment was that it operated on shortwave. By functioning on much higher frequencies, the transmitter could provide signals to cover the full length of the peninsula, parts of the Netherlands East Indies and Borneo, even though its power was only 180 watts. The post and Telegraphs Department of the Federated Malay States (FMS) was responsible once again for providing the new equipment to the amateurs, and it volunteered to â€Å"render any assistance to the society†. The selection of the exact wavelength was debated upon by the members, but in the end 75 meter band (4 MHz) was chosen as best for reception for the whole country. After two years of operation, the station shifted to 48.92 meter band or 6.125 MHz In 1933 more permanence was given to the amateurs when they were allocated space to construct a studio next to the transmitting room at Petaling Hill. The broadcasting facilities came in handy for the Japanese during their occupation of three years and eight months. They used broadcasting for propaganda. After the Japanese surrender, the British military administration took charge of broadcasting. On April 1, 1946, the day the Malayan Union came, the governments setup the Department of Broadcasting or Radio Malaya (Glattbach Balakrishnan, 1978: Sarji 1994). The sole function of broadcasting until the country independence in 1957 was to help the government to control the social and political confusion that followed the war and the communist of 1948. [pic] Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) first introduced black and white TV on December 28, 1963. The opening was done by the Prime Minister Tuanku Abdul Rahman at 6pm and the first person who appear on the TV Screen was 9M2RI ( Raja Iskandar) with the establishment of one TV network, Saluran 5 TV Malaysia which operated from its temporary studio in Dewan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Jalan Ampang Kuala Lumpur. At that time the transmission was from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on the week days and on weekends from 6.00pm to 11.00pm. Initially its area of coverage was confined only to the capital city. Then, later between 1964 and 1965, the nation witnessed the greater expansion of TV transmitters. Finally on October 6, 1969 broadcast operations in the nation’s capital moved to its present site Angkasapuri. Six days later radio and TV broadcasting operations were officially merged and kept under the purview of the Malaysian Information Department on November 17, 1969, RTM started its second network. In 1969 channel 2 was launched and in 1978 color TV was introduced. Despite the rapid development of broadcast in West Malaysia, East Malaysia received their first broadcasting programmed in 1971 (Sabah) and 1975 (Sarawak). The first private commercial broadcasting station was established in June 1983 by System Television Malaysia Berhad and was name as TV3. This was the decade of privatization. It all began with the shifting to new administration from the former Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn’s to the new administration of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. This new administration’s firm belief in privatization sped up the establishment of many private broadcasting stations. TV AL HIJRAH In 622, Muhammad SA faces stiff opposition Quraish tribe in Mecca. He then left the last Mecca to Medina. Prophet Muhammads migration from Mecca to Medina to be the beginning of a very significant history in Islam and thus marked the beginning of one of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. Hijrah means to move. This event is a very big impact. Al Hijrah connotation grow and not purely calendar Prophets pilgrimage, but also extended to any change towards betterment. Hence TV Al Hijrah intends to play the role of a TV for the society continued to change towards betterment. Al Hijrah TV is proud to be a form of broadcasting Islamic content to maintain high standards in the published programs, even high pioneered digital stations (HD) in the local broadcasting industry. TV Al Hijrah is a state-owned free-to-air television network in Malaysia, which is owned and operated by Al Hijrah Media Corporation, a government owned company. It broadcasts from its headquarters in Pusat Islam, Kuala Lumpur. On 16 September 2009, the first Islamic television station in Malaysia, Al Hijrah TV show as a marker of a new era in the broadcasting industry in Malaysia. The primary purpose of this station is to provide a platform TV to educate, entertain and unite the community. Content is appropriate for all ages, for Muslim and non-Muslim audience. The main demographic targeted at young audiences and groups less than 40 years. As the first Islamic TV stations to introduce Islam as a lifestyle, TV Al Hijrah play an important role as a platform for sharing knowledge, information and thoughts to share with Muslims of all walks viewers. TV Al Hijrah offer fresh content and programs that meet the needs of the present audience. Each of content researched and developed not only to attract the attention of the audience through the creative publication, but especially the Islamic current tastes. Most important of all content published on the values ​​of Islam which is anchored to honesty, openness and progressive. TV Al Hijrah has strictly adhered to the teachings and principles of Islam, at the same time respecting the local culture and tradition is not against religion, while adhering to the moral and universal values. They also celebrate knowledge and innovative ideas as well as respect for diversity of views. Prioritize unity and seek solutions through knowledge and information. Quran and Hadith as the main reference which for promoting idea of ​​comparative paradigm capable of lifting, absorption of new technologies especially in the field of broadcasting. It was also offering innovation in multi-platform for media and new media.

What is Research? :: The Definition of Research

Research. Function: noun, verb transitive Etymology: Middle French recerche, from recerchier to investigate thoroughly, from Old French, from re- + cerchier to search Date: 1577 Research is a process of investigation. An examination of a subject from different points of view. It's not just a trip to the library to pick up a stack of materials, or picking the first five hits from a computer search. Research is a hunt for the truth. It is getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting, playing with the ideas, choosing the areas that interest you and following up on them. Research is the way you educate yourself. Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others. Research is a process through which we attempt to achieve systematically and with the support of data the answer to a question, the resolution of a problem, or a greater understanding of a phenomenon. Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. The primary aim for applied research is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe. DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION OF RESESARCH PROCESS: WHAT IS REPORT? An account presented usually in detail. A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group. In writing, a report is a document characterized by information or other content reflective of inquiry or investigation, which is tailored to the context of a given situation and audience. The purpose of reports is usually to inform. Reports may include persuasive elements, such as recommendations, suggestions, or other motivating conclusions that indicate possible future actions the report reader might take. Reports can be public or private, and often address questions posed by individuals in government, business, education, and science. KINDS OF RESEARCH REPORT: ïÆ'Ëœ DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH: This research is the most commonly used and the basic reason for carrying out descriptive research is to identify the cause of something that is happening. For instance, this research could be used in order to find out what age group is buying a particular brand of cola, whether a company’s market share differs between geographical regions or to discover how many competitors a company has in their marketplace.

Essay --

Credit Rating Check: Improve Your Credit Score Your credit score is one of your most important financial attributes. Fortunately for those who are unsatisfied with their credit rating, there are plenty of options available. Improving your score is an attainable goal that everyone should aim for, even those who are content with their credit rating. Checking Your Score The first step to improving your credit score is simple, yet essential; request a copy of your credit report. Improvements can only be made when you are aware of your starting point. Luckily, this process is free, easy, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. You can visit www.annualcreditreport.com to complete the necessary forms online, or find information on how to complete the process via phone or mail. Aside from informing you of your score, it is also important to request a credit report to ensure that there are no errors. Clerical mistakes can occur, and you want to make certain that your credit score reflects completely accurate information. It is best to request a credit report as soon as possible, since disputing any issues can be a lengthy process. Paying Bills on Time This may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the most important steps to improving your credit score is to pay all of your bills on time. Even making payments a few days late can have an impact on your score, so try to always pay on (or, even better, before) the due-date. If you find yourself with a missed payment or two, it is very important to get caught up as soon as possible. Although older information will remain on your credit report, it holds less value than current financial activity. The longer you can go without missing a due-date, the less relevance y... ...ge. On top of that, a sudden increase in credit portrays you as a much higher risk than someone who has steadily built up accounts and credit as needed. Improving your credit score can be a difficult and frustrating process that takes plenty of patience. It is important to build strong financial habits that will increase your score over time. When you find yourself dealing with credit from the past, this process becomes even more complicated, but this is when it is most essential to take charge and begin to work on these steps. First and foremost, you must get a credit rating check if you want to improve your score. With that information, you can decide what steps need to be taken; they will be slightly different for everyone. It may be tough to motivate yourself to take charge of your credit score, but you will definitely thank yourself for doing so.

Did America become more intolerant during the 1920’s Essay

America is the most powerful country in the world and prides itself in being a ‘melting pot’ of different cultures but has that always been true of America. I would like to argue that during the 1920’s America became less tolerant of anything Un-American. I would like to mention immigration policy, the Ku Klux Klan, political hysteria and Religious intolerance. Before 1917 America had an ‘open door’ policy toward immigration but thousands of immigrants were pouring in from eastern European, Asian, and African countries which the WASPS (White Anglo Saxon Protestants), who had power at the time, didn’t want in America. After 1917 a literacy test was introduced so all immigrants had to be able to read and write in English to be allowed in to the country which discriminated against non English speaking countries and poorer countries where people couldn’t afford to learn English, and so the ‘open door’ began to close. In 1921 the amount of immigrants was still a major problem to the WASPS and the immigration quota act was introduced that only allowed three hundred and fifty seven thousand immigrants into the USA each year. It also stated the amount of people emigrating from a particular country should not exceed three percent of the number of people from that country already living in America in 1910. This system also discriminated against countries undesirable to the WASPS since they had the smallest population already living in America in 1910. The ‘open door’ closed further in 1924 when the amount of immigrants allowed into America was reduced to two percent of the population in 1890 and in 1929 when the total number of immigrants from any country was reduced to one hundred and fifty thousand people from any country to be allowed into America per year. The purpose of these laws was to protect the interests of the WASPS already in America who held power at the time but feared losing it to opposing groups such as Jews, Catholics, Blacks, Communists and anarchists. Another way America was becoming more intolerant during the 1920’s was through the Ku Klux Klan, an organisation founded by a Texan dentist named Hiram Wesley Evans and its main aim was to protect white supremacy and the interests of the WASPS. During the 1920’s when racial and political intolerance was at a peak membership rocketed to 5 million. The Klan was strongest in the southern states, which had previously been the slave states, and hatred for the blacks was heightened as whites and blacks were now competing for jobs, houses and land. The clan put its views across using extreme violence, for instance, should a black man get a job over a white man the white man would have a word with the Klan, the Klan would pay the black man a visit and the next day the black man would resign so the white man could have the job, in other cases the Klan would organise lynchings where mobs would roam the streets looking for a disliked ethnic minority person to beat up and possibly kill. Membership of the Klan was limited to American WASPS and no other ethnic groups could join. Another aspect of American intolerance was fear of revolution or ‘Red scare.’ In 1920 approximately 150,000 Americans had communist or anarchist views which represented 0.1 percent of the population of America but many Americans feared communist or anarchist revolution more than anything else. Communism and anarchy were feared so as: communist and anarchist extremists were seen to arrange trade union demonstrations which were described by the papers as communist demonstrations, an anarchist shot president McKinley dead twenty years previously, Russia had become a communist country in 1917 and the Palmer incident of 1920. In June 1920 an unidentified man left a bomb outside the house of the attorney general, A Mitchell Palmer which resulted in the death of the bomber. The attack was presumed to be a communist assassination attempt due to a copy of a communist newspaper being found in the vicinity of the blast, which may have been discarded there innocently or planted by Palmer to use the attack to stir up hatred for communists who were regarded as a threat to the American constitution and the WASPS in general. The attack resulted in A Mitchell Palmer heading raids on communists and anarchists that resulted in six thousand arrests and only two prosecutions for firearms offences. Another cause of political intolerance in the 1920’s was the case of Sacco and Vanzetti. Sacco and Vanzetti were charged with a wages robbery in which two guards were shot dead. Sacco and Vanzetti were both recent immigrants from Italy, neither spoke very good English, both were carrying loaded guns when arrested (although this is no crime in the USA even today) and most importantly both harboured anarchist views. Both men were put on trial with a highly biased Judge and a jury made up of WASPS, who in general disliked Anarchists and anything un-American. The evidence for the defence of Sacco and Vanzetti far outweighed the evidence against them and the prosecution even used the fact that Sacco was carrying an anarchist leaflet at the time of arrest against them. Even though Sacco and Vanzetti were probably innocent the jury found them guilty and the pair were executed on the twenty fourth of August 1927. The final aspect of American intolerance in the 1920’s I am going to write about is religious intolerance. Throughout the 1920’s church attendance across America was falling, especially on the urban areas. This worried many religious Americans and some of the more extreme people founded revivalist groups with the aim of getting American people back into the church. A prime example of an extreme revivalist and probably one of the most famous was ‘Sister’ Aimee Semple McPherson. Sister Aimee was head of the ‘Four square gospel alliance’ and she often led services of over five thousand people dressed as an angel and beating time to the hymns on a tambourine. Sister Aimee used the frenzy created during her sermons to make the incurable think they were cured and walk out of wheelchairs and leave crutches behind. Sister Aimee became a millionaire from collections taken during her services. Many Americans also became intolerant to non-American religious views such as Darwin’s theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory of evolution says that humans evolved from apes over millions of years and the bible states that the world was created in 4004 BC by god in six days. Darwin’s theory had caused great controversy in the mid-nineteenth century and was generally accepted across the board but as intolerance grew in the 1920’s people began to doubt this theory and the old arguments flared up again. In 1924 strong fundamentalists (who were against Darwin’s theory) set up the anti-evolution league with the aim of making it illegal to teach the theory of evolution. Even though the idea seems somewhat farfetched the anti evolution league succeeded in six states. In Dayton, Tennessee two teachers, Johnny Scopes and his college decided to put the new law to test and for Johnny Scopes to teach the theory of evolution to his class and his college to sue him for breach of the law. Johnny Scopes taught his class the theory of evolution and was subsequently arrested and put on trial. The two sides hijacked the trial and it became Christian fundamentalism on trail rather than Johnny Scopes. Benefactors from both sides of the argument hired two of the best lawyers in America to fight the ‘Monkey trial’ (as the press called it). During the trial the defence lawyer questioned the prosecution lawyer on flaws in the biblical theory he couldn’t explain to which the prosecution lawyer replied, â€Å"I am not satisfied by any evidence I have seen.† The questioning continued like this until the press began making fun of the prosecution lawyer and the judge put a stop to it. Johnny Scopes was found guilty of breaking the law and fined one hundred dollars. These are the main reasons for which I believe the United States of America was becoming more intolerant during the 1920’s. I particularly believe the American immigration policy, the Ku Klux Klan and the Red Scare contributed greatly to the views of many Americans and all the intolerance was down to the selfishness of the WASPS who wanted to protect their own supremacy, wealth, beliefs and interests.

building suburbia essays

building suburbia essays Building Suburbia: Green fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000 Since World War Two, American cities have gone through enormous changes. Industrial decline, crumbling homes and schools, overcrowded neighborhoods, rigid segregation and racial trauma, rising crime and violence and an alarming revenues have all contributed to a troubled urban landscape. For a short period of time in American developments, large scale government interventions seemed to point the way to urban salvation. But in the wake of massive urban renewal, expressway construction, and public housing projects, cities seem worse off than ever. Meanwhile, many sought refuge in the supposed safety of the vast new suburbs that encircled the old cities. But many found that suburban life brought new kinds of problems, such as auto dependency, increased pollution, and a loss of public life. Today, scholars, journalists, and citizens increasingly realize that urban issues are not confined to inner cities, but are broadly metropolitan and national because they involve everyone in an u rban region and the nation. Growing Suburbia is an excellent historical analysis book about suburbs in America. Dolores Hayden, author and a professor at Yale, clearly demonstrates the origin of the suburb and emphasizes the role of the federal government played in building suburbia in America. Examples Hayden uses in the book include policies to subsidizing suburbia by massively funding highways or providing many generous tax benefits to homeowners. Upon reading various chapters, Hayden gives me the impression that she is not very happy about the overly developments and the increasing social crime rates in the urban region. However, Hayden still holds an optimist mind that many issues concerning various urban experiences will improve over time. It is not surprise to find plenty of women and ethnic issues in the book. She points out many controversial topics such as womens role, class...

Free Essays on Its A Mans World

It’s a Man’s World The woman’s role has transformed throughout history. Less than a century ago, only specific professions were open to females, and even these jobs were perceived as second-class, not as creditable or important as men’s work. Still, women fought long and hard for gender equality. Today, women have the right to vote, most, if not all, jobs are open to women, and equal pay, it seems, is a reality society will soon come to know. However, just as society has begun to feel almost ready to accept women as man’s equal, all one must do is open a magazine, and all the hopes and dreams for a gender-equal society seem to come tumbling down. Women are splashed in every magazine, wearing minimal clothing, posing in suggestive manners, and, in ads that include men, are almost always presented under male domination. Thus, one can draw only one conclusion: The image of women in advertising is unrealistic, sexist and the brainchild of men. The world of advertising consists of super thin models, perfectly shaped, and flawless in every way. However, it seems that it is only in the land of publicity where these women hold the majority. Looking up from the magazine and into the real world, it’s been calculated the average woman weighs 23% more than a fashion model found displayed in ads. In addition, women between the ages of 18-34 have a slim 7% probability of being as skinny as a runway model and improbable 1% likelihood of being as thin as a supermodel. (Media scope: Body Image and Advertising) False reflections of the â€Å"average† women, which are clearly boasted all over the United States and Canada, affect women’s self esteem and self-image. 69% of women say the advertised models have manipulated their idea of the â€Å"perfect body†. (Media scope: Body Image and Advertising) The saddest part of all of this, however, is that the pressure to look like the supermodels starts at a very young age. A Me... Free Essays on It's A Man's World Free Essays on It's A Man's World It’s a Man’s World The woman’s role has transformed throughout history. Less than a century ago, only specific professions were open to females, and even these jobs were perceived as second-class, not as creditable or important as men’s work. Still, women fought long and hard for gender equality. Today, women have the right to vote, most, if not all, jobs are open to women, and equal pay, it seems, is a reality society will soon come to know. However, just as society has begun to feel almost ready to accept women as man’s equal, all one must do is open a magazine, and all the hopes and dreams for a gender-equal society seem to come tumbling down. Women are splashed in every magazine, wearing minimal clothing, posing in suggestive manners, and, in ads that include men, are almost always presented under male domination. Thus, one can draw only one conclusion: The image of women in advertising is unrealistic, sexist and the brainchild of men. The world of advertising consists of super thin models, perfectly shaped, and flawless in every way. However, it seems that it is only in the land of publicity where these women hold the majority. Looking up from the magazine and into the real world, it’s been calculated the average woman weighs 23% more than a fashion model found displayed in ads. In addition, women between the ages of 18-34 have a slim 7% probability of being as skinny as a runway model and improbable 1% likelihood of being as thin as a supermodel. (Media scope: Body Image and Advertising) False reflections of the â€Å"average† women, which are clearly boasted all over the United States and Canada, affect women’s self esteem and self-image. 69% of women say the advertised models have manipulated their idea of the â€Å"perfect body†. (Media scope: Body Image and Advertising) The saddest part of all of this, however, is that the pressure to look like the supermodels starts at a very young age. A Me...

The lost youth of all quiet essays

The lost youth of all quiet essays All Quiet on the Western Front Themes "We run, we throw, we shoot, we kill, we lie about, we are feeble, and spent... Paul Baumer A book of the tragedy of war expressed in sorrow by Erich Maria Remarque explains All Quiet on the Western Front to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure. Throughout this novel many themes are expressed that of which all sum up to the major themes of the senselessness of war. Comradeship, wars brutality, and the lost generation, these themes express the book in its purest form, showing it from a soldiers perspective. We are at rest five miles behind the front. The importance of this line, the opening line of the book, is to notice that Paul is a first-person narrator, and the first word of the book is We. This shows how Remarque wanted to display comradeship as such an importance. Being the only good thing to come out of the war comradeship takes a large place in the novel. Pauls closeness with his comrades begins to grow until he sees the enemy ads comrades with different uniforms. Comrade, I did not want to kill you.... But you were only an idea to me before, an abstraction that lived in my mind and called forth its appropriate response.... This was said after Paul killed Gerald Duval and realized he had a family and friends just like Paul. In Remarques epigraph he states that its dedicated to men destroyed by the war, this having two meanings to it, physically, and mentally. War brutality is highly expressed as Paul sees many of his friends die, and to many it doesnt touch them anymore. As he gets his leave its only misery and pain as he can never read books again or do any other favorite activity stating at the end of his leave simply, I ought never to have come on leave. The death, pain, suffering, starvation, and countless other reasons back up the statement o ...

Early African Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Early African Art - Essay Example ed from either wood or other organic materials, these sculptures were a reflection of certain societal issues, which includes and not limited to the deities. In this relation, this paper considers the following collection of the African Arts; Of all the continents, Africa is one that is much infested with the art of rock painting than all the continents that constitute the world. In addition, rock painting in Africa remains not only the oldest but also one that has been continuously been practiced through generations. Among the features that are shown in the Africans rock painting includes human figures, animals, and a combination of the animals and futures that are related to human beings. These features were collectively referred to as therianthropes normally associated with the shamanism (Abiodun, Henry, and John, 88). The African rock painting can be categorized in three domains, the southern, central, and the northern. The demarcation considers the regional and the similarity in the trend of the rock painting. It is urged that the rock painting of the three domains indicate reasonable degree of resemblance that even untrained eyes would find it easy to recognize and differentiate. It is worth noting that not all the rock painting demonstrates pre-historical existence since most of the rock painting thrived in the nineteenth century and continues to grow today. In South Africa, Drakensberg, the roc painting in the areas simply depicted the confrontation between the European and the San who were considered the Bushmen. The paintings mostly demonstrate the European solders riding o horses and rifles hanging on their shoulders. In is interesting to note that some of the paintings demonstrates three dimensional using a special painting material called the polychrome shading (Bodrogi, 67). What is considered the southern zone in the African rock painting stretches from Cape Town in South Africa and cuts right through Zimbabwe and the Zambezi River in Zambia. The

Advertising and media in the marketing environment Lab Report

Advertising and media in the marketing environment - Lab Report Example The company is headquartered at Herzogenaurach, Germany. The company was founded by Adolf Dassler in the year 1924. Market capitalization of the company is $13.30 billion as of 2011 (Yahoo Finance, 2012). Porter Five Force Purchasing Power of Buyer Buyer power in the industry has weakened due to individuality of customers. Individual consumers lack in financial strength to affect business strategy of large manufacturers such as Nike, Puma, Adidas and others. Buyer power is low due to following factors: (Source: Marketline, 2012) Power of Supplier Sportswear industry is complemented by three inter connected themes such as innovation, research & development and adoption of style trend. In many cases it has been observed that Nike and Adidas design their sportswear in counties like USA, UK and other developed countries but subcontract manufacturing process to developing countries such as China, India and South Korea. Partial control over forward and backward integration of value chain d ecreases power of retailer but increases power of supplier hence it can be said that supplier power is strongNew entrants need to form a new company and diversify their business in order enter sportswear industry. New entrants need to establish strong distribution channel and sustainable logistics framework. New entrants need to invest huge amount of money on setting up logistic division while revenue growth is not very exciting. Risky condition of business and high start up cost have created high entry barrier for new entrants. (Source: Marketline, 2012) Threat of Substitute Online retailers such as eBay, Amazon has emerged as major competitor for brick and mortar sportswear retail channels. In many cases it has been observed as e-business companies are selling branded sportswear to customers without mentioning mark-up difference and technical knowhow. This situation creates negative image about the brand such as Adidas, Nike or Puma in the mind of consumer hence it can be said tha t threat of substitute is high. (Source: Marketline, 2012) Competitive Rivalry Companies like Nike, Puma and Adidas are trying to compete with each other at every aspect of sportswear products. Presence of online and offline retailer has intensified the completion while switching cost is low for customers because branded companies do not provide incentives to them. Based on the situation it can be inferred that competitive rivalry is high in the industry. (Source: Marketline, 2012) PESTLE Political Environment Adidas need to work in coordination with Political Action Committee (PAC) in order to handle government issues of particular country (Curtis, 2010, p. 43). Economic The world is going through economic crisis such as Eurozone sovereign debt problem and recession. These two events have dampened the growth of economy (Lynn, 2010, pp. 94-104). Adidas need to

Marketing Management Principles, Practices and Religion Essay

Marketing Management Principles, Practices and Religion - Essay Example On the other end, faith, which happens to be the greatest provider of meaning in all people’s lives fails to register not even a single statement on the radar of nearly every mainline of marketing reading materials published in the past rigid couple of decades. This apparent and particular paradox is the systemic provider of the backdrop to this paper. Today, different analysts are examining the berthing idea of adjoining politics and religion into the broadened marketing camp. There are brief contemporary reviews of religious marketing, where analysts are undertaking comparison of politics and religion to assess whether these pillars can conform to a uniform framework of marketing for environments, which are non-business. Again, there is critical examination of the idea that religious economy validates marketing in faith environments. All these examinations depict a common factor whereby, they all aim at determining whether it is appropriate to apply marketing management prin ciples and practices to religion (Daft & Marci, 2010). This paper will explore significant objectives that revolve around adopting principles of marketing and methods that show the degree in which marketing management principles finds it appropriate to apply adoption of religious practices and principles.... best part of the past century is that, there has been continuous adoption of marketing principles and practices but its seeds are appearing in the modern part of early years of the twentieth century where disciplinary forms of academics are revealing modern systems of marketing in politics. Years earlier, innovators came up with mass leafleting, polling through computers, personal letters, and established relationship between marketing, and the World Wide Web where efforts to incorporate business and religion passed fruitlessly. This is because of the fact that, most of these innovations oriented business into politics as opposed to business and religion (Curry, 2009). A brief survey of religious marketing Late twentieth century witnessed accelerated adoption of methods of marketing from the mainstream of consumer marketing to initiation in different aspects of life such as religion. At the close of twentieth century, every channel presented and segmented different religious services where the public has an opportunity of choosing. Different writers started documenting the emergency of religious marketing as part of academic focus in early 1980s. Since then, publishing of religious marketing management reading materials started only to last for no more than a year (Vallabhaneni, 2008). However, as time went on, these religious reading materials took a different direction as they started appearing once more in the late 1990s. Particularly, in the US where there a number of organizations equipped with special knowledge, books, and courses were available with the view of helping churches grow and expand their congregations by applying marketing methods and practices into their marketing mainstream. The challenge of religious marketing Even though there are no conventional

Television Addict by Marie Winn Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Television Addict by Marie Winn - Assignment Example She first gives the pleasurable symptoms of television addiction, and confirms the same through a sample individual confession. In the essay, she also gives various examples of how significant television addiction influences peoples lives in more negative ways that commonly imagined by the victims themselves; an indication of how the victims sense of reality. In explicit statements, she is categorical that addicts tend to ignore all other productive activities in order to stay put in front of their screens, to which they cannot master enough strength to turn off for countless. The thesis statement of the easy can, therefore, be stated as follows: Television experience is as serious enough as any other addictions of hard drugs, for they not only activate pleasurable effects that inactive mental state of reality, but does well to destroy an individual’s worth through withdrawal from being objective in life. The author switches from discussing addiction in general terms to talking specifically about addiction to television in paragraph six. She, in fact, informs the reader more directly by stating clearly what follows in the very paragraph, that: â€Å"Let us consider television viewing in the light of the conditions that define serious addictions.† Indeed right after the statement, Winn jumps straight away to the symptoms of television viewing that makes it an addiction like those of alcohol or other drugs. To be certain, she argues that television viewing distorts the victim’s sense of reality, forcing the participant into a passive world of pleasurable mental state, to which they completely have no control over. From the point on, the author talks specifically to the readers over television addiction, more particularly with regards to the Vitim’s control ability to limit hours spent in front of television screens. Marie follows her discussion of the symptoms of television addiction with a sample

Venezuela Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Venezuela - Essay Example However, talking in regards to culture of the region, it is highly relevant to mention the fact that Venezuela presents a mix of various other cultures which comprises of European, African, Caribbean, Indian as well as North American (Crooker and Gritzner 10). A majority of the masses communicate in the Spanish language. While talking on the lines of the religion of the masses, it has to be said that a large majority of the people are members of the Roman Catholic Church. The major cities of the country of Venezuela are Caracas and Maracaibo and as of the year 2002, the population count stood at over 24,000,000. It has to be said that the country’s main products of agricultural nature are highly diversified in nature and comprise of rice, corn, vegetables, coffee and even dairy and meat products. The manufacturing outputs of the country comprises of textile, food based products. It also comprises of aluminium, steel and automobiles. The currency of the region is Bolivar whose valuation with regards to the US currency stands at around .14 USD for 1 Bolivar. Analysis It has to be said that for in-depth analysis of the risk as well as business attractiveness presented by the country of Venezuela, the analysis should be done while trying to analyze the political, economic, social and technological environment of the nation. Political While analyzing the political environment of the country of Venezuela, immediate focus of any researcher often shifts to the fact that the nation is often plagued with various kinds of political unrest and disturbances for a long period of time. Since the last couple of decades, the world has witnessed a pretty nasty picture emerging from the political theatre of the region (Nichols and Morse 78-79). The political scenario turned quite hostile towards America, when the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez arrived in power since the year 1999. A staunch opponent of tactics and strategies implemented by the United States in regar ds to managing the South American nations, it can be said that the nation of Venezuela created a hostile environment in regards to political co operation between the two countries at the international level (US Dept. Of State, â€Å"US Relations with Venezuela†). Also while analyzing the upcoming political future for the nation, it has to be said that the passing away of the elected national president presents a high level of political instability as of the current times as well as the immediate future (Duddy, â€Å"Political Unrest in Venezuela†). Thus it can be analyzed that the scenario emerging from the political side of the country is quite vulnerable and instable in nature. Economic Venezuela is a country which is high on oil deposits. Hence, the country is dependent on its oil reserves, which contributes to 95% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. The GDP of the nation as of the year 2012 has been estimated at around 402.1 billion USD and is growing at the rate of 5.7%. It has to be said as a result of increase in spending by the government along with enhanced access to domestic credit, there was a tremendous rise of consumption which resulted in the arrival of high inflation level in the economy of the nation. Talking on a summary note, it has to be said that the economic environment of Venezuela is loaded with crisis arising from the arena of housing needs, food and electricity

Television Addict by Marie Winn Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Television Addict by Marie Winn - Assignment Example She first gives the pleasurable symptoms of television addiction, and confirms the same through a sample individual confession. In the essay, she also gives various examples of how significant television addiction influences peoples lives in more negative ways that commonly imagined by the victims themselves; an indication of how the victims sense of reality. In explicit statements, she is categorical that addicts tend to ignore all other productive activities in order to stay put in front of their screens, to which they cannot master enough strength to turn off for countless. The thesis statement of the easy can, therefore, be stated as follows: Television experience is as serious enough as any other addictions of hard drugs, for they not only activate pleasurable effects that inactive mental state of reality, but does well to destroy an individual’s worth through withdrawal from being objective in life. The author switches from discussing addiction in general terms to talking specifically about addiction to television in paragraph six. She, in fact, informs the reader more directly by stating clearly what follows in the very paragraph, that: â€Å"Let us consider television viewing in the light of the conditions that define serious addictions.† Indeed right after the statement, Winn jumps straight away to the symptoms of television viewing that makes it an addiction like those of alcohol or other drugs. To be certain, she argues that television viewing distorts the victim’s sense of reality, forcing the participant into a passive world of pleasurable mental state, to which they completely have no control over. From the point on, the author talks specifically to the readers over television addiction, more particularly with regards to the Vitim’s control ability to limit hours spent in front of television screens. Marie follows her discussion of the symptoms of television addiction with a sample

Eleven Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Eleven - Essay Example In a time of emotional support, my family comes first in consoling and helping me. At least, family can remain genuine to you all the time. Long when I was little, I used to depend so much on my family for every decision-making support. However, this has changed greatly as I make more friends who can help me sort out some of my needs that my family cannot. Friends can even help me keep a secret that I do not wish my family to know. The communication pattern with my family is satisfactory, and it makes me achieve most of my needs. However, there are certain needs that the communication pattern in my family will not help me achieve. Such needs are easily achieved through the help of friends. Friends normally consider one someone mature at some point when your family still consider you a child. Therefore, in order to change the pattern, I would like my parents to consider me as someone who can sometimes make right decisions on their own. Therefore, I can sometimes be allowed of exercising independent-minded decisions. In my family, use mostly use communication as a way of reaching out to my parents whenever there is a need I want them to know about. Most of the time, everyone is busy in the family attending to different issues separately. Therefore, you only take a short time to pass a message to whoever is concerned when it is required to. My family is majoring on weekends and holidays to be family days. During such days, we go out as a family to relax together, and on vacation during long holidays. This creates a forum for us to be together as a family and be close to each other. However, I would wish that parents create more time for their children to attend to all their needs as they want them to. To other families, it is very important to watch your children grow and give them the best directions in

Understanding Organizational Performance Essay Example for Free

Understanding Organizational Performance Essay The focus of this paper will be on investigating an organization, their performance management system and our recommendations for the future. Historically performance management is defined as evaluation a firm through metrics such as return on investment and economic value added. Our analysis will cover not only the financial performance of our chosen firm, but also their values in behaviors as well as their objectives. Thus, we will ascertain if the current system of performance management held by the firm is aligned with their objectives and appropriate for their situation. 1.1 – Why is strategic performance management important? Strategic performance management is a process where an organization develops its objectives, mission, and strategy, and measures and guides itself through management of key performance indicators or other success factors. Czarnecki (1999), states that measuring your organizations performance through each of the areas of most impact is essential for thoroughly assessing your performance. Thus when a firm like TESCO is preparing to make decisions they need to analyze a relevant data which can be converted into actionable information on their performance objectives. 1.2 – Describe the structure and plan of the investigation The structure of this investigation will be to first discuss the organization and its activities in the sector. Secondly, we will discuss the history of performance management of the organization and the relation between their systems and the actual performance. Finally, we conclude with highlighting any areas of improvement and making recommendations for seni or management. 2.0 – Performance Management in TESCO TESCO has employed a system called the TESCO steering wheel to handle performance measurement. This process is similar to the balanced scorecard created by Norton and Kaplan. The TESCO steering wheel was implemented in the late 1990’s and served as part of the critical expansion that the firm underwent as they explored innovative retail formats, product lines, and geographic areas. It can be attributed to their newfound success. 2.1 – Introduction to TESCO The organization that we will be investigating will be TESCO. TESCO is one of the largest retailers in the world and an organization which has shown success in utilizing strategic performance management. There are several styles of performance management which range from Porter’s five forces, to lean management, to the chaos model. The model which was discovered in 1996 and has been one of the most popular is the balanced scorecard. This model which was discovered by Norton and Kaplan has been used by  ¾ of European and Fortune 500 organizations (Balanced Scorecard, 2010). TESCO is unique in that it has implemented this model successfully. In 1995, Tesco surpassed its competitors Sainsbury’s as the top superstore in the United Kingdom. This catapulted its market shares from 15.4% in 1988 to about 29% in 2004. Acquisitions include the famed convenience superstore, TS plc and almost 900 stores around the UK. TESCO has a 30% market share in the United Kingdom and is dominating the market over its competitors. 2.2 – Why are they in business (Stakeholder or Shareholder?) TESCO is in business and highly successful because their founder was a driving force in setting up a foundation of a thriving market in the UK early on. He believed in piling products high and selling them at a cheap price. Since, the company has gone public they have placed close attention to the desires of the shareholders and places the fifth perspective of the steering wheel (financial) as a big component in the performance of their executives. Spitzer (2007) stated that holistic performance measurement enables management to continually assess the fruits of their labor with conducting a review. 2.3 – Strategic performance management of TESCO In regard to investing in their workforce, TESCO believes strongly that human capital is one of their most precious resources. The organization has their â€Å"options programme† which is designed to focus on long-term strategic goals for employees. They also have on job training, which is a cost effective way to ensure that their staff is capable of performing well. Tesco Leadership Framework is directed at three key themes to guide behavior in all employees. These behaviors link to nine critical success factors. The critical success factors can be segmented in several levels of assessment. This aids management in selecting the staff with the capacity to become high performing contributors to organisations. As part of the long term  strategy of the corporation, discovering future leaders is of the utmost importance. TESCO states that they will select leaders wherever they can be found in the organization for advancement. Promotions are a regular occurrence as over 2,900 man agers were promoted internally in the United Kingdom and literally thousands more in international locations. The Options programme is a more infrequently used as only 1 in 30 employees are enrolled while basic training and development happens about every 1 in 10 members of TESCO. Before beginning their development plan, each member of the TESCO staff selects gaps in their skills and competencies. The Personal Development Plan has a section where they can select this information for their line managers to check on in the future. 2.4 – What is strategic performance management? Who says so? The balanced scorecard is the most widely used standard for performance management. As mentioned before, performance management is defined as reaching objectives which can be quantified financially. Performance most times is just simply put as achieving success in your business operations. Therefore, performance means process and manner of functioning to attain beforehand objectives which you set out to achieve. Therefore, behavior must be tied to a result which will be judge throughout the fiscal year of operations for the firm. The balanced scorecard is an excellent tool to keep the organization planning and strategizing forward rather than assessing their operation based on past results. Performance management in many organizations is conducted and reported by line managers who are continuously overseeing employees and operations and giving a formal review at designated times. The values, mission, and objectives of the organizations are intertwined with the financial value added so that the process is flexible and requires less dialogue unless a major event occurs. 2.5 – Is performance management evident at a strategic level in TESCO? On the executive level of the firm compensation is closely tied to the performance of the firm which is common for most public firms. Earlier in 2012 it was found that performance bonuses were slashed to 16.9 per cent of the maximum. This was due to the fact that TESCO was behind its competitors in the UK in terms of sales in 2011 and the top 5,000 managers felt the pain of the company’s shortcomings. 3.0 – TESCO’s Activities and Environment TESCO is a global organization with facilities in over 14 nations and their headquarters being in the United Kingdom with 260 million plus as clients available at their hub. Their outlets have several different types of styles from hypermarket, to non-food item stores, to membership clubs. If one would take into consideration the enormous size of TESCO, it is easy to see that they would require a strategic performance management system which is flexible and nimble. Jones (2012) states that global organization need to have a holistic approach towards managing their operations and not a segmented method. This is crucial in the retail market. The retail market is nonetheless a competitive industry with commoditized stores and international competition in many of the markets the TESCO operates in. Therefore, TESCO has chosen the balanced scorecard approach which has given them success. 3.1 – What activities does TESCO engage in and in what sector? TESCO is a global grocery and merchandise corporation which was founded in the United Kingdom. The organization started IN 1919 with the retail sale of groceries and has diversified its product mix to include electronics, furniture, clothing, and books. Therefore, the company operates in multiple sectors and has a presence on every continent. The company used the aggressive strategy and approach of Jack Cohen to become one of the largest retail outlets on the planet behind only Carrefour and Wal-Mart. Sectors include: Groceries, electronics, financial services, petrol, telecommunications, clothing, music downloads 3.2 – What context does TESCO’s performance management fit in? Organizational performance can be viewed from a number of perspectives. We see that through the eyes of the customer TESCO was perceived as supplying excellent value and service. This perception was sufficient to place them as the top brand when they surpassed Sainsbury. Organizational performance can also be evaluated through financial, social, and environmental perspectives. This is where performance management at TESCO fits in. The TESCO steering wheel is a model internally shows that the firm has a holistic view towards management (Paul, 2008). This relationship exemplifies the relationship with decision making and performance where executives place emphasis on making decisions based on how far reaching the impactions are. 3.3 – Are TESCO’s performance measurements appropriate to that context? Yes, their performance measurements are actively aligned with the core assets which are integral to the success of  their organization. 4.0 – Managing Performance to Improve Decision-making: Specific example in IT Services The British retailer recently implemented a programme called Step Change, to advance its IT efficiency. Tesco placed a large amount of capital in information technology across its operations in the hopes it will keep up with the 21st century trends which lead to more mobile payments, ecommerce and efficiency gains through IT. In the earlier part of 2008, food sales over the internet made large gains of 49% higher in the last financial year, which lead to even more investment. 4.1 – What type of strategy does TESCO adopt? TESCO implements the balanced scorecard through the TESCO steering wheel. The steering wheel has 5 perspectives which cover different areas. The corporate vision and strategy of TESCO is motivated by its customer base, products, services, and the industry that it operates in. Upper management understands that margins can be slim in an industry where competition is tight and becoming a strong brand with heterogeneous image is important. Corporate strategy is inherently focused on financial gain which can be problematic of other objectives are not met (Graham, 2005). The component has lent itself back to business school basics by relying on the teachings of Porter’s five forces model. The model teaches that bargaining power of suppliers, customers, substitutes, buyers, and competitors are working against at any one moment in time. ASDA and Sainsbury due pose threats to TESCO domestically in the UK as they are established have developed brands which are perceived to have equal or greater value in the eye of the customer. Nevertheless, the threats of suppliers moving to their competitors are slimmer as TESCO has made great strides in infrastructure. The Perspectives Customer – Being an affordable and friendly retailer is crucial for TESCO. The customer is seen as the focus as competing products and sales channels can be seen more frequently with technology. Internal – Operations which are run smoothly with excellent customer service leads to keeping costs low and clients happy. TESCO is proactive in this area by offering club cards, and loyalty program with discounts and rewards. Learning – This perspective is seen through training, learning and focused supervision on employees so that they are nurtured to achieve their potential. Financial – Increasing sales,  optimizing investments, and keeping the shareholders happy are the focus of this perspective. Community – Corporate social responsibility is a key word as it relates to this perspective. TESCO was known to have a high carbon footprint, and it has strived to not only reinvest in the community, but reinvest it operates so that there is a keen interest in having a positive social impact. 4.2 – How does TESCO formulate its strategy? TESCO formulates its strategy based on the desires of the customer. According to Terry Leahy, Tesco’s Chief Executive, he states this clearly when he says â€Å"Let me tell you a secret, the secret of successful retailing. It’s this: never stop listening to your customers and giving them what they want.† This is the methodology which makes the organization one of the most successful in the world as every little contribution counts as long as it is helping build the bond between TESCO and its consumer base. This is the rationale behind the corporate strategy which is measured by the TESCO steering wheel. Axson (2010) stated that long term decision making is more soundly aligned with a balance array of operational strengths. This supports the decision which management has made it this firm. 4.3 – What are TESCO’s performance objectives? Does performance match expectations? TESCO’s performance objectives are essentially its 5 perspectives which are different areas covered in the steering wheel. Because the steering wheel is like the balanced score card it has a method of leading to performance which addresses TESCO’s impact on the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) and allows the company to match and exceed expectations in several areas. Lunger (2007) states that the 21st century problems facing each and every organization requires incorporation of corporate stewardship into your overall strategy. 4.4 – How does TESCO inform its decision-making through performance? What tool does it use? TESCO utilizes the Balanced Scorecard method which is closely aligned with its corporate strategy. 4.5 – Critical evaluate of the tool, its benefits, limitations and it’s appropriateness to TESCO’s strategy The benefits of the tool also stem into the fact as it became a symbol of cohesion and empowerment within the firm. TESCO’s leader, Sir Terry Leahy, stated that he did not want strategy to be the work of only an isolated few individuals in the firm but the work of all of his employees. That is when the company started using the steering wheel in all  of their locations. Sir Terry Leahy ended up shutting down the strategy department completely (Jones, 2012). This was definitely seen as a controversial move as it meant that the executive level where not the sole contributor to what historically is the vision of the firm. The limitation of TESCO’s strategy here is that it is somewhat segmented in its approach as there will be no stores which are identical because they will all be run independently with their own steering wheels. This works agai nst the model that many retailers have at claiming to offer the same experience at every location. 4.6 – Identify areas for improvement A weakness for the company would be performance in the UK. Therefore development of Domestic operations is a major area of improvement for TESCO. The New CEO who succeeded Sir Leahy, Clarke, has vowed to make it an objective to have their profits in the UK become strong and growing. This is an admission of the company falling short of its expected performance for the most recent year. Part of the reasoning behind is the spectacular growth internationally of TESCO due its profits lent to underlying underperformance domestically as it has lost ground to ASDA and Sainsbury and the last three years. Crisis Management and Quality control falls under the community and customer perspective of the TESCO wheel (Marr, 2009). TESCO is reported to not have performed well in the backlash of a recent issue with suppliers and its grocery line. Recently, in early 2013, the media in the United Kingdom reported that horse meat had been found in some meat products sold by this organization, particularl y burgers. The company was quick to state that this was unacceptable activity. 5.0 – Conclusion and Recommendations 5.1 – Review and summary of your investigative findings The overall review of the findings of our report shows that TESCO is in good financial condition and its corporate strategy has achieved its objectives. The strategy has always been customer centric but it has been fruitful in economic value added and financial performance. Austerity has been a large issue in the European Union over the last few years and can bear the brunt of the blame in the lagging performance that TESCO has domestically in comparison to overseas. TESCO has seen strong growth in the United States as well as Asia. The dividend policy is forward looking at TESCO and the  overall change in management still needs time for the market to evaluate. When Sir Terry Leahy left TESCO stock crashed but has recovered. Still, the defensive position in the UK which TESCO has built over the years is proving to be vital as they weather the forces of competition domestically. 5.2 – Recommendations for identifying areas for improvement In regard to operations management, I would recommend that Tesco continue their use of the TESCO Steering wheel and invest stronger in internationally markets like Asia. Tescos highest growth came in Asia where profits grew by 30% to  £570m in 2011 (Hawke, 2011). The need to focus on the community and internal perspectives with innovations is what I see as the focus for the future. The opportunity to win back business from their competitors will require emerging a corporate citizen who cares about loyalty and the well-being of their consumer base will go a long way. This can be obtained by re-examining the performance management systems and not believing that their historical strength will continue to prove valuable in a competitive retail market. TESCO recently invested 500 million GBP as a stimulus package called â€Å"Building a better TESCO† and it has shown lackluster results thus far (Hawke, 2011). In terms of corporate strategy, I believe that creating a performance management group which oversees the effectiveness of the steering wheels domestically would be a great next step. Hope (2012) argued that utilizing your performance management tools sometimes entails injecting the human element into the equation. TESCO uses steering wheels in all of its location and loyalty cards to keep customers feeling connected and appreciated. If TESCO invests in a performance management team which can monitor remotely the performance of the UK stores in community and financial perspectives they can consistently support growth in these locations where their performance is not as strong as overseas. 5.3 – Implementation plan for recommendations Overall, TESCO’s use of strategic performance management has been successful and I would recommend keeping the steering wheel intact. The model fits naturally with their objectives and mission for the future. This has been instrumental in overcoming threats from other organizations as well as allowing them to focus on growth potential. Recommendation #1 is to invest in Asian markets more aggressively in 2013. This recommendation can be  implemented by identifying areas for growth in existing markets where TESCO has a presence and building more stores. Establishing sales channels in these markets was a strategic investment which the company has already made and can be further utilized to extract and attract more profits. Recommendation #2 is to establish a performance management team to oversee domestic steering wheel systems for TESCO. The success of the corporation has been about measuring less with their tools and focuses more on customers. The focus of this team would be to provide more support to underperforming stores by supplementing by coaching them through their steering wheel templates and shopping lists. References Business Case Studies UK. â€Å"How training and development supports business growth† Graham, Kenny, (2005), â€Å"Strategic Planning and performance management† Taylor and Sons Marr, B., (2009), Delivering Success: How Tesco is Managing, Measuring and Maximizing its Performance, Management Case Study, The Advanced Performance Institute. De Wall, Andre, (2007). â€Å"Strategic Performance Management: a managerial and behavioral approach†. Unknown Axson, David A. (2010), â€Å"Best Practices and Planning and performance management† Wiley John and Sons. Katter, P. John, Heskett L. James, (1992), â€Å"Corporate Culture and Performance† Kotter Associates. Hope, Jeremy, (2012), â€Å"Beyond Performance Management, how and when to use 40 tools† Harvard Business Review. Hawke, Alex, (2011), â€Å"TESCO Reports record profits of 3.8 Bn† Guardian.co.uk Marr, Bernard, (2006), â€Å"Strategic Performance Management† Butterworth-Hineman, Oxford. Lunger, K., 2007, â€Å"A performance Management Primer: Why you need more than a dashboard to manage your strategy.† TESCO PLS (2010) (2011) from Tesco Corporate Paul, R. (2008) Balanced Scorecard: for Government and non-Profit Agencies. Canada: John Wiley Marr, Bernard, (2010), â€Å"The Intelligent Company, Five Steps to success with evidence based \management† Wiley, Oxford. Jones, Steve. 2012, â€Å"Strategic Performance Management, A Case Study at TESCO† Czarnecki, Mark T. (1999), â€Å"Managing by Measuring, how to improve your organization’s performance through effective benchmarking†. The Benchmarking Network Spitzer, Dean, (2007), â€Å"Transforming Performance Measurement: rethinking the way we measure†. AMACOM.

Major Characteristics Of Qualitative Research

Major Characteristics Of Qualitative Research CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction In this chapter, researcher will explain in detail on how the research will be conducted. This includes the research design chosen by the researcher, the research procedures, sample selection, methods of gathering data, and methods of data analysis used. In explaining the methods and procedures employed, the researcher also explains the rationale for choosing the particular methods and procedures conducted in this research. 3.1 Research Design Patton (1990) in Fraenkel and Wallen (2006) described one of the major characteristics of qualitative research is design flexibility where they suggested that a qualitative research should avoid from stick on a rigid designs or situation so that the situation can be understood in-depth. They also recommended a qualitative research should pursue new paths of discovery that suits with the researcher interest. From his own reading and opinion, the researcher would like to define qualitative research as a type of scientific research. It is because; generally scientific research consists of a proper investigation that seeks for answers to a question systematically by uses a predefined set of procedures. In order to answer the questions, researcher collects evidence and produces findings that were not determined in advance and that are applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study. Therefore to carry out his research qualitatively, the researcher would like to use case study as the method for the researcher to conduct this research. Case study is one of methods to conduct qualitative research where Robert Stake (1997) defines a case as a bounded system as it tells a story about a bounded system. A system refers to a set of interrelated elements that are wholesome while bounded outlines the boundary of the system (Holmes et al, 2008). However the researcher himself need to determine the case first and later the researcher will uses various data collection techniques such as interviews, observation through literature, and relevant documentary analysis to carry out a holistic study of the entity. By using case study, the researcher will actually attempt to investigate the components or parts that make up the system to see how they operate. By refer to this research; the researcher will investigate the science curriculum of Steiner Waldorf education as he will comp are the curriculum with Malaysian science curriculum. At one hand, the researcher will look at the important components of curriculum of both Malaysian and Steiner Waldorf education. On the other hand the researcher will compare both curriculums in order to look at the strength and the weaknesses in Malaysian science curriculum as compared to Steiner Waldorfs. Hence, the researcher believes that the researcher will experience the personal contact and insight as well as holistic perspectives on both curriculums by using case study and comparative analysis. 3.2 Research Methods According to Fraenkel and Wallen (2006) qualitative research employed three main techniques to collect and analyze data which are observing people and classroom, interviewing the subject as well as analyzing documents or other forms of communication. Therefore for the data collection the researcher employed the three different methods namely observations, interviews, and document analyses. By employing more than one methods, the researcher believe it will help to triangulate the data, to provide multiple sources of evidence as well as to increase the validity and reliability of the findings of this research. Below here are the explanations on each method: 3.2.1 Observations Observation basically conducted in order to investigate something that the researcher unfamiliar with. Because of that, certain kinds of research questions can best be answered by observation (Fraenkel Wallen, 2006). According to Holmes et al (2008) observation can be classified according to the role that the researcher plays. Fraenkel and Wallen (2006) suggested the same and as follow; Participant Observation, the researchers actually participate in the situation or setting they are observing and when the researcher takes on the role of a complete participant his identity is not known to the other members of the group or another role that could be play by the researcher is as participant as observer. This is where the researcher participates completely in the activities of the group being studied and on the same time telling the group clearly that he is doing research. Non-participant Observation, sit on the sidelines where the researcher does not participate in the activity being observed or actually he is indirectly involved with the situation being observed. There two roles that the researcher could play. First as observer as participant where the researcher immediately identifies himself as researcher and do not have to pretend as a member of the particular group being studied. Second one; the researcher could be complete observer which is totally contradicted with complete participant. The presence of the researcher may or may not, realize by the group because the researcher is actually observes the activities without any intention to participate. For this research, the observations carried out by the researcher were actually used both types of observation. In one situation the researcher plays his role as participant as observer and in yet, another situation, the role changed to observer as participant. The researcher adapted with the change of situation where it involved time and purpose of the observation. For example when the researcher participated in the programs organized by the Steiner Waldorf department in Plymouth the researcher also carrying out his observation and informed the member of the group that he was carried out observation for his research. However during his visit to the Steiner school in Plymouth, he was no longer participant as observer; instead, he was observer as participant where he observed the teaching and learning process, condition and environment of the school as well as the activities that the school had along that day. It was same with the observation carried out by the researcher in Malaysia. The researcher plays his role totally as observer as participant with the groups of students and teachers involved in this research. However when it involved with his personal experience as in-service teacher, he was actually a complete participant, where he observed the phenomenon occurred in the group that he studied without telling them the actual situation. But it was a very minor part from the observations that the researcher carried out. 3.2.2 Interview Interview is a common tool usually used in qualitative research. It is used by researcher to know and understand peoples experiences and their inner perceptions, attitudes, and feelings of reality (Zhang.Y, 2006). By referring to its structure, interview can be divided into three categories: structured interview, semi-structured interview, and unstructured interview (Fontana Frey, 2005) and as in Frankael and Wallen (2006) the unstructured interview term is used as informal interview. Structured interview is the interview that has a set of predefined questions and the questions asked to the respondent in the same manner. Structured interview is similar to survey and questionnaire except that it is conducted verbally rather than in writing. Semi-structured interview can best be described in terms of the flexibility in the interview process. Just like structured interview, this type of interview consists of a series of questions which designed to elicit specific answer from respondent. However it usually more open-ended than questions in a structured interview but in the course of interview, interviewers has a flexibility to adjust the sequence of the questions to be asked and add questions based on the context of the conversations. Informal interview as the term implies shows that the interview conducted is less formal as compared to structured or semi structured interview. It is also similar to a casual conversation and basically carried out to pursue the interests of both the researcher and the respondent in turn. This type of method is commonly used in qualitative research. For this research, the researcher carried out the three types of interview. Informal interviews were used by the researcher at the initial part of this research. The interviews were conducted on few teachers, lectures and students in the attempts to find out the problem of Malaysian science curriculum. During his visit to Plymouth, the method changed to semi structured interview as the researcher hoped to gather as much information as possible to gain some insight about the Steiner education. The questions designed basically to help the researcher to get the intended answer from the respondents. Time is always being the limitation of any research. Therefore when the researcher traveled back to Malaysia, the researcher still hopes that he could get more information about science curriculum from the Steiner education. Therefore he conducted email interview with few Steiner teachers, lecturers and its ex-students. In the email the researcher explained briefly about research that he conducting as well as instruction how the respondent should answer the questions. The researcher classified the email interview method as structured interview in the sense that questions asked were fixed (in term of number) and no further probing were carried out. Email interviews conducted by the researcher as part of member check which is a term of method that use in qualitative research to verify what the researcher had understood based on the previous interviews, observations and document that he analyzed or as mean of validating via triangulation. 3.2.3 Document/Content Analysis It is a technique that allow the researcher to study human behavior in an indirect way such as through an analysis of human communication, written content of communication, textbook, essays, newspaper, journals, magazines, articles and others (Frankael Wallen, 2006). Content analysis also has been defined as a research method for the subjective interpretation of the content of text data through the systematic classification process (Hsieh Shannon, 2005) and also as an approach of empirical, methodological controlled analysis of texts within their context of communication (Mayring, 2000). Therefore in this research document refers to written sources that the researcher have obtained from the online sources (articles, reports and journals) and other written sources such as books that explain about Steiner and Malaysian science curriculum. The documents gathered include official publications which discuss the aims and objectives of science education and other aspects of curriculum such as implementation, assessment and the performance. These different documents were analyzed and discussed in relation to the findings gathered through observations and interviews carried out by the researcher previously. 3.3 Research Procedures Since this is a comparative study between 2 different curriculums, there are procedures that need to be carried out by the researcher in two different countries which is Malaysia and Britain. Therefore, the researcher will explain the procedures in number of different stages as detailed below; Stage 1 To identify the problem about the Malaysian science curriculum, the researcher had informal interviews with few senior teachers and lectures with science education background. Besides that the researcher also conducted few informal interviews with students in mainstream science class. The idea to compare the Malaysian and Steiner science curriculum actually came from colleagues who had general idea about the Steiner Waldorf education. Stage 2 (Initial Study) The researcher gathered information about Steiner education including the history, approaches and its curriculum as well as read about the research conducted on Steiner education. At the same time, the researcher also contacted the Head of the Steiner Waldorf education in University of Plymouth and liaises with the Senior Tutor of the Industrial linkages of that university via email to establish rapport before the visit to Britain. Meantime, the Head of the Steiner Waldorf department helped the researcher to organize Steiner and science related programs for the researcher to attend during the visit and one of which is a visit to a Steiner school in Plymouth. Stage 3 Prior to conducting this research in the UK, the researcher needed to obtain permissions from the following parties: The Dean of Faculty of Education of University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to obtain permission to submit the proposal to the UiTM International Linkages Centre (UiLC); The Head of UiLC for the approval of the fund needed by the researcher to conduct this study in Britain; The Vice Chancellor of UiTM to obtain the approval for the researcher to conduct this study in Britain; and The Head of Steiner Waldorf Department in University of Plymouth for permission and to be involved in this research. Stage 4 When in the UK, data was gathered or obtained through varying sources and methods as highlighted assistance earlier, namely subsequent Joined a week program organized by Steiner Waldorf Department in University of Plymouth. The program also involved a class of first year students who doing their Bachelor in Steiner Education; Group interview with the few lectures and students from the Steiner Waldorf Department; Interview with the Head of Steiner Waldorf Department in University of Plymouth; Educational visit to one Steiner school in Plymouth where interviews were carried out with a few teachers from different backgrounds; Observation of one science lesson; and one practical or experiment session; and Exchange of emails with the few science teachers, lecturers and students who graduated from Steiner schools. Stage 5 Once the intended data were obtained from the UK, this stage will more focusing on data analysis and to find more evidence to further support the earlier findings. Conducted email interview with few Steiner science teachers, lectures and ex-students. Doing analysis on documents about Steiner curriculum specifically on science. Conducted a group interview with students from 2 different schools in Petaling district. Analyzed data gathered. 3.4 Sampling Strategy A sample in a research study is the individual or group on which information is obtained (Fraenkel Wallen, 2006). Another opinion, a sample consists of a group of individuals drawn from the population where the sample is actually a fraction from the whole population (Holmes et al, 2008). A group of sample can be very small or maybe quite large depending on the number of population as the sample drawn is actually supposed to represent the entire population. There are two major types of sampling which is probability sampling and non-probability sampling. For this research, the researcher chose purposive sampling and convenience sampling when conduct this research. A convenience sample is group of individuals who (conveniently) are available for study while purposive sample is chose based on the researcher judgment where the sample is believed could give useful information for the research (Fraenkel Wallen, 2006). On the other perspectives, Holmes et al (2008) in his book stated that purposive sampling is a way where the researcher, in choosing sample, considers the subjects that belong to a specific group. Basically this method is appropriate for a topic that has not been studied much before while convenience sampling is a means studying of whomever or whatever is available. In attempt to study on Malaysian and Steiner Waldorfs science curriculum, the researcher was actually blended the method in sampling. Even though the sample might involve personal networking of the researcher, there were few aspects that the researcher gave due consideration and judgment. That is why the researcher chose to use purposive and convenience sampling. In order to understand a phenomenon from perspective of participants, the researcher chose sample who gave more useful information. In addition, the researcher also look at the participation, willingness and cooperation of the sample to involves with the research so that it will made much easier for the researcher. 3.5 Sample 3.5.1 Sample for Malaysian Science Curriculum The samples that the researcher chose to gather useful information regarding Malaysian science curriculum can be divided into three categories, namely as; expert (lecturer with science education background), practitioner (teacher) and students. 3.5.2 Sample for Steiner Waldorf science curriculum The samples that the researcher chose to understand about Steiner Waldorf education and its science curriculum also can be divided into three categories, namely as; expert (lecturers with Steiner education background and Steiner science education background), practitioner (teacher) and students. 3.6 Data Analysis Data analysis is one of the important parts in any research. It requires systematic procedures to manage the data gathered and the ability to analysis the data critically and thoroughly. However, to carry out the analysis, researcher will use the research questions and research objectives that constructed earlier as the guide. He believes that, it will help the researcher to shows the right direction of the exploration of the data. As the researcher employed observations, interviews and document analysis as the methods to gather the data, each method will undergo different levels of analysis at one point and later will be combined as a rich data that will be able to answer the research questions. Any notes that made by the researcher during his observations, informal interviews, transcript of email interviews, videos recorded, journals, and any publications related were organized accordingly into its own category. Next, the data were analyzed in order for the researcher to look at any existing patterns or themes and help the researcher to identify basic features of the data. This will help the researcher to develop and document a database structure and on the same time to describe about the data extensively by using qualitative software. The software will allow the researcher to code, retrieve and analyze data which could make the rich data become more organized and useful. 3.7 Summary The framework of this research took place within qualitative procedures since the aim of this research is compare the Malaysian and Steiner Waldorf science curriculum. Interviews conducted with the teachers, lectures and students from both systems as well as the observation that the researcher carried out in Malaysia and Britain were the main research tools. The information gathered was supported by the analysis of documents such as journals, articles, official publications and several ministry documents related to science education. The data transcribed with the aid of qualitative data analysis software helped the researcher to come out with the findings of the research.

Caribbean History :: Socio-Cultural Areas Culture Islands Essays

Caribbean History I. A Note on Historical Methodology: The conventional method of studying history consists of a chronological process. For example, the history of the ‘New World,’ or in particular the history of the Caribbean seems to originate in 1492, the year Columbus mistakenly landed upon Hispanola. Not long after the discovery of the New World, the age of European colonialism in the Americas emerges. This condensed version of the first several decades of European influence in the New World are the common historical accounts rendered about early Caribbean history. How effective and accurate is this seemingly Eurocentric rendition of Caribbean History? There may not be one specific right or wrong answer to this inquiry. However, there are alternative methods of unveiling or unmasking a history lesson by simply starting in media res (in the middle of things) or even in the present times. This methodology of studying history is indeed a retracting and unmasking process in which society and culture convey the history of a particular country or region as the Caribbean. In order to fully grasp the intricacies and complexities of Caribbean one must scrutinize and in a sense deconstruct the social and cultural fibers of the Caribbean. The remnants of colonialism in the Caribbean have created a history manifested in the imagery of society and culture. History in the Caribbean can be unveiled in skin tones and rumbas. The history of the Caribbean lives in architecture as well as behind church doors. Thus, in order to learn about the Caribbean, one must ‘unlearn’ or deviate from the Eurocentric rendition of history in the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, the present (culture and society) tells many truths about the past. II. Methodology in Practice: Michelle Cliff’s novel Abeng and her essay "If I Could Write this in Fire" personify the historical process in the Caribbean. Cliff’s works portray the images of the political, social, cultural, and economic issues discussed by Sidney Mintz and Antonio Benitez-Rojo. Cliff’s literary works depict the contemporary social and cultural constructs of Jamaican society. In this process of interpretation and devolution of Michelle Cliff’s portraits of Jamaican society the remnants of colonialism truly become apparent. Consequently, Cliff’s desire to make sense of the current deplorable conditions of racial inequality has prompted her to ‘look back’ and as she states in her essay: To try and locate the vanishing point: where lines of perspective converge and disappear. Lines of color and class. Caribbean History :: Socio-Cultural Areas Culture Islands Essays Caribbean History I. A Note on Historical Methodology: The conventional method of studying history consists of a chronological process. For example, the history of the ‘New World,’ or in particular the history of the Caribbean seems to originate in 1492, the year Columbus mistakenly landed upon Hispanola. Not long after the discovery of the New World, the age of European colonialism in the Americas emerges. This condensed version of the first several decades of European influence in the New World are the common historical accounts rendered about early Caribbean history. How effective and accurate is this seemingly Eurocentric rendition of Caribbean History? There may not be one specific right or wrong answer to this inquiry. However, there are alternative methods of unveiling or unmasking a history lesson by simply starting in media res (in the middle of things) or even in the present times. This methodology of studying history is indeed a retracting and unmasking process in which society and culture convey the history of a particular country or region as the Caribbean. In order to fully grasp the intricacies and complexities of Caribbean one must scrutinize and in a sense deconstruct the social and cultural fibers of the Caribbean. The remnants of colonialism in the Caribbean have created a history manifested in the imagery of society and culture. History in the Caribbean can be unveiled in skin tones and rumbas. The history of the Caribbean lives in architecture as well as behind church doors. Thus, in order to learn about the Caribbean, one must ‘unlearn’ or deviate from the Eurocentric rendition of history in the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, the present (culture and society) tells many truths about the past. II. Methodology in Practice: Michelle Cliff’s novel Abeng and her essay "If I Could Write this in Fire" personify the historical process in the Caribbean. Cliff’s works portray the images of the political, social, cultural, and economic issues discussed by Sidney Mintz and Antonio Benitez-Rojo. Cliff’s literary works depict the contemporary social and cultural constructs of Jamaican society. In this process of interpretation and devolution of Michelle Cliff’s portraits of Jamaican society the remnants of colonialism truly become apparent. Consequently, Cliff’s desire to make sense of the current deplorable conditions of racial inequality has prompted her to ‘look back’ and as she states in her essay: To try and locate the vanishing point: where lines of perspective converge and disappear. Lines of color and class.

iNTERNATIONAL TRADE :: essays research papers fc

International Trade Understanding the culture in a country or region in which you are doing business is a critical skill for the international business person. Without this knowledge, a successful outcome to the business venture can be in jeopardy. â€Å"The level of world output in any given year influences the level of international trade in that year.† By this it means that the slower the world economy is the less international trade and the higher the economy the higher the volume of trade. "Globalization" is a term that came into popular usage in the 1980's to describe the increased movement of people, knowledge and ideas, and goods and money across national borders that has led to increased interconnectedness among the world's populations, economically, politically, socially and culturally. Although globalization is often thought of in economic terms, this process has many social and political implications as well. Many in local communities associate globalization with modernization. At the global level, globalization is thought of in terms of the challenges it poses to the role of governments in international affairs and the global economy. There are heated debates about globalization and its positive and negative effects. While globalization is thought of by many as having the potential to make societies richer through trade and to bring knowledge and information to people around the world, there are many others who perceive globalization as contributing to the exploitation of the poor by the rich, and as a threat to traditional cultures as the process of modernization changes societies. There are some who link the negative aspects of globalization to terrorism. To put a complicated discussion in simple terms, they argue that exploitative or declining conditions contribute to the lure of informal "extremist" networks that commit criminal or terrorist acts internationally. And thanks to today's technology and integrated societies, these networks span throughout the world. It is in this sense that terrorism, too, is "globalized." Increasingly over the past two centuries, economic activity has become more globally oriented and integrated. Some economists argue that it is no longer meaningful to think in terms of national economies; international trade has become central to most local and domestic economies around the world. Among the major high-income economies, sometimes referred to as the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 60 percent of the total economic production, or GDP, is associated with international trade. Thirty-four percent comes from trade between high-income and low-and middle-income nations.

Genetically modified food †Allergy Essay

Genetically modified foods are becoming more and more used in our community. But, they are not as safe as people presume them to be. Genetically modified foods can cause a big problem in the world, even if it can produce large quantities of foods, it is found that it can cause an allergy to certain foods, many scientists had voted to ban them and there not always labeled that it’s a GMO. Therefore, they should be abolished within the world. To start off, the fact that there is a chemical that is produced that can cause allergic reactions to some people. The scientist had stated that the chemical is safe to use: â€Å"But the biotech companies and the Environmental Protection Agency–which regulates plant produced pesticides–tell us not to worry. They contend that the pesticide called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is produced naturally from a soil bacterium and has a history of safe use. † (Smith). The counter argument was proof that this chemical is actually not safe to use, it can make a person sicker than presumed. Jeffery Smith stated: â€Å"Repeated exposure via inhalation can result in sensitization and allergic response in hypersensitive individuals. † So much for the contention that Bt does not interact with humans. †(Smith). I have been allergic to onions since I was twelve years old, this could be caused by the chemical Bt. If the Scientists saying that is drug is harmless they’re wrong because it’s been proven that this chemical can cause an increase in allergies. Therefore, maybe if we had all natural food growths than maybe I could eat onions now. That is why GMO’s should be abolished. There are so many GMOs that are not even labeled as that how people ever know what their eating if it’s not labeled. It’s the people have a right to know what’s going in there body. Without sharing that information it’s bad for the people to trust anything that is not farmers. Granted some people don’t care, but there are people who do. In an article by Peter Sand he states: â€Å"Hence, in CCFL sessions since 1997,57 the EU and other food importers such as Norway consistently argued that the declared primary purpose of their GM food labeling regulations is not a health risk warning, but information to enable consumers to exercise their freedom of choice. † (Sand) It’s not that the food is completely unsafe that is the problem of not telling them that it’s genetically modified, the problem is that it’s breaking some freedom laws. If a person doesn’t knows about anything how they can make any decision about it. And my final point is that even scientist in some countries signed a petition to ban GMOs from their country. A letter was presented at the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle in 1999. Ed Ayres stated that: â€Å"’The letter expresses â€Å"extreme concern† about the hazards of GMOs to biodiversity, food safety, and human and animal health, and recommends a global moratorium on environmental releases of GMOs â€Å"in accordance with the precautionary principle†Ã¢â‚¬  (Ayres). So even some scientists would like to ban GMOs, How can that make any sense if all GMOs are safe why do scientists want to ban them. When many people whom specialize in that field don’t want it in the country why should any average citizen of any country. It should be abolished if even the people creating it say it should be banned. Not to mention they want to ban it for the safety of people and animals. In conclusion, genetically modified foods cause an increasing problem with the allergy rate increasing, scientist wanting to ban them, and not even telling anyone that they are genetically modified. This could lead to a bigger problem with in the world and it should be stopped now. Genetically modified foods should be abolished within the world.