5 ways to stand out when you’re applying for competitive jobs

5 ways to stand out when you’re applying for competitive jobs We all know the market is competitive. Any job you apply for is probably receiving a minimum of 100 applications- with some getting up to the thousands. But someone has to get every job, right? People do make it through to the next levels of the hiring process, even in crowded, qualified fields of applicants. You have to assume the majority of job seekers you’re competing with are on the ball- their resumes are spotless and their experience and skill base matches or exceeds the job requirements. So how can you stand out as the best person for the job amidst all the house? Use some of these more targeted strategies to help elevate your application package.1. Make your purpose clear and direct.The most impressive (or at least the most attractive) candidates tend to be the ones that project a kind of professional purpose. These candidates have taken the time and effort to figure out what it is they want to do, and why, and how to reach their goals. Recruiters find it very easy to match these candidates into their companies, because it’s clear if they’ll be a fit. Make sure you can articulate the talents that make you a good match and place them prominently in your cover letter, resume, and other application materials. Know yourself and make that sing.2. Don’t hold back- sell yourself.It’s not enough to just know what drives you. You have to share that vision, enthusiastically, even if you’re shy and not prone to bragging. Put together a short pitch that summarizes why you, and only you, are the best person for the job. Once you have this down, you can use it at many points during your job search. Turn it into an elevator pitch for networking. Emphasize it in your interview. Build it into your social media presence. Make your sales pitch a part of how you present to the world while job seeking, both in person and on paper.3. Sanitize your social media.You could have the greatest application in the world, but if your social media profiles are inappropriate or controversial or just childish, a recruiter is going to toss your file in the trash. Make sure to Google yourself and scour your net presence until it’s every bit as polished and professional as you hope to present yourself to the world.4. Make your professional info a click away.There are some fancy trends out there, and you better believe the competition will be keeping up with them. If you’re up for it, try building a personal website to give a sense of your personal branding. Include the link in your resume, and include your resume on your website. A website can also (stylishly!) convey all the context you didn’t have room to include on your resume. Use this extra space to your advantage!5. Network to build a group of reliable referrals.Sadly, sometimes it really does come down to who you know. Make sure you’re constantly out there networking and making inquiries. Finding inroads to companies you want to work for to make contacts and seek mentors. You never now when someone you meet at a cocktail party or a lecture is going to be the one to pass your resume to a decision maker.

Folks versus People

Folks versus People Folks versus People Folks versus People By Maeve Maddox Recently I was amused to hear Jon Stewart express bewilderment at George Bushs continued use of the word folks in inappropriate contexts. This is one of many of the Presidents peculiarities of speech that has bothered me for some time. Stewart was referring to this remark in the Presidents July 4 speech: Many of the spectacular car bombings and killings you see are as a result of al Qaeda the very same folks that attacked us on September the 11th. Folks is notat least it hasnt been since Chaucers timean exact synonym for people. Whereas people is a standard word that may be used in any context, folks is a colloquialism with definite connotations. Folks generally suggests a certain warmth and down home flavor. Just as kids is not the most appropriate word to use when talking about young people who have robbed a store and beaten its owner, folks is probably not the best word to use when referring to people who go around blowing up shoppers at the local market or mourners at a funeral. The word folk can refer to a group of people related in some way, either by blood or by occupation. For example, one can speak of farmer folk as well as the German folk. When used to refer to members of a nation, folk usually carries the connotation of the common people. Folklore is the study or body of stories and beliefs of the common people. Likewise folk music is less sophisticated than classical or pop. The adjective folksy implies the relaxed, informal behavior and speech associated with rural people. President Bush, for example, wins many of his supporters by projecting a folksy Texas image that belies his expensive education at an Andover prep school and at Yale and Harvard universities. The word people can mean something other than human beings in general. In expressions like the motto the People rule, people has the sense of the public, all of the people as a political entity. The phrase you people is sometimes used to lump people for criticism, as in You people dont know what youre talking about! or even simply You people! Small mythical humanoid creatures, like leprechauns, may be called either the Little People or the Little Folk. In addition to being the most usual noun for human beings considered collectively, people can also be used as a verb meaning to populate or give birth to more human beings: According to the Hebrew Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve peopled the earth with their descendants. Unlike my folks which means my family members, the expression my people seems to mean people who work for me or people who look out for my interests. Only time will tell what finally happens with folks. Heard frequently enough, nonstandard usage comes to sound right. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Use â€Å"That,† â€Å"Which,† and â€Å"Who†The Four Sounds of the Spelling OUHow to Write a Proposal

4 QUESTIONS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

4 QUESTIONS - Assignment Example A patent plays a major role in terms of preventing other individuals from selling a given product for a given period. In this case, it is true that patents insulate inventors from rivalry, enabling them to charge higher prices and realize considerable economic profits. In the case of the pharmaceutical company, its revenues and profits will drop considerably once it loses patent protection. Without patent protection, it will be possible for other firms in the marketplace to introduce a similar product in the market, which will rival with the one of the pharmaceutical company. In this case, the company will start realizing reduced economic profits and eventually start counting losses. (Alden, 2014) To mitigate from this situation, it is appropriate for the pharmaceutical company to understand that loss of patents leads to generic competition, which influences future performance of the company. As such, one of the major ways in which the company can mitigate the losses incurred is by remaining dedicated to research and development (R&D) to help it introduce other patents that will raise its competitiveness, productivity, and profitability in the marketplace (Alden, 2014). Price elasticity of demand refers to an economics measure that is used in showing the responsiveness of demand to changes in prices of goods and services when other factors are held constant. It reflects a percentage change in the overall quantity demanded based on a one percent price change holding other factors constant. For the restaurant situated close to the college, the price elasticity of demand for local residents is lower compared to that of college students who are in session for about nine months every year. In this case, for the firm to raise its revenue, it needs to devise pricing strategies, which will help it raise revenues regardless of whether the price elasticity of demand for college students is higher (This Matter, 2015). In this case, it is

The impact of cultural diversity on employee performance of Research Proposal

The impact of cultural diversity on employee performance of transnational corporatiosn TCNs in algeria - Research Proposal Example People’s age, culture, and gender make them perceive the world in different ways. These perceptions are a key to creative thinking, which, in turn, is the key to successful performance of the organization. In real sense, diversity should not be taken to be a problem but instead it should be taken as an advantage. To excel, the organizations must comprehend and use the traditions, skills and backgrounds of a diverse staff (Mazur & Bialostocka 2010). In reality, diversity endows businesses a key benefit in the marketplace. Our wider range of standpoints offers a spectrum of talents – painstaking craftsmanship, for instance, which can enhance many aspects of processes and product research. Diversity assists when: you are doing marketing internationally; negotiating with customers from abroad; launching a drive to a new population – whether international or domestic (Cox & Blake 1991). Cultural diversity has a positive impact on the company performance in regards to revenue generation and profitability as well as non financial growth of the company (Hartenian and Gudmundson 2000) and therefore management should focus on managing diversity rather than minimizing diversity. Organization practice diversity for various reasons such as compliance with the law but a good manager should encourage diversity since it’s advantageous to the company since it pools together people with different capabilities. Diversity represent different concept to many people and therefore there is need to identify specific aspects of diversity in regard to specific organization. Once you understand cultural diversity, your company can appeal to a wider base of staff, and that in turn will enhance you staffing. As you make diversity a key part of policy and measures, it is imperative to work at all degrees and in every department (Cooley & Lewkowicz 2004). Plan strategically at top management levels to incorporate multiethnic motivating and managing; recruit distin ct leaders not just employees; train supervisors in multiethnic skills; review selection and interviewing selection procedures (Cox & Beale 1997). The principals enhancing cultural diversity include: reducing inequality, cultural diversity and encouraging participation. Valuing diversity involves fostering a community that appreciates the benefits and values of a culturally diverse and rich society (Cooley & Lewkowicz 2004). This involves in the active promotion of respect, discouraging racism, harmony and negative stereotyping. Reducing disparity entails recognizing the right of people of varying national ethnic and religious backgrounds to exercise share, and enjoy their culture. Encouraging participation involves availing opportunities for all people to fully participate in public and civil life (Tiedt & Tiedt 1995). Employee performance is influenced by many factors including the following: family; knowledge and skills; adaptability; support from superiors; health; social values ; workplace; and ethics. Most past research has focused on the influence of these factors on performance of employees in diverse organizations. However, little effort has been placed on the influence of cultural diversity on the performance of staff. In light of this, the present research seeks to fill this gap by determining the influence of cultural diversity on the performance of the employees of transnational corporations in Algeria (Ho 1996). This

Cystic Fibrosis Transplantaton Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cystic Fibrosis Transplantaton - Research Paper Example CF is inheritable and live threatening genetic disorder mostly experienced at the Northern European parts .To develop the disorder, one must inherit faulty gene from both of your parents this is by inheriting one set defective CFTR gene from the mother and the other from the father The disease is transmitted in a recessive way with chromosome 7. (Bush, 2006 ) It is caused due to anomaly in the cells producing mucus. A defect in CFTR gene causes the cystic fibrous, that alters the core function of the protein responsible of movement of salt and water in and out of body cells. (Komaroff, 2005)Through the scientific discovery transmembrane conductance regulator, called cystic fibrosis has greatly improved the understanding of the disorder and its diagnosis also showing the disease’s complexity. The study of the diseases started in 1946 but a fulgurating progress has been discovered in the recent years. (Hopkin, 2010). Cystic Fibrous is common inheritable genetic disease within the Caucasian people in the U.S.A. From the research done the disease affects mostly the Northern European ancestry, although it too experienced at the parts of Hispanics, Native Americans. and some African-American the genetically inheritable diseases is affecting about 1 person in 17,000 African American,1 in 31,000 Asian American and large population affected being 1 in 2,000 to 3,5000. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes severe damages to the lungs, liver, sex organs, sinuses, pancreases, intestines, and sinuses. The disease is characterized by the buildup of sticky, thick mucus. (Moss, 1991) Cystic Fibrosis is inherited diseases of the sweat glands and mucus. The mucus clogs the lungs as a result the breathing systems is affected and the mucus catalyze the growth of bacteria .Respiratory problem signs include breathlessness a stuffy nose, wheezing, a persistence in coughing and a decreased exercising ability

The Dada And Punk Movements

The Dada And Punk Movements In this essay I will be looking at two design movements from very different decades and discussing the relationship between them. The two movements which I will be analysing are the Dada and Punk movements, which have roughly 60 years between them. Firstly I will look at both movements separately and then begin to analyse how they have such a strong link through different areas in design. I will be using examples to support the key points I am going to make and visually analysing these examples in great detail. A broad range of research will also help to widen the range of examples of the design work from these periods and help me to discuss in depth the relationship between them. The Dada Movement began in 1915 just after the start of the First World War and peaked between 1916 and 1922. The movement concentrated on rebelling against the unnecessary carnage caused by the war. The Dadaists responses were to shock people in various ways with their provocative behaviour through theatre, public speeches and art. I will be comparing this movement with the Punk movement which began in 1975 and peaked for almost a decade. This movement began as a result of a number of events which happened in the seventies such as an economic disaster and the youth cultures problems with the government. There was an increase in teenage pregnancy, a rising divorce rate and mass unemployment which then caused people to rebel against traditional values. Even though both these movements began as a rebellion against society and their work started off as anti art and anti fashion a larger culture combined together to create quite the opposite. Both movements used out of the ordinary tacti cs to get attention from the public in many ways. During the Dada movement artists began to use unusual techniques which hadnt been used in this way before such as, collage, photomontage and ready-mades. Dada art went against the stereotypical and the Dadaists wanted to make a statement that they believed art could be made from anything and everything. These new techniques developed due to the fact that the Dadaists had little money during the war, therefore little resources to produce art. This meant they had to use the very few resources that were available to them. Many decades after, Punk used the same techniques, using anything they could find to produce a new type of art and fashion, using things such as recycled rubbish, cardboard and cut up newspaper articles to express their freedom. Art from both these movement was seen as anti art and asks the question What is art? Raoul Hausmann was a key figure during the Dada movement. He is an example of many artists who began to use the photomontage technique during this time. In Dada Siegt (Dada Victorious) from 1920 we can see Hausmann is trying to show his anger over the happenings during the war. In this piece Hausmann has taken many images from newspapers, magazine and other books from that time. This method of design would have angered the authorities whose images were being cut up and reassembled to be used against them. Art is not an end in itself but it is an opportunity for the true perception and criticism of the times we live in Ball (1918). Artists were trying to show; by using real photographs and newspaper headlines how the authorities were involved with the unnecessary war. At the very top of the work we can see a world map, which has Dada printed largely across it. This is trying to show that the world would be improved if everyone disagreed with the happenings and the disaster caused by t he war. Only the top half of the world is shown as this is where the Dada culture was present. Next to this, Dada Siegt is written which means Dada Victorious. In the photograph of the city street Dada labels can be seen on the houses and on the other side 391 which is the name of a Dada journal. Another part of this piece which caught my attention was the man at the bottom of the piece. He appears to be saying Fieneren Naturkrafte which translates to finer forces of nature. This again shows that the artist believed the forces of war were unnecessary. This collage is an example of how headlines and images from the media can be rearranged and put into a very different context. In this case the headlines have been used against the authorities. During the punk movement many of the posters were very similar to those that were designed during the Dada movement. They took the collage and photomontage techniques and used them again shock the public and go against the traditional view of art. It again questioned What is art? Punks didnt want to create new things they decided to recycle, manipulate and use what was already available to them. Dada artists used this same attitude during the war when very little resources were available to them. Punks used torn out letters and imagery recycled from newspapers, typewriter text and their own handwriting. Photocopying was one of the main techniques during the movement as it created an intense brutal effect which would not have been considered traditionally attractive. Like the Dada artists Punk artists used techniques which werent consider as traditional art. Hollis (2001) states Dada had been against Art; Punk was anti-Design. Both movements began as a rebellion to what was considered normal but they turned it into own style of art and design. Fig 2. Sniffin Glue Cover Issue 8 1976 by Mark Perry Sniffin Glue was a punk magazine designed by Mark Perry in 1976 and a collage style design was used on its front covers. Fig 2 is a cover from the 8th issue which like the Fig 1 discussed previously contains image and type found in newspapers and magazines. The image of the Queen has been defaced which is a famous piece of punk art work by Jamie Reid. Combined with the image of the Queen are images of band members from the Sex Pistols who empowered the Punk scene. The caption at the bottom of the image reads No Future, a slogan seen a lot on posters throughout the movement. It was a rallying cry against a bleak and meaningless life in conformist merry ol England, Vallen (2001). The use of a photocopier is apparent in this image which was a big part of the Punk movements distinctive attitude and style. Sniffin Glue went with the DIY ethic that also appeared in Dada art work. The magazine was put together using found materials, photocopied images, hand written and drawn graphics. Perry (2002) spoke about designing the magazine covers in 1976, The whole of that first issue was what I could do at that time with what I had in my bedroom. I had a childrens typewriter plus a felt-tip pen. This design included aspects which were not considered attractive but punk changed what was once considered ugly. Another way in which Punk and Dada are linked is through their use of ready-mades or assisted ready-mades. Marcel Duchamp was an artist during the time of the Dada movement and a piece which he created was L.H.O.O.Q from 1919, which Duchamp referred to as an assisted ready-made. L.H.O.O.Q was a cheap postcard of the famous painting Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, which Duchamp then drew a moustache and beard onto and added the caption L.H.O.O.Q. When this is pronounced in French it forms the sentence Elle a chaud au cul which is translated to She has a hot ass. This piece could be seen as an attack to the original iconic painting of Mona Lisa and traditional art in general. By adding to this painting Duchamp has encouraged the viewer to consider a new perspective on classic art work. During the Punk movement artist Jamie Reid designed a piece of work which also used the assisted ready-made style. Reid designed many images for the punk band the Sex Pistols and became very well known f or his ransom note style designs. His single most iconic image of the punk era OHagen (n.d) was a piece named God Save The Queen. God Save The Queen is very similar to the Marcel Duchamps Dada image L.H.O.O.Q as they both use iconic imagery and alter it as a way to shock the public. There were two different designs, ransom (fig 4) and swastika (fig 5) which were both equally as controversial. Both pieces include an image of Queen Elizabeth II which is a copy of the original photograph for her silver jubilee celebrations, taken by Cecil Beaton in 1977. Just as Duchamp defaced the image of Mona Lisa, Reid has altered the Queens image in a way that may be considered disrespectful. Fig 4 shows the bands name and the singles title placed over the Queenss eyes and mouth in the style of a cut and paste ransom note. Fig 5 shows the Queen with a safety pin through her lips and swastikas over her eyes. The Sex Pistols and Jamie Reid used these images to shock the public just like the artists during the Dada movement. Harrison (2001) stated It was also probably the first and perhaps the last time something was put on the front cover which collectively shocked a nation. These shock tactics were used in both movements to get their opinions across to the rest of the nation. Punk and Dada also have a strong relationship between their uses of type in many pieces of work. During the Dada movement artists started to use pieces of lettering they could find from anything lying around, such as, newspapers, journals, magazines and poems. In 1919 Raoul Hausmann and Johannes Baader designed the journal Der Dada. The unique type style which the Dada artists began to use is shown on the front cover of this journal. Instead of using one font to show information on the front cover of the journal Hausmann has mixed various fonts. This style created its own version of typography which gave individual letters, words and sentences a new sense of freedom that it never possessed previously. This example from the first edition of Der Dada in 1919 contains both large and small letters which are joined in new combination along with various small symbols. Words placed vertically, horizontally and diagonally give a new life to simple letter forms and show a new sense of freedom to the reader. During the punk movement artists also started to use similar ways of working. They used whatever equipment was readily available and inexpensive such as, typewriters, stencils, found type and images and their own hand writing. Using photocopiers was also a big part of the type elements in the punk movement. Like Dada artists, Punks rejected the traditional typographic rules and used their own freedom of expression. Jamie Reid designed this poster for the Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK tour in 1976. It contains cut and paste type which relate to the use of typography during the Dada movement. It is clear that a photocopier has been used to create the statement black letters which are written using cuttings from newspapers. This style was particularly symbolic in the 1970s as again it was a rebellion against the norm. This example shows the style of typography which was neither fluid nor free flowing. Reid combines various sizes of fonts to advertise the tour which shows the freedom of the Punk movement. We can clearly see that Reid was influenced by the collages of the Dadaists and his use of mixing found type can be related to the Fig 6 discussed previously by Dada artist Hausmann. Both the Dada and Punk artists used this unique way of working to get attention from the public and to shock society. According to Cantlon (n.d) The work of Jamie Reid was clearly influenced by the image and type coll ages of the Dadaists. These influences on Reids typography, with its deliberately erratic and eclectic mixing of fonts, sizes and styles, can be seen in many Dadaist artworks. Throughout this essay I have looked at a range of ways in which there is such a strong relationship between the Dada and Punk movements. As there were problems in society during the time of these movements there was a strong rebellion against traditional values. This caused the unique way in which both movements decided to use shock tactics to get their views across to the public and authorities. Both movements were about being independent and free but even against their best attempts to remain this way a larger culture combined with them to create a movement which started to become the norm. Dada and Punk werent about creating beautiful pieces of art or using traditional methods, they were about cut and paste and using materials which were not necessarily used to create the typical masterpieces. They were countercultures created from a rejection of dominant values and behaviour of society.

Miller :: essays research papers

Throughout history people have enjoyed a democracy which basically puts the way that society runs in the hands of the people who live in it. In the essay â€Å"Severing the Human Connection† by H. Bruce Miller there is a valid argument that our society has turned for the worse. In the past our society has expected everyone to behave in a manner which benefits everyone in it, everyone should respect and cherish the freedom and therefore the freedom should stay. But as we all see and experience every day there is a strong fear of detection and punishment which becomes the only deterrent of crime. Pre-paid gas stations, burglar alarms in every house, guards everywhere, anti-shoplifting tags etc. People tend to behave pretty much the way others expect them to behave. And, as stated in the essay, if the prevailing assumption is that people are crooks more and more of them will be crooks. Because our society treats everyone like a criminal our society has become harsh, unfeeling, pa ranoid, and punitive. The human connection has been severed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A society, which assumes its members are honest, tends to be more human and comfortable for the people who live in it. As we drive down the streets of our respected cities we have to worry about certain things like; Is my seatbelt on? Does my license plate show 100%? Am I driving within the five mile per hour cushion of the speed limit? Etc. And as we wonder about all these things we pass cops left and right who are just waiting for someone to mess up or be suspected of DWI or car theft or something even worse. Is it just me or is it annoying to see a selected few criminals who do break the laws ruin it for the rest of us who don’t. Now we have to worry about making small mistakes, which is very uncomfortable to most of us, and sometimes can lead to bigger problems. â€Å"Society can and does execute its own mandates; and if it issues wrong mandates instead of right, or any mandates at all in things with which it ought not to meddle, it practices a social tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since, though not usually upheld by such extreme penalties, it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself.

Effective and Organizational Communication Essay

The course Effective and Organizational Communication has truly been rewarding because most of the things I have learned from my class are actually life skills that find real value in the outside world. While Effective and Organizational Communication is intended for the corporate setting, these skills are not actually specific to certain industries; rather they are universally functional in whatever field of endeavor one may wish to pursue. This paper intends to look at three major areas of learning that were tackled in the course and discuss their proper applications. The first area is Public Speaking. There are many free resources on public speaking on the Internet. Indeed, having the aptitude for public speaking is a special kind of power because you are in a position to convince people to make certain decisions and choices. What you say is as important as how you say it. In fact, the delivery is what separates a good public speaker from one who is simply good with words. In a nutshell, public speaking is all about presentation. From the websites that I have checked out, I have realized how important it is to be able to address an audience and hold their duration for the entire time that you are speaking. And this does not only take place during formal occasions; we all perform public speaking in school and in work. Among the most useful tip I have read is to let your audience be active participants in your speech. As much as possible, prepare a speech that allows for audience to demonstrate certain points of the topic. For instance, if you are talking about the power of knowledge, have someone from the audience describe the route he or she takes from home to a certain place. From there, you can segue to making a point about how one can be very comfortable discussing something that one is very familiar with, even in front of an audience of strangers. This particular talk or presentation is made all the more effective because you prove your point through random audience participation. QAR or question and answer underscores the importance of the relationship of answers to questions. In communication, it is important that your answers do not digress; that they are tightly focused and directly answer the question. Similarly, if you are the one asking the question, your statement should also be succinct and direct to the point. This is important so that any miscommunication or misunderstanding can be prevented, and the issues resolved in the soonest possible time. In education, teachers must be able to design questions that can best elicit the desired response, or the target skill. If the questions are ambiguous, the students will have a difficult time structuring their answers. From the readings that I have made, I have realized that questions serve as the frame by which answers attach themselves, and as such the ability to design effective questions is the key to an effective QAR. There are several types of QAR, and their use depends on what skills you want to assess. As I have previously mentioned, QAR is especially important for teachers as they attempt to assess different types of cognitive levels and operations. For example, if you want to test the ability of the students to analyze, then ask for information that goes beyond what is available in the text or material. In analysis, the presumption is that the fundamental concepts of the lesson are well-understood and thus be able to make generalizations or apply the concepts in other situations (Steele, 1997). In QAR, the most important issue is to determine the type of response you want to elicit in order to test the target skill. Another topic in Effective and Organizational Communication is Email Etiquette. Indeed as the world becomes more and more connected, the email is becoming the preferred mode of communication for business and personal correspondences. While the email is generally considered as less formal than a standard letter, that is slowly changing. In fact, there is an entire set of rules governing email, outlining how to use this medium in a formal and efficient way. According to the online writing lab of Purdue University, email etiquette refers to the set of guidelines that experts believe should govern the exchange of communication via electronic mail or email for short. These experts believe that the electronic medium is not an excuse to forget our manners and proper usage. (Hughes, 2002) To be safe, just write your email as you would an ordinary letter, only be more succinct. As a general rule of thumb, emails must be concise and up to the point. This is due to the fact that people read the computer differently than they would a regular book or text. Of course, the email you will be making depends on the intention of your letter. For personal letters, you are given more freedom, but for business emails, it is better to maintain a formal tone. In any case, letter should always be treated as a reflection of the writer, regardless whether it is an ordinary letter or an email. How you want to present yourself and how you want to be perceived depends on how you organize your thoughts and write them down. All of these three concepts are part and parcel of an effective organizational communication. But beyond organizational communication, all the three lessons that I have learned can be used in all aspects of my life because communication is an activity that all of us pursue on a daily basis.

What Ever The Writer Pick Example

What Ever The Writer Pick Example What Ever The Writer Pick – Essay Example UNs Progress in Enhancing Maternal Health â€Å"In September 2000, the United Nations launched its list of eight development goals to achieve by 2015 (UNESC 1). The fifth MDG outlined by the UN was to improve maternal health. A detailed assessment of the UN’s progress in promoting maternal health is imperative and informs future development policies in the health sector. It is essential to examine UN’s set targets for its fifth development goal.The UN set distinct targets for every goal; it focused to achieve two vital targets of the fifth goal by 2015. First, it aimed at enhancing measures that would lower maternal mortality rate by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015 (UN 28). The second target of the UN on its fifth goal aimed at promoting universal access and increase women population receiving reproductive health services. It further set indicators for achieving the two targets. Indictors of the goal include maternal mortality ratio and the census of births atten ded to by qualified care professionals. An analysis of relevant reports on the progress is important. The UN and other institutions publish regular reports on its progress in attaining set targets to promote maternal health. According to the World Bank, there is a steady progress in maternal death reduction based on reports by UN agencies (The World Bank 1). In 2013, for instance, there were 289 000 maternal deaths. The statistics represent a 45 percent reduction in maternal deaths from 523 000 deaths recorded in 1990. Based on the UN report on the MDGs, Eastern and Southern Asia as well as Northern Africa regions realized a decline in maternal mortality by nearly two thirds by 2013. Eastern Asia region had a reduction rate of 69 percent; being the highest in maternal mortality reduction (UN 29). Similar reports show trends in women’s access to antenatal services.UN reports show that half of pregnant women in developing countries could access the four antenatal services that meet the recommendations by health professionals, by 2013. Report by the UN show a record decrease in maternal mortality by 47 percent during the period from 1990 to 2010. In every 100, 000 live births, there were 210 maternal deaths in 2010. This was a reduction from 400 cases of maternal deaths reported in 1990 (UN 28). Improving maternal health is a vital agenda for all countries. The UN recognizes the necessity to improve maternal health and its vitality as an aspect of development. The fifth development goal set by the UN in September 2000 is attainable. Accelerated interventions by all stakeholders are necessary to realize the UN’s three quarter ratio target†. The World Bank. United Nations Agencies Report Steady Progress in Saving Mothers’ Lives. May 6, 2014. Web. June 25, 2014. Accessed from: worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2014/05/06/united-nations-agencies-report-steady-progress-saving-mothers-livesUnited Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESC). Millennium Development Goals and post-2015 Development Agenda. United Nations Economic and Social Council. 2014. Web. June 25, 2014. Accessed from: un.org/en/ecosoc/about/mdg.shtmlUnited Nations (UN), Department of Economic and Social affairs. The Millennium Development Goals Report 2013. New York, NY: United Nations, 2013. Web. June 25, 2014. Accessed from: undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/mdg/the-millennium-development-goals-report-2013/

Marketing Analysis of Apple Inc The WritePass Journal

Marketing Analysis of Apple Inc Introduction Marketing Analysis of Apple Inc IntroductionMarket EnvironmentMarketing Approach of AppleDiscussionConclusionRecommendationsREFERENCESRelated Introduction 523 Apple Inc. is known for its innovative ability to gain competitive advantage since 3rd Jan 1977. It was called Apple Computers Inc. and as they have started their penetration in the consumer electronics, they have removed Computers from their name. With a workforce of 46600 FT employees and 2800 temp staff all over the world and the made the sales of $65 billion in 2010. (Annual Reports, 2010) The famous brands offered by the company to the world have been Mac computers, iPod, iPad, and now the hot selling iPhone. Apart from hardware, the company has been very successful in software with the introduction of Mac OS X operating system, and other media software’s like iTunes, iLife and now iWork along with iOS (operating system for mobile phones). (Apple Annual reports, 2010) This report will cover their most talked about brand called iPhone, which has been termed as Jesus Phone, Work like magic or your life in your pocket The hype on the internet has made this product a technological savior and the company is still adding innovative features not to mention the technical issues and challenges, which come with every product in the market. (Campbell LaPastina, 2010) Market Environment There is expectation that iPhone users will be 100 million by 2013 and as in the fig the number is going to be around 450 million in 2013. (Churchill, 2009) The company is facing huge competition from Microsoft and Google from software point of view and from LG, Samsung, Sony , Blackberry are already challenging with their innovative brands. Appendix B helps to understand the market forces as well. The company has gained by the first mover advantage and their 317 stores with more than 10,000 partner stores are supporting the sales of the product. The company is highly dependent on Cingular for their success in USA but the company has made strategic partners all around the world to grow like T-Mobile, China Unicom etc. The company is targeting non corporates unlike competitors, although the company has leverage of Apple’s brand image. The company is able to secure first position in the consumer satisfaction survey done by J.D. Power and associates. (Refer Appendix C) (Tews, 200 9) Figure 1 Smartphone sales (Churchill, 2009) The company is targeting professionals, students between the age of 18 and 35 basically. The company is conscious of its brand and so focusing on fulfilling the corporate social responsibilities as in Fig 2. (Apple Annual Reports, 2010) The company has trained nearly 133k workers on human rights and responsibility of the managers. The company also paid $ 2.2 M in recruitment fee overcharges. (Apple Annual reports, 2010) i) Conducting cross industry focus groups for suppliers. ii) They have launched SEED program to teach english and other professional courses for the workers. By 2009, nearly 14800 workers joined this program, with the help of 500 iMac PCs. iii) The company has made strict principles regarding Human Rights (no discrimination, proper age, holiday, respect); Health and Safety of the staff (Ergonomics, cleanliness, emergency evacuation, injury prevention), Environment Safety (Air and water waste management, waste mgt), Ethics (non disclosure agreement) Management commitment to train the staff, workers feedback. (Apple Annual Reports, 2010) Marketing Approach of Apple McCarthy has presented the marketing mix (4Ps) model to help the managers device a good marketing strategy where the benefits can be exchanged between the pillars of marketing, this was later modified by Booms and Bitner in 1982 (he added 3more Ps )   to cater the requirements of the service industry. (Brassington Pettitt, 2007; Kotler, et al, 2005) The next section will discuss 7p’s of Apple as in figure 3. Figure 3. 7P’s of iPhone (Adapted by researcher) 1. Product: The product would be found in more in 60million pages on internet, with the broadest screen display in all the mobile phones so there is touchscreen keypad as opposed to dialoging keypad in just 2 months after launch. The company decided to use OS X operating system with the same usage as of iPod or Mac although with lot of shortcomings like no expandable memory or replaceable battery or difficult to disable users. (OGrady, 2007) The initial version was not with 3G network support and was later integrated. SWOT analysis of iPhone (figure 4) helps to know the strengths opportunities of the product. The company should develop core competencies on the basis of its strength and should focus on the opportunities which might arise in due time, which the analysis of threats help to safe guard the product development and develop contingency plans. Gradual innovative methods can be adopted by the firm to convert the weakness into strength apart from best use of financial resources. (Brassing ton Pettitt, 2007) The locked iPhone with one network Cingular in US and by other network in Europe is not appreciated by the consumers. Also the cost of unlocked iPhone is quite high in compared to US market, which might have caused reduced sale. The users cant install their software’s which is another software leverage strategy of Apple, so they have to use only Apple software’s (iTunes, Mobile Me) or QuickTime players. The company is utilizing the iPod ecosystem to leverage the iPhone thereby supporting its online music revenue system. The display of PC based websites with same display made this product different from others. (O’grady, 2007) Fig. 4 iPhone SWOT Analysis Use of FaceTime with 2 cameras is a new innovative idea like in 3G phones, Retina display, but the new iOS is slow than expected by the compass and GPS is helpful when lost. Uses of App Store help the users to get application on their phone and Apple takes 30% of that revenue. (Marshal, 2010) 2. Price: Apple in this case adopted the â€Å"best fit segment† pricing strategy (skimming), where the early adopters were targeted who are less price sensitive and want to receive the benefits of new technology. It allows more cash flow for the company and also conveys benefit perception to other target segments. The company started off with selling the product at $599 (8GB) and $499 (4GB) and later reduced the price of 8GB to $399 and discontinued 4GB model significantly. The company wants to target the mainstream users and cant reply on early adopters (young techno savvy, professionals) for future growth. They tried skimming and versioning strategy. (Apple Annual Reports, 2010) 1. Skimming: This is high pricing strategy but can attract risk of low sales and piracy (Kotler et al, 2005) but Apple has safeguarded itself by marketing before it actually emerged in market by enhancing its brand value under top 20. (Sliwinska et al, 2008) 2. Versioning: This strategy involves charging different prices for same products from different target segments. So the company implemented temporal price discrimination where it charged the prices depending on the desire of the customers to pay for the iPhone. Probably due to good profit on each unit from willing customers and they want to gain high volume sale from the larger customer base they had developed. They have structured this in different countries and adding more features. As they reduced the prices by $200 in just 60 days, after consumer complaints, they issued some $100 store credit to early buyers. (Sliwinska et al, 2008) With the market domination of Symbian phones to 35 Million in H2 2007 and success of N95 and E series boosted the sales by $172 Million against Apple products. Microsoft, RIM has a strong hold in the N.American market, while Nokia is having a larger share in EU. The company started charging $72 to $130  Ã‚   for 18-24 months contract in Britain and Germany; in addition they have to pay  £269 for iPhone in Britain. So the customers had paid $566 compared to $399 in USA. In France, the company tied up with Orange and charged $590 for 8GB along with a monthly package of â‚ ¬50 to â‚ ¬120 or they can buy iPhone over $900. (Sliwinska, 2008) Figure5. Price Comparison (20072010) (www.apple.com, 2010) But the company should understand that European market has 60% of pay-as-you-go customer that is why the company failed to meet their target of 10 Million units but sold nearly 400,000. The company has already launched iPhone3G ($99 for 8GB in USA  £419 in UK) and iPhone4 ($199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB in US  £499 for 16GB,  £599 for 32GB) as shown in figure 5. The company is still adopting the vertical building strategy, as in iPods which is related to iTunes and help the company to control the digital music and video market. Total 73.73 Million units were sold and only 1.3 million were the original iPhones, it has been a huge success but not as anticipated. They are expecting 82 Million units by 2012 as in figure 6. (Oliver, 2009) Figure 6 Predicted Sales (Oliver, 2009) 3. Promotion: Apple has been most aggressive in terms of promotion as seen in figure 7, some examples are: Fig 7. Strategy of promotions (Kiprin, 2009; Apple Annual Reports, 2010)) 1. The company started with 4 TV commercials during the launch to flaunt the innovative gadget (original iPhone) which can fulfill all needs of entertainment and information sharing device. The company is focusing now to advertise their Face Time feature and recently launched 4 more TV ads. in July 2010. (Chris, 2010) 2. The press releases and blogs were posted and iPhone was in 60 million web pages across web. The news created rumors and the Advertising Ages Marketer award winner (2003) company was again ready to offer new generation product after iPod. The company made successful relations with media firms and Steve (CEO) shares new ideas with public during occasions as suggested in fig 7. (Williams, Mullin., 2008) 3. With the support of 317 stores across the world (233 in USA, 84 outside USA) which contributed around 17% of profits. The company has done strategic partnership with Starbucks to offer free iTunes Wi-Fi music at 600 locations, which can later be downloaded from computers. Even the new iPhones 5 reveal the easiness to find people around the city, location of friends and other features which reflect the social integration aspect of the device. (Apple Annual Reports, 2010) Fig 8. Apple Online marketing (Kiprin, 2009; Apple Annual Reports, 2010) The company is already spent $5.5 billion (increase of 33% compared to 2009) due to expansion in the retail segment. (Apple Annual Report, 2010) 1. The company uses all forms of advertising to gain attention, they appear on a regular basis on newspapers, TV, billboards etc. Like Macworld Expo (conventions to launch products), coverage of major channels like Fox, MTV and Rolling Stones, Maxim etc. In-store promotion and awareness helps in personal selling where the users can touch and test. The company site is quite impressive with promotion codes issues to consumers from time to time. 2. Cross Promotions: the channel partners like Sprint, Orange, Vodaphone etc. promote iPhone packages on their websites and from printed booklets. 3. Search Engine promotions; the company spend money on Adwords (Google marketing), Pay Per Click campaigns. The company purchases the keywords like iPhones, mp3phones etc. Banners and promotions on other sites is a regular from Apple. (Sliwinska et al, 2008) 4. The company sends email to iPod users, carrier consumers, and uses RSS feed of their promotions and events and blogs are done regularly. (Williams and Mullins, 2008) 4. Place: The company is using the locations as shown in fig 9 for selling the product. Fig 9.   Distribution locations ((Kiprin, 2009; Apple Annual Reports, 2010) The company followed the hybrid distribution strategy and engaged the telecommunication service provider’s stores along with their online and own stores. So the customers are forced to enter into a contract for 18-24 months. The company is using two level channel for distribution of their product. (Jobber Fahy, 2009) The company has done tie-ups with Cingular as they have a customer base of 58Million and out of which around18million are already with iPod. So its good strategy to benefit both companies of exclusivity in USA. Although AT T never wanted to spend much money on advertising but they end up spending $18 billion in 2009. As seen in the figure 10, the products are assembled in China (due to cheap labor) and then supplied to warehouses and regional stores. The company is clever to use the use the touch points of established networks (Vodaphone, O2, Orange, T-Mobile etc.) (Jobber Fahy, 2009) 5. People: The company wants to be in direct touch with the consumers and when they feel it, they will buy it strategy. With only $99, 1hour/week for 1yr help the users to meet the experts at Genius bars for technical support and information, conducting over 50000 sessions / week. The sales assistant is available on appointments to find the right product for right needs at the new gather place. This helps the company generate word of mouth marketing and product awareness and brand building. The sales team is trained to give awareness, rather than giving a sales pitch. Also the CEO has impressive presence in front of media to market the brand. (Ireland et al, 2009) 6. Process: Alain (2008) has given some insight about the process of Apple. He says CEO, Steve Jobs is working closely with the design and development team during the whole development process.   The meeting of board management is done every month, where the marketing proposal and other problems are discussed. 10-3-1: The designers follow the pixel perfect approach where there are no fillers and 3 designs are selected out of 10 and perfected until they arrive at 1 out of total 10. The company conducts different type of meetings: 1. Paired design: this is done 2 times a week to discuss the features and technical specs of the product. 2. Brainstorming: This involves discussion on any and every idea that comes in your mind and put in the table for discussion. There are no rules to free thinking. (Alain, 2008) 3. Production: This involves giving a proper structure to the innovative ideas and arranging deadlines for the same.   (Alain, 2008) The CEO doesn’t frown to discard a product at the last minute. and there are Pony Meetings every 2 weeks, where the client discuss the requirements with designers, so they can work according to the needs of the consumers. The sales are handled in stores (Apple and partners) by the professional team and training sessions also help with sales promotion activities. (Alain, 2008) 7. Physical Evidence: The Company has a good packaging strategy which makes the product look attractive and stylish on the shelf. The company has Apple Care service to resolve the problems and services offered by the company, geniuses’ bars to meet the direct customers and teaching them to make better users. (William, Mullin, 2008) Discussion Cladbun (2007) has pointed out the application development by 3rd party is not allowed is a drawback. But the company has been successful in allowing the third party developers to develop innovative software’s like making the iPhone work as a remote and the car can be fully operated by sitting outside the car and similar applications help the company to share profits from other developers and are unique business model implementers. This is also adopted by Amazon recently. (Marshal, 2010)     The utopian vision to create the convergence device from Apple is under serious controversy, even though they have filed 200 patents but LG claimed that they copied their design Apple Inc. lost claim for IPHONE trademark against Infogear. The company has reduced their marketing expenses by using the retailer outlets all around the world and invested that money to open their own 317 stores all around the world, this has helped the company to get the sales revenue similar to   the mat urity stage of the product life cycle even though the product is at the introduction phase. The company might be planning to have more strategic partnerships as they have done for iPods with Nike, Volkswagen etc. where the iPods was given free with each unit purchased. (Williams and Mullin, 2008) The company with China Unicom is doing excellent with 100,000 sales in first 3 days and 200,000 pre orders for iPhone 4 as compared to 5000 order for original iPhone, even there is a restriction of wi-fi feature due to government rules. The company is giving iPhone for free with the $43, 2 months contract, which they haven’t done before (Ong, 2010); this shows that the management is conscious of the social and economic factors of the target market. They have to do similar during their launch or other high populated countries. The process used by the firm is towards perfection which should be implemented by every firm to gain competitive advantage. (Gosnay Richardson, 2008) Conclusion It has been observed that the company has maintained strong sales and developing new markets and also adding the value of the brand with more features and third party software’s available for the users. Although with lot of technical limitations the company has experienced good sales with the help of strategic partners and intensive advertising. The company is spending lot of money on all the channels of promotional mix, however the company should give more emphasis on website advertising to reduce the costs. The company is well known for innovative ideas and thereby inspiring others to develop innovative ideas along with their service to the society by following CSR approaches. The last section of the report present the recommendations which can be utilized by the managers for effective marketing of iPhone. Recommendations This strategy must have lost early adopters and loyal customers and reducing the price by 66% in 1yr is not good way to treat customers and forcing them to sign contract with AT T, O2, Vodaphone or T-Mobile, which resulted in slowing down of sales and even though 3.3 million iPhones were sold in 8months but only 2million contracts were signed with ATT. (Adapted by researcher) Another mistake is the launch of iPhone after 7 months in UK, Germany and France; almost after 1yr in other Western Europe like Sweden, Austria even in Canada, Brazil etc. So a good product has adopted a bad strategy. They could have delayed the product launch or decreased the prices only after 1yr or should have started with $399 only.   (Vertygoteam, 2010) The company should find ways to differentiate the product in China but as cheap players and mobile phones even pirated iPhone is available so its difficult to maintain the brand image. Also Wi-Fi is disabled due to government restrictions but the Chinese love colors so the back side of the iPhone should be available in trendy colors. There is enough scope for people in China with 470 Million users. (Research and Markets, 2010) India is also a good market with population reaching 1.3Billion, and company can earn if they sell at similar price offerings due to economy of scale. But they are offering at $800, which is expensive even for Americans. The company has to be find ways to challenge dual and triple sim phones available in India and cost around $100. Even on $50 phone from Nokia, the company is investing heavily on marketing but iPhone wants to establish with poor marketing requires careful planning. (Rhiain, 2010) The company is offering unlimited bank width to the subscribers which will overload the network, so company should also invest in expanding the bandwidth along with aggressive marketing investment, especially in growing markets with poor infrastructure like India as 44% of revenue comes from non-US market. (Annual Reports, 2010) Olive (2009) views that company will sustain the market forces with the help of media integration, games and sophisticated software. However, company could include Mobile commerce, user generated print media production and 3D games to attract more customers. The company should understand the social forces and use it to target the customers. Rising prices, decrease income, world financial crisis affect the buyer’s purchasing power. Old age customers are free and can be the target market, so they can be connected with their grandchildren. The company can create advertisements devoted to elders in this case. Another target market can be singles who can utilize their free time for entertainment purposes when they feel lonely, as they dont have family obligations and enough financials. With the increasing migration of citizens from one country to other, even American and Britishers are moving   to developing countries due to lost cost living. So this can be another target market for Apple, where they are away from their country but feel connected with the product from their country. (Gosnay Richardson, 2008) The users cant forward any contact or use blue-tooth with other phones, ringtones needs to be purchased and difficult to use the speakerphone in cars. (Squarejp, 2010) The company should find ways to rectify it to make it more suitable for customers. REFERENCES Alain, 2008, You can’t Innovate like Apple [Available at] pragmaticmarketing.com/publications/magazine/6/4/you_cant_innovate_like_apple [Accessed on 24 Nov 2010] Apple Annual Reports, 2010, Annual Report [Available at] http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Njc1MzN8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=t=1 [Accessed on 24 Nov 2010] Brassington Pettitt (2007) ‘Essentials of Marketing, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall Campbell,H.A. LaPastina,A.C., 2010,How the iPhone became divine [Available at] www.agendainc.com/media/ipho0710.pdf [Accessed on 25 Nov 2010] Churchill,S., 2009, 100M by 2013[Available at] dailywireless.org/2009/03/24/smartphone-users-100m-by-2013/[Accessed on 20 Nov 2010] CSR Report, 2010,   Supplier Responsibility [Available at] http://images.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/pdf/SR_2010_Progress_Report.pdf [Accessed on 20 Nov 2010] Gosnay Richardson (2008) ‘Develop your Marketing Skills,’ KP Jobber Fahy (2009) ‘Foundations of Marketing, McGraw Hill Kiprin, B., 2009, Apple iPhone Strategy [Available at] slideshare.net/bkiprin/apples-iphone-launch-marketing-strategy-analysis-2858373 [Accessed on 28 Nov 2010] Kotler, Wong, Saunders Armstrong, (2005) ‘Principles of Marketing’, Prentice Hall Marshal,K., 2010, As Apple tablet looms, Amazon Kindle adopts App Store revenue split [Available at]appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/20/as_apple_tablet_looms_amazon_kindle_adopts_app_store_revenue_split.html [Accessed on 24 Nov 2010] Oliver,S., 2009,   iPhone sales predicted to top 80 million by 2012 [Available at] appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/19/iphone_sales_predicted_to_top_80_million_by_2012.html [Accessed on 23 Nov 2010] O’grady,J.D., 2007, Appropriability, Proximity, Routines, [Availanle at http://www2.druid.dk/conferences/viewpaper.php?id=1675cf=9%20{^ [Accessed on 20 Nov 2010] Ong,J., 2010, China Unicom iPHone4 sales hit 100k [Available at] appleinsider.com/articles/10/09/30/china_unicom_iphone_4_sales_hit_100k_in_first_four_days.html [Accessed on 25 Nov 2010] Research and Markets, 2010, Chinese Mobile Market [Available at] researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asp?report_id=542976 [Accessed on 20 Nov 2010] Rhiain, 2010, Nokia C2 unleashed with Doubnle Sim [Available at] http://conversations.nokia.com/2010/06/03/nokia-c1-unleashed-with-double-sim-functionality-photo-gallery/ [Accessed on 29 Nov 2010] Sliwinska,D., anasinghe,J., Kardava,I., 2008, Apple Pricing Strategy [Available at] http://christophe.benavent.free.fr/IMG/pdf/AINI_2008_Apple_s_Pricing_Strategy.pdf [Accessed on 20 Nov, 2010] Squarejp, 2010,iPhone problems http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2489656 [Accessed on 29 Nov 2010] Tews,J., 2009, Smartphone Customer Satisfaction survey [Available at] http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009224 [Accessed on 26 Nov 2010] Vertygoteam, 2010, iPHone Strategy Mistakes, vertygoteam.com/iphone_marketing_strategy.php [Accessed on 2 Dec 2010] Williams,A., Mullin,R., 2008, The handbook of field marketing, Kogan Page Publishers Appendix A. Marketing Mix Appendix B Porter 5 Forces 5 Forces Model (Adapted from Kotler et al, 2005 Apple Annual Reports, 2010) Porter 5 forces model helps to understand the marketing forces which affect any company brand. According to the above model: i)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Supplier power is quite strong as it has support of big companies like AT T, Orange, Vodaphone which are helping in the sales and also using their touch points to give products to the customers. They have enough financial capability to support the company. The low cost assembly unit in China is also helping to keeps the cost low. (Williams and Mullins, 2008) ii)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   New Entrants: The threat is quite high due to other big brands competing at the hardware, design and software level. Google and Microsoft want to capture the mobile software market. (Twes, 2009) iii)  Ã‚     Substitutes: Everyday there are more products coming in the market from communication medium like SKYPE, VOIP etc and smartphones, PDA and Chinese mobile are common everywhere, unless the company is innovative, they can’t stand in the market. (Kiprin, 2009) iv)  Ã‚   Rivalry: it is quite intense as all the mobile phones have dominance in their region and it will be difficult for iPhone to take over the market. All big brands like Sony, Nokia, LG etc. have enough funds to fight for the target market. (Williams and Mullins, 2008) v)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Buyers position is little week as the smartphones are made by manufacturers and the consumers have choices but there is no good replacement for iPhone which comes with its unique features. (O’grady, 2007) Appendix C.   Consumer Satisfaction survey (Tews, 2009)

The Signs of Shopping by Anna Norton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Signs of Shopping by Anna Norton - Essay Example It is to be noted that although the approach taken by these authors is very different yet there are some common observations provided by them as well. This paper will compare and contrast the perspectives of the two authors with regard to the subject of shopping. The first common point highlighted by these authors is that how customers are captivated and convinced to shop. Gladwell with his research found that how people like Paco Underhill are employed to affect consumer behavior by observing and analyzing the activity of a potential customer before they buy a product. Anne Norton has illustrated in her article about the practical consequences of this work. She has described how sources of shopping like malls and catalogues have been tailored to serve the masses with a personalized touch to it. Malcolm Gladwell has further explained that conducting these kinds of observations has led to a new field of study called retail anthropology. On the other hand, Norton has underlined the rea son why this new field of study is introduced which is known as retail anthropology. The cause given by the author is that the American society has become decentralized and there is a lack of cultural centers. Due to these reasons shopping has become a vital mean of assembling ones distinctiveness. Another common aspect of these two articles is about the way shopping malls have become a source for common class people to socialize. Norton has observed that because of shopping malls becoming a centerpiece of the American culture, most people socialize there and a class differentiation is clearly visible. The reason given by Gladwell is that, there is a systematic approach taken on the placement of the items and how they are positioned among other things. The first contrast that is noticeable of these articles is that Anne Norton has taken into account the various popular mediums of shopping while Malcolm Gladwell has only focused his work on shopping malls. Another contrast in the wor k of these two authors is the way they have perceived about shopping done by women. Norton explains that women like to shop behind their husband`s back because it gives them a feeling of becoming a rebel. Women do so because it is a practice in the society to keep women as a property rather than giving them the power to decide for themselves. Hence, shopping has become more of a freedom and a way for women to have their own individuality. On the other side, Malcolm Gladwell has explained a rather exciting shopping principal called butt-brush theory. He explains that an individual woman shopper who does not have someone to support her while shopping would get out of the mall quickly without buying anything. Gladwell has come to the conclusion that large corporations use ways to manipulate the consumers to actually buy their products. But the opposite effect occurs and it is actually the sellers who have to give in and sell products that suit the wishes of the consumers. The cooperati on in reality has failed miserably to do so because the sellers are now obeying more to the wishes of the consumers. Norton has a completely different view explaining that a person could be judged from where and what he or she is shopping from. An example given by her is that when a person uses William-Sonoma catalogue to buy products it not

The current business environment is characterised by the importance of Essay

The current business environment is characterised by the importance of the investor and the drive for shareholder value - Essay Example When we talk about 'The current business environment is characterised by the importance of the investor and the drive for shareholder value' we will be talking in the perspective of Business and accounting managers. Henry Mitzberg, the Cleghorn professor of Management Studies, Mcgill University, started the debate by putting the blame on the students of Business Schools. He states that the 'Shareholder value is an antisocial dogma that has no place in a democratic societyIt breeds a society of exploitationsit is bad for business (Mitzberg, 2004, p 154). He alleges that the students of business schools get the impression that the organisations' share price is the only performance measure worth worrying about. Dr. Nick Tiratsoo of Nottingham University Business School has published a paper 'Mitzberg, shareholder value, and the business school: who has a case to answer' where he, tries to explore Mitzberg's argument about shareholder value and the business schools. He states, 'The conclusion offered that Mitzberg has substantially overstated his case, and thus clouded rather clarified a necessary debate about how business schools are to evolve in the future'. A corporation is essentially defined in terms of its legal status and the ownership of assets. Corporations are typically regarded as artificial persons in the eyes of the law. Corporations are notionally owned by shareholders. Managers and Directors have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of the shareholders. It was Milton Freedman, who in his classic article 'The Social responsibility of business is to increase its profit vigorously' argued against the notion of social responsibilities of corporations. He professed that only the human beings have the moral responsibility for their actions. Its managers' responsibility to act solely in the interest of the shareholders. Social issues and problems are the proper province of the state rather than corporate managers. Freedman defines, 'A stakeholder in an organization is . Any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievements of the organizations' objectives.' Shareholder Value as defined by Value Based Management.net 'the definition of shareholder value is the value of the company minus the Future claims (debts). The value of the company can be calculated as the Net Present Value of all Future cash flows plus the value of the non operating assets of the company'. There is a great debate on the importance of Stakeholders Value over Shareholders Value. The Shareholder Value perspective emphasizes on Profitability over Responsibility. It relates the success of an organization by its share price, dividends and economic profit. The Stakeholders perspective on the other hand emphasizes on Responsibility over Profitability. It suggests that an organizations success should be measured by the satisfaction of its stakeholders i.e. customers, employees, society in general and also its shareholders. Sir Brian Pitman, senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley on his speech