Wednesday, October 30, 2019

IMAX Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

IMAX - Case Study Example IMAX originated in the market since 1967, was popular among all the business organizations. IMAX was the first company in the world getting involved in producing all characteristics of large format films (MPAA, 2009 Case Facts In 1994 Wechsler and Gelfond had purchased the long established business of IMAX Corporation from its traditional owners. The company was purchased for 80 million by the new owners. However, observing the growing competition in the market of movie theaters, the new owners launched the shares for the company to the public in 1994, in order to raise more capital for further business growth of IMAX. The investors who invested in the company started to face high volatility in their profits due to uneven business conditions of IMAX. At this juncture it became a primary matter of problem for all the investors and analysts to forecast sure economic surplus for the company in future in the presence of such growing uncertainties. At the time of the purchase the stock va luation of IMAX in NASDAQ was $196 million while in December 2008 its worth came down to $125 million. Despite of the large number of IMAX theaters in more than 40 countries in the world, the business of the company is decrementing over time (Chakravarty, 2002). Internal and External Constraints The commerce of IMAX is facing several internal and external limitations that have made the analysts worry about the long term success of its business. Internal Constraints The theaters of IMAX may lose its popularity and brand worth because its strategic managers only concentrate in non educational entertainment Hollywood movies. Further, the CEO’s of the company are in a dilemma to sell IMAX to some large media partners like Sony, Time Warner or Disney. The officials are also in a dilemma to release the Hollywood movies in both regular and large formats in IMAX. It is also a matter of internal constraint for the firm managers to analyze the requirement for further rise in Hollywood movie releases in IMAX theaters (Olijnyk, 2002). External Constraints Figure 2: Growing Substitutes of Movies (Source: IVEY, 2009) The number of movie viewers is higher than any other entertainments, as the ticket prices for movies are comparatively low. But it should be analyzed that the growing numbers of substitutes in the market of entertainment have lowered the aggregate movie viewers. Figure 3: Rising number of DVD Consumption in U.S. (Source: IVEY, 2009) The above schedule shows that the total DVD use in U.S. increasing with time, greater use of DVD has lowered visitors in movie theaters. Figure 4: Increasing Movie Ticket Prices (Source: IVEY, 2009) The falling Gross Domestic Product and increasing prices of movie tickets have lowered the total number of theater audiences, although the theater owners virtually find their revenues increasing. Statement of Criteria (Objectives) The objectives of business that IMAX should exhibit for its economic prosperity in future are: To bec ome a niche player in the competitive market of movie theaters. To diversify its operations. To augment the brand loyalty and tap more potential clients. Situation Analysis The context of situation analysis will help the readers

Monday, October 28, 2019

Effective Human Resource Planning Essay Example for Free

Effective Human Resource Planning Essay The key to effective human resource management is human resource planning 1.0 Introduction Human Resources (HR) Management is a multifaceted function. This entity has an important place within companies in helping key personnel decide on the best staff for their needs, among other things. Sometimes, the employees chosen are full-time employees already working for the company or they could be contractors. Regardless, the goal of HR Management is to choose the most qualified person for the job. Again, HR Management is a group of professionals that wear many hats, some of which include employee benefits and compensation, hiring and terminating employees, and managing personnel policies and employee records. While smaller companies will often perform the tasks of HR Management on their own, most, larger corporations choose to hire professionals to oversee the entire HR department so we can say that the key to effective human resource management is human resource planning, as it is stated by Mark and Cynthia, it involves strategic plans, then devising ways to meet these objectives . In this essay I will try to focus on strategic planning which is a major factor of planning. 2.0 Aims of strategic plans The history of strategic planning begins in the military. According to Websters New World Dictionary, strategy is the science of planning and directing large-scale military operations, of maneuvering forces into the most advantageous position prior to actual engagement with the enemy (Guralnic, 1986). In an address to the strategic planning workshop director-general of kwazulu-Netal RK Sizani said employees must be able to advise, facilitate, support, consult, guide, monitor, resolve disputes and recommend strategic interventions to government and departments. They must be capable of producing rules, procedures, norms, frameworks, standards, draw common plans and goals which will enhance co-ordination. They require people who are experienced and somewhat capacitated and not junior entry  level officers. As organizations vary in size, aims, functions, complexity, construction, the physical nature of their product, and appeal as employers, so do the contributions of human resource management. But, in most the ultimate aim of the function is to: ensure that at all times the business is correctly staffed by the right number of people with the skills relevant to the business needs, that is, neither overstaffed. The second area should be about identifying which of these plans and strategies are so fundamental that there must be clear plans to address them before the organisation can achieve on any of its goals. These are likely to include: * Workforce planning issues * Progression planning * Staff skills plans * Motivation and fair treatment issues * Pay levels designed to recruit, retain and motivate people * A grading and remuneration system which is fair * Employment issues which impact on staff recruitment, retention, motivation etc. * A performance management framework which is designed to meet the needs of all sectors of the organisation. * Career development framework which look at development within the organisation at equipping employees with employability so that they can cope with increasingly frequent changes in employer and employment patterns * Policies and framework- to ensure that people development issues are addressed systematically: competence frameworks, self-managed learning etc. The HR strategy will need to show that careful planning of the people issues will make it substantially easier for the organisation to achieve its wider strategic and operational goals. 3.0 Recruitment of staff Recruitment should be preceded by an analysis of the job to be done (i.e. an analytical study of the tasks to be performed to determine their essential factors) written into a job description so that the selectors know what physical and mental characteristics applicants must possess, what qualities and attitudes are desirable and what characteristics are a decided disadvantage; * In the case of replacement staff a critical questioning of the need to recruit at all (replacement should rarely be an automatic process). * Effectively, selection is buying an employee (the price being the wage or salary multiplied by probable years of service) hence bad buys can be very expensive. For that reason some firms (and some firms for particular jobs) use external expert consultants for recruitment and selection. Equally some small organizations exist to head hunt, i.e. to attract staff with high reputations from existing employers to the recruiting employer. However, the cost of poor selection is such that, even for the ordinary day-to-day jobs, those who recruit and select should be well trained to judge the suitability of applicants. 3.1 The main sources of recruitment are: * Internal promotion and internal introductions * University appointment boards; * Agencies for the unemployed; * Advertising (often via agents for specialist posts) or the use of other local media (e.g. commercial radio). The organization put its trade mark for rapid attraction and it must take care not to offend the sex, race, etc. antidiscrimination legislation either directly or indirectly. Interviewing can be carried out by individuals (e.g. supervisor or departmental manager), by panels of interviewers or in the form of sequential interviews by different personal skills techniques to aid judgment include selection testing for: * Aptitudes (particularly useful for school leavers); * Attainments; * General intelligence. (All of these need skilled testing and assessment.) In more senior posts other techniques are: * Leaderless groups; * Command exercises; * Group problem solving. (These are some common techniques professional selection organizations often use other techniques to aid in selection.) Training in interviewing and in appraising candidates is clearly essential to good recruitment. Largely the former consists of teaching interviewers how  to draw out the interviewee and the latter how to rate the candidates. For consistency rating often consists of scoring candidates for experience, knowledge, physical/mental capabilities, intellectual levels, motivation, prospective potential, leadership abilities etc. 4.0 Analysis 4.1 Setting the strategic direction This process focuses on aligning human resource policies to support the accomplishment of the Companys mission, vision, goals and strategies. The business goals sit at the heart of any HR plan and in order to align business and HR you need to answer one key question, Can your organisations internal capability deliver the organisations business goals? Many organisations cite their people as their primary source of competitive advantage. Successful companies continuously identify and adopt innovative human resource management policies and practices to sustain that advantage. More importantly, they structure work and design training, performance management, pay, and reward policies to help members of the organization succeed in achieving desired organizational outcomes. In other words, they integrate and align HRM policies and practices to reinforce employee behaviors that can best realize the leaders strategic intent. In the most successful companies, the set of policies and practices that collectively make up a companys HRM system is the critical management tool for communicating and reinforcing the leaders strategic intent. 5.0 Conclusion While Human resource management strategies must be developed to support the achievement of the organisations objectives, it is a two-way process. These strategies can themselves be critical inputs in determining the strategic initiatives for the organisation. A fatal error, however, is to develop and implement Human resource management strategies without thinking of the  organisational strategic planning process. A common mistake is the development of workplace skills plans which are not linked to any strategic goals or objectives or which have no affirmative action components. So, Human resource planning is the key to effective human resource management. 6.0 References 1. http://www.searchbites.com/docs/HR_MANAGEMENT.asp (28th December 2004) 2. Mark Lengnick-Hall and Cynthia Lengnick-Hall. (22 December 2003) Human Resource Management in the Knowledge Economy: New Challenges, New Roles, New Capabilities, 3. Guralnik, D. (Ed.). (1986). Websters New World Dictionary (2nd ed.). Cleveland, OH: Prentice Hall Press. 4. R K Sizani, Workshop of the on implementation and action an address to the strategic planning, (02nd December 2001) 5. Behrman M, (2004), A guide to strategic human resource planning, Workinfor bulletin, south Africa 6. http://www.accel-team.com/human_resources/hrm_02.html, (31 December 2004) 7. A Strategic Human Resource Management System for the 21st Century. Naval Personnel Task Force, September 2000, Story Number: NNS040406-02, 04th June 2004 8. Human Resources, Pay Trends Bulletin ,The employers organisation for local authorities in the south east,(June 2004),

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Sense and Sensibility :: Literary Analysis, Jane Austen

Benevolent, willing, and knowledgeable—are all characteristics of Elinor Dashwood. Authors often use characteristics of characters to portray them as imperative pieces of the plot. In Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, Elinor is shown as an important character through her compassion towards others and her willingness to help her family through difficult situations. Readers first see Elinor’s importance to the novel through her compassion towards Colonel Brandon, John Willoughby, and Edward Ferrars. When Colonel Brandon came into her life she treated him with very little compassion but as time went on â€Å"Elinor’s compassion for him increased† (47). Her compassion radiates through her determination to always engage in a conversation with him: â€Å"and talk to Elinor, who often derived more satisfaction from conversing with him than from any other daily occurrence† (145). Throughout the novel the readers see that Elinor dislikes Willoughby but after he breaks Marianne’s dislike turns into abhor. However, when Willoughby comes to Cleveland to apologize and explain, â€Å"Elinor’s heart, which had undergone many changes in the course of this extraordinary conversation, was now softened again† (292). Elinor has to deal with her own pain and hurt from her rejection. When they return home from Cleve land Edward arrives and asks for forgiveness. Elinor bestows compassion upon Edward in the form of accepting his marriage proposal and then marrying him: â€Å"The first month after [Edward and Elinor’s] marriage† (336). Through her compassion towards these three characters readers see the importance of her presence in the novel. Next the readers see how Elinor willingly helps her sister get through adversities in her life. â€Å"Elinor was to be the comforter of others in her own distresses, no less than in theirs; and all the comfort that could be given by assurances of her own composure of mind† (228). So therefore, Elinor unselfishly puts aside her emotions to comfort Marianne after Willoughby rejects her and breaks her heart: â€Å"What!—while attending me in all my misery, has this been your heart?† (229). Marianne realizes that Elinor has known about Edward’s engagement to Lucy, but she chose to put it behind her in order to comfort her. This pain has been weighing Elinor’s heart for four months, which makes it even harder for Marianne to understand. â€Å"Four months!—cried Marianne again—so calm!—so cheerful!—how have you been supported?† (229). Elinor’s answer to this inquiry shows clearly why she chose to be selfless and conceal her pain: â€Å"and I owed it to my family and friends, not to create in them a solicitude about me† (229).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Lesson 6

Key Question 6 a) The opening Act of King Lear evidently portrays Lear’s downward movement as it coincides with Aristotle’s structure of Greek tragedy. The play begins with Lear, a hero of noble birth and ruler of Britain, in an ordered society soon to be disrupted by a fatal flaw that is the result of his excessive pride. His journey from the ordered to the disordered world becomes apparent after he hands his land over to his two elder daughters and banishes his youngest daughter Cordelia from the kingdom.The initial situation began when Lear asks Cordelia, â€Å"What can you say to draw / A third more opulent than your sisters? † (I i 87-88), in which she answers â€Å"Nothing, my lord† (I i 89). This demonstrates Lear’s arrogance and triggers the rash decision he makes that would greatly impact the tragic events that follow. At the end of the scene, his two elder daughters immediately work to conspire against him so that he would be left with no power at all. Goneril says to Regan that they â€Å"must do something, and i’ th’ heat† (I ii 311).This foreshadows Lear’s impending downward movement and begins the reversal of his fortunes as things go from bad to worse. Lear’s recognition of the truth and the existence of his tragic circumstance becomes slightly clear to him when he wonders whether he has lost his mind and cries out â€Å"O let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! † (I v 46). Act I leaves off at this stage where Lear is about to suffer tremendously before further stages of recognition, retribution, and restitution occur later in the play. ) In Act I of King Lear, references to the principle motifs of nature and the unnatural, sanity/madness, and â€Å"nothing† all reinforce the downward movement of Lear’s perception of his own identity. Lear’s Fool constantly tries to warn him of his mistake in a series of riddles, puns, and songs: â€Å"The hedge-s parrow fed the cuckoo so long / That it had it head bit off by it young† (I iv 221-222). Referencing the nature of animals in that song, the Fool is telling Lear that his two daughters resemble a traitorous â€Å"cuckoo† who betrays the one who raised them.This emphasizes the eventual downward movement of Lear’ perception of his own identity as a father who is so â€Å"loved† by his daughters. When Lear leaves Goneril’s castle and is preparing to visit his other daughter Regan, he prayed to heaven that he would not go crazy: â€Å"O let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper, I would not be mad! † (I v 46-47). Lear’s fear of going insane from his daughter’s betrayal demonstrates another downward movement of Lear’s perception of his own identity.Also, references to the motif of nothingness occur when the Fool is speaking to Lear in the presence of Kent. The Fool asks Lear, â€Å"Can you make no use of not hing, Nuncle? † (I iv 133-134), in which Lear responds, â€Å"Why, no boy. Nothing can be made out of nothing† (I iv 135-136). This is foreshadowing Lear’s inevitable downfall because he would soon have nothing to make use of since he has chosen to hand all of his formal authority over to his two daughters who do not actually love him.It appears that Lear’s perception of his positive, all-powerful identity is about to lead him into a tragic breakdown in the way the three motifs of nature and the unnatural, sanity/madness, and â€Å"nothing† are referenced throughout the first Act of the play. c) Lear calls upon his three daughters and announces that he intends to divide his kingdom among them, promising the greatest share to the daughter who declares that she loves him the most.Goneril begins with her speech telling Lear that she loves him â€Å"more than words can wield† (I i 57) and Regan makes a request to receive the same value of fortune s as her sister, telling Lear, â€Å"I am made of that same mettle as my sister, / And prize me at her worth. In my true heart / I find she names my very deed of love† (I i 71-73). Both daughters’ speeches, filled with exaggerated flattery and blatant lies, earn each one a generous portion of the kingdom, while Lear decides to banish his youngest daughter Cordelia for not flattering him as the sisters did.As a result, Kent intercepts to warn Lear, â€Å"Reserve thy state, / And in thy best consideration check / This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgment† (I i 151-153). Kent stakes his life on his opinion that Cordelia is actually the most loyal of the three daughters and begs for Lear to reconsider his rash decision, but he too gets banished by Lear, showing us how Lear is causing his own downward movement due to his excessive pride. Goneril later insults the foolishness of Lear giving away his powers, when she tells Oswald â€Å"let him to my sister, / Whose mind and mine I know in that are one, / Not to be overruled.Idle old man, / That still would manage those authorities / That he hath given away† (I iii 15-19). This shows Lear’s downward movement as Goneril treats him poorly and is certain her sister will treat him the same way. The Fool also reminds Lear of his terrible decision in handing his fortunes over to his daughters. When Lear begins to realize his own mistake, the Fool tells him in a riddle that a snail has a house â€Å"to put ‘s head in; not to give it away to his daughters, and leave his horns without a case† (I v 31-32).All of these situations demonstrate the inevitable downfall of the noble King Lear as his two daughters conspire to strip him of all his remaining power and fortunes. Key Question 9 In an ordered society, both justice and mercy are fundamental. However, in many circumstances they cannot be simultaneously applied. On its own, justice is more essential than mercy in order t o maintain a civilized society. With a system of justice, we could prevent future crimes from taking place, maintain people’s rights and freedom, as well as prevent society from plunging into a state of destruction.With a justice system in place we could take preventive measures against future crimes and laws being broken. If people are punished for the crimes they commit, there would be fewer crimes and less mayhem in the world. People who demonstrate no mecy or remorse for the harm they inflict upon others deserve to be punished, otherwise they will continue their wrongdoings. In Act IV of King Lear, when Cornwall dies from the injuries inflicted by the servant during Gloucester’s blinding, Albany interprets his death as divine retribution.He cries out â€Å"This shows you are above, / You justicers, that these our nether crimes / So speedily can venge† (Iv ii 79-80). Since Cornwall has been punished for blinding Gloucester he can no longer harm other characte rs. Cornwall carried on with his evil intentions until he received his punishment (his own death) which finally put an end to his actions. Society requires a justice system in order to maintain people’s rights, freedom, and equality. In the play, Edgar, Cordelia, and Kent are three characters who have been treated unfairly and were left with no opportunity o prove themselves innocent. Cordelia is fortunate to have her own freedom after leaving the kingdom and marrying the Duke of France. However, Edgar and Kent were left to fend for themselves in order to survive and be accepted by others. When Edgar runs into his father Gloucester, he cries, â€Å"Who is ‘t can say ‘I am at the worst? ’ / I am worse than e’er I was† (Iv i 24-26). Edgar, who must disguise himself as â€Å"poor mad Tom† (IV i 27) in order to be accepted, considers the condition he is in as being the worst ever, compared to anyone else.These characters should be able to s tand up for themselves and voice their opinions without being wrongly punished when it is not what other people want to hear. Edgar and Kent are left to suffer from other people’s mistakes because there is no righteousness in the way they were treated. In an ordered society, everyone deserves to have their own freedom of speech and be treated as equal, regardless of their opinions on different matters. Social justice can ensure that every individual receives the same treatment.An all-merciful society would lead the world to a state of ultimate chaos and destruction. Human existence would constantly be threatened by the dangers of society without a proper system of justice. Regan and Goneril continue to pose as a threat towards Lear and those who are on his side. When arguing with his wife, Albany points out that â€Å"If the heavens do not their visible spirits / Send quickly down to tame these vile offenses, / It will come, / Humanity must perforce prey on itself, / Like mo nsters of the deep. (iv ii 46-49). Albany implies that if the gods do not quickly bring justice everyone will eventually turn against each other, so without someone serving justice to all the evil people, humanity would be threatened by our own human race. Justice would prevail over mercy. In order to maintain a civilized society, people should receive proper punishment and suffer the consequences for their crimes so that we can prevent further crimes in the world, promote freedom and equality, and prevent tyranny in the world.If the Lear universe had a system of justice in place much like in our world today, many of the events leading to the tragic ending could have been avoided. Justice, in all aspects, makes a better resolution than mercy and will continue to serve to make society safe and secure. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Toronto: Signet Classic Shakespeare, 1998. Well expressed but a bit overstated! Justice involves more than punishment so the concept of just ice that you were working from is skewed. 45/50

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Ipad’s Integrated Marketing Communications Report

Table of Contents Introduction1 Apple’s Integrated Marketing Communications Programme for iPad. 2 Brand Positioning2 Target Audience3 Target market and segments4 Evaluation of the products’ Integrated Marketing Communications plan:4 Conclusion7 Recommendations7 Bibliography8 Introduction This report will discuss Apple’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Programme for their iPad product and how this is coordinated to communicate the iPad’s product positioning strategy.Apple’s iPad is a tablet computer adding a new genre to their mobile devices. The report will discuss the brand positioning and any recommendations for future IMC planning. Apple’s corporate headquarters are based in California in the US in the heart of the Hi-tech industry. They are global in terms of computer electronic consumable sales. Apple position themselves as a top of the range brand with pioneering innovations and consumer needs and wants in mind.Steve Jobs, for mer co-founder, chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. , made a compelling positioning statement during his introduction of the iPad at a conference in January 2010, he stated that the iPad is â€Å"so much more intimate than a laptop, and it’s so much more capable than a smartphone with its gorgeous screen† (STONE, 2010). Apple is committed to remaining in the forefront of innovation and quality, and therefore will sustain their competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.This report will also highlight the importance of media for Apple’s brand and how Apple have used this to reach its’ target audience and increase brand awareness. It will also question if Apple is focusing on the Marketing Communications Mix or are they relying more on the desire of the ‘brand’? The theory behind IMC is to use all aspects of marketing communication such as Advertising, Public Relations, Direct marketing and Personal selling to attain and sustain long-term cu stomer relationships while strengthening brand awareness and increasing profits.Apple’s use and effectiveness of the IMC campaign and their success from it will be discussed further in this report along with what message Apple are trying to deliver in their advertising of the iPad. Apple’s Integrated Marketing Communications Programme for iPad. The Apple brand is instantly recognisable throughout the world due to the company’s positioning strategy of their product line by way of product features, quality and ease of use to name a few. Their leadership in innovation gives the brand competitive advantage and this has fed the want and desire for the brand by consumers.Therefore the iPad having the Apple brand already created a certain am The Apple brand is instantly recognisable throughout the world due to the company’s positioning strategy of their product line by way of product features, quality and ease of use to name a few. Their leadership in innovation gives the brand competitive advantage and this has fed the want and desire for the brand by consumers. Therefore the iPad having the Apple brand already created a certain am Apple is no different to most organisations for using promotional and advertising tools to gain customers’ interest and the desire for their products.However, their marketing on innovation and design of the iPad also catches the attention of new potential consumers. To many the technology was not totally new, but the concept was and Apple focussed on that. Previous products from Apple put their brand in the limelight and made any new product launch a much anticipated one. amount of reputation, awareness and prominence in the marketplace before it was even launched. So how is Apple’s Integrated Marketing Communications organised to communicate the iPad’s positioning strategy? Firstly, we should look at the brand positioning and how the iPad fits in.Brand Positioning Brands and the management of brands have become very important elements of culture and the economy. A brand can increase the product's perceived value and therefore brand management and the marketing techniques used are seen as vital to increase brand equity and the positioning of their products. Marketers see a brand as an implied promise of the level of quality consumers have come to expect from the brands’ products and that future products will meet those expectations. Apple is seen as an ‘iconic brand that delivers revolutionary, beautifully designed and incredibly profitable products. (Daye, 2012). The ‘Apple’ brand is in fact Number 1 in brand value according to Forbes, saying it is worth $87. 1 billion, up 52% from two years ago (Forbes, 2012). The master of the Apple brand was Steve Jobs who was an excellent brand marketer and core to what Apple is today. He saw the future for Apple which was going beyond computers, therefore his first step was to remove the word ‘Com puter’ from their logo. Doing this allowed the company to diversify and expand into the world of mobile devices and more. Doing this allowed the company to diversify and expand into the world of mobile devices and more.Just as the products are very important for competitiveness, the brand is too, and the Apple brand certainly has succeeded in building up a very valuable good: an instantly recognizable and universally respected brand. This makes it easier to promote and sell the iPad. In fact, some brands over time become cult brands: consumers become passionate about the brand and levels of loyalty go beyond reason (Roberts, 2004) and Apple has become a cult brand in some respects. As mentioned in Steve Jobs’ compelling positioning statement in the introduction, he made two important statements about the product.They were that the iPad was between two already highly successful mobile devices, the laptop and the smartphone, and very importantly that the iPad had competi tive advantages over each. Apple brand followers were instantly excited and could not wait for the release of the iPad so they could be the first to have it, whether they needed such a device or not! The iPad was a game-changer in the tech world when released in April of 2010 and some believe it may end the personal computer era such is the strength of the brand. Target AudienceThe iPad’s target audience is not as clear as one would think, it turns out that it is very broad. The initial thought on the iPad by the media was that it was just a big iPhone that could not be used for regular phone calls, so who would want something like that? Apple believed, like for the iPod, that the iPad was for everyone. They got this perception when a year after the iPod was released many consumers still believed the device was for ‘techies and celebrities’. The task, therefore, was to use communications to inform world audiences that the iPod (and now the iPad) was for everyone, not just a select few (Fill, 2009).The fact that many features and programs on the iPad were inherited from the iPod and iPhone it meant that users would be familiar with the devices’ capabilities and have the advantage of mobile computing too. The iPad had the potential to target music lovers of all ages and denominations, it was a learning tool for both students and professionals with the addition of thousands of applications (apps) available. The variety of apps could attract consumers who love to read, share photographs, stay in touch through forms of email, forums, virtual meetings, social media and Apples’ ‘Facetime’ to name a few.This made the iPads’ audience vast and diverse. Target market and segments Segmentation is necessary because a single product is unlikely to meet the needs of all customers in a mass market (Fill, 2009). This should be the case for most products, however the iPad is satisfying many needs and desires. For example, du e to the variety of applications available, the iPad becomes an educational tool, a recreational tool, a business tool and a communication tool, all of which the iPad was designed for. It is clear the device is equally good for home use as well as business for both genders.But the competitiveness of the product is strengthened by Apple’s award winning dedicated music store, iTunes, which delivers seamless downloading of not just music, but books and movies too, which widens the target market and covers several market segments. The need to communicate through channels such as social media, example is Facebook, and websites specifically designed for mobile devices such as iVillage for women, make the iPad a very attractive device as it is stylish, light weight and now trendy to own one.Consumers of all ages and backgrounds can potentially own one as the price of the base model is relatively acceptable in terms of technical devices is concerned. Because of the potential to incre ase productivity businesses are scrambling to purchase the iPad, students and colleges want them, and they are seen being used by news broadcasters and presenters not to mention government representatives. Apple do not appear to target markets like other companies do, they tend to target people.They use elements of IMC and AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action) to achieve and maintain customer loyalty and increase brand awareness. They managed to present complex technology in an easy, user friendly and fun way, a key to their success in many markets. Evaluation of the products’ Integrated Marketing Communications plan: Apple continued on the successes of previous products when launching their iPad product, using images and reminders of what those previous products have done for the world. Their marketing communications for the iPad very much focused on what the company has done and what they are best at.In the keynote presentation of the iPad, the company reminded us that in October 2001, Apple revolutionised the way people listen to music with the iPod, in April 2003 Apple revolutionised the way people buy music, videos and games with iTunes. In October 2007, they revolutionised the world of mobile communications with the iPhone, and now with the iPad, Apple will ‘revolutionise’ the world again. Steve Jobs’ enthusiastic description of the device during his Keynote in January 2010 makes the individual user feel that it was made for them, that they will â€Å"hold the internet in their hands and it is an incredible experience. Steve Jobs on many occasions has stated that he loves Apple products and their customers. This shows in the customer support Apple has invested in. The company internally is well briefed on how Apple wants to be perceived, again this shows in how secrecy shrouds products prior to their launch. Their communication mix is very much audience focused and always consistent. The message for iPad is clear, it is a device for the individual who could personalise it and bring it anywhere. Apples’ marketing objectives were quite simple for the iPad.Their approach has always been the same, but different to other organisations, their introduction was somewhat spectacular due to the fact that products prior to launch were always successfully kept a secret. This made Apple brand fans excited and other consumers intrigued. Apples’ marketing strategy is â€Å"It’s better to be simple† and it shows in their marketing communications as they keep their advertising minimalistic and product information in simple language. The main forms they use are social media, online advertising, presentation keynotes and sometimes viral marketing!Either way, the message is clear and simple; the product is exciting, fun and easy to use. This is unusual, as traditionally, technical products were always described by their systems’ statistics and technical terminology which the avera ge consumer does not understand. Brand awareness is increased because of the hype. The communication mix or marketing mix involves the implementation of a marketing plan consisting of: i) Promotion, ii) Product, iii) Price and iv) Place. The Apple brand is an incredibly strong brand hence ‘Promotion’ is mentioned first.Apple, surprisingly, do not spend as much on advertising as one would think. Media such as television and magazines are their main choice but what Apple did and did best were product launch press releases. As mentioned before, keynote presentations were what Apples’ former CEO was extraordinary at. And people who mattered most to promote and place the new product in the media through public relations press releases, were present at these presentations. Secrecy of a product generated interest and added to that the Apple brand which created hype, resulted in enthusiastic anticipation of the iPad launch.Commercials were simplistic but visually pleasin g and this enhanced the beauty and simplicity of the design and features of the iPad, exactly what Steve Jobs himself loved about Apple products. This is also mirrored in their shop designs featuring simple but sophisticated look just displaying the Apple products promoting their features. More recently, the iPad has been placed in most good computer electronic stores around the world and of course Apples’ own e-commerce website. It is now as easy to purchase the iPad as it is to buy shoes.The iPad, like other Apple products, is designed and manufactured to the highest standards as always maintained by the former CEO Steve Jobs. The Product is probably Apples’ most important ‘P’ in the communication mix as they believe they have the most a product can offer. â€Å"Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings. † (Apple, 2004). The products and the brand will push the other ‘Ps’ of the mix for Apple.Price was not as important for Apple as their products. With their iPad they have competitive advantage with innovation, they also have control with materials, such as touch screens and flash memory to keep costs down over their competitors. Most electronic goods’ prices generally fall as the product nears the end of its PLC, (Product Life Cycle). Not so much with Apple products. Apple manages to get people hooked on their products from an early age. The iPad, like other Apple mobile devices, are very easy and fun to use and have the capability of adapting to the user by means of applications and personalisation.Therefore, as the user grows older the device can contain more ‘mature’ applications. For example, games and early learning apps can entertain children while music and movies are a must for adolescences, and productivity and new s may be important for adults. Today we cannot live without social networking and weather information! This is a very clever way of reaching a varied target audience that is not confined to gender, demographics, interests, or even age and Apple use ‘apps’ to promote the iPad.The effectiveness of the IMC campaign is hard to measure for the iPad as an individual Apple product, as much of the interest is down to the loyalty of the brand also. Critics will always point to the negatives, but there is without doubt, evidence to show the iPad is a huge success. Promoting the iPad to young users, for example, in schools and colleges and images of celebrities and peers using them means it generates the desire to own one. Apple can also lock the consumer into the brand by linking their products and services so that they continue to use the brand through life.Conclusion Their advertising and in-store presentation of the iPad gives the product a prestigious image, but the ability t o allow the consumer to try it or ‘play’ with it in their stores shows the confidence the company has for their products’ capabilities and quality, and that is what consumers inevitably pick up on. For effective marketing there needs to be effective communication of the information of the product. Apple does it well, but they do it simply and that seems to work. The desire they have generated for the consumer to want a fun and productive device is unquenchable.Apple may not follow all the rules of Integrated Marketing Communications, but they are careful in the planning of a product entry into the market. Secrecy, hype, presentations and image are key to their success it seems and the Apple brand remains powerful and resilient. Recommendations Apple as a company must be transparent to remain credible and sustainable in today’s business climate. This will also aid in the expansion into emerging markets. The success of the iPad has been a cornerstone for the company roven by sales of nearly 40 million iPads at the end of 2011, according to Forbes, and they expect 73 million in sales by the end of 2012. This can be over confident and risky as they lack new innovation since the iPad 2 launch. To continue growth into 2013 Apple’s marketing strategy will need to focus on brand positioning, promotion, customer service and estimate a competitive price of iPad with additional features linking to research and analysis of the environmental forces to compete in the global market. A continual S. W. O. T. analysis would benefit to understand the company’s position.Promotion development and strategies can be extremely effective if Apple continues to focus on its strategic human resource management and by making consistent attempts to remodel its marketing plan to continue successfully. Bibliography Apple, 2004. Apple Press Info. [Online] Available at: http://www. apple. com/pr/library/2004/01/08HP-and-Apple-Partner-to-Deliver-Digital- Music-Player-and-iTunes-to-HP-Customers. html [Accessed 27th March 2013]. Daye, D. , 2012. Weakness In The Apple Brand?. [Online] Available at: http://www. brandingstrategyinsider. com/2012/12/crunch-time-for-the-apple-brand. html#. US860jAqyCl [Accessed 28th Feb 2013].Fill, C. , 2009. Marketing Communications. Fifth Edition ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Forbes, 2012. Apple Tops List Of The World's Most Powerful Brands. [Online] Available at: http://www. forbes. com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/10/02/apple-tops-list-of-the-worlds-most-powerful-brands/ [Accessed 24th March 2013]. Roberts, K. , 2004. The Future Beyond Brands: Lovemarks. New York: Powerhouse Books. STONE, B. , 2010. New York Times. Inside Technology. [Online] Available at: http://www. nytimes. com/2010/01/28/technology/companies/28apple. html? _r=0 [Accessed 12 Feb 2013]. ——————————————–

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Top 7 Ways to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool During the Summer

Top 7 Ways to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool During the Summer The blazing heat of the summer is tough on our bodies. If you don’t have the luxury of staying indoors where your AC is blasting on high, then you know how hard it can be to stay cool during the summer months. Most of us need to work, so there is no escaping the brutal summer heat. But don’t let the heat stop you. There are ways you can beat the heat and stay cool without sacrificing your sanity. Here are the top 10 ways you can beat the heat and stay cool:7. Drink more waterThis may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at just how many people do not drink enough water during the day. To be safe, you should follow the 8 by 8 rule which states that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.6. Take precautions to avoid excessive sweatI live in New York City. So I know how bad it is to be standing on a hot subway platform while sweating like a mad man. It’s brutal. There are tricks you can use to counter excessive sweating. You can try p utting on deodorant the night before. Your sweat glands are more active in the morning which causes your deodorant to be less effective.5. Get a portable fanThe other day I bought a portable fan that sprays mist into your face while fanning you. What a time to be alive. Get yourself one of these babies and take them with you on those scorching hot days.4. Avoid eating hot foodsA few weeks ago, I went to a nice little Korean place and got the soup. Bad decision. Since it’s already hot outside, eating anything hot will only amplify the effects of the heat. You definitely do not want to go down that road.3. Exercise comfortablyMy personal recommendation is to get a gym membership and avoid exercising in the heat. But if that’s not something that is possible, then there are alternative exercises such as swimming and various other water sports that can definitely get the job done.2. Sleep on top of a wet sheet or clothSleeping in the heat is the absolute worst because it of ten prevents you from getting the proper rest that you need in order to function the next day. If you’re trying to save money on your electric bill, you can try sleeping on a wet sheet or cloth. You’ll be able to remain cool even in the sweltering heat.1. Know your body’s best cooling pointsFinally, if you’re trapped in the heat and aren’t able to find a cooler place, then you can apply an ice pack, or cold towel to your cooling points. This can include wrists, forehead, etc. By knowing your cooling points, you’ll be able to cool yourself off faster and more effectively.Source: [Lifehacker]

Monday, October 21, 2019

Producing aspirin by vacuum filtration Essay Example

Producing aspirin by vacuum filtration Essay Example Producing aspirin by vacuum filtration Paper Producing aspirin by vacuum filtration Paper Method: Collect all the equipment, using a measuring balance weigh out 5. 0g of 2-hydrobenzoic acid in a conical flask. Then add 7cm3 of ethanoic acid anhydride and also add three drops of concentrated sulphuric acid.   At the top of the conical flask fit the air condenser and mix together the reagents and then add to a water bath with a temperature between 50- 60  °C for 15 minutes.   After you have taken the conical flask out of the water bath then run it under cold water, remember not to remove the air condenser. Next add 75cm3 of distilled water, and then using a glass rod stir well. Then using a separating funnel adds filter paper to the top of the vacuum filter and then pours the solution into the Buchner funnel. Release the tap so water allows the filtration to process quickly. Then collect the solids which have been separated in the vacuum filtration Re-crystallise by transferring the crude product to 100cm3 flask and add in 15cm3 of ethanol, alongside 45cm3 of distilled water. Then fit the air condenser and place the conical flask into the water bath until the crude has dissolved   Allow the solution to cool and then collect the product by vacuum filtration. Finally dry the product at room temperature. Vacuum filtration: Vacuum filtration is a technique used for separating a solid product from a solvent, or liquid reaction mixture, the mixture of solid and solvent is poured through a filter paper in a Buchner funnel, the solid is trapped in the filter paper and the liquid is poured through into a flask below by a vacuum. A filter is used to separate the solid from liquid by a vacuum pump to force the liquid through the filter. This is why vacuum filtration is used to obtain recrystallized solids such as aspirin. The liquid in the solution will pass through the filter paper quicker in order to achieve a dryer product in less time. When recrystallizing the aspirin the impurities were kept in the solution, I used the process of vacuum filtration, this process got most of the water out which took out the impurities too. This process was really good to use, once all the impurities were took out the aspirin was ready to use for the next process. Re-crystallisation: Re-crystallisation is technique to dispatch a soluble. This technique relies on gentle evaporation of the solution over heat. The slower the evaporation, the bigger the crystals. This procedure of crystal formation helps to clean the substance. This is because the structure of crystal is reliant on on the form of the lattice pattern. Re-crystallisation depends on on alteration in solubility of substances so the impurities substances crystal out first so the rest can re-crystallise. Aspirin is less soluble then the impurity, so when adding cold water to it the saturated point reduces. As this reduces this shows that no more is able to dissolve allowing white solids to form. These solids form they crystallise so more products comes out allowing more crystallisation to occur leaving behind the impurities. Melting point results table: Test tubes Temperature Ca ¦ 1st try 132 Ca ¦ 2nd try 128 Ca ¦ 3rd try 130 Ca ¦ Average of the temperature: 132 + 128 + 130 = 390 Ca ¦ 390Ca ¦ = 130Ca ¦ 3 AVERAGE = 130 Ca ¦ The melting point of pure aspirin: The melting point of aspirin is between138-140 Ca ¦, my results were lower than that, this is because in my aspirin they were impurities, these impurities will lowered the melting point of my aspirin therefore making my melting point of the aspirin that I made about 130Ca ¦. Another example is when in winter the, vehicles go around putting salt on the top of the snow, the salt decreases the melting point of the snow therefore making it easier for road users to drive. So having impurities will decrease the melting point but it increases the boiling point. One way to think of it is that impurities get in the way of the bonds that would be holding the solid together. By disrupting the normal organization of atoms or molecules in that solid, the impurities weaken the bonds holding the solid together (keep in mind these are bonds BETWEEN atoms and molecules, not within them). As these intermolecular bonds weaken, it takes less energy to pull the molecules apart, which means it will melt to a liquid at a lower temperature. Conclusion- in my conclusion I saw that my aspirin had less impurities compared to the commercial aspirin, the commercial aspirin showed more dots, this is because the commercial aspirin had other ingredients added in, this will have an effect on the aspirin, it will make it more impure as for my aspirin it didn’t have other substances added in therefore it wasn’t impure as much as the commercial aspirin. Method:- First I got a TLC plate and measured 1cm above the plate and drew a line, then I measured 4cm wide from the side. Measure 1cm from the side, take 2 test tubes and put in a 3rd of the aspirin with the spatula into the test tube, then a 3rd of the commercial aspirin into another test tube. Add 2. 5 ml of ethanol and 2. 5ml of dye chloromethane to another test tube and mix it together. Take a pipette and add 1cm of the solution to each test tube containing the aspirin, shake well do the aspirin dissolves, then get a capillary tube and put it on the TLC Plate and let it dry, you place the dots with the capillary tube four times and see the colour, then get a beaker and add ethanol acetate into the beaker and wait until the four dots go up on the TLC Plate and change colour and then make a mark. Results:-From my results I got two different results this is because, I used two different aspirins, a commercial aspirin which affected the results because in the commercial aspirin, chemicals where added and in the original aspirin I got normal results. Evaluation: While I was doing experiments in found it easy to work with a partner, the method was easy to set up, I found it difficult to understand the concept of some of the techniques used. Io found it easy to put the equipment away and use it, I had no problem. But because of the science laboratory, we didn’t have all of the resources that we needed so we didn’t make pure aspirin, if I had to do the experiments again I would make sure that I have all the resources that I need to make pure aspirin.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

1984 Vocabulary

'1984' Vocabulary George Orwells 1984   tells of a dystopian future where the totalitarian government (called the Party) seeks to control not only language, but thought as well. Orwell created a whole new set of language rules with his Newspeak in 1984, showing how by reducing the ability to express oneself creatively, the Party could control how people spoke, and ultimately, know their thoughts. Instead of very good instead one using Newspeak would say plusgood and doubleplusgood. Orwell was particularly interested in nuances in language, and bemoaned what he viewed as   the loss of critical thinking and metaphor. 1984 - Terms and Vocabulary Heres a list of some unusual vocabulary words from 1984, by George Orwell. Use these terms for reference, study, and discussion. inscrutable: of an obscure nature discountenanced:  embarrassed gamboling:  playing boisterously or loudly multifarious:  having many aspects venerate:  regard with feelings of respect and reverence aquiline:  curved down, as an eagles beak stratum:  layers of material or divisions, or social classes in society palimpsest:  a manuscript on which more than one text has been written fulminate:  cause to explode violently and with loud noise anodyne:  capable of relieving pain sinecure:  an office that involves minimal duties niggling:  petty, trivial proletarian:  belonging to or characteristic of the working class wainscoting:  decorative paneling or woodwork fecundity: fertility, or cleverness (as in a fertile imagination) spurious:  not genuine, inauthentic oligarchy:  a form of government in which all power is in a few people or a dominant class truncheon: a club carried by a law enforcement officer forlorn: unhappy or miserable, hopeless More 1984 Resources Questions for Study and Discussion On 1984:Orwell Review

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Business Law - Essay Example 56). The second issue arises from Robert`s customer who claimed that Robert had neglected or had carelessly left a pin in the neck of the sheep skin coat that he had bought which resulted into Grant experiencing blood poisoning and thus was admitted in the hospital for a whole week interfering with his work for a month. Accordingly, the third case in this research involves wool traders and SnoDogs clothing. In this case, the two participants had an issue with the prices. For instance, SnoDogs Clothing claimed that wool traders had changed their prices on the delivery invoice about $360 more than the initial price shown at the time of the order. Relevant Legal Principles The case study has demonstrated some examples of legal principles and they encompass an intention to develop legal relations. This is usually so if the contract is a commercial one which will demand the court to take up this purpose. Like in this case, wool traders had the intention of establishing a legal relationshi p with Robert who was a retailer. Another principle involves consideration for the contract or contracts made by each party or the participants. This legal principles emphasizes that each partner should give or promise to offer something in return for the other`s responsibilities. For instance, in the case between the wool traders and its customers including Robert; wool traders made a contract with Robert to make for them sheepskin coats and hats, while Robert was to pay for their services and products offered. In the same way, SnoDogs clothing made an order from the wool traders for ski suits. In addition, consensus is another legal principle, which demonstrates that the participants must have arrived at definite contract (Ingeborg 2012, p. 90). This is frequently illustrated as offer and approval or acceptance. In this case, one party creates a proposal and the other consents it. For example, Wool Traders got an e-mailed order from SnoDogs Clothing for 36 ski suits. SnoDogsâ€⠄¢ terms and conditions (attached to their e-mail) evidently state that â€Å"orders produce a lawful offer to buy at the price itemized by buyer at date of reception.† Wool traders send a message showing the acceptance of the order, and transcribed approval of the same. Both had a fresh duplicate of Wool Traders` terms and settings, therefore, SnoDogs took delivery of the goods. Thus, this is a good illustration that shows the legal principle of consent or consensus. Questions of fact that will need to be decided by a court, on which liability and damages may depend Damages refer to the reimbursement for harm or destruction instigated by the breach. In case breach of agreements results into loss or harm, the bruised or the affected party has, the right to take legal action for harms or damages (Stone 2005, p. 56). In case the breach is serious enough to an extent it goes back to the base of the agreement, the affected party may consider the agreement as efficiently gone or r ejected by the other party and decline to be destined by it or reject to pay. In certain circumstances, the affected person may reject the bond and claim indemnities. Therefore, there are various questions of fact that will need to be decided by a court, on which liability and damages may depend. For instance, will the court consider Robert`s loss and grant him refund despite the fact that he was late to return the goods as stated from the wool trader`s terms and conditi

Friday, October 18, 2019

Forex exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Forex exam - Essay Example (Baillie, R & McMahon, P, 1990). Covered Interest Parity is also known as â€Å"Interest Rate Parity†. This theory is based on the assumption that in an effective market with no transaction cost, the interest difference should be equal to the forward differential. The currency of the country with a lower interest should be at forward premium in term of the currency of the country with the higher interest rate. When this condition is met, the forward mark is said to be at interest parity and equilibrium prevail in the market. Condition for Covered Interest Parity is as follow: The uncovered interest parity propagates that the interest rate differential is equal to the ex-post exchange rate change. Uncovered Interest Parity theory is more difficult to test as because expected exchange rate changes are unobservable, also assumes that there should be no transaction cost, perfect capital flow, equal default risk on foreign and on domestic market. The risk premium should be zero. It is s follow: As all of these theories are based on certain assumption like the market condition has to be perfect, there should be no restriction on free trade, no transaction cost should exist and the investors should be risk neutral. But in the real world, market conditions are not perfect neither free trade is possible. In many countries government imposes certain restriction on import and export of goods for economical welfare of their country. Transaction cost exists in the real world and the investors are not risk neutral; rather the investors are risk averse. So these theories do not hold in the real world. Foreign exchange market has to play a very vital role in the present globalized world. Foreign currency is the life blood which gets exchanged through foreign exchange market. There are many factors which affect the foreign exchange market directly or indirectly and bring efficiency in this market which are as

Leadership Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership Analysis - Essay Example This happens to be the informal power structure that might at times demonstrate as exercising extreme influence compared to the formal one (Miller, 2008). Any chief nursing officer exercising formal power in a health care centre tends to apply it on a day to day basis within the process of performing its work (Fairholm, 2009). However, the informal normally apply it when it fits their own interest. This leaves a person wondering what this thing called power refers to; apparently, this is a person’s control or influence on the behavior of other persons with or without their approval (Fairholm, 2009). In other words, this is the ability of having a say within organizational doings directly or indirectly, thereby serving the interests of an individual or a group (Miller, 2008). Therefore, power happens to be an inherent element in any health care, which features significantly within the process of decision making. Owing to their work relationships, some chief nursing officers are capable of exercising excessive level of power of their formal job description (Morgan, 2006). Health care centers normally have an organizational chart listing the relationship, as well as ranks of positions in the organization (Fairholm, 2009). ... nts, charisma and characteristics of the health care center’s individual members thus becoming the informal heads of the organization (Miller, 2008). In this case, they tend to play a significant task in the efficacy of the health care, since they might at times exert more power compared to the formal authorities. Therefore, it is essential for the chief nursing officer to acknowledge these individuals early and by ensuring that they get utilized in benefitting the organization (Fairholm, 2009). Informal power is intrinsic in all health care centers while playing a significant background role within the smooth functioning or even the interference of that organization (Fairholm, 2009). It is necessary for the management to comply with the fact that formal power might on many occasions be submissive to informal power. Apparently, this is a realism that has to be recognized importantly, directed for the organization’s benefit. There is a need to empower the chief nursing o fficer so as he or she can assume management roles from the transition to the hierarchical model this is a demonstration of their professional growth, as well as development (Higgs, 2008). At every unit level, it is essential to lobby new leadership thereby allowing staff at this level to continue doing peer review, together with unit-based council management in regards to unit governance issues. Considering that our leader, who is also the chief nursing officer, has guided his department ahead while, within the throes of the present chaos in health care, he has developed, while, at the same time, used his power basis, both formal and informal, as an individual while also as a leader (Higgs, 2008). Luckily, he has clinical expertise i.e. expert power, which makes him a member of the executive team in

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Dissertation proposal either in marketing, Finance or internantional Essay

Dissertation proposal either in marketing, Finance or internantional. business MBA level - Essay Example The typical questions that come in mind are whether such factors have a significant impact in enhancing the sales of the company or not. If yes, then would it be beneficial for the companies to give more focus towards their products packaging and placement of their products on shelves in retail stores. For exploring these questions, there is a need to conduct a research, which may provide guidelines to the companies and retailers regarding the packaging and shelf positioning of products. Planned purchases do not constitute all sales; as a matter of fact, a significant portion of total sales is composed of impulse buying which shows inevitable variation with respect to factors such as packaging and shelf-positioning. Consequences: In the absence of such a research, the marketers will certainly be at a loss. They will not be able to gain an insight into the relationship of factors such as packaging and shelf positioning with Impulse buying, thereby obstructing their ability to manipulate these factors to their own advantage, which could otherwise lead to increased sale. The research paper selected as the base paper of this research is ‘Unplanned Buying and In-Store Stimuli in Supermarkets’, Managerial and Decision Economics, Vol. 11, No. 2. (May, 1990), pg. 111-121 by Abratt, R. and D.G. Stephen (1990). ‘Impulse buying’ can be described as any purchase which a shopper makes but does not plan in advance and nowadays, a major junk of consumer purchases are being made without advance or prior planning (Hawkin Stern, 1962). Moreover, Hawkin also argued that Impulse buying, despite certain connotations attached to it, has become an efficient and sensible way of buying goods and the incidence of impulse buying are growing. Impulse buying has been seen to be at work mostly in the case of FMCGs. Unplanned purchasing occurs in many types of retail outlets; however, it is typically

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

MARRIAGE - Essay Example One can also designate other equally important topics of the consideration of marriage, namely marriage as "as a reflection of the life of the Trinity," "domestic Church," and "a vocation." (â€Å"Marriage,† 35, 38, 43). Finally, Christian theology considers the themes of "growth in Christian marriage," "growth in the virtues toward perfection, "and a" marriage fulfilled in the Kingdom of God" (â€Å"Marriage,† 45, 47, 52, 56)Ã'Ž As indicated above, the Christian church in the face of Catholic priests based is on the belief that marriage is not only a creation of the people as a union between men and women. Marriage is primarily a gift of God, which is regarded by God as free from original sin. The sanctity of marriage is determined by the union between a man and a woman, who are created in the image and likeness of God. In addition, the basic meaning of marriage is that it "has two fundamental ends or purposes towards which it is oriented, namely, the good of the spouses as well as the procreation of children" ("Marriage," 11). A man and a woman are united in marriage not only as spiritual beings, but also as material beings. They become one flesh. United by love, men and women live for each other. Each of them thinks about his/her partner as the meaning of life that causes them to be ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of him/her. This unity finds its logical continuation in children. Having childre n is an amazing act that sanctifies the union between a man and a woman and makes it adequate to Gods plan. Only the appearance of children makes a marriage a true union between a man and a woman. According to the second theme, the Christian understanding of earthly marriage involves its comparison with the Trinity. Earthly marriage is a union between a man, a woman, and their children. This unity is based on love and devotion that make all members of the family inextricably linked. The basic meaning of marriage is

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Dissertation proposal either in marketing, Finance or internantional Essay

Dissertation proposal either in marketing, Finance or internantional. business MBA level - Essay Example The typical questions that come in mind are whether such factors have a significant impact in enhancing the sales of the company or not. If yes, then would it be beneficial for the companies to give more focus towards their products packaging and placement of their products on shelves in retail stores. For exploring these questions, there is a need to conduct a research, which may provide guidelines to the companies and retailers regarding the packaging and shelf positioning of products. Planned purchases do not constitute all sales; as a matter of fact, a significant portion of total sales is composed of impulse buying which shows inevitable variation with respect to factors such as packaging and shelf-positioning. Consequences: In the absence of such a research, the marketers will certainly be at a loss. They will not be able to gain an insight into the relationship of factors such as packaging and shelf positioning with Impulse buying, thereby obstructing their ability to manipulate these factors to their own advantage, which could otherwise lead to increased sale. The research paper selected as the base paper of this research is ‘Unplanned Buying and In-Store Stimuli in Supermarkets’, Managerial and Decision Economics, Vol. 11, No. 2. (May, 1990), pg. 111-121 by Abratt, R. and D.G. Stephen (1990). ‘Impulse buying’ can be described as any purchase which a shopper makes but does not plan in advance and nowadays, a major junk of consumer purchases are being made without advance or prior planning (Hawkin Stern, 1962). Moreover, Hawkin also argued that Impulse buying, despite certain connotations attached to it, has become an efficient and sensible way of buying goods and the incidence of impulse buying are growing. Impulse buying has been seen to be at work mostly in the case of FMCGs. Unplanned purchasing occurs in many types of retail outlets; however, it is typically

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Answer some questions related to the Criminal Justice in Japan and Assignment

Answer some questions related to the Criminal Justice in Japan and China - Assignment Example They include Democratic China emergence, prolonged chaos, and an authoritarian, resilient China. China charges robustly into the 21st century, with many issues at stake that are likely to impact current and the future criminal system. Scholars and experts continue the debate on whether the communist government presently will adopt rule of law or pay lip service towards the approach. Some of the scholars describe the nation as no longer communist but that it rather operates under collective dictatorship. The claim is that little evidence exists for the political philosophy of Marxist-Leninist community. This philosophy was embraced by Chinese leaders who were early communist in 1950’s (Qui, 2013). Market force or capitalism type is prevailing in economic arena. Democratic China emergence is the most likely scenario that can occur over the next 20-30 years. Greater political and cultural pluralism is as a result of a better-educated and wealthier middle-class society that is more robust and with a stronger currency. The emergence of a democratic China is the major optimistic scenario given by Professor Li. He argues that it has been linked to growth in the rule of law and legal institutions that have evolved rapidly over the past decades (Craiq, 2013). In the present period of early 21st century, the leadership of China has been under the operation of collectivist technocratic fashion (Qui, 2013). There is a possibility for emergence of a strong single leader thus contributing the concept of resilient authoritarianism in China. Continuance of the present structure of the collectivist, as is exemplified in Politburo, continues to hold power reins. The stability of the Communist regime is undermined by economic and socio-political crises that are triggered by environmental degradation, health crises, and economic disparities among the rural with urban populations, as well as rampant corruption among elites. Since China is a

Monday, October 14, 2019

Philosophy of Professional Nursing Essay Example for Free

Philosophy of Professional Nursing Essay Nursing as a profession includes a comprehensive strong set of principles, which should be understood and learned by each person, who decides to work in this field. Nursing philosophy, in my opinion, is not merely a philosophy of carative process, but also specific view on the patient. The present paper is designed to discuss my own approach to my profession and the related beliefs. Nursing first and foremost refers to health care, so the major value in this profession is health. I define this term as a state of physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Individuals not always pay attention to their health, even though it substantially influences the quality of human life, so competent specialists are needed to help them understand the importance of health and lead them on their paths to positive individual and social functioning. As a nurse, or health care provided, I normally use Dunn’s approach to health as to maximum wellness, which can be described as â€Å"integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of which the individual is capable within the environment where he is functioning† (Smerke, 1989, p. 154). Individuals tend to engage in energy exchange with their environment and also seek to achieve balance in this process, or simply adapt to the environment. Although individuals strive to achieve balance and maximum functional status, they also actively seek new experiences that may disturb their balance at least temporarily† (Smerke, 1989, p. 155). This means, it is also important to deal with the roots of health dysfunctions such as lifestyle, habits, negative influences of the closest environment, job stress and so forth – I believe, each nurse is supposed to provide recommendations concerning the elimination or minimization of negative external influences and the development of healthy lifestyle, which increases productivity and both physical and psychological balance. Thus, it is necessary to take a holistic approach to health (Andrews and Amphlett, 1995), which would include both the satisfaction of health-related needs and attention to the patient’s individuality, as the final goal of nursing is the maximization of well-being. Speaking about the view on client within the philosophy of professional nursing, it is important to note that the patient â€Å"is a human being who has dignity, worth and the right to quality nursing care delivered with competence. The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the dignity and uniqueness of every individual with attention to the cultural and ethnic diversity of patients and their significant others† (Smith, 1995, p. 11). Individuals operate in dissimilar environments, so different issues might influence their health. Attentive listening and compassion within the basic nursing care might have really therapeutic effects, which will appear motivating to both nurse and health care service user. In addition, mutual understanding between the patient and the nurse are necessary to develop a true partnership in the relationship (Andrews and Amphlett, 1995), this aspect especially relates to the work with children, who often have fear of health services, hospitals and specialists in the corresponding uniform and thus refuse to cooperate. The respect for patient’s dignity includes non-judgmental approach to the client’s lifestyle and cultural sensitivity. The nurse is not entitled to be a spiritual teacher, and should be tolerant enough to avoid accusing patients of their health problems, such professionals, as I believe, should rather inspire patients to develop healthy habits rather than demonstrating strong dissatisfaction. Nurse’s role is not limited to the assistance in carrying out doctor’s orders, as they are often supposed to make their own decisions, as the number of unpredicted and unexpected situations is huge in the sphere of health care. I deem, nurses should also be advocates for patients, as they deal with service users much more closely than doctors and thus are welcome to suggest certain changes in the process of health care and discuss them with therapists (for instance, therapists not always notice that patients also require professional psychological counseling, so nurse should not hesitate to talk about this situation). I believe, nurses should also provide counseling in health care and, being prepared for work in the globalized society, they should take into consideration the client’s cultural background and their personal values, through which it is easier to articulate the necessity of adherence to certain recommendations. Furthermore, globalization also determines the need for social activity among nurses, as wellness and well-being might be threatened by dissatisfactory living conditions like poverty, against which they are encouraged to act, creating unions and associations. Working in health care teams, nurses also act as managers and team leaders, with respect to their competencies and skills. In the modern society, nursing should rely upon the specialist’s professionalism, or the ability to use the skills, learned in the course of education, depending upon the situation. Professionalism also involves the responsibility for human life and health (Smith, 1993), as nurses often have much freedom in health services and thus should be flexible enough to apply the knowledge of various disciplines where they are relevant. I believe it is also necessary to renew and enrich the knowledge; for his purpose, nursing includes the research of professional literature. To sum up, my own philosophy of nursing was developed to great extent owing to education (including self-training), as it was necessary to find out more about different approaches to health care and select the set of principles, with which I am completely consistent and to which I can adhere as a specialist. My philosophical views, as one can conclude, are comprehensive, as I take into consideration such issues as holism in health care, professional contact with patients, nurse’s roles, multiculturalism and research.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Outsourcing ICT In The Tesco Company

Outsourcing ICT In The Tesco Company This is a report about Tescos company ICT outsourcing, knowledge management and knowledge management systems. In the following paragraphs two questions are going to be answered and analyzed according to the information existing in Tescos case. Outsourcing ICT is quite commonly used by organizations as an approach to strategic management. Access the advantages and disadvantages that outsourcing can bring in developing effective uses of information systems in an organization such as Tesco. The great competition and the global economic crisis that organizations have to face nowadays, made Information Communications Technology outsourcing a really attractive management tool in order to cut expenses in non-core activities, specific in overheads of Information Technology departments. By deciding to outsource, there would be a lot of benefits but also a number of risks associated with it. It is important for a decision maker to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of ICT outsourcing, before making the decision to outsource. Outsourcing ICT has to do with the whole existing information in the business field. It is about networks, web design, programming, online shops etc. Network services is the most common ICT services activity outsourced and outsourcers who do not comply with contract will badly influence the organizations process in a very risky way. The Technology of information and communication is growing fast and the vendor business has to be updated and synchronized with the era of 2010. So it would be far easier for them to sell their products and serving their customers in every possible way. Big organizations that have to deal with so many products from soap to bread it would be more difficult to take the risk and create their own Information and communication department from scratch and keep it upgraded while their whole process is running. The result of this difficulty in Tescos case is to outsource ICT specific functions to Trilogy Company. The advantages of outsourcing ICT in an organization such as Tesco. ICT is vital to Tesco. Every aspect of their operation is controlled or monitored by ICT stock, distribution, payroll, communication methods, and so on. ICT is essential to the running of a modern store. It is used for planning, monitoring, auditing and communicating between store operations. For example, when an item has its barcode read at the checkout, the system not only logs the price onto the till, but also logs the financial transaction between Tesco and the customer and the fact that the stock has been reduced by one item. This shows the integration of departments by using ICT. All stores are connected to the mainframe at Head Office via the Tesco Network. Another advantage of Outsourcing ICT from a business perspective is that organizations are realizing that owning and operating their own IT infrastructure no longer makes sense. The cost of that is much bigger and the results are never guaranteed. This coupled with the common resource lack make outsourcing a viable alternative. It is very important for organizations to adopt the right approach of outsourcing ICT in order to have benefits. The outsourced ICT selected company they are going to cooperate with, must follow certain organizations demands. First they have to manage well specific ICT functions in stages, to work with responsibility over review performance, to make adjustments and to support technically with experienced system engineers. The gained confidence and in-house acceptance by the organization as well a very good relationship and cooperation will give the best benefits in the organizations performance. With the right approach and the suitable outsourcing of ICT the organizations will manage to stay high at the competitive edge in the market. Serving the customers in the best way and surprising with new ways of purchasing their products (for ex. via online-shops), their loyalty will be kept and the margins will be increased. A big company like Tesco has many sub-stores, some in the same country and some abroad. The communication between them and the line the company sets everywhere should be well established. ICT helps in this area and it is the primary reason that chain branches use ICT. In summary outsourcing ICT for a company such as Tesco is important for increasing the ability to reach the goals of the company, reduce human risks, saving time, helping the company to stay competitive and minimize the operating costs. The Disadvantages of Outsourcing ICT in an organization such as Tesco. As it was already mentioned above, the outsourcing ICT has also disadvantages that raise the risk the company has to take. For example, at times, it is more cost-effective to conduct a particular business process, rather than outsourcing it, not that much in IT but maybe the companys upgrade wants are small and opposed to the ICT Companys big fees. When you begin to outsource your business processes, you might find it difficult to manage the offshore provider when compared to managing processes within your organization. In case, your outsource ICT service provider becomes bankrupt or goes out of business, your organization will have to transfer immediately the business processes in-house or find another outsourcing provider The employees in your organization might not like the idea of outsourcing your processes and they might express lack of interest or lack of quality at work. Also outsourcing can create potential redundancies for your organization because a lot of employees may lose their jobs. Your outsourcing provider might not be the right who is providing services for your organization. Also the quality of the service isnt always guaranteed, especially in low-price agreements. Since your provider might be catering the needs of several companies, there might be not be complete devotion to you and your company something that shouldnt happen if you own the ICT department. In outsourcing, you may lose control over the process that is outsourced and dont be able to fix something in time because you are not in charge of this field. Outsourcing, though cost-effective, might have hidden costs, such as the legal costs incurred while signing a contract between companies and you might also have to spend a lot of time and effort in getting the contract signed. There can be several disadvantages in outsourcing, such as, renewing contracts, misunderstanding of the contract, lack of communication, poor quality and delayed services amongst others. The disadvantages of outsourcing give to organizations an opportunity to think about what they are stepping into. However if you find a reliable outsourcing partner you probably wont face any of these disadvantages of outsourcing. Question 2 What do you understand by Knowledge management and knowledge management systems? Analyze how useful such a system could be to Tesco and why it is often difficult to persuade employees to use such systems. Knowledge Management refers to the process of collecting the gathered experience of a company or organization, whether it is in databases or documents, or even in the minds of executives of the company or organization and then share it and use it at those parts of the business that will provide the maximum contributory benefit. KM has been growing rapidly in the last years as a business model. More and more businesses and organizations have developed stores of knowledge related to customer service, product development, human resource management, etc. This fact also created new jobs related to knowledge management and made a necessity for the existence of knowledge management in a modern business and the need for trained managers to be responsible for the process. Nowadays fields like media, information, computer science, public policy and public health have started contributing to Knowledge Management research. Also non-profit organizations and huge companies have resources specific to internal Knowledge Management efforts, usually as a part of their business strategy, human resource management and information technology departments. There are many consulting companies that advice and provide strategy regarding KM to the organizations. For the better use of Knowledge Management the companies needed to use Knowledge Management Systems   mostly IT based systems that manage the knowledge in companies , gather it, storage it and sharing it as information. Such systems as Software tools, databases, networks, Internet access, worldwide communication etc. A KM system is needed to enable employees to have quick access to the organizations databases, sources of information, and solutions, this is mainly helping to encourage innovation and improve efficiency. When employees have the knowledge or information and are able to use it at the right time, relationships with customers, suppliers and dealers improve. These workers are able to make better decisions by using the information that their company gives them access to. How useful such a system could be to Tesco and why it is often difficult to persuade employees to use such systems. A Company like Tesco today has to gather the wisdom and knowledge as fast as they can. Share the results across the rest of their branches and at the same time continue to develop and share new knowledge. Tescos leaders know how serious is to let the knowledge flow within the organization. Tesco is consist of 220,000 human beings, which means that is necessary to make an environment that would help their staff feel motivated and valued with return the better service to their customers. Loyalty is basically driven by personal relationships and the employees are the face of the company when a customer enters a Tesco branch. From the results of the projects that have been taking place they realized that there were customers who were not experiencing warm and friendly service from Tesco and that internal levels of staff morale were suffering in reaction to increasingly ambitious cost and efficiency targets in stores. Trilogy (WhatIf, InterAction and Bridge consulting companies) was hired by Tesco to help transform the quality of its customer service and raise it to the market-leading standard. To reach the needs of Tescos millions of customers Trilogy developed the Living Service Programme. The main idea of this concept was to change for the best. It was also clear that its aim was the change of process and not the change of the people but by, with and for Tesco people. In many ways the Living Service Programme is Tescos recognition, through committed investment of time and money. Among the projects significant intangible benefits is the widely noted enhancement in the quality of dialogue and communication within stores. Staffs report that the them and us culture is practically a thing of the past, with deep effects on the work climate and employee attitudes to the company. The programme was designed to improve commitment bottom-up as well top-down in the organization and this needed to be clear to avoid the misunderstandings. It was undertaken by 660 stores in 26 weeks, in this period the staff trained to provide excellent service and cooperation with the other employees and also using the knowledge/information when needed. The usefulness of LSProgramme was obvious to the head managers of Tesco and the Trilogy Company but from the employees there was skepticism. People often feel vulnerable to the importation of techniques that may appear to criticize their behavior, values, and styles of interaction. Also Initiatives with really innovative attributes may be treated with suspicion if they come from the organizations leadership because their apparent oddity can be interpreted as a failure to understand the day to day reality of the business. One of the key enemies of change is the perception that change is being imposed by one group upon another. Tesco managed to redirect the evolution of its culture in a way that keyed into its employees beliefs and motivations while focusing faithfully on the needs of its customers. This was a project in which the personal became the practical: a case of cultural change carried out at the human scale, person by person, and action by action.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Obtaining a Competitive Advantage Through Cost Leadership and Different

This assignment will cover how a business can gain a competitive advantage over similar businesses in the same market using sources such as cost advantage and differentiation. What will also be discussed is the value chain model made by Porter, and this assignment will explain what the model was actually designed for. Furthermore, it will be explained how a business can use methods of competitive advantage through various stages of Porter’s Value Chain in order to help it maintain and increase the competitiveness of the business, and this will be done through assessing the operations of the business and locating exactly where any competitive advantage can be gained. Lastly, Porter’s value chain features 9 activities which can each be identified as being either a primary or support activity and what will then be explained will be how these primary and support activities can add value to a business, and whether or not support activities can be considered as being any more or any less important than a primary activity. It is suggested by many that there are two ways for a business to gain competitive advantage; this is done through either cost advantage or differentiation. Porter (2004, p.64) claims that cost advantage is when a â€Å"firm achieves a lower cumulative cost of performing value activities than its competitors†. A good example of this would be ASDA within the food retailer industry. ASDA (ASDA beats its full year sales and profit plan, 2009), known for their â€Å"commitment to everyday low prices†, are very much a cost-leading competitor in the food retailer industry and they stated that they beat their â€Å"full year sales and profit plan† for the fourth consecutive quarter in 2009 by introducing a â€Å"significant cost reduction prog... ...l Group (2008) Annual Report 2008: Our key strengths. [Online] Available at: http://www.homeretailgroup.com/ar/2008/review/keystrengths/p2.shtml (Accessed: 19/11/2011) Johnson, G., Scholes, K. (2002) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases. 6th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. McGeary, R. (2011) Anatomy of Market Research [Online] Available at: http://www.remnet.com/porter.html (Accessed: 14/11/2011) Millar, V., Porter, M. (1985) ‘How Information Gives You Competitive Advantage’, Harvard Business Review pp. 18-36. [Online] Available at: http://zaphod.mindlab.umd.edu/docSeminar/pdfs/Porter85.pdf (Accessed: 17/11/2011) Needle, D. (2000) Business in Context: An introduction to business and its environment. Third edition. London: Thomson Learning Porter, M. (2004) Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. New York: FREE PRESS.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu Essay

John Locke- 1. John Locke was one of the greatest philosophers in Europe at the end of the seventeenth century. Locke grew up and lived through one of the most extraordinary centuries of English political and intellectual history. The collapse of the Protectorate after the death of Cromwell was followed by the Restoration of Charles II — the return of the monarchy, the House of Lords and the Anglican Church. 2. Born 1632, died 1704. Locke’s chief work while living at Lord Ashley’s residence, Exeter House, in 1668 was his work as secretary of the Board of Trade and Plantations and Secretary to the Lords Proprietors of the Carolinas. 3. John Locke is known for the â€Å"Two Treatises of Government. † 4. One quote from John Locke is â€Å"To prejudge other men’s notions before we have looked into them is not to show their darkness but to put out our own eyes. † 5. During the remaining years of his life Locke oversaw four more editions of the Essay and engaged in controversies over the Essay most notably in a series of published letters with Edward Stilling fleet, Bishop of Worcester. In a similar way, Locke defended the Letter Concerning Toleration against a series of attacks. He wrote The Reasonableness of Christianity and Some Thoughts on Education during this period as well. Citation 1: Uzgalis, William, â€Å"John Locke†, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed. ), URL = . Citation 2 (quote): John Locke. BrainyQuote. com, Xplore Inc, 2011. http://www. brainyquote. com/quotes/quotes/j/johnlocke143294. html, accessed October 28, 2011. Baron De Montesquieu- 1. He was educated at the Oratorian College de Juilly, received a law degree from the University of Bordeaux in 1708, and went to Paris to continue his legal studies. On the death of his father in 1713 he returned to La Brede to manage the estates he inherited, and in 1715 he married Jeanne de Lartigue, a practicing Protestant, with whom he had a son and two daughters. In 1716 he inherited from his uncle the title Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu and the office of President a Mortier in the Parlement of Bordeaux, which was at the time chiefly a judicial and administrative body. For the next eleven years he presided over the Tournelle, the Parlement’s criminal division, in which capacity he heard legal proceedings, supervised prisons, and administered various punishments including torture. 2. He was born January 19, 1689 and died in 1755 of fever. He lived in Paris for a period of time. 3. Montesquieu’s two most important works are the Persian Letters and The Spirit of the Laws. 4. One quote from Montesquieu is â€Å"A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century. † 5. On his return to France in 1731, troubled by failing eyesight, Montesquieu returned to La Brede and began work on his masterpiece, The Spirit of the Laws. During this time he also wrote Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and of their Decline, which he published anonymously in 1734. In this book he tried to work out the application of his views to the particular case of Rome, and in so doing to discourage the use of Rome as a model for contemporary governments Citation 1: Bok, Hilary, â€Å"Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat†, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed. ), URL = . Citation 2: Baron de Montesquieu. BrainyQuote. com, Xplore Inc, 2011. http://www. brainyquote. com/quotes/authors/b/baron_de_montesquieu. html, accessed October 28, 2011.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Communication Medium

There are two types of communication mediums needed for any successful business; Physical Media and Mechanical Media. Physical media channels where the person who is talking can be seen and heard by the audience. The whole point here is to be able to not only hear the messages, but also to see the body language and feel like they are in the room. This does not need to be two way channels. In certain situations the receiver expect physical communication. This is the case especially when dealing with high concern messages.If a message is perceived as important they expect to hear it live from their manager. On the other hand, mechanical media is more of the daily form of communication. With mechanical media written or electronic channels are the primary sources. These channels can be used as archives for messages or for giving the big picture and a deeper knowledge. But they can also be very fast. Typically though, because it is written, it is always interpret by the reader based on hi s or her mental condition.In other words, it is not best to put humor or irony in these communication mediums because it can be percieved the wrong way. Since the company is spread through several continents around the world a great new medium is Global 365. Microsoft Office 365 operates as a cloud-based replacement for Microsoft's desktop tools, packaging Office, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Microsoft Lync into a cloud service. Office 365 is not only marketed to a larger company, it is also provides a package for the cost consensus smaller company.What is meant by this cheaper Office Web Apps only version. While a bigger company would purchase the full version. The idea of all your Microsoft software e-mail, documents, contacts and calendars are available anywhere at any time is an enticing feature. As well as the compatibilities it has with almost all devices. It is compatible with PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, Blackberry smartphones, Windows Mobile and Windows Pho nes. Office 365 is all about collaboration.Users can share large files both inside and outside their organization, from a single document location point, meaning that the current version of a document is always the most current, regardless of how many editors are involved. Office Web Apps allow users to access and edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote documents in their browser, and simultaneous editing of Excel spreadsheets and OneNote notebooks with others in real time is easy and intuitive, with users able to see exactly who is editing and viewing documents at all times.A company can use emails, the company website, video conferences, slide-shows, webinars, a personal letter to the employee, the company magazine or the company's voice mail or speaker system to meet and provide feedback. The important thing to note is that positive feedback motivates people to improve, and the media a company has available to use are only limited by the imagination of its Human Resources depart ment.