Improving Organisational Performance Assignment

Improving Organisational Performance - Assignment Example It is an ongoing process, where a supervisor should communicate the job responsibilities to an employee, make him/her aware of the expectations from him/her by the management and ensure that mutual understanding prevails between them. Performance management regularly monitors the position of the organisation and implements any skill development tools or training modules for the employees. The principle objective of performance management is to make optimum use of the resources that the employee is capable of to deliver (Parmenter, 2011). In the paper, the different performance management systems used by two large organisations in the UK i.e. Tesco PLC and Sainsbury’s in the retail segment will be discussed. The implications and challenges faced by the two organisations while implementing the performance management system will be observed in the paper and certain proposals will provided to the organisations to overcome those challenges. One of the largest British multinational grocery and general merchandise, Tesco, has spread its operations over 14 countries, employing over 492,000 people. The group after its incorporation in 1920 has extended over different sectors and formats. It has approximately 5,380 stores throughout 14 markets in Asia, Europe and the United States (Tesco PLC, 2012). United Kingdom’s oldest retailer, Sainsbury’s was originated in London in the year 1869. At present, it is the third biggest chain of supermarkets in the UK. It opened its first store in Drury Lane which sold eggs, milk and butter products. Later, the group has transformed itself from being a retail outlet with diversity in different sectors like Finance, Entertainment, Toys and Nursery (Sainsbury’s, 2012). Business Case for Tesco Tesco has introduced performance management in their organisation to analyze and to evaluate the performances of their employees. Therefore, performances in Tesco can be measured by tracking the results of a few of the fa ctors, namely, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), productivity, quality and safety. An employee’s productivity is measured by the quantity of work performed by the amount taken to do the work. Simultaneously, the quality factor falls in place when measuring productivity. Therefore, Tesco measures performance of the employees by measuring the KPIs. To measure the KPIs, Tesco introduced a management tool called â€Å"Steering Wheel†. It consists of four quadrants–‘Customer, Operations, People and Finance’ (TESCO an ADVENT Company, 2011). These quadrants are separated into small segments which focus on measuring the KPIs of each segment which are based on the targets achieved. The performances of an employee are communicated daily by their supervisors on the basis of their daily improvements, average performance in the group and within the organisation. This helps the employee to know where he/she stands in the group and what measures he/she should take to improve the average performance in the group (TESCO an ADVENT Company, 2011). Customer Operations Earn the reliability of the customers for lifetime All kinds of products are available Value for the prices Admirable staff and fast services Pleasurable shopping for the customers Work is clearly defined and it becomes simpler for the staff

Bank recession of 2011 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Bank recession of 2011 - Essay Example Particularly marked by decreased bank lending, which creates the recurring loop of a recessive economy. Three main players are involved in this triangular arrangement of the financial system: The government, the banks/financial institutions and the credit consumers. The government with its increased involvement to regulate financial markets formulates policies for the consumers which are mediated through the banks and financial institutions. Thus, the banks are stuck in a paradox of adhering to government policies and maintaining their own liquidity and capital ratios, which in turn effect the end consumers. During the pre-recession period, credit access was particularly easy worldwide, especially among the G 10 countries which were attributed as pioneers of the ongoing economic boom. (Michael, B., Leonardo, G., & Goetz, P. 2011) Increased mortgaging and borrowing backed by higher expectations from the market were rampant, but to the dismay of economic analysts, this bubble was artif icial. And eventually the growth backed by ill securities, bad mortgages and irregular credit ratings suddenly came to a halt with the financial market in doldrums.( Badertscher, B., Burks, J., & Easton, P. 2012) Banks and financial institutions had major investments in the real estate sector, the most effected of these by the financial crisis were those who had had readily converged to commercial construction and land development loans during the boom. (Hays, F., & Ward, S. 2010) Earlier financial crises have demonstrated that a concentration of loans within a single sector is very risky, since the developing sector may turn out to be a fad. It is considered a rule of thumb to diversify the investment portfolio to lower the risk to a minimum. But such was not the case and eventually, with the excess of subprime lending in the real estate economy without much securitization to back it, the banks involved had to bear the brunt of this mammoth of a crisis. Since then bank credit requi rements have increased twofold making it harder to borrow and creating a bottleneck in economic injections. And on the other hand dipping credit ratings are naturally creating skepticism in the average consumer’s mind about the credibility of bank loans, creating a demand lag which is evident in the 2011 loan demand figures. Worldwide government efforts have been aimed towards saving major banks and financial institutions by providing much needed capitalization as a measure to increase liquidity. But smaller community banks have had a tough time surviving without much government assistance, and a plethora of risky real estate mortgage loans with an unfavorable market to profit from. Since larger banking corporations are more inclined towards heavier accounts and portfolios, the role of an intermediary played by relatively smaller banks for consumer loans remains vacant. This becomes evident in the form of the supply lag for loans that has been a feature of the banking crisis. The major clients for bank loans are corporate clients which require substantial amounts of capital. This is an area where international banking is prevalent, with loan syndication seen as a common practice among international financial institutions. (Ralph, H., & Neeltje, H. 2011) This may perhaps also be the reason why the recession in the

The Collectivisms Versus Individualism Appeals Cultural Studies Essay

The Collectivisms Versus Individualism Appeals Cultural Studies Essay Love the Internet, love being free-spirited, love getting up late, love the late night food stands, love car-racing and T-shirts for 29RMB as well. I am not a standard-bearer, nor am I someones spokesman, I am HanHan, I just represent myself. When you read this script, do you think that it is an advert launched in the western markets? Actually, it is an advert campaign of a fashion apparel B2C company in China. It is quite interesting to launch an ad which claims I-conscious in a highly collectivistic country. In this essay, the writer will mainly analyze the cultural values behind the ad and discuss how this ad is trying to change the attitudes of the Chinese from group-oriented to self-oriented by using consumer behavior frameworks, such as Maslows hierarchy of needs, Fishbeins behavioral intention model and advertising engagement modes. Background Vancl is a B2C company who sells quality fashion clothing and accessories on-line in China (Appendix 1). It was founded in 2007, and now it has become the NO.1 Chinese fashion apparel B2C enterprise who is occupying 28.4% market share, according to the Report of e-business on fashion apparel industry in China 2009-2010 (http://en.vancl.com). As the concept of the company is to provide quality and stylish apparel at a reasonable price, it considers urban young adults from 18 to 28 years old as its target audiences (http://en.vancl.com). In order to target more consumers and enhance the influence of the brand, Vancl launched an advertising campaign (Appendix 2) in 2010, which achieved a huge success in China. This study is aim to analyze the culture behind the ad campaign based on consumer behavior area. Literature Review Collectivism versus Individualism Appeals in Chinese Adverts Hofstede (1980) developed an individualism-collectivism dimension to differentiate culture. This concept was concluded by Oyserman et al. (2002) that collectivism could be considered as the opposite of individualism, which was usually reflected in the East Asian culture. In thecollectivistic culture, concept of self is relevant to others and the society as a whole (Mooij 2004), which cannot be separated from their social context (Phillips 1976; Shweder 1984). Thus, Families, work groups, social roles, positions, or relationships should be offered as the top priority in an individuals behavior (Mooij 2004, p.96). In the communication level, Individualism-collectivism dimension divides the self-concept into independent self and interdependent self appealed by low-context and high-context communication, affecting in the communication behavior (Mooij 2004). In general, high-context communication occurs more prevalent in collectivistic culture while low-context communication reflects a communication style in individualistic culture (Hall and Hall 1987, Zandpour et al. 1992, Mooij 2004). Therefore, more copy is used in adverts developed in the individualistic countries. By contrast, collectivistic countries use more visual elements in their ads (Mooij 2004). According to Hofstedes (2001) framework of culture dimensions, China is a highly collectivistic country. Collectivism concept congests in the daily life of Chinese. For instance, people are more likely to say, I often watch basketball games with my family and friends. instead of I am a sports fan.' (Liang and Joseph 2010, p.189). Consequently, the level of collectivism may have an impact on the design of local advertising. A host of researchers (for example: Dana et al.1993; Han and Shavitt 1994) have found that collectivistic ideas appear in adverts are more prevalent in the higher collectivism countries, such as China, Japan and South Korea, etc. Similarly, Carolyn (2001) pointed out that group consensus appeals more in Chinese adverts than in American ads. And unlike the commercials in U.S., Chinese were generally we-conscious instead of I-conscious. A research, conducted by Cheng and Schweitzer (1996), identified three main cultural values, in terms of modernity, youth and family dominated in Chinese advertisements, which were much different from the results in the United States (enjoyment, modernity and individualism). Besides, the study also found that comparing with the idea of individualism and manipulation over nature, harmony of social status and oneness with nature were much more frequently discovered in the Chinese advertising (ibid.). Some researches (for example: Belk et al. 1985; Belk and Pollay 1985; Belk and Bryce 1986; Mueller 1987; Paek et al. 2004), however, revealed that the style of the advertisements in some eastern countries was tending to be Americanized and becoming more individualistic orientations. Zhang and Shavitt (2003), for instance, analyzed 463 Chinese advertisements and found that both modernity/individualism values and tradition/collectivism values existed or dominated in Chinese Ads. The former values were more prevalent in personal use products ads, while the latter were more common in the ads promoting shared products. Difference in Appearance and Fashion Advertising Appeals across Culture Mooij (2004) used three culture dimensions, in terms of uncertain avoidance, power distance, and individualism-collectivism, to explain the different needs of appearance in different countries. A map (Appendix 3) was designed to illustrate the importance of appearance in the different cultural valued countries by using individualism-collectivism and uncertain avoidance dimensions, according to the country scores calculated by Hofstede (2001). Mooij (2004) claimed that the degrees of uncertain avoidance determined the proportion of consumption spending of individuals, while the dimension of individualism-collectivism differentiated the purpose of well-dressing between suitability of occasion and earning face. Besides, the higher power distance of culture was, the more degrees people would depend on others. Moreover, Mooij (ibid.) mentioned that self-consciousness was another factor to identify the differences in appearance. Similarly, Phillips and McQuarrie (2010) reviewed numerous of researches (for example: Green and Brock 2000; Holbrook and Hirschman 1982; Petty and Cacioppo 1981) and concluded five modes of fashion advertising engagement (Appendix 4) to illustrate the current situation of fashion ads worldwide. Among these five modes, many scholars (e.g., Murray 2002; Bannister and Hogg 2004; Thompson and Haytko 1997; Richins 1991) found that the engage for identity mode was the most common and traditional model appealed in the fashion adverts, which exactly coincided with Evans (1989) conclusion of three trends in fashion industry: (1) Peoples use of fashion reflects a desire to manifest the self; (2) the desire for self-expression is growing; and (3) there is a continuing need to match female (still the main buyers of clothing and cosmetics) self-images and brand images in more congruent ways (p. 10-11). Evan (ibid.) also suggested that self-expression and branding image were more important than fashion and styling newness when promoting a fashion brand. In General, the advertising appeals in collectivistic counties were more group-identity, while self-identity adverts worked more efficiently in individualistic countries (Cheng and Schweitzer 1996). However, Vancl uses a contrary ad appeals to promote the brand. In the next part, a detailed semiotic analysis will be conducted to explore the different appeals in this advert. Semiotic Analysis According to Solomon (2008 p.103), semiotics is a study of the correspondence between signs and symbols and their roles in how we assign meanings ¼Ã…’which can be interpreted into different information based on the knowledge, culture values, personality and skills of different interpreter. Therefore, analysis of semiotic elements containing in the advert, can help the researcher understand detailed information the advert wants to deliver. There are three components in every marketing message, which should be combined when analyzing an advert, namely an object (product), a sign (symbol), and an interpretant/meaning (Schiffman and Kanuk, 2004). Vancls advertising campaign is developed to two versions divided by gender. Each version includes large amount of signs and symbols which ccn be interpreted. For example, the price of the clothing marked in the advertisement gives a rough idea of the target audiences. Then the audiences analyze this information using their knowledge, persona lity and skills based on the different culture, such as considering the average price of this kind of clothing in the market, and calculate that the price is affordable and reasonable. Another interpretation of price can be considered as high uncertain avoidance. More specifically, if consumers have known the price before they purchase, they can avoid the risk of buying inappropriate products. Thus, in this ad, marked price can be interpreted into both price-friendly and avoidance of risk (Figure 1). Adapted from Solomon, 2008. A Semiotic Relationship. Object Vancl clothing Sign Marked price Interpretant Price-friendly Risk avoidance Personality Skills Knowledge Culture Figure 1: An Example of a Semiotic Relationship in Vancl Advertising In order to understand the messages interpreted in this advertising campaign by different targets, the writer interviewed five people who spoke Mandarin by asking them to use three words to describe the personality containing in this ad. The top three personalities referred most frequently were self-conscious, lively and enjoyment in life. Here, self-conscious means that the ad is I-conscious oriented, expresses a sense of confidence, self-respect and self-fulfillment. Lively can be explained that the ad appeals are more related to daily life and realistic, while enjoyment in life means that a sense of fun, enjoyment and happiness towards life. Based on this interview result, a detailed semiotic analysis is conducted and summarized (Appendix 5). According to Maslows hierarchy of needs theory (1987), clothing can be categorized to the physiological needs, which is the most basic need of humans. However, from the results of semiotics interpretation, the writer found that Vancl focused on targeting the audiences to the forth level needs self-esteem needs (Appendix 6). As it is shown from the survey, Vancl encourages people to be confident and self-respect, clothing is no matter the basic needs of human beings. Wearing Vancl apparel can help the consumers achieve to self-esteem level. Moreover, another finding is discovered. The three personalities concluded by the respondents are much similar to the elements (excitement, fun and enjoyment in life, self-fulfillment, self-respect, etc.) of the List of Value (LOV), a value approach developed by Kahle and Timmer (1983). Surprisingly, these three personalities, which generally occur in the most western counties, are opposite to the culture value in China concluded by Hofstede (2001, Figure 2). As it is shown by the individualism index, the score (20) is lower than the average of other Asian countries (24), which means that China owns a highly collectivistic culture. Chinese consider group as their priority, focus more on their families, friends and society as a whole, than themselves (Mooij, 2004). The writer analyzes the ads in depth on the basis of the Hofstedes culture values (Appendix 7) and finds that, although collectivism deeply influences on the development of Chinese advertisements, Vancls ad campaign, howeve r, pays a lot attention to self concept. Take the script as an example. The copy of two versions keeps the format of Love à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, I am not à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, I am à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, which is much different from the we-conscious adverts in collectivistic countries. It emphasizes self, and gives the opinions of the individuals instead of groups, which reflects an individualistic cultural value. Individualism Masculinity Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Time Orientation China Low Individualism (20) Masculine (66) High (80) Low (30) Long (118) Figure 2: Hofstedes Framework for Assessing Culture China Furthermore, this campaign seems to reform the advertising layout from a traditional way to a new style. As it is shown, there are two versions exclusively designed by gender. The layout of these two versions is similar: there is an image of the spokesman in the left of the picture, while a script containing large information in the right. This is also an uncommon way of the traditional Chinese advertisements. Lastly, according to Fishbein and Ajzen (1980), brand attitude and subject norm are two components which influence the intention and finally determine the purchasing behavior. In highly collectivistic countries, subjective norm stands for an important position in this evaluation process (Lee, 1991). In this case, however, Vancl shifts consumers focuses from subjective norm to brand attitude (Figure 3). Therefore, it can be considered that Vancls ad is trying to change Chineses attitudes from collectivism to individualism. Adapted from Fishbein and Ajzen, 1980. Fishbeins Extended Model of Behavioral Intention. + + Behavioral Intention Vancl Normative Beliefs Friends recommend the brand to me, it seems suit me. Norm Evaluations When wearing Vancl, I am more acceptable among friends and feel that I am one in the group. Collectivism Subjective Norm + Brand Beliefs Just be yourself Belief Evaluations When wearing Vancl, I seem to achieve a unique and self-esteemed life like the celebrities own. Self conscious Brand Attitude Figure 3: Model of Behavioral Intention of Vancl How to Change Attitudes Undoubtedly, it is not facile for a brand to change the attitudes of consumers, especially changing an ingrained notion which has rooted for thousands of years. Harmony is a central concept of Confucian, which results in the group-oriented behaviors in Chinese. According to the appearance map (Mooij, 2004), China is categorized in the left-bottom quadrant, represents a culture of low uncertain avoidance and highly collectivistic. People in this kind of culture pay a lot attention on face, context, low-structured and conformity, who generally buy clothing based on others opinions. What is Vancl doing is to shift the appearance concept of Chinese from the left-bottom quadrant to the right-bottom quadrant, where UK and U.S. are, representing an individualistic culture. Consequently, Vancl engages the ad with self-identity concept. During this attitude changing process, the ad focuses on the elements of celebrities and scripts to evoke the ideal self of the consumers (Figure 4). Adapted from Phillps and McQuarrie, 2010. Modes of Advertising Engagement in Womens Fashion. Mode of Engagement Ad Element Focus Processing Style Conceptual Metaphor Engage to Self-identity Celebrities Scripts Attitude Changing Process Ideal Status Figure 4: Mode of Advertising Engagement of Vancl From analyzing the ad, some clues of the reason why Vancl successfully changes the attitudes of its consumers can be discovered. Firstly, the boom of Chinese economy contributes to the process of culture exchange. An Increasing number of foreign enterprises develop their business in China and bring their culture. Besides, the development of technology helps Chinese access to the culture from different countries via TV, Internet, etc. All these are unconsciously influencing the cultural values of Chinese, which provides a prerequisite for Vancl to implement this advertising campaign. Moreover, the effect of celebrity plays an important role in the attitudes changing process. As what suggested by Malhotra (1988), using a spokesperson was an essential marketing strategy to help to match the brand image with consumers self-concept. HanHan and WangLuoDan, the two spokesmen Vancl selected, own high preferences among Chinese youth, and their characters meet the image of Vancl as well. As celebrities represent a sense of credit, attractiveness and power (Kelman, 1961), consumers can be easily influenced. Especially in the collectivistic countries, consumers are eager for the acceptance from peers and society, following celebrities is a clever way to make them acceptable. Finally, the execution of the ad assists in achieving the purpose of attitude changing. The different version by gender designed on the basis of different cultural value of males and females, targets to audiences widely and accurately. The scripts express the opinions of a unique attitude towards life from the celebrities, which influence consumers powerfully. Since China ranks high score in collectivism, the scripts are designed on this special situation: claim to be I-conscious; meanwhile, meet the traditional cultural values of Chinese. More specifically, although most of the scripts advocate self-identity, at the end of the scripts, Vancl utilizes the collectivistic culture to call for in-group and offers a sense of involvement. The last sentence, I am like you; I am Vancl (common people), gives the consumers a hint that it is not difficult to achieve such life as the two celebrities own, wearing Vancl helps to be this ideal self both in the private context and social context. Thus, it can be concluded that three factors contribute to help Vancl change the attitude of Chinese consumers, namely impact of other culture, influence of celebrities, and elaborate ad execution (such as scripts and visual design, etc.). These three factors combined as the persuasion stimuli, affect on the attitude changing process from collectivism and group-oriented to individualism and self-conscious. This impact is not only influence the target audience, but also powerful to publics. Consequently, wearing Vancl is a personal choice, which helps consumers achieve their ideal self. As the attitudes of publics are changed as well, it unifies the opinion of what others think of you and what you really want to be (Figure 5). Actual Self Collectivism Group-identity Impact of other culture Elaborate execution of ad Influence of celebrities Attitude Changing Focus on self Just be yourself Self-oriented Idea Self Self-esteemed Confident Enjoyment of life Social Self Unique Confident Enjoyment of life VANCL Appeal to Individualism oriented Involvement In group Figure 5: Framework of Attitude Changing Process of Vancl Advert In conclusion, self-concept plays an important role in Vancl advert campaign. The ad delivers the message that Vancl represents who you are and what you are not' (Rune and Rosemary 2006, p.868). Thus, wearing Vancl can promote self-concept of consumers, and correspondingly bolster up their actual or ideal view of themselves (Fournier 1998). Based on this purpose, Vancl uses two spokespersons, who own high reputation among Chinese youth and also have a unique lifestyle, to help the brand promote self-concept. As Carroll (2009) referred, this is an efficient way for a brand to shift the culture from that brand to consumer. Moreover, using celebrities also helps Vancl persuade or change the attitudes towards their consumers (Kardes et al. 2010) from group-oriented to self-conscious. Just like Kelman (1961) claimed, attitudes could be changed through three processes: internalization, identification and compliance. For consumers, HanHan and WangLuoDan represent a credible, attractive and powerful image. Thus, their persuasion could help the brand reform a new attitude or behavior to attract the consumers to imitate through the referred three processes (ibid.), and finally achieve the purpose of changing the attitudes of their consumers. Limitations Admittedly, the article may not have analyzed the advert roundly, and still have some limitations as well. Firstly, as it is an ad in China, the translation of the copy may not very accurately due to different language expression, which may cause some different interpretations of signs or symbols and correspondingly influence the different understanding of this advert. Moreover, the frameworks developed in this study are exclusively suitable for Vancl. Although celebrity endorsement has become increasingly popular since 1970s (Tom et al., 1992; Agrawal Kamakura, 1995), there are not enough studies to prove that it works on most of adverts which try to change the attitudes of their consumers. Thus, Further quantitative and qualitative researches are required for determine whether the model of this study also suit for other brands or industries in China. Finally, consumer behavior across is a deep and wide topic, which can be reflect to other subjects, such as psychology, sociology and history, etc. Therefore, there may be still some factors across other subjects influencing the attitude changing process of Vancl advert. Conclusion This article begins with a rough introduction and background of the Vancl advert campaign in China. The literature review part focuses on collectivism-individualism culture dimension and cultural appeals in Chinese adverts, difference in appearance and fashion advert appeals between different cultural values. Moreover, self-concept and celebrity endorsement are also included. Semiotic analysis gives an outline of the advert and helps to understand the advert thoroughly. In order to acquire more accurate message and cultural values containing in the ad, a survey is conducted among five Chinese speakers. Consequently, three main advert personalities are determined, namely self-conscious, lively and enjoyment in life, which could be explained to the self-esteem needs by Maslows hierarchy of needs. Then Fishbeins extended model of behavioral intention help to define the influence of the Vancl ad on the purchasing behavioral intention. The next part explains the methods Vancl used in the ad to change the attitudes of consumers from group-conscious to self-conscious by using an adapted advertising engagement model. And then a framework of attitude changing process of Vancl advert is finally developed. Recommendations Based on the limitations and conclusion parts, the writer summarizes some recommendations both for further research and brand managers. For further research, more quantitative and qualitative researches should be conducted to create a model, which suits for different brands in other categories who want to develop a self-identity advert campaign in a highly collectivistic country. Besides, more subjects, such as psychology, sociology, history, economics, etc., should be related to determine other factors which affect the attitude changing process, so that the model can be modified. For managers, the collectivism level of different products is different. Thus, claiming self-identity in the ad is another way when promoting a less collectivistic product in a highly collectivistic country, such as clothing and cosmetics. In the collectivistic countries, it seems to be a unique way to promote a brand and help the advert outstanding among other ads, however, it is not omnipotent. What should managers do, is to analyze the market accurately and frame an advert campaign which precisely suit the brand.

Comparing Terror in Franz Kafkas The Trial and The Man Who Disappeared :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Nature of Terror in Franz Kafka's The Trial and The Man Who Disappeared "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (Roosevelt 93). In Franz Kafka's The Trial and The Man Who Disappeared (Amerika), the nature of terror is exposed to the fullest extent. The main characters in both works, Josef K. and Karl Rossmann are both used as pawns in the chess game also known as society. The dramatic impact from the major turn of events would create a tremendous change in both characters. Josef K., who was arrested for no apparent reason would have his life totally dominated by the judicial system. The road that Josef K. is forced to journey on became a one-way street and he was never able to turn back. Karl Rossmann, who was also used as a scapegoat, was sent off to America for something that was not his fault. Because he was new to the country, people immediately took advantage of him and treated him as an outcast of society. The so-called "American Dream" that Karl often heard about became only an illusion. The terrifying situations that Josef K. and Karl hav e to go through brought the best and worse of the characters but most often weaknesses and flaws in the character are exposed. The nature of terror is based on reactions from human instinct and often cannot be controlled by mind or thought. Fear is a part of our being that exists in our mind. "It was fear that first made gods in the world" (Statius 94). No matter what Josef K. tried to do, the fate of his case had already been decided. The judicial system had taken a chokehold on Josef K. and he was never able to get out of it. Josef K. tried his best to fight off the case because that was what his instincts inclined him to do. However, to no avail, Josef K. is killed at the end. The arrest under no accusation caused Josef K. to fight back in anyway he could because the thought of being defeated and put away for no reason was an act of injustice. "Judgement does not come suddenly; the proceedings gradually merge into the judgement" (164). Unfortunately, the final judgement is death, the dead end of the one-way street. For Karl Rossmann, going to America was a big change. He had to adapt to the new way of life and be accepted by others and that unfortunately did not happen.

Analysis of Jon Edwards : Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Anna Potts Steve Stewart ENGL 2130 06 February 2013 Analysis of Jonathan Edwards’ â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God† The Great Awakening was a religious movement that spread throughout New England during the mid-eighteenth century, from about 1730 to 1745. The Great Awakening sought to make Christianity a deeply personal experience and pulled away from traditional ceremony, encouraging personal commitment and emotional involvement in faith. Jonathan Edwards was a Puritan and theologian; one of the most famous preachers of the Great Awakening.Edwards’ most famous sermon was â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God†, despite the fact that he had delivered the sermon to his own congregation, with little effect, he felt led to use it again when invited to preach at the neighboring town of Enfield, Massachusetts on July 8, 1741. During Edwards’ sermon he used vivid imagery of hell, the wrath of God, and the hope of salvation to reveal his pers pective on the reality that awaited those that did not follow Christ. During his sermon Jonathan Edwards used vivid imagery and descriptions to make his congregation see that hell was a real place.To make the congregation see just how close to hell they truly were Edwards stated, â€Å"That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone is extended aboard under you (Cox). † He also wanted them to realize that the longer they went without Christ, the heavier they would become. â€Å"Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downward with great weight and pressure toward hell (Westerfield). † The ground beneath them would give way under the weight of their wickedness and they would plunge into hell where the Devil would be ready for them. The Devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping, for them, the flames gather and flash about them and would fain lay hold on them, and swallow them up (Smolinski 11). † If the descriptions of hell and the Devi l weren’t enough, Edwards also used the power and wrath of a vengeful God to strike fear into the hearts of the unconverted in the crowd at Enfield. The sheer magnitude of God’s power is shown in the line â€Å"There is nothing that keeps wicked men, at any one moment, out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God (Gallagher). Edwards instilled fear into the congregation by threatening the vengeance of God, â€Å"He will crush you under his feet without mercy, he’ll crush out your blood, and make it fly, and it shall be sprinkled on his garments (Trapp). † As more and more people chose not to follow Christ, God becomes angry and his wrath continues to grow. The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course once it is let loose (Baym et al. 99). Edwards sought to show the congregat ion their desperate need for God’s grace, impressing the crowd with what he perceived as the power of truth. Before ending his sermon, Edwards appeals to the unconverted in the congregation with the hope of salvation from a sovereign God. Edwards continues, â€Å"And now you have an extraordinary opportunity (Rogers 11). †Ã¢â‚¬ You are in a day where Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners (Rogers 11). â€Å"Let everyone of you who is still without Christ, and hanging over the pit of hell, whether they be old men and women, or middle aged, or young people, or little children, now listen to the loud calls of God’s word and providence (Copeland et al. 228). † Edwards’ final line was a call for the congregation to look back on the depths of damnation through which they had traveled-leaving the valley of hell and returning to the mountain heights of the Devine perspective, the heig hts from which the hope of salvation could be properly understood and embraced (Stuart 58).Stephen Williams, an eyewitness in Enfield, wrote in his diary â€Å"before the sermon was done there was a great moaning and crying went through ye whole house, ‘What shall I do to be saved,’ ’Oh, I am going to Hell,’ ’Oh, what shall I do for Christ,’ and so forth. So yet ye minister was obliged to desist, ye shrieks and cries were piercing and amazing (Farley). † Though his sermon caused many to fear him, Jonathan Edwards’ ultimate goal was to convert the sinners and nonbelievers in the congregation and lead them into salvation.Edwards hoped the imagery and message of his sermon would awaken his audience. His underlying point was that God had given humanity a chance to rectify their sins. Edwards ended his sermon with one final appeal, â€Å"Therefore let everyone that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. † To modern readers â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God† may appear to be the work of a sadistic, wide-eyed radical or a fear-monger, but the sermon is actually a reflection of the cruel and puritanical time in which Edwards lived and preached.Works Cited Baym et at. The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Volume 1, Beginnings to 1865. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2008. Copeland, Lewis, Lawrence Lamm, and Stephen McKenna. The World’s Greatest Speeches. Fourth Enlarged Edition. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1999. Cox, Brandon. â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. † 2009. Retrieved from www. brandonacox. com, February 01, 2013. Farley, William P. â€Å"Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening. † Enrichment Journal. Springfield: The General Council of the Assemblies of God. 013. Retrieved from http://enrichmentjournal. ag. org, February 10,2013. Gallagher, Edward. â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Some Unfinished Bu siness. † Department of English, Lehigh University. Retrieved from www. lehigh. edu , January 31, 2013. Rogers, Henry. The Works of Jonathan Edwards, A. M. : With an Essay on His Genius and Writings, Volume 2. London: Ball, Arnold, and Co. 1840. Print. Smolinski, Reine. â€Å"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. A Sermon Preached at Enfield, July 8th, 1741. † (1741).Electronic Texts in American Studies. Paper. Stuart, Robert Lee. â€Å"Jonathan Edwards at Enfield: and Oh the Cheerfulness and Pleasantness†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ American Literature, Vol. 48, No. 1. Durham: Duke University Press. 1976. Print. Trapp, Joonna. â€Å"Hell In a Hand Basket: The absence of Hell in American Literature. † Northwestern College. Philosophy Colloquium. 2005. Westerfield, David. â€Å"A Quote From a Very Famous Edwards Sermon. † Theology. 2006. Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006. Retrieved from www. davidwesterfield. net on January 30,2013.

Native American Art Maria Martinez Essay

Art is defined as â€Å"one such as a painter, sculptor or writer who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value,† Answers. com, thus we define the works of the iconic pottery artist Maria Martinez with her worldly known gift of shaping earth residue to fine ceramic work. Nearing the end of 18th Century, using of plant pigments and powdered mineral residue became a preference method of painting and slowly caused the extinction of glazed pottery , therefore they needed a savior for their over a thousand legendary heritage of pottery was getting to extinction. It was only timely that the birth of the famous Maria Martinez was on this time and the love of pottery as an art was in her blood. Her skill advanced with each pot, and her art began to cause quite a stir among collectors and developed into a business for the black ware pottery. In addition, Maria began experimenting her new models and methods to produce new shapes and decorations. The Life of Maria Martinez It was in the between the year 1881- 1887 that a woman by the name of Reyes Pena and her husband a farmer, carpenter and cowboy Thomas Montanya in a village in San lldefonso, New Mexico, a small community of humble dwellings of the eastern bank of the Rio Grande gave birth to a beautiful girl by the name of Maria Antonia Montanya or famously called by her mother in her Tewa tongue, â€Å"Po-Ve-Ka† meaning â€Å"Pond Lily†. She was the second born of five siblings all girls. Maria Antonia Montanya who was later to be called Maria Martinez grew up watching her mother’s sister Nicolasa Pena roll balls of clay in her moisten hand to make a tall cylinder which she would put in a contour then leveling the finished product with a smooth stone to give it a smooth finishing . She would then dry it and paint it with a variety of clay slips then fire it in a wood fire. By now young Maria would make small crooked bowls and pots on her own. After her education Maria Martinez came back home and perfected her pottery specializing in jars called ollas. In 1904 a young lady of 17 years or so, she fell in love and married an art lover as herself, Julian Pocano Martinez a member of the same village who painted as she crafted pots, and later that evening boarded a train to a world fair in St. Louis, Missouri where they were to demonstrate their arts , Julian showing his custom dancing prowess with other village men while Maria shaped, fired and colored her ceramics. Later they opted on settling in their home village for good. They had same projects sometimes like the excavation headed by Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett and later their work was viewed at the museum. They had four sons and a daughter who died an infant. Maria Martinez continued with pottery even after the death of her husband due to alcoholism. But she respected his memories and used to sign her work with all her names and many are seen with the name of her husband. Her works turned a poor, remote village into a craft center. Education & Awards In between pottery with her aunt and 1896 Maria went to a government grammar school where she received academic education then later joined St. Catharine’s Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1912 Maria discovered her black-on-black technique but it was until 1919 that she and her husband went brave on decorating their wares with the shiny, glossy black look. By 1921 she had perfected the art and it was known widely and admired by many and taught her villagers that’s why by 1925 most of the villagers were molding the same technique. The Museum of Mexico collected much of the pieces for display and by 1930s Maria was financially independent due to the wide show of her work. The year 1934 awards started streaming in Maria’s life, in this year she was the first woman to get a bronze medal for Indian achievement by the Indian fire Council, the University of Colorado and the University of New Mexico were among the four universities that awarded Maria Martinez honorary doctorate degrees. In 1954 the American institute of Architects awarded her the years Craftsmanship Medallion and the French bestowed to her the French Academiques for her contribution to art. As if it wasn’t enough, in1969 she got the Minnesota Museum of Art’s Symbol of Man Award and in 1974 The New Mexico Arts Commission’s First Annual Governor’s Award. Description of Black-on-black Pottery One of the greatest achievements of Maria and Julia Martinez was the invention of the Black-on-black technique in pottery. For many generations, San lldefonso and the neighboring Pueblos made plain black pottery as their main traditional practice but in 1919 this was to change, for Maria and her husband discovered the use of decorations in the glossy black and matte black surfaces. In 1921, the Martinez introduced the skill to their people who were enthusiastic of the change and had fun making this new type of ceramics. They then started selling them and within no time they had attracted the attention of the world on their art. By 1920 it was only natural for the museum of Mexico to collect and display the pieces of the ceramic in their exhibitions, and with this move the town of San lldefonso was a tourist stop and the Native Americans had a model. The rim of the jar ‘olla’ is usually slightly flattened and has an angle at the shoulder which is marked. The rims of the jar created by the Martinez have decorations of continuous paneled bands above the angle of the shoulder. The pots have a smooth, shiny surface which reflects light. The ceramics are decorated using a lighter black band which winds around it. These decorations are manipulated as they appear as scratches on the pots surface. A serpent which has horns and wide eyes wraps the pot and crawls inside the thick light band as part of the decorations . The body movement of the snake appears to be alive which signifies the Pueblo community appreciation of nature and life. The various decorations, gives the final products a unique look and personifies the object. Importance of the Black-on-black technique When the Pueblo people had nearly given up on their ancestral gift of pottery to help them in any way, Maria Martinez gave hope to them when she crafted with affection and feelings and the by product was a piece that was admired by the whole world, which brought change socially and economically to them. Their heritage was restored and they all went back into pottery and out of the village came many more world recognized potters. The world attention turned the lldefenso town into a tourism center thus providing vocation to its people and it was no longer known as a poor village but a village with resources. The new technique appreciated the heritage of the Pueblos. More so, it brought different cultures from all over the world together to appreciate Mother Nature in giving the Pueblos a nice earth where they harvested the soil and for their artistic gift. Artistic Themes Presented In Pottery by Maria Martinez Daily Life In the early years of 1800 pueblo community was undergoing changes in both cultural and traditional practices. Among the changes was the introduction of the cheap Spanish tin wares and Anglo enamelware that were taking the place of their handmade ceramics, the water jars and cooking pots, which were now being sold for a few cents to the tourist who came to their village. That was when Maria Martinez revived the art of pottery making among her people, reconnecting them to their ancestral way of life as they are known for their famous pottery that goes with their words according to Susan Peterson, â€Å"†¦they are their earth and their earth is them you cannot speak of one and forget the other. † (13) Historic Edgar Lee Hewett who knew of Maria Martinez slickness and thinning of her pottery, invited her to help in the excavation of old broken pieces of ancient pottery that were discovered in Puebloan sited on the Pajarito Plateau above San llidefenso . She got interested with the proposal to refurbish the old ceramic that were later displayed in the museum of New Mexico for the world to view the handiwork. Political Within a period of time the work of Maria Martinez was recognized by head of states for several generation and got the privilege to be invited to the white house by: Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson. She didn’t pass the recognition of an avid collector of her work John D. Rockefeller, Jr. , who requested her to lay a cornerstone for the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Spiritual Baring the fact that Maria was the most famous of all potters in Pueblo and one of the greatest potters in the world , in her mind she saw herself as just one of the traditional women of San lldefonso who made good pottery. And was quoted by Richard Spivey in His book Maria saying: â€Å"My Mother Earth gave me this luck. So I’m not going to keep it. I take care of our people. † Her belief was seen and proved by the fact that she taught all she could the art of pottery that has been carried with her great and great-great grand children. Process Used To make the Black-on-Black Jar, Creating the black-on-black pottery is a tedious work that requires a lot of skill and patience. According to Susan Peterson of The Living Tradition of Maria Martinez pp164 -174 there are six important steps to be followed. Finding and collecting the clay, which is done in the month of October every year when it is dry and stored in an old weathered adobe structure, where the temperature is constant. The clay is brought into the house, a cloth is laid upon the table, hold a mound of gray pink sand with a hole size of your fist at the center fill it with blue sand of the same amount. Make another hole inside the blue sand but of smaller size now then fill the hole with water. Knead the substance together. Pick within the cloth then wash cover with a towel to prevent the clay from loosing its moisture for it will be there for a day or two. The supporting mold â€Å"a fired clay shape the origin of a new formation† also known as pukis builds the pot base pancake looking kind of base. Squeeze the clay together using your fingers shaping a wall up about an inch high from the pancake base. Make it thick and even by smoothing out the walls by making cross-crossing motions using a gourd rib. To increase the pots height coil long tubes of clay on top of the clay wall then smooth it out using the gourd. To patch air holes put extra clay seal away using the gourd rib. Scrap, sand and polish with stones after the pot is dry, this is the longest step in the whole process. The stones are to be applied to the side of the pot consistently, horizontally, with a rhythimic motion. By rubbing the stone parallel to the pot’s side produces a glossy, polished balanced look. Finally burnish then fire the pottery. After decorating, the pot is finished. Visual Elements in Maria Martinez Pottery Shape – The pot has a shoulder, top, body and a pancake shaped base. â€Å"†¦ The rim of an Olla jar is slightly flattened and has an angle at the shoulder. † (Bunzel 44) Lines – they are also evident in Maria’s pottery like the band under the neck of the pot with the slithering snake nearly biting its tail. â€Å"†¦the band wraps directly below the neck of the pot. † (Bunzel 44) Texture – The pots are known of their glossy, smooth even tone that even reflects light. A stone is used for smoothing the texture of the pot. â€Å"†¦by rubbing the stone parallel to the side of the pot produces a smooth, even look to the pot. † (Bunzel 44) Color – The final process in pottery is decorating the pot by giving it hue and color. The black-on-black technique was loved because it did not only have the deep black color but defined with a light black band. Value –The revival of the ancestral art and innovation of the black-on-black technique added value to the pottery work, thus they are presently sold for several thousand dollars a piece. â€Å":†¦ Since her death her art and that of her family has gotten more collectible and difficult to get. † Sublette J Mark. Principles of Design in Maria Martinez Pottery The principles of design are basically the recipe for a good work of art. The principles combine the elements of artistic placement of the art to produce a good design. For example center of interest, harmony, balance, directional movement, rhythm. Center of interest – The serpent below the neck of the jar attracts your attention the moment you see the pot. The horned big eyed serpent slithers and coils through from side to side nearly biting its tail. The pot is extra soft and glossy due to the technique of black-on-black. Harmony – Maria harmonized her work by putting even thickness in walls and exceptional symmetry. She was known for her skill in polishing and getting a fiery shiny surface on the pot. Her decorative designs worked in harmony with the surfaces and shapes; she rarely repeated her designs except for the special avanyu which was a mythical water serpent. Balance – In making the famous Olla jar the fast and must step was making a pancake like base to stabilize and create balance of the pot. So balance was fundamental for the success of the famous jar. Directional Movement – The decoration of the serpent body slithering round the pot seems alive and gives unique movement from the head of the serpent to the tail back to the head and not getting out of the band which has now taken place for the serpent’s path.

The Facts about Space Exploration essays

The Facts about Space Exploration essays Many people believe that space exploration is just a waste of time and money. Its true, space exploration is a very expensive investment, but think of the countless inventions and emotions that these amazing missions brought us. Today we are still inventing and improving existing inventions to use for NASA and space technology. Plus the landing of Americans on the moon was an important part of our nations great history and patriotism. Technology is one of the most important areas that space exploration affected and added to the most. Many navigational and communication advances were conceived because of the need for them in space and on the ground. Space prompted a technology revolution; inventions such as the Global Positioning System, the cell phone, and new more powerful radios all utilize satellites to function. These inventions changed communication as well as entertainment forever. Other uses for the new technology were found in the military; missiles, guidance systems, radar, rocket technology, and ICBM missiles all stemmed from the original NASA technology. Today each one of these inventions aid in the protection of our country and other countries as well. And on a more simple and common level, many household products were first invented for use in the shuttle; these inventions include tin foil, microwaves, and home computers. The technological advances discovered in space exploration changed o ur world forever. With any amazing achievement there are a rush of emotions, joy, fear, accomplishment, wonder, awe, and respect. One thing that we are forced to remember is that the astronauts on Apollo 12 were just humans such as ourselves. Many people dont think about this, astronauts are thought to be amazing super humans that are traveling into a forbidden place. Astronauts are doing great things but they are just as common as the people in your neighborhood ...

Advertising and promotion in Coca-Cola The WritePass Journal

Advertising and promotion in Coca-Cola Introduction Advertising and promotion in Coca-Cola IntroductionTask 1 Q1. Explain the communication process that applies to advertising and promotion (P1)Q2. Explain the organization of the advertising and promotions industry in the UK (P2)Q3. Explain what problems advertising companies are facing currently and how they can solve them (M1)Q4. Explain the role of advertising in an integrated promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd (P5).Q5. Explain branding and how it is used to strengthen a company like Coca-Cola (P6).Q6. Demonstrate your creative thinking regarding Coca-Cola branding and its popularity in the UK market (D3).Task 2Q7. Asses how promotion is regulated in the UK (P3)Q8. Examine current trends in advertising and promotion among soft drink advertisers in the UK and explain the impact of ICT on advertising and promotion industries (P4)Q9. Review the creative aspect of Coca-Cola advertisement (P7)Q10. Use critical reflection to evaluate your work, justify your findings and make valid conclusions (D1).Q11. Examine ways of working with advertising agencies (P8)Q12. Communicate with any advertising agencies and present your findings (that you have learnt for Q11) in a suitable format (M3).  Ã‚   Task 3 Q13. Explain primary techniques of below-the-line promotion and how they are used in an integrated promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd or any business in the UK (P9).Q14. Select and/or design appropriate methods/techniques for the Coca-Cola Enterprise to boost their sales and meet strategic targets by 2012 (M2).Q15. Evaluate other techniques used in below-the-line promotion for Coca-Cola Enterprise L td or any other business in the UK (P10).Q16. As a senior manager of Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. how would you carry out responsibilities for managing and organizing advertising and promotion activities to meet its strategic target (D2)?Task 4 Q17. Follow an appropriate process for the formulation of a budget for an integrated promotional strategy (P11).Q18. Carry out the development of a promotional plan for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. or any business in the UK (P12).Q19. Plan the integration of promotional techniques into the promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. or any business in the UK (P13).Q20. Use appropriate technique for measuring campaign effectiveness (P14).References:Related Introduction Task 1 Q1. Explain the communication process that applies to advertising and promotion (P1) Advertising and promotion are an integral part of our social and economic systems. In our complex society, advertising has evolved into a vital communications system for both consumers and businesses. The ability of advertising and other promotional programmers are makes the target audience at the marketing level. Its makes the organization feedback to the market situation of goods and products which are newly come to the competitive market Advertising is the structured and composed, nonperson communication of information. It is usually paid for and usually persuasive, about products, services, or ideas. There are four important dimensions of advertising (communication, marketing, economic, and social) creates a clear concept about what advertising is and how it has evolved. The promotion is the process of commodities at newly introduce to the market, it also offer coupons, free samples, contests, or rebates on the purchase price. By offering added value, promotion accelerates sales. So it is a very effective tool for the new product at the market. It is often used in conjunction with advertising- to promote the promotion. The promotional planner should recognize the different effects various types of advertising messages might have on consumers and whether they are appropriate for the product or brand. The message is done by the (print, TV, radio, newspaper, direct marketing) and their cost implications might also occur at this process. Q2. Explain the organization of the advertising and promotions industry in the UK (P2) At the UK which of the organization are responsible for the advertising and promotion activities that’s organizations activities are as follows; EFSP The European Federation of Sales Promotion (EFSP) was founded in 1980. It is a forum for countries across Europe to meet, exchange ideas and work together.   It also enhances the reputation and promotes the highest standards of the Sales Promotion industry in Europe. It maintains two main areas of activity are lobbying and annual awards. EACA The mission of the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) is to represent full-service advertising and media agencies and agency associations in Europe.   The aim of EACA is to promote honest, effective advertising, high professional standards, and awareness of the contribution of advertising in a free market economy.   It’s also work for encourage close co-operation between agencies, advertisers and media in European advertising bodies. European Federation of Sales Promotion (EFSP) The European Federation of Sales Promotion (EFSP) was founded in 1980, and changed its name to the Promotional Marketing Council of Europe in September 2002 when it became a part of EACA (the European Association of Communication Agencies). This organization deals with the sales Promotion in Europe. Promotional Marketing Council of Europe The PMC is an organization that represents the Sales Promotion industry across Europe including Clients, Agencies and Suppliers. Member countries are France, Spain, Portugal, UK, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and Austria and the membership of these organizations accounts for an estimated 80 % of the sales promotion business in those countries. Q3. Explain what problems advertising companies are facing currently and how they can solve them (M1) Today’s advertising companies face several problems which are deals with the new business process, adapting to web/interactive marketing, cash flow, the slow economy, shrinking client budgets, finding qualified employees, obtaining larger clients and shrinking profit margins. The main problems are as follows; Complexity for the run new company. Accumulate the budget support for the activities of the company. Complexity for the new promotion and campaign activities. Find the proper employee and to maintain them. Reach to the new clients and accumulate them for the new products. Generate new ideas for the new advertisement of new products. Proper media support for the advertisement and promotion. Q4. Explain the role of advertising in an integrated promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd (P5). Advertising really plays a big role in Coca-Colas success. Its advertising has been rather pervasive, as one of Woodruffs stated goals was to ensure that everyone on Earth drank Coca-Cola as their preferred beverage. Advertising for Coca-Cola is now almost everywhere, especially in southern areas of North America, such as Atlanta, where Coca-Cola was born. The most popular words in the world in 20th contrary are: God, she and Coca-Cola. After the highest popularization of word â€Å"OK†, the second one is â€Å"Coca-Cola†. 98% of the people know â€Å"Coca-Cola†.   That’s the result of Coca-Cola spending 6 hundred million dollar on promotions. There are five main ways of promoting the brand Coca-Cola. The first one is traditional advertising, like showing advertisements on TV or posters. The second one is the sponsoring of sport events. The third one is online promotion. The fourth one is selling Coca-Cola’s collections. The fifth one is local promotion held by bottlers or retailers. Although the main advertisements in every country still follow this strategy, especially using the local stars to attract young customers, Coca-cola begun to use computer technology to make cartoon images which matches local culture or just funny. Q5. Explain branding and how it is used to strengthen a company like Coca-Cola (P6). Branding is the building of trust with employees, customers and stakeholders.   In marketing terms, the definition of branding is the sum total of a company’s value, including products, services, people, advertising, positioning and culture.   Brands give potential clients a firm idea of what they are buying before they buy it, making the purchasing decision easier.   Customers trust strong brands because they know what to expect. The most important reason is that it can help increase the sales of Coca-Cola. This means that when need to increase prices then the target audience will be accepting of price increase. Branding also encourages confidence and trust in product/service. Brandings introduce new products at the newly face at the market level also its increase the customers attraction for the new products at the market. It should reflect through the use of logo, name stripling brand values. It should clearly communicate with name and/or product or service. The Coca-Cola follows this for its branding such the logo and the color combination of logo. The identity should be applied consistently across all media – for example its color and its positioning on a page or screen should remain familiar across all marketing material. If consider partnering with other companies, ensure that the brand and brand identity reflect theirs and vice versa. Q6. Demonstrate your creative thinking regarding Coca-Cola branding and its popularity in the UK market (D3). Coke’s branding strategies had to go beyond brand positioning and associations. To ensure that customers had formed a harmonious relationship with the brand, the objective of brand resonance had to be achieved. Coca- Cola is a already brand product at the world wide. But for the increase of its popularity at the UK market this company may takes several initiatives for its new advertisement and promotion activities. Coca-Cola needs the new branding approach for the target market, its needs different promotion activities for the all levels of customers. It takes the approach for the all level of market demand for the familiarity of its. For complete this work Coca-Cola needs the price promotion.   Also Coca-Cola needs new steps for the promotion activities at the different level of customers. New campaign programme are set for introduce different flavor of Coca-Col. Task 2 Q7. Asses how promotion is regulated in the UK (P3) The UK marketing industry recognized the need for trust in advertising when it setup the advertising self-regulatory system for non-broadcast advertising in 1961. Since then, the UK’s system of self-regulation has helped to ensure advertising remains responsible: honest advertising helps to keep customers coming back. The 11th edition of the British Code of Advertising and Sales Promotion came into force on 4 March 2003. The purpose of the Code is to maintain, in the best and most flexible way possible, the integrity of marketing communications in the interests of both the consumer and the trade. Advertising in the UK is controlled through a combination of codes of practice and legislation. There are two advertising codes which are created, monitored and revised by two committees. These are the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP). The CAP Code deals with the non-broadcast advertising, sales promotion and direct marketing. The BCAP deals with the rules for broadcast advertising. These are enforced where necessary by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Since 28 February 2011, Broadcasting regulations rules have been relaxed to allow product placement ie paying to have a product or service included or referred to in selected types of TV broadcasts. This includes: films series made for TV or other audiovisual media services eg video on demand sports programmes light entertainment shows However, product placement isnt allowed for certain types of goods, and its banned completely in all childrens, news, current affairs, consumer affairs and religious programming. Q8. Examine current trends in advertising and promotion among soft drink advertisers in the UK and explain the impact of ICT on advertising and promotion industries (P4) Soft drink is one of the most important product categories in the delivered wholesale and cash and carry markets. It contributes more than  £1billion of sales per year through independent retail, catering and on-premise outlets. It is a category maintaining momentum through creative marketing and promotions, new product developments and fresh packaging formats. The current trends in advertising and promotion activities which are going at the UK market that’s depends on the following reasons; Encourage excessive consumption of food or drink products. Encourage the purchase of food or soft drinks by inappropriately using licensed characters, celebrities or promotional offers in ads intended for children. Encourage the new generation to the soft drink. Promote consumption of different kinds of soft drinks promotional offer. The advertising of different flavor of soft drink at the different level of customers. The ideas of new advertisement programme which takes by the different advertisement companies. The impact of ICT on advertising and promotion are as follows; Now a day’s advertisement is done by the different ICT programmes such as by the broadcast, by internet. But the misuse of this there is several impacts is going on the product advertisement. There are some impact is create for the change of ICT use at the advertisement. For the revulsion of use ICT at the advertisement and promotion activities are create new dimension at this sector. Q9. Review the creative aspect of Coca-Cola advertisement (P7) Coca-Colas promotion has had a significant impact on American advertising and its overall culture. It is even (erroneously) credited with the invention of the US traditional Santa Clause image. Anyway, Coca Cola advertising history demonstrates how the marketing science has been developing over time. Below there is a visual tour into the company print advertising. 1890 Drink Coca Cola Coca-Cola first print ad was published in 1895 featuring a young Bostonian actress named Hilda Clark who was the company spokesperson. Coca-Cola Revives and Sustains It satisfies the thirsty and helps the weary. Take one glass of Coca Cola when weary with shopping. 1950 Be refreshed! Be refreshed! Pause for Coke! Only Coca-Cola gives you the cheerful lift thats bright and lively the cold crisp taste that deeply satisfies! No wonder Coke refreshes you the best! Spending the day on the water? Youll really welcome the cold crisp taste of Coca-Cola that so deeply satisfies the cheerful lift thats bright and lovely. No wonder Coke is the real refreshment anytime anywhere 1960 Things Go Better with Coke The Things Go Better with Coke campaign was adapted to the youth market by using catchy colors and fashionable concepts. 1970 During the mid-1970s, the political uncertainty in the United States determined Coca-Cola advertising campaign. As the nation questioned its direction, Coca-Cola reminded Americans of their countrys positive values in the Look Up, America campaign. 1976 Coke Adds Life In May 1976, The Coca-Cola Company introduced a new campaign, presenting the brand as the soft drink for all occasions. Aimed at the young and young-at-heart, the new campaign, Coke Adds Life to †¦, was designed to show viewers that Coca-Cola added simple enjoyment to life. 1982 Coke is it! In early 1982, Coca-Cola launched a new ad campaign, Coke Is It! The direct, positive statement was meant to appeal to the forthright mood of Americans in the 1980s. Coke Is It! represented the new taste and concept. The public, however, demanded the return of the traditional drink, so the campaign turned out to be fiasco. 1993 Always Coca Cola In 1993, The Coca-Cola Company made a dramatic shift in its advertising by introducing the memorable Always Coca-Cola campaign, by Creative Artists Agency and later Edge Creative. Animated polar bear became one of the most popular symbols of Coca-Cola. 2002 The Coke Side of Life Q10. Use critical reflection to evaluate your work, justify your findings and make valid conclusions (D1). This work is conduct with the advertisement and promotion of the new products which are introduced at the new business world. At this work mainly reflect with the advertisement and promotion activities of the Coca-Cola Company. The major findings of this work are the process and procedure which are takes for the promotion activities by the Coca-Cola. Also at this work discuss about the regulation for the advertising authorities and how these authority evaluate this. There are discussing about the new techniques for the promotion of the new products at the market. However, with the turn of the millennium, while Coke’s international sales were doing well it was facing some new challenges – especially in its largest market of UK. Q11. Examine ways of working with advertising agencies (P8) Companies work hard to ensure they provide premier goods and services to their markets. Small to mid-sized businesses use advertising agencies to help them relay their messages to the public. Though outsourcing means using the services of a separate entity, it is important to foster good relations with them so the relationship becomes mutually beneficial. Be flexible Know where you want to be, but be flexible in getting there. Remember why you sought the help of an advertising agency in the first place. Don’t assume you have all the answers. It’s technical There is a science behind advertising. How colors collaborate, words work with pictures, etc. contributes to the effectiveness of advertising. Understand you may desire a certain look, but advertising agencies hold the expertise; they know how best to advertise for your company. Have one liaison You may be accustomed to discussing business matters with several people or a board. When it comes to advertising, people host different opinions making it difficult to arrive at a final decision. Advertising agencies recommend appointing one person to work with them directly. This eliminates conflicting views that discourage agencies from working with you further. Know your customers Successful businesses sometimes assume they know their customers because their products/services sell very well. This is a common mistake. Advertising agencies may suggest conducting market research to understand how to reach your customers. This will cost more, but will be advantageous to your advertising campaign as a whole. Q12. Communicate with any advertising agencies and present your findings (that you have learnt for Q11) in a suitable format (M3).  Ã‚   Communicate with advertising agencies at first look after the goods and service of the company also know about the process for the advertisement of the product. For the proper communication know about the technical aspects and the product promotion aspects and details description of the market valuation of the product response is needed. When inform about the choice of the customers then the product advertising is done carefully also select the level of the customer who needs the product. At the time of campaigning of product advertisement then choose the location for proper advertisement also needs the proper process for the campaigning of product with the product value description. Task 3 Q13. Explain primary techniques of below-the-line promotion and how they are used in an integrated promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd or any business in the UK (P9). The terms below the line promotion or communications, refers to forms of non-media communication, even non-media advertising. Below the line promotions are becoming increasingly important within the communications mix of many companies, not only those involved in FMCG products, but also for industrial goods. Below the Line uses less conventional methods than the usual specific channels of advertising to promote products, services, etc. than Above the Line strategies. These may include activities such as direct mail, public relations and sales promotions for which a fee is agreed upon and charged up front. Below the line advertising typically focuses on direct means of communication, most commonly direct mail and e-mail, often using highly targeted lists of names to maximize response rates. Another interesting and very effective BTL is Ssop Intercept. Trained sales personnel, often young women, are deployed at Retail Stores, near the shelves of targeted products. These young women convince customers visiting these shelves about the better aspects of their brand compared with others. This is ideal for new launches as it generates trials, which if successful result in repeat sales. Coca Cola Great Britain (CCGB) is responsible for marketing Coca Cola products within UK. There are over 100 products within UK. One of their responsibilities is developing new brands and extending existing brands. The sustainable growth of the Coca-Cola system depends on the ability to work effectively together through collaboration, mutual support and shared goals. The system strengths lies in coca cola routes-to-market and our ability to help the customers grow their businesses, continually enhancing the value of brands to both customers and consumers. In order to continually grow business of Coca Cola Company needs to be increasingly efficient in use of resources. Below-the-line promotions are becoming increasingly important within the communications mix of many companies, not only those involved in individual products, but also for industrial goods. Q14. Select and/or design appropriate methods/techniques for the Coca-Cola Enterprise to boost their sales and meet strategic targets by 2012 (M2). The integrated management system of the Coca-Cola business for meet the strategies goal for 2012 is- The Coca-Cola Management System (TCCMS) is the new management system for achieve the target by the company. This system aligns with the internationally recognized requirements for quality, environment, health and safety, and food safety. In 2010, the Coca-Cola system will begin to transition to ISO standards for all Management System requirements previously covered by TCCMS. Quality: Coca-Cola management procedures ensure that we maintain high-quality standards. Ten facilities earned TCCMS certification in North America and all of production facilities in Europe are ISO 9001 certified. Environment: All of European production facilities are ISO 14001 certified, and 17 facilities in North America achieved TCCMS certification in 2008. Health and safety: Currently, 18 of European facilities are ISO 18001 certified and 17 facilities in North America are TCCMS certified. Food safety: Six of European production facilities are ISO 22000 certified and plan to certify six more in 2009 also certify 23 U.S. production facilities in 2009. Q15. Evaluate other techniques used in below-the-line promotion for Coca-Cola Enterprise L td or any other business in the UK (P10). The Coca-Cola company is not a new company to achieve the below-the-line promotion which are target by the company. The Coca-Cola Company’s marketing department is accountable for the brand development, maintenance and positioning of all of the Coca-Cola Company’s brands. They focus on all above-the-line marketing and national promotions for trade and end consumers through the appropriate media channels and brand activation. Coca-Cola Company focuses on understanding the market, and is primarily responsible for brand research, consumer research, and pricing studies. By maximizing the potential of brands, developing innovative new brands and introducing Coca-Cola’s international brands into UK, they ensure that our products are the first choice of consumers. Green contest- Coca Cola has launched a green contest that is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. Coca Cola Wonder of the World Promotion- Allowed consumers to get the opportunity to win a dream vacation to destinations such as Paris, Hollywood, New York, Singapore and Cairo. The promotion sparked an interest within the public who avidly collected their Coca Cola caps. All the promotional tactics of Coca cola aim to shape the culture of the population to think that drinking Coca Cola is the way of life. Q16. As a senior manager of Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. how would you carry out responsibilities for managing and organizing advertising and promotion activities to meet its strategic target (D2)? Completing the target of market demand at the Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. Takes the following steps for advertising and promotion activities; New campaign activities at the all market level and for all customers. New advertisement takes for the all levels of customers. Takes different types of new variation of product introduce at the market with new advertisement and promotion activities. Regular monitoring the advertisement and promotion activities at the market level. Ensure the customer about the new thematic promotion and products potentialities. Task 4 Q17. Follow an appropriate process for the formulation of a budget for an integrated promotional strategy (P11). The marketing plan then, is a dynamic document which focuses on bringing marketing strategies to life, serving as a roadmap for carrying out marketing activities and implementing marketing strategies. It is a multi-step process, which considers the following: Formulating a strategy of company or division and making sure that appropriate linkages are made between company strategy and marketing activity planning. Analyzing the environment within which you do business to make sure the marketplace, the industry, competitors, and other influences. Carrying out market profiling, enabling you to identify market segment, target customer types, and overall demand. Additionally, analysis of the industry and competitors, coupled with analysis of customer types, enables the creation of demand possibilities and the resulting forecasts. The marketing mix, which considers a combination of activities which come together harmoniously, in bringing the product to market and sustaining it while in the market. Budgeting of marketing programs so that the appropriate sales goals and corporate strategies can be attained. Q18. Carry out the development of a promotional plan for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. or any business in the UK (P12). Sampling-if objective is to trial the product then sampling is an effective sales promotion method. Usually sampling is involved with low value products and products having highly visible features of benefits. Couponing-it is one of the oldest sales promotion strategies and sometimes couponing makes the product problematic by cheapening your brand name. Coupon is mainly used for attracting new customers as well as to increase instant sales with price reduction of a product. Loyalty schemes- It is basically a point based system, where each customer gets some points on each purchase and later he can use these points on buying the same products or other products at a reduced price. To many marketers, loyalty schemes are also known as-frequent purchasing scheme. Packaging- many marketers does no pay much attention to the quality of packaging, because they simply do not understand the psychological and brand image aspects of packaging. An attractive and innovative packaging can work like a salient sales man-packaging does the hooking function to buyers. A well-packaged product carries not only the brand values but also create an emotional link to your prospects. Not that it is only important for packaging to be eye-catching, aesthetic, but it needs to protect the product inside with proper manner. Q19. Plan the integration of promotional techniques into the promotional strategy for Coca-Cola Enterprise Ltd. or any business in the UK (P13). A typical sales promotion budget covers almost 70% of the total consumer sales promotional budget. It is also considered as a brand differentiator by many big players like Coca-Cola. For Coca-cola business experts and academics, sales promotion is regarded as typical marketing techniques that add value to a product in order to achieve specific marketing goals. The primary purpose of promotion strategy is to induce the consumers to make a quick buying-decision in order to create increases sales. Integration of promotion is to offer customers to take chance of winning a prize or offering some extra products with the same price. Sales promotion and marketing are inter-related but not have the similar purpose. The Coca-Cola company takes different promotions activities such as at the world cup football occurring time also at the summer season the takes different promotions activities for achieve the new customers and evaluate their products computations. It is advertising which makes a platform for sales promotion where customers can see the direct added value of buying your product. On the other hand, advertising is an intangible promotion of products to send the marketing message to the customer-base. Q20. Use appropriate technique for measuring campaign effectiveness (P14). It is essential to pretest advertisements to see how effective they actually are in influencing consumers.   An ad may have to be redesigned if it is found not be to be as effective as targeted. Developing an advertising program entails several steps: Identifying the target audience- Market reports can be bought that investigate the media habits of consumers of different products and/or the segments that the firm has chosen to target. Determining appropriate advertising objectives- the objectives might include awareness, trial, repurchase, inducing consumers to switch from another brand, or developing a preference for the brand. Settling on an advertising budget. Designing the advertisements- Numerous media are available for the advertiser to choose from. References: Business Knowledge Center. The Marketing Concept. www.netmba.comAccessed September 2004. Chang, T.L. (1995), â€Å"Formulating adaptation marketing strategies in a global industry†, International Marketing Review International Olympic Committee Organization Facts and Figures. Retrieved on January 13, 2007 Lynch, R (1997), corporate strategy, Pitman Publishing, Great Britain. Ruth, J.A. Simonin, B.L. 2003. Brought to you by brand A and brand B. Journal of Advertising www.coke.com.au/about_advert.asp

ALZHEIMERS Essays - Cognitive Disorders, Psychiatric Diagnosis

ALZHEIMER'S Brian Foster Health March 2, 1999 Alzheimer's disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer. Alois Alzheimer was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist and he first described it in 1906. The disease was first thought to be a rare condition affecting only young people, and was referred to as presenite dementia. About 10 percent of the United States population over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimer's disease, and up to 45 percent of those over the age of 85 may have the disease. Up to 2 million people suffer from it, or one percent of the population. During the early stages of the disease, a person forgets daily events, but they can still recall things that happened many years ago. Memory loss worsens during the later stages of the disease, when patients forget events from earlier years, patients cannot care for themselves, and some patients can become bedridden. Most patients die from infection or chronic disease 8 to 10 years after getting the disease. The cause of Alzheimer's disease still remains mysterious. People with a family history of the disease though, have a better chance of getting it themselves. Carriers of a specific version of the apolpoprorein E gene (apo E gene) are more likely to develop the disease. Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by examining brain tissue under a microscope to see hallmark plaques and tangles, which is only possible after the patient dies. There are some ways that you can find out if you have the disease when you are alive, but it might not be 100 percent sure. You rule out other problems that could cause memory loss like a stroke, depression, alcoholism, and the use of certain prescription drugs. A thorough examination, which includes specialized brain scans is another way of diagnosing it. A patient could be given an evaluation called a neuro pschological examination. There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease. Treatment focuses on lessening symptoms and attempting to slow the course of the disease. Drugs that increase or improve the function of brain acetylcholine, and the neurotransmitter that affects memory, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary studies say that anti-inflammatory drugs could prevent inflammation. There is evidence that the female hormone estrogen, may prevent or slow down the course of the disease. Coping with a loved one's decline and inability to recognize familiar faces causes extreme pain. Caregivers go through tons of pain and develop health and psychological problems because of so much stress. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Academic American Encyclopedia, Vol. I; Grolier, Inc., Danbury, CT. 1987. 2. Compton's Encyclopedia. 1992. 3. World Book Encyclopedia, World Book, Inc.; Chicago, IL 60661. 1992. 4. Microsoft-Encarta Encyclopedia, Microsoft Corporation. 1993-1998.

Employment Trends in Canada Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employment Trends in Canada - Essay Example In between the years 1994 to 1998 about 1 million jobs were created and in 1999 alone more than 391,000 new jobs were created. (Economy Overview, 2001) This rise in the employment rate of the country reflects a profound economic boom in the country. The instrumental factor behind this economic and employment boom was the resurgence of the manufacturing sector and to a more extent, globalization. Globalization lead to the infusion of specialized trade, technological sectors into the country, hence leading to the creation of a serviced based economy. This resulted in the generation of a whole new species of workers, the "knowledge workers". The knowledge workers were people having a college or an university degree and in time proved to be indispensible to the country that was seeking new horizons to modernize itself and expand its economy. Overall till the end of the year 1999 Canada's unemployment rate was down to a low of 7.6% on the average. . (Economy Overview, 2001) What these current trends of employment in Canada brings into the forefront is the rate of growth of employment in the country is a direct effect of globalization with knowledge-based industries and services based economy as the key generators of employment.

Statistics (Term paper) Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Statistics ( ) - Term Paper Example 32.2%) of the patients belong to the age group â€Å"25-40†, 83 (26.3%) of the patients belong to the age group â€Å"40-55† and 36 (11.4%) of the patients belong to the age group â€Å">=55†. Interpretation: From the above table (Table No.3), it is observed that 168 (53.2%) of the patients had filling as procedure of diagnosis, 25 (7.9%) of the patients had â€Å"fit or prepare crown† as procedure of diagnosis, 41 (13%) of the patients had â€Å"root canal therapy† as procedure of diagnosis and 82 (25.9%) of the patients had â€Å"extraction† as procedure of diagnosis. Interpretation: From the above table (Table No.4) it is observed that 266 (84.2%) of the patients had reported success of the anaesthesia in killing pain and 50 (15.8%) of the patients had reported failure of the anaesthesia in killing pain. The pain level was divided into three groups based on the intensity of the pain. Pain levels 0, 1 and 2 were coded as â€Å"Low†, pain levels 3,4,5 and 6 were coded as â€Å"Medium† and pain level 7,8, 9 and 10 were coded as â€Å"High†. Interpretation: From the above table (Table No.5) it is observed that 184 (58.2%) of the patients had low pain, 70 (22.2%) of the patients had medium pain and 62 (19.6%) of the patients suffered from high pain. From the above chi square analysis table (Table No.7), since the chi square observed value (243.342) is much greater than the expected value (5.99) with probability less than 0.01 (

Problem Students Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Problem Students - Essay Example Initially, I had to accommodate and modify my teaching methods and techniques as per the requirements of these children (Fisher, 2005). As a professional educator, it was my core responsibility to communicate with them in the best possible manner and listen to what they are saying. Despite following all the basic rules and procedures that must be followed while dealing with special education children, I encountered a serious problem (Olson, et al., 2008; Brown et al., 2008). Although the strategy that I adopted was quite effective and included all the basic requirements for special education, there was a lack of the communication plan with children with listening discrepancies. Since this was my first experience in the field of special education, therefore, I faced difficulty communicating with these children (Fisher, 2005). Although I made plans for everything else, I did not realize that these children need more attention and enhanced techniques of communication. However, with the help of my colleagues, I was able to learn various techniques to communicate with these children. I also took help of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) (Vickerman, 2007; Olson et al., 2008). The two months teaching experience in the field of special education taught me great lessons. It gave me patience and helped me realize the problems of special children in detail. I paid extra attention to such children and even arranged extra / special classes for these children on a weekly basis (Olson et al., 2008).

Implications of body communication or non-verbal messages In Assignment

Implications of body communication or non-verbal messages In communicating with the Koreans - Assignment Example Non-verbal way of communication is a way of sending and receiving a message to and from someone through the reading of the gestures, expressions, and signs made by the body. This communication is the most effective way of communication especially when the two people are not of the same culture or language. It prevents one from experiencing any embarrassment because of not delivering the best when communicating verbally. Therefore, most of the Koreans communicate non-verbally with people from different cultures in order to succeed socially and achieve success in a reproductive manner1. Globally, many and different groups of people exist, with each one of then having their own culture. When using non-verbal communication, it becomes easy to socialize with different people from cultures. Different people with different cultures universally know most body signs2. However, culture of a certain group of people influences how they communicate using body signs and gestures. However, several implications will arise when communicating non-verbally with a Korean3. Culture of the Korean influences how they communicate non-verbally. They majorly emphasize the values of Confucian while communicating non-verbally. This applies in that they avoid shame, comparing socially and in terms of conformity. According to the culture of the Koreans, it is extremely vital for one to keep a distance from the person one is communicating with. Therefore, this is a positive attitude because they are in a position to accept any authorities given. They are very strong when it comes to keeping a distance. Therefore, they are very obedient to their superiors. In management, power distance should apply all through to ensure that there is respect between the seniors in a certain company and the juniors of the company. According to scholars, Koreans do not like involvement in declaring ones social identity because this leads to differentiation between two people. When this differentiation comes in, it creates an unusually big distance amongst different people. From this, we ca conclude that, to maintain a health society in a working environment, it is crucial for one to be oriented in the main goal of being in the company rather than individualism because this causes so many differences amongst employees working together4. When handing something to someone, Koreans use the right hand or both hands. They believe using left hand is a rude way in offering something. This shows that one should always be soft and show respect to somebody else despite the status or position in the society. When communicating, Koreans focus greatly on the face of the person communicating with them. They rely greatly on the eyes communication of a person. However, Koreans avoid touching while communicating. Touching is an embarrassing display of behavior in the public5. They believe that any affection should not be displayed when outside. This behavior is very important in a company. It helps in ensu ring that no one learns about any affection between two people easily. From the restraint value of the Confucian, it is clear in Koreans that they take great control when impressing. In most cases, their facial expressions are the main way of communicating. However, in an arguement about a business, they always argue out a problem to reach a solution but in case of silence, this means that there exist no ideas of solving their problem. This is helpful because, they are always ready to give ideas that one has6. Koreans use expressions to soften the communication. In many cases, some things are very difficult to tell another person verbally because they make a person feel more hurt, but when shown through a certain facial expression, they person is not likely to feel a big effect. For effective communication with a Korean, it is important to ensure that he or she keeps a constant look on the face in order to understand more7. This mode of

Ethics and sustaibanbility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Ethics and sustaibanbility - Essay Example Toyota got into a situation wherein disclosure could be damaging to both the company and to its customers. An ethical problem existed wherein a decision has to be made between what is bad and what is good. Toyota is also faced with a decision to act based on legality or efficiency of actions. The first steps in analyzing ethical issues are getting the facts to guide decisions and next are the appeal to values because the facts does not tell us what to do, but values directs us to moral issues of decisions. Documents showed that the Toyota knew of the problem with the sticky pedals in late September but did not issue a recall until late January. Why did they hide it from the public? Was it their intention to continue selling damaged vehicles and let buyers beware and face accidents? There is very little information on the internal events about the damage, who discovered it and other related details. What has been established is that Toyota knew of the damage as early as September of 2009 but made announcements only in late January in 2010. In five months time, there could have been accidents due to faulty breaks that could have been avoided. Individual groups who have important stake in the issue are customers of Toyota; the management and stockholders and the government. Some concerns that got Toyota into a mess, I believe, is the fear for outcome of decisions that would adversely affect Toyota’s operation. Those who will be affected by the first action are the Toyota customers who are facing dangers of accident due to faulty break system. Report said that there are about 2.3 million Toyota vehicles affected by the damage. In the second action, when Toyota announced to public the damage and recall of the cars, those affected are the stockholders and management. Confidence of customers on Toyota is threatened thereby there is a risk of decline of sales. Investors will also lose

The Debate Over Social Security Today Research Paper

The Debate Over Social Security Today - Research Paper Example The program created to aid those who are unemployed in US is still functional and the program that was created to assist the families that have dependant children has been transformed into a program created to aid the needy ones. The era of the Great Depression led to the creation of Social Security Act but the same idea existed even before this time period. For example: during the 1880s a program to aid the old aged people, pregnant women and ill people was functional in Germany. These programs are said to be developed due to the urbanization of Germany. Similarly, the program of social insurance is said to have developed due to the urbanization in US. During the period of 1880s the number of people working in industries and number of people working in farms and agricultural arena were equal. By the 1930s, the number of people working in farms decreased to 21% of the total workforce and people started gaining wage based employment in the industrial sector. Further states that the wa ges earned by people working in industrialized areas were variable in nature even before the Great Depression. Before the Great Depression, the unemployment rate between the eras of 1905 to 109 fluctuated from as low as 3.9% to 16.4% and the unemployment rate during the era of 1920 to 1924 fluctuated from 4.1% to 19.5% (Kennedy, 1999). When ever economic downtrend took place in US, the category of people who took most of the burden were the old aged people, other side effects of downtrend included loss of income due to impairments and death. These effects gained the attention of the policy makers and during the Great Depression these issues gained more strength as during this era the unemployment rate in non agricultural sectors elevated to 34%. Increase in the degree of these issues made the policy makers create the Social security program (Green, 2003). The early developed program of Social Security was not designed in a way to provide fast relief from the effects of the Great dep ression. The early program was somewhat like the Townsend plan according to which individuals aging 60 and above were provided with an old age pension of $200. This amount was only provided to those individuals who were not employed or could not work and they had to spend the entire amount in one particular months time period. This program never became a part of the US constitution but gained tremendous popularity because it focused on wiping of poverty and to obtain economic success. Body Several features of the Social Security Act of 1935 are still available in the current Social security system, over the years the system has experienced various changes. The changes made to the act during the era of 1939 have now become a part of debate. The Act in its true shape was created with the purpose of providing retirement funds to those who were no longer employed and were aging over 65 years. The formulation of the benefits that were to be offered to old aged people under this act was b ased on the income earned by these old aged people since 1937 and the benefits were offered to people coming from limited kinds of jobs. The first formulation of benefits offered very low benefits to the old aged people as compared to the wages earned by an average worker during that time period (Livingston, 2008). These benefits were never applied to the Social Security Act; the only features applied from this Social Security A