Different reasons people communicate Essay

In general, human beings like to live with other human beings. Most of us are sociable creatures who want to reach out to other people around us. Very few humans lead completely solitary lives. People also communicate for specific reasons; in order to express Emotions such as: †¢ Fear †¢ Anger †¢ Pain †¢ Joy †¢ Love. People want to get views, wishes and information across to others for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes this can be essential – even life saving in the case of a warning. It can be vital to make a person’s quality of life Better if they are communicating that they are in pain or it can be to make Emotional contact with others to express feelings. People live and communicate within a range of different groups and Communities, including: †¢ Families †¢ Neighborhoods †¢ Workplaces †¢ Schools and colleges. The nature of communication is very different dependent on the Circumstances. Some communications are personal and very intimate; these are usually with people to whom we are very close. Other communications are for a wider audience and are aimed at groups of people. Communication can be formal, such as in a courtroom setting, or informal, such as friends chatting. 2†¦ Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting. Effective communication is a two-way process – sending the right message that is also being correctly received and understood by the other person/s. It is essential that there is good and effective communication taking place within the work setting. Daily tasks will only be successful with smooth transfers of information. In order for me to develop within my role, there must be effective communication between the children and myself. This will help keep positive morale and improve the quality of work. People that do not feel as if they have good communication with their carers may not be as efficient with their work. Effective communication skills are also needed to encourage staff and myself to talk about what we are feeling, to say what we think or to express our needs, concerns, wishes or preferences. Positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills, such as being friendly, smiling and shaking hands when greeting parents and staff, are required on a daily basis. Effective communication can help promote and create a positive working environment. Without communication the world would be a lonely place and communication is particularly important in the work setting as it can affect the relationships you build. Team communication is important as it is important to keep everyone in the group knowledgeable about what is going on within that group. As I would be communicating with parents, colleagues, children and other professionals (i.e. health visitors, speech and language therapists, social workers, other schools, Police and other governing bodies) it is important that everybody is provided the information they need. Communication is vital to establishing effective relationships in the work setting. It would allow you to expect support from your colleagues and to provide them with the necessary support in times of stress and difficulty.re and am there to support the children. 3†¦ describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication. Verbal communication: Tone and pitch of your voice, does it suit the situation or topic? A louder more direct communication maybe required if trying to get the attention of a group of children to come back inside. However this would not be suitable in a situation whereby a child is upset say for example if they have wet themselves and are embarrassed, this would need a quieter and understanding tone to reassure them. Use of language is important, when talking to children you need to keep things simpler than if you were talking to an adult, however if you talking to an adult using very simple instructions this may be deemed as patronizing. So it is important to choose your language carefully. The speed in which you talk is also key. When talking to children I tend to get down to their level and talk to them at a relatively slow speed, this way they are more likely to understand me more than if I was walking round above them talking as though I would talk to adults. Non-verbal communication: Facial and hand gestures, again this needs to be tailored to the situation or topic. In the example above, a smile and perhaps a hand on their shoulder is sufficient to the situation. Whereby frowning and waving arms as if annoyed would be detrimental to the feelings of the child. Eye contact is an important factor as this engages the audience, keeping them focused on what you are discussing. By making eye contact you are directing your conversation at that specific person, demonstrating that you are devoting your time and are not able to be distracted as if you would by looking around. Body language plays an important part, for example folded arms can indicate you are being defensive or not open to suggestions, whereas slouching, hands on hips, rolling of eyes and huffing can seem rude and disrespectful. 4†¦ Be able to overcome barriers to communication. Identifying communication needs: use of personal histories; involvement of the individual; involvement of family, friends and carers Barriers to communication: environmental eg: seating, lighting, external noise, situation of the setting; emotional issues eg: shyness, low self-esteem; social; psychological eg: mental ill health, results of abuse, neglect; sensory, hearing and sight impairment; speech and language barriers following strokes; cerebral palsy; cultural eg: related to gender, inappropriate use of gestures; English as an additional language. Promotion of communication: use of preferred language including British Sign Language; use of human aids, interpreters, translators; use of technological aids, hearing aids, induction loops, Braille software; cultural awareness; active listening skills; the need to give individuals time to respond; speech and language therapy Language proficiency affects every aspect of a person’s life. Lack of fluency in English has a major impact on people’s ability to get information. A social hierarchy exists in most cultures, which can create issues in workplace communications. For instance, men from some cultural backgrounds may not adapt easily to working equally with women. Understanding the relationship between the sexes and the roles assigned in various cultures will give you an insight into how customers from particular cultural groups might respond in an Australian environment. Differences in non-verbal behavior Cultural differences in non-verbal behaviors are a common source of misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace. For instance, many westerners like to make eye contact, interpreting it as an indication of interest and honesty. They also show friendliness through relaxed body language. If these behaviors do not happen, it can be interpreted as shiftiness, coldness and disinterest. However, in some cultures, averted eyes and non-demonstrable behavior are. a sign of courtesy and respect. Being aware of these Nuances will help you to reduce negative impressions in inter-cultural communications among co-workers and customers. Personal space People from different cultural backgrounds may have different ‘comfort zones’ — some Like more distance between themselves and others, some like to be closer. Responses to authority Attitudes to authority vary markedly between cultures and exert a distinct effect on workplace behaviors. Religion In many cultures, religion dominates life in a way that for strongly secular workplaces may be difficult to understand. These differences need to be respected and the needs associated with religious commitments understood and sensitively negotiated within the workplace. Clear communication on both sides about these issues is to be encouraged. Personal appearance Grooming, dietary and eating habits and dress varies in different cultures. Some people within their community may choose to wear their national dress or religious garments. Keep in mind that attitudes and communicative behaviors are not neutral but strongly conditioned by cultural values. As a simple example, if you say to a customer, ‘Please sign here’, you expect them to know that you want them to pick up the pen and sign exactly where you have indicated. But, if you think about it, you are assuming that the person: _ can hear you _ speaks the English language _ knows how to use a pen _ knows where they need to sign _ knew what a signature was _ understands what they are signing for _ If the person didn’t hear you, didn’t speak English, did not have a signature, didn’t know how to use the pen, did not understand where they needed to sign, or did not know what they were signing for the communication will not be successful. 1. Explain how people from different backgrounds may use and/ or interpret communication methods in different ways Language proficiency affects every aspect of a person’s life. Lack of fluency in English has a major impact on people’s ability to get information. Therefore communication skills training is a critical career development to help the children/ young people understand. Roles and status A social hierarchy exists in most cultures, which can create issues in workplace communications. For instance, men from some cultural backgrounds may not adapt easily to working equally with women. Understanding the relationship between the sexes and the roles assigned in various cultures will give you an insight into how customers from particular cultural groups might respond in an Australian environment. Differences in non-verbal behavior Cultural differences in non-verbal behaviors are a common source of misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace. For instance, many westerners like to make eye contact, interpreting it as an indication of interest and honesty. They also show friendliness through relaxed body language. If these behaviors do not happen, it can be interpreted as shiftiness, coldness and disinterest. However, in some cultures, averted eyes and non-demonstrable behavior are a sign of courtesy and respect. Being aware of these Nuances will help you to reduce negative impressions in inter-cultural communications among co-workers and customers. Personal space People from different cultural backgrounds may have different ‘comfort zones’ — some Like more distance between themselves and others, some like to be closer. Responses to authority Attitudes to authority vary markedly between cultures and exert a distinct effect on workplace behaviors.Religion in many cultures, religion dominates life in a way that for strongly secular workplaces may be difficult to understand. These differences need to be respected and the needs associated with religious commitments understood and sensitively negotiated within the workplace. Clear communication on both sides about these issues is to be encouraged. Personal appearance Grooming, dietary and eating habits and dress varies in different cultures. Some people within the Australian community may choose to wear their national dress or religious garments. Keep in mind that attitudes and communicative behaviors are not neutral but strongly conditioned by cultural values. As a simple example, if you say to a customer, ‘Please sign here’, you expect them to know that you want them to pick up the pen and sign exactly where you have indicated. But, if you think about it, you are assuming that the person: can hear you, speaks the English language, knows how to use a pen, knows where they need to sign, knew what a signature was, understands what they are signing for If the person didn’t hear you, didn’t speak English, did not have a signature, didn’t know how to use the pen, did not understand where they needed to sign, or did not know what they were signing for the communication will not be successful. Use of Simple Language: Use of simple and clear words should be emphasized. Use of ambiguous words and jargons should be avoided. Reduction and elimination of noise levels: Noise is the main communication barrier which must be overcome on priority basis. It is essential to identify the source of noise and then eliminate that source. Active Listening: Listen attentively and carefully. There is a difference between â€Å"listening† and â€Å"hearing†. Active listening means hearing with proper understanding of the message that is heard. By asking questions the speaker can ensure whether his/her message is understood or not by the receiver in the same terms as intended by the speaker. Emotional State: During communication one should make effective use of body language. He/she should not show their emotions while communication as the receiver might misinterpret the message being delivered. For example, if the conveyer of the message is in a bad mood then the receiver might think that the information being delivered is not good.   Simple Organizational Structure: The organizational structure should not be complex. The number of hierarchical levels should be optimum. There should be a ideal span of control within the organization. Simpler the organizational structure, more effective will be the communication. ï‚ · Avoid Information Overload: The managers should know how to prioritize their work. They should not overload themselves with the work. They should spend quality time with their subordinates and should listen to their problems and feedbacks actively. A solution to the barriers is emotional intelligence which can be mastered and lead to better relationships. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand others and work with them. There are five characteristics of emotional intelligence. Being self-aware is the most important. It is the ability to distance oneself from their emotions so that they can look at the emotion without becoming overwhelmed or reacting to it too quickly. This piece of intelligence would help a person who is struggling with stereotyping. If the person knows that every time they see and African American person they become nervous because they believe they are all aggressive, they can take a step back and look at where that emotion came from. Once they have identified the source, they may be able to isolate the emotion and try to move past is by realizing that it is an irrational fear. There is an equal chance that a Caucasian or African American person is aggressive. The second characteristic is the ability to manage emotions which means expressing them in a way that is appropriate for the setting). Once a person has become aware of the emotion, they can come up with a way to handle the emotion. The person who gets nervous around African Americans may be able to look at where they are. If they are at a dinner party at a friend’s house and the African American friend of the friend shows up, there is a good chance they are not agg ressive. The person who is nervous may be able to walk away for a minute to collect themselves and then act as they should through a dinner party. In a setting where a young looking mother is out with her parents, the person might take the time to ask how old she was and what her situation was. The person may find that the young mother is responsible and owned up to her mistakes or that the mother is older than they thought and did not make a mistake. The third characteristic is the ability to motivate oneself which is setting a goal and reaching it. For the person who is nervous around African Americans, the goal may be to sit at the table and hold normal conversation with the dinner guests. They would then have to try to reach that goal by managing their emotions and following through with the dinner. For a person who looks down on teen mothers, the goal may be to accept all mothers as if they are the socially accepted age for parenting unless there is a clear reason why this mother is inad equate. The might reach that goal by always asking questions when they feel that a mother is inadequate because they are young. The fourth intelligence is recognizing emotions in others, which is called empathy. The best way to do this is to listen to what people are really saying and trying to understand it by observing their body language along with their actual language. In genders this can be difficult. Men tend to want to solve a problem where women want a sounding board, someone who understands them. If they can listen to each other and try to understand what the other wants and how they are feeling, the relationship will go better. For men, they often do not try to understand why a woman is upset when her friend says she should lose a pants size. He does not put himself in her shoes and does not easily relate to the problem. Instead, he might try to solve the problem by complimenting her or getting her a gym membership. This is not effective communication. The woman was not looking for a way to lose a pant size, but rather a person that would understand why she was the size she was and how bad it feels to be told she is too big. Body language plays a part in improving a person’s emotional intelligence. A person who is first starting out with improving their emotional intelligence, they may come across difficulties in the first four characteristics because what they are saying does not match up to their body language. A person might ask the teen mother her age, but still have a posture that shows they do not approve of this mother having a child. A person who fears African Americans may be able to sit through a dinner and talk nice, but might look as though they are ready to run out of the room if a butter knife is picked up the wrong way. The fifth characteristic is the ability to handle relationships. The person needs to recognize their own needs as well as the needs of the other person. They need to find a balance where both sets of needs, is met as fully as possible. If the person is always bending to meet all the needs of another person and neglecting their own needs, they are not going to be satisfied with the relationship for long. On the other hand, if the person ignores the other person’s needs and only fulfills their own needs, the other person is not going to be satisfied for long. With an understanding of how barriers, culture, gender, and emotional intelligence effect communication, a person is more able to communicate effectively and have fulfilling relationships. If these things are ignored, communication breaks down and a person can become isolated. 4†¦. Be able to apply principles and practices relating to confidentiality.

Homeless People Essay

How does Robert Swindells make you feel sympathetic to the situation that homeless people find themselves in? Stone cold is a book which relates to the real world written by the author ‘Robert Swindells.’ In this book Link appears to be struggling with life as each step he takes in to the real world gradually fills with fear. The spirits of this child have been broken and frayed apart time and time again. Throughout Links background they’re has been hatred lying between him and individuals in his family unit. As poor and as hopeless as he sounds he looks. He is a homeless young child and faces life everyday coping with life on the streets and the unbearable grief of all those who face loving family’s everyday. Robert swindells created a character that lives like those who live on the streets in the real world today. As I have mentioned Link struggles like those on the streets today begging for a little bit of money to pay for there resources eg.food. All homeless also suffer from the same situation Link has been in. Through Link readers should realise that the homeless suffer from great grief and depression. Through out the book of stone cold, Robert swindells has made the reader feel sympathetic towards how you should not take things for granted in life as he uses quotes expressing how it’s like to live. You feel ‘stone cold’ The title also reflects on the target audience as it is mentioning two words that tell the reader automatically what life could be about. It tells the reader that the book could be about anything but specifically that the book relates to the word stone cold. The word stone means rock like. It indicates the meaning of hard. When you put the words together it relates the life and how it is. This also makes the reader feel sympathetic as it is giving the reader something to think about, think about the feeling of the words. They are powerful words which reflect the story of the book in a very brief way. In this book Link is known to have a stepfather who is ill mannered. The book shows how Link has been treated by his father and why he has been treated by his father this way. Vince the step father has changed Link’s life in many ways resulting to link leaving home. Vince treated link like he was a nothing and he used to brag on about how link used to live off his money. If someone who went on and on getting nastier and nastier to you would you put up with it? No a normal person wouldn’t but defenceless link was too afraid of Vince and what he could or would do to him. In a result of this link had no other choice than to leave home as Vince already put the boot in him. Robert has mentioned all of this as it is an important aspect of life that everyone should take interest in. There are many reasons why the homeless live on the streets and this was one of them. Link was seeking for a job yet each individual employed worker turned him down. Robert swindells has already told you how hard it is to be accepted for work. Applying is straightforward, but the acceptance of being rejected is difficult. You feel hurt and think how is it possible for a person to accept another being with qualifications yet reject a person in less than 5 seconds judging by the looks. Robert had obviously pointed this out by mentioning that Link has been rejected over and over again. He has pointed out that no matter how much you strive and seek you would certainly not get accepted, this is how convoluted it is to get one. By this it makes you realise that the homeless are poor because of the common rejection and they’re last resort is it beg known as ‘tapping.’ Without this they would die and population would decrease. Would you really want for this to happen? During the life of begging you have to defend for your self as Robert has included in the book by referring to about how the homeless have to beg, sleep rough, etc†¦ A homeless person would have always come across a situation like this in t heir lives like Link did. The homeless people are people to with hearts and Robert has pointed this out by mentioning phrases like ‘nobody cares, see.’ The homeless struggle and try to get every penny they can just to get some food. People just walk by making their lives misery. Link had to face being alone because he wanted to start a new life, he made friends. Close. He also had lost the girl he had eyes for, the girl who he had fallen in love with. The situation that link found himself in was wretchedly heart breaking. This made me feel sympathetic towards link as he was once again hopeless. He stood they’re with nothing to achieve in his life. This is a problem which many homeless people die from either from nervous brake downs or even from shock. The readers should feel sympathetic because for link it can be a difficult decision to continue with living off the streets or returning to his home. Robert swindells makes you feel that you have the right to conflict against shelter as he is mad and mad. Shelter is an evil soldier who has the urge to constantly kill. Nobody in their right mind would have the heart to kill someone or something as it is cruel. Shelter would describe a homeless person as them being a ‘waste of space.’ He thinks of them as rubbish who scrounges for a living. Overall I would conclude that Robert swindells is making a point to people to make them feel that they have a better understanding of the way the homeless help. Robert was comparing real life to how links life was, he has had good and bad times, and he has feared and has been brave through out facing the real world, facing life. The homeless are people who have no choice so they think if they beg it will help. Everybody should help and try to do their best in helping the poor as they are the ones who suffer as well as those who have money since they have to tolerate watching the innocents of a child starving. They have to take in the guilt and shame. Just remember what you have in life and don’t take everything for granted because when they’ve got you only realise than what you’ve lost†¦

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 39

Marketing - Essay Example The business plan and functional policies are designed accordingly. If any point is overlooked during the planning phase, the expected performance cannot be guaranteed. In order to overcome the risks, the key point is inclusion of all stakeholders in the relevant phases of planning and decision making. It is because; no human being can be expert in all aspects. Involvement of people belonging to various fields adds value to the decision making process and various other aspects are highlighted which can not be thought over by a small team. Another important point in overcoming the risk is to allocate considerable time to the phase of planning. A common mistake is to do planning in a hurry and then waste much time in making corrective actions. The suitable approach is to plan well and plan ahead. This is the reason of success of Japanese industrialists which must be followed by all entrepreneurs who want to make a success

Exam2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Exam2 - Assignment Example At that time, the rent would be $ 10000 per month. The next question which arises is that, whether the entire amount of $ 4000000 would be given from internal sources of financing or an external loan should also be taken. If external loan is taken, then it would be obtained to an amount of $ 2000000 having an interest of 5% per year. If the building is constructed in 2017, then the accumulated amount of $ 4000000 can also be invested and an interest on such investment @ 3.5% would be obtained. The cost of the building would also be incrementing by 2.5% per year. Return on Investment has been calculated by taking into consideration that the interest rate on the investment of $ 4000000 is 3.5%. Question 1 Return on Investment Particulars Amount (in $) Invested Amount 4000000 Return on Investment for the year 2013 (from October to December) 35000 Return on Investment for the year 2014 140000 Return on Investment for the year 2015 140000 Return on Investment for the year 2016 140000 Tota l Return on Investment 455000 Return on Investment (in Percentage) 11.375% The return on investment is a performance measure that is used for evaluating the efficiency and accuracy of any investment (Megginson & Scott, 2008). It is an effective performance measuring tool, which helps in taking appropriate decisions by the company (Rachlin, 1997). It helps in avoiding flaws in the managerial decisions taken by any company. If the accumulated amount of $ 4000000 is invested, then an annual interest @ 2.5 percent would be earned every year till 2017. The interest earned in the 1st year is 35000 and the interest earned in next three years is $ 140000 each year. Total interest earned is $455000. Return on investment is 11.375%. Question 2 Inflation rate is described as the continuous increase in the price level of goods and services. It is calculated as the annual percentage rise. Findlay is the name of a city in Ohio, United States. The Inflation rate of United States, as projected by I nternational Monetary Fund, has been shown below: (International Monetary Fund, 2012) Within the time period of 2014 to 2018, the inflation rate as assessed by the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index would rise to some extent and then it would remain constant at a rate of 2 percent (CBO, 2013). Determination of the projected annual inflation rate of Ohio is also necessary. ‘The Ohio Department of Transportation’ has estimated the Inflation Rate of Ohio to be: High Most Likely Low 2013 8 % 5.7% 3% 2014 10% 5.5% 3.5% 2015 8.95% 5.9% 3.5% 2016 7.5% 4.5% 1.5% 2017 7% 4% 1% Question 3 It has been stated that the value of the building would be increasing by 2.5 percent every year starting from 2014. The increment has been shown in the following table: Particulars Amount (in $) Present value of the building 4000000 Value of the building in 2014 4100000 Value of the building in 2015 4202500 Value of the building in 2016 4307562.5 Value of the building in 2017 4415251.5 6 Net Increase 415251.56 It can be seen from the above mentioned table that the value of the building increased yearly. The value of the building in 2014 increased to $ 4100000. It increased to $ 4202500 in the year 2015. In the year 2016, the value increased to $ 4307562.5 and finally in the year 2017, the value increased to $ 415251.56. Question 4 Option 1 Paying the whole amount from the internal sources of financing

Sports and Entertainment Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sports and Entertainment Management - Case Study Example The most important part of this whole project was the redevelopment of East Village. People were beginning to be drawn away from East Village because they were running out of reasons to be there. The location was such that was once very lively but it had little left to attract local people and the visitors. This area required some serious redevelopment and its prayers were answered when Padres choose it for the construction of their new ballpark. It was the very first time that redevelopment was made integral part of a project in which a sports facility was being publicly financed. Further, the Padres made redevelopment a part of the Memorandum of Understanding in which they obtained the approval of public. This meant that even politicians were unable to disallow this project as they had to do what the people wanted. The road to success was not a smooth one for Padres. They had had to face many bumps in the form of oppositions and lawsuits by the people who had to relocate. The prota gonist of this case, John Moores, faced a very difficult time because of all the lawsuits and the delays. There was a two year delay in the construction in the area which was now known as the Ballpark District. Conditions had significantly changed in the two year period due to 9/11 and the bursting of the Internet Bubble. One of the setbacks was the departure of Larry Lucchino. Lucchino kept the people of San Diego, particularly the diehard baseball fans, involved in the process so that their support and sympathy was always with the team. This was very difficult to maintain as Lucchino left. Moores handled the matter with great patience and maturity. There were times when it felt like Moores might leave San Diego and take his team to another city. Instead, Moores kept his head poised in the game in which he was involved. He knew that the redevelopment of East Village was not only good for the area itself, but it was also the biggest argument in favour of his project. PETCO Park was an enormous success. From this experience, one can learn that there are always numerous extraneous circumstances that are to be accounted for while pursuing a project of such magnitude. No matter how careful one is, there is always a potential of oversight. ‘There is no such thing as a perfect research’. We can look at the experiences of others and we should learn from them. Similar mistakes must not be repeated. We can clearly see that Moores’ team selection was brilliant but not flawless. He made sure that the team that was working on this project was diverse. Therefore, everyone brought something new to the table. However, it was a slip by one of the team members that resulted in the allegations of corruption. Moores, of course, was not guilty but the two year delay was like a punishment for him too. A punishment for a wrong he did not commit himself, but one of his team members did. Perhaps, everyone else who was involved in the project also suffered greatly. But one tends to think that maybe Moores could have done something to avoid all of this. There might have been no corruption if the team members had a clear knowledge of their limits and boundaries. Moores could

My Middle School Life Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

My Middle School Life Experience - Essay Example I have seen my life here only in Korea and have enjoyed being the youngest in all siblings. People use to settle in this particular newly developed urban city due to two reasons. Firstly the poor use to establish them here, as it was not expensive states those days. Secondly, the rich people or the upper class uses to settle in this area to discover business ventures and to earn a lot of money. I was quite proud of being designated as upper class or elite citizen. This might seem frightening because now I was a tiny fish in a big pool, but keep in mind: all new incidents are fearsome at initial. If one has the correct approach and rock-hard info on what to anticipate, one can be a middle school specialist in no time. In middle school, I made up a large number of upper-class friends since the start of my school days. In my school, there was a categorized difference in the lower or poor class students and the upper or elite class. Classmates felt very proud if they had any elite classmate in their group. There was a marked difference in the treatment as well. ...I packed myself in a lot of social friends who belong to high-status families. In my own class, I was quite powerful to turn things in favor of me as I belonged to the top social category. I use to rule over my classmates. My ego was quite strong in my social behaviors and I use to talk to classmates of my set only and never use to talk even a bit too poor fellows. Some of these elite classmates were even junkies as if bullying poor classmates, buying expensive stuff, showing off, mocking, playing video games, having fun all the time with luxuries and not more serious about the studies. Most of them were not good graders even. When my poor fellows who were the top graders, tried to be friendly with me, I just harassed theme and passed bad comments of them being poor so badly that it would have been very insulting for them.  Ã‚   There was a girl in my class who belonged to lower social class, was quite studious and wanted to be my friend but never actually told me directly.

Domestic Terrorism in the United States Research Paper

Domestic Terrorism in the United States - Research Paper Example of Muslims in the United States, in their establishment of numerous mosques and religious schools across the country, and in their extremist attacks against Americans. There appears to be a general impression among the public that the American security system worked efficiently in thwarting recent terrorist attacks such as the bombing plots at Times Square, in a flight over Detroit, and during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Portland, Oregon (Stakelbeck 106). However, these were isolated plots that failed anyway, and were not saved by the intervention of security agencies. Similar to Stakelbeck’s views in his book The Terrorist Next Door: How the Government is Deceiving You About the Islamist Threat, 2011, Catherine Herridge, a television journalist, writes in her book The Next Wave: On the Hunt for Al Qaeda’s American Recruits, 2012, of the increasing possibilities of having Islamic terrorists for neighbors. She adds that the lax attitude of the American government towards recruiting Islamist sympathizers in the workforces has resulted in several attacks from within organizations. For example, a U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan gunned down forty-five people including 12 soldiers, and an airport shuttle bus driver plotted a subway slaughter. Home-grown terrorists born and raised in the United States have posed a great threat in the recent past and will continue to be an ominous, concealed danger in the future. They cannot be identified because they appear American in every way, have clean records, American passports, â€Å"and mass murd er in their hearts† (Herridge, 2012). The Pew Research Center Report, (PRC, 2011), forecasts that America’s Muslim population will triple in number, from 2.6 million to 6.2 million in 2030. For ensuring the spread of Islam, American Muslims are engaged in a campaign of mosque-building across the country, â€Å"including in the very heart of the Bible belt† (Stakelbeck 6). Today there are over 2000 mosques and innumerable Islamic schools, where the teaching of extremist Islamic ideologies are carried out.

Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 6

Business Strategy - Essay Example There could be positive or negative effect on stakeholders of any changes in strategy e.g. employee layoffs will have negative effect on employees. On the other hand an increase in revenue and profits of an organization will have positive effects on stakeholders. According to Mitchell (2009), it is oftentimes helpful to seek to model the organization in order to analyze the specific activities through which an organization can create a competitive advantage. Michael Porter sought to define such activities known by the handle â€Å"the value chain† and described it as follows: Outbound logistics refer to whatever activities might be necessary to ensure that the finished products reach the consumer. This can include but is not limited to storage, order fulfilment, and a litany of other factors. Marketing & Sales may be defined as those activities which are associated with encouraging buyers to purchase the product/service which is being offered. It includes advertising, pricing, branding etc. Within such a dynamic, the reader can and should engage with a simple SWOT analysis of the firm in question; Electrolux. As such, a brief discussion and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will be presented. The firm displays more than a few strengths; the first of which is necessarily the fact that it has a long and storied past of offering consumer products to key markets since 1918. Moreover, the firm enjoys a very good reputation with consumers as presenting an extraordinarily high quality and offering expert customer support and service post sale. Additionally, key acquisitions and mergers have worked together to make the firm into a resilient one that encompasses the strengths of other companies such as â€Å"ElektroHelios, Finnish Slev, Flymo, Danish Atlas, and Norwegian Elektrag (Lorenz, 1989). One of the greatest weaknesses is the fact that the firm is a

Discipline and Management Essay Example for Free

Discipline and Management Essay Included in this essay is a comparison between discipline and management also behavior and misbehavior. Beginning the essay is a short definition and a short word picture of discipline, management, behavior and misbehavior. Next is a comparison of how each are different, similar, related. Discipline is described in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as first being â€Å"punishment† or then further down states it is â€Å"training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. † In our text book, Building Classroom Discipline, C. M. Charles states that discipline in the classroom is â€Å"Teachers’ efforts to maintain classroom decorum and secure student’ cooperation and exercising self-control. † Discipline should not be thought of as punishment but instead a learning road of self-control. Discipline is a person’s ability to conduct appropriately or a short word picture could be[pic]. With in the classroom, management is a written plan of action so that class runs smooth. Webster dictionary describes management as â€Å"conducting or supervising of something†. Management is the process of controlling and discipline is the act once management has failed. Management and discipline are interrelated and work together to for a common plan and a smooth ran class. If there was no [pic] (management) designed the discipline would not work. Webster’s dictionary states that behavior is â€Å"the manner of conducting oneself†. Behavior described in our text book Building Classroom Discipline â€Å"is the totality of one’s physical and mental activities. † Behavior is everything that we do whether good or bad. One word that best describes this is[pic]. Misbehavior is considered as a person’s actions â€Å"that disrupt teaching, interfere with learning, demean others, or otherwise violate the moral codes of society. † (C. M. Charles 2008 p13) In Webster’s dictionary they describe misbehavior as â€Å"a bad manner of conducting one self. † Both of the terms are related however [pic] (misbehavior) is the disruption of behavior as a whole. Behavior is the bigger picture and misbehavior is a smaller unit within behavior. The two are interrelated and you can not have one with out the other. With the appropriate action taken in advance misbehavior could be minimized. There are different types of misbehavior and some are more serious than others but none of the less takes away from instruction. This is why it is very important to have a discipline plan devised. In the above essay is a comparison between discipline and management also behavior and misbehavior. Beginning the essay is a short definition and a short word picture of discipline, management, behavior and misbehavior. Next is a comparison of how each are different, similar, related. To complete this essay is a short description of why it is important to have a discipline plan.

Association football and soccer Essay Example for Free

Association football and soccer Essay Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. It is the national sport of most European and Latin-American countries and many other nations. Millions of people in more than 140 countries play soccer. Soccer is one of the most famous international sports. There are three distinct reasons that soccer is so widely popular. I- Soccer is a relatively easy game to learn and play. II- It provides many physical benefits and III- Has the ability to benefit cultures by bringing countries together. I- Soccer is an easy game to learn. Many children start to play the game around the age of three. Actually, as soon as most kids learn to walk they learn to kick a ball around which is a key component of soccer. Very little equipment is needed to play soccer. This adds to its accessibility to the masses. All that is needed to play the game of soccer is a soccer ball, shin guards, and goalie equipment. A soccer game may be played either indoors or outside. It is played on a rectangular field with a goal net on each short side of the field. A soccer team is comprised of 11 players. All players must hit the ball with their feet or body and only the goalie is allowed to touch the ball with his or her hands. A soccer game begins with a kick off en the center of the field. A coin is flipped to decide which team will kickoff. The other team kicks of at the start of the second half. At this time the teams also switch sides or nets. After a team scores the other team gets to kickoff to begin play again. The kickoff takes place in the middle of the field. When the ball is kicked it must travel the circumference of the ball and touch another player before the kicker can touch the ball again. After the ball is in play it remains in play unless it crosses a goal line or a touch line. All players attempt to stop the ball from coming in there zone while at the same time trying to score a goal. A player may kick the ball into the net with any part of the body except the hands and arms. If the ball goes out of bounds the play is restarted with a corner kick, a goal kick, or a throw-in. The referee decides what type to use. If the ball crosses the goal line and the defensive team touched it last then there is a corner kick by the offense. If the offense touches the ball last and crosses the goal line then it is a goal kick. A throw in happens when the ball crosses the touch line. When it crosses the touch line the team that did not touch it last throws the ball in bounds. The ball is thrown over their head with two hands. Fouls are called when a player does not obey the rules and acts unsportsmanlike. When a foul is called the opposite team receives a either a penalty kick, a direct free kick or and indirect free kick. Although, it may sound complex, very young children are able to learn the game quite easily. II- Soccer is a good sport to play if you like to stay physically fit. There are many exercises that are required for the soccer player to be at their peak performance. Exercises that strengthen your legs and improve flexibility are ideal. Physical conditioning is important if you plan on being good at soccer. Here are five important exercises I will discuss that are ideal for soccer: 1. Running: running helps to improve cardiovascular fitness. In soccer there is lots of running for the ball so endurance and a speed is a must. 2. Leg Extension: using weights can help strengthen the legs. Using weights makes you kick harder and makes the ball travel farther; as a result you become a better player. 3. Leg Machines: exercising all muscles in the leg makes you kick harder and prevents injury when you are diving all over for the ball. The strong muscles help prevent injuries. 4. Stretching: stretching allows you to be more flexible. Sometimes soccer players need to kick the ball in the most awkward positions. Flexibly helps the player to kick the ball in those positions more effectively. 5. Weight Training: all around weight training makes a soccer player even better. A stronger body helps prevent injury and improve all around performance. Practice helps the soccer player become more skillful and physically fit. Soccer drills like dribbling the ball and head butting add to a players endurance and physical agility. Soccer can be a very demanding sport. A players strength, flexibility, and overall physical condition is put to the test. Soccer players are able to stay healthy, strong, and obtain â€Å"life long† fitness due to their preparation and participation in the game. Another added benefit is the stress relief that is found in participating in a strenuous sport such as soccer. III- Lastly, soccer has the ability to be a great unifier. Soccer can be a unifier of countries, their people, and spirit. In every society and culture, there are many things in common and many differences but there is one thing that links us all. The link is the world of sports. Sports are a way of life in many nations and cultures. There are many types of sports, but there is one sport that is known in every corner of the world. This sport is soccer. Soccer is a sport that is played in every continent in the world; it is the one and only sport without borders. Millions of people watch soccer, which is why people know other cultures. I am from Pakistan. Our national game is field hockey, but everybody prefers to watch cricket. I remember in the year 1992 when Pakistan won the first and only world cup of cricket. Everybody praised the team because they were the heroes of the nation. After two years, in 1994, Pakistan had four world cups in four different sports: field hockey, cricket, snooker and squash. After that, Pakistan never won another world cup in any sport till now. In the 1999 cricket world cup final Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by the Australians that disheartened the people. After a bad 2003 world cup performance, Pakistanis took less interest in cricket and took more interest in soccer. Now days most people prefer to watch soccer, even though Pakistan does not have a soccer team that plays an international game. Why do I like soccer? The main reason is the passion and the thrill of the game. Millions of soccer fans like me like soccer because of tactics: how the player tackles ball, how they make moves, how they use skills. The more skillful the soccer player the better. That’s my life experience. Now I watch soccer more than cricket. It takes less time to watch and it is an interesting game. My cousins and friends are also fans of soccer. We are all fans of different teams and players. We all watch mostly European Leagues such as English Premier League, UEFA Cup etc. Why those leagues? We prefer these leagues because the clubs pay high prices to buy world class players to play for the clubs. Those leagues play every year. We have a craze for soccer. When we watch games how we support the team or players we like, wearing the shirts, shouting and even praying for them. Soccer has the ability to unify  us as a people, to unify our hearts and minds. When I was over there, and even here, when I talk to someone we always talk about soccer. My opinion is that soccer affects the Pakistani culture very much. How does soccer affect the culture of the United States? Outside the United States and Canada the game of soccer is called football. Soccer is very popular among American youth and has the most professional players out of any nation in the world. Chuck Klosterman in â€Å"George Will vs Nick Hornby† writes â€Å"Soccer will soon become part of the fabric of this country and will be as popular as any other game here. † â€Å"According to the Soccer Industry Council of America, soccer is the No. 1 youth participation sport in USA. There are more than 3. 6 million players under the age of nineteen registered to play and that number has been expanding at over 8 percent a year since 1900†. Those are going to be a fans, players, referees, coaches etc. for the future of United States Soccer. His favor is a critic. Klosterman criticizes soccer in â€Å"George Will vs Nick Horby. † He says we will never care about soccer in United States because soccer is inherently un-American, is it Outcast Culture. He also mentions is most that children do not love soccer. Most youth soccer players end up joining the debate team before they turn fifteen. Youth do not like soccer the way it is played. He compares soccer with baseball. Baseball is most common sport played by youths. He wonders why we care that soccer is the most popular game on the earth and is played by millions of people. To love soccer is to say you believe in enforced equality more than you believe in the value of competition and the capacity of the human spirit. I disagree with his criticism of soccer because most people like soccer. Why did the soccer star David Beckham come here to teach soccer? Why does America have a soccer team play in almost every World Cup? I agree that soccer is not as common as other games, but still people play soccer here. In fact, the biggest reason for soccers failure in the United States is that it doesnt conform easily to the demands of television. The reason soccer isnt as popular in the US is not because it isnt physical enough. I play and I know for certain that it is, and I used to live in US. I just recently moved to Pakistan in Asia. I used to watch soccer all the time, of course it was international soccer, but I watched it on ESPN sports. Soccer hasnt reached its peak in the US, to be frank. I see people beginning to take interest in it. Of course, the most unrecognized form of soccer is womens soccer, but that is a different subject all together. The reason is because the major US sports Baseball, Football (Rugby) , Basketball seasons take up the entire year. I think there may be 1-2 days in a year where none of the sports is played. Also, the major sports cover everything that soccer does, scoring in a net NBA, physical roughness NFL Football, hitting an object MLB. The major US sports had already established themselves in the US, so there is not really a good entry point for soccer. In conclusion, you can see that I am crazy about soccer. It is a sport that is very easy to learn and takes very little money to participate in. It is a sport that can easily get a person into top physical shape and develop â€Å"life long† fitness. But most importantly, it is a sport that allows many countries to become unified through their love of the game. That is why I love soccer.

Relative Price And Performance Relationship

Relative Price And Performance Relationship 2.1 INTRODUCTION In essence, the job of a strategist is to understand and cope with competition. Often, managers define competition too narrowly, as if it occurred only among todays direct competitors. Lall, (2001, p. 6) stated that competitiveness in industrial activities means developing relative efficiency along with sustainable growth Moreover, agribusiness competitiveness has been defined as The sustained ability to profitably gain and maintain market share(Martin, Westgren, van Duren, 1991, p. 1456) or, in a more consumer-oriented way, as the ability of a firm or industry segment to offer products and services that meet or exceed the customer value currently or potentially offered by the products and services of rivals, substitutes, and possible market entrants (Kennedy, Harrison, Kalaitzandonakes, Peterson, Rindfuss, 1997). Yet, according to Michael E. Porter, the Harvard Business School professor, competition for profit goes beyond established industry rivals to include four other competitive forces as well as customers, suppliers, potential entrants and substitute products. Furthermore, the model of Five Competitive Forces was developed by Michael E. Porter in his book Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analysing Industries and Competitors in 1980. It draws upon Industrial Organisation (IO) to develop five forces that determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of a market. Attractiveness in the context of business environment refers to the overall industry profitability. An unattractive industry is one in which the combination of these five forces acts to drive down the overall profitability. A very unattractive industry would be one approaching pure competition, in which available profits for all firms are driven down to zero. The character, mix, and subtleties of competitive forces are never the same from one industry to another. A powerful and widely used tool for systematically diagnosing the principal competitive pressures in the hydroponics market and assessing the strength and importance of each is the five-forces model of competition.(see figure) Moreover, three of Porters five forces refer to competition from external sources. The remainders are internal threats. Therefore, it is important to use Porters five forces in conjunction with SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and PEST Analysis (Political, Economical, Social and Technological). Porters Five Forces 2.2.1 Threat of new entrants One of the defining characteristics of competitive advantage is the industrys barrier to entry. It is very expensive for new firms to enter an industry where there is high barrier of entry. Furthermore, profitable markets that yield high returns will attract new firms. In this situation, these new entrants could change major determinants to the market environment (e.g. market shares, prices, customer loyalty) at any time. In the 1993 reprint of the first edition of Bain (1956, pp. 53-166), three main factors are considered as entry barriers: economies of scale, product differentiation advantages, and absolute cost advantages. Moreover, as more firms enter the market, you will see rivalry increase and profitability will fall to the point where there is no incentive for firms to enter the industry. Likewise, the threat of the new entrants will depend on the extent to which there are barriers to entry. These are typically: Economies of scale According to Kislev et al, it is generally accepted that agricultural production is characterized by increasing returns to scale. If economies of scale exist, it represents a high barrier of entry. Firms within the industry will have achieved these economies and if we enter this industry we will have to match their scale size of production in order to compete with them. Thus according to Michael Porter, since EOS does not exist in a tangible way, we need to prove their existence first before trying to compete with the existing firms. Capital requirements This refers to how much money should the firms have to tie up to keep the doors open. This is also a barrier to entry as if firms have to tie up large amounts of capital for daily operations; this will deter smaller firms from entering. Dr. Pieter A.Schippers said that hydroponics requires high-cost installations marketing gourmet vegetables at ritzy prices. According to AREU, the capital investment for hydroponics in Mauritius is up to three million rupees. Brand identity According to Erin Ferree ,Brand identity is the combination of consistent visual elements that are used in your marketing materials. A basic brand identity kit consists of a logo, business card, letterhead, and envelope. It can be extended to include a Web site Where there is brand identity there is high barrier to entry and regarding the hydroponics market in Mauritius, there are no such barriers in the field of hydroponics as it is a newly grown market. Access to Distribution The new entrant must, of course, secure distribution of its product or service. A new food item, for example, must displace others from the supermarket shelf via price breaks, promotions, intense selling efforts, or some other means. The more limited the wholesale or retail channels are and the more that existing competitors have tied them up, the tougher entry into an industry will be. Sometimes access to distribution is so high a barrier that new entrants must bypass distribution channels altogether or create their own. Switching cost Switching costs are fixed costs that buyers face when they change suppliers. Such costs may arise because a buyer who switches vendors must, for example, alter product specifications, retrain employees to use a new product, or modify processes or information systems. The larger the switching costs, the harder it will be for an entrant to gain customers. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is an example of a product with very high switching costs. Once a company has installed SAPs ERP system, for example, the costs of moving to a new vendor are astronomical because of embedded data, the fact that internal processes have been adapted to SAP, major retraining needs, and the mission-critical nature of the application. 2.2.2 Bargaining Power of suppliers The term suppliers comprises all sources for inputs that are needed in order to provide goods or services and bargaining power is the ability to influence the setting of prices. Therefore, bargaining power of suppliers will identify the extent to which your suppliers can choose to raise prices, reduce quality or reduce service without consequence. The more concentrated and controlled the supply, the more power it wields against the market. Monopolistic or quasi-monopolistic suppliers will use their power to extract better terms (higher profit margins or) at the expense of the market. Moreover, in a competitive market, no one supplier can set the prices. Likewise, suppliers can group to wield more bargaining power. The conditions making suppliers, as a group, powerful tend to mirror those making the buyers powerful are as follows: Differentiation of inputs A primary goal of the theory of product differentiation is the determination of market structure and conduct of firms that can choose the specifications of their products besides choosing output and price. Traditional models of product differentiation and marketing have focused on products that are defined by one characteristic only. ( See Hotelling (1929), Vickrey (1964), DAspremont, Gabszewicz and Thisse (1979), Salop (1979), Economides (1984), Anderson, de Palma, and Thisse (1992), among others in economics and Hauser and Shugan (1983), Moorthy (1988) and Kumar and Sudarshan (1988) in marketing.) Threat of forward integration The traditional market foreclosure theory, which was accepted in leading court cases in 1950s-70s, viewed vertical merger as harming competition by denying competitors access to either a supplier or a buyer. (Arrow, K., Vertical Integration and Communication, Bell Journal of Economics, 1975, 6, 173-183.) The critics argue that the theory is logically flawed, and a vertically integrated firm cannot benefit from excluding its rivals (e.g., Bork, 1978; and Posner, 1976). The paper by Salop and Sche ¤man (1987) forms the basis for this argument, and Ordover, Saloner, and Salop (1990, hereinafter OSS) is perhaps the best-known paper that pioneered the equilibrium approach to the analysis of vertical mergers. In this paper, I shall argue that the new theories on vertical mergers have ignored an important point, namely that vertical integration not only changes the integrated firms incentive to supply inputs to its downstream rivals, but it may also change the rivals incentives to purchase inputs from alternative suppliers. Once this is realized,an equilibrium theory of vertical mergers can be developed without some of the controversial assumptions made in the literature, and this theory can provide a framework in which the competitive effects of vertical mergers are measured and compared. The basic insight of my analysis is that vertical integration creates multimarket interaction between the integrated firm and its downstream rivals. A rival may recognize that if it purchases inputs from the integrated firm, the integrated firm may have less incentive to cut prices in the downstream market, which will benefit the rival. Therefore, vertical integration can change the incentive of a downst ream rival in selecting its input supplier, making it a strategic instead of a passive buyer in the input market. Supplier concentration relative to industry concentration Trade theory predicts that if trade costs go down or if productivity rises exogenously in a pool of potential suppliers with heterogeneous productivity levels, the number of suppliers will enlarge (Helpman, Melitz and Rubinstein 2008).An exogenous taste for variety, or a desire to limit monopoly positions, would also lead to a larger number of suppliers, although these forces are static. In the presence of heterogenous quality, however, the dynamics of diversification/concentration can be different. Access of labour According to Bertram,G. (1986), he assumes that output is governed by a well-behaved, continuous, constant returns to scale, aggregate production function involving two factor inputs, capital and labour.( Bertram, G. (1986), Sustainable development in Pacific micro-economies, World Development, Vol. 14 No. 7, pp. 809-22.) Importance of volume of supplier According to Hahn et al., 1990; Humphreys et al., 2004; Krause, 1997; Krause et al., 1998; Li et al., 2007; Watts and Hahn, 1993, buyer-supplier relationships are becoming increasingly important as buyers realize that their success is often tied to the capabilities and performance of suppliers. Many organizations engage in supplier development to assist suppliers in improving supply chain performance and capabilities. Bargaining power of buyer According to Inderst (2007), buyer power is the ability of buyers to obtain advantageous terms of trade from their suppliers. Monopsonistic or quasi- monopsonistic buyers will use their power to extract better terms at the expense of the market. In a truly competitive market, no one buyer can set the prices. Instead they are set by supply and demand. Prices are set by supply and demand and the market reaches the Pareto-optimal point where the highest possible number of buyers are satisfied at a price that still allow for the supplier to be profitable. Porter states that a buyer group is powerful if it: purchases large volumes relative to seller sales; learns low profits; the products it purchases from the industry represent a significant fraction of the buyers costs or purchases; the products are standard or undifferentiated and face few switching costs; the industrys product is unimportant to the quality of the buyers products or services; buyers pose a credible threat of backward integration; The buyer has full information. Additionally, with the bargaining power, buyers can impose on suppliers and thus can choose their suppliers. According to Ghodsypour and OBrien, (1998); Weber et al., (2000) and Dahel, (2003), this can be done by using the linear programming models. Moreover, the multi-objective programming model developed by Weber and Ellram (1993) can helps buyer to select a pool of suppliers and determine the purchasing units to be allocated among the suppliers. Buyer switching cost Buyer-supplier relationships play a key role in the success of a supply chain (Chen and Paulraj, 2004; Lin et al., 2001; Storey and Emberson, 2006); however, organizations often face the problem of choosing appropriate suppliers (Pagell and Sheu, 2001; Chen and Paulraj, 2004; Wadhwa et al., 2006; Phusavat et al., 2007). The problem of choosing suppliers so that profits can be maximized has become increasingly vital to an enterprises survival due to keen competition in the micro-profit era (Giunipero et al., 2006). Numerous studies have addressed the issue of the buyer-supplier relationship in supply chain management. One stream of research examines related variables, such as cooperation, satisfaction, trust, and commitment, which make the supply chain relationship successful (Byrd and Davidson, 2003; Fynes et al., 2005; Malhotra et al., 2005). Another stream focuses on the criteria for choosing suppliers, such as quality, on-time delivery, and costs (Chen and Paulraj, 2004; Blackhurs t et al., 2005; Gunasekaran and Kobu, 2006; Phusavat and Kanchana, 2008). Among these criteria, costs have received the most attention because they are considered the key factor in choosing suppliers (Noordewier et al., 1990; Kalwani and Narayandas, 1995; Dahlstrom and Nygaard, 1999; Zhao and Yang, 2007). Buyer information Another reason why buyers were in such a strong bargaining position was because they had full information about demand, actual market prices, and even manufacturer costs. The buyers comparative information was often better than what was available to manufacturers, and thus with such full information, retailers were able to ensure that they received the most favourable prices offered to others, and were able to oppose suppliers claims that their viability would be threatened if prices were reduced. Owing to all of the above reasons, one can see that the bargaining power of the Australian food retailers was so great in the early 1980s that they were perhaps in a unique position of strength even in a global sense. The current barriers for purchasing organic products mainly relates to price, availability, and consumer awareness. Moreover, offering customers and obtaining greater value added by creating, developing, and maintaining lasting customer-supplier relationships (Rexha,2000; Van der Haar et al., 2001), such that both parties benefit (Gro ¨nroos, 2000; Kothandaraman and Wilson, 2001; Sharma et al., 2001; Walter et al., 2001; Leek et al., 2003), is considered fundamental for guaranteeing the success and survival of companies in the market. Suppliers adapt to the customers needs in order to satisfy them. This adaptation can encourage the customer to behave opportunistically (Brown et al., 2000; Wathne and Heide, 2000). But if the supplier is able to adapt, and satisfy customer needs better than its competitors, enduring relationships can develop between both agents. Brand identity of buyer According to Aaker, (1991, 1996), brand identity is a message about a brand that a firm seeks to communicate with. This communication is undertaken via the product, the brand name, symbols and logos, historical roots, the brands creator, and advertising (Kapferer, 1998 Some organisations base their competitive advantage on physical assets such as a manufacturing facility, some on their employees, and some on their distribution networks (Kotler, 2000). Many others, however, seek to attain a competitive advantage from intangible assets such as their reputation or the brands that they own (Beverland, 2005; Keller, 1993; Low and Blois, 2002). Yet, research to date on branding in business and industrial marketing has been limited (Beverland et al., 2006; Low and Blois, 2002; Mudambi et al., 1997; Nilson, 1998). Price sensitivity Porter (1985) has defined two primary types of competitive strategy that can provide a source of competitive advantage: differentiation and low cost strategy. The low cost strategy, which may enable a price leader position, can lead to price wars and is therefore risky for all digital products and services, including retail banking. Ultimately only one company can be the price leader, thus all other companies should contemplate alternative strategies. Likewise, marketers and researchers are familiar with the concept of price elasticity, which describes changes in the quantity of demand for a product associated with changes in price of the product. If demand is elastic, changes in price level have a proportionally greater impact on demand. Inelastic demand describes the case where changes in price have little effect on demand. The concept of price elasticity describes the aggregate response of a market segment to price levels. Price sensitivity is an individual difference variable describing how individual consumers react to price levels and changes in price levels. A consumer high in price sensitivity will manifest much less demand as price goes up (or higher demand as price goes down), and consumers low in price sensitivity will not react as strongly to a price change. Standardize products A large majority of respondents believed that many retailers considered most food products to be fairly standard, and thus, as they could most often find alternative suppliers, they played one manufacturing company against another. It was the respondents view that such tactics also extended towards substituting house brands and generics for brand names, and these aspects will be considered later. Thus, unless a manufacturer had very strong end-user demand for its brand (e.g. Vegemite, Milo, Pal), it found that its product was capable of being substituted unless it succumbed to retailer pressure. Threat of substitute products All firms in an industry are competing, in a broad sense, with industries producing substitute products. The impact of substitutes affected certain segments of the food industry more than others, the obvious examples being the yellow fats segment (butter versus margarine), the sweeteners segment (sugar versus sugar substitutes) and the pet foods segment (canned versus dry). The food industry as a whole is, in fact, competing with other substitute expense categories such as entertainment and personal items. While expenditure on food will never fall below an essential base level. Research done by Ogilvy and Mather (1983) seems to suggest that more people cut back on food during the early 1980s, in order to cope with inflation, than on other expense categories. The following factors are being considered when analyzing the threat of substitute products: Buyer propensity to substitute For sellers, it is crucial to win a buyers trust, then nurture it over the course of a relationship. Trust enables the buyer to economize cognitive and emotional energy and rely on a seller before extensive information can be gathered (Luhmann, 1979; Jones and George, 1998; Yamagishi, 2002; Mayer et al., 1995). As trust matures, the buyer identifies with (Lewicki and Bunker, 1995) and feels affection and devotion for the seller (McAllister, 1995). Trust is therefore strongly linked to buyer commitment (Moorman et al., 1992) and loyalty (Morgan and Hunt, 1994). A sellers violation of trust occurs when the buyer perceives evidence that the seller failed to meet the buyers confident expectations (Tomlinson et al., 2004). Relative price/performance relationship of substitutes Shapiro (1992) argues that institutional investors, who normally trade in large quantities, are concerned with the opportunity costs involved in undertaking these large trades. Many suppliers, in turn, face a growing trend towards commoditization of products (Rangan and Bowman, 1992) and search for new ways of differentiating themselves through improved customer interactions (Vandenbosch and Dawar, 2002). From an academic perspective, there is a rich and growing body of research focusing on buyer-supplier relationships in business markets (Ulaga, 2001). More broadly, researchers have coined the term relationship quality which is typically assessed through some combination of commitment, satisfaction and trust (Crosby et al., 1990; Dorsch et al., 1998; Hewett et al., 2002). According to Wilson (1995, p. 337) trust is a fundamental relationship model building block and as such is included in most relationship models. In addition to trust, Morgan and Hunt (1994) identified commitment as another key-mediating variable of relationship marketing. Furthermore in their commitment-trust theory of relationship marketing, Morgan and Hunt (1994) establish trust as a key-mediating variable that is central to relational exchanges. Moreover, customer satisfaction is widely accepted among researchers as a strong predictor for behavioural variables such as repurchase intentions, word-of-mouth, or loyalty (Ravald and Gro ¨nroos, 1996; Liljander and Strandvik, 1995). Satisfaction research is mainly influenced by the disconfirmation paradigm (Parasuraman et al., 1988). Competitive Rivalry The rivalry amongst existing firms analysis will help you to understand the risk that your competitors may compete for market position and if their competitive tactics are likely to be effective. Furthermore, you will find that your competitors may compete for market position using tactics such as pricing competition, advertising as well as increasing customer service. To analyze industry rivalry in your industry, you will need to consider the following factors: Diversity among competitors The first point of departure is found in Miles et al.(1993)and Miles and Snow (1986) proposition that strategy in diversity and structure is normal in any industry, that it is good for and industry and furthermore that various configurations of strategy and structure may be equally effective in producing high performance. Industry growth rate When hydroponics industry is in a growth phase there will be room for the industry to grow, as a result there will be a low risk of competitor rivalry. Thompson et al., (2008) stated that rivalry becomes stronger if demand growth is slow. Exit barriers Powell (1995) incorporated entry barriers and industry rivalry in his research and found a significant correlation of firm performance with entry barriers (r  ¼ 0:29; p , 0:05) and industry rivalry (r  ¼ 20:32; p , 0:05). These results indicate the higher the entry barriers, the lower the threat of new entrants and the better the opportunities for improved performance; and similarly, the higher the industry rivalry, the tougher the industry competition which would mean the lower the firm performance. A critique of Porters model There are, however, several limitations to Porters framework, such as: It tends to over-stress macro analysis, i.e. at the industry level, as opposed to the analysis of more specific product-market segments at a micro level. It oversimplifies industry value chains: for example, invariably buyers may need to be both segmented and also differentiated between channels, intermediate buyers and end consumers. It fails to link directly to possible management action: for example, where companies have apparently low influence over any of the five forces, how can they set about dealing with them? It tends to encourage the mind-set of an industry as a specific entity with ongoing boundaries. This is perhaps less appropriate now where industry boundaries appear to be far more fluid. It appears to be self-contained, thus not being specifically related, for example, to PEST factors, or the dynamics of growth in a particular market. It is couched in economic terminology, which may be perceived to be too much jargon from a practising managers perspective and indeed, it could be argued that it is over-branded. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis, which is originally introduced in 1969 by Harvard researchers (e.g. Learned et al., 1991), calls for an external assessment of the opportunities and threats that exist in a firms environment and an internal assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation. The SWOT framework became popular during the 1970s because of its inherent assumption that managers can plan the alignment of a firms resources with its environment. Subsequently, during the decade of the 1980s, Porters (1980) introduction of the industrial organization paradigm with his five forces models gave primacy to a firms external environment, overshadowing the popularity of SWOT. More recently, at the start of the twenty-first century, SWOT is alive and well as the recommended framework for case analysis in many of the leading strategic management and marketing texts (Hitt et al., 2000; Anderson and Vince, 2002). However, despite its wide and enduring popularity, SWOT has remained an theoretica l framework, of limited prescriptive power for practice and minor significance for research (Dess, 1999). Generally, firms are asked to develop strategies to guide the organisation to ward opportunities that may be exploited using strengths of the organisation, push the organisation away from threats in the environment, maintain existing strengths and improve organisational weaknesses. Recently, Duncan, Ginter and Swayne (1998) suggested a four step model for assessing internal strengths and weaknesses. Their four steps include surveying, categorising, investigation, and evaluating. The tables below show the Strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of hydroponics in Mauritius. STENGTHS WEAKNESSES Growing demand for vegetables, both consumer and business markets. Environment-friendly practices favoured. Provide employment. Flexible in production. Poorly structured distribution channels. Finance: such project requires huge investments. Insufficient use of technology: growers in Mauritius cannot afford to adopt latest technology such as those used in Australia and USA due to high costs. Equipment and other materials have to be imported. Lack of trained trainers. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Favoured business environment- laws and legislations have been modified so as to propel small business. Examples are the introduction of the Municipal Fee, replacing the Trade Licence, Special Tax Holiday Scheme, cancellation of customs duty on several products and Empowerment Programme. Incentives offered to registered enterprises by SEHDA, National Computer Board and so on. Examples are awards to the best business plans, business counselling and facilitation. Increasing cost of doing business. High inflation rate causing depreciation of the Mauritian Rupees. Favourable prices of the substitutes. PEST Analysis PEST (or political, economic, social and technological factors) is the most commonly used tool for environmental analysis (Beamish, 1996) and is possibly the second most widely known strategy technique after SWOT analysis. Political/ Legal Environment: in most countries, the government provides much needed support to those who want to invest in hydroponics technology. Examples are tax relieves on equipment, free counselling, training, incentives to set up small businesses, loan facilities and so on. Regarding the Economic Environment, these issues should be considered: Income is a major influencer of consumer purchasing power. For instance, a fall in income caused by an increase in the rate of inflation may result in a fall in purchasing power. Consumers may buy more of the organic vegetables, which are cheaper than the hydroponics vegetables. The reverse is also true. Changing consumer spending patterns influence the demand for hydroponics produce. It has been noted that there is an increasing tendency for consumers to spend more and more on leisure activities, transportation, medical-care and education rather than food. But with the new budget made by the finance minister, we can expect that the spending on education will decrease and ultimately result to and increase in food or other activities also. Social/ cultural Environment: a study by the NZ Vegetable Growers Federation (www.vegetables.co.nz) , found that nearly 40% of people who purchase organic food do so because they believe it is pesticide-free. Technological Environment: growers of hydroponics produce who do not adopt the best practice technology will be disadvantaged and gradually lose access to all but low margin residual markets. However, there is a profound gap between PEST and SWOT analysis, and this is only partly met by Porters five forces. A linking technique is that of Grundys growth drivers (Grundy, 2004). See the diagram below. Grundy gives an example of growth driver analysis, helping us to represent the forces that, directly or indirectly, cause or inhibit market growth over a particular time period. However, an important feature to note here is that it is part of a system. The system captures, in an onion model format, the key domains that need to be thought through, within the overall competitive climate, beginning with: _ PEST factors _ growth drivers _ Porters five competitive forces _ competitive position. These layers of the onion are highly interdependent, which might be a very useful phenomenon for managers to learn about and to apply. For example, where the PEST factors are generally hospitable, growth is encouraged and the full impact of the five competitive forces may not be felt and may thus be latent. However, where the PEST factors become inhospitable, this will clearly dampen the growth drivers, and if the growth drivers within a particular market are themselves tightening, for example due to life-cycle effects, then this will put a disproportionate and adverse pressure on Porters five forces, particularly in the bargaining power of buyers, and also upon rivalry. Furthermore, a high growth environment may encourage entrants and a low one will discourage these. The result can lead to a collapse in confidence and in prices unless there are lots of exits.

Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Essay

Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect millions of people each year in the United States (1). Popular thought holds that these disorders are caused by women trying to fulfill a culturally imposed ideal body image which stresses thinness. As anorexia and bulimia have proven difficult to treat solely with a psychological-based treatment plan it is likely that there are many factors contributing to these disorders. Research has shown, however, that there is a significant biological component which leads to a manifestation of these disorders (2). Current ideas on the biological origins of anorexia and bulimia will be explored in this paper. These include areas ranging from genetic factors to neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances. Genetics appears to play a significant role in predisposing a person to developing an eating disorder. Abnormal neurotransmitter levels have been shown to exist in people with both bulimia and anorexia. Hormone functioning and levels are also atypical in people with eating disorders. While most studies focus on one area, and usually on just one neurotransmitter or hormone, the different biological causes of eating disorders seem to be related to one another. How these possible biological causes influences the I-function (which is the term for the components of the nervous system which give a sense of being oneself) will be examined as well in this paper. Anorexia nervosa is described as a disorder in which women and men intentionally starve themselves, losing at least fifteen percent of their normal body weight. This self imposed emaciation usually begins during puberty and is most common among middle to upper class Caucasian women, affecti... ...nclusion, however was very useful. http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/journal/archive/psyc/vol_54/no_6/oa5354a.htm 9. Research Re: Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa. This page is a list of absrtacts from research articles centered on the treatment of bulimia. It is good for a quick overview on what is being done currently in this field. The anstracts were generally easy to understand and follow. http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis-rs2/p25-et02.html 10. Scientific American: Explorations. This page, from Scientific American, is an article from that journal. It focuses on the discovery of two new hormones related to weight control. http://www.sciam.com/missing.cfm 11. Eating Disorders. This is an extensive web site on eating disorders from The Harvard Mental Health Letter. It is well written and very complete. http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5h-et03.html Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Essay Biological Causes of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect millions of people each year in the United States (1). Popular thought holds that these disorders are caused by women trying to fulfill a culturally imposed ideal body image which stresses thinness. As anorexia and bulimia have proven difficult to treat solely with a psychological-based treatment plan it is likely that there are many factors contributing to these disorders. Research has shown, however, that there is a significant biological component which leads to a manifestation of these disorders (2). Current ideas on the biological origins of anorexia and bulimia will be explored in this paper. These include areas ranging from genetic factors to neurotransmitter and hormone imbalances. Genetics appears to play a significant role in predisposing a person to developing an eating disorder. Abnormal neurotransmitter levels have been shown to exist in people with both bulimia and anorexia. Hormone functioning and levels are also atypical in people with eating disorders. While most studies focus on one area, and usually on just one neurotransmitter or hormone, the different biological causes of eating disorders seem to be related to one another. How these possible biological causes influences the I-function (which is the term for the components of the nervous system which give a sense of being oneself) will be examined as well in this paper. Anorexia nervosa is described as a disorder in which women and men intentionally starve themselves, losing at least fifteen percent of their normal body weight. This self imposed emaciation usually begins during puberty and is most common among middle to upper class Caucasian women, affecti... ...nclusion, however was very useful. http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/journal/archive/psyc/vol_54/no_6/oa5354a.htm 9. Research Re: Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa. This page is a list of absrtacts from research articles centered on the treatment of bulimia. It is good for a quick overview on what is being done currently in this field. The anstracts were generally easy to understand and follow. http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis-rs2/p25-et02.html 10. Scientific American: Explorations. This page, from Scientific American, is an article from that journal. It focuses on the discovery of two new hormones related to weight control. http://www.sciam.com/missing.cfm 11. Eating Disorders. This is an extensive web site on eating disorders from The Harvard Mental Health Letter. It is well written and very complete. http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5h-et03.html

The Other Boat Essay -- Other Boat Edward Morgan Forster

The Other Boat Who am I? Why do I do what I do? When can I break the rules of society without being guilty? In the unique agony of seeking understanding, acceptance, and love, these several questions echo poignantly throughout human history. For all people these introspective problems—while difficult—desperately need answers, as answers to these questions dictate the choice to stay within the bounds of accepted ethics or to step out. The importance and difficulty of finding good answers to these questions intensifies for atheists and agnostics, since they must formulate answers with the full responsibility for their conclusions resting on their own shoulders. No religion can answer these questions for them. Thus, Forster, a humanist who shunned organized religions and endorsed the creation of individualistic creeds, if choosing to step out from established laws and customs, must ask, on his own, if his justifications hold true or if they converge with all other crimes against society. â€Å"The Other Boat† contains many of Forster’s personal humanistic moral perspectives on many issues including class conflict, colonization, racism, and adultery. However, most centrally, through a perspective of naturalistic fatalism, â€Å"The Other Boat† contains Forster’s personal moral justifications for homosexuality. Readily available contexts for discovering and analyzing Forster’s moral justifications appear throughout critical scholarship on â€Å"The Other Boat,† yet many critics overlook these humanistic conclusions. In a biographical essay on Forster’s life, Carrol Viera notes that the collection The Life to Come and Other Stories, which includes â€Å"The Other Boat,† has generally been analyzed by critics from two perspectives. Most critics, she says... ...ose difficult recurring questions, and from his own unique perspective he answers boldly: I am a homosexual. I do what I do because my nature dictates I must do it. I can break the rules of society without being guilty for nature disallows doing otherwise. These arguments for justified homosexuality live on today, and in many ways Forster’s naturalistic answers remain the dominant answers given by modern homosexuals. Through â€Å"The Other Boat† Forster gives their moral argument an early and eloquent voice, and though we agree or disagree we should laud him for that. Works Cited Forster, Edward Morgan. "The Other Boat." The Norton Anthology English Literature. Ed. Stephan Greenblatt. Vol. F. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. Viera, Carrol. â€Å"E. M. Forster.† Dictionary of Literary Biography. Ed. John H. Rogers. Vol. 162. Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1996.

Strength of Association

Strength of Association In research. Several principles have been shown to affect the strength of association between stimuli. Based on your own experiences in learning, provide an example of each of the following principles of association: contiguity, frequency, and intensity. Select one of your examples. Describe how a deferent principle of association might explain this example. Contiguity- Association by contiguity refers to the belief that our ideas, memories and experiences are link together when Is frequently experienced with the other, because tit contiguity the closer in time two events occurred. He more likely or strongly they would be associated. (Lieberman, 2012). When I was a little girl I would get into my mother's makeup and use her lipstick to draw on the bathroom wall. This upset my mother so she told me to stop doing this, but oddly enough I continued. As time went on she to spank me and say No when I did this, but when she would wake up and tint the bathroom walls clean tort my art work she would smile and say good girl. Then she would reward me with markers and other art supplies.I began to understand that if did what she said she would be happy and think I was a good girl and I would get art supplies for my good behavior. Frequency- With frequency this is an event or situation that would happen repeatedly. The frequency of association states that the more often two or more things occur together the more they will be associated together. An example that comes to mind Is that as a teen my mother would wake me up early In the morning everyday, which Is pretty hard, but In doing so she would get me a French vanilla cappuccino.I begin to feel every time I wake up n the morning I would get my lovely French vanilla cappuccino. I associated mornings and I guess my mother with a coffee beverage. Intensity- With intensity it involves stimuli. It is associations involving emotional or traumatic events. It occurs when I see places from the past that re mind me of a traumatic event. Trauma and memory form a generalization of fear as stimuli, which resembles those present during a traumatic event. (Lessee, Rabin, Heeler, Laughing, Garage, Pine, ; Grilling, 2010). When AAAS II years old my hip slipped out of place and AAAS in so such pain.I had been diagnosed for hip dysphasia. I was in tears form the pain that had increased over the previous year. By time got to the hospital was at my worst and I was put in the waiting room form six in the morning to 12 in the afternoon, before I was seen, then had x-rays done. By six in the evening I was fed up with the hospital and the staff and just wanted to go home, but I was forced to stay for emergency surgery the next mooring. After this situation I never really liked going to the hospital, because It reminds me of the pain I felt as a child.With my first example I would say it could fall into frequency, because the more I did one thing the more I did one thing such as drawing on the wall I would get spanked. So because of the frequency of the two together I begin to associate one with the other due to it happening do often. Reference Lieberman, D. A. (2012). Psychology of learning. San Diego, CA: Bridgeport Education ‘ Off C. (2010). Personalization of conditioned fear as a pathogenic marker of panic disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(1), 47-55. Retrieved from the Protest database.

Shortening Lead-Times to Create an Agile

1. Introduction The last decade has witnessed a significant transformation that fast fashion has become a key feature in current fashion industry. Although it was regarded as a niche concept offered by a few winners such as Zara and H&M, fast fashion has now been adopted as a key operation mode by many brands in the fashion market (Baker, 2008), using advanced and more efficient supply chains to be more responsive to changing trends towards customer demand. Hence, Fast fashion brands perform relatively better than other fashion brands in various aspects. (Mattila et al. 002: 340 – 351) Esprit is a fashion brand owned by Esprit Holding Ltd. , manufacturing apparel, accessories, footwear and housewares under the Esprit label. In the previous fashion market, Esprit is generally recognized as the originator of fast fashion. As one of the pioneers in the fashion industry, however, Esprit has lost its way in recent years. (Best Retail Brands, 2012) â€Å"In essence, Esprit is a str ong and profitable brand, but the brand has gradually lost its soul over the past few years,† Ronald Van Der Vis – chief executive of Esprit admitted. News. com. au, 2011) The company is now focused on a brand revival with significant investment planned for marketing and the retail experience, as well as plans to exit some European markets and sell off the U. S. business. (Best Retail Brands, 2012) The most notable action is that the company has appointed Jose Manuel Martinez Gutierrez, who was group director of distribution and operations at Zara, as the CEO position in September 2012. This evidence shows that Esprit is going to struggle with fast fashion leaders like Zara and H&M.From an operational perspective, agile supply chain strategies have been relatively well studied, and can yield significant value to firms through faster supply chain. (Fisher and Raman 1996) Esprit has started realizing that how to make its products and services to reach customers in the sho rtest time is most important in today’s fashion market. As a result, rapidly changing competitive fashion market and dynamic customer expectations require Esprit to seek agility in its whole supply chain. This paper focuses on the brand reformation in the aspect of creating agile upply chain for Esprit, with an analysis of the key problem that Esprit is currently facing and provide three solutions, which are: 1. Designing new products following fashion shows 2. Establishing smaller-scale operational mode 3. Using quick response strategy 2. Literature Review 2. 1 The conception of fast fashion Fast fashion is a contemporary term used by fashion retailers to acknowledge that designs move from catwalk to store in the fastest time to capture current trends in the market. (Bruce et al. 001) In an operational level, Barnes and Lea-Greenwood (2006) defined â€Å"Fast fashion† as a business strategy which aims to reduce the processes involved in the buying cycle and lead times to get fresh fashion product into stores, in order to satisfy consumer demand. 2. 2 Agile supply chain in fast fashion The supply chain is central to the creation of fast fashion. If suppliers cannot respond quickly enough, inefficiency will occur, and clothing will be unsalable and finally result in the increase of inventory.Fashion market has been defined that it has four characteristics which are short life-cycles, high volatility, low predictability and high impulse purchasing (Martin et al. 2004), as a result, building up agile supply chain is highly essential in today’s fashion market. Bruce et al. (2004) has described agile supply chain that it is shorter, more flexible and demand driven than the normal supply chain. Christopher et al. (2004) pointed out that agile supply chain is driven by information such as market demand and information sharing between businesses in the supply chain. 2. 3 Three critical lead-timesAccording to Martin et al (2004), retailers should c oncentrate on using different ways to improve the quality of forecast to cope with various uncertainties from the market. However, because the vitality of market demands, the prediction of forecast will always be accurate in fashion market. As a result, the way of reducing lead-time should be found rather than just relying on the market forecasting. 2. 3. 1 Time-to-market In the highly changeable fashion industry, life cycles of fashion products have been reduced, which means that there is a need for firms to reduce the time-to-market of new products to get market at the fasted speed.Time-to-market is defined as the length of time taken in product development process from product idea to the finished product. (Garel, 2003) Griffin (2002) used time-to-market to analyze its relationship with the degree of product complexity and originality. In which product complexity and originality were found be related with multifunctional teams and the use of formal process. Sherman et al. (2002) presented that the quantity of people, such as suppliers, top management people and multi-functional teams who involved in the process is highly associated with time-to-market. It is also important to point out that Martin et al. 2004) has drawn a figure presenting the risk that companies will confront if slow to market. 2. 3. 2 Time-to-serve According to Martin et al. (2004), time-to-serve could be understood as the time to capture customer’s order and deliver the product to retail stores. Time-to-serve applies both principles of lean thinking and just-in-time process to time compression. However, it also inspects the incurring of costs and adding of value with proceeding time. This offers enterprises with a more comprehensive perception where progress can be made in order to reach a higher service levels concerning availability. Marcelo, 2011) Bergvall-Forsberg and Towers (2007) suggest that sourcing garments closer to consumer markets, particularly in Europe, could shorten the time-to-serve. 2. 3. 3 Time-to-react Time-to-react is one of the lead-times given by Martin et al. (2004), which means the time to adjust the output of the business in response to volatile demand. Because most supply chains are driven by ordering, understanding what customer actually request and do the quick response is a challenge that many fashion retailers are facing. (Martin et al. 2004) Forza and Vinelli 1997:125) has defined that â€Å"Quick response strategy acts on the single phases/activities throughout the entire chain-right from the producers of yarn up to the sales outlets-with the aim of reducing the time spans that elapse from the textile design stage to the purchasing of the garments by the final consumers†. Time-to-react can be accelerated through the tenet of quick response strategy, which has been divided into three parts: reducing excess stock from raw material to market, declining the risk of new product forecasting and speeding up the delivery. Birtw istle et al. , 2003) 3. Problem After decades of development, Esprit has become a mature, well-known and international fashion brand that offers customers various kinds of fashion products. However, as showed in the annual report of Esprit in 2011, the net profit of Esprit Holding Ltd. was 79 millions, has slumped sharply by 98%, compared with the same period last year. Moreover, Esprit has closed more than 100 physicals stores in the most areas of North America and some areas of Europe and China because its meager sales. (News. com. au, 2011)These situations directly result in the loss of customers and the damage of its brand image. In the current dilemma of Esprit, Weixiong Cheng, the executive vice-president of ME&CITY, considered that speed and flexibility are the most essential factors in this changeable fashion market, however, with conservative design and sluggish supply chain, Esprit failed to response to ever-changing market needs, whereas the leading fast fashion retailer such as Zara and H&M is struggling to continuously bring fresh fashion goods to customers, which have brought unprecedented competitive pressure to Esprit.Stephen and Aikaterini (2011) point out that because the fashion industry is characterized by intense and dynamic competition, participants are obliged to develop innovative structures and processes supporting market growth, maintaining competitive advantage and exploiting new product sectors and consumers. Martin et al. (2004) consider that the big gap between traditional fashion and fast fashion is the agility of the supply chain. Esprit puts too much emphasis on unique brand’s image, while ignoring the speed and flexibility in the market. The low-speed of updating new products can’t meet consumers demand.So it not only misses the best sales opportunities but also increases the risk of inventory. In this context, Esprit must find some ways to recover. 4. Solutions Martin et al (2004) explain that through effectivel y manage three critical lead-times; the competitive advantage of enterprises can be improved. They are time-to-market, time-to-serve and time-to-react. The speed of Esprit’s supply chain could be improved through these three aspects. 4. 1 Design new products following fashion shows The first solution is designing new products following recent fashion shows.A successful supply chain should be sensitive to the market and response to the product design as soon as possible. Compared with copy the design from other fast fashion brands, depending on fashion shows to design new products will be faster. So the time to design new products will affect the speed of fashion supply chain directly. Yinyin (2010) consider that â€Å"fast fashion† is a new term used to describe clothing collections that are based on the most recent fashion trends. It means the popular fashion factors will change rapidly which lead to the short life-circle of fashion products. The product is often ephe meral, designed to capture the mood of the moment: consequently, the period in which it will be saleable is likely to be very short and seasonal, measured in months or even weeks†(Martin et al. 2004). It requires that suppliers should grasp the fashion trends and design new products in short time. Fast fashion companies employ a large number of designers and buyers; they are responsible for collecting a complete range of fashion information and getting inspiration from fashion shows. Also, Hines and Bruce (2001:123) state that, the-term trend is closely related to future designs.The right decision should be made on the design and style of the clothing (Forza and Vinelli, 1997). If a company can catch the first opportunity to reach new market, it would be succeed in sales. With the advances in mass communication, consumers can easily keep up with the latest fashion trends (Liz and Gaynor, 2006:260). Mass consumers not just like â€Å"cheap†; in fact, they are more intere sted in â€Å"trendy and inexpensive. † For instance, easy chic, and short-term trend is often associated with the popular elements in a particular season, such as a particular color.Minxun (2012) points out that Esprit makes transition to be a fast fashion brand; the key point is product design that is not only new but also fast. It means Esprit should follow the fashion trends and meets the consumers’ demand to design products soon. In order to forecast the consumers taste, the Esprit designers should refer to some famous shows that contain the fashion ideas, trends and colors for the new season’s textile designs (David et al. , 2006). Esprit should not following other fashion brands, being the first one to entry new market. 4. Establish smaller-scale operational mode In traditional fashion companies, the total time in manufacture process is considerable which enormously lengthen the order to delivery cycle. The underpinning reason for this long manufacturing time largely lies in the batch-based production and shipping methods. Companies want to pursue cost-minimization and every step is quantities-processed separate from each other in the total manufacturing process. In previous years, about 80 percent of Esprit’s business in Europe is the wholesale rather than retail (Kailath T, 2002).This led to the European headquarters inclined resources to order-placing meetings. Esprit’s order-placing conferences from beginning two times a year became four times a year, until the final 12 times a year, and each time there was three months for lead-time (Kailath T, 2002). The traditional economic batch-quantities methods could truly minimize their costs of manufacturing as well as the costs of shipping. But this viewpoint of cost is too narrow and enterprises would ultimately lose their advantage competitiveness compared with those fast-fashion brands.Esprit needs to change its existing manufacture and shipping patterns urgently if th e company attempts to transform its existing operational system. It must abandon its conventional economies of scale principle both in manufacturing stage and shipping stage. Fast changing, small amount and a high variety of products are commonplace for fast fashion brands. The successful fast fashion brand ZARA, it remains about 30 percent of spare capacity rather than maximizing the use of its productivity (Andres M, 2003).ZARA gives up the pursuit of economies of scale and takes small quantities of production and distribution methods. Whether ZARA and H & M, an artificially created shortage of supply, not only helps cutting down products’ lead-times but also encourages consumers to buy the commodities quickly. Also, small-scale production increased flexibility of the production line in order to better respond to changes of customer needs. If Esprit wants to transform into a fast fashion brand, it must abandon its conventional bulk production style which just pursuing econo mies of scale.The company should cut down its outputs and increase the diversity of products. The adoption of lower output and higher variety of production could help Esprit drive higher service levels in terms of availability within the shortest possible time. Another critical problem in Esprit’s supply chain is its shipping time that largely delayed the time-to-serve. Company’s former underpinning philosophy of pursuing the economies of scale kept the costs of shipping down to some extent, but may ultimately self-defeating for missing the best sales opportunities and increasing the risk of inventory.The best way to solve this problem is to accelerate the commodities’ transport speed even though sacrifice some cost consideration. Fashion represents to be fast. Take successful fast fashion brand ZARA for example, for the sake that products can be shipped to regions outside of Europe within 48 hours. The company is willing to pay two percent of high airfreight co st price. In France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other EU countries, ZARA transport its products mainly by truck with an average of 36 hours to the chain stores.The sales in these areas occupy 70 percent of company’s total sales. As for the remaining 30 percent of sales, the company sends its products through airway to distant countries and regions such as Asia for the sake of improving the transport speed (Marcelo R, 2011). ZARA’s chain stores in China have their separate order rights the same as other stores all over the world, even a section only book one piece of clothing, ZARA could also guarantee to send it to the store within 48 hours (Marcelo R, 2011). If Esprit wants to reform ts operational system and earn much more profits in fashion market, the company must make efforts to curtail the products’ shipping time to gain competitive advantages compared with other fashion brands. What’s more, the shorter transporting time could help Esprit lower its s upply chain risk. 4. 3 Lead-time reduction by â€Å"Quick response† strategy Quick response strategy has been adopted by a growing number of fashion retailers in order to improve the company’s competitive advantage. Esprit makes sales forecast and then outsources to third parties half a year in advance.However, the market environment may change during this period; therefore, the lead-time must be shortened in order to risk reduction. Figure 1 Merchandise, data and financial transfer with quick response Source: taken from Quick response in retailing: components and implementation (1995, P. 13) As we can see from figure 1, Customers go to the store to purchase the products or services they need. The purchasing information will be collected, such as style, color, and number. Then this buying information would be sent to vendor for analyzing.Fernie (1994) suggests that the development of IT technology can ensure the implementation of the quick response strategy. For instan ce electronic data interchange (EDI). Suppliers manufacture products in accordance with the order requirements, transportation to retail stores through distribution channels. Esprit would be suggested to use the designs of their offshore suppliers. And Esprit buyers will make ultimate selects from these designs. Furthermore, the ultimate decisions making are based on analyzing historical sales data.In practice, celebrities, pop stars and fashion events have affected the design of the products. In this way, a large amount of money and time will be saved. Quick response strategy gives close attention to an effective and efficient delivery process of goods from suppliers to customers with minimum lead-time. It aims at the high profits, low risk, changing demand and attractive products. The short product life cycle, demand uncertainty and fierce competition are the characteristic of fashion industry. In this environment, market mediation is becoming more and more important. Fisher (1997 , P. 07) point out that an accurate prediction makes a good match between the demand and supply of the products. The ultimate goal of the implementation of the quick response strategy is to meet the customers demand. Therefore, Esprit Buyers and sales staffs should track and analyze recent sales data promptly, so as to recognize the best-selling styles and slow-moving style. For these best-selling items, buyers could inform the supplier’s design team to produce similar styles as quick as possible. For those slow-moving items, managers could take markdown or discount strategy, which could relieve the inventory pressures.In addition, when fashion companies choosing suppliers, the speed and flexibility should be taken into account, not just low cost (Fisher, 1997, P. 108). Esprit could combine local manufacturers with outsourcing to low-cost producers. More specifically, the high-tech products and core products could be manufactured in local factories. As for basic products, the y could be produced in low-cost regions. For example, the suppliers of North Africa provide trendy clothing within three weeks at a low price (Birtwistle et al. , 2003) Indeed, multi-sourcing is a good way to outsource.Furthermore, the relationships among stakeholders influence the effect of the implementation of quick response strategy. On one hand, they are independent of each other; on the other hand, they share information and support each other. Figure 2 Physically Efficient Versus Market-Responsive Supply Chains Physically Efficient ProcessMarket-Responsive Process Primary purpose Supply predictable demand efficiently at the lowest possible costRespond quickly to unpredictable demand in order to minimize stock outs, forced markdowns, and obsolete inventory Manufacturing focusMaintain high average utilization rateDeploy excess buffer capacity Inventory trategyGenerate high turns and minimize inventory throughout the chain Deploy significant buffer stocks of parts or finished go ods Lead-time focusShorten lead time as long as it doesn’t increase costInvest aggressively in ways to reduce lead time Approach choosing suppliersSelect primarily for cost and qualitySelect primarily for speed, flexibility, and quality Product-design strategyMaximize performance and minimize costUse modular design in order postpones product differentiation Source: taken from What is the right supply chain for your product? (Fisher, 1997, P. 08) It can be seen from this chart, buyers concerned about the procurement budgets, discount management and increased margins. Manufactures pay more attention to the volume of orders, production scale, as well as timing. For distributors, the new products must be picked and delivered to consumer precisely, cheaply and as quickly as possible (Birtwistle et al. , 2003). By this way, Esprit would achieve the purpose of inventory reduction and short lead-time, as well as fewer forecast errors. 5. Advantages and disadvantages AdvantagesDisadva ntages Design new products1.Occupy market share firstly and make profits 2. To be the market leader of fast fashion and gain consumer loyalty. 1. New products are risky because of the uncertain forecast. 2. The complex clothing manufacture lead to the high cost Establish smaller-scale operational mode 1. Decrease the lead-time in supply chain 2. Win more competitive advantages for the company 3. Decrease the risk of supply chain1. Lose the cost advantages that bought by the economies of scale 2. Lose part of the profits 3. Increased product ranges lead to the rising of cost Lead-time reduction by â€Å"Quick response† strategy . Reduce inaccurate forecasts 3. Helping to keep a safety stock 4. Sales and profits will be boost by quick response strategy 5. Consumers’ satisfaction will be improved1. To some extent, the product quality is ignored. 5. 1 Advantages 5. 1. 1 Advantages of designing new products First of all, short time-to-market leads to the sales increase. If a company can catch the first opportunity to reach new market, it would occupy the market share in the first time and be successful. Martin et al. (2004) consider that the supplier make the new products early will make greater profits than later.Otherwise, the early entrant makes much less obsolescent stock. Secondly, early entrant can to be the market leader and gain consumer loyalty. Gabszewicz et al. (1992) indicated that brand loyalty does confer considerable first-mover advantage, consistent with â€Å"hard to follow† results. If the Esprit can design the popular fashion clothing faster than others, it will be stand out in various fast fashion brands. After consumers admiring the fantastic design and amazing speed, it will replace Zara and become the leader of fast fashion. In long term, consumer loyalty is very important to against the strong competition. . 1. 2 Advantages of establishing smaller-scale operational mode In manufacturing stage, the company should cut down its outputs and increase the types of products. This practice could fundamentally decreases the lead-time in supply chain and wins competitive advantages in this rapidly changing fashion market. While in shipping stage, the adoption of some faster transporting ways such as airways and the establishment of a much quicker delivery system could not only shorten the lead-time but also improve delivery flexibility to cope with various changes.The shipping system will inevitably occur transportation breakdown due to some unexpected situations such as bad weather conditions. The traditional bulk transportation would unavoidably suffer huge losses when facing such cases. However, the smaller-amount modes of transportation can minimize such losses to a certain extent. 5. 1. 3 Advantages of quick response strategy Esprit will benefit lot from quick response strategy. Firstly, it can reduce inaccurate forecasts base on the previous sales data. Secondly, it could be very helpful to keep a safe ty stock. Thirdly, sales and profits will be boost by this strategy.Last but not least, consumer satisfaction will be improved. These benefits will enhance the competitive advantage. 5. 2 Disadvantages 5. 2. 1 Disadvantages of designing new products following fashion shows Shelby, H (2011) consider that the new product innovation is risky comes from the observation that only a fraction of new products become commercial success. Even though the new products are design depending on the consumers demand, it is hard to collect all the consumers’ hobby. On the other word, sometimes the survey data shows only represent a part of consumers’ taste.It is very difficult to make sure that others are willing to buy the new products. â€Å"It has been estimated, for instance, that between 60 and 90 percent of new products end their totally withdrawn or left unsupported† (Booz et al, 1968). So it has a high risk to be the number one or the fastest one which produce the new de sign clothing. Yen et al (2011) points that with the increasing number of new products introduced more frequently as well as the smaller volumes per product, the pool of skills required for clothing manufacturing is becoming more complex. It leads to high-cost as the result.For the different new design clothing, suppliers should change the supply chain frequently. That will cost a lot and can’t sell in high price that result in making little profit. 5. 2. 2 Disadvantages of establishing smaller-scale operational mode The solutions showed above in time-to-serve part are not without their inherent shortcomings. First of all, the company would lose its cost advantage that bought by the economies of scale. Then, because of the lower yields, company's production may not be able to meet the demand of the market. As a result, Esprit may lose this part of profits.Last but not least, company has to invest much more money to diversify company’s product range as well as create a much quicker transportation system. All these innovations would average up products’ costs ultimately. 5. 2. 3 Disadvantage of quick response strategy Quick response strategy emphasizes particularly on fast and effective. To some extent, the product quality is ignored. For instance, the multi-sourcing is difficult to guarantee uniform quality, and inevitably rejects into the market, that would lead to customer dissatisfaction and the frequently returns. 6. ComparisonSimilaritiesDifferences Design new products VS Establish smaller-scale operational mode 1. Shorten the lead-times 2. Average up the cost of products Different influence on risk Establish smaller-scale operational mode VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy 1. Speed up the distribution cycle 2. Improve consumers’ satisfaction 3. Decrease inventory risk Different influence on cost Design new products VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy 1. Boost sales and margins 2. Enhance the brand loyalty Different i nfluence on risk 6. 1Design new products VS Establish smaller-scale operational mode There are ome similarities between these two solutions. On the one hand, both of them aim at shorten the lead-times in the supply chain. On the other hand, the two solutions would average up the cost of products. The obvious difference between these two solutions is the influence on risk. The solution proposed in time-to-market part would increase the products’ risk, while in another solution, supply chain’s risk would be reduced. 6. 2Establish smaller-scale operational mode VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy The similarities between Time-to-serve and Time-to-react can be presented in three aspects.Fundamentally, these two solutions all speed up the distribution cycle that from manufacturing to the end-customers. Next, consumers’ satisfaction would be improved. Last, they all could help Esprit to decrease inventory risk. Their main difference lies in cost. Solution propose d in Time-to-serve section would cut down company’s cost while another one would increase it. 6. 3Design new products VS â€Å"Quick response† strategy The brand loyalty would be enhanced by these two methods. In addition to this, the sales and margins would be boosted. These advantages would make the company stand out in various fashion brands.As the mentioned former solution above that there is a hazard about the risky new products. Nevertheless, the later one lowers the risk of products management. 7. Conclusion In this paper, fashion supply systems are characterized by three critical lead-times: time-to-market, time-to-serve and time-to-react, which are highly essential to building up an agile supply chain. However, in the consideration of the current fast fashion industry and the today’s situation of Esprit, how to react to the target market in the right time is a priority that Esprit should mainly focus on.As apparel markets have become more varied and cha ngeable in the present retail environment, there is a transition from a production-driven to a market-driven approach in the fashion industry. (Bhardwaj, 2009) Hence, in order to survive, Esprit has to sustain competitive objectives by ensuring the brand meet the market demand. The quick repose strategy is a must for Esprit to equip it with agility to fight against the leading fast fashion brands at its first step. Reference Baker, R. (2008). Retail sector focus-fashion:following fast fashion. Marketing magazines , 37. Birtwistle, G. , Siddiqui, N. , & Fiorito, S. S. 2003). Quick response:perceptions of UK fashion retailers. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management , pp. 118-128. 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