The Use of Computers Should Be Restricted

Some people think that the use of computers should be restricted. Agree and disagree? Being invented in technology revolution, computers play an essential role in our daily life. Despite of its advantages, computers have negative effects. To be frank, I strongly agree that the use of computers should be limited. There are numerous reasons why I hold my points of view on this issue and I would like to explore only a few primary ones in this essay. The first drawback I would like to talk about is that computers make people waste time instead of doing useful things.Nobody can deny that computers bring about a variety of benefits for our life, with the help of computer our work become easier and more effective. On the other hand, computers can make students neglect their studies. They can spend so many hours on computer games or social network that they have no time for their studies, or even when they are being in class, they may not pay attention to the lesson. One thing which is equal ly important is that using computer too much, people are certainly harm to their health.Gazing at a screen of a computer, people easily have eye strain without suitable relaxing. Furthermore, electro-magnetic waves from computers affect people’s nervous systems, which is the reason why people have headache after using computer for a long time. Sitting one place and lacking of doing exercise due to computers, osteoarthritis and obesity are the serious diseases people may deal with. Finally, computers may affect people’s thoughts and characteristics. Using computer too much make people lazy instead of doing useful things such as doing housework, playing sports.In addition, people approach bad information such as violent actions, sexual videos when they have access to the Internet. This fact can lead people’s attitudes and behaviors to become bad. Otherwise, computers make people can not build their confidence when they get into reality. Using social network limit people to have face-to-face relationships and improve communication skills From what has been said above, I may come to the conclusion that people should restrict using computers. To minimise these drawbacks of computers stated above, people should have a detail plan or purpose to use it

Lower the U.S. Drinking Age

2-27-12 I. Introduction: †¢ All around the world many people drink alcohol for many different Occasions. There are drinks at parties, bars, clubs and even your home. You can find alcohol just about everywhere in the United States. Around the world there are many different age requirements in order to drink or buy alcohol. The majority of countries around the world have a set age minimum of eighteen years of age. So why is our drinking age 21? †¢ Why is this important to us? We are all college students and everybody knows that there is underage drinking one way or another. Professor Ruth C. Engs from Indiana University states â€Å"The legal drinking age should be lowered to about 18 or 19 and young adults allowed to drink in controlled environments such as restaurants, taverns, pubs and official school and university functions. † †¢ I believe that the legal drinking age in the United States should be lowered to the ages of 18 or 19. The reason it should be lower ed is because college students will drink at least once during their first year of college. Legally, at the age of eighteen we are granted the rights of adults.And finally, by forbidding teens to not drink that forces them to drink in unsafe places. II. College students drink! †¢ College students will always drink! According to alcohol101. com 72% of all college students drink alcohol. 69% of the total 72% are underage drinkers. †¢ If the legal drinking age was lowered to 18 then drinking in college will not be as big as it is now. It would still occur but not as much as it does now. †¢ By lowering the drinking age, college students will be able to drink in safer places such as bars or clubs, instead of house parties or other places.Now that I’ve talked about college students drinking I will now move onto how at the age of 18 the U. S. calls us â€Å"adults†. III. Considered â€Å"adults† †¢ At the age of 18 in the United States we are consid ered â€Å"adults† and obtain all the rights and responsibilities of being adults. At this age we can now vote, sign up for the armed forces, and buy cigarettes. However we cannot buy or consume alcohol legally until 3 years later. †¢ If we are already considered as adults at the age of 18 then why can we not lower the drinking age?Now that I have talked about being adults but not being able to buy alcohol at the age of 18, I’m going to talk about now how drinking at unsafe environments is harmful. IV. Unsafe Drinking Environments †¢ Because the legal drinking age is 21, that forces college students, mainly freshman, to drink at house parties where they do not know what they are drinking at times. †¢ Drinking at house parties seems fun, however it could go bad in many ways. Since freshman cannot buy alcohol they resort to free alcohol at parties, which could be very dangerous because they will be unaware of any thing that could be put inside their drink. Setting the drinking age to 18 would allow these college students to purchase their own drinks and they will for sure know what they bought and it would be closed therefore letting them know it is safe to consume. V. Conclusion †¢ To recap on my speech; the drinking age should be lowered to the age of 18 in the United States. Not only is that the most popular age to drink around the world it is a very reasonable age. By changing the drinking age to 18 then we can really be considered as adults and will be responsible for our own actions.

Non-Residential Construction Market In Central Europe

Investors, developers and other professionals involved in the industry need a comprehensive source of data, insightful analysis and reliable forecasts to help them navigate the Netscape and locate the prospects that are most beneficial for their unique business needs. Browse Full Report With TCO: http://www. Nonrepresentational. Blob/analyses-details/ non-residential for-2014-2019 Non-residential construction market in Central Europe 2014, Development forecasts for 2014-2019 Is precisely that type of publication.The perfect business intelligence resource for use when launching new business operations, locating projects for participation or effecting a merger or calculation In this market, the report also resents strong and accurate forecasts for the market and each of its noteworthy segments. This document provides in-depth descriptions of current conditions as they exist in the overall Central European non-residential construction market and in the individual markets and segments In seven countries: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.It presents data on value, structure and total numbers of building permits issued for the overall markets and for the non- residential construction sectors in each country, along with detailed forecasts for development. To Download Full Report with TCO: http://www. Nonrepresentational. Blob/sample/ sample/206558 Browse the market prospects and upcoming new construction and renovation projects planned for office buildings, professional services spaces, retail areas and industrial and warehouse structures.Read about the leading contractors in each country and study the plans of regional commercial real estate developers to build, renovate and reposes structures to match the needs of new and existing business European region. Explore the market for office space in each of these seven countries and find out which top investors are driving growth, and evaluate the retail sector in terms of pla ns for new, modern structures and renovation of existing spaces to fit the specific requirements of a variety of customers.Review Non-residential construction market in Central Europe 2014, Development forecasts for 2014-2019 for a clear understanding of recent, current and forecast trends and events that promise to alter the shape of growth in this sector of the construction market. Whether preparing to launch a new business, evaluate the prospects for future earnings, estimating the market share of a particular company r effecting a merger or acquisition in any of the segments of markets in these seven Central European countries, this report helps professionals to approach business planning from a confident perspective.To Read Complete Report with TCO: http://www. Nonrepresentational. Biz/analysis/ 206558 Especially valuable to contractors, producers of building materials and equipment and design and project management specialists, the client list for this publication also include s business consultants, financial and investment professionals, academic ND government institutions and trade and industry organizations that promote the non-residential construction industries in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Income Tax (IAS12) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Income Tax (IAS12) - Essay Example Their main agenda was to look at critical issues of accounting for corporate income in an attempt to develop a discussion paper on the principles of IAS 12 and set out proposals. IAS 12 prohibits companies to give an account to deferred taxes by using the deferral method based on the income statement. It instead prefers the passive methodology based on the balance sheet. In addition to the above requirement, the standard requires corporations to acknowledge either a deferral tax liability. Thirdly, IAS 12 requires recognition of deferred tax assets when it is certain that a corporation possess revenues in future to realize deferred tax asset. For instance, given that a company has a history of losses it will recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that taxable temporary expenses in amounts are sufficient. â€Å"Fourthly, IAS 12 does not allow asset credit and delayed tax liabilities brought about by types of material goods and liabilities whose books vary in amounts at the momen t of acknowledgment† (IAS - 12). The other requirement is that IAS 12 prohibits recognition of deferred tax liabilities, and those liabilities encountered or arising from adjustments for conversion so long as it satisfies two conditions: The main investor is capable of controlling the timing of reversal’s temporary difference. ... It however prohibits recognition of deferred tax liabilities because of initial recognition of good will. During revaluation of assets, IAS 12 allows and requires a corporation to recognize deferred tax liabilities in case revaluation of asset takes place. Moreover, IAS 12 requires that valuation of assets and deferred tax liabilities based on tax consequences that may arise in a manner that a company expects to recover the amount. â€Å"The standard also prohibits the deduction of deferred tax assets and liabilities to account for its current value† (Kirk, 2005). The IAS 12 further prohibits companies from making distinctions between the current and non-current assets and liabilities in its financial reports. It also provides restrictive conditions on debit and credit balances that represent deferred tax assets that could be compensated. This requirement is based on the requirements as stipulated by the financial assets and liabilities IAS 32, financial instruments disclosure and presentation. It is worth noting that among the new information IAS 12 requires disclosure include: That for every class of impermanent disparity; The amounts of assets and tax liabilities recognized and the amount of expenses or income labeled in the income statement with respect to discontinued operations, the realization of deferred tax asset depends on future prospects over the profits coming from reversals of existing impermanent parities. There has been a rise in criticism on financial reporting for income taxes from users and preparers. The criticism is based on the implication of the current and future effects it will have on cash flows. In their arguments, the users cite accounting requirements as too complex to apply in working out income tax. â€Å"In

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF CONTROL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON Essay

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF CONTROL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT BRITISH AIRWAYS - Essay Example The research study has focused on the sampling out of the employee groups and categorization of them into Best Performing, Average Performing and Low Performing. This has been done realizing the fact that the employee’s perception about the control management system itself may be strongly affected by the employees his or her own experience about the system and the outcomes of the system in the form of their job enrichment, promotions, responsibilities’ enrichment or any other job enhancement. It is also important here to analyze whether the employees themselves have realized that which control management system or controlling strategy from an HR perspective really matters for them and if they seem it to be the part of the contributing factors that have led them in realizing to their strong performance capabilities. All these points are also important to analyze as which performance group has what direction of thinking. It may be possible that there is no clear trend or demarcation of thoughts among the sample groups. This study involves a survey questionnaire where the employees were asked to answer a few questions. Employees were categorized into three basic groups - â€Å"Best Performing†, â€Å"Average Performing† and â€Å"Low Performing† employees, considering the fact that there is an influence, whether clear or blurred, between the performances of the employee himself/herself and the perception about the system in which he/she has made up to the mark where he/she stands currently. The responses were taken as SD = Strongly Disagree, D = Disagree, N = Neither agree nor disagree, A = Agree and SA = Strongly Agree. Although the perceptions and the responses do not clearly demarcate any trend or conclusion, however, statistics covered in earlier chapters may support in the analysis of any particular aspect of the research. (1) Control management is a desired component within the organization by the majority of participants

Evolution of Policing through the 20th century Research Paper

Evolution of Policing through the 20th century - Research Paper Example This paper will discuss the various changes that have occurred in the policing process. The paper will also discuss the intelligence based policing that has been adopted and which has transformed the policing process. The intelligence based policing makes use of information gathered and analyzed in an attempt to reduce crime. The paper will also suggest an effective policing strategy. The process of policing and law enforcement has evolved over time to the present state where the law enforcement agencies and departments are trained and highly specialized to enable them to face various problems and situations. The evolution of policing has seen the interaction between the community and the police and law enforcement agencies undergo major transformations (Palmiotto, 2011). Traditionally, the law enforcement and policing was modeled on the England system of policing. The law enforcement agencies had the mission of controlling and preventing crime and adopted a strategy that allowed preventive patrol. In the policing process, there was an emphasis on the protection of the individual’s liberty, which could effectively limit police authority. The policing process has however undergone some major changes in the process to evolve to meet the needs of the community (Skogan & Kathleen, 1997). The evolution of policing beyond the boundaries of the country has also been taking place at a rapid pace. There have been rapid expansions in the process of international policing as the world continues to open its borders and threats of terrorism continue to affect more countries. In the 20th century, there has been the advancement of international institutions that deal with the deployment d international forces (Skogan & Kathleen 1997). Such international agencies include NATO and the United Nations. The police forces in different countries have evolved to the point where they have structures in place to enable exchange of information for

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

Seisin - Essay Example This enabled different people to access seized property while away in pilgrimage or crusade, without necessarily having the idea of the right of ownership (Harold p 313). In chapter 2, according to Magna Carta, the legal concept of seisin of barons or earls in the chief by the military service, at the time of death owes relief. The notion of seisin inheritance develops by the old shelter from which the heirs of a Knight owes less according to ancient custom fees on seisin land. Moreover, in chapter 4, the guardian of the seisin land, takes reasonable customs, services and produce from the heir of the earth (Batten p 104). In contrast, destruction or waste of goods and men, committed toward ship of the lands and any other minor to the sheriff responsible for issues, determines two discreet men of fee. Besides, the sale of wardship of land to anyone that makes destruction or waste losses wardship and the land transferred to lawful and discreet men of a fief. According to Chapter 12, the legal concept of seisin does not impose on any kingdom, unless directed by a joint council of the kingdom. However, the difference develops for individual cases such as ransoming, that makes the eldest son in the country a knight. The marrying of the eldest daughter in the country levies a reasonable aid in different cities such as London. Chapter 16, allows anyone to enjoy the benefits of seisin, and no one distrains the chance of greater service for knight’s fee in seisin land (Edgeworth, Brendan, Neave & Ronald p 267). In Magna Carta, chapter 18, the inquest of novel disseizing and darrein presentment does not hold anywhere than their own county courts, in solving cases based on seisin (Makdisi p 29). These forces were chief justifies sending two justifiers in every county four times a year. The justifies with four knights of the county chosen by the county hold assizes in the county court in the place of meeting within the court. Chapter 39

Project Management Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Management - Term Paper Example In the case of the first question, two good sample projects would be the automation of a marketing firm and creating an antivirus product for personal and business use. When it comes to software life cycle, the waterfall model fits the automation system for a marketing firm as it expands its services online.2 Through its entirely programmed sales page, sales presentation and email response to its target market, it only requires the plan and specifications, program design, application, validation, installation and maintenance. On the other hand, antivirus program needs agile development model as the testing, feedbacks and upgrades must be frequent as the viruses easily change and new ones are created by the hour. When it comes to the role of the project manager, he needs to put more efforts on the antivirus program which needs more effort than the automated marketing system which may not need any upgrade. 2. The second question deals with conflict. Conflict pertains to any clash betwe en ideas and may become personal as well. Although people at work must remain as objective as possible, sometimes conflict goes out of bounds and the people involved attack one another personally. It may develop early on or late in the project. An early conflict may take in the form of an idea to make the use of resources more efficient. To solve that, people must consider the advantages and disadvantages and come into agreement by integrating some ideas from both parties.3 When it comes to late conflict, it may include solutions to improve the software. Again, people may combine their ideas for the betterment. 3. The third would deal with Pareto Principle. The principle indicates that 80% of the results come from 20% of the causes. The very meaning laid down by Pareto can be dubbed as 80-20 Rule. In the context of a project manager, he can deal with it as a disturbance handler. He must be able to figure out the 20% of the causes that can bring the 80% of the results so he can direc t his staffs to focus on the 20%. For examples, if they get errors on their software, they must identify the 80% of the bugs and get to know the 20% of the codes that may bring about the majority of the bugs.4 He may develop plans to make the whole search for the bug origin in a systematic way. 4. The fourth question deals with four qualities needed for the criteria in choosing a good model. Money required, time needed, manpower required and ease of use or practicality. Money is needed as anything can be purchased by money especially the needed resources. Time required is necessary also since it dictates the span in terms of days, weeks or months to accomplish the project. Manpower needed is also important as it brings about the necessary staffs to work on the project and ease of use talks about the program being user-friendly.5 5. Question five deals with payback and earned value. The former pertains to the time needed to receive the money invested while the latter pertains to the ability of the project manager to check the project performance and evaluate the current accomplishments and compared them with the objectives or desired results.6 6. The last question depends upon the model made by Noland regarding the process maturity. It pertains to the degree of performance at its maximum possibility. The five stages include

Private Schools Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Private Schools - Research Paper Example   The private schools are usually controlled by the private corporation. That is, nonaffiliated or religious. Besides, they are supported by the private funds. One characteristic of private school is that of double selection. The private schools select their students and teachers and then the parents or guardians select the schools to take the students. It is, therefore, clear that the private education is due to parental choice. The private schools can be operated by the entrepreneurs whose aim is to make the profit, charities, or the religious groups. Although the public education is free, many people prefer to take their children to private schools. There are many benefits that can be enjoyed in private schools as discussed below.The first benefit of private schooling is academic opportunities provided. In private schools, there are challenging and exceptional educational experiences due to the advanced placement courses and the extracurricular activities among other programs. I n the United States, students from the private schools score better marks than those from public schools on standardized tests (Hahn, Kim & Seo, 2014).). In some private schools, there is a one hundred percent rate of students who are admitted to the universities after passing their exams.The second advantage is that of smaller classes. In private schools, the ratio of teachers to students is lower compared to that in public schools. Students perform better when taught in small class size.  

Natural law and positivism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Natural law and positivism - Essay Example A segment of positivism purports that law and morality must operate separately. 'Natural law examines what the law should be' (Eglinton 2005). Eglinton states in his essay entitled Natural Law that 'Natural law overstates the relationship between law and morality, but positivism underestimates the importance of the relationship' (Eglinton 2005). Professor Jeremy Waldron has his own views on rights and democracy and the way the government attempts to mandate them by the use of laws. Professor Waldron believes that rights of a society are first and foremost in everyone's mind. He believes that Majoritism has it place in society. Unlike his opponents, Professor Waldron believes that the fact that the government allows the majority of the population to make decisions regarding laws and policies does not impede on the minority. His view is that the minority population is also considered because they too have been given the opportunity to choose or elect the officials that institute laws and policies. Waldron believes that although there are instances when democratic societies will implement laws that will infringe on the rights of the minority that the democratic process itself does not allow for the majority to be 'tyrants' to the minority.

Race vs. Ethnicity Essay Example for Free

Race vs. Ethnicity Essay If we were to go out on the streets today and ask â€Å"what is the difference between race and ethnicity?†, most people would probably answer â€Å"I don’t know† or â€Å" They are the same thing†. One of the most confused concepts of defining one another is the distinguishing of race and ethnicity. In the past, people either thought one was the other or there was simply no difference. Labeling people in the world is often done without proper knowledge and can lead to making a false accusation or offending someone. Race is associated with one’s biological ancestors, such as your physical appearance. While ethnicity is the identity with people who share similar cultural tradition. Ethnicity and race are different in many ways but are still often confused by many people today. For one thing ethnicity deals with one’s cultural background while race deals with a more genetic background. Geographers study where and why of ethnicity and its locations. Geographers also study where and why people of different races live where they are. Another difference between the two is that ethnicity isnt as easy to tell by just looking at someone. But if you looked at someone to determine their race you could just tell by their skin color. Say you put a Caucasian male from Canada, Germany, America, and Ireland together in a line; it would be very difficult to distinguish which one from which. But you can easily determine that all the males are Caucasian. Ethnic groups typically seek to define themselves by their language, traditions, and religion; while race is usually defined by skin color. Defining people through race usually leads to prejudice and racism, the belief of one’s race is of superiority than all the others. It is preferred by most people to be identified through their ethnicity, since it represents their culture and doesnt have the potential to be offensive. In conclusion, race and ethnicity are distinctly different yet are confused among most people of the world. Race is determined by skin color and physical attributes passed down from ancestors. Ethnicity is identifying with your cultural background including language, religion, and traditions. It is better to identify people through their ethnicities instead of their race to avoid offense. Most people do not know the difference between the two or think they are the same. Ethnicity and race connect in a way with each other, but they are and will always be distinct to one another.

Project Goals And Objectives Essay Example for Free

Project Goals And Objectives Essay Company Background The ABLE TOOLS CORPORATION is a well-known organization that actually operates to be among the pioneer organizations in the field of tool production and distribution. The market o the said corporation remains to be the ones involved in construction activities. In terms of being prepared for emergencies though, the company has less control of the situations that are likely to arise in the future without any notice to the organization which may as well affect the overall operations of the business in their target market.   The memo that follows outlines the different issues that need focus in the process and how are the said issues going to be dealt with by the organization later on. Possible Issues to Arise The issue on weak marketing approach that would likely affect the performance of the business within the market that they are serving is indeed a supposed well-treated issue on the part of the marketing and management departments of the organization. The attention that they are likely lacking in this area of concern would absolutely cause the failure of the entire organization once not given the right treatment. Strategic Goal Meeting the said challenges in the organization’s operations is likely one of the most important goals of the entire business group. However, the question is the strategy that is to be implemented to solve the problem. Obviously, the supposed goal is expected to be focused in increasing the profit of the organization through marketing procedures amidst the increasing competition happening in the market.   The idea is to make a procedure by which an effective marketing strategy implementation could at least handle the challenge of facing the both the new and old competitors in the field. It is indeed challenging enough to handle the external issues concerned within this situation, however, it should be noted that there are also internal elements affecting the same situation that could affect the entire strategy to be used to actually handle the said organizational issues. Tactical Goals There are several tactics of approaching the problem. However, to be able to come up with the right process of dealing with the issue, it should be understood how the elements of operation of the issue should be controlled. In this case, marketing procedures and enhancing their audience and market effect would require the involvement of the balancing of fiancà ©s as well as expenses of the proceedings concerned with the said approach. Likely, to understand better, the process to be handled here requires one to have a better understanding of how to handle the cost of marketing while not hurting the profit of the business so much and giving better profit chances at the same time to the organization’s operational returns. Issues and Concerns Possibly, what need to be addressed in this problem are those that are highly concerned with the creative approaches that the organization is possibly taking. Understandably, such approaches are expected to have a strong impact on the process by which the organization progresses in its own field of industries. The marketing process and the marketing medium to be utilized should be well chosen and created so as to ensure that whatever it is that needs to be balanced in the process would be given attention to within the completion of the planned business disaster recovery plan. With the said procedure, it is expected that each element in the process would be attended to by the administrational management carefully so as to ensure that the values and the concerns of the business are given the right amount of focus during the process. Balancing the ways by which the said elements are affected directly by the planned solution should be given careful understanding by the administrational personnel handling the said situations in actual applications for the sake of better progress of the entire organization in the market. References: Cummings, E., Haag, S., McCubbrey D. (2005). Management Information Systems for the Information Age. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Higher Education. Buchanan, Sally. Emergency preparedness. from Paul Banks and Roberta Pilette. Preservation Issues and Planning. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000. 159-165. ISBN 978-0-8389-0776-4 Hoffer, Jim. Backing Up Business Industry Trend or Event. Health Management Technology, Jan 2001.

Company overview: Astro All Asia Networks

Company overview: Astro All Asia Networks Astro All Asia Networks is a Malaysias leading cross-media group with significance presence in DTH (Direct-To-Home) TV services, commercial radio and TV programming. The group encompasses of seven different structures which includes MEASAT Broadcasting Network Systems (MBNS) or also known as Astro TV, Astro Entertainment Network (AEN), Airtime Management TV Programming Sdn Bhd (AMP) radio networks, Tayangan Unggul Sdn Bhd (TUSB), Astro Shaw Sdn Bhd, Measat Publications Sdn Bhd and Digital Five Sdn Bhd. Astro is owned by Binariang Sdn. Bhd. with 85% share and the remaining 15% is owned by Khazanah Berhad. In this study, we will take MBNS as the main organizational where sports marketing lies in this structure. MBNS was established in 1996 with 22 channels broadcasted on air. Today, MBNS broadcasts more than 125 pay-TV channels and serves to more than 2.93 million households including Malaysian TV households, rural and urban. Throughout the technology advancement, the group has paved its innovative roadmap from Standard Definition (SD) to B.yond featuring High Definition (HD) broadcast to Malaysia through Astro B.yond. Up till now, Astro TV has its own 12 HD channels on its platform. In MBNS, it is divided into seven divisions which are first, Broadcast and Operations, second is Commercial Services, third is Customer Marketing and followed by Communications, Customer Experience, Information Technology, Sales Distribution, Content Management Group, Regulatory and Government Relations, Customer Marketing and lastly Technology and New Media. MANAGEMENT TEAM Dato Rohana Rozhan Chief Executive Officer MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Ahmad Fuaaad Kenali Chief Financial Officer MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Dato Borhanuddin Osman Executive Director Airtime Management and Programming Sdn Bhd Zainir Aminullah Executive Director Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd Raghvendra Madhav Executive Director India (based in New Delhi) Ken Wang Executive Director China (based in Beijing) Louis Foo General Manager MEASAT Publications Lakshmi Nadarajah General Counsel Astro CUSTOMER MARKETING TEAM In Customer Marketing, the division is sub-divided into four other segments which are firstly, Malay Segment Marketing including Malay Loyalty, secondly, Presence Marketing, followed by Chinese Marketing, Sports Marketing, and lastly International, Education, Indian and Others Segment Marketing. Diagram (1.0) below shows the divisional structure of customer marketing team: Molina Musa (Vice President) Shirley Tan (Ast.Vice President) Chinese Segment Marketing Nachiappan M.T Arasu (Ast. Vice President) Sports,International, Education and Others Herman Sophiaan (Ast. Vice President) Malay Segment and Presence Marketing Rosnah (Ast Vice President) Malay Segment Loyalty Ahmad Faisal (Ast. Vice President) Sports Marketing Nik Faidz (Ast. manager) Sabrina (Associates) Michelle Goh (Ast. Manager) Yeng Yeng (Associates) Sheila Mathavan (Associates) Jeevan (Associates) Emarina Kamal (Associates) Yvonne (Associates) Nurul Hidayah (Intern) Nur Nazihah (Associates) Sharol (Intern) Heryandy Ramli (Associates) Mohd Syafiq (Intern) BACKGROUND OF STUDY This study is conducted to identify the factors of successful sports marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia which is solely owned by Astro MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd. Astro is a leading pay TV with no major competition in this industry for over 10 years is providing its premium sports package in broadcasting the worlds best sports on air. The exclusivity of Astro in showing the worlds best sports has become its major success in up-selling the sports package. Since Astro is represented as a global business environment where most of the contents are taken internationally and disseminate in Asia, how well the firm can do profit and improve humanity can be the most important dimension to look at through deeper understand in consumers preferences and income level (Van R. Wood, Dennis A.Pitta, Frank J. Franzak, 2008). Astro sports marketing team is now trying to adapt to local consumer buying behaviour and needs that are driven by the differences in cultural norm s. This study later will determine how it can be one of the important factors taken into consideration to ensure the success of sports marketing program strategies. According to Vivienne Shaw (2000) is her study on successful marketing strategies of German companies in the UK, she had identify that strategic objectives and focus, customer targets, competitor targets and competitive advantage, and interaction of marketing mix play a major role to ensure success. Besides aiming to discover the correlation between customer marketing strategies implementation, it is also will determine the feedbacks from rewarding its current 1.53 million sports package subscribers through the execution of sports ground events and corporate social responsibility. However, the ultimate objective of sports marketing is to achieve 1.8 million subscribers and increase average revenue per user (ARPU) still hasnt reached yet. Therefore, in this study, we will also find ways on how Astro can achieve its target either by peer influence and freedom of choice in choosing the most updating sports content. As the sports pack is the most expensive pack among all packages availab le, the benefits that subscribers will gain from paying the fees to watch the best in the world sports will be determined throughout the research. PROBLEM STATEMENT Ideal approach to pursuit the marketing strategies are important to win the heart of sports package subscribers. Among the all content packages offered by Astro including the basic pack, sports package is the most expensive of all. To retain the customers from reverting to original pack combo by withdrawing the sports package in Astro packs can be a major problem face by the organization as consumers want the best value for every cent paid to watch the best worlds sports on air. Therefore, Astro needs to give the best value and sport contents available that worth paying by consumers. Another problem faced is to ensure exclusivity of Astro sports pack from other competitors in broadcasting industry such as RTM and TV3. According to Simon (1992, p.6), he stated that organisations must be able to manage the integration of market and technology as equally driving forces. With the technology advancement, sports pack can be integrated into incredible pack that competitors doesnt have such as watching sports game in high definition (HD) instead of standard definition (SD). The internal factors that influence the successful of sports marketing program are also been questioned on the level of its effectiveness. Major challenges for managers according to Eleri R. Thorpe and Robert E.Morgan (2007) are on how manager direct the efforts of talented employees in given time frame and how manager guarantee that aims mission of intended marketing strategy is clearly understood by employees. As consumers not only looking forward for the international sports team, it is also another drawback because Astro needs to fulfil the local consumers taste by broadcasting local game on air in the sports package. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The objectives of conducting this research are: To discover the success factors sports marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia. To identify how sports marketing strategies will be able to cater and fulfil the differences in consumers preferences. To reward consumers with feeling of belonging through CSR and ground events organized by the Sports Marketing team. To identify the benefits gained when subscribers pay monthly fees to subscribe to Astro sports pack as compare to watch sports at non-pay TV station. RESEARCH QUESTION In conducting this research, the questions below need to be answered through observation, interview the internal parties or from consumers feedbacks. How Astro sports marketing strategies able to cater and fulfil the consumers preferences in terms of gender, cultural and income level differences? What can Astro sports marketing team do to make customers have the feeling of belonging through corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ground events to reward loyal customers? How Astro can provide freedom of choice in choosing the most updated sports content in any platform through the adaptation of marketing strategies and marketing mix? What are the benefits received or caused-related marketing effected the subscribers when they subscribes to the sports package and pay the monthly fees throughout the years in comparison with watching sports game broadcasted in non-pay TV? SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY This study can be significance not only to the organization itself, but to customers and to the nation. Firstly, the researcher intended to discover the success factors of Sport Marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia for the benefit of the organization that helps to overcome the barriers and undesirable outcomes by learning all about the current subscribers and potential subscribers of sports pack. Secondly, this study also addressed to create awareness and positive identity that diverse Astro sports pack with other competitors in sports channel especially in non-pay TV. Another benefit of this study is to create more purchasing powers of consumers in deciding what give the best values for their money. They usually tied up with emotions when considering the purchase decisions. Therefore, through effective marketing strategies, it helps to derive consumers to make purchasing. As Astro is the main Asia pay-TV broadcaster and number one in Malaysia, it assist our country to come out with the technological advancement through the launching of High Definition channels that brings international; sports game lives together in HD direct to customers. It creates international brand image mutually will increase positive image of the nation. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This research is conducted to identify what are the factors that sports marketing strategies can be successful in retaining the existing sports pack subscribers and attracting potential sports pack subscribers in pay TV industry in Malaysia. Thus it will be restricted only to observation, interviews and secondary data such as annual report. Observation that will be made internally in the organization itself (Astro) by interviewing the samples which is the top level manager in sports marketing team and the employees. Through observation during the ground events and corporate social responsibility done by the team, it helps to determine the success factors. Besides that, the external samples such as Astros customers, sports viewers regardless they are Astro subscribers or not on and consumers with difference genders and income level can be used to obtain results on the level of effectiveness of sports marketing strategies. Those vendors including event agency and producer of sports merchandises who have collaborated with Astro to sustain the premium sports packs can contribute in giving feedbacks and opinion regarding the success factors of Astro Sports Marketing through interview and supporting documents. DEFINITION OF TERMS Sports Sports can be clearly defined as an organized, competitive, and skilful physical activity and it is governed by set or rules and customs. For example of sports are football, badminton, and tennis. Marketing Marketing is a management process through which goods and services move from the concept to customer. As practice, it consists in coordination of four elements called 4Ps which are development of product, determination of price, advertising and publicity namely promotion and selection of distribution which is place. Subscribers As stated in www.thefreedictionary.com, subscribers is defined as to contract to receive and pay for a certain number of issues of a publication, for tickets to a series of events or performances, or for a utility service. In this study context, the subscribers are those who subscribes to Astro sports pack. Consumers behaviour In study conducted by Olympia Business School on Consumer behaviour, they had identified that consumer behaviour means how individuals make decisions to spend their available resources (time, money, and effort) on consumption-related items. It includes the study of what they buy, why they buy it, when they buy it, where they buy it, how often they buy it, and how often they use it. Demographic Factors Demographic factors are characterized by statistical socio-economic characteristic or variables of a population which includes age, sex, education level, income level, marital status, occupation, religion, birth rate, death rate, average size of a family, average age at marriage. Pay TV Pay TV, premium TV or premium channels refer to subscription-based television services, usually provided by both analogue, digital cable and satellite but also increasingly via digital terrestrial and internet television. In this study context, researcher is referring to Astro as the premium pay TV industry in Malaysia. ARPU ARPU is defined as a measure of the revenue generated per user or unit. Average revenue per unit allows for the analysis of a companys revenue generation and growth at the per-unit level, which can help investors to identify which products are high or low revenue-generators. SUMMARY This study is conducted to identify the success factors of sport marketing strategies applied by the marketing team in pay-TV industry. By using the qualitative measures to conduct this study, it will focus more on finding evidence to answer the research questions. Data will be collected through primary data collections which are interview and observation. Besides that, secondary data collection also will be used such as from the annual report. This study is conducted within the organization itself and consumers feedbacks and point of view towards marketing strategies of sports marketing. Researcher used Judgment Sampling method and Convenience Sampling method. To analyze the findings and data, it will be analyze through Content Analysis, event Analysis and Phenomenology Analysis and there is no computer software involve analyzing the data. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW CONSUMERS DIFFERENCES AND PREFERENCES Different consumer has their own perceptions towards the need of subscribing to the Astro sports package. Through segmenting customers into geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural attributes, it helps to identify potential market for up selling the sports pack. According to Helen Reijonen and Tommi Laukkanen (2009), the advancement in information technologies had enable enterprises to collect more and in-depth information about their customers and make it useful for strategic business purpose. Besides that, through consumers socialization, it is also will affect the acceptance of sports package regardless of gender and culture. In research conducted by Luiz Moutinhon and Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo Leal (2008) in the process of socialization can be seen as a deliberated act of identity construction the neophyte member begins to deliberately adopt mannerisms, attitudes, and styles of dress, speech, and behavior that he or she perceives to be characteristic of established members. Consumers also will be influenced with the brand image of TV broadcaster in order for them to decide whether to subscribe or not with the pack. Peter Drinkwater and Mark Uncles (2007) examined the impact of program brands on consumer evaluations of television and radio broadcaster brands and come out with finding stated that a successful program on a particular TV/radio station, consumers are likely to improve their perceptions of quality of the broadcaster. That is, the broadcaster brand image is likely to be enhanced. SPORTS MARKETING GROUND EVENTS AND CSR Sports package offered by Astro is currently the premium pack that offers the best sports in the world. Thus, all the sports fans in Malaysia depending on level of income who dont want to missed the live game broadcasted in sports channel will definitely subscribes to the sports package. According to Luiz Moutinhon and Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo Leal (2008), in sports activities have always constituted an essential component of free time occupation TV in contemporary societies and in Europe, broadcasting and live attendance of sport games join together every year millions of supporters. The 2006 World Cup was seen in 154 countries by a total of 354,000 of million spectators. This showed that the sports game broadcasted in TV has its own superiority to attract more viewers to subscribe to Astro sports pack. However, to retain the customer loyalty from withdrawing the sports pack, the important of ground events and corporate social responsibility needs to be done. In study done by Anne-Marie Hede examined how special events, such as sporting, cultural, political, historical, religious or commercial/business events, provide opportunities for attendees to have memorable experiences communities to build social capital and for governments to induce new income into their economies though increased tourism and business activities. She also point out that large events such as the Olympic Games can customize product features and develop selling techniques tailored to local customs and cultures. MARKETING STRATEGIES Marketing strategies is the most important principle that needs to be determined to cater target market. With appropriate marketing mix 4Ps including product, price, place and promotion adapted; it helps to ensure success for sports marketing in pay TV industry. In research conducted by Anthony R. Bennet (1997), he stated that when organizations apply the marketing mix principle to market making, targeting the customer, it will involves giving value in relation to quality, value for money, reliability, product performance, cost effectiveness, fitness for purpose and so on. Water Wymer (2011) in his research Developing More Effective Social Marketing Strategies stated that social marketers have tended to limit their choice of set of social marketing strategies to various applications of 4Ps aiming to change individual behaviour and attitudes. However, some barriers may arise that caused marketing strategy to fails. Another research conducted by Water Wymer (et.al) if the social marketing strategy fails to remove an environmental barrier, the social marketing programs effectiveness will be lessened. In relation to this, Anthony R.Bennet (et.al) came out with a findings that channeling an organizational resources into the provision of products and services, it is argues that such strategic focus, on behalf of the organization concerned, will ultimately achieve the objectives set out. Organizational marketing activities will be influenced through publicity and helps to enhance brand image. According to Harlam E.vSpotts and Marc G. Weinberger, both communications activities might play a central role in developing and shaping the corporate brand. BENEFIT AND CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING EFFECTS The first question that always lingers in customers mind is whether the money they are paying is worth the value they receive when subscribing to the premium sports pack. In study conducted by Rob Docters, Raul Katz, Jerry Bernstein and Bert Schefer (2010), customers must first learn about the product and service, use and appreciate the value and lastly reassessment the value and benefits they gained. This research also came out with findings that familiarity of products will lead to usage and enjoyment of product and service. Besides that, through enjoyment of usage, it will leads to higher utility and satisfaction. Individuals also may derive the strength and sense of identity as they are socializing through groups. This can say to be a benefit when they gather together and use sports content as mean to socializing. According to Leal Luiz Moutinho, Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo (et.al), individuals are unable to form self-images in the absence of a social identity derived from group affiliations. Stronger identification leads the individual to attribute desirable characteristics of the group to the self, and to assume a greater similarity with other group members. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH DESIGN PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to determine to what extend that the Sports Marketing team has done its strategy to get Malaysian households to subscribe to Astro sports pack which currently the most expensive pack among all pack is offered by Astro. Up until now, it has 1.53 million subscribers of sports pack. Since its a customer base type of business, Sports Marketing has done excessive marketing strategies including content, pricing, package quality and customer loyalty to ensure the success. TYPE OF STUDY In conducting this study, the researcher has chosen the Qualitative method to discover the success factors of sports marketing strategies and it does not involve any measurement and statistical data. This type of study is more to finding the answer through evidence and providing textual description on the study. It is done through naturalistic and participant observation and also through interview. SAMPLING Throughout the research, the sampling techniques used in conducting this study are firstly Convenience Sampling Techniques, which involve in engaging the most accessible subjects mainly, the sports packs subscriber. Secondly, sampling technique use is a Judgment Technique by selecting the most productive sample to answer the research questions. Researcher decided to choose the Sports Marketing team itself in MBNS, vendors that engage with the events organized by the team, and feedbacks from useful potential candidates through their experience and public attitude towards the study. DATA COLLECTION In collecting data for this study, the primary method used is by internal observation throughout the meetings, ground events and planning of marketing strategies. Besides that, it also can be collected through interviewing the respective sports marketing team regarding the on-going process of marketing strategies and their perceptions toward customer acceptance of their marketing effort. Vendors and event agencies that engage directly with the sports marketing team also can provide data through interview on their point of view and also external observation. Lastly, another way of collecting data is through the secondary data which is the Astro Annual Report. CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS CONSUMERS DIFFERENCES AND PREFERENCES In Malaysia, there are many consumers differences that need to be taken aware before we want to market our products or services. Seeing that we are rich with multiracial, religions and ethnicities, sometimes we have a tendency to forget that all of us have differences in tastes and preferences. According to the Vice President of Astro Customer Marketing, Madam Molina Musa, in depth identification and segmentation of target market according to their demographic, psychographic and behavioural factors must be clearly acknowledged in order to ensure we achieve our target. Organizations must identify and target the most attractive market segments to ensure they can serve their products and services effectively. During the process of segmenting the target market for Astro sports pack, there are several key points to ensure the marketing team does not make any mistake thus affecting the marketing process. The segments that they are targeting first must be identifiable or easy to define and measure such as the income level. Second is it must be sizeable or large enough to be worth going after, this means that the market size is big to respond. Third is accessible which mean the market must be easy to reached when the company is doing promotion and through distribution such as media infrastructure and facilities. Another important factor is the market must be stable which means theres no war and crisis. The market also must be responsive to the marketing strategies and take action towards it such as by making purchasing. These key points also is supported in a book titled Global Marketing. In pay TV industry, the first and foremost important target market that they are aiming is depending on age, income level, lifestyle, viewing pattern and either they are housewives (HWs) or Professionals, Managers, Executives or Businessman (PMEBs). However, according to Nik Mohd Faidz, 29, Assistant Manager of Astro Customer Marketing, the main target for sports channel is to target those who are in PMEBs category. PMEBs usually are those who are age between 25 to 60 years old, and their main viewing time will be after office hour which is between 8 pm to 12 am and their ARPU is above RM100, which means they will spend more than RM100 to pay for the pay TV services. Another factor that ensures success for the sports marketing team to up sell the sports pack is when they are able to segment their target market according to their area whether they are from rural or urban, age, gender, behaviour and culture. For those who are living in urban area such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Georgetown Penang, they are more likely to watch international sports tournament such as Barclay Premiere League for football, NBA All Star Game for basketball, Formula One and maybe The President Cup for golf. Hence this type of consumers preferences will opt to watch Astro Supersports, ESPN, Golf channel and STAR sports or Eurosport. In contrast, those who are living in rural area such as in Kelantan and Kedah, they are more interested to watch Malaysian sports tournament such as Badminton, Malaysian Bowling tournament, Malaysian Football. Therefore, they will opt to Astro Arena since the channel only shows local sports updates and it is free. This statement is agreed by Venu Ramadass, the Astro ARENA president. ARENA also offers customers the 24-hour nonstop coverage of major regional and local sporting events as well as in-depth and extensive news coverage of matches and developments concerning local sports and athletes. However, during the big event that will attract all sports fan regardless where they come from, such as Thomas Cup, World Cup, they will definitely choose those channels that shows the live broadcasted matches. The differences and preferences of consumers can be furthered explain and summarized in the diagram below. Diagram 1.0 CREATE AWARENESS THROUGH GROUND EVENTS AND CSR Another factor that leads to success of Astro Sports is through the excessive ground events organized by the team to create relationship between subscribers and the organization. It is one of the marketing teams manners to encourage direct participants and involvement to get connected with subscribers, says Mr. Herman Aziz, Assistant Vice President for Customer Marketing in Greenfield segment. For Ground event here means events, road shows, tours, and concerts or street party held during the live match or to reward loyal customers. For example, during the Astro Barclays Premiere League (BPL) Viewing Party, Astro marketing has allocated roughly about RM100, 000 to run twelve ground events that associate with BPL live match. Latest, during the match between Manchester United and Liverpool, held on 6th March 2011 at Bola Bistro, Sunway Giza, Damansara, Astro has specially invited thirty lucky astro sports pack subscribers and twenty seats were allocated exclusively for both media and VVIP. According to Rakesh, Manager of event agency, Rhythm Production who was appointed by Astro Sports team to manage the ground events, the main purpose for inviting media is to gain positive feedback and to get them covered positive news to be featured in newspaper, sports magazine and television. VVIP that were invited usually those top managers from Astro team and sponsors such as Panasonic, Maxis and MYEG. Astro also will get the sportsmen, locally or internationally to involve with these kinds of road shows or tours so subscribers can get connected with sports player. For example, during the Master Football Asia, Astro has collaborated Football All Asia as one of the top sponsor to sponsor the tickets to lucky subscribers to watch the game played by star players from Manchester United, Liverpool and EPL All Stars such as Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler and David Seaman. Another example is during Astro Arena ground event in Malaysia, they will bring along the local sports men and also their ambassadors to join and interact with subscribers such as the famous Malaysian goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also plays an important role to ensure the success for marketing programme. Known as corporate citizenship, it is functioning as a companys responsibility towards society and environment by encouraging a positive impact through activities. It must be aligned with ethical standards, country law and norms to avoid any negative effects in a business environment. With collaboration with the loyalty team and community affairs, Astro sports marketing can deliver the message directly to subscribers. For example, Astro sports marketing organized a Kem B.O.L.A as one of their CSR effort to students in primary school. This Kem B.O.LA, according Venu Ramadass, is functioning as a clinic to give intensive training to selected students with high potential in football and to motivate them as well as nurturing their sense of sportsmanship and competitiveness Another clinic was organized by Astro incorporation with BMW team to give intensive training to those amateur tennis players. It was called Astro Tennis Clinic that was held recently, in March 2011. Besides clinic and intensive training, Astro sports marketing and loyalty team will work together to help those who are unfortunate by giving free tickets to watch football matches, to participate in ground events and also charity dinner. ADAPTATION OF MARKETING STRATEGIES AND MARKETING MIX The adaptations of marketing strategies are strongly allied with the four Ps which are Product, Price, Place and Promotion. In general, a business entity needs a product that has potential to be sold, at reasonable price, has a medium to deliver the product to market and promotion efforts to inform the potential buyers about the product. All these Ps are inter-related with one another. According to the Assistant Vice President of Sports Marketing, Mr. Ahmad Faisal, if one of these Ps is not available, the products will not success in marketplace. He also further explain on all of the four Ps functions in details as per below. The first P is product and it can be defined as tangible or intangible goods and services that a seller offers a buyer to purchase. Tangible products here mean go

Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston an early twentieth century Afro-American feminist author, was raised in a predominately black community which gave her an unique perspective on race relations, evident in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.   Hurston drew on her on experiences as a feminist Afro-American female to create a story about the magical transformation of Janie, from a young unconfident girl to a thriving woman.   Janie experiences many things that make her a compelling character who takes readers along as her companion, on her voyage to discover the mysteries and rewards life has to offer.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston was, the daughter of a Baptist minister and an educated scholar who still believed in the genius contained within the common southern black vernacular(Hook http://splavc.spjc.cc.fl.us/hooks/Zora.html).   She was a woman who found her place, though unstable, in a typical male profession. Hurston was born on January 7, 1891  Ã‚   in Eatonville, Florida,   the first all-incorporated black town in America.   She found a special thing in this town, where she said, "... [I] grew like a like a gourd and yelled bass like a gator," (Gale, 1).   When Hurston was thirteen she was removed from school and sent to care for her brother's children.   She became a member of a traveling theater at the age of sixteen, and then found herself working as a maid for a white woman. This woman saw a spark that was waiting for fuel, so she arranged for Hurston to attend high school in Baltimore. She also attended Morgan Academy, now c alled Morgan State University, from which she graduated in June of 1918.   She then enrolled in the Howard Prep School followed by later enrollment in Howard University.   In 1928 Hurston attended Barnard College where she studied anthropology under Franz Boas. After she graduated, Zora returned to Eatonville to begin work on anthropology.   Four years after Hurston received her B.A. from Barnard she enrolled in Columbia University   to begin graduate work (Discovering Authors, 2-4).   Hurston's life seemed to be going well but she was soon to see the other side of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurston never stayed at a job for too long,   constantly refusing the advances of male employers, which showed part of her strong feminist disposition.   But Hurston was still seeking true love throughout her travels and education.   At Howard University, Hurston met Herburt Sheen whom she married on May 19, 1927 in St. Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston an early twentieth century Afro-American feminist author, was raised in a predominately black community which gave her an unique perspective on race relations, evident in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.   Hurston drew on her on experiences as a feminist Afro-American female to create a story about the magical transformation of Janie, from a young unconfident girl to a thriving woman.   Janie experiences many things that make her a compelling character who takes readers along as her companion, on her voyage to discover the mysteries and rewards life has to offer.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston was, the daughter of a Baptist minister and an educated scholar who still believed in the genius contained within the common southern black vernacular(Hook http://splavc.spjc.cc.fl.us/hooks/Zora.html).   She was a woman who found her place, though unstable, in a typical male profession. Hurston was born on January 7, 1891  Ã‚   in Eatonville, Florida,   the first all-incorporated black town in America.   She found a special thing in this town, where she said, "... [I] grew like a like a gourd and yelled bass like a gator," (Gale, 1).   When Hurston was thirteen she was removed from school and sent to care for her brother's children.   She became a member of a traveling theater at the age of sixteen, and then found herself working as a maid for a white woman. This woman saw a spark that was waiting for fuel, so she arranged for Hurston to attend high school in Baltimore. She also attended Morgan Academy, now c alled Morgan State University, from which she graduated in June of 1918.   She then enrolled in the Howard Prep School followed by later enrollment in Howard University.   In 1928 Hurston attended Barnard College where she studied anthropology under Franz Boas. After she graduated, Zora returned to Eatonville to begin work on anthropology.   Four years after Hurston received her B.A. from Barnard she enrolled in Columbia University   to begin graduate work (Discovering Authors, 2-4).   Hurston's life seemed to be going well but she was soon to see the other side of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurston never stayed at a job for too long,   constantly refusing the advances of male employers, which showed part of her strong feminist disposition.   But Hurston was still seeking true love throughout her travels and education.   At Howard University, Hurston met Herburt Sheen whom she married on May 19, 1927 in St.

George Washington :: American Government, Politics

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775–1783, and he presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787. As the unanimous choice to serve as the first President of the United States (1789–1797), he developed the forms and rituals of government that have been used ever since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. As President, he built a strong, well-financed national government that avoided war, suppressed rebellion and won acceptance among Americans of all types, and Washington is now known as the "Father of his country". In Colonial Virginia, Washington was born into the provincial gentry in a wealthy, well connected family that owned tobacco plantations using slave labor. He was home schooled by his father and older brother, but both died young, and he became attached to the powerful Fairfax clan, who promoted his career as a surveyor and soldier. Strong, brave, eager for combat and a natural leader, young Washington quickly became a senior officer of the colonial forces, 1754–58, during the first stages of the French and Indian War. Indeed, his rash actions helped precipitate the war. Washington's experience, his military bearing, his leadership of the Patriot cause in Virginia, and his political base in the largest colony made him the obvious choice of the Second Continental Congress in 1775 as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army to fight the British in the American Revolution. He forced the British out of Boston in 1776, but was defeated and nearly captured later that year when he l ost New York City. After crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter, he defeated the enemy in two battles, retook New Jersey, and restored momentum to the Patriot cause. Because of his strategy, Revolutionary forces captured two major British armies at Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781. Negotiating with Congress, governors, and French allies, he held together a tenuous army and a fragile nation amid the threats of disintegration and invasion. Historians give the commander in chief high marks for his selection and supervision of his generals, his encouragement of morale, his coordination with the state governors and state militia units, his relations with Congress, and his attention to supplies, logistics, and training.

Across the Barricades is a novel written by Joan Lingard. Essay

Across the Barricades is a novel written by Joan Lingard. Across The Barricades 'Across the Barricades' is a novel written by Joan Lingard. It is set in the Belfast area in the 1970's. Catholics want Ireland to be all together and one country while Protestants want The Northern Ireland to stay part of Britain. The plot is about 'The Troubles' and a Protestant girl in love with a Catholic boy. Sadie (Protestant) and Kevin (Catholic) are separated by the divide. They meet (they used to know each other a while ago) and become close. This upsets their families and friends because they are from different sides of the divide. Kevin and Sadie get threats and Kevin gets beaten up as a result of this. Sadie know Mr Blake from high school. When Kevin goes to see Sadie, Mr Blake sees that Kevin is in need and so takes Sadie and Kevin to his house. After some time, Mr Blake gets too involved and so gets threats, nearly killed in a car and eventually killed by a petrol bomb. Kevin and Sadie become sick of Belfast and the violence and so leave. Kevin and Sadie realize that 'The Troubles' aren't going to go away and that there's no hope for change in the future. In this paragraph the importance of the characters will be discussed. Kevin McCoy is Catholic and works in Mr Kelly's scrapyard. Kate Kelly likes Kevin but Kevin loves Sadie. "Kate tried to cling to Kevin but most of the time she irritated him". Kate thus tries to get Kevin into trouble by telling the police about Brian's gun. "Underneath was a rifle and several rounds of ammunition. Brian wanted Kevin to rebel against the Protestants and use the gun but Kevin had rejected his thoughts. Brian then hid the gun in Mr Kelly's scrapyard. Kevin is then blamed f... ...escribes the violence. "There were disturbances in the night. Sound of gunfire, rumble of cars, shouting in the distance, flicker of flames against the night sky". This is a good example of imagery. I think the author is trying to imply that 'The Troubles' are not going to go away but will get worse by the language she uses to describe the areas and the activities. There are constant bombings and Mr Blake dies. Catholics and Protestants just send a bomb back every time something happens. Just now the violence has got worse, Joan Lingard was right! I don't think that the violence is going to get better because the deaths are constant as well as the trouble, people are trying to follow their beliefs by killing other people. There is always going to be the divide. Kevin and Sadie were right to leave, they realized that 'The Troubles' were getting worse.

Integrated Information Management Essay

Economic, sociological, political, and technological environments make up the four external considerations. The sociological domain covers community values and the larger political divisions and their agencies. It comes up with lists – of people, their problems, needs, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities – in a data form that is easy to report. The political domain encompasses what the Board of Directors will manage, and how to handle their concerns. The economic domain is sources of funds, contributions, and referrals, and also includes customers and the company’s competitors. It aims to get the most from these sources. The technological domain includes technological advancement, so that a company remains on top of new technology. Organizational purpose, mission statement and philosophy, organizational planning, organizational operations, Human Resources, technological factors, and financial assets are the Internal considerations. The factors that influence a company’s goal sare covered by organizational purpose. It checks that all data about populations and expected outcomes has been gathered so that it can move ahead. Organizational planning keeps track of goals and marks their achievement. Organizational resources makes sure that the members of each department are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Human Resources wants information about its demographics, licensing, certifications, and staff training. Technological resources makes sure that the newest technology and know-how is being put into practice. Financial resources follows income and expenses, so that managers can predict a financial problem.

Sloboat Case Study

Sloboat Case Study March 7, 2013 Capstone Seminar Sean McNamara, Matthew Sylvia, Michael Regghetio Analysis of Sloboat Case Study In this case we take on the role of Rick Craner, the financial accountant for Sloboat Shipping Inc. Rick is faced with compiling, organizing, and evaluating the company’s financial activity for the 2012 fiscal year. We are provided with several notes on Sloboat financial transactions, and we are tasked with sorting through these transactions to provide a suitable evaluation and presentation of Sloboat’s financial standings at the end of the 2012 fiscal year.It is important to look at all of the transactions described in the case study before moving forward. The case study broke down these transactions into â€Å"financing† and â€Å"investing†. The following are transactions that occurred under â€Å"financing†: * 7% bonds payable issued on November 1, 2010 * Bonds pay interest semi-annually on May 1st and November 1st * Market interest rate on the date of issuance had been 8% * SSI decided to retire 50% of the 7% bonds on August 1, 2011 * Additional 30,000 common shares issued on June 14, 2011 * Common dividend of $0. 5 per common share on December 1, 2011 with date of record of December 5th and distribution on December 20th The following are transactions that occurred under â€Å"investing†: * SSI owned 250, 7. 5% bonds of â€Å"OnCap Financial†, purchased in late fiscal 2011, bonds paid interest on March 1st and September 1st and set to mature on March 1, 2014. On January 31, 2012, the market decreased to 5% and SSI sold all the outstanding bonds. * SSI owned 20,000 shares in Lowland Resources. On October 2, 2011 SSI received a 5% stock dividend. Each share was trading at $22. 62. On December 15, 2011 SSI decided to sell 60% of its holdings (12,000 stocks).SSI paid a $400 brokerage fee. On February 29, 2012, the remaining shares were trading at Statement of Financial Position| As at February 28, 2011| | | | | | ASSETS| | | | | Current Assets:| | | | | Cash| $| 12,736 | | Bond Investing Recievable| | 9,375 | | Trading Investment-Stocks| | 468,600 | | Trading Investments-Bonds| | 260,156 | | Inventory| | 47,987 |   | | | | | 798,854 | Property, Plant, and Equipment| | 742,108 |   | | | | | 742,108 | Total Assets| | | | 1,540,962 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Liablities & Shareholder's Equity| | | | Liabilities| | | | | Current liabilities:| | | | |Bond interest payable| $| 23,333 | | Dividends payable| | 11,250 |   | | | | | 34,583 | | | | | | Long-term liabilities:| | | | | 7% Bonds Payable(1,000 bonds; mautres 11/1/15)| | 961,694 |   | | | | | 961,694 | Total Liabilities| | | | 996,277 | | | | | | | | | | | Shareholders' equity| | | | | $2. 25 cumlative, non-convertible preferred stock| | 37,500 | | 150,000 authorized; 5,000 outstanding| | | | Common stock| | 253,000 | | 500,000 authorized; 20,000 outstanding| | | | Stock dividend to be distributed| | 15,430 | | Retained earnings| | 238,755 |   | Total Shareholders' equity| | | 544,685 | | | | | |Total liabilities and Shareholders' equity | | | $1,540,962 | | | | | | Cash Reciepts and Disbursements| For Fiscal 2012| | | | | | Cash Reciepts| | | | | Common Shares| $| 610,500 | | Bond Investment| | 18,750 | | | | | | Trading investing – Bonds| | 272,331 | | Trading investing – Stocks| | 268,610 | | Total| | $| 1,170,191 | | | | | | | | | | | | Cash Disbursements| | | | | 7% Bonds Payable| $| 528,517 | | Bond interest| | 52,500 | | Dividends| | 30,150 | | Total| | $| 611,167 | | * $19. 45 (8,000 stocks). Statement of Financial Position| As at February 28, 2012| | | | | | ASSETS| | | | | Current Assets:| | | | |Cash| $| (468,111)| | Bond Investing Recievable| | 9,375 | | Trading Investment-Stocks| | 468,600 | | Trading Investments-Bonds| | 310,644 | | Inventory| | 47,987 |   | | | | | 368,495 | Property, Plant, and Equipment| | 742,108 |   | | | | | 742,108 | To tal Assets| | | | 1,110,603 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Liablities & Shareholder's Equity| | | | Liabilities| | | | | Current liabilities:| | | | | Bond interest payable| $| 73,821 | | Dividends payable| | 11,250 |   | | | | | 85,071 | | | | | | Long-term liabilities:| | | | 7% Bonds Payable(1,000 bonds; mautres 11/1/15)| | 480,847 |   | | | | | 480,847 |Total Liabilities| | | | 565,918 | | | | | | | | | | | Shareholders' equity| | | | $2. 25 cumlative, non-convertible preferred stock| | 37,500 | | 150,000 authorized; 5,000 outstanding| | | | Common stock| | 253,000 | | 500,000 authorized; 20,000 outstanding| | | | Stock dividend to be distributed| | 15,430 | | Retained earnings| | 238,755 |   | Total Shareholders' equity| | | 544,685 | | | | | | Total liabilities and Shareholders' equity | | | $1,110,603 | | | | | | Cash Reciepts and Disbursements| For Fiscal 2013| | | | | | Cash Reciepts| | | | | Common Shares| $| 610,500 | | Bond Investment| | 18,750 | | | | | Trading i nvesting – Bonds| | 272,331 | | Trading investing – Stocks| | 268,610 | | Total| | $| 1,170,191 | | | | | | | | | | | | Cash Disbursements| | | | 7% Bonds Payable| $| 528,517 | | Bond interest| | 52,500 | | Dividends| | 30,150 | | Total| | $| 611,167 | | Bond Interest Payable $33659. 29 Bonds Payable $480847 Bond Interest Payable $16829. 50 Bond Interest Payable $33659. 29 Bonds Payable $480847 Bond Interest Payable $16829. 50 Trading Investments bonds $33659. 29 Cash $480847 Trading Investment Bond $16829. 50 Trading Investments bonds $33659. 29 Cash $480847 Trading Investment Bond $16829. 50 Debit Credit

Marketing Pencil

INDEX †¢ Acknowledgement †¢ Executive Summary †¢ Introduction to the market †¢ Definition to the marketing plan †¢ Impact of Environmental factors †¢ Marketing Plan for pencils †¢ Category analysis †¢ Current market situation †¢ Customer analysis †¢ Marketing strategy †¢ Product development process †¢ Brand name, Brand equity, Brand image †¢ Segmentation and Targeting †¢ Profile of rural market in general †¢ Marketing Mix and Integrated Marketing Communication †¢ Conclusion ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We extent our thanks to Mrs. Saima Hussain faculty guide who has given me moral support to do my project work.We also extend our thankfulness to our beloved parents and friends for their continuous encouragement at every moment It is our privilege to express our profound in deftness, deep sense of gratitude to our facility guide who had trusts in our ability in assigning us such an important and interesting project and also for allotting time for discussing and clarifying issues related to this project. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A marketing plan is a written document that contains the guidelines for the business centers and allocation over the planning period. This project is made on the basis for the marketing plan for the pencils.In our project our company is i. e. , of Torres are introducing their new pencils product. The names of the pencils are the ‘Shesham pencils’. If our company introduces new pencils and have to sell it in the market then we have to firstly write down a market plan for it. That means we have to analyze the current market situation i. e. ? We have to analyze the impact of the micro environment, macro environment. ? We have to analyze the needs of the consumers and then do segmentation, target and positioned the market. ? We have to do surveys for knowing the needs of the peoples.The more concise a marketing plan is the better it will serve you. These are the guideline s for writing a strategic marketing plan that meets the specific requirements of your business. We will take you through the development process step-by-step with easy to follow planning sheets to lead you through each stage. After that we have to choose different modes of communication for the sale, promotion of our product. The format includes a fully developed sample plan and is designed to meet the needs of most types of businesses although the emphasis on different aspects of the plan will vary from one business type to another.MARKET PLANNING FOR THE PENCILS (SHESHAM PENCILS) INTRODUCTION:Bangladesh is always said a country of villages and it is fact as Bangladesh 60% of population lives in villages, and it is said that rural market has been growing at five times the pace of the urban market more government rural development initiatives have been seen to increase rural markets. MARKET: Traditionally, a market was a physical place where buyers and sellers gather to buy and sell goods. Economist describes a market as a collection of buyers and sellers who transact over a particular Product or product class.Manufactures go to resources, marketer buy resources and turn them into good and services. MARKET PLANNING: It is well and good to include marketing in your business and a lot a few hours a day to do marketing tasks. But if we do not organize our market plan our efforts won/t get nearly as far as putting . Marketing plan in writing gives you a guideline to work from and it provides goal to strive for and it organize all those creative ideas you have floating around your brain. Firms that is successful in marketing businesses starts with marketing plan.Marketing plan cannot be made without involving many people into it. No matter what kind of feedback you get from all parts of your company. This is as important because it take all aspects of your company to make your marketing plan. Your key people can provide realistic impact on what’s achievable and how achievable and how your goals can be worked out. From all the things we can concluded that market plan is very necessary for the successful running of any business operation and to achieve various goals of the business operations in a right manner and in right ways.DEFINITION OF MARKETING PLAN: ‘A marketing plan is a written document containing the guidelines for the business centers marketing programs and allocation over the planning period’ THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: There are two keys perspectives on the marketing environment. , namely the micro environment and macro environment: MICRO ENVIRONMENT: This environment influences the organization directly . It includes suppliers that deal directly and indirectly with consumers and customers and other local stake holders. Micro environment tends to suggest the small but this can be misleading.In context, micro describes the relationship between firms consumers and customers directly or indirectly, and ot her local stakeholders. This includes all factors that can influence an organization, but that are out of their direct control. A company does not generally influence any laws (although it is accepted that they could lobby or be part of a trade organization). It is continuously changing, and the company needs to be flexible to adapt. There may be aggressive competition and rivalry in a market. Globalization means that there is always the threat of substitute products and new entrants. The wider nvironment is also changing, and the marketer needs to compensate for changes in culture, politics, economics and technology. All factors that are internal to the organization are known as the ‘internal environment'. They are generally audited by applying the ‘Five Ms' which are Men, Money, Machinery, Materials and Markets. The internal environment is as important for managing change in the external environment. As marketers we call the process of managing internal change is calle d internal marketing. MACRO ENVIRONMENT: Macro environment includes all the external factors that affect our product .The macro environment includes the factors like technology, political, geographical, and ecological and socio cultural factors that have an impact on the manufacturing of the product. In the manufacturing of pencils we have to keep in the mind that the sociological environment, the society has been changed and due to this the needs, demands of the customers are also changed. Different kinds of pencils are made according to the need and standards of the peoples. Now a high class person wants pencils which are of high quality and provides better services. The middle class peoples want a pencil that are of low price and is not very expensive.So manufacturer produces the pencils in keeping all these things in mind. The pencils are produced with accordance of the new technology. MARKET PLAN FOR PENCILS: If our company introduces new pencils and have to sell it in the mark et then we have to firstly write down a market plan for it. That means we have to analyze the current market situation i. e. ? We have to analyze the impact of the micro environment, macro environment. ? We have to analyze the needs of the consumers and then do segmentation, target and positioned the market. ? We have to do surveys for knowing the needs of the peoples.The more concise a marketing plan is the better it will serve you. These are the guidelines for writing a strategic marketing plan that meets the specific requirements of your business. We will take you through the development process step-by-step with easy to follow planning sheets to lead you through each stage. After that we have to choose different modes of communication for the sale, promotion of our product. The format includes a fully developed sample plan and is designed to meet the needs of most types of businesses although the emphasis on different aspects of the plan will vary from one business type to anoth er.PROCESS OF MARKET PLAN CATEGORY ANALYSIS: The product of our company is the pencils. Our company is introducing a new product of Torres pencils with new unique features, and size. Our company is providing better and unique features to our customers. The competitors of our company are the other pencils stores like, GOLDFISH pencils, and DOLLAR pencils. MARKET SURVEY/ CURRENT MARKET SITUATIONS: Market survey is the first step in the market planning . Our Company conducted the market survey for knowing ? The need in the current market situation. To analyze what are the different kinds or types of pencils which are present in the current time in the market. ? The different kinds of features of the pencils, their prices. NEEDS, WANTS AND DEMANDS OF THE CUSTOMERS: The market plan will be started before the manufacturing of the particular product. If we have to make any kind of pencils products, we have to analyze the needs, demands and wants of the customers. Needs are the basic human requirements. Needs are then converted into wants. Demands are the wants for specific products backed by the ability to pay.We start our market plan by analyzing that whether there is a need; want among the customers for the pencils we decide to manufacture and for that we conduct survey, market research for knowing the needs of the customers. For that we have to visit the schools, and may know the needs of the children by Putting them questions and having their suggestions that what kind of pencils they want for writing ,and knowing from them that what are the difficulties they get from their previous pencils while writing. We need to have different types of people which are using pencils to know their needs.After collecting all the information we have to get a result for knowing the needs, wants, and demands of the customers and get ready for making pencils according to the needs wants and demands of the customers. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS: The analysis of the competitor is very import ant aspect because through it we come to know that that our competitor is. The main competitors of our pencils are the other pencils company like GOLDFISH pencils and DOLLAR pencils which are having good position in the market. Our company has to include all those factors in our pencils by which our product look unique and different.Determining the â€Å"Marketing Mix† Product Price Promotion Distribution Goldfish Rs 5 High High Dollar Rs 4 Average Average CUSTOMERS ANANLYSIS: Our Company is targeting different types of customers according to their needs and wants. We are targeting the students of school, colleges. E. G—–Children’s like pencils having shapes of toys and other attracting things.The persons who have to work in the offices like simple pencils . Other professionals like different kinds of pencils so pencils are made according to the needs and wants of these different consumers. ESTABLISHING OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of our company are a s follows: ? To provide better services to our customers. ? To provide quality pencils to our target customers at the reasonable prices. ? To build a good image in the minds of our customers. ? To increase sales of our product. ? To generate revenues and profits by the sale of our pencils.MARKETING STRATEGIES: For the introduction of new product in the market we have to develop a preliminary strategy plan for introducing our new pencils in the market. The plan consists of three parts. 1. First part describes target market’s size, structure, and behavior of the planned product positioning and sales, market share, and profits and the goals sought in the few years by our product. Therefore the target market for our pencil is mainly the children’s of schools and colleges. We will analyze the benefit which comes out by the sale of the pencils. 2. The second part outlines the planned price, distribution strategy, and marketing budget for the first years. This part describes that what are the features or special points of the pencils which we have to made . In it we determine the prices of our different kinds of pencils. Like we determine that the cost of our pencil is Rs 2 each but if the customers buy the box there cost will be of Rs 8. 00 with a sharpener and eraser free. In it we also determine the different kinds of expenses which are to done for the introduction of our pencils in the market.Like the expenses done on the sale, promotion, advertisement of pencils in print media. That what are the profits which come to us by the sale of the pencils. As we see that during the first year a substantial amount will be spent on marketing research by audits and consumers panel data to monitor market reaction and buying rates. The entire budget is made in keeping eye on all these things. 3. The third part of the market strategy plan describes the long run sales and profits goals and market mix strategy over time. As we see that our products would be selling at a very good rate and giving us lots of profits.So we can invest more and more money in it and tries to improve the quality of our pencils by adding new features in it . We will make the product mix and decided to make new kinds of pencils with new innovations and additional features. Market strategy plan is very essential in the business for the proper allocation of revenues, expenditure from the product. It determines all the expenditure done for the sale of our pencils in the market. It also describes that to which segment of the customers we have to sell our pencils and at what price. MANAGING THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:Up to now the product has existed in only as a word description. The next step involves the jump in the investment that dwarfs the cost incurred in the earlier stages. At this stage the company will determine whether the product idea can be translated into a technically and commercially feasible product. In this step we have to make our ideas, plans about the pen cils in truth. In other word we make our pencils according to needs and demands of the customers. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: The development of the pencils starts at this step. The jobs of translating target customers requirement are helpful in making of our pencils.We analyze all the collected data from different kinds of customers and make our pencils according to their needs. E. g. The customers have said that they faces a lots of problems during writing because their pencils do not work properly, the points of the pencils get damaged during their writing time due to which they faces a lots of problems. From this we get an idea to use that kind of lead in our pencils which is of high quality and would not get damaged while writing. We adopt the quality function method for manufacturing of our pencils. We develop a pencils according to view taken by the peoples during market research.PRODUCT MIX: In product mix we include that what are the additional benefits that we are providing to ou r customer along with our original products i. e. , in it we can provide some additional services to our customers along with our pencils. We can give customer free sharpener and eraser with the one box of pencils. Along with one pencils peoples gets a free attached eraser. By adding these additional things in our pencils the customers get happy, and it will definitely results in the increase of the customers loyalty towards our product. It will also be helpful in retaining the attention of the customers towards our product.PRODUCT STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESS: Product strengths and weakness describes the strengths of our pencils that what makes our pencils different from other pencils and what is our weaknesses when compared with others. STRENGTHS OF OUR PRODUCT; We should add what kind of features in our pencils that should act as strength of our pencils. We raise the length of our pencils, and provides different shapes of pencils which distinct our pencils different from others pencils . The offer of giving a free sharpener and an eraser is also helpful in attracting the consumers towards our product.As more and more customer are getting our pencils , these all results in increasing sale of the product and increasing revenues of the company. WEAKNESS OF OUR PRODUCT Our company should also analyze the weakness of our product: The main weakness may comes during the sale of the pencils that when we offer a free eraser and sharpener with our pencils whether the company may faces a lot of expenditure. These activities involve the wastage of money by the company. The pencils of other companies like GOLDFISH Pencils and DOLLAR Pencils are the main competitors of our company.Our company has to add the extra features in our product so that our product gets a different position as compared to our competitor’s product. PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT- In the product life cycle management we can describes the product and determines for how muc h time we should sale our product in the market, whether for a long time or for short period of time. A company positioning and differentiation strategy must change as the product, market, and competitors change over the product life cycle.To say that the products have a life cycle it asserts four things: 1. Product has a limited life. 2. Product sale pass through distinct stages and each positioning asserts different challenges, opportunities and problems to the seller. 3. Profits raises and fall at different stages of the product life cycle. 4. Product required different marketing, financial, manufacturing, purchasing and human resource strategies in each life cycle stages. Product life cycle of the pencils depends upon the needs of our customers that for how much time our product should remain in the market.If our pencils do not satisfy the needs of the customers it may comes in the decline stage that results in the extinction of our pencils in the market. Because the customers a re not satisfied by our products their demand gets changed due to which our pencils comes in the decline stage. INTRODUCTION: At the introduction period there is the slow sale growth of the pencils. At this stage the profits are nonexistent because of the heavy expenses of product introduction. In this phase the customers are not much aware about our pencils.Large amount of advertisement expense, discounts are given by our company to create awareness of the customers towards our pencils. GROWTH: Rapid market acceptance and substantial profits improvements at growth the product is selling at a high rate. MATURITY: A slowdown in the sale growths shows the maturity period. As the sale of our pencils are not undergoing up to the mark. The customers are now not satisfied by our pencils, the pencils do not function according to their needs, which results in the slowdown in the sale of our pencils. The sale declines with the arrival of competitors in the market.It may seen that if the new company may introduce a new pencils with new and better features it will results in the decline in the sale of the pencils of our product. DECLINE: Decline shows the downward drift and profits erode. At this point the profit from the existing product comes to zero. This stage comes due to the arrival of new competitors in the market and when the customer satisfactions from our pencils are not up to the mark. This stage may come when our pencil do not gives full satisfaction to the consumers. Decline may also comes when the taste and preferences of the consumers gets change.If the decline stage may come in the existing product life it is good for our company to develop a new product according to the needs of the peoples and providing better services to the customers. BRAND NAME, BRAND EQUITY AND BRAND IMAGE: Brand is the name ,term, sign, symbol or design or the combination that tends to the goods and services of one seller or group of seller and to differentiate them from others tho se of competitors. A brand is the thus product or service that add dimensions that differentiate it in some way from others products or services designed to satisfy the same needs.These differences may be functional, rational, or tangible related to product performance of the brand. We give our pencils as the name’ ‘SHESHAM PENCILS’ it’s a new product of Torres pencil company. Branding may helps the consumers to identify our product . The consumers starts finding about the brand satisfy their needs and which ones do not. The brand name can be protected through registered trademarks, and packing can be protected through copyrights and designs. SEGMENTATION AND TARGETING MARKET SEGMENTATION Market segmentation is one of the steps that go into defining and targeting specific markets.It is the process of dividing a market into a distinct group of buyers that require different products or marketing mixes. A key factor to success in today's market place is findi ng subtle differences to give a business the marketing edge. Businesses that target specialty markets will promote its products and services more effectively than a business aiming at the â€Å"average† customer. Opportunities in marketing increase when segmented groups of clients and customers with varying needs and wants are recognized. Markets can be segmented or targeted using a variety of factor. The bases for segmenting consumer markets include: Demographical bases (age, family size, life cycle, occupation) †¢ Geographical bases (states, regions, countries) †¢ Behavior bases (product knowledge, usage, attitudes, responses) †¢ Psychographic bases (lifestyle, values, personality) A business must analyze the needs and wants of different market segments before determining their own niche. To be effective in market segmentation keeps the following things in mind: †¢ Segments or target markets should be accessible to the business †¢ Each segmented gro up must be large enough to provide a solid customer base. Each segmented group requires a separate marketing plan. Large companies segment their markets by conducting extensive market research projects. This research is often too expensive for small businesses to invest in, but there are alternative ways for to a small business to segment their markets. A small business can do the following to gain knowledge and information on how to segment their markets: 1. Use secondary date resources and qualitative research. You can use the following resources for external secondary data: o Trade and association publications and experts o Basic research publications External measurement services 1. Conduct informal factor and cluster analysis by: o Watching key competitors marketing efforts and copying them. o Talking to key trade buyers about new product introductions o Conducting needs analysis from qualitative research with individuals and groups. There are many reasons for dividing marketin g into smaller segments. Any time you suspect there are significant, measurable differences in your market you should consider market segmentation. By doing this you will make marketing easier, discover niche markets, and become more efficient with your marketing resources.TARGETING: By doing the segmentation we target the consumers where we have to sell our pencils. The main target are the school children’s and college student and there teachers and professors. In it we have to remain aware of our competitors in order to take competitive advantage and we should be also aware about the consumers who would be buying our product. Why our Company go to rural market? The cost of going global is very high, and it is difficult to gauge markets in other countries. It is better to target the rural market as it is growing by the day.Today rural markets are as critical as urban markets. The rural markets provide better opportunities. In village vast competition exists. Different compan ies come with different flavors. So people have ample choice. With only around 100000 of the 638667 villages tapped so far there are huge potential and market areas. So we get high percentage of total market though profit margin is less. Now a day’s villager also spends on luxury & comfort products. After all Dettol is a one type of necessity product. As it plays a role of anti-septic medicine.Media also plays an important role in promotion of goods. The growing reach of the electronic media has created a huge change in the lifestyle of rural consumer. Profile of rural market in general:- The rural market of Pakistan is large and scattered, in the sense that it consist of over 63 core consumers from 6, 38,365 villages spread throughout the country. Nearly 60% of the rural income is from agriculture. Hence rural prosperity is tied with agricultural prosperity. During the harvest season, the demand for consumer goods in village goes up.The population securing income from non-ag ricultural sector is now increasing due to rural development programs. The consumers in the village areas do have a low standard of living because of low literacy, low per capita income, social backwardness, low savings, etc. The rural consumer values old customs and traditions. A change is beginning to take place in their outlook because of growth in literacy rate and mass media in the rural areas. Rural consumers have diverse socio-economic background. This is different in different parts of the country. This brings diversity among rural customers and market.The demand pattern of the rural consumers is fast changing. There is new and growing demand for toiletries, ready-made garments, cosmetics, packaged foodstuffs, etc. this change is due to increase in rural income. The infrastructural facilities like roads, warehouses, communication system, and financial facilities are inadequate in rural areas. Hence physical distribution becomes costly due to inadequate infrastructural facili ties. The saving habit of the rural community is increasing in the recent years as a result of the efforts put by co-operative and commercial banksMarketing Mix: PRODUCT: A business needs to consider the products that it produces and the stage of the product life cycle that a product is at. Marketing strategies will vary according to the type of product and its stage in the life cycle. 1. Pencils are very convenient to use and will be easy for customers also to use this product. 2. By providing good quality of Pencils, students will be attracted towards writing and will also be encouraged. 3. Pencils are available in different colors, so a person has choices to select various types in one particular product. . Pencils are available in different prices, so people can buy it as per their affordability. [pic] PLACE: This generally refers to the physical locations of product sales as well as the methods of distribution. However, it is also considered to be the â€Å"place† or â⠂¬Å"position† in the market of the product; refer to information below. Businesses need to make many decisions related to â€Å"place†: access, parking, competition, physical location etc. It’s the most important P in the pencil wars — Place. And nothing evokes more passion in distribution.We have chosen the different zones especially south schools and colleges and west zones as keen interest is shown by nearby villages of it. We had chosen these places due to following reasons: In these areas literacy rate is better than other areas. â€Å"So WHERE THERE IS WILL, THERE IS A WAY†. As people living in this area have mostly standard income so they can purchase our product â€Å"pencils† as they are cheaply and in a better way available. There is a lot of scope of expansion as these areas are surrounded by various other villages so great scope of expansion is there.PRICE: Most businesses use a â€Å"cost plus† method for setting the price s of their products. This involves determining unit production costs and then adding in a profit margin. However, many other factors are involved. Consider â€Å"perceived price† (what you think consumers will be prepared to pay), demand elasticity (is it elastic or inelastic? ), competitors' pricing (can you afford to undercut their prices? ), pricing objectives (what do you want to achieve increased market share? increased profits? market leadership? etc. ) Example:Price is the only factor which decides the presence of the product in the rural market. As people are having standard purchasing power, low income or high group of income persons etc. can afford Shesham pencils as they are available cheaply and in a better way. Hence keeping all the dynamic factors we have decided to go for penetration pricing for our product. We have decided to go with the application of penetration pricing as the people in the rural area are having low income, low purchasing power and we are ne wly entering the market. The pricing will be in way: Small pencils: 1 pencil = RS. . /- 10 pencils of pencils box = RS. 9/- Large pencils: 1 pencils = RS. 4/- 10 pencils of pencils box= RS. 16/- PROMOTION: Promotion is said to be the vital for all companies until now the promotional tools have been acted as the targeting tool used to attract huge demand for rural people and also huge demand for company’s product. The promotional strategies are as follows:- A new innovative broad aspect followed by me to attract huge attraction towards my product will be the use of tree borders. e will make use of tree borders as in rural areas mostly there are villages surrounded by huge and number of trees, so the hoardings at tree border will definitely attract huge demand. We will be putting hoardings on retail shops so that whenever the customer comes over the shop they should easily come to know about the arrival of new Pencils i. e. â€Å"name of the pencils† in the market. We w ill also promote my product through wall paintings. As wall paintings lasts for longer time and through this maximum customer can be attracted.There are some other strategies also like, The role of the influencer or influencing communication cannot be ignored as far as rural Pakistan is concerned. The advertisements that revolve around this very strategy actually depend on the influence of different influential people and/or events in the villages to put across the message powerfully with more effect and purchase intention. An example of this kind of advertisement may be brand endorsement by any influential person in the village like the ‘Intellectual Chaudary’ or the ‘school master’. Events like different festivals and different games and sports competitions actually have a high participation level in the rural Pakistan, as other sources of entertainment are very less in those areas. So, these events and shows offer great opportunity to reach rural Pakist an cost effectively. Different brands sponsor different events and shows in rural villages, which is actually a cost-effective way to advertise with the participatory strategy. Many brands are venturing into different ways to educate their rural consumers about their brands and their usage through different shows and events.This kind of initiatives actually creates huge awareness about the brand among the interested people in the rural Pakistan. Different health related advertisements like Polio awareness and AIDS awareness programmes involve a ‘show-n-tell’ strategy of advertising. It includes Press and print, TV, Cinema, Radio, and Point of purchase and Outdoor advertisement. Reach of formal media is low in rural households (Print: 18%, TV: 27%, Cinema: 30%, and Radio: 37%) and therefore the marketer has to consider the following points: English newspapers and magazines have negligible circulation in rural areas.However local language newspapers and magazines are bec oming popular among educated facilities in rural areas. It has made a great impact and large audience has been exposed to this medium. Organizations have been using TV to communicate with the rural masses. Lifebuoy, Lux, Dalda oil etc. are some of the products advertised via television. Many consumer goods companies and fertilizer companies are using these TV channels to reach the rural customer. Radio reaches large population in rural areas at a relatively low cost. Example: Colgate, Brite total, Shan Masala industries are some of the companies using radio communication programme.The farmers have a habit of listening to regional news/agricultural news in the morning and the late evening. The advertisement has to be released during this time to get maximum coverage in rural areas. Another advantage is that the radio commercial can be prepared at short notice to meet the changing needs of the rural folk. Example: Release of a pesticide ad at the time of outbreak of a pest or diseas e in crops. [pic] This form of media, which includes signboards, wall painting, hoarding, tree boards, bus boards, dealer boards, product display boards etc. , is cost effective in rural areas.Symbols, pictures and colors should be used in POPs meant for rural markets so that they can easily identify the products. Generally rural people prefer bright colors and the marketer should utilize such cues. Display of hangings, festoons and product packs in the shops will catch the attention of prospective buyers. However a clutter of such POP materials of competing companies will not have the desired effect and is to be avoided. It is a way of passing on information relating to goods or services for sale, directly to potential customers through the medium of post. It is a medium employed by the advertiser to bring in a personal touch.In cities lot of junk mail is received by all of us and very often such mails are thrown into the dustbin whereas a villager get very few letters and he is re ceptive to such mailers. It is an effective and economical medium for communication in rural areas, since it stays there for a long time depending upon the weather conditions. The cost of painting one square foot area is just Rs. 10. Retailers welcome painting of their shops so that the shop will look better. Walls of farm houses, shops and schools are ideal places for painting and the company need not have to pay any rent for the same.The walls have to be painted at least one or two feet from ground level. It is better to take permission of the owner. Very often the owner takes responsibility for taking care of the wall painting. Paintings are to be avoided during election time and rainy season. The matter should be in the form of pictures, slogans for catching the attention of people. Companies marketing TV, fans, branded coffee/tea, toothpaste, pesticides, fertilizers etc. use wall painting as promotion medium in rural areas. These are painted boards of about two square feet in d imension having the picture or name or slogan of the product painted on it.The cost of such a painted board is about Rs. 80. These boards are fixed to the trees on both sides of the village road at a height of about 10 feet from ground level. These boards attract the attention of slow moving vehicles like cycles, bullock carts and tractors and people walking on the road. The condition of roads, even the buses move at slow speed through village road. Fertilizer and pesticide companies in rural areas extensively use tree boards. These are low priced promotion items and can be used by consumer goods companies too. [pic]These media with effective reach and personalized communication will help in realizing the promotional objectives. Companies to suit the specific requirements of rural communication are using a variety of such media effectively and some of the more important media and methods are given below. Rural people prefer face-to-face communication and farm visits facilitate two-w ay communication. The advantage is that the sales person can understand the needs and wants of the rural customer by directly discussing with him and answer his queries on products and services. Potential customers in the illage are identified and the company’s/distributor’s representative makes farm-to-farm visits and highlight the benefits of the products. The person carries with him literature in local language and also samples of products. The person does not sell the product but only promotes the use of the product. Very often the local dealer also joins the representative in making farm-to-farm visits. The dealer clarifies the terms and conditions of sale and also makes independent follow up visits for securing orders. [pic] Group meetings of rural customers as well as prospects are an important part of interpersonal media.The company is able to pass on the message regarding benefits of the products to a large number of customers through such meetings. Group meet ing of key customers are conducted by banks, agricultural inputs and machinery companies in rural areas. The bankers visit an identified village, get the village people in a common place and explain the various schemes to the villagers. Such meetings could be organized in prosperous villages for promoting consumer durables and two wheelers also. Example: Millat Tractors conduct a meeting for tractor owners and they meet in villages to discuss repairs and maintenance of tractors. [pic]Package is an integral part of the product. Its main purpose is to protect the product during transit, to preserve the quality and to avoid any loss in quality and quantity. The main purpose of this contest is to remind the customer to buy the product as soon as he enters the shop. Another objective is to influence the dealer to stock the product and support the company in increasing the sales. The display contest has to be announced well in advance and promotional materials to be distributed to all the selected dealers in a geographical area. Prizes for best displays are announced to motivate the dealers; the contest lasts for about a month.A well-planned product display contest not only increases the involvement of dealers in the company’s products but also increases the sales during the contest period. This is used for promoting consumer goods such as shampoos, soaps and toothpaste Each rural market segment has certain special features i. e. they share common life-style traits. They include village sports, religious events, prominent personalities and role models. Examples: Textile mills maintaining community gardens, Mineral water companies supplying clean drinking water during summer festivals in villages and Consumer goods companies sponsoring Kabaddi. pic] PACKAGING: The Silent sales man: What does a sales man do when you go to a shop or he comes to your house, he first s how’s you the product then starts to tell you the features of the product like its brand name, method of production, ingredients (if it is eatable), price etc. In short he tries to persuade you to buy his product, this same activity is performed by packets of any product but without any use of language this is called silent salesman ship Thus we say that â€Å"packaging – A silent salesman† pic] Packaging is done for the three reasons: – 1) To protect the product 2) To make the product easy to carry 3) To make the product attractive. Pencils do not require heavy packaging but still we have come up with the two packaging strategies for our pencils: – 1) To have a packet of 3 pencils sets 2) To have a packet of 10 pencils sets. The rural Bangladesh is not much developed; hence their purchasing power is also not high. Hence, for their convenience we have come up with these packaging strategies.This was also done to reduce the cost of the product so as to supply the product at cheap rates and also for a profitable deal for our company. FEATURES O F PENCIL The pencil is used for writing and if the writing is not dark i. e. it is light then the reader will not be able to understand the written matter. Hence we have invented the pencil which would be darker than any other pencil. The goods which are cheaply available with no compromise in quality then those goods or products are liked by every consumer. This is the reason why we are coming up with a pencil which would be cheaper.The body of the pencil would be covered with velvet piece or a rubber piece to make the pencil body of either velvet or rubber. This is the extra feature added because this would help the writer to have a firm hold over the pencil and to write faster. The body and its shape also add to the beauty of the product. Hence it is said that in the business world what ever is seen is taken. So the shape or the body of the pencil would be squared shaped which is not at all seen in the market till the date. The pencil is seemed to be incomplete without the rubb er.The writer might commit a mistake while writing and hence to correct the same rubber is provided at the end point of the pencil so that there is not an extra expenditure on the purchase of the rubbers. This pencil would be extra long then any other pencil and also at the minimum cost. So with that the buyer would be able to enjoy the good writer pencil for a longer period of time. This pencil would be available at each and every store of the rural market so that there are no extra efforts taken by the customer to come at a long distance for the purchase of this unique pencil.The pencil is a kind of a product which is mostly used by children and the children enjoy watching cartoons or such characters which seems to be funny. So then the children are going to get their favorite cartoon characters on this lovely pencil which is effectively made for kids but it is not that only kids could enjoy the writing with this pencil but it is for everyone to enjoy the writing with this penci l. The pencil has come up with new innovative feature of fragrance. This means that kids will enjoy good hand writing with sweet fragrance.This is an added advantage to our product as this idea is not applied to any of the pencil to the date. [pic] Conclusion: Thus looking at the challenges and the opportunities which rural markets offer to the marketers it can be said that the future is very promising for those who can understand the dynamics of rural markets and exploit them to their best advantage. A radical change in attitudes of marketers towards the vibrant and burgeoning rural markets is called for, so they can successfully impress on the millions rural consumers spread over approximately thousands of villages in rural Bangladesh.Eurosif European Social Investment Hamida Kawser Student of UIU Second samaster BBA Departmeny Road Number 27 Dhanmondi Dhaka 30. 03. 2013 Respected Sir. I am submitting you my report on automobile companies and associated risk and opportunities the se pose for long-term return. Perpose behind preparing automobile report is to have an idea about how automobile companies grew through decades. So that we can use this quality information in Bangladesh industry and even in our personnal business field. ———————– [pic] [pic] [pic]