Gun control has been a controversial issue for years Essay

â€Å"Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast majority of citizens believe that if gun control is strictly enforced it would quickly reduce the threat of crime. Many innocent people feel they have the right to bear arms for protection, or even for the pleasure of hunting. These people are penalized for protecting their lives, or even for enjoying a common, innocent sport. To enforce gun control throughout the nation means violating a persons Constitutional rights. Although some people feel that the issue of gun control will limit crime, the issue should not exist due to the fact that guns are necessary for self defense against crime, and by enforcing gun control is violating a citizen’s second amendment right to bear arms. † Another examples of an argumentative essay comes from Bogazici University:†Throw out the bottles and boxes of drugs in your house. A new theory suggests that medicine could be bad for your health, which should at leastcome as good news to people who cannot afford to buy expensive medicine. However, it is a blow to the medicine industry, and an evenbigger blow to our confidence in the progress of science. This new theory argues that healing is at our fingertips: we can be healthy by doing Reikion on a regular basis. † On Essay By Example, on the other hand, the sample argumentative essay addresses online games and socialization: â€Å"Online games aren’t just a diversion, but a unique way to meet other people. As millions of gamers demonstrate, playing online is about friendship and cooperation, not just killing monsters. These games are a viable social network because players focus on teamwork, form groups with like-minded people and have romantic relationships with other players. â€Å"Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) feature millions of players interacting in the same environment. The games are social in nature as they allow players to band together and complete missions based on a story line, or test their skills by fighting against each other. At the start of the game, the user creates a fictional character, and customizes its physical appearance. Since many games involve combat, players also outfit their characters with armor and weapons, as well as choose their â€Å"profession. † Many popular game titles like World of Warcraft and Everquest follow a fantasy theme, so most professions have magical abilities like healing other players or raising undead minions. While the process seems simple, players may spend hours agonizing over the perfect look for their character, from their armor color to the type of skills to use in battle. Once their character is created, the player is free to explore the vast, digital world and interact with other players; however they must pay on average $15 a month for game content. MMOG users are mostly male – usually between the ages of 18-34 – although titles like World of Warcraft have a healthy population of female players as well. With millions of players, there are plenty of people to adventure with. † The key to learning to write a good essay is to read and study other essays and then practice, practice, rewrite and practice some more.

Morality and Law

We begin this essay with a word about freedom- it is cherished by those who possess it and yearned for by those who have yet to experience it.   Nonetheless, freedom carries with it a high level of responsibility- perhaps not only to follow the letter of the law, but also to pursue one’s freedom with some level of civility or morality.   Therein lies the paradox- where should the line, if any, be drawn between morality and law.   In this essay, several controversial topics which toe the line between legality and morality will be presented and discussed in the hopes of drawing some valid conclusions about this issue.DrugsIf it is safe to say that legally prescribed and utilized drugs are accepted by all but the most staunch of religious zealots, it is also safe to say that illegally prescribed drugs, street drugs and the abuse of any drug is considered immoral, but not by all.   In some parts of the world, certain drugs that would land someone in jail in other nations a re legally and socially accepted.  Ã‚   This fact in itself brings to light an interesting perspective on the issue of morality and law- how closely related is law and morality?In the case of drugs, the relationship seems to be somewhat disjointed in some instances, because illegal drugs are quite literally one of the largest industries in the â€Å"civilized world†.   This can be interpreted as proof that everything that is illegal is not necessarily viewed as immoral as well as a clear example of the dynamic between the expression of freedom and the violation of the rights of others, for any freedom, if it harms innocent people through its exercise, needs to be reevaluated for the common good (Peach, 2002).AlcoholWhen speaking of alcohol, the very topic is in itself enigmatic; for all intents and purposes, alcohol can be classified as a drug because of its ability to alter the senses, distort perceptions, and attract the abuser into a spiral of addiction.   However, i t is considered by the vast majority of the world to be a legal drug, which is to say that it is legal for those of established age to buy, sell, and use alcohol.When left to one’s own devices, the use, purchase or sale of alcohol can be illegal; for example, the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol is illegal, as is the sale/purchase of it to/by underage or visibly impaired individuals. Additionally, any use of alcohol is considered morally wrong by many religious/ethical groups.   Therefore, in alcohol, we see the embodiment of the morality/legality argument- some things are legal in some cases, illegal in others, but also reviled in many circles in any circumstance (Peach, 2002).ProstitutionRegarded as the world’s oldest profession, prostitution in one form or another has existed since there has been something of value for which one human being could offer sexual favors to another.   In the 21st century, we see a world where prostitut ion is legal in some nations/parts of nations, and illegal in others.   In the nations where it is legal, it would be assumed that this is so due to the moral tolerance of the masses to allow such a practice.   In a nation like the United States, where very few states allow prostitution, a moral divide exists between advocates and opponents.   Therefore, an interesting point emerges- the possibility that in many cases, societal norms dictate the letter of the law.   When the majority opposes or supports something, or takes no action either way, laws, it can be said, reflect the will of the majority itself (Peach, 2002). Pornography Pornography is yet another illustration of the will of the people to dictate the law, but with a twist- very few people publicly support pornography as something which is good for the general society, yet it is allowed to exist as something legal in many jurisdictions as long as certain universal rules are not violated, such as the use of children in pornography, abuse of innocent victims, etc.In this instance, it is likely that the tolerance of pornography as something legal, yet immoral has as much to do with the pursuit of money on the part of those who benefit financially from pornography as it does with the prurient interests of the public at large.   People who wish to have something immoral because they like it are often times more prone to ignore the bigger picture of the detriment to society that something like pornography represents. Domestic ViolenceViolence against one’s own family members is illegal/immoral in some societies, and not in others- why is this so?   The main reason is associated with religious beliefs.   In theocratic nations, where religious leaders dictate policy and law, there are those cases where the abuse of a wife by a husband, for example, is tolerated if the husband feels it necessary, whereas the abuse of children is almost universally reviled (Peach, 2002).   An interesting point emerges in this situation- the power of morality in some cases to shape the word of law.ConclusionIn this essay, we have seen that morality and law are in some cases exclusive of each other, related in others.   Still further, each of these in some situations can overpower the other due to societal norms, religion, etc.   Whatever the case, in conclusion, one point has become abundantly clear based upon this research- morality cannot always be legislated, nor will morality always make the best laws.   Perhaps the issue of freedom, which began the essay, is a fitting final word- without freedom, the human race suffers, but with it, suffering can also become rampant.   It is the responsibility of the people of the world to exercise freedom-with restraint.ReferencesPeach, L. (2002). Legislating Morality: Pluralism and Religious Identity in Lawmaking. NewYork: Oxford University Press.

Speech class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Speech class - Essay Example To one estimate over 90 percent and above enterprises and business organizations have resorted to variable pay schemes in order to minimize the chances of further damages and losses that may be incurred in the longer run. The case and practical example presented relates to the power point slide number 8 in such a way that it is a practical demonstration of the managerial terms and concepts that are often used for in management courses and programs. The variable pay scheme may also be taken into account keeping in view the HR functions such as the clients satisfaction, the overall level of interaction between the top management, middle and lower administration along with the interaction between the inside of the organization and the supply chain outside. Variable pay method is subject to various factors consideration. These factors pertain to the past history of the organization, the cultural trend and the clients’ adaption to the new concept as well as the legal aspects fulfillment in this regard. Business cycle must also be taken into account and the overall forecast considerations in terms of the small level forecast to medium and long term forecast procedures undertaking. Caterpillar Inc in 2013 took up the variable pay scheme in the light of prevailing circumstances and global recession (Harrer). The variable pay scheme was introduced in the wake of the overall low profits and low investor responses recorded in the recent years. The responses so incurred and recorded were as low as 40 percent compared to the previous year performances and the subsequent gains and benefits from it. Caterpillar Inc found relative stability in its ranks after undertaking the variable pay scheme for the purpose of handling the employees concerns and overcoming the risks of global recession and low sales in the recent years and recent

Put down that Doughnut Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Put down that Doughnut - Article Example Major food chains have stopped the use of trans fat for frying or cooking their meals. These restrictions have yielded improved health results in particular areas. Use of trans fat is also being reduced by other countries across the world. Trans fat naturally occurs in dairy products and meat and it is safer than artificial trans fat. Certain food products have hidden trans fat and are labeled free of trans fat because of very little amount of trans fat in them. FDA is taking measures to quickly inhibit the use of trans fat. Major health-care organizations are in favor of inhibiting the use of trans fat in processed foods. Foods free of trans fat need revision of labels because the determination is essentially for partially hydrogenated oils instead of trans fat which might naturally occur in certain food products. Avoiding food products consisting of artificially produced trans fat would be a big step toward a healthier

St Augustine and The Stoics Philosophy comparison and analysis Research Paper

St Augustine and The Stoics Philosophy comparison and analysis - Research Paper Example Augustine’s philosophy and its influence on our todays lives. However, philosophy has a number of unresolved questions, termed as philosophical problems. Among the problematics, moral knowledge, philosophy of language, questions on philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of mind, questions on philosophy of science and finally Metaphysics. Additionally, the question problem include, does mathematics and science applied by the philosophers apply in today’s world? Did the philosophers deal with the mind problems? The paper also gives the comparisons on the two philosophies and broadly analyses the philosophies. Eventually, a summary of the impacts of the philosophies on today’s world is clearly highlighted. Philosophy is a topic that can never be underestimated. Augustine is a fourth-century philosopher whose ground-breaking philosophy infiltrated Christian doctrines with Neo-Platonism to a wider extent. Broadly, Neoplatonism refers to a school of philosophy based on teachings of Plato and subsequently and subsequently Plotinus. It was the foundation of paganism. Augustine being the founder of western Christianity got lot of recognition not only in Rome but also across the vast Europe1. Moreover, the philosopher got the fame from being an inimitable Catholic theologian and his adverse contributions to Western philosophy. The philosopher was the first ecclesiastical author the whole course of whose development can be clearly traced, as well as the first of whose case researcher can determine the exact period covered by his career till today. Augustine argued sceptics have no basis for claiming to know that there is no knowledge. Evidently in one of Augustine’s letter, he states, â€Å"even if I am mistaken, I am.† Additionally, Augustine was the first philosopher to promote what has come to be called, â€Å"the argument by analogy† against solipsism. To a wider extent, solipsism refers to the theory that the self is all that exists or that can be proven

Exampaper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Exampaper - Essay Example Irigaray, Nozick and Delaney have attempted to articulate this idea in more modern terms. However, William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 presents this concept quite eloquently. The idea that love can have a somewhat illusory nature was put forward by Rorty when she used Spinoza’s to help illustrate her concept. She argued that indulging in fantasy and unrealistic expectations of love are potentially dangerous because they distort our perception of love. Instead of an authentic experience, idolatrous love offers an illusion. Over the centuries humanity has developed certain romanticized ideas of idealized male and female roles in relation to romantic love. Simone de Beauvoir and Marilyn Friedman, in particular, discuss the dangers of such romantic ideology and their relation to male chauvinism. We live in an increasingly â€Å"cyberized† world. The Internet and social media have allowed â€Å"cyber-relationships† to become increasingly more frequent. However, Zygmunt Bauman and Hubert Dreyfus underscore the need for traditional, face-to-face interactions in building more lasting and exclusive relationships. They warn that online relationships run a very high risk of more ephemeral and promiscuous interactions, precluding lasting and substantial relationships from developing. Montaigne presents the idea that a perfect friendship emphasizes as an essential aspect of the friendship. He goes further to describe such a friendship as one characterized by such unconditional openness and trust that each individual’s need is met by the other. However, Montaigne is careful to distinguish such an ideal from homosexual love. Possible modern interpretations of this â€Å"perfect friendship† could be the ideas of â€Å"bromance† and â€Å"womance† that have become more prevalent nowadays. Touch is one of the most concrete ways in which we express love and affection for one another. Although sexual intimacy is

MIDDLE RANGE NURSING THEORY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

MIDDLE RANGE NURSING THEORY - Research Paper Example In the same way, it is necessary for nurses to understand the different concepts of nursing strategies and various psychological and philosophical aspects of quality nursing care. Theoretical frameworks including middle range theories clearly define the nursing standards for the modern world. This paper will provide an overview of the concept and evolution of Middle Range Theories of Nursing and their applicability in today’s healthcare scenario. Concepts: Origin and Development Middle range theories are precise and moderate, and possess limited number of variables; hence, they effectively define nursing care standards. To be specific, middle range theories can be effectively applied in the field of nursing research and practice as their practicality can be directly tested. To define, â€Å"mid-range theories stand midway between the all encompassing global grand theories that address the entire discipline and hypotheses and theories that are very specific to a particular phe nomenon or population† (Lenz, 2006, n.p). As compared to grand theories, Middle range theories are more concrete and narrow. To illustrate, they are written relatively at specific level with limited number of propositions and ideas. Theory of Human Caring (Watson), Theory of Interpersonal Relations (Peplau), and Theory of the Deliberative Nursing Process (Orlando) are some of the well known middle range nursing theories. With regard to the progress of middle range theories, they are based on the results derived from practice and research that can provide clear direction for casual practice and intellectual practice in the discipline further. The past century witnessed a notable level of progress in the middle range theories. Except a few, most of the middle-range theories have come directly from clinicians’ experience. The middle-range theory helps to mark certain condition of the related signs and future approach for symptom management in caring patients. The theory al so emphasis on the result of various expressions or conditions with regard to the patient’s performance, and encourages the clear evaluation of patient’s working outcomes. Lieher and Smith (1999), has listed â€Å"the relationship between the intellectual process and the source of content related to the development of middle-range theories†; they include â€Å"Inductive theory-building theory through practice, Deductive theory. Building from grand nursing theories, Combining existing nursing and non-nursing theories, and Developing theories from clinical practice guidelines â€Å" (Source: Approaches for generating middle range theory. Para. 1. As cited Peterson & Bredow, 2009, in p. 31). Middle range theories are of mainly three types; Middle-range descriptive theories, Middle-range predictive theories, and Middle-range explanatory theories. These variations could be analyzed on the basis of their characteristics and with most relevant examples. Among these, Middle-range descriptive theories usually encompass only a single main concept to classify a phenomenon. While doing so, it simply lists the generalities observed in individuals and groups, and these theories are normally tested by means of descriptive research. The interpersonal Relations (Peplau, 1952) is an example of a middle-range descriptive theory. Peplau’s theory focused on the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient, which is termed as the Nurse-Client Relationship. In contrast, Middle-range expl

Application to the B.S. N program in New Jersey University ( Nursing Essay

Application to the B.S. N program in New Jersey University ( Nursing Program) - Essay Example HIPAA, the European Privacy Directive, and other like legislation do not concern themselves with the success or failure of a company. If a company's data is simply destroyed, then the legislation does not apply. In some cases of BCP, this type of legislation may apply, as in the case of data being maliciously copied for illegal use, and then the original source being destroyed. In this line of reasoning, the legislation that already exists is sufficient. BCP has to do with the preparation of functional copies of data that the business can use to continue to function. This will help save the business money in the case of an interruption. The success of businesses should not be legislated. It should not be against the law for a business to fail. --Doug I guess I am thinking of the stock market, banks, telecommunications, and other private companies. If they don't have a BCP and their services become unavailable, there are potentially serious consequences for the Nation. Doesn't the US government have a responsbility to ensure that critical areas have a BCP so that the country can function in case of an emergency Not tell them HOW to do it, but that they must do it and have some requirements to ensure it is being done. You are right. For example, the SCADA systems that govern the distribution/transmission of electricity and gas, must absolutely remain operational.

Spirituality and the Creative Spirit, (Portfolio#1) Essay

Spirituality and the Creative Spirit, (Portfolio#1) - Essay Example As it is also observed that in the text it is stated, â€Å"His (Davis) mother took him regularly to catholic church hoping that somehow provide comfort instead it filled him with fear, ‘I found the whole thing terrifying’† (17). Davis’s terror is explicable as the fear of punishment and the manner in which the church portrays God. However it is apparent that he is a spiritualist the reason being that he has strived to find meaning of life and was ultimately able to discover solace in nature and his catharsis was writing poetry. It is highly stressed upon that church and the Christian theology or any other religion does not governs spirituality reason being that spirituality is not simply confined to the search of God. Although for some people spiritualism is the exploration of one’s relation with God and importance of religion. Yet it is not true for the majority of the people because in the twenty first century a large number of people do not belie ve in God anymore as it is stated about Davis, â€Å"on many occasions he still believes that the Gods have fled† (17) it is more about self contemplation than about God. Nevertheless the importance of religion cannot be denied because in a large number of cases it acts as a catalyst for initiating or introducing an individual to spirituality. Since the Church plays an integral role in the exhibition of a large number of paintings regarding mysticism and also because religion has the power of instigating or putting an individual in a contemplative mood. So it is the process of questioning that leads a man to explore the mysteries of life and reason with the logic and principles of his existence. Spirituality can also be elucidated as a form of expression in which an individual gets a chance to express one’s every feeling of anger, love, hatred and admiration. Hence any form of art i.e. music, poetry, painting and dancing are all modes of expressing one’s interpretation of life as well one’s

With diagrams compare Essay Example for Free

With diagrams compare Essay This type of communication is between the sender and the receiver is known as connectionless (rather than dedicated) Contrasted with packet-switched is circuit-switched, a type of network such as the regular voice telephone network in which the communication circuit (path) for the call is set up and dedicated to the participants in that call. For the duration of the connection, all the resources on that circuit are unavailable for other users. Voice calls using the Internets packet-switched system are possible. Each end of the conversation is broken down into packets that are reassembled at the other end. The principles of packet switching are as follow. Messages are divided into data packets, which are then directed through the network to their destination under computer control. Besides a message portion, each packet contains data concerning. The principles of packet switching are as follow. Messages are divided into data packets, which are then directed through the network to their destination under computer control. Besides a message portion, each packet contains data concerning: Â  The destination of the address; Â  The source identification; The sequence of the packet in the complete message; Â  The detection and control of transmission errors. Â  Pre-determined routing. With this method, the routing details are included in the packet itself, each switching exchange forwarding the packet according to the embedded instructions; Â  Directory routing. Each switching exchange has a copy of a routing table to which it refers before forwarding each packet. The appropriate output queue is determined from the table and the packet destination Diagram shown below: Identify three types of cabling used in data communication. State which one you would recommend in an implement requiring high security consideration and why? The three types of cables used in data communication are: Optical Fiber Coaxial Coaxial cable is a copper that is used by TV companies between the community antenna, and also the user homes and businesses. At times these cable are also used by telephone companies from their central office to the telephones near users. This is also widely installed for use in business and corporation Ethernet and other types of local area network. Coaxial cable is called coaxial this is because this includes one physical channel that carries the signal surrounded (after a layer of insulation) by another concentric physical channel, both running along the same axis. The outer channel serves as a ground. Many of these cables or pairs of coaxial tubes can be placed in a single outer sheathing and, with repeaters, they can carry information for a great distance. This is a diagram shown below: UPT UPT stands for Unshielded twisted pair. This cable is the most common kind of copper telephone wiring. Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. For some business locations, twisted pair is enclosed into a shield that functions as a ground. This is known as shielded twisted pair (STP). The twisted pair is now frequently installed with the two pairs to the home, with the extra pair making it possible for you to add another line (perhaps for use of a modem) when you will need it. These twisted pair comes with each pair uniquely colour coded when it is packaged in multiple pairs. Different uses such as analogue, digital, and Ethernet require different pair multiples. Although twisted pair is often associated with home use, with a higher grade of twisted pair is often used for horizontal wiring in LAN installations because it is less expensive than coaxial cable. The wire that you buy at a local hardware store for extensions from your phone or computer modem to a wall jack is not twisted pair. It is a side-by-side wire known as silver satin. The wall jack can have as many five kinds of hole arrangements or pin outs, depending on what kinds of wire the installation you expects that will be plugged in (for example, digital, analogue, or LAN) . (Thats why you may sometimes find when you carry your notebook computer to another location that the wall jack connections wont match your plug. ) This is a diagram shown below: Optical Fiber. Optical fiber (or fiber optic) refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. Optical fiber carries much more information than the conventional copper wire and is in general not subject to electromagnetic interference and the need to retransmit signals. Most telephone company long-distance lines are now of optical fiber. Transmission on optical fiber wire requires repeaters at distance intervals. The glass fiber requires more protection within an outer cable than copper. For these reasons and because the installation of any of the new wiring is labour-intensive, few communities yet have optical fiber wires or cables from the phone companys branch office to local customers (known as local loops). A type of fiber known as single mode fiber is used for longer distances; multimode fiber is used for shorter distances. This is the diagram shown below: By analyzing and researching the three above cable I would recommend the Fiber Optic cable this is because I believe it has a high security and also has the following. Fiber optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables. This means that they can carry more data. Â  Fiber optic cables are less susceptible than metal cables to interference. Fiber optic cables are much thinner and lighter than metal wires. Data can be transmitted digitally (the natural form for computer data) rather than analogically. Identify the alternative forms of communication media and provide examples of their use in different forms of network. Microwave Microwave frequencies require a direct line of sight between sending and receiving station to operate. Microwave systems were the preferred method of communications transmission before the introduction of fiber optic. Radio The lowest-frequency domain that needed to name. This extends from wavelengths of a kilometre or so, the longest that will propagate through the interstellar medium, down to about a millimetre. The detection of radio radiation is often done using wave techniques rather than photon-counting, this is because of the low photon energies, and this offers distinct advantages for such applications as interferometer which astronomers working in the infrared and optical regimes view with some envy. From active nuclei, we often detect the synchrotron radiation in this range radiation produced energetic charged particles (mostly electrons) produce when they are deflected by the magnetic fields. a) Define the basic signal theory with the aid of diagrams? 1) In electronics, a signal is an electric current or electromagnetic field that is used to convey data from one place to another. The simplest form of signal is a direct current (DC) that is switched on and off; this is the principle by which the early telegraph worked. More complex signals consist of an alternating-current (AC) or electromagnetic carrier that contains one or more data streams. Data is superimposed on a carrier current or a wave this is by means of a process called a modulation. Signal modulation can be done by two main ways: analogue and digital. In recent years, digital modulation has been getting more common, while analogue modulation methods have been used less and less. There are still plenty of analogue signals around, however, and they will probably never become totally extinct. Except for DC signals such as telegraph and base band, all signal carriers have a definable frequency or frequencies. Signals also have a property called wavelength, which is inversely proportional to the frequency. 2) In some information technology contexts, a signal are simply that which is sent or received, thus including both the carrier and the data together. 3) In telephony, a signal has a special data that is used to set up or control communication. Almost everything in the world can be described or represented in one of two forms: analogue or digital. The principal feature of analogue representations is that they are continuous. In contrast, digital representations consist of values measured at discrete intervals. Digital watches are called digital because they go from one value to the next without displaying all intermediate values. Consequently, they can display only a finite number of times of the day. In contrast, watches with hands are analogue, this is mainly because the hands move continuously around the clock face. As the minute hand goes around, it not only touches the numbers 1 through 12, but also the infinite number of points in between. Early attempts at building computers used analogue techniques, but the accuracy and reliability were not good enough. Today, almost all computers are digital. Analogue and Digital Technology Analogue and Digital are the words we hear when people talk about Communication and Information Technology. What do the words Analogue and Digital mean? Analogy means a likeness between two things that are really quite different. For example the analogy between the brain and the computer or the heart and a pump. Digit means either a finger or toe, or one of the numbers 1 to 9. Some examples might help to explain what analogue and digital mean in technology. A simple example of analogue and digital technology Clocks are examples of analogue and digital technology. An analogue clock face can display the time without numbers. The hands keep moving all the time and they continue to rotate, just like the earth around the sun. This is the analogy between the movement of the sun and earth, and the hands of the clock. The digital clock displays the time in numbers, and the time displayed only changes at each minute. In the analogue clock the hands keep moving all the time, while the digital clock is more like an on and off movement. Each minutes the time moves and then stops for another 60 seconds, when it changes again. Some other examples of displaying information using analogue and digital forms. b) How the signal theory affects the choice of transmission methods and media? Analogue and Digital Signals Sound can be converted into analogue and digital electrical signals. Analogue Signal A microphone or handset of a telephone will convert sound into an analogue signal. The shape of the wave seen on an oscilloscope represents the volume and pitch. The diagram is shown below: This is called an analogue signal because, when the volume and pitch change, so does the shape of the wave. The signal is an analogue of the sound. Digital signal Today we see many sound systems described as digital. This means the sound is converted into digital signals so it can be transmitted or recorded. In the microphone example shown on the diagram above, the analogue signal is converted into a digital signal by electronic circuits. In a digital signal the electricity, this can be either on or off, is combined with a binary code. The voltage of the analogue signal is measured electronically, many thousands of times per second, by an analogue-digital converter. The analogue signal is converted into a 16 bit binary number, which gives 65,536 levels of voltage. In electronics 1 = ON and 0 = OFF. This means the binary number can be converted into an electrical signal. A diagram below shows the process of converting analogue signals into a binary numbers and digital signals. To keep the explanation simple the analogue signal has been converted into a 3 bit binary number, which means there are seven voltage levels. A digital-analogue converter reverses the conversion this is because the speakers (output device) need an analogue signal. Light and sound can be converted into binary numbers and digital signals that are used to record and transmit information. This diagram is shown below: Why are digital systems better than the analogue ones? An analogue signal is affected by changes in the voltage as it travels along a wire. If the voltage changes, so does the signal at the output. The digital signal is not affected by changes in the voltage this is because all that matters is whether it is ON or OFF. How signal affects transmission methods? Noise is any sound on the CD or record that wasnt there at the performance during the recording session. More generally, it is any unwanted signal that adds on to the information that is being transmitted. When a vinyl record is being made, noise is introduced at every step of the recording process, although of course the company makes an every effort to reduce such noise to as low a level as possible. The sound that reaches the microphones is converted into an electrical signal that is then recorded on a wide magnetic tape moving at high speed. This tape is then used to control the cutting of a master disc, from which moulds are then made. These in turn are used to mass-produce the records that are eventually sold in shops. Noise is produced at every step, not forgetting that introduced by your own stereo equipment. It can never be entirely eliminated. The same problems of noise are shared by any method of transmitting information, and are certainly by telecommunications, including telephone calls. In the production of vinyl records, the companies have used purely analogue this means to transfer the information representing the sound of the music from one point to another. That means they use an electrical signal that changes smoothly in strength, exactly modelling the smooth but complex changes in the sound. When a noise is created in the recording process because of tape hiss, dust on the master disc, electrical interference or any other cause this is added on as a random signal on top of the complex electrical signal representing the sound. There is no way that electronic equipment can tell such random noise from the original electrical signal, so there is no way it can be removed again without removing some of the original signal. We can see more clearly if we draw a graph of the level of the analogue audio signal over a period of time (diagram 1a). The shape of this graph represents both the changes in the electrical sound and the changes in the electrical signal that model it. Now if we add to this audio signal some random noise, this affects the shape of the signal, and this degrades the sound that your stereo reproduces (diagram 1b). The trouble with an analogue audio signal is that its exact shape has to be preserved if you are to hear the music exactly as it was when it was played. If there were a means of transmitting the signal so that only the overall shape of the signal mattered, then noise would not be so important. The port authorities used to find the shape of the bottom of the harbour, so that ships could navigate more safely. It certainly wasnt possible to drain the harbour and take a photograph of it, so what they did instead was send out a boat which travelled slowly across the harbour. Every few meters a person at the back of the boat dropped down a plumb-line (a weight at the end of a rope), until it reached the bottom of the harbour. The line had knots tied in it at regular spaces and the person called out the number of knots under water, so indicating the depth of the harbour at that point. A clerk wrote these down, and eventually it was possible for him to draw a graph of the shape of the harbour by using these numbers. The person in the boat had been taking samples of the depth of the harbour at frequent intervals, so that the graph would accurately describe the ups and downs of the harbour bottom.

Dispersion Properties of the Propagation of Linear Waves

Dispersion Properties of the Propagation of Linear Waves ABSTRACT In electron-positron plasmas some of the plasma modes are decoupled due to the equal charge to mass ratio of both species. The dispersion properties of the propagation of linear waves in degenerate electron–positron magnetoplasma are investigated. By using the quantum hydrodynamic equations with magnetic fields of the Wigner–Maxwell system, we have obtained a set of new dispersion relations in which ions’ motions are not considered. The general dielectric tensor is derived using the electron and positron densities and its momentum response to the quantum effects due to Bohm potential and the statistical effect of Femi temperature. It has been demonstrated the importance of magnetic field and its role with the quantum effects in these plasmas which support the propagation of electromagnetic linear waves. Besides, the dispersion relations in case of parallel and perpendicular modes are investigated for different positron-electron density ratios. Keywords: Quantum Plasma; Dispersion relation ; Electron –Positron 1- INTRODUCTION Electron-positron (e-p) plasmas are found in the early universe, in astrophysical objects (e.g., pulsars, super nova remnants, and active galactic nuclei, in ÃŽ ³ -ray bursts, and at the center of the Milky Way galaxy [1]. In such physical systems, the e-p pairs can be created by collisions between particles that are accelerated by electromagnetic and electrostatic waves and/or by gravitational forces. Intense laser-plasma interaction experiments have reported the production of MeV electrons and conclusive evidence of positron production via electron collisions. Positrons have also been created in post disruption plasmas in large tokamaks through collisions between MeV electrons and thermal particles. The progress in the production of positron plasmas of the past two decades makes it possible to consider laboratory experiments on e-p plasmas [2]. The earlier theoretical studies on linear waves in electron–positron plasmas have largely focused on the relativistic regime relevant to astrophysical contexts [3]. This is largely due to the fact that the production of these electron–positron pairs requires high-energy processes. In laboratory plasmas non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas can be created by using two different schemes. In one scheme, a relativistic electron beam when impinges on high Z-target produces positrons in abundance. The relativistic pair of electrons and positrons is then trapped in a magnetic mirror and cools down rapidly by radiation, thus producing non-relativistic pair plasmas. In another scheme positrons can be accumulated from a radioactive source. Such non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas have been produced in the laboratory by many researchers. This has given an impetus to many theoretical works on non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas. Stewart and Laing [4] studied the dispersion properties of linear waves in equal-mass plasmas and found that due to the special symmetry of such plasmas, well known phenomena such as Faraday rotation and whistler wave modes disappear. Iwamoto [5] studied the collective modes in non-relativistic electron–positron plasmas using the kinetic approach. He found that the dispersion relations for longitudinal modes in electron–positron plasma for both unmagnetized and magnetized electron–positron plasmas were similar to the modes in one-component electron or electron–ion plasmas. The transverse modes for the unmagnetized case were also found to be similar. However, the transverse modes in the presence of a magnetic field were found to be different from those in electron–ion plasmas. Studies of wave propagation in electron–positron plasmas contin ue to highlight the role played by the equal mass of electrons and positrons. For example, the low frequency ion acoustic wave, a feature of electron–ion plasmas due to significantly different masses of electrons and ions, has no counterpart in electron–positron plasma. Shukla et al [6] derived a new dispersion relation for low-frequency electrostatic waves in strongly magnetized non-uniform electron–positron plasma. They showed that the dispersion relation admits a new purely growing instability in the presence of equilibrium density and magnetic field inhomogeneties. Linear electrostatic waves in a magnetized four-component, two-temperature electron–positron plasma are investigated by Lazarus et al in Ref. [7]. They have derived a linear dispersion relation for electrostatic waves for the model and analyzed for different wave modes. Dispersion characteristics of these modes at different propagation angles are studied numerically. In this work, The dispersion properties of the propagation of linear waves in degenerate electron–positron magnetoplasma are investigated. By using the quantum hydrodynamic equations with magnetic fields of the Wigner–Maxwell system, we have obtained a set of new dispersion relations in which ions’ motions are not considered. The general dielectric tensor is derived using the electron and positron densities and its momentum response to the quantum effects due to Bohm potential and the statistical effect of Femi temperature. 2- MODELING EQUATIONS We consider quantum plasma composed of electrons and positrons whose background stationary ions. The plasma is immersed in an external magnetic field . The quasi-neutrality condition reads as . From model, the dynamics of these particles are governed by the following continuity equation and the momentum equation: (1) (2) Here and are the number density, the velocity and the mass of particle respectively () and is the plank constant divided by. Let electrons and positrons obey the following pressure law: Where, is the Fermi thermal speed, is the particle Fermi temperature, is the Boltzmann’s constant and is the equilibrium particle number density. We have included both the quantum statistical effects through Fermi temperature and the quantum diffraction in the –dependent. If we set equal to zero and equal the temperature of electrons and positrons, we obtain the classical hydrodynamic equation. Assuming that the plasma is isothermal, the Fermi speeds for different particles may be equal. Using the perturbation technique, assume the quantity representing (n, u, B, E) has the following form where is the unperturbed value and is a small perturbation . Assuming the equilibrium electric field is zero and linearizing the continuity and the momentum equations, we have: (3) (4) Multiplying equation (4) by and Simplifying, we can obtain the following equation: (5) where, , , and Assuming, , then the three components of the fluid velocity can be written as: (6a) (6b) (6c) Where, and The current density and the dielectric permeability of the medium are given: (7) (8) where is the unit tensor. So, we can obtain the dielectric tensor as follows: (9) Where, Then, according to equations (8), (9) The propagation of different electromagnetic linear waves in quantum plasma can be obtained from the following general dispersion relation: (10) Where, is the plasma frequency and . 3- DISCUSSION In this section, we focus our attention on the discussion of some different modes in two cases that the wave vector parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field . (3.I) Parallel modes So, this case leads to, with . Therefore the general dispersion relation (10) becomes: (11) This gives two dispersion relations. The first one () investigates the dispersion of electrostatic quantum waves included the quantum effects as follows (12) By neglecting the quantum effects, equation (11) describes the following well-known classical modes The second dispersion equation gives: (13) Equation (13) is similar to the dispersion of left and right waves (L- and R- modes). Owing to the symmetry between the positively and negatively charged particles, the dispersion relation for the right circularly polarized wave is identical to the left circularly polarized wave. It has been noted that no quantum effects on these modes. For unmagnetized plasma , the dispersion relation becomes: (14) (3.II) Perpendicular mode In this case, we have So, the general dispersion relation (10) becomes: (15) Where it has the following new elements , , , , , , , In the case of unmagnetized plasma , we have the following two dispersion equations: (16) and (17) The equation (16) is the well known dispersion relation which investigates the propagation of electromagnetic waves in classical unmagnetized plasma.The damping is absent because the phase velocity of the wave obtained from this equation is always greater than the velocity of light, so that no particles can be resonant with the wave. This results is analogous to the one-component electron plasma [5]. While the other relation (17) indicates the dispersion of the waves in electron-positron plasma under the quantum effects. 4- NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND RESULTS In this section, we are going to investigate the above dispersion relations numerically. Introducing the normalized quantities , , , , and the plasmonic coupling () which describes the ratio of plasmonic energy density to the electron Fermi energy density, we rewrite some of the dispersion relations in both of parallel and perpendicular modes. (4.I) Parallel modes In the first, equation (12), () becomes: (18) Where, . The dispersion relation (17) has two positive solutions, Fig 1, for positron electron density ration with and .One of solutions of the dispersion equation (19) can be investigated in Fig. (2) to study the parallel modes for different density ratios with in quantum plasma . The solution of the normalized dispersion equation (17) has been also displayed in 3D figure (3) for quantum unmagnetized plasma . It is clear from the previous figures that the dispersion relations depend strongly on the density ratio of positron to electron. As the positron density is increased to equal to the electron density, the phase velocity has been increased. In the beginning, with very small positron density the wave frequency equals the electron plasma frequency and decreased with positron density increased. Besides, in the Fig. (4), the dispersion relation of parallel modes is shown for different quantum ratios , in the case of positron-electron density ratio and equal velocities of them . It is clear that the phase velocity of the mode is increased with the increases of plasmonic coupling ratio. (4.II) Perpendicular mode In the case of perpendicular modes, equation (15) can be normalized and solved numerically (here, ). Figure (5) displays the dispersion curves of electromagnetic modes under the effect of different density ratios in classical plasma. Also, the other equation (16) can be solve numerically to give two real solutions. One of them is the same solution approximately of equation (15) (which is clear in Figure (6). The other solution of dispersion equation (16) is displayed in figure (7). It is clear in the figures that the dispersion curves at depend essentially on the positron-electron density ratio . As the positron density increases to equal electron density, the wave frequency is increased to be bigger than the plasma frequency. On the dispersion curves (figures (5) and (6)), it has been noted the phase velocity of modes (+ve slope of the curves) decreases as density ratio increases. But, on the figure (7), the phase velocities of these modes (-ve slope) are the same with changes of the density ratio. They tend to zero with large wave number which means that these modes cannot propagate in plasmas. Figure (8) investigates the dispersion relations of the electromagnetic waves in electron-positron plasma under the quantum effects. It is clear that, in the case of classical plasma, the wave frequency decreases as wave number increases (the phase velocity is negative). But, in the case of quantum plasma (for small ratio ), the wave frequency deceases as wave number increases (the phase velocity is negative). Then, the phase velocity and group velocity tends to zero at definite wave number () depends on the quantum ratio (). For high quantum ratio, the phase velocity starts to be +ve and increases again. 5-CONCLOUSION In this work, The dispersion properties of the propagation of linear waves in degenerate electron–positron magnetoplasma are investigated by using the quantum hydrodynamic equations with magnetic fields of the Wigner–Maxwell system. The general dielectric tensor is derived using the electron and positron densities and its momentum response to the quantum effects due to Bohm potential and the statistical effect of Femi temperature. We have obtained a set of new dispersion relations in two cases that the wave vector parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field to investigate the linear propagation of different electromagnetic waves. It is clear that the quantum effects increase or decrease the phase velocity of the modes depends on the external magnetic field. Besides, it has shown that the dispersion curves at depend essentially on the positron-electron density ratio such as the positron density is increased to equal electron density, the wave frequency of the modes is increased.. Fig.(1). The dispersion relation (5.19) has two positive solutions for positron electron density ration with and Fig. (2) The dispersion relations of the modes for different density positron-electron ratios with and Fig. (3). The dispersion relations of the parallel modes along density ratioaxis with and Fig.(4). The dispersion relations of different modes for different quantum effects with positron-electron density ratio and velocity ratio .. , Fig. (5.5). The dispersion relations of electromagnetic modes for different ratios in classical plasma. Fig.(6). The dispersion solutions of the equations (5.17) and (5.18) for different density ratios . Fig. (7). The other dispersion solutions of the equation (18) for different density ratios . Fig.(8). 3D plotting for dispersion relation for perpendicular modes in quantum unmagnetized plasma along quantum ratio axis with

Stages Of Group Development :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Stages Of Group Development Group development is broken down into five stages. These stages are forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. The following is a description of how our group passed through each of these stages. Forming In the first stage our group was formed. Each member of our group introduced themselves. We basically made small talk in an effort to relieve some of the initial awkwardness. We discussed our expectations of the project; we then talked about when and where our meeting would be. We had to figure out when all of the group members were available and to find a convenient place to meet that was accessible by all members. Storming In the storming stage our group members began to take on specific roles. Mandy and Cory seemed equally capable of taking on the leadership role. As we each tried to establish our own identity within the group, we found out what was expected of us from other members. We didn’t have an official leader, but if one person had to be named I’m sure all of the group would agree on Mandy. Norming During this stage are we pooled our individual thoughts and expectations together. We discovered that we were all in agreement on how the project should be executed. Discussions concerning the project went smoothly after this point and more progress was made. In this stage I discovered that I had a higher degree of cohesiveness with Mandy than with other group members. This could be due to the fact that Mandy and I were the only female members in the group. It could also be due to the fact that Mandy was the group â€Å"leader† and I looked to her for information on group meetings. Performing In this stage our group shifted from discussing and establishing objectives to actually taking the actions necessary to accomplish them. We finished our surveys and began to pass them out to be completed. Each member of our group was responsible to carry out the task effectively and within the designated time limit.

gifted education and funding Essay -- essays research papers

How Lack Of Funding Effects Gifted Students In Ohio   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This year is a landmark year for Gifted Education in Ohio; for the last few years the number of gifted children in Ohio has been growing steadily. This year for the first time the percentage of children in Ohio that were identified as Gifted and Talented finally equaled the percentage of children who were served in Special Education Classrooms. There is only one small problem with this statement. The percentage is equal only if you count the students who are identified as being Talented and Gifted, not served. There are currently only 11% of all Talented and Gifted students being served in the State of Ohio.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Ohio Department of Education and the Federal Government gave a combined total $773 million for Special Education Programs around the state of Ohio this year. This amount includes professional development, classroom supplies, technology acquisition, testing supplies, and teacher salary. Gifted Education received $48 million from Ohio and no funding from the federal government this year. This $48 million can only spent on teacher’s salaries. This $48 million cannot be used to pay for any benefits the teacher will get by working in a school district, benefits like health insurance, and retirement. These expenses are expected to be paid by the school districts out of their funds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1984, Ohio required that early identification ...

A World Without Mathematics :: essays research papers

According to teachers for as long as any can remember, one cannot survive in this world without mathematics, yet thousands in the United States alone cannot grasp mathematics, cannot learn mathematics because of â€Å"Dyscalculia† (also called Dyscalcula). Dyscalculia is a term meaning "specific learning disability in mathematics." People who suffer with a poor memory for all things mathematical have many other symptoms and characteristics. Taken as a whole, these coexisting conditions comprise what is termed as "the dyscalculia syndrome." Dyscalculia is an MLD (mathematics learning disability) that affects approximately ten percent of the US population, yet almost no one (shy of those diagnosed with the MLD) knows that it even exists. People who suffer from Dyscalculia have severe anxiety attacks, as well as short term memory loss associated with mathematics, numbers, rules, and retention. Other symptoms of Dyscalculia range from normal or accelerated language acquisition, poetic ability, good visual memory for the printed word, difficulty with the abstract concepts of time and direction, inability to keep track of time, and may be chronically late. The diagnosis of such a MLD is a simple test that ranges from a few hours to as long as a day. It is, however, difficult to recognize because it appears similar to math anxiety, lack of studying, and just simple mistakes. Doctors believe that there are thousands in the world who have Dyscalculia, but go undiagnosed. The test is also very expensive, costing too much for the average person or college student to pay for (ranging from five hundred dollars into the thousand or so range). As is typical in dyscalculia syndrome, students are usually gifted in most other academic areas. They may be in Honors classes, achieve excellent grades, and be tenacious learners. Math, however, confounds them, because it defies their learning history. They can read, understand, work the problems, but instead of remembering and mastering the material, it is mysteriously forgotten sometimes an hour later. To some, it seems like a lack of effort; to those with Dyscalculia it is a nightmare. The typical response to this phenomenon is to try harder. Thus, students apply all of the strategies used for success in other classes to the mathematics task. But success is temporary. The student willingly exerts extraordinary effort and invests unprecedented amounts of time, yet success eludes her. At this point, the student becomes frustrated by seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But she is further aggravated by the fact that she cannot identify and define the obstacles to her achievement.

Development and Potential of China in the Global Market

The Chinese economy has been showing rapid growth in the past decade and there seems to be a potential for strong growth into the foreseeable future.   China has undergone a great transformation from a nation that was one of the world’s greatest opponents of globalization into a committed advocate of globalization. The transformation set in after 1978, when Deng Xiaoping and other leaders began to focus on market-oriented economic development. The Chinese economy is today far more open than Japan and this has been made possible largely due to adoption of the rule of law, of commitment to competition, of widespread use of English, of foreign education, and of many foreign laws and institutions (Overholt, 2006).With respect to liberalization and globalization, China has effectively become an ally of U.S. and Southeast Asian, supporting freer trade and investment than is acceptable to Japan, India and Brazil. Global marketing is becoming more and more important along the years with the increasing trend in internationalization. In the early 1980s it dismantled collective farming and allowed private enterprise again.Now it is one of the world's top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment. However, China's transformation is not matched by political change. Having gained admission to the World Trade Organisation, China is benefiting from increased access to foreign markets, but in return it is under an obligation to expose itself to competition from abroad. Relations with trading partners have been strained over China's huge trade surplus and the piracy of goods (BBC, 2006).China’s large and rapidly growing market has attracted large volumes of FDI in recent years (US$54 billion in 2004) as transnational corporations have invested heavily in order to benefit from the country’s emerging middle class and its higher purchasing power (GlobalEdge, 2006). However, there are some hurdles to be crossed if China is to develop to its full potential in the global market. According to Zhang Lichuan, a Director with the Statistical Department of General Administration of Customs of China, there are four major obstacles to Chinese foreign trade (People’s Daily Online, 2006): ·   China should deal with pressure from international markets that are gradually becoming saturated. ·   The cost of Chinese exports is increasing, partly because of the higher cost of labor and environmental protection. ·   Increasing international trade protection has caused China to stumble into difficult territory. In fact, China has been involved in the world's largest number of anti-dumping cases in recent years. · The trade imbalance between China and other countries is getting worse. As the Renminbi appreciates, Chinese enterprises will face greater exchange risks in import-export trade. Increasing pressures from the appreciating Renminbi will create new requirements and challenges for Chinese enterprises engage d in import-export trade.Analysis of the country’s global competitiveness:According to the CIA World Fact Book, China’s economy grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the period 1990-2004, the highest growth rate in the world. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 10.0% in 2003, and even faster, 10.1%, in 2004, and 9.9% in 2005 despite attempts by the government to cool the economy. China’s total trade in 2005 surpassed $1.4 trillion, making China the world’s third-largest trading nation after the U.S. and Germany (CIA Factbook, 2005).Export-Import figures: China's merchandise exports totaled $762.3 billion and imports totaled $660.2 billion in 2004. Its global trade surplus surged from $32 billion in 2004 to $102 billion in 2005. China's primary trading partners include Japan, the EU, the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. According to U.S. statistics, China had a trade surplus with the U.S. of $201.6 billion in 2005 (C IA Factbook, 2005).China and WTO: China has taken important steps to open its foreign trading system and integrate itself into the world trading system. In November 1991, China joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, which promotes free trade and cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and technology spheres. China formally joined the WTO in December 2001. As part of this far-reaching trade liberalization agreement, China agreed to lower tariffs and abolish market impediments (NTE Report, 2005). By 2005, average tariff rates on key U.S. agricultural exports dropped from 31% to 14% and on industrial products from 25% to 9%.The agreement also opens up new opportunities for U.S. providers of services like banking, insurance, and telecommunications. China has made significant progress implementing its WTO commitments, but serious concerns remain, particularly in the realm of intellectual property rights protection. China is now one of the most important market s for U.S. exports: in 2005, U.S. exports to China totaled $41.8 billion. U.S. agricultural exports have increased dramatically, making China the fourth-largest agricultural export market (after Canada, Japan, and Mexico). Over the same period (2001-1005), U.S. imports from China have risen from $102 billion to $243.5 billion.Export growth continues to be a major driver of China's rapid economic growth. To increase exports, China has pursued policies such as fostering the rapid development of foreign-invested factories, which assemble imported components into consumer goods for export, and liberalizing trading rights. In its eleventh Five-Year Program, adopted in 2005, China placed greater emphasis on developing a consumer demand-driven economy to sustain economic growth and address global imbalances. The April 11, 2006 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) has produced agreements on key U.S. trade concerns ranging from market access to U.S. beef, medical devices, and telecommunications; to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including, significantly, software (CIA Factbook, 2006).Foreign Investment: Since the early 1990s, China has allowed foreign investors to manufacture and sell a wide range of goods on the domestic market, and authorized the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises, now the preferred form of FDI. China is now one of the leading recipients of FDI in the world, receiving $60 billion in 2005, for a cumulative total of $623.8 billion. As part of its WTO accession, China has undertaken to eliminate certain trade-related investment measures and to open up specified sectors that had previously been closed to foreign investment. Major remaining barriers to foreign investment include opaque and inconsistently enforced laws and regulations and the lack of a rules-based legal infrastructure. Foreign exchange reserves were $819 billion at the end of 2005, and have now surpassed those of Japan, making China†™s foreign exchange reserves the largest in the world (NTE Report, 2005).Competitive Advantage:A study by GlobalEdgeTM titled, â€Å"Market Potential Indicators for Emerging Markets – 2005†, studies the market potential of 24 countries identified as â€Å"Emerging Markets† by The Economist. The Emerging Economies are countries that have very high growth rates which means enormous market potential. They can be distinguished by the recent progress they have made in economic liberalization. These countries are characterized by their increasing need for capital equipment, machinery, power transmission equipment, transportation equipment and high-technology products. An indexing study is made by MSU-CIBER to help the companies compare the Emerging Markets with each other on eight dimensions (Lopez-Claros et al, 2006):Market Size:   With regard to market size, China stands first with India and Russia in the second and third places respectively.Market growth rate, China is third after Venezuela and Malaysia.Market Intensity: China is ranked last among all other emerging economies.Market consumption capacity: China is 12thCommercial infrastructure: China is 14th.Economic freedom: China ranks 24th.Market receptivity: China is 12thCountry risk: China is 11thOverall market potential index: China is third after Hong Kong and Singapore.Asia: Change in percentage of Annual disposable income 1999-2004 (WEF, 2006)China  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  59.2Hong Kong, China   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3.3India   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  35.4Indonesia   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  57.1Japan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3.5Malaysia   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  43.6Philippines  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   8.2Singapore   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  37.8South Korea   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  46.8 Taiwan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15.3Thailand   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  26.8Vietnam   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  36.2(Source: Euromonitor International from national statistics)The above table shows that of all competing economies in the global market, China h as shown the greatest growth within the period 199-2004.Since 2001, the World Economic Forum has been using the Growth Competitiveness Index (GCI) developed by Jeffrey Sachs and John McArthur. According to the GCI Index in â€Å"The Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007: Country Highlights†, China’s ranking has fallen from 48 to 54 in the overall competitive ranking Consistent with the cautious macroeconomic management of its authorities and extremely high GDP growth rates, the macro economy pillar of the GCI shows a very high rank, 6th overall in the world.This reflects China’s low inflation, one of the highest savings rates in the world, and manageable levels of public debt. China’s ranks in the GCI indicators regarding penetration rates for the latest technologies are actually falling behind. Secondary and tertiary school enrollment rates are better than they are in India, but still low by international standards. A number of indicators which capture the sophistication of the business community also show lower ranks in 2006 than last year.By far the most worrisome development is a marked drop in the quality of the institutional environment, as shown by the sharp drop in ranks from 60 to 80 in 2006 in the institutions pillar of the GCI, with poor results across all 15 indicators, and involving both public and private institutions (Lopez-Claros, 2006).Conclusion:China has made a dramatic entry into the top position of the world’s economic stage. China's robust economic performance can be seen as an inspiration for other developing countries. Within two years after its historic entry into the WTO, China is the world's fourth largest trading nation after the United States, the European Union and Japan. However, it must be remembered that China is not only a major exporter but also a major importer, and its modernisation programme and export industries have required, and will continue to require, billions of dollars worth of equipment and raw materials.During the first nine months of 2003, China's exports rose by 32 percent while its imports surged ahead by 41 percent. China's performance shows that developing countries can and do benefit from economic openness and integration. The reduction of tariffs has increased competition in the domestic market with the arrival of new suppliers. This has led to lower prices and larger choice for consumers, and has lowered the prices of essential inputs for many industries, thereby enhancing their competitiveness. In the first two decades of reform, the number of absolute poor in China dropped by about 200 million.Per capita income has grown by sixfold, and farmers and city dwellers are able to live an enhanced lifestyle. However, to realize its goal of doubling its GDP by 2010, China will have to face up to a number of important challenges. As the Chinese economy shifts from being a rural economy to an urban one, the main challenge for the economy will be to creat e enough jobs in the industrial and services sector to absorb the surplus labor from agriculture, which generates 17 percent of China's GDP and 50 percent of employment. Next, the benefits of rapid development should be spread out to avoid a widening of income differences between rural and urban areas.To reach its full potential, growth in the private sector has to be matched by an equal development of a stable market-oriented legal framework. China has managed to handle these profound structural changes while ensuring that it sustains a stable social environment. China needs the opportunity of market access and the legal guarantee of consistent and non-discriminatory trade rules that are offered by the WTO. As a fully fledged member of WTO, China should use its position to realize the objectives set out in the Doha Development Agenda.

How Retail Operations Management Objectives Can Best Be Achieved

Retailing is now one of the world’s largest industries and it is in a permanent state of change. This change has been accelerating over the past decade, (Zentes et al. , 2011: Pg. 1). This sector is not only more competitive than in the past but the consumer is also increasingly more demanding and more complex, (Gordon et al. , 2006: Pg. 22). Retailers have to predict the desires of fickle customers, buy and allocate complex sets of merchandise, set the right prices, and offer the right promotions for each individual item.However, there are often wide gaps between supply and demand, which leave retailers holding too much of what customers don’t want, and too little of what they do’, (Friend and Walker, 2001: Pg. 133). This is a huge challenge which faces the retailer of today. Fisher et al. , (2000: Pg. 115) maintains that retailing’s formula for perfection is offering the right product in the right place at the right time for the right price. This is no e asy feat for the retailer and with merchandising decisions becoming more complex, the penalties for errors too are even steeper, (Friend and Walker, 2001: Pg. 33). This is why Gordon et al. ,(2006: Pg. 24) notes that in today’s cutthroat market, there is no place for a ‘head in the sand’ attitude. The importance of the areas of ‘retailing’s formula for perfection’ as stated by Fisher et al. , (2000) will now be examined theoretically and subsequently researched in the context of a successful, independent fashion boutique, Emporium Kalu. Right Product ‘Retailers capture their customers’ interest by the nature of their product range’, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 8).Fashion markets have become increasingly complex with consumers fragmenting into small groups who have very different needs and demand very different products. Varley, (2006: Pg. 8), maintains that product helps to position a retailer against it’s competitors within a given market, but problem many companies today face is that they sell very similar products and services to those of their competitors, (Ingenhoff et al. , 2010:83). Therefore, tremendous pressure is put on retailers to offer the customer something different, (Dvorak et al. , 1996: Pg. 121). In making roduct decisions for individual stores, buyers and retail managers have long relied on instinct, (Friend and Walker, 2001: Pg. 133) but in today’s marketplace many more factors need to be considered. What is at the core of the ‘right’ product is the retailer’s target market, they need to be given a good reason to choose one retailer over another, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 8). Four major trends which affect the consumer’s choice of product have been emerging in recent times.Since the consumer is at the core of what the ‘right’ product is, the retailer must pay attention to these trends and how they relate to their target customer. . The Savvy Co nsumer Whether you are a value fashion retailer or a high end department store, it is necessary to acknowledge that today, the consumer is more tuned in to the latest trends and styles in the fashion industry. Consumers have become more savvy about fashion as they can now access information about various fashion events around the world almost immediately through internet media like blogging, video sharing and podcasts. An increased number of weekly glossies, e. g. Grazia, also fuels this consumer demand for the latest look at a faster pace (Barnes, 2006:260).The consumer now knows what ‘should’ be in-store and retailers will suffer if they cannot provide this to their customers when they expect it. 2. Celebrity power Many Irish consumers find their fashion influenced a great deal by celebrities, with this being the most likely facet of their lives to be influenced by celebrity culture, (Mintel, Clothing Retailing-Ireland, 2011). Star style has never been more accessible . As a result of this constant exposure to celebrity lifestyle, 8% of Irish consumers claim that celebrities influence their purchases, (Mintel, Clothing Retailing-Ireland, 2011).This report continues to detail how this high level of interest in celebrities and their lifestyles is beneficial to the clothing retailing market and can be used as a tool to attract consumers by adding value to a clothing retailer’s product range, and help to drive sales. This can be seen when brands of clothing celebrities wear or clothing lines where a retailer collaborates with celebrities and well known fashion designers become popular. â€Å"In a celebrity-obsessed world, it’s no surprise that we all want to copy what famous faces are wearing†, (www. gsn. com, 2010). Celebrities, according to Olympio, (2007) represent a â€Å"glamour that most of us have idolized and wanted for our own†. This concept can be said to be the reason why people emulate styles they have seen on celebrities, for example, Joan Collins, who in the soap opera ‘Dynasty’, made shoulder pads a signature trend of the 1980’s. This can also be seen today where Sarah Jessica Parker, in ‘Sex and the City’ helped make Manolo Blahnik, the shoe designer, a household name, (www. wgsn. com, 2010).Retailers who choose to sell brands that are publicly linked or associated to a celebrity will stand to be of benefit if their target consumer aspires to be like said celebrity. 3. The Concept of Fast Fashion Gordon et al. , (2006: Pg. 22), remarks that retailers have to deal with constantly shorter product lifecycles. Fast fashion is a business strategy which aims to get new fashion product into stores in the shortest time possible and reduce the processes involved in the buying cycle consequently satisfying consumer demand, (Barnes et al. , 2006: 259, Bruce et al. , 2006: 330).This notion of consumer demand driving the fast fashion industry demonstrates the need to have the ability to act accordingly and respond quickly to these demands. Today, successful fast fashion companies have been moving away from the traditional fashion buying cycle of seasonal forecasting from historical sales one year in advance, (Bruce et al. , 2006:330), to creating smaller collections more frequently, (Barnes et al. , 2006: 261). Barnes et al. , (2006: 261), believe this is as a result of fashion trends being moulded by â€Å"what is happening on the street, in clubs, lifestyle hotspots and not 12months in advance of a selling season†.Long buying cycles have become inappropriate for the demands of modern fashion consumers. Bruce et al. , (2006: 329), maintain this is because fashion consumers â€Å"expect and thrive on constant change and so new products have to be available on a frequent basis†. It is no longer sufficient for retailers to have the same collection in-store all season; product ranges need to be constantly refreshed in order to be à ¢â‚¬Ëœright’. â€Å"Quick response is a concept that has become synonymous with the textile and apparel supply chain†, (Barnes et al. , 2006: 263).This approach to supply chain management is regarded as information driven, minimal pre-season ordering is engaged in and more frequent, in-season small orders are placed to take advantage of improved speed and flexibility, (Christopher et al. , 2004 as cited by Barnes et al. , 2006: 263). This quick response method allows companies to respond almost instantly to catwalk trends that would appeal to their target audience, therefore providing them with the ‘right’ product. The success of this high volume/low cost business model is down to constant and regular updates of fashion collections.For these types of retailer, (value) this has historically been the ‘right’ product as it satisfies the need for ‘newness’ by the consumer at a low cost, something which is central to what their target market seeks. 4. Quality Vs. Quantity: Durability has been found to be a key concern for Irish consumers as four in five R. o. I. consumers claim to make their clothes last, (Mintel, Clothing Retailing-Ireland, 2011). With the occurrence of the recession, consumers are more inclined to want to get the best value for money out of all the products that they buy.In terms of the clothing industry, they are increasingly likely to claim that they make their clothing last a long time. According to Mintel (2011), 81% of R. o. I. consumers agree with this statement as they note between 2007 and 2010 there was an 11 percentage-point increase in agreement with this statement among R. o. I consumers. This highlights that Irish consumers, are increasingly moving away from disposable fashion (i. e. clothing that they may only wear a few times), and towards buying clothing that they expect to last a long time, illustrating a higher demand for quality.Consumers who are now searching for high qualit y investment pieces that will last are driving sales within the premium womenswear market. â€Å"Nearly a quarter (23%) of women are opting to invest in fewer items of superior quality clothing that will last, a substantial increase of 10 percentage points since 2010†, (Mintel, Is the Era For Fast, Disposable Fashion Coming to an End? , 2011). While consumers may be seen to be cutting back in the recession but they are still willing to pay for high quality clothing, (Mintel, Clothing Retailing-Ireland, 2011).With this trend growing, it is necessary for the retailer to evaluate whether their target market is interested or seeking this quality in order to provide the ‘right’ product to them. The type of product on offer in Emporium Kalu has been described as having ‘fashion aesthetic that is unlike anything you will find anywhere else in Ireland’, (Harris, 2011). The Emporium Kalu customer is a ‘business woman, a student, a mother, a grandmother, anyone who wants to be feminine, elegant and unique. She appreciates beautiful design, stunning quality fabrics and subtle detail.She likes to wear timeless, great fitting pieces but puts them together in an individual and personal way’, (Louise Flanagan, co-owner of Emporium Kalu, 2011). The owners of the boutique, who are in business nearly fifteen years now, really know their customer. They have fantastic know-how on what customers want, (Harris, 2011). They pride themselves on offering their consumer exclusivity and uniqueness in their labels, (Louise Flanagan, 2011). They deliver on this by offering high quality brands such as Giles, Galliano, Maria Grachvogel, Alice by Temperley, M Missoni, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, and D&G.Kate O’Dwyer, (co-owner of Emporium Kalu) has stated that ‘even if we have a label that might be stocked somewhere else, we buy it differently. We buy it with the Emporium Kalu attitude. So it is always different to what you will fin d elsewhere’, (as cited in Harris, 2011). They are constantly searching for the ‘next big label’ so keeping a close eye celebrity fashion is a must. It is through this product differentiation and clear focus on their customer that Emporium Kalu have succeeded in buying the ‘right’ product for their store.Right Place/Location ‘A common cause of business failure among retailers is the selection of the wrong store location’, (Mazze, Pg. 17). Zentes et al. , (2011: Pg. 203), agrees and adds that a good location can lead to strong competitive advantages as location is ‘unique’ and thus cannot be imitated by competitors. It is necessary however for the location of a store to be appropriate to the retail business because in order to reach the right kind of customer it is important for a store to be in a street that reflects its image, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 173).The success of a retail store depends on many factors such as the storeâ⠂¬â„¢s location in relation to the region and the state, its situation within the community, its location on the street or in the shopping centre and the characteristics of the community and trading area, (Mazze, Pg. 17). The retailer also needs to take into account, the customer’s perception of the shopping task. Mazze explains this consideration in that a customer who wishes to obtain speciality goods like gourmet foods is not greatly concerned with how far he must go or the length of time it takes to get them.This implies that store location can be directly linked to the merchandise available within. This theory put forward by Mazze can be seen in practice by Emporium Kalu. The store is located in Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland. This is not a large, heavily populated city with substantial daily footfall. It is a relatively small commuter suburb where many people reside but work in capital city Dublin. The store itself is positioned on the corner of a pedestrianised lane which meets the main street of Naas.This location ‘offers the kind of environment that attracts a more discerning shopper ‘, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 173). While Emporium Kalu’s location may not be preeminent, it offers the product ranges and service that consumers are willing to travel for. The owners leverage it’s merchandise and style expertise in a way that makes up for what it may lack in store location, so much so that it has been honoured with being ranked as one of the fifty best boutiques in the British Isles, (www. telegraph. co. uk). Right Quantity at the Right TimeVarley, (2006: Pg. 110), holds that getting the ‘right’ quantities of merchandise delivered into the retail organisation at the right time is necessary to satisfy both basic customer needs and retail management goals. The implications of getting product levels wrong are great; too much stock will threaten the profitability of a range and increase holding costs and too little stock wil l cause a loss of customers and sales, both direct and complementary. These errors can occur as a result of late deliveries, late orders or choosing the incorrect size mix.Choosing the perfect size configuration for a company store program requires careful calculation, (Cook Kimbrough, 2008: Pg. 36). A retailer must decide how much of a particular product line is needed for their store, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 110). Similar to the other ‘right’s, this decision is highly dependent on a fashion retailers target audience. Cook Kimbrough, (2008: Pg. 36), is of the opinion that a good rule of thumb is to think of the bell curve when choosing your sizes for your range. Sizes in the middle tend to sell about twice as much as the sizes at the extreme.As can be seen, the ‘right’ quantity includes many different factors and cannot be considered independently. Emporium Kalu operates with an exclusive image. They pride themselves on offering product that is ‘different to what you will find somewhere else’, (O’Dwyer as cited in Harris, 2011). They achieve this exclusivity factor through both the labels they offer and through their size configuration. They are not the business of mass selling product. ‘We want the consumer to feel special when she wears her clothing and she can be confident that she will not see other people wearing the same outfit.That is why we buy our ranges relatively wide as opposed to deep’, (Louise Flanagan, 2011). Therefore, the co-owners do not purchase large quantities of each style in-store which creates the ‘exclusive’ feeling. This strategy has proven to be extremely successful for this boutique and is the ‘right’ quantity for their customer and their retail organisation. Right Price Setting prices in today’s intensely competitive and dynamic retail environment is a complex task and developing a detailed understanding of consumer behaviour and buying patterns lies at the heart of any successful pricing strategy, (Gordon et al. 2006: Pg. 22). Retailers can use price in conjunctions with product quality, customer service quality and selling environment to make a very clear statement about the image they wish to communicate and about where they belong in the market, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 13). Therefore, pricing is directly linked to a retailers specific target market and the level of product quality they offer. This is clearly seen in the three main retailing pricing structures that Zentes et al. , (2011: Pg. 256) puts forward; 1. Value/ budget Price: Focuses on low cost and high volume selling of product. 2. Medium Price: Focuses on 3.Premium Price: Focuses on attracting customers who are less concerned with price and more interested product quality and prestige. In order for a fashion retailer to succeed with their pricing structure and charge the ‘right’ price, product quality and consumer expectations need to be aligned. Empo rium Kalu is positions themselves in the premium price segment. They attract the type of consumer described in this segment by Zentes et al’s, (2011: Pg. 256). Kate O’Dwyer verifies this and states that ‘we're about beautiful pieces because there are people who appreciate the special and unique’, (cited in Harris, 2011).Whilst on buying trips, price is not at the forefront of the minds of the co-owners, it is more about whether the collection and quality is a good fit for the store and their customer, ‘if we love a piece, we have to have it’, (Flanagan, 2011). This pricing structure prevails for Emporium Kalu as they attract customers who are in pursuit of product prestige and service over lower cost. Right Personnel What has not been included in the ‘retailing’s formula for perfection’, and should be considered as a new addition, is having the right personnel to carry out the final step in the retailing process, that is, s elling product to the consumer.The rational for this inclusion is for without converting store visits into sales, the bottom line cannot be achieved and the other ‘rights’ are meaningless. Kotler et al. , (2005:446), too acknowledges personnel importance and states that it is a key way for a brand to stand out in the mind of the consumer is through providing top quality service as service is important to customers. Having the right personnel in your store can be an invaluable tool in creating and retaining customer loyalty. Individual help by floor staff, personal shoppers or stylists will enhance the customers experience and perception of the brand.For â€Å"it is here at the customer interface that business is either won or lost†, (Jackson et al. , 2009:84). This idea of the right personnel is central to the store offering in Emporium Kalu. The owners Louise Flanagan and Kate O’Dwyer, right from the beginning were focused on not only providing the custom er with exceptional quality products and brands but also exceptional service, (Louise Flanagan, 2011). This outstanding customer service is delivered through unrivalled, individual styling and advice, personal tailoring on garments, an in-store deposit facility and one to one after hours service if required.Co-owner Louise prides the store on having staff who provide first class, attentive assistance for all customers who walk through their doors, (2011). The consumer and their requirements are valued and are given the upmost consideration. This she believes, in part, is the way forward for independent retailers today. Offering the customer more than just a product but an enjoyable experience and advice they can trust so they feel confident in their clothes too. ConclusionIn order for a fashion retailer to achieve its retail operations objectives a number of considerations need to be taken into account and the customer is central to each. When choosing the ‘right’ produ ct, the target customer needs to be at the core of all decisions. Trends in their choices, spending power and what influences them are fundamental in selecting different collections. The product has to have the ability to satisfy the consumer, (Varley, 2006: Pg. 76). Jackson et al. , (2009: 83), maintains that uniqueness in product, a high level of quality and providing unique product benefits are a â€Å"critical differentiator in fashion†.When choosing a retailer’s location, in order for it to be ‘right’, the customer’s perception of the shopping task and the characteristics of the community and trading area need to be considered. If chosen appropriately, location can be a source of competitive advantage. Getting the quantities of merchandise ‘right’ for a retail organisation is highly dependent on a fashion retailers target audience and they what they require. It is a decision that cannot be made independently and is affected by timi ng and sizing issues.In order for a fashion retailer to succeed with their pricing structure and charge the ‘right’ price, product quality and consumer expectations need to be aligned. This will create loyalty among customers if a retailer can deliver on their pricing structure. The proposed additional ‘right’ of retailing, the right personnel could prove to be key in gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace today. Offering the customer benfits other than the product like an enhanced in-store experience will aid the fashion retailer to endure the current difficult market conditions.

Argue for the Limitation of the Speed Limits

1) A. A trip to the ocean can be a relaxing escape from the everyday pressures of life. b). You should have always be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun at the beach. 2) 1. Check for punctuation,including capitalization 2. watch for grammatical errors. 3) look for paragraph indentation 4) keep your eyes focused on one line at a time 3). a chiches –are worn out expressions b. I have to face the facts when I’m wrong. 4) Intuitive writing is when you don’t write down anything until you think about the writing project. Researching is a form of prewriting because you’re not writing down anything you are searching for ideas for writing. 5). C. once I get my ham ,mayo,knife,bread and plate to the talbe I start to make my sandwich. I will get out two slices of bread get my knife and spread mayo on both pieces. Then I will place my ham on both sides of my bread. After that I put my slices of bread together . so I can eat my favorite sandwich 6)c. In this world two day it’s hard to find good paying jobs. ood paying jobs are looking for you to have your high school diploma. without an high school diploma you is more likely to be working somewere for minimum wage. me,myself don’t want to work at minimum wage jobs all my life. thats why I have taken it upon myself to go back to school. i am very determined to get my high school diploma and a degree in sumthing I love to do . then hopefully I can get me a good paying job without setting for less. So a high school diploma is very important to my future.

Build a Bear, Build a Memory

Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia San Jose, Costa Rica Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales January, 2010 Bilingual Business Administration Principles of Marketing Cesar Eduardo Gonzalez Company Case Build-A-Bear, Build-A-Memory Examples of needs, wants, and demands that Build-A-Bear customers demonstrate, differentiating each of these concepts. What are the implications of each on Build-A-Bear actions. Needs: Understanding needs as states of felt deprivation, not created by marketers but basic parts of the human makeup, we can say that Build-A-Bear customers demonstrate the individual need of self-expression, authenticity, creativity, empowerment, choice, individuality, freedom. They also demonstrate the underlying need that people have to entertain themselves. Wants: Although Build-A-Bear clients need to find a way to self-express and entertain themselves, they want to â€Å"step into a (†¦ genuine fantasy world organized around a child-friendly assembly line comprised of clearly labeled work stations†, where they can choose unstuffed animals from a bin, stuff them, include voice boxes, stitch them, dress them, name them, and even receive a birth certificate for their creation. This example is aligned with the idea that wants are the form human needs take as shaped by culture and individual personality. Demands: Giving their wants and resources, Build-A-Bear customers demand specific products that add up to the most valuable and satisfaction. Among the most relevant examples we can mention are both new store locations and accessories. â€Å"Mini-scooters, Hello Kitty bears, mascot bears at professional sport venues, and sequined purses† are also specific ideas that were interpreted as customers? demands by the company. Implication of each (needs, wants, and demands) on Build-A- Bear actions Needs, wants and demands have huge implications on Build-A-Bear actions. Not only by walking where customers walk, periodically checking its stores and assessing its customer service, but also by employing a mix of low-tech and high tech communication methods to interact with customers, Build-A-Bear demonstrates it is a truly customer-centric organization. This allows the company to fulfill their customers? needs, wants, and demands through successful market offerings, orchestrating several products and services to create brand experiences for customers. In detail, describe all facets of Build-A-Bear? product. What is being exchanged in a Build-A-Bear transaction? In my opinion, Build-A-Bear? s product has two different facets. There is a main facet formed by the intangible â€Å"experience of participating in the creation of personalized entertainment† and there is also a second facet formed by a tangible bear that â€Å"children clutch as they leave the store†. The main facet begins when children step into a â€Å"cartoon land† and interact with the different stations of the â€Å"child-friendly assembly line†. The second one, in turn, has the distinctive sign of being unlike any they other object Build-A-Bear customers have ever bought or receive, â€Å"they have a product that they have created†. Identifying these two facets helps us determine what is being exchanged in a Build-A-Bear transaction. Base on the idea that an exchange is the act of obtaining a desired object from someone by offering something in return, we can say that Build-A-Bear presents both an experience and a tangible object to fulfill its customers? needs, wants, and demands. In return, the company receives an average of 25$ per built bear. However, it goes beyond simply attracting new customers and creating transactions. It truly builds and maintains desirable exchange relationships with its target audiences, retaining customers while growing their business. Which of the five marketing management concept best describes Build-A-Bear workshops? In my opinion, The Marketing Concept is the one that best describes Build-A-Bear workshops. By looking for innovative ways to interact with customers and using both low-tech and high-tech methods, Build-A-Bear? s demonstrate that knowing its customers? eeds, wants and demands and then delivering the desired satisfaction are key activities within the organization. As stated before, Build-A-Bear is a truly customer-centric organization. Discuss in detail the value that Build-A-Bear creates for its customers. Because customer-perceived value is the customer? s evaluation of the differences between all the benefits and all the costs of a marketing offer relative to those competing off ers, we will use the marketing offer of Vermont Teddy Bear Company to discuss the value that Build-A-Bear creates for its customers. On the one hand, Vermont Teddy Bear Company promotes its product as the only hand-made bear in America that is guaranteed for life. Thus, it is safe to assume that high quality is an important element of their market offer. On the other hand, Build-A-Bear value for customers comes not only from the tangible object, the bear, but also from â€Å"the experience of participating in the creation of personalized entertainment†, which led us to the following conclusion: Although bears are final outcomes for both companies, Build-A-Bear is giving more at a lower price. And that is why an average of 25$ for a customized product and for the experience of participating in the creation of personalized entertainment is perceived as a marketing offer that gives more value to the customer compared with to the 50$ to 100$ that customers of Vermont Teddy Bear Company have to pay for a high quality bear. Is Build-A-Bear likely to be successful in continuing to build customers relationships? Why or why not? In my opinion, Build-A-Bear is indeed likely to be successful in continuing to build customers relationships. Why? Because behind the actions the company? is taking to: (i) further expand the Build-A-Bear experience beyond the retail stores using its new website, and (ii) entering into new markets by opening at least 350 stores in the US, 120 stores in Europe, and 300 stores in other parts of the world, are two underlying efforts: build a personal connection with customers, and at the same time understand is clients needs, wants, and demands. Universidad L atinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia San Jose, Costa Rica Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales January, 2010 Bilingual Business Administration Principles of Marketing Cesar Eduardo Gonzalez My needs, wants and demands. As the title suggests, the purpose of this paper is to set forth my needs, wants, and demands. Because a common conceptual framework is very useful in every analysis, the first thing I? m going to do is refer to a brief definition of those terms. I will then explain what my needs are, dividing them into three categories: Physical needs, individual needs, and social needs just to make it easy for my readers. Right after, I will take a look at my wants. And I will finish with my demands. Common conceptual framework: Throughout this paper, I will understand needs as â€Å"states of felt depravation† and stick to the idea that they are not â€Å"created by marketers† but â€Å"a basic part of the human make up†. Wants, in turn, will be treated as â€Å"the form human needs take as they are shaped by culture and individual personality†. They will also be described in terms of objects that will satisfy them, focusing only on those objects I can`t afford. I will do this to distinguish my wants from my demands. This means that I will understand demands as those wants that are actually backed by my purchasing power. My needs: Let? s start with the physical ones. Definitively, food and water are on the top of the list. As every human being, I need food to provide my body with the energy it will use each day. I need also to provide it with water to hydrate it properly. But there is a key point here. I? m just referring to limited portions of food and water or let`s say those that are essential for the human body to work. Thus, a 5. 000-calories-per-day diet seems either as a want or as a demand for average people but not as a need. Maybe not behind but next to food and water I would put air and sunlight. Definitively, those two are also among the essential physical needs every human has; and because I? m not the exception, I thought it was important to include them in my list of needs. I understand, though, that in the world not everyone is satisfying this need at a 100%-rate. Good examples of that can be found just by thinking of really air-polluted cities, such as Mexico DF, or thinking of those countries that receive little or no sunlight during several month every, such as Russia or Canada. But let`s thank we are not in any of those groups and move forward. After food, water, air, and sunlight, I would put cloth and shelter. As I mentioned before, I am just talking about basic stuff. Some examples could be a couple of pants, shirts, and sweaters to protect me from the weather and to cover the cloth section. A small house or flat, in turn, will be sufficient to cover the need of shelter. Thus, design cloth and luxury properties would be definitively in people? s wants or demand section, depending on his or her purchasing power. To finish with my physical-needs section, I would mention not only rest but movement and exercise. As every human being, I need to safe hours every day to sleep and rest. I understand the number of hours needed vary from one person to another, but in my case, 7 to 8 hours work perfectly well. Movement and exercise are important needs too. And although it seems that there are a lot of people out there that are not really aware of that, for me, 4 to 6 hours of exercise per week also work for me. Looking now at my individual needs, I would say that freedom and independence along with creativity and self expression are among the top of this list. As most human beings, I need to feel I can express my ideas and take my own decisions without having someone else telling me what to do or how. Here, I am not talking about homework or other duties at work; I am talking about more deep things, such as having someone telling you what to buy, sell, study, or work, where to live, with whom, or how. Sadly, if we look at political extremists, such as communist, not only in history but around us, we could find good examples of that. I consider that having the possibility of learning new things is also an important need, and as such, I included in my list. Here I am not talking about schools or universities, because, in my opinion, those would be wants or needs depending on everyone`s purchasing power. I am talking about learning in general terms. Last but not least, I would include having fun in my individual-need list. I think this is important in people`s life, and for me is not the exception either. I understand of course that for some people more than for others, this could be tough. But even under the worst circumstances people should try. Now, I will proceed with my social needs. In this category I would include affection, sense of belonging and friendship. For me and for every person I know all of them are very important needs that must be somehow satisfied. I would add to this point that satisfying them is not a matter of quantity of friends or people sharing your thoughts and ideas but a matter of quality and how strong are the bounds that you can create with others. Right after I would add respect. For me, this element plays a key role; and just as others, I need to be treated with respect. Acceptance, communication and understanding are also social need. My wants As everybody else, I have different wants. What interested me the most about them is that, apparently, they have no limits; or at least, that seems to be the consensus among most of the economist, especially when they give a look at the principles of the economic problem. Starting with food, and thinking about it not only in terms of tangible products but also in terms of services that would satisfy my wants, I would say that (at least for weekdays) a varied, healthy, home-style menu of food delivered right to my office would be great would probably satisfy my wants. For weekends in turn, I would say that Gourmet restaurants would also be on the list. In terms of cloth and shelter, my wants are also relatively big and considered as a group, they are also unaffordable, at least at this point. I can start by mentioning some tailored suits, long-sleeve shirts and a couple of pair of Italian shoes that match them would also be included. I would also add several ties, made of silk could be included to finish with the formal outfit. Then, for a more casual look, I would by tens of Hollyster & Co. hirts. The reason why I want them is because they have a special fabric that makes it VERY easy to iron them, which safe me a lot of time. Some expensive, and durable black, beige, blue, and brown cotton pants, and jeans could be also on the list. This way I would leave Zara? s cloth behind, which is nice made to last just for a few months. Moving to the sport section, I would include special tennis for runners and several sport outfits. At this point Addidas or new balance will be on the top of the list. Why? Again, is a matter of the perceived quality of fabrics, those brands (and of course others) have invested huge amounts of money to create high-tech cloth that regulate your internal temperature while you are performing any physical activity. Taking about shelter-related wants, I would put a 3 bedroom flat with a nice view, pool, and a tennis court. I can be here in Costa Rica or anywhere else, for example, at Vancouver, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, etc. At the end it will depend on where job opportunities are. But now, a flat with this description will fit perfectly well with my wants because I would have a room for me and my girlfriend, a room to use as a private office/library, and finally a guest room for family living overseas. Talking about the possibility of learning new things, I want to start a master program in a European university, especially if it is located in the UK or in the Netherlands. Why? Because I really like those countries and their universities are ranked among the top of the list. I would also add many books to my wants list, and here I? talking about really expensive ones. And finally looking forward to satisfy my both social needs of communication and individual needs of creativity, I would definitively add a Mac book air to my list of wants. The reason I choose this product is because it will give me not only the built-in camera and microphone that I use to call them through the internet (because today almost every computer include this feature) but because it wi ll give me the mobility and flexibility I need due to its light weight. Carrying my laptop at the airports won’t be a nightmare. And finally I will be more efficient at one of my hobbies, which is creating graphic material using Macromedia `s programs, because I will not have to wait for my slow PC. My demands: Sticking here to the idea that demands are the type of needs backed to my purchasing power, I have to admit that my list of demands has been self-limited almost to the basics. This means I have voluntarily decreased my level of consumption because I am a point where the act savings became a necessary step to achieve some of the goals I have set. For example, I would definitively include access to sport facilities to train between 3 to 4 times per week (or even more in those weird cases that I have the time and the will) to my list of demands. A gym membership, for example, could work perfectly well. Products and services that give me more useful time and increase my efficiency are also on my demand list. Here I`m talking about a Smartphone and the Voice & Data packages that are offered by the phone company, which gives me exactly what I? looking for: High-speed internet access, interconnected email accounts, access to overseas radio stations, maps, calendar, address book, alarms, cameras, videos, the etc. Even though it is absolutely not among my favorite demands, gas is also on this list. I understand that public transport represent an alternative. But sadly it is slow and time-consuming, so to my regret public transportation services do not work for me. I also demand ingredients to prepare easy-to-cook, home-style food. Let`s say, fruits, frozen vegetables, chicken breasts, meat, milk, cereal, bread, cheese, juice, etc. Thinking about my individual need of learning new things, I demand related products and services that help me to satisfy it. Among the products, books usually play a central role. When it comes about services, in turn, high-speed internet access and being enrolled in university studies are crucial for me. To finish with my demand list, I would include my apartment, which is rented, and all the related public services. Water, light, land phone, is what I? m talking about here.