Life Along the Silk Road Essay - 1425 Words

Life Along The Silk Road During the outward-looking rule of Chinas Tang dynasty (seventh-ninth century C. E. ), sophisticated people in northeastern Iran developed such a taste for expensive, imported Chinese pottery that they began to imitate it in great quantity for sale to people who could not afford the real thing. And in northern China there was a vogue for beautiful pottery figurines of camels laden with caravan goods or ridden by obviously non-Chinese merchants, musicians, or entertainers. Non-Chinese camel figurines found in Mesopotamia carry loads that duplicate the distinctive appearance of the loads on the Chinese figurines. So it is clear that by the time of the rise of Islam in the seventh century, contact across the Silk†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"†¦these [camels] protectors of the hot winds with their fur†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"†¦foretellers of gust winds as they stuck their snouts in the sand whenever a gust of wind picked up †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Whitefield 146). Camels afford us one glimpse of how this system came into being. The two-humped or Bactrian camel was native to central Asia and Iran and was used as a domestic animal from at least the third millennium BCE. onward. The one-humped camel was native to Saudi Arabia. Physically the two species share resistance to thirst and to hunger, which probably explains the survival of both of these comparatively defenseless species in regions too arid or barren to support many predators. They differ, however, in their resistance to heat. The two-humped camel has a long, shaggy coat during the winter and molts in the spring; one-humped breeds have much less hair in their torrid native climate of Arabia (Oliver). It is reasonable to assume that two-humped pack camels were used from the beginning by travelers along the Silk Road. Once they got to Mesopotamia, however, they must have suffered terribly from summer heat. Yet summer was the most likely time of arrival because the several-month journey from northern China usually began in the fall, when the camels were in best condition after a summer of grazing (William/ Spielvogel 251). Of course, it must have been evident to traders that Mesopotamia had its own camel, the one-humped animal herded inShow MoreRelatedEssay on Life Along the Silk Road1306 Words   |  6 PagesSusan Whitfield writes Life along the Silk Road based on character stories occurring between the eight and tenth century, all living at different times. She writes this history for several reasons. First, she writes it to change the negative perception of the history of Central Asia that we know through the annals of its neighbors. By explaining the history of the region through the eyes of its own occupants, it rids the history of any distorted views from neighboring civilizations. She uses theRead MoreLife Along The Silk Road By Susan Whitfield1345 Words   |  6 PagesIris Huang Yan Liu History 181: Asian Civilizations 1 24 October 2017 No peace without a princess In the book, Life along the Silk Road by Susan Whitfield, accounts of individuals living along the Silk Road were reconstructed to provide readers the personal experiences each faced. Focusing on The Princess’s Tale chapter, it tells a story of a woman named Taihe, an imperial princess, who was chosen to fulfill a promise to a Uygur khagan. It was tradition to send off a princess to another kingdomRead MoreContinuity and Change-over-Time: Silk Road Trade 200 B.C.E.-1450 C.E.847 Words   |  4 PagesThe Silk Road is a trading route on the continent of Eurasia that stretches from the vast coast of China all the way to Eastern Europe. The trade route was at its greatest use from 200 B.C.E. to 1450 C.E. The society that began the Silk Road was the Han Dynasty in China in approximately 200 B.C.E. The Han Dynasty facilitated trade in the east, while the Roman Empire facilitated trade in the west and in Europe. The two empires traded many goods, as well as cultural aspects of each society’s way ofRead MoreIndian Ocean and Silk Road Trade857 Words   |  4 PagesWhile the Indian Ocean and Silk Road were different as trade networks with respect to the spread of Religion and the process of travel, they were similar in terms of the spread of disease through trade. The Indian Ocean and Silk Road as trade networks were different in terms of the spread of Religion. Along the Indian Ocean trade network, Islam was spread. This happened through Indian merchants who brought Brahmin priests, Arab merchants who brought Muslim scholars and Christian merchants whoRead MoreEssay about The Silk Road1186 Words   |  5 PagesThere are specific events in every person’s life that he or she will identify as defining moments that contributed to where they are currently of who he or she is a an individual. These events can either be major turning points, or simply affirmations of a current belief that played a key role in the current living environment. This idea of a person having key situations in life can also be applied to events or systems such as the Silk Road. The Silk Road was one of the largest international collaborationsRead MoreSilk Road1687 Words   |  7 PagesThe Silk Road was a trade network the connected the East to the West on the Eur asian continent. This trade included both overland and maritime routes. The central Asian kingdoms and peoples became the nexus point for much of this trade which lasted from the 3rd century B.C.E. to the 15th century C.E. Many products and other cultural expressions moved along the Silk Road and diffused among various kingdoms along it. In breaking down and separating the patterns of interaction that occurred along theRead MoreBuddhism From India And China1689 Words   |  7 Pages Buddhism’s history date back to the first century, but Buddhism’s popularity then was not as popular that it is today to the millions of devotee’s practicing. This research paper will argue how Buddhism from India spread to China by using the Silk Road as a critical bridge and also for change and continuity for the religion that came from India and traveled to China. Buddhism is a religion that is based on teachings it does not have a single God or many gods that are typical found in most religionsRead MoreGreat Wall of China Essay example1375 Words   |  6 Pagesattacks, but this changed the political systems and military policies of their strategy. The Great Wall of China is expressively important because it also developed a nationwide cultural influences. Cultural influences can change a nation’s way of life. The Great Wall of China changed influenced some dynasties to further continue improving the strength of the wall to better serve and protect their dynasties. This incredible structure influenced other nations to prosper as well by using The GreatRead MoreThe Plague Of The Bubonic Plague1562 Words   |  7 Pagesplague get there in the first place? It most likely earned its way into Europe via three contrasting ways: the Mongols, the Silk Road or on merchant ships. Regardless of how the disease was being spread, the devastatin g epidemic led to the spread of fear and despair over Eurasia. As every year passed, more and more innocent civilians would die. Through Mongols, the Silk Road and Merchant ships, the world was never to look the same again. The website www.allempires.com states, â€Å"Perhaps no empireRead MoreThe Rise Of The Mongols1220 Words   |  5 PagesThe Silk Road has endured the test of time for over a millennium, from around 114 BC to the 1400s AD. The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes and oasis cities that ultimately linked the East and West via commercial, cultural, technological, political and many other exchanges. In its height, the route extends over 100,000 kilometers (6,400 miles): stretching from China, to its furthest east, to the Roman Empire, to its furthest west. The exchange between the two sides on Silk Road have

How Far Do You Agree That Hitler’s Regime Was a ‘Consensus...

How far do you agree that Hitler’s Regime was a ‘consensus dictatorship’? A consensus dictatorship is on that suggests Hitler’s regime was surrounded by a general agreement. This would mean that the majority of the German public were in cooperation with the Nazi regime and agreed with both the enforced and promoted concept of the regime. Hitler had mainly achieved this by trying to ‘ win over the hearts and minds of all non-Jewish Germans’ this would mean he would have the majority of the Germans citizens on his side. However, it is also suggested that many of the people had only consented due to fear which can be inferred from source 5 that it was the methods of the Nazi apparatus of terror that had led to the people conforming.†¦show more content†¦The public voluntarily had given in the names of Jews to the Nazis due to jealousy and terror imposed on them by the Nazi’s which suggests that the terror apparatus used on civilians was effective and the public were forced to conform to the dictatorship but overall most peo ple acted towards their own benefit and the countless denunciations which included false accusations indicate that the regime was a consensus dictatorship. On the other hand, the opposition faced by the Nazi regime is evidence that the Nazi Regime was not a consented one. In Source 5 it mentions the political opponents being detained in the concentration camps but even with this sort of mass terror of demolishing the left there was signs of opposition against the regime. The fact that there were low-level resistance jokes around shows the Nazis were unpopular. People were trying to pick holes in the system rather than just accept it. People were trying to spread the word. This also indicated the fear people had of Hitler and it was this fear that forced the people to conform. The Church although having an agreement with Hitler called the concordat had stood against the regime a number of times. For example, Bishop von Galen of Munster had stood against the euthanasia programmes. There was also opposition from the youth, an example the swing kids, they expressed their individuality by wearing their hair long and listened to jazz. But mos t opposition and resistance was only involvedShow MoreRelatedThe Nazi Regime Depended More on Its Broad Popularity Than on Terror in the Years 1933-1939. How Far Do You Agree with This Statement?1233 Words   |  5 PagesThe Nazi Regime Depended More on its Broad Popularity than on Terror in the Years 1933-1939. How Far Do You Agree With This Statement? It can be argued that in order for the Nazi Regime to have stayed in power, it was essential that they maintain high popularity. On the other hand, though popularity is needed, it can be debated that the use of terror was a more important aspect to the regime as it ensured that the German people would not question or speak out against the regimes policy and actionsRead MoreNew World Order in Conspiracy Theory13987 Words   |  56 Pagesorganizations. Numerous historical and current events are seen as steps in an on-going plot to achieve world domination through  secret political gatherings  and decision-making processes.[2][3][4][5][6] Prior to the early 1990s, New World Order  conspiracism  was limited to two American countercultures, primarily the  militantly anti-government right, and secondarily  fundamentalist Christians  concerned with  end-time  emergence of the  Antichrist.[7]  Skeptics, such as  Michael Barkun  andChip Berlet, have expressedRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesrecession of 2008) when one could quite plausibly argue that a new era had begun. A compelling case can be made for viewing the decades of the global scramble for colonies after 1870 as a predictable culmination of the long nineteenth century, which was ushered in by the industrial and political revolutions of the late 1700s. But at the same time, without serious attention to the processes and misguided policies that led to decades of agrarian and industrial depression from the late 1860s to the

Project Resource Planning

Question: Discuss how the effective project manager or management is effective in integrating all the important skills that is required for good project management. Answer: Introduction Project management is a tool or a process that develops and executes the skills, knowledge and experience to achieve the goals and objectives of the project or the organization as a team. It involves working as a team to achieve one common goals and objective of the firm or the organization. Project management requires high technical skills. Effective project management also requires refined interpersonal skills and leadership skills to ensure that the projects that are being developed and executed to ensure that people are able to achieve objectives of the projects (Verzuh 2015). The author addresses the important skills and characteristics that are required for an effective project management. This includes both the technical skills and soft skills. The report also discusses how the effective project manager or management is effective in integrating all the important skills that is required for good project management. This includes the leadership skills like tam building, motivati on, conflict management, relationship building and other skills (Burke 2013). Qualities of an effective project manager Project manager is a person that is responsible to manage the project management so that they are able to achieve the set goals and objectives. Project manager is responsible for overall execution and planning of a particular project. Each project has new challenges attached to it so it is essential for the project manager to have qualities and skills that are required for effective project management. An effective project manager is the one that have right combination of skills, knowledge, experience, and personality. It is the skills and diplomacy that will help in effective project management (Barry 2015). The top qualities that an effective project manager should have are as follows: Good communication skills- the most important skill for effective project management is that he/she should be a good communicator. Poor communications can have a negative effect as it may cause misunderstanding and distortions especially when a large team is to be managed. Project manager should have clear communications, goals, responsibility, feedback, performance and expectations. A good communication helps in setting a good guideline for the project management (Bredillet et al. 2015). Effective leadership skills- project management requires dealing with large teams. Hence the project manager should have good leadership skills so that it is able to handle the large team effectively. It is essential for the managers to motivate employees and improve the team performance to achieve the organizational goals. Good decision making- project managers have the responsibility of making tough decisions at every stage of the process or operation. The project manager should have good decision making skills so that it is able to make effective decisions to solve the challenges that it face. It is essential for the project manager should thin quickly and react effectively (Chipulu et al. 2013). Set goals and visions- planning is the most essential step in effective project management. Building a clear picture of the direction to which they are to head is essential. Visionaries thrive on change and being able to draw new boundaries. Vision helps the stakeholders believe that they have real stake in the project. The main skill that the project manager should be possessing is that they should have the opportunity of exploring vision for the organization. Effective project managers should be visionary in nature (Hodgson and Paton 2016). Technical knowledge- project manager should also have a good technical knowledge to handle the technical tools and subject of the project. Sound technical knowledge helps in solving the problems that may crop up during the implementation stage. It also helps the manager take strategic decisions. Technical knowledge and skills is as essential as the soft skills for effective project management (Kerzner 2013). Problem solving skills- the project manager should have effective problem solving skills in order for effective team management and project management. There are various problems that may arise during effective project management. But it is essential for manager to handle them effectively in order to accomplish the set goals and objectives. Team building- effective project management requires the team to work in unity. For this the project manager requires good management of team building. The team manager should have skill to realize the positive aspects of the team members so that it can be used effectively for the planning and execution of the project. Enthusiastic- the project managers should be enthusiastic about the project and should have positive attitude towards work. Effective project manager should have a can do attitude so that they can inspire others as well with their positive attitude. Enthusiastic leaders are committed towards their goals (Medina and Francis 2015). Empathetic- empathetic nature of the project managers helps them gain support. It includes showing care and support to the members of the team and understand theory problem. It also includes understanding the needs of the stakeholders and other team issues. This helps in building an effective project management. Pragmatic- the other skill that is required for effective project management is being pragmatic. A good manager is the one that focuses on the getting the work done with the resources that is available to them. An effective project manager is the one that analyzes the problem to its core and then progresses with the project (Nixon et al. 2012). Thrive under pressure- It is essential for the project managers to work under a situation where they have capability to thrive under pressure. A project manager should be calm and have a balanced state of mind so that they dont indulge in negative thoughts. Good negotiation skills- a project manager should have the skill to negotiate with its team members. This skill is required to bridge the gap that arises due to differences in the opinion of the team members. It is essential for the project managers to settle the issues that arise due to conflict through effective negotiations (Kerzner 2013). Ability to delegate tasks- a project manager should trust its team as it reflects in the actions of the team and its members. The work of the project should be done as a team. This helps in building a trust and makes the team strong. Integrity- a project manager should be honest, loyalty and integrity. The actions of the managers greatly influence the team members. Hence it is essential for the project manager should set positive and influencing actions to motivate its members for an effective project management. It is also essential for the project manager should practice what they preach. Organized and efficient- an effective project manager should be organized and efficient. They should have an excellent time management skills. It is essential for the project manager to be punctual and meet the deadlines. The project manger should have a skill to find alternate solutions to the problems and abandon the strategies that is not working (Brealey et al. 2012). Experienced and knowledgeable- the project manger should be experienced as the experiences helps the managers tackle nay problem they face. The experience and knowledge that the project posses help the manager earn respect and authority from its team members. The approach of the manager should be logical. Competent- am effective project manager should be competent and good in its working. It is essential to maintain the flow of work and create a win situation in order to achieve the target (Bauer et al. 2014). The main skill that is essential for effective project management is good communication skill. A project manager should analyze the qualities that are needed for effective project management and incorporate it in its personal life. This can be done by attending proper training sessions and development. A project manager should be confident and honest. A good personality trait helps the manager gain respect and popularity among it team members. It is not easy to be a good project manager as project management requires high technical skill set along with soft skills. A project manager should have the ability to manage the risks. Effective project management requires proper planning and execution of the work in order to achieve the set goals and targets of the project. A project manger should be inspiring in nature so that they are able to motivate the team members and its employees. Change is the main factor and an effective project manager should be the one that can accept the change (Ahmad et al. 2013). Conclusion Project management is an approach that requires great planning and execution. For this the project manager should have good skills. Proper integration of the skills helps the manager and its team achieves the set organizational goals and targets. The main skill that is required is good communication skills and confidence. The project manager should be able to handle the challenges and issues confidently. Relationship building and a good leadership skill are the essential characteristics. It is essential for the project manager to not only have technical skills but soft skills as well in order to accomplish the set goals and targets. References Ahmad, S., Mallick, D.N. and Schroeder, R.G., 2013. New product development: impact of project characteristics and development practices on performance.Journal of Product Innovation Management,30(2), pp.331-348. Barry, T.R., 2015. Top 10 qualities of a project manager. Bauer, B.J., Richardson, T.M. and Marion Jr, J.W., 2014. Project Manager Management Competencyvs.Technical Competency. Which is more important to overall project management success?.International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications,4(4 (Version 1)), pp.269-273. Brealey, R.A., Myers, S.C., Allen, F. and Mohanty, P., 2012.Principles of corporate finance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Bredillet, C., Tywoniak, S. and Dwivedula, R., 2015. What is a good project manager? An Aristotelian perspective.International Journal of Project Management,33(2), pp.254-266. Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques.New Jersey, USA. Chipulu, M., Neoh, J.G., Ojiako, U.U. and Williams, T., 2013. A multidimensional analysis of project manager competences.IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management,60(3), pp.506-517. Hodgson, D.E. and Paton, S., 2016. Understanding the professional project manager: cosmopolitans, locals and identity work.International Journal of Project Management,34(2), pp.352-364. Kerzner, H.R., 2013.Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Medina, A. and Francis, A.J., 2015. What Are the Characteristics That Software Development Project Team Members Associate With a Good Project Manager?.Project Management Journal,46(5), pp.81-93. Nixon, P., Harrington, M. and Parker, D., 2012. Leadership performance is significant to project success or failure: a critical analysis.International Journal of productivity and performance management,61(2), pp.204-216. Verzuh, E., 2015.The fast forward MBA in project management. John Wiley Sons.

Personal Swot Analysis Essay Example

Personal Swot Analysis Essay SWOT Analysis:Evaluate Your 7 Strengths 7 Weaknesses When speaking about a SWOT Analysis, this is a way of doing some serious self-reflecting and figuring out what your internal as well as external strengths and weaknesses are. Think of it as a pro and con list about you! SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. While we are hesitant to use the word â€Å"weakness† as it is very negative, using the word â€Å"shortcomings† doesn’t make as catchy an acronym (SWOS) as SWOT! Here are a few ideas when it comes to constructing your SWOT. Internal Factors Strengths Internal positive aspects that are under control and upon which you may capitalize in planning for a new career. These would include: †¢ Work Experience †¢ Education, including value-added features †¢ Strong technical knowledge within your field (e. g. hardware, software, programming languages) †¢ Specific transferable skills (e. g. , communication, teamwork, l eadership skills) †¢ Personal characteristics (e. g. , strong work ethic, self-discipline, ability to work under pressure, creativity, optimism, or a high level of energy) †¢ Good contacts/successful networking Interaction with professional organizations 7 Weaknesses Internal negative aspects that are under your control and that you may plan to improve. These will include: †¢ Lack of Work Experience †¢ Low GPA, wrong major †¢ Lack of goals, lack of self-knowledge, lack of specific job knowledge †¢ Weak technical knowledge †¢ Weak skills (leadership, interpersonal, communication, teamwork) †¢ Weak job-hunting skills †¢ Negative personal characteristics (e. g. , poor work ethic, lack of discipline, lack of motivation, indecisiveness, shyness, too emotional) External Factors Opportunities Positive external conditions that you do not control but of which you can plan to take advantage. Here are some opportunities to list: †¢ Positive trends in your field that will create more jobs (e. g. , growth, globalization, technological advances) †¢ Opportunities you could have in the field by enhancing your education †¢ Field is particularly in need of your set of skills †¢ Opportunities you could have through greater self-knowledge, more specific job goals †¢ Opportunities for advancement in your field Opportunities for professional development in your field †¢ Career path you’ve chosen provides unique opportunities †¢ Geography †¢ Strong network Threats Negative external conditions that you do not control but the effect of which you may be able to lessen. These include: †¢ Negative trends in your field that diminish jobs (downsizing, obsolescence) †¢ Competition from your cohort of college graduates †¢ Competitors with superior skills, experience, knowledge †¢ Competitors with better job-hunting skills than you †¢ Competitors who went to schools with better reputations. Obstacles in your way (e. g. , lack of the advanced education/training you need to take advantage of opportunities) †¢ Limited advancement in your field, advancement is cut-throat and competitive †¢ Limited professional development in your field, so it’s hard to stay marketable †¢ Companies are not hiring people with your major/degree To further refine the SWOT, here are some other questions to ask about yourself: Strengths: †¢ What are your advantages? †¢ What do you do well? †¢ Why did you decide to enter the field you will enter upon graduation? What were the motivating factors and influences? †¢ Do these factors still represent some of your inherent strengths? †¢ What need do you expect to fill within your organization? We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Swot Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Swot Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Swot Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer †¢ What have been your most notable achievements? †¢ To what do you attribute your success? †¢ How do you measure your success? †¢ What knowledge or expertise will you bring to the company you join that may not have been available to the organization before? †¢ What is your greatest asset? Weaknesses: †¢ What could be improved? †¢ What do you do badly? †¢ What should you avoid? What are your professional weaknesses? †¢ How do they affect your job performance? (These might include weakness in technical skill areas or in leadership or interpersonal skills. ) †¢ Think about your most unpleasant experiences in school or in past jobs and consider whether some aspect of your personal or professional life could be a root cause. Opportunities: †¢ Where are the promising prospects facing you? †¢ What is the state of the art in your particular area of expertise? †¢ Are you doing everything you can to enhance your exposure to this area? What formal training and education can you add to your credentials that might position you appropriately for more opportunities? †¢ Would an MBA or another graduate degree add to your advantage? †¢ How quickly are you likely to advance in your chosen career? †¢ Useful opportunities can come from such things as: ? Changes in technology and markets on both a broad and industry-specific scale ? Changes in government policy related to your field ? Changes in social patterns, population profiles, lifestyle changes, etc. Threats: †¢ What obstacles do you face? Are the requirements for your desired job field changing? †¢ Does changing technology threaten your prospective position? †¢ What is the current trend line for your personal area of expertise? †¢ Could your area of interest be fading in comparison with more emergent fields? †¢ Is your chosen field subject to internal politics that will lead to conflict? †¢ Is there any way to change the politics or to perhaps defuse your involvement in potential disputes? †¢ How might the economy negatively affect your future company and your work group? Will your future company provide enough access to new challenges to keep you sharp and marketable in the event of sudden unemployment? Explore your own self-perception of your strengths, but also put yourself inside a prospective employers head as you consider your strong points. Avoid false modesty, but also be brutally honest and realistic with yourself. Start out by simply making a list of words that describe you; chances are many of these characteristics compromise your strengths. One of your greatest strengths can love the work you do. Learning to follow your bliss should be a critical component of managing your career. Some people know from an early age what kind of work will make them happy. For others, nailing down the self-knowledge that leads to career fulfillment comes from a process of exploring interests, skills, personality, learning style, and values. In assessing your weaknesses, think about what prospective employers might consider to be the areas you could improve upon. Facing your frailties now can give you a huge head start in career planning. As humans, we find it relatively difficult to identify the areas where we are weak. But this assessment helps to identify areas where we may need to improve. If you identify a skill that you know is in your chosen field, but you are weak in that skill area, you need to take steps to improve that skill. Past performance appraisals and even your grades and teacher comments from school provide valuable feedback. Doing a SWOT will not only help to guide you toward a specific career that you will enjoy, it will also give you an idea of how to market yourself so that you can get that dream job that you want. From this analysis, you will have a road map that shows you how to capitalize on your strengths and minimize or eliminate your weaknesses. You should then use this map to take advantage of opportunities and avoid or lessen threats. After youve analyzed your strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities, you should use that information to plan how to market yourself. The marketing planning process entails a three-step process: 1. Determining objectives 2. Developing marketing strategies 3. Strategizing an action program. Objectives — define your career objectives. What is your ideal job upon graduation (or the job you would like to transition to from your current job)? What are some other positions you could accept? What is your five-year career goal? Marketing Strategies — a broad marketing strategy or â€Å"game plan† for attaining your objectives. What are the companies and organizations you’re going to target to obtain your objectives—your ideal job? How will you communicate with these firms? The strategies you identify should utilize all of the resources available to you, such as your personal network and a partnership with a mentor. Action Programs — according to marketing principles, marketing strategies should be turned into specific action programs that answer a number of questions, including: What will be done? When will it be done? Who is responsible for doing it? Your key task here is setting specific timetables and deadlines for getting the career and company information you identified in the marketing strategy step. So now that you’ve identified some key questions to ask when considering a career change, how do you know what the right career field is for you? [pic]

Embry Riddle (Aeronautical University) offers online MBA courses Essays

Embry Riddle (Aeronautical University) offers online MBA courses Essays Embry Riddle (Aeronautical University) offers online MBA courses Paper Embry Riddle (Aeronautical University) offers online MBA courses Paper The private school Embry Riddle offers online MBA courses and the application term is open worldwide right now. Around 80% of people who enroll for these online graduate business programs are already employed and have experience. They simply want to improve their skills. Embry Riddle records online courses and archives them. The only thing applicants should know is that these programs are not accredited by the gold standard of business school accreditations – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools. The online MBA courses at Embry Riddle were founded in the academic year 1996-1997. The total number of enrolled participants is 2 624. The tuition is $545 for both in-state US residents and out-of-state, international students. The deadline for applying has started and you can find more information on worldwide.erau.edu web site if you want to submit your personal info and start taking online lectures at this university. The US News rankings for this Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s online business graduate program are the following: rank 20 and score 90 for training and faculty credentials, rank 2 and score 90 for technology and students services, rank 133 and score 48 for student engagement, rank 92 and score 50 for admissions selectivity and the whole score out of 5 is 2.4. The application deadline is rolling for both US residents and out-of-state international students. The admissions website is worldwide.erau.edu/admissions/index.html. The Admissions director’s name is Valerie Kisseloff. She can be contacted at this phone number: (800) 522 67 87 and by e-mail on [emailprotected] The school awards MBAs and there are 26 full-time and 122 part-time faculty instructors who teach at these online business graduate programs. The degree can be earned online entirely. There are not campus-based students who participate in these online MBA courses. The total number of students enrolled for this course is 2 624 and the average age of these students is 35 years. There are more males 78.2% rather than females 21.8%. The recommended Internet speed for this online course is a cable Internet speed. There is a 24/7 live tech support and a response from a tech instructor within 24 hours. The part-time tuition and full-time tuition for both in-state and out-of-state participants is $545.

Austria Essays - States Of Austria, Salzburg, Austria, Alps

Austria Essays - States Of Austria, Salzburg, Austria, Alps Austria Austria Austria is the republic in central Europe. It is about 360 miles long and has an area of about 32,378 square miles. Vienna is the countrys capital and largest city. Austria is predominantly a mountainous country, with an average elevation of about 3000 feet. Most of the land falls within the eastern part of the Alps. In general the major mountain ranges of Austria run in an eastern-western direction and are separated from one another by large valleys. The northernmost line of ranges includes the North Tirol Alps and the Salzburg Alps. Among the central range is the Hohe Tauern, which tops in the Grossglockner, the highest elevation in the country. The Pasterze Glacier, one of Europes largest, descends from the Grossglockner peak. The southernmost ranges include the tztal Alps, the Zillertaler Alps, the Carnic Alps, and the Karawanken Mountains. Besides these eastern-western ranges, several series of mountain extend in a northern-southern direction. The mountain barriers of Austria are broken in many places by passes, including the Brenner Pass and the Semmering Pass. The principal river is the Danube, which enters Austria at Passau on the German border. Austrian tributaries of the Danube include the Inn, Traun, Enns, and Ybbs rivers. In the south, important rivers are the Mur and the Mrz. In addition to the rivers, the hydrographic system of the country includes numerous lakes, Bodensee, and Neusiedler Lake in Burgenland. The lake is the countrys lowest elevation point. The Austrian climate varies with altitude. Mountainous regions are subject to moderate Atlantic conditions and experience more precipitation than the eastern lowlands. Spring and fall are usually mild throughout the country. Summers are short with moderate temperatures. Cold and often severe winters last about three months in the valleys. The foehn is important to Austrias agricultural production, allowing for early cultivation of the southern valleys. Average annual temperatures range between about 44 and 48 F throughout the country. Average annual rainfall is about 26 inches in Vienna and about 34 inches in Innsbruck. In some interior valleys, the average annual rainfall is between about 60 and 80 inches. Austria has large deposits of iron ore, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, and natural gas and is a prime world agent of high-grade graphite. Some small deposits of bituminous coal have been mined, as well as lead, zinc, copper, kaolin, gypsum, mica, quartz, salt, bauxite, antimony, and talc. Deciduous trees, mainly beech, oak, and birch, are predominant in the lower altitudes. Spruce, fir, larch, Austrian black pine, and stone pine extend to the timberline. The higher altitudes have a very brief season during which alpine plants, including edelweiss, gentians, primroses, buttercups, and monkshoods, come into brilliant flower. Wildlife is generally scarce in Austria. Chamois, deer, and marmot are still represented; bear, which were once abundant, are now almost completely absent. Hunting is strictly regulated to protect the remaining species. The Austrian people are German-speaking, but the country has a varied ethnic mixturea legacy from the time of the multinational Habsburg Austria. About 96 percent of the population is ethnic Austrian. Minority groups include Croats and Hungarians, Slovenes,Czechs, as well as small numbers of Italians, Serbs, and Romanians. A large amount of refugees in the years following World War II increased their numbers, and new groups, such as the Turks, were added. According to the 1991 census, Austria had a population of 7,795,786. The 1996 estimated population was about 8,023,244, giving the country an overall population density of about 248 people per square mile. About 61 percent of the population is urban, with more than one-quarter of the people living in the five largest cities: Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Austria is divided into nine federal provinces: Burgenland, Krnten, Niedersterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark , Tirol, Obersterreich, Vienna, and Vorarlberg. Roman Catholicism is the religion of about 78 percent of the population of Austria. Reformed Lutherans and various other Christian denominations account for 8 percent, and Muslims make up 2 percent. Those without a religion or whose faith is unknown constitute 12 percent of the population. German is the official language of Austria. About 2 percent of the population speak languages other than German, mainly Croatian, Slovenian, Czech, and Turkish. The basis of the Austrian educational system is the national law that requires school attendance for all youths between the ages of 6 and 15. Austrias long tradition of free education dates from the Educational Reform Act of 1774, instituted by the Empress Maria Theresa. This law, which was expanded in 1867 and again in 1962, largely accounts for the fact that virtually all

Learning Theories and Role of Memory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Learning Theories and Role of Memory - Essay Example The six principal types of learning theories include behaviorism, cognitive theory, social learning theory, social constructivism, multiple intelligence theory and brain based learning. In the paper, the main focus has been on explaining the cognitive and behavioural theories. Along with this, there is comparison and contrast made between the two selected theories. Memory plays a pivotal role in making decisions since an individual is required to make a choice from the available alternatives. Marketers have to understand that memory has a significant role in the decision making process of the consumers. Marketing ploys are the skilled tactics which are used by marketers to raise awareness among the customers and also drive in more purchases of products and services for the company. It is generally a marketing trick which is used for attracting customers. The customers make use of memory to get information and clearly understand the marketing ploys and respond in an intelligent manner by opting for the best products. For explaining the concepts in an effective manner, examples have been used in the paper. Cognitive Learning Theory The basic focus underlying theory of cognitive learning explains the importance of brain as an incredible network for processing of information and interpretation of what people learn. It is the theory of learning that helps in explaining the behavior of people by understanding their thought processes (Leonard, 2002). The underlying assumptions provide that humans are logical and rational beings that make such decisions and choices that are rational according to them. The cognitive theory is categorized as social cognitive theory and cognitive behavioural theory. Cognitive behavioural theory is focused on the negative thoughts and behavior that is connected to a specific object, and these negative thoughts are replaced by rational and positive thoughts. On the other hand, social cognitive theory relates to the ways and methods through which individuals can learn to model the behavior of other people. This theory can be applied in an advertising campaign and peer pressure. The word cognitivism implies an unobservable and unnoticeable change in the mental knowledge of the people. This theory relies on the assumption that individuals are actively involved in the process of learning. The theory’s followers also believe that learning involves the development of mental associations which are not shown in the observable changes in the behavior of the people. Another general assumption of the theory states that knowledge is an organized form which is gained through the process of learning. This process involves relation and connection of new information with the previously accumulated information. Thus, this theory emphasizes how people think, how people understand and how people know. This perspective focuses on the fact that learning is undertaken by the process of transformation of information into knowledge wh ich is already stored in the mind. Learning is said to take place when new knowledge is gained, and there occurs a modification in the existing knowledge that is already present in the human mind. This theory portrays a positive perspective of development and focuses on conscious thinking of individuals. It emphasizes the active construction of an individual that leads to the acquisition of knowledge and learning. Hence, this theory implies that different processes that lead to learning can be explained through the analysis of mental processes. With the help of effective process of the cognitive approach, learning can be easier that leading to the acquisition

Health Discrimination in Hong Kong Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Health Discrimination in Hong Kong - Essay Example Body In order to fix the health inequities which relate to gender in Hong Kong, possible health care priorities in health policies must include HIV/AIDS screening and treatment opportunities open to all citizens regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Another health priority would be the improved access to women seeking maternal and child care before, during, and after their pregnancy. Gender inequities can sometimes be apparent in relation to access of healthcare programs for women sex workers and for homosexuals (Abdullah, et.al., 2000). These gender inequities must be set aside especially as far as AIDS screening and treatment is concerned. Instead, reforms must include the establishment of mandatory annual screening for STDs and AIDS among sex workers (Wong, 2003). This access must be made available to male, female, including homosexual sex workers and anyone seeking access to these same health services. No discrimination in terms of gender must be made before such services c an be accessed. This mandatory screening would help manage the AIDS problem in Hong Kong, and ensure that the numbers of AIDS sufferers would decrease. Health reforms should also target the prioritization of services for health workers in relation to AIDS. AIDS has become one of the rapidly growing health issues in the world; it is also one of the most preventable diseases, especially with proper health education and the application of other preventative remedies, like mandatory annuals AIDS and STD screening (Wong, et.al., 2006). Access of sex workers to health services is often hampered by their limited financial resources; moreover, the health system does not make these screenings available to all sex workers due to their limited resources. In effect, future health policies must prioritize the allocation of funds for these mandatory annual screenings for high-risk women and other sex workers (Wong, et.al., 2006). Considerations of income or gender must not be made a basis for who the recipients of these screening services. Inequities in this regard must be neutralized. Future health policies on addressing the gender disparities in health must also include the establishment of outreach clinics for sex workers (Wong, 2003). These specialist centers would help ensure that female sex workers would be able to gain access to essential services based on their convenience. The clinics would be open at hours convenient to them and it would also reduce the stigma from the rest of society (Wong, 2003). In other words, health reform also means accepting the fact that some females work in the sex industry, and the fact that these activities are basically against the law should not be their basis for gaining access to essential health services (Wong, 2003). Female sex workers are fully aware of the fact that there is a stigma against them from the general population; for which reason, they also prefer not to access health services from the main hospitals for fear of bein g stigmatized. Moreover, society, including hospitals can indeed discriminate against them in terms of equal access to health services (Wong, et.al., 2006). Future reforms in health care must therefore include a more specific program which would

Why I Love Art Essay Example for Free

Why I Love Art Essay For a work of art to be considered a portrait, the artist must have intent to portray a specific, actual person. This can be communicated through such techniques as naming a specific person in the title of the work or creating an image in which the physical likeness leads to an emotional individuality unique to a specific person. While these criteria are not the only ways of connoting a portrait, they are just two examples of how Sherman carefully communicates to the viewer that these works are not meant to depict Cindy Sherman the person. By titling each of the photographs Untitled, as well as numbering them, Sherman depersonalizes the images. There are also very few clues as to Shermans personality in the photographs each one is so unique and ambiguous that the viewer is left with more confusion than clarity over Shermans true nature. Sherman completed the project three years later, in 1980, when she ran out of cliches with which to work. This series gave Sherman much publicity and critical acclaim; she had her first solo show at the nonprofit space, the Kitchen, in New York City. In 1980 Sherman also created a series of what she called Rear-Screen Projections in which, similarly to the Film Stills, Sherman dressed up and paraded against a projected slide background. Shermans life began in 1954, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City. Her family having moved shortly after her birth, Sherman grew up as the youngest of five children in the town of Huntington, Long Island. Unlike some budding artists, Sherman was not particularly involved in the arts as a young person. Shermans parents were not involved in the arts; her father made a living as an engineer and her mother worked as a reading teacher. Born relatively late in her parents lives, Shermans father was retired by the time she was in fifth grade. Sherman has said that, It wasnt until college that I had any concept of what was going on in the art world. My idea of being an artist as a kid was a courtroom artist or one of those boardwalk artists who do caricatures. My parents had a book of, like, the one hundred one beautiful paintings, which included Dali and Picasso among the most recent artists. Despite her parents lack of artistic interest, they were supportive of her choice to enter art school after finishing high school, though, according to Sherman, her mother did caution her to take a few teaching courses just in case. Thus, Shermans exploration of art began at the State University College at Buffalo. This photograph is part of a group of images made between 2000 and 2002 which depict character-types from suburban American life. Moving away from her earlier references to cinema and art history, the images are influenced by more traditional ideas of portraiture. Sherman has described the photographs as showing ‘very ordinary, older women the type you’d spot in a supermarket. ’ They suggest the pretensions and delusions of the characters depicted and lead the viewer to consider the narrative behind the character this woman could be an ageing socialite or a once-glamorous film star. Her face has been defined and exaggerated with heavy make-up, making her into a caricature based on stereotypes rather than a specific person. In the early 1970s, a new kind of music, attitude, and style was introduced in England. The Sex Pistols and The Clash were the first in England, and the Ramones were one of the first in the US. With edgy guitar sounds, angry lyrics, and occasional screaming, punk rock began to play ahuge part in millions of teenagers lives. this was the next step for letting teens have a voice in the next generation. Some say that punk is dead, and punk was already dead when it started, but thankfully, punk will never die. Over generations, people have proved that punk will never die. Punk now is just as main stream as any other type of music. Over the years, there have been some pretty sad fads. Some of them were good, and some of them were bad. The biggest thing right now, whether or not anyone will admit it, is punk. Some people call themselves punk and everyone knows what it is. Some dress punk, some act punk, and some listen to punk. Some do all three. Every person probably has their own definition of punk. Punk can mean running over garbage cans and causing trouble, or it could mean dressing or acting a certain way, and listening to a certain type of music. Almost every day there is an argument over the definition. The first successful punk band originated in the mid seventies. They were called the Sex Pistols. The first American punk started in a New York club called CBGB’s. They held punk rock shows for the hardcore kids.

Research REport On HUman Beings :: essays research papers

In my report you will find that I researched and wrote about the species known as homosapiens. Also better known as human beings. I learned a lot of information about their life styles, their behaviors, their nocturnal urge to love and their hunger for knowledge. I also learned where they fit into the grand scheme of things. I learned why they are classified how they are and how they obtain food. Humans are classified in the Kingdom of Animalia because all animalia share the common bond that they are required to eat. They cannot make there own food and they can move on there own free will through their movements. Humans are in the Phylum of Chordata because all of the Chordates have elongated symmetrical bodies and all begin life with gills to breathe in a liquid environment. Vertebrata is the subphylum where humans are put because they develop a spinal chord that stretches from the head to a paired of sense organs. Vertebrata is the most advanced and numerous subphylum of the chordates. The Class of Humans is Mammalia because they all conceive there young in the reproductive tract of their mother and then after birth their mothers nourish them with milk from their birth. Humans are in the infraclass Eutheria because the mothers of this class carry there young in their uterus before birth and this is made possible because of the umbilical cord and the placenta. The order of H umans is Primates because all of the organisms in the order of Primates share the common bond that they are all upright, breathing, non-self food producing mammals. Humans are in the suborder of Anthropoida. The Superfamily of Hominoidae. The Family of Homiadidae. The Genus of Homo and the species of Sapiens. The Habitat of Human Beings is pretty much every where. They can live on almost all terrains and they can even live in the ocean and in outer space. However the range that they live in is on the land surfaces of Earth in any kind of conditions because you have Eskimos that live in the extremely cold conditions of the arctic regions, the Californians that live in a varying set of conditions that vary from 60 degrees and raining or foggy to sunny and 100 degrees. Then there are the people of most African desert nations that battle temperatures of over 100 degrees almost every day of the year.

Over all Impacts of Hobby Lobby Case Essay

As the Supreme Court has ruled against the ObamaCare mandate recently, commonly referred as the The Affordable Care Act (ACA), many of the religious communities are overwhelmed about the decision and take it as a victory whereas others are outraged about this situation as women community will be greatly affected by the rulings of the court. It is a setback for the women society that in the name of religious liberty they will be deprived of their medical concerned issues. The companies that consist of religious ideology will be able to legitimize something that may harm others. Certainly these events will have constant series of effects on the society and as well as some changes may also occur in the legislation relating to ObamaCare. Obamacare covers twenty types of birth control, upon four of them; the court has objected (Tom Cohen, 2014). Hobby lobby states that it is showing efforts to provide religious freedom but majority of the public don’t agree with this statement. Instead people are outraged that it is interfering in their personal lives. It will not let them exercise there constitutional rights. Moreover they would be forced to obey or practice something that they don’t agree upon. People will not tolerate that there liberty and freedom will be in risk. Soon the similar types of entities like Hobby Lobby will be legitimizing discrimination against gays and lesbians by businesses (Salon.com, 2014). Defintly it would be unethical of doing so because what kind of an individual is having relationships is their personal right. In the name of faith and religion they will be creating barriers in there jobs and at work places. On the stance of ethical issues, the question arises about the religious liberty. Will it really make us a good Christian or minimizing our choices and freedom? It will be unacceptable by the public that the Supreme Court has legalized something that creates discrimination and deprives women from their medical rights. Indeed it is a biased decision made by the Supreme Court. In the light of the decisions made, employees of any company will be obliged to practice the religious beliefs practiced by their owners. Common people have a religious perspective that, every individual is responsible for his or her own deeds and will be answerable to God. But the decision that has been taken in this case by the court will certainly snatch the liberty from the company’s employees. Upper management will be able to force their religious beliefs and customs down the throats  of their employees. On the other hand, the decision will have negative effects on the women employees as majority of them may have a chance of suffering from medical problems for example in case of ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, they won’t be able to get enough or no treatment because of the objection of contraceptives. Thousands of women employees of these companies would have to pay double or be out of their birth control plan (Tom Cohen, 2014). It would be unethical for the companies for interfering in their employee’s private personal medical matters. References Tom Cohen, C. (2014). Hobby Lobby ruling much more than abortion. CNN. Retrieved 4 October 2014, from http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/02/politics/scotus-hobby-lobby-impacts/ Salon.com,. (2014). Hobby Lobbyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s secret agenda: How ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quietly funding a vast right-wing movement. Retrieved 4 October 2014, from http://www.salon.com/2014/03/27/hobby_lobbys_secret_agenda_how_its_secretly_funding_a_vast_right_wing_movement/

First Union: An Office Without Walls Essay

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Integrative Case 5.0, â€Å"First Union: An Office Without Walls,† found on page 589 of the text book Organization Theory & Design, by Richard L. Daft, and to respond to the questions relating to the case study. Problem Statement First Union Federal is a large savings and loan banking organization at which Meg Rabb has been employed with since she was 18. Meg has been recently promoted to Vice President of her division after serving the last five years as assistant V.P. At the time Meg was hired as an assistant V.P. there had not been a single female in the position of V.P. After a week in her new position, Meg was notified by her boss Dan Cummings that she would be moving into a new office. After three weeks of construction, Meg’s office was complete; however, only a day after settling in, Meg was summoned to her boss’ office yet again. She was informed that the First Union president had performed a walkthrough of the building and ruled that Meg’s office was too large and would have to be torn down and rebuild from the current 12 feet by 12 feet specifications down to the new 10 feet by 10 feet specifications outlined in the new regulations. Meg was angry and questioned herself how this would effect and damage her department’s morale, and how she could possibly lose the respect from her peers she worked so hard to earn. Meg also wondered if this had to do with her being a woman in a position of power – especially when her promotion came after an intervention from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC discovered that First Union did not have any female executives at or above the level of V.P. prior to Meg’s promotion and encouraged First Union to seek out qualified female candidates for promotion to executive status. This paper will identify the main issue at First Union, discuss the forces for cultural change, explain the use of power, and finally determine what political tactics Meg should use to resolver her office situation at First Union. Questions What is the main issue in this case? The main issue in this case is First Union’s corporate culture, the accompanying ethical values and how these are motivated by organization managers. According to Daft (2013), organizational culture exists at two levels – on the surface are the visible characteristics and observable behaviors and below the surface are the underlying values, assumptions, and beliefs that make up the second level (p. 393). At First Union, the issue with corporate culture touches on both levels of organizational culture. The observable behaviors include office layouts, the type of control systems and power structures used by the company and the ceremonies organizations share (Daft, 2013, p. 393). The office layout in Meg’s department was split up into sections and partitioned off for each of her 12 staff. Depending on their level in the organizational hierarchy, employees had variable office furniture for their individual section. The lowest-level employees received minimal second-rate quality furniture and often had to share the space with other employees. Robertson argues with the right approach, a company can become forward-thinking by creating a workspace with flow and function that motivates and inspires people and their business (2006, p. 35). Today, forward-thinking companies are turning to egalitarianism to get the job done. Rather than acting like the office space is symbol of status, all office spaces should be equal, cutting down on costs of space, equipment and furniture (Robertson, 2006, p. 34). Secondly, Meg’s boss, Dan Cummings, is senior V.P. of human resources. With his position, he organized the first annual â€Å"Dan Cummings Golf Invitational† now in its fourth year setup. Invitations to this prestigious event indicated status in the organization – only those V.P.s and assistant V.P.s close to senior management received invitations; yet no female employee had ever been invited to the golf tournament. Disregard to ethics threats substantial harm to reputation and to other significant intangible corporate assets – including employee morale and productivity. The outcomes of unethical behavior can affect an organization’s ability to survive (Doorley & Garcia, 2007, p. 30). In addition to these contributing factors, Meg was the first person to fall victim to stri ct adherence to the miscalculation of  her office size. Not only that, but shortly before her promotion, the EEOC put pressure on First Union to hire female executives since none had been put in place. Meg was the first of her kind. The EEOC was trying to encourage diversity management. Diversity management is defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a practice intended to produce and maintain a positive work environment that recognizes the value of individuals’ similarities and differences, so that everyone can reach their potential and make the most of their contributions to an organization’s strategic goals and objectives (GAO, 2013, p. 5). What are the forces for cultural change at First Union? Cultural changes will need to start from the top down. According to Daft (2013), culture changes refer to changes in the values, attitudes, expectations, beliefs, abilities, and behavior of employees such as the mindset of the organization (p. 435). Miller and Tucker (2013) suggest the senior leadership must set the tone at the top for integrity and ethics including diversity (p. 56). Consulting with First Union’s outside auditors, internal and outside legal counsel may be helpful in laying the groundwork for an updated diversity plan and Code of Ethics (Miller & Tucker, 2013, p. 56). Miller and Tucker go on to state top management should work with legal counsel to identify possible events that could impact the company’s diversity program, such as the annual golf tournament (2013, p. 56). Discuss the use of power at First Union. The use of power at First Union is interesting as it has many facets. For one, the mortgage division was considered the most powerful as it was the department that made that brought in a substantial amount of revenues. Because of the mortgage division’s contribution to the bottom line, the mortgages offices had been remodeled so beautifully, that they stood out from the rest of the bank. This is an example of reward power (Jing, 2010, p. 220). The president was not happy with the cost of the renovations but kept his displeasure to himself due to the significant profits generated by the mortgage division. Just as stated above, First Union had not employed any female executives until the EEOC intervened encouraging them to do so. And just as there had not been any women executives in a VP status, none had been invited to play in the annual golf invitational either. This is a prime example of referent power, which refers to the ability to provide others with feelings of personal acceptance, approval, usefulness, or worth (Jing, 2010, p. 220). The artwork around First Union was also suggestive of the values perceived by top management as one particular art piece displayed a member of the female body and was hung in the president’s conference room. This is another example of referent power. An example of legitimate and possible coercive power is the president’s influence on the building manager in deciding to downsize Meg’s office. As stated in the text, Meg was the first person to come under scrutiny with the current regulations. This is considered legitimate because of the president’s position to impose a sense of obligation on the building manager to follow the guidelines even though they were casually held in compliance with other executives. It is also coercive as the president has the power to grant and take away rewards and privileges (Jing, 2010, p. 220). What political tactics should Meg use? Political behavior is an important factor of power progressions in organizations and has been found to enhance leader-member relations, career mentoring, and customer satisfaction (Gupta, Singh, & Singh, 2008, p. 16). Meg should only employ sanctioned political tactics that are perceived as acceptable in the workplace as a way to progress positive relationships. She should try to cultivate positive relationships throughout the First Union by learning about their views and developing mutually advantageous coalitions and alliances (Daft, 2013, p. 548). Meg should also use the political tactic of reciprocity which works hand in hand in building coalitions and alliances. Being in a V.P. position, Meg has the prime opportunity to be a mentor to  other females since she is the first woman V.P. at First Union; not only would she be educating females, but educating males on acceptable behavior changing the culture of First Union and its perception of women in the workplace (Gupta et. al, 2008, p. 23). Other political tactics include: promoting self-interests (such as her golf lessons) through creating and maintaining a favorable image with the â€Å"power holders† to help foster a change in culture. Meg can draw the attention to the success her department has in establishing positive staff morale and by developing a reputation as formidable as the mortgage division. Doing so would make her as a V.P. and the department more desirable to the influential members of First Union (Gupta et. al, 2008, p. 24). And lastly, Meg can become a â€Å"mentoree† by looking up to the more senior members of the organization for advice and support. Conclusion In conclusion, First Union’s main issue is the corporate culture and the need for change in the organization. In order to foster this need, top management will need to change their way of thinking and educate the staff from their level on down. With Meg being the first woman hired as a female V.P., she is in a prime position to help pave the way towards this new cultural change. References Daft, R. L. (2013). Organization Theory & Design (11th ed.) Mason, OH: South-Western. Doorley, J., & Garcia, H. (2007). Reputation Management: The Key to Successful Public Relations and Corporate Communication. New York: Routledge. Government Accountability Office. (2013). Diversity management. (GAO-13-238). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Jing, Z. (2010). Cross-cultural study on French and Chinese managers’ use of power sources. International Journal of Business & Management, 5(5), 219-225. Miller, S.K., & Tucker III, J. J. (2013). Diversity trends, practices, and challenges in the financial services industry. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 67(6), 46-57. Robertson, D. (2006). Does your office work for you?. J@Pan Inc, (66), 32-35. Gupta, B., Singh, S., & Singh, N. (2008) Self-monitoring and perceived job security and use of sanctioned and non-sanctioned political tactics. Vilakshan: The XIMB Journal of Management, 5(2), 15-32.

Ambivalen Conquests and Equianos Travels essays

Ambivalen Conquests and Equiano's Travels essays Ibo-ny and Ivory: The Inharmonious British/Ibo Relations Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe and aren't even aware of... Ellen Goodmans survey of traditions persuasiveness could not be truer of the Ibo culture and the African slave trade with regards to British influence. Clearly, the Ibo people instinctively held closely to their customs in reaction to English presence; plausibly, their intent in so doing was to hold as closely as possible to their status quo. Remarkably enough, their true effect was the facilitation, not prevention, both of the British slave trade in the mid-eighteenth century and of British colonization in the late nineteenth century. As the Ibo provided this ingress for the white man to gain power on African land, the Ibo people had some choices to be made that would definitively shape their chi, or destiny. To be sure, the story of Olaudah Equiano as well as Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart provides evidence contrary to th e common conception of the superior British strong-arming the inferior Africans to the point of submission. Specifically, both accounts show intelligent African societies making reasoned yet vacillating decisions regarding the cooperation with slave traders or conformation to British colonists culture. This rift in African resolve was enough to allow both the eighteenth-century slave traders and the nineteenth century colonists to divide Ibo with intent to conquer; in doing so taking the most important thing to a human, freedom. British slave traders capitalized upon the rivalries amongst the numerous and highly competitive political entities of eighteenth-century Africa with the purpose of capturing slaves. Values, preferences, and national identity were set on very narrow scopes throughout Ibo society. Equiano aptly describes this, stating &quo...

Redbud is a Rapid-grower and Makes a Great Yard Tree

Redbud is a Rapid-grower and Makes a Great Yard Tree The state tree of Oklahoma, Eastern Redbud is a moderate to rapid-grower when young, reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet. Thirty-year-old specimens are rare but they can reach 35 feet in height, forming a rounded vase. Trees of this size are often found on moist sites. The splendid purple-pink flowers appear all over the tree in spring, just before the leaves emerge. Eastern Redbud has an irregular growth habit when young but forms a graceful flat-topped vase-shape as it gets older. Specifics Scientific name: Cercis canadensisPronunciation: SER-sis kan-uh-DEN-sisCommon name(s): Eastern RedbudFamily: LeguminosaeUSDA hardiness zones: 4B through 9AOrigin: native to North AmericaAvailability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range Popular Cultivars Several cultivars of eastern redbud may be seen: forma alba - white flowers, blooms about a week later; ‘Pink Charm’ - flowers pink; ‘Pinkbud’ - flowers pink; ‘Purple Leaf’ - young foliage purple; ‘Silver Cloud’ - leaves variegated with white; ‘Flame’ - more erect branching, flowers double, blooms later, sterile so no seed pods form. ‘Forest Pansy’ is a particularly attractive cultivar with purple-red leaves in the spring, but the color fades to green in the summer in the south. Management Considerations Be sure to avoid weak forks by pruning to reduce the size of lateral branches and save those which form a ‘U’-shaped crotch, not a ‘V’. Keep them less than half the diameter of the main trunk to increase the longevity of the tree. Do not allow multiple trunks to grow with tight crotches. Instead, space branches about 6 to 10 inches apart along the main trunk. Eastern redbud is best not used extensively as a street tree due to low disease resistance and short life. Description Height: 20 to 30 feetSpread: 15 to 25 feetCrown uniformity: irregular outline or silhouetteCrown shape: round; vase shapeCrown density: moderateGrowth rate: fastTexture: coarse Trunk and Branches The bark is thin and easily damaged from mechanical impact; droop as the tree grows, and will require pruning for vehicular or pedestrian clearance beneath the canopy. Routinely grown with, or trainable to be grown with, multiple trunks; not particularly showy. The tree wants to grow with several trunks but can be trained to grow with a single trunk; no thorns. Foliage Leaf arrangement: alternateLeaf type: simpleLeaf margin: entireLeaf shape: orbiculate; ovateLeaf venation: banchidodrome; pinnate; palmate; reticulateLeaf type and persistence: deciduousLeaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches; 2 to 4 inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: yellowFall characteristic: showy Flowers and Fruit Flower color: lavender; pink; purpleFlower characteristics: spring-flowering; very showyFruit shape: podFruit length: 1 to 3 inchesFruit covering: dry or hardFruit color: brownFruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; no significant litter problem; persistent on the tree; showy Culture Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun; tree grows in full sunSoil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; occasionally wet; alkaline; well-drainedDrought tolerance: highAerosol salt tolerance: noneSoil salt tolerance: poor Redbuds In-Depth Eastern Redbuds grow well in full sun in the northern part of its range but will benefit from some shade in the southern zones, particularly in the lower Midwest where summers are hot. Best growth occurs in a light, rich, moist soil but eastern redbud adapts well to a variety of soil including sandy or alkaline. Trees look better when they receive some irrigation in summer dry spells. Its native habitat ranges from stream bank to dry ridge, demonstrating its adaptability. Trees are sold as single or multi-stemmed. Young trees are easiest to transplant and survive best when planted in the spring or fall. Containerized trees can be planted anytime. The beans provide food for some birds. Trees are short-lived but provide a wonderful show in the spring and fall. Cercis are best propagated by seed. Use ripe seed to plant directly, or, if the seed has been stored, stratification is necessary before sowing in a greenhouse. Cultivars can be propagated by grafting onto seedlings, or by summer cuttings under mist or in a greenhouse.

Did Edward Snowden do more good or harm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Did Edward Snowden do more good or harm - Essay Example he security and peace of the Britain and other populations in the west, then the Snowden leaks have been devastating and have caused a lot of harm (Scruton 2013; Whitehead, Hope and Swinford 2013). On the other hand, there are those who say that the Snowden leaks have done worlds of good. One, the leaks have awakened the American public to the reality of the massive, pervasive and unauthorized intrusions into their privacy by government. Such awareness has in turn caused many Americans to speak out and spark a debate into extent of civil liberties and the right to privacy on the one hand and the need of government to secure its well-being and the safety and peace of the general population through the conscious trespassing of those liberties on the other (Desilver 2014; Newport 2013). On balance, this paper argues that Snowden’s actions have both had done harm and good A nuanced consideration of the arguments from both sides of the debate tell us that the consequences of his ac tions are complex. The underlying issues of personal freedoms and civil liberties versus government policing and surveillance in pursuit of securing the peace has ever been a source of tension in a rich and never-ending tug and pull dynamic between these opposing forces (Mirkinson 2013; Scherer 2013). On the one hand we have legal experts opining that the surveillance programs and tools used by the NSA and counterpart agencies in other countries are in essence necessary evils in a world where terrorists have access to the same technologies, and where those programs and tools have aided in the suppression and arrest of terrorists and their activities (Omand 2014; Johnson et al. 2014). 9/11 is being highlighted in discussions of how such surveillance programs have averted potential recurrences of such an event moving forward from that catastrophe, in an argument in support of the general view that by compromising such activities to detect and prevent 9/11 events, Snowden has terribly

A proposal to the leadership of the Bumble Corporation explaining the Essay

A proposal to the leadership of the Bumble Corporation explaining the issues, and recommending a strategy to address each issue - Essay Example This was one of the main reasons for the success of Bumble Corp’s traditional stores. The company has recently launched an electronic commerce website to reach the potential customers more easily and quickly. Bumble Corp believes that their online success is directly tied to recreating their brick and mortar customer experience in E-Commerce space. After the launch of their new E-Commerce website, the existing Bumble Corp customers were excited about the new online shopping opportunity form the company they already trust and love. Bumble Corp has three centrally located warehouses in Unites States. One is located in West coast, and the other two are located in the East coast and Texas respectively. Their current E-Commerce business model accepts orders from the customers through the internet and after that these online orders are processed and shipped to the local stores, closest to the customers shipping address. The Problems with Current Online Business Bumble Corp decided t o offer their products to their existing as well as future potential customers through their recently launched E-Commerce website. Their existing customers were excited about their new online shopping experience with their trusted company. However, these loyal customers soon became disillusioned by the impersonalized shopping experience as their real life experience was contrary to their existing belief. When the online model was implemented, it was found that the company’s existing customer information and profile was not accessible online even though they were members in the company’s reward program for many years. Some of the customers even had Bumble branded credit card for buying Bumble Corp’s goods. The new online shopping experience was quickly becoming disappointing without the face to face interaction between the customer and employee of Bumble Corp. Their potential new customers were initially interested on the word of mouth recommendation from their f amily and friends who had already shopped at the company’s traditional stores before. But after the launch of E-Commerce website, customers have often complained that the shipping and handling times are very inconsistent. The store managers have also complained that the store employees do not have the required time to serve both the in-store and online customers simultaneously. These new potential customers tried out the online E-Commerce offering only because they did not have a local store at their place, but, the great experience described by their friends and family created a negative sentiment in them. Hence the company failed to attract new customers and was also on the verge of losing their loyal customers because of limited resources and lack of proper planning before implementing the online model. Objectives Developmental Objective Bumble Corp needs to give the same experience to new customers that it gave to its customers at the traditional brick and mortar stores i n order to maintain their goodwill to their loyal customers. The success of E-Commerce platform lies with the fact that as to what extent

Ergonomics in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Ergonomics in the Workplace - Essay Example In other words, in this world of competitive environment, the field of business has turned into a race where every other individual is running after success and promotions. However, in midst of such competition, individuals at the workplace are becoming the major victims in terms of their health, psychology, and personality due to a number of different issues that are causing an adverse impact on the individuals at the workplace (Hartvigsen & Lings, e2, 2004). Â  In response, experts (HSE, 2007) have introduced a new branch of science, Ergonomics that facilitates employers in the creation and provision of safe and healthy work environment for the individuals and employees at the workplace. Although Ergonomics focuses primarily on the workplace setting that is the fundamental risk factor in affecting individuals at the workplace, however, researchers (Pransky et al, pp. 443-455, 2002) have indicated that as years are passing, the scope of ergonomics is expanding as it now deals different aspects of workplace safety and management from health, psychological, and social aspects as well. In this regard, ergonomics is emphasizing significantly on transforming workplace environment into a comfortable ‘fit’ environment for the individuals working with it. In other words, it is the major responsibility of ergonomics to create a relationship between individuals and the workplace environment by focusing on needs and requirements of ind ividuals, such as equipment, tasks, and other aspects of the working environment (Pransky et al, pp. 443-455, 2002). Â  

Management and Human Resource Development Essay Example for Free

Management and Human Resource Development Essay 1.Integration with organizational missions and goals According to Garavan (1991), integration into business planning in order to contribute to corporate goals and missions of the organization are very crucial. One of Human Resource Development’s functions is to help in formation of business strategies for the organization and it is seen as a responsive and reactive role for strategic human resource development (McCracken Wallace, 2000). Furthermore, the role of SHRD is to shape the organization strategy instead of simply supporting role. Another role of Human Resource Development is to implement or form the corporate strategy. These tasks require them to link the corporate strategy with the organization’s missions and goals. According to Legnick-Hall and Legnick-Hall (1988) and Butler (1988), besides integrating the corporate strategy with the organizational missions and goals, strategic human resource development also plays an important role in shaping and influencing the missions and goals (as stated in McCracken and Wallace, 2000). 2.Top management support  In strategic human resource development, top management support is very important in order to implement the corporate strategy. The corporate strategy that has been formed need to be led actively by the top management people rather than just simply supported by them (Harrison, 1997). Active leadership from the top management will help the managers to adopt strategic thinking in achieving the targeted goals (McCracken and Wallace, 2000). 3.Environmental scanning  In SHRD, environmental scanning is very important to develop the strategic planning. HRD professionals and others senior managers need to conduct the SWOT and PEST analysis. These analyses will help the organization to respond or react to any changes in the internal or external environment (Rainbird, 1995; Peery and Salem, 1993). However, environmental scanning alone is not enough because HRD terms and top management need to implement it (McCracken and Wallace, 2000). Level of Strategic Human Resource Development  The first level of contexts that are crucial in order to understand the contribution of strategic human resource development is global environment. By analyzing and understanding the global environment is very important for an organization in order to be more flexible. Being flexible helps an organization to control and respond quickly to its surrounding, especially the external environment. This level focuses on a multiplicity of external factors that explain the role of SHRD in crisis management and generate particular SHRD initiatives (Wang, Hutchins Garavan, 2009). There are three sets of component that must be understood in the context of global environment which are local conditions, national conditions and multinational conditions. Local conditions basically focus on laws and protocol. For example, the organization might need to devise emergency planning processes to tackle potential crisis regarding the safety and health law (Wang, Hutchins Garavan, 2009). Local conditions can be divided into two parts which are economic and political trends as well as industry characteristics. The organization must alert with the economic and political conditions within the country. For the industry characteristics, the organization must ensure that their products and services have its own uniqueness. They need to master the products and services very well where all information need to be in their fingertips. They also need to know the targeted audiences for every of the product and services provided. The national conditions which can be divided into four parts. The first part is technology change. The organization must provide adequate training to its employees to increase the productivity of the employees in operating the latest technology. Since technology is rapidly change, so the employees need to be trained from time to time. The second part is the characteristics of the labor market. An organization must be flexible in terms of planning about the resources of the organizations especially when it comes to human resources. The management needs to hire more expertise. The third set is national culture. The organization need to learn and understand about the culture in order to provided the right products and services. For example, the food industry in Malaysia, they need to ensure that most of the foods are halal in order to fit it with the Muslim culture. The last part is regarding the national HRD systems. Some countries use the â€Å"soft† interventions rather than the â€Å"hard† approaches such as codes and protocols (Wang, Hutchins Garavan, 2009). It may appear as a component of partnership planning between the government, employers and trade unions. The last set of components is the multinational conditions which are cross-culture difference and international laws and regulations. Cross-cultural differences such as cultural assumptions towards planning and risk may also operate by some organizations. According to Tierney,Lindell Perry (2001), Asian countries are slow to react to disasters and they do not understand the important of systems and processes to deal with these disasters. Meanwhile, according to Caudron (2002), global terrorist events and international criminal acts have alert the national government regarding the important of providing the security education and professional education of human resources involved in security management. Certain multinational corporations may also pose some policies on individual companies within the corporation’s (Wang, Hutchins Garavan, 2009).

Essay --

1. The development of the astrolabe was an important invention that helped measure altitude. Maps were also very important in determining location. The sailors understanding of wind patterns allowed them to determine route and the most prompt way to reach their destinations. The improvement of the Spanish and Portuguese caravel sailing ship allowed them to be quicker on their expeditions. Combined, these technical developments allowed transoceanic trade and travel to be possible. 2. The Ming dynasty, in 1644 was taken over by the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Hongwu was the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty in 1368, when he drove out the mongols he then brought back the sholar-gentry. The Chinese society began to be strict on education. They began giving the youth exam questions which was a reflection of what the Chinese values had become. 3. Columbian Exchange Intentional effects Unintentional effects Brought in domesticated animals Brought diseases Brought in crops Contaminated land Weeds Wild animals 4. Mining in Spain was the foundation of its power in the indies. Latin America was b...

The student body of your University

I would be grateful if offered the opportunity to be a member of the student body of your University. I am currently undertaking my studies at Grossmont College and I would wish to transfer to your University in order to study Business Administration.Grossmont College does not offer undergraduate programs and I wish to further my studies to the highest level I can achieve in an institution which encourages both personal and collective academic advancement. I am specifically enthusiastic about your University due to the high levels of integrity and quality education being offered besides providing for students a good environment for studies.The visions and goals of your University as an academic institution are in line with my personal goals for I desire to positively change the human society through knowledge that I wish to gain from your institution when given the chance.I believe that University of San Diego is the place where the foundation of my career stand to be shaped as its v alues has the capacity to further build my worth as a moral and intellectual being. My objectives are to work in the business world as a manager and I believe my studies at your esteemed institution will adequately equip me for such an eventuality.I completely understand my responsibility as a student and I am only requesting for the opportunity to join your student body and the entire community of University of San Diego. I will abide by all the rules and focus on achieving my academic and intellectual goals while at the same time making positive contribution towards my fellow students and the entire community of the University of San Diego.I am looking forward to a positive response and an opportunity to join your academic institution. Thank you in advance.

Consumer Behaviour †Product Line Extension Essay

Created by two avid surfers, Billabong is a brand designed by surfers, for surfers. In 1973, Billabong offered little more than a small range of surf wear: mainly surfboards and board shorts. But today, Billabong is a brand that encompasses the Australian surf culture by offering products that cater not only for the surfer inside many of us, but for fashion and lifestyle needs. 1.2 CURRENT TARGET MARKET Billabong is a brand that offers numerous products designed to accommodate numerous lifestyles. Included in their extensive range are products designed for surfers, general beach goers, skateboarders and the fashion conscious. Comprehensive characteristics of this market are difficult to pinpoint, however, it is the assumption that the majority of consumers are males and females aged between 12 and 35 years of age. Consumer Need: Social Image Need – the most important need satisfied by Billabong 1.3 CURRENTLY SOLD In the mid 1980’s, just over ten years since the birth of Billabong, the successes of the small Australian brand were being recognised world wide and Billabong products were in high demand. This led to the export of Billabong products to the global market with countries such as the USA, Japan, New Zealand and Europe first in line. Today, the product range available extends as far as 2200 lines in Australia, 1300 lines in the US and many more in over 60 other countries. It is not unusual that the greatest distribution of Billabong products is to coastal destinations. However, countries locked by land are given the opportunity to live the Billabong experience with products available on-line and in assorted stores around the world. 1.4 PRICE RANGE Billabong products appear at the higher end of the price spectrum for the overall market, and are moderately to high priced as compared to their surf brand competitors. Some examples of how Billabong measure in the market are illustrated below: Girls Thongs: Billabong – $17.95 Mermaid Sister – $19.95 Target $4.00 Men’s Jeans: Billabong – $120.00 Quiksilver $139.95 Jeanswest $65.00 Beach Towel: Billabong – $69.95 Aztec Rose – $39.95 Bonds $29.95 1.5 MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLE The single most important environmental variable affecting Billabong is ‘Culture’; defined as † a set of values, ideas, artefacts and other meaningful symbols that help individuals communicate, interpret and evaluate as members of society† (Blackwell et al. 2001). Products are largely designed, as outlined in section 1.2 and Appendix A, for a surf/sun/style culture which is seemingly ubiquitous in Australian living. 1.6 PRODUCT EXTENSION Billabong Skinwear: a Skin-care range including sunscreen, lip-balm and after sun-gel. This range meets the highest Australian standards in sun protection whilst also providing the essential style that Australians have come to know and expect from Billabong products. 2.0 SECTION B The target audience for any given product or service is the group of people that advertisers wish to attract through their marketing activities. The process of identifying and defining an audience leads to assessing priorities. For instance, a firm may identify a sizably large group or market to be potential consumers. However, it is likely to be financially unsound to attempt to target all consumers within the group. A target audience may be established by asking questions such as: Which audience is large enough to be a significant target? Which audience is a priority in terms of the brand’s product? Which audience is the target of the product’s attributes and benefits? A target audience may be defined by their age, gender, family status, lifestyle, interests or a combination of these characteristics. It is noteworthy that a target audience invariably differs from the overall target market and is generally only a segment of a given market. For example, Billabong would target consumers (both male and female) between the ages of around 12 – 35; but different segments of this broad market are more likely to purchase than others. It is desirable to develop demographic and psychographic profiles of these likely consumers (the target audience). Accurate details of a target audience can only be obtained by means of credible market research practices. However, inferences and assumptions can be made beforehand to aid any research. Some of the demographic characteristics of the Billabong target audience are, as mentioned previously, males and females between the ages of around 12 – 35 (although  advertising is usually specific to one particular gender as seen in the example of Appendix A). Such individuals are predominantly situated in coastal regions where the beach/surf/sun culture thrives (as clearly demonstrated in Appendix A), although there are significant deviations from this trend especially in recent times with such a broad, climate and geographically unbiased product range spanning some 2200 lines in Australia alone (Billabong International 2004). Economic factors can sometimes play a role in defining a target but in this case the audience is not necessarily limited to any specific economic traits; for example, income brackets are not easily defined for consumers as Billabong International offers such a variety of products satisfying both functional lifestyle needs and fashion influenced desires, hence the user’s likelihood of purchasing is expected to be more dependant on the psychographic factors of consumer motivation, motivational intensity and consumer knowledge. Consumer motivation represents the drive to meet physiological and psychological needs via purchase and consumption of products (Blackwell et al. 2001, p.233). Billabong customers are likely to be driven to satisfy their social image needs and needs for pleasure. They are expected to have a high motivational intensity to fulfil these needs so as to willingly overcome the price barrier associated with doing so. The target consumers for Billabong have a relatively high level of consumer knowledge regarding their chosen product. The concept of consumer knowledge involves individuals pre-existing knowledge and perceptions related to product purchase and consumption. These consumers have a high awareness of the products attributes and associations, such as the famous waves symbol, the obvious ties with surfing and pro surfing and the companies Australian origins. They have a familiarity with the products image within the marketplace. They associate the brand with high quality, high fashion and are prepared to bear the comparatively high price. This target audience is aided by the purchase knowledge they hold regarding Billabong’s price positioning; that is, the company is in the high price range compared to the overall market but is moderate to high in price when evaluating surf brands (see Section 1.4). These consumers are also equipped with knowledge on when  and where to buy – aware that the products are available in specialty surf-specific stores and can rely on a least two sales each year at the end of summer and winter. Although expensive research is often the most accurate way of developing a targeted marketing approach, it is always beneficial to attempt to identify expected consumers as early as possible in a marketing plan. Whether you utilize extensive demographic and psychographic research or just use common-sense, â€Å"the key is to identify a group or groups of potential customers that offer the best opportunities for business potential† (Defining Your Target 2004). 3.0 SECTION C 3.1 THE BILLABONG COMMUNICATION MIX A successful communication mix is essential in the marketing of any brand or product to consumers. This ties in with the familiar four P’s of marketing which are price, place, promotion and product. The most important factor relating to the concept of the communications mix is promotion. Examples of promotion include: personal selling, sales promotion, public relations, publicity, direct mail, advertising, sponsorship, branding and distribution of samples. A good communication mix ensures that the brand receives adequate exposure whilst also targeting the appropriate audiences (see Section B). For many large corporations, their logo is an integral part of their marketing activities. This unique identifier will be present throughout all forms of visual marketing communication and is a powerful statement in itself. An obvious example of such would be Nike with its ‘swoosh’ symbol. Similarly, the famous Billabong ‘waves’ are present throughout the Billabong communication mix. 3.2 PRINT ADVERTISING Currently there are a number of communication methods that are used by Billabong. Products are featured in a number of magazines such as Dolly,  Girlfriend, Chik and Cosmopolitan, who predominately market to the female segment of Billabong’s target audience. Print advertisements also feature in more male oriented publications such as Ralph and FHM and can be seen in specific surfing magazines such as Surfing. The combination of these promotional activities effectively reaches the specific audience that Billabong targets. 3.3 BROADCAST ADVERTISING Broadcast advertising is very limited and is likely to only be featured for events such as special surfing related events such as the Billabong Pro surf championships. 3.4 INTERNET PROMOTIONS Internet promotions are one of the most extensive ways in which Billabong advertises. On almost every Billabong advertisement featured in the aforementioned media, the Billabong web address is present; ‘billabong.com’. The website shows the entire product list, which are available for purchase online. The website is not just limited to the Australian audience. It also caters for different products and prices suitable for different regions around the world, including: North America, South America, Asia and Europe – representative of Billabongs growing international presence and successful utilisation of the internet in market places around the world. 3.5 PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL Associated to Billabong is a highly influential reference group who effectively act as a promotional tool. These are pro surfers such as Layne Beachley, Alana Brennan and Andy Irons. This reference group gains credibility for the brand by using Billabong products. Billabong promotions use these public faces to give testimonials as the attention gained by having expert’s approval is invaluable in the fight for consumer preference. 3.6 POINT OF PURCHASE DISPLAYS Point of purchase displays are frequently used by Billabong. In surf shops such as City Beach Surf (Garden City, Whitfords City), Billabong products are grouped together in the store whereas in Brothers Nielsen (Garden City, Perth, Whitfords City), the Billabong are grouped alongside competing brands by category. From the marketing perspective of a reputable manufacturer, it is more desirable to have the clothes grouped by brand rather than by category as this allows consumers to search for the specific brand they wish to purchase. 3.7 IS THIS COMMUNICATION MIX APPROPRIATE? Print advertising utilised by Billabong is appropriate and effective as the magazines that they feature in are targeting similar or overlapping audiences. Promotions and promotional material aid in increasing public familiarity with the brand. This has been achieved by attaching the Billabong name and logo with events such as the Billabong Pro and other surfing events worldwide. Celebrities, especially movie stars, television actors, entertainers, and sports figures, can be very powerful assets to any marketing and advertising campaign (Blackwell et al. 2001). Billabong uses famous surfers Layne Beachley, Alana Brennan and Andy Irons to achieve higher credibility within the surfing world. Another powerful promotional tool is the brands website. Generation â€Å"X† and â€Å"Y† are very likely to search the internet for products that they wish to purchase, as it allows them to shop in the comfort of their homes without the effort of searching different stores to find certain products or information. Internet Promotions are seen to be effective because of the increasing frequency and effectiveness of e-commerce in today’s globalised market place. The website is easy to use, easy to find and is prevalent in all the advertising material; increasing consumer knowledge of the website. Broadcast advertising for Billabong is likely to have a limited effectiveness. It has been shown that only 19% of television viewers actually watch the advertisements shown during a show (Lach, cited in  Blackwell 2001, p. 438). Bearing this in mind, and realising that the target audience is a relatively specific one, it is doubtful that the audience will be reached on a frequent basis via this medium. 3.8 CHANGES TO COMMUNICATION MIX We believe that Billabong should implement a number of various changes to the current communications mix in order to launch the Skinwear range. Procedures such as distributing free samples would be effective in increasing: awareness of the product, its function of reducing the effects of sun exposure and the positive associations of the brand. An increase in Billabong sponsored events will lead to increased exposure of the Billabong name and will provide an excellent opportunity to introduce consumers to the product extension line. The Skinwear range can be officially launched by specifically attaching the name of the new product (Skinwear) to a Billabong sponsored event. On its launch, the previously mentioned method of sample distribution can be used to full effect. The launch of Skinwear will coincide with the increased marketing activities surrounding the entire Billabong range during the summer holiday season. An effective way of maximising the benefits of this situation would be to utilise POP displays, perhaps combined with promotional gift packs. 4.0 SECTION D 4.1 PRODUCT CONCEPT As a well recognised and trusted surf brand, Billabong is endeavouring to branch out into the skin-care market, in particular: sun-care to further cater to its customers lifestyle needs. Like the rest of the world, Australia as a society has become heavily health and image conscious; as demonstrated from the many articles, advertisements, new products and spending increases based in the Health and Cosmetic Industries. Billabong has made the decision to extend their existing product range in an attempt  to take advantage of this new demand for health and beauty products. In doing so, Billabong has created its ‘Skinwear’ range which includes a Sunscreen, Lip balm and After-Sun Gel all of which meet the high standards set by the Australian Government and Australian Cancer Council. Included in the Billabong Skinwear range is a Sunscreen boasting an SPF or Sun Protection Factor of 30, shielding the skin from harmful UV rays 30 times longer than our skins natural defences are able to. Through the introduction of past innovative products, Billabong has become known for its dedication to meet and exceed the needs demanded by their surfing clientele; hence incorporating an 8 hour water protection attribute into this product. This feature allows surfers and beach goers the chance to enjoy their lifestyle without the concerns of having to frequently reapply sunscreen. The combination of 30 SPF and 8hrs of water resistance will instantly place the product at least equally, in terms of functional attributes, at the top of the market. Billabongs new Skinwear range also includes a Lipbalm featuring an SPF of 15. As a means to widen the target audience, Billabong’s new Lipbalm is free of colour and taste, removing added hesitation in the male demographic. For easy application, the Lipbalm is packaged in a squeezable tube, making for easy and mess-free application; all of which is very handy when applying at the beach. Incorporated into the After-Sun Gel is an aloe extract. According to Steve Herman (2004, p.54) â€Å"aloe remains a genuinely useful healing agent widely accepted by the public†. In order to meet consumer requirements, aloe is a feature in the After-Sun Gel product. It is merely a last resort that consumers would ultimately require a product to soothe the effects the sunburn; however, as Plato quite accurately stated â€Å"The most we can teach people is what they already know†. This statement defines the need for a product such as After-Sun Gel, as it is expected that even with the existence of a Sunscreen as provided by Billabong; consumers are likely to use the product ineffectively every now and then. Pat Thomas (2004, p.16) declares â€Å"the sun is now officially the enemy – against which sun creams are our weapon of choice†. According to figures given on the Australian Cancer website (http://www.cancer.org.au) 374,000 Australian’s are treated for non-melanoma skin cancer every year. This figure accounts for 1.9% of Australia’s entire population. More alarming is that an additional 8,500 Australians are diagnosed with a melanoma, of which 1300 will die as a result. Such frightening statistics generate the question; are members of Australia’s beach and surf culture taking appropriate steps to protect their skin from such devastating consequences? Pioneers in serving this beach/surf culture, Billabong attempt to make their consumers aware of the harmful dangers associated with long term exposure to the sun and its effects. In doing so, Billabong offers such products as available in their new Skinwear range to protect the physiological needs of their consumers as well as removing the quite apparent social negativity involved in wearing and applying sunscreen. 4.2 TARGET MARKET REVISITED It would be unwise for a brand such as Billabong to extend an already successful product range if there was any reason to believe that it would not be as successful as the collective existing products. In accordance, Billabong has created a Skinwear range that not only extends the well recognised image of the brand but also the values and attributes that a consumer would associate with any of its other products. For instance, Billabong is renowned for its high quality surf-related products, innovative style and up-to-date fashion. A marketing approach to increase the popularity of Billabong products is to promote consumption as more than an experience, but rather a statement of image and self-expression. It is for this reason that the slogan for the new Skinwear range reads: â€Å"Wear Billabong, even when you’re naked†. As identified in Section B, Billabong’s key target audience extends between males and females aged between 12 and 35. At these ages, it would not be inaccurate to suggest that a major factor in the purchase and consumption of  surf brands and their related products is whether the product links consumers with the desire to fit certain image and style demands. The surf and beach culture is dominant in the lifestyles and images of Australian people. This, in effect, further intensifies the need for many consumers to conform. Australians are becoming more obsessed with their health and appearance. Appearing on Australian networks week by week are television shows that promote cosmetic surgery, crash diets, new health risks, advanced pharmaceuticals and much more. It is not surprising that consumers in the demographic of 12-35 years of age are identifying a need to improve and maintain beauty and health. The links between sun exposure and skin damage have been extensively researched in Australia, as it appears that compared to other geographical locations, Australian people are more susceptible and at risk of suffering, due to the consequences of living in such a sun exposed location. When taking into consideration the various issues relating to sun exposure and skin damage, Billabong decided to create their Skinwear range. It is expected that with an informative and effective marketing campaign, existing Billabong consumers will see the need to execute a diligent skin protection regime, in turn utilising the products that are now offered by Billabong. 4.3 ATTITUDES In order for this product extension to be successful, Billabong has attempted to seize the large target audience that already purchases and consumes their existing product range. It is suggested by Blackwell et al. (2001, p. 289) that â€Å"holding a favourable attitude toward a product is almost always an essential prerequisite in order for consumers to hold a favourable purchase of consumption intention†. In saying this, it is not expected that the consumer will automatically purchase the product, but that they will hold a favourable intention which may assist in their decision. Several models are used to aid marketers of company’s such as Billabong to analyse consumer attitudes and their associated effects on product evaluation and choice.  Better known as the Fishbien Model and Ideal-Point Model, marketers of brands such as Billabong are given important information from consumer’s responses. In many cases, this leads to new product developments as is the case of Billabong, where certain needs not catered for are alerted to designers. In order for Billabong to avoid consumer’ attitudes becoming impartial between brands, it is essential to do whatever it takes to achieve â€Å"Attitude persistence†¦ [where] an attitude’s immune to such corrosion† (Blackwell et al. p. 300). It is likely that the need for products such as that offered in Billabongs Skinwear range will never be made redundant, purely because the risks associated with having lives revolved around the sun are not diminishing in number and neither are the risks associated. The greatest obstacle faced when introducing Billabongs new Skinwear range is changing consumer’s preferences, in effect, â€Å"recruiting competitor’s customers† (Blackwell et al. 2001, p. 301). A strong feature of the Skinwear range is its SPF rating and Water Resistance. In order to â€Å"recruit competitor’s customers† Billabong must be effective in changing consumers attitudes, drawing on favourable attitudes held about their existing product range, as well as emphasising comparisons between their new product extension and other existing brands – hopefully in favour of their products. 4.4 CONCLUSION Billabong recognises the importance of consumers needs to ‘be protected in the sun’. After all, it is the expectation that having consumers who exude a lifestyle surrounded by surf and beach that these needs will as some point require satisfying. As a highly regarded surf brand, Billabong places importance on fulfilling consumer’s needs for safety and health. In recognising the gap in its product range, Billabongs new product extension, boasting a highly protective Sunscreen, Lipbalm and After-Sun Gel, continues their commitment to meet the demands of its consumers for the coming summer season. 5.0 SECTION E To examine the decision making processes experienced by a consumer it is practical to use the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) Model which defines seven likely stages involved in any purchase. The CDP model â€Å"†¦represents a roadmap of consumers’ minds that marketers and managers can use to help guide product mix, communication and sales strategies† (Blackwell et al. 2001, p.71). All consumers are not strictly bound by this model in making their decisions, but are likely to undergo at least some of the following stages: The Consumer Decision Process Model In the case of Billabong, to ensure the success of their product line extension and the associated marketing activities; it would be beneficial to hypothesise the probable processes of their target audience in becoming loyal users of the new product. Such predictions may be made by examining the stages of the CDP model. The first stage of the model, need recognition, involves the consumer sensing the difference between their ideal and actual state of affairs. Billabong will aim, through straight-forward advertising and other marketing communications (as outlined in Section C), to undermine the user’s perceptions about the adequacy of their existing state and will hence create a problem that must be solved. Advertising will include the contrasting negative consequences of not using the product (such as skin damage and/or cancer) with the altogether positives outcomes associated with using the new product. Such benefits include a high level of skin care and also positive social image. With so many choices and more and more variables affecting consumer decisions, especially for low-involvement products such as sunscreen, it is expected that previous loyal followers of the Billabong trademark will factor their positive experiences and high levels of satisfaction into their decision to use Billabong Skinwear. The second stage involves searching the marketplace for information on  products and alternatives. The loyal Billabong consumer will find themselves undergoing components of both an internal and external search and will then move on to assess evaluative criteria as outlined by the third stage; pre-purchase evaluation. It is in this stage that these particular consumers are likely to conclude Billabong as the better alternative. The target audience, whether undergoing an external or internal search will find Billabong to be at least equal (see Section 4.1) to its competitors in terms of its products attributes whilst the positive associations with the Billabong brand will ensure that Billabong Skinwear is seen as the superior alternative. It is the intention of Billabong to extend its dominance into the new market and it is hoped that consumers eliminate the need for extensive searching in order to simply transfer loyalty into this new market. There are two paths that will lead a consumer to the fourth stage of the purchase decision. They may either systematically travel through the previous three stages leading to an obvious choice to purchase, or they may avoid the first three stages altogether and simply purchase the product based on an instantaneous decision influenced by prior ties to the Billabong brand. An example of such may be seen in impulse purchasing, where point-of-purchase (POP) displays may play a significant role. The fifth stage; consumption, is likely to occur seasonally as sun protection is demanded mainly in summer. However, loyal consumers such as those outlined in section B are perhaps the more likely of any one in the market to use the product as suggested by Billabong and its experts – all year round. Stages five and six; consumption and post-consumption evaluations are likely to have a positive, satisfied response from consumers when taking into consideration Billabongs efforts to transfer loyalty from past experiences into the new products evaluation. The last stage, divestment, holds no definitive expectations from those marketing the new product. The only aim is for the target consumers to consume the product completely and not discard it in preference for a competing brand before the end of its useful life The transition of loyal users to the new product (as summarized in this section) demonstrates how varying influential factors will alter the processes outlined in the Consumer Decision Process (CDP) Model. Whether it be the testimony of industry experts or the word of mouth (WOM) distribution of the positive brand image, it is clear that it will be more than possible to transmit the loyalty of the brand into the new product extension line. 6.0 REFERENCES Billabong International 2004. Retrieved: September 30, 2004, from http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/ 06/12/1086749947661.html?from=storylhs. Blackwell, D.R., Miniard, P.W. & Engel, J.F. 2001, Consumer Behaviour 9ED, Harcourt Inc., Florida. Defining Your Target 2004. Retrieved: October 4, 2004, from http://www.usg.com/contractors/defining_your_target.asp. Herman, S. 2004, ‘A day at the beach’, Global Cosmetic Industry, vol. 172, no. 8, pp. 53-54. Retrieved: October 13, 2004, from Proquest. Thomas, P. 2004, ‘Behind the Label: Suncream’, The Ecologist, vol. 34, no.6, Retrieved: October 13, 2004, from Proquest.