Significant Business Risk Factors Essay Example for Free

Significant Business Risk Factors Essay1. Limited Shelf LifeEmpirical evidence suggests that retailers must accommodate to new product style trends in order to satisfy consumers and other key stakeholders (Ryan, 2011). In respect to Harvey Norman (HVN), failure to adapt will implicate lower consumer demand, hindering ripening and profitability. It is important to note a limited shelf life of HVNs products exists due to changing trends. This in turn gives origin to the risk of inventory becoming obsolete and rising excess stock in the warehouse. Therefore, HVN should further emphasise on its inventory management, in order to inform inventory build up and overall expenses in the entity. 2. Increased Competition from online shoppingStudies reveal that Australian consumers have embraced online shopping, recording a 23% growth in 2012 (Irvine, 2013). In order to combat the fierce competition in the online market, HVN introduced its Omni- strategy, which focused on the enhancement of its digital store. There is evidence of success from this strategy with the firm modernly named as The Best Multichannel Retailer in the ORIA 2013 awards (Chanthadavong, 2013).Despite this acclaim, it is of paramount importance that HVN considers enhancing its distribution channels, especially its digital store through relegate pricing on delivery times for online purchasesand a greater focus on personalised services for internet empowered consumers. This will sustain consumer expectations and visualize the firm captures a greater portion of its target market (Chanthadavong, 2013). 3. Threat from domestic competitorsDespite being one of Australias retail monsters, HVN in recent times has been battling it out in the domestic market due to growing competition. In 2012, HVN was labelled as the most expensive Australian electronic giant recording a severe slump in its pricing position in comparison to its counterparts such as Dick Smith Electronics and JB HI-FI (Jager, 2013). The primal reason for the slump was predominantly due to the high costs from GST and compliance laws (Morley, 2013).Additionally, three of HVNs recently acquired subsidiaries failed during the 2011/2012 financial years. Thisproved to be a pricy investment for the firm reduced its competitive position in the furniture and electrical goods industry (Coyne, 2013). Furthermore, the entitys poor pricing position detrimentally force the electronics giants gross revenue (-4.9%) and profitability (-2.38%) (Harvey Norman, 2012). This suggests that HVN whitethorn have inventory build-up, excessive discounting and price deflation due to staggering consumer demand.4. Stagnating growth in the global retail industryStagnating growth in the global retail industry has resulted in lower consumer demand and expenditure. A study from IBIS reveals that Australian appliance retailing has go by nearly two percent (IBISworld, 2013). Additionally, declining consumer demand has influenced a fall in the Aust ralian dollar (AUD), which has negatively impacted sales in HVN Australian and international stores such as New Zealand and Ireland (Harvey Norman, 2012). HVNs 2012 Annual Report reinforces that the negative growth has inhibited a reduction of HVNs profitability, revenue and hence increasing the risk of obsolescence of inventory.5. Natural Disasters affecting Harvey Norman StoresRecent natural disasters have damaged many HVN Australian and New Zealand stores. For instance, a fire in the storage area of Harvey Norman in Porirua New Zealand heavily damaged a HVN store earlier in June 2013 (New Zealand Herald, 2013). This has had detrimental impacts on HVNs sales revenue in its New Zealand market (Harvey Norman, 2012 p. 10). It is important to note that these disasters enlarge time wastage spent on rebuilding stores and increases the risk of overstatement of assets, as they may not have been properly removed off premises.6. Misleading advertisingIt is of paramount importance that a c ompany doesnt engage in moody and deceptive marketing especially if the products fail to exist in the warehouse. HVN was recently fined through infringement notices worth $6,600 for advertising stock they did not hold in a bid to mislead customers. According to the ACCC, this act breached the Trade Practices Act in promoting material. Moreover, this has had financial and non-financial impacts for the company, specifically affecting future sales and brand juton reliability of the companys stance to deliver with full efficiency. This is also known as operational and compliance risk.7. Threat of the geographical muddle of franchisesAccording to the entitys 2012 annual report, franchising is deemed to be HVNs predominant source of its revenue. Whilst, HVN has franchise locations globally, its New Zealand stores attract the highest level of sales revenue (Harvey Norman, 2012). Growth in sales have peaked in stores located around the mining districts such as Western Australia, Hunter V alley, but have dropped in writ of execution in the capital cities such Sydney and Melbourne. A financial risk of going on concern can be indicated from here as the need of consumers switch over and with competition HVN may not be selling and trading as much in the cities leading to inventory overload and incremented liabilities affecting overall rail line performance.8. Currency FluctuationsDuring the 2012 financial year, the AUD fluctuated a significant amount against the most popular currency for trade (USD) by about $0.9544 to $1.1055 (RBA 2012). A fluctuation of $0.1511combined with trades amounting in millions would potentially lead to a large discrepancy to HVNs Accounts receivable and payable accounts. Additionally, a lower AUD reflects that HVN would have to increase the retail prices in order to discover the same profit margin (Campbell Phillips 2013).Empirical evidence reveals that if the dollar drops to around $0.80AUD compared to the USD, Australian consumers can ex pect an increase in prices of about 25% (Campbell Phillips 2013). This increase can be counteracted through hedging of the currencies, however volatility of the commodity market could potentially reduce HVNs sales. Specifically, if sales decreases the risk of inventory obsolesces and keep downs through idol stock increases.

Cyber Security Research Paper Essay Example for Free

Cyber certification Research Paper Essay1. PrefaceThis security profile of the section of Veterans Affairs (VA) is base on two documents of public record. The first is the published VA Handbook 6500 (VAH 6500) which defined policy and procedures for systems within the purview of the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007). The second document is the Federal Information protection Management Act Assessment for FY 20011 commissioned by the VA single-valued function of Inspector General (OIG) and performed by Ernst Young in accordance with Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) guidelines (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. i).2. Identification of ControlsThis security profile presents one control function from three primary policy and procedure controls. These controls atomic number 18 System/New technology Development Life roulette wheel from Management Controls, Security Training, Education, and Awareness from performanceal Controls, and Remote in gress from Technical Controls. These controls are selected base on the lack of resolution based on information provided fiscal year 2006, 2010 (VA Office of Inspector General, 2011) and 2011 (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012) FISMA audits.3. Management ControlsThe protection of systems via take a chance mitigation techniques are referred to as management controls. Management controls are designed to minimize risk associated with development process and systems implementation. 4.1. VAH6500 variance 6.a.(7) System/New applied science Development Life Cycle VAH6500 requires that both new technology undergo a systems development life cycle (SDLC) specific to the VA. The cycle consists of Initiation, Development / Acquisition, death penalty, Operation / Maintenance and Disposal. Systems essential be able to encrypt/decrypt data. Systems not capable of this must receive a waiver from the OIG.4.2. Implementation AssessmentThe SDLC schedule provided does not provide the necessar y information for an effective program. No supporting material or references to NIST SP 800-64 Rev2 Security Considerations in the System Development Life Cycle or VAH 6500.5 Incorporating Security and Privacy into the System Development Life Cycle is made.4.3. Implementation ImpactThe OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment indicates that FISMA Section 3544 requires establishing policies and procedures to ensure information security is communicate throughout the life cycle of each agency information system (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 9). Based on the lack of consistency in economic consumption of SDLC and change control, major security risks may go unnoticed.4. Operational ControlsOperational controls focus on techniques and procedures put in place by Information Technology staff or systems managers. The purpose is to increase security and provide deterrence via system controls. 5.4. VAH6500 Section 6.b.(11) Security Training, Education, and Awareness VAH6500 provides a concise p olicy which states any individuals that access sensitive information or systems must complete annual security pedagogy. Key persons with significant roles must attend additional training. All training is monitored for completeness. Policy indicates before employees can use systems security training must be completed.5.5. Implementation AssessmentPolicy indicates that fourteen key pieces of information must be covered before an individual is tout ensembleowed to begin work. This training must similarly be refreshed annually. The tracking of this information is the responsibility of the local ISO (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007, p. 57).5.6. Implementation ImpactThe distributed manner of training management is not conducive to consistent security training. The OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment findings indicate a centrally managed training database be use to ensure personnel receive the proper training needed for their job function (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 15).5. Tech nical ControlsThe technical control area focuses on minimizing and/or preventing access to a system(s) by unauthorized individuals via technical measures. The measures are designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of a system(s) (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 54). 6.7. VAH6500 Section 6.c.(3)Remote Access ControlVAH6500 relies on nineteen policy requirements to enforce technical control. VA policy states that no sensitive information may be genic via internet or intranet without proper security mechanisms that meet NIST FIPS 140-2 criteria (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2007, p. 61). Each department within the Agency is responsible for monitoring remote access and privilege functions. Access can be revoked by a supervisor or superior at any time. The remaining requirements cover contractor access, PKI certificate distribution and resultant role of accounts. System protection is the responsibility of the ISO for each area of access.6.8. Impleme ntation AssessmentVAH6500 does not utilize NIST SP 800-46 Guide to Enterprise Telework and Remote Access Security. The OIG 2011 FISAM Assessment also indicates some remote access systems do not provide Network Access Control (NAC) to block systems that do not meet predefined security requirements (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 6).6.9. Implementation ImpactThe diversity of ISO management practices coupled with a lack of specific procedures for management, auditing and access creates opportunity for security breaches.6. SummaryThe three controls outlined in this document show the disparity between written policy, procedure, and implementation. In order for the VA to be successful in meeting the standards of early FISMA assessments, a primaeval change in operations within the VA is required.7. CommentsThe multifaceted nature of operations within the VA requires guidelines that meet the needs of multiple departments within the Agency. All three controls discussed in this d ocument have very broad definitions to accommodate the extensive variety of services the VA provides. This flexibility coupled with a drop in training acceptance, legacy systems (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 7) and the lack of an implemented components of its agency-wide information security risk management program (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 3) will continue to limit future progress.These delay factors provide an understanding of why twelve recommendations from prior FISAM assessments remain open. Of the twelve recommendations listed in the VA FISMA FY 2011 report, only three have been closed, while three another(prenominal) recommendations have been superseded by new recommendations (VA Office of Inspector General, 2012, p. 19). The recent announcement of the Continuous, Readiness in Information Security Program (CRISP) seems to indicate a natural shift in the way the VA views security issues (United States Department of Veterans Affairs). In order for this program to be successful, this message must be understood and acted upon by all persons under the VA umbrella.8.ReferencesDepartment of Veterans Affairs. (2007). VA Handbook 6500. Washington, DC US Government effect Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http//www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=56 Department of Veterans Affairs. (2010). Strategic Plan FY 2010-2014. Washington, DC US Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http//www.va.gov/op3/Docs/StrategicPlanning/VA_2010_2014_Strategic_Plan.pdf National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2010). Guide for Assessing the Security Controls in Federal Information System (NIST 800-53a). Washington, D.C. US Government Printing Office. http//csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-53-Rev3/sp800-53-rev3-final_updated-errata_05-01-2010.pdf United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). CRISP. Retrieved February 21, 2013, from United States Department of Veterans Affairs http//www.saltlak ecity.va.gov/features/CRISP.asp VA Office of Inspector General. (2011). Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Information Security Management Act Assessment for FY 2010 (10-01916-165). Washington, D.C. US Government Publishing Office. Retrieved from http//www.va.gov/oig/52/reports/2011/VAOIG-10-01916-165.pdf VA Office of Inspector General. (2012). Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Information Security Management Act Assessment for FY 2011 (11-00320-138). Washington, D.C. US Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 20, 2013,from http//www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-11-00320-138.pdf

How Knowledge Is Generated

How Knowledge Is GeneratedKnowledge is devolved through with(predicate) the interaction of slender and yeasty thought process. Obliquely, the statement adjusts noesis as of an Idea which whitethorn be extend tod from the mind, but or sothing of pre-existing idea its not. Knowledge can be generated through the interaction of critical and creative thinking. would be a statement of which knowledge is setd as of something that whitethorn be discovered through the interaction of twain creative and critical thinking. According to Khalil Gibran, No man can bring out to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.May knowledge be defined as of something to be discovered but is else generated through the particular date of ones mind and a notion? Assume that one might discover an idea. Is it of being in conscious of specific pre-existing conception? Knowledge whitethorn be discovered by being aware of certain idea this requires the applic ation of both critical and creative thinking. Critical thinking may achieve certain level of judgment creative thinking motivates an idea of an savvy of pre-existing concept. Both creative and critical thinking are necessary to generate a ripe understanding of knowledge. Knowledge requires the well understanding of its concept and basis. According to Plato, The learning and knowledge that we have, is, at the most, but little compared with that of which we are ignorant. ground on the statement specified above, knowledge is achieved by the engagement of all ways of knowing which include language, emotions, perception, and reasoning. But as of something that exists before the finding could the stock of knowledge be of nothing, but all the ways of knowing be defined as of the tools required for the discovery and exploration? But if knowledge itself is generated through the ways of knowing, it may as well be defined as its product hence the ways of knowing may as well be its limit. T his is influenced by the understanding of knowledge itself, as whether it is something that is produced or discovered. But may one that is discovered be produced or is it that one that is produced be discovered? The understanding of knowledge and its origin through, or by the ways of knowing requires a process of intricacy and qualms. By the ways of knowing we note that knowledge is to some purpose, linked or explored in ones mind in a meticulously abstract way.The process of learning requires the ways of knowing as the tools which are obligatory to generate or discover knowledge, either way knowledge is involved and in function. The way in which knowledge is expressed or explored is in flesh to the ways of knowing, these are explored in diverse subjects and ideas which are of the product of knowledge itself. This includes the contribution of the ways of knowing in the areas of knowledge. The areas of knowledge apply the understanding of assure knowledge and concept in both pract ical and theoretical studies and understanding. The general extent of knowledge is to which it may be classified.A way of knowing may be understood as a concept of dominance in specified areas of knowledge. As for instance Science is the study of natural theoretical concept to which life and its function may be measured. The application of both creative and critical thinking is necessary as the presence of an idea or hypothesis requires inventive aptitude which is generated generally through creative thinking. An Idea exit be actualized or generally accepted just through the well thought of critical thinking, whilst in unison doubts and uncertainties are argued. According to John F. Kennedy, The greater our knowledge increases the more our ignorance unfolds. The concept or theory is but only to be understood through the engagement of both creative and critical thinking. Further understanding of the implementation of knowledge may be discussed over subject such(prenominal) as art and music. Generally, these subjects require the well implication of creative thinking. According to William Pollard, Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable. As imaginative matters are fashioned, the work of true artist requires creativity. As of critical thinking may define the term creative itself, it may as well be in function of analyzing the extent to which according to man is exquisite. Both creative and critical thinking are the quality to which the value of knowledge may be measured. This links the function of both creative and critical thinking to the areas of knowledge.The extent to which knowledge is said to be necessary in the areas of knowledge may be hesitated. But if knowledge is of pre existing concepts and ideas may both creative and critical thinking be defined as the mutual connection between man and knowledge? As it may seemed if assumed, the ways of knowing be only the way in which we relate to knowledge. To that extent may knowledge be defined as an entity to which the ways knowing is redundant to its origin. This may explain the needles of both creative and critical thinking in the areas of knowledge.But if thoughts be defined as of the connection between man and concepts it may as well be assumed, that it is required in exploring the areas of knowledge, that to generate knowledge may be understood as to generate knowledge in ones mind or conscience. The implication in the statement above may be of an abstract idea of internal interpretation or perception of the term itself. The understanding of the statement itself may define knowledge subjectively according to ones awareness.The elucidation of knowledge itself is vague and does not entirely utter a statement of absolute meaning. The statement itself spares subjectivity to be applied in communicating its gist. By stating that knowledge is generated from the engagement of critical and creative thinking, knowledge may be conveyed as something that is generated from the mind. As the statement remain unclear of the idea of knowledge itself, it may as well be supposed that the only known definition of knowledge in the statement is to that of the subjective understanding of ones. As it is read and possibly understood, the statement may denote an account to which one might find it different from anothers construal.May the statement define itself as of the subjectivity signification of many? For nothing must be signified identically to all but at the same time, one shares the commonality thoughts of many. According to Oscar Wilde, Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone elses opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation. This may be both the limit and the addition to the understanding of the statement. The knowledge to what we understood may be the significant elucidation to one but many as well. Ulti mately knowledge may be unploughed a secret to which we tolerate and seek without expecting any answer, for what we are seeking is ever perhaps be forever amid the thought of ours. It is only human to invite to validate our prior knowledge, to vindicate our prior decisions, or to sustain our earlier beliefs. In the process of satisfying our ego, however, we can often deny ourselves intellectual offshoot and opportunity.- Daniel J. Kurland. But subjectivity itself is that what parts us as diverse individuals.Bibliography and recourses http//www.criticalreading.com/critical_thinking.htm http//thinkexist.com/.html http//xmltwo.ibo.org/dp2006-03/dp_x_tokxx_guu_0603_1_e/9

Analysing The Consumer Behaviour Concept

Analysing The Consumer Behaviour ConceptSolomon, Bamossy, Askegaard and Hogg (2010) describe consumer behaviour as a study of why, how, when and where consumers make secures of a particular yield and it tends to understand the decision making process of consumers. Also, Hannah and Wozniak (2001) revealed that consumer behaviour seeks to focus on the consumption think activities of man-to-man as hale as investigate the reason behind and the forces influencing the selection, purchase, use and disposal of goods and processs in another(prenominal) to satisfy personal unavoidablenesss and wants.Furthermore, Hannah and Wozniak (2001) revealed that consumers behaviour encapsulate activities homogeneous influencing others, be cropd by others and kvetch about and returning product and exposure to the media.Finally, in this report, the concept of consumer behaviour as hearty as trade conversation, client expiation and reference collection influence with regards to consumers or put downors in cuttingarke house museum and New-walk museum will be analysed using some theories.Antonides and Van Raaij (1998) revealed that consumer behaviour is concerned with the following viz.Mental and physical act (behaviour)Including the motives and political campaignsOf individuals and (small) groupRegarding orientation, purchase, use, maintenance and disposal (consumption cycle)And house hold production (Do it yourself)Of (scarce) goods and workFrom the market, public and household sectionLending of functionality and achievement of consumer goods and valueAnd to satisfyTake into account short term and long term effectAnd individual and societal consequencesHowever, Solomon, Bamossy, Askegaard and Hogg (2002) regarded consumer behaviour as a process and it involves many different actors. In the quest of trying to understand the consumer behaviour concept it was revealed by Jobber (2010) consumer are involved in a sequence or process of consumption. render 1 described the consumption process of consumer for product or servicesFigure 1 Consumption mathematical process of Consumer For Product Or ServicesNeed Recognition/Problem AwarenessInformation SearchEvaluation of Alternatives and PurchasePost-Purchase Evaluation of DecisionSourced from Jobber, D. (2010) Principles and Practice of tradeNeed Recognition/Problem AwarenessThis is the first stage of the consumer decision making process (Solomon et al 2010). This stage involves when a consumer recognises that there is a inequality between his true self (that is, the current state) and his ideal self (the craved state). This fact was back up in the first visit when the ladies revealed that they had to go somewhere because they were on holiday,However, Jobber (2010) revealed that there are two issues that determine the intention of a consumer to solve his problem to wit the magnitude of the discrepancy between the desired and the inclose state and the relative importance of the problem (Neal, Q uester and Hawkin2 2007). Also, Jobber (2010) further revealed that in a situation where the difference between the present state and desired state is small, the consumer might not be motivated to move to the next stage of the process (that is, instruction search)Furthermore, OShaughnessey (1987) suggested that a customer must be aware of the need to solve a problem as well as being aware of the need inhibitor and a need may surface as a conduct of stimulation which advise be caused by advertisement campaign.Information SearchJobber (2010) revealed that information search involves the identification of secondary bearings to solve a problem. Information search might be carried out internally or externally (Jobber 2010). This was accepted in the first visit when the 2 ladies revealed that they searched the Internet as well as ask friends about the museum. However, internal search involves a consumer reviewing relevant information from his memory bank in which the information w ill include reference to personal experiences and marketing communication. While, external search involves searching from personal sources like friends, co-workers, neighbours as well as commercialized source like sales people and advertising (Jobber 2010).Recently, consumers tend to use the internet as their major information search tools using search engines like Google and Yahoo (Jobber 2010) This was also suppoted in the first visit when the two ladies revealed they searched the Internet for more information before coming to the museum.Furthermore, Solomon et al (2010) revealed that the major aim of information search is to create an awareness set that involves several(prenominal) brands that can solve the consumers problem.Evaluation of Alternative and the Actual PurchaseConsumers tend to be open air to several alternatives in the process of decision making. This several alternatives will be evaluated and filtered to produce an evoked set (Jobber 2010). This evoked set include s several brands which a consumer is considering to purchase, in which the consumer tend to use fewer criteria to select the brand of choice because information search has already taken place (Kuusela, Spence and Kunto 1998)Furthermore, Solomon et al (2010) suggested that consumers tends to evaluate product or service using the knowledge about the product or service, hence allowing the consumer to group product or service in accordance to their belief and placement about different brand of product. This was supportedHowever, Schiffman, Kanuk and in the second visit to New walkway museum when the people observed to be chatting to each other utter they decided to come to the museum instead of going to the Caribbean because of what their fried had told them. Wisenblit (2009), suggest that the purchase stage is when the customer actually make up their mind and purchase the product of service after information has been searched and several alternative evaluated.The first stage of the categorisation is the basic take aim of home. This level tends to group product or service with common attribute or character while the second level is the subordinate category which includes grouping of individual brands and the third category id the super- ordinate categoryFigure 1.2 depicts the three stages involved in evaluating and categorising of brandsFigure 1.2 Evaluating and Categorising of BrandsTourismMuseumsCaribbeanEuropean CountryVacationAfricaNew FacesArts and PaintingHistoryNewark House Museum/ New Walk MuseumAdapted from Solomon et al (2010) Consumer BehaviourPost- Purchase Evaluation of the DecisionJobber (2010) revealed that the aim of an effective marketing is to create customer felicity and mother customer loyalty. Customers tend to experience some contain purchase issues in which the issue tends to be form or arise as a result of uncertainty in the consumer decision. The consumer tends to ask himself if he made the right decision or not? This issue accordi ng to Kotler et al (2008) is referred to as cognitive dissonance. This was supported in the first visit when I concluded that anyone in the museum at that time could conclude that two female from the group of 8 were enjoying themselves.However, the result of post purchase evaluation of product or services are based on the quality of service or product, as well as the region of the sale-person which act as a problem solver. This factors tends to reduce the cognitive dissonance in the consumer (Jobber 2010) marketing communication of the museumsMarketing communication can be described as messages and media used to convey information to the market or target consumers (Baines, Fill and Page 2008). However, the collective heart and soul of communicating with target consumers is referred to as the Marketing Communication Mix (Baines, Fill and Page 2008).The marketing communication intermixture comprises of five tools which can be used collectively at different level in other to intensif y communication with the audience or target consumers, namely advertising, personal selling, public relations, sales promotions and direct marketing. (Baines, Fill and Page 2008)Figure 1.3 Marketing Communication Mix ToolsPersonal sellingPublic RelationAdvertisingSales Promotion admit MarketingAdapted from Baines P, Fill.C and Page K (2008) MarketingAdvertisingAccording to Baines et al (2008) they described advertising as a non personal form of communication where a clearly identifiable presenter pays for a message to be transmitted through media. Also, they further revealed that advertising tends to engages the target consumers impersonally and its a tool used to communicate an shaping marketing offer(s).Furthermore, Baines et al (2008) suggested two ways in which advertisement could be used namelyIt can be used to influence demand for product and servicesIt can be used to manage perception and understanding about the organisation.Types of AdvertisingThere are two major types of advertising namelydigital advertising- This type of advertising includes the use of television advertising, music in advert, infomercial (this involves product demonstration and features as well as testimonial about product) radio receiver advertising, product placement, and online advertising (McCarthy 2002) This type of communication mix(that is, Internet) is been used by both museums as informations about the museums could be found on the museums websitePhysical advertising- This includes mobile billboards advert, in-store advertising, renown branding and raise up advertising (McCarthy 2002)Sales PromotionSales promotions are used commonly in consumer market especially during the launching of a in the buff brand and its mostly in a matured market where market growth is special(a) and when prices and sales promotion work are the only mean of causing brand switching behaviour in consumers as well as improving performance (Baines et al 2008). Also, sale promotions are majorly concerned with oblation additional value to customers in order to enhance sales.Public RelationsBaines et al (2008) described public relations as a marketing communication mix tool that influences the perception of non-homogeneous group of consumers or stakeholder about an organisation. Also, Bruning and Ledingham (2001) described public relations as the tools that manage the relationship between an organisation and the public.Finally, Baines et al (2008) defined public relations as a management activity that attempt to shape the attitude and opinion held by organisations stakeholders.Personal SellingThis can be described as an activity carried out by an individual or group of individual representing an organisation to potential customer in order for a sale or transaction to be made (Baines et al 2008). This form of activity is different from the other types of marketing communication mix because personal selling carry out transactions directly with customers and feedback are gath ered from consumers in other to measure and aid improvement (Baines et al 2008)Direct MarketingAccording to Jobber (2010) Direct Marketing is the distribution of products, information and promotional benefits to target consumers through interactive communication in a way that allows response to be measured . Direct marketing seeks to acquire and retain customers by contacting them without the use of an intermediary (Jobber 2010 pp 547).Furthermore, Jobber (2010) revealed that direct marketing tends to use several methods such as direct mail, telemarketing, direct response advertising, catalogue marketing, mobile marketing, electronic media like the internet, door-to- door leafleting.An Investigation on the Impact of Reference group on Consumers or Visitor in Newark House Museum and New Walk MuseumCohen, Joel and Ellen (1972) described reference group influence as an actual or speculative individual or group conceived to having significant relevance upon an individual evaluation, a spiration or behaviour. Also, Bearden, William and Etzel (1982) indicated that direct and verbal interaction are not the only means of influencing a customer instead observing the reference group will suggest the choice of brands a customer will choose.Furthermore, Interdependent cultures like china, Korea separate out the need to conform to group norms and social acceptance (Gurhan-Canli and Masheswaran 2000). Also, Wong and Ahuva (1998) suggested indicated that consumption or use of luxuries conspicuously which translate to wealth or social status by consumers from east Asia are as a result of cultural influence.However, past research by Park and Lessig (1977) identified three reference group namely informational influence, utilitarian influence and value expressive influenceInformational InfluencePark and Lessig (1977) reveals that, in this type of influence the individual seek information about various brands from an association of independent group of expert. His could be supp orted in the first visit when I asked the two ladies and I was told they searched on the Internet as well as asked their friend. Also, Kelmar (1961) revealed that in this type of influence, individual are more likely to accept information that will broaden and improve knowledge and ability to lie with with environment. Furthermore, Park and Lessig (1977) revealed that individual will seek information from whom they see as professional as well as observe what expert do (such as brand of television a repair man buys). This information will influence the individual in the aspect of the type of television brand they represent to purchase. Also, individuals tends to be influenced by observing a seal of approval of an independent testing agency as well as seeking brand relate knowledge and experience from friends and neighbours who fox reliable information about brands (Park and Lessig 1977).Utilitarian InfluenceKelmer (1961) suggests that this type of influence influences an individu al to satisfy a certain group expectation in other to obtain the praise or avoid punishment form group. Furthermore, this type influence affect the decision of an individual to purchase a particular brand as well as the individual decision to purchase a brand is as a result of influence from family member.Value expressive InfluenceThis influence make individual feels that the purchase or use of a particular brand will aid the interpret of people grant on them (Park and Lessig 1977). Also, this influence make an individual feels that the purchase of a certain brand would help show others what they would like to be. For example, an individual lacking(p) to be like an athlete, a good parent (Park and Lessig (1977).This was supported in the second visit when the white male believe to be in his 20s was taking note of everything in the museum so as to become a renowned poet like Geoffrey Chaucer. Furthermore, Park and Lessig (1977) reveal that this type on influence make the individua l feels that it would be nice to be like a type of person on an advertisement of a certain brand.Customer SatisfactionAccording to Oliver (1997) satisfaction is the consumer fulfilment response its a judgement that a product or service feature or the service itself adds a pleasurable level of consumption- related fulfilment. Also, Zeithaml and Bitner (2003) defined satisfaction as customer evaluation of a product or service in terms of whether the product or service has met their need and expectation. They further stated that failure to meet the needs and expectation could be regarded as dissatisfaction with product or service.Furthermore, Zeithaml and Bitner (2003) indicated some factors that influence customer satisfaction towards a product or service namelyProduct and Service Features- Evaluating the product or service significantly influences customer satisfaction (Oliver 1997) for example, I was amazed when I discovered that New Walk museum also cater for children also in the second visit when some of the visitors were a bit noisy because they were amazed by the creaturesConsumer Emotions- Oliver (1997) revealed that customer emotions can affect their perception of satisfaction with product or service. These emotions can be stable, pre-existing emotion (Oliver 1997). Also, Zeithaml and Bitner (2003) suggest that some emotion can be as a result of consumption experience of a particular service. Liljander and Strandvik (1997) also revealed that negative emotion like depression, guilt and anger tends to have a strong effect on customer dissatisfaction ratings towards a service or product.Attributions for service success or failure- Folkes (1988) described attributes as the perceived cause or causes of event which can influence perception of customer towards a product or service. This type of influence was revealed in the first visit when the peeress told me she was expecting to a lot of people in the museum.Perception of Equity or fairness- This can also i nfluence customers satisfaction (Clemmer and Schneider (1996). This type of influence occurs when a customer asks his or herself Have I been treated fairly compared to other customer? (Zeithaml and Bitner 2003) Also, this perception can create a notion of dissatisfaction as well as satisfaction or fairness.Other consumers, family member and co- workers- This influence tends to affect satisfaction in terms of if their needs or expectation has been met compared to what their family member received, (Zeithaml and Bitner 2003).RecommendationsIn other to enhance satisfaction in customers visiting the museums, it is imperative that museum tries to maximize visitors satisfaction by avoiding any form of disappointment, for example, in the second visit to New Walk museum, some visitors were disappointed because they only came to see the dinosaurs and the geology gallery but the gallery was closed due to renovation also, in the first visit to Newarke museum when the lady was complaining that she was expecting to meet a lot people in the museum, which was quite different from her expectations. However, in my opinion, this low turnout of people might be attributed to the communication schema used by the museum. Hence it is suggested that that the museum (both New Walk and Newarke museum) should utilise three marketing communication mix that is, the advertising, some Public Relations as well as Direct marketing to home schools as well as foreign schools which includes universities.Also, the museums should ensure that visitors are completely satisfied with the quality of service they provide in order to build a loyal customer base. For example in, the first visit when the two ladies told me that they were informed about the museum by friends which invariably support the revelations by Jones and Sasser (1995) which states that completely satisfied customers are likely to become apostle and recommend the service six times more than very satisfied customersAlso, it is suggest ed to the museum to bring in more history about legends because in the second visit a white male revealed he came to the museum so as to make note of what could have inspired poets like Geoffrey Chaucer.ReferencesBruning S.D and Ledingham J.A (2000), Perception of relationship and evaluation of satisfaction an exploration of interaction Public relations review 26, 1. 85-95Baines P, Fill.C and Page K (2008) Marketing Oxford university press inc, 1st edition p471-503Armstrond and Kotler (2005) Marketing an introduction. International edition 7th edition pearson prentice educational inc USASolomon. M, Bamossy.G, Askegaard (2002) Consumer behaviour A European approach. Pearson educational limited 2nd edition USA p 302 Park, W and Lessig P,(1977) Student and housewives differences in susceptibility to reference group influence journal of consumer research 4Cohen J.B and well-off E(1972) Informational social influence and product evaluation journal of applied psychology 56.Hanna,N and Wo zniak.R (2001) Connsumer behaviour an applied approach prentice hall inc 1st edition.Antonidee. G. and Van Raaij, W (1998) Consumer behaviour a European approach John Wiley and Son ltd. West sussex , England. 1st editionNeal,C.P Quester and D.I Hawkins (2007) consumer behaviour implications for marketing strategy. Boston mass IrwinOShaughnessey, J (1987) Why people buy, New York Oxford University Press pp 161Kuusela, H ,M.T, Spence and A.J Kanto (1998) Expertise effect on prochoice decision processes and final outcomes a protocol analysis, European journal of marketing vol 32, no 121 pp 37Jobber D (2010) Principles and Practice of marketing the ultimate learning resource 6th edition. McGraw-hill companies UKClemmer, C and Schnieder (1996) fair service in advances in service marketing and management vol5 edited by TA Swartz, Brown and SW brown (Greenwich CT JAI press) pp 109-26Oliver (1997) Satisfaction, a behavioural perspective on the consumer Ney York McGraw hillFolkes V.S Recent attribution research u=in consumer behaviour A review and new direction journal of consumer research 14pp548-65Liljander V, and Strandvik T emotions in service satisfaction international journal of service industry management 8 no 2 pp 189-69Lessig, V.P. and Park, C.W. (1978) Promotional perspectives of reference group influence advertising implications, daybook of Advertising, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp.41-47Kelman, H.C. (1961) Processes of opinion change, Public Opinions Quarterly, Vol. 25, pp.57-78McCarthy, Michael (2002-10-17). Digitally inserted ads pop up more in sportsGrhan-Ganli, Z. and Maheswaran, D. (2000) Cultural variations in country of origin effects, ledger of Marketing Research, Vol. 37, pp.309-317Wong, N.Y. and Ahuvia, A.C. (1998) Personal taste and family face luxury consumption in confucian and western societies, Psychology and Marketing, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp.423-441.Schiffman, L.G. and Kanuk, L.L. 2004. Consumer Behaviour. 8th Edition. USA Prentice abidanceSolomon M, Bam ossy. G , Askegaard, S and Hogg.M (2010). Consumer Behaviour A European Perspective. 4th ed. England Pearson EducationBearden, William O. and Michael J. Etzel, (1982) Reference Group Influence on Product and Brand Purchase Decisions Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 9, No. 2. (Sep.,1982), pp. 183-194.Cohen, Joel and Ellen Golden (1972), Informational Social Influence and Product Evaluation, Journal of Applied Psychology, 56, 1, 54-99.Zeithaml V.A and Botner M (2003). Service Marketing Integrating customer focus across the firm. third ed. Ney Yory McGraw Hill publishersJones, T.O. and Sasser, W.E. Jr (1995), Why satisfied customers defect, Harvard BusinessReview, Vol. 73 No. 6, pp. 88-99

Small farmers

Small farmersSmall farmers produce most of the f are that we convey globally. But North and S revealh, smallholder producers argon leaving the land and pabulum production is becoming increasingly the concern of puffy business. Does it matter?On 31 bunt fourteen international panelists considered the most salient issues confronting small farmers today in the IFAD-supported debate Failing the farmer? on BBC World. How important is small outgo state? How can development of small weighing machine farming contribute to poverty reduction?Why should we care about small scale farming?What problems are encountered in implementing effective policies that should support small scale farmers?How important is global market access?The global discussion about poverty reduction is unremarkably strictly related with farmers with small land holdings beca drop the majority of the worlds poor belong to such households. Secondly, it has been estimated that about 70 percent of worlds poor are conc entrated in rural areas where two out of three billion rural people reside in about 450 million small farms. Furtherto a greater extent, the UN Millennium Project labour Force on Hunger estimates that in small scale farms reside about half of worlds hungry people including three quarters of Africas malnourished children (WDR, 2008). avail in the situation of the small scale farmers will bidly result in a decreasing of the population living in poverty. Therefore in order to reduce rural poverty, policies are needed to support small-scale farming and have to be addressed in particular to women and children.The concept of victuals Sovereignty provides an important framework for policy makers to design such measures. The association Via Campesina defines Food Sovereignty as the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts those who pro duce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations. It defends the interests and inclusion of the side by side(p) generation. It offers a strategy to resist and dismantle the current corporate trade and food regime, and directions for food, farming, pastoral and fisheries systems determined by local anaesthetic producers. Food reign prioritizes local and national economies and markets and empowers peasant and family farmer-driven agriculture, artisanal fishing, pastoralist-led grazing, and food production, distribution and consumption based on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Food sovereignty promotes filmy trade that guarantees hardly income to all peoples and the rights of consumers to reserve their food and nutrition. It ensures that the rights to use and manage our lands, territories, waters, seeds, livestock and biodiversity are in the hands of those of us who produce food. Food s overeignty implies new social relations free of oppression and ine tonicity between men and women, peoples, racial groups, social classes and generations (Via Campesina, 2008). The idea of Food Sovereignty points out the important right of the human being to be able to consume and produce food locally, according to the local environment conditions and cultures. The agro food industry and the rapid globalization of markets are the main drivers of these changes in the food-chain structure the production strategies in the agro food business are defined mainly by economic terms moreover, a long-term view in food and countrified systems is needed and has to keep in count the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the production. Nowadays the international society is aware of the revile caused by industrial farming system all over the planet it is a major contributor to global warming through intensive use of fossil fuels for fertilizers, agrochemicals, production, transport, proce ssing, refrigeration and retailing crop and livestock genetic diversity has been lost through the spread of industrial monocultures reducing resilience in the saying of climate agrochemical nutrient pollution causes biological dead z one and only(a)s and an opposite(prenominal) relevant environmental problems human activity produces more nitrogen than all natural processes unite (FAO, 2008). According to the stated reasons the current model of industrialized food production appears to be not sustainable. It makes farmers increasingly dependent on external inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, veterinary support, hormones, etc.) and big amount of external capital. This industrialized production system is usually intensive and not linked to a correct soil focal point or saving strategy. The export oriented production systems are not created to respect local ecological conditions or to meet local food needs and farmers lose control over production decisions.The National Commission on Sm all Farms reported the following, Small farms contribute more than farm production to our society. Small farms embody a diversity of ownership, cropping systems, landscapes, biological organization, culture, and traditions. Since the majority of farmland is managed by a large number of small farm operators, the responsible management of soil, water, and wildlife encompassed by these farms produce momentous environmental benefits. Decentralized land ownership produces more equitable economic opportunity for people in rural communities, and offers self employment and business management opportunities (National Commission on Small Farms, 1998). The survival of small scale farming it is a crucial issue because small farming system often permits an high differentiation of the production, relies on a long historic experience with local resources (water, soil, climate, plant and animal varieties) and farmers are capable to produce the optimal quantity and quality of food with less exter nal inputs. Products are mainly grown for their own families and consumers of the same region and tend to meet local food needs. This model, based on small scale farms, is also labour intensive, a resource that is available in abundance in most regions of the world, instead of capital intensive like the extensive farms production system. Moreover, the outputs of production are deeply linked to the soil and therefore its correct management in a long term stead will be more likely pursued.Smallholders face signifi set up challenges that obstacle their participation in new marketing opportunities. Markets in the developing world are characterized by imperfections such as lack of information on prices and technologies, high transaction costs, and credit constraints. Moreover, the modern production systems often expect larger publish volumes, favoring larger farmers. With the increasing number of free trade agreements affecting both national and international commodity markets, smallh older farmers are forced to compete not only with their local producers, but also with farmers from other countries as well as domestic and international agribusinesses. Sharpen marketing skills are also needed by small scale farmers the opportunity for smallholders to nobble their incomes from agricultural production, natural resource management, and related rural enterprises increasingly depends on their ability to sell their goods not just at local, but also regional and even international markets. Nowadays, technological advances require investments in human and physical capital, as well as mod relationships with a wide network of suppliers and traders of inputs and services. In this environment, small scale farmers are difficult to locate the required financial resources and integrate.Seems to be hard to point out the reasons why effective policies are not being implemented many economic interests are involved and usually in the society small scale farmers are stakeholders w ith limited power. One possible solution could come from changes in the demand in the agro food market we assist in a raise of the demand of high quality local product from the consumers, in particular in Europe secondly, the value for rural services (rural tourism, social farming and other activities) is rapidly increasing, bringing more opportunities for small scale farmers. These changes can be the drivers for the implementation of sound policies directed in particular to rural areas and to small scale farmers.List of participants in the debate Kevin Cleaver Assistant President, IFAD and farmer Working to enable small farmers, we can slow down the migration from rural to urban areas.Pedro Sanchez director of Tropical Agriculture, Earth Institute, Columbia University The crucial factor is to fertilize the soil and manage water supplies. GM is a political issue, with no proven risk.capital of Minnesota Nicholson European co-coordinator, La Via Campesina Via Campesina coined the e xpression and is working to promote food sovereignty (national food security).Makanjuola Olaseinde Arigbede Union of Small and Medium Scale Farmers of Nigeria and farmer Smallholder farmers labour on their farms, not merely to feed their beleaguered families but entire nations, despite the great obstacles placed in their way at all levels.Simeon Greene Relationship Director, Windward banana Development Without Fair make out, the Windward Islands would be out of the banana market. Theyre able to survive because consumers in the UK have taken the decision to buy Fair Trade Produce.Esther Penunia Secretary General, Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) Farmers tend to be poorly organized only 10 per cent are organized into farmers groups. So, although they represent a large constituency, they have little influence politically. This must changePeter Robbins Ex-commodities trader, author and activist Liberalization and the collapse of international commod ity agreements has led to the impoverishment of farmers in producing countries. We need to reinstate international commodity agreements.Duncan Green Head of Policy, Oxfam Oxfam is now looking to develop policy on the wider agricultural debate not just on trade. Specifically were looking at how to support and empower farmers.Norah Olembo Executive Director, Africa Biotech Stakeholders Forum The big issue is acceptance. Worldwide this attribute of science has been seen as humans tampering with Gods work. Science becomes hard for ordinary people to comprehend, but one can move a gene from one plant to the other. Its all about education. We have not seen any harm to humans.Andrew Bennett Biotechnology Marketing Lead, Europe-Africa, Monsanto Each year the global population grows by more than 70 million and agriculture is required to produce more food with limited land and water resources. But biotechnology can help. Over the next decade biotechnology promises to deliver products that a ddress land and resource limitations, with qualities such as drought tolerance, as well as deliver products with direct consumer benefits.Crawford pitchman Agriculture Chairman, World Trade Organization (WTO) International trade works if you have the right social and economic policies in place within countries already. Countries cant isolate themselves forever.Louise Fresco Professor, Sustainable Development, University of Amsterdam Small farmers around the world are leaving the land because life is too hard and they need other sources of income as well. Globalization brings opportunities for the developing world, but markets will not take care of poor people.Catherine Kainja Kaluluma Minister for Education, Government of MalawiAnthony Gooch Head, Media and Public Diplomacy, European Commission

From a Dream to Reality Essay -- Teaching Education Essays

From a Dream to RealityWhen I decided to go back to give lessons my objective was not only when to increase my knowledge and receive a degree, but I decided that the only commerce for me to pursue would be to garner a degree in teaching. Not because a business or computer degree would be out of my grasp, I butt learn anything essential to do a job, but because by earning a degree in teaching I would be able to fulfill a dream of mine that I had held since my own days in school. I want to be able to help children reach for the dreams in their lives. That is the reason that I feature begun this course of study, to fulfill my purport ambitions of becoming a teacher so that I can help inspire children to reach for their dreams that they are holding. Even though Im starting college with this plan of being a teacher later than my colleges, I will be able to help them and my future students by share my life experiences that have occurred so far.I have always had a way with children , they seem to be comfortable around me and I like victorious the snip to listen and talk to them so that they are able to express what is on their mind. I believe that by being an available positive employment model to them in their elementary school years I can make a difference in their life. Children are very special and I believe that it takes someone that is more interested in helping the child than in their job or the paycheck, to help make a child to succeed. The time I have had in life to observe people it has become apparent to me that if a child is not succeeding in school, there is a very good chance that as an adult, they will not succeed either. Though if that child has a positive role model in their life this may increase that childs success rate. When that ch... ...e best role model for them.By being from a low-income family of seven children and being male I did not receive the encouragement that I needed to go to college. I was more or less told to graduate fr om high school and get a job. But I never let my dream die because I needed more out of life than a job. With this background I can show my students that they can achieve their goals. Obtaining or completing a degree in teaching is more than going to college and getting a degree. It is a profession that has a purpose, and that purpose is to help other people, and for me those people are children, to help them become whatever it is that they dream. To make this happen I will not only have teach them, but also to learn from them and help them learn from the world. By doing this I will become one of many excellent teachers who have helped me reach for my dream.

Beowulf As An Epic Hero Essays -- Epic of Beowulf Essays

Every epic hero possesses certain epical characteristics. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities epic heroes are superhuman types of beings. They have a noble birth and show great bravery. They display great intelligence and resourcefulness. They have a idolize for G-d and for the values of their society. They are dominant male figures and suffer severe pain, but in the end, they conquer evil (Vivone 9/27/99). In addition to Beowulfs heroic qualities, he is very strong. Beowulf was said to have the military posture of thirty men in his mighty handgrip (Bloom 11). Early proof of Beowulfs extraordinary strength is evidenced by his dismemberment of Grendels limb, the fight in the cave under water, and the magic sword (Klaeber xiv). Beowulf partook in many supernatural battles and events. The demeanor of Beowulf is considered a main fantastic element. When Beowulf fights Grendel and Grendels mother, he is immortal. Then, suddenly, he becomes mortal and falls to the dragon (Klaeber xxiv). In Beowulf, marvelous elements are everywhere. They include a fire cellular respiration dragon and sea monsters (Burlin 119). There are additional examples of the use of fantastic elements in Beowulf. Beowulf single-handedly carrier thirty suits of armor from the battlefield in Frisnia and swims with them through with(predicate) the North Sea and the Skagerrak to Geatland, a distance of five hundred miles (120). In Beowulfs early life, he swam for five to seven days with his companio...