The Reasons Of Reality Television The Insanity Of...

Reality Insanity Astonishingly, reality TV has little reality in it at all. Most reality TV shows are scripted and edited to present an audience with unrealistic scenarios for entertainment. There are an abundance of reality TV genres to choose from, including competition, hidden camera, dating, and paranormal. Competition reality is based solely on a desire to win. Contestants use their strongest attributes to compete for a final prize, whether that be money or fame. Most of the time contestants are placed into a confined environment, being forced to live together in very close contact. This environment combined with the conflicting personalities of the contestants creates for a lot of drama, and drama is what keeps the audience†¦show more content†¦The purpose is to see how the surrounding onlookers will react or if they decide to get involved at all. This also creates an opportunity for the viewers at home to ask themselves what they would do. Dating reality is all about forming an emoti onal connection between the participants and the audience. The cast usually consists of a single contestant choosing from a large group of contenders. For instance, on The Bachelor the contestant is trying to figure out which contender is most suited for him while the audience is sitting at home making those same decisions, but instead of thinking about what’s best for the bachelor they make those decisions based off their own personal feelings. This keeps the audience watching until the very end to see if the bachelor ends up with the contender of their choice. Though possible, the likelihood of the final couple staying together is very slim. Paranormal reality focuses on keeping the audience on edge by exploring the unknown. The producers usually find a location that is said to have a high rate of paranormal activity. Before exploring the facility, they give a detailed history of the location which incorporates any witness accounts and any recent activity. The investigation will commonly take place after nightfall with all power in the facility shut down. From that point, the crew explores the facility using high tech equipment such asShow MoreRelatedThe Insanity Plea Essay1134 Words   |  5 PagesThe Insanity Plea The insanity plea is a poor excuse for serious lawbreakers, and should have no bearing in the sentencing of criminals. All criminal cases today have three ways in which a defendant can plea. Guilty, not guilty, or Insanity. The word insane is a legal term. Because research has identified many different mental illnesses of varying severities, it is now too simplistic to describe a severely mentally ill person merely as insane. The federal law states that insanity is a fairRead MoreFahrenheit 451 - Part I Discussion Outline (w/ Analysis and Questions)1089 Words   |  5 Pageshistory. These are two very symbolic things to our protagonist, Guy Montag. A career fireman in a futuristic world where books are forbidden and any sign of uniqueness is a sign of illness. Part one seeks to acclimate us to Montag’s disenchanted reality: his job, his house, his wife—and now—their new neighbor, Clarisse. Clarisse is an unorthodox, curious girl who Bradbury often describes her using the moon and various other flora and fauna to symbolize the young catalyst. Ray Bradbury’s uses a greatRead MoreBuddhism, The Noble Eightfold Path And The Four Noble Truths1650 Words   |  7 PagesBuddhism wa s an incredibly intriguing religion to me due to the emphasis placed on the reality that surrounds us, it’s a rational religion based on peace, self-understanding and the ultimate goal of nirvana. Buddhist followers live their life with three main goals; morality, meditation and enlightenment. Ultimately the core teachings of Buddhism are The Noble Eightfold Path and The Four Noble Truths. It is their lives journey to understand, live kindly and find their inner-peace. In a world so fullRead MoreNature vs. Nurture Essay1361 Words   |  6 Pagesboth biological and environmental factors. In many cases criminals share similar physical traits which the general population do not usually have. For example criminals have smaller brains than properly adjusted individuals. However biological reasons cannot solely be the cause of criminal behavior. Therefore, one must look to other sources as to how a criminal mind is developed. Social and environmental factors also are at faul t for developing a person to the point at which they are lead toRead More The Development of a Criminal Mind Essay1334 Words   |  6 Pagesfrom both biological and environmental factors. In many cases criminals share similar physical traits which the general population do not usually have. For example criminals have smaller brains than properly adjusted individuals. However biological reasons cannot solely be the cause of criminal behavior. Therefore, one must look to other sources as to how a criminal mind is developed. Social and environmental factors also are at fault for developing a person to the point at which they are lead to committingRead MoreHow does Sunset Boulevard represent the Hollywood Studio System?1897 Words   |  8 Pagesreleased in the 1950s and 60s, audiences started to see the demise of Hollywood as cinema going began to decline and the fierce competition of television almost proved too much for the well established system. Throughout this essay I will discu ss how Sunset Boulevard represents the Hollywood Studio System, as well as exploring post war literature giving reasons as to why the system began to crumble. I will begin my essay by looking closely at the narrative of Sunset Boulevard to see where and how theRead MoreAmerican Singer And Songwriter By Taylor Swift2071 Words   |  9 Pagesmany preconceived ideas about what it is, who it attracts, and how it attracts. Illustrations of this romantic type love are evident to us throughout our lives as images of love surround us through various media outlets such as, music, movies, and television; all demonstrating how to find, keep, hold onto, or let go of love. These outlets often portray love to be an instant â€Å"spark† of attraction, where a person or character feels a romantic attraction instantaneously for a complete stranger. AmericanRead MoreAldous Huxley s Brave New World1720 Words   |  7 Pageslife in the World State. Sports are very important to everyday life. But to even play the several different games and activities of sports, high-tech technological equipment is required. Entertainment is also highly regarded in th e World State. Television is completely reinvented in the society. There is technology where people can sit in simulation chairs that can make them experience the emotions of the characters while looking at the screen. This can be seen as a form of pleasure or satisfyingRead MoreSocial Critism Presented throughout Fantasy in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and The Memoirs of a Survivor by Doris Lessing1515 Words   |  6 Pagesnegative aspects that are present and shaped within society today. It is frequently due to the fact that we are vaguely distracted by small things such as cellphones, iPad’s and other electronic devices that are commonly used, and it is exactly for this reason that we tend to forget what are truly of value and of importance. This technologically advanced society is present in both novels but more so in Fahrenheit 351 than in The Memoirs of a Survivor. Furthermore, Bradbury and Lessing reinforce ideas ofRead MoreTechnology and Family Issues in The Veldt by Ray Bradbury Essay1493 Words   |  6 Pagesmore than what the parents can do. Throughout the story, the parents try to please their children but fail miserably. They try turning off the nursery and go on vacation. The children realize their tricks and eventually kill their own parents. This insanity in the story is similar to what Poe would write about. He wrote things such as writing about a man who sleeps with his dead wife’s coffin and a raven that chants â€Å"nevermore† and drives the narrator insane. The central idea is the man such as the

Software Architecture And Methodology As A Tool For...

ABSTRACT Nowadays, conventional software development methods have gradually been replaced by agile software development methods. This phenomenon is mainly due to the conventional methods’ shortcomings, including a slow adaptation to rapidly changing requirements, and a tendency to be over budget and behind schedule. This paper analyzes objectives, strengths, and weaknesses of both conventional and agile methods. This paper also briefly explains the Unified Process, and the common elements of the Scrum process. Finally, this paper suggests a new Component Integrated software development process that combines the Rational Unified Process with the Scrum process to accommodate the strengths of both methods while suppressing their weaknesses.†¦show more content†¦One system development methodology is not necessarily suitable for use by all projects. Each of the available methodologies is best suited for specific kinds of projects, based on various technical, organizational, project and team considerations. Conventional heavyweight, document-driven software development methods can be characterized as extensive planning, codified process, reuse, heavy documentation and big design up front. These are some reason that conventional methods have been replaced by lightweight agile software development methods mostly in small-scale and relatively simple projects. This phenomenon is mainly due to the conventional methods’ shortcomings, including a slow adaptation to rapidly changing business requirements, and a tendency to be over budget and behind schedule The conventional methods also have not able to provide dramatic improvements in productivity, reliability, and simplicity. Despite the existing shortcomings, the conventional methods are still widely used in industry, particularly, for large-scale projects. Conventional methods come with their straightforward, methodical, and structured nature, as well as their capability to provide predictability, stability, and high assurance. Agil e software development methods focus on iterative and incremental development, customer collaboration, and frequent delivery through a light and fast development life cycle. There are many positive benefits of the agile approaches. Software Architecture And Methodology As A Tool For... ABSTRACT Nowadays, traditional software processes have slowly taken the place of agile software Processes. This is mostly because of traditional processes have limitations, which holds a slow modification to quickly changing requirements, and a proclivity to go over cost of project and get late back in schedule. This paper explains objectives, pros, and cons of agile and traditional processes. It is also briefly describing the Unified Process as well as common elements of the Scrum process model. Lastly, it is proposing a new Component Integrated process model which integrates the Scrum process from agile and Unified Process from convential process. This new CIM process model will adapt the pros of both processes at the same time it will†¦show more content†¦These are some reason that traditional processes replace agile processes mainly in small and simple projects. This is happening because of traditional methods’ limitations and deficiencies, which includes a slow adaptatio n to business requirements changes, and a tendency to go over budget and as well as behind schedule. The traditional methods also lack in providing improvements in simplicity, productivity and reliability phenomena’s. Despite of these limitations, traditional methods are widely used by many software developers in projects. Traditional methods are capable to provide high assurance, predictability, and stability and their nature is structural, straightforward, and methodological. Agile processes mainly focus on incremental as well as iterative development. Also, frequent deliveries after each sprints and customer collaboration are key element of Agile. Agile process has many advantage such as short lifecycle, low bug-rate, high customer satisfaction, and fast adaptation to changing requirements. Despite the fact that agile process has many advantages, Software Organizations still using traditional process and not jumping into agile. We have summarized the characteristics, stren gths, and weaknesses and issues of the conventional and agile methods in below Table1. Table1. Comparison between Conventional and Agile Methods As mentioned in table1, it compares characteristics, strength and weakness and of agile andShow MoreRelatedSoftware Architecture And Methodology As A Tool For Efficient Software Engineering Process1304 Words   |  6 Pagesconventional software development methods have gradually been replaced by agile software development methods. This phenomenon is mainly due to the conventional methods’ shortcomings, including a slow adaptation to rapidly changing requirements, and a tendency to be over budget and behind schedule. This paper analyzes objectives, strengths, and weaknesses of both conventional and agile methods. This paper also briefly explains the Unified Process, and the common elements of the Scrum process. FinallyRead MoreWeb Development And Mobile Software Development1617 Words   |  7 PagesMETHODOLOGIES /ISSUES RELATED TO WEB AND MOBILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ABSTRACT: Due to the rapid development of technology, there is a rapid development in the case of telecommunications and IT field. Now a days every company is in the race to develop a web application or a mobile app which is user friendly and is more efficient. Many models came into the market and are succeeded but they are in race to develop new apps or new web applications. This paper discuss about the existing methodologiesRead MoreProcess Of Learning A Topic Software1556 Words   |  7 Pages Introduction: Software processes are the main software engineering topics that are difficult to be learned by regular lectures and in-class assignments. In this paper the author Jà ¶ran Pieper from University of Applied Science, Stralsund, Germany is trying to solve the problem of difficulty in learning the topic software process in software engineering. According the author the process of learning a topic (Software Process) is currently done by same procedures everywhere like lectures, class assignmentsRead MoreObject-oriented Programming and Systems Analysis Essay759 Words   |  4 Pages Complex organization process, used to develop and maintain computer-based information systems, also it’s used by a team of business and systems professionals. 2. How has a systems analysis and design changed over the past four decades? 1950s: focus on efficient automation of existing processes 1960s: advent of 3gl, faster and more reliable computers 1970s: system development becomes more like an engineering discipline 1980s: major breakthrough with 4Gl, case tools, object oriented methods Read MoreSoftware System Research Paper1381 Words   |  6 PagesManaging the development of major software systems and estimating the cost of that development have always been difficult, but they can be especially challenging in dynamic and continuously evolving government environments. At the same time, advances in computer power, computational analysis, and engineering methodologies are transforming the way new systems are developed. Project managers, designers and engineers face enormous challenges to develop, test, and build products on-time and on-budgetRead MoreEnterprise Architecture, Questions and Answer 1754 Words   |  7 Pagesissues in the practice of Enterprise Architecture. Enterprise Architecture continues to grow and expand with the growth and widespread integration of enterprise systems. With this progress there are consistently new problems which arise regarding Enterprise Architecture and its applications. Three of the major current issues which are faced by majority of Enterprise Architects are that Architects have no control over organisational changes, Enterprise Architecture is enormously time consuming, andRead MoreRational Unified Process1256 Words   |  6 PagesRational Unified Process (RUP) is like an IBM product and a CASE tool. After is explained what phases it has, what are the most common extensions thus what are its workflows more used. 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It consists of the architectures of individual systems and their relationships in the perspective of an organization. The Air Force has a limited idea of what enterprise architecture is, how it works

The History of the Piano Free Essays

Piano, stringed keyboard musical instrument, derived from the harpsichord and the clavichord. Also called the pianoforte, it differs from its predecessors principally in the introduction of a hammer-and-lever action that allows the player to modify the intensity of sound by the stronger or weaker touch of the fingers. For this reason the earliest known model (1709) was called a gravicembalo col pian e forte (Italian for â€Å"harpsichord with soft and loud†). We will write a custom essay sample on The History of the Piano or any similar topic only for you Order Now It was built by Bartolomeo Cristofori, a harpsichord maker of Florence, Italy, who is generally credited with inventing the piano. Two of his pianos still exist. The case of one, dated 1720, is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City; the other, dated 1726, is in a museum in Leipzig, Germany. Early Evolution of the Piano Beginning about 1725, when the noted German organ maker Gottfried Silbermann of Freiberg adopted Cristofori’s action, the next major developments took place in Germany. Perhaps the most important contribution was made by Johann Andreas Stein of Augsburg, who is credited with inventing an improved escapement that became the foundation of the â€Å"Viennese† piano praised by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and favored by most German composers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Twelve masters from central Germany migrated to London about 1760 and established the English school that, under John Broadwood and others, turned to the production of pianos of a stronger build, resembling those of our own day. The French manufacturer Sebastien Erard founded the French school in the 1790s, and in 1823 created the double action that is still in general use. By this time artisans in all Western nations were working to perfect the pianoforte. Numerous improvements were and are still being made in design and construction. Germany and the United States have long been distinguished for fine pianos, notably those of the German firm founded by Karl Bechstein and the American firms of Baldwin, Mason Hamlin, Steinway, and Chickering. The pianos of the Austrian Bosendorfer firm are also highly respected. The compass of the early piano was, like that of the harpsichord, only four, or at most, five octaves, but it has gradually increased to a compass of more than seven octaves as structural changes allowed for increases in tension amounting to several tons. Modern Structure The modern pianoforte has six major parts (in the following discussion, the numbers in parentheses refer to the accompanying diagram (Diagram #1 below) of the structure of a pianoforte): (1) The frame is usually made of iron. At the rear end is attached the string plate, into which the strings are fastened. In the front is the wrest plank, into which the tuning pins are set. Around these is wound the other end of the strings, and by turning these pins the tension of the strings is regulated. (2) The soundboard, a thin piece of fine-grained spruce placed under the strings, reinforces the tone by means of sympathetic vibration. (3) The strings, made of steel wire, increase in length and thickness from the treble to the bass. The higher pitches are each given two or three strings tuned alike. The lower ones are single strings made heavier by being overspun—that is, wound around with a coil of thin copper wire. (4) The action is the entire mechanism required for propelling the hammers against the strings (see Operation of the Action below). The most visible part of the action is the keyboard, a row of keys manipulated by the fingers. The keys corresponding to the natural tones are made of ivory or plastic; those corresponding to the chromatically altered tones, of ebony or plastic. (5) The pedals are levers pressed down by the feet. The damper, or loud pedal, raises all the dampers so that all the strings struck continue to vibrate even after the keys are released. The soft pedal either throws all the hammers nearer to the strings so that the striking distance is diminished by one-half, or shifts the hammers a little to one side so that only a single string instead of the two or three is struck. Some pianos have a third, or sustaining, pedal that does not raise all the dampers, but keeps raised only those already raised by the keys at the moment this pedal is applied. The use of these pedals can produce subtle changes in tone quality. Many upright pianos have been built in which the application of a pedal interposes a strip of felt between the hammers and strings so that only a very faint sound is produced. (6) According to the shape of the case, pianos are classified as grand, square, and upright. The square form (actually rectangular) is no longer built. For use in private homes it has been entirely superseded by the upright, which takes up far less room. Grand pianos are built in various sizes, from the full concert grand, 2. 69 m (8 ft 10 in) long, to the parlor or baby grand, less than 1. 8 m (6 ft) long. Upright pianos include the late 19th-century cottage piano, of which the upright grand is merely a larger form. The modern spinet and console pianos are small uprights related to the cottage piano. In the upright pianos the strings run vertically, or diagonally, from the top to the bottom of the instrument. Uprights and small grands are sometimes overstrung; that is, the bass strings are stretched diagonally across the shorter treble strings, thereby gaining extra length and improved tone quality. The combined tension of the strings on a concert grand piano is about 30 tons, on an upright about 14. How to cite The History of the Piano, Essay examples

Section 377A of the Penal Code

Question: Describe about the Section 377A of the Penal Code? Answer: The paper aims at providing persuasive arguments in order to defend the position of the researcher on the issue of Section 377A of the Penal Code. There have been numerous debates in the Singapore Parliament about Section 377A of the Penal Code. The highest court of Singapore has upheld Section 377A of the Penal Code due to which gay couples feel that their right to equality is being questioned. As per Section 377A of the Penal Code, any male person who is found to commit or abdets the commission by any other male person, in public or private. Section 377A of the Penal Code was introduced in the Singapore Penal Code in 1938 (Au, 2011). It was introduced to criminalise all non-penetrative acts between men. However, there is still plenty of research work going on to determine the reasons why Singapore administration sought to take up such an issue and enact such a law when there were more pressing issues. During the early decades of 20th century, prostitution was one of the primary con cerns in Singapore. Hence, British had found it difficult to use Section 377 in order to prosecute men who used to have sex with their male clients. In those cases, a new law of Section 377A which was weird to convict any form of non-penetrative sexual activity between men. Further, two men found naked in a place is sufficient to charge to be against those men. During 19980s, prostitution was one of the primary concerns in Britain. At that time, it was legal to have sex with teenage girls of age 13 years (Chen, 2010). However, buying and selling of girls alarmingly increased and it was alarmed by many middle class citizens. To address these concerns, Criminal Law Amendment Bill was drafted in 1981. However, a new scandal in 1985 aroused a new debate in Singapore Parliament about the law. There were numerous issues, such as social, religious, moral and ethnic surrounding the Section 377A of the Penal Code in Singapore. Religion has always been involved in the discussion regarding the same sex union and homosexuality. The religion in Singapore included mostly Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and other religions. Most of the people belonged to Christianity i.e. 33.35% of the total population (Chen, 2010). They believed that homosexuality is sinful in eyes of God. Hence, Christianity didnt favour same sex unions. On the other hand, Hindus in Singapore had contrary beliefs and values to Christians. The general beliefs of a Hindu included karma, Dharma, Samsara and Moksha and they recognised a third sex in Vedas which is reference to LGBT in Kama Sutra. Hence, Hindus were in favour of same-sex unions or homosexuality. In spite of this, homosexuality or same-sex unions have been discouraged since it was believed that it was against religion. Besides the religious issues, there were many social issues surrounding the Section 377A of the penal code (Chen, 2010). In typical Singapore society, it was believed that heterosexuality was based on the ideologies that it is related to procreation while homosexuality was related to being stigmatized. Moreover, families in Singapore were very strict about their religion and hence opposed same-sex unions. The concept of heterosexual matrix was valid for typical Singapore families and when this matrix was altered, families were required to cope with the alteration. Families had to decide to either resist it or accept it. Alternatively, individuals had to face the reaction of society and families (Young, 2007). As a result, homosexuals choose not to announce their sexual orientation in order to safeguard the honour of their families and parents in society. Due to mass opposition of same-sex unions, Section 377A of the penal code had to establish. Hence, the penal code revised the law criminalising the men to make physical relations. As a result of the revision, Section 377 A was formed. Section 377 A is a law that prohibits adult men to indulge in oral and anal sex (Sanders, 2007). Following this, there were numerous debates carried by people who were against or for the legislation. Many online petitions were filed by the supporters of same-sex unions through keep377a.com and repeal377a.com (Gupta, 2006). The arguments presented in favour of 377a included the position of secular state and slippery slope argument. Foremost, it was put forward that secular state should accept the view of the majority and reject the view of minority. Members of Parliament in Singapore phrased that abolishing 377a would send wrong signal to the society that the living styles of the people have changed (Taylor, 2007). Hence, homosexuality could never become a lifestyle and acceptable social norm in Singapore. Secondly, slippery slope argument presented by MPs in parliament ruled out that same-sex unions and adoption of child by them should be legalised and then stalled before they come into effect. This is a scenario is Taiwan but this kind of step could lead numerous legislative problems in the Parlia ment and might also lead to societal issues due to wide-ranging views. Thirdly, passing a law prohibiting the male-male sex would protect traditional family structures and values (Gopalan, 2007). However, many studies reveal that 377a couldnt be regarded as a symbol of secular state as a secular state should balance the interest of different groups. 377a couldnt achieve neutrality (Sanders, 2007). In nutshell, it can be concluded that enactment of Section 377a was followed by mix reactions from different groups of society. On one hand, Christians were against the same-sex unions while on the other hand, Hindus were favouring it. These prejudices were found to come from incomplete and wrong information. Studies reveal that unbiased sex education can help people change their mindsets regarding the same-sex unions or homosexuality. Homosexuality is not illegal but Singaporeans are taught that it is illegal. References Au, A. (2011). "When you should vote PAP". Yawning Bread. Chen, J. (2010). "Singapore's Culture War Over Section 377A: Through the Lens of Public Choice and Multi-Lingual Research". Social Science Research Network. Young, T. (2007). "Our Time Has Come". Trevvy. Sanders, D. (2007), (PDF). "377 and the unnatural afterlife of British colonialism". Fridae. Taylor, P. (2007). "Why Section 377A is redundant". Yawning Bread. Gopalan, M. (2007). "A heftier list of s. 377A cases". Yawning Bread. Sanders, D. (2007). "The mystery of 377". Fridae. Gupta, A. (2006). "Section 377 and the Dignity of Indian Homosexuals". The Economic and Political Weekly.

Btec Level Extended Diploma in Music free essay sample

Over the past three decades, in the recording studio a widespread of technical changes have occurred. This has changed music on a whole. Factors such as studio production, the role of the producer and the recording engineer have also been altered drastically in music by technology. The Internet, digital formats and industry progressions are known to have caused changes too. Particularly, the computer industry introduced many digital technologies over these decades. At the same time, the music Industry changed as did customer habits. As a result, current production raciest have been shaped by several outside influences that include both technical and business factors, Since the us, the computer, music. And audio Industries have begun to influence one another. Over the past few decades there have been many changes in the Music Industries; many changes which have impacted studio production. Throughout recording history the music industry part has been to make a profit of recorded music. We will write a custom essay sample on Btec Level Extended Diploma in Music or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The commercial advertising and distribution of recorded music is definitely the greatest motivating factor driving both the audio and cording industries.This is a result of changes in the sales of recordings lead to changes In the adoption of technology and also to the development of studio production. Major labels control most of the market which is why we have a lot of what we call mainstream music. There are Independent labels, but Major labels basically still control what music Is recorded and distributed. The music industry has come a long way since those dreadful days of the mono recordings. Back then, artists, producers, and engineers didnt have as much of a choice of what equipment that loud use to get their recordings done.With the advancement In technology and new innovations constantly being created in the music industry, the opportunities are endless. If you look up the definition of technology you will see the words industry and commerce, which to me just means growth and development. Technology has and will continue to influence growth and development in the music Industry. With the growth of technology, the technical end of producing and engineering has become somewhat a quicker task. For example, the introduction of yester real time messages synchronized drum machines, sequences and other rhythmic devices.System real time messages are dropped into the data stream as required, and have priority over other messages In order to mainstream synchronization at all times. In other advances in technology has allowed these devices to operate with timing clocks so everything does not have to be done completely be hand anymore. As music production and recording systems become more complex and sophisticated, the need for intuitive, easy to use controls over then came essential if they are to be used effectively.Technology has made music systems become more and more sophisticated, so the tasks involved in the successful control of these systems has become Increasingly complex. Technology has also brought about a new language to go with the systems we use in the industry today. Language, youre only half way there. Technology has not only brought about new systems on which we make music but a whole language to go with it. There is enough terminology that goes with the applications to fill a small dictionary.

Im Writing a Trilogy (and How You Can, Too)

Im Writing a Trilogy (and How You Can, Too) Why I'm Writing a Trilogy - and Maybe You Should, Too After graduating with a degree in Biological Anthropology, Kara Timmins is now bringing her keen interest in evolutionary processes and natural systems into the fantasy genre with her first major release, Eloy's Discovery - book one in a trilogy. In this article, she talks about the power of three when it comes to storytelling, and offers tips for telling a cohesive, dynamic story in three parts. We can see evidence of the satisfaction found in groups of three all around us: Earth, Wind Fire; Lock, Stock, and Barrel (or Lock, Shock, and Barrel for you Nightmare Before Christmas fans); or The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. It’s everywhere.To sum up: people like trios.Now, enough about the mind and 600-year old art. Let’s talk about structuring a trilogy.The structure of my trilogyIt’s not an accident that my series is comprised of three books. Consumers are primed to understand and appreciate things in threes: as readers, we’re looking for ways to link, group, and interpret stories. This is an opportunity for writers, and I kept these expectations in mind while writing my series, The Eloy Trilogy.Each book in the trilogy is titled after a different phase of life: Discovery, Challenge, and Legacy, and is meant to feel like a different part of life. Within that framework, I’ve also broken up the three stories into three different obstacles: book one is man vs. circumstance, book two is man vs. man, and book three is man vs. nature.While it is a fantasy with magic and monsters, the structure of the novel is intended to represent familiar and relatable stages of life. A first love is a first love - whether you’re fighting ground-dwelling creatures or trying to get through sixth period in high school.Filling in the gaps between sequels and prequelsThe story is broken up into three for the reader, but not for Eloy, my protagonist. For Eloy, it’s just his life. Recognizing the distinction between what the reader sees and what the character sees helps create a sense of a gradient (another thing our minds like). For me, that transition is the best way to include parts of what happened in the past book into the next one in the series, without having to rely on an â€Å"info dump.† Eloy is a person, and though he lives and struggles in a world very different from our own, his underlying structure is the same as someone living: his past doesn’t fall away from him. He uses what has happened to him to try and make sense of the present and predict the future. This is where that gradient lives, in his reflection of the past and his actions based on that. Bringing a character's past into their present is the best way to avoid info-dumps in a book series. Finding the right editor for my trilogyIncorporating these layers feels like a lot - and it is! It’s hard to monitor cohesion when we’re shoulder-deep in a lump of clay on the spinning wheel.One of the most important aspects of writing The Eloy Trilogy was finding an editor willing to believe in the intention I have for this story. And I have found that in Chersti Nieveen. Chersti provides me guidance by steering my voice; she elevates it and keeps it on course. She knows what I’m trying to do, and more importantly, she knows what the audience wants. She’s there for me when a small change in book one causes rippling edits in book three: like combing out tangles, and just as painful.We’re united in our effort to link the business with the art, and, like Eloy surrounding himself with those who thrive where he is weak, it’s how I can foresee following this journey to the end. The rule of three has been used in storytelling for centuries. Read how it can benefit your book. The possibilities of what we can do using this already established structure of three are limitless. Readers will forgive us for selling three books when there’s a reason for it; when we’re giving them more than three free-floating stories. We may not be Hieronymus Bosch, but we can give them art.Eloy's Discovery, the first book in The Eloy Trilogy, is available in paperback and on Amazon Kindle.For more tips on writing a trilogy, check out our past Reedsy Live video: Writing a Genre Series: The Perils and Pitfalls.Please share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions for Kara Timmins in the comments below!

City of Constantine Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

City of Constantine - Assignment Example Through the presence of his empress wife Theodora and two generals, namely Belisarius and Narses, Africa and Italy was recovered from Vandals and Ostrogoths respectively. Success was not on his side in the struggle against Persians and avoiding attacks of the Bulgars and Slavs. The greatest achievement of Justinian was the Corpus Juris Civilis, which refers to the codification of Roman law. It was also during Justinian time that many public works took place, and one structure worth mentioning due to its enormous and meticulous construction is the Church of Hagia Sophia. It was designed by the imperial architects of Justinian, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, and was built from 532 to 537. It was constructed by Constantius II in 360, after the declaration of Byzantium as the capital of the Roman Empire. Hagia Sophia was burned in 404 and was reconstructed in 415 by Theodosius II, but was burned again in 532. It collapsed in 558 due to an earthquake and was rebuilt again i n 563. Constantinople was attacked by the Persians, Arabs, Russians, and Bulgars from 6th to 13th century, and members of the fourth crusade in the succeeding years due to its strategic location in terms of transport and trade among continents.

International Marketing final term paper on any brand from 'Interbrand

International Marketing final on any brand from 'Interbrand top 100 brands'. Walmart cannot be chosen - Term Paper Example This has hugely contributed to success of the company. McDonald’s first international venture was in Canada and then it had proceeded into the European and Asian markets. In all these places, the company has successfully positioned itself as a major player in food retail (Bonanno and Constance, 2008). The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first section will focus on marketing strategy that has been adopted by McDonald’s while venturing into foreign markets so as to comprehend whether it has used standardization or adaptation policies. The second part of the paper focuses on Internationalization process theory that had been adopted by McDonald’s in its foreign ventures. It has been observed that when multinational companies venture to foreign markets, they either use globalization strategies or localization strategies to promote their products. When a company pursues globalization strategy, it promotes standardized products in all places of operation. Multinationals, following this strategy, use standardized products, prices and distribution channels and promotional campaigns. Companies tend to adopt this marketing mix because standardized products are easier to brand and label. Most importantly, it helps to reduce operational cost of the company. Internationalization marketing strategies, on the other hand, are related to customization of marketing strategies for different locations in which the company operates. The rationale behind adopting this strategy is that cultural, national and regional preferences of the target market are incorporated in the marketing strategy so as to maximize probability of product acceptance (Vignali, 2001). Taylor (1 991) had pointed out that in order for a company to attain competitive advantage, both globalization and internationalization strategies must be employed. A large number of organizations have adopted â€Å"Think

How improve NYSE European Market Operations by Joining Cash and Dissertation

How improve NYSE European Market Operations by Joining Cash and Derivatives - Dissertation Example In an effort to create the first cross-continent exchange group, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Euronext combined forces on April 4, 2007, creating NYSE Euronext, which is a cash market organization. Combined with the derivative markets in Europe, NYSE Euronext now has control over both markets and numerous products and services across the globe. Each organization works independently from each other in different areas of the market exchange, but combining them could offer the potential to establish a stronger organization. The leadership of NYSE Euronext recognized the need for change within the organization if the company was going to remain solvent and continue to provide professional service to the clientele who traded from the various locations. While this merger of the two types of market would benefit all the stakeholders, working through some of the issues may offer a challenge to upper management in the process. Each location, which is governed by a hierarchy that is familiar with the rules and regulations in that particular country, manages to provide the necessary services, but NYSE Euronext’s vision was to implement a model into the organization that would bridge the gap between cultures, markets, and products. By making this change, each location could then offer the clients a variety of products and services from one location. The history of each entity played an important role in the decision to press forward with the necessary changes. History The creation of NYSE Euronext emerged from the combination of several market trading organizations getting together to merge their efforts into making the market trading more conducive to customer and client interaction (Niederauer, 2012). The Paris market had a difficult start and eventually merged four market operators into one. The SBF, Matif SA, Monep SA, and Societe de Nauveau became ParisBourse SBF SA. The Brussels market became more competitive on the international market with the pass ing of the Financial Transactions and Market Act in 1990. Amsterdam, the oldest market in Europe, dealt with derivative transactions, while Lisbon was an all cash market. In 2000 the Lisbon, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam market organizations joined forced to create the Euronext Company. There were four types of trading that took place between all of the combined companies. Global market data, trading solutions, exchange solutions, and global connectivity. With the introduction of technology to the trading industry, Euronext was able to improve the exchange of stocks and other forms of trading across the globe (Niederauer, 2012). Once the NYSE joined the Euronext collective, cross-border trading escalated to beyond comprehension of any one individual in any one of the companies that merged into NYSE Euronext. The inclusion of LIFFE to the Euronext group prompted the need for one group of analysts to oversee the needs of the company, which was spread across great distances. In order to create a cohesive team of traders, the hierarchy of NYSE Euronext and LIFFE

Hardware Requirements For Pizza Systems Information Technology Essay

Hardware Requirements For Pizza Systems Information Technology Essay Introduction and Problem Statement- We are primarily interested in implementing Information Systems to all the working units of the pizza shop, so that we are able to provide better services and thus, an enhanced experience to both offline (in-store) and on-line (web-based) customers. Since the pizza shop is interested in expanding their business from  a small-size business into a medium-size enterprise by opening up branches in various new locations and also has an objective to provide better online services (developing their company in e-business aspects) and gain online popularity, we have to make analysis and thereby apply several information system techniques so that the company succeeds in its motive. Analysis of Hardware Requirement for the Pizza Shop- Making decisions about the hardware requirements is based on the analysis of various factors such as the projected budget and the speed required. But the large variety high utility of hardware available often makes the hardware decisions a little difficult because of the fact that computer technologies become obsolete more quickly than other organizational technologies. Basically, hardware refers to the physical equipment used for the input, processing, output, and storage activities of a computer system. In our case we make use of the following hardware components: Central processing unit (CPU) we have decided to make use of Intel core i7processor [1] or Intel core2 processor [2] in the CPU. Primary storage- A storage capacity of 6GB-8GB in the hard-drive, for better speed in processing and multi-tasking situations. Secondary storage- A storage capacity of up to 1 terabyte for storage of information such as databases of employees, customers, products used in the shop, etc. Input technologies- We have decided to make use of basic devices such as keyboard, mouse and advanced devices such as touch screens (to make work easier and faster), Voice recognition [3] for access of confidential information only by authenticated persons (we do not make use of protection mechanisms provided by passwords because in todays era of technology it is not fully safe since password cracking has become very easy and common). Output technologies- Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and printers. Communication technologies- Internet connections. Transportation of products- The transportation of the products can done by appointing a team of employees for this department, since our main objective is to expand and promote our business, initially we would require a minimum of 20 personnel equipped with fast and fuel efficient road transportation facilities, for each branch in case of local(within the same city branches), now in case of inter-city transports we have to appoint equivalent number of personnel and also have to make tie-ups with transportation management of rails and air transport. The transaction of products and allotment of duties to the employees should be done and all the details must be saved in hardware memory. Analysis of Software Requirement for the Pizza Shop- Computer hardware can be only effective according to the instructions we give it, and those instructions are contained in software. Software has become an everyday feature of all the businesses. For our business plan we will require the following software- Operating system- Windows 7[4] Spreadsheets- Microsoft Excel 2010, for managing tabular information, or any information which requires storage in tabular form. Word Processing software- Microsoft Word 2010, for managing all types of text files. Data Management- Microsoft Access, for efficient management of all data. Personal Information Management software- Microsoft Outlook, this software allows users to create and maintain management calendars, appointments, etc. Personal Finance software- Microsoft Money, which allows users to maintain checkbooks, track investments, monitor credit cards, bank and pay bills electronically. Web Authoring software- Microsoft FrontPage, which allows users to design Web sites and publish them on the web. Communications software- Netscape Messenger, which allows users to communicate with other people over any distance. Security Suite software- McAfee Internet Security Suite (www.mcafee.com) Anti-malware Product VirusScan (www.mcafee.com). Firewall[7]- McAfee Internet Security (www.mcafee.com) Anti-spam Software SpamKiller (www.mcafee.com) For restoring backup files- We will use the Windows Backup utility to restore the backup copies on the hard disk. Analysis of data and databases that can be employed by the company- All the business applications require data. For managing data and databases in the pizza shop, we would require a database management system (DBMS), in order to manage data in all aspects of our business such as employee data, customers data, product stores data etc. Its main usage is to store all the essential data in files. The application of a DBMS [5] at the pizza shop will provide the following benefits- Minimization of Data redundancy- i.e., the storage of the same data in many places is avoided there preventing unnecessary usage of memory space. Prevention Data isolation- Applications will be able to access data associated with other applications, thereby preventing creation of exclusive data sets for all the applications, and also leading to efficient memory management. Prevention of Data inconsistency: Creation of various copies of the data is not agreed upon. Enhanced data security. Maintenance of data integrity- In many cases, data needs to have certain constraints, such as no alphabetic characters in a Social Security number field and DBMS helps in achieving these. The administrator can also add, delete, access, and analyze data stored in one location. He can access the data by using query and reporting tools that are part of the DBMS or by using application programs specifically written to access the data. All these advantages in the database system can considerably optimize the handling of high volumes of orders by customers, since the manager/employee will be able to store and retrieve data about customers very efficiently. In case the same customer places an order again, since the data about which is already stored (upon his first order) can be retrieved very fast using DBMS and the overall processing of the store will become increasingly efficient especially in peak hours(timings for lunch and dinner). This feature would also provide ease to the customer, since he would not have to explains his location over and over again, and this may lead to the customers increased interest in availing the pizza shop services again in the future. Implementation of Data Warehousing- We have implemented data warehouses for the following type of cases- If the manager of the pizza shop wanted to know the profit margin on sales of vegetarian pizzas, he could find out from his database, using SQL [6] (structured query language) or QBE (query by example)[7]. However, if he needed to know the trend in the profit margins on sales of vegetarian pizzas over the last 3 years, he would have a very difficult query to construct in SQL or QBE. The pizza shop managers problem shows us two reasons why organizations are building data warehouses. First, the organizations databases have the necessary information to answer his query, but it is not organized in a way that makes it easy for him to search for needed information and also, the organizations databases are designed to process millions of transactions per day. Therefore, complicated queries might take a long time to answer and also might degrade the performance of the databases. As a result of these problems, companies are using data warehousing tools to make it easier and faster for users t o access, analyze, and query data. Data mining tools (discussed in the next section) allow users to search for valuable business information in a large database or data warehouse. Implementation of Data Mining- Data mining can perform two basic operations: predicting trends and behaviors and identifying previously unknown patterns. This analysis provides users with a view of what is happening. Data mining addresses, why it is happening and provides predictions of what will happen in the future and also automates the process of finding predictive information in large databases. In the pizza shop, implementation of data mining will lead to the following benefits in the business- In the aspect of sales- Predicting sales, preventing theft and fraud, and determining correct storage levels and since the business has been projected to expand, data mining will also lead to knowledge of distribution schedules among various outlets. In the aspect of Manufacturing and production- Predicting machinery failures and finding key factors that help optimize manufacturing capacity. Marketing- Classifying customer demographics that can be used to predict which customer will respond to a mailing or buy a particular product. E-Commerce Solutions to generate an online business presence- The concepts of E-Business comprise of buying and selling of goods and services, it also refers to servicing customers, collaborating with business partners, and performing electronic transactions within an organization. We have planned to put into use the following features of E-business for the pizza shops- Online direct marketing- Using this feature the pizza shop can directly sell its services to customers via websites in the internet. Advertising- Since a majority of the people today access internet, advertising on the internet would be very useful and profitable to the pizza shop. Electronic Payment Systems- Usage of this feature will enable clients to pay for goods and services electronically, rather than writing a check or using cash. Electronic payment systems include electronic checks, electronic credit cards, purchasing cards, and electronic cash. Payments are an integral part of doing business, and using electronic payment system would be of ease to both the client and the business.   E-Business Solutions that can be utilized to improve the management  of supply chain- The function of supply chain management (SCM) is to plan, organize, and optimize the supply chains activities such as flow of materials, information, money, and services from raw material suppliers, through factories and warehouses to the end customers. The e-business solutions that we will use here are- Information Sharing along the supply chain over the internet For instance if we provide access to information about usage and daily requirement of cheese on a daily basis by every branch of the pizza store to the manufacturer whom we are dealing with, then this knowledge will enable the manufacturer to provide timely and efficient replenishment of cheese to every branch of the pizza store. Using Electronic Inventories In order to deal with the unexpected uncertainties of supply chain in the pizza shop, we can build inventories so that customers can have what they want at the correct time, and a minimal amount of standardized stock can also be maintained. Information about these inventories can be efficiently stored and updated in the electronic databases. The electronic storage of information reduces the probabilities of errors, and also free employees from manual labor of maintaining information about the stock of products. Efficient Telecommunication Networks used to attract customers- In order to attract customers and provide them an enhanced experience we will make use of the following- Publishing information and attractive offers for customers, at various social networking sites such as www.facebook.com, www.myspace.com, etc. Uploading video advertisements about the pizza shop at www.youtube.com, which is a social networking site for videos. Conducting online surveys, for the betterment as well as knowing about the current popularity and likes/dislikes about the pizza shops. Blogs can also be created, a blog is a personal Web site, open to the public, in which the site creator expresses his or her feelings or opinions. Accordingly, modifications can be made in order to increase profitability Internet telephony (voice-over Internet protocol or VoIP) i.e., use of the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls. This can enable the customers to make internet calls, thereby providing ease in communication to the pizza shop. Decision Support Systems for our system- Decision support systems (DSSs) basically combine the models and data in an attempt to solve unstructured problems with extensive user involvement. DSS will provide interactive to data, enable manipulation of these data, and to provide business managers and analysts of the pizza shop the ability to conduct appropriate analyses. For application of Decision support systems in the pizza shop we have decided to carry out the following steps- Sensitivity analysis [8]- the managers of the pizza shop will conduct this analysis in order to predict how their decisions can have impact on other decisions. For instance, promotion of non-vegetarian pizzas at a time where the non-vegetarian ingredients are expensive in the market, would considerably impact the pizza shops profitability. For countering these problems the manager can make use of sensitive model or nonsensitive model. What if analysis [9]- the manager of the pizza shop will conduct this analysis in order to deal with unexpected uncertainties or problems and also predict its impact. For instance, what will happen to the total inventory cost if the originally assumed cost of carrying inventories is not 10 percent but 12 percent? In a well designed Business intelligence system[10], managers themselves can interactively ask the computer these types of questions as many times as they need to. Goal-Seeking Analysis [11]- Goal-seeking analysis would enable the manager to predict future situations in comparison to the current scenario. For instance, the manager of the pizza shop would want to project future sales or meeting a target of profits based on current profits, let us consider for example that the current profits are of $2million, now he might want to know, what sales volume and additional advertising would be necessary to generate a profit of $3 million. To find out he would perform a goal-seeking analysis. Group Decision Support Systems[12]- This would make managers located at different physical location to communicate through computer support systems which serves primarily as a vehicle for improving communication, coordination, and problem solving. Technologies to enhance business processes- Usage of Digital Dashboards [13]-This feature will be used by the top-level executives of the pizza shop. Using this technology they can have access to information all the levels of information in a fast and efficient manner. Usage of Expert Systems[14]-This technology can aid the managers in the decision making process since expert systems possess the abilities that can reach a level of performance comparable to a human expert in certain or specialized problem areas.   Enhancing the online presence by selling products with customers over the web- We have projected to achieve an enhanced online presence by providing better services for online transactions by establishing a contract with the online e-commerce website Paypal. We have chosen this site because it provides features such as funding with an electronic debit from a  bank account  or by a  credit card, easy user interface and secure transactions which also relieves the customers of thefts and other threats of online transactions. Since PayPal operates in 190 markets,  users of most locations can access and easily make transactions through Paypal for services of the pizza shop. Also PayPal allows customers to send, receive, and hold funds in 24 currencies worldwide, so when in future branches of the pizza shop are opened in several countries, this feature will be very useful. References- James OBrien, 2009. Introduction to Information Systems, 15th Edition. 15 Edition. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. R. Kelly Rainer, 2010. Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business. 3 Edition. Wiley. Ralph M. Stair, 1997. An Introduction to Information Systems. Edition. Course Technology. James A. OBrien, 1997. Introduction To Information Systems: An Internetworked Enterprise Perspective. 2 Sub Edition. Richard D Irwin. R. Kelly Rainer, 2009. Introduction to Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: Enabling and Transforming Business. 3ird Edition Edition. Wiley. Judith C. Simon, 2000. Introduction to Information Systems. Student international edition Edition. Wiley.

Call Report :: essays research papers

Bosch fuel tube report On August 9th, Bosch realized a failure of their fuel pump/filter unit for a new model fuel tank. In the past they used a  ½Ã¢â‚¬  gasket on the old fuel tank, when GM changed the design, this became a problem. There was no longer a  ½Ã¢â‚¬  gasket, thus causing problems for the pump to retract all the way to the top flange of the pump unit. The top flange has a rough grove on top where the fuel tube comes in contact. I was asked by Bosch to investigate a more durable abrasive sleeve then the one they currently using. Bosch uses a GPT-483 3/8† (131,843 cycles to failure) sleeve for their current application. By the use of SAE ARP 1536 test method, I was able to make a few recommendations on Sofanou sleeving products. The product line that I recommended is; Nu-Guard NTW-WR  ½Ã¢â‚¬  (1,163,483 cycles to failure), Nu-Guard DPT 3/8† nylon 6, 6 (new to Sofanou product line) (356,425 cycles to failure), and Nu-Guard N 3/8† (295,198 cycles to failure). On August 20th I met and brain-stormed with Bosch Engineers; Martin Kling (Engineering Manager), John Lennen (Engineering Unit Manager), Ralph Gordinier (Sr. Program Lead Engineer), Ted Perniciaro (Senior Engineer), Mike Zick (Engineer), Dave Toutant (Component Specialist), Dave Brown (Senior Test Engineer) and Rich Minix (Lead Technician) on developing a test that would reflect the current process problem. Similar to the ARP 1536 test method, we decided to use an aggressive saw blade for a tear test for the three different products. Entela Testing was in charge of this test project. On August 23rd, Andrew Gleason (Engineering 1) from Entela coordinated the testing and reported: Nu-Guard NTW-WR  ½Ã¢â‚¬  @ 2,200 cycles to fail, Nu-Guard DPT 3/8† nylon 6, 6 @ 750 cycles to fail, Nu-Guard and Nu-Guard N 3/8† @ 410 cycles to fail.

Marketing Strategy Study Guide

MKT 850 Study Guide Chapter 5 * SWOT Analysis: * One of the most useful tools in analyzing marketing data and information * Links company’s situation analysis and development of marketing plan * Uses structured information to uncover competitive advantages and guide selection of the strategic focus of the marketing strategy. * Broken down into: * Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats * Productive SWOT (manager should†¦) : * Use a series of SWOT analyses focusing on specific product/market combinations * Search for competitors both present and future Collaborate with other functional areas by sharing information and perspectives * Examine issues from the customers perspective by asking employees: * What do customers believe about us as a company? * Which of our weaknesses translate into a decreased ability to serve customers? * Looks for causes not characteristics considering the firms resources for each part * Separate internal and external issues using this key test: * Would this issue exist if the firm did not exist? * If yes, issue classified as external * Strengths & Weaknesses: Exist because of resources by the firm, or due to the nature of key relationships between the firm and its customers/employees/outside organizations * May be leveraged into capabilities (strengths) or overcome (weaknesses) * Meaningful only when they assist or hinder the firm in satisfying customer needs * Opportunities & Threats: * Not potential marketing actions. Issues/situations that occur in the firm’s external environments. * Not ignored as the firm gets caught up in developing strengths and capabilities for fear of creating an efficient, but ineffective organization. Stem from changes in the competitive, customer, economic, political/legal, technological, and sociocultural environments. * SWOT Matrix: * Allows marketing manager to visualize the analysis * Serves as a catalyst to guide the creation of marketing strategies that will produce desired r esults. * Allows manager to see how strengths and opportunities might be connected to create capabilities that are key to meeting customer needs * Assesses the magnitude and importance of each strength/weak/opp/threat. * Competitive Advantage: Capabilities in relations to those held by the competition * Based on both internal and external factors * Based on reality and customer perception * Based on the basic strategies of operational excellence, product leadership, and customer intimacy. * Strategic Focus Establishment * Based on developing an overall concept or model that guides the firm as it weaves various marketing elements together into a coherent strategy * Tied to firm’s competitive advantage * Use results of SWOT as firm considers four directions of strategic efforts: * Aggressiveness Diversification * Turnaround * Defensiveness * Ensures the firm does not step beyond core strengths to consider opportunities outside its capabilities * Visualized through the use of a strategy canvas where the goal is to develop a value curve that is distinct from the competition * Downplay traditional industry competitive factors in favor of new approaches * Lays groundwork for development of marketing goals and objective, connects SWOT outcomes to the rest of the marketing plan. * Marketing Goals: Broad, desired accomplishments started in general terms. * Indicate the direction the firm attempts to move in, as well as the set of priorities will use in evaluating alternative and making decisions. * Should be attainable, realistic, internally consistent, comprehensive, and clarify the roles of all parties in the organization. * Involves some degree of intangibility * Marketing Objectives: * Specific and quantitative benchmarks that can be used to gauge progress toward the achievement of the marketing goals * Should be attainable with reasonable effort Continuous or discontinuous depending on the degree to which they depart from present objectives * Assigned to sp ecific areas, departments, or individuals who have the responsibility to accomplish them Chapter Six * Buyer Behavior in Consumer Markets: * Often irrational and unpredictable as consumers say one thing and do another * Progress through five stages: * Need Recognition * Information Search * Evaluation of Alternatives * Purchase Decision * Post Purchase Evaluation Don’t always follow these stages in order or may skip stages * May be characterized by loyalty where consumers simply purchase the same product that they bought last time * Involves parallel sequencing of activities with finding the most suitable merchant. * Consider what product they want, and where to buy it * Can occur if a consumer is fiercely loyal to a merchant * Can be affected by: * Complexity of the purchase and decision making process * Demographics, Psychographics, and Sociocultural factors * Social influences: culture, social class, family, opinion leaders, reference groups. Situational influences: physic al and spatial influences, social and personal influences, time, purchase task/usage, consumer disposition * Consumers Wants & Needs: * Shouldn’t define needs as necessities because everyone has a different perspective on what constitutes a need * Needs occur when a consumers current level of satisfaction doesn’t equal their desired level * Wants are consumers desire for a specific product that will satisfy a specific need * Firm must understand basic needs fulfilled by its products. Allows firm to segment markets and create marketing programs that show needs into wants for their product * Most products are marketed on the basis of wants not need fulfillment * Wants are not the same as demand * Demand: occurs when the consumers ability and willingness to pay backs up a want for a specific product * Information Search: * Passive and Active: * Passive- consumer become more attentive and receptive to information * Active- consumer engages more aggressive seeking informati on search * Depends on several issues: Degree of risk * Level of expertise * Actual cost of search (time and money) * Culminates in an evoked set of suitable buying alternatives * Evaluation of Alternatives: * Translates needs into wants for specific products or brands * Evaluate products as bundles of attributes that have varying abilities to satisfy their needs * Priority of each consumers choice criteria can change * Want the product to be in the evoked set of potential alternatives * Constantly remind them of their company and products * Purchase Stage: Intent to purchase and the actual act of buying are distinct concepts * Key issues: * product availability: how easy is it to get the product where the consumer is * possession utility: how easy is it to transfer ownership * Postpurchase Evaluation: * Outcome of buying process is linked to the development of long-term customer relationships. Closely follow customers’ responses to monitor performance and ability to meet cus tomers’ expectations * Will experience one potential outcomes: Delight, satisfaction, dissatisfaction, or cognitive dissonance * Business Markets: * Purchase products for their use in their operations, like buying raw materials, buying office supplies, or leasing cars * Consists of four types of buyers: * Commercial markets * Reseller markets * Government markets * Institutional markets * Four unique characteristics not found in consumer markets: * The buyer center: economic buyers, technical buyers, and users * Hard and soft costs are equally important Hard- monetary price or purchase costs * Soft- downtime, opportunity costs, HR costs * Reciprocity: business buyers and sellers often buy products from each other * Mutual dependence: sole-source or limited-source buying makes both buying and selling firms mutually dependent * Business Buying Process: * Sequence of Stages: * Problem Recognition * Development of product specifications * Vendor identification and qualification * Solicitation of proposals and bids * Vendor selection Order processing * Vendor performance review * Can be affected by several factors including: environmental conditions, organizational factors, and interpersonal/individual factors * Market Segmentation: process of dividing the total market for a particular product or product category into relatively homogeneous segments or groups * Groups should have similar members, but groups must be dissimilar from each other * Fundamental decision of whether to segment at all Allows firms to be more successful due to the fact that they can tailor products to meet the needs of a particular market segment * Traditional market segmentation approach: * Used successfully for decades, not out of date, and are used by many of today’s most successful firms * Can be used in combination with newer approaches by the firm, depending on the brand/product or market in question * Successful segmentation: Must be identifiable and measureable * Substa ntial * Accessible * Responsive * Viable and sustainable * Avoid ethical/legally sensitive segments * Avoid viable segments that don’t match firm’s mission * Mass Marketing: no segmentation and is aimed at the total market for a product * Undifferentiated approach assumes all customers have similar needs/wants * Works best when needs are relatively homogeneous Advantage- production efficiency and lower marketing costs * Disadvantage- risky because a standardized product is vulnerable to competitors that offer specialized products that better match customers’ needs * Differentiated Marketing: divides the total market into groups of customers having relatively homogenous needs, attempting to develop a marketing program that appeals to one or more of these groups * Necessary when customer needs are similar within a single group, but the needs differ across groups * Two options: * Multi-segment approach * Market concentration approach Niche Marketing: focusing effor ts on one small, well defined market segment or niche that has a unique, specific set of needs * Requires that firms understand and meet needs of target customers. Although small in size, firms substantial share makes the segment highly profitable * Individualized Segmentation Approaches: * Viable due to advances in technology especially in communication and the internet * Organizations can now track customer with a high degree of specificity * Allows firms to combine demographic data with past/current purchasing behavior. Tweak marketing programs in ways that allow them to precisely match customers’ needs, wants, and preferences * Become more important in the future because their focus on individual customers makes them critical to the development and maintenance of long-term relationships * Expensive to deliver * Two important considerations: * Automated delivery of the marketing program * Personalization One-to-one Marketing: involves the creation of an entire unique produ ct or marketing program for each customer in the target segment * Common in business markets where unique programs and systems are designed for each customer * Growing rapidly in consumer markets, in luxury or custom made products or services * Mass customization: providing unique products and solutions to individual customers on a mass scale * Cost-effective and practical due to advances in supply-chain management. real time inventory control) * Used frequently in business markets, especially electronic procurement systems * Permission Marketing: different from one-to-one marketing because customers choose to become a member of the firm’s target market * Commonly executed via opt in email lists * Advantage: customers already interested in firms offerings * Allows precise target of individuals, eliminating the problem of wasted marketing effort and expense * Identify Market Segments: selecting most relevant variables to identify and define the target market, many of which com e from the situation analysis of the marketing plan. Isolation of individual characteristics that distinguish one or more segments from the total market (must have homogeneous needs) * Consumer markets involved examination of factors of one of these categories: * Behavioral segmentation: most powerful approach because it uses actual consumer behavior or product usage helps to make distinctions among market segments Demographic segmentation: divides markets using factors such as gender, age, income, and education * Psychographic segmentation: state-of-mind issues such as motives, attitudes, opinions, values, lifestyles, interests, and personality * Geographic segmentation: most useful when combined with other segmentation variables, geodemographic segmentation or geoclustering. * Business markets are based on types of market or on things such as: organization, characteristics, benefits sought/buying process, personal/psych characteristics, or relationship intensity. Top Marketing Str ategies: * Based on evaluation of the attractiveness of each segment and whether each offers opportunities that match firms capabilities and resources * Single segment targeting, selective targeting, mass market targeting, product specialization, and market specialization. * Also consider issues related to noncustomers, like why they do not buy and finding ways to remove obstacles to purchase. Chapter 7 Product Strategy: at the heart of every organization and it defines what the organization does and why it exists * Creating a productive offering that is a bundle of physical (tangible), service (intangible), and symbolic (perceptual) attributes designed to satisfy customer wants/needs. * Strives to overcome commoditization by differentiating product offerings via the service and symbolic elements of the offering * Product Portfolio: * Used in both consumer (convenience, shopping, specialty, etc. and business markets (raw materials, process materials, installations, etc. ) * Used in most firms due to the advantages of selling a variety of products * Consists of a group of closely related product items (product lines) and the total group of products offered by a firm (product mix) * Involves strategic decisions such as variety and assortment of offerings * Can create benefits including: economies of scale, package uniformity, standardization, sales and distribution efficiency, etc. Service Products Challenges: stem from the intangibility of services. Other characteristics include simultaneous production/consumption, and perish ability/client based relationships * Other issues: * Experience problems in balancing supply and demand * Time and place dependent because customers must be present for delivery * Customers have a difficult time evaluating quality of service before it is purchased * Quality of service is often inconsistent and hard to standardize * Need for some services are not always apparent to customers.Service marketers often have trouble tying offeri ngs to needs * New Product Development: vital part of a firm’s efforts to sustain growth and profits * Six strategic options related to newness of products: * New-to-world products (discontinuous innovations)- which involve a pioneering effort by a firm that leads to the creation of an entirely new market * New product lines- represent new offerings by the firm, but they become introduced into established markets * Product line extensions- supplement an existing product line with new styles, models, features, or flavors * Improvements/Revisions of existing products- offer customers improved performance or greater perceived value * Repositioning- targeting existing products at new markets or segments * Cost reductions- modifying products to offer performance similar to competing products at a lower price * Depends on firms ability to create differential advantage for the new product * Proceeds through five stages: * Idea generation * Screening and evaluation * Development * Te st marketing * Commercialization * Branding Strategy: selecting the right combination of name, symbol, term, and design that identifies a specific product * Two parts: * Brand name: words, letters, and numbers * Brand mark: symbols, figures, or a design * Critical to product identification and factor used by marketers to differentiate a product from its competition * Successful- capture product offering in a way that answers a question in consumers mind *Involves many attributes that make up the way customers think about brands: * People (employees and endorsers) * Places (country of origin) * Things (events, causes, third party endorsements) * Other brands (alliances, the company, extensions) * Advantage- make it easier for customers to find and buy products * Four key issues: * Manufacturer vs. private-label brands- private label brands are more profitable than manufacturer brands for the retailers that carry them. Manufactured brands have built-in demand, recognition, and product loyalty. * Brand loyalty- positive attitude toward a brand that causes customers to have a consistent preference for that brand over all competing brands in a product category. Three levels: brand recognition, brand preference, and brand insistence * Brand equity- the value of a brand or the marketing and financial value associated with a brand’s position in the marketplace. * Brand alliances- branding strategies, such as co branding that involve developing close relationships with other firms. * Packaging and labeling: * Part of developing a product, its benefits, its differentiation, and its image * Issues such as color, shape, size, convenience of the package or container * Are often used in product modifications/co branding to reposition the product or give it new features. * Vital in helping customers make proper product selections * Important environmental and legal consequences * Differentiation and Positioning: Creating differences in the firm’s product offeri ng that set it apart from competing offerings (product differentiation) and the development and maintenance of a relative position for a product in the minds of the target market (product positioning) * Can be monitored through perceptual mapping- a visual, spatial display of customer perceptions on two or more key dimensions * Based on the brand, but also product descriptors, customer support services and image * Includes positioning strategies to strengthen current position, reposition, or reposition the competition * Managing Products and Brands over time: * Traditional product life cycle five stages: Development: a time of no sale revenue, negative cash flow and high risk * Introduction: time of rising customer awareness, extensive marketing expenditures, and rapidly increasing sales revenue * Growth: time of rapidly increasing sales revenue, rising profits, market expansion, and increasing numbers of competitors * Maturity: time of sales and profit plateaus, a shift from custom er acquisition to customer retention, and strategies aimed at holding or stealing market share * Decline: time of persistent sales and profit decreases, attempts to postpone the decline, or strategies aimed at harvesting or divesting the product * Influence by shifts in the market, or actions of the firms within the industry as they constantly reinvent themselves. Chapter 8 * Pricing: * Key factor in producing revenue for a firm * Easiest of all marketing variables to change * Important consideration in competitive intelligence * Only real means of differentiation in mature markets that are commoditized * Among most complex decisions to be made in developing a marketing plan * Sellers Actions regarding Price: Tend to inflate prices to receive as much as possible in exchange * Consider four issues in pricing strategy: * Costs * Demand * Customer value * Competitors’ prices * Have increased power over buyers when products are in short supply, high demand, or good economic times . * Buyers Actions regarding Price: * See prices as being lower than the market reality dictates * Two issues: * perceived value * price sensitivity * Considered value to be the ratio of benefits to costs. â€Å"More bang for the buck† * Increased power over sellers when large number of sellers, economy is weak, product information easy to obtain, or price comparisons are easy to make * Cutting prices: Viable means of increasing sales, moving excess inventory, or generating short-term cash flow * Based on two general pricing myths: * When business is good, a price cut will capture greater market share * When business is bad, a price cute will stimulate sales * Risky because a price cut must be offset by an increase in sales volume to maintain the same level of gross margin * Not always best strategy, maybe build value into the product instead. * Pricing strategy issues: * Pricing objectives * Nature of supply and demand in the market * Firms cost structure * Nature of competi tion and the structure of the industry * Stage of the product life cycle * Firms cost structure: Typically associated with pricing through breakeven analysis or cost-plus pricing * Not be the driving force behind pricing strategy because different firms have different structures * Used to establish a floor below which prices cannot be set for an extended period of time * Pricing Strategy in Services: * Critical as price may be the only cue to quality in advance of the purchase experience * Becomes important and more difficult when: * Service quality hard to detect prior to purchase * Costs associated with providing the service are difficult to determine * Customers are unfamiliar with the service process * Brand names are not well established * Customers can perform the service themselves * Service has poorly defined units of consumption Advertising within a service category is limited * Total price of the service experience is difficult to state beforehand * Often based on yield ma nagement systems allowing a firm to both control capacity and demand in order to maximize revenue and capacity utilization * Yield management: knowing when and where to raise prices to increase revenue or to lower prices to increase sales volume. * Implemented by limiting the available capacity at certain prices, controlling demand through price changes, and overbooking capacity * Common in services characterized by high fixed costs and low variable costs, like airlines, hotels, rental cars, cruises, etc. Allows firm to offer same basic product to different market segments at different prices * Price elasticity of demand: * Customers’ responsiveness or sensitivity to changes in price * Inelastic: quantity demanded does not respond to price changes * Elastic: quantity demanded is sensitive to price changes * Unitary: changes in price and demand offset, keeping total revenue the same * Not uniform over time and place because demand is not uniform * Price Sensitivity Increases: * Substitute products are widely available * Total expenditure is high * Changes in price are noticeable to customers * Price comparison among competing products is easy Price Sensitivity Decreases: * Substitute products are not available * Products are highly differentiated from the competition * Customers perceive products as being necessities * Prices of complementary products go down * Customers believe the product is worth the price * Time pressures or purchase risk are involved for consumers * Major base pricing strategies include: * Market introduction pricing: used of price skimming or penetration pricing when products are first launched into the market * Prestige pricing: intentionally setting prices at the top end of all competing products in order to promote an image of exclusivity and superior quality Value-based pricing (EDLP)- setting reasonably low prices, but still offering high quality products and adequate customer service * Competitive matching- charging what is c onsidered to be the â€Å"going rate† for the industry * Nonprice strategies- building a marketing program around factors other than price * Strategies for adjusting prices in consumer markets: * Promotional discounting: putting products on sale * Reference pricing: comparing the actual selling price to an internal or external reference price * Odd-even pricing: setting prices in odd numbers, rather than in whole, round numbers * Price bundling: bringing together two or more complementary products for a single price * Strategies for adjusting prices in business markets: Trade discounts: reducing prices for certain intermediaries in the supply chain based on the functions that they perform * Discounts and allowances: giving buyers price breaks, including discounts for cash, quantity or bulk discounts, seasonal discounts, or trade allowances for participation in advertising or sales support programs * Geographic pricing: quotes prices based on transportation costs (distance) * Transfer pricing: pricing when one unit in an organization sells products to another unit * Barter and countertrade: full or partial payments in goods/services/buying agreements rather than in cash * Price discrimination: charging different prices to different customers * Dynamic Pricing: * Started to replace fixed pricing in many product categories * Growing in importance and popularity due to the growth of online auction firms * Three pricing levels: * Opening position * Aspiration price Price limit * Long process, but is most logical and systematic way for two parties that don’t initially agree to reach agreement * Legal & Ethical Issues of Pricing: * Price discrimination: different prices to different customers. Illegal unless its basis is the actual cost differences in selling products to one customer relative to another. * Price fixing: when two or more competitors collaborate to set prices at an artificial level * Predatory pricing: firm sets prices for a product below the variable cost to drive out competitors or out of the market * Deceptive pricing: firm intentionally mislead customers with price promotions.

Making The Best of Your High School Career †English Essay

Making The Best of Your High School Career – English Essay Free Online Research Papers Making The Best of Your High School Career English Essay The speech from my freshman orientation into high school still rings clear in my head. â€Å"Get involved, get involved, get involved† was the senior class president’s motto for his speech to us that day. With each word he spoke, I knew that in order to make the best of my high school career, I needed to do what he said and â€Å"get involved†. Though budget cuts may be necessary, you as a school board should reconsider the options available for elimination or restriction. Extracurricular activities and programs in drama, music, or art are essential parts of a high school education. Studies have shown that children involved in â€Å"fine arts† such as choir, band, or theater, do significantly better in school than those who don’t participate. Being involved in those activities is more beneficial than just learning the notes or becoming a good flute player, they teach you life long skills. Looking back into my experience in my high school show choir, I learned the most valuable skill of all; I learned about myself. I realized what it means to be a leader, and what it means to be involved in a group. I learned how important it was to consider the group’s best interest, instead of your own. I learned how to stand up for myself, how to stick to what I believe in, and how to be a role model. Show choir was never just about singing. It was about life. If I would have never had that experience, I would not be as mature and well rounded as I am today. These programs are crucial in a teen’s development, and will help them to grow into the person they need to become. Another factor to consider is the necessity of extracurricular activities. Whether it is football, chess club, or National Honors Society, there is an activity for every type of person. Teenagers’ main struggle in high school is fitting in, or feeling like they belong somewhere. Taking away such activities can destroy someone’s self-esteem, or take away that feeling of pride and accomplishment. Their schoolwork will suffer because they feel there is no point in succeeding. Studies have also shown that involvement in extracurricular activities boosts students’ performance in the classroom. The activities teach you about determination, and about meeting the goal or deadline. They help you manage your time better, so you complete the assignment on time without procrastinating. If these programs are eliminated, motivation and success will disappear along with them. Taking away such vital activities and programs does more harm than good. There are other ways to decrease budget than to destroy life-changing skills. Paying an extra fifty cents for lunch makes all the difference in the world if it means kids can still be involved in these programs. You as a school board must realize what will be missing in their lives if they aren’t given the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. Let them â€Å"get involved, get involved, get involved†. That senior class president’s words made an impact in my life; I would hate to make him change his speech. Research Papers on Making The Best of Your High School Career - English EssayStandardized TestingTrailblazing by Eric AndersonPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenHip-Hop is ArtThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseLifes What IfsResearch Process Part OneHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayThe Spring and Autumn

SkinCancer essays

SkinCancer essays Before you can fully understand skin cancer, it helps to know a little about what cancer is in general. Cancer is a group of many different diseases that have some important things in common. Normal cells grow and divide only when needed, but cancerous cells keep dividing when they are not needed, which creates the tumor. There are two types of tumors to be aware of and they are: benign and malignant. While both may cause alarm, only one needs to cause one to seriously worry. Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread, but on the other hand, malignant tumors are cancerous. They are abnormal and divide without control. Since malignant tumors can divide, it is possible to have cancer in one area of the body and over time end up with it elsewhere. This process is called metastasis. Metastasis is when cancer cells can break away from the malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. One of the easiest forms of cancer to detect is skin cancer. To fully u nderstand what skin cancer is, you must know what the skin is made up of. The skin is composed of numerous layers. The layer that skin cancer originates in is the epidermis. It is made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Underneath these cells are basal cells. Also within the epidermis are melanocytes. Melanocytes, found in the deepest part of the epidermis, produce melanin, which gives us our skin color. Skin cancer is divided into three major categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The most common, basal cell carcinoma, accounts for 90% of all skin cancers in the United States. This skin cancer arises from the basal cells in the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growing cancer that rarely spreads. It can invade and destroy nearby bone and cartilage. On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous cells of the epidermis. This, too, rarely spreads, but does more so than...

Music History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Music History - Research Paper Example It was usually a part of mourning also, except in cases, such as, when Admetus while mourning his wife, ordered that â€Å"neither lyre nor pipe is to be heard in the town for twelve months." (West 14). Often religious festivals or ceremonies would begin with a procession with music, such as chorale accompanied by the pipes and/or the lyre. The people might be dancing or have dancers with them. Processionals are thought to be the oldest form of Greek music. It is believed that the earliest recorded occasion was a procession from Messina to sacrifice on Delos (West 15). Every part of Greek life had some kind of music that was traditionally used. Following is a description of the most well known types: Hymns were sung by a chorus to the gods, except Apollo and Dionysus, which had their own special songs, the paean, a song of joy, and the dithyramb, a choral song of prayer or supplication. The Dithyramb eventually became secularized and metamorphosed into the drama form tragedy. The Hy porcheme was a song and a dance. The Prosodion was used for processionals to altars and temples at the beginning and ending of festivals. Enkomion was a song of praise for men, as was the Epinikion used to honor the winner of athletic competition. A Skolion was sung by guests at a banquet. An Erotikon was an erotic song or poem for gods and goddesses and also men and women. The Hymenaios was used for weddings during the processional, at the banquet and in front of the bridal suite. The Threnos was a funeral dirge, sung by a chorus solemnly in either very low or very high pitch. Maidens would sing a Partheneion . Many of these have echoes in current church and classical music ("Lyric Genres."). 2. Describe the evolution of notation from the concept of neumes to the development of the staff and the idea of nota. Music likely dates back to the earliest civilizations, even hunter gatherer populations , but it was not until the Greeks created a form of musical notation that we have any records of written musical notation. There is a piece of music carved on a tombstone called the Seikilos Epitaph, found in Turkey, and may be from the 1st century AD. This is evidence that ancient Greeks used music notation since the 3rd or 4th centuries BC. Boethius (c.AD 470–AD 525) applied the first 15 letters of the alphabet to the notes in use at the end of the Roman period in the five textbooks he wrote on ancient music while in prison. A system called neumes, using Greek language symbols, was used in about the 6th century AD to record the Gregorian chants. This system only reminded a singer or musician of the â€Å"shape â€Å" of a memorized song. It was not until the tenth cent ury that Heightened Neumes were arranged above and below a line to indicate rising and falling pitch. In the twelfth century, Guido D’Arezzo placed letters on lines to indicate pitch. The staves developed over the next four centuries with different numbers of lines, but in the sixteenth century the five line staff became standard. Early music was all written down by the church and aristocracy, as paper and quills were expensive and most people could not read words either ("History of Music Notation - evolution, printing, specialisation and computers."). There was no system for tempo and measure until about the seventeenth century. It was not until the legitimization of polyphonic music, forbidden at first by Pope John XXII in 1322 (See Appendix A for his writings.), that other parts of our modern notation developed to fulfil its needs ("Polyphony Is