Write a thesis driven analysis paper of the book The Lathe of Heaven Essay

Write a thesis driven analysis paper of the book The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin - Essay Example to achieve access to the flowing power available through the fourth concept of cosmic energy while the fifth founding element refers to the flowing waters and winds of change and motion. These concepts are called Wu Wei (actionless action), Te (flowing power through living simply), Ch’I (cosmic energy) and Feng-Shui (winds and waters of change) (Hundoble, 1999). LeGuin weaves all five of these concepts into the storyline of the novel as it traces the progression of George Orr and his psychiatrist Dr. William Haber as they examine the limits of George’s abilities to change reality. The concept of Yin and Yang are contained within the character of George himself. Physically, he is not tall or short, blond or brunette. When he meets new people, Heather Lelache for instance, he strikes them as almost repulsively weak but also as amazingly strong. â€Å"The man struck her as not exactly feeble-minded, but revoltingly simple† (41) are Heather’s thoughts early in their first meeting, quickly revised to â€Å"now she thought that he certainly wouldn’t squash if she stepped on him, nor crunch, nor even crack. He was peculiarly solid† (45). When he discusses things that have been happening in his life, he does so with a great deal of equanimity, not seeming to pass judgment upon others, but not granting approval for their actions either. This idea of George representing the perfect balance of Yin and Yang is finally confirmed by Dr. Haber himself when he tells George the results of the tests that were run on him: â€Å"Where there’s an opposed pair, a polarity, you’re in the middle; where there’s a scale, you’re at the balance point. †¦ you’re the man in the middle of the graph† (137). The concept of actionless action is brought out in the discussions George tries to hold with Dr. Haber regarding the changes that are being made through his dreams. This is particularly well-illustrated in the discussion he has with the doctor regarding the

Asian Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Asian Philosophy - Essay Example Even though his writing is not to a certain extent vibrant and colorful that of Zhuangzi, his approach is much well-designed and powerful, sometimes bursting into poetry that influentially expresses his infatuation for the Confucian way of life (ibid). A great part of Xunzi’s attempt is committed to passionately defending Confucianism against different challenges. For instance, he fervently expresses disapproval of Mozi’s denouncement of ritual and music and claims forcefully that these cultural types are completely indispensable. He also rejects Laozi and Zhuangzi for supporting that people accept the perspective of Heaven and leave out traditional virtues in favor of submitting to the natural torrent of things (Ivanhoe, 2001). For Xunzi, the hazards to Confucianism originate not merely external to the tradition, but as well as from within it, in the appearance of Mengzi’s principle that human nature is good. In Xunzi’s judgment, such an argument weakens the power of ritual as a practical guideline to behavior, ruins the essentiality of acquiring knowledge, and merely flies in front of the facts. Xunzi makes the contradictory assertion that human nature is bad, but this should not be interpreted as claiming that people in nature take pleasure in evil deeds (ibid). Rather, his emphasis is that people lack any innate path to right behavior and conduct, and that without the outside control of ritual they will resort into bad behavior and be reduced to a disordered, impoverished condition strongly suggestive of the state of nature portrayed by Thomas Hobbes (Ivanhoe, 2001). On the other hand, Mengzi contends that humans have a nature, which they should go after. Indeed, he contradicts Xunzi’s philosophy for suggesting that ethical nurturing must integrate transgressing one’s nature. Nevertheless, Mengzi argues against the idea that there are developing righteous predispositions in

Strategic Analysis of the Current Status of Aktel Mobile

Strategic Analysis of the Current Status of Aktel Mobile â€Å"Strategic Analysis of The Current Status of AKTEL Mobile Regarding Marketing HR Division† Executive Summary According to the Industry Life Cycle, the operation of TMIB in Bangladesh, as it seems, is still in the growth stage. So the investment of TMIB in the prepaid section has been speculative since the last couple of years. This survey was conducted among the current customers of AKTEL, both pre-paid and post paid. About 10 years back there was only BTTB to offer telecommunication services to the market in Bangladesh. Although there was tremendous market demand, due to the government lack of initiative in this promising sector was not invested enough and the government deprived itself of lots of revenue, which it could have earned easily. In 1990 for the first time the government allowed the private sector to invest in the telecommunication sector especially in cellular, paging, trunk radio and rural telecom services. The early operators skimmed the cream, like City Cell in cellular services, Sheba Telecom in rural telecom and Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. in Pager services for a long time. In 1996 the govt. provided licenses to 3 companies to operate GSM service in Bangladesh. These companies TM International (BD) Ltd. (TMIB), Grameen Phone (GP) Sheba Telecom came in the market with a very competitive tariff structure and the market accepted them very eagerly. Since then TM International (BD) Ltd. TMIB), a joint-venture company formed between Telecom Malaysia Berhad, holding 70% of the equity capital and 30% local shareholding by A. K. Khan Co. Limited, branding its services on the name of AKTEL in Bangladesh. It is a company incorporated in Bangladesh with the objective of offering the state of the art and modern telecommunications services to the People of Bangladesh at competitive price. Keeping this objective in mind, the management of TMIB has been trying to achieve continuous improvement in its product offerings and services. To accelerate this process of continuous improvement and to Know more about the expectations of the market, the need for a research on customers perception towards its present products and services is obvious. By analyzing the consumer perception towards the products and services of AKTELs various Packages of TM International Bangladesh Limited is full of complexity. In the context of a developing country like Bangladesh, the need for marketing of products through consumer perception analysis provides a very important dimension for an organization to improve their services. The policies and practices in the matter of analyzing the behavior of customers, becomes an important factor in this research. And how the employees get aware to achieve the target of AKTEL is the main objective of this report. Thus, the customer perception towards the various packages of AKTEL is very crucial because its a must for the authority of TMIB to know about the customers feedback of their current market activities and its effectiveness. By carrying out this survey the organization will get the opportunity to know the customer feedback as well as how they can modify their present marketing activities. In turn they will be able to formulate some guidelines for modifying the current market mix, and if necessary to make it more effective so that they can attract more customers. 1. AKTEL: An Organizational Profile Overview of the Company AKTEL is a mobile operator, which concentrates on offering GSM communication services for private and corporate customers. Their intention is to promote the wireless lifestyle-the complete mobile society. TMIB is in the GSM Telephony business. With the technological development in future, TMIB will adopt cost-effective and more effective technology to provide a state of the art and comprehensive service to its customers. TMIBs vision is to continuously monitor its customers needs, wants and to plan accordingly. It will monitor the development of the technology and update itself to meet customer needs. Background/Historical Summary TM International (Bangladesh) Limited (TMIB), a joint venture company of Telekom Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., of Malaysia and A. K. Khan Company Ltd. of Bangladesh has started its commercial operation in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh as a GSM 900 cellular phone operator on 15th November, 1997. A tremendous success in Dhaka, TMIB has started its operations in Chittagong on March 26, 1998. TMIB uses the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications as the digital cellular system, which is fully featured with services like Basic Telephony, Data and Value Added Services, (VAS). TMIB has an integrated and fully computerized Customer Care Billing System (CCBS) which supports virtually all subscriber-related functions. The Company AKTEL of the Telekom Malaysia Bangladesh, with a full title being: Mobil Telecommunications was founded as a joint company of the Telekom Malaysia Sdn. Berhad from Malaysia and the A. K. Khan Co. of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It operates as a Limited Liability Company, w here a founder and a majority shareholder, the TMIB- member of the Telecom Malaysia, owns 70% shares, while the minority shares of 30 % are being controlled by the A. K. Khan Co. Bangladesh. The organization is headed by its Chief Executive designated as the Managing Director entrusted with overall responsibilities of business direction of the organization and leading dynamically towards the attainment of its Vision, Mission and Goal. In attaining the above mission, the MD is assisted by 4 general managers TMIB has established a strong and formidable sales channel, which consists of direct dealers and its own sales force. TMIB is the Digital Cellular Telephony Business. With a technological development in future, TMIB will adopt any cost effective and more efficient technology to provide state of the art and comprehensive service to its customers. TMIBs vision is to continuously monitor its customers needs and to plan accordingly. It will monitor the development of technology and u pdated self to meet customer demand. 2. Mission Statement Of AKTEL AKTELs Vision: To be the most preferred GSM cellular provider in Bangladesh AKTELs Mission: To provide total customer satisfaction the company strives to become the most preferred GSM cellular service provider in Bangladesh. TMIB will achieve this through developing people, products, and services of the highest quality and meeting the needs of its customers, employees, shareholders, and the nation. AKTELs Theme: Customer First 3. The Marketing Strategies of TMIB Marketing Strategies: TM always wants to achieve the desired sales growth and customer base. TM wants to encourage the existing customers to use more of their services. They launched a package called AKTEL EID DOUBLE BONUS which was one of their successful initiatives for obtaining potential customers. Product Positioning Initially TMs target was to reach the top, but other mobile operators are also targeting to the grass roots level and thus increasing their customer base. TM wants to be the leader with good quality and designing products for the middle and lower middle class range too. Marketing Mix: Product  ¨ Continuous improvement of quality  ¨ Repositioning of slow moving products to different target markets  ¨ Always branding AKTEL with all packages with a GSM service Price  ¨ Necessary changes in tariff structure, and changes and terms and conditions.  ¨ Penetration pricing in the face of competition  ¨ Skimming policy possible Promotion  ¨ Brochures with all necessary info  ¨ Press ads  ¨ TV commercials (in future)  ¨ Billboards Place/Distribution  ¨ Make effective use of distribution  ¨ Make product service delivery system more effective and less time consuming  ¨ Wider distribution network to make service more accessible. 4. The Company in Bangladesh Chain of Command The organization is headed by its Chief Executive designated as the Managing Director entrusted with overall responsibilities of business direction of the organization and leading dynamically towards the attainment of its Vision, Mission and Goal. In attaining the above mission, the MD is assisted by 4 general managers TMIB has established a strong and formidable sales channel, which consists of direct dealers and its own sales force. The way TMIB Defines Business TMIB is the Digital Cellular Telephony Business. With a technological development in future, TMIB will adopt any cost effective and more efficient technology to provide state of the art and comprehensive service to its customers. TMIBs vision is to continuously monitor its customers needs and to plan accordingly. It will monitor the development of technology and updated self to meet customer demand. Long-Term Vision of the Company: AKTEL strongly believes that subscribers are their most valuable assets. They have a strong Customer Service Center. To always be with their customers the AKTEL Help Line is there. AKTEL has successfully migrated to a new switch with higher capacities in terms of accommodating higher customer base and as well as to let them use all the basic supplementary services under GSM technology. TMIB expertise and experience are acknowledged throughout the industry. Demand is growing all the time, not simply for the services it already provides, but for greater and more diversified services and even higher quality performance. Its pace is fast, rewards are high and work is of constant challenge. They introduced the both-way national roaming all through their network coverage. The Prepaid services with enhanced features have been commercially commenced successfully and now they are taking some projects to accumulate more advanced technological features in their network. In terms of Network Qual ity, the company will ensure not only the equipment are of world class standard but more importantly its size or capacity is catered to the right dimensioning of customer base, in order not to face the problems of drop calls or congestion. All these are done through proper planning, control and schedule maintenance program. They maintain the benchmark for providing the quality services. They monitor these through generating regular reports and on site survey. If there are any weak signals or a call drops, the skilled engineers are providing services round the clock to resolve the problem instantly. The most important key resource factor in TMIB is its efficient human resource. Moreover, its decisions are based on facts from market research and coverage survey. Moreover, the above objectives can only be achieved through the right people. AKTEL has put its keen eyes in developing its employees through proper training, as they believe that the most important asset for TMIB is its staff members. So they are ensuring quality services by quality people. TMIB has the plan to give opportunity to every household in using cellular service in the country at the competitive price providing unparalleled quality service and customer care. In achieving this goal, they cant wait for more interconnection facilities with the fixed network. TMIB is planing to enforce their strong efforts to create their own independent network. They have already started the Dhaka-Chittagong AKTEL backbone. The future plan is to vigorously expand the network, which was called cell to cell expansion, covering almost all the regions of Bangladesh within the year 2005. Global Mission of the Company: AKTEL wants to provide its customers the best quality service in terms of: Trusted technology around the world Wide coverage with digital clarity Digital security with peace of mind Various choices of value-added features Better customer service-not just promised, but delivered Competitive rate and better billing Objectives of the Company: Total commitment to the needs of customers To follow the highest ethical standards Continuous improvement of all work processes Permanent improvement of all the employees knowledge and skills Securing the quality of the service to match the quality of service offered by the worlds most successful companies in the field Preserving the companys leading position in the national market of mobile Telecommunications. 5. Mission In Bangladesh TMIB as a Venture TMIB is a company incorporated in Bangladesh with the objective of offering the state-of-the art and modern telecommunications services to the people of Bangladesh at competitive prices. TMIB is a joint venture company formed between Telecom Malaysia Berhad and A.K Khan Company Ltd. The Business Slogan -Clearly Ahead The whole is the sum of parts and when the best come together the results can be truly spectacular. TMIB brings AKTEL Mobile phone service, a digital cellular phone service, which will prepare better for life in the fast lane. AKTEL GSM always keeps so near even when so far. AKTEL GSM wants to provide the following in order to ensure that they can gain potential customers as well as market share: The technology trusted around the world Wide coverage with digital clarity Digital security with peace of mind Various choices of value added features Better customer care not just promised, but delivered Competitive rate and better billing. 6. The Marketing Area of TMIB Advertisement and Promotion: AKTEL GSM are trying to convert non users to mobile phone users stressing the benefit of GSM services, and with the service benefit of AKTEL that will make their life easier. To serve the market more accurately their target market will be further segmented based on psychographics and business sites. The strive to develop a better product will be a continuous process. Conducting of market research will be held every 3 months. They will use their import to develop new products based on the data they will get from survey. Thus the product will be designed to meet the customers need. AKTEL has a wide variety of promotional activities. The promotional mix includes T.V., radio, newspapers, magazines, flyers, brochures, etc. AKTEL has also put up billboards at certain strategic locations in order to attract customers as well as give their products and services a boost so that they can increase their customer base. AKTEL branding has been carried in order to bring about its brand awareness. They are trying to identify AKTEL as a unique product so that it can be differentiated from its competitors. Billboards are there to attract attention and appeal to customers so that they are aware of AKTELs products and services. Mostly billboards have been put on main roads and some major shopping centers around Dhaka city like Eastern Plaza, where mostly the younger generation hang out. This in turn would attract that segment of customers within a specific age group, i.e. teenagers and people in their early twenties, as this generation has the urge to communicate frequently and be up-to-date on recent events. Thus, by promoting their products and services through these various media, electronic as well as press advertisements, AKTEL can well be in the way of obtaining its vision and so resulting in a higher subscriber base and in turn a higher potential market share. The marketing division distributes leaflets or brochures so those new customers can find out information about AKT ELs various packages and choose from among them. The Promotional Activities of AKTEL: Cellular phone service: TMIB brings customers the AKTEL mobile phone service. Fully digital cellular phone services that will prepare customers better in their day-to day activities, thus making their lives easier. AKTEL has been successful in bringing together the world leaders in various technologies, giving Bangladesh world class cellular phone service. Better Billing: Always keeping customers so near even when they are so far. AKTEL has been successful in bringing together the world leaders in various technologies. Better Switching: AKTEL cellular switching system provides the customers the state-of-the-art GSM technology, which will give customers the winning edge all the way. SIM-Card Identity Number: With the AKTEL Cellular Phone service, customers will have more than just a number. Simply because the GSM lays emphasis on the subscriber identification module (SIM) card, a key component of the whole process. It is computer chip card, which is highly secured against fraud. A microchip embedded in the plastic card stores PIN (Personal Identification Number), code personal phone directory, and details of call made. As a result, the customers can use a SIM card on any GSM 900 phone. So, even if the customers cellular phone is not handy, the customer borrows another one, insert their SIM card and its business as usual. This electronic smart card also contains a unique PIN just as an ATM card does in order to prevent misuse as it can fall into wrong hands. Consistent and High Voice: People who listen to music on CD are aware that digitized music may result in sharper and clearer audio quality. With GSM too, digitization of voices is done, therefore maintaining high quality. Security: It is almost impossible for anyone to tap or listen in on a conversation in the AKTEL cellular network. Digitization encodes speech and dynamic allocation of frequency makes it impossible for outsiders to enter a call. Incidentally, the technology that makes it possible for individual to talk better also makes it for anyone to intrude on their privacy audio quality. With GSM it is also possible for digitization of voice so that high quality is maintained. Exciting AKTEL Service: AKTEL offers a very comprehensive range of value added services for those on the move. Each service is designed to help the customers in specific frequently encountered solutions. Services like these will surely revolutionize the way customers communicate. AKTEL Itemized Billing: This service entitles the customers to a detailed bill with an accurate breakup of the call charges, including the date, duration and numbers of incoming and outgoing calls. This is extremely handy in cases where the customers wish to keep track of expenses, or even to find out whether their card is being misused or not. International Roaming: The AKTEL mobile service will provide the customer with contractibility and the freedom to make and receive telephone calls to those GSM networks all over the world that have roaming agreements with AKTEL. So whenever a customer is within the service areas of these GSM networks, they will still be able to keep in touch with friend and family around the world. Choice of Handset: The AKTEL network has a chain of outlets where all the leading models makes accessories of GSM compatible mobile phones available. However, subscribers are free to procure their GSM cellular phones from any other source within the company or abroad provided these are duly paid and would connect to the AKTEL network. Distinctive Competence: The most important key source factor of TMIB is its efficient human resource. It is using the state-of-the-art GSM technology and continuously monitoring its network traffic to ensure network quality. Moreover, its decisions are based on facts from market research and coverage survey. The company also monitors its competitors activities and is proactive in marketing decisions. 7. Summary of the Case The author had a chance to work at the Human Resources Division of TMIB. As the division has played a vital role to achieve the companys goal, it is yet to develop its role. It has many projects on hand and yet it also has been monitoring various projects that have been implemented in the past. So the task was to delve deep into the present marketing scenario and conduct an in-depth analysis of the HR activities, i.e., their recruiting process, candidate selection, organize the interviews by preparing the evaluation sheet, compile each individuals file after joining the employees, updating the database after every recruitment. About 10 years back there was only BTTB to offer telecommunication services to the market in Bangladesh. Although there was tremendous market demand, due to lack of initiative on part of the government, this promising sector was not invested enough and deprived itself of lots of revenue, which it couldve earned easily. In 1990, for the first time the government allowed the private sector to invest in the telecommunication sector especially in cellular, paging, trunk radio and rural telecom services. The early operators skimmed the cream, like Citycell in cellular services, Sheba Telecom in rural telecom and Bangladesh Telecom Ltd. in Pager services for a long time. In 1996 the government. provided licenses to 3 companies to operate GSM service in Bangladesh. These companies which are Telekom Malaysia International (BD) Ltd. (TMIB), Grameen Phone (GP) Sheba Telecom came into the market with a very competitive tariff structure and the market accepted them very eagerly. Since then TMIB, a joint-venture company formed between Telecom Malaysia Berhad, holding 70% of the equity capital and 30% local shareholding by A. K. Khan Co. Limited, began branding its services in the name of AKTEL in Bangladesh. It is a company incorporated in Bangladesh with the object of offering the state-of-the-art and modern telecommunications services to the peopl e of Bangladesh at competitive prices. Keeping this objective in mind, the management of TMIB has been trying to achieve continuous improvement in its employee selection process and providing the best services. To accelerate this process of continuous improvement and to know more about the expectations of the market, the company needs to focus its internal resources along with the external. For a research on customers perception towards its present marketing mix it is obvious to take the best product (employees) for providing the best services towards the customers. Taking into account the customer perception of AKTELs various package offers as well as the existing market scenario is full of complexity. In the context of a developing country like Bangladesh, where the need for marketing of products through customer perception provides a very important dimension, the policies and practices in the matter of analyzing the behavior of customers, is a relevant part of this research. Thus , the study on the present marketing activities of AKTEL products and services is very crucial because the company should be aware about the customers feedback of their current market mix in terms of its effectiveness by which, they will get the opportunity to know how the customers feel about their product and service offerings and the effectiveness of the present marketing mix. In turn TMIB will be able to formulate some guidelines for modifying the existing market mix, and if the need arises if try to make it more effective. It has already been mentioned that from the very beginning TMIB has been trying continuously to ensure the effectiveness of their marketing strategies and designing a much precise and concrete marketing mix. And for all these tasks the internal activities in HR division helps a lot to meet the external demand of the customers. Objectives of the Study: The broad objective of this study is to find out the employee perception about the effectiveness of AKTELs various policies and strategies as well as their present marketing activities and promotional tools. In essence the objective of this report would be to: To find out the Employees perceptions and preferences of the various AKTEL packages in terms of their respective features and benefits to achieve the customers goal.. To see whether AKTELs Prepaid and postpaid packages offer the benefits or feature that customers want. To find out if the customer care center offer efficient To see if the promotional activities of AKTEL are gaining customer awareness To see whether AKTELs Prepaid packages are easily available and affordable Methodology of the Study: The methodology of the study was carried out using both primary as well as secondary information. There were some interviews taken from certain personnel in the marketing division as well as the customer acre center, which provided helpful information in regard to the report. There were some telephonic interviews conducted which was very time consuming. Apart from the interviews, various books, journal, brochures, newspaper and previous marketing reports also provided valuable information Limitation of the study: There was certain limitation for which this report had some obstacles. The data collected was based on the HR employees interviews, which was little more time consuming. The report had to be prepared within the daily routine of office work, which resulted in the prolonging or the data collection. Sometimes the data was really confidential for the AKTEL employees to share with the Intern. Thus, the report had to be done in accordance with the daily work activities and of course was constraint. Importance of the subject matter: The importance of the report is reflected in the analysis and findings part. It is very crucial for the organization to know how effective theyve been and what they should launch in the future in order to gain potential customer as well as market share. By conducting this report, it should be clear to the organization whether they are heading the right way and what tactics and strategies they should implement to ensure that their promotional tools are working properly and raising customers awareness. By putting more emphasis on their marketing activities they should be able to come up with and implement strategies that are in alignment with their vision i.e. ‘To be the most preferred GSM cellular provider in Bangladesh Legal Issues: Laws and Policies in Bangladesh There are certain laws and policies that mobile operators have to follow. The government only granted permission to mobile companies to operate in the country. At present they are not allowing any more mobile operators. So the existing mobile companies have to act in accordance with governments rule and regulations. Scope of the Research: The scope of the research was limited to providing a general overview of the marketing division and their present activities, i.e. what kind of promotional tools they are using and what impact id had on the media and the customers. During this -month internship program the major task was to provide an insight into the present market mix and customer perception of AKTELs products. Thus, the scope was limited to analyzing the present market strategies. 8. Situational/Problem Analysis: Macro-environmental factors: Michael Porter has provided conceptual framework for industry analysis. He developed a five-factor model for industry analysis. The model identifies five key structural features that determine the strength of the competitive forces within an industry and hence industry profitability. Though it is often used by organizations for entering new markets, it can also be used to see the competitiveness in the current market. The five-factor model includes the following: a) Bargaining Power of Buyer b) Bargaining Power of Seller c) Competitor d) Barriers to entry e) Substitution effect The following diagram illustrates how Porters five forces affect the industry: Porters Five Forces: A Model for Industry Analysis. The model of pure competition implies that risk-adjusted rates of return should be constant across firms and industries. However, numerous economic studies have affirmed that different industries can sustain different levels of profitability; part of this difference is explained by industry structure. Michael Porter provided a framework that models an industry as being influenced by five forces. The strategic business manager seeking to develop an edge over rival firms can use this model to better understand the industry context in which the firm operates. SUPPLIER POWER Supplier concentration Importance of volume to supplier Differentiation of inputs Impact of inputs on cost or differentiation Switching costs of firms in the industry Presence of substitute inputs Threat of forward integration Cost relative to total purchases in industry BARRIERS TO ENTRY Absolute cost advantages Proprietary learning curve Access to inputs Government policy RIVALRY THREAT OF Economies of scale Switching costs Buyer inclination to substitute SUBSTITUTES Price Performance Trade-off of substitute Capital requirements Brand identity Access to distribution Expected retaliation Proprietary products BUYER POWER Bargaining Leverage DEGREE OF RIVALRY Buyer volume Exit barriers Buyer Information Industry concentration Brand identity Fixed cost/ Value added Price sensitivity Industry growth Threat of Backward Integration Intermittent overcapacity Product differentiation 1. Rivalry: In the traditional economic model, competition among rival firms drives profits to zero. But competition is not perfect and firms are not unsophisticated passive price-takers. Rather, firms strive for a competitive advantage over their rivals. The intensity of rivalry among firms varies across industries, and strategic analysts are interested in theses differences. If rivalry among firms is low, the industry is considered to be disciplined. This discipline may result from the industrys history of competition, the role of a leading firm, or informal compliance with a generally understood code of conduct. When a rival acts in a way that elicits a response by other firms, rivalry intensifies. The intensity of rivalry commonly is referred to as being cutthroat, intense, moderate, or weak, based on the firms aggressiveness in attempting to gain an advantage. In pursuing an advantage over its rivals, firms can choose from several competitive moves: Changing prices: raising or lowering process to gain a temporary advantage Improve product differentiation-improving features, implementing innovations in the manufacturing process and in the product itself. Creatively using channels of distribution: using vertical integration or using a distribution channels that is novel to the industry. Exploiting relationships: with suppliers. The intensity of rivalry is influenced by the following characteristics: i. A larger number of firms increase rivalry because more firms must complete for the same customers and resources. The rivalry intensifies if the firms have similar market share, leading to a struggle for market leadership. ii. Slow market growth causes firms to fight for market share. In growing market, firma are able to prove revenues simply because f the expanding market. iii. High fixed costs result in an economy

Individual Learning Styles Essay -- Teaching Education School Essays

Individual Learning Styles The purpose of this research paper is to examine learning styles theories to determine if teaching students to use their own particular learning style can help ail them in increased educational success. The learning style aspect consists of six key areas including brain processing, sensory modalities, physical needs, environmental preferences, social aspects, and attitudes. Besides the way a person operates, there are two other important factors that play a key role in effecting a person?s learning style. These important factors include each individuals learning patterns and a theory known as multiple intelligences. Individual learning patterns are focused on four main types ES, IN, EN and the IS. The theory of multiple intelligences is based on eight types of intelligences, these include visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, Logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, Musical/rhythmic, interpersonal intelligence, and finally naturalist. It is very important to understand and explore each individuals learning style. Analyzing one?s own particular learning style can be very helpful and beneficial to the student by aiding them in becoming more focused and an attentive learner, which ultimately will increase educational success. (Fatt, Teng, 2000). Discovering this learning style will allow the student to determine his or her own personal strengths and weaknesses and learn from them. Aside from that, this process will improve one?s self esteem because now the student will feel more comfortable and prepared to take on the learning challenge, also gives student the confidence needed to achieve their goals (Creative Learning Company, 2001). Students will also benefit from the simple fact that now the... ... causes learning failure. Campbell, L., & Campbell, B. (1999). Teaching & learning through multiple intelligences. Boston, Mass: Allyn and Bacon. Explains how to make the best out of one?s own personal learning style not only through learning but through the teaching aspect as well. Silver, H.F., & Strong, R.W., & Perini, M.J. (2000). So each may learn: Integrating learning Styles and multiple intelligences. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Shows that when putting together one?s own particular learning style with the theory of multiple intelligences, the student will maximize their learning capability. Learning Styles and Your Child. (2001). Encarta. Microsoft Corporation Defines learning styles as a whole and explains how parents and teachers can best accommodate each child through their learning experience. Individual Learning Styles Essay -- Teaching Education School Essays Individual Learning Styles The purpose of this research paper is to examine learning styles theories to determine if teaching students to use their own particular learning style can help ail them in increased educational success. The learning style aspect consists of six key areas including brain processing, sensory modalities, physical needs, environmental preferences, social aspects, and attitudes. Besides the way a person operates, there are two other important factors that play a key role in effecting a person?s learning style. These important factors include each individuals learning patterns and a theory known as multiple intelligences. Individual learning patterns are focused on four main types ES, IN, EN and the IS. The theory of multiple intelligences is based on eight types of intelligences, these include visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, Logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, Musical/rhythmic, interpersonal intelligence, and finally naturalist. It is very important to understand and explore each individuals learning style. Analyzing one?s own particular learning style can be very helpful and beneficial to the student by aiding them in becoming more focused and an attentive learner, which ultimately will increase educational success. (Fatt, Teng, 2000). Discovering this learning style will allow the student to determine his or her own personal strengths and weaknesses and learn from them. Aside from that, this process will improve one?s self esteem because now the student will feel more comfortable and prepared to take on the learning challenge, also gives student the confidence needed to achieve their goals (Creative Learning Company, 2001). Students will also benefit from the simple fact that now the... ... causes learning failure. Campbell, L., & Campbell, B. (1999). Teaching & learning through multiple intelligences. Boston, Mass: Allyn and Bacon. Explains how to make the best out of one?s own personal learning style not only through learning but through the teaching aspect as well. Silver, H.F., & Strong, R.W., & Perini, M.J. (2000). So each may learn: Integrating learning Styles and multiple intelligences. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Shows that when putting together one?s own particular learning style with the theory of multiple intelligences, the student will maximize their learning capability. Learning Styles and Your Child. (2001). Encarta. Microsoft Corporation Defines learning styles as a whole and explains how parents and teachers can best accommodate each child through their learning experience.

Ecommerce Business

Introduction Developing an e-commerce business is a difficult process, that will test the determination and commitment of any person that has created a business in the past. I this paper will examine four different scenarios that one might be confronted with in owning an e-commerce business. The scenarios are as follow: * Imagine that someone has offered you $1,000 to buy your online domain name shortly after you started your business online. Explain why or why you would not sell and cite the ethical dilemmas involved. The e-commerce software you will be using must provide a catalog display, shopping cart capabilities, and transaction processing. The convenience and usability for the customer are benefits of these functions. State how each of these functions could be beneficial to your business. * Your business will have created a presence in the physical world by having a store along the boardwalk. Creating effective presence on the Web. Including how to improve Web presence by incr easing website usability. Develop a web marketing strategy for your company including the following: identify the market segments you will target, how you will reach that segment, and explain how you will reach that segment, and explain how you will advertise on the Web. Being able to properly answer and respond to these scenarios, will assist people who wish to start an e-commerce business. Understanding these scenarios will assist in determining the market segments, as well has helping to understanding the worth of your business. Selling Your Domain Name Several things must be considered when a business is thinking of selling their domain name to someone else. In business, one is continuously working to convince others to do your bidding. The goal of a business is to convince customers to purchase your product or service, and then convince those same customers to pay their accounts on time. As it pertains to the employees that work at your business, they must treat the customers well and contribute to the company. They must abide by all ethical and moral standards that the business has put in place. By setting forth a great deal of effort to create and develop my business, it is not likely that I will sell my business for $1,000. By selling the domain name of my business, all the work that I have done to make my company relevant and credible would be in jeopardy. Most successful companies are known by their domain name or their brand, and it takes hard work and determination to accomplish the task of making your domain name credible. Customer Convenience The e-commerce business that I create will attempt to make the shopping and visit to my business website as convenient as possible for my potential customers. This will be accomplished by providing three services that all e-commerce businesses must have in order to be successful: shopping catalog display, shopping car capabilities, and a simple transaction process. The shopping catalog display must be able to store information about items in a database. My e-commerce business will also provide a search engine that allows customers to enter descriptions to quickly find the items they wish to purchase or find information about. The shopping cart capabilities will use online forms to document online shopping in the past, and it will be able to distinguish from one customer to another. I would also create a database that will store information about the clients preferred choices. I will use software that will calculate price, volume discounts, sales tax, and shopping cost. Electronic commerce software will be used to provide connections to accounting software so the sales of the web can be entered simultaneously. All of these different service that I will incorporate will allow the customers a simple and convenient way to purchase our goods and services, as well as find out as much information as possible about our goods and services. Boardwalk Store When creating a physical store on the boardwalk I will attempt to maintain my presence of the Web. In order to accomplish this I will have to implement two things to achieve this success. First of all, I would use an e-mail address to identify users. This is because e-mail addresses are easier to remember and are more standard, as well as being unique. Second, I will attempt to create a system to make ordering easy. This process could be quite complex, so I would make this process easier at each step. This can be accomplished by having the customer enter the least amount of information at each step. This can make the experience of purchasing our product and visiting our website simple on every level. Marketing Strategies When marketing on the Web, a business must completely understand the different segments that they must market their products and services. The different segmentations are as follow: behavioral, demographic, geographic, and psychographic. The behavioral segmentation consist of dividing people into groups according to how they behave and act toward products. I would create a website that gives examples on encouraging consumers to use my products for multiple purposes. The demographic segmentation obtains demographic information from the U. S. Census Bureau’s website. The site would discuss some prominent demographic characteristics used to segment buyers. This includes age, income, gender, and family life cycles. Geographic segmentation is when a market strategy that allows businesses to market by the geographic in which a customer’s live. Psychographic segmentation gathers extensive information of the customers activities, interests, opinions, values, and lifestyles. I would use the VAL survey( values, attitudes, and lifestyles) to find out what category each individual is apart . This will allow me to market according to their psychological makeup, which will give me the ability to better market my product. Marketing is an essential part of the success or failure of any business, owners should not take this aspect of the business lightly. Conclusion In my opinion, understanding all of these aspects of business will allow a person who is attempting to start an online business successful. The marketing and convenience aspect of business is key is maintain and sustaining a successful business. Having a full understanding of the Web as it pertains to business, as well as knowing the importance of what goes in to making your domain name credible is also an essential part of business. References Keys to Improving your Web Presence (2011) Retrieved from http://www. ocularconcepts. us/blc/blog/keys-to-improving-your-web-presence/ Lars, Perner (n. d. ) Introduction to Marketing. Retrieved from http://www. consumerpsychologist. com/marketing_introduction. html Schneider, G. (2011). Electronic commerce: 2011 custom edition (9th ed. ). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.

Administrative Problems

Administration and management remains to be an integral process shaping the educational sector. Here, it carries out leadership approaches in dealing with the purpose and objectives surrounding educators in meeting the needs of students.It takes into account themes that allows the faculty to recognize current trends and responsive efficiently. By trying to draw out particular strategies it provides opportunities to facilitate educational success, draw out faculty empowerment, and foster institutional growth. With such dynamics, decision making on a day-to-day basis becomes synchronized with what is essential in accordance to school objectives and policies.This paper seeks to outline how educational administration themes are constantly applied on a day-to-day basis. It takes into account themes related to organizational culture, organizational change, and communication practices between administrators and educators.In particular, the paper finds distinction and common actions shaping action and decision making between two administrators. By synthesizing opinions and responses from two educational administrators, better understanding can be made on how these administrators respond to school objectives and educational administration.IntervieweesThe first respondent is John Morris. He is a principal of Garland High School since 2001. With numerous years of experience in the school, he remains competent about Garland High School’s organization and continues to align specific policies in relation to the needs of both students and faculty (Garland High School, 2007).Having earned his bachelor’s degree in Stephen Austin University and Masters in Educational Administration, he provides wonderful insights on areas related to organizational culture, communication, and organizational change.The second interviewee is Linda Glassel. She is an administrator at Garland Christian Academy for almost five years. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Psycholog y and pursued her Masters in Educational Administration.With her background and experience in dealing with educators and students from elementary to high school, it can be argued that she is competent to address issues related to administration and management.Organizational CultureLooking closely at the responses made by Linda and John concerning organizational culture, it can be seen that they have similar responses about its importance in their respective schools. Both believed that enhancing a process of a facilitative and supportive school environment enriches opportunities for students, faculties, and administrators to become responsive to their respective needs.Similarly, both also considered the need to recognize diversity as an essential process shaping education. By taking into account diversity, it encourages better cohesion of strategies and provides solutions to daily problems (Ornstein and Lunenberg, 2007).On the other hand, Linda and John opinions diverge when they tal k about how to deal with conformity and professional excellence. Here, it can be seen that Linda sees the need to constantly motivate people to become responsible and accountable to their respective roles within the school.It is through this process that they can open up and become adaptive to change and abide with specific and given standards. If there are existing conflicts, it gives easier means to resolve issues and conform to the norms provided.In contrast, John sees this daily problem as part of the role and responsibility of an educator and administrator. He believes that since standards and expectations are given accordingly, each one must be keen and responsible enough to function according to these parameters. Here, John sees the issue as more of an individual endeavor compared to Linda’s perspective that it must be a collective process.Organizational ChangeAssessing the responses made by John and Linda with regards to organizational change, it can be seen that thei r opinions agree on the idea that change is inevitable.They both see it as an opportunity to grow and function in accordance to the changing needs of their respective schools. Since organizational change can induce varied responses among members of the school, it is then crucial to clearly identify these resistances so appropriate attention can be made (Ornstein and Lunenberg, 2007).Likewise, Linda and John also believed that addressing problems of organizational change on a daily basis means incorporating aims and objectives by administrators. By advocating these policies, administrative problems can be alleviated and addressed in a more efficient manner.On the other hand, the main difference between John and Linda’s responses revolve around specific mechanisms that can be used to address organizational resistance and accountability problems. Specifically, Linda is more of a facilitative type, seeking to interact and develop an environment where teachers feel comfortable in their work and responsibility.She believes that this would then provide the necessary means to infuse better means to generate better reaction and feedback from employees.On the contrary, John seeks to expand communication lines and openness among his people. He believes that resistance only happens because individuals do not see the bigger picture or just too comfortable with the original setup of things. However, by bridging these gaps on a daily basis, educators and administrators can fully understand the situation and prevent confusions from happening.CommunicationThe last area discussed with the interviewees revolves around administrative problems related to communication. Here, Linda and John were asked specific questions on their perspective and opinions on how this problem can be solved daily and what specific means are available that each one can utilize.Reviewing the responses made by the two, it can be seen that their similarities revolve around the recognition that confl ict is inevitable in any organization. Likewise, both also believed that resolving conflict, miscommunication, and other hurdles in communication would mean establishing specific dynamics that opens up and diversifies how people interact both formally and informally.Again, like the previous two questions, Linda and John differ in their capacity to apply these changes in their schools. Since their respective educational environments vary in specific patterns of communication and level of professionalism, the methods used to address conflict and resolve issues are also different.For example, Linda argued the need to create an environment of openness and respect other people’s opinions concerning a specific issue. This would then help limit miscommunication and development of factions within the school.On the other hand, since John’s scope and responsibility is much bigger compared to Linda, he sees the need to establish appropriate protocols and rules that teachers shoul d follow. By developing a standard on how people can communicate, it can help establish a professional and responsible means to interact. Also, it can be argued that this is his solution on communication problems in his school on a daily basis.Analysis of Inputs and Responses from IntervieweesSummarizing the whole of the interview process, Linda Glassel and John Morris provided significant feedback of how administrators operate on educational issues related to their field. Here, it can be seen that each one provided ideas, opinions, and experiences on how they manage and further administrative goals in their respective schools.Assessing their responses, it can be seen that similarities are apparent in the manner on how leadership, responsibility, and open communication remains crucial in addressing organizational culture, organizational change, and communication (Refer to Appendix for more details). Each one believed that these principles help administrators become responsive with d aily issues revolving around their practice.On the other hand, distinctions can also be seen in the way Linda and John provided specific means of how the three elements can be addressed. It can be argued that since organizations vary according to culture as well as organizational dynamics, administrators must look into means to integrate their capabilities to ensure that administrative functions are met effectively (Fiore, 2004).That is why the strategies elaborated by the two interviewees correspond to what their organization needs. Also, such result goes to show how subjective and circumstantial the process of educational administration is. That is why administrators must be keen to analyze and interpret situations within their jurisdiction so that appropriate actions related to leadership and communication can be established (Musella and Davis, 1991).ConclusionOverall, the replies made by both Linda and John showcase the different dynamics involved in educational administration. Though their answers may vary in some aspects, both have identified important precepts that looks into enhancing communication, the importance of leadership and reinforcing responsibility.By taking into account daily administrative problems, it goes to show the value of decision making and strategies used by administrators in resolving the issue.ReferencesFiore, D.J. (2004) Introduction to educational administration: standards, theories, and practice.(US: Eye on Education).Garland Christian Academy. (2009) Mission Statement. Retrieved fromhttp://www.garlandchristian.com/about-gca/mission-statement/Garland High School. (2007) Administration. Retrieved fromHelping Pauline Face Her Sister DeathMusella, D. and Davis, J. (1991) Chapter 12: Assessing Organizational Culture: Implications forLeaders in Organizational Change. Understanding school administration issues: studies of the contemporary chief education officer. eds. Kenneth Leithwood and Donald Musella. (US: Routledege).Ornstein, A .C. and Lunenburg, F.C. (2007) Educational Administration: Concepts andPractices. (US: Cengage Learning).