Sports and Academic Achievement Essay Example for Free

Sports and Academic Achievement Essay Many studies have been done regarding the positive impact that athletics has on a student’s life. Studies have looked at the physical impact that athletics has on a student’s life like sportsmanship, healthy lifestyle, discipline, strategy, and time management. We will be looking at studies that have explored the impact that athletics has on students’ academic abilities. Academic success can be measured in many ways but we will explore grade point averages, math and English test scores, and graduation success rates to show the positive impact athletics has on a student’s academic abilities. Introduction Participating in athletics offers students the opportunity to learn valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. Some lessons include teamwork, self-esteem, perseverance, discipline, time management, and healthy living. However, these lessons are not the only lessons a student learns. Students also learn lessons that carry over into the classroom and have a positive impact on academic achievement. These lessons include increased memory, diligence, time management, and memory capacity which can be supported by scientist that have researched the impact of physical activity on the brain. These studies have concluded that exercise causes â€Å"neurogenesis†, the process of growing cells in the brain therefore, increasing memory and learning capacities (Blaydes, 2011). The National Federation of State High School Associations in their 2008, â€Å"The Case for High School Activities† article shows that the return on investment on athletic programs and other extr acurricular activities is very high. Look more:  essay on perseverance â€Å"At a cost of only one to three percent (or less in many cases) of an overall school’s budget, high school activity programs are one of the best bargins around. It is in these vital programs – sports, music, speech, drama, debate – where young people learn lifelong lessons as that compliment the academic lessons taught in the classroom† (p. 1) Students who participate in athletics will experience greater academic success than students who do not participate in athletics. Using various research studies I will support this hypothesis by detailing the correlations between academic achievement and athletic participation. Students who participate in athletics have higher grade point averages (GPA), higher Math and English scores, and obtain higher levels of graduation rates and continue on to higher education. Grade Point Averages of athletes vs. non-athletes One of the measurements of academic success is grade point averages. High grade point averages indicate one’s diligence, perseverance and desire to succeed. Students who participate in athletics have higher GPA’s than students who do not participate in athletics. The 2002 study conducted by Schaben and Stevens of middle school students showed that students who participated in athletics had an average GPA of 3.15 compared to nonathletic students which carried an average GPA of 2.4 (p. 38). Another study of high school students by Stegman and Stephens (2000) found that both male and female students that had low athletic participation carried lower GPA’s. Male students in the 12th grade that did not participate in athletics carried an average GPA of 3.04 compared to 3.18 of male 12th graders that did participate. Female students in the 12th grade that did not participate in athletics carried an average GPA of 3.28 compared to 3.62 of female 12th grades that did participate (p. 3). Athletic participation directly impacts grade point averages of students that participate; therefore, students who participate in athletics have more academic success than students who do not participate in athletics. Math and English scores of athletes vs. non-athletes High math scores indicate academic success because it shows a student’s ability for problem solving, logical thinking and calculations. High English scores indicate academic success in students by way of writing abilities and communication abilities. Students who participate in athletics have higher Math and English grades than students who do not participate in athletics. Students who participated in athletics were found to have an average final grade of 74.5 in Math and 74.6 in English. Students that did not participate in athletics were found to have an average final grade of 715 in Math and 70.3 in English (Zaugg, 1998, p. 68). A North Carolina High School study of students who participate in athletics found that students who did not participate in athletics had an average Math grade of 57.9 and 50.8 for English compared to those students who did participate that had an average Math grade of 66.1 and 61.4 in English (2001, NCHSAA Bulletin, p. 2). Studies have consistently shown that participation in athletics directly impacts a student’s scores in Math and English to be higher than students that do not participate in athletics. Graduation Rates of athletes vs. non-athletes Students who participate in athletics have higher graduation rates and continue on to higher learning more often than students who do not participate in athletics. This is an academic success indicator because the athletic student is graduation and continuing on in their academic success in college. The National Center for Education Statistics followed high school athletes 8 years after graduation and found that elite athletes and varsity athletes are more than 1.70 times more likely to have postsecondary education (2005, Carlson, Planty, Scott, and Thompson, p. 11). Male students who do not participate in athletics are 4% less likely to obtain a college degree than those males students who did participate in athletics. There was a similar correlation between female non-athletes and female athletes (2001, Caudill and Long, p.529). Athletic students have a higher graduation rate than non-athletic students and athletic students continue on to higher education more often than non-athlet ic students. Objection of higher academic success in athletes One objection to the impact that athletics has on academics success is a study showing that non-athletes have higher ACT/SAT scores. In the 1997 Chronicle of Education article by Jim Naughton, students that did not participate in athletics had higher ACT scores (average 21+) than students who did participate in athletics (average of 19) (p. A44). In the study of high school seniors in Eastern Tennessee (2010, Gorman, p. 80) recorded no significant difference in ACT scores between participating and non-participating students. This objection disputes the findings that athletes have more academic success than non-athletes. Conclusion As the studies have shown, the impact of athletics isn’t just physical. â€Å"Interscholastic sports also promote life skills and lessons and enhance academic performance† (Lumpkin Stokowski, 2011). Those lessons carry over in the classroom and boost grade point averages, as well as the scores of Math and English. It has been found that athletic students have a higher frequency of graduation and continue on to higher education than non-athletic students. Students who participate in athletics have more academic success than students who do not participate in athletics. References Barber, B. L., Eccles, J. S. Stone, M. R. (2001). Whatever happened to the Jock, the Brain, and the Princess? : Young adult pathways linked to adolescent activity involvement and social identity. Journal of Adolescent Research, 16, 429-455. doi: 10.1177/0743558401165002 Blaydes, J. (2011, Fall). How to make learning a moving experience. Seen Magazine, 13(2), 78-79. Carlson, D., Planty, M., Scott, L., Thompson, J. (2005). Statistics in Brief: What is the status of high school athletes 8 years after their senior year? (NCES 2005303). Retrieved from the National Center for Education Statistics website http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/nels88/ Caudill, S. B. Long, J. E. (1991, August). The impact of participation in intercollegiate athletics on income and graduation. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 73(3), 525-531. Gorman, D. A. (2010). The effect of athletic participation on academic achievement for high school seniors in Eastern Tennessee (Doctorial dissertation). Liberty University , Lynchburg, VA. Lumpkin, A. Stokowski, S. (2011, Spring). Interscholastic sports: A character-building privilege. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 47(3), 124-8. National Federation of State High School Associations. (2008). The case for high school activities. (NFHS Report). Retrieved from Oregon School Activities Association website: www.osaa.org/osaainfo/08CaseForHSActivities.pdf Naughton, J. (1997). Athletes on top-ranked teams lack grades and test scores of other students. Chronicle of Higher Education, 43(46), 43-44. Schaben, L. A. Stephens, L. J. (2000, February). The effect of interscholastic sports participation on academic achievements of middle level school students. NASSP Bulletin, 86(34), 34-41. doi: 10.1177/019263650208663005 Stegman, M. Stephens, L. J. (2000). Athletics and academics: are they compatible? High School Magazine, 7(6), 36-9. Unknown. (2001, Fall). High school athletes outperform nonathletes again by wide margins in massive statewide academic study. North Carolina High School Athletic Association Bulletin, 54(1), 2. Zaugg, H. (1998). Academic comparison of athletes and non-athletes in a rural high school. NASSP Bulletin, 82, 63-72. doi: 10.1177/019263659808259910

Models of Care Essay Example for Free

Models of Care Essay The purpose of this essay is to provide a review of the models which are Chronic Care Model and Patient-Centered Medical Home Model. Also to provide how both achieve quality and safety and add as much information on how both models benefit in providing care to the patients. In comparison and contrast between Chronic Care Model and Patient-Centered Medical Home Model, it is pertinent to know that Chronic is a condition which â€Å"requires ongoing adjustments by the affected person and interactions with the health care system† (Improving Chronic Illness Care, 2006-2011) and is related to the Chronic Care Model which initiates an improved an system between the organization, the community and the level of care. Patient-Centered Medical Home Model however is allocating care that is â€Å"timely access to medical services, enhanced communication between patients and their health care team, coordination and continuity of care, and an intensive focus on quality and safety† (Improving Chronic Illness Care, 2006-2011). Both models provide changes, however, the chronic care relates to patients with an illness where as patient-centered is to provide a improved relationship between the patients and the medical team and to create a transformation of communication and performance as well as provides â€Å"quality improvement approach that promotes a partnership between child, the family and the physician care team† (American College of Physicians, 2011). In the United States, having a model of care has been beneficial because â€Å"treatment of acute condition† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) has been provided. Along with the Chronic Care Model, an extended support of that model, which is the patient centered, is being implemented to include care â€Å"to include proactive management of the health care needs of all patients† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) and not just those patients suffering from chronic illness results. Having this new model will also provide a higher quality of care, be cost effective and ensure an improvement to a healthier patient population. The key elements that are beneficial to achieve quality and safety goals are â€Å"a personal physician, a physician-directed team, whole person orientation, coordinated, integrated care, emphasis on quality and safety, enhanced access, and appropriate payment structure† (Patient- Centered Medical Home, 2007). Having these elements is pertinent for both models, however a difference is that the patient- centered medical home model does not require that patients â€Å"get permission from a primary care doctor to see a specialist† (Patient-Centered Medical Home, 2007) however they are required to have a promising relationship with their primary physicians who can advise on what kind of special care is in need and what specialist can advise them in the best medical care and with the best decisions. In conclusion, a structure on lower cost is pertinent to providing the right model for the system. Achieving a prosperous medical outcome in the end requires a cost budget that will benefit not only the Health care organization but the patients as well. Another benefit for patients is to implement a low cost strategy that will allow patients to receive medical treatment and also pay out cost that meets the individual’s budget. Creating an income chart would also be a way to know what a patient can afford to pay. Reference American College of Physicians (2011) Joint principles of a patient. Retrieved February 16, 2011 from http://www.acponline.org/pressroom/pcmh.htm Improving Chronic Illness Care (2006-2011) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Retrieved February 16, 2011 http://www.improvingchroniccare.org/index.php?p=Patient-Centered_Medical_Homes=224 Patient-Centered Medical Home (2007) BCBSM provider group Incentive program patient-centered medical home overall plan. Retrieved February 16, 2011 from http://www.bcbsm.com/pdf/PC-MH_overall_plan.pdf

RC Cola Marketing Plan

RC Cola Marketing Plan The product for the particular assignment is RC Cola which used to be a product of Royal Crown Cola Inc till 2001. In 2001 Company sold Royal Cola International to Cott International, now all the brands are under the acquisition of Cott International. For the purpose of this assignment we will be looking at the marketing plan for the product that is drafted particularly for the country from which I belong Pakistan. A reason for choosing this product is more a personal reason. RC Cola was one of the favourite drinks when i was a school boy and in late 1990s RC Cola started to lose its popularity and starts to fade away. After sometime it was out classed by Pepsi and coke. I have tried to draw out a marketing plan for RC Cola because i know that there are so many people in Pakistan who used to fancy RC Cola in their childhood and want it to make a comeback. For the purpose of making a marketing plan for the chosen product, we will do the situation analysis of the Soft Drink Industry in Pakistan. The Marketing Strategies that can be adopted by the company to gain competitive edge and the Marketing Mix for the product. The later part of the assignment looks at the Actions that should be taken in order to implement the plan and any control measures that should be taken to make the plan successful. In the end we will draw out a budgeting plan that should be allocated for the advertisement campaign of the product. Marketing Objective The objective of drafting out the marketing plan for RC Cola is to win the market share in Pakistan and beat Pepsi and coke which are the two big competitors in that region. This objective is set because in past RC Cola has been the market leader for more than 20 years in Pakistan and there was no competition. This object might be difficult to achieve but is not impossible as RC cola has a very strong brand name which is a strong edge. Only thing needed is to formulate a right strategy and to make adjustment to the product according to the strategy. Industrys Situation Analysis Before drafting out a marketing plan for the chosen product it is important to analyse the industry situation. It includes the analysis of strengths and the weaknesses along with the opportunities and the threat that can affect the choice of the marketing strategy that we will adopt. At the moment the soft drinks industry of Pakistan is dominated by the products of Pepsi (market leader) and coke. Strengths Due to the hot weather conditions the Pakistan soft drink market has enjoyed a massive growth in the terms of volume. Soft drinks industry comprises of carbonated drinks, juices and milk shakes etc. Among all of these carbonated drinks have the highest market share. This is because the change in the lifestyles of the people, as it is perceived that drinking a soft drink makes the person look cool. The sales analysis of the soft drinks industry in Pakistan shows that the sales have grown in both ways firstly people buying sales directly from the cold drink shop and secondly people going to hotels and having drinks with their food. This clearly shows that the soft drinks have become a part of the culture and have out classed the homemade drinks i.e. Lassi (drink made by adding milk, yogurt) etc. Weaknesses The sale of soft drinks is normally seasonal; it achieves its peak in the summer and then starts to fall down as the summer progresses to meet winter. The soft drinks like Lemon and Orange squash are not strong enough in reputation to beat the traditional drinks which are made by adding two spoons into water, mostly known as Sandalwood the best one in Pakistan are Roh Afza and Jam e Shiri. Opportunities Government of Pakistan has reduced taxes such as VAT and Excise in order to attract more foreign investments. The labour is very cheap in Pakistan along with the running costs of a factory. This makes it easier to install and run the factory. Threats Increase in the awareness of heath related issues, people have started to turn towards fresh juices. Education providers and media have raised health related issues caused by the regular use of carbonated soft drinks Mostly people in Pakistan are now becoming self conscious about their diet and have preferred not to use cold drinks as it contains ingredients that increase obesity. Marketing Strategies Marketing strategies that company can adopt for a specified product are: Cost Leadership Strategy Mass Marketing Cost Leadership Strategy Cost leadership strategy is a strategy which involves company trying to win the market share by targeting the cost sensitive customers. Company should consider this strategy for several reasons. Which are listed below. The average income per person in Pakistan is very low and the soft drink companies like Pepsi and coke have increased their prices in recent past. Looking at it as an opportunity Cott international can keep their prices low as it use to have in past and try to capture the market share. There are about an average of four kids per couple in a country like Pakistan, most of the kids are school going and they need pocket money but due to low average income kids dont get enough pocket money. If company keeps the cost of RC Cola low than that school going kids will be potential customers. There is a tradition in Pakistan that people are invited on marriage ceremonies where food and drinks are served. By keeping the cost low will encourage those people to buy RC Cola as they will want to save money on something. Mass Marketing Mass marketing is a strategy in which company ignores the market segment and go into target everyone, everywhere with one offer. Mass marketing is suitable as well in case of Cott International for the following reasons. It is companys objective to gain as much market share as they could to become a market leader. For this Cott International has to start a massive marketing campaign starting from the south of Pakistan and going up to the northern areas of Pakistan. Cott International should use print media and television advertisements as these two are the mostly used modes of media in Pakistan. Marketing Mix Strategies Marketing decisions cannot be made without looking at the factors such as: Product Price Place Promotion People Process Physical Evidence Product Product is a term which refers to the tangible (physical process) and services. Before starting the marketing campaign Cott International should think of about the presentation of RC Cola. Decline of RC Cola shows that there was something wrong in the product or there was something more well in the products provided by Pepsi and Coke. Rebranding of the product is not an option in case of RC Cola as it is an internationally recognised brand and has a history of more than 100 years. It is consumed by children and adults all over the world. Rebranding in case of RC Cola means that the name of Royal Crown will be replaced by a new brand, which will not be an effective move. Company should try to improve the quality of the product, for example they should try not to use Caffeine in the drinks as they used to have. As mentioned above people in Pakistan have become more aware about the health and hygiene issues and they know that Caffeine is not good for the health in long term. RC Cola should try to improve the taste of their drink, this is because it tastes a bit bitter as compared to Pepsi and Coke. Currently the there is no variety in the taste and they are only offering RC Cola and RC Cola Diet. Company should look to launch RC Cola with variety of tastes as other companies have done. Option of developing new products such as RC Cola Cherry and RC Cola Strawberry is a good option. It should be made available in different sizes ranging from 250 ml to 2.5 Litre. Option of having disposable bottles should be considered. Price As the product has been in decline and out of market for a while so the best option is to adopt marketing penetration strategy and keeping the prices low. This is because our objective is to gain the market share which cannot be achieved if the prices are high. The price should not be too low otherwise it will be perceived as a low quality drink by people. As government has levied the taxes for this particular industry which has resulted in reduced cost to the company, even if company set low prices it will not incur any loss. Place This is related to how the product is made available to the customers. It is all about distribution of the product in market. Traditionally in Pakistan the soft drinks manufacturers have links with distributions and wholesalers. So keeping in mind how it works in particular country it is advisable that company should develop relationship with wholesaler and distribution holders, where they could place their product and the product is made available to the consumers. In this case company should go for the strategy of intensive distribution that ensures that product is placed at as many outlets as possible by the company. Because they aim to cover the large number of customers, so it should be made sure that RC Cola is available in each corner of the Pakistan. Using distributions will also save the cast that would have been incurred if company has to store the product in their warehouse. Distributions somehow provide storage facility as well. Promotion This part marketing mix is of high importance to Cott International as they have to do massive promotion in order to win the market share from the current market leader. Elements of promotional mix on which company should focus more are as follows. Advertisement Sales Promotion Sponsorships Public Relations Advertisement Company should advertise on popular television channels such as Geo, Ary Digital, Aag. TV commercials should be creative and attractive as it will have impact on the thinking of the people. Currently Pepsi and Coke are very good in tv advertisements so i order to get to that level company should make a separate advertisement department. In Pakistan there are so many cultural and religious events for example Basant (spring festival), Ramdan and Eid. So company should seek to make adverts according to the festivals. Print media such as news papers and magazines are another very strong media type in Pakistan. People love to read newspapers early morning, company should advertise in popular newspapers such as Jang and The Nation. Company should use big advertisement boards in main parts of large cities of Pakistan. Using banners to advertise will be another good option. Sales Promotion It a short term incentive aimed at generating sales or encouraging consumer trial of the companys products. Company can distribute free samples of the RC Cola to the costumers so that they are made aware about the product with new packaging and taste. Company should seek to introduce new offers such as Buy a 2L jumbo size bottle and get 250ml for free. People in Pakistan love to get things for free so this will work. Company can introduce a lucky draw in which winner will get a car and runners up gets small prizes. Customers have to scratch the specific part of bottle in order to get the code then they have to sms that code with their details and they will be included in the draw. This will encourage people to buy because every time they will buy, they get a code which increases their winning chances. Company can give free refrigerators with the company logo and name on it to the retailers and can ask them to use it only for RC Cola products. Company may put vending machines with their logo in schools, colleges and universities. This will remind the people about the existence of product. Sponsorship This is when an organisation undertakes to carry the cost of hosting an event in return for advertising space. Company can sponsor Pakistan Cricket Team, by sponsoring them company will provide them cricket kits, bats and pads. On the kit of cricket team they can put their logo and also company will get space to advertise their boards on the boundaries or even on the wickets if match he taking place in Pakistan. People in Pakistan are diehard fans of cricket so there is good chance of this option to work. Company shall sponsor musical concerts of singers like Atif Aslam Ali Zafar. Because thousands of people attend those concerts, this is the good way of making sure that people remain aware about presence of product. Cott International should try to sign some cricket players like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar to work in the companys advertisement. When people will look at their stars drinking this drink they will definitely try it. People People are included in the production and delivery of goods. People make a lot of difference to the company. They should have proper uniforms. Company should have rigorous recruitment system through which they employee well educated and disciplined staff. There should be proper training in place for the employees to carry out their duties in a perfect manner. Sometimes employees have to interact with public during some advertisement campaign, so company should make sure that there employees are friendly. Processes Company should have clear procedures and policies. Everybody should be aware of their duties and responsibility. Company should ensure that all the processes are efficient and the output is error free. Physical Evidence Physical evidence related to those aspects of the service that customer can see and feel so as to form an impression of the services or its provider. Logo: Company should have a unique sign that should make it look different from other companies. It should be distinctive in way that it reminds the customer about the quality of the product that has been provided by the company. Colour: In past RC Cola has used blue and red colour, which does not look different as the market leader Pepsi uses blue colour this might result in the misunderstanding by the customer. Vehicles: Company vehicles such as lorries and truck should be painted and must have companys logo and name on it. Budget Allocation Implementation of a plan needs finances, if there is no finance allocated to the plan than plan will always remain as a piece of paper left inside the drawer of office table. After looking at the pakistans current market rates for the advertisement, budgeted expense has been drafted which is as follows: ______à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬___ !__ Mode of Media used budgeted expense Television Adverts 2,000,000 Newspapers 100,000 Light Boards 500,000 Magazines 100,000 Total Cost 2,700,000 Once budget is allocated to the project than company should move on to start allocating the responsibilities and tasks. The marketing plan will be of no use if capable people of staff are not assigned duties and given the deadline for fulfilling their tasks. Specify the date on which product will be launched into the market. Time to take Action Date of launching of product is set as 12th December.2010, advertising manager of the company is given 1 week time to put all the bits and pieces in order and prepare for the advertisement campaign of the product. From next Sunday every week an advertisement will be published in the most popular newspapers. Television Adverts will be advertised between 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on tv channels like Geo and Ary. Advertisements will be placed in magazines. Marketing manager has already specified the major areas where the big light boards will be installed on which advertisement will be displayed. Lorries with a big model of the RC Cola 250ml bottle at their starts to take round of the city for whole day. People will keep this distinctive way of advertisement and will remain aware about the product. Continuous monitoring of all the activities should be carried out in parallel till the launch of product this is done to ensure that any inefficiency or weakness could be overcome by the management well before hand. Critical reflection on learning outcomes RC Cola inc was formed a century ago, when it arrived Pakistani at that time there no other cola and there were no advance mode of marketing which can be found now in Pakistan. People very not aware of these foreign drinks and were fond of traditional drinks, despite of all these factors that prevailed at that time RC Cola gained market share and soon became the market leader. Acquiring market share when there was no vast coverage of media in Pakistan makes me think that there was something in the product that prompted people to buy it again after they use it for the first time. Value is in the mind of the customer, probably there were not enough carbonated drinks in the market so the arrival of RC Cola with a sweet crispy taste should be a possible source of value to the customer. After the initial launch of RC Cola in Pakistan in 1970s-1980s the product growth was very rapid and it became market leader as mentioned already. According to my analysis of the product, the reason for its decline in first place that company did not incurred any cost on research and analysis of the development of any new product and tried to survive on the product which they had. With the passage of time the tastes of the consumer might have changed and at the same time new competitors entered the market and got hold of the situation. What do you expect from a company which do not incur any cost on research and development and when new competitors enters the market with an aggressive marketing strategy at that time company do not have enough finances to launch a marketing campaign in response. The result of all these is definitely a failure and failure always lead to the decline. Moreover the analysis of company shows that there were some law suits against them in 1990s which lead t o compensation payments and cash being dried up. In my point of view these were the problems that led to the decline of product and company itself as well. After the first glance at the assignment i thought as if this requires only drafting a marketing plan for a product that has decline and almost out of the market. But when i start to gather my thoughts on how should i start? What should i consider? I soon realise that it is not only the product which we have to look at but also the external and internal elements that will have an effect on the product directly. Than it was obvious that an analysis of the industry needs to be done. I had number of different models among which i have to use the one that best describes the situation of the industry. For the purpose of doing an industry analysis i chose to use SWOT analysis which looked at positives and the negatives of the industry in which we have to launch our product. I have a professional background of an ACCA and i thought the having studied business analysis in past and gone through all the models, it will not be a difficult task to carry out research and analysis. But my percepti on was proved wrong when i started looking at the product and in particular the company, i have never had a chance in past to study any industry so deeply and finding out what are the strengths on basis of shich you can capitalise and what are the weakness that are inbuilt in the industry. While going through industry analysis my mind was thinking of how the product strengths can be used to overcome the inbuilt weaknesses in industry on other hand i was thinking that how the weaknesses of my product can convert the opportunities that can be availed in that industry into the threats. This thinking process was ongoing throughout the assignment time. After the SWOT analysis of industry and in particular the product, i had gained enough knowledge about how the things were working and evaluating the options on basis of which i could make the product play around in market to gain customer attraction. It was time to draft a proper marketing plan because a wise man have said If you fail to plan than you plan to fail and i really didnt want this product to fail. I realised that marketing plan is not only about Marketing Mix 7 Ps. It starts from the analysis which i have discussed above than it goes on to defining the objectives which the product wants to achieve. Objectives defined should be smart and feasible once the objectives are clear than 7 Ps could be used to design a marketing mix strategy, it covers every aspect of the marketing strategy from external factors to the internal factors. Marketing mix analyse each factor individually and then links them with the objectives and missions of the company. It helps to formulate what e xactly needs to be done. Once your are sure about what should be done than there should be proper budget allocation to the project in order to meet the desired outcomes. Most of the marketing plans fail because there are not enough resources allocated to carry them out in practical. Roles and responsibilities should defined and work should be properly allocated. After all this has been done the marketing plan should be monitored on regular basis so that if there is something which is going wrong than proper actions should be taken in order to sort them out without any delay. This is what my perception about how a marketing plan should be carried out and monitored till the desired objectives are achieved. Now a days the world has become a global village and this has a vast impact on the nature of marketing. There is a big difference between a way how companies market their product now and how it used to be two or three decades ago. Marketing of a product is not limited to any physical barriers now. After the birth of e-marketing the things have changed very positively and business have gone multinationals from nationals. This has reduced the cost to the companies as well and have given a competitive advantage. Few basic market research techniques followed now a days are Surveys, Personal Interviews, Observations and Focused groups. With the birth of e-marketing these marketing researches are now more likely to be carried out via internet. To me the outcome of these market researches is not effective at all. This is because it you look at the first technique that is Surveys in which people will be handed over a form with a number of questions which they have to answer, which is then handed back to the person carrying out survey. If the questionnaire is given in person than there might b a chance that response will be 100% but the reliability of a survey depends on the sample size if the sample size is only 1000 out of a population of 1million than the reliability of the survey could be impaired. Telephonic surveys could also be carried put but it will cost a bit more and are more effective but yet again sample size is the key thing. Focus groups. In focus groups, a moderator uses a scripted series of questions or topics to lead a discussion among a group of people. These sessions take place at neutral locations, usually at facilities with videotaping equipment and an observation room with one-way mirrors. A focus group usually lasts one to two hours, and it takes at least three groups to get balanced results. But still the question arises that everyone has its own point of view and perception about the questions which are being asked. Few number of people cannot represent the thoughts of a large population. Personal Interviews are same as the focus groups but is more tended towards one on one discussion. Observation is an Individual responses to surveys and focus groups are sometimes at odds with peoples actual behaviour. When you observe consumers in action by videotaping them in stores, at work, or at home, you can observe how they buy or use a product. This gives you a more accurate picture of customers usage habits and shopping patterns. After learning alot from this assignment i tried to analyse the marketing strategies and the behaviour towards customers that is practiced in my country and i than compared it with what is happening here. My analysis was mostly based on my personal experiences that i had in past. Not to my surprised i came up with a very huge difference between two environments. Back home in Pakistan customers are not treated as they should be, the shop keepers are rude to customers and they are not cared. On the other hand the behaviour of the people towards their costumers is very courteous and polite because they know the value of having these customers as they generate revenues out of them. This assignment has enhanced my analytical skills and i have very positive plans to go back to my country after completing my course and try to work on creating a value for customers and making them feel good.

The Praying Mantis Essay -- essays research papers

The Praying Mantis (Mantis Religiosa) Contents Introduction Classes First Things First Key Features Basic Features Diet & Combat Style Reproduction Growth & Development Self-Defense Cultural Significance Praying Mantis Kung-Fu INTRODUCTION "Praying Mantis" is the name commonly used in English speaking countries to refer to a large, much elongated, slow-moving insect with fore legs fitted for seizing and holding insect prey. The name, "Praying Mantis" more properly refers to the specific Mantid species Mantis Religiosa or the European Mantis, but typically is used more generally to refer to any of the mantid family. The name is derived from the prayer-like position in which the insect holds its long, jointed front legs while at rest or waiting for prey. It is also called the "preying" mantis because of its predatory nature. CLASSES Many questions have risen regarding the praying mantis. Such questions include how many different species there are in the animal kingdom. Estimates range from 1500 to 2200 different mantid species WORLDWIDE. The most common figure given, though, is about 1800. The ways the Mantid's are classified in the Animal Kingdom. There is agreement that the collection of mantid species make up the Mantidae family of insects. The Mantidae family, in turn, is part of the order/suborder Mantodea that includes a variety of mantid-like species. But the existing literature does not reflect a clear consensus about what insect order Mantodea belong in. Some have placed Mantodea in the Dictyoptera Order-with the roaches. Others place Mantodea in the Orthoptera Order-with crickets and grasshoppers. Finally, some believe that Mantodea constitute their own independent order of insects. There seems to be an emerging consensus around this position. FIRST THINGS FIRST The Mantis Religiosa was first named such and classified by the inventor of the modern system of biological taxonomy Carolus Linnaeus. The three common species of mantids in North America are the European mantis (Mantis religiosa), the Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis), and the Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) distinguishing features of these three species: Size The Chinese mantis is the largest of the three, reaching lengths of three to five inches. The European mantis, however, is a little sm... ...s while striving for food and existence did not reveal us its secrets, we would never develop this new style." The abbot replied: "You are right! In order to perpetuate the memory of the source, we shall call this style "The Gates of Praying Mantis" (Tang Lang Men). Wang Lang and the abbot developed twelve characters - guiding principles of the praying mantis fighting technique: zhan (contacting), nian (sticking), bang (linking), tie (pressing), lai (intruding), jiao (provoking), shun (moving along), song (sending), ti (lifting), na (grabbing), feng (blocking), bi (locking). Also they developed formal sets of praying mantis technique, such as: Beng bu (crushing step), Lan jie (obstruction), Ba zhou (eight elbows), Mei hua lu (plum blossom technique) and Bai yuan tou tao (white ape steals the peach). However, this new style for a long time was a privilege of the taoist monks of the Lao Shan taoist religious community and it was kept as a part of the secret taoist doctrine and closed to lay people. Wang Lang, for the rest of his days, lived in the taoist temple practicing self cultivation, developing Praying Mantis boxing and following the way of the Tao..."

The Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism Essay -- Papers

The Mexican War as an Exercise in American Imperialism The US government believed firmly in the doctrine of Manifest destiny, the government argued that they had the right and duty to expand through North American because it was necessary and inevitable. During the 19th century Mexico dominated a large amount of North America which was inhabited by American settlers and the American government aimed to expand the USA from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and were ready to achieve this by any means. The American government saw the lands of Texas and California as grand prizes with the opportunity of lush agricultural prospect and the possibility of a gateway to the Pacific Ocean. The lands though belonged to the nation of Mexico, which seen by the Americans was a backward nation and did not deserve to have the lands. President James Polk intended to use full extent of his power to expand America and he devoted his time during his reign as President in negotiations with Mexico over the lands of California. Yet Mexico refused to give away the land and yet it had such a weak economy and could use the money that President Polk was offering them to rebuild the economy and develop the nation. But the Mexican government still did not intend to sell the land because it would not be popular with the people if the nation shrink half in size and also because of the rivalry that was associated with Americans and Mexicans. So President Polk was left with no choice but to provoke the Mexicans to war, General Zachary Taylor was sent to a disputed region between Mexico and US with 4000 troops. Polk was anxious to start war but did not intend ... ...the Mexicans had attacked his country and in order to defend his nation he needed to attack Mexico. Thus it can be said that America did not force Mexico into war but Mexico forced America to war and thus America reacted to the Mexican aggression by taking the lands of California and Texas justly. Although it is easy to see that America did in some way force Mexico into a war the Mexicans did attack first and the Americans had the right to wage a war upon Mexico. Thus concluding the statement it can be said America did use the Mexican war to show off their military power and policy of Manifest Destiny and thus was an exercise in American imperialism. Yet it was the Mexicans who attacked first and who forced America to fight back thus the Mexican war was not an exercise in American imperialism but in American defence.

Norman Jewisons Movie The Hurricane Essay -- Movie Review Essays

Norman Jewison's Movie "The Hurricane" The problem of racial discrimination has been portrayed in many films in the last 15 years. However, The Hurricane does a masterful job at addressing this issue, and will leave audience members clenching their fists in anger at the injustice that happened to a man named Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. The movie demonstrates the racial inequity that can be found in our judicial system through the impressive acting by Denzel Washington and the direction of Norman Jewison. The Hurricane makes you wonder who else has been wrongfully accused in the past 30 years. The Hurricane creates moments of amazing heartfelt punches dealt by Denzel Washington (Rubin "Hurricane" Carter), Vicellous Reon Shannon (Lezra Martin), and the three Canadian friends, Live Schreiber (Sam), Deborah Unger (Lisa), and John Hanna (Terry). All of the actors and actresses produce feelings of love, camaraderie, and determination that causes the audience to jump up and cheer. The movie starts with the story of Rubin Carter and his fight for the middleweight championship. He lost the match in a rigged bout to a weaker opponent. Although, Rubin dominated the ring, he lost the title. The fight foreshadows the racial discrimination that will be played throughout the movie. Later in the movie in the Lafayette Grill two African-American males of middle build murdered three people at the all white establishment. Rubin Carter and John Artis were accused of being those two men. Carter and Artis went to prison for three life sentences. The future looks slim for Carter, however, a pivotal change comes when Lezra Martin discovers Carter's book. The movie focuses on the portrayal of Rubin Carter as he spends 20 years in prison. The a... ... a way that leaves them cheering at the end, takes this film to another level. Jewison has established himself as a great director and reconfirms that with this movie. He is no stranger to racially intensified films. He directed In the Heat of the Night in 1967 and was slated to direct Malcolm X, but refused after a few key people reacted negatively to the idea of a Caucasian male directing the film. The Hurricane, based on the life of Rubin Carter, brings alive the fears, anger, and frustration that he experienced. The Hurricane is no exception for Washington's stunning performances or Jewison's great directing, so if you are looking for a moving, deep, and engrossing film run to your nearest Blockbuster and rent The Hurricane. It is a movie that needs to be seen not just for its value as a good movie, but for its undeniable call for justice and racial equality.

Political marketing Essay

The cost of political marketing has been continually on the rise as campaigns grow to be more elaborate and extensive. The cost of advertising alone can cost a national candidate tens of millions of dollars, with local state candidates not lagging behind such figure. This amount is for commercials alone; added expenditures are surveys, exit polls, campaign paraphernalia, and countless other ‘necessary’ expenses. This, I believe, is both good and bad for democracy, but if I were forced to make a choice, I would advocate for election spending regulation, as an unchecked system can threaten our quality of democracy. The advantage of the limitless campaign spending is that it is in line with the democratic principle of unregulated participation. If more people and companies opt to support a candidate, then it is clearly a sign that such candidate is the preferred representative of the populace. In addition, the advantage of the incumbent, which is deemed to be at 15%, can prove to be an obstacle difficult to surpass for challengers who would start in the political field with marginal popularity and limited funds. Also, limiting campaign spending to promote democracy may be in itself paradoxical as the very act or regulation can be argued to violate certain democratic values, like free choice and participation. The clear disadvantage of unchecked campaign and political marketing spending is that it can lead to corruption of candidate and possible electoral victors. Big businesses and corporations would naturally expect payback for their contributions; hence the winning official would be in political debt at the very start of his tenure. Also, it does not promote a level playing field, where the most financially resourceful or those with their own money can have an unfair advantage over new players, who possibly are more qualified. The idea of democracy is equality of opportunities, and regulation does not mean that it is essentially undemocratic; in fact, campaign regulation promotes the values of fair competition and effective representation. Therefore, I support regulation of campaign spending.