buy custom As Managing Small Business essay

buy custom As Managing Small Business essay Introduction Contrary to assumptions made by many, running a business is not an easy task and it in deed requires knowledge and skills which are applied into it. Following this notion, it is of great importance for anyone who aspires to be a successful entrepreneur to tirelessly search for knowledge that will enable him or her plan, establish and run his or her business effectively. This follows the notion that businesses have numerous functional systems some of which include inventory systems, sales systems, financial control, communication among workers and logistics systems if only to mention a few. An understanding manager is required to supervise the business and ensure that everything is in its set position and that all the systems are operational. Since the decisions of a manager have a great impact on the business, it is recommended that before people embark on managing their business, they should have the necessary skills to enable them make upright and sound decisions concerning their businesses. Though it might sound easier when mentioned but acquisition of these skills is quite a nagging task that demands ones time, energy and resources. This document gives an in-depth overview on how one can run business and ensure that it flourishes thus outshining all its competitors. It makes a closer observation of the skills that a manager ought to have in order to manage his or her business appropriately and consequently run it properly. To facilitate proper research, the document is divided into various sections all of which reinforce to the main aim of the research: skills necessary for the management of business which can also be referred as strategic management skills. Purpose Like earlier mentioned in the previous section, the chief purpose of this research is to establish the skills that are necessary for creating, operating and managing a small business. The research is directed towards creating a clear understanding why it is necessary to acquire management skills and at the same time apply them in a business. At this particular level, it is of paramount importance to understand that strategic management involves the continuous process of coming up with strategies that make the enterprise profitable and at the same time brings and maintains harmony between the business and its surroundings (Mia, Sands, Iselin, 2011). This is achieved by taking into account all the strengths that business already has and using them to achieve the objectives set for the business. Weaknesses that are likely to hurt the business are on the other hand exploited in the favor of the business. In simpler terms, carrying out the SWOT analysis raises the business on higher grou nds and makes it flourish. Excellent strategies will undoubtedly be associated with various benefits some of which are mentioned below. To start with, strategic management takes into consideration what lies ahead and anticipates for it. This way, strategies are made both logically and rationally which ensures success of the business (Mia, Sands, Iselin, 2011). Another benefit is that management reduces confusion as processes to be followed are designed in such a way that they follow a procedure. Due to its renowned culture of seeking opportunities, proper management is associated with growth. This success consequently adds into the businesses reputation, something that lures more customers into the business, catches and sustains their loyalty. Scope This research will follow a certain trend from its initial stages up to the final mature stage. Collecting of data will be at the very beginning of the survey from various sources some of which are primary and others are secondary. Later on, the collected data will be analyzed and presented in a way that will make it beneficial to other people. Collection of data will involve face-to-face interview and another interview via email. Methodology This research was mainly aimed at gathering qualitative data on the various ways used in establishing and directing strategies and decision making in all activities that relate to creating, operating, and managing the small business (Horrocks King, 2009). All these characteristics have to be studied in relation with aims of the study. As such, the study has to be exploratory with its chief objective being provision of an in-depth explanation on the various methods and steps that ought to be embraced to ensure that a small business maneuver, stabilize, and increase its market share in spite of the innumerable challenges. To guarantee that the research produces practicable results, a questionnaire to be filled by some successful entrepreneurs is vital to get their views and opinions which will act as feedback on what one is expected to do if he or she aspires to succeed in business. The duly completed questionnaires will be used to provide info on the trends that should to be followed in planning for achievement. In addition, they are expected to answer the question of how appropriately the marketing mix can be embrace in order to maximize profits and minimize production cost concurrently. To overcome challenges associated with this research method, precautions are to be seriously taken into consideration in order to improve reliability of the research (Mary, 2010). Some of the problems associated with qualitative research like data load as a result of using open-ended questions will be overcome by ascertaining that the asked questions are clear, correct, accurate and precise thus direct unto the point. In efforts to reduce cost and misuse of time, the budget is to include the essential equipments and leave out the rest that are not so important. Presenting the results in a clear logical language that can be understood by the other people is a special way to eliminate complexity and make the research beneficial not only to the researcher but also to the others (Horrocks King, 2009). Sampling The respondents were sampled focusing on success in their businesses and their willingness to give information honestly. Consideration of their activeness, innovation, industriousness and commitment in business was yet another significant factor that has to be put into account. This follows the notion that different people have varied levels of generosity and some might not be willing to participate in the survey. In the research, a sample frame of active and successful business people was targeted from different walks of life. From this frame, a sample of three individuals was selected for the research depending on their industriousness and the level of intelligence. The sampling was targeting the most competent group of people in order to save time and acquire both high quality and quantity information relevant to the research while filling the questionnaires. Random sampling was used to avoid any bias and ensure that the respondents were balanced in terms of gender. Collecting information from both men and women was chief because it would provide abundant information on the different kinds of impressions that people have concerning running of a business. The major reason for using flourishing business people is because they are more conversant with the various techniques that can be used in entrepreneurship. They were therefore likely to provide information on the various management strategies that can be embraced to succeed. The use of three people was important in the sense that it would make comparison of information from different respondents possible thus increasing the trustworthiness of the results (Seidman, 2006). Instrumentation This research was exclusively reliant on two major instruments for data collection: interview questions and questionnaires which are to be filled during and after the interview. The structured interview type was preferred to the other types due to its evident standardization quality. The method was more fixed than the others having a special guide of questions to follow when conducting the interview (Kajornboon, 2005). The interview was conducted differently with the interviewees being encouraged to talk frankly, openly and provide as much information as possible. This method enabled the respondents to express their opinions and share their knowledge and experiences thus providing answers to the aims of the research. However, caution was taken to ensure that the preset questions are adhered to preventing the respondents from wandering off the main topic. All respondents will be expected to provide answers to smilar questions. Data collection The methods of data collection are mainly attempts to provide answers to some elementary questions on how to properly plan, manage and acquire profits from a personal business (Mary, 2010). Additionally, info as to why the most appropriate management strategies should be embraced would be another major concern while designing the best method of data collection. Questions are bound to follow a certain order from the simplest level to stimulate thinking to the highest level which forms the climax of the interview. Questionnaires had to be sensitively effective in order to increase the feasibility of the research and at the same time consider the privacy of the respondents. As such, there were some things that had to be taken into account while structuring questions. To start with, personal and offensive questions had to be avoided. This is the case because some respondents fidget when such queries are posed to them. The respondent should not also be expected to answer lengthy questions as such questions make irrelevant demands on time, efforts and expense. Questionnaires had also to be designed to collect the aspired information and none other no matter how interesting other stories might seem. This has the implication that questions were not to be confusing-they had to be straight unto the point. It was also wise to choose respondents who have the required knowledge and skills necessary for filling the questionnaires. To encourage respondents to answer all the questions, questions that are of interest to them had to be formulated. This means that questions were to be formulated in align with the prickliest issues relating to running of the business. This convinces the respondents that in deed the research will play a part in solving a particular problem. As such, they are likely to answer the questions both precisely and honestly (Kajornboon, 2005). It was finally important to establish whether using interview and questionnaire methods were really the best channels for data collection. It was an obligation to also view other methods of data collection like observation, and survey and decide which among them would work best before concluding coming to a conclusion. In addition to the above mentioned precautions, the respondents had to be enlightened on the importance of filling the questionnaires honestly. Listening to the views of some people concerning the questionnaire was also relevant before distributing it to the respondents. Some details such as language complication, consistence and credibility of the questions as well as realism of the multiple choices provided in the questionnaires ought to be considered too. Sources As earlier mentioned, all the information provided in this document was gathered through the interview method. These are renowned business people who have been successful in running their businesses as sole proprietors. The chief reason for using this method is to ascertain that info is collected from individuals with first-hand information (Kajornboon, 2005). There were three main people interviewed for this report and all the information was entirely collected from them. The questions that were posed to them have been provided in the appendix at the tail end of this report. Plan of Presentation For the purpose of heightening consistency, this report is represented with all the information in the following format: introduction giving an overview of what the document is all about, purpose, scope, methodology explaining the methods that have been used in gathering info, sources of all the information given analyzed, plan of presentation which is this section itself, discussion of the results of the interviews, nature of work, education requirements to set up the business, likes and dislikes of primary sources, how the small business began their businesses, use of written and oral communications, use of technology and finally the career outlook. Discussion Nature of the work The work demands one to start it both energetically and passionately. Every days work should start by defining all the problems that need to be addressed and then the solutions can be pursued later during the day. This means that every morning, one should have a vivid picture of all that is expected of him or her all through the day. This makes one plan effectively and come up with strategies to achieve of the earlier set objectives of the day (Matt Kuke et al. 2001). Financial obligations of the business for each day should be considered to facilitate proper budgeting. This prevents squandering of resources and at the same time aids in keeping of proper financial records. It is also of great importance to keep listening to the comments, views and opinions of the customers as they are a good source of reliable information which can be used to improve the business (Sandino Merchant, 2009). It is the managers responsibility to take note of all the comments, complaints and opinions by the customers as they are always feedbacks about goods and services offered by the company. Anything from a client should not be ignored; rather, it should be assessed to determine whether there is any relevant area that needs some improvement. This follows the perception humans are normally blind to their own flaws and unless those flaws are spotted by other people, owners can rarely realize them. This is where the customers come in handy: spotting and reporting flaws in a business (Favaro, 2003). Running a caf highly depends on the customers and the community actually plays the greatest role in determining the success of the business. The customers keep requesting for more and more foods, something that obliges the entrepreneur to work hard and exceed their expectations (Favaro, 2003). Since this is not an easy task, he or she must be ready to learn from them. Despite this fact, it is sometimes so unfortunate that one cannot satisfy the wants of all people. This hence fails to quench ones thirst if he or she loves something, say for example serving all people to satisfaction, passionately. Education Requirements Although it is believed that anyone can be a manager, it has been confirmed that it is very hard for one to become a leader. This follows the notion that for one to become a leader, he or she must be perfect in time management and have the respect of all the other people. This refers to all the individuals that have any kind of connection with the business including the suppliers and consumers (Invester Pinch Clinic 2012). In addition, leaders should have the capacity to listen and reciprocate respect to their employees as they form the backbone of company and are the main contributors towards the businesss success (Bradford, 2012). It would thus seem unwise to take the workers for granted by mistreating them and abusing their rights. One should understand that though they are in the lower class than he or she is, they are the very people who have contributed to his or her success. They therefore need to be respected more than even close friends and motivate them to continue working. From this account, a general inference can be made that there is no much academic qualification that is required for starting a caf in Kuwait. This does not however imply that there is totally no any kind of learning that takes place while running the business. The reality is that much learning that takes place in this sector is informal as opposed to the formal education that is obligatory in many other sectors. Informal training in this realm is endless which means that once a person engages in that business, he or she will constantly be learning something day after the other. As a matter of fact, people will never have enough food; they will keep looking for new varieties of food unlike herbivores which feed on herbs all through their lives. Bearing this in mind, an entrepreneur will be obliged to be innovative and creative in order to come up with foodstuffs that can be enjoyed by his or her customers in a number of years (Bradford, 2012). Preparing good food heightens the businesss reputation and it makes people think of the best caf whenever they feel hungry. This has the implication that the only way to win the customers loyalty is to prepare something that best-fits their tastes. They should also be served in the best etiquette in order to lure them. Entrepreneurs ought to understand that iif customers do not get the best products, they are likely to look for it elsewhere (Bradford, 2012). As coming up with a new foodstuff mostly involve the trial and error method, it is necessary for the entrepreneur to indicate to the customers the newly developed foodstuffs and to invite comments from them about it. This form grounds for making decisions on whether to continue preparing the foodstuff or not depending on the profit acquired. Likes and Dislikes of the Job Likes For one to prevail in this business, he or she must value the society and hearken to its request of more and more things to come. This makes the business harder every single day but it should make one more eager to learn from them (Matt Kuke et al., 2001). This is a special and an important component in business as it enables one serve his or her customers appropriately and hence retain them. Additionally, such people are able to receive feedbacks concerning their products and services, something that help them adjust appropriately (Bradford, 2012). Dislikes The fact that one cannot be able to satisfy all his or her customers satisfactorily is one of the major dislikes a success-aspirant entrepreneur. One will often regret the fact that despite it being his or her intention to meet, and when possible exceed, the customers wants, it sometimes becomes impossible as human beings have different likes and tastes (Matt Kuke et al. 2001). Satisfaction is also a virtue that is absent in all humans since their wants are unlimited. As such, it is possible that there will still be complaints even when best services have been provided. Starting the Small Business For someone to start a business and reap something meaningful from it, there must be some source of motivation to drive the person towards his or her preset goals. It is however quite difficult, if not totally impossible, for one to succeed in doing something that has no any source of motivation. It is advisable for people to start businesses that make meaning to them and they make sense from it. It is important to note that when one loves something, he or she is able to give it his or her best, become creative and move an extra mile. From this point of view, three main components necessary for a business to succeed can be identified: determination, uniqueness and love for the customers (Bradford, 2012). Use of Technology Unlike with the other businesses, running a caf in Kuwait does not require any use of technology. The business is more craft oriented hence the business becomes less demanding in terms of technological devices and engineers to operate them (Baron Armstrong, 2005). This reduces production cost and it consequently increases the returns. Contrary to many peoples expectation, keeping of records does not depend on any form of technology; instead, it is done manually. Career outlook Generally, it can be inferred that starting a personal business in Kuwait is way cheaper as compared to other developed countries like the United States. In Kuwait, there is little emphasis on the use of technology in running cafeterias which is a contrast with the United States where the requirement is averse. Other requirements required to start a personal cafeteria are quite low including educational qualifications of both the workers and the entrepreneur him or herself. Purpose of the performance management system A company is considered successful if it is able to attain its goals at the preset time. In other words, an organization becomes effective when it accomplishes its goals through the realization of the vision and mission of the company (Asim, Erica, Koliba, 2011). Performance management helps in communicating the objectives and the goals of the organization, joining people together to work as a team, evaluate individuals performance, as well as providing credible results of the companys performance. Strategic performance management is crucial since it determines the kind of progress taking place within the company. This implies that if the performance management is bad, then the outcomes of the companys performance will be bad and vice versa. Another benefit of strategic performance is the fact that it helps in creating a capable workforce (Baron Armstrong, 2005). This means that both the company leaders and employees are able to work together and share ideas which they think could be important in developing the company. There are healthy relationships created among the employees and this ascertains that their time is perfectly utilized avoiding any instances of unhealthy relationships such as sexual relationships, something that would contribute to nepotism within the business. All areas that could be hindrances to the well-being of the company are identified and any the appropriate measures are to prevent inconveniences within the organization. Strategic performance management also helps in improving employees motivation. Motivation can simply be defined as the instinct to perform the assigned tasks within the company (Ohemeng Frank, 2011). When workers are self-motivated, efficiency within the company is improved because they perform on themselves under less supervision. Additionally, the kind of work that they give produce is of higher quality ensuring that the companys products are of a recommendable quality too. Commitment consequently leads to the other benefit of strategic performance management. It builds a credible employees commitment to the company. Where performance management is well used, an adequate process of identifying and eliminating all the performance barriers are devised (Guthrie Messersmith, 2010). Managers are able to discern all the sectors that are performing poorly and subsequently assess what could be the root cause of the poor performance. Some examples of performance barriers could be inadequa te tools and equipments, improper supervision within a particular sector, poor culture and hazy representation of the vision of the company. When these are evident, appropriate measures are taken to ensure that the company does not recede and any instances of collapsing are reduced. Finally, strategic performance management helps in creating a performance culture, also known as the organizational culture (Mia, Sands, Iselin, 2011). Organizational culture refers to the kind of environment created by the constant interactions between the employees and their workplace. An organizational culture is important because it ensures there are healthy relationships within the organization, both the leaders and the employees are able to conceptualize the goals of the company, minimizes go-slows, encourage team work and the company is able to make more returns. When all these are collectively achieved, the company skyrockets above its opponents and thrives in its environment (Lffler Bovaird, 2009). Difference between Managing a Business in Kuwait and in the US The use of technology is important in record keeping and for tax reasons. Considering that businesses in Kuwait lay less emphasis on integration of technology in record keeping, it is likely that tax collection is not as effective as it is with the other nations such as the United States. It is also important to note that a business is not based on public speaking but rather on good interpersonal communications and social networking (Mia, Sands, Iselin, 2011). This means that there should be a perfect network between the suppliers, customers and the business itself to enhance proper working environment and therefore stimulate growth of the business. Conclusion Bearing in mind the cost of starting a business in the United States and comparing it with Kuwait, it can be inferred that setting up a business in Kuwait is cheaper as compared to the US. The management of the business is also different in the two countries as Kuwait has fewer restrictions on keeping of records. This shows that competition in Kuwait is not as tight as it is in the United States. As already observed earlier, proper management is crucial for the running of the business. It enables a business achieve its goals and keeps the investment focused hence avoiding risks. To become a business manager, it all takes passion, humility and self devotion to ones business. Buy custom As Managing Small Business essay

Everything you need to know about severance pay

Everything you need to know about severance pay For most of us, our professional lives are filled with a series of highs and lows that mark the journey along our individual career paths- highs that include praise for good performance, promotions and new work responsibilities, salary increases, and new challenges, as well as lows that include disappointment, frustration, burnout, and getting fired. If you’ve ever experience getting fired, you’re well aware that it can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through in life- on top of the professional setbacks and loss of purpose and identity that can come with losing a job, the financial repercussions can have a severe, profound, and lasting adverse effect.Getting fired is never something to look forward to, and most of us work hard to avoid it; but the truth is that despite our efforts there are times in our lives when things happen that we can’t prevent or control. If you’re newly unemployed or worried about getting fired, you may be t rying to figure out what financial options are available to you to help offset the loss of a regular paycheck, including the possibility of getting severance pay.What is severance pay?According to the U.S. Department of Labor, severance pay is a financial benefit that’s often granted to employees upon termination of employment. It’s designed to help ease the often-abrupt transition from gainful employment and a regular paycheck to the loss of guaranteed income that characterizes unemployment. One important thing to note is that severance pay it not a given; it is not a universal right granted to all employees, nor is it protected by the government under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Instead, severance pay is typically an agreed upon financial arrangement between an employer and employee, and the amount received is usually based upon such factors as final salary at the time of employment termination and length of employment. In addition, the reason(s) surrounding your job loss may be a significant factor regarding whether or not you’re eligible for severance pay- for example, you’re much more likely to be offered severance pay if you’re laid off due to the financial hardship or restructuring of your employer vs. getting fired for cause.How do you know if you’re entitled to severance pay?Although it’s at the discretion of your employer to offer severance to help employees cope with job loss, there are three potential scenarios that may help you quickly determine that you’re entitled:It’s a predetermined and previously agreed upon aspect of your employment contractIt’s an established company policy for all employees where you workYou’re entitled to severance under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act), a U.S. labor law that stipulates that any employer with 100 or more employees must give a minimum of 60 days of notice of a mass layoff, and failure to do so will entitle you to legally protected severance payIssues to keep in mind when navigating severanceIf your employer has a professional HR person on staff, consider utilizing them to get your questions regarding severance pay answered (HR professionals are trained to handle employee issues with discretion). Also, keep in mind that severance pay is short-term financial guidance- and it’s subject to taxation since it’s considered income- so having additional savings or alternate means of financial support to help you should you get fired would be a wise plan. Furthermore, acceptance of severance usually requires you to accept the full terms of your employer’s termination of your employment agreement; make sure you know precisely what this entails before accepting.Getting fired is never easy, but having a solid financial plan- which may include severance pay- to help you make ends meet while you’re unemployed can make a difficult time significantly less s tressful. Know your rights and know what you’re due, and you’ll be putting yourself at your best possible advantage.

Wage systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Wage systems - Essay Example Many factors can be identified as wage determinants. They can be selected in the following groups: economic, social, phycological and institutional. In this essay I will stick to the economic determinants: Measuring two-tier system and concession system using the first etalon, a company's ability to pay, I must say that these two systems have different assignation. The concession bargaining system was widely used in 1980s and trade unions often agreed with wage cuts because companies were not able to pay full wage and at the same time wanted to keep their employees, as it is written in the review of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (1997): "The concession bargaining which has occured in several years is an illustration of the recognition by both firms and unions of the link between costs, and thus prices, and output and employment" (http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/19/60/2080431.pdf) . The concession system lost its popularity and influence in 90s when unions understood that company's were again able to pay then they did. The two-tier wage system appeared to reconcile management and employees in a struggle for higher salary, it sacrificed new employees in order to make happy experienced employees. That was done to keep anticipated productivity. "The two-tier structure permits hiring of new workers at significantly lower wages and benefits, compared to those of the regular work force. It will be worth countless millions of dollars to employers in coming years." (http://www.laboreducator.org/twotierpay.pdf) Thus companies' management benefited as wage increase was offset by rising level of productivity and at the same time newcomers didn't receive equal payments. So the concession system and the two-tier system are assigned for different situations. The concession system can help to rise general company's ability to pay", while the two-tier system is primarily designed to meet expectations of experienced employees.The willingness to pay is also an important factor for comparison of the two-tier and concession systems. "Except in the most extraordinary circumstances, there is no acceptable reason for a union to bargain concessions. In t he case of a business that is profitable, there is absolutely no reason for concession bargaining. The results of concession bargaining over the last two decades should stand as proof that concessions do not benefit workers." (http://www.ufcw.net/articles/Toolkit/concession_bargaining-01.html) The concession system doesn't enforce the willingness of a company management to pay as it put restrictions on level of wages.The two-tier system stimulates management to attract experienced employees on the company's side in the bargaining process with new employees, thus this system increases a company's the willingness to pay. Though the willingness is largely a measure of equal distribution and fair competing process in the marketplace. The concession system grants to a company a chance to determine a level of wage that will be considered fair, thus decreasing level of employees' participation in distribution of a company's income. The two-tier system controls fair distribution only for experienced workers while newcomers are treated unfairly.) Although employers have to track wage market in terms

The contemporary securitization of borders and the new policies of Essay

The contemporary securitization of borders and the new policies of states in North America and Europe that attempt to link asylu - Essay Example Third, Germany issues its own version of anti-refugees and asylum seekers statutes. Fourth, emphasized the problems of the refugees and asylum seekers grew in magnitude after the end of World War II. Fifth, some host countries have not fully given the refugees and asylum seekers their deserved rights and liberties. Sixth, the key to the strict refugees and asylum seekers policies is protection from terroristic and other acts that may disadvantage other residents of the host country. Seventh, international refugee law defines a refugee as: having a well grounded fear of being persecuted one or more discriminatory grounds. The reduction of protection for the refugees and asylum seekers is grounded on self- preservation. INTRODUCTION Refugees and asylum seekers are realities of the cruel world. The research centers on the difficulties faced by the refugees and asylum seekers. The research includes the moves to improve the lives of the refugees and asylum seekers in their host countries. North American and European policies are currently attempting to link asylum-seekers and refugees with terrorism and threats of national security, violating related international refugee laws. ... There is an increasing trend of host democratic governments turning their backs on the implementation of the Universal Humanitarian Principles. After the September 11, 2001 attack, many laws were enacted to reduce the rights as well as the liberties of the refugees and asylum seekers and also the citizens entering the host countries. A vivid example is the establishment of extra-judicial refugees and asylum seekers detention camps. Of the recent abuses was headlined in the abuses of the American soldiers, including the abuses committed by the American soldiers on Cuban and Haitian refugees and asylum seekers held in a prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, near Cuba. Likewise, abuses of the Soldiers managing the refugee and asylum seeker camps on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea as well as the Island Republic. Consequently, many democratic governments have reduced their focus on implementing the rights and liberties of refugees and asylum seekers (Wilson 659). Many of the refugees and asylum s eekers arrive in foreign country because they could no longer bear living in their home country. The refugees and asylum seekers escape from their home country taking with them the agony of losing their home, social status, friends, and identity. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states â€Å"Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other country’s asylum from the sufferings received in their home countries. However, the refugees and asylum seekers do not know what will happen to them on their journey towards the host country (Wilson 641). To understand the sudden turnaround in terms of offering rights and liberties to refugees and asylum seekers, the focus should first look at the refugees and

Laplace and Fourier Transforms Essay Example for Free

Laplace and Fourier Transforms Essay Laplace and Fourier Transforms are operator which when applied on a function, lead to another function in a different variable. These transforms are very useful in solving many problems in different branches of engineering. What is essentially done is that an engineering problem is modeled as a mathematical equations and these equations are generally ordinary and / partial differential equations with boundary conditions. These equations are difficult to be solved by analytical methods, however, these equations can be converted into algebraic equations by using Laplace or Fourier Transforms and then it becomes easy to solve these equations. Once these subsidiary algebraic equations are solved, the solution of these algebraic equations is transformed back and thus the solution of the engineering problem is obtained. Thus it can be said that there are following three steps involved in solving differential equations with boundary conditions. (1) Transforming the differential equations with boundary conditions into simple algebraic equations (subsidiary equations). (2) Solution of the subsidiary algebraic equations by algebraic manipulations. (3) Transforming back the result(s) of subsidiary algebraic equations to obtain the solutions. Therefore, it can be seen that the problem of solving a differential equation is simplified into solving of algebraic equations by use of Laplace or Fourier transforms and needless to say that solving an algebraic equation is much simpler than solving a differential equation. Therefore, it is not unusual that Laplace and Fourier transforms find extensive application is solving engineering problems in mechanical as well as electrical domain where the driving force has discontinuities, is impulsive and is periodic function of complex shape. Besides, this method solves the problem directly. Initial value problems are solved without determining the general solution first. Also, nonhomogeneous equations are solved without solving the homogeneous equations first. These transformations are useful in solving not only the ordinary differential equations but in solving the partial differential equations as well. In this paper, the definition, properties and applications of Laplace and Fourier transforms is discussed in detail. Laplace Transform Let us consider a function f = f(t), which is defined for all t 0. When this function is multiplied by e-st and the product is integrated from t = 0 to t = ? and if this integral exists, then this integral will be a function of s, let us say it is F(s); then F(s) is Laplace transform of f(t).

Comparing Symbols and Symbolism in Blue Hotel, Black Cat, Night, Alfred

Color Symbolism in Blue Hotel,  Black Cat, Night,  Alfred Prufrock,  Red Wheelbarrow      Ã‚  Ã‚   Symbolism of colors is evident in much of literature. "The Blue Hotel" by Stephen Crane, "The Black Cat" of Edgar Allan Poe, "Night" by William Blake, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T. S. Eliot, and "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams encompass examples of color symbolism from both the prose and the poetry of literature. When drawing from various modes of psychology, interpretations of various colors, with emphasis to dream psychology, an analysis of the colors themselves and then their applications to literature can be readily addressed.    "Colour is one of the areas in daily life in which symbolism is most readily apparent." (Fontana 66) The use of color as a source of symbolism is widespread and amidst the most traditional of sources which still possess symbolic qualities. Psychologically, colors derive such impact through relations to the natural world, such as the blue sky or a red rose. Dreams, being a prominent aspect of one's self, are often a theme in poetry, and therefore the representation of colors within dreams should be addressed. Symbolism of colors is also evident in much of literature. "The Blue Hotel" by Stephen Crane, "The Black Cat" of Edgar Allan Poe, "Night" by William Blake, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T. S. Eliot, and "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams encompass examples of color symbolism from both the prose and the poetry of literature. When drawing from various modes of psychology, interpretations of various colors, with emphasis to dream psychology, an analysis of t he colors themselves and then their applications to literature can be readily addressed. ... ...ir innocence and purity.    In the final analysis, color symbolism reveals itself throughout various religions, dream psychology and even speech metaphorics. The incorporation of such symbolism into prose and poetry allows facets for many interpretations and ultimately the universality of literature. Works Cited Ackroyd, Eric. A Dictionary of Dream Symbols. London: Blandford, 1999. Crane, Ronald S., Ed. A Collection of English Poems. New York: Harper and Row, 1932. Fontana, David. The Secret Language of Symbols: A Visual Key to Symbols and Their Meanings. London: Duncan Baird Publishers, 1994. Roberts, Edgar V. and Jacobs, Henry E. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Upper Saddlr River: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1998. Rodriguez, Celia. American Literature. Womack, Martha. The Poe Decoder. 1997.

Integrating oral communication skills

The article I chose deals about the lack of practice in speaking skill in language teaching, and although it refers to Chinese schools, I found it relevant because the situations it refers to are very similar to the ones we face in most of the schools in our country. Since a very powerful motivation to learn a second language is to be able to converse with speakers of that language, speaking seems to be the most important skill to be developed.Although, it is also a huge challenge if we take into count on the one hand, the different micro-skills that learners need to manage, which vary from pronunciation of unfamiliar words to the appropriate use of formal and informal expressions. Furthermore, the very limited chances that students have to speak English outside the classroom make things harder for them. INTEGRATING ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Having a more integrated approach ensuring enough practice in oral communication by including speaking into reading and writing lessons, would be an appropriate option, which would hopefully offer important benefits.Student's acquisition of English could be improved by taking advantage of some interesting topics for reading and writing, which would provide a chance to discuss and test their language. In order to reach this goal, teachers are expected to go beyond the traditional courses and integrate different skills during their lessons. READING TO SPEAK. The activities presented here can helps students notice the difference between what they want to say and what they can really say, and maybe make them focus their attention on meaning first and on form later, and can be used both for intensive ND extensive reading classes. Reading to act. This in an activity in which students act out a story they have Just read, being encouraged to make as many changes as they want to the plot and dialogues, and it is organized as follows: Divide the class into small groups and assign each one a director to organize rehearsals. Students scan the story focusing on how to express it through their acting. They have a first rehearsal relying only on their memories. They scan the story again, searching for some variations and take some notes that an be used for the second rehearsal.A contest is held to determine who offered the best performance. An acting project helps to achieve four-skill integration and makes the reading task much more interesting. 2. – Reading to debate. Students are required to select an article containing a controversial issue which they can discuss about. The activity is organized as follows: Students are formed by pairs and agree on which position they will take. They scan the text without taking notes and debate about it, using quotes to support their arguments.They scan the text again, searching for useful expressions and ideas to support their position. Note taking is allowed so later they can participate in the debate by small groups or as a whole class, being encouraged to personaliz e their comments. This activity can improve student's understanding of the issue and helps them to defend their point of view about it. 3. – Reading to interview. This activity is a lot more flexible and can include texts of different genres and it is organized as follows: Students scan the text to get all the ideas they can.They form pairs with the roles of interviewer and interviewee. The first one has to ask questions related which can be answered using facts from the reading. They check the text again looking for further questions which can be noted down this time. They switch roles or find new partners if they want to and perform the interview again. A competition is held to decide on the pair who best represented the text. This activity provides students with an opportunity to orally express what they got from a text.

Film Genre, Narration, Reality Tv Essay

â€Å"Types of films are commonly referred to as genres (pronounced â€Å"zahn-rahz†). The word genre is originally French and simply means kind or type.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 108). Genre groups films, which share similar filmic qualities and themes, into various subsections according to the type of film they are associated as. Various film genres are recognisable by the way they are presented and patterned or the way that they portray a certain emotion or feeling, as those of humour or horror. There is no distinct way by which we can define genre. Some films incorporate various aspects of different genres, thus we cannot define exactly what kind of text-book definition genre it is and being that all people are different, a comedy to one person may be a complete bore to the next. In a sense, certain films portray their genre as a subjective opinion. Film genre, in the modern filmic world today, is also very reliant on the actors that star in the feature. Automatically we, as viewers, would associate brawn and large stature with an action film, but occasional films tend to meld these characters into completely different subgenre, giving the film a very hybrid, generic feel to it. Genres are ways of providing films with the intended associations. It is a convention in which people can refer to initially grasp the notion of a film, â€Å"for the vast publicity system that exists around filmmaking, genres are a simple way to characterize film. In fact, reviewers are often central in gathering and crystallizing notions about genres.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 110). Genres are helpful in the general public as they give spectrum to different people and their different tastes. It also accommodates for any mood one may be in if they wanted to watch a film. It characterizes the films and sorts them into place for the viewer’s pleasure, â€Å"At all levels of the filmmaking and film-viewing processes, then, genres help assure that most members of society share at least some general notions about the many films that compete for our attention.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 110) Most genres share specific genre conventions. Stereotypical plots or certain predictable characters are expected to appear during a film of a desired genre. These are the conventions which group films into subgenres. Other than visual and audio conventions, those concerning mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound, lighting and editing, genres often also make boundaries around the type of thematic notions that are presented within films. Interweaving and altering certain genres, film producers create hybrids of genres that are incorporate mixture of different filmic techniques implemented by different genres. These subgenres, as with conventional genres are not always effective. â€Å"The periods in which a genre remains popular are called cycles.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 115). Genres can only be portrayed so many times before they become old, such as with anything else in the world. Film Narration (Researched from â€Å"Film Art: An Introduction† by D. Bordwell and K. Thompson.) According to D. Bordwell and K. Thompson, a narrative is considered to be, â€Å"Â…a chain of events in cause-effect relationship occurring in time and space,† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 69), otherwise also known as a story. The narrative of a film begins with an instance and throughout the film’s time and space alters in story and elements in such a way that the final narration is the end product. The narrative of a film is structured in a way that we, the viewers, can identify with and understand what is going on in the film. The sequences and events are arranged in an order such that to portray the notion of a flowing story. Causality, time and space are the governing factors behind this story or narration. The story undergoes a â€Å"cause and effect,† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 69) situation where one event leads onto another. â€Å"A narrative may cue us to draw parallels among characters, settings, situations, times of day, or any other elements.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 69) The way in which the narrative of a film is revealed can lead the viewer to make connections between certain elements in the film such as interlinking character backgrounds or settings. What the viewer sees onscreen is mechanically fed into the back of his/her mind and slowly they start tying in different aspects of a film as they are uncovered one after the other. By the actions or method of speech certain characters have in films, for example, the viewer can achieve a comprehensible understanding of the character and how he/she fits into the, sometimes social or other, hierarchy of the narrative of the film. This is a contributing factor towards the plot development of a film as the characters are to have an affirmative role that the viewer should be able to understand. â€Å"Â…the film’s plot may contain material that is extraneous to the story world.† (Bordwell & Thompson, 2004: 71). D. Bordwell and K. Thompson use the example of nondiegetic intro music being a form of narrative to the story plot as it does set a pace and a mood for the story. The film’s plot and story are not the same thing but are closely linked in aspect. The plot mechanically uncovers a film’s storyline and events while the film’s story adds complexity and body to the film as a whole through diegesis. The Bordwell and Thompson CD-ROM addition describes diegesis to be, â€Å"Â…the world of the film’s story. The diegesis includes events that are presumed to have occurred and actions and spaces not shown onscreen. See also diegetic sound, nondiegetic insert, nondiegetic sound.† Therefore the understanding of the film’s narration will have a different, more in depth meaning to someone like the director as opposed to the viewer. Thus it is the director’s duty to arrange the narrative in such a way that it would portray a desired notion or motif through the way it is presented. Causality, time and space are the overall key factors governing the convergence of film narration. Precise sequencing and technical usage of these three elements is what brings about a good story narrative. Reality T.V (Researched from â€Å"InfoTrac Onefile† online journal.) â€Å"The term ‘reality TV’ was first coined in the USA, and was used to describe television programmes based on film footage from police forces and the emergency services, usually featuring dramatic car chases and accidents.† (Joan Garrod, 2004). Reality is a rather new and very different hybrid of television genres that are encountered daily. It totally abolishes the rules and regulations of standard acting and filming procedures. Whereas other forms of televisual entertainment make use of camera and acting synchronisation, reality television goes one step ahead to disrupt this congruency and allow the action and camera to work individually creating a, once-unnatural, different form of filmic entertainment. â€Å"The main reason viewers give for their interest in reality TV is that it is not as predictable and formulaic as ‘mainstream’ television dramas and sit-coms.† (Mark Andrejevic, 2004). This factor is what binds viewers to their television sets when a new hit reality show is broadcast. The fact that this stream of entertainment is still rather new and unpredictable, viewers become completely absorbed and over-obsessed with their new favourite show, â€Å"Â…13 million people in the UK watched the final of I’m a Celebrity†¦Get Me Out of HereÂ….† (Joan Garrod, 2004). That is a colossal quantity of viewers for the UK alone. Reality television it considered by some to be an insult to their intelligence. It requires no previous acting skills at all and has the habit of creating stars almost as popular as ones we would find in our everyday Hollywood films, â€Å"Here, in short, are people becoming famous for  doing nothing much at all, but doing it where everyone can see them.† (Salmon Rushdie, 2004). It is easy to notice why various media critics are ‘insulted’ by this form of television entertainment. They are coming from backgrounds with the art of media has been cultured to such a fine point that an entertainment of this nature would be, just plainly, unacceptable. Certain critics have made note that reality TV, as well as having negative repercussions on the viewers, have negative repercussions on the participants as well. â€Å"Â…participants become psychologically weakened and more easily manipulated, and are thus more prone to be subject to the authority of the producers.† (S. Brenton and R. Cohen, 2003). Many participants often enter a â€Å"distressed state† and, invariably, leave the show early. Mark Andrejevic, a Colorado PhD student, goes on to find other aspects of reality TV that are beside the norm. He states that because the participants, in reality TV, are ‘real people’, more and more viewers are adapting to identifying with them as opposed to acted characters in conventionally produced film. He also states that reality TV is a new advancement in â€Å"televisual interaction†. It gives the viewers the option to choose how they would like the ending to happen. This is silly however, as what would be the point of watching a reality series in the first place? Reality TV is a diverse and upcoming television genre in the future. Critics predict it to be around still for an extensive amount of time. So many ideas and manipulations from real life can be brought into action on the screen and we, as mindless, malleable viewers, will eat up all the Americanised filth that is brain-fed to us through our television setsÂ… an unhappy ending to a debatably unhappy story. Bibliography David Bordwell & Kristin Thompson, (2004) Film Art: An Introduction, The McGraw-Hill Companies: New York. P 69, 71, 108, 110, 115 David Bordwell & Kristin Thompson, (2004) Film Art: An Introduction, The McGraw-Hill Companies: New York Ââ€" CD-ROM attachment. Joan Garrod (2004). Author of news article, â€Å"What is reality TV and why do we like it?† Sociology Review journal, Feb 2004 v13 i3 p14(3) S. Brenton and R. Cohen (2003) Shooting People: adventures in reality TV, Verso. Mark Andrejevic (2004) Salmon Rushdie (2004)

Biography of Richard Aoki, Asian-American Black Panther

Biography of Richard Aoki, Asian-American Black Panther Richard Aoki was a field marshal in the Black Panther Party, the less well known colleague of Bobby Seale. Eldridge Cleaver. Huey Newton. These names often come to mind when the Black Panther Party is the topic at hand. But after his death at the age of 70 in 2009, there has been a renewed effort to familiarize the public with this Panther who’s not as well known. Fast Facts: Richard Aoki Known For: Civil rights activist, founder of the Asian American Political Alliance and field marshal of the Black PanthersBorn: November 20, 1938, in San Leandro, CaliforniaParents: Shozo Aoki and Toshiko KaniyeDied: March 15, 2009, BerkeleyEducation: Merritt Community College (1964–1966) Sociology BS, University of California at Berkeley (1966–1968) MS Social WelfareSpouse(s): noneChildren: none Early Life Richard Masato  Aoki was born Nov. 20, 1938, in San Leandro, California, the eldest of two sons born to Shozo Aoki and Toshiko Kaniye. His grandparents were Issei, first-generation Japanese Americans, and his parents were Nisei, second-generation Japanese Americans. Richard spent the first few years of his life in Berkeley, but his life underwent a major shift after World War II. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, xenophobia against Japanese Americans reached unparalleled heights in the U.S. The Issei and Nisei were not only held responsible for the attack but also generally regarded as enemies of the state still loyal to Japan. As a result, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in 1942. The order mandated that individuals of Japanese origin be rounded up and placed in internment camps. The four-year old Aoki and his family were evacuated first to the Tanforan Assembly Center in San Bruno, and then to a concentration camp in Topaz, Utah, where they lived without indoor plumbing or heating. â€Å"Our civil liberties were grossly violated,† Aoki told the Apex Express radio show of being relocated. â€Å"We were not criminals. We were not prisoners of war.† During the politically tumultuous 1960s and ’70s, Aoki developed a militant ideology directly in response to being forced into an internment camp for no reason other than his racial ancestry. Life After Topaz After his discharge from the Topaz internment camp, Aoki settled with his father, brother and extended family in West Oakland, a diverse neighborhood that many African Americans called home. Growing up in that part of town, Aoki encountered blacks from the South who told him about lynchings and other acts of severe bigotry. He connected the treatment of blacks in the South to incidents of police brutality he’d witnessed in Oakland. â€Å"I began putting two and two together and saw that people of color in this country really get unequal treatment and aren’t presented with many opportunities for gainful employment,† he said. After high school, Aoki enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for eight years. As the war in Vietnam began to escalate, however, Aoki decided against a military career because he didn’t fully support the conflict and wanted no part in the killing of Vietnamese civilians. When he returned to Oakland following his honorable discharge from the army, Aoki enrolled in Merritt Community College, where he discussed civil rights and radicalism with future Panthers, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. Black Panther Party Aoki read the writings of Marx, Engels and Lenin, standard reading for radicals in the 1960s. But he wanted to be more than just well read. He also wanted to effect social change. That opportunity came along when Seale and Newton invited him to read over the Ten-Point Program that would form the foundation of the Black Panther Party. After the list was finalized, Newton and Seale asked Aoki to join the newly formed Black Panthers. Aoki accepted after Newton explained that being African-American wasn’t a prerequisite to joining the group. He recalled Newton saying: â€Å"The struggle for freedom, justice and equality transcends racial and ethnic barriers. As far as I’m concerned, you black.† Aoki served as a field marshal in the group, putting his experience in the military to use to help members defend the community. Soon after Aoki became a Panther, he, Seale and Newton took to the streets of Oakland to pass out the Ten-Point Program. They asked residents to tell them their top community concern. Police brutality emerged as the No. 1 issue. Accordingly, the BPP launched what they called â€Å"shotgun patrols,† which entailed following the police as they patrolled the neighborhood and observing as they made arrests. â€Å"We had cameras and tape recorders to chronicle what was going on,† Aoki said. Asian American Political Alliance But the BPP wasn’t the only group Aoki joined. After transferring from Merritt College to UC Berkeley in 1966, Aoki played a key role in the Asian American Political Alliance. The organization supported the Black Panthers and opposed the war in Vietnam. Aoki â€Å"gave a very important dimension to the Asian-American movement in terms of linking the struggles of the African-American community with the Asian-American community,† friend Harvey Dong told the Contra Costa Times. In addition, the AAPA participated in local labor struggles on behalf of groups such as the Filipino Americans who worked in the agricultural fields. The group also reached out to other radical student groups on campus, including those that were Latino- and Native American-based such as MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztln), the Brown Berets and the Native American Student Association. Third World Liberation Front Strike The disparate resistance groups eventually united in the collective organization known as the Third World Council. The council wanted to create a Third World College, â€Å"an autonomous academic component of (UC Berkeley), whereby we could have classes that were relevant to our communities,† Aoki said, â€Å"whereby we could hire our own faculty, determine our own curriculum. In winter of 1969, the council started the Third World Liberation Front Strike, which lasted an entire academic quarter- three months. Aoki estimated that 147 strikers were arrested. He himself spent time at the Berkeley City Jail for protesting. The strike ended when UC Berkeley agreed to create an ethnic studies department. Aoki, who had recently completed enough graduate courses in social work to obtain a master’s degree, was among the first to teach ethnic studies courses at Berkeley. Teacher, Counselor, Adminstrator In 1971, Aoki returned to Merritt College, a part of the Peralta Community College district, to teach. For 25 years, he served as a counselor, instructor and administrator in the Peralta district. His activity in the Black Panther Party waned as members were imprisoned, assassinated, forced into exile or expelled from the group. By the end of the 1970s, the party met its demise due to successful attempts by the FBI and other government agencies to neutralize revolutionary groups in the United States. Although the Black Panther Party fell apart, Aoki remained politically active. When budget cuts at UC Berkeley placed the future of the ethnic studies department in jeopardy in 1999, Aoki returned to campus 30 years after he participated in the original strike to support student demonstrators who demanded that the program continue. Death Inspired by his lifelong activism, two students named Ben Wang and Mike Cheng decided to make a documentary about the onetime Panther titled â€Å"Aoki.† It debuted in 2009. Before his death on March 15 of that year, Aoki saw a rough cut of the film. Sadly, after suffering several health problems, including a stroke, a heart attack and failing kidneys, Aoki died on March 15, 2009. He was 70. Following his tragic death, fellow Panther Bobby Seale remembered Aoki fondly. Seale told the Contra Costa Times, Aoki â€Å"was one consistent, principled person, who stood up and understood the international necessity for human and community unity in opposition to oppressors and exploiters.† Legacy What distinguished Aoki from others in the black radical group? He was the only founding member of Asian descent. A third-generation Japanese-American from the San Francisco Bay area, Aoki not only played a fundamental role in the Panthers, he also helped to establish an ethnic studies program at the University of California, Berkeley. The late Aoki’s biography based on interviews with Diane C. Fujino reveals a man who counteracted the passive Asian stereotype and embraced radicalism to make long-lasting contributions to both the African- and Asian-American communities. Sources Chang, Momo. Former Black Panther leaves legacy of activism and Third World solidarity. East Bay Times, March 19, 2009.  Dong, Harvey. Richard Aoki (1938–2008): Toughest Oriental to Come out of West Oakland. Amerasia Journal 35.2 (2009): 223–32. Print.Fujino, Diane C. Samurai Among Panthers: Richard Aoki on Race, Resistance, and a Paradoxical Life. Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2012.

Halogen Elements and Properties

Halogen Elements and Properties The halogens are a group of elements on the periodic table. It is the only element group that includes elements capable of existing in three of the four main states of matter at room temperature (solids, liquid, gas). The word halogen means salt-producing, because halogens react with metals to produce many important salts. In fact, halogens are so reactive that they do not occur as free elements in nature. Many, however, are common in combination with other elements Here is a look at the identity of these elements, their location on the periodic table, and their common properties. Location of the Halogenson the Periodic Table The halogens are located in Group VIIA of the periodic table  or group 17 using IUPAC nomenclature. The element group is  a particular class of nonmetals. They can be found toward the right-hand side of the table, in a vertical line. List of Halogen Elements There are either five or six halogen elements, depending on how strictly you define the group.  The halogen elements are: Fluorine (F)Chlorine (Cl)Bromine (Br)Iodine (I)Astatine (At)Element 117 (ununseptium, Uus), to a certain extent Although element 117 is in Group VIIA, scientists predict it may behave more like a metalloid than a halogen. Even so, it will share some common properties with the other elements in its group. Properties of the Halogens These reactive nonmetals have seven valence electrons. As a group, halogens exhibit highly variable physical properties. Halogens range from solid (I2) to liquid (Br2) to gaseous (F2 and Cl2) at room temperature. As pure elements, they form diatomic molecules with atoms joined by nonpolar covalent bonds. The chemical properties are more uniform. The halogens have very high electronegativities. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity of all elements. The halogens are particularly reactive with the alkali metals and alkaline earths, forming stable ionic crystals. Summary of Common Properties They are ery high electronegativitiesSeven valence electrons (one short of a stable octet)Highly reactive, especially with alkali metals and alkaline earths. Halogens are the most reactive nonmetals.Because they are so reactive, elemental halogens are toxic and potentially lethal. Toxicity decreases with heavier halogens until you get to astatine, which is dangerous because of its radioactivity.State of matter at STP changes as you move down the group. Fluorine and chlorine are gases, while bromine is a liquid and iodine and astatine are solids. It is expected element 117 will also be a solid under ordinary conditions. Boiling point increases moving down the group because the Van der Waals force is greater with increases size and atomic mass.   Halogen Uses Justin Sullivan / Getty Images The high reactivity makes halogens excellent disinfectants. Chlorine bleach and iodine tincture are two well-known examples. The organobromides are used as flame retardants. Halogens react with metals to form salts. The chlorine ion, usually obtained from table salt (NaCl) is essential for human life. Fluorine, in the form of fluoride, is used to help prevent tooth decay. The halogens are also used in lamps and refrigerants.

Contemporary Issues in Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Contemporary Issues in Marketing - Essay Example This paper is about contemporary issues in marketing from the perspective of three companies in the public, private and not for profit sectors. The three companies selected for this paper are Pfizer (Private), Social Security (Public) and WWF – World Wild Life Fund for the nonprofit sector. Every business should understand that, the customer comes first under all circumstances; it does not matter whether the customer if right or not but every business should follow the rules of customer care. The first rule states that, a customer is always right. Retaining an already existing customer is more than ten times cheaper than getting a new one. One of the effective ways of winning competition is gaining customer loyalty. The best way of building a brand name is ensuring that the customer is satisfied and his or her are expectations met. At first glance, customer relationship management seems just another name for customer relationship management. But customer knowledge management requires a different mindset along a number of key variables. Customer knowledge managers first and foremost focus on knowledge from the customer, rather than focusing on knowledge about the customer, as characteristic of customer relationship management. In others words, smart companies realize that corporate customers are more knowledgeable than one might think, and consequently seek knowledge through direct interaction with customers, in addition to seeking knowledge about customers from their sales representatives (Christopher & Ballantyne, 1991). Similarly, conventional knowledge managers typically focus on trying to convert employees from knowledge hoarders into knowledge sharers. This is typically done by intra-net based knowledge sharing platforms. The use of ICT for participatory purposes in general is seen to be more likely to occur in contexts that are less affected by the issues of digital divide. Studies on the digital divide