Marketing & Innovation

Marketing & Innovation â€Å"Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two—and only two—basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs. † Peter Drucker (The Father of Management Theory) INTRODUCTION Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. American Marketing Association 2007) An innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (good or service), or process, a new marketing method, or a new organizational method in business practices, workplace organization or external relations. (OECD 2005) Four types of innovations are distinguished: product innovations, process innovations, marketing innovations and organizational innovations. (OECD 2005) * A product (service) innovation is th e introduction of a good or service that is new or significantly improved with respect to its characteristics or intended uses.This includes significant improvements in technical specifications, components and materials, incorporated software, user friendliness or other functional characteristics. * A process innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved production or delivery method. This includes significant changes in techniques, equipment and/or software. * An organizational innovation is the implementation of a new organizational method in the firm’s business practices, workplace organization or external relations. A marketing innovation is the implementation of a new marketing method involving significant changes in product design or packaging, product placement, product promotion or pricing. The OCED’s definition is too narrow : it reduces the scope of marketing by separating between marketing, product innovation and delivery. If we mixed t he two definition we can propose that with a marketing lenses an innovation is : â€Å"the implementation of a new or significantly improved method, process or practices in creating, communicating, delivering, and xchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large† * Innovation in marketing could be related to : * The creation (Iphone), * The communication (Web2. 0), * The delivery (Internet), * Or exchanging (Michelin) * offerings that have value 2 Main objective: Understanding and mastering the process from new ideas generation to new value offering for the stakeholders Degree of differenciation of consumer expectations| Degree of improvement in technology | | Low | High| Low | Continuous innovation(cordless phone)| Market breakthroughts (parabolic skis)| | High| Technology breakthroughts (passage from video players to DVD player)| Radical innovation(cell phone)| Innovation continuum Continuous innovation * Modification to an existing product that does not require a change in learning * Improvement of an existing product without major changes Dynamically Continuous Innovations * Modification to an existing product that requires a modest amount of learning or change in behavior to use it Discontinuous innovation (radical innovation) Major changes in the way we live * Product innovation which break the rules and the norms * New consumption behaviors and use * Technology Example: Sharing documents on Internet, Downloading musics, E-business and virtual stores, Free software, Hybrid cars New product development process 3 Phase 1: Idea Generation Sources of new ideas * Internal idea sources: * Formal research and development * â€Å"Intrapreneurial† programmes * External idea sources: * Customers * Pilot customers : Pilot customers methodsThe estimated annual sales of new products developed based on ideas generated by pilot customers are eight times higher than estimated sales of innovations developed from mor e traditional methods. Pilot Customer: users †¢Brainstorming  : Characteristics of brainstorming | 1. | Write a clear, focused objective | 2. | Select participants for the team | 3. | Prepare for the session | 4. | At the session – Rules for brainstorming. | Rules: * A conversation at the same time * Be focused on the subject * Be visual (drawing) * Encourage crazy ideas * The quantity is more important than the quality * Negative comments have to be avoided No interruptions from outside Role of the team leader: * Contribute to, but not inhibit the flow of ideas * Don’t be too controlling * Encourage participation from everyone * Introduce creative games * Call the â€Å"time out† to review and evaluate ideas that have been generated Method * Write a list of ideas (uses) * Classify ideas thanks to criteria * Find common points between application : â€Å"pseudo segments† 4 Interviews Motivation * Focus group / individual interviews Characteristics of focus group | Group size | 8 to 12 | Group composition | Homogeneous: respondents prescreened | Physical setting | Relaxed, informal atmosphere |Time duration | 1 to 3 hours | Recording | Record all the discussion with sound an video | Moderator | Observational, interpersonal, communication skills | * Individual interview  : Type of interview | Required skills | Structured interview | Neutrality, no prompting, no improvisation | Semi-structured interview | Some probing, rapport with interviewee, understanding the aims of the project | Open-ended interview or depth interview | Flexibility, rapport with interviewee, active listening | Focus group | Facilitation skills, flexibility, ability to stand back from the discussion so that group dynamics can emerge |Characteristics of semi-structured individual interviews | Group size | Face to face, one-one-one basis | Interview structure | Semi-structured, direct, personal interview. Use of an interview guide | Physical setting | Relaxe d, informal atmosphere | Time duration | One hour | Recording | Use of audiocassettes and videotapes | Moderator | Observational, interpersonal, communication skills | * 5 Focus on semi-structural individual interview Questioning style * Open ended, non-directive * Little or no direction on how to answer * Relate to topic in own way * Use own language Probing – for detail, depth, clarification – Prompting – encouraging respondent to answer * Non-verbal, repeating, rephrasing, summarising * Salespeople * Service providers * Anyone with direct customer contact * Competitors  : Companies watch competitors’ ads and other communications (new-product pre-announcements) to get clues about their new products * Distributors, suppliers and others  : Companies watch competitors’ ads and other communications (new-product pre-announcements) to get clues about their new products Example of Brainstorming: anti-odor product First step: write a list of uses * D irty socks, Ashtrays, Changing rooms, Refrigerators, Elevators, Subway tunnels†¦ * Second step: classify ideas * Development of a notation system * A Possible today * B possible soon * C difficult and risky * Criteria * Technicity faisability, cost, market accessibility, competitors, time of solution * Third step: Find common points How customers can use the product| Passage from 80 ideas to 8  « pseudo-market segments  »| What is its added value? | Deodorization public places| Types of customers| Chemicalplants| Places| Household odors†¦. |Phase 2: Product development * Expand ideas into more complete product concepts * Describe features the product should have and benefits those features will provide * 6 Evaluate chance for success * Develop a marketing strategy that can be used to introduce the product to the market place After more than a decade of development, Daimler begins to commercialize its experimental fuel-cell-powered- electric car Next step: to develop th is new product into alternative product concepts – Concept 1: A moderately priced subcompact designed as a second family car to be used around town Concept 2: A medium-cost sporty compact appealing to young people – Concept 3: An inexpensive subcompact green car – Concept 4: A high-end sport –utility vehicle (SUV) appealing those who love the space Phase 3: Marketing strategy development * Develop a marketing strategy that can be used to introduce the product to the market place * Identify the target market * Estimate its size * Determine how the product can be positioned * Plan pricing, distribution and promotion expenditures Phase 4: Technical development * The product moves into product develop RD or engineering develops the product concept into a physical product â€Å"Look beyond simply creating products that satisfy consumers needs and wants†¦ Companies work to fashion products that are both satisfying and easy to manufacture. † Phase 5: Marketing Test * It lets the company test the product and its entire marketing programme – positioning, advertising, distribution, pricing, branding and budget levels Phase 6: Commercialization Launch the product! * Full scale production * Distribution * Advertising * Sales promotion * and more 7 INNOVATING BY SERVICESInnovation and Marketing Decision: The customers’ values issue An economic opportunity exists for an innovation when a new value proposition to customer is possible Agreeing the PSS statement (Product Service System)  «Ã‚  What is important is not our offer but what our customers do with it  Ã‚ », there are three kinds of value propositions for an innovation. Innovation and the first customer’s value proposition: * Customer Values are embedded in a three stages consumption scenario. * These stages define three kinds of value. * Stage 1: Decision (potential value) * Stage 2: The exchange (value in exchange) Stage 3: usage (value in use) Innovat ion in potential value First innovative value proposition: Innovation concerning the facilities The facilities include all company resources: employees, know-how, technology, nominal goods †¦ and other facilities that must be accessible (before offer provision is feasible). Make perceptible the strength of a promise POTENTIAL VALUE from facilities stage in an offer provision scenario, ex IBIS Hotel 8 POTENTIAL VALUE from facilities stage in a service provision scenario: ex vending machine Innovation in value in exchange Second innovative value proposition :Innovation concerning the transformation process This is the stage in which company resources are combined with other companies’ resources in order to transform them. Companies act as prime resources integrators and the innovation consists of new ways of co-operating, collaborating, co-branding†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ In this case, these values in exchange will have to be new values in use for the customers †¦ to be success ful VALUE IN EXCHANGE from the exchange stage in an offer provision scenario: ex Senseo, Nike+ iphone app This transformation stage can also exhibit innovation concerning CUSTOMER VALUE in EXCHANGE.Offer provision can include a transformation of customer resources in terms of persons (surgery, hair cuts†¦), physical objects (e. g. car repairs†¦), nominal good (e. g. investment banking, rights (e. g. lawyers.. ) and/or data (tax advisors†¦)†¦ It contains elements which are either pre-prepared within producers’ facilities, or are co-produced by customer and provider during the integration and the transformation of customer resources. Innovation consists of changing the way of integrating the customers’ resources with those of the producers’ VALUE IN EXCHANGE. Innovation in producers-customers co-production: ex WikipediaInnovation and the third Customer’s Value proposition. Innovation in customer’s value in use The usage stage exhi bits CUSTOMER VALUE IN USE. Innovation consists of proposing to customer new values in use, perceived as new solutions. Ex: Wii for the seniors Definition of servicization The key idea behind product service systems is that consumers do not specifically demand products, per se, but rather are seeking the utility these products and services provide. By using a service to meet some needs rather than a physical object, more needs can be met with lower material and energy requirements. A product service system is a competitive system of products, services, supporting networks and infrastructure. The system includes product maintenance, parts recycling and eventual product replacement, which satisfy customer needs competitively and with lower environmental impact over the life cycle. â€Å"A Product-Service System can be defined as the result of an innovation strategy, shifting the business focus from designing and selling physical products only, to selling a system of products and serv ices which are jointly capable of fulfilling specific client demands. Meeting consumers’ needs with a mix of products and services is not a new concept. House rentals, hotels, taxis and restaurants are good examples based on economic interest. There are other new and innovative applications of product service systems that have developed as a response to make business more sustainable. The main difference between product service systems and the classic examples is that the preference of consumers is influenced by environmental, as well as economic interests.Source: UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME DIVISION OF TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY AND ECONOMICS 10 Innovation by servicization : an attractive way to Innovate on the markets Three ways to develop innovation by servicization : 1- Product oriented services Provided to increase or optimize the product life cycle, these supplementary services are offered to guarantee functionality and durability of the product (e. g. maintenance an d repair, upgrading and substitution services over a specified time period, advise and consultancy for use optimisation, etc. ). 2- Usage oriented servicesThe product is made available in a different form to the customer, is sometimes shared by number of users, but stays in ownership with the provider. It is the usage of the product rather than the product itself that is invoiced, without transfer of ownership (e. g. car sharing or car pooling, tools location, financial leasing, etc. ). Ex: http://www. lamachineduvoisin. fr/ 3- Result-oriented services (functional economy) Result-oriented services (or functional services): in this most accomplished form of servicization, the seller does not sell a product anymore to the customer, but the desired result rendered by the product.Rather than selling pesticides to farmers for example, the seller decides to offer a global service contract that guarantee a maximal acceptable loss on crops. A BM based on the sold products quantity A BM base d on a service rate Sell a maximum loss rate on crops Firm in functional service is looking for less costly alternating solutions as the reintroduction of parasitics predatories or the earth reoxygenation by earthworms or using R&D in biology, agronomy, entomology.. The competitiveness of the seller depends on its ability to optimise the PSS implemented to reach this goal and to use the least possible resources and energy to reach the targeted acceptable loss. Such functional services are implemented with great success by companies such as Xerox (Xerox Global Services) or Michelin (Michelin Fleet Solutions) for example.

Economics of All You Can Eat Buffets

The notion of paying one set cost for ‘unlimited' quantities of a good or service is certainly appealing, and that appeal is exactly what all-you-can-eat (AYCE) restaurants take advantage of. Gobi Brighton, an all-you-can-eat barbeque restaurant in England, offers unlimited servings of Asian and Middle-eastern foods for one fixed price of 12 pounds. Of course, no customer will actually eat an infinite quantity.Taking this factor into account, and given the various costs the restaurant must pay to deliver the service, this fixed price that consumers pay is determined such that the restaurant will profit in the long-run despite the quantity customers individually eat. Andy and George, however, two middle-aged men who frequently visit this AYCE restaurant, were recently kicked out and banned from Gobi Brighton because, according to the manager of the restaurant, they were â€Å"[eating] the restaurant out of business† (Dartford 2012).While it is certainly possible that busi ness may not be so great for Gobi Brighton these days, whether two customers can be blamed for it or not is another question. This paper will analyze the economic principles of AYCE restaurants and determine if it was possible for Andy and George to have been actually eating Gobi Brighton â€Å"out of business† with their appetite for Asian and Middle-eastern food. Buffets, or AYCE restaurants, can be very profitable because costs paid by the restaurant are much lower compared to those of an a la carte restaurant.Customers are given plates and head to the food counters to get whatever they like instead of ordering from a menu. Consequently, these restaurants have little need for waiters, and thus have less demand for them compared to other restaurants. Furthermore, because food is prepared in large quantities at a time as opposed to being prepared non-stop and on-demand, there is also a lower demand for cooks. On the other hand, buffets require continuous upkeep to ensure foo d safety and presentable aesthetics.Overall though, labour costs for AYCE restaurants are much lower compared to those of other restaurants. Because buffets have reduced production costs, they can afford to charge less to consumers if it means getting more business. Some restaurants use this strategy, but most choose not to because it doesn't lead to profit-maximizing results. Instead, AYCE restaurants take advantage of the law of diminishing marginal utility and how it plays a key role in any customer's ability to consume at a buffet.The manager knows that each additional plate of food provides less utility, or less satisfaction, than the one before. As a result, most people will eat only until the utility derived from an additional serving of food is slightly lower than the utility gained from the first dish. Buffets generate a profit by charging a price which is above the price of the food that the average customer consumes. This strategy assumes that, before the customer consume s a quantity of food where the total cost to the firm is greater than the price of the buffet, their marginal utility will be zero.This expectation was not met in the case of Andy and George. People who go to buffets usually fall into one of two categories of AYCE customers. One group eats regular portions and does one, maybe two trips to the buffet station. These customers are unlikely to eat a value equal to or above the fixed price they paid for the buffet, and thus contribute the most to the accounting profits of AYCE restaurants. The second group of buffet customers consist of over-eaters. They enter a buffet with the intention of getting their value's worth, if not more, of food.These customers are usually familiar buffets and their own capacity for food, and are confident heading into the restaurant because they are certain that they are getting a good deal. These kinds of buffet customers are more likely to consume a quantity of food that is of greater value that of the buff et price. It is here that we find Andy and George, the two over-eaters that were eating Gobi Brighton out of business. After Andy and George paid their 12 pounds, they sat down and each downed five bowls of stir fry before getting kicked out.If the manager was being honest when he said these two customers were putting him out of business, that would mean that those five bowls of stir fry caused the restaurant to go from making accounting profits, where revenue exceeds production cost, to making no profits whatsoever, where revenue equals production cost. Is it possible for ten bowls of stir fry to put this restaurant out of business? One bowl of stir fry these days never costs more than 5 pounds to the producer (Taste 2011).Since Andy and George collectively consumed ten bowls of stir fry, we can assume that up until they were kicked out of the restaurant, the business of the two men cost the restaurant fifty pounds. Beforehand, they each paid 12 pounds for the buffet service, so th e restaurant received 24 pounds as revenue. Consequently, without taking other production costs into account, Gobi Brighton was making a negative accounting profit of 26 pounds. This means that before Andy and George even entered the restaurant, Gobi Brighton was at least 26 pounds away from being unable to sustain its own service.If Gobi Brighton was a perfectly competitive firm in a perfectly competitive industry, then the restaurant has little say in the price because they take whatever price is established by the market equilibrium, and this would explain the poor business (see Figure 1). Raising the price, even by a little, would result in the customers going elsewhere and they would lose all their sales, as shown in point A. Lowering the price to point B, would also be ineffective because they can only sell as much as they can produce, which is a fixed quantity.They would lose even more capital, especially for a buffet service where, theoretically, an infinite quantity of food is being offered. Thus, in a perfectly competitive industry, Gobi Brighton would be forced to continue selling their buffet service at a market price of 12 pounds. Perfect competition could explain how Gobi Brighton was going out of business because of these two men, and thus had to resort to kicking the men out of the restaurant. The fact is, however, that Gobi Brighton is far from being a perfectly competitive firm in a perfectly competitive industry.Buffet prices are not fixed, not all buffets are the same, and buyers and sellers do not have complete information about service. In fact, according to Yelp, Asian and Middle-eastern restaurants are not that common in England, so the restaurant could have raised it's price for a short while, or tried reducing costs by laying off a worker or two since business was clearly not doing so well to begin with (Yelp 2012). Gobi Brighton is an all-you-can-eat restaurant located in Brighton, England that recently kicked out two customers for e ating too much and claimed they were putting the restaurant out of business.Not only does common buffet pricing strategies suggest it is very unlikely that two over-eating customers alone could do this, but Gobi Brighton could have improved business a number of ways since it isn't a perfectly competitive firm. Perhaps instead of marketing itself as an all-you-can-eat restaurant, Gobi Brighton may want to consider switching to an a la carte service, especially if they feel like their business is threatened by the very demographic that buffet restaurants appeal to most.

Laziness caused by Technology

More and more in this time, all I can see is people being lazy. Children do not want to play outside. Instead of playing outside children sit inside all day playing on their videogame systems, tablets, computers, and phones. Adults are just as bad sitting around glued to whatever tech toy they have. Technology is making people lazy. People hardly have to leave their homes to do anything anymore. Technology has made it so easy for people to get virtually anything and everything they could possibly want or need at the touch of a few buttons. No longer do people have to walk around a store and haul their own things in and out of their cars. All people have to do is go online and those things will be delivered right to their front door. When people do leave their homes to go to work, a lot of them are going to jobs where they sit behind computers all day. Even students staring in elementary school do a lot of school work, tests, and school projects behind a computer or tablet now. Many college students are picking careers to do with technology and can even get their education all online. Don’t get me wrong, technology is not all bad. Technology has helped our culture in the fields of medicine and science greatly, but our society is letting technology take over. People are not being active enough anymore. Laziness is spreading like a disease. Being so lazy and depending so much on technology is causing health issues of its own. Technology is ok in moderation. People need to stop letting technology take over their lives. Sitting at home in their pajamas ordering what they want and need instead of getting out and being active is just plain lazy. With everything so readily available with a few clicks of a button technology is winning. Technology is definitely making people lazy.

Developing curriculum content Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Developing curriculum content - Research Paper Example Developmental approach in designing curriculum content asserts that curriculum should help students to learn the information which is necessary in performing day to day operations or tasks. This model emphasizes that curriculum should provide practical information and should help developing skills and learning capacities for better performance (Browder, et al., 2003). Developmental approach looks forward in developing student abilities to be an excellent performer in their life. This model recognizes students’ development as a sequential growth which starts with academics, then career and then social growth while curriculum should be designed to achieve objectives of all stages of students’ needs. Readiness approach as the name suggests is related to the entry level of students. It refers to particular skills and understanding of a student. Readiness approach suggests that in designing curriculum content, it is important to examine the mental standing of the student where the student is (Marcon, 2002). In an institutions some students may have well developed skills and understanding to complex topics because they were already exposed to learning opportunities but others may not have got the same chances (Muller-Ackerman, 2014). So, curriculum content must be designed considering the readiness of students and the level of their understanding. In contrasting scenario, no prior knowledge of students’ readiness may lead to an unplanned curriculum content which will hinder actual growth and learning of students (Olfman, 2003). Examining readiness provides a series of indicators whereas these indicators help understanding the expectations and needs of students. Based on thes e indicators educationists have better oversight of required curriculum contents which later produces greater learning and growth. Readiness approach as

George Tenet and the Last Great Days of the CIA Essay

George Tenet and the Last Great Days of the CIA - Essay Example Serving as director from 1997 to 2004, he was able to balance the policies of the both President Clinton and then President Bush Jr. This means that his time as director allowed him to witness the unfortunate terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the invasion of Iraq, among other controversial events of the late 90’s and early new millennium. White (2008) points out that, â€Å"Few other central intelligence directors have served for so long, so energetically, or amid so much controversy† (para. 1). With so many events happening in rapid succession, it is difficult to cover each one with any depth. White does a great job, however, highlighting major policy issues and decisions that Tenet was faced with during his tenure. In addition, much of the article deals with government and public perception of his job performance. It has been said that George Tenet was certainly blunt and straight forward, but he was also fiercely loyal. White (2008) notes that Tenet was a w orkhorse who likely got this from his parents. He grew up in Queens, where his parents settled after emigrating from Greece (para. 4). His parents ended up scraping together enough money and bought a diner. That is where the family worked 16-hour days together. He took this same work ethic and devotion to the job with him to Washington. The article recounts that George Tenet began his career in government as a legislative assistant in 1982 for Senator John Heinz. From there, he moved on to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. This is where he got his passion for security and intelligence. He became quite a force around Washington and moved up through the ranks. The article walks the reader through these early years and tells about Tenet landing a place on Bill Clinton’s transition team to the Presidency. He informed the President on issues related to intelligence. He so impressed President Clinton, that he was kept on and began performing various functions until movin g to the CIA in 1995, and eventually earning the appointment as director in 1997 (White Para. 6). This brief description provided in the article really enables the reader to understand the process by which George Tenet came to be director and the philosophies and style of work that he would bring to the office. Now that White has established what bought Tenet to the most powerful position in the intelligence world, he spends the next part of the article discussing the state of the CIA at the time. We discover that the entire organization was really in bad shape. White hammers this home by reminding readers that, â€Å"The agency had suffered inconsistent leadership since the fall of the Soviet Union, and [Tenet] was the fifth Director of Central Intelligence in seven years† (White, para. 10). This is where the explanation of where Tenet’s work ethic comes into play. He was not afraid to put in the hours required to turn around the agency. We learn in the article that t he Agency had recently lost nearly 20 percent of its workforce (White, Para. 10) and that morale was at an all time low. To combat this, Tenet immediately set out to bring back some seasoned officers who had recently retired, and he began to resurrect a budgetary system that was in shambles. This would enable the CIA to get a grip on recent technology that it was missing out on and become a major player in

Market Entry Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Market Entry Project - Research Paper Example Considering this strategy in mind Target has planned to expand in the market of their neighboring country Mexico. We choose to enter Mexico, with the idea to expand our business base obviously, to cater to their competitor Wal-Mart who is doing great business in Mexico by providing the experience of ‘Like shopping in the US’ (Luhnow, David), with similar purchasing trends observed in US, Low Land and Central Mexico it was easy to understand consumer’s psychology (Portilla, Fabiola de la), people in Pacific, North and Southeast tend to spend more (Portilla, Fabiola de la). If we look at the Nielsen’s survey results closes we’ll come across the fact that Big Supermarkets still capture a very small proportion of the retail universe in Mexico-Pacific, 26%, Valley of Mexico 30%, (Portilla, Fabiola de la), which is extremely low and reflects the fact that markets displays huge blue spaces for expansion by large retailers like Target. Consumers tend to visi t markets in weekdays in Pacific and on weekends, Sunday etc in Low Land, Central Region and Valley of Mexico (Portilla, Fabiola de la). Negligible tariffs on trade between US and Mexico is acting as a major incentive for businesses to expand across borders and become transnational in nature. Target also has the advantage of learning and getting insights from Wal-Mart’s experience (Luhnow, David) so far in the Mexican market. Hence all the factors mentioned above drove us to the conclusion of tapping into Mexican market as our host country. The environmental opportunities which the host country offers are as follows; Economic factors, the country’s economy is back on track with a GDP of 3.8% in 2011 (6 Reasons why US retailers should enter Mexico), and shows good signs of growth with huge margins of blue spaces left to be exploited by the retailers with retail sales of 5.4% by may 2011 (6 Reasons why US retailers should enter Mexico), this increased economic stability has also impacted the purchasing power of Mexicans resulting in growing confidence in retail; Legal factors, like there are very low trade tariffs in Mexico as compared to the US, the act named NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) made in 1994 and renewed in 2008 created the world’s largest free market with almost negligible trade tariffs between US, Mexico and Canada (6 Reasons why US retailers should enter Mexico), hence very low legal restrictions act as an opportunity; Social Factor of emerging middle class in Mexico (6 Reasons why US retailers should enter Mexico) has given foreign retailers a hope that more people now have the power to experience a purchase in huge retail stores and with the emerging and still weak middle class discount stores can actually help the people and strengthen their own presence in the market as well. Cultural factors changes and flexibilities (Hernandez, Mariana) also act as an opportunity an opening for foreign retailers to jump into the market, thought it took time but now Mexicans have accepted and encourage foreign brands specially those manufactured or originated from US because of their own growing aspirations. Upon further analysis I would not exactly put this as a threat but a disadvantage faced by the retailers in Mexico’s trade environment could be of the huge power distance (Hernandez, Mariana) amongst the people living in the same region, existing large amount of

Internet Tools as Dirt Bikes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Internet Tools as Dirt Bikes - Essay Example This information is very instrumental in strategizing the business operations and products. Internet tools are one powerful way of achieving a good level of communication in an organization. How Dirt Bikes could benefit from intranets for sales and marketing, human resources, and manufacturing and production Callaghan (2002) defines intranets as private networks created by organisations using the web technology and the internet networking standards. They create networked applications that are able to run on several types of computers in the organisation including wireless devices that can have remote access and handheld computers. In this way, intranets can be said to provide access to data across an organisation. An intranet can be utilised by the employees of an organisation like Dirt Bikes for human resources, sales and marketing, and production and marketing. Sales and marketing Intranets can help to improve the level of communication between an organisation and its authorised distributors or clients or customers. This can be achieved by linking the computers of customers who have a web browser to the company’s network. This encourages authorised customers of a company to make orders or inquiries about the products of the company. This is because intranets enable the employees of a company to access information from any part of the organisation and hence respond immediately and accurately to the inquiries or needs of their customers (Laudon and Laudon. 2009). This is unlike following long procedures of written requests or face-to-face inquiries. With improved links and access to the company website, these buyers will be able to get timely information regarding the company’s new products, their features and costs. It also eases the process in which the company communicates about its new products to the authorised buyers or distributors. Improved sales can be attained if a company is able to provide customised services to its customers. By utilising the improved communication afforded by the intranet, the employees of Dirt Bikes will be able to respond immediately to product preferences of its various customers. For example, a customer may want an exchange of the brand of motor cycle delivered to them or those found in the distributor stalls. This makes business with the company a memorable one. Superior customer experience encourages repeated business with the company (Laudon and Laudon. 2009). Human resources Intranet increases the level of human resource management and utilisation in a company. Increased human resource management can be achieved by posting benefits information and employee manual on the intranet. This reduces the time spend by the human resource managers of the Dirt Bikes in answering employee questions. It also increases response to employee concerns. Callaghan (2002) explains that intranet facilitates teleconferencing and enables the workers of a company to work together. For example, the human resource manager is able to discuss employee or corporate issues with company employees through the intranet. Employees are also able to communicate with one another with an aim of seeking help or clarifications from each other concerning production. Due to uniformity in information received by all employees, a company is able to cultivate and foster a corporate culture among all its employees. The intranet will also increase the level to which Dirt Bikes utilises its human

Investigtion in the importance of play to children's development and Essay

Investigtion in the importance of play to children's development and learning and it's psychological influences - Essay Example The theories on play are categorized under two broad categories of Classical and Contemporary Theories. Play is an essential component of development and learning and enriches the experiences of children engaging in it. Play activities provide children with various opportunities to engage in different aspects of the social world thus helping them develop. Introduction Ask a child and he would tell you or even asking the question to ourselves can remind us how much children love to play. For children, play usually reflects what they hold important in their lives. Play mirrors a children’s cognitive, social and physiological development. Children relate â€Å"play† to as feelings of having fun, interaction with friends, having the authority to choose the kind of activities they engage in and obviously the exhilaration of being outdoors. Play activities can range from being funny, noisy, messy to being very serious and effortful. The kind of play that children would engage in varies with their developmental stage and it evolves as the children grow and explore new things around them. Through play, children are strengthening existing learning or practicing a skill. Play can also play a significant role in building or strengthening a relationship. Engaging in play provides children with a chance to bring their own interpretation and understandings of people, situations, experiences and expectations in action. This makes a child more responsive of what he is observing around him and makes him learn actively. For children play could simply be a way to do things and only by doing things a child can develop and learn. Play provides children with opportunities to engage in social interaction with their family and peers, help developing their language, social skills and their ability to solve problems and help enable them to function as a part of a larger group. Play is an essential part of development in children as it ensures that a child’s mind is constantly engaged, it is aware of others around and active in learning through observation. Engagement in both the real and imagined social and physical world provides children with the chance to experience emotional and bodily sensations (Lester & Russell, 2008). Play can be seen as an instrument that builds and design the structures of the brain in a unique way when considering its relationship to the body and the environment rather than a way of learning specific skills(Lester & Russell, 2008). Through this engagement with the immediate real and the imagined impacts on the development of the brain and effects the way the genes are expressed. Play is an essential tool for children to make sense of their world and to identify their niche within it. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children acknowledges the importance of play in the lives of children and categorizes it as a significant right for every child (International Play Association, n.d.). Play provides numerou s opportunities for the children to interact as learners and it also helps stimulate an inclusive learning environment. Through play the child is socialized in to the society, they learn about responsibilities and practice their roles as a part of a learning community. By supporting children’s play the teachers can provide an environment that encourages holistic learning. Responsibilities and the Adult roles are significant in initiating the children to

Quality management (Shell company) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Quality management (Shell company) - Assignment Example 321). It is necessary for managers to think of an integrated management system which encompasses the elements of quality management (QMS), environmental management (EMS), and health and safety management (OHSMS). Since an integrated management system can involve different facets of corporate management, it is vital to identify the different aspects associated with it. In order to implement an IMS in the Shell oil company, it is better adopt a five-phase implementation process which includes phases such as preparation, planning, implementation, monitoring, review and certification. During the initial phases, an effective, quality policy and environment policy must be developed to give the implementation process a clear direction. This paper will specifically outline an implementation plan for a new IMS in the Shell Oil Company. Integrated management system Integrated management system can be simply defined as a management system that integrates all systems and operations of an organis ation into an extensive framework, assisting the organisation to operate as a single entity with shared goals and objectives. The integrated management system greatly aids an organisation to become a unified entity and link each function to a single common goal (Pardy & Andrews, 2009, p.107). Evidently, such a centralised system would assist the organisation to improve its overall performance. â€Å"An integrated management system is the most effective way to discharge an organisation’s obligations to its employees, customers, and the wider community†. (Freiberger Forschungshefte, Issue 526. 2008, p.39). In simple words, this system gives stakeholder a clear idea on what the organisation expects from them. Another major feature of integrated management system is that it provides the organisation with a genuinely co-ordinated system instead of mere ‘silos’ (Emea.bsi-global.com). Experts suggest that this management system is greatly helpful for the organisa tion to obtain a clear and comprehensive picture of its all aspects, the way they affect each other, and the associated risk factors. As there is less duplication in an integrated management system, it is easy to implement the new system in the future. Through this technique, the management team is provided with a single structure which would enable them to deliver the organisation’s objectives efficiently and effectively. The potentiality of an integrated management system ranges from managing employee needs to monitoring market competition and maximising resources. The most fascinating feature of this system is that it is relevant to all types of organisations regardless of their nature and size (Driving.myfoxcharlotte.com). Under this approach, two or more management systems are integrated into one cohesive system with a common set of policies, procedures, processes, and documentation. Shell Oil Company Shell Oil Company is the Royal Dutch Shell’s US based subsidiar y, and it is one of the largest oil companies in the world. The US head office is located at Huston in Texas, and nearly 22,000 employees are from the United States. The Shell Oil Company together with its consolidated companies and its share in equity firms is one of the largest oil and natural gas producers, gasoline distributers, natural gas suppliers, and

Anabolic Steroids Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Anabolic Steroids - Essay Example The core of anabolic steroids touches two overlapping effects; anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic effect encourages cell growth, for masculization and maintenance of muscle; androgenic affect is used. Its use is nothing new. There are various medical and non-medical reasons of their use. The intake of these artificial hormones results in enhanced remodeling of bone growth and stimulation of bone marrow. Increased red blood cells, bigger appetite and greater than before protein synthesis. Mass lean muscle and increased weight in surprisingly short period of time may result by combining high dose of anabolic steroids with intensive exercise and high protein diet. When we talk about muscle and weight gain, it is just unavoidable to talk about "anabolic steroids." It is a drug, which makes the human body bigger and stronger, in a short span. It became very popular and found an instant way into athletes, body builders and weight lifter's life during 1940's.Most of the people use it to reduce body fat and get enlarged muscle size. It amazingly boosts the stamina and suppresses the stress hormone, cortisol. Due to this, anabolic steroids help the user to train more frequently. It also reduces the chances of muscle damage, injury and quicker recovery after the injury by acting as an anti-inflammatory. It is also used to keep the body fat level lower due to increased metabolic rate. The circumstances for muscle production become greater due to the increasing amount of nitrogen in the body. Most of the body builders and athletes make use of them for professional benefits. It gives strength and endurance to the user by increasing their ability to cop e with more physical pressure in today's cut throat competition of athletic world. Now getting down to the main point, anabolic steroid is used for medical purposes and still is a prescription based drug. With a passage of time its uses are becoming wider. Its main domain deals with hormonal problems in males, where there is not enough natural production of male hormone. "Hypogonadal states, delay of growth and puberty in boys, bone marrow failure, selected anemia, edema and late stages of breast cancer," Karch (1997) are the most common conventional medical uses include the use of anabolic steroid. In severe mal-nutrition and burnt cases, Anabolic steroids were taken, obviously with safety measures, by "post-operative patients to hasten recovery." Karch (1997). It ensures patient's quick recovery but due to lack of research, (ibid) "they have not proved efficacious for this appreciation." Latest investigational uses consist of endorsement of Anabolism in patients with Aids and alcoholic hepatitis, management of certain hyperlipemias and back-up for fibrinolyris. Administered dosage help the post-operative patients for quick recovery. It helps out people who lose muscle mass and face weight loss caused by Osteoporosis. It is also prescribed while treating some kinds of cancers. Anabolic steroids improve the symptoms without serious side effects in short cycles. Naturally, humans have various types of steroids present in their bodies. This commonly used drug is an artificial chemical compound, which intends to have a similar effect to those of a natural hormone. In males, who are unable to produce sufficient amount of testosterone, this seems to be the only

BOEINGs Strengths Analysis Essay Example for Free

BOEINGs Strengths Analysis Essay Strengths Implications 1. Highly Skilled Managers The operation of the company will run smoothly. The performance of the company will improve and would lead the company to be successful. 2. Provide global customer support It would serve the customers better and it would be very convenient to those customers in other countries to ask for help. This would help the company to gain a better image due to the provided services to help the customers. 3. Outsourcing It can save time for the company to manufacture or assembly its products. 4. Emphasizing the product quality The durability of the company could last long. It gives the company to have a durability image to the customers. Customers would likely be satisfied and the company could gain some customer loyalty. 5. Recognized market leader Customers would likely choose them first as their priority. 6. Strong brand name Customers would easily associate the product. The brand name is instilled in the mind of the customers. Then, customers would think that the product is of good quality and the product would be their major choice when purchasing. The company would be able to generate higher sales for having strong brand name. It also has more advantage than the competitors in many areas. 7. Joint ventures/ Alliances with other aircraft companies It would help the company lessen its burden on producing other parts of aircraft. It aids on making the production of aircraft faster with the service of another companies. It would make the aircraft production for two aircraft companies sharing ideas for the betterment of the aircraft. 8. Many Features This will give higher probability that the customer would buy the product because of the extra features. This is absolutely an advantage for the company. If passengers are satisfied by this aircraft most probably that the airline would buy again from the same company of aircraft gaining customer loyalty. Weaknesses Implications 1. Layoff technical workers It will consume lots of time to hire new workers and will spend lot of money to train them if there is a need to do so. In fact, hiring or choosing the right candidates is a critical operation of the company. This might threaten other workers for being the next candidate to be laid off. And this would lead to lower productivity. Mostly, new workers are to be oriented and supervised so it will take time. 2. Mismanagement of parts or raw materials When the parts are needed, they are mostly not available for the production process. Thus, while in process, a halt might happen. So, it is not efficient at all. 3. Conservative Company The company could not improve well on its system. It could not adapt to the changes in the environment that leads to failures. It believes that its system will work well when in fact there might be other effective ways. It might lose some opportunities that come its way. 4. High Production Cost It might lead to higher cost of product to be able to earn revenue. And it is not consistent to the goal of the customers. It might also lead to lower demand and lesser income. 5. Every 12 years of generating or launching a new aircraft design Competitors might be the first to launch new aircraft that threatens the company. And they might surpass the ability of the company in terms of generating sales. When the time the company launches the new aircraft, most airlines have already purchased the aircraft of its competitors so it would not need to purchase again. Opportunities Implications 1. Transferring technological know how to new products or business The company has lesser difficulties in operating the new acquired business for they are using the same method from their own company. This means that growth occur in the country. 2. Extend reputation to new geographic area The Boeing company not only would want their domestic country know them but also to other geographic areas. As of now, airlines are more familiar with Boeing than its competitors. 3. Acquisition of rival aircraft company It means that there would be fewer competitors. It would also strengthen the system of the company. Because of involvement of more employees. These employees would contribute knowledge and expertise to help the company grow. New way of running the business may supplement in the development of the company. Im one way or another; it serves its purpose of improvement. 4. Expanding the companys product line to meet a broader range of customer needs The company may gain advantage on investing in a different product line. Facing new competitors would be a challenge on the part of the company. There might be opportunities waiting for the company. It is also an additional income for the company if it becomes successful. And to meet the needs of the customers by providing new products would lead to an aggressive and healthy competition. It also helps build the economy of the country if there is new development in companies. And it also leads to high employment because theres a need to hire more employees to implement the new business activities. Threats Implications 1. Competitor The competitor might out beat them and threat is higher for their market share. Lack of planning would have big impact to the company. They should anticipate for the rivalry between them. Timing and being competitive is important. If they are not met, this would incur loss in the  company. 2. Trade Barriers They may encounter difficulties in the regulation regarding aircraft imposed by the country to which they import their products to. They may also need documents before releasing or create an aircraft. 3. Deregulation of Airlines The regulation of the company for its customers would compromise in order to gain favor of the customers. This may affect the standard operation of the company and may also result to disorganized process of company operation. 4. Terrorist Attack The horrible incident of 9/11 may also be a cause of not buying another aircraft. People of that country would not want to travel because they are threat by the terrorist attack. It would results to decrease the people who are traveling and lead the airline customers freeze to buy aircraft, since the people who travel has been reduced. 5. Supply and demand for the aircraft The more people that are not traveling, the more chances that the airline industry wont buy new airplanes. This may results to low demand.

Segmentation and Market Target Essay Example for Free

Segmentation and Market Target Essay To obtain success, and then retain success, organizations need to determine which market segments to focus (Kotler Keller, 2012). Additional consideration is necessary to ensure that the organization can effectively serve this market segment. According to Kotler and Keller (2012), the finest marketing plans identify and embrace segment differentiation by determining the demographic, psychographic, geographic, and behavioral characteristics. For example purposes, this white paper discusses segmentation and target market for â€Å"Your Organization†. Consumer Segmentation Organizations will not benefit from mass marketing, however will gain success through the insight of consumer segmentation. As mentioned above, the four primary segmentation variables are demographic, psychographic, geographic, and behavioral characteristics. For clarification purposes, a brief description of each is shown. Demographic segmentation separates consumers by â€Å"variables such as age, family size, family life cycle, gender, income, occupation, education, religion, race, generation, nationality, and social class† (Kotler Keller, 2012, p. 216). Psychographic segmentation takes into consideration the consumer values, attitudes, and lifestyles. Geographic segmentation addresses the variables of region, climate, population growth rates and density. Lastly, behavioral segmentation considers price sensitivity, usage, brand loyalty, and attitudes. Examples of â€Å"Your Organization†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s segmentations is below, using data provided by the organization’s core operating system â€Å"Your Organization Server† (2014), effective for June 1, 2014. Demographic Segmentatio n â€Å"Your Organization† is a community chartered credit union in Richmond, Virginia. The demographic information includes age, income, and gender. When accessing the age brackets for members age 12 or older, management found the primary age bracket of 47 – 65 years old at 41.8%. The chart below provides details on each age bracket. Based on this information, the  credit union needs to determine how to shift the average age of our membership to 33 – 46 years of age to firmly establish a strong future membership base. Gender is the final demographic item the credit union reviews. Each gender is broken down within the age brackets. The credit union was originally formed to serve the Richmond employees of DuPont, leading management to the assumption of a significantly larger male percentage of members. As shown below this assumption was incorrect; thus, additional marketing focus to the female segment is ideal. Currently, the credit union focuses on large  truck, motorcycle, and SUV loan target mailings, leaving the mid-size and minivan opportunities unaddressed. Information was available regarding the occupations of the membership; however, the disorganization of the data lead to inconclusive results. Consequently, the senior management made the decision to disregard the results from this demographic group. Geographic Segmentation â€Å"Your Organization†, as a community charter credit union, faces the challenge of a small geographic area in which to serve consumers. Potential membership must live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the city of Richmond. In order for management to gain insight into the location of members’ households, the credit union segments the membership by city or county. The geographic information is as follows: City of County Percentage of Membership Chesterfield 43.21% Hanover 14.38% Henrico 10.63% City of Richmond 28.97% Undetermined 2.8% Behavioral Segmentation â€Å"Your Organization† reviews the following behavioral groups, credit driven, fee driven, upscale, middle market, middle income depositor, and low income depositor. These groups are then cross compared with age and income brackets. The chart below provides a visual on â€Å"Your Organization†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s percentages, along with credit union national averages (Open Solutions Inc., 2011). Age Income 18 – 34 35 – 44 45 – 54 55-64 65+ $125,000+ Credit Driven 10% 10% Upscale 6%, 9% $50,000 $125,000 Middle Market 26%, 24% Middle Income Depositor 17%, 17% Less than $50,000 Fee Driven 19%, 18% Low Income Depositor 22%, 22% â€Å"Your Organization† Credit Union National Averages Based this information the credit union should focus on further targeting the upscale segment and relying less on the fee driven. As regulations continue to change, fee income will potentially decrease. Psychographic Segmentation In regard to the psychographic segmentation, â€Å"Your Organization† has relied on member loyalty throughout the years. However, as economic turbulence continues to impact the organization, per the Vice-President of Marketing (2014), the credit union is seeking to further exploration into psychographic segmentation. According to Kotler Keller (2012), Strategic Business Insight’s (SBI) VALS framework signifies the values and lifestyles of classified Unites States adults using questionnaires to identify the consumer’s motivation and resources. Information from SBI states that with the ongoing evolution of the financial industry, â€Å"consumers are becoming increasing multidimensional† (SBI, 2004). The VALS assessment takes into consideration for channel or interface preferences, trust in institutions, control within the household, and much more to determine financial patterns. The credit union would benefit from conducting research on the psychographic se gmentation of the membership, as no longer demographic and behavioral segmentation is enough. Positioning Statement A positioning statement for â€Å"Your Organization† which supports the current brand and strategies is as follows. â€Å"Your Organization† will assist our community members in reaching their financial goals. We are committed to supporting and serving fellow community members through financial needs, charity events, and volunteering. Our credit union promises to serve our  members through each stage of life. This supports the current psychographic segmentation of brand loyalty, and a willingness to support the membership financially through each stage of life. Conclusion Regardless of the organization, the ability to obtain success, and then retain it is due in part to ability to focus on the correct market segments. However, the organization must ensure that it possesses the resources to this market segment. â€Å"Your Organization† is working to create the highest level of marketing plans by identifying and embracing segment differentiation through demographic, psychographic, geographic, and behavioral characteristics. However, further improvements are necessary to achieve the ultimate tier of success. References â€Å"Your Organization Server†. (2014). Segmentation data. Retrieved from â€Å"Your Organization† on June 1, 2014. Kotler, P., Keller, K. L. (2012). Marketing management (14th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Open Solutions Incorporated. (2011). Overview analysis. Retrieved from â€Å"Your Organization† corporate library on June 1, 2014. Strategic Business Insights. (2004, June). Segmentation in the twenty-first century: Financial behavior of the VALS segments. Retrieved from http://www.strategicbusinessinsights.com/cfd/MRsummaries/MR.VI-09.shtml.

Risk Identification In Water Treatment Plant Projects Construction Essay

Risk Identification In Water Treatment Plant Projects Construction Essay Projects can fail for a number of reasons and the risks are always high. All project, program, and portfolio are subject to risk, whether positive or negative risks. The aim is to decrease negative risks and enhance positive risks. Managing risks is one of the most important tasks for the construction industry as it directly affects project outcomes. Unfortunately, many organizations do not realize that there is a need to include risk management as a key element to success in business. Hence, some organizations delegate the risk management tasks leaving to someone to needs to plan, identify, assess, develop response plans, and control risks or do just part/ parts of the risk processes. It is not integrated into their project management philosophy. Project risk management has been intensively discussed in recent years. Projects are becoming shared efforts of multiple parties construction industry is a good example of an area, where the project outcome is delivered in an extremely complex actor network. This paper discuss identified the common and specific risks that may occur in the infrastructure projects specially in the water treatment plant projects in Egypt then we make initial assessment to these risks through a questionnaire was designed using the matrix method then we make analyzing of the responses of this questionnaire. Introduction This paper is focused only on the qualitative assessment of the risks. We use the matrix method for the assessment of these risks. Responses to the questionnaire were then collected and analyzed. The analysis included ranking the risks in terms of degree of occurrence (probability) (v.high, high, med, low, very low) the level of influences (impact) (v.high, high, med, low, very low) as the following matrices: A general water supply system is composed of water sources, raw water transmission pipes, water treatment plants, and water distribution networks. However, these components and subsystems give the greatest opportunities for both natural and human-related influences because most of them are spatially diverse and accessible. With respect to this, researchers have identified the potential vulnerable areas during the process of delivering water from the sources to the customers as (see Figure 1): (1) water sources (e.g., river, reservoir, and wells); (2) water treatment plant that removes impurities and harmful agents and makes water suitable for domestic consumption and other uses which consists of: Screen, Mixing tank, Flocculation basin, Settling tank, Sand filter, Disinfection (3) water distribution pipelines that deliver clean water on demand to homes, commercial establishments, and industries which consists of: pipes, pumps, junctions/nodes, fitting (4) storages (tanks water tower s); and (5) other facilities (transmission pipes, channels, pumps, valves, etc.).These vulnerable points are the focus of risk assessment. Figure 1 Elements and vulnerable points in a general water supply system QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS: Factors affecting used Consider the following factors affecting use ashore: * Water uses (domestic, industrial, fire protection) * Peak demands (all uses). * Other essential demands. * Missions of the activity. * Climatic effects. Water treatment plant Water treatment plant is the most important facility in a water supply system to remove contaminants in raw water, disinfect treated water, and produce drinkable water to consumers. However, hazards may be introduced during the process of treatment, or hazardous circumstances may allow contaminants to pass through treatment in significant concentrations. Constituents of drinkable water can be introduced through the treatment process, including chemical additives used in the treatment process or products in contact with water. Furthermore, suboptimal filtration following filter backwashing can lead to the introduction of pathogens into the distribution system. Three attributes are crucial to water users: * There must be adequate quantities of water on demand. * It must be delivered at sufficient pressure. * It must be safe to use. In our paper we will focus on the Water treatment plant in the water supply system which considers an important part in the water supply system. We will discuss the risks may occur in the projects we will make an initial assessment to these risks but at the beginning we will give overview of risk management in the construction projects specially the infrastructure projects which owned by the government, we will discuss the risks from the view of contractor. Research methodology A questionnaire was designed for assessment for all possible risks that may occur in the water treatment plant projects in EGYPT which some of these risks are general risks that may happen in all infrastructure projects and some are specific risks for the water treatment plant projects through the construction operation phase as discussed previous in the stage of risks identification then forward to some of managers in. This paper is focused only on the qualitative assessment of the risks. We use the matrix method for the assessment of these risks. Responses to the questionnaire were then collected and analyzed. The analysis included ranking the risks in terms of degree of occurrence (probability) (v. high, high, med, low, very low) the level of influences (impact) (v. high, high, med, low, very low) as the following matrices: 1- Identification of risks Categories of risks for infrastructure and service delivery projects: 1-Political risks: Political risks are the first category of risks identified. It contains all the risks of government actions that may endanger a project. 1-1 Political support risks: Host government support is essential for any infrastructure projects (ex: government support for the owner disputes on land) 1-2 Taxation risks: Taxation risks mat raises of tax rate, or applied new tax tariffs, which, may lead to decrease the promoter profit and unbalanced project cash flow. 1-3 Import/export restrictions risk: The import and export restriction risk covers the legislation changes, which arrange the import of the equipment. 1-4 Failure to obtain approvals. Failure to obtain approval risk occurs when the central or local government authority does not approve the project-related issues in time or even cancels the ones already approved. Obtaining approvals for a project from complex web of government agencies and departments, from municipal to provincial to central government levels, can be extremely time-consuming process, delaying entire projects and hurting their financial viability. 2-Financial risks: The risk that the financiers will not provide or continue to provide funding to the project 2-1 Delayed Payment by the government: Payments on time are considered extremely important by the contractors maintain the cash flow and eliminate financial difficulties . Delayed payment will influence the financial situation of the contractor, especially if the due payment is substantial and or delayed for along time. 2-2 Changes in law regulation: Local authorities and government have specific codes and regulations that might be changed or revised from time to time. These regulations must be adhered to by contactors. But this has low probability to occurrence in our project because it is owned by the government. 2-3 Inflation risks: This risk category mainly depends on the economic conditions of the country. As the inflation increases this risk becomes more important. 2-4 Interest rate changes. 2-5 Devaluation risks. 2-6 Financial failure: Financial failure of any party (contractor or owner) wills significant impact the projects schedule and consequently the budget. This is more likely happen in big projects where the owner (government) might not have sufficient fund for the project or the contractor bids low on the project. 3- Development risks: Development risks describes the risk of the bidding procedures, which are very important part of the project, the bid evaluation criteria must be clearly defined and the bids must be evaluated in a public and objective manner, the chances for success are predictable. The competitive bidding systems usually lead to terms and conditions more favorable to the national interest. An orderly and transparent bidding procedure should also win public support for that project which can solve the problems that face the contractor such as land owner disputes. 3-1 Bidding risks: The bidding process in Egypt includes the following risks, which can face the contactor: contractor spend high cost for the preparation of the feasibility studies, investigation, design, planning and estimation of the project to be able to tender. Contractor warred about the risks of their innovative proposals being put out to competitive tender without gaining exclusivity or preferential treatment from other competitors. 3-2 Planning delay: The planning delay risks refer to the delay of the tender evaluation by the government officials whom responsible to do such task. 3-3 Approval risks: Delays in approval risk appear when the central of local government authority does not approve the project-related issues in time. Obtaining approvals for a project from complex web of government agencies and departments, from municipal to provincial to central government levels, can be extremely time-consuming process, delaying entire projects and hurting their financial viability. 3-4 Force majeure risk: Force majeure risk is the risk that a specified event entirely outside the control of either party will occur and will result in a delay or default by the contractor in the performance of its contractual obligations. for example cyclone, earthquake, outbreak of war. 4-Site risk: Site risk is the risk that the project land will be unavailable or unable to be used at the required time because of Land owner disputes that the site will generate unanticipated liabilities, with the result that the service delivery and revenues are adversely affected. 4-1 Site access: This risk category refers to the right of way and access to the project site. This an important category especially if the project is in a remote or undeveloped area or where access is limited to small trucks where large construction tools like big trucks and loaders cannot get into the project site. Also, this important when the project is located in a very congested area or access to other facilities and public areas need to be blocked or detoured in some stages of the project. 4-2 Statutory approvals. 4-3 Environmental issues 4-4 differing site condition: This is a clear risk category and could happen in most of construction projects. For instance the soil conditions changes and the contractor might face or hard soil during excavation instead of soft soil as the top layer at the site showed or as the tender document may have indicated. Another example is underground buried utility piping, power cables and high water table area. These types of differing site conditions occur mostly in renovation and /or expansion of existing projects where new construction interface with the existing structures. These differing site conditions will require extra efforts and may necessitate special equipment and tools for excavation and/or de-watering. 4-5 Suitability of the site and any existing infrastructure: Means existing of any underground infrastructures (e.g. sewage pipes) 5- Construction risks: Construction risks are the identified risk category which contains the risks faced the project during the construction phase which can be highly affect on the project cost and in turn the investment needs to complete the project. It can be endanger to the feasibility of the project. 5-1 Delay risks: Delay risk means delay in the construction time schedule which, can be occur due to poor project management applied or due to bad cost estimation, which lead to financial failure. 5-2 Cost overrun risks: Cost overrun risk occur when construction costs exceed original estimates, either due to inflation, non realistic cost estimation, excessive design changes or lack of risk management framework. 5-3 Re performance risk: Re performance risk is occurred due to reconstruct or maintains the bad work done by unqualified contractor. 5-4 Completion risk: Completion risk refers to the non-completion of the project due to effect of force majeure or unforeseen soil conditions. 5-5 Variation risks: A change in work is an important risk category in the construction projects. It could be change in work procedures, methodology o change of plans and scope of work. These changes might lead to change orders demolitions and re-working and must be considered in the assessments of risks because they affect the project budget, schedule, safety and quality. Normally changes in work result because of insufficient planning at the project definition stage or because of lack of clear scope and drawing detail or simply because the owner s desire to make changes to the project. 5-6 Loss or damage to work: Loss or damage to work risks rises by the unforeseen soil conditions or breakdown of equipment, which are common occurrences on any construction site, especially for large civil engineering projects. Usually, these will have repercussion on cost and time but the effects are usually surmountable with today s technology. 5-7 Force majeure risk: Force majeure risk is the risk that a specified event entirely outside the control of either party will occur and will result in a delay or default by the contractor in the performance of its contractual obligations during the construction period. For example, earthquake, outbreak of war. 5-8 Mistakes in installation of pipes. 5-9 Mistakes in installation valves of pipes. 5-10 The permeability of the reservoir during a test. 5-11 Labor equipment availability: This risk category is mainly related to the availability of some of the resources namely, labor, material and equipment. Certain jobs may require specific skilled expertise and /or special material and equipment that might not available or scarce in the local market and take a long time to procure. For example a skilled a qualified welder or special lifting and fitting of some heavy structure that may require crane capacity or piece of equipment that is not available in the local market may force the contractor to hire a certain skilled labor and import the special piece of the equipment or change the construction method to suit. This is more likely to happen in complex major projects or projects involving some degree of high technological complexity like water treatment plant project. 5-12 Labor equipment productivity: Like the previous risk category, certain jobs involving the productivity of labors and equipment might be affected because of the complexity of jobs or the nature of the work. if this not routine, then the labor and/or the equipment operator need to go through a learning curve. Another example that might affect labor and equipment productivity is the morale of the labor and the use of defective tools and equipment. 5-13 defective material: Material is essential resource for construction projects and there is need for quality control and quality assurance to eliminate material replacement and re-work. this risk category becomes more important for lump sum contracts if the specifications were not well defined. 5-14 labor disputes: This is more likely to happen in large companies where the work forces are multinationals who come from different countries with different background or where the relationships between management and workforce are tense. Usually any labor dispute is either resolved internally or by the local authorities and police. 5-15 Safety accident: Safety and accidents in construction projects can not overlooked, especially when the projects involves deep excavation or high elevation construction. The risk category is inherited in the construction industry but can be minimized by following safety rules and the use of safety equipment such as goggles, safety hats and shoes. 5-16 Coordination with sub. Contractor: Coordination with sub-contractors and material suppliers is an important task especially in a multi-player environment like big construction projects. Beside it could be risky if not kept smooth, in a timely manner and continuous. Miss-coordination between subcontractors and material suppliers (especially for long lead items) will lead to schedule and budget overruns. 5-17 Quality of work: Quality of work would reflect the reputation of the contractor and might either rank him on the top of contractors or force him out of the market. Generally, owners (government) strive to get a quality end product by their project and contractors try their best to deliver quality projects. However; poor workmanship that leads to demolition and rework will negatively impact the project budget and schedule. Also, interior quality of work will reflect the bad reputation of the contractor. Good quality and assurance programs will helps reduce the negative effects of this category. 6- Operation risks: Operation risk describes the category of risks faced the project during the guarantee period of the facilities, which starts after project completion continued for one year such as equipment breakdown or the discovery of defects in the work which may hinder the revenue generating capability. 6-1 Technical risks: The breakdown of equipment or failures of any part of the project which are common occurrences on any project, Usually, these will have repercussions on cost and time but effects are usually surmountable with today s technology. 6-2 Corruption risk: It the risk of occurrence of failure or breakdown in any part of the water treatment plant, e.g.(breakdown of the pipes, or failure of tanks in the system) during the guarantee period of the project. 6-4 Force majeure risk: Force majeure is the risk that a specified event entirely outside the control of either party will occur and will result in a delay or default by the contractor in the performance of its contractual obligations during the operation period. For example cyclone, earthquake, outbreak of war. Water treatment plant Water treatment plant is the most important facility in a water supply system to remove Contaminants in raw water, disinfect treated water, and produce drinkable water to consumers. However, hazards may be introduced during the process of treatment, or hazardous circumstances May allow contaminants to pass through treatment in significant concentrations. Constituents of drinkable water can be introduced through the treatment process, including chemical additives used in the treatment process or products in contact with water. Furthermore, suboptimal filtration following filter backwashing can lead to the introduction of pathogens into the distribution system. Meanwhile extreme natural hazards, willful human attacks, or interdependency failures (e.g., power failures) can all introduce risks in water treatment process. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results analysis of the risks discussed in the previous, the following conclusions were reached: From the analysis of the six risk categories depended on the questionnaire received from five managers in the Arab company, our conclusions were as follow: * The most critical risks in the political risks were the: import export restriction failure to obtain approval, the lowest critical risks were: taxation risks. * The most critical risks in the financial risks were the: devaluation risks payment failure. the lowest critical risks: inflation risks. * The most critical risks in the development risks were the: bidding risks the lowest critical risks: force majeure risks. * The most critical risks in the site risks were the: differing site condition risks the lowest critical risks: site access risks. * The most critical risks in the construction risks were the cost overrun risks coordination between the subcontractor the lowest critical risks: force majeure some risks discussed in the matrix. * The most critical risks in the operation risks were the force majeure risks the lowest critical risks: technical risks. * At all the most critical risks category in the construction risks category. REFERENCES 1. Risk management of the BOT projects in Egypt. by Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim Hara Faculty of engineering at Cairo University. 2. http://www.google.com.eg/search?hl=arq=2ech10_riskbtnG=%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%AB+Google%E2%80%8Fmeta=aq=f oq= 3. http://www.google.com.eg/search?hl=arq=LECTURE+11+RISK+MANAGEMENTbtnG=%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%AB%21meta= 4. Hierarchical Risk Assessment of Water Supply Systems Huipeng Li Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Loughborough University 5. ASSESSMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR IN SAUDI ARABIA.BY ALI ABDULLAH AL SALMAN. APPENDIXES

Constitutional Convention :: essays research papers

During the Constitutional Convention, and the years to follow, the Anit-federalists heavily disputed with Federalist Party. One of the longest and most important arguments throughout this time period were the debates between Alexander Hamilton of the Federalists and Thomas Jefferson of the Anti-Federalists. The controversial issue discussed was over the establishment of a national bank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alexander Hamilton, at the time George Washington’s Secretary of Treasury, explained before the Congress that the U.S. Government’s need for a national bank was imperative for the survival of the nation. Hamilton stated that besides having â€Å"expressed† powers, it possesses â€Å"implied† powers designated into Constitution. Hamilton states in letter to Washington that â€Å"implied powers are to be equally delegated with expressed ones. Then it follows†¦.that the erection of a corporation[such as a bank] may well be implied†¦.it may as well be employed as an instrument†¦.of carrying into action any specific powers†¦.because the corporation has a natural relation to the government.† With saying this, Hamilton argues that a national bank in not unconstitutional because bank is a corporation which would regulate foreign trade, interstate commerce and government finances. One can use the implied power in this instance, because it is incident to a legislative power to regulate a thing, to employ all the means necessary is in fact legal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jefferson’s arguments provide a rationale for those who believed that states could overrule decisions of the federal government. The idea of a national bank would strip those rights of a states powers and this is what Jefferson argued. Jefferson believed strongly in the Articles of Confederation, and he was not willing to let go of its ideas, thus causing great tension between he and Alexander Hamilton. During his term of vice-presidency, Jefferson anonymously wrote the Kentucky Resolutions which expressed his views of politics. In here he states that â€Å"whenever a government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force†¦.and that the co-States, recurring to their natural right in cases not made Federal, will concur in declaring these acts void and of no force†¦.

What does Bronte wish us to understand about early 19th century :: Essays Papers

What does Bronte wish us to understand about early 19th century society from our reading of the first ten chapters of Jane Eyre? In the early chapters, Bronte establishes the young Jane’s character through her confrontations with John and Mrs. Reed, in which Jane’s good-hearted but strong-willed determination and integrity become apparent. These chapters also establish the novel’s mood. Jane is an invented character but there was such a thing as mis-treated children. One type of abuse was the abuse directed to Jane by the Reed family. Jane’s’ aunt makes her life a misery. Jane is starved of love and affection. Mrs Reed finds fault with Jane because she wasn’t a content child. Jane says, â€Å" She really must exclude me from privileges intended only for contented, happy little children.† Mrs Reed gives an unbelievable amount of cruel treatment to Jane; for example, Mrs Reed has a new set of rules exclusively for Jane. John Reed is a child that behaves in an abusive way. No adult in the household stopped John’s behaviour. â€Å"He called his mother ‘old girl’†¦reviled her for her dark skin†¦ and he was still ‘her own darling’.† John vandalized the place; insulted and disrespected his mother despite this; he was still her own darling. John steps out of line, and is despicably behaved. â€Å"John Reed†¦large and stout for his age†¦with flabby cheeks. He ought to have been at school; but his mamma had taken him home for a month or two, ‘on account of his delicate health’.† This states that John is meant to be in school but his mother feels that his health is fragile, whereas he eats too much and doesn’t do enough exercise. Mrs Reed is unintentionally abusing her own children by over indulging them; this is another form of abuse. Mrs Reed’s children grow up unbalanced and we see towards the end of the book, that John commits suicide. Mrs Reed isn’t teaching her children how to differentiate between right and wrong. There is an extreme contrast between Jane and John’s abuse. Another aspect is that John abuses Jane physically. John attacks her, and for the first time she fights back scratching and crawling. The fact that Jane lashes out at John changes things, even though John attacks her first. The book that Jane chooses off the shelf is called ‘Bewicks History of British Birds’. She describes the books as, showing â€Å"death white realms†¦shadow. The words in these introductory pages†¦gave significance to the rock standing up alone in a sea billow of and spray; to the broken boat stranded on a desolate coast; to the cold and ghastly moon glancing through bars of cloud at a wreck just sinking.

Eucharist History :: essays research papers fc

Eucharist History -reenacts the closing events of jesus' life -links past-present-future one ceremony -powerful, meaningful ritual -last of the 3 sacraments of initiation -prescribed by christ -have to see the eucharist as body, not bread Eucharist celebrates -"a way of remembering" -daily reminder of Gods love -jesus shared bread at last supper/do this in memory of me -a thanksgiving feast -"eucharist" means giving thanx Ritual Meal -earliest form of rituals are eating and gathering -sacrifice meal -ritual not a routine -builds on the symbolism of a ritual mean Sign and Symbols -symbol of gods love for us -jesus' body -last supper/banquet -welcome others to participate in the eucharist -unfilled celebration -if we went to mass on sunday, it would make the rest of the week more meaningful -unified body -it is the most commonly received sacrament, most pivotal of 7 -as a community, we celebrate the presence of christ in the eucharist -bread: basic food for most people/closely assoc with nature human work Vestements -white/purple/black robe Words -"Do this in Memory of Me." -"This is my body, which has been given up for you." ST. ROBERT'S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL "THE EUCHARIST" BY: MARK HARNUM Presented to: Mr. DiMaio NRE 2A0-09 Monday November 29 , 1993 THE EUCHARIST Thesis: The Eucharist is a sign of Jesus' death, and how He gave himself up for us, and how we experience Him through His body. History of the Eucharist The Eucharist is a Jewish Ritual of worship. It dates back to the Last Supper, where Jesus celebrated a typical Jewish community meal with His friends. Sharing a meal with family, (very important to the Jews) also dates back to the Passover Meal. This is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the early Christians added Jewish synagogue service and then became the Liturgy of the Word. The Eucharist is a sacrament, and is also a ritual. It is a repeated sacrament, and is the most frequently used among all sacraments. It is "a way of remembering" and a daily reminder if God's love. Jesus at the Last Supper shared bread with us, and said "Do this in Memory of Me." This is why we have bread, because it represents Jesus' body, and how He gave Himself up for us. The first little while of the Church, the "Mass was celebrated as a friendship meal called agape." Christians shared brought food to the house where they were assembled, but as the numbers increased, the meal was cut down to bread and wine. Today, the offertory collection echoes the early years of the spirit giving at the Eucharist. It is living bread that came down from heaven.

C20th Century Drama English Coursework Essay

This particular play is ‘A view from a Bridge’ written by Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller was born on October 17th, 1915, in New York City. His parents were both Illegal Immigrants in the United States, which links to the background of the play. A view from the Bridge was first produced as a one-act play in verse 1955; Arthur divorces his wife to marry his co-star actress Marilyn Monroe Miller has now become America’s world’s popular playwrights. Most of his plays are about the society and the responsibilities of its relation. But also in all the plays they hide a deep considerate of how people act and behave with the situation of life around them. These obstacles they face which they have to successfully defeat over. ‘A view from a Bridge’ has its roots in the late 1940’s when Miller was interested in the work and lives of New York. Miller purposely wanted the play to be a modern version of a Greek Tragedy, which a main character is faced with trying, daring situations, which cannot be escaped from. In this play a tragic hero commits an offence unexpectedly. He then learns from his misdeed and therefore must die for his actions. Then as it is a Greek Mythology the God’s restores the Universe. In this play the â€Å"Hero† is inked onto a man named Eddie Carbone. He is uniquely and ordinary everyday man. Courteous, hard working and a man that people liked. This play is themed on the background of Italian origins, which relates to the dispute of Italians and Americans. This is introduced with Alifieri’s Speech; â€Å"This is Red Hook not Sicily†¦ now we are civilised, quite American. Now we settle for half†¦. In no longer keep a pistol in my filling cabinet† This reflects with the context of the play and links with the storyline. It also reflects on the reason of the main cause concluding to the violence. The story is also based on the ‘American Dream’ that any person can accomplish what and no matter what upbringing culture or race. He has added this, as in that period of time the American Dream was quite popular which was appropriate for it to relate the aspects of their life. Arthur Miller has produced the main character being the lead role of the play. Eddie Carbone is an Italian Longshoreman working on the New York docks. Eddie is a simple hard workingman who worked on the piers. When his wife’s cousins were sent, Marco and Rodolfo, he agrees to refuge them as illegal immigrants from Sicily. First signs of disturbance are when Catherine starts to show attraction to Rodolfo, at this Eddie disapproves. This is because of Eddies over protectiveness towards Catherine. His possessive behaviour towards Catherine brings him to envy towards Rodolfo. Out of anger and rage at the end Eddie reported them to the Immigration Beaureu. In response of ferocity Marco decides to kill Eddie, but Eddie kills himself with the knife. In one section of evidence, which relates to his own downfall is the possessiveness of Catherine. Catherine is Eddie’s orphaned Niece. In the first scene the audience is immediately given the information that Eddie has a peculiar concern towards his niece. He mentions and details out of her dress sense and suggest it is too short. The evidence showing that he is overprotective is when he indicates that she is walking â€Å"wavy†. â€Å"I don’t like the looks they’re givin’ you in the candy store†¦ the heads are turnin’ like windmills. † In this it is brought immediately to the audience attention of the over protectiveness for his own nice. His concern and obssesiveness of his actions may have a hidden feelings that Eddie has for Catherine. An uncertainty of more than relative love is present with the way he feels for Catherine. Toe Eddie Catherine represents to him as â€Å"just a baby† and therefore she â€Å"does not understand these things† but this is a cover up for his possessive behaviour. In Act 1 page6-10 I suggest his behaviour is both possessive and protective but more possessive. As the conversation of Beatrice, Eddie and Catherine it shows that Eddie treats Catherine like a child, and not the rightful age that she should be treated. The relationship between Eddie and Catherine changes with the arrival of Marco and Rodolfo. As they talk and get to known each other Catherine shows an interest to Rodolfo as she keeps gesturing to Beatrice â€Å"He’s a real blond† He then sings to her â€Å"Paper Doll†, but in a kindest way Eddie tells him to stop. Also that is when the changes of Eddie’s behaviour begin. He embarrasses Catherine by telling her to ‘go ahead’ meaning get out. Eddie again tries to humiliate Catherine so that Rodolfo will lose interest by telling him that â€Å"she wants to be an actress† meaning she’s a drama queen. But Rodolfo flirts back by saying

Identify potential weaknesses from either the Aircraft Solutions or Quality Web Design Company Essay

In this phase you will choose either Aircraft Solutions or Quality Web Design as the company you will work with. The scenarios are in Doc Sharing in the Course Project select area. You will then identify potential security weaknesses. Security weaknesses – You must choose two from the following three areas (hardware, software, and policy – excluding password policies) and identify an item that requires improved security. To define the asset or policy with sufficient detail to justify your assessment, your assessment must include: * the vulnerability associated with the asset or policy * the possible threats against the asset or policy * the likelihood that the threat will occur (risk) * the consequences to mission critical business processes should the threat occur * how the organization’s competitive edge will be affected should the threat occur To clarify an item that requires improved security, you must identify one of these items: * one hardware and one software weakness * one hardware and one policy weakness * one software and one policy weakness Other required elements include: * Cover sheet * APA-style * In-text citations and Reference section * Minimum length 3 pages, maximum length 5 pages (not counting cover sheet, diagram(s), references). Do not exceed the maximum length. Phase II: the Course Project (comprised of Phase I and II) – Recommend solutions to the potential weaknesses from either the Aircraft Solutions or Quality Web Design Company In this phase of the project you will include Part I (presumably improved as needed based upon Week 3 feedback) and then you will recommend solutions for the security weaknesses you identified in the Phase I. Definition of the solution – Hardware solutions must include vendor, major specifications with an emphasis on the security features, and location of placement with diagram. Software solutions must include vendor and major specifications, with an emphasis on security features. Policy solutions must include the complete portion of the policy that addresses the weakness identified. Any outsourced solution must include the above details and the critical elements of the service level agreement. Justification – You must address the efficacy of the solution in terms of the identified threats and vulnerabilities; the cost of the solution, including its purchase (if applicable); and its implementation, including training and maintenance. Impact on business processes – You must discuss any potential positive or negative effects of the solution on business processes and discuss the need for a trade-off between security and business requirements using quantitative rather than simply qualitative statements. Other required elements include: * Cover sheet * APA-style * In-text citations and Reference section * 5 reference minimum * Minimum length of solutions: 6 pages, maximum length 10 pages (not counting cover sheet, diagram(s), references). Do not exceed the maximum length P.S. Phase 1 is done and attached. Just need help with phase 2.

s ‘Patriarchy’ a useful concept anymore?

My personal way of defining patriarchy is a society typically dominated and control by men. Patriarchy shows us how our society functions and how it controls women, including all systems, like work place, home, religion etc, where women are formed and developed to the way men want them to be. It is the opposite of matriarchy, meaning women are the head and in control of families. This quote given by H, Hartman signifies social patriarchy, so it is not naturally suggested but socially. ‘I define patriarchy as a set of social relations which has a material base and in which there are hierarchical relations between men, and solidarity among them, which enables them to control women. [p3, H Hartman: (1982), ‘What about women? ‘; ‘Gender Inequality in Employment', 551. 04 leatures 11 and 12. ] The way in which society used to be, was that once the content of ‘patriarchy' had been established, it was used strongly in every society and in many different ways, creating sexual politics, where men were seen as the dominant sex class and the treatment of women, through this patriarchy system determined their future and success in life. The possibilities for women making choices in every aspect of their own personal life were taken away from them or where very limited because of this patriarchal control that was upon them. In the past the husband was clearly the principal negotiator, with the marriage license being the only exception, where the women would really be going into a life long commitment of serving her husband as a slave. The females main source of learning were things such as learning to spin, sew and weave, and maybe a little reading and writing. The main company that was given to them, were other females, and they lived more or less behind closed doors. The women had a separate section in the house that was located away from the other sections so that communications with males or strangers were barred. While the men when out to work, the women's role was just seen as to be looking after the house and children, and listen to their husbands. ‘The separation of home from work led to a sharper separation of male and female spheres. The world of business outside the home became a male sphere and the world of home and children became a women's one. ‘ [p366, Fulcher & Scott. (1999) Sociology] The husband's leisure and business time were of no business to the wife, domesticity cut women off from business life and public activities in general. In some society's women were degraded, they were seen as objects used for male needs and a simple tool of breeding children. ‘A woman of a particular community, caste or social-economic stratum is raped to ‘teach' that section of the society, in other words, to reproduce the hierarchical structure. ‘[http:marxists. org/archive/marx/work/1884/orgin-family/ch02d. htm]. It was in the mid-1800 when the first signs of the feminist movement came about. In 1961 it was discussed by a man named John Stuart, that the role of women is society during that time, pointing out how the patriarchy placed such an intense limit on what women could do. A time came out when evidence should the existence of a pre-industrial division of labour between men and women. However this existence contained occupational segregation, where the females worked only in female jobs and males concentrated in male jobs. ‘Middleton (1979) argued that women did carry many different agricultural tasks, but it was the men who did the high status work of plouging. ‘ [p367 Fulcher & Scott. (1999) Sociology Family and Household] Job segregation enabled males still to maintain superiority over women, because of the patriarchal relationships in paid work. The labour market urged lower wages for women, so that it would encourage them to marry and stay financial dependant on their husbands. Women were excluded from better jobs than men, to keep their primary responsibilities as the main caregiver for children and family. However in some areas of the pre-industrial society capable women who entered the labour market were forced into part-time and insecure employments, where they would be excluded from promotion. Once they married they had to leave their job, so their personal status would drop back down into the status level as they were when they started off. Also the employment of women alarmed men highly as their position of the male role of head of the household became seen as threatened, especially in the twenty century then demands for labour by women became stronger, and women would no longer be ignored. This was when the ‘family wage' became known, when the male breadwinner would support his family with his earnings, whilst the women's earning were treated as a additional source of income so that their unpaid domestic work would not be interfered with their paid work. It was not until the 1980s that these requirements changed, when recruitment practices of certain companies had referred to the Equals Opportunities Commission. The position of men was altered and the women's position underwent significant changes. More women moved into the labour market and were used less in the homes. With the changing of attitudes towards means of the production, families began to drop away from the ways and ideas of ‘male ownership' with society and the changing attitudes of women's role became stronger. Society needed women to work as men could not fill all the vacancies and they needed women to do the jobs that men would not. More opportunities for young children to go to school were given. ‘Private housekeeping is transformed into a social industry. The care and education of the children became a public affair; society looks after all children alike, whether they are legitimate or not'. [p170, Jodi Dean. (1997) Feminism and the New Democracy] Changes in women's employment have had consequences that we still do not know what will happen in a situation involving children, marriages and other important factors in ones individual life. Countries that have high birth rates now have low birth rates, due to women working. Dramatic changes have also taken place, such as divorce rates rising and single mothers increasing. Organizations themselves are re-thinking employing different work time and working practice; because number of paid work and taking care of unpaid domestic and family work has increased as men have to also help now. Females that were before at home looking after husband's mother refuse to do this now. The late twenty century patterns was going to work, leaving work on the first child, then gradually coming back to work. These females were married, where as mentioned before that in the early days, that if women worked, they had to leave the employment completely when they got married. Now there are more women in the labour force than men. Women's economic behaviour is the same as men, but still do different jobs on a lower level. Patriarchy was also found in adopting the name of their husbands after marriage, but more women are choosing to keep their maiden and have a choice of titles e. g. Ms, Miss and Mrs, so that they can retain their own identity. Also another element that changed in society which is widely appreciated now is the fact that women were able to vote which began after the First World War, which was still based on age. However the question still remains that is patriarchy still useful? I would personally argue that yes it is. One has to understand it with other concepts, with the way of how the concept of patriarchy is used. I would personally argue that some concepts of patriarchy has fad away from today society's, but overall it has not lessened, but is now being used under different forms. One form of patriarchy that can be seen as a useful concept, is entertainment given by women. Women are appreciated on their glamour. In the media women such as the ‘Spice Girls' are a role model in society because of glamour. Naked women are commonly shown e. g. in the Sun Newspaper, on page three, where as men nudity is more under the covers. This is seen as useful, as it can be forfilling entertainment for men, and women' role models are being used to put across message, such as Spice Girls putting forward the message of ‘girl power'. It can also still be useful in a relationship as men still oppress women, maybe it is something that males inherent, that men can use to impress women, such as paying when going out, walking the lady home etc. I would say it's main usefulness still lies within the family, as the family and religion are the source of many of our beliefs. Families and religion can be the most powerful sets of shaping one's personality and future. This is important as it is given to us from our primary experiences of family life. It is believed that for a family to work it needs to be organized within a set of rules and belief's. These still mainly come from the main positional power, which is mainly the role of the father. The rules and beliefs are expected to be practiced in order to keep a family together. ‘The key to survival and success for the children in the family system, or the underlying incentives and rewards, is to please the father or, in it's modern form, please the parents, and obtaining their attention and/or approval. [http://www. 2. warwick. ac. uk/fac/soc/siology/researh. htm] In some religions and cultures it is seen as a useful concept, for example Islam, because some elements are practice to protects women and their dignity. Their rules come from the Holy Qur'an, which Muslims obey by not only because they have to, but also because they believe it has been given to them to help guide them and protect them from the dangers of life, one example, adultery. However some may not see it as useful, as facts have shown that the top politicians and scientists are men. Work hours still have had seen to be problems for women. In Britain inequality is illegal but still is happening in other parts of the country, and men still oppress women. Sometimes society promotes sex- stereotyped roles themselves when it is unnecessary, for example in some cultures there is more of a celebration when a baby boy is born, or when children are a bit older society places them into their sex roles, e. . to praise them we say things like â€Å"that's pretty for a good girl† or to a boy it is said † you do that like a girl†, or â€Å"boys don't cry†. We are teaching girls to be feminine, and boys are taught to be masculine, by being tough and insensitive. My conclusion to this essay from reviewing the facts I have gained, is that patriarchy is seen more as useful concept in society today despite the negative elements. I would personally say that women today still depend on certain patriarchal concepts to enable them to gain security within their lives, however this is not true for everyone. During this essay I have covered a range of topics to with patriarchy. In my essay I have concentrated on four aspects, I have defined the term ‘patriarchy'; I have talked about how society was how society has changed, and discussed if patriarchy still is a useful concept. I have produced this with relevant evidence in a form of quotes.