Travelling Essay

As for me I prefer to learn about the world travelling.Millions people all over the world spend their holidays travelling. They travel to see other countries and continents, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns, they travel to enjoy picturesque places or just for a change of scene. It's always interesting to discover new things and different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, to listen to different music.Those who live in the country like to go to a big city and spend their time visiting museums and art galleries, looking at shop windows and dining at exotic restaurants. City residents usually like a quiet holiday by the sea and in the mountains with nothing to do but walk and bathe and lay in the sun.Most travelers and holiday-makers take a camera with them and take pictures of everything that interest them – the sights of a city, old churches and castles, views of mountains, lakes, valleys, plains, waterfalls, forests, different kinds of t rees, flowers and plants, animals and birds. Later, perhaps years later, they will be reminded by the photos of the happy time they had.People travel by train, by plane, by ship or boat and by car. All means of travel have their advantages and disadvantages. And people choose one according to their plans and preferences. The fasters way of travelling – is travelling by plane, but in my opinion the most comfortable is travelling by ship and the cheapest is travelling on foot.If we are fond of travelling, we see and learn a lot of things that we can never see or learn at home, though we may read about them in books and newspapers and see pictures of them on TV. The best way to study geography is to travel and the best way to get to know and understand the people is to meet them in their own homes.Nowadays people mostly travel by air, as it's the fastest means of  travelling. Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure time on international fligh ts and an hour on domestic flights, as there must be enough time to complete the necessary airport formalities. Before passengers get on board the plane, they have to register their luggage. Each passenger is given a boarding pass to be shown at the departure gate and again to the stewardess when boarding the plane.Landing formalities and custom regulations are more or less the same in all countries: while still on board the plane the passengers are given arrival cards to fill in. After the passengers have disembarked, officials will check his passport and visa. Then the passengers go to the custom for an examination of their luggage. As a rule personal belongings may be brought in duty-free. In some cases the custom inspector may ask you to open your bag for inspection.As for me, I prefer to travel by plane. And now I would like to tell you about my first travelling by plane. It was in 1998 when I travelled to Italy. I travelled without parents, but with guide and other children. I don't remember exactly how much time it took to fly from Minsk to Venice, but I think it must be about 2 or 3 hours.During the flight I communicated with my neighbours, I admired the view from my window and slept a bit. When we are were landing in Venice I looked out of my window and saw the entire city at my hand. It isn't true, that there is no one road in Venice, but only water channels. I can say that only the third part of the city is covered with water. Then the plain landed. So, it was my first travelling by plane.And in the end I'll say that traveling is a nice hobby and a great thing if you want to know more about the world and certainly if you are studying a foreign language.

Compare and Contrast Bodies of Work by Two Artists

2. Compare and contrast bodies of work by two artists you have studied. In your discussion, address the significance of intentions to their practise. The intention of practitioners is pivotal to their practice, these intentions may be different or similar between artists, and two artists whose body of works will be discussed throughout this response include Chris O’Doherty (b. 1951) a contemporary Australian artist and Lin Onus (b. 1948 d. 1996) a contemporary Indigenous Australian artist.The artworks in which will be compared and contrasted are Chris O’Doherty’s Aussie Jesus series, including â€Å"Aussie Jesus at the Football† (1996) available in poster, calendar and t-shirt form and Lin Onus’ three metre mixed media installation â€Å"Fruit Bats†(1990) Although both artists are Australian, Chris O’Doherty is an Anglo-Saxon Australian and was raised as a Christian and has a commercial background, as a rock musician he conveys his int entions in pop culture with many of his artworks placed on T-shirts, posters and calendars, an example of this is his artwork â€Å"Jesus at the Football†, whereas Lin Onus is not influenced by a commercial background, growing up as a man who had experienced the segregation and assimilation of the aboriginal peoples, Lin onus’ artworks are made to illustrate the loss and hope for aboriginal culture and how it has mixed with western culture, this can be seen in his artwork â€Å"Fruit bats† he is an Indigenous Australian raised in Aboriginal culture. However despite these differences they both identify with Australian contemporary culture. In this way that an artist’s world impacts their body of work.Chris O’Doherty’s intentions were directly influenced by him being a commercial artist, as when he was in the band â€Å"Mad as Anything† he would design their album covers, and other promotional merchandise, this relates to many of his wo rks such as â€Å"Aussie Jesus at the Football† which can be bought in the form of a poster, calendar, and shirts, this is a direct reference to O’Doherty’s use of popular culture in order to spread his art to a wide Audience O’Doherty also uses his artwork to educate his audience on spiritual aspects in contemporary Australia, while using humour in order to better communicate what he is trying to express, this can be seen in many of his â€Å"Aussie Jesus† works, specifically â€Å"Aussie Jesus at the football† (1996) through the use of the reinterpreted form of ‘Jesus’ if he was Australian, O’Doherty re-invents The bible story of ‘ The Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes’ into a new Australian setting of ‘the Miracle of the pies and beer† in which allows him to reinterpret the original moral lesson, and to make a contemporary comment about the nature of worship in our culture today, in terms of our worship of food, beer and sports more than things such as family or church. Similarly Lin Onus aims to educate his audience on the Traditional Aboriginal culture, how it has become moulded to western culture and how it affects the Aboriginal peoples.The installation â€Å"Fruit Bats†(1990) is a collection in which displays the fruit bats hanging of a Hill Hoist (clothesline) a symbol of western culture, in which is a direct reference to the effect of suburbia on the land and how these indigenous animals have adapted through them hanging of the clothesline and not a tree. However there is also a use of humour in his work, the small disks located on the floor and up the post of the hills hoist are symbols of the bats’ droppings, however display a flower like pattern. In this way Onus wishes to reflect on his culture in terms of the progression of the intertwining of Aboriginal and Western cultures.Lin Onus also uses the medium of an installation in the artwork †Å"Fruit Bats† (1990) which enables the audience to participate with the work and therefore is available for a wider audience much like O’Doherty. The artworks Differ in their medium, Lin Onus’ â€Å"Fruit Bats† (1990) is an installation piece made up of mixed media, whereas many of O’Doherty’s works such as â€Å"Aussie Jesus at the Football† are purchasable items in the form of posters, Calenders, shirts and much more, these are however linked to their common ability to communicate to a larger audience as O’Doherty’s work can be bought by many and Onus’ â€Å"Fruit Bats† can involve a large audience.Another contrasting aspect of these works is the religion imbued in the work where as â€Å"Aussie Jesus† implies the artworks Christian nature Chis O’Doherty’s work is subtly Indigenous through the use of Traditional aboriginal symbols and techniques seen in â€Å"Fruit Bats†(1990), this then leads to the differences in the artistic style of the bodies of work, O’Doherty uses a comic like style in his illustrations of the bible in contemporary terms, while Onus mixes Western and Traditional Aboriginal art styles such as the Arnhem land crosshatching seen on the wings of the fruit bats in the artwork â€Å"Fruit Bats† (1990), in this way both collections of work communicate culture and spirituality. The artworks also contrast in their subject matters while Chris O’Doherty deals with the ideas of worship and contemporary Australian culture in his â€Å"Aussie Jesus† specifically â€Å"Aussie Jesus at the Football†(1996), Lin Onus focuses on the mixing of Western culture and Indigenous Australian culture and its effect on Aboriginal Australians. Finally Both artworks deal with Humour in their works while still pertaining to communicate a more serious message. O’Doherty uses humour in that he re-contextualises the bible sto ries into more comedic modern terms while making a point on Australian contemporary culture and worship.Lin Onus also uses humour in his work â€Å"Fruit Bats† through the disks with flower patterns scattered over and around the Hills Hoist actually representing the bat droppings, however still communicating the more serious notion of the adaption of the Aboriginal people to western culture. It is evident that Both Lin Onus and Chris O’Doherty address the significance of intention to their practise. This has been demonstrated by comparing their bodies of work, including Chis O’Doherty’s â€Å"Aussie Jesus† series and Lin Onus’ installation piece â€Å"Fruit Bats† (1990). While these artists are completely different in their artistic styles, subject matter and mediums they share a common interest in their intentions of their art practise, showing their view on Australian culture and heritage, while imbuing their works with spirituality , humour and making it more accessible to a wide audience.

Rough Draft

One of the points that the article talked a out was having a strong personal characteristic such as integrity and to be motivated. The defied notion for integrity is to be honest and fair and to be complete or whole. Integrity is one of the m ajar keys while on this journey. It's notes making sure you avoid plagiarism or cheating, but eke ping your nose the grindstone and keeping yourself motivated when you want to quit Everett inning. Another strong characteristic that a student will need to have is being able to be an in dependent learner.There are going to be many hours to devote to homework and studying. The more classes a dent takes the more hours they will have to carve out of their already busy schedule, so long distance learners need to possess clearances to develop the independent lea ran inning characteristic (Termini, 201 0, pig 58). The article talks about a couple of factors that come into play with long distance students as well. The first factor of being an online succ essful s dent is environmental, where family can help and support the online learners.Family can help with multiple things, like fixing dinner, doing laundry and doing errands riff there AR e any other licensed drivers in the home. This will give the online student a chance to use time management a must have to keep the student on track. If the student does not manage the IR time they will not be able to turn in their work in on time to get the adequate help from the insist rector if it is needed. The second and equally important factor is the technical aspect. To be success useful in the online structure, it will help if the student is somewhat tech saws.Everything from c immunization with the instructor, taking tests, turning in homework and watching any discs session is done with the connection of the internet. It is imperative to have the right kind of soft re to protect your computer. Also making sure the learner has the correct word processor, became use of all the research pa pers that will be written. Ill. Reflection After reading the article was surprised to find out that Titration stated † t here are certain kinds of students that can learn online†. (As cited in Boyd, 2004, pig 3139).SST dents, much like myself, getting ready to take online courses may think it is going to be far more easier then in a classroom setting, but that is not necessarily true. If the online learner do sees not have the right learning characteristic, like being self reliant and highly motivated, they ay find out that they are not able to be successful and be among the many that have dropped out. That is what challenges me. I don't want to be another drop out statistics, yet again. The SST rarities in the article are similar to the course that I'm taking.They talk about the important e of time management, setting goals, and learning to be a motivated, independent long distant student. A scripture that have for this as a reminder for me to stay strong and determine Ned is; Sec 8:6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though I person may be weighed down by misery. (NIB) IV. Application The most important thing that I have taken from this topic is that there are many factors that can help or hinder me. I have already begun the steps of good time manage meet, which in the most important key to online learning. Eve filled out a calendar with all my lessons and all my daily activities and printed it. I keep it by my laptop at all times, so I'm able to see what the day brings. Sometimes I have had to adjust a few personal activities around, so the at can make more time to study and keep ahead with my homework The calendar has also help my in my daily life. Its had kept me motivated to make time for the gym. For years have off get with myself to stay motivated in that area, but now can see it,in writing, and have to do that first thing in the morning.Another motivating factor for me will be to stay in connected with t he advisor s at my University. They can help guide me to which courses are the most important t o take first. I plan to keep connected to the university community website. Living across the coo net makes it hard to feel any kind of connection with the campus, but chatting with classmates online or watching events on the web will bring the connection closer. V. Conclusion In conclusion, have found out that it is very important to not lose hope as an online learner. Rough Draft One of the points that the article talked a out was having a strong personal characteristic such as integrity and to be motivated. The defied notion for integrity is to be honest and fair and to be complete or whole. Integrity is one of the m ajar keys while on this journey. It's notes making sure you avoid plagiarism or cheating, but eke ping your nose the grindstone and keeping yourself motivated when you want to quit Everett inning. Another strong characteristic that a student will need to have is being able to be an in dependent learner.There are going to be many hours to devote to homework and studying. The more classes a dent takes the more hours they will have to carve out of their already busy schedule, so long distance learners need to possess clearances to develop the independent lea ran inning characteristic (Termini, 201 0, pig 58). The article talks about a couple of factors that come into play with long distance students as well. The first factor of being an online succ essful s dent is environmental, where family can help and support the online learners.Family can help with multiple things, like fixing dinner, doing laundry and doing errands riff there AR e any other licensed drivers in the home. This will give the online student a chance to use time management a must have to keep the student on track. If the student does not manage the IR time they will not be able to turn in their work in on time to get the adequate help from the insist rector if it is needed. The second and equally important factor is the technical aspect. To be success useful in the online structure, it will help if the student is somewhat tech saws.Everything from c immunization with the instructor, taking tests, turning in homework and watching any discs session is done with the connection of the internet. It is imperative to have the right kind of soft re to protect your computer. Also making sure the learner has the correct word processor, became use of all the research pa pers that will be written. Ill. Reflection After reading the article was surprised to find out that Titration stated † t here are certain kinds of students that can learn online†. (As cited in Boyd, 2004, pig 3139).SST dents, much like myself, getting ready to take online courses may think it is going to be far more easier then in a classroom setting, but that is not necessarily true. If the online learner do sees not have the right learning characteristic, like being self reliant and highly motivated, they ay find out that they are not able to be successful and be among the many that have dropped out. That is what challenges me. I don't want to be another drop out statistics, yet again. The SST rarities in the article are similar to the course that I'm taking.They talk about the important e of time management, setting goals, and learning to be a motivated, independent long distant student. A scripture that have for this as a reminder for me to stay strong and determine Ned is; Sec 8:6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though I person may be weighed down by misery. (NIB) IV. Application The most important thing that I have taken from this topic is that there are many factors that can help or hinder me. I have already begun the steps of good time manage meet, which in the most important key to online learning. Eve filled out a calendar with all my lessons and all my daily activities and printed it. I keep it by my laptop at all times, so I'm able to see what the day brings. Sometimes I have had to adjust a few personal activities around, so the at can make more time to study and keep ahead with my homework The calendar has also help my in my daily life. Its had kept me motivated to make time for the gym. For years have off get with myself to stay motivated in that area, but now can see it,in writing, and have to do that first thing in the morning.Another motivating factor for me will be to stay in connected with t he advisor s at my University. They can help guide me to which courses are the most important t o take first. I plan to keep connected to the university community website. Living across the coo net makes it hard to feel any kind of connection with the campus, but chatting with classmates online or watching events on the web will bring the connection closer. V. Conclusion In conclusion, have found out that it is very important to not lose hope as an online learner. Rough Draft Identity is what defines us as a person. Everyone one on earth has their own unique identity. To showcase my identity, I created a collage of images and descriptive words, called an identi-kit. This identi-kit shows what I feel like is my identity to myself and the others. My identi-kit identifies me as a mixed martial artist. The identi-kit has images of a deadly shark with mixed martial arts gloves on that say mixed martial arts on the front and fight shorts with the words competitor and warrior on them.It also has descriptive words like â€Å"killer instinct† and â€Å"fight† which describe my spirit. There are three assumptions that come to question when asking about one’s identity. The first is if you were born with this identity? The second is if this identity was shaped because of culturally influences? The third is if the identity was created because of personal choices in your life? My identity was formed by all three assumptions of identity. orn with. M e joining and training in mixed martial arts were both culturally influenced and a personal choice.My brother and brother-in-law influenced me in mixed martial arts and then it was my personal choice to train and experience mixed martial arts. My never give up and go for the kill attitude was what I was born with. My identi-kit shows that my identity is a mixed martial artists that is disciplined and has a killer instinct when it comes to competition. The images and words on the identi-kit were carefully chosen to fully project my identity. One image that was chosen is an image of a shark that looks ferocious and ready to go one more round.This image displays that I am the same way. When it comes to training and competing I am mean and will go one more round to win. Quitting is not an option in my life. There is a phrase on my identi-kit and it says â€Å"Killer Instinct†. This phrase was chosen because it is very descriptive and shows that I have the killer instinct to fight through the pain and suffering. There are many images of fight shorts that have words on then that are very important in my life. The two that are my favorite have the words â€Å"Warrior† and â€Å"Competitor† on them.These words were chosen to reflect my identity as a competitor and a warrior when it comes to mixed martial arts and life in general. One image on the identi-kit shows the word â€Å"Hayabusa† which is the fastest falcon in the world. To me hayabusa means to be fast and quick but do not hurry. The Hayabusa is the fastest bird in the world that is fast and quick but does not screw up. My life revolves around working fast and quick but not to mess up at the same time. The images and phrases put together on the identi-kit help others to identify me because they are all very descriptive and imaginative.The identi-kit forms my identity to other people because to train and compete in mixed martial arts you have to be much disciplined, self-motivated, a nd have the killer instinct to go and fight with another human being. I was born with my identity and at the same time influenced and made the choice to do what I do. My identity was created by all three assumptions of identity while with others it could be just one or two assumptions that made who they are. I was born with me living my life in the fast lane. I have to keep on moving and trucking without ever stopping.I was born with my killer instinct and passion for competition. My involvement in mixed martial arts was influenced and a choice. Everyone has their niche in life. Some people are good at football, others in academics, while I was good at mixed martial arts. I was not interested until my family started to getting me involved by watching live mixed martial arts events on television. As I watched more events the more I became interested and encouraged to get involved. Then came my personal choice to start training in mixed martial arts and I never regret making that deci sion.To some extent identity is a performance. For some people it’s to satisfy the likes of others. For some it’s trying to join a certain community. For most identity is not a performance. Identity is not something you can â€Å"put on† or â€Å"take off†. Sadly for others identity is exactly what was just stated. In order for some people to be happy and impress others they put on an identity in order to fit in. For some it’s a personal choice and for others they are influenced by the culture that surrounds them. What is cool to some may be uncool to others.To some smoking dope is cool and if you do it you are cool but to others like myself I do not think smoking dope is cool. I do not think it is cool but I do not hate anyone that does smoke it because that is their identity and a personal choice. My identity is not to impress anybody or to fit in with a certain crowd, my identity is what makes me happy and what labels me to other people. People want to be cool and be liked, so they commit to an identity that is not who they really are. The thing that makes us is us. For me my identity is what it is and others may not think it is cool or not right but it is who I am and what makes me.My identi-kit showcases who I am and what I am like. It displays my label to me and others. It shows that I love the aspect of competing and having the killer instinct to do so. This is important because it shows my identity is not something you can just put on and then later take off. Every image and phrase on my identi-kit is a little piece of who I am and what I offer to others. My images and phrases were the perfect strategies to display my identity and in doing so helped me to identify myself. What makes us who we are?

UNIT 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

UNIT 5 - Essay Example When management carries out its duties effectively by attaining desired results, then that defines doing things the right way. On the other hand, when management does things efficiently, that is accomplishing set goals in the required way, then that is doing the right thing. Setting measurable goals such as budgets and production levels gives the manager a chance to analyze reasons for missing certain goals. Reasonable and measurable goals help managers to expose reasons that results into struggles of working staff. In addition, measurable goals help in preventing miscommunication among members of the organization. Without measurable goals, employees morale decreases because staff members feel that they work without direction. It, therefore, is through setting up of measurable goals that employees prove to their managers their worth and goals. Every project goal has its critical dimensions. Three of these critical dimensions include cost, scope and schedule of the project in question. For any project, the manager must put into consideration cost of materials that the entire project may require. Secondly, the required release date of the project makes it necessary for a manager to treat schedule with significance (Sanzo et al.,  2012). Finally, project managers also need to take care of the project scope. Project scope involves performance requirements and any other set features in the project goal. The most common types of project manager’s charts are the PERT Chart and Gantt chart. Both PERT and Gantt charts help managers to plan their projects in a manner that enables the project team to visualize the project as a whole or in part (Bowen, 2014). However, PERT and Gantt display varied contrasts. Gantt charts describe tasks dependencies, onset and ending times for project tasks while PERT charts describe parallel activities and that are sequential. Gantt charts mainly depict simple related tasks whereas PERT charts focus on

Snowboarding down a ski slope in Colorado Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Snowboarding down a ski slope in Colorado - Essay Example However, it never turned unattractive or unpractical. After undergoing the 3- year- old training program at the Copper Mountain Ski and Ride School, I decided last weekend that I should venture myself on a major snowboarding trip. What a wonderful experience it was! As I was half-way through my journey, downwards the chaste curves and virgin slopes in the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley in Southwest Colorado, I felt I had missed a lot all these years. A possessive feeling gripped me that the snows should become my permanent home. strong feeling that, in an aerial view, it would pose the picture of a heavenly cone gifted to the Earth. I wanted to ask someone how he felt about it but people were away at some distance enjoying themselves in the snows. I gave up the idea and stopped for a while to explore the environs and feel its beauty. I could see innumerable slops and icy curves spread over a vast horizon of snows. Overwhelmed by its unending beauty, I sat down and pondered: why should God create this much beauty in this lonely place Why are the minds of people not as beautiful as the beauty of these snows Thinking that God must be having a reason for this kind of set up, I had casually spread my right hand down, leaning back.

Industrial Life Cycle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industrial Life Cycle - Essay Example Industrial Life Cycle refers to the study of different stages and steps which an industry will go thorough during its entire life. When an industrialist decides to set up a new industry, he must assess each and every stage of production. This technique involves such steps which are used to ensure the economic feasibility of the industry to be set up. The life cycle of an industry can be divided into four different stages; the Start up stage, Consolidation stage, Maturity stage, and the Decline stage. Start up stage is the very first stage of the life cycle of an industry. This is the stage where the growth and development process is immensely fast. This stage could be regarded as the phase of the life of an industry where it is newly born. At this point of time the industry can be a small scale company which has limited production. This is the time when the investment involved is at its peak. The industry does not only require investment to initiate its production, but it also requir e heavy funding for the research and expertise much needed to settle down its products in the market. The Start up stage refers to that point of life of an industry where there is virtually no profit. This is the time period where the revenue generated is at the lowest of all its levels and heavy amount is spend on the development and test prototype stages of the product. Whatever profit is generated, it is reinvested in the industries development processes, preparing it for the next stages to come. Consolidation stage of an industry refers to the time when the growth is not as fast as the initial Start up stage, but still the industry is bearing fruit and keeps running faster than the economy in general. This is the stage where steps are taken to strengthen the industry and maximize the profit. It is during this stage that the break even is achieved and good profit starts to generate. This stage requires good marketing techniques in order to ensure that the product being offered is different and much better than its competitor’s products in the market. The economic factor involved in this stage primarily focuses on the marketing side, because if the product is launched successfully in the market it will ensure its good sale which will eventually raise the profit of the company. During this stage it is also required that the industry carry out researches to improve its already offered product, thus ensuring its sustainability in the market. In the Maturity stage, the growth rate is not as fast as the general economy but this is the time period when growth is not the focus; in fact cash flow and share in the market are the basic targets of the industry. This is the stage when the industry has settled and its product has made the consumer accept its worth. It might be possible that some new industries will try to steal the share of the market of the already existing industry, but it would not be easy. And with proper marketing the industry can ensure its competitiveness. A firm of an industry might pay some dividend or profit to its shareholders during this stage, as the profit is maximized. The Decline or Relative Decline is the final stage in the life of an industry. This is the stage when the growth rate becomes lower than the general economy and the industry may be substituted by a new one. This stage is comes to an industry when its research and innovations fail to face the growing challenges of the market. Thus the product becomes obsolete and

Unschooling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unschooling - Essay Example They study at home and learn from their own life experience. Unschooling is rather controversial: from one point of view it can give young people more opportunities to learn from the natural experience, from the other point of view, it can prevent children from receiving normal education. Here I would like to emphasize that home schooling is possible and good but everything depends on parents and their efforts. In the article the author presents the case of the 6-year-old boy who is unschooled. He does not go to school but plays games and goes shopping instead. His mother does not care if he reads textbooks or learn vocabulary. He learned to read from Pokemon cards and to count in the supermarket when choosing what is cheaper and what to buy. The opponents of unschooling are sure that such children may miss important points given in school. But boy’s mother does not think so. She says that her son will get standard education but with the help of soft and unobtrusive approach. For example, when she wants her son to read a textbook, she does not order him to do that. She just leaves the book in the room and one day he starts reading it himself. I consider unschooling to be a very interesting new approach. However much depends on parents. They should assess their efforts and opportunities before making a serious decision to let their child remain

Visual analysis of Mahatma Gandhis portrait Assignment

Visual analysis of Mahatma Gandhis portrait - Assignment Example It is sizeable and easily noticeable by visitors visiting the house. The Mahatma Gandhi portrait was made in New Delhi in India by an Indian artist called Kumar Khan. The design is very artistic and is made to beautify the house walls as well as inspire persons who view it daily. The gift was given as a gift by my parents. The gift was given to serve as an inspiration at a time my performance in school was improving. The portrait is made from wood which has then been shaped with some artistic designs engraved in it. The portrait is then painted with a golden color which makes it beautiful and easily noticeable by persons visiting the house. The image of Mahatma Gandhi is an artistic drawing which corresponds to how Mahatma looked like. The pencil-drawn picture corresponds to the images of Mahatma on a real picture. The image of Mahatma Gandhi has several noticeable features that identify him. One of this the spectacles he wore during his days which are almost circular in Shape. The h ero had beards above the mouth but on the lower side on the sheen he had no beards. Another feature is the type of cloth he is shown wearing in the portrait. It’s a white cloth mostly worn by the people of India. People who have seen his picture in the past, whether it’s on Newspapers, TV, art books or even in history books would ultimately identify him. The artist of the Picture, Kumar Khan, was very accurate in designing the portrait since every part of the portrait corresponds to the real picture of Mahatma Gandhi.

Article Summary Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Summary - Article Example The article is a description of the way in which infants react to feeling and conditions. In an argument by Bartolotti (2009) children tend to be sensitive when exposed to situations they have no psychological strength to handle. Additionally, the article embraces the fact that children ted to behave according to the environment they are raised in. parents enable children to perceive the environment depending on the way they are raised (Bartolotti, 2009). Depending on early childhood environment of a child, a child develops different ways in which they relate to the environment around them. In addition, the article explains the assumption that the psychological development of a child is determined by the development of their age. At a mild age, a child is easily offended by the easiest of provocations. With time this notion changes (Bartolotti, 2009). The basic creation of the article is based on the fact for a child to develop it require more than parental care. With parent education, parents are enabled to understand the psychological approach to handling children in regards to their age. In an argument by Bartolotti (2009) a child displays specific behaviors depending on their age. Parent education enlightens a parent on such specification as it aims at increasing the relation between the parent and the child. Understanding a child as more than just a sibling is important to their growth due to the fact that the child perception and needs would be effectively catered for. In an argument by Bartolotti (2009) the temperament of a child displays significantly the direction of a child behavior. The author further points out that understanding this factor of a child and the stages of the factor it becomes easier to address the issues of the child and understand the display of behavior by the child. An adult can clearly understand t his behavior by accessing parent

Free will theodicy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Free will theodicy - Essay Example Speaking of the objections that might be made towards the above mentioned claim, one is able to name at least two. They are articulated in the book titled Dialogue on Good, Evil, and the Existence of God and are expressed by Gretchen Weirob. First of all, she points out that God could have created a world that, on the one hand, would be filled with creatures that will exercise free will and, on the other hand, that would be free of weaknesses. In spite of the fact that such thinking might seem logical, it fails to comply with some of the important ideas of free will theodicy which argues that an irreplaceable part of a free will is to be able to perform evil actions as well. Another objection that is made by Weirob puts emphasis on the fact that the very idea of free will is not logical at all. Thus, it is suggested that with the help of it a person is able to make actions independently, regardless of any other forces that influence one in this process; but God always knows what a pe rson will do since He is thought to be omniscient. Another character, namely David, suggests that knowledge that God possesses should not be seen as an obstacle on the way of a person exercising free will. This means that even though other people might know and understand the motifs that will most certainly guide a person through decision making process, the action itself happens because a person wills it. In other words, the knowledge is not affecting the ability of an individual to choose in any way. While this may be true, the original characters suggest that this might work when other people are involved, but then God is involved, his knowledge is special. The primarily difference here lies in the fact that unlike other people God was directly involved in the creation of a person and had affected every aspect of one’s personality. In other words, other people can not simply

Brighter Cleaning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Brighter Cleaning - Essay Example y dynamic, comprising of factors that keep changing, for instance, customers’ tastes and preferences are never static, they keep changing in the face of technological advancements. In the same way, it is important that marketing strategies also keep changing in order to remain relevant and effective in the changing business environment. The name of my company is a Brighter Cleaning Company, which is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company has 100 employees and over 10 years experience. The number of employees and experience puts the Brighter Cleaning Company in a position to handle any size of customers. Brighter Cleaning Company main focus is supplying cleaning products to the businesses around. The company offers products to some parts of Ohio: Defiance, Bryan, Plymouth, Peru, Lima, Napoleon, Celina and Coldwater. Other areas that the company’s products have gained popularity are: Auburn, Anderson, Angola Bluffton and Fort Wayne just to name a few. The Brighter Cleaning Company offers janitorial equipment and cleaning solutions products for furniture and floors. The cleaning products and janitorial equipment help in keeping the work places clean and free from germs. The products can be categorized into three major areas: equipment, paper products and cleaning chemicals. The specific products include brooms, brushes, dustpans, chemicals, dust mops, dusters and cleaning pads. Additional products are floor and furniture care, janitorial carts, paper products, rags and wipes. The Brighter Cleaning Company also offers receptacles, personal care, trash bags, liners, recycling equipments and replacement parts. The company’s mission statement is stated as; to become the leading provider of reliable and efficient cleaning services that leaves the workplace and other environment sparkling clean, free from germs and disease causing micro-organisms, as well as other health hazards. In achieving this mission, the company has so far identified janitorial

Exploring the Thematic Link Between the Epigraph and the Greasy Lake Essay Example for Free

Exploring the Thematic Link Between the Epigraph and the Greasy Lake Essay The Greasy Lake seems to be influence by Bruce Springsteen Spirit in the Night. It is like used an epigraph from his song even though its not about the characters of the story. The characters and actions are completely made up. The Greasy Lake seemed to just imitate the song and take on its a free spirit. The Bad boy image in the Greasy Lake was admired and planned as the boys days continued, it was not original. We can just think about when the Greasy Lake was set not only the epigraph but also the title of the story was inspired by Bruce Springsteen Spirit in the Night. Think about it, are these boys really bad? No, they are just acting out the kind of behavior they think is bad,cool or expected of them. They read books to learn the Bad boy ways, drink cheap non- bad boy drinks and came from high class families. The nature of life was shown through the bad things that took place such as beating the guy and disrespecting the girl and being bad in order to be looked at as bad or cool. This is the narrator learned his lesson all from his actiions. The narrator, in the beginning of the story, believed himself and his friends were these tough guys but the events trhoughout the night reveals to the narrator that there is a price to be paid when trying to be bad. It was the third night of summer vacation and the narrator and his two friends, Digby and Jeff, wanted to prove they were misfits. That they were ready to be reckless and became reck. On that night they wanted to be semi- rebels, their rebellion explodes in their faces. Their actions brings them into a tougher world than they had arranged for. They beat the goy up and was about to rape his girl friend. The guy friends pulled up and the tables had turned. They ran through the woods, dived and poluted waters and floated with the real tough guy who was dead in the waters. They hid from the real tough guys because they were scared and werent bad at all. The layed low till the early morning and then the three boys started to feel a bunch of hatred or repugnance for the Bad boy life. As the end it is clear that they have had enough of being â€Å"bad. † The narrator of â€Å"Greasy Lake† matures during his risky adventure because he has different views of nature. Earlier in the story they wanted to destroy the smell of possibility and interact in all these crazy moments such as watch the girl take their clothes off, drink, smoke and listen to Rock Roll. At the end of the story these cruel likings loses their request or want for these Bad guy qualities and aspects of life. When morning arrived the narrator experienced the beauty of the natural world like it was his first time. He has a epiphany or proclamation that this was nature and in the beginning it was just a dirty, rundown lake.? This was not just for him but for his friends also. When the girls approached them at the end his friend stepped up and trned down the girls offer. The three friends had the experience of a life time that changed thm for the better.

Riddells Safe Helmets Marketing Plan

Riddells Safe Helmets Marketing Plan Riddell, the brainchild of John Tate Riddell, has a long and illustrious history of introducing innovative sports equipment. Since 1929 the Riddell Sports has been producing technologically innovative performance equipment aimed at providing athletes efficient safety gear (Riddell, 2012). A wide range of sports equipment is manufactured by Riddell Sports ranging from its most popular product the football helmets to other sports equipment such as shoulder pads, face masks, body pads and helmet chin straps. In 2006 Riddell Bell Holdings and Easton Sports merged their operations forming Easton-Bell Sports (Riddell, 2012). Riddell has been a prominent brand of Easton-Bell Sports ever since 2006 along with its other brands such as Easton, Giro and bell (Riddell, 2012). Football is a tough sport and medical researches prove that there exist strong chances that regular players will suffer from at least one concussion while playing for a school, college or professional football team (Hyde Gengenbach, 2007). Concussion is an injury to brain that is caused by a punch or violent strike on the head (Hyde Gengenbach, 2007). The medical implications of concussion can be mild like suffering from a headache to severe like going into coma. Concussion is a serious problem plaguing American football. Nearly 63,000 students participating in ten different high school sports suffer from mild concussions each year with two-third of them suffer concussions while playing football (Hyde Gengenbach, 2007). Among football players brain injury is the most common cause of death. It is the responsibility of coaches along with the school and college authorities to ensure that athletes are provided proper safety gear for taking part in any sport. Along with this parents an d athletes themselves should take proper steps to prevent any injury which includes use of appropriate head gear, avoiding dangerous on-field practices such as head-on tacking and head shots in hockey (Hyde Gengenbach, 2007). In case of a concussion the athletes should not be allowed to return back to field until they are cleared by a neurologist after a thorough examination for possible brain injuries. The above statistics show that there exists a huge market need for safety sports gear. This need was effectively tapped by Riddell (Riddell, 2012). The Riddell Sports uses a variety of innovative sports technologies to manufacture safety equipment for athletes that helps them in improving their performance on field (Riddell, 2012). Through effective marketing of its sports safety equipment Riddell can ensure it retains the top spot in safety sports equipment manufacturing for many years to come (Riddell, 2012). Below is a detailed marketing plan for Riddell Sports that examines the marketing strategies currently adopted by Riddell and the possible strategies it can adopt for better promotion of its products. SWOT analysis Strengths: The main strengths of Riddell Sports are outlined below. Riddell is one of the leading football helmet suppliers for schools, colleges and professional football teams. Riddell is the official helmet provider of the National Football League (NFL). Low cost manufacturing and assembling facilities along with excellent relationship with suppliers throughout the world. Riddell also provides state of the art reconditioning services for football safety gear and equipment in US that uses cutting edge technologies like Riddell Staph-Fighter to get rid of viruses, bacteria and molds developed inside the sporting gear. Weaknesses: The main weaknesses of Riddell Sports are outlined below. A limited marketing budget to develop consumer brand awareness. Inability to tackle competition from emerging protective football equipment manufacturers such as Schutt and Rawlings. Opportunities: The main opportunities for Riddell Sports are outlined below. An exceptionally motivated product development team that is keen to develop innovative products offering complete safety solutions to athletes. Through optimization of supply chain operational efficiencies can be gained. Football helmet manufacturing remains an extremely lucrative business with sales for safety football gear rising from $308 million in 2009 to almost $327 million in 2010. Threats: The main threats being faced by Riddell Sports are outlined below. Strong performance of Schutt Sports at all levels of football manufacturing grabbing almost 57% of total market share of safety football manufacturing (Brown, 2011). The strong re-emergence of Rawlings after a gap of two decades. In its first year of operations in 2011 it captured about 6%-7% of the market (Brown, 2011). Marketing Plan for Riddell Sports Industry Analysis The sports equipment industry is a very fast growing industry which makes a projected $3 billion a year. According to Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) an estimated 1 million athletes were a part of high school football teams in 2002. These figures point out towards tremendous potential for sales of football related equipment and accessories. Riddell Sports is currently the market leader in football helmet sales closely followed by Rawlings Football, Schutt Sports and Xenith. Target Market Description The target market for football equipment and accessories can be divided into four main groups: Youth league programs focused on young athletes High school students College students Professional athletes Demographics: The target market of Riddell Sports may comprise of both unmarried young men mainly falling in the 9-25 years age bracket to the married men falling in the 25-35 years age bracket. Psychographics: Riddell Sports mainly aims to target men of around 9-35 years of age who play football this is the reason the Riddell Sports advertisements are mainly shown during NFL games when men are most likely to be watching the television. Interest is another common factor in determining psychographic trend, the target market of Riddell Sports takes equal interest in football. The interest level may vary while some may be interested in watching football on television others are more interested in playing on-field, but all are connected by their love for the game. Geographic location: In the US certain geographical areas are well-known for their love for football (Delaney Madigan, 2009). Significant evidence collected over a period of time proves that football is very popular in Texas, Florida and Alabama (Delaney Madigan, 2009). Thus, the Riddell Sports should concentrate all its energies on effectively marketing its football gear in these areas. Marketing Strategy Mix Product Review: Riddell Sports manufactures football helmets and equipment as well as helmets and equipment used in baseball, lacrosse and other team sports (Riddell, 2012). Riddell Sports may be divided into three main product categories among which are described as below: Football helmets: Riddell manufactures varsity football helmets, youth football helmets, football helmet face masks, and football helmet accessories (Riddell, 2012). Shoulder pads: In this category Riddell also manufactures varsity football shoulder pads, junior varsity shoulder pads, youth football shoulder pads (Riddell, 2012). Reconditioning services: Riddell also provides a cleaning and repairing service for helmets in order to repair any broken parts and pass the helmets through a Riddell Staph-Fighter machine in order to completely sanitize the sports equipment and get rid of molds, viruses and bacteria hidden in the sporting gear (Riddell, 2012). The Riddell Staph-Fighter machine has an amazing kill rate of more than 99.99% of the bacteria (Riddell, 2012). Placement: The version of football that closely resembles rugby and requires athletes to wear helmets is more popular in North America and Europe. Thus, the Riddell Sports placement strategy will be more closely focused on targeting the North American market. Pricing: The pricing strategy of Riddell Sports is based on close monitoring of the prices of competitors products and then developing its pricing strategy accordingly. Riddell Sports continuously strives to remain in line with its competitors prices including Rawlings Football, Schutt Sports and Xenith. Price for Riddells football helmets will also be made competitive with substitute products as well. Distribution Strategy: Riddell Sport has worlds most diversified distribution network for helmets used in athletic and recreational activities. Riddell Sports will be distributing its football equipment through a combination of channels such as: Mass merchants Sporting goods stores Independent specialty retailers Positioning Statement Riddell Sports is positioned as the official helmet of the National Football League (NFL). This is a very powerful positioning statement for Riddell since the competitors cannot imitate it as long as the Riddell Sports is the official helmet supplier of the NFL. Another important reason why it is a powerful positioning statement is because the positioning statement is visible to the customers (Reynolds, 2001). During NFL matches they can see the logo of Riddell Sports on the helmets and other safety equipment worn by athletes. Competitor Review: In the US protective football manufacturing equipment market there are three major companies that have the potential and operational and financial ability to snatch market share away from Riddell Sports. These companies are: Schutt Sports: Offering substantial competition to Riddell Sports in the football helmet manufacturing market. Xenith: Offering substantial competition to Riddell Sports in the youth football helmet market, high school football helmet market and college football helmets market. Rawlings Football: Offering substantial competition to Riddell Sports in the football helmet and apparel manufacturing market. Other competitors of Riddell sports include: Diamond Sports: Offering substantial competition to Riddell Sports in the softball and baseball equipment manufacturing market. Douglas Protective Equipment: Offering substantial competition to Riddell Sports in the shoulder pads manufacturing market. Marketing Communication and Promotion Strategies Press Releases: In the marketing communication context press release is a very effective tool for announcing the arrival of a new product or service into the market. Press releases are usually prepared to convey positive information about the organization. The format of a press release is the same whether it is being prepared for radio, television or newspapers. Riddell Sports actively releases press releases announcing the arrival of new products in the market. Some press releases issued by Riddell in recent times are: On December 12, 2011 Riddell Sport released a press statement announcing that it has entered into a exclusive partnership with National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) to educate athletic administrators about latest safety equipment for athletes (Riddell Press Releases, 2012). On January 12, 2012 Riddell Sports announced though a press release that it was acquiring Gunthers Athletic Service; a West Coast company specializing in sales of sporting equipment and uniforms. The press release further mentioned that the strategic move of acquiring Gunthers will help to boast Riddells presence in West Coast (Riddell Press Releases, 2012). On February 14, 2012 Sports announced though a press release that it was renewing its helmet and equipment partnership with USA Football, which is footballs regulating body in the US (Riddell Press Releases, 2012). Consumer Brand Awareness Strategies Billboards: Non-traditional billboards effectively advertising Riddells safe helmets erected in college stadiums, densely populated neighborhoods can help the consumers to identify with the products of Riddell helmets. Magazines: Riddell Sports can prominently advertise its product offerings through major US sports magazines, since these magazines are read by athletes and sports buffs that are more likely to take interest in advertisements related to sports goods and equipment. Magazine based advertising is a very good way to promote sales of a firms goods and products. Prominent sports magazines through which Riddell sports can advertise its product offerings are: Soccer America Sporting News Sports Illustrated Social Media: Contemporary marketing scenario has been taken over by emerging social media channels (Weinberg, 2009). Various social media channels can be used by Riddell Sports for advertisements of its goods and services, some of the many social media channels that can be used by Riddell Sports are: FaceBook YouTube Twitter Pinit Reddit Mixx Delicious Media Strategy Print Advertising: Riddell can increase consumer brand awareness by advertising through various print media channels such as magazines, newspapers, industry periodicals, in-house publication and a direct mail campaign (Hackley, 2010). Event Marketing: Organizations around the world create events that are tied around marketing of their own products (Trehan Trehan, 2007). Riddell Sports can also use various event marketing tactics to increase its customer base, some of these tactics are mentioned below: Organizing promotional events at various schools and colleges where exhibition football matches are held and the winning team is provided free product samples including premium items bearing companys logo for example t-shirts, hats, mugs etc. In addition to this Riddell Sports can also sponsor local art exhibits, music concerts and various other festivals where there are chances that a large number of men and adult boys will be in attendance, since the main target market for Riddell safety helmets are the above mentioned two groups of consumers. At different locations on the event site large banners and signage featuring Riddells products can be erected which would subconsciously work to increase consumer brand awareness. Organizing such events greatly contribute to increasing consumer brand awareness and can be am effective marketing ploy that can reap great benefits for the sponsoring organization if used wisely. Sales Promotion tactics: Sales promotion is one of the most popular tactical weapons available to organizations around the globe which can be effectively utilized to enhance firms distinctive capabilities along with giving the organization a unique edge over its competitors (Hackley, 2010). The Riddell Sports can use various sales promotion strategies to boost firms sales. Some of the most powerful tactics which can be used by an organization are: A great sales promotion tactic can be that of a offer of a price-cut on a prestigious product of the organization. For example Riddell Sports can offer price-cut on its $376.99 The Game Changer brand of helmets or its $248.99 Revolution Speed brand of helmets (Riddell, 2012). Offering customers a free product when they buy a higher priced helmet. For example customers buying one Game Changer helmet worth around $380 would be given a free chin strap worth $8 (Riddell, 2012). Another popular consumer demand pulling marketing tactic can be the use of coupons (Fifield, 2012). Coupons are a very well-known means of offering targeted customers discounts on selected items (Fifield, 2012). In the case of Riddell helmets these coupons can be distributed in magazines, or advertised on the sports page of local newspaper from where it can be cut and presented to nearby retailer carrying Riddell helmets for a discount of a specified item. Coupons may also be distributed through direct mail or in stores and shopping malls. Broadcast media: Broadcast media includes television and radio (Ranchhod, 2007). Organizations across the world use broadcast media for marketing of their products and services because of the ability of this particular medium to reach a large number of people either internationally or nationally (Fifield, 2012). One of the main benefits of broadcast media is its ability to create vivid product messages that are memorable and compelling (Ranchhod, 2007). Riddell Sports also ran one such memorable television commercial during the National Football Leagues Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys game (Riddell, 2012). Worlds Apart Television Commercial: This television commercial was aired in 2011 (Riddell, 2012). The 30 second commercial which featured top-quality Riddell football equipment gave the message that players may represent entirely different football teams but they are same because they are wearing protective gear and helmets made by Riddell (Riddell, 2012). The particular television commercial designed by HeadRush advertising agency received amazing feedback from television viewers across the US (HeadRush Creative, 2011). Celebrity Endorsements: The TEARS (Trustworthiness, Expertise, Physical Attractiveness, Respect, and Similarity to Target Audience) model has been developed to describe the reasons why using a celebrity as an endorser for a firms product can produce a positive impact on the overall sales of the organization (Fifield, 2012). When customers see their favorite celebrity using a product they can easily identify and recall that particular product when they go for shopping (Hackley, 2010). The use of well known celebrities in advertising is a great marketing tool that has been effectively used by Riddell for marketing of its safety sports gear. The Riddell Sports has a long standing history of roping in top of the class athletes for celebrity endorsement of Riddell products. Some of the famous athletes endorsing Riddell products are: Dave Mirra the American BMX athlete who holds the record for winning the highest number of X-games medals endorses Riddell helmets. Tony Hawk also endorses Riddell helmets. He is also famously known as birdman, for his amazing antics using skateboard. Tony Hawk holds the record for being the vertical skateboarding champion for 12 years in a row. Tanner Hall, the legendary American skier also endorses Riddell helmets. Tanner Hall has defined and pushed the limits for freestyle skiing, at the age of 28 years he holds the record for most career gold medals and thus, is a perfect choice for marketing the Riddell helmets.

Conflict Influence On The Provision Of Aid Politics Essay

Conflict Influence On The Provision Of Aid Politics Essay The question of how conflict influences the provision of aid subtly posits a normative assumption; the reader is immediately positioned on the affirmative side of whether aid should be provided in a conflict situation. This reflects a new reality in the global political landscape: the proliferation of conflict involving a high humanitarian cost has led the international community to prioritise intervention over sovereignty. As Duffield notes, largely through a series of ad hoc Security Council resolutions, a key development has been the ability [of the United Nations] to provide relief assistance even under war conditions.  [1]  Essentially, the changing nature of conflict has provoked changes in the role and function of aid, and when, and by whom it is provided. I will be exploring the perspective that the relatively new strategy of providing aid during conflict has led to an inevitably dynamic interactive relationship between conflict and aid, characterised by both legal/ moral quandaries and delivery problems. Initially I would like to define what is meant by the term conflict. Contemporary conflicts, as described by Kaldor, are a mixture of war, crime and human rights violations.  [2]  They are no longer inter-state affairs participated in by actors delineated along traditional lines, i.e. military vs. military. They are typically intra-state, characterised by low intensity warfare; they are facilitated by technological advances such as low cost, lightweight weaponry and speedier communication; they receive much international attention, both from the media and the international/ political community; and whilst not being inter-state, they may be facilitated by external involvement. Duffield suggests these new wars are a permanent characteristic of fragmented crisis areas, which lack political and economic cohesion.  [3]  Duffield explains that these areas outside of the economically and politically integrated blocs- cannot be understood in conventional terms of war and peace. Thei r defining feature is ongoing instability, and furthermore this is not a temporary phase in the process of development and transition toward liberal democracy (i.e. modernisation)  [4]  . A more appropriate framework than the binary war/ peace opposition is to situate contemporary violence on a conflict-to-peace continuum. This spectrum perspective firstly accommodates the varying levels of intensity within a conflict, and also situates conflict in a timeframe. In considering the interaction of conflict and aid, one must not only consider the influence of the actual conflict enacted in the present; but the influence of past conflicts, and how aid might avoid or exacerbate potential conflicts in the future. The continuum should be viewed as linear but non-teleological, in that it includes the causes of conflict, conflict itself, and post-conflict situations which have the potential for repeated conflict. Uvin defines the transition from a state of conflict to a state of peace as a process with no definitive endpoints: Sustainable peace is not something that can be produced rapidly; it is not something that can be mastered technically, with a fixed formula; it is not ev en a clear state that can be achieved once and for all as much as a process.  [5]  Conflict can also be defined in opposition to peace. Within Suhrke and Buckmasters definition of a transition to peace, the conflictual position on the spectrum is also elucidated: Peace stabilization [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦involves securing] transition from a military to a political mode of conflict [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] demobilisation, return of refugees, reintegration [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] and mechanisms for dealing with the conflict in political terms (elections, power sharing), relief (especially for IDPs and refugees), and immediate reconstruction to [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] offer alternatives to war economy.  [6]   As mentioned before, contemporary conflicts involve a range of less-clearly defined actors. Conventional distinctions such as state vs. state or state vs. rebel have dissolved, and the lines demarcating illegitimate state/ legitimate state/ military, civilian/ military/ rebel/ revolutionary are very much distorted.  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­In relation to this dissolution of clearly defined actor roles, an overarching feature of contemporary conflict is that whilst some are waged as legitimate rebellions over genuine grievances pursuing the objective of social transformation, the sustaining of conflict itself is often the objective. In a situation with few economic opportunities and resource scarcity, the ability to wage war is the wielding of economic and political power in itself, and sustaining the conflict may paradoxically be synonymous with sustaining the means of life. Conflicts may not just be the outcome of deep, structural causes, but also actors attempts to address a nd weather these causes. It is also necessary to define what aid is. Aid can- theoretically at least- be categorised as either relief (humanitarian assistance) or development aid. The former will focus on material goods (food, medicine, clothes and shelter) and services (water, security), and will be provided in the short term, as emergency situations dictate. The latter will concentrate on addressing structural inequalities and divisions, aiming to transform and reconstruct society through capacity building in political, economic and social spheres; and will generally be disbursed within a longer term framework. Aid is for the relief of suffering and human needs, both the immediate need and the causes of that need. Aid is delivered by NGOs (e.g. Oxfam), international organisations (e.g. the UN) and governments (e.g. DFID) although these actors may overlap, conflict and co-operate. However, this neat categorisation of aid is not theoretically or practically possible. It seems that whether relief constitutes aid is disputed. The OECD says: Official development assistance is defined as those flows to countries and territories on the DAC List of ODA Recipients and to multilateral development institutions which are: i. provided by official agencies, including state and local governments, or by their executive agencies; and ii. each transaction of which: a) is administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as its main objective; and b) is concessional in character and conveys a grant element of at least 25 per cent (calculated at a rate of discount of 10 per cent).  [7]  This definition should not technically include relief or humanitarian assistance, as generally these do not fulfil the second criterion. However, other literature does consider humanitarian assistance as a (growing) part of ODA: the share of human itarian assistance has risen sharply, from about 3 per cent of Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the 1980s to close to 10 per cent in recent years.  [8]  The problem of, and reasons for, separating these different sorts of aid in practical situations will be discussed further. It is similarly useful to consider aid in terms of a continuum: relief-to-development. The purpose and goals of aid modulate along this spectrum, and may in fact be in opposition as well as converge. Short term provision of relief aid which bypasses a weak state will serve to effectively weaken that state further, hindering future development efforts. For example, Natsios details how the effect of one the ICRCs interventions in Somalia in 1992, intended to improve food security, had other long term negative effects. Their soup kitchens actually destabilised society socially and politically, because the starving remained relocated near to the kitchens instead of returning to plant crops. Whilst the ICRCs methods preserved life, they had other long term effects.  [9]   The core humanitarian value acknowledging a responsibility to prevent human suffering, whether in the short or long term- underlies both relief and development aid. Traditional, apolitical, neutral humanitarianism emerged, as Duffield explains, from the inhumane political bias cultivated within the Cold War climate.  [10]  Humanitarianism is based on qualities of impartiality (need being the only criteria for distribution) and neutrality (not taking sides or interfering in a conflict). This is emphasised in UN Resolution 46/182, clarifying the provision of aid in conflict situations. Guiding Principle two states Humanitarian assistance must be provided in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality.  [11]   Duffield initially concluded that neutrality is impossible in the new wars, since any assistance necessarily has political effects.  [12]  He also charted the development of a New Humanitarianism which acknowledges that there are severe difficulties in the real life provision of apolitical, impartial and neutral aid.  [13]  Duffield later suggested that humanitarianism had changed its modus operandi, supposedly maintaining neutrality with practices such as negotiated access and the more refined variable consent.  [14]  Whatever the practical feasibility of neutrality and impartiality, it is important to bear in mind the importance effects of trying to maintain these principles in order to preserve the likelihood of access: Duffield suggests it is a useful tool of practical diplomacy.  [15]   As well as delivery problems, such as maintaining impartiality, humanitarian aid faces a legal problem in conflict settings; such as the adhering to the responsibility of providing aid whilst not in the process of intervention impinging on sovereignty. Chapter One, Article 2, Paragraph 7 of the UN Charter: forbids intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign state: Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦]  [16]  UN Resolution 46/182 reinforces state sovereignty but also emphasises the states responsibility towards those needing aid. Guiding Principle six states: States whose populations are in need of humanitarian assistance are called upon to facilitate the work of these organizations in implementing humanitarian assistance, in particular the supply of food, medicines, shelter and health care, for which access to victims is essen tial.  [17]  Within this Resolutions framework, the state has had a much greater role in the delivery and co-ordination of humanitarian assistance: but expectations of responsibility are stressed as well. This provides aid donors and international organisations with a clearer duty and right to intervene in situations where a predatory state blocks aid to one or more population groups. Who provides aid to whom is a complex problem, and in the reality of a conflict situation it involves a series of moral tradeoffs. Duffield pinpoints a shift from apolitical aid to an acknowledgement of aids political effects: the new humanitarianism involves a shift in the centre of gravity of policy away from saving lives to supporting social processes and political outcomes.  [18]  However, he is, as am I, uncomfortable with the new accommodation and its willingness to sacrifice lives today on the promise of development tomorrow.  [19]  He explains that the consequentialist ethics of the new humanitarianism [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] in holding out the possibility of a better tomorrow as a price worth paying for suffering today, has been a major source of the normalisation of violence and complicity with its perpetrators.  [20]  Unfortunately, Duffield is left in the same position as anyone attempting to find a clear-cut, positive way to provide aid. There are problems with eit her viewing aid as apolitical or political. The most responsible path through this quandary is to look in detail at the actual dynamics between conflict and aid, and to approach each particular conflict situation individually with these dynamics in mind. The dynamic influence conflict has on aid results primarily from the new types of actors involved in conflict. For example, a state which offends human rights (i.e. not fulfilling its security role) has a direct impact on how aid will be provided. Unable to ignore the human rights offences of predatory states, donors will target aid and incentivise it for peace. Uvin suggests that the international community has become active in so-called democratic policing a matter which would have been considered far beyond the reach of ODA only a decade ago.  [21]  The tools used to foster democracy and other liberal goals include, among others, the use of conditionality, which has evolved into less strong-armed methods such as DFIDs promotion of: ownership, alignment and harmonization, as detailed by Goodhand.  [22]  But it is unclear how these positive governance-related behavioural results can be used as tools in the same way that aid can be leveraged. Conflict attracts aid: it creates a need for it, and negatively impacts successful disbursement and provision in a variety of ways. Aid is unavoidably a source of political, economic and social power and combatants will use it for their objectives. Conflict is a perverse economic, political and social system, an imbalance of powers: when the power associated with aid is introduced into that system or conferred on one party, it cannot be expected to fulfil a pacifying role, immediately solving the conflict and its effects. It will interact with, and within, the conflicts dynamics. Parties involved in conflict will misuse, deplete and misdirect aid. Lischer outlines these: firstly, aid will be given to combatants, both unknowingly, and on purpose (in efforts to adhere to the impartiality criterion of humanitarian aid). For example, after the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and massive subsequent refugee movements into neighbouring countries, UN aid was disbursed in refugee camps in eastern Zaire. These camps and aid received were controlled largely by the RDR, a combatant group of Hutus who had perpetrated genocide. Secondly, Lischer notes that as well as supporting combatants, aid will support their dependents (families, political supporters) thus allowing them to use their resources to pursue conflict. Thirdly, aid will be coercively taken instead of donated. Lischer outlines the following methods of diversion: Refugee leaders levy war tax on refugee populations [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] refugee leaders control distribution, [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] militant leaders divert aid by inflating population numbers, [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] raiding and stealing.  [23]  The resource scarce and hungry dynamics of conflict means aid inevitably supports combatants, thus sustaining conflict. Conflict also creates the economic conditions in which aid is expected to function. Donors may intend aid to work in one way, but the context of the conflict economy will distort this intended impact and actual provision of aid may differ greatly from operational policy. War economy and war markets will be reinforced. Natsios details the way in which this was evident in Somalia. Civil war, drought and resulting famine meant that attempts to improve food security were distorted by the perverse dynamics of Somalias conflict economy. Natsios explains that the scarcity of food in Somalia increased its value: as food aid was disbursed, relief food was an attractive objective of plunder.  [24]  In addition, market demand was driving some of the looting the normal disposition of merchant classes supporting law, order and stability as essential to commercial exchange was reversed, because of distorted markets.  [25]  Conflict and aid also interacted to produce very variable food pri ces rather than affordably low ones, as the influx of food aid was supposed to produce. Natsios explains how prices fluctuated, rising as warlords hoarded substantial tonnage, and dropping as these same warlords dumped food on the market preceding the US airlift. As flooding the market had little effect in the conflict context, OFDA began a policy of monetization. However, even though a reduction in food value was achieved, the effect of this aid policy had an adverse effect due to the conflict economy. Instead of making food relatively invaluable and improving security, the drop in food prices increased [the level of violence] as warlords and thieves alike stole a greater volume of food to make up for its diminished value.  [26]  The conflict economys dynamics meant peverted the intended effects of food aid. The disbursement of aid is not only prey to conflicts perverse economic forces, but to its socially divisive nature. Conflict is waged along and facilitated by divisions in society (ethnic, territorial, religious) and the provision of aid will be influenced by these cleavages: aid will reflect adverse group relations. This can be on an operational policy level (ostensibly aiding refugees, but prolonging their segregation from society), and at the level of delivery; Anderson suggests that the practice of targeting aid reinforces divisions rather than connectors in societies.  [27]  However, if social connectors are facilitated and reinforced instead of undermined, as Natsios exemplifies in the case of Somalia, aid can avoid the vicious effect of conflict on social dynamics. He details how the irrigation project in the Shabeelle valley bolstered Somalian societys connectors, the tempering natural stabilizing force of the clan elders, as they were given the resources and money to cr eate employment.  [28]   Conflict engenders a need for aid but also jeopardises its integrity, as the humanitarian imperative to fulfil this need means aid donors interact with less than ethically robust actors still pursuing conflict. In order to gain access and begin peace building, a short-term pragmatic attitude is required, resulting in engagement with combatants in positions of control, and thus conferring legitimacy, both domestically and internationally. Uvin posits a sliding scale of principle/ pragmatism/ complicity which is positions the problem usefully: as policy slides down this scale, the dangers of ignoring the humanitarian objective reform into being complicit in or fuelling an illegitimate actors actions.  [29]   Conflict creates gaps in state function, which aid presumes to fill (not close): for its very nature is substitutive. Uvin points out that During conflicts, many governments cease functioning, particularly in areas with heavy violence.  [30]  Filling this gap of capacity or service delivery may have the adverse effect of weakening and undermining state and local capacities: for example governance in Afghanistan, and food provision in Somalia.  [31]  Stewart and Samman suggest that in the long term, conflict and the aid it attracts perpetuates the situation: Even when [CONFAID] does help prevent starvation in the short term, it can prolong suffering over many years by contributing to the financing of the war and diverting people from their normal economic activities.  [32]   The political context of conflict influences the provision of aid dramatically. By political context, I mean that a) aids impact is unavoidably politicised, and b) the political context and objectives of international involvement, and various recipient actors, will be influential. The political context of donor actors involved in the conflict-peace continuum, will determine how aid is used. For example, Goodhand and Sedra argue that international engagement in Afghanistan has been Janus headed [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] tension between one face prioritizing the war on terror and short term stability and the other durable peace through state building.  [33]  The donors short term focus and commitment due to domestic political pressures meant that long term goals were undermined. The political context of non-state actors receiving aid is also a factor. Lischer argues that the extent to which a group is politicised will determine for what purpose aid is used, and how successfully. The greater the level of political cohesion among the refugees, the more likely they (or their leaders) will attempt to divert refugee relief in support of their political and military goals.  [34]   The political context of state recipients can influence the on-the-ground provision of aid in adverse ways. Stewart and Samman contrast the way in which successful aid provision depended on the political stance of the governments in Sudan in 1983 and Mozambique in 1975- 1982: CONFAID was manipulated and used to pursue conflict by a predatory government in Sudan, but in Mozambique the Frelimo government, whilst less predatory, was still associated with aid provision. This made the opposing Renamo areas inaccessible despite having an impartial mandate.  [35]   Furthermore, the combination of political contexts of both recipient and donor results influences at whom the aid is targeted: Uvin exemplifies this: in Rwanda, many donors abandoned targeting for fear of being seen as partial to any one side; in Afghanistan, they strengthened targeting to women, for fear of acquiescing to government policies that exclude women.  [36]   In conclusion, having looked at the intricacies of the conflict-aid dynamic, I would like to position the question of conflicts influence on aid within the wider spectrum of debate about conflict. Conflict is often seen as a breakdown or transgression from a normal state of affairs: however, as Anderson notes, it is normalcy that gave rise to the emergency initially.  [37]  Relinquishing this idea will obviously have an effect on the role that aid is expected to play: it is not merely a temporary measure, but a whole new start. Related to this is the fact that conflicts have structural (deep) and immediate (light) causes requiring long-term development and short-term aid solutions, but the two are rarely successfully reconciled. As Uvin notes, outside pressure for democracy [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] tends to take more time, consistency, knowledge, finesse and commitment than the international community typically has.  [38]  This is perhaps because the traditional view of conflict att ributes blame to internal problems; whereas aid and development are imposed, technically and professionally, from a sphere external to the conflict. But as Uvin explains, aid can be an integral part of the system; which, in the case of Rwanda, perpetrates and perpetuates structural violence; development aid interacts in manifold and important ways with profound social processes of inequality, exclusion, humiliation, impunity, and despair, on which the genocidal edifice was built [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] Domestic politics are inseparable from external aid: foreign aid is constitutive of domestic processes.  [39]  Lastly, the impossibility of neutrality and apolitical action within complex situations of conflict does not mean that we must retreat back to neutrality: politicisation is inevitable. Beyond neutrality is an acknowledgement of responsibility, for both the successful and unsuccessful results of aid provision. 3448 words.

Visual Impairment in Alzheimers Disease :: Opthamology Alzheimers Disease Essays

Visual Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease The documentation of a severe form of dementia by Alois Alzheimer in 1907 began a massive investigation of the cause of this disorder. Some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease consist of memory loss, impaired language ability, impaired judgement, and learning (M. Wong, et al. , 1997). Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is mainly a disease of the cerebral cortex. Alzheimer's is marked structurally by the senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and severe loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder ( Hof, Vogt, Bouras, and Morrison 1997). Recent attention has been focused on visual dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease (K. U. Loffler, D. P. Edward, & M. O. M. Tso 1995). Visual Problems During the clinical evaluation of patients with mild to moderate dementia of the AD type, visual difficulties such as : topographic agnosia, visual agnosia, alexia without agraphia, and prosopagnosia are detected. AD patients have The problem of describing the individual components of a picture is consistent with the severity of cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) deficits in the association cortical areas. Other deficits experienced by AD patients were texture discrimination, blue-violet discrimination, and 4.72 deg/sec motion detection. When AD patients were compared to other age-matched controls, AD patients had shown specific deficits in contrast sensitivity. Deficits in color vision were only age-related (M. Wong-Riley, et al. , 1997). Studies Selective degeneration of large ganglion cell axons was observed in the optic nerves of AD patients, which suggested an impairment of broad-band channel visual function. Although studies show that the broad-band visual capabilities are not selectively impaired in AD. Dorsal LGN studies have shown that both the magno- and parvicellular neurons were greatly affected in AD patients. Strangely, AD patients were impaired at low frequencies instead of the high frequencies, like in old age. This implies that regions controlling the low spacial frequency processing in the primary visual cortex would be affected more than those for high frequency processing (M. Wong-Riley, et al. , 1997). The neuropathologic examination of the brains with visual impairment in the Hof et al. (1997) study revealed cortical atrophy dominating on the posterior parietal cortex and occipital lobe(Hof et al.). A study by Beta-amyloid is considered an important factor in AD and was shown to be the major cause in seni le plaques. Acetylcholine A number of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, including acetylcholine (ACh), somatostatin and glutamate have been found to be deficient in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Free College Admissions Essays: Studying Criminology :: College Admissions Essays

I am Interested in Studying Criminology I am interested in studying Criminology, This is because I'm fascinated by Topics like why/what people commit crime, Drugs and Society, and in fact all aspects of crime interest me. Various career options attract me including Probation, and Criminal Psychology. The courses I have chosen are BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice, and BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology. I know that I'll have to work hard to gain a Degree but I'm prepared to do whatever it takes, I work well under pressure. I have chosen Portsmouth university primarily because of the reputation its Criminology Department has, and also my partner is currently doing a degree at Portsmouth as are many of my friends so I know a lot about student life at Portsmouth. I can apply experience and personal skills gained in a variety of working and personal environments. I am finding the Access course very exciting, I love all the subjects, and it seems one subject would cease to exist without the other. I am particularly enjoying Sociology, as I was sixteen the last time I studied it, now I feel like I have a greater understanding of the subject. Psychology is a topic I have always followed. I'm enjoying Law, its such a diverse subject but I especially like Criminal law, the debates we have in the classroom really get me energized. I enjoy reading about crime; I am currently reading a book called Hunting Humans; which is various profiles of serial killers. I am an inquisitive person and also very suspicious, I tend to read between the lines, so its not surprising I love Psychological thrillers like "Seven" and "Silence of the Lambs".

Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad Essay

Executive Summary Managing and developing marketing mix appropriately is extremely important to firm’s marketing and success. In order to marketing product successfully, the right product must be exhibited to right people at the right place, right price and right time. If a firm can manage the marketing mix successfully, as a result, it can be a source of competitive advantage for firms. Each element of the marketing mix should be analyzed and if necessary, adapted to ensure that the right balance is achieved to give the product or service the very best chance of success in the market place. Apple is a successful company and its previous product iPod has a high market share in the global market due to its brand perception and image as s high quality innovative brand. In 2010, Apple launched an innovative product – â€Å"iPad† in US, which is a tablet computer with touch screen. Even in the first launching date iPad had been sold 0.3 million units. The product no doubt is getting support of Apple’s brand image and it has changed the way to consumer lifestyle. That is why iPad is thought as a revolutionary who will arouse a wave to electronic industry. Apple’s iPad delivered the value to the customer via marketing mix tools called the 4Ps: * Product looks good and works well. * Right price. * Right place at the right time. * Successful promotion helps to a larger output. Apple followed this by innovation and introducing new products in the market to satisfy consumer’s needs and wants. The current author here will use the theories, concepts of marketing mix to analysis the iPad. The remainder of this essay is structured into five parts. It begins by defining marketing mix and its evolution. Second, it analyse the company, iPad, its competitor and consumer. Third, it illuminates the marketing mix by analysing iPad. Finally it ends with the overall assessment and conclusion. Contents 1.Introduction and Definition3 1.1Definition of Marketing3 1.2Definition of Customer Value and Value Proposition3 1.3Definition of Marketing Mix4 2.Description of Apple & iPad4 2.1Brief Introduction of Apple4 2.2Introduction of iPad5 2.3Brief Consumer Profile6 2.4Brief Competitor Profile7 3.Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad7 3.1Product7 3.2Price10 3.3Place12 3.4Promotion14 4.Assessment of Overall Value Delivered16 5.Conclusion16 6.References18 1. Introduction and Definition 2.1 Definition of Marketing â€Å"Marketing is the process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others and forging relationships with customers.† (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). This definition recognizes the importance of creating a long term relationship with customers and identifies the importance of satisfying customer wants. 2.2 Definition of Customer Value and Value Proposition Customer value is the difference between the values that the customer gains from owning and using a product and the costs of obtaining the product. Put it simply, customer value is created when the perceptions of benefits received from a transaction exceed the costs of ownership. The same idea can be expressed as a ratio (Chiristopher, 1996): Customer value = Perceptions of benefits The definition of customer value proposition is a well defined and persuasive marketing statement related to a specific product or service that details the reasons why a consumer would benefit from purchasing it. A value proposition is the definition of a firm’s promise to create and deliver customer value (Chapelet and Tovstiga, 1998). Fig 1.2.1 A model of value creation and the marketing process source: Adapted from Kotler Brown Burton Deans Armstrong, (2010), â€Å"Marketing† 8th Edition Figure 1.2.1 shows a typical model of value creation and the marketing process. Put it simple, marketing is a process cycle which consists of 5 simple steps as below: i. Customer buys or potential customer is contacted to understand the marketplace. ii. Finding out how the customer liked the product or what is needed. iii. Analysing these data and creating a plan that includes goals, strategy and its marketing mix. iv. Implement the plan that delivers value to customer which results in the customer’s buying the product and creating customer delight. v. Repeating the cycle starting with step (i) to step (iv) to make a better product sold with a better plan and continuously keeping this cycle going. Hence, create profits and customer equity. 2.3 Definition of Marketing Mix The concept of the Marketing Mix was first created by Neil H. Borden in his article called â€Å"The concept of the Marketing Mix† in 1964. In his article he explained the importance of a market to try to â€Å"mix ingredients† in their process in the market in order to be successful. E. Jerome McCarthy later grouped these ingredients into the four categories that are known as the 4P’s of marketing (Product, Price, Place and Promotion). Product — What does the customer want from the product/service? Price — What is the value of the product or service to the buyer? Place — Where do buyers look for the product or service? Promotion — Where and when can get across the marketing messages to target market? 2. Description of Apple & iPad 3.4 Brief Introduction of Apple Apple Inc., founded in 1976, is an American multinational corporation which is best-known for its hardware and software products. The hardware products are: Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad. One example of the famous software of Apple is iTunes, a proprietary media player application that works with iTunes store and allows customers to download music and offers other features of consumer electronics. Fortune magazine named Apple as the most admired company in the US in 2008, and in the world from 2008 to 2012. 3.5 Introduction of iPad On January 27, 2010, Apple introduced the much-anticipated media tablet, the iPad (As shown in Fig2.2.1). Fig 2.2.1 Introduction of iPad (source: www.apple.com) The iPad measure 9.7 inch wide screen display with multi touch screen with 1024 x 768 resolutions which is lighter and thinner than any other notebooks or laptops. Its internal 25 watt-hour battery can run up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback and one month on standby as Apple claims. Steve Jobs stated that, with the introduction of the iPad, Apple had opened a market for a new class of mobile devices. (As shown in Fig 2.2.2) Fig2.2.2 Apple iPad First Hands-on (source: http://www.ipadforums.net) 3.6 Brief Consumer Profile Consumer market can be defined as â€Å"all the individuals and households who buy or acquire goods and services for personal consumption† and consumer buying behavior can be defined as â€Å"the buying behavior of final consumers, individuals and households who buy goods and services for personal consumption† (Kotler, 2009). Table 2.3.1 shows the analysis of market segmentation for iPad. SEGMENTATION BASE| SELECTEDSEGMENTATION VARIABLES| Geographic Segmentation| Region| West Malaysia, east Malaysia| City size| Major metropolitan areas, cities| Density of area| Urban| Climate| Hot, humid, rainy| Demographic Segmentation| Age| 18-34, 35-49, 50-64| Sex| Male, female| Married status| Single, married, divorced, living together| Income| RM40,000 and over| Education| College, college graduate, postgraduate| Occupation| Professional, white-collar| Psychological| Needs| Sense of self-worth, fashionable| Personality| Extroverts, novelty-seeker, aggressives| Perception| Low-risk| Learning-involvement| High-involvement| Attitudes| Possitive attitude| Psychographic| Lifestyle| Couch-potatoes, outdoor enthusiasts, status-seekers| Cultures| Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other foreigners| Religion| Muslim, buddhism, hinduism, christian, catholic, and others| Social| Middle, upper| Family| Bachelors, young married, full nesters, empty nesters| Use-Rated Segmentation| Usage rate| Heavy users, medium users| Awareness status| Aware, interested, enthusiastic| Brand loyalty| Strong| Use-Situation Segmentation| Time| Leisure, work, morning, night| Objective| Personal, fun, achievement| Location| Home, work, mega mall, restaurant| Person| Self, family members, friends, peers| Benefit Segmentation| Convenience, social acceptance, easy e-book reading, value-for-the-money, service| Table 2.3.1 Market segmentation for iPad From analysis above can see that most of Apple’s users are high-end clients who have the strong purchasing power, easily accept new technology and they are very loyal to Apple. 3.7 Brief Competitor Profile Apple iPad bring threats and impact to PC industry in some way. On one hand, the hot-sell of iPad attracts many PC manufacturers set foot in this field. So the other tablet computers will be the biggest competitor, such as Blackberry’s playbook, this is a tablet computer which located in business person, and it will also attract public’s eyes because of its vast multimedia function. On the other hand, the price advantage of netbook is also a challenge to iPad. After all compared with traditional computer, iPad may not a necessity. To some business and professional people, they will choose the traditional notebook rather than iPad. 3. Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad According to the information that searches from magazines and internet, the author knows many information of iPad. The author here will use the theories, concepts of marketing mix to analysis the iPad. 4.8 Product â€Å"Product means the goods-and-services combination the company offers to the target market. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). The iPad bridges the gap between smart phone and laptop, it offers equivalent range of features and functions that a computer does. It has internet capabilities running on both Wi-Fi and 3G. Some of the features are discussed previously. Fig 3.1.1 shows its tech specs. Access to Apple Apps Store which has over 300,000 applications and to iTunes are attractive features of iPad. Fig 3.1.1 Tech Specs for Apple iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) Value delivered to customer: 1) Convenient to Carry and Easy to Use Compared to functionalities and performance, it is surprised that iPad weighs only 1.5 pounds. It is very thin and sleek measuring only 0.5 inches. This lightweight iPad is very useful for business trip, making it easy to transport as compared to a laptop. Not only it is easier to carry it around, but also be able to use it to check e-mails, show videos and photos to people instantly whenever required with its long battery life, which at 10 hours is 2-5 times longer than a notebook (As shown in Fig 3.1.2). Fig 3.1.2 E-mail and photo function for iPad (source: http://www.cnbeta.com) 2) Easy for E-Book Reading One benefit that can’t miss is the iBooks Application. Customer can download the favorite e-books to iPad and read while traveling (As shown in Fig 3.1.3). Fig 3.1.3 E-books on Apple iPad (source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Retrieving books to read on ibooks application on iPad is simply easy. Browse through the e-bookshelf on the iPad, choose one title wish to read and click, the book opens in front. Customer can view the book in portrait or landscape, and the way the pages flip is awesome – flip it with finger and looks just like a real book. 3) Excellent Service for Customer What’s more, the service of iPad is very nice. Apple has its own key service – iTunes. Customer can get this value to enjoy the all kinds of internet resources such as music, video and applications (As shown in Fig 3.1.4). Fig 3.1.4 iTunes on Apple iPad (source: http://www.ipadforums.net guardian.co.uk guardia guardia) The iTunes online store makes it incredibly easy to purchase songs and load them onto the devices. When customer wants to watch or listen, they neither need to search from the CDs nor television channels. What they need to do is just opening the iTunes, all they want is in iTunes, it let the media browse much faster, it is easier to sort. 4.9 Price â€Å"Price is the amount of money customers have to pay to obtain the product. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). The iPad is priced starting from $499 for 16 GB storage to $829 for 64GB storage and 3G connectivity. In detail, tab 3.2.1 shows the price of iPad selling in Malaysia. iPad| 16G| 32G| 64G| Wi-Fi| RM 1, 549.00| RM 1, 849.00| RM 2, 149.00| Wi-Fi + 3G| RM 1, 999.00| RM 2, 299.00| RM 2, 599.00| Tab 3.2.1 Selling price of iPad (source: http://www.apple.com guardian.co.uk guardia guardia) Value delivered to customer: 1) Eco-friendly Device for Environment Protection The iPad is made of recyclable glass and Aluminum and the packaging material is recyclable & the packing is efficiently done. It is not using Arsenic, PVC, bromine fire, Mercury as the company has restricted the use of harmful chemicals. With such price, customers are not buying the fashionable device only, more importantly, they are making contribution to environment protection. Fig 3.2.1 shows how green is the iPad. Fig3.2.1 How green is the iPad (source: http://sortable.com) 2) Flexible Price as Actual Needs The iPad price varies according to its storage capacity and the internet access capacity, which leads to reducing the initial cost on the first ever tablets based on customer’s actually needs and application (As shown in Fig3.2.2). Fig3.2.2 Price and configuration of the iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) 3) Cost Saving with Maxis Bundled Package It is available on Maxis bundled packages with a 24-month contract based on different types of iPad internet plan (As shown in Fig 3.2.3). By doing so, the price of iPad has been dropped down from RM450 to RM950. The plan is much more attractive not only for those who can’t afford to pay for the high price, but also for some of the SME to extend their business. Fig 3.2.3 Maxis iPad Bundled Packages (source: http://www.maxis.com.my) 4.10 Place â€Å"Place includes company activities that make the product available to target consumers. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). Apple started selling the iPad not only from its official websites, but also retail outlets and Apple Store. Value delivered to customer 1) Easy Walk-in Location for Purchase The iPad can be purchased from Apple Store, Apple Premium Reseller and Apple Authorized Reseller located in Malaysia. All shops are conveniently located and beautifully designed, identified by the large backlit Apple logo, such as in most famous shopping mall like Sunway Primary, One Utama, KLCC and Mid Valley in Selangor, even in Melaka, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. The value is so easy for customer to come and have a journey on iPad (As shown in Fig 3.3.1). Fig 3.3.1 Apple shops in Malaysia In each shop, customer will be able to find dedicated Apple-trained and Apple-certified Mac experts who can come up with the right solution for you. 2) Time-Saving Online Order Apple iPad are also available on internet for the customers on Apple’s website. Online purchase is the easiest and time saving way for most of them (As shown in Fig 3.3.2). Fig3.3.2 Online Apple store for iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) On the website, the Apple explains the number of features and benefits of iPad. This adds the value to the consumers as convenience is a value that people appreciate and for which they will pay more than the actual price. 3) Golden Service for Apple Loyalty When customer are on the go, the Apple Store app is the best way to research, personalize and buy products from Apple and get the most out of customer’s visits to the Apple Retail Store for Apple loyal fans. Fig 3.3.3 shows what can do with the Apple Store app on the iPhone or iPod touch from search to pay. Fig3.3.3 Apple store apps for iPhone and iPod Touch (source: http://www.apple.com) 4.11 Promotion â€Å"Promotion means activities that communicate the merits of the product and persuade target customers to buy it. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009) Apple Company had been promoting the iPad with the help of social media campaigns and multi-channel media strategy. Value delivered to customer: 1) Multiple Channel for Better Understanding of iPad The online promotion by Apple on Facebook, YouTube and other related websites approaches to the consumers added more value to the decision of consumers of buying iPad. Same like in stores all the information is available online for customers. Customers can download brochure from its website for their convenience. When Apple announced the idea of iPad, most fans write blogs and share through internet. Customer will see them and many videos about iPad, some of them are made by Apple and some are made by other people. These blogs and videos are shared by many other people through many ways (As shown in Fig 3.4.1). Fig3.4.1 Video sharing about iPad (source: http://www.9to5iPad.com/) 2) Custom Engraving of iPad Apple had offered free iPad engraving from its online store, allowing customers to add a personal touch to the tablet in time for the holiday seasons (As shown in Fig 3.4.2). Customers are given the option to engrave up to 2 lines of free text on the back of an iPad after selecting an iPad model and any desired accessories from the online store. Fig 3.4.2 Website about iPad engraving (Source: http://store.apple.com/) 3) Free Delivery for On-line Purchase When purchasing the iPad online from Apple’s official website, customer will get the value of free delivery. Just wait for 3-4 business days, the product will be arrived on hand safely. 4. Assessment of Overall Value Delivered Apple has always placed a major emphasis on the marketing and the brand awareness of its products. The iPad’s advantage is that they offer several different features in one product. Converging all the new technology into one product is the route apple is seeking. It’s making life easier for their consumers by being able to conduct many applications in the one product. Apple’s iPad followed all the 4P’s of marketing mix to deliver the high level of value to the customers. The company has manufactured an iPad using strong in-built applications. The gadget permits people to work and entertain anytime anywhere, as a value of experiencing its easy and convenient use. It provides value to customers through a huge number of features which helps in saving time and energy. Adding more to customer value the price of iPad is competitive and flexible in the market as discussed above. It advertised on T.V., newspapers, magazine, radios and also on internet, which makes people have clearer understanding in various channel. It provides value by available at all the apple stores and website. From the iPad’s 4P’s analysis, we can easily see the difference of it, and can answer the question â€Å"why people buy it which seems unnecessary product.† Apple iPad satisfy their needs and this delivers the value as a product and service in terms of features, style performance, durability, quality, reliability and design to the customer. 5. Conclusion Apple iPad is a new product which has made a dent in the history of tablet business domain and the first successful product. This has also ignited the demand for new and improved tablets from Apple and other competitors. Apple has used the 4P’s of marketing in a very efficient and proper manner, so that added the value to the customer’s decisions of purchasing iPad. When Apple introduced iPad, they intended to come across the consumer’s wants and demands which would satisfy to their lifestyles. Apple in future which demands more innovative products and the company still need to adapt to expected changes in iPad which they have already started in their new iPad 2. With their experience, they are able to continue strengthen its position in the industry. 6. References 1. Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong. (2009). Principles of Marketing. (7th Edition). Australia. Pearson. 2. Kotler Brown Burton Deans Armstrong. (2010). Marketing (8th Edition). Australia. Pearson. 3. Borden, N. H. (1964). â€Å"The concept of the Marketing Mix†. Journal of Advertising Research. Vol II 4. APDGT YAMAMOTO. â€Å"Understanding Customer Value Concept: Key To Success†. pp. 547-552. 5. Chapelet, B. and Tovstiga, G. (1998), â€Å"Development of a research methodology for accessing a firm’s business process-related technologies†, International Journal of Technology Management, Vol. 15 Nos  ½, pp. 10-30. 6. Apple Annual Reports, 2010 7. www.apple.com 8. www.maxis.com.my