Role of International Non-Government Organizations Essay

Role of International Non-Government Organizations - Essay Example Risk identification is basically a process that allows an organization or a company to identify any potential risks that the organization faces. Risk identification is the first and one of the main steps of the risk management process. Organizations usually carry out risk management to ensure that their assets and their operations are not damaged by a certain imminent threat. In case the company is unable to prevent any threat from occurring the organization implements certain measures that ensure that the damage is kept to a minimum (Karolak, 1995).In this paper, the author will evaluate how the tourism industry of Thailand recovered from the aftermath of Tsunami in 2004 and what role was played by government, NGOs and other stakeholders in helping the industry to return to its usual form. The tsunami of December 2004 affected six provinces along Thailand’s Andaman coast. It had an impact on 407 villages, completely destroying 47 of them, and killing more than 8,200 people. As of December 2005, 929 bodies remained unidentified, though by May 2006 this number had been reduced to around 500Í ¾ these bodies are at the Bang Maruan cemetery in Tsunami that disrupted the environment and created economic problems for the country required a coordinated relief effort supported by the government and international agencies to prevent further destruction, build back Thailand and its tourism sector. In this regard, it is essential to take into consideration the role of the non-profitable organizations like NGO’s who played their part in integrating all the activities related to crises management. There were many national and international operations carried out who had the purpose of delivering aid to the affected persons. However, there were many difficulties faced by these non-government organizations.

Business Plan for E-business Essay Example for Free

Business Plan for E-business Essay ABC Company is an aboriginal products company offering Australian aboriginal artists materials and products, such as painting, boomerang and other handicrafts. Based on the internet, ABC Company also provides timely information about Australian aboriginal culture like their history or daily news. It is the responsibility of ABC Company to support the development of indigenous people’s culture and improve their living quality in the same time. The Market ABC is at the forefront in an exciting and growing market. We focus on the market of Australia and extend to the tourists and Australian indigenous culture lovers. Most aboriginal products stores do not supply the sufficient and related knowledge of aboriginal culture. And our special supporting stagey helps communities get $1 from our sales every $100 for the sake of attracting more aboriginal artists enter the business. It is a different point from other current there is no such e-business company like XX operated today. The Organization ABC is owned and operated by our group members. Since our company is operated online, our management team is the group of our four founders. It is founded on the idea that maintaining satisfied customers is essential to the bottom line. With this in mind, our team will be working hard to ensure that all of their customers expectations are exceeded in all transactions. To maintain a presence within the art and craft community and close relationships to customers and also our suppliers aboriginal people, we will focus more on the professional knowledge of Australian indigenous culture and encourage local communities to join us. Financials The sales growth will be conservative in the first year as when our focus is on the advertisement and make our products well known by potential customers. It is estimated that the sales increase in a 33% phase from second year of business operation. The marketing costs will remain the 10% of total sales. And we may consider company expansion if projected sales met or exceeded our target. 1. Company Summary ABC Company is founded in September of this year in UNSW. The company will offer a variety of products and services of aboriginal culture. In order to have sufficient information and resources of aboriginal culture, we will cooperate with some institutions and communities. For the aspect of products, we will offer aboriginal art such as artefacts and painting which are brought from eBay, institutions such as Tandanya in Adelaide and personnel (Tandanya 2013). Moreover, we will provide aboriginal culture and its history on the website. The resources of those will be picked up from variety of institutions, communities and government’s website. For the first three years, we will focus on the business on the website. Therefore, customers and visitors can experience aboriginal culture on our website 24 hours, seven days a week. When our business is stable, we will expand our services and establish a physical store in Alice Spring. The mission of our company is to become the best platform which spreads aboriginal information and provides products. 1.1. Market Niche In the recent market in Australian, indigenous arts occupy a small part. In the recent years, the sale of aboriginal art is $8m every year, which is equivalent to sale 11 years ago (Rothwell 2013). One reason is that people has few opportunities to engage the aboriginal culture. Moreover, few places have aboriginal arts. Most of arts are sold in the regional institutions and cultural centre, and are offered on few numbers of website. The mission of our company is to be the best platform to provide aboriginal culture and arts. Therefore, we will spread indigenous culture firstly through our website so that more people are familiar with their culture. Moreover, we will offer a variety of products on the website such as gifts and painting. The range of price is from about $50 to thousands of dollars. After getting information of the product, customers could purchase the arts what they are interested in. There are two characteristics of our products. Firstly, we are not only sell aboriginal arts, but share the information and background of each art. Therefore, customers could understand the meaning of it. Secondly, as we stock artwork from institution and artists, the price could be lower than other stores. Therefore, our products have high quality with a lower price. 1.2. Social responsibility of our business There are two main social responsibility of our business: spreading the culture and facilitating the economy. As we share aboriginal culture on our website, more people will familiar with its culture. Therefore, our first social responsibility is to spread aboriginal culture. For example, we will share information about meaning of painting, dancing and their music instead of merely selling products. Culture is a part of fortune for a country. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent it from disappearing. Additionally, we will help some communities and extract $1 from our sales every $100. As we stock some artefacts from communities, it will increase the sales of them. Moreover, we will donate for the community to help it spread aboriginal culture. As a result, it probable creates more job opportunities for aboriginal as more people are interested in its culture. 2. Our service and product Our company will provide a series of services and products on the website. For the aspect of service, we will divide into three stages. In the first stage, we will share information about aboriginal culture and artwork. The profile of artists and their painting also is offered. In this stage, we will focus on spreading the culture of aboriginal. In the next stage, when our business is stable, we will expand our service to day tour that visits physical museum and institution. For example, in South Australia, we will have a day tour to Tandanya to watch a show and have a workshop in Brambuk in Victoria. In our final stage of service, we will offer an opportunity to experience ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings, music, dance and storytelling in Northern Territory (Cultural Tour, 2013). In order to achieve it, we need find more partners with us to organize the planning of travel. For the aspect of our product, we will focus on selling them on our website in the first three years. In the meantime, we will establish a small physical store in Alice Spring. We will offer several products such as artefacts, artwork, crafts, glass and didgeridoos. Every product will attach profile of artist. As we purchase some artefacts and paintings from artists, there will be some unique artworks on our website. Therefore, it is a good choice for gifts to your friends, and good collections for collectors. Moreover, we also have some books about aboriginal culture that will be sold on our website. 3. Market Analysis In recent years, the consumptions of aboriginal culture products (arts, paintings, craft and so on) are decreasing in both Australia domestic and international markets. However, it does not mean that the value of have dropped a bit. ABC Company aims to expand the market size of the indigenous products in Australia markets and international markets by selling indigenous tourism products; in the meantime, increasing the value of indigenous tourism products by spreading the Australia aboriginal culture information online. The Company will market to four primary customers: 1. Tourists. 2. Amateur artists and crafters, including collectors and hobbyists. 3. Professional artists. 4. Businesses, such as architects, graphic designers, or direct mail advertisers. In the meantime, customers who are interested in aboriginal culture are also our potential customers. 3.1. Target market segment strategy 1. Tourists. In general, tourists normally visit the physical stores near the attractions. However, tourists’ purchase amounts are limited to size, material, and there are strict regulations of overseas travelling. Therefore, it is necessary to have partnership between travel agencies and light companies, by sending advertisement via email to the tourists. Then tourists can order indigenous tourism products from overseas or even order the products while they are in Australia before their returns. 2. Amateur artists and crafters, including collectors and hobbyists. In general, most part of this segment will be targeted in low and mid-price level of our products compare with the profession artists. However, we will also consider some customers from this segment are eager to purchase the high-price level products. 3. Professional artists. Considering professional artists not only need to purchase the products, but also need to get regular customer service. Our business will try to set up connections between professional artists and indigenous tourism products services. For the business, such as architects, graphic designers, interior designers, or direct mail advertisers, we will provide large amount order discount for the business oriented purchases or group-buying. 3.2. Service business analysis Our company is an online business store sells indigenous tourism products from Australia to worldwide. Currently customers can buy indigenous products from the stores which are located around the famous attraction sights. However, due to the strict regulations of overseas travelling, some indigenous tourism products are restricted by the materials, amount, and size. Therefore, some customers prefer to order indigenous tourism products online. Our products include: artworks, Didgeridoos, paintings, dolls, books, clothes, and some special order products, etc. 3.2.1. Competitions Besides the traditional attraction sights stores, there are two main competitors in Australia, Alperstein Designs and Spirit Gallery. Alperstein Designs entered the marketplace in 1996 and open online in 2013 (Alperstein Designs, 2013), it is Australia owned business. Alperstein Designs manufactures and designs products for gifts and indigenous tourism industries. Alperstein Designs has its own creative team, and works with Australia artists and designers in order to produce unique products. The products are manufactured in Australia and Asia. Alperstein Designs provides wholesale service nationally and internationally, it also has private label service for the customers who have exclusive desires. Spirit Gallery is located in The Rocks Centre. It was established in 2002 as a small Aboriginal art crafts store in the heart of historic Rocks area of Sydney Australia (Spirit Gallery 2013). The products include: aboriginal arts, carvings, boomerangs ceramics, glassware basket weaving, bark paintings, and didgeridoos. Spirit Gallery also presents exhibitions for local aboriginal artists. 4. Business Strategy Summary 4.1. Competitive edge Instead of merely selling indigenous tourism products, ABC Company aims to spread Australia aboriginal culture and history. This point is different our business from many of our competitors. ABC Company’s target markets are not only large consumers, but also have different price levels from low to high, in order to fulfil all kinds of the customers’ requirements. 4.2. Marketing strategy Our marketing strategy will focus on customer loyalty, partnership, and online promotion. ABC Company will make partnership between aboriginal institutions and communities, travel agencies and flight companies. For the institutions and communities, we could provide teaching instruments for educational needs in order to achieve the promotional goals and special discounts for students and teachers via email. In the meantime, we can get potential customers and aboriginal culture and history information from them. By working partnership with tourism agents, our business can attract customers by sending emails. Moreover, we could also provide discount deals to the customers who used partner travel agencies and flight companies. Our online promotion will rely on social networks such as, Facebook page, Twitter page, and Aboriginal culture and history videos on YouTube. Our company also have the search engine support from Google. All our promotion plans are based on the Internet, since we are an online store. 4.3. Sales strategy The purpose of our company is to provide the friendliest online shopping experiences for our customers. First, we design and refine our website to make sure it is user friendly. Second, provide secure online payment by using Paypal. Third, provide fast and accurate delivery by working with TNT, UPS, and FedEx. Fourth, we provide the best return/exchange policy to build trust with our customers and maintain retention and loyalty. Most importantly, we will also help some aboriginal communities and extract $1 from our sales every $100. 4.3.1. Sales forecast The following table and chart highlight forecasted sales. 5. SWOT and Competitor Analysis 5.1. SWOT Analysis Strength Our company provides not only a variety of aboriginal products but also offers the services of aboriginal culture. Besides, the social responsibilities which improve the traditional culture play a key role in the objective of our company. Comparing with other aboriginal products suppliers, we do not rely on the big production of manufactory chain. Instead, we stock artwork from our local institution and artists. In the meantime, the price could be lower than other similar stores. All in all, the most strength in our company is the unique and special quality with a lower price. Weakness The weakness of our company is the volume production in the short term. Since our suppliers are the aboriginal people from the local community and institution. It is difficult to replenish our stock as we required. Moreover, the professional knowledge of aboriginal culture and communication to the people is another challenge for us. Opportunity The aboriginal art has become more and more significant in Australia’s tourist trade. People from all over the world begin to focus on the traditional culture when they travel to Australia. Although there are many stores especially in tourist attractions, the lack of aboriginal culture information has confused the customers and they cannot understand the reason they buy this work of art. It is an opportunity for us to bring the aboriginal culture to the Internet from physical world. Threat There are amounts of aboriginal culture shops today and the aboriginal show that will attract more customers and tourists. However, our business cannot show the real perform to our potential customers. There are two main competitors for our company: Alperstein Designs and Spirit Gallery. 5.2. Competitor Analysis Our Company vs. Alperstein Designs For Alperstein Design, there are several advantages compared with our company. First, it has its own creative team; therefore, it could have its unique products. Moreover, it provides private label service for customers who wants exclusive products. Therefore, Alperstein pay more attention on different kinds of high quality products. For our company, even though we do not have creative team, we provide a variety of services and products which are collected from different institutions and personnel. Overall, the price of our products will lower than Alperstein and we provide information of aboriginal culture as well. Our Company vs. Spirit Gallery For Spirit Gallery, it is a brick-click company which means both physical and online business are operating. Moreover, it will provide detailed information about Didgeridoo. Spirit Gallery also presents exhibitions for local aboriginal artists. Though we do not have a gallery for business, we provide particular aboriginal information not only focusing on Didgeridoo, but different kinds of artists and culture. Therefore, compared with Spirit Gallery, our company pay more attention on spreading information on the website. As a result, our business is more convenient for customers searching information and products. 6. Financial Plan 1. Sales growth will be conservative in first 12 month as it takes time for us to advertise and make our products well known by potential customers. It is estimated that the sales increase in a 33% phase from second year of business operation. 2. Marketing costs will remain the 10% of total sales. 3. We may consider company expansion if projected sales met or exceeded our target. 4. There would be a physical store in Alice Spring after three years in order to attract more tourists and present our arts work in more comfortable ways. 6.1. Important Assumptions 1. All the assumption is based on the fact that the investment of this business is from founders’ savings. 2. Assume the overall economy of the world especially tourism marketing is stable so that economic situation would not affect business operation dramatically. 6.2. Projected Profit and Loss Several important assumptions are made to calculate the projected profit and loss: 1. Sales are estimated in a conservative basis, while expenses are estimated above average to maximum values. 2. First years sale will be relatively low as it will take time to be well known by potential customers in order to reach the optimal sales target. With the consideration of first year operation, the sale of business is conservatively assumed at $102,000 in year 1 following by $128,000 and $170,240 in second and third year with gross margin ratio at 59.90%, 60.80% and 57.98% respectively. The net profit for each year stays at $20,596.36, $26,788.61 and $37,678.14 while the net profit to sales ratios are 20.19%, 20.93% and 22.13% accordingly. The further detail information can be referred to Appendix 1-1. 6.3. Projected Cash Flow In terms of the cash flow statement, the sales are main sources of cash inflow, and it increases in the same pace with business expansion. It is based on the assumption that there is no issue on collecting cash from sales. On the other hand, most cash spending is due to paying to aboriginal artists, sponsor contribution to aboriginal communities and utility bills. As showing on Appendix 1-2, the net cash inflows for first three years are at $17,351, $14,222 and $11,426 respectively. 6.4. Projected Balance Sheet Referring to Appendix 1-3, the net worth is steadily growing in first three years. Though there will be a physical store in Alice Spring to present our products and attract new customers, our business is primarily focusing on online buyers. Therefore, most assets are current ones. Furthermore, profits generated from business operation are determined to be retained for future business risk safeguard and opportunities capture. 6.5. Break-even Point Analysis For the purpose of break-even analysis, several factors are assumed as the fixed costs. It includes marketing costs ($5,000), Depreciation ($2,000), utilities ($2,000), Insurance ($400) and other costs ($120) with a total amount of $9,520. Gross margin of first year at 59.90% is extracted as the benchmark to calculate break-even point. As a result, our business needs to make $15,894 sales to be break-even. 7. Recommendation and Conclusion There are many places need to be improved and modified in the future. Firstly, about 60% of operating cost is the cost of rent; therefore, it will save much money if we can cut this cost. One of the effective and efficient ways is to get a closer supply chain relationship. The optimal situation is called just in time that we can acquire the product when we need it as soon as possible. We do not need a facility and staffs to stock and manage our product consequently. Furthermore, it is necessary to corporate with various partners such as culture institution, travel agent, museum and artists. It is easy to manage and corporate with our partners in the first three years. However, we need more partners when our business is stable such as travel agent. Therefore, the more partners we have, the more benefits we get. Additionally, a user friendly interface will encourage customers staying on our website. In order to achieve this, it is imperative to hire website designer or use tools such as WordPress (WordPress 2013). In conclusion, the mission of our company is to be the best platform spreading aboriginal information and providing products. We will offer a variety of services and products both on the website and physical stores for different customer segmentations. As a result, it will facilitate the economy of aboriginal and social stability. 8. Reference List: Alperstein Designs 2013, Alperstein Designs, viewed on 30th September 2013, http://alpersteindesigns.com.au/. Cultural Tours 2013, Territory Discoveries, viewed on 1st October 2013, http://www.territorydiscoveries.com. Rothwell, N, 2013, ‘Plunging sales crisis for indigenous art’, The Australian, viewed on 29 September 2013, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/. Spirit Gallery 2013, Spirit Gallery, viewed on 30th September 2013, http://www.spiritgallery.com.au/. Tandanya, 2013, ‘National aboriginal cultural institute inc.’, viewed on 29 Sep 2013, http://www.tandanya.com.au/. WordPress 2013, Themes directory, viewed on 1st October 2013, http://wordpress.org/themes/. Appendix Appendix 1-1 Profit and Loss

Potential Problems In Raising Brand Awareness

Potential Problems In Raising Brand Awareness Product Branding Using relevant examples from the public, non-profit and private sectors, discuss the reasons why different types of organizations might consider branding to be the most important aspect of their product or service. What are the potential problems with building brands? One thing in common between Coca-Cola, McDonald, Disney, Nike, Sony, and Microsoft is that they all have powerful brands that are recognised all over the world. The well-established brand names have helped these companies generate enormous fortune. There is little doubt that brand names are the most valuable assets for many companies. For this reason, there are still many companies that are struggling to build their brand names and the majority of today’s large companies have taken the legacy of existing brands in order to make them more competitive. For example, although mineral water is an undifferentiated product, Nestle acquired Perrier for $2.5 billion because of the Perrier’s long established brand name that carried a charm invaluable to Nestle. There has been a growing interest in the value of brand names. As of 1993, the most valuable brand name was Coca-Cola with an estimated worth of $36 billion (Owen 1993). The world’s10 most valuable brands in 2006 we re (in rank order): Coca-Cola, Microsoft, IBM, General Electric, Intel, Nokia, Toyota, Disney, McDonald, and Mercedes-Benz. Coca-Cola’s brand value was $67 billion, Microsoft’s $57 billion, and IBM’s $56 billion. With these well-known companies, brand value is typically over one-half of the total company market capitalization (Business Week 2006). The reasons for such high worth of brand names include: (1) the costs of new product launch reaching approximately $100 million and high failure rates; (2) the reluctance of consumers to buy unfamiliar new products; and (3) high returns successful brands yield (Aaker 1991). Today’s successful companies have launched brands that create a wealth of perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences to turn a product and name into something to which the consumer relates. Their branding strategy has been developed to meet the needs and desires of consumers (Stobart 1994; Kochan 1996). The focus of this essay is to look the reasons why most organizations considered branding as the most the important aspect of their products or services as well as looking at the potential problems when building a brand. What is a Brand? There is little doubt that brands are at the heat of marketing and business strategy. Strong brands can make companies win in today’s highly competitive marketplace. One may question, â€Å"How did a brand originate?† and â€Å"What does a brand mean?† The aim of this part is to answer these two questions and to examine the implications for branding. The Origin of a Brand According to Nilson (1998), the term â€Å"brand† originated from the Scandinavian word for â€Å"branna’,† meaning â€Å"to burn a mark on something.† The Swedish word for fire is â€Å"brand.† In the earliest days of farming, farmers or ranchers put their symbols on the cattle with the help of a hot iron in order to assert their right to ownership (Kochan 1996; Nilson 1998). Since then, branding has been used in order to claim someone’s ownership of a good or service. Literatures show that the first example of branding is the manufacture of oil lamps in the Greek islands. During this time, people bought a primitive form of oil lamp, but the quality of the lamp varied. People could not tell between a good and bad lamp when they made purchase. For this reason, craftsmen in one Greek island started to put a special symbol on their long-lasting lamp so that people can distinguish their products from less-lasting lamps produced by others. They branded their goods so that they could differentiate their product and, presumably, charge a premium price (Nilson 1998). Similarly, today many companies seek to build brands so that consumers can pick their products not those of others. The Definition of a Brand According to Brassigton and Pettitt a brand is the â€Å"creation of a three-dimensional character for product, defined in terms of name, packaging. Colours, symbols etc., that helps to differentiate it from its competitors, and helps the customer to develop a relationship with the product† (Brassigton and Pettitt 2003, p. 1099). Some experts have, however, argued that it is dangerous to adopt one single definition of a brand because there are many other things to be taken into account. They insist that brand definitions should be categorised under six headings: (1) visual; (2) perceptual; (3) positioning; (4) added value; (5) image; and (6) personality (Nilson 1998). In addition, we need to look at other meanings in order to have a better understanding of a brand. There are two representative models – brand image and brand identity that are different from each other. Brand image refers to the image of a brand that exists in the minds of consumers as a result of all the information they have received about the brand, from experience, word of mouth, advertising, packaging, service and so on; the information is modified by selective perception, previous beliefs, social norms, forgetting (Randall 1997). Companies can control their brand images as long as they understand the essence and expression of their brand. The four dimensions form the essence at the centre. The brand identity, such as the brand’s name, logo, colours, tagline, and symbol (Kotler 2003), becomes strong only when the four dimensions support each other constantly. If any quadrant is weak, or sending conflicting messages, then resulting image in consumers’ minds will be confused (Randall 1997). Reasons why most organizations consider branding to be the most important aspect of their products or service: A brand is a necessity for a business and – whether the manager likes it or not – a business will have a brand profile. Working closely with the brand, rather than in the classical business sense of leaving it to the customers to work out what to think about the company, will give the organization some distinct advantages. The importance of branding in a private organization can be summarized in two categories: first it is financially beneficial for the company, and second it gives the employees a sense of purpose. For the purpose of boosting morale, a brand that the employees can be proud of, and feel a sense of belonging to, can have considerable positive effect on the morale in a company (Nilsoon 1998). One example is the Virgin group where founder Richard Branson’s very high profile and clear statements about company purpose serve as morale booster for the whole group. Similar effects appear to be at play at Microsoft, where a strong sense of identity with the company – and consequently with the brand – pushes employees to high levels of productivity and, not least, loyalty (Nilson 1998). For profit making purposes, a strong brand in a private sector creates barriers to entry. The stronger the brand values of the leading brands in a sector, the stronger the reputation of the main competitors and the more difficult it is for other players to enter the market. Brands also often represent continuity which is important in the sense of keeping customer relations. Having a strong brand does create economies of scale, not least in communication. A well-established and correctly built brand will in an instant communicate a distinct set of values (such as trustworthy, reliable and leading-edge) much quicker and more effectively than any expensive commercial (Nilson 1998). Branding helps a firm to introduce a new product that carries the name of one or more of its existing products, because buyers are already familiar with the firm’s existing brands. For example, Heinz regularly introduces new tinned products. Since consumers are used to buying the brand and have a high regard for its quality, they are likely to try the new offerings. Branding also facilitates promotional efforts because the promotion of each branded product indirectly promotes all other products that are similarly branded (Dibb et al 1997). Branding also helps seller by fostering brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is a strongly motivated and long decision to purchase a product or service. To the extent that buyers become loyal to a specific brand, the company’s market share for that product achieve a certain level of stability, allowing the firm to use its resources more efficiently. When a firm succeeds in fostering some degree of customer loyalty to a brand, it can charge a premium price for the product (Dibb et al 1997). For example, Consumers are loyal to buy Armani because they appreciate its status and fashionable values, and Apple computers because they appreciate their creative and human values. These values reflect and enhance the consumer’s sense of him/himself and provide a key source of brand differentiation (Kochan 1996). Similarly, the importance of branding in the public sector cannot be under-estimated. While it remains an essential part in the day to day running of private sectors for the purpose of maximising profits, the profit making purpose is however less significant with public sectors. A distinct example of branding in the public sector is the NHS. Rather than being portrayed as a brand for profit making, the aim of the NHS is provide adequate health care service for the nation. Due to the virtual non-existence of an aim of making profits, there is little or no competition for the NHS, therefore there ought to be other reasons for their various forms of branding. A significant example of the essence of branding for the NHS is their association with life saving ventures such as safe sex practices and â€Å"quit smoking† campaigns (Lecturer’s Note 2006),. The various steps taken by the NHS to encourage safe sex practices through the television and newspaper adverts ensure that t hey are easily associated with any life saying adverts and their â€Å"NHS† brand once seen on TV means a life saving advert is coming on. Even though, this is not fore the sake of making profits but people start taking them more seriously, likewise what they preach, thereby achieving the ultimate goal of saving lives (Lecturer’s Note 2006). Like the private companies, they spend some money on adverts and branding but more emphasis is on profit making by the private companies than the public companies. Essentially, branding is a way of getting attention and developing a relationship with target audiences and this is especially important for public organizations with little or no aim of profit making. The competitiveness brought about by branding in the public sector is therefore targeted at getting audiences rather than making more profits than private companies (Colyer 2006). Furthermore, branding for non-profit making organizations is as important as those for private and public organizations albeit with a slightly different aim and approach. The aim of competition is as important for non-profit making organizations as it is important for private organizations. Branding here is therefore aimed at building a better relationship with supporters, thereby establishing greater trust in the organization. Interestingly, it may be surprising to find out that competition among non profit making organizations such as various charities may be as fierce as private organizations. This competition is however aimed at making one’s charity the most important in the minds of the people than other charities. For example, the impact of branding by the NSPCC may be the outstanding factor that determines if to donate money to them rather than the heart foundation. Similarly, the charities we choose to support may be borne out of the fact that a significant aspect of i ts branding appeals to us more than other types (Lecturer’s Note 2006). While most charities aim to save lives, the branding may be geared towards making the life saving purpose more urgent than others. The different Tsunami charities set up in 2004 after the Tsunami tragedy as part of their branding gave vivid views of devastating events in Asia as they set out to outdo one another in donations, even though they were for the same course. In this case, the competitive nature of branding may be said to be, to generate as much funds as possible for a similar course rather than for making profits (Mitchell 2005). Potential problems in raising brand awareness The power of a well-known brand name, supported by strong advertising, is so great (and long lasting) that 20 of the top 25 leading brands in 2005 were also among the top 25 in 2006. But companies are finding it increasingly difficult to attract the customer’s attention and create brand awareness because of the clutter of new products, brands, and advertising in the environment. Thus, approximately 90% of new products are pulled from the market within two or three years of their introduction. Most of them failed for lack of name recognition – consumers were just not aware of them (Morgan 1999; Bulkeley 1991). The risks of creating a new brand are so great that many companies are developing so-called line extensions. Rather than developing a new brand name, marketers are applying their existing, well-known brand name to new products. Red Bounty (with dark chocolate), Coca-Cola Light, and Ariel Colour are but a few well-known examples. Building name recognition can be very difficult and very expensive, especially for small companies. Market leaders often command budget upon 10 times greater than smaller companies. For instance, Nike and Reebok spend about $100 million. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola can afford to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on extensive advertising campaigns (Pereira 1991). Get help with your essay from our expert essay writers Customer Factors Some customers like to seek variety in their experience; they get bored with the same product or life experience. Other customers like change and variety and are happy with old. The variety-seeking customers may switch from one brand to another, not because they are dissatisfied with the first brand’s performance and other values, but rather simply for the sake of change and variety. The more variety seeking a customer is, the less brand loyal he is likely to be (Sheth et al 1999). Conclusion In conclusion, the key to developing a brand vision is to assess the values of the organization, distil them into a vision and not tamper or interfere with the vision’s simplicity and power. Consistency and clarity are all-important. Coke forgot the strength and simplicity of its existing product values when it tried re-launching its much loved product under the banner of ‘New Formula’ (Coca cola Seminar Video 2006). Conversely, Mars understood perfectly its existing product values when it launched Mars ice cream on the back of the Mars bar. Design and presentation of the product flows from the values. Coherence is once again the name of the game. The presentation of the packaging, the use of the logo, the typeface all need to accord with the brand values and be internally consistent with Cost effectiveness (Nilson 1998; Kochan 1996). Nevertheless, it is clear that branding plays an important role in the private; public as well as non-profit sector. However, a com pany raise profit if it builds a strong brand name. The company can benefit if consumers buy its brand in preference to other brands, and it gains more benefits if this preference maintains for long periods. If customers perceive one brand as superior, then they become less sensitive to price. Rather, they will be willing to pay more for the brand they like. Such brand loyalty allows the company to charge more and thus generate healthy cash flows. It also makes it harder for competitors to enter the market. Building a brand has become concern for every business. Brands are, therefore, at the heart of marketing and business strategy. References Aaker, D. A., (1991), Managing Brand Equity: Capitalising on the Value of a Brand Name, New York: The Free Press Business Week, (2006), ‘The Worlds 10 Most Valuable Brands’, http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/01_32/b3744003.htm Colyer, E., (2006), ‘Branding in public’, http://brandchannel.com/features_effect.asp?pf_id=310#more Kochan, N., (1996), ‘The World’s Greatest Brands’ London: McMillan Business, 1996, pp. x-xi Kotler, P., (2003), Marketing Management, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Lecturer (2006), ‘Lecturer’s handout and Coca cola Seminar video’ Birkbeck College Mitchell, B. (2005), ‘Make Poverty History – passion statement’, http://brandchannel.com/features_profile.asp?pr_id=249 Morgan, A., (1999), Eating the Big Fish, New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc Nilson, T. H., et al., (1998), Competitive Branding: Winning in the Marketplace with Value-Added Brands. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Nissim, B., (2004), ‘Nonprofit Branding: Unveiling the Essentials’, http://www.guidestar.org/DisplayArticle.do?articleId=833 Ourosoff, A., (1994), ‘Brands: What’s Hot? What’s Not?’, Financial World, Aug. 1994, pp. 240-55 Owen, S., (1993), ‘The Landor Image Power Survey: a Global Assessment of Brand Strength’, in Brand Equity and Advertising, ed. Aaker, D. A., et a. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Pereira, J., (1991), ‘Name of the Game: Brand Awareness’, The Wall Street Journal, 14 Feb. 1991, pp. B1, B4 Randall. G., (1997), Branding, London: Kogan Page Sheth, J. N., et al, (1999), Customer Behaviour: Customer Behaviour and Beyond. Fort Worth: The Dryden Press Stobart, P., (1994), Brand Power, London: The Macmillan Press Ltd

Improving The Teaching of Physics :: Learning Education Papers

What this paper is all about I will attempt to provide answers to the question of how one can facilitate the acquisition of deep conceptual understanding of physical concepts and make learning more meaningful to students. I will do this by using the results of several physics education researches as anchored on some important difficulties physics educators have in teaching physics. The problems in physics teaching Over the years, physics education has been beset with a multitude of problems. The most compelling is how to teach physics to the students so that they will understand it, and appreciate it. An offshoot of this difficulty is the problem of retaining in the program those students who have initially decided to major in physics. Seymour and Hewitt’s (1997) study on why undergraduates leave the sciences revealed that students switch not because they lack the mental ability. The three main concerns for shifting are the lack or loss of interest, belief that a non-SME offers a better education, and poor teaching of SME faculty. Looking at these reasons, we realize that the situation is not at all hopeless. I believe that we could do something to address these issues. The scenario would have been pathetic if the primary reason for the switch is the students’ lack of mental ability. As I see it, the issue of lack/loss of interest and the belief that SME offers a better education is brought about or aggravated by the issue of poor teaching of SME faculty. If we can address the issue of poor teaching we will essentially be addressing the two other issues. If we can better teach physics then this can be a source of motivation for students to stay in physics. Another major problem in physics education is that students do not appear to gain as much knowledge out of their physics courses as desired. The most probable reason for this is the over-dependence of physics instructors on using the â€Å"traditional lecture†. Lectures in physics can be an incredibly passive experience for students, particularly dangerous for those who believe that if they can follow the professor, they’ve mastered the material (Tobias, 1990). In this paper I will be presenting ways in which we can improve large lecture classes in order to make learning more meaningful for students. The motivation for this is my belief that lecture halls will still continue to pervade physics departments. Reducing the number of student- teacher ratio is a far-fetched reality.

Branding versus Brand Equity

Branding is technically defined as a way to be able to provide the clients a perfect impression about a certain product to make them finally decide to purchase it (Business.. n. p. ). On the other hand, brand equity is technically defined as a way to calculate the value of the brand (Wikipedia n. p. ). This paper entitled, â€Å"Branding versus Brand Equity† aims to look into the differences between two technical terms known as â€Å"branding† and â€Å"brand equity†.There are several differences between â€Å"branding† and â€Å"brand equity† and some of these are the following: First of all, branding carries the goal of a certain business or product wanting it to be the client’s first choice (Business.. n. p. ). Brand equity’s goal, on the other hand, is to find out â€Å"the value built up in a brand† (Wikipedia.. n. p. ). Second, to achieve the goal of branding as previously mentioned, what it takes for that to occur entails â€Å"building and managing a brand† (Business..n. p. ).Meanwhile, in brand equity, the goal of branding may be reached by â€Å"calculating then drawing a comparison between the expected future profits from the branded manufactured goods with the anticipated potential or upcoming revenue from an equivalent non-branded item† (Wikipedia n. p. ). Third, branding can provide the prospective clients an unyielding idea of what they are about to purchase, making it easier for them to decide to make a purchase (Business.. n. p. ).On the other hand, brand equity, makes it a little excruciating for a client to buy a certain product simply because brand equity may either be positive or negative (Wikipedia n. p. ). Positive here means that it may provide prospective clients an unbending thought with regards to the product or negative, which means, it may give forthcoming clients to see a product not worthy of attention and money (Wikipedia n. p. ). Fourth, since branding is foun ded on the goal which is to become the best alternative for prospective client, then it is most likely to result in a positive outcome (Business..n. p. ).On the other hand, since brand equity is founded on a neutral goal, then it is most likely to result in a bad management, and eventually, a bad product as well (Wikipedia n. p. ). Fifth, branding may be utilized by all types of companies, big and small alike (Business.. n. p. ). Brand equity, however, cannot cover all types, it is limited to large companies since it entails calculations and comparison of branded and non-branded products (Wikipedia.. n. p. ).Last but not least, branding seeks to build a flourishing brand by: 1) paying attention to the wants and needs of the clients; 2) staying honest and believing in your own brand; 3) keeping the simplicity of the brand; 4) being extensive; 5) making sure of the employees’ involvement and their believe and support on the brand itself; 6) proper articulation of the brand thro ugh print & television advertisements, leaflets, written communications etc so that the same slogan and idea is reinforced; 7) utilization of the same logo everywhere; 8) meeting the promises kept related to the â€Å"brand promises† and even exceeding if circumstances allow; and last but not least 9) looking for opportunities to improve the brand and continuously seeking for room for growth (Business.. n. p. ). Simply put, it focuses on what should be aware on, the quality, how much a client is aware of such, as the trend goes for brand equity (Wikipedia n. p. ). Conclusion Branding and brand equity are different in terms of goal, technique of reaching for that goal, in terms of appeal to clients, in terms of the size of the companies that it may serve, as well as, the focus (whether quality or quantity).

Research and experimental development Essay

â€Å"Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.† (OECD (2002) Frascati Manual: proposed standard practice for surveys on research and experimental development, 6th edition.)[1] It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories. A research project may also be an expansion on past work in the field. To test the validity of instruments, procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole. The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches t o research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, etc. Contents [hide] 1 Forms of research 2 Etymology 3 Definitions 4 Steps in conducting research 5 Scientific research 6 Historical method 7 Research methods 8 Publishing 9 Research funding 10 Original research 10.1 Different forms 11 Artistic research 12 See also 13 References 14 Further reading 15 External links Forms of research[edit source | editbeta] Scientific research relies on the application of the scientific method, a harnessing of curiosity. This research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the properties of the world. It makes practical applications possible. Scientific research is funded by public authorities, by charitable organizations and by private groups, including many companies. Scientific research can be subdivided into different classifications according to their academic and application disciplines. Scientific research is a widely used criterion for judging the standing of an academic institution, such as business schools, but some argue that such is an inaccurate assessment of the institution, because the quality of research does not tell about the quality of teaching (these do not necessarily correlate totally).[2] Research in the humanities involves different methods such as for example hermeneutics and semiotics, and a different, more relativist epistemology. Humanities scholars usually do not search for the ultimate correct answer to a question, but instead explore the issues and details that surround it. Context is always important, and context can be social, historical, political, cultural or ethnic. An example of research in the humanities is historical research, which is embodied in historical method. Historians use primary sources and other evidence to systematically investigate a topic, and then to write histories in the form of accounts of the past. Artistic research, also seen as ‘practice-based research’, can take form when creative works are considered both the research and the object of research itself. It is the debatable body of thought which offers an alternative to purely scientific methods in research in its search for knowledge and truth. Etymology[edit source | editbeta] Aristotle, 384 BC – 322 BC, – one of the early figures in the development of the scientific method.[3] The word research is derived from the Middle French â€Å"recherche†, which means â€Å"to go about seeking†, the term itself being derived from the Old French term â€Å"recerchier† a compound word from â€Å"re-† + â€Å"cerchier†, or â€Å"sercher†, meaning ‘search’.[4] The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.[4] Definitions[edit source | editbeta] Research has been defined in a number of different ways. A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth – â€Å"In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.†[5] Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states – â€Å"Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue†. It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question.[6] The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as â€Å"a studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws†.[4] Steps in conducting research[edit source | editbeta] Research is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of research.[7] The hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information through the method of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results. The major steps in conducting research are:[8] Identification of research problem Literature review Specifying the purpose of research Determine specific research questions or hypotheses Data collection Analyzing and interpreting the data Reporting and evaluating research Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations The steps generally represent the overall process, however they should be viewed as an ever-changing process rather than a fixed set of steps.[9] Most researches begin with a general statement of the problem, or rather, the purpose for engaging in the study.[10] The literature review identifies flaws or holes in previous research which provides justification for the study. Often, a literature review is conducted in a given subject area before a research question is identified. A gap in the current literature, as identified by a researcher, then engenders a research question. The research question may be parallel to the hypothesis. The hypothesis is the supposition to be tested. The researcher(s) collects data to test the hypothesis. The researcher(s) then analyzes and interprets the data via a variety of statistical methods, engaging in what is known as Empirical research. The results of the data analysis in confirming or failing to reject the Null hypothesis are then reported and evaluated. At the end the researcher may discuss avenues for further research. Rudolph Rummel says, â€Å"†¦ no researcher should accept any one or two tests as definitive. It is only when a range of tests are consistent over many kinds of data, researchers, and methods can one have confidence in the results.†[11] Scientific research[edit source | editbeta] Main article: Scientific method Primary scientific research being carried out at the Microscopy Laboratory of the Idaho National Laboratory. Scientific research equipment at MIT. Generally, research is understood to follow a certain structural process. Though step order may vary depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following steps are usually part of most formal research, both basic and applied: Observations and Formation of the topic: Consists of the subject area of ones interest and following that subject area to conduct subject related research. The subject area should not be randomly chosen since it requires reading a vast amount of literature on the topic to determine the gap in the literature the researcher intends to narrow. A keen interest in the chosen subject area is advisable. The research will have to be justified by linking its importance to already existing knowledge about the topic. Hypothesis: A testable prediction which designates the relationship between two or more variables. Conceptual definition: Description of a concept by relating it to other concepts. Operational definition: Details in regards to defining the variables and how they will be measured/assessed in the study. Gathering of data: Consists of identifying a population and selecting samples, gathering information from and/or about these samples by using specific research instruments. The instruments used for data collection must be valid and reliable. Analysis of data: Involves breaking down the individual pieces of data in order to draw conclusions about it. Data Interpretation: This can be represented through tables, figures and pictures, and then described in words. Test, revising of hypothesis Conclusion, reiteration if necessary A common misconception is that a hypothesis will be proven (see, rather, Null hypothesis). Generally a hypothesis is used to make predictions that can be tested by observing the outcome of an experiment. If the outcome is inconsistent with the hypothesis, then the hypothesis is rejected (see falsifiability). However, if the outcome is consistent with the hypothesis, the experiment is said to support the hypothesis. This careful language is used because researchers recognize that alternative hypotheses may also be consistent with the observations. In this sense, a hypothesis can never be proven, but rather only supported by surviving rounds of scientific testing and, eventually, becoming widely thought of as true. A useful hypothesis allows prediction and within the accuracy of observation of the time, the prediction will be verified. As the accuracy of observation improves with time, the hypothesis may no longer provide an accurate prediction. In this case a new hypothesis will arise to challenge the old, and to the extent that the new hypothesis makes more accurate predictions than the old, the new will supplant it. Researchers can also use a null hypothesis, which state no relationship or difference between the independent or dependent variables. A null hypothesis uses a sample of all possible people to make a conclusion about the population.[12] Historical method[edit source | editbeta] Main article: Historical method German historian Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886), considered to be one of the founders of modern source-based history. The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. There are various history guidelines commonly used by historians in their work, under the headings of external criticism, internal criticism, and synthesis. This includes lower criticism and sensual criticism. Though items may vary depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following concepts are part of most formal historical research:[13] Identification of origin date Evidence of localization Recognition of authorship Analysis of data Identification of integrity Attribution of credibility Research methods[edit source | editbeta] The goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge or deepen understanding of a topic or issue. This process takes three main forms (although, as previously discussed, the boundaries between them may be obscure): Exploratory research, which helps to identify and define a problem or question. Constructive research, which tests theories and proposes solutions to a problem or question. Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence. The research room at the New York Public Library, an example of secondary research in progress. There are two major types of research design: qualitative research and quantitative research. Researchers choose qualitative or quantitative methods according to the nature of the research topic they want to investigate and the research questions they aim to answer: Maurice Hilleman is credited with saving more lives than any other scientist of the 20th century.[14] Qualitative research Understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. Asking a broad question and collecting data in the form of words, images, video etc that is analyzed searching for themes. This type of research aims to investigate a question without attempting to quantifiably measure variables or look to potential relationships between variables. It is viewed as more restrictive in testing hypotheses because it can be expensive and time consuming, and typically limited to a single set of research subjects[citation needed]. Qualitative research is often used as a method of exploratory research as a basis for later quantitative research hypotheses[citation needed]. Qualitative research is linked with the philosophical and theoretical stance of social constructionism. Quantitative research Systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships. Asking a narrow question and collecting numerical data to analyze utilizing statistical methods. The quantitative research designs are experimental, correlational, and survey (or descriptive).[15] Statistics derived from quantitative research can be used to establish the existence of associative or causal relationships between variables. Quantitative research is linked with the philosophical and theoretical stance of positivism. The Quantitative data collection methods rely on random sampling and structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into predetermined response categories[citation needed]. These methods produce results that are easy to summarize, compare, and generalize[citation needed]. Quantitative research is concerned with testing hypotheses derived from theory and/or being able to estimate the size of a phenomenon of interest. Depending on the research question, participants may be randomly assigned to different treatments (this is the only way that a quantitative study can be considered a true experiment)[citation needed]. If this is not feasible, the researcher may collect data on participant and situational characteristics in order to statistically control for their influence on the dependent, or outcome, variable. If the intent is to generalize from the research participants to a larger population, the researcher will employ probability sampling to select participants.[16] In either qualitative or quantitative research, the researcher(s) may collect primary or secondary data. Primary data is data collected specifically for the research, such as through interviews or questionnaires. Secondary data is data that already exists, such as census data, which can be re-used for the research. It is good ethical research practice to use secondary data wherever possible.[17] Mixed-method research, i.e. research that includes qualitative and quantitative elements, using both primary and secondary data, is becoming more common.[18] Publishing[edit source | editbeta] Cover of the first issue of Nature, 4 November 1869. Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to peer review the work and make it available for a wider audience. The system varies widely by field, and is also always changing, if often slowly. Most academic work is published in journal article or book form. There is also a large body of research that exists in either a thesis or dissertation form. These forms of research can be found in databases explicitly for theses and dissertations. In publishing, STM publishing is an abbreviation for academic publications in science, technology, and medicine. Most established academic fields have their own journals and other outlets for publication, though many academic journals are somewhat interdisciplinary, and publish work from several distinct fields or subfields. The kinds of publications that are accepted as contributions of knowledge or research vary greatly between fields; from the print to the electronic format. A study suggests that research ers should not give great consideration to findings that are not replicated frequently.[19] It has also been suggested that all published studies should be

Perfect Gym essays

Perfect Gym essays Every person in the world would like to have a perfect body. In order to have a healthy and a strong body, people would need to consider going to a gym to work out. What do such people expect of a gym? Certainly, patrons would expect a wide selection of equipment available in a gym. Patrons would enjoy a well-educated staff who knows everything people want to know about working out. The Bally Total Fitness, located on the Boulevard, is a perfect match for that. Patrons will definitely enjoy working out at the Bally Total Fitness. What kind of environment would patrons expect? Patrons will find the Bally Total Fitness clean, well organized, and suitable for working out. First of all, patrons will appreciate a wide selection of equipment available to them. Whether they like to use machines or free weights to achieve their goals, Bally Total Fitness is right for them. For example, patrons have a choice of inclined, declined, and regular bench press available to them. The gym has about 8 machines for each part of the body. The gym has 3 machines of the same kind, so patrons dont have to wait for someone to get finished with their work out. Ballys has about 5 set of dumbbells for each weight, so up to 5 people can work out at a time. Patrons will appreciate the wide selection of equipment offered to customers. Second of all, patrons would enjoy the staff, who can assist them with their work out. The Bally Total Fitness has 12 trainers on duty at a time. Trainers walk around and ask everyone if they would like help. For example, trainers are there to spot people bench pressing. Trainers give patrons hints on how to work certain muscles. Trainers can also design a healthy diet for one to follow. Patrons would enjoy the staff working at the Bally Total Fitness located on the Boulevard. Finally, patrons will appreciate the environment. Patrons will find the gym clean. The machines are cleaned every 15 ...

Copernicus essays

Copernicus essays Instead of accepting the geocentric universe belief, he dared to ask why. Nicholas Copernicus, one of the extraordinary astronomers of his time, began a revolutionary way of thinking about the heavens. He established a heliocentric view to explain why things occur the way that they do. What we now know about the heavens is largely due to his advancements in astronomy. I plan to cover his discoveries, through all the trials and tribulations that he faced. Ultimately to show how he was indeed the one who dare stand tall and shake the heavens, something that had not been done quite so often. The main points I plan to cover are Copernicuss trial and error ideas that led him to reach his final answer. Then to show how he replaced early cosmology with his Copernican theory. Once his heliocentric model had been introduced, how it influenced later astrology as well. To further delve into the subject, Ill explain why his way of thinking made more sense of the heavens, its beauty, simplicity, and preciseness. As with all great minds that have radical new ideas, his views were refuted and ignored, which will also be a point of discussion. Only a few Copernicans existed after the original, Galileo and Kepler are some I will briefly mention as well. His ideas and beliefs not only explained what others couldnt; they made good physical sense too. It is one thing to explain something intricate and complex, and yet another to have it all make perfect sense, as if pieces had fallen together to form the entire puzzle. This is something he was trying to achieve, and made good strides towards it. He used observations and creative outside of the box thinking. Although, the time and place in which he grew up in welcomed new ideas, just not those that would go against earlier thinking. It was all these things combined that made him who he was and what he believed in. ...

Analysis of the Paint Industry

Analysis of the Paint Industry Color has captivated everyone throughout the history, be it myriad cultures, age-groups, occasions, etc. Color has become a significant part of every family. Every age and every region has produced dyes and pigments based on the availability of the resources. The history proves the existence of colors from past thousands of years, discovered in the caves of Southern Europe. Paint is defined as the group of emulsions, consisting of pigments suspended in a liquid medium, for use as decorative or protective coatings. Today, contemporary paints and coating consist of countless of hundreds of thousands to fulfill the varied requirements of hundreds of thousands of applications.†Paint† ranges from the broad group of environmentally sound latex paints that many consumers use to decorate and protect their homes and the translucent coating that line the interior of food homes and the translucent coating that line the interior of food containers, to the chemically complex, multi-c omponent finishes that automobile manufacturers apply on the assembly line. Paint made its earliest appearance about 30,000 years ago .Cave dwellers used crude paints to leave behind the graphic representations of their lives that even today decorate the walls of their ancient rock dwellings. The utility of paints has evolved from a decorative use to a surface protection use. Also, know as surface coatings, paints can be classified on the basis of end use, solvent system and solid content. Paint is comprised of three separate things working together. A pigment is used for the color. A binder is used to hold the pigment to the wall. And lastly, a carrier is used to apply the pigment and binder to whatever. There are many types of paint but they all have these components. For white latex paint, the carrier is de-ionized water, the pigment is very finely ground Titanium dioxide, and the binder is a synthetic polymer that resembles liquid rubber. The pigment and binder are put together with force (grinding) and then the two are slowly dispersed into the water. Titanium dioxide is the single largest input used in the manufacture of paints. It is a pigment (non-petro-based) that accounts for about 30% of material costs. Phthalic anhydride (PAN) and pentaerythritol (Penta) are the other two important petro-based inputs used in the manufacture of resins. Organic pigments, solvents, oils and a range of chemical additives are also used in the manufacture of paints. INDIAN PAINT INDUSTRY The Indian paint industry has come a long way from the days when paints were considered a luxury item. Today the awareness level on preventing corrosion through paints is relatively high, a development that should be a huge boost to the paint industry. The Indian paints industry offers lucrative scope for stable revenue streams to manufacturers of both decorative and industrial paints. The Indian Paints sector is valued at Rs 66 bn in value terms and is very fragmented. The current deman d is estimated to be around 650,000 tonnes per annum and is seasonal in nature. The per capita consumption of paints in India stands at 0.5-kg p.a. as compared to 1.6 kg in China and 22 kg in the developed economies. India’s share in the world paint market is just 0.6%.

MDCs Approach To Motivating And Coordinating Employees In Xerox Essay - 10

MDCs Approach To Motivating And Coordinating Employees In Xerox - Essay Example This could most clearly demonstrate the role of Clendenin being the authority as the project manager within the organization because they are let go to coordinate activities and build teams according to their own creative standards and communication patterns after the rational career development training. The sources of power in a matrix organization like Xerox are very disparate and changeable, to reflect the external environment of change and dynamism in a competitive industry. Clendenin created many new opportunities for looking at organizations and the relationships that are formed out of a sense of circumstance and happening rather than out of a sense of totalized management planning. The result was a more open and malleable system that accounts for vagaries in the organization and obstacles that may not be as easily accounted for from other, more rationally strict viewpoints. This perspective also often stresses the ability of the face of the organization, like Clendenin, to determine its corporate culture. Clendenin has a strong social network based on a foundation of team-based management. MDC has made various organizational design choices as shown in the case, particularly revolving around its new career development initiatives and new procedures that focus on teamwork as well as effective management. In terms of its status as an organization as shown and depicted in the case, MDC has faced design challenges in various ways. In terms of vertical differentiation, this has been met at the organization through the maintenance of systems within a matrix type design, which still has differentiated areas of control such as those of project manager and sub-project manager, who are able to balance between the multinational sections of the organization and the more domestic management- or budget-oriented sections, which form two distinct organizational cultures.

Report on TESLA case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Report on TESLA case study - Essay Example top managers, Tesla has been able to achieve success while at the same time adopting effective strategies such as the latest increment of more patents to more than 250. In addition, the partnership that the company has formed with companies such as Daimler makes Tesla to have a strong capital base. Tesla value chain analysis covers aspect such as inbound logistics, operations, and outbound logistics among others. Despite being a company with a strong support from the customers, Tesla was at one time involved in PR issue that involved poor batteries that lacked the information from the company on how to use them. Major business level strategies that are covered by the paper include use of extensive technology and innovation, formation of value-creating partnership, and production of cars that have different facilities as needed by the customers. Similarly, Tesla adopts corporate strategies such as expanding its market share, existing products into new markets such as Hong Kong, China and Australia among others, and production diversification among others. The major models that are covered to analyse Tesla operations include SAF and STAIR Models. Additionally, the paper provides some recommendation to the company such as penetrating emerging markets, establishing research and development centres in the developing countries, and continuing with product development among others. The purpose of using this analysis is to evaluate the risks and opportunities in the external environment that can have impact on the performance of Tesla. These include social, political, economic, environmental and technological factors. Tesla sells their cars in more than 17 countries in Asia, North America and West Europe. Protection laws are put in place for companies manufacturing cars to strictly meet the environmental laws on emission, thus the Tesla have to come up with the methods of dealing with the political pattern that can influence their business operations (Bernardez, 2005).

Internet Addiction Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet Addiction - Article Example Some of the effects include increased depression, loneliness, antisocial behaviors influence into drug use and anxiety, which are exhibited by internet-addicted persons. In addition, the article claims that internet usage has grave effects on the mind of users. The article suggests that the effects on the mind are negative since internet usage requires less utilization of the brain hence reduced brain development. The most important fact in this article is that internet addiction is harming the users. This can be deduced from the author’s argument that â€Å"The current incarnation of the Internet--portable, social, accelerated, and all-pervasive--may be making us not just dumber or lonelier but more depressed and anxious, prone to obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit disorders, even outright psychotic. Our digitized minds can scan like those of drug addicts, and normal people are breaking down in sad and seemingly new ways.† One of the strengths of the article is that the author makes use of convincing evidence obtained from credible sources. Almost all the claims are supported by evidence from a published study. An extra strength is that the author rarely uses his own opinion to prove a claim. One of the weaknesses of the article is the lack of conclusion. The author puts forward several arguments on how availability and use of the internet have affected human beings but never come to a conclusion. Another weakness is the several unanswered questions that the author has posted. A good example is on what should be done on the issue of internet addiction. The author keeps arguing about the effects of internet overuse but never gives a solution to this problem. In addition, the thesis statement is not well stated. It is only after reading a large part of the article that one can tell the question under discussion.

Report on TESLA case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Report on TESLA case study - Essay Example top managers, Tesla has been able to achieve success while at the same time adopting effective strategies such as the latest increment of more patents to more than 250. In addition, the partnership that the company has formed with companies such as Daimler makes Tesla to have a strong capital base. Tesla value chain analysis covers aspect such as inbound logistics, operations, and outbound logistics among others. Despite being a company with a strong support from the customers, Tesla was at one time involved in PR issue that involved poor batteries that lacked the information from the company on how to use them. Major business level strategies that are covered by the paper include use of extensive technology and innovation, formation of value-creating partnership, and production of cars that have different facilities as needed by the customers. Similarly, Tesla adopts corporate strategies such as expanding its market share, existing products into new markets such as Hong Kong, China and Australia among others, and production diversification among others. The major models that are covered to analyse Tesla operations include SAF and STAIR Models. Additionally, the paper provides some recommendation to the company such as penetrating emerging markets, establishing research and development centres in the developing countries, and continuing with product development among others. The purpose of using this analysis is to evaluate the risks and opportunities in the external environment that can have impact on the performance of Tesla. These include social, political, economic, environmental and technological factors. Tesla sells their cars in more than 17 countries in Asia, North America and West Europe. Protection laws are put in place for companies manufacturing cars to strictly meet the environmental laws on emission, thus the Tesla have to come up with the methods of dealing with the political pattern that can influence their business operations (Bernardez, 2005).

CASE STUDY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

CASE STUDY - Essay Example On the other hand, fibrates function by moderately lowering the levels of LDL while increasing those of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in the plasma, and are recommended for the treatment of hypoalphalipoproteinemia (Staels et al., 1998). This study highlights the steps undertaken in target identification and validation to optimize the efficacy and safety of new drugs. This is exemplified by the effect of statin on low density lipoproteins cholesterol levels in dogs. During drug development process, target identification and validation is important as determines the approach to be used. It is also important so as to identify any issues about reliability, safety and ethics. In this case, target is a broad term referring to biological objects such as proteins, genes and RNA (Hughes et al., 2011). Methods for target identification include: Various techniques have been employed in target validation which range from in vitro tools such as cultured cells and yeast to the use of whole animal models such as invertebrates (Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans), fish, zebra, rats, mice, primate and dogs. Modeling of the wanted target in disease patients has also been applied (Hughes et al., 2011). While each approach is valid in its own right, multi-validation approaches that significantly increase confidence levels in the observed outcome are preferred (Hughes et al., 2011). A total of six cohorts of dogs ‘three statin treated and three placebo treated’ were used in the study. Each cohort comprised of five dogs. The dogs were fed on chow diet for 21 days after the treatment was introduced. The dogs were administered with either statin (10 mg/kg, 20mg/kg or 30mg/kg rosuvastatin) or equal volume of placebo (0.5 ml of 10% 2-hydroxypropyl-ÃŽ ²-cyclodextrin in autoclaved water) treatment. The serum LDL cholesterol levels were monitored once a week for six weeks. Blood samples (0.5 ml) were collected from the retro-orbital plexus

Internet Addiction Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet Addiction - Article Example Some of the effects include increased depression, loneliness, antisocial behaviors influence into drug use and anxiety, which are exhibited by internet-addicted persons. In addition, the article claims that internet usage has grave effects on the mind of users. The article suggests that the effects on the mind are negative since internet usage requires less utilization of the brain hence reduced brain development. The most important fact in this article is that internet addiction is harming the users. This can be deduced from the author’s argument that â€Å"The current incarnation of the Internet--portable, social, accelerated, and all-pervasive--may be making us not just dumber or lonelier but more depressed and anxious, prone to obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit disorders, even outright psychotic. Our digitized minds can scan like those of drug addicts, and normal people are breaking down in sad and seemingly new ways.† One of the strengths of the article is that the author makes use of convincing evidence obtained from credible sources. Almost all the claims are supported by evidence from a published study. An extra strength is that the author rarely uses his own opinion to prove a claim. One of the weaknesses of the article is the lack of conclusion. The author puts forward several arguments on how availability and use of the internet have affected human beings but never come to a conclusion. Another weakness is the several unanswered questions that the author has posted. A good example is on what should be done on the issue of internet addiction. The author keeps arguing about the effects of internet overuse but never gives a solution to this problem. In addition, the thesis statement is not well stated. It is only after reading a large part of the article that one can tell the question under discussion.

CASE STUDY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

CASE STUDY - Essay Example On the other hand, fibrates function by moderately lowering the levels of LDL while increasing those of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in the plasma, and are recommended for the treatment of hypoalphalipoproteinemia (Staels et al., 1998). This study highlights the steps undertaken in target identification and validation to optimize the efficacy and safety of new drugs. This is exemplified by the effect of statin on low density lipoproteins cholesterol levels in dogs. During drug development process, target identification and validation is important as determines the approach to be used. It is also important so as to identify any issues about reliability, safety and ethics. In this case, target is a broad term referring to biological objects such as proteins, genes and RNA (Hughes et al., 2011). Methods for target identification include: Various techniques have been employed in target validation which range from in vitro tools such as cultured cells and yeast to the use of whole animal models such as invertebrates (Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans), fish, zebra, rats, mice, primate and dogs. Modeling of the wanted target in disease patients has also been applied (Hughes et al., 2011). While each approach is valid in its own right, multi-validation approaches that significantly increase confidence levels in the observed outcome are preferred (Hughes et al., 2011). A total of six cohorts of dogs ‘three statin treated and three placebo treated’ were used in the study. Each cohort comprised of five dogs. The dogs were fed on chow diet for 21 days after the treatment was introduced. The dogs were administered with either statin (10 mg/kg, 20mg/kg or 30mg/kg rosuvastatin) or equal volume of placebo (0.5 ml of 10% 2-hydroxypropyl-ÃŽ ²-cyclodextrin in autoclaved water) treatment. The serum LDL cholesterol levels were monitored once a week for six weeks. Blood samples (0.5 ml) were collected from the retro-orbital plexus

Switching From a Trimester Academic Calendar To a Semester Academic Calendar Essay Example for Free

Switching From a Trimester Academic Calendar To a Semester Academic Calendar Essay Part 1: Introduction Background of the Study   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The trimester program has normally been implemented to help students learn in a much faster way in consideration with the time and the finances that would be involved within the studying periods that the learning process in trimester universities offer. For several years now, the industrialized and top progressed countries around the world have effectively adapted to this particular way of learning. In fact, many among the students within the said countries are able to apply their learned skills abruptly after attending school.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, there are also some risks that the education regulators face in implementing this particular time-controlling procedure of learning among students. Of course, as said earlier, in terms of time and finances, trimester certainly gains advantage, however, the questions are, are the students learning the important points of the courses that they enroll into in such a short span of time? Are the teachers able to impart to their students the most important part of the lessons that they teach? Could it be that the students need more time to learn their professions for application later on? What are the results of the said learning system in the working industry and how does it affect the performance of the national economy? These questions primarily raised the possibilities of some universities’ aiming to switch their academic calendar to semester programs. Statement of the Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Considering the facts mentioned above, it should then be clear that there are necessary elements that contribute to student learning procedures that need attention in pursuing the switching of academic calendars from trimester to semester program offerings of certain universities. The balancing of the views with regards the effectiveness of educational planning and presentation to the students is indeed one of the most serious issues faced by the different departments devoted to educational advancements. The question then is that â€Å"What academic schedule is really much more practical between the trimestral and the semestral programs offered within universities? Giving importance to this particular issue is a necessary for the advancement of the implication of education among the different institutions around the country. Methodologies To be able to come up with a considerably amiable plan in dealing with the situation raised herein, it is necessary to consider some certain discussions that would be presented within the paragraphs that follow. This would be done through research and interview among the major educational administrations that are most likely concerned with the issue being dealt with by the author of this study.    Part 2: Data Collection and Discussion The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Trimester program   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The trimester program, as mentioned earlier has primarily been designed in assisting students who are preempted to be fast learners to attain a degree in college in a much faster procedure, reducing the time and the finances that they are to use to be able to finish their studies.   To expand this particular part of the discussion, the finances shall be broken down to categories that would actually show the large amount of money saved by students and their parent under a trimester program: Boarding and Miscellaneous Expenses Since each trimester is reduced to three months, the expenses that the students would be paying for their dormitories or boarding houses would be reduced as well. Aside from this, the miscellaneous fees and expenses that the students spend while staying within the university would also be reduced in large amount. Tuition Fee Payments Since through the trimester program, the years spent with the school days are reduced the payment for the tuition fees are then paid fast thus reducing the worries of the parents for paying   long term tuition fee rates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     When it comes to studying as it is, this type of academic calendar hosts mostly academic activities and lesser extra curricular activities to help the students focus on their subjects. Most likely, students of this type of program are expected to love the pressure that they are facing in school. The consuming of time at the best possible way is what is implemented in the universities that adapt to this type of educational process.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, teachers who are under this particular system also feel the pressure of stretching the time that has been given to them to discuss their lessons with their students. Most likely, what the teachers do is to give handouts to their students, stack them up with homework and do minimal discussions in class.   Preempting that their students would do well in studying by themselves and bringing out the main idea of the lessons in the classrooms, the educators settle for simple classroom recitations to base their evaluations of the student’s capabilities of learning as well as the effectiveness of their teaching procedures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most likely, the teachers are forced to concise their lessons into the most basic interpretations that they could make to help their students understand. In this case, they are not able to flavor up the discussion to help the students not only understand but better apply the lessons that they learn from school. By this fact, it could be noted that the teachers are limited in pursuing their passion for teaching as they are held tight by schedule of compliance to the deadlines that they are accustomed to meet. The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Semester Program   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Semester programs are divided in four months per academic calendar. The four months are usually aided with several extra curricular activities that are aimed to help the students loosen up form the pressures that they receive from completing their projects in school. The extra curricular activities are also aimed in finding other potentials of the students in performing their best possible abilities for the sake of the goodness of their personality development.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The educators in this type of learning are actually involved in a more controllable time in their own discretion. They have more time to spend with their students in helping them cope up with the subjects especially if they are having a hard time understanding the lessons on their own. It is through this procedure of learning and teaching that the educators are able to give ample time to individual students in treating their difficulties in certain subjects. This is most especially effective in dealing with students who have a different language that the actual language being used as a medium of communication in the university.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As for example, the American society holds at least 48% of its university population devoted to assisting minorities in their learning. Primarily, the students that they deal with have different languages of origin. Hence, learning using the English language as a medium may not be that easy for them to face as a challenge to their abilities of comprehending to the lessons presented to them. This does not mean that they are less intelligent than that of the English natives. However, because of the fact that they have lesser training in using the English language, they are less able to understand the gist of the lessons that are presented to them in the universities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this setting, the educators are able to give assistance to their students at the best possible way they could as they try different alternatives to help minorities understand their lessons better. The extra time that they could use to assist students certainly allows the teachers the chance to bring the best out of their learners.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although when it comes to learning procedures, the semester program of learning is amiably considerably advantageous for the learning progress of the students, the said system of academic character adaptation is much disadvantageous when it comes to the financing of the expenses that are presumably to become a must in the lives of the students while they are staying in school. The tuition fee payments are also at some point easier to deal with in terms of the length of time allotted for them to prepare for the amount needed to be paid.   What the Switching of Academic Calendar Could Do   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Knowing the advantages and the disadvantages of both academic calendar adaptations, it could be observed that both of them have their own leverage against the other. When it comes to the trimestral program the time and finances are given higher concern while the semestral programs on the other hand give much focus on the learning progress of the students. If the aim of education is to be considered closely, it could be seen that the main mission of educating students is to help them understand the lessons in the best way that they could in order for them to have a better application of the ideas in the actual practice in their employments later on. In this regard, the semestral program implication appears to be much practical. Hence, the pursuance of switching of the trimester program to the semester program is given closer concern and focus by some educational administrators. In terms of Budget and Financial Issues From a trimestral setting, the parents and the students themselves would have a better control of their budget since the length of time given for them to complete the payment responsibilities that they have to the universities. Although in terms of boarding expenses the payment may not be that low, the adjustment of the activities that the students engage with may do the trick of reducing and balancing both time and budget that are allotted for the time of learning that they are supposed to complete. Teacher or Educator Adjustments   Trimestral teachers are to be given a lengthened chance of reevaluating their teaching lesson plans thus be able to recreate their system in assisting the students individually in their studies. They could then a lot more time in discussing their lessons in class rather than just sending the works to their students for home completion. Recitation activities are still applicable however; the time could be extended as length of days that certain activities and lessons are to be hosted by the educators to help their students comprehend with the gist ideas of the lessons. Student Learning Capabilities and Pressures The time that is given for students to have ample chance of learning their lessons could actually be turned into a more productive time that would assist the students develop several other skills that they could apply in their jobs later on. Most likely, this situation helps them asses themselves as to how much pressure they are able to tolerate and still perform at their best. For those students who belong with the minority of the population could then be assisted in understanding their lessons better through continuous practice of the usage of the language. The lack of too much pressure in accepting all the necessary lessons could be noted as a way by which the students are given leeway in practicing the knowledge that they are able to gain form the universities. Part 3: Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From this discussion, it could be noted that trimester and semester programs are able to get the best out the students in several ways of consideration. Trimestral program adaptation could be applied in universities that are giving educational assistance to the above average intellect students. This is primary because of the fact that the pressures of learning in this particular procedure of academic calendar setting could cause the minorities a hardship in comprehending with the major points of the lessons that they are supposed to be learning from their educators. In applying the semester program, the educators are able to give attention to each individual student’s progress in learning their lessons. The time that they could spend in the learning processes would indeed allow them to find the best ways by which they could apply their lessons in actual procedures of practice in the future. References: Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board. (2000). WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC CALENDAR Semesters vs. Quarters. http://www.hecb.wa.gov/Docs/reports/WSUcalendar12-2000.pdf. (July 12, 2007) U.S. Office of Education Circular No. 248, November 15, 1948. DH News Service, Bangalore. (2007). No word yet on timing, semester system. CITY SCHOOLS REOPEN, TEACHERS IN DARK OVER GOVT PROPOSALS. http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/May292007/national200705294376.asp?section=frontpagenews. (July 12, 2007) Gall. Chapter 2. Developing A Research Proposal. Stringer. Chapter 3. Initiating a Study Research Design.

Impact of Olympic Games on Host Cities

Impact of Olympic Games on Host Cities Introduction: According to Turner (1982), persons in all cultures identify the need to set aside assured times and spaces for common creativity and commemoration. This was the value of events in ancient period and the evolution of an event in human culture and tradition. Any event or occasion where public assembles for any of these purpose which is celebration, marketing, education or reunion can be termed as event. Any special major event such as World cup or Olympic Games can attract millions of visitors from in and outside the country which will eventually boost the countrys economy. To organise the major event hosting country will invest huge sum of money in transportation, communication and infrastructure which will leave a lasting legacy for the whole economy of the country and also a lot of opportunity and benefits to the locals as well as for the whole residents of the hosting nation directly or indirectly. The aim of this research will be to analyse and evaluate the impact of events in China after hosting the 2008 Olympic games although the essay will try to highlight the event and its types furthermore it will briefly analyse the concept of event management in terms of planning, staging and monitoring an event specially the Olympic games, similarly evaluating the benefits and challenges that the china had gone through in hosting the 2008 Olympic games and finally the positive and negative impact in China after hosting the Olympic games in 2008. Beijing Host of the Olympic Games 2008 China is one of the rapidly developing country and one of the emerging power of the world, which hold the area about 9.6 million square kilometres is located in eastern part of Asia, the pacific west bank which has the largest population among the globe approximately 1,333,212,646 represent ting different faith, cultures and language .China is nearly about 50 latitude from north to south and 5200 kilometres away from east to west crossed the five time zones about longitude 60 degrees. The east part of the china is closest with ocean with a long coast, convenient transport facilities and large numbers of ports which makes china easy to communicate with the rest of the worlds ports and travel of tourists. Based on the specific criteria to be eligible to host the Olympic Games which was set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) there were five selected cities selected to be the finalist by the International Olympic Committee which were Beijing, Toronto, Paris, Osaka and Istanbul after receiving and reviewing the application of 10 cities to bid the host of 2008 Olympic game. Beijing won a complete majority of votes in July 2001from the member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following two round of voting to host the Olympic Games after beating four competing cities which were Toronto, Paris, Osaka and Istanbul. Beijing had lost the same battle for 2000 Olympic Games with Sydney by two votes. Since they hold the games for 2008 they had got just 7 years to make ready for the mega event Olympic games which was later organised in 2008 successfully. From 8th August 2008 to 24th August 2008 the major international multi -sport event took place in Beijing; China. Which was p ublicly called as the games of the XXIX Olympiad which was also known as 2008 summer Olympics? A total of 11,028 athletes competed in 302 events and 28 sports. The participants were from 204 National Olympic Committees. China was the 22nd nations which host the Olympic Games in 2008 , embracing the fundamental facts of the Olympic Games with its own slogan, which was One World , One Dream, they became the 18th to grip a summer Olympic Games. Objectives To understand the history, definition and different types or forms of Event. To analyse the concept of Event management in terms of planning, staging and monitoring an event the Olympic Game. To evaluate the benefits, challenges and barriers faced by China in hosting the Olympic Games. To evaluate the positive and negative impact of the Olympic Games in China. Literature review Since the invention of an event there had been many definitions and meanings forwarded .According to Gets (1997:4-11) Events are temporary occurrence, either planned or unplanned, with a finite length of time. An event can be defined as; a structured event such as a convention, meeting, exhibition, gala dinner, special event etc. An event is frequently composed of numerous diverse yet interconnected functions {Accepted practices Exchange (APEX) Industry Glossary of terms (CIC, 2003)}. Similarly it can be defined as a distinctive form of visitor attraction, ranging in a level from programmes of recreational events at parks, through community festivals to jumbo -events such as world cup Rugby and the Olympics{Getz(1991:122)} Furthermore event can be defined as something which happens result; whichever thing or occasion principally a memorable one; prospect of happening ; an item in a programme (of games, etc); a sort of horse-riding competition, frequently held more than three days(three-day event), consisting of three sections, that is dressage, cross-country riding and show jumping; fate or luck ;a structured movement at a scrupulous location ,e.g. for fundraising ,promotion ,sales (The Chambers Dictionary) Or, it can be termed as an incident happening at a determinable period and place, with or without the contribution of human being agent. It could be a branch of a chain of occurrences as an outcome of a foregoing incident and as the source of a successive occurrence. (businessdictionary.com) Different types of event: There are different types of event which can be classified on the source of their type, context and size which are described below; Social /life-cycle events Any event such as Hen/Stag party ,Bachelors party ,Birthday party ,Graduation day , Wedding ,Engagement ,Anniversary ,Retirement day ,Funeral etc can be classified as social /life-cycle events. Education and career events Events like job fair, education fair, workshop, debate seminar, competition, contest etc can be classified as Education and career events. Sports events Olympics, world cup, marathons, wrestling matches, Wimbledon and any small or big sports which happen in this world can be classified as sports events. Entertainment events Any music concerts ,festivals ,fairs, fashion shows, celebrity nights, award functions, beauty pea gents jewellery shows flash mob, stage shows can be classified as Entertainment events. Political events Events such as demonstration, political procession, political functions, and rally can be classified as political events. Corporate events Any business functions like meetings, conferences, incentives, exhibitions, road shows, product lunches, buyer-seller meet can be classified as corporate events. Religious events Any Religious festivals or fairs, katha, religious procession, Pravachan, Christmas, Dusherra and Diwali fair can be classified as Religious events. Fund raising/cause related events Any event which is organised for the purpose of fund raising/cause can be classified as a fund raising /cause related events. E.g. auctions. Analyse the concept of event management in terms of planning, staging and monitoring an event-Olympic games Event planning A successful event or seminar takes a clear vision and an enormous amount of planning, details and follow up. Successful Event planning is a valuable resource and a must have for any department or organization that puts on events or seminars regardless of size. Karen R. McLaughlin, APR, CEO, QB Comm., Inc., Rochester, NY Event planning is the life blood of a flourishing event- from building and designing the venues through setting up risk management, holding the test events, timetabling trustworthy transport and other necessary services. There are mainly two process of planning which is used in an event planning process. The two types of planning process are discussed below: Strategic planning Strategic planning can be defined as an instrument for organizing the present situation on the source of the projections of the preferred future. Or in specially Olympic Games termed strategic planning is a road map for any hosting cities to plan in the present situation to acquire the successes in the 7 years. Beijing has used different strategy as in terms of strategic planning process like using slogan one world one game, and different concept which was Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and Peoples Olympics. Beijing also used different strategic tactics which was encouraging the whole nation to participate in the preparation for the Olympic Games, hosting the games to promote the social civilization, hosting the Games to improve the peoples living standards, create the new image of china and many more. Operational planning Operation planning is the planning which deals with the operation issue after setting the strategic planning which is defining how you will function in practice to execute your action and monitoring the plans that is how you will deal with the threat, how you will certify the sustainability of the projects achievements, how you will engage with the risk and what your ability needs are. Olympic operational planning is mostly important to conduct a successful Olympic Games. Operational planning should be well formulated and co- ordinate in order to get flawlessly and efficiently outcome. Mostly Olympic Games take place in a city, which are densely residential areas so while planning operational planning it needs to make sure those adjacent areas and the residue of the city to function as smoothly as possible all over the event. Event staging In simple meaning event staging is the planning and staging different stage which need to be place during any event. The simple format of the event staging is drawn below in a circle according to its importance but it can be varied from one event to another. There were 3 different phases which was used by Beijing in terms of event staging which are as follows: Pre -preparation phase This was the phase between December 2001 to June 2003 where Beijing plan to established the organisation structure of the BOCOG and also take all the necessary step to complete the construction of the Olympic venues and the facilities. In between those phase Beijing plan to put marketing programmes into operation and also plan to initiate the construction of EP facilities and urban infrastructure plus a number of tourist and cultural site. Development phase This was the phase from July 2003 to June 2006 where Beijing plan to complete its task set out in the 10th five- year plan and plan to swing the overall construction of the Olympic venues and other linked facilities. Beijing also plans to finish the major construction projects of the Olympic venues and other related facilities by June 2006. Improvement and operation phase It was the phase between July 2006 to the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where Beijing plan to in place all the venues and related facilities which will be as per the standard requirement of the Olympic Games. In this phase all the inspection and any necessary improvement will be made to the venues and also test event will be conducted to guarantee the smooth operation and all the related services will be accessible. Monitoring an event To evaluate the benefits and challenges faced by China in hosting the Olympic Games. Benefits of hosting the Olympic Games Job creation Hosting a mega event like Olympic Games will create millions of jobs from construction to the hospitality and tourism related industry which will indeed leave a long lasting economic benefit for the hosting country and its communities. As per the official website of the Beijing Olympic , the Olympic Game helped in creating 1.8 million fresh jobs across all sectors of the financial system in year 2008.major building construction helps to create extra 430,000 jobs from 2004 to 2008 while there were 130,000 new jobs gained in the retail and wholesale industries. Publicity Through hosting the successful Beijing Olympics china has paved its importance as a vital player on the global stage .China showed its outstanding organization skill and strong governing capability from the opening to closing ceremonies in 2008 Olympic Games and in carrying out the Olympic Games itself. And also working together with the athletes ,the government ,the party and the ordinary Chinese people for the common purpose which was successful of the Olympic Games was an impressive movement showing the National unity and pride to the rest of the world. Infrastructures and tourism Beijing spent billions of dollar in constructing the new Olympic venues , parks and ,airports ,transportation leak and many small -medium to big five star hotels which was the everlasting benefit for the Chinese infrastructure and specially for Chinese tourism industries. Also Chinese government opened the door for foreign investors who were willing to invest in hotels ,tourism spots and some worked as a joint venture with the international travel agencies which were the huge benefit for the Chinese tourism industry. Challenges of hosting the Olympic Games Security Hosting the event especially mega event such as Olympic games is always been in threat because it is hosted by a Nation and it is highlighted to all over the world and the radical people belonging to different community and county are looking for the purpose of their voice to be heard. The modern world where we are leaving now days is always of security threat. None of any part of the world is free from its own security issue either it is from terrorist group or it is form the different radical communities. Beijing had faced different direct and indirect terrorist and radical communitys threat while hosting an Olympic Games in 2008. Before 1 day to opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in 2008 there was a video released by the A Chinese Islamic group who were demanding the independence for china western Xinjiang region to attack in the Olympic Games. According to Chinese officials there were 16 dead and 16 wounded when the Turkic Muslim group ramped into the joggers with the tossed e xplosives truck and also stabbed the victims . There were also people been arrested by the Chinese authorities during prior to opening ceremony who were carrying the homemade bombs and a gun holding the written letter that they were prepared to carry out the jihad. Financial strain Hosting an Olympic games will cost a lot of financial capital and in some cases the Olympic Games will create a lot deficit to the hosting country economy and it can take countrys economy years to come from that financial deficit. Montreal the host city of1976 Olympic Games is still paying off the cost of staging the 1997 Olympic Games and also Athens the host city of 2004 Olympic Games ran billions of Euros more than the original budget- at country expense. Altogether in total Beijing spent 280 billion Yuan including the Olympics specific operating costs and construction of infrastructure facilities. Finally the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games became the most expensive Olympic games in the throughout the Olympic history. Political China faced one of the largely politicised Olympic Games ever in the history. China was strongly criticized by different foreign Governments ,interest groups and other parties for its so-called appalling suppression of press ,human rights record and lack of democracy. Due to the apparent attack on peaceful protest in Tibet in march 2008 china faced more external pressure even some renowned individuals and foreign leaders boycott their participation in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Pollution China faced huge challenges in controlling their air and water pollution during the time of Olympic Games.16 of 20 most polluted cities of the entire world are found in china with the highest level of particulate and sulphur dioxide anywhere. Supplying the clean water is another headache of the Chinese authorities. 100 out of 640 Chinese largest urban areas are facing water scarcity. A number of Chinese river are being pumped dry and the table water under northern part of china is rapidly falling down. China has spent $100 billion every year to find clean water and treat the existing dirty water. This tends to be a costly to both human beings and the Chinese economy. Evaluating the positive and negative impact of the Olympic Games in China. Hosting an event especially mega event like Olympic Games can have a range of both positive and negative impact overall in the hosting country and their community. Furthermore, to discuss the positive and negative impact of Olympic Games cannot be concluded in a paragraph, it needs to discuss touching main aspect of the country and society. So the author had tried to break down the positive and negative impact of the Olympic Games in china in following points. Positive impact of Olympic Games in China Economic Hosting a mega event like the Olympic Games had leave a huge economic impact in a country specially to a developing country like China as it had created new jobs , new opportunities to the citizen and country itself, more tax revenue to the country. After winning the bid to host Olympic games Beijing started to boom in hotel building reaching 174 four and five star hotels by the end of 2008 which was not the case in the year 2001 where there was only 64 four and five star hotels. The economy of the country boost with the Olympic Games directly and indirectly. The direct income will be from manufacture sponsors ,use advertisements at mass communicate TV , ticket earning where TV relay rights of 2008 in the Olympic games has managed to sold over one billion and six million. Also there was a prediction by different experts before the event took place. Tourism experts expected that there will be 4.5 million tourist which will be from inbound and outbound in Beijing in 2008 and industry a nalysts predicted that there will be approximately US$4.5billion inbound spending by visitors in 2008 Olympic games. There was prediction by the Beijing tourism administration that there will be 550,000 international visitors during the game. Social and Culture A mega event such as Olympic Games can have huge social and cultural impact in a society especially in china which has over 1.3 billion population showcasing different cultures and beliefs. The positive aspect of the mega event such as Olympic games in Beijing 2008 will create new jobs in different sector specially tourism and hospitality sector this will benefit local people in one or other way. Beijing spent nearly 20 million dollars for constructing new roads ,parks ,stadiums and an extended subway system for the preparation of Olympic Games. Beijing put so many efforts to improve air quality ,producing cleaner energy by using the natural gas ,regulating the factories. Because of Olympic game Beijing has upgraded the home heating method, put effort in improving the public transportation in a more convenient level, and improving the water treatment . For the preparation of Olympic game Beijing has invested huge sum of money in public transportation ,road ,airport ,water supply ,tel evision ,power supply and freedom in internet which was a huge benefit for the society of china. The difference noticed in the Beijing Olympic game was china focussed entire the nation rather than just focussing in the hosting city which was calculated as a huge benefit for the entire society of the china. Environmental China has a huge environmental problem ,the five most polluted cities is located at china. The leading cause of death in china is cancer which is from pollution. Almost 500 million people of china are lacking from safe drinking water and only 1 percent of countries 560million city dwellers are able to breathe fresh air. After bidding to host the Olympic games 2008 china announced a slogan that was green Olympic where china integrated green concept into Olympic venues which was seen a success to flow a message that china is concern with the environmental issue to the nation and to the entire world. China has spent $16.4 billion to reduce the pollution level ,they have impose new regulation over factories , use natural gases instead of using coal which was the major cause of pollution to produce cleaner energy, put effort in improving the water treatment and during the Olympic games over 300,000 buses and taxis were replaced with the emit less pollution vehicles. These all are the posi tive impact of the Olympic Games towards environmental benefit. Political Hosting a thriving Olympic Games can drive a city to world class position leading to business opportunities and increased tourism specially it will leave effective impact in developing cities like Beijing. It will help a country or cities to create a lasting profile and also it will lift the countrys prestige to international level. It also helps community to stand together for common purpose that will help in uniting the community. In theÂÂ  antiqueÂÂ  Olympics was used ÂÂ  asÂÂ  aÂÂ  typeÂÂ  ofÂÂ  tactÂÂ  through culture for the sake of peaceful decree of conflicts and differences. Olympic Games were used as the means of tactical civic diplomacy pressing in the era of post World War II for causes other than sports. China uses 2008 Olympic Games politically by maintaining the countrys uncompleted process of development and transformation, and addressing the serious problems. Demonstrating its hi-tech development ,socioeconomic revolution and i ts modernisation, accomplished in the course of peaceful development. Showing an attractive image of the state and using the games for improving the international relationship with rest of the world and also issuing rebuttals to deformed abroad reports about china. Finally successfully managing and organising the mega event like Olympic Games china showed rest of the world that china is not less than anybody its a great achievement for the nation . Negative impact of Olympic Games in China Economic Organising the Olympic Games need huge amount of money to be spent from the preparation to the closing ceremony and there is no guarantee that the money spent in Olympic Games will be always profitable for the country. There are couple of state which are suffering economically until today after holding the Olympic Games. Extra spending in the Olympic Games can boost the inflation rate in the Chinese economy which was already a existing problem in china plus tourism flood could put extra upward pressure in Chinese Yuan .During the process of cleaning the air quality and pollution of the Beijing city in the preparation of the Olympic Games, Beijing reduces its Beijing based manufacturing company by half and relocates some of the risky factories outside the city. It cost million dollar loses for the company and the country in terms of revenue making. It was estimated that the company will lose US$350 million as economic loss from reducing their production. Social and Culture In every event there will be certain benefit for some groups and there will be some loses or discomfort for certain groups. China also made some people unhappy during the process of urbanising the old Beijing city. Some urbanization victim residents fell sad of being their home destroyed and some were unhappy because they didnt have enough compensation of their property lost. During the Olympic period the HKS1(Hong Kong Sports Institute ) was converted to competition arena and training ground for dressing and show-jumping which create disruptive to the elite athletes who use to use it.8,400 employees of steel factory became jobless after the government impose rules to relocate some of the steel factories from the Beijing city. Around 30,000 construction labourers mostly migrated from rural regions and villages of china which were used as a cheap labour during the construction of Olympic venues and related facilities and also some cheap labourer became victim of unpaid salary ,maximum hour ,and risky job. Environmental During the Olympic Games there will be enormous people in the hosting city who will come from different parts of the world which can create pollution, traffic jams, and congestion And it can turn into overcrowded problem. Plus there can be a chance of destruction of different parks and heritage as during the period of Olympic Games the hosting city will need huge open space for public toilets , crew changing room , and so on. Talking about Beijing since they focus on Green Olympic Games they tried to minimise the environmental damage as far as they could. But they also faced the overcrowded problem during the Olympic Games in 2008 , a huge congestion and traffic jam issue, sound pollution and so on. Political While organising the mega events like Olympic Games hosting nation need to go huge political challenges and barriers since there will be a lot of chances of political rights form different groups inside the country and now a days there can be a chances of terrorism attack and also there will be a chance of different state and political parties to use the Olympic Games for their own political and national benefits. Plus its the time for different world campaigners such as different human rights group and environmental protectionist to raise their campaign. China faced a lot of political problems while organising the Olympic Games in 2008. There were huge rights in Tibet at the time of Olympic Games who were demanding the separate state from the china. There was a voice from inside and outside the country defending for the Chinese monopoly system. There were a voice for democracy in terms of freedom of press, internet and rights. There were different attempts of terrorism by different terrorist groups trying to fail the effect the Olympic Games and scared the Chinese Government. China also went through huge criticisms from different nation head and political parties some of them even boycott their presence in the opening ceremony.