Evidentialist Method Apologetics Essay

Introduction Apologetics comes in several different methods that are utilized to defend one’s faith and also to evangelize. One method of apologetics is Evidentialism, also known as Natural Theology. Evidentialism is probably the most popular form of apologetics, if not the one that leads the field. Our current world demands proof and supporting data and Evidentialism stresses the deliverance of accurate substantiation with the hope of bringing cynics and criticizers to the truths of Christianity. Evidentialism continues to excel in the field of apologetics and does well in confronting the major worldviews with the truths of the Christian faith that can be proven with factual analysis. This review will provide the reader with a summary of the Evidentialist Method, a critique of the Evidentialist Method, and a list of some of the more popular Evidentialists. Summary of the Evidentialist Method Apologetics comes from 1 Peter 3:15 and is most properly defined as giving a defense. In his commentary, John Walvoord states, â€Å"(apologian, the â€Å"defense† which a defendant makes before a judge; (Acts 22:1; 25:16) for their hope in Christ.† It is the impetus for Evidentialist apologetics to follow this call and seek to â€Å"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.† Another writer, Dan Story, states, â€Å"This is ‘evidential’ apologetics, and it works on the premise that the weight of the evidence will always support Christianity and always refute contradicting beliefs.† In order for Evidentialism to be effective, it must hold to its premise of dispensing the truths about Christianity by establishing factuality. The Evidentialist is able to take any offered topic and utilize it as evidence as they are stimulated by the antagonist’s desire to deliberate logic and reason. In Acts 19:8, the Apostle Paul was diligently â€Å"arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.† Yet, Paul understood completely that there was none other that could open the hearts of men except God (Acts 16:14). Critique of the Evidentialist Method The Evidentialist Model for apologetics is a very sensible method to be utilized in evangelism. The world today demands physical, tangible proof and relies only on what can be seen and studied, and the Evidentialist is quite versed in the practicality and effective use of the method to clarify God’s truths. The method accepts the essential foundations of the non-believing doubter and tries to supply purposeful truth to that individual area. This reason-giving model has established its effectiveness in apologetics. There are a couple of issues of concern when it comes to the application of Evidentialism. One concern that stands out is that it adopts the thought that the fallen man can come to the supposition of Christ as Savior. It is my contention and belief that aside from the Holy Spirit man cannot come to this conclusion. However, I do feel that via the logical evidence presented, God opens the non-believer’s heart. Story clearly shows the â€Å"Holy Spirit also convicts and convinces people of the truth through extra-biblical evidences.† Popular Evidentialists History shows that the method of Evidentialism has been utilized for quite some time. There have been many superior thinkers who have used the method and have contributed greatly to the enhancement of apologetics. Although the list is long, a few of these men merit mention, William Paley (1743-1805), John Locke (1632-1704), and more contemporarily, Norman Geisler, William Lane Craig, Lee Strobel, Gary Habermas and Ravi Zacharias. These stellar thinkers have all utilized Evidentialism in furthering apologetics. There is an organization worthy of mention, Answers in Genesis, who employs the use of Evidentialism in explaining creationism to minister the truths of God, which also includes the explanation of the Gospel to many non-believing skeptics that exist within many secular evolutionist groups. Conclusion The Great Commission demands that all believers be prepared to defend their faith and be ready to offer a defense for those beliefs. There are many opposing worldviews that stand between men and salvation. When these opposing views are confronted in a loving and practical manner, much misconception can be dispelled in a practical manner. Using Evidentialism, the world that desires substantiation, a method driven apologetic is very successful. Bibliography Booth, Anthony Robert. â€Å"The Two Faces of Evidentialism.† Erkenntnis 67:3 (2007), http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/195447959 (accessed January 18, 2013). Story, Dan. Defending Your Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997. Story, Dan. Engaging the Closed Minded: Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999. Sudduth, Michael. â€Å"Reformed epistemology and Christian apologetics.† Religious Studies 39:3 (2003), http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/197230405/abstract?accountid=12085 (accessed January 18, 2013). Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition od the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983. The Holy Bible: New International Version ——————————————– [ 1 ]. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books, 1983-), 1Peter 3:15. [ 2 ]. The Holy Bible: New International Version, Biblegateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Peter 3:15&version=NIV (accessed January 18, 2013). [ 3 ]. Dan Story, Engaging the Closed Minded: Presenting Your Faith to the Confirmed Unbeliever (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999), 64. [ 4 ]. Dan Story, Defending Your Faith (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997), 4.

Business Structure and Design on Joe Coulombe’s Essay

Trader Joe’s is an upscale specialty supermarket chain by Joe Coulombe, the very first step they took is very difficult as it is something that he had not done before. But Joe Coulombe led this organization to overcome this by his smart policies and approach through organization design. He has access to both inside and outside the company by adding new items to the supermarket to increase choices for customers to shop at Trader Joe’s,the items that he brought were luxury items like California wines and gourmet foods. Besides luxury items, there are items for customer’s daily consumption, such as bread, cheese, fruit and vegetables are now available as well. The supermarket products have helped customers increase the chain in high-end supermarket. Moreover, Joe Coulombe also focuses on the internal change by the division of the company for employees in each store, it’s like a subsidiary of a group because it makes his supermarket much closer from sales staffs to management staffs. However, not being strictly control by a monitor for each sales staff, but instead Joe Coulombe has assigned the responsibility for their sales department and he wants them to make their own decisions and provide personal customer service towards their customers. Moreover, not only each store has its own monitoring system by their company, this will take a lot of time in the management and staff as each store’s will be monitored. . The decentralization will enable companies to closely manage the work and customer service at each store and that would be the right policy in order to improve customer service as well as personal sales at the stores. Joe Coulombe also pays great attention to the responsibility of every employees, he changes it, and in stark contrast with how to manage employees at other companies that he have allowed employees in each store to make their own decisions for personal customer service without the consent of the managers, it helps their employees develop the full capacity of themselves and to see if they are capable to perform and it helps the employee’s to improve relationship with the customers significantly. This is the reason that the customer would come back to the store again cause of their good customer service. Joe Coulombe is very good with finding the niche market and knowing his target audience well, that’s how his company succeed and with knowing that, he had tried many ways to encourage his customers to visit his stores offering them gourmet products. Q2: Trader Joe’s Specific Decisions Organization structure and culture of each company are almost identical but for Trader Joe’s of Joe Coulombe is different. Joe goes with the a set of rules inherent when an organization begins operations, that is by having authority to change the sales departments. Most of the customer service must be gone through with a supervisor before making a service to customers but at Trader Joe’s, employees of the sales department is autonomy for their decisions and provide services customer before via the supervisor. This makes the service to their customers better by the ability of the sales department is fully released without incurring any obligation and something special when that Joe Coulombe do so with the department sales, he has made employees feel Trader Joe’s is a part of them so as to improve work efficiency compared to the norm. He attaches importance to developing relations between the individual and the customer in the form of patrons because they are the ones who often buys from the store and will get much better customer service, and it is also to influence other customers to make customers familiar with his store. Joe Coulombe focused on his employees and his shop was created with the different environment in which employees are treated as individuals and their supervisors are considered to be captains. Uniformed employees are suitable for each store environment of each other that makes sense for customers when they come to each supermarket store. Besides, Joe Coulombe also is interested in salary and bonus for each department from the sales staff to the supervisor, and most of the wages for each employee here are higher than the others at the other supermarkets. Moreover, not only with a high salary bonus, Trader Joe is also very generous and employees can be paid with a bonus of more than $ 100,000 a year. Joe Coulombe trained his employees very well, he influence by the way of controlling sales people. Training includes skills, communication, teamwork, leadership, and product knowledge. He set a rule that the highest performing sales person could rise to become store captains and beyond in the organization. And he knows that he needs to treat sales people fairly. The ability to influence, the commitment to team work and an elevated level of achievement orientation of sales people were reported. Crew members indicate that they felt empowered to made decisions and they collaborate their relationship with other crew members and customers. Q3: How Trader Joe is Performing Today & Problems that Trader Joe faces as it grows Trader Joe’s is a retailer brand that was founded in 1960’s. In the early year of its business, it runs as a dime store. During the competition with the famous 7-11, it changed its business strategies and started to offer some up-market products, such as wine, beverage and delicacies like bread, cookie, fruits and vegetables. After its first step of transition, Trader Joe’s suddenly changed its identity and became a supermarket chain brand. At the same time, Trader Joe’s pay lots of concentration on upgrading its customer services in order to attract more customers to come to the supermarket and do some purchase. Today, Trader Joe’s has supermarkets over than 360 locations, grossed over than 80 billion dollars. Trader Joe’s has 4 obvious operational features: offering low fat products, up-market meals, advanced customer services and highly integrate with the community and contributing a lot to the community. First of all, as the raise of living standard, more and more customers start to pursue high quality products. Trader Joe’s supply foods focus on strong nutrition and balanced diet. They also print some health diet guide to teach their customer how to live healthier, shows the norm of mineral, vitamin etc. Secondly, up-market meals supply is also a service, which has been highlighted as Trader’s special offer. They offer two different kinds of meals-What’s Cooking and Top Recipes. For What’s Cooking, they separate it into 5 sorts: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert and Snack. Their reasonable flow of service system made customers choose what they want easily. However, on the contrary, Top Recipes lists the top products that customers like. What Trader Joe’s offer to their customers are not only slap-up diets, but also their high quality, special, fresh service, matching the current trend of diet as well. Thirdly, Trader Joe’s emphasize the concept of the personalized service. Fresh things always attractive, Trader Joe’s set different theme inside the store, make sells interesting. Like the Hawaii style, assistances wearing the Hawaii traditional cloth, the manager been called captain at that period of time, even the store decoration using Hawaii beach style. Sales assistants help in offering the sample beverage and foods for foretaste and doing interaction with customers. This way, employer gave a strongly believe to employees and give them more space to communicate with customers in their own magic ways. Lastly, Trader Joe’s did a great support to the community. Retail industry is a business that provides products, services and building the selling stage. A good public face can strongly enhance its fame. In 2010, Trader Joe’s donated over 2500 pounds foods to those who needs help. It almost equals to 656 chucks food or 2000 over meals. Every Trader Joe’s store has a donation coordinator who takes charge of donating foods to the community where they are every day. Trader Joe’s faced some problem during its long development history. The most obvious one is when the administration board thought about how to spread Trader Joe’s store successfully into different areas. The research group is looking for a low price rent. A well place and a proper price would be concerned as two important factors. In addition, because Trader Joe’s run a high price high quality store, a fit customer base is also important. Nowadays, Trader Joe’s is pushing forward an international expansion. In United States, Trader Joe’s have had an unprecedented pressure. Tesco- a British 900-billion dollars chain store landed Los Angela’s, San Diego, Las Vegas trying to bite the same cake with Trader Joe’s. It is a big threatens to Trader Joe’s. As result, it is quite urgent for Trader Joe’s to establish the overseas market. NUS Introduction The NUS Business School is a leading business school in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the 2012 QS Global 200 Business School Report, NUS Business school was listed as the third best school in the Asia- Pacific region. NUS Business School has also consistently been named by prominent press sources like The Financial Times, Economist Intelligence Unit, and QS Top MBA, in recognition of the quality of its programmes, faculty research and graduates. In 2013, NUS MBA was ranked 36th in the world by The Financial Times. Besides its prestigious branding, the school has been able to produce more than 27000 outstanding graduates since 1966. Today, NUS continues to attract talents into a diverse range of academic programmes including the BBA, MBA, Executive MBA, MSc and PhD programmes. Each year, thousands of applicants locally and foreign vie for the limited positions in the institution and the entry grade has consistently been high. The NUS Business School also has a varied and vibra nt Student Exchange Program. The partner universities include New York University, University of British Columbia, Copenhagen Business School, Manchester Business School, Peking University and University of Melbourne. Organization: As a leading global university, NUS strives to have world-class faculty in strategic academic areas, as well as special expertise in relation to China, India, and other parts of Asia. The faculty in NUS are drawn from Singapore and the best centres around the world. NUS Enterprise was established as a University-level cluster to provide an enterprise dimension to NUS teaching and research involving the University’s students, staff and alumni. The functions of the Enterprise Cluster complement the academic cluster of the University to nurture talents with an entrepreneurial and global mindset. NUS Enterprise, promotes the spirit of innovation and enterprise through Experiential Education, Industry Engagement and Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Support. NUS Enterprise (ETP) provides an entrepreneurial and innovative dimension to the University’s core research and educational activities. By igniting the entrepreneurial spirit, partnering for success and nurturing future entrepreneurial leaders, NUS Enterprise aims to make a positive impact on Singapore’s economy and beyond. This is done through three key thrusts: Experiential Education, Industry Engagement & Partnerships, and Entrepreneurship Support. Structure Impact of technology The importance of technology in education cannot be stressed enough. The introduction of technology in the educational field has made the process of learning and knowledge sharing, a more interactive and pleasurable experience. Perhaps, the greatest impact of technology on education is the change in perspective. The paradigm shift in thinking from local to global can be attributed to technology. Indeed technology is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. Technology’s Impact on Education Easy access to information Greater interest in learning Increased retention of information Robust information storage Better presentation of information Teaching made interactive Knowledge sharing made easy Technology has revolutionized the field of education. The importance of technology in schools cannot be ignored. In fact, with the onset of computers in education, it has become easier for teachers to impart knowledge and for students to acquire it. Technology is a teaching aid Computers offer an interactive audio-visual medium. PowerPoint presentations and animation software can be used to present information in an interactive way. Owing to the audio-visual effects, this way of teaching invites greater interest from students. The method is equally helpful for teachers. Projectors and screens facilitate simultaneous viewing of information by a large number of students. Addressing systems using microphones and speakers make it possible for teachers to reach a larger number of students simultaneously. These teaching aids have led to improvements in student attendance and their attentiveness in class. Interactive media have proven to be useful in increasing students’ concentration levels. Research If a school’s library is outdated or lacking in a selection of titles, a student might find it difficult to compile the necessary research for an essay or research paper. As long as the school has a computer lab, students are able to use the Internet and digital encyclopedias to obtain the research they need. While students should be wary of the legitimacy of some of the content they read online, many schools use software like the Encyclopedia Britannica to help students do research. Information is easily accessible The Internet is a huge information base. It can be used an effective tool for acquiring knowledge. All a web user needs to do is to key in queries to search engines. Users are presented with thousands of search results. There are several websites and web directories that offer information on literally everything in the world. And all this is just a few clicks away. Technology has eliminated space and time constraints Online education and distance learning have given a new dimension to education and higher learning. Even if students are geographically far away from each other, they can be a part of one classroom. Though not physically but virtually, they can. Many educational institutes offer online courses, which eliminates time and space constraints in acquiring education. Universities offer online educational programs wherein students can interact with their teachers over the Internet, access reference material from the University website and earn degrees online. The Race Will Be On For A New Instructional Model. As lecture content is moved online, instructors will be able to re-think the classroom experience. A new model for peer-to-peer and peer-to-faculty interaction will need to be created, as this is one of the most fundamental components of classroom learning. There is a huge opportunity for instructors to create a more in-depth learning experience, whether by incorporating real-time discussions with industry experts or building small group experiences online, all of which may allow for more personalization of courses to students’ needs. The beauty of teaching analytics is that teachers will have real time information on how students learn and can augment future plans accordingly. While this is a budding area of exploration and one where schools will need to invest in discovery, once they ‘crack the code’, it opens the door to a much more effective as well as potentially more scalable model. Mutual impact Today, computer education is a part of school and college curricula. Considering the wide range of applications of computer technology, it is necessary for each one of us to computer-friendly. Considering the advantages of Internet technology, it is important for each of us to gain basic knowledge of Internet access and web research. We live in a technology-age and hence, it is important for us to be abreast with the latest inventions in the field. With education, we acquire knowledge of the functioning and use of different pieces of technology. And with the application of technology, we can educate ourselves better. Web Seminars Not every school has the resources and budget to send its students on field trips related to the course of study. When this is the case, the students’ education can suffer. But thanks to technology, students can use the Internet to virtually attend Web seminars put on by museums and other educational institutions. NASA, for instance, offers a program that allows students to talk to astronauts in space. Recommendation NUS business school is a premier choice for business students looking for a grounded, well established institution to pursue their studies with. The school is well accredited and employers are no stranger to the household name. Prospective job seekers will be able to distinguish themselves with the good branding of NUS business school. In terms of the course structure, NUS business school provides a good collaboration with the 12 other faculties in NUS to provide a holistic education. Students are able to take electives ranging from chemistry, psychology and even theatre studies if they have a keen interest. The core subjects are taught by faulty alumni PHDs and experienced professors who have a wealth of knowledge to share. The subjects are well structured to equip students with skills that will benefit them a lifetime as well as invaluable knowledge that will prove useful on the business field. Furthermore, the ever growing NUS alumni serve as a good network for graduates to seek o ut good friendship, employment opportunities as well as support. Students will be able to interact with alumni members who may be invited back for guest talks and seminars. Conclusion NUS business school is a good choice for prospective students seeking out an education in business. The good accreditation, intricate and comprehensive course material as well as established lecturers providing the education are compelling reasons to make NUS business school the choice as an educator. Graduates from the course have been able to find employment in a wide variety of fields both locally and overseas, and this information has been consistent throughout the years from the employment surveys collated from graduates. As a provider of quality education and producer of all rounded graduates, the results and reputation speak for itself. References https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdoubPaBFKD3Pvm4Iwg206stneEUzpemPpj06MZ8qpSOnGwhau19NDftdEp9SI_8xuBOPI7I9kZQhw1AtLa7cGrAYU9IU1SDInAJ3vWOiJpt1CeO9doY2hMteJs2b8tZp65280nYyJAs/s1600/nus_logo.jpg – NUS Logo http://www.traderjoes.com/index.asp Accessed on 10 June 2013 MARK MALLINGER, PHD and GERRY ROSSY, (2007, Volume 10 issue 2) http://gbr.pepperdine.edu/2010/08/the-trader-joes-experience/ Accessed on 10 June 2013 http://www.nus.edu.sg/uci/about/OrgStructure.htm – The NUS organization structure http://www.buzzle.com/articles/impact-of-technology-on-education.html – The impact of Technology on education http://www.forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2012/12/11/5-ways-technology-will-impact-higher-ed-in-2013/ – The impact of Technology on education

0610 BIOLOGY Essays (1277 words) - Secondary Education In England

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS International General Certificate of Secondary Education MARK SCHEME for the May/June 2007 question paper 0610 BIOLOGY 0610/02 Paper 2 (Core Theory), maximum raw mark 80 This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners meeting before marking began. All Examiners are instructed that alternative correct answers and unexpected approaches in candidates scripts must be given marks that fairly reflect the relevant knowledge and skills demonstrated. Mark schemes must be read in conjunction with the question papers and the report on the examination. CIE will not enter into discussions or correspondence in connection with these mark schemes. CIE is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2007 question papers for most IGCSE, GCE Advanced Level and Advanced Subsidiary Level syllabuses and some Ordinary Level syllabuses. Page 2 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper IGCSE May/June 2007 0610 02 UCLES 2007 1 (a) (i) leaf B has parallel veins/veins not branched; [1] (ii) organism D has body divided into segments/rings/OWTTE; [1] (iii) organism E has four pairs of/eight legs/limbs ; I - ref to cephalothorax (erroneous) [1] (iv) organism G has more than 4 pairs of legs/limbs/non-identical/varied legs/limbs/2 regions to body/cephalothorax and abdomen; I refs to exoskeleton [1] N.B. No letter given no mark (b) show division of 50/5; (magnification) x10/times 10; R 10mm If no working then 2 marks for correct magnification If wrong working can gain 1 mark for correct magnification I ratios [2] [Total: 6] 2 (a) A = sepal/calyx; B = anther/stamen; Accept androecium [2] (b) to receive/trap pollen/OWTTE; Accept ref to male gamete [1] (c) 1 no nectary (in wind pollinated flower); 2 smaller/less obvious petals (in wind pollinated flower); 3 stamens outside of petals/flowers (in wind pollinated flower); 4 stigma/style outside of petals/flowers (in wind pollinated flower); 5 feathery stigma (in wind pollinated flower); any two 1 mark each [2] (d) process flowering plant human fertilisation germination implantation pollination sexual intercourse Each vertical column correct 1 mark each [2] I crosses in other boxes Page 3 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper IGCSE May/June 2007 0610 02 UCLES 2007 (e) (i) 1 dispersed by animals/mammals/birds/named examples; R insects 2 red outer coat attracts them; 3 flesh encourages them to eat fruit; 4 seeds hard coats allow it to avoid digestion/discourage swallowing; 5 dispersal in faeces/dropped while removing flesh; any three 1 mark each [3] (ii) 1 moisture/water/OWTTE; 2 with minerals/named mineral; 3 warm conditions/suitable/optimum temperature; 4 in light/not shaded area; any three 1 mark each [3] [Total: 13] 3 (a) continuous (variation); [1] (b) (i) plotted as four bars, all clearly identified (beneath or on bar); accurate plotting (+/ half a square); [2] (ii) genes/alleles/genotype/DNA/OWTTE; [1] (c) (i) a change/alteration in a gene/allele/DNA/chromosome/chromosome number; [1] (ii) chemical/named example/cigarette tar; (gamma/beta/alpha/ionising) radiation; X rays; UV light; any two 1 mark each [2] [Total: 7] Page 4 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper IGCSE May/June 2007 0610 02 UCLES 2007 4 (a) (i) F; [1] (ii) E; [1] (iii) no tropical forest left/all destroyed; [1] (iv) D; [1] (b) (i) bacteria/fungi; [1] (ii) carbon dioxide; minerals/named mineral salt/ion; I nutrients R nitrogen (gas) [2] (c) 1 crops take/use mineral salts from soil; 2 crop removed from land; 3 soil becomes infertile/low in mineral salts; 4 crop yield drops to worthless levels; 5 no fresh/replacement of humus/no recycling of materials; 6 crumb structure lost; any three 1 mark each [3] [Total: 10] 5 (a) (i) carbon compounds in animals; [1] (ii) C; D; E; any two 1 mark each [2] (iii) B; [1] (iv) A; [1] (b) (i) arrow labelled P parallel to C but in opposite direction/ linking boxes from air to plants around outside of diagram; [1] (ii) carbon dioxide + water; = glucose/(simple) sugar/starch + oxygen; [2] I ref to water on product side A correct formula as substitute for word no need for equation to be balanced [Total: 8] Page 5 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper IGCSE May/June 2007 0610 02 UCLES 2007 6 (a) A; D; E; [3] I named parts (b) root hair cell 1 long extension/description to cell; 2 increase surface area (for absorption); 3 no chloroplasts/chlorophyll; 4 underground/hidden from light; [4] I - ref to photosynthesis

Logical Fallacies Scavenger Hunt Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Logical Fallacies Scavenger Hunt - Assignment Example Further, the fallacy presents two different ideas in a disorganized manner hence making it difficult to understand. This is an example of fallacy that illustrates a phenomenon because it has two elements. The first element involves the observation part whereas the second part involves the analysis or conclusion. Therefore the conclusion is drawn from the basis of what is observed. This is an example of fallacy that illustrates a phenomenon because it has two elements. The first element involves the observation part whereas the second part involves the analysis or conclusion. Therefore the conclusion is drawn from the basis of what is observed. This is fallacy falls under argument from definition because as we all know, a preachers task is to pray and preach for all those who visits the church. Therefore, Kevin being a preacher, he is expected to perform his role to his congregation. This is an example of categorical syllogism fallacy because the conclusion that all plants are living objects is reached on based on the fact that just like animals, plants to do take into caborndioxide during the day and oxygen during the night and also do reproduce other plants through seeds or flowers. I will be awarded an A or B mark in my final year examination. The teacher said he will not award an A to any student in my course. Therefore, I will get a B in my final year examination (â€Å"Disjunctive Syllogism"). This is an example of disjunctive syllogism fallacy because the conclusion reached at the sentence which is getting a grade B in final year exams is based on the fact that either –or statements are applicable in a scenario. Proof: This is an example of a syllogism from logic fallacy because directional characteristics have been used to accurately determine the direction or continent in which France is based by using an assumption that since it

Probation, Parole, and Intermediate Sanctions Essay - 1

Probation, Parole, and Intermediate Sanctions - Essay Example The essay "Probation, Parole, and Intermediate Sanctions" talks about the varieties of avenues for reducing crime rates and promoting correctional initiatives and rehabilitation of criminals. Probation, parole, and intermediate sanctions are some of the avenues through which these objectives can be achieved. The system ensures efficient supervision through â€Å"boot camps that place offenders in quasi-military settings, electronic monitoring, and house arrests†. There is a high number of violation of conditions of intermediate sanctions, leading to the revocation of the sanctions into imprisonment. Parole is, on the other hand, a supervisory provision over a convict who has been released from prison before the expiry of the imprisonment period. One similarity of the three approaches is the provision for supervision of the convicts. The systems are however different with respect to their level of supervision and terms of approach. While probation involves basic supervision tha t is overwhelmed, parole is more closely monitored and intermediate sanctions are strictly monitored with the aid of equipment and facilities. Based on the features of the approaches, intermediary sanctions is the best because its supervision is the most effective as aided by facilities and monitored environments. One of the diversities identified within the correctional processes is the level of strictness in the application. Supervision in probation is, for example, basic, intensified in parole, and extremely strict in intermediary sanctions.

Numeracy in Action Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Numeracy in Action - Essay Example This shows that he can visually discriminate one object from another. Nathan can not do the same with numbers. He cannot even recognize which are numbers and which are letters. For him they just look like squiggles and strange marks. Support: Introducing numbers to children should expose them to the visual appearance of each number, the quantity it represents and even the strokes used when writing it down. Flashcards of numbers may be used to imbed the appearance of the number to the child’s mind while its name is repeatedly said. An effective method is teaching counting songs and when the number is mentioned, up comes the flashcard of that number. Children love singing and movement and incorporating these in their learning a concept becomes interesting and fun for them. A story that focuses on a particular number (ex: 2 friends found 2 birds eating 2 apples) is likewise interesting to listen to. A teacher may provide a coloring sheet with a big print of the specific number discussed. These methods may be used with Nathan. The strategies address various learning styles that may suit any child. The variety of activities address the needs of the visual (flashcards and story pictures), auditory (songs and st ory), kinesthetic (movements to songs) and tactile (coloring sheet) learners. Resources/ Materials used: number flashcards; CD’s of number songs (Five Little Monkeys; Five Green Speckled Frogs; There were 10 in the Bed.. etc.); number storybooks; number coloring sheet focusing on 1 number at a time, box of crayons. Case: Hannah has mastered identifying numbers up to 10 and visually comparing sets with more objects or less objects if the quantities are obvious (like comparing a set of 2 buttons with a set of 10 buttons). However, when asked to match a number with its quantity, she wouldn’t know what to do. She has mastered

What are the key challenges facing educational leaders in relation to Thesis

What are the key challenges facing educational leaders in relation to Information and Communication technology - Thesis Example Educational leaders are excited as well. They are aware of how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can have a great impact on education and on the students they cater to. However, there are many challenges that beset them. They need to equip students with increasingly higher levels of knowledge and skill not only through the provision of a conventional curriculum incorporating ICT, but also help them develop personal qualities such as being autonomous, self-organizing, networking, enterprising, innovative (Hargreaves, 1999), with the capability constantly to redefine the necessary skills for a given task, and to access the sources for learning these skills (Castells, 1998). Such aims are truly challenging to achieve. The openness and attitudes of teachers, being the frontliners in this particular educational reform is examined. Most teachers are not adequately prepared yet to make use of exciting new educational technologies because neither their teacher education programs nor their schools have provided sufficient time or incentives for them to learn (Norman, n.d.). Teachers themselves need to be transformed from the traditional ways of organizing teaching and learning in school to using more technical skills in more open, user-friendly, peer-controlled, interactive, virtual communities. Teachers need to model flexibility, networking and creativity which are key outcomes for students to survive the next millennium (Hargreaves, 1999). Training of teachers in ICT and staff development is one huge challenge faced by educational leaders. Psychologically, technology can pose problems for staff feeling threatened and insecure of being dispensable, and easily replaced by the new innovation (Jones & O’Shea, 2004). This is mostly appeased by effective training. Human resources strategy and practice is central to the successful staff development. Enhancing

The Causality Relation between the Kazakhstan Stock Market and the US Dissertation

The Causality Relation between the Kazakhstan Stock Market and the US Dollar, the Euro and the Russian Ruble - Dissertation Example The relation between the Kazakhstan tenge and other currencies is examined by statistical time series analysis. The relationship of exchange rates over a specific period of time is studied based upon bivariate and multivariate variables. Currency has continuously evolved as the domestic and international vehicle for trade. This paper will define and discuss the history of the causality relation between the Kazakhstan Stock Market and the tenge, and the US Dollar, the Euro, and the Russian Ruble. The research includes a quantitative analysis by using several statistical methods to support the hypotheses. The sample data represents performance analysis from June 2000 to December 2012. Skilled trader George Soros earned one billion dollars in one day, trading currency on the Foreign Exchange market (XE Currency, 2013). Massive amounts of World trade are made possible through stock exchanges. Today, world trade systems have become high-tech, electronic passageways for intercontinental commerce. The Foreign Exchange market (FOREX) is as big as the World Wide Web. Averaging trillions of dollars in transactions each day, the FOREX operates 24 hours a day. However, the stock market did not become what it is today, overnight. Time, trial and error, and the demand for commerce have shaped the stock market exchange into what it is today. The stock exchange is the most crucial element of international trade. Stocks are like football teams, the true fans root for their favorites whether they win or lose. And when they lose, they don’t exchange them for better prospects, they go back to the play room drawing board. Some have argued tha

Ethical, Professional and Cultural Issues of ICT Essay

Ethical, Professional and Cultural Issues of ICT - Essay Example 2011). When coming to entertainment, it is a large part of our daily lives. People spend some time every day for the sake of entertainment. Ethics in entertainment is more based on the mediums popularity rather than the creators need to be ethical in nature. The entertainment media is constantly under the attack by the so called guardian angels of ethical standards for portraying unethical values through the media. This attack is on films, music as well as video games industry. It is an acceptable fact that what is more corrupt is easier to get accepted. Keeping this in mind, the movie industry has moved one step forward by creating the MPAA system in which questionable stuff would be rated higher so that adult people can warn their children well in advance. Now newer industries are forced to come under the scrutiny of maintaining ethical standards. The video game industry which comes under the category of interactive entertainment industry is facing stiff challenges from gurus of et hical standards. Now the video games industry is facing challenges in ethical standards maintenance, it has been constantly accused of ruining the moral standards of children in particular. However there is a good reason behind these allegations. Since the industry is relatively new, it has resorted to some lower least common denominators to sell its games. It has used scantily clad and physically impossible women and men. Moreover questionable as well as violent subject matters are also used by the industry. The industry pundits who defend these moves are relying on the fact that other types of Medias have also used such stands before. They feel that this has to be seen as a sign of times and growing popularity. However in general sense, such actions should be viewed as a loss of production ethics or part of the inevitable routine that takes on the industry every time (Ethics and Entertainment Introduction. 2000). The banning of the video game manhunt in 2007 by the BBFC in 2007 wa s an eye opener for the gaming industry which was starting to act careless with regard to ethics in the media. Most of the technicians , artists and story tellers in the gaming industry are tuning to some blood spilling and sexist unusual themes in their products on the belief that its just fun. They also have an intentional idea behind this move that only such things sell quickly. Degradation of values has swept towards different segments in the industry. Its effect has started showing to the gaming industry as well. Primarily gaming industry is concentrated on children below eighteen years. Children are the main users of its products other than any other group. To show explicit and debatable as well as questionable content in the form of games to children on the false imagination that it is only fun is a serious crime that is done towards the society. The video game manhunt 2 was banned by the British authorities because of its relentless imagery of savage killing and slaying. Man hunt video game was very popular among children because of its violence. It even prompted in a killing of a fourteen year old boy. Banning the video game was a bold step taken by the authorities for the first time in a decade. Manhunt 2 shows sustained as well as cumulative sadism which are labeled casual in the way the killings are committed in the game. Such types of entertainment are not at all acceptable because it is targeted towards children (Censors ban

Reasons for and Against Intervention in Syrian Civil War Essay

Reasons for and Against Intervention in Syrian Civil War - Essay Example The intricate state of affairs in the Middle East has encouraged President Al-Assad to cling onto power and instigate a bloody onslaught against his populace. The Syrian citizenry has continuously demanded that been demanding that President Al-Assad steps down, in order to facilitate the setting up of a government with a solid democratic foundation. Even though President Al-Assad has lost a solid power base, it is apparent that he has exploited the intricate regional state of affairs which has destabilized the capacity of the United Nations (U.N) to firmly counter the Syrian crisis 2. In order to comprehend the complex state of affairs, it is appropriate to take a broader look at this region. This may help in understanding why the U.N seems incapable of being decisive against President Al-Assad. However, as the president of the world’s superpower, there is urge of considering whether to intervene or not and save the Syrian people. This crisis that started on 15th March 2011, h as claimed very many lives as protesters all over the country call for the resignation of president Bashar Al-Asad in favor of political rights and freedom. However, Bashar has consistently ignored the grievances of the people and continuously used violence to protesters as well the rebels with the urge of overthrowing the government 3. Therefore, the United States of America should not and cannot stay oblivious to the abominable mass killings in Syria. It is thus with this regard that the government needs a strong and firm decision on the Syrian crisis so as to restore peace and stability in a country where the two attributes have long been forgotten. Moreover, The Syrian regime’s violent reaction to protests since March 2011 has led to the death of approximately 5,400  people, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  

The Status Of E-Commerce Essay Example for Free

The Status Of E-Commerce Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This chapter present the findings of the survey completed. The survey was conducted through the distribution of questionnaires. Such instrument contained three parts with a total of 21 questions. Each part dealt with a distinct subject matter which is vital and relevant to the aims of this research.   All questions are centered on online shopping through Chinese websites and the attitudes and beliefs of people that influence their choices. The discussion will follow the flow of the questionnaire beginning with demographical questions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed. However, only 221 were considered valid. The remaining 29 were either never returned or invalid due to the incomplete answers or information. Demographics of the Sample   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Determining the demographic characteristics of the respondents is a vital element of any research. Such demographic information allows the researcher to create a profile of the sample. Furthermore, demographic characteristics may influence certain responses from the sample which may then lead to vital information for the research.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Of the 221 respondents, 125 were male and 96 were female. These figures are conducive to the study as the sample is not dominated by either gender. The ages of the respondents were varied. However, the greatest number of respondents placed their age between 19 and 29. 82 responded that they were between 19 and 29 while 63 responded that they were between 30 and 39. Shown below are the graphs of such findings: It was also determined that most of the respondents held undergraduate degrees. 82 members of the sample placed their educational background at the undergraduate postgraduate level. Likewise, only 18 of the respondents said that they did not finish high school. The graph below shows the breakdown of the sample based on educational background: The following question dealt with the monthly income of the members of the sample. 31.67% of the sample placed their income in the 2000 to 4000 RMB bracket while 25.34% said that the income was in the range of 4000 to 6000 RMB. Only 19 respondents placed their income to be less than 2000 RMB a month. The following chart provides an illustration of such findings: With such demographic information provided, a profile of the sample can then be created. Based on the given demographic data, it can be assumed that majority of the sample is made up of professionals who hold jobs that provide sufficient or more than sufficient income. Also, these individuals are well-educated which would mean that they are up-to-date with the present trends and technologies. The monthly income is highly relevant for it is a determinant of the dispensable income that is used purchase goods and services that are offered through e-commerce websites. The age of the respondents is likewise vital for people between the ages of 18 and 39 have been identified as the most likely to make online purchases. (Pew Internet, 2008)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The demographic profile of the sample reflects the widely acknowledged belief that online shoppers are younger, better educated, and high income earners. As Pew Internet (2008) stated, â€Å"Some expected demographic factors account for some of the differences between online shoppers and other internet users. Online purchasers tend to be younger, better educated, and higher-income than those who have not bought a product over the internet.† Internet Usage and Online Shopping   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The next segment of the survey aimed to gather data on the respondents’ internet usage and online shopping. The survey reveals that most of the respondents are seasoned users of the internet. As the graph below would show, most of the member of the sample have been using the internet for more than 3 years. Specifically, all of the respondents have used the internet with almost 78% of them acknowledging that they have used the internet for more than three years.   Not only are the respondents seasoned users of the internet, they are frequent users as well. Question 6 aimed to gather information as to how often the respondents used the internet. Out of 221 responses, 104 indicated that they use the internet daily while 75 answered that they accessed the worldwide web weekly. The responses show that the internet is an integral part of the everyday life of the respondents. For the majority of them, not a week goes by without them accessing the internet. Such data is graphically shown below: Respondents were likewise asked to state whether they have ever made an online purchase. 155 said yes while 66 said that they have yet to complete an online transaction. This means that 70 percent of the respondents have had experience using e-commerce websites. Thus, the information that they would share will be extremely valuable for their opinions would be based on actual experiences. Also, another question in the survey asked those respondents who have made an online purchase to indicate when their last online transaction was. 95 out of the 155 who said yes answered that their last online purchase was a month ago. This figure represents 61% of the total number of respondents who have made an online purchase. Provided below is the graph of the said data: What such data indicates is that online shopping has yet to become a habit for the respondents. Despite their frequent use of the internet, actual online purchases do not occur that often. This likewise shows that online shopping is not the primary purpose of internet usage.   Such finding is further strengthened by the information shown in the following graph. The answers to question 8 indicate that the respondents use the internet for reasons other than online shopping. 45% of the responses show that the participants only have occasional use of the internet to look for products or items to buy. These figures strengthen the earlier assertion made. They indicate that people have yet to fully utilize the internet for online shopping. The responses to question 8 are summarized below: It is evident that online shopping has yet to become a habit for the Chinese. Although they are habitual users of the internet, online shopping is not their primary purpose for accessing the worldwide web.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Having established the frequency of online shopping among the respondents, it is vital to determine how much they like online shopping. Question 10 in the survey specifically dealt with this matter. The responses gathered reveal that the respondents are not very akin to online shopping. 70 respondents rated that they only somewhat like online shopping and only 6 responded that they liked online shopping very much. Also, 34% of the respondents acknowledged that they were not so much fond of online shopping.   The graph below provides a detailed view of the responses: These responses reveal that there is hesitation on the part of the respondents about online shopping. Although they did not clearly reject the idea of purchasing products through e-commerce websites, the majority of them were uncertain as to how much they liked online shopping. There are reasons as to why such hesitation exists. It is critical that such reasons be explored as analyzing such information is vital to the achievement of the objectives of this research.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In question 11, respondents were asked to state the reasons why they purchase online. They were required to rate the given reasons on the basis of importance on a scale of 1 to 8 with options given a rating of 1 being the most important. Respondents were given 8 options and were given the freedom to pick and rate as many reasons as they want. To determine which reason was deemed as the most important reason for shopping online, the researcher devised a scoring scheme. A rating of 1 was given a score of 8. The score decreases as the level increases. Based on this scheme, if an option is given a rating of 8, it will gain a score of 1. The following table summarizes the point system: RATING GIVEN EQUIVALENT NUMBER OF POINTS 1 (Most Important) 8 2 7 3 6 4 5 5 4 6 3 7 2 8 (Least Important) 1 Based on the given point system, the score of each option were determined. This involved multiplying the number of responses for a given option at a given level/rating by the corresponding score/points. The sum of scores of a given option at the different levels is the total score of the said option. This process determined the option that was given the highest rating. The total score determines how important the respondents perceived the reason to be. Such method revealed that the most important reason why the respondents shopped online was the convenience of online shopping. Convenience received a score of 1087. This score was far greater than the rest since the next highest score was 793. This is the score accumulated by the reason that people shop online for items that are not available in local shops. The reason that had the lowest score is curiosity, which only garnered 57 points. The graph below summarizes the results of the said question: It is clear that the people shop online primarily because they find it convenient. Since online shopping does not require them to physically be at the shop, they can make purchases from anywhere and from any store online.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another important factor that the questionnaire dealt with was the products that consumers commonly purchase from e-commerce websites. The 12th question in the survey aimed to gather such data. Respondents were asked to identify the products or services that they usually buy online. They were free to choose as many products or services as they want. The responses to the said question are summarized in the following graph: From the graph above, it can be seen that two types of products are commonly purchased online. Books and accessories were chosen 132 and 122 times respectively. It must be noted that these were the only two choices which had more than 100 respondents. The product that had the least number of responses was second hand goods, which was picked by only 28 respondents. This result is critical for auction sites which are the common sources of second hand goods. However, elaborating on such finding is beyond the coverage of this research.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Just as the respondents were asked to name the reasons why they choose to shop online, they were likewise asked to state the probable reasons why they would not purchase products or services offered through the internet. The results of question 13, which deals with this subject are vital for it will help explain the hesitation of respondents with online shopping as revealed in the discussion of the 10th question of the survey. (see page 8 of this section) Respondents were given 16 different reasons as to why they would not shop online. They were asked to rate their choice in terms of importance with options given a rating of 1 as the most important reason why they would choose not to complete online purchases. Furthermore, they were allowed to pick and rate as many options as they want. Since this question involves ratings, the results will be evaluated using the same methodology that this researcher utilized for question 11 of the survey. The same point system will be used. Although respondents had 13 different ratings to choose from, only ratings 1 to 8 received at least one response. Therefore, the researcher decided not to include ratings 9 to 13 in the evaluation and the same point system earlier described will utilized. The results of the evaluation, specifically the total points for each of the options given are graphed below: It is evident from the graph that the respondents were hesitant about shopping online because of the uncertainty with the quality of products that are sold in e-commerce websites. Such reason received a score of 1,243, the highest score among the given choices. The results also indicate that part of the reason why people refuse to shop online is their uncertainty over the security and privacy of the personal information they are required to give out when making online purchases. The following choices and their corresponding scores refer to security issues associated with online purchases: I worry about people may misuse my personal details 882 I do not trust online payment systems 862 I worry about someone may steal my credit card details online 714 I feel unsafe to provide personal information online 649 I do not trust e-commerce companies 574 These options obtained 5 out of the top 7 scores. Such finding is highly significant for it pinpoints a critical concern regarding online shopping, the security of personal and financial information. Furthermore, this result reveals the need to address such security concerns in order to better ensure the safety of online shoppers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another question that the respondents were asked to answer was whether they have had a bad experience with online shopping. This was succeeded by a question asking those who have had bad experiences to describe such. Of the 221 responses, 83% said that they have yet to have a bad experience with online shopping. The 17% or 38 respondents who declared that they have had a bad experience with online shopping were asked to describe their experience. The results of such question and the preceding question are shown below: Question 15: Please you briefly describe the experience  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   No response when I required the vender to replace the goods. 19 Network outage issues. 4 Vendor delayed refund when I return the goods. 15 The results indicate that online shoppers commonly have trouble after the sale has been made. Dealing with the vendors after the sale has been completed is the problem that often arises that thereby leads to the online shopper having a bad experience. The results of question 15 are indicative of this finding since 34 out of the 38 responses named vendor-related issues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The same respondents who said that they have had a bad experience with online shopping were asked, in question 16, to indicate what such bad experience led them to do. It is important to note that not one of the 38 respondents said that the experience led them to stop shopping from the Chinese e-commerce websites completely. Instead, 21 out of the 38 respondents said that their bad experience made them more careful in dealing with and completing online transactions with Chinese e-commerce websites. Such finding indicates that bad experiences with vendors do not deter people from continuing to shop online. Instead, such bad experiences only heighten the shoppers’ awareness of the risks or possible issues that they need to look out for when shopping from such websites. Preferred Payment method = Security   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Questions 17 and 18 focused on the payment method preferred and the reason why they preferred such method. The results of question 17 show that payment on delivery was the most preferred payment method by online shoppers as 117 of the 221 respondents chose it. Paypal was the second most preferred method with 56 responses. Respondents indicated that their choice of payment method is influenced primarily by the security that such payment method. 218 out of 221 respondents cited â€Å"Most Secured† as their reason for picking the payment method they prefer. Payment on delivery is indeed the most secure method since the shopper need not worry about paying for the item and not receiving it. It is the most guaranteed method since it does not put the shopper’s money at risk.                   In the next question, the respondents were asked to determine how relevant certain factors are to their confidence in Chinese e-commerce websites. For each given factor, the respondents were asked to state how much they agree or disagree with the statement. The table below summarizes the responses to the said question: The table reveals several critical findings. First, it shows that most people are wary of the information contained in websites. In other words, the respondents are uncertain of the website’s contents. Product quality is also a major concern of online shoppers. This finding is consistent with the results of earlier questions in the survey.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The final two questions in the survey dealt with the respondent’s opinion on security and trust issues with regards to e-commerce websites and the relevant steps that they believe should be taken to address such critical issue. All of the respondents agree that the trust issues of Chinese e-commerce sites should be addressed and tackled. All 221 respondents stated that tackling such issues is important for the improvement and development of Chinese e-commerce websites.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The last question of the survey asked the respondents to give their recommendations as to how the trust issues of Chinese e-commerce websites should be addressed. They were likewise asked to determine the rank of their reasons from 1 to 10 with 1 being the most important and 10 being the least important reason. The table below presents the summary of results for the said question: From the data gathered, it is apparent that people see the need for e-commerce laws in China to be established. Furthermore, most of the recommendations that the respondents chose or cited are related to the laws that govern e-commerce in China. Thus, it is evident that they believe that protecting the welfare of online consumers is the duty of the Chinese government. Among the ten recommendations listed, the two that were picked as most important on more occasions are those that concern government duty in the process. Summary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The discussion has shown that Chinese internet users, although seasoned and experienced users of the internet, are not keen on making online purchases. Based on the data gathered, it is evident that their hesitation to purchase goods online is rooted in their concerns over the security of their information and on the possibility that the websites are fraudulent. Furthermore, the survey revealed that trust is a very critical issue to internet users. Finally, the survey showed that Chinese online shoppers believe that it is the China’s government’s duty to protect the welfare of online shoppers through the establishment of relevant laws and policies. References Pew Internet. Online Shopping: Internet users like the convenience but worry about the security of their financial information. Feb. 2008. Retrieved online 18 Aug 2008 from: http://www.pewinternet.org.

The Shawshank Redemption Essay Example for Free

The Shawshank Redemption Essay Main character in the movie. Was wrongfully sent to prison for the murder of his wife. Andy did not commit the crime; he was simply at the murder scene in his car. He was going to kill them both but he was held back. Someone else killed his wife and her lover and Andy was blamed. -Ellis â€Å"Red† Redding- the man who can get you anything in prison. Red was Andy’s best friend and the only guilty man at Shawshank Prison. Red kept Andy sane for most of the movie by being his friend and getting him what he wants/needs. Warden Samuel Norton- Warden at Shawshank Prison; although he is the warden, he shows special interest towards Andy and uses him for his skills. -Tommy Williams- Young and fresh criminal who comes to Shawshank who knows the Identity of the real killer in Andy’s case. Tommy is assassinated because of his knowledge on the topic. -Brooks Hatlen- Old librarian. Is later released from prison. Not knowing what to do in life, Brooks chooses suicide. Wrongly convicted banker Andy Dufresne is sent to prison for killing his wife and her lover. When Andy gets to prison he learns the system and makes friends with Red, Red is the man that can get you anything in prison. Andy asks for a rock hammer as he is into geology and wants to make a chess board. Andy shows his knowledge of the law and money and helps Capt. Hadley with his money dilemma. The warden assigns Andy to the library to assist the librarian Brooks Hatlen. Andy soon becomes the warden’s second hand man to do the warden’s dirty financial work, which includes laundering money under the name â€Å"Randall Stevens†. In 1954, Brooks is released from prison, unable to adjust to the outside world he hangs himself. Tommy Williams comes to Shawshank in 1965 for robbery. He becomes friends with Andy and Red. After Tommy hears about why Andy is here in prison he is shocked because he is proof that Andy did not commit the crime. Andy brings this information the warden, but the warden refuses to listen because if Andy is brought to justice and freed than the warden doesn’t have someone like him to do his dirty work. The warden has Tommy shot and killed by Captain Hadley. Andy tells Red that if he is ever freed from the prison, that red should go to a specific hayfield near Buxton and look under a volcanic rock for a package. The next day at roll call, Andy is not present and his cell is empty. The warden gets so mad that he starts to destroy everything in the room and when he throws a rock at Raquel Welch’s poster, he finds a hidden pathway that Andy had created with his rock hammer over the last 20 years. Andy escaped from prison. After spending a good portion of his life in prison, Red is finally free. Red, like Brooks, can’t adapt to outside life. He remembered his promise to Andy and visits the specific spot that Andy told Red about. He finds some cash for a bus ticket to Zihuatenajo. Red breaks his parole and travels to Texas to cross the Mexican border. On a beach in Zihuatenajo, Red finds Andy, and they both are reunited and the movie ends. 1. Reliability- Reliability is the extent of how much you can count on one person or thing to get what is needed to be accomplished. Andy shows his reliability to the people of the prison, including administrators for his chance to get the upper hand so he can accomplish what he needs to do to get himself out of prison. 2. Validity- I think validity is how true something is, how just something is, or how important something is. Andy helps the prison workers with their taxes. His knowledge over the topic is tested and his validity is tested as well. 3. Cause and Effect- What happens and what effect comes from what happened. In The Shawshank Redemption cause and effect is very clear. From the time that Andy is trusted with finances and money laundering, the cause of his escape is planned. He wants to exploit the prison and by effect he can inherit the money under the fake identity. It is apparent in other times in the movie as well. Without the cause there would not be an effect. Beliefs- What a person holds dear to themselves as far as morals, faith, and their personal thoughts of how one should live their life. In The Shawshank Redemption, Red chastises Andy one day in the cafeteria for having hope. Andy’s own personal beliefs are always with him and by keeping those hopes he escapes the prison. 5. Hunting and Gathering- Getting what we want by our own will and actions and storing and releasing what we have wherever want. In The Shawshank Redemption, Andy takes pieces of the wall with him to the prison yards every day. He slowly empties his pockets on the prison yard and lets the rocks from the wall fall from him. 6. Personality- how a person is, what a person believes and how that belief shines to show what kind of person one is. In The Shawshank Redemption and in any other movie really, Personality is always present. Andy’s personality at first his quiet and he mostly keeps to himself. Even after making friends Andy is more of an Introvert than an Extrovert. 7. Status- A person’s social standing in society. A rank of sorts. Andy’s status in The Shawshank Redemption is changed from laundry duty to librarian to prison banker. Achieved status- what you do to get to where you are, how you achieved the status that you have. Andy’s status is achieved because of the skills that he has from his previous life. His achieved status in the end is a free man. Randall Stevens. 9. Social group- The people that you are with, your friends, your group. Andy’s social group in the story goes from being alone or just with Red, to having a whole group of friends and inmates. 10. Dyad- a group of 2 people, 2 friends or even 2 enemies. Andy and Red would be the only real Dyad in The Shawshank Redemption. The warden and captain Hadley would also be a dyad. 11. Authoritarianism- One person who is in control of a social group of groups. In The Shawshank Redemption, the warden is the authoritarian. His word goes and no one else can do or say anything about it. 12. Bisexuality- When a man or woman likes someone of the same sex but also likes someone of the opposite sex. Bisexuality is only present in the movie by â€Å"The Sisters†. In the prison there are only men, and the sisters are prison rapists who rape men. 13. Organized crime- an organized process to get what one needs or wants. Red has a system of organized crime to get the people what they want, whether it is a pack of cigarettes or a rock hammer. 14. Retribution- Revenge or personal satisfaction by getting revenge of some sort. Andy gets his retribution by exploiting to the public what was really going on in Shawshank prison. 15. Rehabilitation- the process of being â€Å"fixed† to abide by societies laws or social rules. The entire prison system in The Shawshank Redemption is really just a form of rehabilitation by imprisoning people; the officials believe that they will be rehabilitated so that they can come into the public once again. 6. Profession- your skill of trade, the thing that you have over anyone else. Andy’s profession was a banker and even while he is in prison, the profession is still useful.   Wealth- how much money a person has, how rich or happy they are. Andy’s job for a while in the movie is to launder the money under an alias. Wealth is all that the warden seems to care about. 18. Power- how much say a person has, their voice is power and how much of the voice is power, is also power. The Warden lusts for power and wealth; ultimately, both things are what get him exploited and ultimately result in his suicide. 9. Proletarians- Workers that work for money, wage or contract workers. The warden hires second hand workers and works off of bribes so that he may receive his own money, he cuts the prisons budget in work. 20. Faith- your beliefs or how much you believe in the validity of your beliefs. Andy always keeps his faith in hope, and in the end it was the hope that drove him to leave. I actually liked this assignment. I have seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption quite a few times. I always just looked at the movie in a sense of drama and a good story. After looking at the terms it’s easier to see how much sociology really affects anything. In a prison system, sociology is very present and by knowing certain terms and sociological information, you can really get something out of a movie that you could not get otherwise. Sociology is present in almost every movie as there is some kind of term present that has a better underlying meaning than what is just presented over the surface. Sometimes just by knowing what kind of person a character is, it’s easy to tell what categories of sociology they can fit under. I think sociology and this assignment are very relevant to The Shawshank Redemption in a sense that the movie is not action based. There is not a lot of action or special affects of computer graphics. The movie is all story and dialogue. It’s easier, yet harder to sense sociological terms in the dialogue as you are limited by certain kind of sociological group. I think the movie seems very different when it is viewed this way. I have seen this movie well over twenty times and I haven’t really looked at the movie in this way. I have learned quite a lot this semester and more importantly I believe they are things that I will remember. In many classes, there aren’t many things that students take with them, with this class, I didn’t just get a grade, I got a basis to which I can view many things at different angles just by analyzing and observing what and how people do or say what they do or say. How people act in a certain group compared to how they act online or with just a few close friends. The information that was taught in this class can be readily used in everyday life compared to some classes where things are taught that one wouldn’t use so much. I enjoyed this class very much.

Consumer Packaged Goods In The Following Six Segments Marketing Essay

Consumer Packaged Goods In The Following Six Segments Marketing Essay Procter and Gamble is a global multinational company, headquartered in Cincinnati Ohio Proctor and Gamble Wikipedia 2012. It manufactures through internal and third party manufacturers (3PM) consumer packaged goods in the following six segments (Beauty, Grooming, Healthcare, Pet Care, Fabric and home care, Baby family care) as per its 2011 Annual report. Closely linked to its current product portfolio of products, PGs vision is: Be, and be recognized as, the best consumer products and services company in the world whereas its mission statement is: We will provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the worlds consumers. As a result, consumers will reward us with leadership sales, profit and value creation, allowing our people, our shareholders, and the communities in which we live and work to prosper. (PG Annual Report) It was not only until 2011 that the Pringles brand was under the PG umbrella. PG sells a myriad of products with multiple segments, target consumers and specific positioning. It is so mind boggling that it could range from a Duracell battery to SKII a premium skin care product manufactured in Japan. In Australia, a bottle of 75ml facial treatment essence- one of its more popular SKUs sells for AUD100. The beauty segment offers cosmetics, female antiperspirant and deodorant, female personal cleansing, female shave care, hair care, hair color, hair styling, pharmacy channel, prestige products, salon professional, and skin care products. The Grooming segment provides electronic hair removal devices, home small appliances, male blades and razors, and male personal care. The Health Care segment comprises feminine care, gastrointestinal, incontinence, rapid diagnostics, respiratory, toothbrush, toothpaste, water filtration, and other oral care. The Pet Care segment offers pet care products. The Fabric Care and Home Care segment includes laundry additives, air care, batteries, dish care, fabric enhancers, laundry detergents, and surface care products. The Baby Care and Family Care segment consists of baby wipes, diapers, paper towels, tissues, and toilet papers products. (PG Profile, Yahoo! Finance) PGs vision of the best consumer products and services company in the world seems realistic and attainable as its consistently ranked as one of the as one of the Most Admired Companies in the Fortune ranking (CNN Money, World most admired companies); earning top spot in the consumer products industry and No 9 overall on the 2012 list. Over the recent years, PG has consistently earned the top spot within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry while ranking in the top 10 of the overall list. Whereas PGs mission statement is in tandem with its actions as its currently the CPG in the world based on sales revenues; and continues to strive for sustainability in its business actions. It is currently the worlds largest producer of household and personal products by revenue standing at USD82billion for 2011. PGs products reach 4 billion people worldwide and have 22 brands with over USD1billion in annual sales with another 19 brands generating over USD500 million in sales. The USD1billion brands include Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Pantene, Bounty, Oral B etc. With marketing spend of nearly $10 billion a year on TV, print and online advertising, PG is the worlds largest marketer. (PG ad spending hits $9.3 billion, Marketwatch 2012) However, the company has recently discovered the benefits of cost effective social and digital media and is gradually gaining traction in that arena which is mostly they believe was more cost effective and equally efficient as compared to traditional media. In the competitive Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, PGs brands are important to the company. It has spent a great deal of time and money to establish its brand image by developing superior products through extensive Research Development (RD), innovative packaging, ensuring its on shelf availability and backing it with engaging integrated marketing communications and reliable service. However, the company seems to suffer from the fame of its company rather than its brands as compared to say its close competitor Unilever. Many people do not know of the company Unilever but have heard of its brands like Lipton, Magnum, Dove, Knorr etc. Whereas for PG, many people have strong associations and recognition of the company but when you ask people to mention its billion dollar brands, people normal stumble over that. Because of the competitive landscape, PG is takes the initiative to reach out to the voice of the consumer through multiple consumer insight activities. They have realized that at the heart of their success will be a successful marketing strategy. PGs products are based on a sound understanding of who their customers are. This of course doesnt imply that the company manufactures products to meet the whims and fancies of every consumer. However, PG aggressively exploits opportunities in the market to their advantage and are continuously vigilant in the monitoring of those opportunities. Customer knowledge is thus important to PG which studies both end consumers and trade partners through continuous market research and intelligence gathering. As proof of their commitment, PG currently spends more than $100 million no small change on over 10,000 formal consumer research projects annually and generates more than 3 million consumer contacts via its email and phone center. It also emphas izes getting its marketers and researchers out into the field, where they can interact with consumers and retailers face to face in their natural environment. (PG kisses up to the boss, Advertising Age) PGs market oriented strategy continues to play a vital role in the company with the economic downturn and the onslaught of private label brands and consumers increasing demanding low price and good quality products. At this moment, PG brands still dominate the premium end of most of the categories in which they compete in and while their aspirational qualities resonate with consumers, PG will have to stay at the top of the game in the fickle consumer goods market. Issue 2: PGs leading market position (Top 3) in almost all its categories provides it with significant competitive advantage. However, with the economic slowdown and consumers starting to penny pinch, it is increasing difficult for branded product manufacturers like PG to maintain their sales volume and revenue growth while preventing discounting which dilutes brand image. Looking at the SWOT Analysis (Datamonitor), we can identify the current PG position: Strengths Strong RD and innovation culture. Spends more than twice on RD compared to its nearest rival Unilever. Leading market position in most categories Diversified Product Portfolio Strong brand portfolio- 24 USD1 billion brands. Weaknesses Increasing instance of product recall thus implication of poorer manufacturing quality Dependant on Walmart and few other major retailers for majority of its revenues Too many products, easily to get overextended, fight for capital amongst brands Opportunities Expansion in developing and emerging markets in Brazil, Russia, India China(BRIC) Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey(MIST) Future growth plans and new segments Threats Regulatory environment Slowing global economic conditions Raw material cyclical prices Counterfeit goods or rip offs of innovation by Chinese manufacturers Other competitors like Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Essentially PG is its own competitor. Its strength of having such a diversified product portfolio is also its weakness because with so many products, its easy for PG management to get distracted, what more so its consumers who might be confused with too many choices. One of its main weaknesses is over-reliance on Walmart for majority of revenues. To increase distribution choices, PG could consider selling via its own website considering the popularity of ecommerce. Although, since this is not its core competency, it might not be a feasible strategy with some market research and feasibility studies. Its main external threats are controlling its cost base and also stiff competition between other FMCG giants. To control cyclical raw material prices, PG could work out long term deals with raw material prices and it needs to focus on improving its value proposition to its customers to prevent price wars. Customers: PGs customer base is unique. Because not only would PGs customers include those in the modern and traditional trade. They also encompass the end consumers both you and me. Modern trade refers to retailing at large format stores whereas general trade refers to retailing at the thousands of independent retail, wholesale and mom and pop stores. Some examples of its customer would include Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco who are more prevalent and dominant in the developed world. Whereas, the smaller mom and pop stores are the distribution channels of choice in developing economies like India or Mexico where consumers buy sachets worth a few cents with higher frequency than a large retail store. PGs biggest customer is Walmart, contributing more than 16% or revenue in 2011 down from 20% in the early 2000s.(Wikinvest) In this case, customer power with Walmart is very strong and PG normally has to concede to Walmarts request for certain promotions or price discounts. At this moment, PG has not yet discovered any alternative to Walmart and might have to yield to their demands. On the other hand, PG could use this to their advantage, using the judo move and utilizing the clout of Walmart and sell more products with sustainable profits. In terms of end consumers, end consumers are fickle and are subjected to Moments of Truth. The best known is the First moment of Truth (FMOT), coined by PG where in just 3-7 seconds, a shopper encounters a product on the store shelf and decides in those short moments whether to buy it. If the consumer does not find the product, she moves on to a competitors product. There is basically little consumer loyalty when it comes to soap and shampoo. The Second Moment of Truth (SMOT), is the moment when a consumer uses the product and is another powerful marketing opportunity but it is harder for the manufacturer to control because this is when the consumer uses the Pantene shampoo and decides whether she likes the texture, smell or after results of the shampoo. Then it progresses to the Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT) where consumers are going online using blogs, facebook or twitter to find inspiration for their own looks and get tips and tricks from experts or take cues from a favorite celebrity. Because of this progression and the influence of the internet of consumer behaviors, PG has started to re-evaluate the brands true FMOT and is looking to shift to focus on the notion of store back which means that ad agencies need to start formulating ideas at the retail store, working backwards to outside the store. This also means that marketers need work on their pull marketing strategies which gets demand forecast from consumers, not only the traditional push strategies and find ways to match the two. PG puts on its priority list the importance that the end consumer always has a consistent and positive experience from ZMOT to point of purchase and beyond, and has strived to get in front of the consumer with the right brand message upstream in the process of discovery and to continue staying there. Collaborators: PG has many collaborators. They would include direct and indirect material vendors like: raw material suppliers, advertising agencies, marketing research firms, independent product testing laboratories, logistics partners, communication companies, banks and financial institutions, travel agencies and hotels etc. Of special mention would be its supply chain partners which would include warehousing, transportation, software providers and carriers as PG has one of the worlds best supply chain. In the 2012 survey, it placed in the Top 5 just behind Apple, Amazon, McDonalds and Dell. PG has showcased its ability to make efficient decisions across the supply network. It is a consistent challenge to ensure the right forecast demand and that shelves are filled, but PG has managed to find the right balance. With its best in class, open innovation platform, combined with an impressive new product operational capability that synchronized with its clockwork run supply chain, it taps a deep well of understanding its consumers, aligning to their ZMOT and FMOT, to continue to deliver new products on time and on demand. (The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 2012) In order for all cogs to move in sync, PG has to maintain a win-win partnership with its collaborators to create sustainable competitive advantages. Competitors: Due to PGs diverse product range, there is no one for one direct competitor with this behemoth. Some of PGs competitors include other FMCG multinationals like Unilever, Clorox, Kimberly Clark, Johnson Johnson (consumer division) and also Japanese FMCG companies like Kao, Lion etc. It faces strong competition from its competitors and has to constantly innovate, cut cost to maintain its position as the market leader. Its closest competitor would be the Anglo Dutch company Unilever but even then, Unilevers sales revenue is only half of PGs. PG also possess a higher operating margin than its competitors at 20.3% versus Unilever at 14.8% in the year 2010. Although PG has many competitors, it has established itself as a market leader and is thus well positioned to ward off competition or make necessary acquisitions of smaller companies. Its last notable acquisition was in 2005 of Gillette, forming the largest consumer goods company in the world and placing Unilever in second place. This added brands such as Gillette, Duracell, Braun and Oral B to their stable. Therefore, for new start ups to the consumer goods industry, they would find the barriers to entry pretty high. Whereas for the existing competitors like Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, they have to continue to play the catch up game, in terms of market share. Context: A PESTLE analysis will be conducted to examine the current situation for PG in the global market. Political: With local operations in more than a hundred countries, based in different time zones and continents, PG has to manage the complexity of different political regimes, rules and regulations and political trends influencing its business operations. On one hand, PG has to adapt and thrive to the changing political pressures in different nations, yet on the other hand, due to its scale and size, it plays integral roles to cooperate and affect local government policy with its clout and manufacturing size. Therefore, It has considerable clout due to its ability to move and shift hundreds of jobs out of a country. Economic: The world economy is having shorter cyclical patterns and PG is seeing market share stagnant or decline in the developed areas like US and Europe. However, world demand is forecasted to grow in the next few years due to growing populations and development of economies in the developing continents like Latin America and Asia. Due to the different nuances and different cultural and consumer habits, PG has to be attuned to the changes in order to continue to grow and thrive and it must take note that developments in the different markets and nations will cause an uneven growth situation in different regions. It might thus have to focus its marketing firepower on previously neglected upon nations. Social: PG has to place great attention and importance to the different social norms when expanding overseas due to various cultural backgrounds in different market in order not to step on any taboo landmines. For instance, due to the changing masculinity trends, we have the advent of the metrosexual and the demand for men grooming is seen as a growth area for the FMCG market. Or for example, due to the increasing drive towards being socially responsible, PG needs to source its raw materials like tomatoes or palm oil from sustainable sources or face wrath from watchdogs like Greenpeace of other tree huggers. Because of this sustainability trend, PG has committed to developing USD50billion worth of products that have a sustainable impact. Technological: As the overall market of fast moving consumer products is very large and diversified, PG has invested significantly to gain technological advantage in order to maintain and expand its market position. As a result, technology investment in product formulation, packaging, product design is heavy and development is fast. PG has its own RD function reporting directly to the CEO and based on 2010 numbers; PG invested nearly USD2billion in RD up from USD1.95 billion in 2008. Legal: PG has to obey and comply with different legal and tax requirements on its products, manufacturing process and business operations. With the rising prices in commodities, FMCG companies would like to raise prices but are contained by certain price ceilings by governments and thus PG has to battle with price ceilings yet remain profitable. For example, it tried to raise prices but suffered mandated price cuts in Venezuela and import curbs in Argentina. Ethical: Because personal products are daily essentials, the quality and safety of the products are extremely important for the brands. Any scandals or rumors about the product can lead to significant and unconceivable damage on the image. For eg the recall in 2011 for their Oral B products due to Microbial contamination in Canada, China, Chile, Columbia and Mexico caused dissatisfaction amongst consumers in the way that it was handled where in China consumers who wanted a refund had to send the empty product bottles, receipt and a copy of their bank account passbooks to the companys Guangzhou office which caused ire amongst the consumers as it was unreasonable for consumers to keep the bottle after they consumed the mouth wash. Issue 3: PGs former CEO A.G Lafley who retired in 2010 coined a strong and simple message that the Consumer is Boss and PG followed his mantra and tried to get the true opinion of its consumers with the belief that the closer they get to the customers, the better it was for them. (Innovation Machine PG: 1 Billion $ for Consumer Insights. 2012.) PG spends more than USD400 million annual in external consumer insight activities. In those activities, they touch base with more than 5 million consumers spanning 100 countries. They also conduct over 20,000 individual research studies every year, all this time and money spent is to understand the consumer a little bit more better to better identify opportunities for segmentation, product innovation and how to create a better overall service delivery to the consumers. (PG.com Core strengths) Apart from external sources, one famous platform that is created in-house by PG is TREMORà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ in 2001 under which it created the website www.vocalpoint.com which is a website for a community of mums to share knowledge and exchange opinions. Tremor is the word of mouth marketing organization developed by Procter Gamble that combines PGs wide-ranging marketing expertise with key learnings from cognitive science. (Tremor) It was founded for a dual purpose: market research tool and Word of mouth (WOM) advertisement. On vocalpoint, it connects about 600,000 mothers and these mothers have an average of 25-30 touchpoints with other women as compared to 5 for a usual mom. They share product information with other mums and this is key for PG as most household products are purchased by mothers or women in the household. They get samples and coupons to create a network effect. However, social media has changed the way in which companies gather information through traditional streams as consumers move to a digital age. It now gathers information about consumers through digital means like Facebook, twitter, launching apps that can be used on Smartphones etc and requires on website traffic and analytics to spot the next trend. In terms of competitor intelligence, PG definitely closely monitors its competitors through various online sources and probably outsources this research to external companies. In turn, this information is shared through the intranet about competitor intelligence and updates employees on what their competitors are up to. As there is no public information on this, I am assuming PG does the same if not more based on my work experience in Unilever. Competitors that currently represent a threat to PG would be Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, Clorox etc. The strategic group that PG is in would be the branded consumer goods section. However, PG isnt a direct competitor across all segments some of its competitors like Unilever still has a large portion of its revenue from its Food, tea and beverage business. Whereas Johnson Johnson not only consumer goods, but is also strong in medical and pharmaceutical industries. Its closest competitor in terms of direct product to product lineup in the household products market might be Colgate Palmolive. At this moment, PG is probably its own worst enemy. But in terms of its closest competitors that represent a treat, I would think that Unilever, Colgate Palmolive are two or its nearest competitors. One point to raise is the threat of private labels brands from supermarkets themselves. This is starting to be a threat especially during the economic recession when consumers dont differentiate between Shampoo Brand X and Shampoo Brand Y in terms of its value (reduces hair frizz) but on price alone. The in store brands by supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths compete in the same product category but obviously can afford to sell them at a lower entry price but higher profit margin. In order to mitigate this threat, PG has to spend more on branding and innovation to hopefully induce the willingness to pay for its products. The context of the FMCG industry is always dynamic. However, even though PG can probably use market research to stay abreast of latest developments, due to its size, it might not have the flexibility to react quickly to changes. It is clear in terms of the shift in power of the world economy; USA is the superpower of the past whereas Asia is the new superpower. With its headquarters still in Cincinnati Ohio, that in a sense is a constraint for PG as it is away from the business centers, away from the growth in the developing countries. PG needs the help of its collaborators to move to the next level as they are all part of the value chain activities. For example, it would needs its global logistics providers to ensure on time shelf delivery at competitive cost, it would need the 3PM to produce quality and competitively priced products, ad agencies to produce quality and engaging ads etc. In order to select the best collaborators, PG has balanced scorecards in terms of environmental sustainability to maintain its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint Issue 4: As one of the leaders in marketing, PG has spared no efforts in its marketing segmentation. For its paper products like tissues and toilet paper, it has household brands like Charmin, Puffs, Royale and Bounty. For its shampoo segment, it has famous brands like Head Shoulders, Vidal Sasson, Pert Plus, Ivory and Pantene, supposedly sufficient to cater to a wide range of hair: oily, dry, dandruff, coloured, split ends etc. For the laundry segment, one of its cash cows has in itself 8 brands for sale in the United States. This would include Ivory Snow, Dreft, Oxydol, era, Gain, Bold, Cheer and its crown Jewel Tide. Because PG also is based worldwide, it has many different specially created brands in each category to cater to different international markets. In Latin America, it sells 16 laundry product brands whereas in its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) geographic segment, it has a whopping 19 different brands for choice. PGs marketing strategy has clearly shifted from mass market to target marketing. It is aware that consumers have different needs through its elaborate consumer research, it has been trying to develop a product for every type of need a consumer has, it seems that PG is trying to have a race with itself to develop new products for any kind of customer. We can understand the motivation as PG wants to use its economies of scale and brand name to push out its products and expand market share to new and existing loyal customers. With the enormous number of brands in PG, we would imagine that each brand manager is trying to fight for publicity and capital for its brand. It is merely a hypothetical question, but could the multitude of brands be more of an internal fight for importance rather than actually meeting consumer needs? However, clearly PG positions itself in the premium section of the FMCG market. Its products like Pantene, Vidal Sasson can command higher prices than a lower end shampoo brand like Sunsilk from Unilever. As mentioned, the multitude of brands is both the strength and weakness for PG. For one, the same laundry products for example will be competing with each other for limited and precious supermarket shelf positioning and space. The fact that PG introduces several brands in one category might be economies of scale but could also crowd out the market. It could perhaps concentrate its resources on a handful of main brands and focus their targeting on specific customer segments instead of spreading itself too thinly. Because of the multitude of PGs categories, we will just examine in detail its laundry brands in US. In order to breakdown laundry segments, PG first has to look at the job to be done segmentation. It did research and probably thought that apart from using detergents to get clean clothes, people also want other things from detergent. For example, mothers might want cheap detergent because with a family of three kids, there would be many dirty clothes and washing cycles to do in a week. Thus, they would want detergent that is economical and powerful to get rid of dirt stains. On the same demographics of mothers, you get mothers with babies, and they would want detergents with less (zero) chemicals catered to the sensitive skin of babies. On the other spectrum, you might have some working professionals or yuppies who have a higher willingness to pay and value detergents that had a nice fresh smell and are sustainable for the environment. Thus, it is no surprise that PG has launched 8 b rands in the US to cater to all the individual niches of customers. A quick check on www.walmart.com (Appedix A) and entering in the word Tide prompts 65 hits on the detergent in the household essentials segment. The fact is that Tide comes in three forms: liquid, powder, pod forms. It also comes in many shapes, scents and sizes. This results in a minimum of 65 SKUS for just one laundry brand. By segmenting the market for laundry across multiple detergent brands, PG seems to have covered all bases for consumer laundry needs and wants. As a result, PG is the unrivalled leader in the USD7billion US laundry detergent market. Tide alone is the market leader with a respectable 38% market share. When we combine all eight of PG laundry brands, it comes up to a 60% share of the market-2.5 times that of nearest rival Unilever and much more than any single brand could obtain by itself. However, does this mean that market share is due to the fact that PG has that many brands and is successful in its segmentation activities or is it because of the overall value proposition PGs detergents provide to its consumers. Could PG attain its market share of 60% by optimizing the number of SKUs by half? PG recognizes that they cannot appeal to all buyers in the marketplace or at least not to all buyers in the same way. Buyers are too numerous, too widely scattered, and too varied in their needs and buying practices. Moreover, PG itself varies widely in its abilities to serve different segments of the market. Rather than trying to compete in an entire market, sometimes against superior competitors, PG has identified the parts of the market that it can serve best and most profitably. Thus, PG is being more selective about the consumers that they wish to capture and retain. It has been a clear leader in moving from mass marketing, toward market segmentation and targeting-successfully identifying market segments after stringent market research and studies, selecting one or more of them, and developing products and marketing programs individually tailored to the specific niche. PG clearly believes the rifle approach is more effective rather than the shotgun approach. It has achieved previous success based on this approach, but would this strategy continue to work for the fickle and fussy FMCG market? It should however be noted that Apple -one of the best marketers of technology thinks differently, with the iphone is still managed as a mass marketing concept. Issue 5: PGs reputation as being the best in marketing is indisputable. They are known to be at least 5 years ahead of competitors in terms of how they go to market. They continuously train and invest in their employees at the beginning of their careers and like to promote from within. They spend enormous amounts of money training their people to become world class marketers and many of their people leave PG to lead other companies as their Chief Marketing Officer. PG clearly puts the consumer first. As such, their marketing strategy is based on deep consumer insights. This might mean their advertising probably wont be the most creative, but they will capture revenue and market share. This however, might prove to be a stumbling block with the changing demographics in the developing world. PGs marketing orientation makes business sense strategically. With a market orientation and micro marketing approach, PG can adapt to the 4Ps. In terms of Price, PGs premium pricing has shown that it can be moved with lower prices for the more cost sensitive developing countries. In terms of product categories, it competes in 35 product categories in US but only present in an average of 19 product categories globally. Therefore, PG is focusing on the launching more product categories in more countries, targeting expansion of the global average to presence in 24 product categories by 2014-15. With regards to place, PG currently distributes broadly through four channels: 1) supermarkets mass volume retail, 2) mom pop stores which are still prevalent in the third world countries especially when shops are inaccessible, 3) wholesale and 4) modern retail stores. As part of new channel strategy, PG also is focusing on expansion in the international pharmacy and e-commerce channels. This s hall contribute to PG products being available at more outlets. (PGs market share strategy set to pay off- Seeking Alpha) The PG brand plays a huge role in its marketing strategy as its one of the most recognized brands in the world. The PG brand is synonymous with premium pricing and quality. With the shift in the demographics, PG would need to shift to developing countries and the younger age segmentation. In terms of developing countries, it would be right on the ball to focus on India and China. At this moment, PG is definitely behind the curve for India as Hindustan Unilever is the clear leader in the CPG industry, however, PG does better in terms of brand penetration in China. The positioning in China is also very different as compared to India