Quality of Services in the Nandos Restaurant Business Free Essay Example, 3000 words

There are several service quality models, these include Gap model. This model involves measuring service attributes from exploratory qualitative investigations into the determinants of service quality. It was recognized as being the first study of service quality measurement. Authors have acknowledged conceptual difficulties concerning the definition of quality in services. This conceptual model of service quality identified five gaps. The first gap is between consumer expectation and management perception. The organization management assumes they are aware of what the customer wants, but delivers what customers do not expect. The second gap is between management perception and service quality specification. The quality specifications in this gap are not set, not well clarified or difficult to achieve. Gap 3 is between service quality specification and service delivery. It involves poor management in human, mechanical, or support goods. Gap 4 is between service delivery and external communications. Here communications increase expectations among customers that are not accomplished by the organization. Gap 5 is between perceived service and expected service. In this gap, the services delivered to customers does not match up with their initial expectations. We will write a custom essay sample on Quality of Services in the Nandos Restaurant Business or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

Stereotypes Has The Role Of Peter Dinklage Progressed

Austin Oller Professor XXX Class Abreviation and Number 17 November 2014 Stereotypes: Has the Role of Peter Dinklage Progressed? In 1952 theorist Frantz Fanon wrote The Fact of Blackness, an article that illustrations the struggles of being an African- American in then modern-day America. Fanon suggested African Americans live with a prescribed stereotype of â€Å"blackness†. Because of the color of their skin, African- Americans have an image created for them. Due to this prescription, many individuals are unable to create their own persona. Fanon states that a black person is the slave of his or her own image. Today, there are many other stereotypes being placed on people just like blackness was placed on the African American community.†¦show more content†¦The most common type, called Achondroplasia is the cause of about 70 percent of all dwarfism. It makes your arms and legs shorter than that of your torso. Achondroplasia affects about 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births. To understand Fanon one must look back to the beginning of the cinema. Stereotypes were prevalent in movies since the beginning of the cinema. One of the first movies to show a stereotypes was the 1915 silent film Birth of a Nation. In the D.W. Griffith film the African American plays the stereotypical slave of the south after the civil war. In the article Hollywood, Black Animation, and the Problem of Representation, author Jennifer L. Barker shares a statement about her voice about black stereotypes: â€Å"Since the early twentieth century, critics, filmmakers, and actors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Clarence Muse, Sidney Poitier, Spike Lee, and Henry Louis Gates Jr. have argued for various approaches to representing African Americans in film, and it is unlikely that this conversation will become simpler or more unified in the near future. In fact, conversations are bound to become more complex as the nature of racial identity in America has become more heterogeneous in the last few decades†. The image of â€Å"Blackness† was very prevalent in the classical Hollywood Period. Often depicted as mammies, coons or uncle toms during this period. In Boogle’s book Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks he writes

Research Knowledge and Assessment Free Essays

string(35) " related to the research question\." This essay explores how these queries may be conceptualized, described, valuated, and explained through investigative methods. Philosophy of Research Quantitative scientific research relies on data taken from empirical methods based on observation and experience (Myers Hanson, 2002; Stanchion Stanchion, 2003). These systematic empirical methods can be used as inferential mathematical tools for evaluating a sample from a population. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Knowledge and Assessment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Consequently, the empirical calculations of phenomena in a sample may be applied to an entire population from which the sample was derived (Ho, 201 0, p. ). Research Terminologies Certain terms in research connote philosophical approaches to obtaining ND evaluating information. Through the scientific process, research studies begin by developing questions or hypotheses, then collecting data to help answer the questions or test the hypotheses. Research data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted to reach conclusions (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 201 0, p. 12). However, qualitative and quantitative studies have similarities and dissimilarities in the scientific process due to the different cognitive approaches in research designs. Qualitative studies utilize inductive reasoning while quantitative studies apply deductive logic (p. 10). Figure 1 illustrates the specifics, similarities, and differences of these concepts in qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. The scientific method, illustrated in figure 2, acquires and assesses knowledge through observation and experience (Drew, Yardman, Hose, 2008). The philosophy Of Positivism utilizes aspects of the scientific method in social research. Positivist researchers believe that only what is observed can be evaluated in an objective manner. This means that only observable behavior can be measured without regard to motives, perspectives, or feelings (Social Research Methods, 2006). Conversely, post positivist philosophy does not believe that Objectivity is infallible because knowledge is developed through social constructs and this knowledge cannot be divorced from personal perceptions which determine the legitimacy of wisdom (Ryan, 2006, p. 16). The foregoing statements suggest that post-positivists believe deductions from observations may be relative and inexact (p. 20). This lends credence to subjectivity in research evaluations (Ratter, 2002). Objectivity in Objectivity can be described as a mental state in which personal biases, preferences, and perspectives of researchers do not contaminate the election and analysis of data (Sociology Guide, 2014). Objectivity is paramount in ensuring the veracity of a study. However, in social and educational studies, objectivity presupposes a type of reality (Ratter, 2002). If that reality is created by the researcher or observer, then it may be more subjective than objective (p. 3). These ideas exemplify the challenges faced by those in qualitative or mixed-methods studies who must judge the depth or the breadth and depth of research findings, respectively (Walden University, n. D. ). Though quantitative research may appear objective through the use of thematic calculations, subjectivity may occur in deciding what data are to be measured and the types of measuring instruments to be employed (Slashing, 2003). Philosophical Developments in Research Scientific realism is a quantitative approach to research in which numerical formulas are used to analyze data, and these data are used to symbolize constructs and variables (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010). Positivists utilize the tenets of scientific realism because they feel that the social and psychological world can be evaluated mathematically in the same way that quantitative research explains phenomena in the natural world Social constructivism states that phenomena must be understood (P. 3). As complex wholes and researchers must understand reality through the perspectives of the participants in a study. Social constructivism advocates hypotheses that are created to achieve meaning through multiple realities formed by diverse human perceptions in a social world. Social constructivism is commonly employed in ethnographers and other types of social research. Advocacy and liberating frameworks also accept a multiplicity of realities derive d from social, economic, cultural, and political milieus. This philosophy involves research that advocates freedom from oppression and is a common framework for education research studies involving minorities or socially oppressed groups of people (Fire, 1970). Pragmatism is not focused on defining a real or socially constructed reality, but seeks practical answers to promulgate correct practices and programs (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 201 0, p. 16). Pragmatists frequently use a mixed-methods approach to research for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. Case studies utilize the methods of pragmatism (p. 60). Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks A framework can be created through Concepts or theories (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010, p. 13). A conceptual framework shows ideas or variables in a cogent and sequential manner, whereas a theoretical framework focuses on identifying the possible relationships among the ideas or concepts and develops theories for these relationships (Niagara, 2012). These theories provide a foundation for the beginnings of an investigation and help maintain a focus for the direction of a study. A conceptual framework can also be defined as a structure that describes the natural progression of a phenomenon through a theoretical framework that gives an explanation of how some constituents of the phenomenon may be related (Camp, 2001). In summary, a conceptual framework may elucidate concepts Of a study but it does not explain the relationships among the ideas or variables, whereas a theoretical framework can explain the associations among variables and how these associations relate to the research investigation (Science, n. D. ). Core Concepts of Research Design The research question is the basis for the research study and should include ethical guidelines (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 201 0, p. 388). It identifies dependent and independent variables in causal-comparative search and it targets variables that are expected to be related in correlation studies (up. 388-389). In quantitative studies, the research question is clarified by the hypothesis which is a declarative statement or tentative position of the identified problem (Drew, Yardman, Hose, 2008, p. 78). Unlike quantitative investigations, the research questions in qualitative studies focus more on processes than on outcomes (p. 389). Once the research question has been refined to a specific idea, then the statement Of purpose for the study can be expressed in clear and concise terms (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010, p. 89). The specificity of the research question and the distinct purpose of the study are derivatives of the literature review which ma inly focuses on primary, peer-reviewed articles related to the research question. You read "Research Knowledge and Assessment" in category "Free Research Paper Samples" Population and Sample Inferential statistics utilizes a subset from a population called a sample. Research results derived from the sample may be generalized to the population from which it was derived. However, in order for a study to produce accurate results and conclusions from a sample, it is important to differentiate between a theoretical population and an accessible population Social Research Methods, 2006). The theoretical population should possess well-defined characteristics related to the variables to be studied in the sample. An accessible population may be available for a study, but if its traits are not circumscribed within the sample it produces, the accuracy of the research is comport used (Expellable, 2009). Variables and Research If endings A variable is an object or entity that has different quantitative or qualitative values depending on the circumstance in a study (Ho, 2010, p. 127). In educational research, a variable can also be defined as a measurable hypothetical concept (construct) that has been developed from a theoretical framework (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010, p. 3). When these variables are translated into data, the findings can be reported quantitatively, qualitatively, or quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative findings are numerical in nature and can be reported through Pearson-product moment correlations, multiple-regression analysis, t-test, chi-square, and other tests (p. 305). Qualitative findings may be reported through the use of triangulation techniques, coding, them es, and other procedures (up. 189-193). Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitation’s Assumptions are constituents of a study which may not be under the control of the researcher, but their disappearance in a study would make it irrelevant (Simon, 2011). Limitations are uncontrollable, potential weaknesses in a study, whereas delimitation’s are controllable characteristics that limit the scope and define the boundaries of a study (p. 2). This is why these three factors must be considered when research is conducted. Validity and Reliability Validity describes the accuracy and appropriateness of measures while reliability refers to the consistency of the measurements (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010). In quantitative research, validity can be defined in terms of a construct which determines the type of data to be collected and the way in which the information is to be gathered (Winner Braun, 1998). Validity in qualitative research was defined by Slashing (2003) as â€Å"quality, rigor and trustworthiness† (p. 02). The internal validity of a study can be affected by observations, selection of informants for maximum variability, selection Of participants, and improper or misguided conclusions, whereas external validity can be influenced by types of selection procedures, kinds of settings n which experiments are conducted, historical consequences from the lives of participants, and the variations in the meanings of constructs across time, environments, and populations (Michael, n. D. ). Reliability can be illustrated through consistent results after repeated evaluations show a continuous stability of measurements for a given period of time (Kirk Miller, 1986). Reliability has been defined by Cope (2000) as â€Å"The extent to which results are consistent over time and [accurately represent] the total population under study†¦ If the results of a study can be reproduced under a animal methodology, then the research instrument is [also] considered to be reliable. † (p. 1). However, Slashing (2003) cautions that a research instrument which measures consistently may not be measuring accurately. Hence, these inaccuracies of measurement make the research instrument invalid and controvert the internal consistency and reliability of the research. Internal reliability can be affected by inference descriptors, a researchers selections of data, and the interpretations of the data by the researcher (Bloom, n. D. ). External reliability can be influenced by situational contexts that effect the information retrieved from participants, data collection, analysis methodology, and constructs (Slashing, 2003). Other Approaches to Unlike research investigations, program evaluations are critiqued regarding their immediate impact on what was observed and studied (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010). A program can be defined as a group of detailed activities with measurable objectives (p. 363). The purpose of evaluating a program is to make a decision on a course of action, whereas a research study provides information about a particular topic or practice. Program valuations use formative and summarize processes. These processes involve collecting information while the program occurs and measuring results at the end of the program to determine â€Å"†¦ Owe those outcomes related to the overall†¦ Program and its success. † (p. 366). Once these processes have been deduced, the findings can be used to improve education There are evaluation models that can be applied through practices. These formative and summarize approaches. All models of evaluation contribute to the development of the evaluation plan, capacity, data collection, data, analysis, and reporting procedures of the study. The most common model for program evaluation is the objective-based approach which assesses the overall purpose of the program and defines the type of information to be collected for evaluation. This approach also utilizes benchmarks or quantitative goals that participants are expected to obtain to ensure the success of the program. Among other program evaluation templates, the logic model measures progress at each phase of the curriculum while operating on the assumption that a rational sequence Of events must happen in order to produce the final results of the program (p. 373). These sequences of events begin with resources or inputs which create actions or activities that lead to changes in the participants (p. 374). These changes or outcomes verify the efficacy or inefficacy of the program. In other words, the logic approach is a picture of how the program works through the theories and assumptions underlying the program (W. K. Kellogg Foundation, 2004). The logic model is commonly used for program evaluations in health education because it can illustrate the infrastructure of a program model while integrating the activities of the clinical educators and patients (Centers or Diseases Control and Prevention, 1 999): A detailed logic model can†¦ Threaten claims of causality and be a basis for estimating the program’s effect on endpoints that are not directly measured but are linked in a causal chain supported by prior research†¦ Logic models can be created to display a program at different levels of detail, from different perspectives, or for different audiences. (p. 9). It is imperative in health education to identify causal relationships among variables of patient care and clini cal erudition paradigms. This is why the logic approach is such a good choice for evaluating these types of programs. Program evaluations possess benefits and shortcomings. One advantage of program evaluations is the immediate application of the information to a setting or environment for implementing improvements and other efficacious changes. Examples of disadvantages in program evaluations include the lack of available assets for improving program deficiencies identified through formative processes and the subjectivity of an internal evaluator who may have preconceived ideas about what the program outcomes should be. The focus of effective education is action (Spencer, n. . ). Action research in education has been scribed as research accomplished by teachers to provide insights for themselves (Mills, 201 1). It is also a way for teachers to work collaboratively with each other with education administrators, and with stakeholders to improve classroom instruction and the learning potential of students (C. A. R. Madison Metropolitan School District, 2010). The primary purpose of action research is t o change and improve educational environments and outcomes (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010). The stages in conducting action research are sequential and cyclical (Classroom Action Research, 2012). These steps are illustrated in Figure 3. The diagram in the illustration implies important ideas regarding the structure of action research. This Structure should include ways to clearly define an issue, to challenge the assumptions and views of the researcher conducting the study, to develop a concise plan for data collection, to encourage collaboration between the researcher and peers, and to provide evidence for practice improvement (Ladino, Spaulding, Vogel, 2010). How to cite Research Knowledge and Assessment, Essays

External Environment of BMW Organization †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the External Environment of BMW Organization. Answer: Introduction A business organization comprises of a group of people or individuals who are targeted towards some common commercial goals. The business organizations operate in an external environment; therefore, the external environmental factors impact on the operations of the business organizations. However, these external factors cannot be controlled by the business organizations. They need to adapt themselves according to the external environment. In addition to it, when beginning a new business venture in a different location, the organization needs to identify the external factors and their impact on the business operations. If the external factors do not align with the goals or the vision of the organization, the business venture can remain unfruitful (Thompson Martin, 2010). Therefore, the business organizations employ a large number of techniques to evaluate and analyse the external environment of a business organization. The most common tool for the external environment analysis is PES TEL analysis. The PESTEL analysis is the acronym for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and the legal factors. All these factors together, impacts on the business operations and the profitability of the organization. The external environment analysis is important for the business organization as it helps them in analysing that the business venture will be successful or not. It also increases the knowledge regarding the current market structure and changes. Therefore, this tool can be used by the business organizations in adapting themselves according to the changes in the market (Cole, 2003). External environment analysis is a strategic tool which assists the organization in forming strategies to curb the market competition. In this regard, the current report will examine the external environment of a BMW in Europe. The company is the manufacturer of luxury cars and sell cars all across the globe. BMW is a German car manufacturing company which is also les popularly known as Bayerische Motoren WErke AG. It is a Germany-based company which sells luxury vehicles all across the globe. The company was founded in 1916 and has headquarters in Munich, Bavaria. The organization is considered as the best-selling luxury automakers in the world. A PESTLE analysis of the company has been conducted to examine the market structure and the impact of the external factors on the environment. Company Overview Originally named as Bayerische Motoren WErke AG, the company is popularly known as BMW all across the globe. It is one of the most popular luxury vehicle, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company. It is one of the most popular automakers in the world. The headquarters of the company are located in Munich, Bavaria. It also manufactures Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and plug-in electric cars. The company is conducts responsible business and is the member of US Environmental Protection Agency and National Environmental Achievement Track which states that the companies should be recognised according to their environmental performance and stewardship. It is considered as one of the sustainable automotive company and it the part of several environmental programs (Frynas, Mellahi, 2015). It has production units all across the globe and makes efforts to product the most sustainable and environmentally friendly cars. In order to attract the customers in different locations, the company has devel oped exhaustive marketing plan. The audio and the roundel logo of the company are quite popular among the car enthusiasts. The company advertise its vehicles as the ultimate driving machine. It also promotes the car as approachable, attractive and having better appeal to women. The company is pioneer in environmental sustainability initiatives. The electric plug in car is an innovative model of the organization. The cars can be charges prior to their use and has the potential to give competition to the pubic vehicle. It has also developed electric batteries with double capacity and has also started deploying electric trucks in the European countries. It has become the first company to enthusiastically encourage electric vehicles on the roads. PESTEL Analysis PESTEL analysis is the macro analysis framework which examines the external factors of a business organization. It is an environmental scanning component of the strategic management. PESTEL analysis gives a strategic analysis or conducts market research regarding different macro-environmental factors related which may impact on the organization. There are four basic components of PEST analysis. The political factors refer to the impact of government on the economy. The political factors refer to tax policy, labour law, environmental law and the trade restrictions. The political stability also impacts on the business of the organization. If there are frequent changes in the political structure of a country, then the operations of the organization may halt due to changes in the legislations. Other than that, there are several economic factors which may impact on the business of the organization. The economic factors include economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflat ion rates. The economic factors of a country may impact on how business organizations operate in the organization. The interest rates affects a firms capital requirements and on the growth and the business of the organization (Henry, 2011). The exchange rate of the currency also impacts on the growth and the business of the organization. In addition to it, there are several social factors which may impact on the business operations. The cultural factors include the health awareness, population growth, age distribution and the attitudes towards the professional life. The technological factors involves the technical aspects such as the integration of technology in the infrastructure of the firms. It encompasses aspects such as population growth rate, age distribution and safety awareness of the people. Recently, two other factors are also added in the PEST analysis, namely, legal factors and the environmental factors. The legal factors refer to different laws such as the employment laws, health and safety laws and the antitrust laws. These laws impact on the operations, productivity and the eventual profitability of the organization. In the recent years, there is increased concern for the environmental impact of the busin ess organizations. The environmental impacts include the changes in weather or climate which is influenced by the operations of the organization. The environment has a strong impact on the tourism, farming and the insurance industry. The climatic change impacts on the operations of the company and the product offering (Jeffs, 2008). BMW has production and the distribution units all across the globe. The sales and the marketing activities of the organization are impacted by the external environmental factors. In this regard, the external environment of BMW in Europe has been evaluated in the present section. Political Factors: There is a possible range of the political factors which impact on the business operations of BMW in several ways. The government of different countries have regulated the car manufacturing business as they are the major source of pollution. The government enforces new laws related to CO2 emission and the recycling of the vehicles. The political stability and the outlook of the government also impacts on the business of the organization. The taxation structure and the export-import duties in the organization impact on the business. In the recent years, the government has produced new legislations to encourage the production high mileage cars which may also impact on the business of the automobile industry. Economic Factors There are a wide range of the economic factors which may impact on the car manufacturing organizations. The performance and the profitability of the car manufacturing company are influenced by the GDP fluctuations and the economic growth rate of the country. The inflation rate is another important factor which influence of sales and the business of the organization (Cadle, Paul Turner, 2010). The company has to increase the price of its products according to the inflation rate. The inflation rate of the countries also impacts on sales rate of the products. However, the reduction in the Euro exchange rate will impact on the business of the organization. However, with the increased demands in the developing countries, the business of the company is growing drastically (Thompson Martin, 2010). Moreover, GDP fluctuations in the European Union countries can impact on the performance on the consumer spending in these countries. Therefore, it will drastically impact on the profit in these countries. Social Factors: The culture in which the countries operate can impact on the business operations of the company. There are several differences between the cultures of different countries as each individual country has different values, attitudes and beliefs. The culture of the geographical location affects the preference and the choice of the consumers. The culture of the country also impacts on the attitude towards working, education, training and ethics of the people (Thompson Martin, 2010). Therefore, while setting up operation in a foreign country, the company has to examine the attitude of the foreign workers for forecasting the productivity of the employees. There are a number of social factors such as culture, lifestyle and the changes in the demographics which may impact on the business of the organization. The social factors and the environment impact on the buying choice and the preference of the customers. The changes in the social pattern impact on the customer choice. The brand image of the organization associates develops the status symbol of the car. Moreover, currently a large number of customers are aware regarding the environmental impact of their business activities and try to control their activities so that there is minimal impact on the environment. They are attracted towards the sustainable organizations and environmentally-friendly products (Freeman, 2010). Technological Factors: Technology is a significant factor which may impact on the business of operations. The companies use technology to gain a competitive advantage over other companies. In addition, the companies use new and sophisticated technology to increase the profit margins. There are also certain technological modifications or changes which can be implemented to prevent environmental pollution (Analoui Karami, 2003). In the recent years, there is increased customer awareness regarding the global warming, greenhouse effect and create burnout among the employees. As a result, the preference of the customers is shifting towards eco-friendly cars, hybrid cars and fuel cell cars (Varbanova, 2013). Most of the countries all across the globe are also forming legislations curb pollution level. The customers are also inclining towards the use of more eco-friendly cars, hybrid cars and fuel cars. Environmental Factors With the increased awareness regarding the environmental impact of the automobile industry and the phenomenon of global warming, the government has made several legislations to control the negative impact on the environment. These laws control the production level, emissions from the manufacturing plants and health and safety of the employees. Legal Factors The automobile industry is regulated by several laws. Firstly, the government has imposed several legislations related to the environmental pollution. The companies are also encouraged to engage in innovative techniques which can address the issue of environmental impact. In addition to it, the company also faces the laws related to the taxation structure and excise duties (Mannix Wheeler, 2017). The government has also imposed several laws related to the engine manufacturing so that there is minimal level of environmental pollution. Conclusion It can be concluded that PESTEL analysis is a strategic framework for the analysis of the macro environment of an organization. A business organization operates in external environment and needs to acclimatize to the changes in the external factors. The macro environment has a significant impact on the operations and the profitability of the organization. The PESTEL analysis is the most common tool for the analysis of the external environment. BMW is a part of the automobile industry and; therefore, it will be influenced by several external factors. These factors may impact on the business of the organizations. BMW is the leading luxury car manufacturer headquartered in Germany. The company is one of the leading in the automobile industry. There are several political factors such as political stability, government legislations and environmental laws which may impact on the business of the organizations. In addition, the economy of country, growth rate and the GDP of a country also influences on the purchasing power of the people. The social factors refer to the cultural factors which may impact on the preference of the customers. It refers to the demographic characteristics, lifestyle and the health preference of the consumers. References Analoui, F., Karami, A. (2003). Strategic Management in Small and Medium Enterprises. Cengage Learning EMEA. Cadle, J., Paul, D., Turner, P. (2010). Business Analysis Techniques: 72 Essential Tools for Success. BCS, The Chartered Institute. Cole, G.A. (2003). Strategic Management. Cengage Learning EMEA. Cole, G.A. (2003). Strategic Management. Cengage Learning EMEA. Drive Arabia. (2017). BMW Saudi Arabia prices reviews. [Online]. Available at: https://www.drivearabia.com/carprices/ksa/bmw/ [Accessed on: 27 July 2017]. Freeman, R.E. (2010). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Cambridge University Press. Frynas, J.G., Mellahi, K. (2015). Global Strategic Management. Oxford University Press. Frynas, J.G., Mellahi, K. (2015). Global Strategic Management. Oxford University Press. Henry, A. (2011). Understanding Strategic Management. OUP Oxford. Hitt, M., Ireland, D., Hoskisson, R. (2006). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Cengage Learning. Jeffs, C. (2008). Strategic Management. SAGE. Mannix, K., Wheeler, A. (2017). The history of BMW. Telegraph. . [Online]. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/bmw/history-bmw/ [Accessed on: 27 July 2017]. Sadler, P. (2003). Strategic Management. Kogan Page Publishers. Thompson, J.L., Martin, F. (2010). Strategic Management: Awareness Change. Cengage Learning EMEA. Thompson, J.L., Martin, F. (2010). Strategic Management: Awareness Change. Cengage Learning EMEA. Thompson, J.L., Martin, F. (2010). Strategic Management: Awareness Change. Cengage Learning EMEA. Varbanova, L. (2013). Strategic Management in the Arts. Routledge.

Sedimentary Rocks Essays (557 words) - Geology, Petrology

Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary Rock On Quartz and sedimentary rocks Silicon and oxygen, the two most common chemical elements in the Earth's crust, combine as silicon dioxide to form the mineral quartz. SEDIMENTARY ROCKS, are Rocks that are formed by the compaction of sediments or by the crystallization of the dissolved minerals. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz has been found in meteorites and in some rocks collected on the moon. Quartz has the chemical formula SiO2. There are many varieties of quartz, which occurs in nearly all types of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is an essential mineral in granites, granodiorites and rhyolites. Metamorphism of quartz-bearing igneous and sedimentary rocks typically increases the amount of quartz and its grain size. Quartz is very resistant to weathering and, therefore, concentrates as sandstones and other detrital rocks. Most sands are weathered fragments of quartz. Sandstone and quartzite are the same materials that are re-lithified (compressed into rock). Quartz has many commercial applications. In science and industry, quartz sand is used for manufacturing sandpaper and other abrasives, polishing powders and soaps. It is used to make building materials, heat-resistant materials known as refractories and for the bearings of precision instruments. Quartz sand is also used in the manufacture of porcelain, glass and metal casting molds. Precision-cut plates of quartz are used for frequency control in radios, TVs, clocks and watches. Compositionally, quartz is usually quite pure, with only traces of other elements like aluminum, sodium, potassium and lithium. Quartz is found as large crystals that are often beautifully colored by impurities. The many varieties of quartz are due to formation of different geometric arrangements of its tetrahedral crystals. This accounts for different crystal structures, and, therefore, different physical properties. To form Quartz sandstone, rock particles & remains of living things are deposited in the sea by rivers and waves. These sediments accumulate layer by layer, over thousands or millions of years, forming thick deposits on land or on the sea floor. The weight of the overlying sediments compact those below. Over time, they form sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks usually occur in shallow parts of the sea or in lakes in desert areas where evaporation is higher than precipitation. As evaporation takes place, water is lost and the dissolved minerals form crystals. As evaporation continues, more crystals form and accumulate on the sea or lake floor, becoming sedimentary rocks, i.e. coal. They have a layered appearance because the materials that form them are deposited in layers. Plant and animal fossils can be found in many sedimentary rocks. Color: Very variable; frequently red, brown, greenish, yellow, gray, white. Texture: Medium-grained. Usually well sorted, that is grains all about the same size; grains sub angular to rounded (sandstone). Structure: Bedding usually apparent; current bedding and ripple marks common; graded bedding may occur. Concretions and fossils may be found. Mineralogy: Quartz is the main component but is often accompanied by feldspar, mica or other minerals. The grains may be cemented by silica, calcite or iron oxides. Field relations: Sandstones are associated with most other sedimentary rocks. Most sands accumulated either in water, usually the sea, or as wind-blown deposits in arid continental areas. Desert sandstones tend to be red, and the individual sand grains are often almost spherical and polished. Bibliography www.geology.com Science Essays

Free Essays on Spectrum Resolution

Spectrum of conflict resolution Individuals whom are in conflict have numerous alternatives to choose from in order to reach a solution from their differences. The Conflict Management and Resolution Approach model illustrates these possibilities, which consists of the formability of the process, privacy approach, individuals involved if applicable the third party, the decision ant the amount of coercion. At the left end of the Continuum are the informal, private procedures that solely engage the disputants and the mediator. At the opposite end, one party relies on coercion and some on public action to force the opposing party into compliance. In between each of the procedures are diverse approaches. In most relationships problems and disagreements may develop. Most disagreements are informal. In the beginning individuals may avoid one another do to the fact that they may dislike conflict, they may not consider the issue to be important, they may lack the power to implement change, they may not believe that the situation can be enhanced or they may night be prepared to negotiate. When the individual avoidance is not the issue any longer and they feel that the disagreement should not continue, they frequently substitute to informal problem-solving. Issues tend to get resolved, inevitable to satisfy the individuals involved, or the issue is plummeting due to the lack of interest or being unable to come up with a conclusion. The most common way to reach an equally satisfactory agreement is through negotiation. Negotiation is a bargaining association between parties whom have an apparent or actual conflict of interest. The participants voluntarily join in a momentary relationship intended to educate each other about their needs and interests, and to exchange specific resources. If negotiations are difficult to initiate or have reached an impasse, parties may need intervening assistance from another source. Mediation is an ... Free Essays on Spectrum Resolution Free Essays on Spectrum Resolution Spectrum of conflict resolution Individuals whom are in conflict have numerous alternatives to choose from in order to reach a solution from their differences. The Conflict Management and Resolution Approach model illustrates these possibilities, which consists of the formability of the process, privacy approach, individuals involved if applicable the third party, the decision ant the amount of coercion. At the left end of the Continuum are the informal, private procedures that solely engage the disputants and the mediator. At the opposite end, one party relies on coercion and some on public action to force the opposing party into compliance. In between each of the procedures are diverse approaches. In most relationships problems and disagreements may develop. Most disagreements are informal. In the beginning individuals may avoid one another do to the fact that they may dislike conflict, they may not consider the issue to be important, they may lack the power to implement change, they may not believe that the situation can be enhanced or they may night be prepared to negotiate. When the individual avoidance is not the issue any longer and they feel that the disagreement should not continue, they frequently substitute to informal problem-solving. Issues tend to get resolved, inevitable to satisfy the individuals involved, or the issue is plummeting due to the lack of interest or being unable to come up with a conclusion. The most common way to reach an equally satisfactory agreement is through negotiation. Negotiation is a bargaining association between parties whom have an apparent or actual conflict of interest. The participants voluntarily join in a momentary relationship intended to educate each other about their needs and interests, and to exchange specific resources. If negotiations are difficult to initiate or have reached an impasse, parties may need intervening assistance from another source. Mediation is an ...

History of Jazz Fusion. Social Changes and Jazz Fusion Essay

History of Jazz Fusion. Social Changes and Jazz Fusion - Essay Example When looking at the jazz fusions of the 1960s and 1970s, it can be seen that there is a direct relationship to both the expression of artistic advancement as well as the commerce which is associated with this. The combination of both intents by the various artists is one which has created several formulas for jazz fusion and has led to different sounds as well as new commercial opportunities for musicians. The formats and the interest which is surrounding this continues to remain as a main initiative with the idea of jazz and the promotion of specific formulas which can be used for higher interest among individuals who enjoy this particular expression of music. History of Jazz Fusion The propagation of jazz in the 1960s and the 1970s was associated with changes which were occurring in music during the time. Traditionally, jazz was known as an experimental style and was based on improvisation. However, the jazz form was constructed as the foundational movement with the ability to add in extra components to this. The construction of the jazz tradition was based first on the social roots, which was inclusive of innovation and experimentation as the basis of the art. The styles and periods that were before this time began with the blues, which emerged into swing, free jazz and jazz be-bop. Each of these related to finding a diverse way of expression, moving into improvisation that would be accepted and looking at more complex ways of examining style and expression. By looking at these components, there was the ability to create a different understanding and progression of jazz and the meanings which it held in contemporary society (DeVeaux, 1991: pg. 525). The historical aspects of jazz that led to the jazz – fusion of the 1960s was also inclusive of historical associations with popular culture of the time as well as the jazz culture that was well – known. The ideal of innovation, progression and the invention of new sounds was a part of the foundatio nal formula of jazz. However, the 1960s and 1970s began to move into these formulas not only as aspects of experimentation, but also moved into the ability to change the styles according to the sounds that were common during the time. This stayed in line with the jazz tradition and was able to tap into the cultural styles that were beginning to form in the contemporary society, such as rock and roll as well as pop. The concept of American jazz and the several branches which grew from this emerged during this time, specifically in light of the innovation and foundational ideologies of experimentation that were a part of jazz (Peretti, 1997: p. 35). Social Changes and Jazz Fusion Another aspect which was changing the way in which jazz was presented in society was from the cultural and social affiliations with music. During this time frame, jazz was known to be at a crossroads. There were traditions of jazz which were well – known to many; however, these were considered classics and often couldn’t be expressed in the same way. Repeating the same expressions in jazz through the traditional forms and the blues elements became one which didn’t work with the needs for jazz. At the same time, there was an emergence of cultural and social expressions that were based on diversity of thought as well as a changing ethnic identity within the culture. The traditions of music began to form within the culture as the main association of identity and were expanded on to reach specific groups who could best relate to these ideologies. The social movements were then a part of the jazz expressions and fusion that became a part of this time frame (Barkley, 2007: 6). The concept of creating a new sense of identity was one which jazz formed specifically because of social movements and the relationships which could be created. The Civil Rights Movement, aspects of free expression and the liberty to expand on various forms of ideals were the main concepts

Case study #1 HRD #394 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

#1 HRD #394 - Case Study Example tance of repairing the machines and also improve the conditions and the equipments that would help reduce the cases of accidents and injuries in the work. The programs of behavioral based safety focus the employees as the main cause of accidents and injuries at workplaces. In this, many employees blame their employees for most of the accidents at workplaces, in most cases; however, behavioral based safety targets improving the safety behaviors in the workplaces by the use of employee involvement. It involves identifying the employees practices and behaviors that would help in reducing the risk of injury. Management accountability and engineering control both affect safety issues at workplaces, managers should understand that the safety of their employees also fails in their hands. They should understand that they have the responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. Management should also ensure that the organization has adequate resources focused towards ensuring that the organization meets the safety and health implementation strategies and objectives. With this in mind then the management is accountable to all its employees in regard to health and safety. Engineering control also affects safety issues at the workplace; regular fixing of the engineering systems in an organization reduces the incidences of accidents and injuries at the workplaces. This fixing of the engineering systems helps improve the hazardous conditions and equipments that help eliminate the potential causes of accidents. This paper concurs with the critics of behavior based safety, the critics of the BBS state that the employees are not always responsible for the accidents and injuries as the advocates put it. Injuries and accidents in the workplaces mainly rise from the unsafe conditions with bad designs, the failure of the organizations to provide the safeguards required and the failure of the organizations to take the best preventive measures. This proves

The end of the Odyssey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The end of the Odyssey - Essay Example There are various theories, criticisms, interpretations, and opinions on the ending of Homers epic poem, The Odyssey. Some have unique theories such as the solar eclipse theory, others are historically possible, as if the oral tradition and the lost scrolls, while some are theoretical that leave the audience with an immortal image of the text. In this easy, we will have a critical review of the ending of the epic chronicle. At the end of the chronicle of The Odyssey, the author, Homer refers to the occurrence of the total eclipse. The core phrase that by the then seer, Theoclymenus, depicts a foresight of the death of untamed and unruly men who had sought the hand in marriage of Penelope at the time Odysseus was at war. The seer makes reference the sun obliteration from the sky, with a cloud of bad luck invading the whole world (Homer & Lattimore, 1967). This idea is symbolic of the occurrence of a total eclipse, a situation where the moon blocks the sunrays. Although, this is not new it was up to the early years of the 1920 that astronomers were able to calculate the occurrence of such an eclipse over Greece. The eclipse had a possibility of occurrence in the month of April in the year 1178 BC (Homer & Lattimore, 1967). However, many individuals are convinced that the passage that has a reference of the solar eclipse is just but a mere mythical total solar eclipse. This argument supports the claims a poetic license as the Odyssey was written by Homer several centuries after the said events had taken place. On the other side, many modern scholars and critics are convinced by the possibility of the April 1178 BC solar eclipse occurrence (Bloom, 1988). This claim is supported by other passages in then poem that have a reference to other four independent astronomical events that occur independently to each other. Instead of just having a historical view of the occurrence of a solar eclipse, several astronomers have investigated the timing

Advertising Clutter Is Ubiquitous In Our Lives Media Essay

Advertising Clutter Is Ubiquitous In Our Lives Media Essay Today, how do one measure the effectiveness of advertising when there is an overloading presence of product choices, features, media channels and messages? Advertising clutter is ubiquitous in our lives, where we are exposed to more than five thousand commercial message daily ranging from commercial to logos on retail chains, yet, only less than one-tenth of one percent are able to recall a particular brand or product when being asked (Vitberg, 1996). It has always been knotty to get the message through the clutter and consumer has deemed them to be annoying and poses a threat in the effectiveness of advertising communication. Even with the most outrageous advertising tactics, consumers have become desensitised to it (Kimmel, 2010). Hence, the design issue for this study was: On the average, everyone is exposed to 3000 advertisements in a day (Twitchell, 1996). As such, ad clutter has resulted in advertising designers attempting to create rather complex visual metaphorical expression in advertisements in their bid to be more creative to stand out from the clutter. However, the fact is that the increased use of such approach has hindered the consumers interpretation of the advertisement and the intended advertising meaning. Since there still remains an uncertainty in the effectiveness of complex visual metaphors which may have the tendency of consumers not being able to interpret the intended meaning of the advertising message. Thus, this has led to the research design hypothesis which was: In the quest to tackle the rising issue of ad clutter, the use of appropriate visual metaphors in advertisements is pertinent to enable consumers to interpret and comprehend the intended advertising meaning in the advertisement effectively, whilst not diminishing the level of creativity. So, in order to support the research, the three top key research questions are as followed: what impact does advertising clutter has on advertising culture today; what is the effect of complex visual metaphors in global advertising; and what are the factors that influence consumer behaviour patterns. They would be answered through the study of the three key issues, covering the area of The Rise of Advertising Clutter In Todays Advertising Context, An Analysis Of Indirect Advertising Claims As An Effective Communication and Understanding The New Connected Generation Today. The chosen primary research methods will consist of questionnaires and focus groups with the consumer age twenty-one and above. They would be used to gain valuable insight of how well they understand on the indirect claims approach of an advertisement and the consumers behaviour respectively. The overall intention of this research is to examine how the rise of advertising clutter has led to the questioning of the credibility of advertising. Hence, in order to rectify the existing issue, the use of appropriate metaphorical expression can be adopted. The findings from this research would benefit the advertising and student designers of the present advertisement clutter issue, giving them a better understanding on what is the denotation of appropriate visual metaphor, which can be a solution to break through from the clutter line. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Research Problem The evolution of advertising has changed over time. Advertising has become such a vital role in our lives that in fact, we probably do not realise how much it influences our lives and behaviour. Compared to the past decades, it is not surprising to see a signifciant jump of how much one can get exposed to advertisment today, with the presence of global access to internet, high-speed conncections, text messaging which contributed much to the advertising clutter. (Weyland, 2008). Advertisers are constantly trying to reach out to the consumer while they race to cover every available space that has the potential to launch a successful campagin, be it if it is an illegal placement of advertisement. Hence, such harsh reality causes a strong presense of intense competion among one another in the industry which resulted in advertising clutter, and lost of credibility of advertising. With the rise of advertising clutter, consumers are engulfed by such a large exposure of advertising available that give them ample reasons to be skeptical or distrustful of advertising. This will undeniably produced a negative impact on the advertising industry. Since the presence of advertising clutter has questioned on the credibility of todays advertising. The identified Design Issue for this research was: On the average, everyone is exposed to 3000 advertisements in a day (Twitchell, 1996). As such, ad clutter has resulted in advertising designers attempting to create rather complex visual metaphorical expression in advertisements in their bid to be more creative to stand out from the clutter. However, the fact is that the increased use of such approach has hindered the consumers interpretation of the advertisement and the intended advertising meaning. Design Hypothesis In order to address the identified Design issue, the Design Hypothesis of this research is: In the quest to tackle the rising issue of ad clutter, the use of appropriate visual metaphors in advertisements is pertinent to enable consumers to interpret and comprehend the intended advertising meaning in the advertisement effectively, whilst not diminishing the level of creativity. Toncar and Munch (2001) have proposed that, if consumers are able to process and digest the metaphorical expression of an advertisement, the chances of persuading and impressing the consumer is undeniably higher. However, McQuarrie and Mick (1996) have deduced that such intricate advertisement expression could pose a restrain for the consumer to get the intended meaning of the advertisement. Hence, this could deduce that Visual Metaphor is a visionary strategy for consumers to apprehend advertisement and further proceed into engaging their thought process within, to envisage it. In fact, many advertisers are still adopting such approach due to its effectiveness, a divergent interpretation from the straight forward literal ad we normally pick out. However, with this unique approach in advertising, there are times where consumers could not perceive in the understanding and interpretation of an advertisement through visual metaphor, thus the whole objective has come to naught. With appropriate use of metaphorical expression, the approach could lead to effective communication in advertising. Aims Of The Research The consumers rate of exposure to advertisement has been incredibly overwhelming which led to the questioning of effective communication in advertising. Hence, the main aim of this research was to address the rise of advertising clutter and the consequences of it. A more specific aim of the research was to investigate the denotation of appropriate visual metaphor and how it can be adopted to break through from the clutter line without hindered the consumers interpretation of the advertisement and the intended meaning. Research Questions The following three top key research questions, forming the pillars of the research paper have been identified in order to meet the aims of this research. The three research questions were: 1. What impact does advertising clutter has on advertising culture today? The objective of the first research questions was to obtain a valuable understanding of what causes the rise of advertising clutter and how it led to the decreases of advertising effectiveness, which could further address and substantiate the design issue with supported analysis. 2. What is the effect of complex visual metaphors in global advertising? The objective of the second research question was to gain insights into how complex metaphorical expression has hindered the intended advertising meaning. Valuable knowledge will be gain from the research on the appropriate solution to it. 3. What are the factors that influence consumer behaviour patterns? The objective of the third research question was to find out the various factors influencing the behaviour of a consumer when making a purchase. To have a better understanding on why consumers make the purchases that they make. Significance of the Study (Need to introduce the target audience here state also why have they been chosen and provide the relevance to the research topic. Also, elaborate on the impact this research paper would create on who and what. Is it the advertising industry and/or the society at large? Give an overview of the kind of insights this research paper would be able to offer to who would the insights benefit. Is it advertising designer, both students and professionals. Remember to show the link between the research topic and the your specialism) For this research, the primary and secondary target audience groups identified for this research were advertising professionals and student designers respectively. These two groups were chosen, as they will be the one who will direct the next advertising revolution and produce potential advertisement that are able to communicate effectively with the consumer. Furthermore, the overall research topic would be relevant to the advertising specialism where there is an in-depth study of decoding visual metaphors in advertising. This research would impact and create awareness to the advertising industry where it is very important that designers need to know the usage of complex metaphorical expression could possibly hindered the consumers interpretation of the intended advertising meaning. Hence, this would further outline to the advertising industry of the denotation of appropriate visual metaphor in advertisements for effective communication, where such use would communicate and convey the appropriate message to the consumer receiving it. The findings gathered from this research would offer an insight of the present advertisement clutter issue, who will then benefit both the advertising professionals and student designers of having the need to exercise caution on the usage of metaphorical expression that will lead to effective advertising communication. Research Methods (Follow the structure as shown in the example given) The following research methods will give an overview of what each method plans to do and find out. Primary research Focus group would be conducted, to gain insight of how consumers interpret an advertisement through having a dialogue that relates to advertising and visual metaphorical expression. This would give a specific direction on what type of visual metaphor is appropriate for their understanding. Questionnaires would also be conducted, to collect information and analyse how advertising today could influence the consumers buying behaviour. This would have a better insight of how to more effectively reach out to the consumer. Secondary research It involves an in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding my topic through literature review. The key areas will be focusing on consumer behaviour, visual metaphor in advertising and the rise of advertisement clutter. The research will be looking into successful case studies to support my hypothesis statement as well. Structure of the essay Chapter 1, Introduction, would give a very clear outline of the identified Design Issue with supported background, followed by the introduction of the Design Hypothesis with a very clear proposed solution on how the identified problem would be addressed. The Aims of the essay, Research Questions, Significance of the study, Research Methods would also be elaborated in this chapter to provide the reader with a clear understanding and the intention of this research paper. Chapter 2, Literature review, would investigate three identified key issues through readings gathered from credible resources. They were: The Rise of Advertising Clutter In Todays Advertising Context, An Analysis Of Indirect Advertising Claims As An Effective Communication and Understanding The New Connected Generation Today. These three key issues would provide a better understanding of the Design Issue, whilst supporting the Design Hypothesis statement through answering to the three overarching key issues and research questions. Chapter 3, Research process, would outline an in-depth of the research process, with a detailed analysis of the results that has been gathered from the focus group interview and questionnaires. This would aid in getting valuable information that would not have been able to done in literature review. Chapter 4, Research findings, would gathered all the findings analysis from Literature Review, Focus Group Interview and Questionnaires to substantiate the answers to the top key research questions, which would bring this research closer to its upcoming conclusion. Chapter 5, Conclusion, would state the challenges and difficulties encountered during the process of this research in an equitable way. Furthermore, it would provide a conclusion statement for this research topic and suggest with recommendations for possible future research. Chapter 6 and 7, References and Appendices, would give credit to what research sources were used to ensure credibility of the research essay. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW Outline The literature review would be structured into three sections, consist of three main topics for the research. The three key issues were namely, The Rise of Advertising Clutter In Todays Advertising Context, An Analysis Of Indirect Advertising Claims As An Effective Communication and Understanding The New Connected Generation Today. There will be findings entailing on the rise of advertising clutter that has led to a decrease in effectiveness of advertising, and how metaphorical expression can be an approach to break through the clutter. The first section, The Rise of Advertising Clutter In Todays Advertising Context would address the increase of advertisement clutter and how the presence of it would decrease the effectiveness of advertising. It would cover with findings of how to break through the clutter line. The second section, An Analysis of Indirect Advertising Claims As An Effective Communication would discuss about how complex visual metaphorical could hindered the consumers interpretation of the advertisement but with the use of metaphorical expression that is deemed appropriate with supported theories, it could lead to an effective communication in advertising. The third section, Understanding The New Connected Generation Today would be to understand the new consumer generation today where there is always a change in the consumption pattern and behaviour. The last section would be the Gaps In Literature, it would identified the gaps that is unobtainable in the literature review. Hence, the gaps would need to be identified where the findings could then be obtained using primary research methods, namely Focus Groups and Questionnaires. The Rise of Advertising Clutter In Todays Advertising Context Todays advertising is truly surrounded with high level of advertisement clutter. Batra, Muers Aaker (2009) explain by taking the high profile magazines for example, they have almost one-half of their section contained with advertisements while the other half was then carried with genuine editorial contents. Hence, this could lead to the effectiveness of advertisement being greatly reduced. Competition between advertisers as a factor resulting in the advertising noise In the advertising industry, with competition among different brands of the same product, where one company offering quality products at reasonable price, other advertisers will follow suit coming out with better advertising schemes which leads to competition among one another (Mukesh Ranju, 2009). Hence, due to the proximity of competing brands from the same product. It has come to a certainty that advertisers have themselves to blame for the current presence of advertising noise. With regards to this, it firmly substantiate and justify the fact that advertisers are responsible of contributing to advertising noise due to the intense competition between one another and to offer better deals with the usage of advertisement exposure to grab the consumers attention. Take the newspapers for example; advertiser paying for advertisement space because they believe it is an effective way to reach out to the consumer without considering the possibility of other advertisers having the same thought as well (OReilly Tennant, 2009). This has been further magnified by competitive brands making very similar performance claims. As a result, it turns out to be rivalry, competing for the consumers attention. Such manifestation of advertisement competition between advertisers has contributed to the rise in advertising noise. Thus, the above mentioned is absolutely critical for designers to be aware of such emerging issue of advertisement clutter. Increasing ad clutter has led to a decrease in effectiveness of advertising. Thomas OGuinn, Chris Allen Richard J. Semenik (2008) mention that everyone abhors ad clutter and the rate it is generating, is getting out of hand. Its been a deep concern on how the rise of ad clutter actually diminishes the credibility of advertising where consumer is exposed to over thousands of advertisement exposure. Therefore, this could actually agitate the consumer where they can be expected to shut off totally from the advertisement they are exposed to, decreasing the effectiveness of advertising. The producing of more advertisement is similar to the logic of printing money. The more money you produced out there, the lesser value you are able to benefit (OReilly Tennant, 2009). This could deduce that consumers perceived clutter as one that would deteriorate the advertising effectiveness and has become an annoyance due to the widespread of large media explosion. Today, the advertisers faced tough struggle of reaching out to their intended consumers. For consumer to simply do away with advertisement clutter, many people seemed to fail to observe an unnoticed feature that has been with us for a long time, the mute button (OReilly Tennant, 2009). This added on to the alarming issue where consumer can now simply do away with clutter and escaping from infuriating commercials through the mute button, which indirectly led to advertisement avoidance and causing the effectiveness of advertising. Eventually, this resulted to a catastrophe for the advertising industry, where such advertisement avoiding technology feature would most likely decrease the effectiveness of advertisement as they get to tune out any advertisement. As such rate, television commercials may not be an ideal way to reach out to consumer in the future. Breaking through the competitive ad clutter. Its a battle royal to break through and find a place that is free from competitive noise and clutter. It has been asserted that alternative ways have been adopted to break through from such clutter and one of the alternatives is the usage of a good metaphor (Mc Quarries Barbara, 2008). The study of breaking through the clutter could be applied on the use of metaphorical expression but with supported marketing technique. The strategy is clearly outlined in (Mark Hughes, 2005). There is a need to look into the positioning and repositioning in order to break through from such competitive ad clutter. Clutter-Free is a media that dont compete with any other advertising. It is all about looking for opportunity to create a new platform for itself just like how billboards used to be a clutter-free medium and that it did not exists until Burma Shave make a break through to it (Mark Hughes, 2005). Hence, this could deduce that the means of exploring new revenue could result in taking total ad vantage of reaching to the consumer. Here is another example to further explain with, where familiar product such as Kleenex, Xerox Copiers and Campbell Soup didnt have to think of alternative to break through clutter because initially, there was none (Larson, 2010). This could substantiate the fact that being the first and exclusive among the alternatives in the similar product stands a higher chance to be recalled by the consumers. For advertising to be effective, it must break through clutter through the use of creative advertisement that could motivate the audience to pay attention and engage them in processing the advertisement (Terence A. Shimp, 2010). Therefore, with the intense advertising clutter, the usage of clutter free media strategy can be a media to explore into, in a bid to capture attention and break though the clutter line. An analysis of indirect advertising claims as an effective communication To have an advertisement that works, one good approach is through the use of a strong metaphor (Hewett, 2009). From the previous section above, which mentioned about clutter free as an effective media technique. Having said, it is insufficient to achieve effective advertising with just the media itself. The choice of media used and the advertisement approach is crucial. Thus, this can be supported with the indirect advertising claims approach, playing side by side for effective communication to the consumer. A visual metaphor uses an image of one thing to compare to something that belongs to another category, but hold the similar characteristics. Advertisers have begun to realise that through the use of visual metaphor, it could give consumer a fresh insight on the interpretation of an advertisement. Understanding the identification of target and source in visual metaphors. Metaphor involves no more than two domains namely target and source, where the requirement should be distinctive as in two phenomena in given context belong to different categories but are presented in a way that belongs to one thing (McQuarries Barbara, 2008). Deploying metaphor is an effective way to make positive claim communication to the consumer provided with an understanding on the essence of metaphor, through the identification of target and source. Smith, et al (2005) explain with an example of an for Canadian Furs that had superimposed the intended meaning of get wild over an image, which the metaphor target term will be the female model and the source will be her wearing a fur coat to portray the get wild over her image perception. Metaphors as a persuasive device should allows consumer to draw a conclusion that is well comprehended (Gozzi, 1999). Thus, the identification of target and source should be comprehensible when it comes to visual metaphors advertising. The understanding of the correct indication on the target and source in visual metaphor could be further elaborated through some of the findings (refer to Appendix). Therefore, with a better knowledge of the identification, advertising professional and student designers are able to produced advertisements that enable consumers to interpret the intended advertising meaning. The usage of indirect claims increases the persuasiveness of the message. Metaphorical expression has been an effective approach to make positive claims in the advertising sector. (McQuarries Barbara, 2008). The characteristic of visual metaphor-based advertisement is to enable consumer to think and imagine further which could simply influence consumer in the comprehending of things, which they have no knowledge of (Malamed, 2009), (Smith, 2005). Hence, visual metaphor could be used on situations that are difficult to convey for example emotions, which would help to make them explicit and tangible. One of those brands that have achieved iconic status is the Coca-Cola with the good use of visual metaphor where they look into emotional connections to work effectively with the consumer (Morgan Pritchard, 2003). Such approach can be enriching where it provide a positive connection between the advertisement images with the user, more on the emotional rather than the functional returns of it. Another brilliant example to support is the Volvo 850 commercial that was launched in the UK. It shows on how such approach can be a device to convey complicated characteristics. The car in the commercial is relate into a galloping horse that best represent the speed and handling, as though it is a living car with the relation of both the horse and rider representing the driving experience. (John Philip, 1999). The studies show that an idea where meanings are embedded could effectively persuade and remain in the consumers mind for a very long time. This is because it employed a rich mix of experience by relating the car to a horse that communicate the ideal driving experience. Complexity of indirect claims can be obstructive and misleading to the consumer. Indirect claims can be an advantage over direct claims. However, there is a downside of it as well. Tanaka (1994), Philip (1999) state that weak implicatures might resulted consumer jumping into a conclusion based on their individual personal knowledge and unable to interpret the intended meaning of a metaphor. If the metaphorical expression in advertisement cannot convey a strong implicature, then the overall persuasiveness may compromise due to its complexity. (P. M. Burns and L.Bibbings, 2010) says that if the visual account is not informative, metaphors might not necessary be always successful as consumer can get misinterpreted and misunderstood due to the difficulty of visualising the outcomes. Hence, this could imply the fact that metaphors can only be interpreted successfully with caution use on the choice of visuals that do not require complex processing effort from the consumer reading it. The above mentioned downside of visual metaphor advertisement could be further supported by one of the advertising flops in the recent years. The Intel Company found itself over a controversy on a print advertisement, showing a white man surrounded by six black sprinters. The intention of the advertising message is to place emphasis on the performance of Intels Cor 2 Duo Processors to boost productivity and efficiency by running multiple computing-intensive applications at once through the visual metaphor of sprinters down in set positions ready to take off. However, many viewers got misinterpreted and saw it as a group of dark-skinned men bowing down in subservience to a smug, light-skinned overseer. It created such a controversy that Intel had to pulled this controversial ad and make an apology with Unfortunately, our execution did not deliver our intended message and in fact proved to be insensitive and insulting This could show the risk of consumers not interpreting a metaphor in the manner that was intended. The processing may be too demanding that it gets misinterpreted and may result in an undesirable message like what has shown above. Understanding the new connected generation today How are consumers changing today? The diversity of todays technology had given consumers an exceptional capability to decide what they want to view and not to view (Jaffe, 2005). This could substantiate how much consumer has been changing for the better and unquestionably a change in the consumer demand due to the technology given today. Thus, with the ever-growing change, there is a need to understand the mind of the consumer today as it is no longer an advertiser telling consumers what brand they should purchase but more to consumer deciding which brand to choose. Advancement in digital technology that results in the change in consumption patterns in consumer today Jones, Higgs, J.Ekerdt (2009) state that the manifestation of new technologies had opened up new windows for the consumption and leisure where it created sweeping changes to the way we communicate, work, travel and our living conditions. It has been evident that our society is undergoing a digital revolution where consumption practices have been continually changing in the consumer markets. The forms of consumption had changed the focus from purchasing product to buying experiences (Danziger, ). This could alludes to the buying experiences has became important markers in the consumption today. It is no longer a focus on how to get consumer to purchase the product but a shift to the consumer behavior on how to engage them with the overall buying experiences. The above mentioned could be further supported by the case study of Viking Range Corporation where it offers commercial ranges in residential home. Due to the rapid change in consumption patterns, it now offers more than the purchasing of product where Viking launched its cooking school and tackle on the direction of consumers passion for cooking and their experience with the Viking product. (refer to Appendix ). The marketers must think beyond the point of selling a product, to how the product could provide and lift up the consumers experience through other alternatives. (Danziger, ) This is a good study of how advertisers could adapt to the change in consumption patterns. Hence, Advertising Professionals and Designer should think beyond the quality and advantage of the product they are featuring, looking into the aspects of how experience can be integrated into part of the advertisement. Addressing consumers short attention for effective advertising communication The consumers short attention span was something, which the advertising industry has been looking into. The conversation with an advertising executive claimed that in advertising today, it needs to take less than a second to grab the attention of the consumer with an image, compared to the eight seconds they used to have two decades ago (Peterson, 2003). This could indicate getting an image to the consumers attention had become shorter than before due to the immense exposure of all the media that had been available in the present day. Hence, it is very important to choose the one thing to be conveyed due to the time limitation. In particular of the television commercial field, there is no doubt that there was a shift in the commercial trend in order to address the short attention span issue as well. In the early days, all the commercials were 60 seconds long before the 30-second spots were introduced which then brought about the availability of 15-second and 10-second spots as well (White, 2003). Hence, the shrinking attention span of the consumers introduces the shortening of commercial length. Commercials that are shorter than 30-seconds are embedded with surprise value way before commercial-haters can do something about it, while those that last longer than 30 seconds are more towards story-telling in a bid to appeal to the consumer (Elliott, 2005). For other media, it includes the introducing of sensory advertising such as scent strips, 3-D glasses and fancy pop-up advertisement in magazine which have a higher possibility to get the consumers attention with the vary visual aspects (Laplace, 2002). Thus, this could show how the industry tried their means and ways to get the message across to the consumer in order to address short attention span for an effective advertising communication. Consumers response to advertising appeal and tone What type of advertising appeal work best in getting the attention of the consumer? Engaged in consumers emotions is a powerful tool in advertising where it allows no cogent reason for them to purchase product that they do not need. (Danziger ). This could substantiate that emotions play an important role in getting the consumers response from buying more things thro

I am Vietnamese :: first person narrative essay

I sit in solemn silence, wondering if I should even bother with this essay. I am not the ideal Vietnamese child; I am nothing special.Since I was born, English has been my primary language. It is the language I think in, the only language I can express my true emotions. I am an American-born Vietnamese child, proud of my heritage, yet forever attempting to grasp it. I merely know this: my morals and values, instilled in me by Vietnamese tradition make me who I am today. That is why I write, not to win, but to express my pride in my Vietnamese roots. I am Vietnamese. Sometimes, it is hard for me to believe. My grasp of the language is childish at best, and at times, I feel inadequate. It is something that I am ashamed of, yet something I hope to rectify in the future. But I know I am Vietnamese. The ability to overcome hardship, to face fear and succeed is in my blood. As our people have always found light in every bad situation, I was raised to do the same. My ability to speak and write may not be up to par with other Vietnamese children but my heart and spirit will forever be 100% Vietnamese. My parents are the best. They have never ceased to amaze me. I grew up in Allen Parkway, alongside hundreds of other Vietnamese families. My parents worked long hours at their jobs to try and provide for my sisters and me. My mother is a seamstress, working 60-hour weeks. My father is a fisherman. He is gone for a weeks at a time, doing hard physical labor. Whenever I look into his eyes, I begin to cry. I see a man that could have been so much more. He was among the top students in his class. His teachers told him he was destined for greater things. Yet there he stands, in front of my own eyes, a waste of a man. We never had the father and son relationship I have always craved, but my love for him and my mother transcends comprehension. I wish I could say that I had a great upbringing, but I can't. My parents tried their best, but they were hardly ever around. My sisters and I raised ourselves. Among the three of us, the cooking, cleaning and household chores were divided.