Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Research Paper

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Research Paper Example The manufacturing plant is located in Richmond; in the Virginia State. This is the biggest plant ever built in the tobacco industry. Marlboro is well known for its adverts by use of the Marlboro man (Erin & Jack, 2003). Impact of Globalization and Technological Changes on Marlboro Globalization in this scenario is the process of improving the interactivity of the social, political interdependence, cultural, financial economic and incorporation of markets that are triggered by development of technologies in the communication and transport sector at the same time liberalizing trade. Globalization together with unparalleled change in technology has led to a weakening of the borders from the States control (Michael, Duane & Robert, 2008). There is an increase in the volume of cigar and money at an alarming rate which kills the tobacco industry. Fake tobacco products are smuggled into the State by organized criminals. There are various networks of companies, people and groups who evade ta xes and royalties to bring in fake cigarettes which look similar to the genuine products. As a result they trade like any other company’s products hence killing the revenue collected by the company. The products sold by these smugglers cost much lower than the genuine products. With globalization and technological change the products can be designed in away, that one cannot differentiate them genuine products. The taxes can be avoided easily with fake documentation which can pass for the real documents. Application of the industrial organization model and resource based model by Marlboro firm to earn above average returns can be done in various ways. First, with the application of the industrial organization model, Marlboro firm can make use of alliances with other cigarettes manufactures to form an association like a cartel. Since the organized cooperate more with other close competitors in the tobacco industry, this will reduce the probability of the collaboration to lift t he revenues of the firm. Moreover, the firm can also make good use of its resource based model by differentiating their products and making it known to the customers about the genuine products and how to separate from the fake products. All it takes are the internal resources by the company to implement strategies that can easily reduce cases of smuggling. In addition, the government regulatory controls can be partnered with, by the company by having agents or inspectors who are able to draw a clear line between fake and genuine products. There are various procedures that can be taken by Marlboro firm in reducing the negative impact of globalization and technological improvement to increase returns on their products. First and foremost, analyzing the external environment is very crucial in identifying the potential threats and how to override them. Second, the firm must distribute its products by reliable distributors who are not likely to imitate or sell the products to competitors for imitation (Erin & Jack, 2003). Third, every firm has its own strength and opportunities, Marlboro can make good use of its lifetime existence in the market to identify tactics that are appropriate in attracting in good returns. This can be done by employing skilled labor from technological sector to help in branding their products in a manner that competitors cannot copy them. The Effect of Marlboro’s Vision and Mission Statement on Their Success The main aim a mission statement is to draw to attention

The Art Of Modern Burlesque Drama Essay

The Art Of Modern Burlesque Drama Essay The meaning of burlesque has changed throughout its varied history; the earliest form of burlesque can be traced back to Chaucer and his story of Sir Thopas. This piece of writing had no rivals or predecessors at the time and the next form of burlesque was Shakespeare. The playwright John OKeefe is another early burlesque writer; his plays were light-hearted and mocked the upper classes, the operas and plays in a cheeky way. His plays were the foundation of the earliest burlesque shows in London. This form of burlesque is often confused with satire because of the use of humour however they are very different forms of entertainment. Satire is the schoolmaster attacking dishonesty with a whip, Burlesque is the rude boy attacking pomposity with a peashooter Unfortunately the original burlesque shows which were full of comedy and skits have died out; they were considered a very English form of entertainment as the English people were able to mock their upper classes without causing offence. In England burlesque continued to develop and with the introduction of the Music Halls in the 19th century the shows had a permanent home. It was when it went into the music halls that it changed format from a full length comedy play to a series of sketches. Unfortunately burlesque died out in England after the world wars. Simultaneously there was a form of burlesque evolving in America; the popularity dramatically increased in 1868 with the troupe the British Blondes. Their show included comedy sketches and parodies of plays performed by ladies in scanty costumes. By 1873 the parodies had disappeared and the show mainly comprised of dances and political satires. The modern image of burlesque started in the 1920s when the term became synonymous with the striptease. Carrie Finnell performed the first true striptease in 1917; she would take one garment off each night with the promise that she would take another item off in the next show. In this way she inspired the audience to come back to each show. In the 1920s the striptease became the main draw of the show with the variety acts and comedic performances that accompanied it seen as fillers. This view is still popular today. A major part of the modern burlesque show is the use of gimmicks, such as the giant props and over the top costumes; these gimmicks also have their roots in the burlesque shows of the 1920s. At that time there was a saying: Youve got to get a gimmick, if you want to get ahead The popularity of burlesque seems to be directly related with times of unrest and depression. Its popularity increased in the 1930s at the time of the depression, it rose again in the early millennium when the terrorism threat increased and it has become popular again with this latest recession. The main explanation for this is that in times of hardship people seek out cheap, sexy entertainment and burlesque fits this description. When burlesque returned to England it was in the form of the American variety shows with striptease. Historically the majority of burlesque performers are female; this is still the case although male performers are becoming more common. The modern female performers have a great respect for the performers of the past. Females become burlesque performers for a variety of reasons, for many women it is a way of expressing themselves in a way that they would never dream of doing in real life. Burlesque allows the performer to act out their own fantasies and embrace their sensuality. Many performers cite their desire to be a drag queen as the main reason for becoming involved in burlesque performance. When I started doing burlesque, I would tell people it was because I couldnt be a drag queen Many burlesque performances involve exaggerated femininity with the use of heavy make-up; false eyelashes and rhinestone covered costumes which are often associated with drag acts. The women who perform burlesque feel empowered on stage, they often feel like they are empowering the female audience by proudly displaying their body which doesnt necessarily conform to the medias idea of a desirable woman. Feeling sexy and powerful onstage and knowing that you are possibly Changing the way the world looks at you and others who look like you Is an incredibly rewarding by product of the burlesque experience Some female performers have negative experiences and there are some clubs which make the performer feel cheap and exploited by forcing them to expose more that they are comfortable with and to perform to please the male audiences. There are a lot of  ­burlesque clubs that are really oversexualized,  ­really horrible. And I think a lot of girls feel  ­pressured to strip. However these clubs are rare now but were more common in the early 1990s revival; unfortunately many people still hold this opinion of burlesque clubs. The comedy and variety sections of the show are overlooked by many people eager to criticise the whole movement. It is easy to assume that all burlesque performers are arrogant and natural exhibitionists; this is not the case for the majority of the performers and the amount of control they have over their acts gives them the confidence to perform. Like any woman, put me in the wrong light and its not good! I definitely have moments when I feel very hyper-aware of my body some of my stage positions could potentially be unflattering. So I do my own lighting. Being able to control the lighting of a show is a rare thing for a performer and unique to burlesque. The relationship between burlesque and feminism is a much discussed issue, the changing face of burlesque means some feminists are embracing it as a feminist movement and many performers feel they make a feminist statement when they perform. When looking into this it is important to understand the feminist point of view. To deny a womans sexuality is certainly to oppress her but to portray her as nothing but a sexual being is equally to oppress her This statement is undeniably true and some burlesque performers have felt exploited as sexual objects and nothing more; this is demonstrated in Laurie Pennys article in the Guardian. The feminist views on the burlesque striptease are very contradictory. Some feminists are completely against any form of sexual imagery or exhibitionism; Andrea Dworkin was outspoken in her views on sexual imagery. Women are reduced to sexually subordinate vile whores Many people consider the burlesque striptease as a form of subordination which only exists to entertain and fulfil the male fantasy. When arguing against this opinion it is important to acknowledge that the original performances did begin as a fulfilment of the male fantasy. When the burlesque girls began attracting male attention in the 1860s they were managed by men and therefore did not have much control over their acts. At that time the majority of the audience was male so the show was geared towards them. There is always going to be an aspect of the male fantasy in the performance because without it the whole movement would not have developed. The contrasting feminist opinion is that women are sexual beings and should be free to express their sexual desire and pleasures; there is a feminist movement which formed the Feminist Anti-Censorship Taskforce (FACT). This group has published essays that celebrate womens sexuality and have said: Yes, sexual abuse exists and, yes, some images do degrade, But this should not prevent women from being able to represent Their experience as sexual beings This statement is supportive of the burlesque performer as when they are performing they are expressing their sensuality. It is important to understand the difference between the burlesque striptease and stripping in strip clubs. Since they are both forms of stripping the boundaries are indistinct but there are definite differences. The strippers in a strip club will expose much more of their bodies and gyrate to please the audience; their performance changes and becomes more sexual with the tips they receive. A burlesque stripper has a routine, which has been rehearsed, and perfected, it does not alter with tips. A burlesque stripper will never take off all their clothes, their nipples and are never exposed and the performance is more about the tease and what the audience cannot see. A womans greatest asset is a mans imagination This quote was particularly true in the 1920s when many of the stripteases lasted fifteen minutes with the performer teasing the whole time. The acts are significantly shorter in the modern burlesque shows but the tease aspect has continued. Another important difference between strippers and burlesque performers is the costume. In burlesque the costumes are a huge attraction and add to the spectacle of the show. Many of the performers start in a corset; the attraction of the corset is that it emphasises the female form and adds to the exaggerated femininity of the performers. According to Michelle Baldwin a burlesque costume is designed to sparkle shine and flow in the spotlight they are therefore covered in beads, rhinestones and feathers. The more spectacular costumes will move and flow with the dancer so they are often made from a light fabric or covered in tassels. To add to the tease of the show the performers will wear several layers; the final layer consisting of decorated pasties and matching thong. In a strip club less emphasis is placed on the costume and more emphasis is placed on the condition of a dancers body and what men will find attractive. Its an unfortunate truth but the slimmer you are the more money you will make. You dont have to be fashion model skinny but you do have to be tight if you expect to make good money. I personally find that a combination of yoga and weight training is ideal for the kind of look that men like. The costumes in a strip club vary from club to club but a common costume is micro minis and Lycra. A major difference in the costumes of the burlesque performer and the stripper is that the majority of burlesque dancers customise and create their own costumes. They will buy a basic garment and attach the rhinestones and glitter themselves. The main reason for this is that a burlesque dancer will not make much money performing; they do it simply for the love of performing. The audiences of the new burlesque shows are different from the audiences of the early shows and strip shows s that it appeals to men and women. An important difference from earlier burlesque is that the audience is as likely to consist of women and gay men as the heterosexual men who comprised the traditional audience for such shows The new wave of burlesque epitomises the glamour of the past in a way that previous revivals didnt; this is one of the major attractions of the modern burlesque shows; the audience who attend many modern burlesque nights in clubs such as Volupte and The Pigalle Club are encouraged to dress up in vintage clothing. Another reason could be the amazing costumes and spectacle of the show as a whole. The female spectator also come to the show to see a woman who has the same body as them performing a striptease as it makes them feel better about themselves. It is so popular because the burlesque world embraces women off all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately there is a counterargument to this opinion; burlesques most famous face is Dita Von Teese. She has trained her waist to 16; visually she possesses every womanly attribute the media say is desirable; the small waist, porcelain skin and large breasts. She could be said to be consolidating the negative images constantly displayed to the publi c but in a different way to the emaciated models. However she is a strong public figure and her unique appearance encourages women to be individuals and express themselves to be happy. The increased number of female spectators could also be due to the messages behind the show; the performers bring current issues and politics into their shows and react on stage, one example of this is the show of the world famous *BOB*; in one of her shows she plays a voice over of every hurtful thing ever said to her and reacts to it in her performance. Images laced with humour are so much easier to ingest for a consuming public. The nature of the burlesque show means that the performers are able to express the issues they want to without worrying about what is appropriate. The question of whether burlesque can be feminist is complicated as there are so many different clubs that are managed in many different ways. It is difficult to ignore the feminist arguments about the negative objectification of women and some personal accounts do support them. Laurie Penny had a bad experience as a burlesque performer and was made to feel exploited and when Jacki Wilson was an audience member in a burlesque show she was left feeling vulnerable and unsettled. However there are a huge number of positive reactions when it comes to the performances. A lot of current performers believe they are feminist; they have this opinion because of the positive reaction from the female audience members; however a strong feminist would dispute this opinion citing that their objectification was negative. When fledgling performers are taught how to perform burlesque they are taught to enjoy their bodies and the spotlight and not how to please men. We were not taught to please men, we were taught to enjoy ourselves, to revel in our bodies, to enjoy our sexuality, the thrill of the tease and the sensation of being in the spotlight. This is a very significant quote as the thrill of the body and the tease is echoed by many performers. Another positive aspect of burlesque is that it doesnt discriminate against women who are curvy or short; the public are constantly bombarded with images of the size zero models, burlesque embraces all body types; the routines and lighting are all designed to make the performer feel comfortable in their own skin. This is a very important part of the movement as modern day women are made to feel inferior and ashamed of their bodies by exposure to the constant images of airbrushed, surgically enhanced models. Despite the passionate opinions of some feminists who believe burlesque to be a form of negative female objectification it is a mistake to view it in this way. Females are sexual beings should not be repressed or denied their freedom of expression; if they choose to express themselves by performing a striptease they should not be criticized. Burlesque performers are often wrongly associated with sex workers and prostitutes and there is a stigma attached to the name as a result of some of the seedy aspects of its past. Many critics of the movement have not witnessed a true burlesque performance and have a strong opinion that they are unwilling to change. A very clear example of this is seen in the interview conducted with Von Teese by Hannah Pool. Pool was very dismissive of burlesque stripping and would never set foot in a club as she felt the women who attended them let the side down. This is an incredibly narrow-minded and unacceptable argument; no one can criticize a movement so passionately without experiencing it first hand. Burlesque is growing in popularity; the glamour aspect of the movement is attracting a new audience who agree with the opinion that it is empowering. One of the major attractions is that the female audience members see a performer similar to themselves on stage. Unfortunately there are some clubs that are not respectful of their performers and make them feel exploited so there will always be people who oppose burlesque. However the true spirit of vintage burlesque is one that should not be opposed and should be enjoyed by men and women alike.

Double Standard in Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe :: Defoe Robinson Crusoe Essays

The Double Standard in Robinson Crusoe  Ã‚   As I read the excerpts from Robinson Crusoe I was quite affected by the double standard that was evident on the part of our "hero." This theme of the double standard is one that is realized in most antiquated texts. In explanation, whatever action the white European male performs is exceptionable behavior, but if another character, like a woman or a non-European does the same thing it becomes unexceptionable. An obvious example is Mr. Crusoe whose chosen profession was slave trader turned slave, a condition that was not an attractive lifestyle for him, but was fine for those who did not fit into his racial grouping. He formulates an escape for himself, an action that would have infuriated him if a slave had tried to escape from him when he was in his role of slave merchant. Additionally, I was agog, as was Allison, that he threw the Moor overboard and threatened him death if he did not return to shore, and a certain existence in the role of slave. That Crusoe did not offer the Moor t he same stab at freedom he was giving himself was unforgivable. Directing my discussion to the excerpt involving Friday, again the double standard was evident, though it was realized in a different variation. Here Crusoe the issue of slavery was still present, but also the discourse on the appearance of Friday. He was quite vociferous in remarking upon Friday's countenance and how that countenance matched or varied with the appearance of other ethnic groups. I found this to be much in keeping with the precedent set by the writings of the first explorers from Columbus onward. These men would make descriptions of the people they encountered on their journeys and made comparisons with everything from beasts to animals to mythical beings. Last semester in my history seminar my final paper was the historical context of William Shakespeare's Tempest, and I found many parallels with the writings of the primary texts I used to that of Defoe's

‘Explore the nature of love in the extasie’: John Donne poetry analysis Essay

In his poem, The Extasie, John Donne describes his own attainment of a state of ecstasy (literally meaning, to stand outside of oneself), through his physical and spiritual proximity to his lover. In his earliest work (for example Elegie: To his Mistris Going to Bed, and The Flea) – which could be loosely termed his ‘lust poetry’ – Donne’s focus tends to be on (or at least around) the sexual act and the beauty of the human (and more particularly the feminine) form, whilst in his later work (such as his Holy Sonnets) he explores religion and death, this poem falls into the transitory phase of what could be termed Donne’s ‘love poetry’ (for example, The Good Morrow). Characteristically then, the main focus of The Extasie is his love for a specific woman (as opposed to women in general, or rather, any random woman – as is the case in his lust poems), and how this love is so transcendent that it leads to a platonic extasie. In the first stanza, the tranquillity of the setting is established, with the imagery of ‘a pillow on a bed’, a ‘reclining head’, suggesting relaxation, and the line ‘Sat we two, one anothers best’, suggesting serenity and the intimacy of the lovers. This continues into the subsequent stanza with the elegant, and yet deeply intense image of ‘Our eye-beames twisted, and did thred Our eyes, upon one double string’, which apart from highlighting the apparent totality of their absorption in one another, also alludes the contemporaneous belief that sight constituted ‘eye-beames’ being emitted from one’s eyes and illuminating your surroundings. In the 4th stanza, Donne starts to bring in more explicitly the spiritual union that begins to manifest out of the physical intimacy. Initially it may seem as if he is attempting to upset the otherwise peaceful setting, by introducing elements of conflict into in the line, ‘As ‘twixt two equall Armies, Fate Suspends uncertaine victorie’. However, if you take into account the fact that the use of epic military metaphors in relation to love is a common poetic motif (and was even more so in Donne’s time), it becomes clear that this is not the case, and that the intended effect is more to highlight the fact that the lovers are ‘eqaull’ in the relationship, and to link this simile to their souls hanging in the air, ‘twixt her, and mee’. Moreover, the idea that their souls ‘Were gone out’, to ‘advance their state’, is suggestive of Donne’s neo-platonic philosophy, and the idea of two souls, blending together to form an indivisible and perfect hybrid – as can be seen in the line, ‘he knew not which soul spake, Because both meant, both spake the same’, demonstrating the complete intellectual union between the two. The line ‘(all which before was poore, and scant,) Redoubles still, and multiplies’, goes on to suggest the idea that the souls reinforce each other’s weaknesses, whilst the line, ‘That abler soule, which thence doth flow, Defects of loneliness controulles’, continues this concept, showing the perfection of the ‘abler soul’, by highlighting the absence of any defects, even one such as loneliness, which are innate human response to certain situations. This leads on to the idea that the defect of mortality is also absent, and that the union is eternal – as evident in the line ‘For, th’Atomies of which we grow, Are soules, whom no change can invade’. These ideas all derive from the Plato’s concept of the Forms, in which it is theorised that for every material thing, a perfect form of it exists, of which the material form is merely a pale shadow or imitation. For Donne, it is the transcendence and perfection of the love between himself and the woman, that leads to their transition to a higher state (their Extasie is ‘by love refin’d’). Furthermore, the mingling of their souls which follows on from the extasie, has a purifying effect, ‘unperplex(ing)’ them, and resulting in him ‘part(ing) farre purer than he came’ – Donne realises in this poem, that intellectual and emotional intimacy that he experiences transcends bodily love, and that ‘it was not sexe’, but rather something beyond the physical world. In addition to this, Donne brings in the theme of alchemy to his presentation of love – something common throughout much of his poetry and generally during that period. Indeed, he presents love as the alchemist in the union of the souls – ‘Love, these mixt soules, doth mixe again, and makes both one, each this and that’ – imbuing it with the power to transform and transmute souls. This is also evoked in relation to the body in the 14th stanza – ‘Nor are drosse to us, but allay’ – in which he describes the body as being an alloy that strengthens the soul. This distinction between body and soul is also very Platonic; however, the way that the body is presented here, differs greatly from Plato’s attitude to it, and from the presentation of the body previously in the poem. For example, in the fifth stanza, ‘sepulchrall statues’, suggests a certain irrelevance and a lack of the vivacity of the soul, whilst the transcendence of the soul over the body, and the idea that, ‘They’are ours, though they’are not wee, Wee are Th’intelligences, they are the spheare’, objectifies the bodies as a mere inanimate vessel, subservient to the intellect. However, as Donne does go on to admit, ‘We owe them thankes’, as the initial physical intimacy was, ‘all our meanes to make us one’, and without ‘their forces, sense to us’, the union of their souls through their love, would never have occurred. Essentially then, Donne sets up the idea that in fact the body has its own intrinsic value upon which the soul is dependent, whilst going to describe that in fact, the body, which in spite of trying to ‘beget Spirits, as like soules as it can’, in order to govern itself, begins to fail without the presence of the soul (‘That subtile knot, which makes us man’. Essentially then, the conclusion would appear to be that body and soul are interdependent, and whilst it is clear that Donne ultimately values spiritual love over bodily love (perceiving the body as a ‘prison’, in which ‘a great Prince†¦lies’), he accepts the one’s reliance on the other, as after his experience of Extasie, he realises that in fact it matters little, as there is, ‘Small change, when we’are to bodies gone. ‘

Causal Argument: Does Violence In The Media Affect Children

Violence is found all around us in the media. Parents are becoming worried about what their children are exposed to. There has been an ongoing debate as to whether violence in the media can affect children to imitate acts of violence. After much research I have found there is a link between watching violence, and committing acts of violence. Children who are exposed to excessive amounts of violence on television, in video games, and through song lyrics, than children who are not, are much more likely to commit acts of violence later in their lives. Many wonder if watching violence on television can influence individuals to act violently, and many studies have found a link between viewing violence on TV and committing acts of violence later in life. For example, University of Michigan psychologists Leonard Eron and Rowell Huesmann conducted a study spanning decades where they watched over 800 preschoolers, and followed them until adulthood to see how television violence affected them. The study concluded that children who watched excessive amounts of television tended to be more aggressive towards other children. Eron and Huesman checked back with the preschoolers eleven and twenty two years ago, and found that the aggressive preschools became even more aggressive as they got older with more acts of domestic violence, and more traffic tickets than their peers. Many experts also believe that when children view violence on television they try to imitate what they see. For instance, there was an incident when a five year old, while watching the cartoon Beavis and Butthead saw the characters bsession with fire, and decided to light his house on fire, which killed his little sister (Children, Media and Violence). Not only are children exposed to violence on television, violence is also found in video games. With the recent advancements in technology, video games are looking more and more realistic every day. With the introduction of better video games systems, and graphics, video games are becoming increasingly popular with children and teenagers. Some might argue that video games cannot influence young people, because they are aware that the games are fantasy, but studies conducted by the Surgeon General and a National Institute of Mental Health concluded that the more realistic something looks, the more likely it will be learned. This simply means that the more realistic something looks, the more influential it will be to the individual viewing it. (American Academy of Pediatrics Online). The National Institute of Mental Health also claims that children up to age eight cannot distinguish between real life and fantasy, so when they play these games they believe that committing acts of violence is an effective form of problem solving. The National Coalition on Television Violence found that in Mortal Kombat, one of the best selling video games of all time, your object is not just to kill your opponent, but to master your skills at doing so (Children Youth and Family Consortium Electronic Clearinghouse). This kind of play has to affect children. People are most impressionistic when they are young, and they learn by their actions. They win the game for killing everyone. This teaches makes them more tolerant of violence, and more likely to commit violent crimes later in life. Music is another form of media, which influences children and teenagers. In 1995, Entertainment Monitor reported that only 10 out of the top 40 popular CD s on sale during the holiday season were free of profanity, or lyrics dealing with drugs, violence, and sex. Rap superstar, Eminem s CD titled, The Marshall Mathers LP as already sold more than 4. 1 million albums, and is currently at the top of the music charts (Billboard. com) has already stirred up tons of controversy with its lyrics. The Marshall Mathers LP has songs titled Criminal, Drug Ballad, and Kill You. According to Eminem s success, this is what people enjoy listening to. They do not seem bothered by the language or subjects. Not only are the lyrics explicitly violent, but they do influence the children who listen to it. Rap music is not the only genre of music containing violent lyrics. There was an incident where a teenager shot his parents, and claimed that listing to music by gothic artist Marilyn Manson drove him to such extremes. Marilyn Manson has created a whole new trend among young people. They call their look gothic and wear black clothing. Sometimes they paint their faces white, and wear dog collars, much like their idol Manson. If there is someone to blame for all this violence in our media, it would be the entertainment industry; however, they argue that they are giving the public what they want. This is not a true statement according to Michael Medved, who has written books where he analyzed media violence. Medved analyzed all films that were released between 1980 and 1992 and found that family films earned more than twice as much on average as violent films. This data is surprising considering that violent films made up over sixty percent of the films released. So, is the public really getting what they want The entertainment industry also claims that television does not harm children, because they can distinguish between what is real and what is fake. Once again, they are wrong. Many preschoolers while watching Sesame Street cannot tell whether the Muppets are real or fake. They do not comprehend that Big Bird is really a man dressed up in a costume (American Academy of Pediatrics). In conclusion, violence in the media does not seem to be going away. It is all around our children; on television, in video games, and in music. Until the entertainment industry decides to limit the amount of violence we are exposed to, it will always be a problem. Then again, without the media who knows where we would be today. We might live in a much safer society.

Marketing Theories Naive As Result of Bad Data †Marketing Essay

Marketing Theories Naive As Result of Bad Data – Marketing Essay Free Online Research Papers Marketing Theories Naive As Result of Bad Data Marketing Essay Most marketing and advertising theories are quite naive but marketers are not surprised because of the incomplete data we have on people and environment. The rules of advertising and marketing often overlook time dimension and consider position and image of the brand as fixed and unchangeable. But reality is different – only name and logo of the brand are static, everything else, for example consumers and their loyalty to the brand, is exceedingly dynamic. That is why marketers continually adjust their market communication. Today we are aware that the life time cycle of the brand is longer than the life time cycle of the product itself and majority of them extend to 19th or the beginning of 20th century which is evidently a consequence of good managing which is possible only if have the knowledge of consumers experiences with the brand. But most advertisers consider this only in the first phase of the product (when the product is introduced to the market) when they want to achieve recognition of the brand and later on emotions that consumer feels using the brand. But after this first phase the development of the product stops and no one considers to make changes when necessary and this kind of treatment leads the brand to its death and a lot of lost opportunities. In last few decades slovene advertising agencies used to suggest companies they should constantly launch new products on the market which needed a new name, logo, packaging, advertising strategy and so on so the agencies could earn some extra money. Todays brands policy is different – a company can expand the brand from one product to many of them and thus easier retains recognition, of course with advertising, innovation, new products etc. Because of this new policy slovene companies (with lots of different brands with no clear identity) now have to struggle with foreign brands that rapidly took big market shares. The second problem for these brands are private labels that have even bigger market share because consumers notice no difference in quality compared to manufacturers brand, exept in price, and the third problem is globalisation. So all these traps demand rapid changes – only those brands that will adjust in time and will offer recognizable identity and values will survive. One of possible solutions is uniting smaller brands into controllable number of strong brands which enables exploitation of the input and control of the brand. To make this possible, we have to remember that its not only the image of the brand that is important, but we must also refresh the brand, its quality, styling etc. A good strategy is a complicated structure but the real joy comes when we finally reach our goal. Research Papers on Marketing Theories Naive As Result of Bad Data - Marketing EssayMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaDefinition of Export QuotasBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementOpen Architechture a white paperRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanPETSTEL analysis of IndiaResearch Process Part OneThe Project Managment Office System

Tourism Important Growth Industries Tourism Essay Essays

Tourism Important Growth Industries Tourism Essay Essays Tourism Important Growth Industries Tourism Essay Essay Tourism Important Growth Industries Tourism Essay Essay generated about US $ 856 billion in 2007 by some 903 million tourers worldwide [ WTO 2008 ] . Tourism has been defined in assorted ways but may be thought of as the relationships and phenomena originating out of the journeys and impermanent corsets of people going chiefly for leisure and recreational intents. [ Pearce, 1981 ] Tourism is a extremely diversified phenomenon. The word Tourism became current early in the nineteenth century as a same what disdainful equivalent word for traveller, but it is now used in the societal scientific disciplines without coloring material, to depict any individual whose motions fulfill two conditions that first, absence from place is comparatively short and 2nd, that money spent during absence is money derived from place and non earned from the topographic points visited [ Narayana, Raghavalu, Ramu, 2007 ] . Tourism is one of the largest and fast turning industry that makes a major part to the economic systems of most developed and developing states. Tourism activities have been spread outing quickly over the past few decennaries worldwide and farther growing is expected in the hereafter. The tourer originated when big Numberss of in-between category people began to fall in blue travelers. India is a state of rich cultural heritage. Within India, after the mid 1990 s, one province that performed unusually good in touristry is Kerala. Many sites and topographic points in Kerala pull more tourers and aliens. However, these sites and topographic points of tourers have an impact to the economic system. This impact could perchance veto or positive, will explicate subsequently on thesis. Furthermore, touristry possesses some societal deduction to the development of the industry. Purpose of the survey Tourism is one of the most of import escalating industries in the universe. This industry shows possible to the development states because of its legion economic benefits. Generation of foreign exchange, creative activity of income, coevals of employment, part to province gross and its associated regional development can be cited as the major economic benefits of touristry. The betterments in the quality of life of the host population and protection and saving of the natural and reinforced resources including biodiversity are the other perceptible developments of touristry development. [ Kumar, Sudheer 2007 ] As one of the universe s largest industries, touristry has the capacity to better the material life of communities that have lost traditional industries as trade barriers have fallen. However, touristry can besides hold terrible negative impacts such as imbibing, gaming, harlotry etc which has been bring forthing offense rates on a community, outweighing any economic and cultural benefits. Historic territories tend to amplify these negative effects, as deeply rooted occupants in a restricted physical environment live with touristry on a day-to-day footing. The intent of this survey is to analyze how the finish selling would be successful in Kerala, India by advancing niche touristry merchandises in order to get the better of some of these negative impacts. Tourism is a major phenomenon of the modern society with important socio-economic effects. Harmonizing to the World Travel and Tourism Council ( WTTC ) , Tourism is the universe s most quickly turning industry and by the twelvemont h 2005, the part of touristry to the universe economic system was more than doubled from the basal degree of 1994. For developing states, the World Tourism Organisation [ WTO, 1998 ] has recognised the nascent of touristry sector for the intent of poorness relief by increased occupation creative activity. Consequently many developing states are bettering their touristry planning and development attacks [ Hall 2000 ; Elliot 1997 ] . One tendency projected is the increasing portion of international touristry into South East Asiatic part, and India as a taking finish in this part is surely balanced to work this leaning, which it missed in 1880ss and 1890ss [ WTO 1998 ] . Tourism can raise the profile of a finish, pulling the involvement of investors and visitants likewise. It is non merely the instance that many states turn to tourism out of despair, but because it affords their population a better criterion of life. There are a figure of benefits that may be derived from touristry provided that it is managed decently. These have, of class, been good documented in touristry literature and might include the creative activity of employment, the reception of foreign exchange, the enlargement of other economic sectors, and infrastructural developments. In environmental and socio-cultural footings, touristry development can supply a stimulation and support for preservation, and the saving of cultural heritage and traditions. Some of the more intangible benefits may include the reclamation of cultural pride, the resurgence of imposts and traditions, and chances for cross-cultural exchange and integrating. Again, these are more hard to mensurate, but can be perceptible within local communities. Harmonizing to the surveies by the Government of Kerala, after mid 1890ss one province that performed unusually good in touristry is Kerala. Throughout this period, the province achieved growing in touristry higher than the national norm, and has now emerged as a taking sector of the economic system, with its impact increasing in footings of economic growing and employment generated. The province authorities recognises touristry as one of the few options available to develop the economic system, particularly in the surroundings of limited chances of the fabrication sector, jobs in the agricultural and traditional sectors, and the uncertainnesss confronting the expatriate employment in the Gulf [ GOK, 2006a ] . The touristry industry in Kerala witnessed significant growing during 1890ss and beyond and is expected to turn further in the hereafter. This growing peculiarly occurred in the background of the opening up of the Indian economic system and the general planetary tendency of increasing touristry activity seen across the states in the Asiatic part. Nonetheless it is besides the conjunct attempts of the authorities and industry that made Kerala one of the best performing touristry provinces in India [ Edward, Koshy 2007 ] . This survey focuses on the recent developments and issues in Homestay Tourism in Kerala, how the Homestay, rural and CBT [ community based touristry ] are related and the overall satisfaction of Homestay touristry from an proprietor s position. Homestay touristry is the new section of the touristry industry because there is a tendency towards an increased specialisation among tourers and an increasing concern about the environment. [ Phonwiset, Yomsatharn, Chusakul 2008 cited on: nubkk.nu.ac ] . Homestay is one type of touristry that promotes interaction between visitants and host households. There are few aims besides defined to accomplish the chief purpose of the research. They are: To measure the recent developments of Tourism in India/ Kerala To analyze the major challenges in Kerala touristry To critically measure the economic, societal, cultural and environmental challenges and advantages of Homestay touristry from the proprietor s position and for the local community To explicate recommendations on the hereafter development of Homestay touristry. Why research in this subject? The research worker has chosen thisA topicA because of the involvement in making a survey related to an upcomingA and challengingA sector of touristry. Kerala is theA nativeA topographic point of the research worker. Some of the research worker s relations and friend are running place corsets and resorts in Kerala and that would assist toA collectA the relevant information s andA information s about the chosen subject. Significance of the survey Tourism is one of the mostA prestigiousA turning industries in the universe. Tourism has an educational significance. It has a good consequence which is brought about through contact between people of different races and nationalities. Tourism involves cultural alterations and consequences in cultural enrichment of those who travel every bit good as of those at the having terminal [ Ghosh ] . Another significance of touristry is the economic benefit. Because of its assorted economic benefits, this industry seems to be the most promising sector to the developing states. It is aA low-costA operation and anA additionalA income bring forthing activity that providesA employmentA to the organized every bit good as unorganised labour. Tourism encompasses so many activities that areA indispensableA but unseeable links. Honnappa and Ramakrishna [ 2006 ] defined touristry as the amount of operation chiefly economic in nature, which straight related to the entry, stay and motion of alien, inside and outside a state, metropolis or part. A The most commonA definitionA given by the World Tourism organisation [ WTO, 2001A -cited on ignou.ac.in ] is A tourer is a individual who travelA to a placeA other than his usual topographic point of abode andA stays at hotels, orA other adjustment or constitution run on a commercial footing for the continuance of non less than 24 hours and non more than 6 months at a clip for pleasance, pilgrims journey, survey, wellness, meetings and concerns. Tourism is a undertaking with exceptionally pronounced strong backward and forward linkages. The travellers spent money to bask a assortment of goods, services and experiences. Definition of Footings Homestay Tourism refers to one form of touristry with accent on ecotourism and community based touristry, in which tourers will remain over dark with the host in the small towns. The hosts have to back up visitants like a member of the household and affect them in all sorts of activities and shared experiences. These activities have the aim of larning about locals life manner and support of occupants in the community [ Phonwiset, Yomsatharn, Chusakul 2008 cited on: nubkk.nu.ac ] . II LITERATURE REVIEW There are a figure of industries that play a polar function in the development of states. Tourism being one such industry that has emerged as the largest planetary industry in the twentieth century and is projected to turn even faster during the current century. Tourism when taken in its true sense has following features ; Resource based industry and consumes resources Creates waste Specific substructure demands All the characters are linked to the societal cloth of the host community. It has societal, cultural and environmental impacts with a possibility of over ingestion. The conceptual construction of the undertaking aims to look into the jobs and advantages of place stay touristry in Kerala, from an proprietor s position. In this subdivision the research worker efforts to research the countries such as ; History of Indian touristry Background of Kerala Definition of touristry Sustainable touristry Community based touristry Homestay touristry Tourist satisfaction History of Indian Tourism India is a Centre of two ancient civilisations of the worldA called theA Indus vale civilisation, A andA theA AryanA civilization.A Tourism development in India started in the early 1960ss. By that clip most of the other states have achieved a singular advancement in thisA areaA and has exploited to maximum possible extent. The best manner to present India as a tourer finish to aliens is that India is a state of all seasons and all reasons.A India s touristry resources have ever been considered immense. The geographical characteristics are diverse, colourful and varied. As such the resource potency is so much that it can provide to all sorts and gustatory sensations of tourers. India has an ancient tradition of touristry. It existed as an industry in the informal sector in ancient times and was indulged in by all categories of people. Mark Twain competently remarked about India on India [ National Tourism Policy 2002 ] that India is one state that is endowed with an imperishable involvement for foreign prince and foreign provincial, for the knowing and the ignorant, the wise and the sap, the rich and the hapless, the bonded and the free one land that all work forces desire to see and one time seen, by even a glance, would non give theA glance for allA the shows of all the remainder of theA Earth combined. A The integrity of India lies in its diverseness people bound together by centuries of common traditions, religion and doctrine [ Pran Nath, Sushma 1993 ] . The Indian touristry industry has recorded a phenomenal growing particularly from 1990s in footings of both international and domestic tourers reachings [ Honnappa, Ramakrishna 2006 ] . TheA ministryA of Indian touristry has launched a new programme called Athithi Devo Bhavah which meansA guestA is god. The inspiration behind this look is toA respectA because ; regard has ever been an indispensable portion of Indian psyche. Tourism, which is the 3rd largest foreign exchange earner in India, has started gainingA prominenceA to the publicA agendaA merely in recent old ages. Many states in the universe are trusting on touristry as one of the fastest turning sectors. In the Chief Ministers conference held on October 2001 [ National Tourism Policy 2002 ] the Prime Minister of India, Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had stated that Tourism is a major phenomenon of economic growing in major parts of the world.A Many states have transformed their economic systems utilizing the touristry potenti al the fullestaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦tourism has theA potentialA to make different types of employment in assorted sectors from the most specialised to the unskilledA and what India needs is theA generationA ofA massiveA productiveA employment chances . Tourism in India has a strong relevancy to economic development and employment coevals. It creates immense employment chances, provides just distribution of wealth, helps to get the much needed foreign exchange, brings out a speedy development and betterment of infrastructural installations. Developing states have given a particular importance for the development of touristry, for it is the chief beginning of gaining foreign exchange, thereby the economic position of the state goes up [ Honnappa, Ramakrishna 2006 ] .A noticeable alteration in theA holidayingA trendA wasA reportedA both the international and domestic tourers showed anA inclinationA towards adventure athleticss. India is easy but certainly rousing to its touristry potency. The result of many surveies hat has been done about touristry, states that India is a state with huge touristry resources and has suited for all sorts of touristries like eco-tourism, adventure touristry, religious touristry, athleticss touristry, cu ltural touristry and rural touristry. With little states like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand areA allA readyA majorA tourist finishs ; India has toA struggleA toA promoteA itself to the universe touristsA [ Revathy 2008 ] . Tourism in Kerala Kerala, one of the smallest provinces lies in the southern seashore of India, is one of the leadingA proponentsA of touristry in assorted sectors.A Kerala has aA vastA and vibrantA sphere, where play unfolds in theA formA ofA spellA jumping heritage citesA station, A unA -spoilt beaches, picturesque hill, roaringA waterA falls, oldA templeA towns, alien wild life, A hustling metropoliss, surrounded with back Waterss, A variedA adventure athleticss and aA vibrantA manner of life.A Kerala is one of India s most advanced societies with about full literate people and first-class quality of life. [ Kumar, Sudheer 2007 ] . On its manner to going south, Kerala is one of the provinces that attract a big figure of tourers in South India.A In order toA tapA the tourer possible ofA so much history and such aA assortment of natural gifts, the Kerala authorities is taking a figure of stairss to better theA province s infrastructuresA likeA air, route and rail links. TheA stateA is germinating new schemes, making dynamic bluish prints and guaranting meticulousA executionA will do certain that theA stateA willA emergeA on top.A Developing universe category touristry merchandises needs heightening substructure, watercourse liningA disposal, strategicA allianceA and selling will guarantee that tourismA bringA sustainable growing and prosperity to Kerala besides known as Gods on Country [ Honnappa, Ramakrishna 2006 ] .A Definition of Tourism Tourism has been defined as the activities of individuals going to and remaining in topographic points outside of their usual environment for non more than one back-to-back twelvemonth for leisure, concern and other intents [ WTO 1998 ] . There are different words and significances for touristry such as Domestic Tourism: that involves occupants of the given state going merely within the state. Inbound Tourism: involves occupants going in the given state. Outbound Tourism: means occupants going in another state. International Tourism: consists of inbound and outward touristry [ WTO 1998 ] . Definitions of Homestay Tourism It is comparable to bed and breakfasts, but even less formal. A place stay belongings is a non commercialized, private abode that accommodates paying guest ( s ) who enjoy remaining in the comfort and security of a household place. These invitees frequently reside in the household place for an drawn-out period of clip, normally months instead than yearss. It is a safe, low-cost agencies of lodging popular amongst international pupils, housemans, going professionals and grownup visitants from other states, who are looking to see and larn approximately local life style and civilization [ cited on: onecaribbean.org ] Homestay is one type of touristry that promotes interaction between host households and tourers [ cited on: mekongtourism.org ] Homestay touristry refers to one form of touristry with accent on ecotourism and community based touristry, in which tourers will remain over dark with the host in the small towns. The hosts have to back up visitants like a member of the household and affect them in all sorts of activities and shared experiences. These activities have the aim of larning about locals life manner and support of occupants in the community [ Phonwiset, Yomsatharn, Chusakul 2008 cited on: nubkk.nu.ac Sustainable Tourism There is no widely accepted definition of sustainable touristry. It could, of class, be suggested that sustainable touristry should merely be about using the Brundtland Report definition of sustainability to touristry. This could take to a definition such as: Forms of touristry which meet the demands of tourers, the touristry industry, and host communities today without compromising the ability of future coevalss to run into their ain demands . There is another definition of sustainable touristry emphasizes the environmental, societal and economic elements of the touristry system. This definition means touristry which is economically feasible, but does non destruct the resources on which the hereafter of touristry will depend, notably the physical environment and the societal cloth of the host community [ Swarbrooke 1999 ] . Sustainable touristry is the touristry development that protects of import ecological and biological qualities and the procedure consequences in increased economic chance for local occupants and involves them in decision- devising, and respects the unity of cultural norms and traditions. Sustainable touristry development is based on the aim that it meets the demands of present tourers and host parts while protecting and heightening chances for the hereafter. It is envisaged as taking to direction of all resources in such a manner that economic, societal and aesthetic demands can be fulfilled while keeping cultural unity, indispensable ecological procedures, biological diverseness and life support system [ Ashraf, Fazili 2004 ] . For the development of touristry, the section has decided to develop policies, schemes and programs for sustainable touristry. The touristry program or policy is a gaming that will decidedly hold victors or also-rans that make the populace sector touristry policy a political issue. Tourism has powerful vested involvements that will seek to act upon the political procedure such as conveyance operators and hotelkeepers. Such sort of groups may besides oppose steps to do touristry more sustainable. Rather than giving importance to the virtues of touristry position point, the authorities and local communities are taking the touristry determinations for political grounds [ Swarbrooke 1999 ] . The construct of sustainability clearly embraces the environment, people and economic systems. Therefore sustainable touristry is based on ; societal advancement reflecting the demands for everyone, effectual protection of environment, prudent usage of natural resources, care of high and stable degrees of economic growing and employment. Harmonizing to Swarbrooke 1999, there are figure of obstructions that will restrict the function of the populace sector in touristry, planning and development. They are ; Tourism is merely a low precedence for the populace sector and at that place seems to be a deficiency of political will to develop sustainable touristry. The construct of public sector planning and ordinance are out of manner Many public sector organic structures lack the fiscal resources required to play a major function in touristry planning and development. There is deficiency of staff expertness in touristry in most public sector organisations around the universe. The series of election affects the willingness of politicians to do the sort of long term determinations on which sustainable touristry depends. Public sector is merely a minor participant in the touristry industry with least control over touristry merchandises. Sustainable touristry is lead by motivations like spirit of question, love of beauty, hunt for cognition and regard for nature. It aims at quality touristry which creates least harm to the natural, societal and cultural environment. The sustainable touristry hinges upon the overall direction as a feasible method in sustainable tourer activities. The overall quality attack renders the direction of merchandises particularly of tourer countries, highly sensitive to the penchants and outlooks of consumers. The private and public profitableness of a tourer finish will depend on the client sanitation, since they will return more frequently and remain longer and will convey a positive image of their vacation experience to others. However, as these penchants and outlooks include the demand for good scenes and consumer satisfaction, the profitableness of a tourer topographic point, will name for the development of schemes for sustainable development [ Honnappa, Ramakrishna 2006 ] Community Based Tourism Tourism can convey both benefits and jobs to an country. If good planned, developed and managed, touristry generates local occupations and income and provides chances for local enterprisers to set up touristry endeavors that lead to better the life criterions of occupants [ WTO 1998 ] . Community based touristry includes a scope of activities, services and comfortss provided by the rural people to pull tourer to their country in order to bring forth excess income. It is frequently considered ideal and inherently sustainable as it attracts manageable figure of visitants, does non necessitate much infrastructural development, does non devour excessively much of already scarce resources, does non necessitate high sum of skill base, and provides a beginning of income to locals besides continuing the local civilization and its traditions. One of the chief attractive forces of CBT is the extremely personal interactions between the host and the invitee where both parties can portion knowledge, thoughts and experience and as a effect addition the net incomes of local community with minimum investings. Events like, a dark out with the locals at their places, engagement in the lesser known small town spiritual or cultural events, an chance to take part in local activities like agribusiness, fishing or even populating with locals and sharing their nutrient, their lives and their business could supply the much needed bonus for community based touristry [ Mello 2008 ] . Tourism can convey both benefits and jobs to the local society and its cultural forms. Although more hard to mensurate than economic or environmental impacts, socio -cultural impacts are major considerations in developing touristry in any topographic point. These impacts can be particularly critical in states that still have strongly traditional economic systems and societies. Despite the fact that touristry can bring forth socio -cultural impacts, it is obvious that any sort of new development brings alterations. Tourism is one of the of import beginnings that can convey alterations in a society. A well planned, developed and managed touristry in a socially responsible mode can convey some sorts of socio -cultural benefits such as Improves the life criterions of people and helps pay for betterments to community installations and services, if the economic benefits of touristry are good distributed. Conserves the cultural heritage of an country which otherwise might be lost as a consequence of general development taking topographic point. Conservation of archaeological and historic sites was referred to under environmental impacts. In some topographic points touristry can be the drift for regenerating cultural forms which might be vanishing. Reinforces or even renews a sense of pride of occupants I their civilization, when they observe tourers appreciating it. Helps develop and keep museums, theaters and other cultural installations supported by touristry but the occupants can besides bask it. Tourism provides an chance for transverse civilization exchange between tourers and occupants who learn about, and come to esteem one another s civilization. This exchange can be best be achieved through certain signifiers of touristry educational and other types of particular involvement Tourss, village touristry and place visit programmes whereby tourer can set up to see local households. Methodology Introduction Research is a common phrasing that refers to a hunt for knowledge. More than a set of accomplishments, research is a manner of thought: examining critically the assorted facets of twenty-four hours -to-day professional work ; understanding and explicating steering rules that govern a peculiar process ; and developing and proving new theories for the sweetening of your pattern [ Kumar 2005:2 ] . Harmonizing to Kothari [ 1985:1 ] , research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a proficient usage. Redman and Mory [ 1923 ] define research as a systemized attempt to derive cognition [ cited by Kothari 1985 ] . In this chapter the research worker will specify the techniques that were used to accomplish the mark. Statement of methodological analysis Both primary and secondary informations have been used in this research work. Assorted beginnings of secondary informations used in this research. They are from books, newspapers, magazines, diaries, publications of the cardinal, province and local authoritiess, related web sites and studies of assorted links that related to the subject, studies prepared by research bookmans, universities, public records and statistics. Much attention has to be taken while roll uping the secondary informations. The dependability, suitableness and adequateness are some of the of import features of secondary informations. Harmonizing to Kothari [ 1985:138 ] , the dependability can be tested by happening out such things about the said informations: A ] who collected the information? B ] What were the beginnings of informations? C ] Were they collected by utilizing proper methods? D ] At what clip they were collected? E ] Was there any prejudice of the compiler? F ] What degree of truth was desired? G ] Was it achieved? Kumar [ 2005: 156 ] , has defined the significance of dependability as if a research tool is consistent and stable, and therefore, predictable and accurate, it is said to be dependable. The greater the grade of consistence and stableness in an instrument, the greater is its dependability. In the suitableness context, the research worker must be really carefully scrutinized the definition of assorted footings and units of aggregation used at the clip of roll uping the information from primary beginning originally. At the same clip, the object, range and nature of the original question must besides be studied. Adequacy of informations is the degree of truth achieved in informations found inadequate for the intent of the present question, they will be considered as unequal and should non be used by the research worker. The information will besides be considered unequal, if they are related to an country which may be either narrower or wider than the country of present question [ Kothari 1985 ] On the other manus, there would be a hazard factor in utilizing the already available informations as it should be used merely by the research worker finds them dependable, suited and equal. There are several methods that can be used to roll up primary informations. Since there is non that much academic research have taken topographic point in the current subject, the research worker has to research assorted facets of Homestay touristry, its benefits and issues from the proprietor s position point. In this model here, telephonic interviews utilizing structured questionnaires were used to garner the relevant information from the respondent ( Owner ) . The telephonic interviews are the method of roll uping information from respondents through telephone ( Kothari, 1985 ) . This method has non been widely used but plays a critical portion in industrial studies. From Kothari [ 1985 ] s position point the virtues of telephonic interviews are ; a ] more flexible in comparing to get offing method, B ] faster and a speedy manner of obtaining information, degree Celsius ] should be cheaper, 500 ] rate of response is higher, 500 ] no staff required. However, there are some demerits for this system. They are, a ] the clip cross given to respondents for considered reply is less, B ] interviews are restricted to respondents who have telephone installations, c ] possibility of the prejudice of the interviewer is comparatively more. On the other manus, questionnaires are one other manner to roll up information from the participants. Kumar [ 2005 ] , clearly points out the interview agenda and a questionnaire. The lone difference is that in the former it is the interviewer who ask the inquiries and records the respondent s answers on an interview agenda, and in the latter answers are recorded by the respondent s themselves. This differentiation is of import in accounting for the several strengths and failings of the two methods. The questionnaires are of two types, structured and unstructured. Structured questionnaires are those questionnaires in which there are definite, concrete and pre determined inquiries. The inquiries are presented with precisely the same diction and in the same order to all respondents. The signifier of the inquiries may be either closed i.e. , yes/no or unfastened i.e. ask foring free response, but should be stated in progress and non constructed during oppugning [ Kothari 1985:125 ] .

Explanation and Examples of Wo and Da in German

Explanation and Examples of Wo and Da in German One of the things that can make translating other languages difficult for many is that the rules of grammar change with each language. Knowing the correct word order can be difficult if you dont understand the rules o the language youre learning. In English, adverbs usually come after prepositions but in German, it is the opposite. The adverbs wo and da coupled with prepositions become helpful tools in day-to-day German conversation. By themselves, wo means where and da means there, but by adding prepositions, it changes their whole meaning. Its important that people learning German understand how prepositions can alter these common words if they want to be understood. Wo Preposition Wo preposition is useful when asking questions for clarification such as in Worauf wartet er? (What is he waiting for?) Notice that the translation for worauf is for what- not a literal translation. Thats because many of the wo prepositions replace the colloquial, but incorrect German word combination preposition was. (incorrect - Fà ¼r was ist das?, correct - Wofà ¼r ist das?) Since the incorrect German version of preposition was most closely resembles the English translation, English speakers find it difficult to overcome this natural tendency of question formation. Thats why it is important that English-speaking students of German learn early on to incorporate the use of ​wo-words in their conversation. Da Preposition Similarly, the da preposition combinations cannot always be translated literally. It all depends on context. Sometimes da will keep its there meaning if it refers to a location. At other times the word means something closer to the English that. Understanding this difference is important for students of German who want to make sure their speech is grammatically correct even if their meaning is still understood. For example: Was kommt daraus? (What is coming out from there?) Was konntest du daraus feststellen? (What were you able to determine from that?) Da- words are very useful so as to not sound redundant. For example, if someone were to ask you Bist du mit diesem Zeitplan einverstanden? The shorter response would be Ich bin damit einverstanden, instead of reiterating the noun. Examples of Wo and Da Use Below you will find a list of some common wo- and da- compounds. Take note that if the preposition starts with a vowel then it will be preceded by an –r- when combining it with either wo or da. ( unter - darunter) bei by - wobei – dabeidurch through - wodurch – dadurchfà ¼r for - wofà ¼r – dafà ¼rgegen against - wogegen - dagegenher (prefix) coming from - woher – daherhin (prefix) going to - wohin – dahinmit with - womit – damitnach after - wonach – danachan on, at, to - woran – daranauf on - worauf – daraufaus out of, from - woraus – darausin in - worin – darinà ¼ber over, above - worà ¼ber – darà ¼berunter under, underneath - worunter – daruntervon from - wovon – davonvor before, in front of - wovor – davorzu to, at - wozu – dazu

Food Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Food Marketing - Essay Example An alternative geography begins to emerge because the restricted ecologies of quality food production are frequently to be found in areas that have escaped the industrialization processes that support globalization. This is most apparent in agriculture, where the maintained use of â€Å"output-enhancing† technologies in the post-war period has frequently resulted in uncovered agricultural ecosystems. Thus those areas that have largely remained insignificant to industrialized agriculture are generally the very areas where quality production might bloom. The turn toward quality in consumption may then reveal a very different mixture of productivity, one that contrasts in important respects with the dominant geographic distribution of food production activities. Consumers increasingly are linking ideas of food quality to ideas of nature in the agro-food system, as though they feel that the higher the natural content of food the less susceptible it will be to hurt human interferen ce. Yet, some leading commentators on the food sector have begun to argue that the theoretical analysis of food has tended to underplay the â€Å"salience of nature†. It is now widely believed that the agro-food system is globalize, and much of the recent research into the agro-food system has taken as its main focus how processes of globalization come to be driven by the reshaping of food production processes according to patterns of capital growth.

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reflection Paper - Essay Example This is actually a great marketing tool to help customers identify with and makes them want to support businesses with their business needs. Amdocs Corporation is actively involved in many citizen oriented activities throughout the world. They especially reach out and contribute to programs and activities involving children, people with disabilities, and, the poor people and communities where resources for survival aren’t as available. They are actively involved in food and equipment drives, education and mentoring, and drawing attention to community needs. This made an impression on me because the article I read talked about them doing many good things to help people in ways that are more humanitarian instead of business oriented. People who work for Amdocs are part of these communities also; it makes them feel that their company supports them by being actively involved in helping the community. Not only does Amdocs contribute funding support, but it also contributes thousand s of hours of community service to help bridge the gap between what is needed and what the community can provide for itself. Amdocs received a special recognition as being one of the top 100 companies to provide community outreach and service. (Amdocs, 2011) My community service project experience was spent with Faith, Hope, and Love, International, Inc. in Indianapolis. It is a multi- cultural faith based organization that began in Indianapolis in 2005. Their main vision is to make an impact on the neighborhoods surrounding them to increase the social, economic, and spiritual qualities of life for the people they serve. They are actively involved in faith based outreach ministries as well as supporting foreign missions and families with donations. They also have a food bank that helps people locally who are struggling to find enough food in the local community during this time of economic hardship. Their goal is to break down the walls of separation between ethnic and religious com munities to show caring, support and concern for all as the strong arm of their faith based ministry. I found this organization by looking through the list I got from class. I didn’t really know anything about them, but the name sounded good to me. I learned a lot about volunteerism from this experience; how even the smallest assistance makes a big impact. Non-profit organizations can always use an extra hand to help handle the heavy loads they carry. When people volunteer their time and energy to help these organizations, it frees up the administrative people to do more important tasks associated with enlarging their outreach to the communities. Some of the smaller organizations, like the one I chose, have minimal numbers of staff to perform a lot of duties. There was only one couple at the ministry in charge of everything and I helped them as much as I could by performing three services during my volunteer stay there. I helped organize food and supplies at the food storage bank. We had to keep like items together to make it easier for the workers to pack the bags for when people arrived to get their food packages. We also had to make sure the donated foods and their containers were in good condition and did not have expired dates. They asked me to help send out postcards thanking donors for their contributions as well as ones to local businesses and other faith communities asking for support. I sent out around 300 postcards which were hand addressed and stamped. I also

Letter and Memo Paper Pre-Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Letter and Memo Paper Pre-Assignment - Essay Example nvironment had remained relatively pristine due to the vigilance of the people against the development and use of energy sources that are polluting to the environment and contributory to climate change. I have been in the energy industry for most of my professional life and surprised to see how Americans are becoming more and more dependent on fossil fuels when â€Å"Peak Oil† had been upon us long ago. Instead, the state government of Colorado should pursue clean energy alternatives like wind and solar power. The Colorado Green Wind Farm (at Lamar, Prowers, Colorado) is a good example to reduce reliance on costly imported oil (Makhijani 31). Colorado is among the top 20 states with high potential for wind energy (at no. 11 with 481 billion kw-hours annually), an enough supply to meet all the states electricity requirements were it not for factors like intermittency and geographic location considerations. However, we need not wait for flooding like what happened in some countries (like the Philippines mentioned above) to wake us up that the effects of global warming are upon us like what Al Gore cited in his â€Å"Inconvenient Truth† movie. However, what is markedly absent from the energy debate is environmental optimism (Easterbrook, Sept. 2006) and Mike Keefes cartoon clichà © update (Denver Post, September 29, 2009) could become reality soon. The readers of the Denver Post are not only the people of Colorado but include those of some neighboring states like Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Oklahoma. There are even some readers from as far away as Texas, Kansas, the two Dakotas and Idaho. With a mean elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters), the state of Colorado seems to be so far away from concerns like massive flooding generated by climate change from global warming effects. Furthermore, the people of this region in the United States take pride in their pristine environment and they mostly want to preserve it that way for generations to come. A way to do

Contemporary Issues In Business And Management Essay

Contemporary Issues In Business And Management - Essay Example A global industry can be described as an industry where all firms are competing within the global market in order to sustain and grow. A global strategy is driven by various factors. These can be cost drivers, competitive drivers, customer drivers and government drivers (Sakarya, Eckman and Hyllegard, 2006). We live in a global economy where the time required to cross continents has reduced to a bare minimum. With the help of advantage technologies, it is now possible to initiate conversations within no time. Because of these changes, there has been a shift in the business practices of organisations and more and more organisations are adopting a global strategy for growth and sustainable development (Aharoni and Ramamurti, 2011). A global strategy is the plan of an organisation to compete in these new realities of global markets. For example, in food manufacturing, organisations like Nestle, Cadbury and Kellogg’s have created marketing networks and global distribution based on marketing of their leading brands that are well recognised globally. Key aspects of a global strategy include: The global market should be treated as the domestic market. Establishment of a global marketing mix, differentiating between the national and regional differences such as language, culture and taste. Creating a global distribution and production system, for example establishing factories globally manufacturing goods for respective local regions (Vrontis, Thrassou, and Lamprianou, 2009). Concentrating on the most successful and most recognised products and brands. Since the global market is huge, a substantial amount of profit can be achieved by using economies of scale in terms of production, distribution and marketing. Rather than producing a large number of products, it will be more fruitful to manufacture those products and services which are well recognised and accepted by the customers round the world. Importance of Global Strategy The importance of global strategy ca n be understood from the flowing perspectives: Perspective of a Company With the international expansion, opportunity increases in terms of new sales and higher revenues. Sometimes, it might also happen that the profitability in the home country has reduced due to various unavoidable conditions. In such cases, revenues from the international market prove to be a saviour. At times which are turbulent, they might become the saviour in terms of profit. For example, poor growth and low profits in the domestic market in China were one of the main reasons that forced the Chinese company, TCL, to formulate a strategy with the aim of international growth and expansion. It has continued this global expansion strategy with new factories, new offices overseas and acquisitions with the aim of developing the positioning of its market particularly in the two markets for electronics goods, the European Union and the USA. Apart from opportunities such as new sales and profit expansion, global strat egies can take place because of various other reasons. Oil companies, for example, look for expansion with the objective of securing their resources, a strategy which can also be termed as resource seeking (Bellin and Pham, 2007). Industries such as clothing look for global expansion with th

Persuasive Speech about Immigrants in the US Essay

Persuasive Speech about Immigrants in the US - Essay Example Imagine the young boy that was washed away while trying to cross the sea so that he could run away from these killers. This young boy could be a brother, a son or even a grandchild to us. No one will ever know the destiny of this child maybe he could be the one to help the world get a cancer drug or even be the one to tackle climate change. (Sellnow, 2014)Why should we then choose to ignore our foundations and our belief that we are the trendsetters of this world and stand for the truth of this world? The issue we should be addressing my dear people is how to help them once they get in this country and whether they need to be allowed to come here. The immigrants would want peace, but they cannot get it in their country. Yes, the challenges are many what if the killers come in for this reason that they are refugees also. We do have one of the most sophisticated intelligence that can smoke any criminal from any corner of this world. (Sellnow, 2014)We will put them in charge of vetting each refugee and having them take enough time will enable us to get the best that we can and will also not compromise our homeland security.We need to understand that as we live here a man can be good or bad, and this does not depend on whether he is rich, poor, black, white but the ideals the man decides to live.In our 21century, we are the ones to ensure that human rights are not just a favor to the rich but are administered to any person regardless of their background and culture. (Sellnow, 2014)

Is There a Need for Restriction on the Use of Mobile Phones in Public Essay

Is There a Need for Restriction on the Use of Mobile Phones in Public Areas - Essay Example I feel strongly that people like me who were disrupted from enjoying the movie by these unwelcome interruptions could only think about the mobile phone users as uncivilized people who were not supposed to be there in the first place. It is at these times that people wish that mobile phones were banned altogether. However, taking into account the fact that mobile phones have become an integral part of life these days, like water and air, one would have to compromise a bit and think of effective restrictions on the use of mobile phones in public places. There could be innumerable reasons to support the view that mobile phones should be banned from public places. First of all, one person’s need to communicate with her/his dear ones should not interfere with the peace of mind and enjoyment another person seeks in a well-reputed public place. If someone needs to be in touch with others through the mobile phone while at a public place, it would be a thoughtful act to keep the phone in silent mode and answer them by going out of the place, or by text messaging. Another reason why one should refrain from using mobile phones in public places is that it would attract unnecessary attention to the one using it. The person using the phone would usually forget the surroundings and talk louder than necessary, forcing others to listen to her/his personal affairs. Some people just try to display how expensive their phone is and how many features it has by using them all in one place. I have even witnessed some teenagers who watch video clip s in a theatre, with the volume set too high, while a movie for which they took an expensive ticket plays helplessly in front of them, in the big screen.  

Persuasive Speech about Immigrants in the US Essay

Persuasive Speech about Immigrants in the US - Essay Example Imagine the young boy that was washed away while trying to cross the sea so that he could run away from these killers. This young boy could be a brother, a son or even a grandchild to us. No one will ever know the destiny of this child maybe he could be the one to help the world get a cancer drug or even be the one to tackle climate change. (Sellnow, 2014)Why should we then choose to ignore our foundations and our belief that we are the trendsetters of this world and stand for the truth of this world? The issue we should be addressing my dear people is how to help them once they get in this country and whether they need to be allowed to come here. The immigrants would want peace, but they cannot get it in their country. Yes, the challenges are many what if the killers come in for this reason that they are refugees also. We do have one of the most sophisticated intelligence that can smoke any criminal from any corner of this world. (Sellnow, 2014)We will put them in charge of vetting each refugee and having them take enough time will enable us to get the best that we can and will also not compromise our homeland security.We need to understand that as we live here a man can be good or bad, and this does not depend on whether he is rich, poor, black, white but the ideals the man decides to live.In our 21century, we are the ones to ensure that human rights are not just a favor to the rich but are administered to any person regardless of their background and culture. (Sellnow, 2014)

Law of E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Law of E-commerce - Essay Example With all arsenals pointed at streamlining electronic money institutions through legal, supervisory principles, the binding implementation provisions found quite a number of disparate legislative instruments that tended to hinder the functionality of the directives. The 2000 directives were the first attempts by the Union to harmonize EU e-money banking practices through legal frameworks (Vereecken, 2000). Unknown to the policy drafters was that the directives were headed for major legislative thrusts, which has since prompted the revision of e-Europe Action Plan on the same but with no tangible improvement as once anticipated. The provisions of the action plan of 2005 being the main EU e-money policy blueprint in this area was an updated version deliberated upon since 2000 (Penn, 2005). Indeed, the period of euphoria that characterized the adoption of the directive seemed to have died leaving the future of e-money regulatory legislations much less promising than never imagined. As a matter of fact, many new ideas never sprouted beyond their piloting stages. In essence, The EU e-Money directives were much more of wasted efforts than gainful strategies given that e-Money technology, to a grater extent, remains a figment of salesmen’s imaginations. Background of E-Money Regulations When e-money made a debut into the banking scene, almost all financial institutions in North America as well as the entire Europe took a noticeably stance well armed with different regulatory mechanisms. Rather than a ‘wait and see’ approach adopted by the United States, EU member states took immediate steps, to regulate e-money as soon as the technology appeared (European Commission, 2002). As early as 1994, EMI had recommended that only bank-issue e-money be legalized (EMI 1994; DeGeest 2001). The immediate established target as insinuated above comprised of standardizing measures with a wide spectrum of actions that included access to the Internet, as well as rais ing consumer confidence in IT-supported learning networks embodied in new electronic payment systems. Against a backdrop of concerns from different financial quarters, EU Commission pursued perspective was that proliferation of e-money without regulations could inhibit the proper functioning of the money market and stifle competition as well as innovation in the payment sector. What followed was a draft of directives on the same (EU Commission, 1998). Action Plans set out to achieve the objectives of the EU included numerous legislative measures. Among these were the Directive 2000/28/EC of the European Parliament in conjunction with the EU Council Directive 2000/12/EC touching on the conduct of business of credit institutions forming the first batch of e-Money Directives (EMI Directive, 2000a; 2000b). The second batch of e-Money Directives was the Directive 2000/46/EC from the same intuitions touching on prudential supervision of electronic money institutions (Long and Casanova, 20 02; 2003; EMI Directive, 200

Importance of Sociological Theory

Importance of Sociological Theory Why is theory important in the area of sociology? A theory is a proposed relationship between two or more concepts. In sociology, theories are statements of reason why particular facts about the social world are related (Marcionis Geber, 2010, p14). The scope of the social issues in question may range from exact descriptions of a single process to examples or models for analysis and interpretation. Some theories attempt to tell us about the possible outcome of future events in the social world, while others function as broad perspective which guides further sociological analyses (Calhoun, 2002, p1). The importance of theory in the area of sociology cannot be overemphasized. Theories such as the social conflict theory, structural functionalism theory, positivism theory, field theory, rational choice theory, and so on, were developed to explain social phenomena. In sociology, a theory states the hypothesis of a set of entities or relevant system, and permits statements on the possible or envisaged outcomes on their future states. As captured in Little (2010), a theory may also specify probabilistic relations among entities, giving rise to statements about the distribution of possible future states of the system. Little (2010) also noted that a theory provides a set of â€Å"bridge† statement that permits the theorist to connect the consequences of the theory with predictions about observable state of affairs. Sociology is an examination of human beings in social contexts. It entails observing how people in specific communities interact, and surveying and conducting experiments to yield new data on which to build sociological knowledge. Interconnectivity or interdependence is the main characteristic of a society. Sociological theories are frameworks explaining how certain aspects or elements of society are interconnected to the larger processes or environment. Application of theories helps determine the interdependent aspects of the co-existence of individuals or groups. Theories in the area of sociology will help people understand how society works and how they can be a useful part in it. Furthermore, theories helps in decision making with regards to factors affecting a certain community as wrong decisions often result from inadequate knowledge of the structure and other peculiarities of the society. These wrong decisions may have a far-reaching impact on people’s lives. In addition, addressing societal problems such as alcoholism, high criminal rate, requires decision makers to have a fair knowledge of the problems and their root causes. Vassos, while contributing to the subject, stated that sociological theories provide insights on social issues, thereby enabling appropriate relevant authority to adequately and effectively tackle the problems. Sociologists focus on how a society is structured, how each and every individual works as part of the whole, how society has changed over the years and predictions of future changes. In essence, sociological theories help people understand society and knowledge of the world as it grows. In conclusion, Ritzer (2003) defined sociological theory as a set of interrelated ideas that allow for the systematization of knowledge of the social world. This knowledge, he noted, can then be used to explain the social world and make predictions about the future of the world. Discuss any sociology theory of your choice The Social Conflict Theory is one of the theories in sociology. The conflict theory was originated by Karl Marx in the mid – 1800’s. The theory states that human behaviour results in conflicts between competing groups. According to Karl Marx, the two competing social groups comprised of the ruling class on one hand and the subject class on the other have unequal access to power and resources (Anderson Taylor, 2009). The ruling class enjoys been the owner, having control over the forces of production thereby exploiting the subject class which results in a conflict of interest between both parties. Conflict theories generally focus attention on key areas of substantial social differences particularly with regards to class, gender and race. Conflict theory is mostly associated with Marxism, and may also be associated with other major perspectives including critical theory, feminist theory, post-modern theory and post structural theory (Adegbolagun, 2012). Macionis Geber (2011) however noted that other important sociologists like Harriet Martinean, Hane Addams and Dubois argue that this sociological approach does not adequately consider how social structures help society to function; rather it dwells on how inherent social differences can cause some people in the society to be dominant and others to be oppressed. The social conflict theory opines that different social classes of individuals and groups within society with varying amounts of material and non-material resources use their relative strength in power or wealth to exploit groups with lesser advantage. Two major means of this exploitation are through cohesion or force usually done by police, the army and economics. Perhaps this explains the reason why money is perceived as the substance of social disorder and oppression. It can also be deduced from their beliefs that the society is characterized by an on-going social struggle or competition between various groups. The social conflict theory believes social relationships are about power and exploitation; the rich exploiting the poor. Citing an example of this oppression is a renter for instance, living in a rented apartment for as long as fifty years and having no right or economic interest within the property. In sociology, conflict theory opines that the society functions so that everyone or group involved can make the best use of benefits which in the long run brings about social changes. Most times, the theory is used to explain conflict between social classes in ideas such as socialism and communism. Competition plays a vital role in understanding conflict theory. Accordingly, there are three primary assumptions of modern conflict theory (Vanithamohanakumar, 2011). The first is competition over scarce resources such as money and leisure which is characteristic of human relationship. Second is structural inequality which has to do with inequalities in power and reward. Thirdly, it is believed that rather than adapting to the situation, rapid and forceful turnaround or revolution is eminent as a result of the conflict between competing interests. According to McCafferty (2006), conflict theory emphasizes the social political or material inequality of a social group. It also contrast domi nant ideologies and make open differences in power. Conflict theory posits that social groups or classes compete with each other in order to obtain control of the scarce resources. A realistic social conflict theory is an understanding of the positive role of social conflict in serving the common good. It is actually expected to put change in perspective since all substantial social change involves social conflict. Understanding social conflict theory can assist groups to function in finding common grounds, developing alliances, defining core values, identifying and indeed eliminating differences in viewpoints where necessary, setting group boundaries, and strategizing to achieve the expected change. Harper postulated that in Social Conflict Theory, no one group should dominate all other groups particularly in a democratic society. He noted further that the power of all groups, especially of large institutions, is limited by the rule of law and by social impact, custom and social tradition. Within these confines of interest, various groups and institutions compete, negotiate and work out changes in socio-economic arrangements, generating social conflict in the process. Wright Mills opined that social structures are created through conflict between people with differing interests and resources. Individuals and resources in turn, are influential by these structures and by the unequal distribution of power and resources in the society (Knapp, 1994, pp228-246). REFERENCES Academic Room, Sociological Theoretical Perspectives, [online], (2013, [n.d]). Available from: http://www.academicroom.com/topics/sociologocal-theory-definition [Accessed 27 March 2014]. Adegbolagun, Adefolaju, Theories of Conflict, [online], (Scribd.com, 5 September 2012). Available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105006384/Theories-of-Conflict [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Anderson, M L. And Taylor, H.F., Sociology: The Essentials, (Rhomson Wadswoth, Belmot Ca, 2009). Berger, Joseph, Theory and Formalization: Some Reflections on Experience, Sociological Theory, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp482 – 489, (2000). Calhoun, Craig J., Classical Sociological Theory. (Wiley Blackwell, 2002) Gerber L.M, Macionis J.J, Sociology, 7th Canadian p15, (Pearson Toronto, Canada, 2011) p. 15. Harper, Nile, Journeys into Justice: Understanding Social Conflict Theory [online], [n.d.]. Available from: http://www.journeysintojustice.com/social-conflict-theory.htm, [Accessed 28 March 2014]. Knapp, P., One World – Many Worlds: Contemporary Sociological Theory, 2nd ed., ( It Apprercollins Colleges Div, 1994) pp 228 – 246. Little, Daniel,â€Å"Theory† in Sociology [online], (Understanding Society, 11 February 2010). Available from: http://understandingsociety.blogspot.com/2010/02/theory-in-sociology.html [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Liz, Sharon, Granehoolz, Boiuma–Holtrop, Explaining Critical Sociological Thinking from Teaching Sociology, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp 485 – 496, (2003) Macionis Gerber, John J. and Linda M., Sociology 7th Canadian ed., (Pearson Education Inc, Upper Saddle River NJ, 2010). McCafferty, Kevin C (2006) Conflict Theory [online], (How Contributor, ehow, 2006). Available from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5518763_ conflict-theory. Obserschal Anthony, Theories of Social Conflict, from Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 4, pp291 – 315, (1978). Ritzer, George., Contemporary Sociological Theory and its Classical Roots: The Basics, [online], (McGraw-Hill Higher Education, University of Maryland, 2003). Available from: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007234962x/student_view0/chapter1/chapter_overview.html [Accessed 28 March 2014]. Stark, Rodney., Sociology, 10th ed., (Thomas Wadsworth, 2007). Skocpol, Theda., States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France, Russia and China, (Cambridge University Press, New York, 1980). Sociology Guide, Conflict Theories [online], (SociologyGuide.com, 2014). Available from: http://www.sociologyguide.com/social-stratification/Conflict-Theories.php [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Thio, Alek., Sociology: A Brief Introduction, 7th ed., (Pearson, 2008). Vossos, Tasos., The Importance of Sociological Theories [online], (eHow, [n.d]). Available from: http://www.ehow.com/info_11367824_importance-sociological-theories.html [Accessed 27 March 2014] Vanithamohanakumar, Introduction to Sociology [online], (Scribd.com, 8 July 2011). Available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/59605267/introduction-to-sociology-V.2-0 [Accessed 23 March 2014]. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Conflict Theories, [online]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_theories [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Wikipedia, the free encyclpedia, Sociological Theory, [online]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociological_theory [Accessed 28 March 2014]. 1