Back Bay Battery - 3892 Words

THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEW PRODUCT AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT (final version dated September 7; updated September 20) Course Number: MKTG 5230 Pre-requisite: MKTG 5115 Classroom: Room TBA (Hartford Campus) Term: Fall 2012 Class Hours: Sep 7 (5:00pm to 8:00pm), Sep 8 (9:00am to 5:00pm) Sep 14 (5:00pm to 8:00pm), Sep 15 (9:00am to 5:00pm) Sep 28 (5:00pm to 8:00pm), Sep 29 (9:00am to 5:00pm) Instructor: Dr. Girish Punj Professor of Marketing Office: BUSN 351 (Storrs Campus) E-mail: Girish.Punj@business.uconn.edu Phone: (860)-486-3835 (Storrs Campus) COURSE OBJECTIVES: The objective of this course is to assist you in developing†¦show more content†¦COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: Tablet Design Assignment (Team-based) (purpose: to understand human capacity for creative thinking) Each team (consisting of three students) will design a Tablet that updates the design of current products on the market, with a particular emphasis on screen size. In addition to selecting the ideal screen size for a Tablet, your design should include 2-3 new product features that meet unmet consumer needs. [Deliverable: A 1-2 page written report along with a hand or computer-drawn sketch (free sketching software is available at http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/index.html) due at the end of class on September 8, 2012] HBR Article Presentation (Team-based) (purpose: to learn important theories, concepts and best practices relating to innovation and new product development) Each team (consisting of three students) will present a pre-assigned article from the Harvard Business Review article set being used in the course. The class sessions during which particular HBR articles are scheduled for presentation are listed in bold in the â€Å"Schedule of Activities† section of the course outline. HBR Articles will be assigned to teams using a first-come, first-served basis. Once you have formed a team (and only then), please sign-up for the HBR Article your team is interested in presenting on a Discussion Board that has been set up for this purpose on our HuskyCT course website. When signing-up for your HBRShow MoreRelatedThe Back Bay Battery Simulation1220 Words   |  5 PagesBack Bay Battery Simulation The Back Bay battery simulation presents the managers with a dilemma of choosing between an established, profitable product and a new innovative opportunity. The decision has to be taken through investments in RD and also make sales forecast for the coming year. Even though, the main aim of this exercise was to generate maximum profit but it actually is a way of analysing complex information and making decisions with the help of news flash updates about current trendsRead MoreBack Bay Battery Strategy Essay774 Words   |  4 Pagesultracapacitors and ii) surfacing mature market conditions for conventional NiMH batteries. The first piece of information implied that it would be critical to beat the competition and be the first company to offer customers the features and benefits they demanded in the new product. That would have allowed Back Bay to gain a competitive advantage and keep existing customers (that could easily switch from the company’s conventional batteries to the company’s ultracapacitors) as well as attract new ones. The secondRead MoreEssay about Back Bay Battery3268 Words   |  14 PagesSIMULATION FOREGROUND READING Back Bay Battery, Inc. Overview The battery industry is enormous, with worldwide revenues of approximately $45 billion. It is highly fragmented with at least 20 major manufacturers in each technology segment. Because of the wide range of applications of batteries, companies have tended to specialize in a particular technology or market application. Disposable batteries, such as the widely available carbon-zinc and alkaline cells, are available in standard sizesRead MoreStrategic Innovation Back Bay M148281309 Words   |  6 PagesStrategic Innovation: Back Bay Battery In this online simulation, students play the role of a business unit manager at Back Bay Battery Company who must balance a portfolio of RD investment strategies (over 8 simulated years) across products in the portable power market. Other Online Simulations Other Online Simulations from Business Publishing fromHarvard Harvard Business Publishing Back Bay Battery Strategic Innovation Simulation Supply Chain: Root Beer Game This version of the classic BeerRead MoreCritical Reasoning And Battle Analysis Of Fort Wagner1426 Words   |  6 Pagessecurity to the Charleston Bay and securing the Rebel capital of Charleston, South Carolina. The Union Forces stormed Morris Island on 10 July 1863 attempting to gain control over Fort Wagner, instead meeting their demise. Alternatively, the Union’s success in conquering Fort Wagner would have allowed the deployment of a Union artillery batteries and Naval Ironclad Warships within close proximity of Charleston. Securing safe passage of Union Forces into the Charleston Bay and resulting in the downfallRead MoreAmericans Strategy Against the Spanish1558 Words   |  6 Pages provided by the Naval War College, and the ideals of Alfred Thayer Mahan, Commodore George Dewey was able to defeat the Spanish naval power from the pacific in quick and decisively, and gain a victory for the United States in the Battle of Manila Bay. In 1897 Commodore George Dewey was appointed to become commander of the Asiatic Squadron. Roosevelt and Long had already predetermined that if conflict increased between America and Spain, the Spaniards would be vulnerable in more places than justRead MoreEssay on Simulation: Lithium-ion Battery3828 Words   |  16 PagesStrategic Innovation Simulation: Back Bay Battery (v2) Clayton M. Christensen; Willy Shih Added on Sep 22, 2014, Purchased on Sep 22, 2014, Expires on Sep 22, 2015 Hide Details Product #:7015-HTM-ENGFormat: English Web Based HTML In this single-player simulation, students play the role of a business unit manager at a battery company facing the classic Innovators Dilemma. Students have to manage RD investment tradeoffs between the units existing battery technologies versus investingRead MoreJustice Incident Report Example813 Words   |  4 Pagesresponded to 2747 Kissimmee Bay Circle in reference to a battery. Upon my arrival, I observed Betsy Rochely Maldonado Vargas (victim#1), pacing back and forth in the driveway of the residence. When making contact with Betsy she advised the following via verbal and a sworn written statement: Betsy advised everything started because Rafael wanted Betsy to pay to wash clothes. Rafael stated Betsy owed him money for the car insurance in which Betsy advised she already paid him back the money, but he returnedRead MoreThe Worst Damage Of Sonoma County1324 Words   |  6 Pagesearthquakes in our area to help come up with a plan in case there is another major earthquake in Sonoma County. Data suggests that there is a 63% probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake striking somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area before the year 2032. The key to surviving and earthquake is to be prepared. Earthquakes are caused when two blocks of earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where the two blocks slip is called the fault. The earthquake starts belowRead MoreTaking a Look at Electric Cars1825 Words   |  7 Pagesneeds to be a change made sooner than later, and hybrid isn’t solving our problems fast enough. The best alternate choice seems to be a full conversion to electric cars. These cars replace gasoline engines with an electric one, running on battery power. The battery of these cars runs current through the motor to the wheels, operating like a light and a light switch where the increase in speed is similar to having a dimmer on that light (Brain, How Electric Cars Work 1). This technology removes the

Trickery in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by...

Humans are natural tricksters, beguiling others for benefits and survival; however, deceiving others is a skill possessed by few African-Americans and thus they do not survive. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass, Douglass harnesses the ability to conform to the world of trickery and conveys his journey to freedom. Through his appeal to pathos, use of dramatic asides, and application of anecdotes, Douglass expresses the necessity of slaves to play the game of trickery to survive in the world of tricksters. Effectively establishing an appeal to pathos, Douglass emphasize his raw emotions to the reader, allowing the reader to feel more connected to why Douglass complies with the rules of trickery. Douglass†¦show more content†¦When his term with Mr. Edward Covey ends on 25 December 1833, Douglass reveals a feeling of disgrace when he is appalled by the slaveholders who are forcing the slaves to drink wine and whiskey, since it was â€Å"a disgrace not to get drunk on Christmas† (44) and, when the Christmas holidays end, the slaves, who the slaveholder â€Å"cheats†¦ with a dose of vicious dissipation, artfully labelled†¦ liberty,† are willing to go back to work, choosing to rather be â€Å"slaves to man as to rum.† (45). While the slaveholders capitalizes on the slave’s ignorance and negligence to play the game of trickery, Douglass exposes his detestation of the course of action for the â€Å"cunning slaveholders† (45). Later, as Do uglass appeals to a feeling of disappointment when he meets Henry and John Harris and utilizes their yearning of freedom to attempt escaping, but fail. As MacKethan puts it, â€Å"the American definition of man and the American concept of freedom could no longer be denied to†¦ [Douglass]†¦ or by logical extension to any other slave† (â€Å"From Fugitive†). In summary, MacKethan attempt to reveal the inhumanity of the slaves by hintingShow MoreRelatedThe Use of Trickery:, A Theme in the Novel: The Life of Frederick Douglass755 Words   |  4 Pagesrequirement to survive. In Frederick Douglass’s Narrative in the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass utilizes the ability to play the game of trickery to convey his journey to freedom. Through the use of anecdotes, appeal to pathos, and figurative language, Douglass expresses the necessity of slaves to play the game of trickery to survive in the world of tricksters. Douglass employs the use of anecdotes to clarify why he would deceive others. After Mrs. Auld’s transformation, Douglass resorts to â€Å"variousRead MoreFrederick Douglass : An Influential Leader Of The Abolitionist Movement1531 Words   |  7 PagesFrederick Douglass was born into slavery in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. He moved around many plantations. He was not raised by his parents and he received no education. From the start, Douglass’ life was destined for him to live and die a slave and have no meaningful impact on society. Despite these horrific conditions, Frederick Douglass became one of the most influential leaders of the abolitionist movement. This was largely because of his commitment to self education, his reliance on nonviolenceRead MoreSlavery During The United States954 Words   |  4 Pagesstories through what are known as slave narratives. Frederick Douglass took this opportunity to present several different arguments against slavery. He esp ecially wanted readers to realize that during this time, white people suffered from slavery just as much as blacks did, as they became heartless, incapable of being trusted, and put the true meaning of their religion on the line. Slavery turned the kindest people into cruel and heartless beings. Douglass talks about this notably in the case ofRead MoreFrederick Douglass Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pagesforce was during the time of Frederick Douglass, an American slave who eventually learned to read and write. He escaped from slavery and began to tell his story, which became very famous for its raw description of the conditions of slavery. Although many think that slaves were the people most affected, Frederick Douglass reveals that the slaveholders were also greatly changed by the institution. In The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Douglass highlights the dehumanizingRead MoreThe Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass947 Words   |  4 PagesTowards the end of chapter ten in The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglas describes how slave owners would make slaves’ holidays miserable. Slave owners did this to manipulate the slaves into believing that th ey are better off in slavery. They would entice slaves to get drunk by placing bets on who could drink the most. When a slave had had enough to drink, he would then ask for something else, but unknowingly receive more alcohol. As a result, slaves would prefer to work in theRead MoreBlessings Of Liberty And Education By Frederick Douglass1518 Words   |  7 Pagesby not having it. –Blessings of Liberty and Education (1894) In Frederick Douglass’ narrative he writes about his childhood memories while he was enslaved including memories from different owners and overseers.He talks about the multiple different plantations he had lived on. He includes his memories of the terrible treatment of his family and fellow slaves as well as memories of being in communications with them. In his narrative, he criticizes many aspects of slavery however he focuses on theRead MoreAnalysis Of Karel Capek s Rossum s Universal Robots1629 Words   |  7 Pagesin R.U.R helps distinguish bet ween robots and humans because when the robots work, they are working for no reason other than because they are ordered to do so by humans. Degrading work is not only found in R.U.R, but also in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and when analyzed, it is possible to determine when work is a meaningful human pursuit and when it is merely dehumanizing slavery, based on the purpose behind it and the humanity of the workers. Throughout Capek’s play, work is

How safe is your school Free Essays

Can schools really be 100% safe for students? I have heard a lot about violent activities that have been happening in schools not only colleges, but elementary schools as well. People are shooting and killing innocent people. â€Å"The National Safety Center believes that schools have the choice to create and maintain safe schools or return to their institutions to safe, secure and effective places of learning†. We will write a custom essay sample on How safe is your school? or any similar topic only for you Order Now So, why are we letting this happen? We need to make some changes to make our schools a safer place for students. There is no reason students should be endangered while in school. I honestly believe that you cannot make every school 100% safe for its students because, schools don’t have enough security and precautions, people are not aware, and students don’t have enough support, or people to talk to one on one. Schools cannot be 100% safe for their students without enough security and precautions. Almost all schools have security such as, locked doors, cameras, and alarms, but that didn’t stop all of the violence that has happened. For example, â€Å"A shooting rampage in this small Connecticut town left 28 people dead, including 20 children killed inside their elementary school, authorities said† known as Sandy Hook. Now obviously, schools were not taking precautions at all. This person went in an Elementary School and killed all those innocent children. I think that if there was security that would of never happened. Maybe if they try new safety tricks, things like this would not happen. What if you had to swipe a student card to get in the premises? Another thought, metal detector would come in handy so that people could not get away with bringing weapons through the doors. There should be no reason why people are being able to get away with killing innocent people in schools without any warning. Yeah, it may cost a little more money to put more security in schools, but its well worth our safety. These people are getting away with killing those innocent students and I think it’s sad to think this person was in that school and no one even noticed him. Another reason why schools cannot be 100% safe is because people aren’t aware as they should be. Half the time people don’t pay that much attention to all the people they see. They wouldn’t know if they go to the school or not. At a lot of schools, the doors are always open. The schools are pretty much welcoming anyone to come in. Especially in colleges, students are allowed to come and go as they please so, how would anyone know who’s coming in or who’s gone all the time. Schools need to have a check and go system or something of the sort. You should always be aware of your surroundings. Also, people talk a lot and we never know if there being serious or not. When someone were to talk about shooting up the school or bombing, most people would probably laugh and think it’s a Joke because, most teenagers especially are caught up more in themselves then other people. People fail to realize the seriousness of violence. We think it would never happen to our school, but we wonder why it is happening to so many. This trend seems to be continuous. I believe schools are targeted a lot because, there is a large amount of people in one place. It is easy for the person committing the crime to take out a bunch of people at once when all in the same area. I think the criminals commit these violent acts in schools because, of personal interest. I believe that they are driven to act out on innocent people by violent video games or following violent acts such as, Hitler. Some people don’t know how to separate what is real and aka in the world. So when playing violent video games all the time could trigger violence in their head, making them want to act out. As for the Hitler act, some people look up to him as an idol and want to follow his footsteps. They feel by harming others, they are honoring him. Or, maybe some people do these violent acts to make an impact. What if they want to be remembered for something and hurting people is the only thing they know in their head what to do that will make them noticed. It’s a cry out for attention. (CNN) â€Å"Twenty-three year old Sung-Huh Choc killed 32 people on he Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University campus in Blackburn, Virginia, before taking his own life†. It makes me wonder why not only did this boy kill all those people, but he killed himself after. What was he thinking? This brings me to another point in which schools need more people available to talk to one on one with students? Now, I know every school has counselors for students to talk to but, some of the counselors don’t have experience that these students need. It’s easier to talk with someone when you can relate to that person. I feel that if students could feel unforgettable talking with a counselor, they could most definitely let out a lot of thoughts in their head, and get more things off their shoulders. I feel that most people don’t feel comfortable talking to a counselor, so maybe if they tried to understand and relate, these students would be more open. Most people act out because, they have know where for these emotions to go, so they Just let them all out in the wrong way related to violence. People think that letting aggression out on others will solve their problems but, it doesn’t. Counselors could really be helping dents with all this to make it a safer place for everyone. I personally think that schools cannot be 100% safe when students are crying out for help and don’t know what direction to go. Everyone needs some type of support in their lives. When you have no one to talk to, you bottle everything up and eventually it’s all going to come out. I really believe that being able to set your mind free of worry or negative thoughts, can and will make a better and safer person. All of these things are ways we can make schools a safer place for students, but it will never be a 100% safe place until these things start to happen. Until we get all this new security and take more precautions were Just opening the doors for more unwelcome visitors. How to cite How safe is your school?, Papers

Across Five Aprils Essay Example For Students

Across Five Aprils Essay In Across FIve Aprils, the character are faced with many difficult decisions, which range from difficult choices on lovr to lyalty. One such example is the decision Bill Creigghton makes. He decided that he wantes to join sides with the Confecderate army, against his areas popular belief to support the Union. Bill decided to do this because, in his belief, and area shouldnt have its way of life taken away from it because of war. This shows that Bill cares about tothers and feel that things that have already been established should stay the way they are. Finally, Shadrach Yale is faced with another difficult decision. He decided that though he could have stayed home witht he things and peopole he loved, he shouold go off to war to fight on the Union front. Shad did this because he felt that he shouldnt be safe at home while other men were out fighting the war. His decision says that Shad is an unselfish person who is couragerous. Another character that must make a difficult decision is Jethro Creighton. He decided not to turn in his courin Eb to the authorities, after he find him in hiding because he is a deserter. Jethro also decieded not to tell his family about it. He finally decided to write Presiden Abraham Lincoln for help. Jethro dosent tell his family about it because he doesnt wat to add another load to their already very heavy burden. He doesnt turn in Eb because he loves his cousin too much to turn him in. THis says about Jethro that hes willing to stay loyal to his family, even if it means breaking the law, as with Eb. He also cares very much about his family because he doesnt want to upset them And hes also willing to go to great pains for eEb, because he writes Abraham Lincoln and he takes on the eomtional burden of dealilng with Eb. All thee characters represent only a portion of those in this novel who sacrifice things dear to them to do what they believe is right.

English Summer Project Essay Essay Example

English Summer Project Essay Essay Connor Johanning English Summer Project A-2 Mrs. Razor The theme for my literacy is that everything has a connection. Such as during the summer, when I was on twitter I saw things regarding the shooting in the movie theater. I also saw news headlines on the subject along with facebook posts. At the time I was reading The City of Bones which is a book about violence and action and heroes. The connection between the book and the news was violence, violence is everywhere today, it has become ingrained in our civilization and is becoming a more regular thing. Back in the 1800s news of shootings outside of war was a very big deal. Nowadays, school shootings go nearly unnoticed after a couple of days, and no one seems to notice that in 24 hours 24 people were killed in shootings in the city of Chicago alone. Violence is a connection that can be seen in nearly everything today. During the school year while I was reading my assignments I noticed it said that hard work pays off in the long run, and that we should work hard once we are assigned a project instead of waiting until the last minute to do the project. We will write a custom essay sample on English Summer Project Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on English Summer Project Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on English Summer Project Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I also saw that in the news there was an article on how hard work in school can help you improve your future life both financially and mentally. Hard work can prepare you for any task that would be hard to do. Hard work is connecting the assignment with the news. There is always a connection between two articles of writing, all literature is intertwined somewhere somehow in our minds. Something I noticed throughout this project is that I tend to read less formally in the summer, because there are less guidelines as far as reading. I can connect this to a web article that claimed that in the summer kids lose about 65-75% of all knowledge they gained over the school year. I found this claim very surprising yet I also find it understandable. Most children are not going to review notes during the summer to review for next years french courses or go over grammatical rules for fun. This is why summer projects are important to the curriculum. They give kids constructive work to do over the summer break that helps them retain some nowledge and habits they gained from last years classes. The last connection that I saw in everything I read was knowledge. In nearly everything people are trying to gain more knowledge. Whether it be the cure for a disease such as cancer or where the closest gas station is, people, whether they know it or not, are constantly consuming information in all ways. People learn from the news where the traffic Jams and road construction zones are. On twitter kids are finding out what everyone is doing and where people are going to hang out. On the web people are being fed information about anything they choose to look up, such as research on muscular dystrophy, or how old Micheal Jackson was when he started problem is people are less worried about retaining knowledge now that you can google anything you want. Connecting is a large part of literature as this project has shown me, I never thought that twitter could be connected to a book written 5 years ago, but never the less it can. Connections help us piece together everything we know, if we only have ne source of knowledge we cant expand that knowledge until further knowledge is gathered. If we have one book on a subject, we can read web articles that may or may not go into further detail, but may also point out other common facts not stated previously. Anything we see somewhere can be found elsewhere. The main connecting piece is our mind, which stores the information that we find and tells us how it shows up in other pieces of literature. Connections are made in everything and are what we use to gain and retain information.

Childhood -LOTF essays

Childhood -LOTF essays Children all over the world hold many of the same characteristics. Most children are good at heart, but at times seem like little mischievous devils. Children enjoy having fun and causing trouble but under some supervision can be obedient little boys an d girls. Everybody, at one time in their lives, was a child and knows what it is like to have no worries at all. Children have their own interests and react to different things in peculiar and sometimes strange ways. For example, children are with Barney and his jolly, friendly appearance without realizing that he is actually a huge dinosaur. In the novel The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, one can see how children react to certain situations. Children, when given the opportunity, wo uld choose to play and have fun rather than to do boring, hard work. Also, when children have no other adults to look up to they turn to other children for leadership. Finally, children stray towards savagery when they are w! ithout adult authority. Therefore, Golding succeeds in effectively portraying the interests and attitudes of young children in this novel. When children are given the opportunity, they would rather envelop themselves in pleasure and play than in the stresses of work. The boys show enmity towards building the shelters, even though this work is important, to engage in trivial activities. Af ter one of the shelters collapses while only Simon and Ralph are building it, Ralph clamours, "All day I've been working with Simon. No one else. They're off bathing or eating, or playing." (55). Ralph and Simon, though only children, are more mature a nd adult like and stray to work on the shelters, while the other children aimlessly run off and play. The other boys avidly choose to play, eat, etc. than to continue to work with Ralph which is very boring and uninteresting. The boys act typically of m ost children their a...

Critically document a game design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Critically document a game design - Essay Example When the activity is set to be a competition where rules are set, then biking will not just be another play but becomes a game. Another essential to consider in games is the goal. There should be an objective for the player to achieve in order to make the game more entertaining and educational at the same time. Instructions & Pretense Crazy Cabbie (mindjolt.com 2010) is the computer game which this paper will be looking into, critiquing the essential elements of a game, whether it met all the requirements or not and what would make it to be a good computer game. It is an interesting game where the pretense is for the player to be a crazy cab driver whose goal is to finish a set distance within the set time. The instruction is given just below the title of the game which makes it easily seen, giving the player the important information before even starting with the game. Somehow, it also serves as a factor attracting players to notice the game. The instruction is clearly stated and ea sily understood even by first time computer game players. Though it is short, it covered all the important things needed for the player/s to know. This is a sign of a good game design. Challenges of the Game Crazy Cabbie is interesting to players because of the challenges it presents and the goal that has been set for the player to succeed in doing. Since the objective of the game is to overcome all the obstacles, which would be the other cabs the cab driver meets on the road in thirty seconds, the player is thrilled to get to the finish line on time and can even make it his personal goal to outrun all the other cabbies in a shorter time than was set. The arrow keys on the keyboard are used to move the cab with the upward arrow key used to accelerate the car and the downward arrow key to decelerate it. The right and left arrow keys on the other hand are used to move the cab to the right or left lane, respectively to avoid other cars that block the player’s car. When all the l anes are blocked, the player’s cab can jump over them through the use of the space bar. Thrill and Technique As the game progresses, more cars blocking the road are presented as obstacles, making it more difficult for the player to reach the finish line on time. The time for each level also is lessened by two seconds every after one level up which keeps the player to be more attentive and creative in maneuvering the car’s moves. The game is said to create an artificial intelligence (Adams 2010) by allowing the player to discover strategies in order to overcome all the obstacles set in the game with the use of all the available moves for the player. For instance, in cases where the three lanes are blocked by three cars on the same level, the player has no other option but to jump over them. The challenge comes when the cars are aligned side by side and in a consecutive fashion. Moreover, the circumstance becomes more challenging when the distance between the cars become s shorter, making it difficult for the player to overtake them when he misses to jump over one of the aligned cars. When the player’s car gets very near the obstacles before jumping, he is not able to have the maneuver succeed because the car needs some space for it not to bump on the other car, causing it to fall back to its original place. The trick then

Educational Services in Community Colleges Coursework

Educational Services in Community Colleges - Coursework Example The contract linking the funder and the services donor is evidenced in an agreement and is applicable for a particular specified given period of time (Taylor 2003; Wang 2000). The contract in management service provides the several advantages in both public and private educational colleges, It includes enhance the efficacy of skills and innovative ideas from the overall public education sector. Management contracts actually empower the managers to take the decisions, lessen the technical issues and union constraints linked with community service empowerment, encouraging the competition level among the all organizations to win the race of contract and promote the education establishments to identify the overall performance criteria so they can transform the contractors if the presentation of performance is unsatisfactory. Professional services also played an important role in the public and private education system, the professional who can provide the teaching training services, delivery of textbooks, the design of syllabus and pure quality services certification, and further miscellaneous services which are satisfactory can be contracting out. The major advantage of these services is to promote the system of public schools and colleges by bringing the private service providers. Other services can be contracted out by providing the education virtually, it can support the overall system of education in the world, for example, government institutes management usually do not promote the canteen and food services at their universities in urbanized countries. Supportive services are essential in both public and private colleges to run the better activities, the maintenance of infrastructure and buildings for academic, the conveyance for students and food services seems to be very expensive in private elite colleges.

Latin American History and Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Latin American History and Politics - Essay Example One of the most remarkable features of the Latino culture concerns the values and perceptions involved with family. Based from Skidmore’s discourse, one is able to understand how this social unit is the source or an influence to its various features and characteristics. The closely-knit Latino communities, the Latino’s perspectives in life, education and relationships – these are all embodied within the larger familial dynamics that permeate in this ethnic group. 3. Cuba casts a very large shadow over Latin America. What is going on in Latin America today?   Is it changing ideologically? How would you describe Cuba’s influence over Latin America?  Ã‚  Is it largely positive or negative?  Ã‚  What is Cuba’s  relationship like with Venezuela?  Ã‚  What has been the long-term impact of Fidel Castro on Cubans and on Latinos overall? I believe that much of the ideological influence that Cuba has had over Latin America could be attributed to Fidel Castro. This was reflected with how scholars see Castro not just as the embodiment of military and political leadership but also of the entire Cuban revolution that have seized the imagination of many in Latin America, inspiring some to launch their and continue their own revolutionary causes (Venegas, 2010, p. 183). In some cases, it is a positive development as such influence steered Latin American countries towards self-determination, as it offered a counter to American influence. The strong bilateral relationship between Cuba and Venezuela demonstrates this point. The latter – in its objective to oppose the US – sought a agreements with military dimensions (Corrales & Romero, 2013, p. 27). On the other hand, it exerted negative impact particularly with the nature and frequency of political conflicts in the region. All in all, without Castro, the Cuban influence is

Implementation of a Marketing Plan

Implementation of a Marketing Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION The present financial crisis has negatively affected not only the US market but also International markets with economies experiencing negative global growth in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and decreases in global consumption levels. Now more than ever, companies (in Trinidad and Tobago) are faced with reformulating their business strategies in order to boost sales volumes by attracting customers through promoting traditional products but providing additional services not previously offered. Companies have to revisit their marketing strategies and implement new marketing plans that will not only create competitive advantage but also experience sustainable competitive advantage. As such the aim of this research is to identify and develop a marketing plan to strengthen Dhookups competitive advantage in Trinidad and Tobagos industry to viably survive in these current situations. Background Origin The company, now known as Dhookup, was originally formed by Mr. Kedelle Greaves in April 2008 to satisfy the growing needs of the working population by providing quality electronic products at a low costs compared to the Trinidad and Tobagos current market where such goods and services were seen as being very costly by customers. Currently, the company is operating at an adhoc basis with no formal marketing structure and Business plan. The Electronic products presently offered by the company are Laptops and Accessories, Desktop Computers, Cellular Phones, Digital Storages Devices, Games and Accessories, Electronic Accessories and Digital Cameras. In May 2009, the founder realise the need to restructure the operations and strategic planning of the company due to the present economic and financial global crisis in order to be remain competitive and viable in Trinidad market. A decision was made to reform the business from a sole proprietor to a partnership by inviting two investors to contribute equal amounts of capital, along with the founder, into the business which will be used to fund any additional investments and strategic future market plans. Snapshot of the Business The company was managed solely by the founder and now is managed equally by all investors with no other employees mainly because the present workflow was not demanding and did not require additional personnel. At present the company operates using a just in time system where, only when a customer wants an item, then the item is sourced and delivered. The customer makes a down payment (usually 50%), and then the order is placed for the item which approximately takes 2-3 weeks to be delivered. At the end of this period the customer collects the item by paying off the balance of the item. Mission Statement Dhookup will continue to be one of the premier electronic product and service provider within Trinidad and Tobago with an emphasis on Customer Relationship Management and timely satisfaction of consumer needs. Strategy Statement The Hook up will pursue a strategy of growth aimed at position the company as one the leading best costs electronic products and service providers in Trinidad and Tobago. SWOT analysis of the company Product and Services The company offers high quality products at an affordable price which is very competitive to the other similar suppliers in the market. Apart from providing competitive prices, consumers are well informed about the technical features and benefits of their desired purchases before any business is conducting by providing detailed information of the products specification, its capabilities and also similar products in the market. The company ensures that the customer is purchasing the correct product to suffice their desired needs and wants. Also, the company provides excellent after sales service customer support that is very unique to Trinidad and Tobagos industry. Customers have a luxury of after sales assistance, at no extra costs, in terms of trouble shooting of products and minor repairs. Any major repairs of electrical items are directed to an external partner who will automatically grant discounts on any services rendered. DHookups Product Mix is as follows: Laptops and Accessories Desktop Computer Cell Phones Digital Storages Devices Games and Accessories Electronic Accessories Digital Cameras Product Line RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Problem Statement The industry In the era of increasing technology advancements, the industry has seen a decrease in barriers to accessing products and services in regional and international markets by individuals and corporations. The public can now access these markets through various tools such as obtaining skyboxes and liaising with various import and export companies. The issues arising from this is that both individuals and companies are faced with the uncertainty of additional costs and risk incurred for importer these items to the local market. More and more companies either shift both the costs and risks involved in such transactions to consumer causing a strike in prices of these goods and services as compared to the international markets and/or an overall decrease in the level of customer service. Costs such as customs duties are not easily predicted due to the fact that as at present there is no formal costing structure on imported goods and services, thus values are determine by the customs department at the point of entry (please see appendix II for excerpt receipt statement). Customers engaging in acquiring skyboxes may be wary due to the uncertainty of the duties imposed on the items and also the risks involved in purchasing items on the internet. This acts as a deterrent to customers leaving them to rely on the local market, where there is limited variety. The Company Dhookup currently advertises based on referrals and recommendation by existing clients and there are no formal marketing strategies in terms of communicating the services provided by the company to the public. A lack of both strategic business and marketing plan has seen the company experience a lot of difficulties that hinders the growth of the business in the industry for both the short and long term. A lack of marketing strategies has contributed to low and inconsistent sales level. Due to the fact that business in generated solely on the referrals, the company does not presently have a huge clientele base and relies on existing customers for repeat purchases. This strategy has proven to be unreliable and needs to be addressed immediately to improve profit levels Brand awareness is one of the key issues and areas that need to be resolved and improved. Customers are unaware of the range of products and services offered by the company and there are no branding strategies initialise in the beginning in the incorporation of the company. Also, a more focussed should be placed on analysing the current and prospective product distribution channels available to the company. The company does not focus in any particular market in terms of advertising and distribution but instead provides products and services where necessary. By not focusing on any one particular target market the company cannot identify what their customers needs are and also what their purchasing patterns are like. Knowing your customer base is one the key areas that should be focused on when looking at what distribution channel is most effective. Objectives The main objectives of this marketing plan are to: Define the Target Market Identify the customer base Improve Brand Awareness. Identify the main competitors Outline a strategy for attracting and keeping customers Outline a financial plan to maintain consistent profit levels and growth As such the purpose of this practicum, in order to accomplish the set companys objectives, is to: Outline the importance and roles of Customer Relationship Management in sustaining competitive advantage Identify the Roles of Branding Identify the Importance and roles of Advertising LITERATURE REVIEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT What is CRM Customer Relationship Management or CRM, according the Ellen Gifford, is focused on the relationship between the firm and its customers. Successful firms build customer relationships by: Satisfying goals between firms and customers, Both Consumers and the organisations has a set of conditions. Establishing and maintaining a positive customer connection Producing positive outcomes for the organisation and the customers. Jill Dyche states â€Å"CRM is defined as the infrastructure that enables the delineation of, and increase in customer value and the correct means by which to motivate valuable customers to remain loyal and indeed buy again.† In todays current marketplace, companies have to focus on the needs and wants of the customer which entails providing excellent customer service to gain competitive advantage over its competitors. Excellent Customer services focuses on providing 24 hour service to customers before, during and after a service has been delivered. According to Turban and Efrain, (2002), â€Å"Customer Service is a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction that is, the feeling that a product or service has met the customer satisfaction.† Customer relationship Management has evolved from a simple market concept representing a refocus of marketing with a greater emphasis on the creation of customer value. The main emphasis has shifted from satisfying customers needs to building long term relationship through value creation process (Evans Laskin, 1994). Improvements in Information Technology in the marketplace has empowered customers with greater and broader knowledge and facilitated the constant exchange of information between buyers and sellers. Firms are now focused on moving closer to customers, understanding their needs and allowing customers to actively shape their own expectation by co-creating value obtaining a strategic customer focus. Buttle (2002), states that CRM is â€Å"the development and maintenance of mutually beneficial long term relationships with strategically significant customers.† It is â€Å"an IT enhanced value process which identifies develops, integrates and focuses the various competencies of the firm to the voice of the customer in order to deliver long term superior customer value, at a profit to well identified existing and potential customer,† (Plakoyiannaki and Tzokas, 2001). Determinants of CRM In order to achieve these synergies between the customer and suppliers (firms) we must highlight what the underlying determinants of CRM are Trust and Value: Trust is defined as the willingness to rely on the ability, integrity and motivation of one company to serve the need of the other company as agreed upon implicitly and explicitly Value is defined as the ability of a selling organisation to satisfy the needs of the customers at a comparatively lower cost or higher benefit than that offered by competitors and measured in monetary, temporal, functional and psychological terms In addition to providing high quality levels of both trust and value, companies must also: Understand Customer needs and problems: This is an ongoing process and should take place before, during and after the sale is completed. Meet their commitments Must be honest: The company should also make sure the customer is always told the truth about the information provided for goods and services provided Have a long term perspective. Focus should be placed on establishing and retaining a long term relationship with the customer Developing customer relationship Successful management of the development process between the firm and the customer would lead to superior long-term performance of the organisation through improved customer retention. Ford et al suggested a relationship development model that consists of five stages: The pre-relationship stage: this is the event that triggers a buyer/supplier (customer/firm) to seek a new business partner The early stage: This is where experience is accumulated between buyer and supplier although a great degree of uncertainty and distance exists The development stage: This is where increased level of transactions lead to a higher degree of commitment and the distance is reduced to a social exchange. The long term stage: This is characterised by th e companies mutual importance to each other. The final Stage: This is where the interaction between the parties becomes institutionalised. According to the model in the early stages both parties are distant from one another but as time goes by the relationship is characterised by increased commitment and cooperation whereas in the later stages interaction decreases as the relationship is institutionalised. As with the life cycle model, the time span of each stage varies and it is difficult to predict how long both parties will remain in that stage before moving on or decide to not move at all and relinquish the relationship. As seen in the both models when the relationship enters the decline phase, both cooperation and the level of commitment and cooperation drops significantly. Firms are now faced with the task of attracting and retaining new and existing customers by ensuring that they maintain their positive relationship with customers through effective customer relationship management. Functions of CRM The functions of customer relationship management can be direct and indirect. Direct functions of CRM refer to profit, volume and safeguard as opposed to indirect functions which includes innovation, market, scout and success. In terms of CRM, direct functions are the basic requirements of the company that are necessary to survive in the competitive marketplace and the indirect functions are actions necessary to convince the customer to engage or participate in various marketing activities (Earl D. Honeycutt et al 2003) Profitability This distinguishes between the profitable customer who provides the firm with a positive cash flow and a high volume customer who helps the firm achieve economies of scale Volume this secures the necessary breakeven position of the firm and enables the firm to operate on a profit making basis Safeguard This improves the costs efficiency of a supplier and provides stability and control in sales in a dynamic marketplace. Innovation This allows products and processes to be developed together in order to improve the value of the offering to the customer. Market This wins customer support through referrals/recommendations when entering new markets and establishing new commercial and personal relationships Scout This results in market information gathered by customers and communicated to the supplier earlier than would have be known Access This refers to the help received from customers experience and networking when the firm interacts with authorities and trade associations. (Earl D. Honeycutt et al 2003) Though the functions of Customer Relationship Management is clearly outlined above, firms have different prospective on CRM on the whole. Some firms focus on CRM because they are driven by gaining competitive advantage as opposed to others who are view CRM as an opportunity to improve the relationship with another company to minimise the effects of market volatility. No matter what the firms objectives and goals are in utilising CRM tools, the models they choose must support these objectives by improving the overall relationship between the firm and the customer. This is accomplished by adding value to the customers experience. Evan and Laskin 1994 introduced a model of relationship selling that evidently differentiates between three underlying and fundamental components: Relationship inputs, relationship outcomes and assessment. According to the model, effective relationship management is understanding customer expectation, building service partnership with customers, empowering employees to fulfil customer needs and providing the best quality to customers to satisfy their respective needs (introduction of Total Quality Management (TQM). If implemented in the most effective manner these inputs would lead to positive outcomes such as improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and increased customer perception of the firms product and services, which in turn would affect the firms profit. Of course the opposite applies if these inputs are not successfully implemented. The assessment state integrates two components, customer feedback and integration. Firms should engage in customer feedback mechanism to ensure at all times customer needs are being addressed and met. The firm should ensure that the relationship marketing processes is integrated into the strategic planning framework in order to align it to the firm s overall goals and objectives. Smith and Barclay 2003 identified a standard model for building effective customer relationship based on some key factors; Interdependence, Cooperation and mutual trust. The model highlights that both the customer and supplier perceive interdependence as the channel to cooperate and also the motivation to exchange a level of trust and commitment. Mutual Trust and Cooperation contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the relationship creating relationship dynamics. As the relationship grows and develops into a partnerships (maturity stage) both parties shares similar and agreed objectives and visions maximising the effectiveness of the relationship. Apart from the models highlighted above aimed to improving the relationships between both parties through CRM, Parasuraman et al (1996) also introduced the â€Å"GAP† model of service quality by identifying five major gaps that face organisation to meet customers expectation of the customers experience. BRANDING ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION METHODOLOGY Market Research is an objective, systematic collection and analysis of data representing a particular target market, environment and competition incorporating some form of data collection, either primary or secondary. The following key areas would be focused on in this section: Research design Target population and Sample Data Collection Technique Validity and reliability of the research Research Design The research design of the practicum depends on the extent to which the theory highlighted is derived. There are two types of research design; Deductive approach: Where you develop a theory and hypothesis (or hypotheses) and design a research strategy to test the hypothesis or Inductive approach: Where you collect data and develop the theory as a result of your data analysis (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2007), For the purpose of this research a deductive approach will be used. According to Robson (2002) there are five sequential stages through which deductive research will progress: Deducing a hypothesis from the theory (a testable proposition about the relationship between two or more concepts or variables). Testing the hypothesis in operational terms (i.e. indicating how the concepts or variables are to be measured). Relationships between two or more specific concepts or variables are proposed. Testing the operational hypothesis. Examining the specific outcome of the inquiry (confirming the theory or indication modification is needed) If necessary, modify the theory. Though the deductive approach is usually affiliated with the quantitative research design, this practicum would utilise a mixed approach design, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative approaches in gathering data through discussions, observations and questionnaires. The research design will be a descriptive study in order to portray an accurate profile of events and situations and to gain deeper insights into the main topic highlighted. The descriptive study, also known as the statistical approach, describes data and characteristics of the population being sampled by answering the questions who, what, where, when and how. The research was also designed in such a way to determine the spending habits of the targeted population with respect to age, gender and social disposition by gathering primary data. It also tested the participants knowledge of the industry and the perceived factors affecting Demand and Supply for the electronics products locals and internationally. Research Techniques As stated previously, the information gathered from the research was primary data, using research techniques such as Surveys and Observations of consumers and similar suppliers in the domestic market. The Survey was conducted through Eighty five (85) Questionnaires distributed and returned from a random sample of a targeted population. The questionnaire allowed the researcher the opportunity to answer who, what, where and how through various questions posed to the participants therefore using the desired descriptive research design. The survey would also allow the researcher to collect quantitative data to be analysed quantitatively and also collecting the data to suggest possible relationships between two or more variables which can be explored through existing models. The questionnaire tested the participants on various areas such as: The knowledge of customers in the market The online shopping awareness of customer The factors that affect the demand for products and services in the said market. Customer satisfaction Etc. Both techniques were also considered to be highly economical due to the constraints of the project both in time and financing as it can be quickly administered at low cost to the researcher. Sample and Population A random sample was taken from a population consisting of both UWI and Authur Lok Jack Students. Each participant was randomly selected and approached face to face by the researcher at different locations of the respected campuses. At the University of West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, random samples were taken from students entering the food court at lunch time to capture the heavy influx of students and also at the pickup area in the afternoon. At Arthur Lok Jack Graduate school of Business candidates were approached at the front desk during the evening sessions to capture the majority of students from different disciplines. Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of business and the University of the West Indies students were chosen as the population mainly because they were seen as the ideal target market based on past and current purchases and demand trends. Credibility and Validity of the research Participants had a clear understanding of the purpose of the questions posed in the questionnaire and its objectives. Each questionnaire was distributed by the researcher in order to prepare for in any unforeseen problems arising from misinterpretation of the questions and as well explanations of the various terminologies used. It was felt that the researcher would be best person to answer any of these questions at any moment notice. Also, the questions were structured in order to facilitate the ease of completion of the form by ensuring that all questions were concise and straight to the point.

Becoming a Better Reader Essay -- Education Reading Academics

Reading is believed by some academia to be the most important activity that a student could do to go ahead in academic pursuit. Some research claimed that many people take reading for granted in their developmental stage. Due to this fact, few learners cannot read properly because they claim they do not enjoy reading. In my observation, not only is effective reading important but to read with comprehension (recall of read text) and for pleasure. The constant engagement with reading for pleasure might sensitize the desire to read. Controlled studies for people with specific learning disabilities recommend SQ4R reading strategy to support people to learn how to read. SQ4R could be considered as a versatile literacy strategy that engrosses students in the processing of information prior to reading, during reading and after reading. It could be used in all subject areas that consider content materials critically. This applies to all types of texts and cut across all sources of information. SQ4R might lead to flexible reading pattern. Flexibility in reading is extremely very important. It is crucial to examine flexible reading as, reading different types of materials. Materials like articles, novel, periodic, journals, and newspapers could build different strategies and approach that would be adapted to different reading styles. SQ4R method is accepted to have the propensity to improve comprehension and academic grades. It could also help student’s make meaning from text in the following ways. Using the SQ 4R strategies prior to reading – will helps to preview texts and establish the reading purpose. The more refine the purpose of investigation is the better the depth of research. SQ4R strategies while reading – help to monitor and ... ...lay the importance of SQ4R. They may either use it unconsciously and claimed they don’t use it. The good thing about the SQ4R reading method is that it gives a better understanding of academic material. It also helps to improve memory. A student is properly geared to focus on the specific area of research by using the Q-question strategy. The R which stand for reflect/relate helps to bridge the gap of old and new information in the memory. A student will always have an accurate fact and current in line with the given area of reasoning. In the end reading will encourage students to read material for both academic reason and for pleasure. Bibliography Forsyth, K. H. (2000). The Effect of self-Reference on learning and Retention. Teaching of psychology , p.269. Hulme, c., & Snowling, m. (1994). Reading Development and Dyslexia. London: Whurr publishers Ltd.