Rise and fall of marks and Spencer Essay Example

Rise and fall of marks and Spencer Essay When Michael Marks established a penny bazaar in mid 1880s, it was the beginning of a British success story that no one could have predicted. Marks Spencer Group (MS) has been a legendary organisation for over a century. However, after years of success, the retailing giant showed an alerting signal. This study provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the changes at MS from mid 1980s to 2002 and the results of its managements endeavours. This is undertaken by scanning through the history of MS and its background. Strategic tools like SWOT analysis, PEST analysis , Porters five model industry analysis , BCG Matrix and the Value Chain analysis are used to evaluate the whole spectrum of factors that contributed to the rise and decline of Marks and Spencer. An attempt is also made to suggest future strategies to be adopted to regain the lost ground. MS Background The company was started in Leeds in 1884 by Michael Marks , a Russian immigrant. Ten years later , Tom Spencer joined partnership with Marks and MS was born (Beaver, 1999). Their partnership had all the components of success, uniting entrepreneurial flair with the commercial expertise required to create a string of Penny Bazaars (Christopher, 2001). In the 1920s, the business exercised a revolutionary policy of buying directly from manufacturers rather than going through wholesalers. These unique relationships with suppliers gave the business an advantage and convenience that few of its competitors could match. We will write a custom essay sample on Rise and fall of marks and Spencer specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Rise and fall of marks and Spencer specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Rise and fall of marks and Spencer specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The growth of MS was fast and in 1926 it was listed in the London Stock Exchange as a public company (Whitehead, 1994). Two years later, Simon Marks took over the reins of MS from his father. He introduced the St. Michael brand , a symbol of excellence and quality. In 1930s, MS flagship store was opened at Marble Arch, London. Afterwards, food departments, which sold canned products, were introduced into the company. Moreover, MS started to made forays into the foreign markets in 1970s and had a mixed success in its foreign operations. It opened its first overseas store in Canada in 1973 and then the expansion continued in Europe (Daniels, 1995). It also exported its St. Michael brand merchandise to franchised stores in seventeen countries. This environmental analysis generates information which is structured and directed in a meaningful way for marketing and strategic planning process with respect to the present and anticipated situations. The internal environments are explored using the strength and weaknesses where as the opportunities and threats are analyzed for the external. The detailed factors that characterizes the strengths , weaknesses , opportunities and threats are listed as Appendix I. PEST Analysis Through the PEST analysis the external macro environment is explored. Here factors pertaining to the political, economical socio-cultural and technological aspects are looked into. Political The stability of the present labour government, its taxation policies, anti monopolistic policies, the employment laws and the formation of the competition commission so on are having a direct impact on the retail industry as well as M S. Mergers and acquisitions are not encouraged and hence thoroughly investigated. Because of the presence of the strong trade unions the companies are not in a position to introduce operation simplification just as the legendary Marks could introduce it in Marks and Spencer, immediately after the Second world war. As such firms have had to adapt to wage rises and have been forced to find other ways to lower costs. Supermarkets such as Tesco have in the past reduced costs by exploiting suppliers by taking advantage of their strong buyers bargaining power. Farmers in particular have been the subject of such exploitation though the governments competition commission has since attempted to rectify the situation by introducing a code of practice (BBC online 2001, Supermarkets code too weak ) Economic Corporation tax is currently 30% for large firms. Tax credit is allowed for research and development. Inflation and interest rates are at reasonable level with positive indicators in GNP growth rate. Even though recessionary trends are speculated about its drastic effects are not yet perceptibly seen in the economy. Of course the economy show signs of weakening. The underlying rate of inflation was 2.3% for March 2002. The Bank of England is attempting to keep inflation below 2.5% and hopes to prevent a rise in interest rates. A rise in interest rates will complicate any financing decisions and may hinder any long-term investments as it will increase the cost of debt as such alternative forms of investment such as equity become a more desirable form of investment though historically equity finance is seldom used for financing long term objectives due to the fact that it can be very costly and will dilute shareholder control. For the past two years the prediction of an impending recession has loomed large though this has not happened. Many economists predict an imminent recession. If that prediction is proved correct , history dictates that , in times of recession , consumers will be more price sensitive and less likely to purchase high priced goods due to a lack of disposable income. Socio-cultural Current trends suggest that over the last 10 years there has been a large rise in the popularity of bulk buying , with food items in particular being bought in bulk. Moreover there has been a increase in demand for convenient foods such as sandwiches and microwave meals. The impact of September 11th in conjunction with the rise of charity initiatives suggest that many people are likely to adopt a more sympathetic view to world problems and thus greater importance is likely to be placed on corporate responsibility and charity initiatives. Though Tesco and Gap practices in the past have been deemed irresponsible and yet their profit was not adversely affected. Technological The ever-increasing popularity of the Internet and the advent of broadband technology has resulted in many firms now offering online services allowing for home shopping. The use of intricate computer systems has enabled firms to automate and accelerate many procedures previously done by hand. Linked system have also enabled easier account collection, statistical analysis and identification of demographic data Porters Five Model Industry Analysis The widely accepted and commonly used Porters five model industry analysis rests upon the industry dynamics which in turn are influenced by the forces of macro and micro environments. This analysis is not one of activity alone but an on-going process. These forces exercise relative power at a point of time and it is really important to identify which of these five forces are the key forces at operation and evolve a strategy to position itself to take advantage of the opportunities and over come the threats. Because of the dynamic nature of these forces the analysis is to be repeated on an on-going basis so as to deprive of the potential competitors to overtake , regain , sustain and improve the market share and growth as the situation demands. The threats from the New entrants , buyers and suppliers bargaining power , substitutes and competitive rivalry are analyzed and shown in Appendix II Porters 5 forces model suggests that when buyers exert a high degree of choice and are able to choose from a variety of substitutes product quality, price, product differentiation and branding are likely to become prevalent factors as concerns the success of a firm. As such this is likely to be common within the market MS operates as there is a high degree of competition incurred in direct and indirect forms meaning buyers (customers) will have a high degree of choice thus firms must cater to this in the manners outlined above. Additionally the fickle nature of the fashion industry i.e. product life cycle is low due to ever changing fashion trends means that a quick and efficient response to customer demand can critically affect the degree of success a firm experiences. Additionally an awareness of future environmental conditions can be of vital importance to a firms success as the importance of price, product quality branding and differentiation can vary greatly within different cir cumstances. I.e. during a period of recession price becomes a prevailing factor, which is likely to dictate customer choice. Whereas during a period of prosperity quality and brand become dominant factors. The Core Competences Critical Success factors and Competitive Advantage Core competences arises from the unique and distinctive way that M S builds, develops , integrates and deploys its resources and competences. It can be evaluated like this. M S has a clear customer focus. Because of the inbuilt , robust competences the uniqueness of M S cannot be easily imitated. With regard to its flexibility this is one area in which M S did not respond timely in adequate measure. They lagged behind other competitors in adapting to the changes in the market or industry conditions. The company has paid a bitter price for this laxity. The extent to which value is added to the product/service is quite is good. Finally, with respect to sustainability M S could not retain the tempo of its momentum and march even though it is still the market leader. The critical success factors and core competences are pictorially depicted and is shown in Appendix III. Competitive Advantage M S could attain competitive advantage by developing and implementing these distinctive resources capabilities and competences. The strategies adopted after the great fall of 1998 enabled M S to regain its lost territory. The competitive advantage of M S can be explained in terms of its reputation for quality ,its special relationships with its suppliers and its customers. M S has a very exacting but mutually profitable relationship with the suppliers. It demands high quality at reasonable cost and flexibility in return for large volume of business. Its relationship with the customers is based upon its reputation for good service , refunds , exchange of goods and high quality value for money goods. Real competitive advantages take longer to build and last longer. M S has the best brands on high street. The customers associates with the company with dependability and value for money. The employees are always a privileged lot resulting in their high involvement and commitment. In the end result it has a performance that is superior to most of its high street competitors.

Free Essays on Sufism

â€Å"Sufism, is the notion of possessing nothing and being possessed by nothing,† (Waines, p.138), is the basis of Farid Ud-Din Attar’s The Conference of the Birds. Just as a Sufi is in search of God, the birds are on a Path to find the Simorgh. In order to reach the Simorgh they must complete the seven valleys, which is a metaphor to the steps on the Way (Tariqa) of Sufism. The Path begins with repentance, which requires one to give up one’s will and take on the will of God. One must also reject traditional dualism, which is the idea that God is not just light or not just good and understand that God is everything. Next, one needs to destroy the Self and understand Unity. â€Å"Through this step one reaches a state of where all temptations are overcome, then you are free to perform the next step, Love,† (Waines, p.137). Love in this sense is a vision of God, a â€Å"painful, humiliating love† as mentioned by professor Aslan. A love never r eturned because one will surrender their love to the beloved. Finally, one reaches Fana, which is a state of spiritual intoxication and one realizes that everything is one and contains divine Unity. As seen in the video, I am a Sufi I am a Muslim, in this state one can loose control. The best time to die for a Sufi is during this feeling of ecstasy, since they are closest to God. Through his poetry, Attar expresses to men/women Tariqa, by focusing on the necessity of destroying the Self and the importance of passionate love. This is comparable to the hoopoe that acts as the birds Sheikh, and guides them through the Valleys to reach the Simorge. Repentence requires one to drop one’s own will and enter the will of God, so that one becomes entirely devoted to God, (Waines, p.143). In the story of the The king who stopped at the prison gates, the hoopoe explains the need to sacrifice your will to the first bird who accepts his leadership. The king realizes that his prisoners show obed... Free Essays on Sufism Free Essays on Sufism â€Å"Sufism, is the notion of possessing nothing and being possessed by nothing,† (Waines, p.138), is the basis of Farid Ud-Din Attar’s The Conference of the Birds. Just as a Sufi is in search of God, the birds are on a Path to find the Simorgh. In order to reach the Simorgh they must complete the seven valleys, which is a metaphor to the steps on the Way (Tariqa) of Sufism. The Path begins with repentance, which requires one to give up one’s will and take on the will of God. One must also reject traditional dualism, which is the idea that God is not just light or not just good and understand that God is everything. Next, one needs to destroy the Self and understand Unity. â€Å"Through this step one reaches a state of where all temptations are overcome, then you are free to perform the next step, Love,† (Waines, p.137). Love in this sense is a vision of God, a â€Å"painful, humiliating love† as mentioned by professor Aslan. A love never r eturned because one will surrender their love to the beloved. Finally, one reaches Fana, which is a state of spiritual intoxication and one realizes that everything is one and contains divine Unity. As seen in the video, I am a Sufi I am a Muslim, in this state one can loose control. The best time to die for a Sufi is during this feeling of ecstasy, since they are closest to God. Through his poetry, Attar expresses to men/women Tariqa, by focusing on the necessity of destroying the Self and the importance of passionate love. This is comparable to the hoopoe that acts as the birds Sheikh, and guides them through the Valleys to reach the Simorge. Repentence requires one to drop one’s own will and enter the will of God, so that one becomes entirely devoted to God, (Waines, p.143). In the story of the The king who stopped at the prison gates, the hoopoe explains the need to sacrifice your will to the first bird who accepts his leadership. The king realizes that his prisoners show obed...

One written project on the theme of one selected characteristic Essay

One written project on the theme of one selected characteristic associated with the Business Entrepreneur and researched in the context of one noteworthy entrep - Essay Example But anybody can be an entrepreneur if one has the thirst to achieve the goals. The era of globalization and the easy availability of information have opened up innumerable opportunities as never before. There is a considerable increase in the number of people who venture out of their comfort zones and explore new arenas to experience the challenges of entrepreneurship. What are the factors that motivate ordinary people to do extraordinary things What are the characteristics that make people to change the way things are done and to contribute to the development of the mankind These are some very interesting questions which have been attempted to answer by people across the world. This essay focuses on entrepreneurship and characteristic features of entrepreneurs that helps them to be successful in their ventures. A general survey of the available literature on entrepreneurship and an analysis of the characteristics of one entrepreneur, in this case, Mr. Bill Gates, is included. The purpose of this essay is to understand the psychological makeup of en entrepreneur, which will be very useful to groom ourselves into entrepreneurs. To understand the characteristics of entrepreneurs, first we should know what is entrepreneurship and who is an entrepreneur. In his publication, Carton1(1998), has taken the idea from Peter Drucker that entrepreneurship is a practice. He mentions that entrepreneurship begins with action, the creation of a new organization. This organization may or may not become self-sustaining and in fact may never earn significant revenues. But, when individuals create a new organization, they have entered the entrepreneurship paradigm. The antecedents such as the scanning of the environment for opportunity, the identification of the opportunity to pursue, the evaluation of the feasibility of the new venture, the individual traits, characteristics, prior experience, knowledge, and education of the entrepreneur, the impact of role models, environmental munificence, and societal values are considered by the entrepreneur and all of these factors influence new venture formation and should be included in the entrepreneurship paradigm. However, entrepreneurs do not just plan. They act. It is this action that distinguishes them. Accordingly, without the creation of a new venture, entrepreneurship has not occurred. Hence, we should first understand that an entrepreneur is a person who acts. Paul Andrews2, biographer of Bill Gates, mentions that Bill Gates had the ability to look at software as a separate component from hardware. Until then, software was seen as a component of computer. Bill Gates is the Entrepreneur of the Millennium because of the way in which he built up on a new idea. The innovation makes the difference in the way people live and act across the world. In their Personal Interest, Attitude & Value (PIAV) survey, Gavin Devereux and Evan Popplestone (2001)3 mention that the major factor that motivates people to venture out into the paradigm of entrepreneurship is the Utilitarian attitude. 79.59% of the respondents had placed it on the top and this suggests that the overwhelming motivating factor for Entrepreneurs is to utilize and gain a return on their investment of time, talent and resources. The next factor that was mentioned by most of the entrepreneurs studied was the need for individualism and this suggests that Entrepreneurs are also motivated by a strong desire to personally advance, express Individualism and be in control

Mental Health Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Mental Health Promotion - Essay Example Moreover, results achieved by exercising these activities have also been critically evaluated in the light of evidence-based supports. In order to ensure confidentiality the author has supposed the patient name as â€Å"Tomas†. The Data Protection Act (1998) states, â€Å"Nurses must protect patient’s privacy and Confidentiality.† The NHS Plan (2000) highlights that confidentiality must be ensured during a patient’s assessment. According to NMC (2008), ensuring a person’s confidentiality gives you respect. Mental health is the emotional resilience which enables us to enjoy life and to survive pain, disappointment and sadness. It is a positive sense of well-being and an underlying belief in out own dignity and worth (Health Education Authority, 2000). Mental Health Promotion has a wide range of health and social benefits including increased emotional resilience, improved physical health participation, higher productivity and greater social inclusion (Department of Health, 2001). Cattan and Tilford (2006) looked at mental health promotion as the process of enhancing the capacity of individuals to take control over their lives and improve their mental health. It uses strategies that foster supportive environments and individual resilience, while showing respect for equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity. Mental Health promotion is an umbrella term that covers a variety of strategies, all aiming at having a positive effect on mental health. Health is a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being, and not only the absence of disease or infirmity. The Department of health (2001) described mental well being as being influenced by many factors including genetic inheritance, childhood experiences, life events, individual ability to cope and levels of social support, as well as factors like adequate housing, employment, financial security and access to appropriate health care. Mann, et al (2004) consi dered the focus on self-esteem as the core element of mental health promotion and the fruitful basis for a broad spectrum approach. According to Department of health (2001) mental health promotion works as three levels relevant to the whole population. Individuals are strengthened through the promotion of self-esteem, life and coping skills for example, communicating and relationships. Communities are strengthened, through increasing social inclusion and participation, improving neighborhood environments, developing health and social services which support mental health. Standard one of the National Service Framework for mental health aims to ensure that health and social services promote mental health and reduce the discrimination and social exclusion associated with mental health problems (Barker 2003). According to the National Service Framework (NSF, 1999) standard one mental health promotion states that health and social services, should promote mental health for all, working w ith individuals and communities, The NSF was put into place to ensure quality and the standard of care throughout the service. NMC (2008) states that nurses have a duty to care and support people in caring for themselves to improve and promote their health. In order to deliver this care an understanding of mental health and mental health pro

Expanding To Emerging Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Expanding To Emerging Market - Assignment Example This paper therefore investigates the various factors that justifies reasons for choosing emerging markets for investment and also looks critically into factors that must be taken before making such a move. The motivation for most global enterprises to expand to emerging markets relative to other growth oriented options is highly justified in the response that various emerging markets are giving to such new expansions that are coming from the emerging markets. Commonly, emerging markets were tagged as places of inactive global business because of the absence of needed infrastructure to be engaged in competitive globalised business orientation. But this phenomenon which dates back to the pre-2000s could be said to be a thing of the past especially when the argument is made in terms of technological advancement (Kanter, 2008). One factor that remains an open secret about globalised enterprise expansion is that most of these corporations that go into these forms of expansions depend gre atly on the power of the internet. This is because a lot of them engage in proactive virtual business engagements that require the exchange of communication, ideas, logistics and resources via the use of information systems and information technology. As emerging markets, especially those in African and the Middle East open themselves up for such forms of virtual business operations to take place and still hold on to their core economic principles as providing investor friendly environments for business, multinational corporations have no other option than to include these areas in their global expansion agenda. Having justified the importance of including an emerging market as a strategic option for global enterprise expansion, it is important to note that the actual act of moving into an emerging market must take place as a process rather than an event. What this means is that the act of moving must be characterized by series of preparations and planning that are focused and aimed at achieving a sustainable expansion program (Bremmer, 2005). Key among the processes that precede the movement must be a need for critical decision making to take place. As part of the decision making process, four key steps will be outlined for following. The first of this shall be a market feasibility study, which shall help in making decisions on the forecasted viability of the new movement. The second is a business strategic option that will be suitable for the proposed destination, whether it would be a focused option, differentiation strategy or cost leadership (Kim, 2008). Thirdly, decision shall be made on implementation approach to know the best form of implementation approach to use, noting that the presence of competitors allows for the need to have an entrant approach that readily catches the attention of consumers. Finally, an evaluation program that helps in taking decision on the workability of the plan shall be instituted. Whiles writing on the decision making proc esses, the issue of strategic option came up. Specifically on this, there are very important considerations that any company would want to make as a means of meeting the customised needs of consumers. From this perspective, two major considerations will be expanded, which are the bargaining power of consumers and the quest for differentiate products and services from consumers. For the former, the

Comparing Politics In The Us And Saudi Arabia Politics Essay

Comparing Politics In The Us And Saudi Arabia Politics Essay A political system is the system of the government and usually the government works to develop their political system. In most countries, the political system has some weaknesses and strengths points because nothing can be perfect also; it has some similarities and differences between countries to other country. Countries success depends on the political system because the political system is significant to development the country. United States is one of greatest countries on the earth because it has superior political system. Although Saudi Arabia does not compare with success of United States, they are attempting to be more achievement in the world. The political systems of United States and Saudi Arabia have some similarities and differences. United states and Saudi Arabia have a competent authority to discuses and give the rules for the country. In United States, the Congress has the power to formulate the rule. The Congress decides the rule to be appropriate for the government and they decide to improve their country to be more powerful and successful. For instance, after the war between United States and Vietnam, the Congress decided to stop the conscription because it did not help the country. The Congress put the rules appropriate for society because United States is multicultural and multi-religions country. The religion sometime against some rules but the Congress decides to be away of problems. In Saudi Arabia, Majles Alshora has the right to make the rules. Majles Alshora decides the rules suitable with Islamic religion. For example, Saudi Arabia has capital punishment because it is part of Islamic religion also, everything is close at the pray times accept hospitals and clinics so it is close five times a day. M ajles Alshora makes the rules suitable for society but it has to be compatible with Islamic religion. For instance, they have free education and they give students wages to encourage them to study because the knowledge is part of Islamic religion. In conclusion, the rules in United States and Saudi Arabia have the same way to decide it. The foreign relations of United States and Saudi Arabia are similar to each other because, they have diplomatic relations with most countries. United States has diplomatic relations with most countries and it has problems with some countries in the Middle East so, United States has perfect relations with most countries with the exception of Middle East. For instance, it has great relation with United Kingdom, France, Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, United States is fighting the terrorism especially in the Middle East so, United States has some war in the Middle East. For instance, it has war with Iraq because they said Iraq was terrorist country also, it has war in Afghanistan because they are fighting Al-Qaida and many countries help them to end the terrorist in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has diplomatic relations with most countries also; it has problems with some countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has a political relation with most European, Asian, African and American countries so; they have political relation with most countries because Saudi Arabia has petrol and every country needs the petrol because it is the main energy source in the world. However, Saudi Arabia has some problems with some countries in the Middle East such as Iran and Israel because, Iran helps the terrorist people in Saudi Arabia and there is a religion problem with Israel. In conclusion, United States and Saudi Arabia have the same foreign relations because the political relations with most countries accept in the Middle East. In spite of these similarities, these two Countries have some differences. The leadership in United States and Saudi Arabia has huge differences because United States has presidential system and Saudi Arabia has a monarchy system. The president of United States is the chief of States and government and has the highest political official by influence and recognition the United States. People have the right to vote for their president in United States because this is United States policy. Every four years the citizen vote for president. The president should lead the country for four years or eight years. For instance, the citizen in United States voted for George W. Bush before he leaded the country for four years and, when his four years has finished, the citizen voted for him again however, he cannot be president of United States because he was president for eight years. But on the other hand, Saudi Arabia has totally different leadership system because Saudi Arabia has monarchy system. Saudi Arabia has royal family and the king has to be from the royal fam ily of Saudi Arabia. The first king of Saudi Arabia was king Abdul-Aziz bin Abdurrahman because he was the Saudi Arabias founder. Before he died, he established his son Saud to be the king Of Saudi Arabia. The king leads the country until he dies and the royal family chooses one to lead the country. For instance, King Fahad bin Abdul-Aziz had been the king of Saudi Arabia for twenty three years until he died after that the royal family had chosen his brother Abdulla to be king and he is the king of Saudi Arabia until now. In short, There are quite differences between Unites States and Saudi Arabia in the leadership because, the system in United States is presidential and kingdom in Saudi Arabia. The other different between the political system of United States and Saudi Arabia is the economy. United States and Saudi Arabia have the larger economy in the world but they have differences in the economic system. United States has a capitalist mixed economy so; United States economy depends on industrial. United States has many of largest company in many things in the world such as vehicles manufacturing, computer companies and aircrafts factories. However, The companies have been dropping since the last global financial crises that affected most countries and companies. For instance, General Motors is one of greatest companies and it is Americans company also the government supports it but it affected by the last global financial crises. United States encourages the population to have their own business to increase the United States economy because economic of the country depends on the public business. But on the other hand, Saudi Arabia has an Islamic economy system so the Isl amic economy system is what written in the Quran and also Saudi Arabias economy depends on petrol. The economy of Saudi Arabia is one of the greatest countries because of the petrol moreover Petrol is abundantly in Saudi Arabia. Although the last global financial crises had affected most countries, Saudi Arabia had made outrageous profit because the price of oil had reached into the highest level. Saudi Arabia exports the petrol to many countries on the world because it exports more than eight millions barrel per a day. In conclusion, some countries have differences in economic system and United States and Saudi Arabia are one of these countries. The political system of United States and Saudi Arabia: different, yet alike. Although the two countries differ in many parts such as diverse in the economic system and command system adopted various between them. In addition, the difference assist to have some similarities because there are no countries has entirely different. However, there are some similarities between United States and Saudi Arabia in many parts at the political system for example the two countries has the same foreign relation specially in the Middle East and the most important resemblance is the competent authority to establish the rules.

How Does Iago Persuade Othello Essay -- essays research papers

In Act 3 Scene 3, how does Iago persuade Othello of Desdemona’s supposed infidelity? Act 3 Scene 3 is, arguably, the most important scene in the entire play, for it is the point of no return. It is as if for the entire beginning of the play you were pushing a huge boulder up a steep mountain, and in this scene you reach the top, and push it down the other side, helpless to stop it. This is how I see the action in Othello. Iago spends the whole time plotting, and conspiring with the audience, and in this scene you can actually pinpoint the line where he finally pushes Othello over the edge. Iago manages this in several ways, through imagery, ‘sewing the seed’ in Othello’s mind, and reverse psychology. However all of these ways boil down to one thing, Iago, throughout the play, plays on Othello’s own insecurities about race, and Desdemona. Iago’s language throughout the scene is very rich and amazingly descriptive so much so that it actually acts as a projector, projecting vivid, clear pictures into the audience’s, and more importantly, Othello’s mind. This is more evident in the later part of the scene, and there is one particular speech I wish to isolate. Iago’s speech, lines 407 to 423, is where the richest image is created in the scene. He is describing a night through which he lay with Cassio, and witnessed a so-called dream. In this dream, Cassio is meant to have said “S...

Principles of Marketing: Individual Assignment Essay

‘Healthcare Marketing: What is Salient? ’ was written by Mary J. Kay from School of Business, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA. The purpose of the research is to develop a perspective on what is â€Å"salient† or critical to the discipline of healthcare marketing by analyzing and contrasting the consumer perspective with the organizational perspective. Based on the research report, in a complex institutional environment there is an existence of healthcare marketing. The difference of healthcare system in organizational and business structure significantly affect many priorities. In healthcare system, marketing significantly affect it. Thus, marketing are important and can play a role in the healthcare system – it provide the healthcare service and at the same time aiding the health information for consumer. The healthcare organizations usually will face many types of marketing problems due to organization and technology issues; and changes of health problem. So, this research discussed about the salient issues that are faced by healthcare marketing practitioner through contrasting it with consumer or patient perspective to the organizational perspective. From the consumer viewpoint, healthcare issues are important for them. The salient issues are framed in terms of cost and quality. The consumers are depending upon ‘trusted experts’ to evaluate the quality of the health services. The consumers need the quality of health services since they do not have any knowledge regarding the quality of health services. In their health decision, they are reluctant to accept lower quality of health services. Thus, critical or life-sustaining care should never be perceived by healthcare organizations because if they do, it will put a risk to organization’s reputation. For many critical treatment choices, consumer or patient always confront a lack of accessible of information to decide which brings the most benefits for them. In addition, there are many advanced technology that made new choices in testing that contribute to further decision dilemma. Also, choice is increasingly constrained by increasing in health insurance plans or national health programs. Thus, consumers need assistance to understand the critical components of medical care and regarding their decision. The pricing of the healthcare services is usually frustrating from the consumer perspective. High billings are especially troubling to the consumer or patients. Without a doubt, the quality, cost, and effectiveness of healthcare systems are complex interrelated matters that are difficult to understand. From the healthcare organization viewpoint which also involves doctors and staff, they are the ones who work harder to provide quality service, armed with medical knowledge and faced changing medical procedures. Quality is the main healthcare organizational priority but priority can be manifested differently in different healthcare organizations. The problems in fulfilling the demand of quality are difficult. There is some way that improving healthcare quality which is the doctor can be guided by good scientific practices which can be called as ‘evidence-based medicine’. But, there is a problem regarding this because of complexity of medical knowledge. Another way to improve the quality of healthcare services is by scientifically weighs the efficacy of differing treatment regimes. Through the system, the doctors are compulsory to utilize scientific databases that provide accurate information as to which treatments are working or not. Next, the quality priority shift due to technology advance. By advancing technology, the health priorities change as the root causes of health problems and new health threats come to light. Marketing for healthcare organizations is only managing the perception of quality by responding to customer satisfaction concerns. But, organizations also need to optimize real health outcomes. The quality of healthcare organizations needs to be understood in the scope of rising costs and changing treatment regimes. There are many issues related to medical industrial complex or can be describe as medical system. Firstly, issues according to positioning and resistance to change. ‘Affordable care’ is now the marketing buzzword used to justify any new ways in healthcare. This ‘affordable care’ is proposed by the government or politician. As the players in the medical system increased, it’s hard to change. The importance of strategies to develop a political consensus among the fragmented players in the healthcare system is apparent. As institutional processes and bureaucratic procedures become entrenched, healthcare systems are even more difficult to change. As a consequence, healthcare marketing, especially the type that would usefully improve health outcomes has become complicated by systemic problems due to the structure of the healthcare system. Next issues are about systemic problems. The systemic problems of healthcare can be examining through spending figure. Healthcare costs are higher due to the wage requirement. As an example in United State, the doctors are paid much more than their counterparts in other countries. Medical test and procedures are employed more frequently. USA is the major profit centre for pharmaceutical companies, who are able to price their products higher due to any lack of price controls. As medical costs are shifted to hospitals, the effect is to raise costs to other services as the burden is shifted to paying customers. As the cost is rising, it leads to many effects. The effects are health insurers and health management groups do not necessarily improve the overall the efficiency of the healthcare system. Market solutions are not apparent when it comes to healthcare. Thus, there is a dilemma in health reform. In the prospects for healthcare marketing, it has certain important contribution. There are two broad healthcare marketing problems which are relevant that would stand a chance of improving healthcare. The first is the important problem of consumer access to information that would improve patient healthcare decision-making. The second is the problem of the organizational diffusion of information which providing better access to â€Å"evidence-based medicine† to improve healthcare practice. Better publicizing treatment information and setting standards could improve healthcare and the role of marketing to positively affect health outcomes through promoting awareness of disease prevention measures is highly important. Some changing also may lead to the cost and organizational problems. Target marketing, specialization and fragmentation are important in maximizing health outcomes. The discipline of marketing provides tools and techniques for companies to profitably target consumer segments. Certain healthcare organizations have been able to profitably and effectively maximize the quality of outcomes for particular patient groups and in the process, have become increasingly specialized. However, as the healthcare system grows fragmented and specialized, issues of both cost and quality have been raised. Through DTC advertising and new marketing concerns, the educational quality of DTC can motivate discussions that enhance visit efficiency, patient/physician trust, patient satisfaction, or health outcomes. They found that while consumer attitudes are largely neutral, physician are usually negative, being distrustful of pharmaceutical promotions. There is new challenge in healthcare marketing. But, there are also ways to facing it. Public awareness of marketing campaigns can have an important impact. Given the behavioural aspects of many health problems, however, promotions alone can have limited effectiveness. Persuading people to change behaviours is a much more difficult problem than informing them about risks. Moreover, funding for better health awareness needs to be reconsidered as a public spending priority. Consumers (and their employers or insurers) make healthcare decisions within quasi-market system, and better access to salient healthcare information is clearly needed. Organizations clearly need to critically review treatment delivery systems to avoid mistakes and improve quality. Both consumers and healthcare organizations would benefit from more transparent systems to support healthcare decisions. The marketing challenge in healthcare is to develop and sustain better healthcare relationships for consumers. In my opinion, the marketing in healthcare systems is very significant due to its important role in providing the healthcare service also aiding the health information for consumer. In addition, healthcare organizations usually will face many types of marketing issues and problems as organizations, technologies health problem keep shifting and changing. The healthcare industry should engage in new thinking in understanding about their customers. They should find inspiration from other industries by scrutinizing the competition, health reform, consumer demands or the way they get to know their customers, moving beyond basic transactions and embracing their patients. Several service industries outside of healthcare are helping shape healthcare consumer experiences and expectations. Today’s technologically savvy consumers prefer to do their own research when selecting a doctor, investigating treatment options, and making major health care decisions. Targeted marketing also enables organizations to tailor communications to each stage of the member relationship. By identifying customer needs and be more prepared for the challenges and focused on raising the benefits of the healthcare services would markedly result in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Such situation can be illustrated by the recent big news when famous actress Angelina Jolie announced in a New York Times op-ed article on Tuesday 14 May 2013 that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She signifies the empowered patient by deciding to be proactive in her health decision making!

Comparing Schindlers List to the Real Holocaust essays

Comparing Schindlers List to the Real Holocaust essays There have been many documentaries and dramatic productions focusing on the Holocaust. The film, Schindlers List is one of the most serious, accurate, and compelling nondocumentary accounts so far. With the vision of unforgettable images, this movie shows the anguish and endless struggle the massacred Jews suffered. This film explores the many sides of humanity during one of the most terrifying times in recent history. Some people, however, may respond negatively to the fact that there may be some historical inaccuracies, or maybe a lack of focus on the real issues, but no film can ever capture the full torment, or the whole sequence of a six-year war. I feel this movie gives an efficient description of what the Holocaust was merely all about. It frankly describes the senseless murder of innocence Jews. Schindlers List clarifies and depicts three major stories. One is the true tale of the Holocaust, displaying new representations of bad memories. These images of the Jewish ghettos presented may or may not be accurate, but they certainly looked creditable. Everything from the people, the streets, and the clothing they wore all gave me an overall impression of gloom and despair, an exact detail of what was taken place at the time of the Holocaust. The second story given was that of Oskar Schindler himself. At the start of the film Schindler is no more than a self-centered capitalist who sees the advantage of employing Jews because they work for lower wages. Later, we get some impression that his perspective changes, and he risks losing everything to save as many lives as he can. The third story lies on the Nazi commander of Krakow, Amon Goeth, a man who is on the full brink of madness. As written in many documentaries, Goeth could easily have become an immoral monster, but in this m ovie he shows unexpected intensity and confusion in his character. Particularly, in the tense scene with ...

Free Essays on Reaction To Increased Tution

Tuition deregulation is a delicate issue that affects us all. Texas’ two largest universities (A&M and UT) have raised this question and stand to gain the most while risking the least. They receive more than five times as much scholarship and fellowship money. Tech has more students that receive little or no financial than either other school (according to statistics from the 2000-2001 school year.) We also have less scholarship and fellowship money. Less affluent families stand to loose the most, since even small tuition increases may pose hardships. Two years ago, in Ohio, the legislature removed the cap on tuition increases. Now the governor is trying to replace them. This author is not opposed to tuition deregulation, however believes that careful consideration is necessary. This article is from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 2/16/03. I agree with the author’s opinion that tuition deregulation is not completely bad, just needs to be considered from all points of view. The more tuition increases, the less people will be able to attend. Education is one of the five potential economic problems that may require government intervention. Tuition has gone up in the past and will continue to increase. We need to make sure that it does not increase so fast that large amounts of people can no longer afford higher education. If less people go to college, the value of education will increase. However, less people in college could also lead to a large unskilled workforce. According to the business cycle everything will eventually return to a prosperous time, but I do not see how this could happen with less skilled workers. These are some of the reasons careful consideration is required. What if we use a progressive (the more you make, the more you pay) way to pay for college? This would not affect scholarships , admissions, or other university money. It would make those who can afford to pay more do so. The poorer fam... Free Essays on Reaction To Increased Tution Free Essays on Reaction To Increased Tution Tuition deregulation is a delicate issue that affects us all. Texas’ two largest universities (A&M and UT) have raised this question and stand to gain the most while risking the least. They receive more than five times as much scholarship and fellowship money. Tech has more students that receive little or no financial than either other school (according to statistics from the 2000-2001 school year.) We also have less scholarship and fellowship money. Less affluent families stand to loose the most, since even small tuition increases may pose hardships. Two years ago, in Ohio, the legislature removed the cap on tuition increases. Now the governor is trying to replace them. This author is not opposed to tuition deregulation, however believes that careful consideration is necessary. This article is from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 2/16/03. I agree with the author’s opinion that tuition deregulation is not completely bad, just needs to be considered from all points of view. The more tuition increases, the less people will be able to attend. Education is one of the five potential economic problems that may require government intervention. Tuition has gone up in the past and will continue to increase. We need to make sure that it does not increase so fast that large amounts of people can no longer afford higher education. If less people go to college, the value of education will increase. However, less people in college could also lead to a large unskilled workforce. According to the business cycle everything will eventually return to a prosperous time, but I do not see how this could happen with less skilled workers. These are some of the reasons careful consideration is required. What if we use a progressive (the more you make, the more you pay) way to pay for college? This would not affect scholarships , admissions, or other university money. It would make those who can afford to pay more do so. The poorer fam...

Comparison of the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and The Iraq War of 2003 Essay

Comparison of the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and The Iraq War of 2003 - Essay Example War and reports of war have been a reality of our life, more so in recent times. After 9/11, the threat of war had been looming large, especially with the President George Bush coming out with knee-jerk jingoistic reactions, which was pardonable considering the shock and dismay generated by the incident.Then came the actual war in 2003. The question of the political expediency of the War of 2003 was drowned in a collective American fear of threats to security. George Bush's speeches were also engineered to keep the morale of the people high, in the tradition of past war leaders of the world (Churchill, for instance)In this war rhetoric, the image of the American soldier was glorified. The soldier was a savior and a friend. In the First Gulf War of 1991, George Bush, Sr. had done the same thing. He depicted through his speeches, the perfect image of an American soldier. Our soldiers, he said, are "some of the finest men and women of the United State of America" who "leave their spouse s and their children, to serve on the front line halfway around the world. They remind us who keeps America strong: they do." (Bush). He continues, "in the face of danger, they are brave; they are well-trained, and dedicated" (Bush) He mentions that they are willing to sacrifice their lives and their time to be with their families to fight for peace for the whole world (!)There is deceptiveness, conscious or unconscious, in a speech of this nature. It is implied that peace is brought about through war - a debatable statement. There is also an implication that those who fight are there, by their own free will. "There was an American soldier who said to an Iraqi soldier: 'it's okay, you are all right, you are all right'. . . Let us always be caring and good and generous in all we do" (Bush) The image is sought to be created as if the American soldiers have gone to have a party in Iraq. It needs a vigilant media to talk of an Abu-Ghraib or a Guantanamo Bay. Bush's American soldier is t he perfect gentleman (something like the British image of their 'bobby'- the gentle policeman - who nevertheless shot an innocent Brazilian immigrant on mere suspicion that he was responsible for the London train station bombings!) Bush's speeches are cleverly done, and achieve the purpose they want. In that sense they are masterpieces of their own genre of political writing. However, they seem to fall on the border of fact and fiction. Coming to Swofford's Jarhead- the irony is that this is 'fiction', but it gives a more real picture of war than do Bush's speeches! Swofford talks of the war from a soldier's perspective. There is no attempt to romanticize it. He talks of the dirt and the dust, and the rape, pillage and arson that taint war. He brings home to us that there is never a clean war or a good war. All war is terrible and dehumanizing. Swofford himself fought as a young marine in the Gulf War of the 1990's. He had written his memoirs then, and he uses this to liberally create the atmosphere of his story. He writes of writing to loved ones, " I was in the desert, sending out messages worldwide, claiming for love with my pen, and with each letter I wrote and sealed part of me escaped the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At time I thought I might write myself away" (Swofford, 37). Swofford's book is a powerful book about the truth of war. As a matter of fact, we must remember that throughout history, there have been many who have fought wars and have come back convinced that peace is the only solution for bringing about lasting comfort to all humanity. Swofford tells what we all perhaps instinctively know, that the real reasons for war are "the old white fuckers and others who have billions of dollars to gain or lose in the oil fields, the deep, rich, flowing oil fields of the kingdom of Saud" (Swofford, 11). Solyan's article, What Bodies talks about the attempt by the US government to hide truth from

Practical Life Activities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Practical Life Activities - Essay Example The same rules stand for child development. Practical life activities provide an integrated approach towards intelligence and movement while depending on logic and will (Montessori, 108a). The very feeling of love and care becomes the guiding path in motivating the will. The result has a very fascinating with children found to be helpful while participating in lunch and snacks preparation; and also keeping themselves busy on the dining table; spreading bread and also adding a bouquet of flowers. The other type of learning that must get into the part of practical activity is that of good manners along with the movement that suits the culture and proper behavior which includes closing the doors quietly, greeting others with smile and not interrupting in a conversation. Practical activities help in developing these etiquettes in a sequence of steps thereby keeping the child aware of orderly living laced with logical activity (Montessori, 201a). The basic Reference Mo